MS Service for Direct vs Resale?

[DVChris]

Hi all - We are considering buying some direct points to add to our resale. To help with our decision, we are curious to know if folks believe there is currently a service level difference between service for members with direct points versus members with resale points? For example, I’ve read posts about resale members having website difficulties yet direct members don’t necessarily have the same experience. We also think about possible future changes such as separate websites or phone numbers for direct vs resale members (pure speculation, of course). We are not concerned about access to discounts or special events but service is different for us. Your thoughts are greatly appreciated!

 

[dvc lover 1970]

I have both resale and direct points with five use years. There is zero difference with MS. Also don't see them having different phone numbers for resale vs. direct members, especially since many people have mix of points. Many of my friends only have resale points - no problems. The only reason to buy direct is if buying RIV due to resale restrictions - and be sure you will hold onto RIV for a while. Prices are way too high right now - buy where you get the best price at the resort you want.

 

[DVChris]

I have both resale and direct points with five use years. There is zero difference with MS. Also don't see them having different phone numbers for resale vs. direct members, especially since many people have mix of points. Many of my friends only have resale points - no problems. The only reason to buy direct is if buying RIV due to resale restrictions - and be sure you will hold onto RIV for a while. Prices are way too high right now - buy where you get the best price at the resort you want.

That is great to hear and makes sense. Thank you!

 

[Marionnette]

Hi all - We are considering buying some direct points to add to our resale. To help with our decision, we are curious to know if folks believe there is currently a service level difference between service for members with direct points versus members with resale points? For example, I’ve read posts about resale members having website difficulties yet direct members don’t necessarily have the same experience. We also think about possible future changes such as separate websites or phone numbers for direct vs resale members (pure speculation, of course). We are not concerned about access to discounts or special events but service is different for us. Your thoughts are greatly appreciated!

All of my contracts are resale. I've never experienced a second-class citizen treatment by MS. DVD (the developer) isn't very fond of us resale owners because we didn't buy from them. So they do have several layers of restrictions on resale points and for those who didn't buy resale early enough, you get the equivalent of a DVC scarlet letter...the white membership card.

The website sucks for everyone. But for some resale owners, borrowing points in order to make a reservation is not being allowed by the website. Because of that, those owners can lose a reservation they were trying to book because they have to call MS to borrow the points. There is a way to work around that but it still involves a call to MS.

I don't think they can set up separate services for resale vs. direct buyers such as special phone numbers or websites. There are a lot of members who have both resale and direct points under one membership.

 

[DVChris]

All of my contracts are resale. I've never experienced a second-class citizen treatment by MS. DVD (the developer) isn't very fond of us resale owners because we didn't buy from them. So they do have several layers of restrictions on resale points and for those who didn't buy resale early enough, you get the equivalent of a DVC scarlet letter...the white membership card.

The website sucks for everyone. But for some resale owners, borrowing points in order to make a reservation is not being allowed by the website. Because of that, those owners can lose a reservation they were trying to book because they have to call MS to borrow the points. There is a way to work around that but it still involves a call to MS.

I don't think they can set up separate services for resale vs. direct buyers such as special phone numbers or websites. There are a lot of members who have both resale and direct points under one membership.

Thanks for your comments! Why do you think some resale members are not allowed to borrow on the website? Random or possibly another reason?

 

[Sandisw]

No difference. The current issue with borrowing is indeed an issue with more resale contracts than direct.

However, it only started when the 50% restrictions for borrowing g went in to place last year.

But, it does not apply to all resale contracts. None of mine are impacted and there are many other people who are not having an issue.

I have read a few reports where owners had difficulty with direct points.

 

[DVChris]

No difference. The current issue with borrowing is indeed an issue with more resale contracts than direct.

However, it only started when the 50% restrictions for borrowing g went in to place last year.

But, it does not apply to all resale contracts. None of mine are impacted and there are many other people who are not having an issue.

I have read a few reports where owners had difficulty with direct points.

That’s unfortunate for those few. Hopefully Disney will remove the 50% limit in the next year or two. Thanks for sharing your experience!