NO MORE free valet parking for DVC members.

[tjkraz]

5) Sure I know changes come. The issue with me is the over all trend seems to be lose more, lose more lose more.

Really? Care to share your add/loss list?

Losing valued perks is never fun but I can think of quite a few new perks / features / program additions from recent years.

 

[Ducky4Disney]

And the videos they keep producing with Dee V Cee are just nasty. They're not meant to entice new buyers -- they're for existing owners! Are we really that cheesy of a bunch? I consider them insulting to our intelligence as a group.

Seriously!

This just makes me very happy to be an SSR owner and lover - I can park right next to my room most times. Even the "far" spots are close! We stayed at VWL once and while the resort is gorgeous the parking was less than stellar. DH doesn't do valet (don't know why) so we drove around and around looking for a spot then lugging everything/one back to the room. That is a royal pain. Looks like we'll be staying at SSR a lot more and exploring other resorts a little less for the time being.

 

[eliza61]

Really? Care to share your add/loss list?

Losing valued perks is never fun but I can think of quite a few new perks / features / program additions from recent years.

Sure, and these are more overall Disney related than specifically DVC.

1) Poor food quality and selection. Sorry IMO the restaurants are mediocre at best and the selection is down right bad.

2) Cut backs in attractions like Fantasmic and Adventurers club. Fantasmic has a dominoe (sp) effect. Since it's only playing 2X's a week, H.S. is ridiculously packed on those day

3) cut backs in other "entertainment". Any body remember when live shows all had "pre show" warm up acts. "Rosie the cleaning lady" at Indiana Jones and "four for a dollar" at Beauty and the Beast.

I've adjust to all of them (I eat off site more and since I've seen fantasmic I don't have to sweat it if I miss it) but I do see them as things that use to "enhance" my trips and distinguish them from other vacations.

So now I will make another adjustment but my enjoyment level does drop another notch because I did use the valet and after a long, hot day at the park, I enjoyed not having to walk back from the general parking lot.


I'm predicting by the end of 2010 free access to the health clubs will be eliminated. Is it a perk I use a lot nope, but does it give me an overall impression of quality and value. You bet it does.
So for me it's just small chips that are craking through the pixie dust and making wdw "average"

 

[disneynutz]

I also agree with Eliza61 and really noticed the cutbacks during our last trip in January. I think the economy has taken its' toll on WDW and they're doing cutbacks just like everyone else to stay afloat.

I hope if the economy turns around we will see things become better and they don't follow in the airlines footsteps of charging for luggage because of the extra fuel and then instead of eliminating the charge when fuel costs went down they raised it if you don't pay for it online - isn't that a kicker!

It isn't the economy. Just like all of the other big businesses in the news, Disney is just using it as an excuse to get greedier. They posted a profit of almost $800 million dollars last quarter, I guess it wasn't enough because they continue to make cut backs that affect the Guest experience.

 

[ADP]

This is pretty disappointing. The December 9th DVC Annual meeting should be interesting.

 

[tjkraz]

Sure, and these are more overall Disney related than specifically DVC.

1) Poor food quality and selection. Sorry IMO the restaurants are mediocre at best and the selection is down right bad.

2) Cut backs in attractions like Fantasmic and Adventurers club. Fantasmic has a dominoe (sp) effect. Since it's only playing 2X's a week, H.S. is ridiculously packed on those day

3) cut backs in other "entertainment". Any body remember when live shows all had "pre show" warm up acts. "Rosie the cleaning lady" at Indiana Jones and "four for a dollar" at Beauty and the Beast.

I've adjust to all of them (I eat off site more and since I've seen fantasmic I don't have to sweat it if I miss it) but I do see them as things that use to "enhance" my trips and distinguish them from other vacations.

So now I will make another adjustment but my enjoyment level does drop another notch because I did use the valet and after a long, hot day at the park, I enjoyed not having to walk back from the general parking lot.

So for me it's just small chips that are craking through the pixie dust and making wdw "average"

So where are the pros?

No mention of the free Internet? The new booking rules didn't save you any day-by-day phone calls? Not a fan of the Top of the World Lounge or any of the new resorts we now have available?

No savings from the AP discount or other programs?

Getting more general, I've always found that the in-park entertainment offerings ebb and flow over time. Yes, some of the old pre-show performers are gone. But over our last several trips we've found more streetmosphere performers out than ever before. The Jedi Training Academy is new within the last couple of years. There are many different performance groups appearing particularly at DAK and Epcot.

I agree that many are disappointed with the Fantasmic reductions. However it's at least worth noting that the reductions came on the heels of Toy Story Mania and American Idol being added to the park in the last year or so. It's not like Disney made cuts just for the sake of cutting. (And the Fantasmic schedules may be slowly returning to their previous level--there are 8 shows per week scheduled for the next 3 weeks.)

Free events like the Food & Wine fest, Osborne lights and Star Wars Weekends seem to be constantly expanding their schedules.

I'm with you on the food but then again there never really was a point where I thought WDW food was particularly good.

The worst thing that can happen to the Disney parks is for them to remain static. Some old favorites will inevitably be lost to try and make room for new ones. DVC member perks come and perks go. Overall, I still think members are better off today than they were 5-6 years ago.

 

[DVCBELLE]

It isn't the economy. Just like all of the other big businesses in the news, Disney is just using it as an excuse to get greedier. They posted a profit of almost $800 million dollars last quarter, I guess it wasn't enough because they continue to make cut backs that affect the Guest experience.

I agree. Our trip in February was very disappointing. Had that been my first trip to WDW, I would have been very unimpressed.

While the general public is offered numerous deals to come to WDW - we are a captive audience and are not given any deals above and beyond our perks. So I continue to pay full price for a product that is losing its value. I have heard a lot of people say that they see the effects of the economy and deals Disney has running on the parks but that's okay with them b/c they got a great deal to go. Well - I didn't get a great deal - I paid what I have always paid to go and so those cuts aren't acceptable to me. Food quality is declining b /c they offer free dining so often yet I still have to pay full price for dining. Entertainment options and quality is declining but people are okay with that b/c they got a great deal on their rooms. Well - I still paid full price for my room. So yes- these things tick me off b/c I am still paying full price and not getting the full product.

So while Disney continues to offer deals to the general public - I continue to pay full price AND lose perks and quality. And I shouldn't be upset about this?

 

[Tony-NJ]

It isn't the economy. Just like all of the other big businesses in the news, Disney is just using it as an excuse to get greedier. They posted a profit of almost $800 million dollars last quarter, I guess it wasn't enough because they continue to make cut backs that affect the Guest experience.

FYI I'm in no way in favor of the new VP policy... But your statement does not mean that their business is growing - there was a profit, which is what Disney is supposed to do a s a public company. being profitable and growing your business are two different things.

If I were going to WDW for the first time now, I do not think I would be enticed to buy DVC as I was 10 years ago.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

1) OK, stupid question time.
2) Why didn't people complain when the outsourcing started?
3) Instead of complaining only when it affected them?
4) Several WDW employees were "transferred" and WDW jobs eliminated.
5) Guests/Members had to think there were going to be changes coming.
6) I am sure if we voted to raise dues, we could get free valet parking back.
7) We bought in 1992, and have seen a lot of perks come-and-go.

NOTE: By the way, we all bought a timeshare, that's all. We did not buy a discount program. So adding/changing/eliminating perks should not be a biggie.

1) It's also stupid answer time.
2) I wrote several letters when they outsourced valet.
3) I complained at the time.
4) Yup, I talked to several transfered.
5) I figured there would be, but nothing I could do about it except write.
6) I have always screamed not to skimp on services at the expense of dues.
7) We have visited WDW since 1972, and have seen too many things go.

NOTE: Even though we bought a timeshare, we (rightly or wrongly) expect a certain level of services. DVC could adhere to the letter of the contract and eliminate banking/borrowing, exchanging (even among DVC resorts), and even close the theme parks. Would that qualify as a biggie?

MG

 

[punkin712]

I may have missed something in an earlier post, but the DVC member website still shows that valet parking is complimentary at a few resorts and a $10/day charge at any other location:

Valet Parking at the Walt Disney World Resort
Valet parking is complimentary at Disney's BoardWalk Resort, Disney's Wilderness Lodge, and Disney's Beach Club Resort. Just show your Disney Vacation Club Member ID Card. Complimentary valet parking is not available at other valet parking operations or for Theme Park access.

You'll be charged the daily fee of $10.00 for this service at any other valet parking operation at the Walt Disney World Resort. Once you've paid for the valet service, you'll receive unlimited valet parking for the remainder of the day. Whether or not you are charged to valet park, gratuities are still appropriate. There will be no charge for Guests with disabilities who have the proper permits.

So...is the information just old and not yet updated or is this the real deal?

 

[d1gitman]

Spot on...

... But your statement does not mean that their business is growing - there was a profit, which is what Disney is supposed to do a s a public company. being profitable and growing your business are two different things...

I think it is bad they are cutting perks for DVC members out and that DVC members are not privy to the specials that non-members are constantly offered. I always felt that DVC membership should have at least included expiring - non hopper passes. It could have been set up based on number of points and to differentiate from resale DVC, it could be offered only to membership via DVC only.


On a different note, i think a few years from now we will see benefits from what Disney is currently doing to maintain profit. Being involved in the construction industry, i am privy to some of what the mouse is looking at and it seems to me that Disney is in more of a retooling mode for the future rather than just a straight up cost cutting mode. They are being aggressive in several things not publicly known that IMHO will set the stage for the next gen Disney experience.

 

[eliza61]

So where are the pros?

No mention of the free Internet? The new booking rules didn't save you any day-by-day phone calls? Not a fan of the Top of the World Lounge or any of the new resorts we now have available?
No savings from the AP discount or other programs?Getting more general, I've always found that the in-park entertainment offerings ebb and flow over time. Yes, some of the old pre-show performers are gone. But over our last several trips we've found more streetmosphere performers out than ever before. The Jedi Training Academy is new within the last couple of years. There are many different performance groups appearing particularly at DAK and Epcot.

I agree that many are disappointed with the Fantasmic reductions. However it's at least worth noting that the reductions came on the heels of Toy Story Mania and American Idol being added to the park in the last year or so. It's not like Disney made cuts just for the sake of cutting. (And the Fantasmic schedules may be slowly returning to their previous level--there are 8 shows per week scheduled for the next 3 weeks.)

. Overall, I still think members are better off today than they were 5-6 years ago.

Respectfully disagree. I do enjoy the free internet but the new booking rules suck.
While I don't go to any vacation place solely for the food, restaurants do enhance my visits. No one likes bad food on vacation and the quality is becoming consistenly bad.
Also when I first brought in you got a discount on length of stay passes not just AP's.

So for me it's not one thing exclusively that will make me have a bad trip but it's enough for me to start skipping a year or two and spending less and less money.

So now couple that with rising fees and great discount offers to the general public and I've reached a point where maybe I sell some of my smaller contracts.

Right now I'm accepting the "bad economy" excuse. We're going to play else where for 2 years, and take mini vacations using some of the great deals.

I haven't had any "bad" vacations at the world, I don't think for my family that's possible but I do notice the changes.
Valet is just one more straw on the camels back. Like I said, I'm predicting we'll lose free gym services next.

 

[Chuck S]

Not stupid at all.

2) I did complain or let's say I wrote a letter voicing my displeasure. I write each and every time I lose a perk. Why? I don't like losing perks.

Actually, I think Rusty Scupper was asking specifically if people complaining now wrote to voice their displeasure 2 to 3 years ago when the valets were first outsourced?

And there are several types of outsourcing. The valets could:

a) be "leased" from an outside service provider who handles the payroll, workmens comp, tax filing etc. and charges Disney a fee. This seems an unlikely method for Disney to use.

b) be an outside vendor who Disney allowed to take over the valet services. Much like renting a store-front to an outside vendor. Disney likely provides training and sets uniform/conduct requirements...but the outside vendor is the party providing the service to guest. They make their profit from the service fees, like a store owner makes profit by selling goods. They are no longer on Disney's payroll in any way.

This seems the most likely scenario. And unless subsidized, they are unwilling to continue the "free" valet perk. For instance, providing valet services to meet demand may require 2 runners and 1 desk person for one shift, and 1 runner 1 desk person on two shifts per day per resort. It could easily require that 60 to 70 paid cars a day to support the operating costs. If 50% to 60% of your customers (use your services for free, but it requires additional employees to provide that free service, there is no way to remain profitable.

And truthfully, the actual percentage of "free" parkers is likely higher, if cash guests follow DVCers thoughts on paying for the service. Cash guests likely rarely use valet compared to the free DVCers.

For all of you that think DVC Members should be entitled to free valet, re you willing to have your dues upped, easily to the tune of $100K+ annually per resort, to continue the perk? More in the case of Kidani, as it would be a separate, dedicated, almost 100% free service, especially if you include renters and not require an actual DVC Membership card. At Kidani it would almost have to be a fully DVC funded service added to resort operating costs, easily adding $250K or more to that budget.

Remember, under FL employment law, tipped employees have to be paid $4.19 per hour by their employer, without an offset for the tips. Add to that they are likely unionized and require a health insurance benefit, liability insurance for the cars parked, taxes, workmens comp, etc., and it likely just i,possible for the vendor to continue to absorb that perk without a compensation/subsidy agreement from DVC that members would have to pay for.

 

[DVCBELLE]

I just got off the phone with a very nice woman from DVC Guest Satisfaction. We discusssed
1. that this would greatly change my vacation habits, that BWV does not have sufficient parking (she said they are really going to step up and patrol the lot better).

2. the lack of communication - she said it should have been on the website and they just found out about the change as well. I let her know that people on vacation were getting charged after the fact without prior notice - she seemed very disturbed about that. I let her know that it would have been better to send out an email that this would be effective Jan. 1 to give proper notice and that I felt that since it was to keep dues down that I had paid my 2009 dues and the change should therefore not affect 2009.

3. I told her that while I understand the economy that it is upsetting to see deals for the general public that are diluting the Disney product and quality while I continue to pay full price for an inferior product. She said that DVC and Disney are seperate which I understand but I countered that they are still ultimately part of the same package and part of DVC ownership is the park experience and that there needs to be some sort of accountability between the two.

4. I let her know that I felt that I was being taken advantage of for being a loyal guest. That the general public gets deals and I lose perks. That it was upsetting that the price went up $2 for the general public and $12 for me.

She said she was going to be on the phone pretty much all day calling upset members and said it is important that we express our concerns so she can pass them onto the higher ups!!

 

[hakepb]

This is pretty disappointing. The December 9th DVC Annual meeting should be interesting.

Not really, No one will be there because the free parking lot will already be full

 

[DebbieB]

I agree. Our trip in February was very disappointing. Had that been my first trip to WDW, I would have been very unimpressed.

While the general public is offered numerous deals to come to WDW - we are a captive audience and are not given any deals above and beyond our perks. So I continue to pay full price for a product that is losing its value. I have heard a lot of people say that they see the effects of the economy and deals Disney has running on the parks but that's okay with them b/c they got a great deal to go. Well - I didn't get a great deal - I paid what I have always paid to go and so those cuts aren't acceptable to me. Food quality is declining b /c they offer free dining so often yet I still have to pay full price for dining. Entertainment options and quality is declining but people are okay with that b/c they got a great deal on their rooms. Well - I still paid full price for my room. So yes- these things tick me off b/c I am still paying full price and not getting the full product.

So while Disney continues to offer deals to the general public - I continue to pay full price AND lose perks and quality. And I shouldn't be upset about this?

Do you consider DVC a full price room? Over the term of the contract, it's about 75% off.

My DVC is paid off, I'm paying about $1300 in dues this year. I got 6 nights in an AKV studio & 6 nights in a BWV 1 bedroom.

 

[Chuck S]

3. I told her that while I understand the economy that it is upsetting to see deals for the general public that are diluting the Disney product and quality while I continue to pay full price for an inferior product.

Uhh...what "inferior product" are you paying full price for?

 

[DVCBELLE]

Do you consider DVC a full price room? Over the term of the contract, it's about 75% off.

My DVC is paid off, I'm paying about $1300 in dues this year. I got 6 nights in an AKV studio & 6 nights in a BWV 1 bedroom.

Yes, I am paying full DVC price for a room. I am charged the same even if Disney is offering free dining, etc. and in fact my dues increase each year. So while the general population continues to pay less right now to go to Disney than in years past, I am paying the same number of points AND higher dues.

Uhh...what "inferior product" are you paying full price for?

By infererior - I mean in comparison to the quality of WDW prior to all the cutbacks and changes - from an earlier post where I expressed my thoughts on this

While the general public is offered numerous deals to come to WDW - we are a captive audience and are not given any deals above and beyond our perks. So I continue to pay full price for a product that is losing its value. I have heard a lot of people say that they see the effects of the economy and deals Disney has running on the parks but that's okay with them b/c they got a great deal to go. Well - I didn't get a great deal - I paid what I have always paid to go and so those cuts aren't acceptable to me. Food quality is declining b /c they offer free dining so often yet I still have to pay full price for dining. Entertainment options and quality is declining but people are okay with that b/c they got a great deal on their rooms. Well - I still paid full price for my room. So yes- these things tick me off b/c I am still paying full price and not getting the full product.

Dining: the quality of food is slipping. I pay full price for the dining plan.

The parks: there are attractions that aren't open, the parks aren't as clean, there are less entertainment options, there are less cast members - all of this affects my vacation enjoyment. In addition - the removal of Fantasmic every night greatly changes the enjoyment of the show and park. I had a woman scream at me for saving a seat for my DH and DS when they went to the bathroom for 5 out of the 45 minutes we had been sitting there (and I had paid for a dinner package - she had not)

The resorts: less staff, things took longer - nothing major but there are little things that add up; minor repairs aren't being done (painting, etc. - at least they had not been done last time I was there)

 

[disneynutz]

I may have missed something in an earlier post, but the DVC member website still shows that valet parking is complimentary at a few resorts and a $10/day charge at any other location:

Valet Parking at the Walt Disney World Resort
Valet parking is complimentary at Disney's BoardWalk Resort, Disney's Wilderness Lodge, and Disney's Beach Club Resort. Just show your Disney Vacation Club Member ID Card. Complimentary valet parking is not available at other valet parking operations or for Theme Park access.

You'll be charged the daily fee of $10.00 for this service at any other valet parking operation at the Walt Disney World Resort. Once you've paid for the valet service, you'll receive unlimited valet parking for the remainder of the day. Whether or not you are charged to valet park, gratuities are still appropriate. There will be no charge for Guests with disabilities who have the proper permits.

So...is the information just old and not yet updated or is this the real deal?

The member website is just about worthless and some if their posted info is a year out of date. Everybody at Disney knows this and they choose to do nothing about it.

 

[puntagordabob]

Don't know about anyone else, but I would much rather keep the valet perk than be able to "Follow Deevy's comedic vacation adventures"......

Id like to see Deevy's comedic adventure of walking from the extreme parking lot of BWV back to the lobby.... in August ROFL