MS Toll Free Phone Number

[backyardponder]

The elimination of free valet parking makes me want to ask a question I've been thinking about for quite a while...

I'm curious about folks' feelings towards Member Services keeping their toll free (800) phone number. It seems that a good percentage of folks now have free long distance as part of their home or cell phone packages. Whenever I call MS, I always use the area code 407 phone number since I think it saves DVC members a few pennies on the call.

So, do you feel MS should keep the 800 number or get rid of it?

Thanks!

PS, I wanted to put in a poll, but couldn't figure out how to do it. Sorry.

 

[erionm]

I don't use the 800 numbers because the 407 numbers are local for me.

 

[Lynne M]

I really wouldn't care either way; I only call Member Services about twice a year. I have free long distance from home, and rarely use my cell phone, so a couple of extra calls wouldn't make much difference to me.

 

[hakepb]

My "free long distance" does use minutes. I'd be too woried that going down the "pass the cost onto members" would translate into , "the members have free long distance, they will not mind waiting on hold 30+ minutes as we cut back on MS.."

 

[scottb8888]

Freevalety parking was eliminated?

 

[Chuck S]

Freevalety parking was eliminated?

Yes, see this thread for info:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2305423

As far as the toll-free number, I stopped using it when I got VoIP service. The only exception was during a peak calling time when the 407 number was not rolling into the incoming queue properly, and the only way to call was using the 800 number.

 

[Muushka]

Please, no suggestions to have members pay for the call. Not everyone has unlimited minutes!

 

[Dizny Dad]

One more "Perk" to loose; you know, to keep up with "current protocols". Just passing it on to those whom they know are committed.

 

[Monte Cristo]

What about the DVC members outside the US? They may not like the elimination of the 800 number.

 

[kjd469]

Sorry, but I disagree. I live in Mexico, and really appreciate the toll-free number...and I'm sure there are plenty of people in the U.S. who do not have unlimited long distance either. If you're trying to come up with places that DVC could save money....I really don't care about "the travelling adventures of Deevy"...surely they are paying someone to put that nonsense together - what a waste!

 

[Best Aunt]

No free long distance on my land line... Lousy reception on the cell phones around here... please don't suggest that they take away the toll free number!

 

[Chuck S]

Sorry, but I disagree. I live in Mexico, and really appreciate the toll-free number...and I'm sure there are plenty of people in the U.S. who do not have unlimited long distance either. If you're trying to come up with places that DVC could save money....I really don't care about "the travelling adventures of Deevy"...surely they are paying someone to put that nonsense together - what a waste!

I'm pretty sure Deevy is paid for by marketing, not dues. Different pocketbook.

I have no problem keeping the 800 number for those members that need it, but for those that do have free Long Distance, I would hope they are considerate enough to use the 407 number. Either way, remember that Disney has dropped the USA 800 number from Dining, and CRO reservations...and those CRO folks usually pay far more per room night than we do...so I do expect DVC to drop at least the USA 800 number in a few years, as more and more areas switch to internet based, fiber optic or other non-traditional phone lines. Unfortunately, rural areas will likely be the last to see these upgrades. I live at the very end of our cable line, so I do have VoIP and decent internet service. The houses on the next street have only standard wired land lines, or cell service that is in a bit of a dead zone and drops calls. I'm not holding my breath for any fiber optics or even DSL from the phone company.

 

[DVC-Don]

I hardly used the free valet perk and have unlimited free long distance at home & work so losing the 800 number would not bother me either.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

I don't even pay attention to area codes anymore, free long distance home, mobile, office, etc.