Membership Magic Beyond

[Genie+]

Why do we pay for credit cards? They’re already making money on us right? It’s a way to reward a certain segments of customer without extending it where unlikely to profit.

 

[New Mouse]

I’m not sure I’d call Memory Maker a failed product. I added up what we spent over the last decade - $3k. That was buying twice a year we didn’t have AP at the early purchase discount price and $35 for hard copies. Beyond offers me a new option to cut costs.

Honestly I see all this as trying to improve my satisfaction with DVC and WDW at a time when Epic Universe might turn our heads.

Why would a Coffee Subscription or Gamestop charge for their loyalty programs? Same thing. They’re not just going to give 20% off to all customers, they’re going to give it customers who purchase often enough to make paying that fee useful. Gamestop charges $25/yr (used to $60) and it comes with $5 credit each month. Makes no sense to give that to the occasional shopper. It’s rewarding those who shop enough to make paying the fee work both for them and the business.

Why don't hotel and airline programs charge for their programs?

 

[New Mouse]

Why do we pay for credit cards? They’re already making money on us right? It’s a way to reward a certain segments of customer without extending it where unlikely to profit.

My ability to use my already granted perks isn't diminished with a credit card program. I also didn't pay $20k for the privilege of using the credit card.

 

[New Mouse]

Isn’t the early registration for MM events for those that have a resort reservation the same thing?

Some owners getting priority over another?

It is, so enjoy the 3rd class on the titanic

The best moonlight magic were the ones that allowed equal access for all DVC members. It makes no sense those that have a reservation get priority. It also makes no sense they don't announce the things before the 11 month window if bookings matter.

 

[Genie+]

Why don't hotel and airline programs charge for their programs?

My hotel program gives hardly anything because I’m such an infrequent customer. My airline program only works well when I use their credit card and keep booking my flights with one brand. Even though I book over 80% of our flights through one brand, there are 2 tiers above me.

Even my supermarket, who has a free loyalty program, rewards on what and how frequently we purchase. They’re not giving away free turkeys to everybody. They’re not giving certain sale prices to people spending under a certain amount.

 

[Sandisw]

Yes, for someone who wants OTU points it's a discount - but why not just say to the general population - if you buy more than X OTU points it's discounted.

No data on this but I'd be shocked if 5% of DVC members use OTU points.

Memory maker - how many times and ways can they try and prop up internal sales on this failed product? They force it on everyone.

Are you OK with an even more premium tier of this product that includes guaranteed moonlight magic? Which in turn makes it even harder for others? It's coming

And if it does, it does. That is how I deal with things I have no control over or things that I don’t expect to get

I do not and never have expected perks as part of DVC and have always seen them as a bonus.

There is much more today then when I bought. No lounges, very limited discounts at TS places, no Moonlight Magic events, and a few others.

I think the difference is some feel they should be giving us more for free..I view it as DVD giving us new options that some members would see as an enhancement for what I personally consider a nominal fee.

I said it earlier…when and if we get to a point that all perks are paid, then I will do the same exact thing that pretty much ever single DVC buyer does today…way the costs against the reward and make decision on that.

Why do so many people buy resale? Because they don’t see any value in direct differences.

I simply see this the same way…something a direct buyer qualifies for to purchase.

Like the Sorcerer Pass…it’s available to everyone but only those that can use it buy it.. At least now, DVc direct buyers who don’t see value in that might have a different discounted ticket option that will work for them and save them money, even after the $99 fee.

Fair is not always equal and I don’t subscribe to the notion that DVC or any company should not provide tiered benefits, including fee based, simply because it might upset other owners.

 

[Sandisw]

If there's a wait. I'm sure there'll be times when a DVC-Y member can just walk right in to a lounge and then snicker at the next member to walk in who is a DVC-YB because in that moment you both had the same access but you didn't have to pay extra.

I want to add that I visit the lounge every trip…at least did when it was open and I have never ever had to wait to go up.

And, now we have three different lounges to visit. Plus, I did read the T & C and it seems that you get to use the benefit once per day…so no jumping waitlist at MK and at Epcot too.

I agree with you that there will be times when no waitlist exists and so I dare to say that there are people who are going to buy this who have no interest in visiting the lounge and may not even use it.

 

[J-Dog]

Isn’t the early registration for MM events for those that have a resort reservation the same thing?

Some owners getting priority over another?

I would disagree that they're the same thing, considering one is behind a paywall, and the other is just simply due to timing. I wouldn't consider myself a "second-class citizen" if I couldn't get to MM because I wasn't visiting at that time, but I sure would if other DVC'ers who used to be my equals are now cutting in front of me in the lounge line.

(Again, I don't consider $99 a huge burden, but it has more to do with the worry about this being an ever-increasing fee - it will possibly/likely get to the point were some DVC owners can't afford it.)

 

[Sandisw]

Why don't hotel and airline programs charge for their programs?

They may not charge but they do tier benefits based on how much you fly or stay at their hotels don’t they?

So, if I am flying more than someone else, I am spending money which unlocks better benefits.

Someone who doesn’t spend their money with them does not get extra.

 

[Sandisw]

I would disagree that they're the same thing, considering one is behind a paywall, and the other is just simply due to timing. I wouldn't consider myself a "second-class citizen" if I couldn't get to MM because I wasn't visiting at that time, but I sure would if other DVC'ers who used to be my equals are now cutting in front of me in the lounge line.

(Again, I don't consider $99 a huge burden, but it has more to do with the worry about this being an ever-increasing fee - it will possibly/likely get to the point were some DVC owners can't afford it.)

Well, I guess this is where we see things differently because both situations prioritize some member over another based on certain requirements

Whether that’s having a hotel reservation or a paid fee…it’s the same result.

While I know I will buy this for the other things and not the priority lounge, but als can say that if I decide not to buy it after the first year and get jumped in line by someone who paid, I won’t be bothered in the least because it was my choice not to take advantage of it.

I do agree with you that it’s very likely we will see more tiered benefits thst come with a fee, and even that they raise the minimum level for even the basic things.

But DVC has changed over the years and everyone certainly has to decide what they do and do not want to be okay with revolved around those changes.

 

[kes601]

They may not charge but they do tier benefits based on how much you fly or stay at their hotels don’t they?

Wouldn't that more equate to a tiered system where the more direct points you buy the more perks you should have instead of the $99 money add on?

For instance, you are saying the more you fly, the more perks you get. Well, that is based on usage of the product, not paying extra for those perks. To me that more lines up with having different perks based upon number of points purchased or perhaps amount spent on the direct purchase(s). Say, like a 150 pt tier, 300 pt tier, 500 pt tier, etc.

 

[ehh]

How are DVC lounge waitlists handled today? Is it a text when it's ready or do they make you physically queue at the lounge? Or something else?

If it's a text when they're ready to welcome you, then there's no visible/apparent 'classing' of DVC-Y vs. DVC-BY, right? Unless you're monitoring other people entering the waitlist...

 

[Sandisw]

How are DVC lounge waitlists handled today? Is it a text when it's ready or do they make you physically queue at the lounge? Or something else?

If it's a text when they're ready to welcome you, then there's no visible/apparent 'classing' of DVC-Y vs. DVC-BY, right? Unless you're monitoring other people entering the waitlist...

I have never experienced it but yes, they take your name and text you when it’s your time.

 

[New Mouse]

They may not charge but they do tier benefits based on how much you fly or stay at their hotels don’t they?

So, if I am flying more than someone else, I am spending money which unlocks better benefits.

Someone who doesn’t spend their money with them does not get extra.

They do. I'm all for those with 1000 points being offered better free benefits and those with 50 getting the least. Now it's saying buy 50 points, spend $99 you can jump someone who bought 1000 points.

DVC sells the perks when lurchasing dvc. . DVC guides sell the perks. Paperwork or not, they openly advertise them without full disclosure in order to make a sale.

I'd also argue which I'd these perks actually has a tangible cost to DVC to justify the $99 price?

 

[TCRAIG]

I’ll answer…because dealing with a rental is not something I want to do and much easier and worth it to use it for a pass.

So, it’s not a better value because for me, the value is in the ease and flexibility of using more points that way.

Also - $$ from rentals are supposed to be reported as income and are taxable…

 

[pangyal]

Thanks.

But I’m still a bit clueless about how Disney treats it.

I can tell you 100% for sure that having an ITIN does not paint you as a US Resident in DVC’s eyes. It’s the same reason they don’t allow Magical Beginnings to anyone outside of the US. We tried .

 

[Sandisw]

Wouldn't that more equate to a tiered system where the more direct points you buy the more perks you should have instead of the $99 money add on?

For instance, you are saying the more you fly, the more perks you get. Well, that is based on usage of the product, not paying extra for those perks. To me that more lines up with having different perks based upon number of points purchased or perhaps amount spent on the direct purchase(s). Say, like a 150 pt tier, 300 pt tier, 500 pt tier, etc.

I see it the same way though. The more money you spend, the more options available to you.

But airlines have priority programs too, don’t they? You can pay for early bird check in on SW which gets me a better chance for seats. Priority boarding on some can be paid for which gives one a early access to overhead bins.

We could go on and on with so many programs out there that are tiered where you pay something extra to get something in return that only is open to you because you paid for it.

And sure, they could go to a tiered benefit based on points owned, but even with that, you have to pay for more points to open those up. It’s still costing money.

No question they could have decided to enhance benefits in different ways but they didn’t and not sure how one negates the other.

They choose this program and for some members they will see it as something worthwhile to buy.

 

[DonMacGregor]

Why don't hotel and airline programs charge for their programs?

Because those programs are actually paid for by the credit card issuer associated with the program? Ever wonder why the Delta Skymiles Gold card is $150 per year, the Platinum is $350, and the Reserve is $650? Tiered benefits.

 

[VGCgroupie]

In case any of you havent seen this. Go cast your vote. https://www.disboards.com/threads/poll-membership-magic-beyond.3955687/#post-65783445

 

[Sandisw]

They do. I'm all for those with 1000 points being offered better free benefits and those with 50 getting the least. Now it's saying buy 50 points, spend $99 you can jump someone who bought 1000 points.

DVC sells the perks when lurchasing dvc. . DVC guides sell the perks. Paperwork or not, they openly advertise them without full disclosure in order to make a sale.

I'd also argue which I'd these perks actually has a tangible cost to DVC to justify the $99 price?

Well, to be fair, all owners are required to sign the bottom of the membership extras T and C when agreeing to buy.

So, promoting ir not, its explained in detail and owners sign actually sign on that specific page..not hidden in fine print

And offering owners who have more points more benefits is certainly a way they could do things.

But not sure how that takes away from them deciding to offer this to all qualified owners instead. One might even say that by doing it this way, it benefits more members than less?

How is the fee justified? Well, it could be justified based on the savings on tickets, it’s justified by allowing me to convert my points to a AP, and it’s justified with the BOGO OTU points…which are points that they actually own…

It might even benefit some with the Memory Maker.

The only piece is that DVc doesn’t have to justify the price because it’s not required. It’s up to the member to decide if the fee is justified and there are elements of it that can save the member who purchases it real money.

Having said that, there are going to be plenty of members who think the price is still not worth it and that is okay.

But, it’s also okay that some of us are happy to have this program and its potential for what it could offer while it is offered at a price that makes it valuable.