MYO free dining for DVC'ers on points?

[lenshanem]

Shan,

I'm sorry, I didn't intend it as an attack. I was just expressing an opinion on why I think they don't offer it. I commend you for fighting for something you believe in. It never hurts to e-mail or call DVC to express your opinions, maybe they will do something. I think it's sad that DVC keeps saying this is "in the works" and make members think that it's going to happen soon when it doesn't appear to be.

Debbie, I wasn't referring to your posts. I'm sorry, too if it looked that way. I shouldn't have quoted you up top and then make those comments below in the same post. The comment on the food profit and the ones about feeling attacked were completely separate.

 

[dizplanner]

So if Disney were to offer a dining plan to DVC, what would be the likely parameters? First, I think you would continue to have to purchase it for everyone in the room and for the number of nights of your stay - like you have to do for the current package. Second, you would have to buy it with tickets - and I would guess they would add a minimum number of days such as 3. You would not get the advance purchase discount on the tickets. (I assume you don't get the advance purchase discount if you buy the current package, right?)

The next question is how much is Disney really losing on the food portion of the package? While you CAN save a lot of money and many people on DIS are savey enough to do so, how about the general population? How many meal credits expire because it was too much food or people did not plan well enough? And as pointed out, there is a difference between price on the menu and cost. And it is not necessary loss revenue - many people have said while the prices on the menu added up the $X saving, they also admitted that if they were not on the plan they would not have spent that much - many times they would have even spent less that the cost of the food plan - they just would not have eaten as well. Because they did order more and better food, the cost to Disney is more, but certainly not $X. If they aren't really losing much money on the dining plan, then needing rack rate rooms to subsidize the plan is not a deterrent to offering it to DVC.

Of course the biggest reason the current dining plan is offered is to get people to come to WDW. By including the dining plan in the package, people will know what the trip will cost them since all that is left is souviners and incidentals. If they feel it could be a good deal or at least breakeven, they will go for it.

Along the same lines, I think the reason they will offer the dining plan to DVC members is to keep selling DVC points. If sales drop off because people decline to purchase because of loss of the dining plan, then DVC will find the money to get their systems fixed and offer the plan - even if they have to give a small subsidy to Disney for it.

 

[debbiedoo]

My thoughts exactly!

The only thing that concerns me is that I can't help but wonder if it really is under serious consideration or not. Some posters here may be right, they could just be saying that to get us off their backs...

The lady I spoke with management was after my stay last june at SSR and I wrote through the email system on the web-site and she returned my call. My original call was over the bus transportation at SSR and the DTD thing. As the problem arose -- I did call her back to mention to her about our thread with our concerns and I emailed her that thread. It was also discussed on that conversation about the new dining plans.(after my trip in Oct--I spoke with her jan/feb/mar)That is when I was told that the option was being looked into and they were trying to figure out a plan for us. No info on when only was told soon.

I realize that when some people come and post here that they are talking out their *** but I can assure you that when I do say something that I share the info with my fellow DVC members. I feel that we have a right to know. I came to this board before my SSR purchase and I am still here, I have learned lots about DVC through the boards and I want to share info with others. Thank you everyone.

As to the bad DVC member thread with BCV -- I stayed there a couple of weeks ago and had no bad treatment.

 

[starwood]

And then we'd complain (screech, howl) about a FREE plan if/when the Rack Rate people get one.

FYI it is already free if you buy a package.

 

[tjkraz]

FYI it is already free if you buy a package.

Dining is free as part of a package during a 2-month promotional offer. Buyers are required to pay Rack Rates for the room and purchase tickets from Disney as well.

Aside from that specific promotion, there is absolutely a cost attached to the dining plan, and buyers must still pay for the room and tickets as well.

 

[debbiedoo]

But, I will mention this-----

I am happy with the DDE card IMHO it is a better deal in the long run. We ate a dinner on every night and with 2 adults and 1 child we saved 10-12 dollars per sit down and if we ordered a dessert a little more.

We usually eat simple in the rooms(cereal, bagels, yogurt, etc)and enjoy the dining around the world.

The 50 dollars we paid for the card has already paid itself off!!

My opinion about that dining plan--I think it is way too much food for one day--

I shared my info with my above posts of what I had learned.

 

[lenshanem]

Dining is free as part of a package during a 2-month promotional offer. Buyers are required to pay Rack Rates for the room and purchase tickets from Disney as well.

Aside from that specific promotion, there is absolutely a cost attached to the dining plan, and buyers must still pay for the room and tickets as well.

Still a good deal, though even if it is rack rates. I pulled up a three day weekend for DH and I at PC and it was $387.22. That included three nights, a one day one park pass (These are the mins to get the free dining plan.) and three days worth of meals. Add in MNSSHP on it's first weekend and you've got a quick, fun and CHEAP getaway weekend.




Hi debbiedoo! (We had a great time at VB!)
DD4 is admiring your sparkling Tink right now while on my lap!

 

[BethA]

This year we did not buy an annual pass because we are unsure of our plans. For our upcoming trip it would be nice to have the DDE option available to DVC. I do not expect free dining, but it seems a lot of perks have been taken away from DVC over the years. The discount on annual passes is great, but a discount on the new my way passes would be appreciated by those who do not purchase annual passes. This is not a computer problem; that is just a nice excuse to offer. Obviously we can not be gven dining for $35 a day, but the DDE would be a welcome option and may encourage those who cook to eat out since it would be more affordable.

 

[rmontgo892]

FYI, DVC'ers used to be able to purchase something called the Food and Fun program/package. We never did it but some did. I can't remember all the specifics.

Something was offered once so I don't really see how offering something again would be any problem at all?

 

[dianeschlicht]

I suspect the reason the "food and fun" package was discountinued, is because not many DVC folks used it. I never thought it was a good option then, and I don't think the new one is a good option for DVC now.

 

[rayelias]

Individually, that is true. Collectively, though, look at it this way. If Disney can rent studios for 9 days at $2331, and keep them consistently full vs. our paying < $600 for the same time period (a $70%+ discount rate), I'm not sure that is true. As long as families are willing to fork over big bucks for the "one time" vacation...and continually do so to keep the resorts busy, the company will make far more money collectively from those families than from the collective DVC members.

On face value, that might seem to make sense. But don't forget, the money that Disney gets for renting a room at Pop has to go towards construction costs, maintenance, utilities, etc, etc, etc. At DVC resorts, they gain all that overhead back, because WE paid for the construction (up front, I might add - saving amortization costs yet still retaining a depreciation allowance (I believe)), WE pay for ongoing maintenance, WE pay for utilities, etc.

Furthermore, I would venture to guess that the "loyal" Disney vacationers will typically spend more than the typical "one time" or "occasional" visitor on food, clothing, gifts, etc.

For example, how many "trading pins" (at an estimated markup of $4-6 a piece) do you think an "occasional" Disney visitor has? Two? Three? How many trading pins do you think a typical DVC member has? I would guess 10-20 times that amount (minimum). We pick up at least 3-4 each trip times 3-4 trips a year.

I can tell you WE have WAY more Disney stuff than the typical "occasional" Disney vacationer. And, we're not even nuts about it! I know many of you have exponentially more than we!


Not that I'm complaining. I feel we receive a tremendous value for our DVC membership. However, it would be nice to have the same perks available to us than someone staying at Pop for $55 a night. I'm of the thought that you reward your loyal vacationers more than the occasional visitors. That's what makes the occasional visitor a loyal visitor. We spend more time and money now that we're DVC members than we ever did before! Heck, we didn't even stay on property before!

 

[DebbieB]

FYI, DVC'ers used to be able to purchase something called the Food and Fun program/package. We never did it but some did. I can't remember all the specifics.

Something was offered once so I don't really see how offering something again would be any problem at all?

Food and Fun worked something like you paid $50 per day and you got a $55 food credit. So all you really got was $5 off your food for the day. Plus you got some recreation included (boats,etc). It wasn't like the current dining plan where you pay $35 and can get twice that amount out of it.

 

[tjkraz]

Furthermore, I would venture to guess that the "loyal" Disney vacationers will typically spend more than the typical "one time" or "occasional" visitor on food, clothing, gifts, etc.

For example, how many "trading pins" (at an estimated markup of $4-6 a piece) do you think an "occasional" Disney visitor has?

I can tell you WE have WAY more Disney stuff than the typical "occasional" Disney vacationer.

What makes you think that everyone who is not a DVC member is simply an "occasional" visitor? Seems like there are an awful lot of folks on these boards alone with signatures listing dozens of stays at resorts like the Grand Floridian, Polynesian, AKL, All Stars or a dozen other resorts. I wasn't aware that we could actually determine that there are only 90,000 "loyal" Disney guests (and DVC members) as opposed to those other tightwad schmucks Disney senselessly caters to...

But here's some real data: There are about 22,000 Disney-owned guest rooms at WDW vs. about 1600-1700 DVC rooms. I think you're grossly overstating the importance of DVC members in the grand scheme of things given the fact that we represent less than 10% of those staying on Disney property at any given time.

My wife and I honeymooned at WDW in '97 and spent over $1500 during the trip AFTER our transportation, lodging and tickets. That's $1500 over 7 nights for food and souvenirs alone. As DVC members, we don't spend half of that amount during a trip now, and our trips today include two kids.

For every DVC member you would label a "die-hard" there are folks who spend minimal or ZERO time and money in the theme parks.

Do DVC members spend more, on average, than cash resort guests? I don't know if I believe that's true or not. Even if so, by how much? 5% more? 8% more? Whatever it is, it's certainly not enough to offset the reality that we are just a drop in the bucket of the entire population Disney hosts on a daily basis.

 

[NMW]

Lots of DVC members don't get AP's and therfore the DDE card. It would be nice if they had another option for dining.

As for the kitchen we don't ever plan to use it! We don't know anyone who cooks on vacation and we have lots of friends who own DVC and other timeshares. I doubt we are that strange. We did not buy DVC for the kitchen. Although we do like having a large fridge for soda, water, wine and beer. Part of the vacation "fun" for DH and I is relentless planning of our meals (sit down breakfasts and dinners and counter luches or just snacks). We make Ps/AR's at 90 days but spend months before that planning our days and meals. Okay, that may be slightly strange, but it's what we like.

We bought PAP's and the DDE card for our next trip. However, I would love the option of the MYW dining plan. If you don't want it, fine, but that doesn't mean others wouldn't.

 

[rayelias]

What makes you think that everyone who is not a DVC member is simply an "occasional" visitor? Seems like there are an awful lot of folks on these boards alone with signatures listing dozens of stays at resorts like the Grand Floridian, Polynesian, AKL, All Stars or a dozen other resorts. I wasn't aware that we could actually determine that there are only 90,000 "loyal" Disney guests (and DVC members) as opposed to those other tightwad schmucks Disney senselessly caters to...

...Whatever it is, it's certainly not enough to offset the reality that we are just a drop in the bucket of the entire population Disney hosts on a daily basis.

I certainly wasn't trying to say that all NON DVCers were "occasional" guests. It does stand to reason that DVC members, by design (we HAVE to use our points) are going to visit WDW more frequently than non-members overall. Of course that's not the case in EVERY instance.

And, believe me, I am VERY, VERY happy with DVC. The perks make it even more appealing (like the discounts, etc.). I'm not one of those "demanding" types who thinks I deserve special treatment. I was simply trying to say that why not offer the same perk to DVC guests that is offered to someone staying at any other resort? I would gladly trade of my 10% discount on dining (which I nearly ALWAYS forget to use!) for the dining plan. I would think, it would entice MORE DVC guests to eat out rather than use the kitchens - so even though it's a discount, it's more $ for Disney restaurants.

If we are just a "drop in the bucket" to Disney, why are they PUSHING the "best kept secret" so hard? It's apparent that Disney wants and values DVC members. Otherwise, why stop didn't they stop at OKW? DVC is obviously a money making proposition for them.

And, just so you know, even DVC members can be "tightwad schmucks Disney senselessly caters to." I AM! And I'd really like the Dining Plan to be available to me, the tightwad that I am (actually, I prefer "frugal", but you know what they say, "if it walks like a duck...")

 

[BethA]

We also NEVER use the kitchen, except to store drinks, snacks and at the most cereal. I just would be nice to have the option to purchase DDE, instead of being excluded from it unless we buy an AP

 

[Chuck S]

We also NEVER use the kitchen, except to store drinks, snacks and at the most cereal. I just would be nice to have the option to purchase DDE, instead of being excluded from it unless we buy an AP

As ar as the DDE, while I do have an AP, I think it would be nice to offer it to all DVC members...AP holders $50, non-AP holders $75...just like FL residents.

I was simply trying to say that why not offer the same perk to DVC guests that is offered to someone staying at any other resort?

In fact, they do offer us the same benefits as any other WDW guest that is not paying full price or on a "room only" type reservation. This includes FL residents and all AP holders. The Dining Plan is part of a travel package, but it is not available to all WDW guests...only those paying full price for the package. If a FL resident or AP holder wants to get the dining, they must book a non-discounted package, just as we DVC members are free to book a non-discounted package. We all have to make a choice, discounted room rate OR package with dining plan and tickets.

 

[rmontgo892]

What makes you think that everyone who is not a DVC member is simply an "occasional" visitor? Seems like there are an awful lot of folks on these boards alone with signatures listing dozens of stays at resorts like the Grand Floridian, Polynesian, AKL, All Stars or a dozen other resorts. I wasn't aware that we could actually determine that there are only 90,000 "loyal" Disney guests (and DVC members) as opposed to those other tightwad schmucks Disney senselessly caters to...

But here's some real data: There are about 22,000 Disney-owned guest rooms at WDW vs. about 1600-1700 DVC rooms. I think you're grossly overstating the importance of DVC members in the grand scheme of things given the fact that we represent less than 10% of those staying on Disney property at any given time.

My wife and I honeymooned at WDW in '97 and spent over $1500 during the trip AFTER our transportation, lodging and tickets. That's $1500 over 7 nights for food and souvenirs alone. As DVC members, we don't spend half of that amount during a trip now, and our trips today include two kids.

For every DVC member you would label a "die-hard" there are folks who spend minimal or ZERO time and money in the theme parks.

Do DVC members spend more, on average, than cash resort guests? I don't know if I believe that's true or not. Even if so, by how much? 5% more? 8% more? Whatever it is, it's certainly not enough to offset the reality that we are just a drop in the bucket of the entire population Disney hosts on a daily basis.

What about the idea of visiting WDW more after DVC? We were up to 5x a year for a while when our son was young and it wasn't all on DVC pts.

It's crazy but crazy good. How smart are they (DVC)?? When we first bought in we thought other DVC'ers paying cash would never happen to us. Never say never.

Our upcoming July trip is strictly cash.

I announce every trip I need another WDW shirt like I need a hole in the head. Every trip we come home with more WDW stuff! We have even started collecting Giclee prints. The pretty pictures in the Art Galleries that look handpainted but aren't. Never would have happened without DVC.

So I visit and buy stuff more than I ever would before DVC. I can't believe we are alone in visiting more thus dropping more $$$$ at WDW, no? Some may spend less in one trip than before but how many come 2x a year now?

I don't feel or think that DVC has to do anything more than what was promised but it's smart business to give us perks, imho.

The AP discount is gonna make us come back at least one more time this year than originally planned. We were slowing down and wham...AP discount. They got us. Plus, we bought the premium AP. More $$$

They didn't offer us DVC'ers the AP discount to be nice.

I wouldn't be surprised to see them offer another food plan. Yea, the old one was discontinued and it was $$$ but the point is they offered something and will again. Will it be as good as $35 per adult...who knows. Watch people sneak in another visit or stay longer when they do.

 

[tjkraz]

II was simply trying to say that why not offer the same perk to DVC guests that is offered to someone staying at any other resort?

One reason would be that the dining package is used, in part, to entice cash guests to buy a room (often at full price) AND tickets through Disney. You can't get the dining package if you buy your tickets at a discount from Ticketmania.

I would think, it would entice MORE DVC guests to eat out rather than use the kitchens - so even though it's a discount, it's more $ for Disney restaurants.

But if the dining plan is being used as a loss leader (taking a loss on one product--the dining plan--to get guests to purchase other products / services at full price) there's little reason to offer it to DVCers.

If we are just a "drop in the bucket" to Disney, why are they PUSHING the "best kept secret" so hard? It's apparent that Disney wants and values DVC members. Otherwise, why stop didn't they stop at OKW? DVC is obviously a money making proposition for them.

Well, you're confusing two separate issues there.

Obviously the construction and sales of Disney resort points is a very lucrative product for Disney. But that doesn't really have any relationship to the spending habits of DVC members compared to cash guests.

Your initial assertion was that DVC members are the "loyal" guests who spend much more per trip than the "occasional" guest. I kinda rode the fence on that topic in my initial reply, but the more I think about it, the more I disagree. Fan or not, I find it hard to believe that my souvenir spending will increase (or even remain constant) over the next 10-20-30 years as compared to when we were the "occasional" guest. Sure, I still come home with a t-shirt and some other trinket each trip, but (1) the sheer quantity of these items just doesn't compare to back when I was a cash guest and didn't gobbled up everything in sight, not knowing when we might return, and (2) I now know where to find the best deals.

 

[tjkraz]

I don't feel or think that DVC has to do anything more than what was promised but it's smart business to give us perks, imho.

Roxanne:

I'm really not trying to bait you with this question; just curious to hear your perspective.

WHY is it "smart business" to give us perks? DVC already has our money. They know we'll be back. Why is it so important to give DVC members the best of all worlds rather than reserving some perks for other select groups?