name some things Disney could give dvc members that wouldnt cost them anything

[corpcomp]

When I bought in we rec. a really nice DVC tote bag.




Then again, it was a $17000 tote bag

Thanks for the reminder. We are going there in July and I completely forgot about the DVC tote bag, although mine must be nicer because it cost me 19000.

I'm just happy to get there. I don't really look for freebies, (unless its food.)

 

[rinkwide]

If they don't wash their hands after entering a Disney theme park DVC members can get a free Norovirus.

 

[yitbos96bb]

Right, but Pluto asked about things DISNEY could give DVC members, so I didn't limit my thinking to DVC only. Free fastpasses would cost very little but could have some payback to DVC (and therefore to Disney) if it encouraged more people to become members.

Its what they gave us for going on the sales pitch. Not sure why they couldn't do it to members. It was an awesome thing to have and got us on SOARIN!

 

[yitbos96bb]

Even listing something as a perk, advertising and training personnel has some cost. But ignoring the overall negligible costs of such, there are many things that have no direct cost to DVC and in many cases, to Disney in general. These include any restaurant and similar discounts. To me, I'd rather DVC go to bat to get good value exchange options rather than trying to offer everything. Play hardball and be willing not to offer certain resorts if they won't give a fair price. I know that's not popular with many members here but it's the way I feel. And I'd like to see DVC go after the DDE option directly for members in the same way. As for pool hopping, I think it has a LOT more cost the way it's set up that most any other perk.

This member agrees with you 100% on both points.

 

[yitbos96bb]

I agree it would be nice. But Disney is a business. I don't see what Disney would gain.

The annual passes fall under the category of "Things that are mutually beneficial." By encouraging us to buy annual passes, Disney is also encouraging us to spend our money on-site rather than wandering off to off-site attractions, dining, and shopping, even if we're spending 10 or more nights per 12-month period at onsite DVC resorts (and would thus be likely to look off-site for more variety and to save money).

Sure, some DVC members bought APs anyway. For others (like us), the economics really sarted working out when the discount was introduced. I imagine that AP sales to DVC members went up substantially when the discount was introduced. And I also imagine that many DVC members bought add-on contracts to be able to take advantage of the APs. That's good business for Disney.

On the other hand, DVC members who don't stay long enough to benefit from APs are probably going to buy regular park passes anyway and to focus on on-site activities anyway. There's probably no business reason for Disney to provide discounts on regular passes. Magic Your Way passes provide great savings as the number of days increase, and DVC members are in a good position to make the optional, extra-cost "never expire" feature work for them because they know they'll be back.

Which was also the point of the Dining Plan and the DDE.. a way to get people to spend more time and therefore more money on property... it is similiar to what WalMart does.

 

[Scratch42]

When you are on the cruise make sure that you go to the DVC Member Meeting! You can get a whole bunch of "Free" stuff!

Hats, Luggage Tags, Information, etc.

They also have a question and answer period where you can "win" other things like a wallet, beach bag, etc.

I won a beautiful DVC Tote with a Beach Towel that you can only get on board! Only problem with the towel is, I can't let it out of my sight since it's so cute and someone might get sticky fingers!

j

 

[disworldnum1]

I think the option of picking a room would be nice instead of first come first served.I think if at 11 months you ask for room 1234 and the day of arrival that room is available I think they should be able to honor that request not just give it to someone who checks in 5 minuetes sooner.

 

[Granny]

I'd suggest greater home resort reservation preference guarantees. For example if I make my home resort reservations at 11 months and another member makes his/hers at 7 months, my preferences would take priority over the non owner.

I own BWV and BCV. This guarantee is already the case in some ways at the BWV with standard view and Boardwalk view guaanteed. But what about other view preferences like those who own at SSR having a guaranteed DTD view? Or BCV having pool view guaranteed?

HBC

HBC, this was exactly what I was going to suggest. I think that resort owners should get preference in requests at their home resort over non-home DVCers staying there even if they book last minute. As you point out, if I own at SSR I should always have the best shot at my view/room preference over anyone who owns at other DVC resorts.

I also think Dean makes a good point about making better point negotiations for trading out points (including WDW resorts).

 

[KelNottAt]

Free internet would be nice.
ADR booking window a few days earlier than everyone else.

 

[DrTomorrow]

There were lots of bunny rabbits and toads around SSR - maybe a free bunny rabbit or toad?

Seriously, I'd much rather they focus on improving their success rate in meeting existing obligations (clean rooms, lower dues, great common facilities) than trying to add new frivolities to the mix.

IMHO - YMMV - Be well!

 

[spiceycat]

Is this something from "back in the day" or did I somehow miss something

yes back in the old days - before BWV even....

It was great you call ms a few days before you arrival and check in over the phone.

then when you arrived at the resort you got a package with your room keys and everything inside. WONDERFUL!!!

about 4 weeks before DVC cancel this option - we arrived at OKW (DVC then) to see the lobby and surrounding area full of other guests. the computers were down and no one could check in. Well I got my package and we left.....I was definitely glared at.....

but I really think it was the complaints of those guests that stopped the early - express - check in....

DVC says it was because not enough members were participating.... but hey if they had continued it I bet everyone that waited that day would have done it....

 

[dianeschlicht]

Even listing something as a perk, advertising and training personnel has some cost. But ignoring the overall negligible costs of such, there are many things that have no direct cost to DVC and in many cases, to Disney in general. These include any restaurant and similar discounts. To me, I'd rather DVC go to bat to get good value exchange options rather than trying to offer everything. Play hardball and be willing not to offer certain resorts if they won't give a fair price. I know that's not popular with many members here but it's the way I feel. And I'd like to see DVC go after the DDE option directly for members in the same way. As for pool hopping, I think it has a LOT more cost the way it's set up that most any other perk.

Good one! That truly is a no cost thing too.

 

[Dean]

HBC, this was exactly what I was going to suggest. I think that resort owners should get preference in requests at their home resort over non-home DVCers staying there even if they book last minute. As you point out, if I own at SSR I should always have the best shot at my view/room preference over anyone who owns at other DVC resorts.

I also think Dean makes a good point about making better point negotiations for trading out points (including WDW resorts).

All other timeshares I know of that have floating units give owners a priority. Put in DVC terms, first priority would be to owners of that resort, next to other DVC owners, next to those who rent cash directly from Disney and exchangers last. Some would further prioritize based on lead time. I think this is the way it should be and I'm looking at most of my trips as an exchange from her forward.

 

[shellbelle1971]

When something is "given" to us as a DVC member, it falls into one of five categories:

1. Marketing expense -
   
2. Contractual obligations -
   
3. Things we pay for -
   
4. Things that are mutually beneficial -
5. Things that don't cost Disney anything - LIST]

1. 
   
   Ahhhh, Horace, I wish everyone had to take a course in capitalism and market economics...

 

[Simba's Mom]

Remember how a few summers ago, they had AP lounges in Epcot and AK? I wish they'd do that again, at least for the summer, where you could sit and relax in the airconditioning for a while and maybe meet some other DVCers. Mickey used to stop by at the one in Epcot and visit with the kids. I know this would cost money though, but I can wish.

 

[Cruelladeville]

For those who also own Marriott, you get the building and floor you prefer at your home resort, and you also get a framed "Welcome Cruelladeville family", and a coupon for 20% off at the store the first time you go there, for certain items. Last time I got free coffee for my entire week's stay if I bought a 1/2 dozen donuts. Members get 10% off every time they buy stuff in the store. You always get the paper delivered to your door. DVC could do something like that, too. Believe me, Marriott has gone up in my estimation because I receive these little perks every year. Of course, they charge me $39 every time I change something on my reservation, which I'm sure helps to pay for those perks

 

[mello]

HBC, this was exactly what I was going to suggest. I think that resort owners should get preference in requests at their home resort over non-home DVCers staying there even if they book last minute. As you point out, if I own at SSR I should always have the best shot at my view/room preference over anyone who owns at other DVC resorts.

I also think Dean makes a good point about making better point negotiations for trading out points (including WDW resorts).

I agree with both of these thoughts. Though I can see why they would not make trading out to other WDW resorts as advantageous point-wise. No real need, with 5 DVC resorts on property. But Disneyland is another matter. Since there is no DVC there, the points to stay at DLH and GC should be in line with point costs for DVC resorts.

 

[Granny]

All other timeshares I know of that have floating units give owners a priority. Put in DVC terms, first priority would be to owners of that resort, next to other DVC owners, next to those who rent cash directly from Disney and exchangers last. Some would further prioritize based on lead time.

Dean...this is what I wish Disney would do with DVC. However, the realist in me understands that this would hurt the sales pitch when selling new resorts. Nobody wants to hear "sure you can reserve at any DVC resort, but you'll get the scraps left over after the owners requests are met".

Seriously, I'd much rather they focus on improving their success rate in meeting existing obligations (clean rooms, lower dues, great common facilities) than trying to add new frivolities to the mix.

DrTomorrow...as usual, I agree with you as well.

 

[Dean]

Dean...this is what I wish Disney would do with DVC. However, the realist in me understands that this would hurt the sales pitch when selling new resorts. Nobody wants to hear "sure you can reserve at any DVC resort, but you'll get the scraps left over after the owners requests are met".

I doubt it'd be a problem and it certainly can be used as a positive. "Buy here so you get priority."

 

[DrTomorrow]

I doubt it'd be a problem and it certainly can be used as a positive. "Buy here so you get priority."

Which brings up the interesting issue of how many people buy at a resort with the intent of staying there the majority of the time (in which case "priority" would be a value) vs. how many buy at a resort with the intent of staying at other resorts the majority of the time (in which case Granny's "scraps" comment comes into play).