NO MORE free valet parking for DVC members.

[disneynutz]

Sadly, Jim Lewis does not communicate directly with members-unless you consider his fluff column in the Disney Files to be communication.


Instead, you can write to DVC MemberSatisfaction and then get a phone call from Sheila who will tell you that you've got some good ideas and she's taking notes about what you are saying and that she will pass your comments along to "leadership".

I assume Jim Lewis would be considered "leadership", right?

Not even Sheila will call me, or Joy, or Chad, or Sam, or Nicole.

Bill

 

[BlakeNJ]

I was a guest at the Boardwalk two weeks ago and wasn't given much of a choice about parking. We unloaded my bags in front and then my son went to park my car. He calls me a few minutes later to say that the choice was to either do the valet for $12 or he could park at Downtown Disney & take a bus back to hotel. There were so many "day visitors" that both self parking areas were filled and no room for resort guests. Sure enough, at 9:30 (after EPCOT fireworks) there was a rush of people leaving the self parking areas. Really ticked me off! I had to pay to park because security doesn't keep non-guests from parking there?!?!

Are you surprised? I think they underestimated the number of people who would be parking there given the resort and it's guests, additional restaurants all the way around to Beach Club and the atmosphere of the Boardwalk. We have parked at Boardwalk, not as guests, but to eat at Spoodles. I don't know how much larger their lots are at BW but it seems like a popular parking spot of those who want the atmosphere of the Boardwalk. I don't know how they would ever control this, unless tey designated certain lots for resort guests only and all others had a separate lot.

 

[Chuck S]

According to more recent guests, they have restricted the better parking lot to BWI/BWV resort guests only.

 

[Hazzard101]

We did not have an annual pass discount when I joined and I wouldn't be surprised if it went away some day. I believe every ticket that I've purchased since the discount came into being was an annual pass, yet by no means do I feel entitled to it. If the perk is eliminated it may change my approach to Disney park tickets, but it's up to Disney to deal with the fallout of my changes in plans.

What I find most surprising about this discussion is the number of people who apparently don't understand what a DVC purchase gives them. We can reserve discounted rooms under a specific set of guidelines. That's it. If all of the perks went away tomorrow it would neither surprise me nor would it change my perception of the program's value.

Beyond what DVC told me I would get at the time of purchase, I don't feel entitled to anything extra. If they want to offer discounts, so be it. But I'm not going to demand extras, nor will I be upset when they go away.




I get frustrated by people who consistently use Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt to as the primary weapons in their arsenal. Who needs facts and rational discussion when it's much easier to get people worked-up about the possibility of paying for Bell Services, Front Desk (?) and Community Halls.

I get frustrated when anyone who dares to look at changes from another viewpoint is immediately branded some sort of DVC apologist who blindly "defend the change."

I get frustrated by people who completely ignore positive changes while pouncing on anything they perceive to be a negative change.

These aren't black and white issues. There is substantial gray area involved. If you happen to get a look at that contract or can get Disney to clarify why the rate went up so substantially, please share it with us. Until then, all we can do is respond to what we do know to be true (based upon on-the-record or off-the-record comments.)

I don't think it's quite fair to issue a blanket condemnation of every poster who verbally votes against having their dues pay for "free" valet parking.

You are correct that we don't know why this perk went away. But to expect me to accept the fact that we are kept in the dark as to why they take away things and add them is completely unreasonable. I, like many others on this thread have asked DVC to explain the reason behind the Perk being discontinued. They skated around the question and never gave a specific answer.

I also think it was a planned, calculated move not to tell anyone until it was happening, they knew the response they were going to get and they figured if they just did it people would have to accept it and move on. Ok, they saved themselves from a slew of complaints as to why it was going away.
By not telling us about the change until the last min they were able to still use the Perk to sell DVC memberships up to the day before it went away.

All though perks are not a reason to buy DVC they are still used to make DVC more palatable to buyers. Perks say " being a DVC member is something special and Disney appreciates your commitment and they reward you for coming back year after year and spending boat loads of cash when you come" Anyone that wants to say that Perks don't help to sell memberships is not being realistic.

IMHO, it is a Black and white issue or should I say it is a black and GREEN issue. Lets take the new dinning plan pricing. The dining plan went up for everyone and the food has gone down in quality and the snack credits have been seriously cut as to what you can get for your credits. This was not a perk it was something DVC members paid for and because they gave it away so much over the past year it has become low quality.

We were informed that Disney was going to start charging prime rates for
different times of the year for the dinning plan (the only thing this could be called is unbelievable greed, charging people more for the same food because they decided to come at a time when it is busy) We had a chance to send in complaints and tell MS that we were not happy with the decision. Wow, we aren't going to be charged the extra that all the other poor full price paying people are gong to have to pay..

That is why they decided not to tell us about VP before it was too late. Now they can charge people 12 dollars. This isn't such a big deal for me I stay at Kidani and the parking is much easier for us (underground and elevators) than for those at BWV they are almost forced to use it due to inadequate parking.

The biggest problem I see with this situation is the fact that was stated in the quoted post a few times. WE DON'T KNOW WHY !!

The poster has a point that we should not make blanket statements condemning anyone. But people using scare tactics I don't see this. I see people worried about what stupid, greedy move Disney will make to try to raise their bottom line. We are in a time of a bad economy and it seems that Disney looks at DVC members as a captive guest that has no choice as to where to eat and were to go when it comes to staying at our special priced rooms that are Guaranteed to us for being members. Call me a conspiracy theorist but making it more of a hassle to take your car would keep you in the parks and on property.

Where are the positive changes we need to be looking at?
Fear and doubt as weapons in our arsenal? I didn't look at this discussion as a war. Just some concerned DVC members sharing their thoughts and discussing a situation that concerns us all.

Lastly, we don't have any facts and I believe the discussion of what is next for us as DVC members is rational and justified seeing we are never made privy to the information behind the decisions that are made. If they keep us guessing, we can never question or complain about loosing any benefits thay feel like charging us for. Even Jack Sparrow told people what e was doing before he stole the treasure. I just wish DVC would be a little more open with the info......

 

[snappy]

According to more recent guests, they have restricted the better parking lot to BWI/BWV resort guests only.

I find the timing of dropping the perk the most troubling. The effect of the timing at least at BWV during Food and Wine, BEFORE they had the restrictions that have been reported in place, was guaranteed to create chaos and thus complaints.

Not sure if this indicates that there was not much lead time to the making the decision or very short sighted advance planning (maybe both?).

 

[tjkraz]

You are correct that we don't know why this perk went away. But to expect me to accept the fact that we are kept in the dark as to why they take away things and add them is completely unreasonable. I, like many others on this thread have asked DVC to explain the reason behind the Perk being discontinued. They skated around the question and never gave a specific answer.

DVC has specifically said this:

"Similar to other fee-based services, such as additional housekeeping service or additional room amenities, only those Members who choose to valet park will be charged, instead of increasing the annual dues for all Members to cover the costs."

We know for a fact that member dues were not being charged for valet parking until now, but that all members WOULD have been charged in order for complimentary service to be offered as a perk. The only thing we don't know is how valet parking was being funded up to this point. I'm not sure that's even relevant. Whether it was complimentary as a result of vendor negotiations or because DVC was paying for it out of their own pockets, that arrangement ended on Oct 11. It then came down to whether it was more proper to have all members pay for the cost of the perk or just those who will use it.

I also think it was a planned, calculated move not to tell anyone until it was happening, they knew the response they were going to get and they figured if they just did it people would have to accept it and move on. Ok, they saved themselves from a slew of complaints as to why it was going away.
By not telling us about the change until the last min they were able to still use the Perk to sell DVC memberships up to the day before it went away.

Maybe...maybe not. With a company as large as Disney, there is no guarantee that all divisions know what the others are doing.

Regardless, it doesn't surprise me that they sprung it on members rather than announcing it well in advance. Not saying that it's right...just that it doesn't surprise me.

All though perks are not a reason to buy DVC they are still used to make DVC more palatable to buyers. Perks say " being a DVC member is something special and Disney appreciates your commitment and they reward you for coming back year after year and spending boat loads of cash when you come" Anyone that wants to say that Perks don't help to sell memberships is not being realistic.

I'm not going to disagree. But people need to understand that:

1) Most perks are backed by financial justification. Members don't get 10% off lunch at the ESPN Club because Disney is saying "thanks for being a DVC member"...we get that perk because the ESPN Club is under-utilized during lunch hours.

2) Perks come and perks go. Someday they may all disappear.

IMHO, it is a Black and white issue or should I say it is a black and GREEN issue. Lets take the new dinning plan pricing. The dining plan went up for everyone and the food has gone down in quality and the snack credits have been seriously cut as to what you can get for your credits. This was not a perk it was something DVC members paid for and because they gave it away so much over the past year it has become low quality.

We were informed that Disney was going to start charging prime rates for
different times of the year for the dinning plan (the only thing this could be called is unbelievable greed, charging people more for the same food because they decided to come at a time when it is busy) We had a chance to send in complaints and tell MS that we were not happy with the decision. Wow, we aren't going to be charged the extra that all the other poor full price paying people are gong to have to pay..

DVC members were always going to be exempt from the higher seasonal pricing of the DDP.

The biggest problem I see with this situation is the fact that was stated in the quoted post a few times. WE DON'T KNOW WHY !!

Again, we do know that the only options available were to either charge all members or charge just those who use the benefit.

If any of the change is related to contracts with the outsourced valet parking vendor, there is no way Disney will publish any other details.

The poster has a point that we should not make blanket statements condemning anyone. But people using scare tactics I don't see this. I see people worried about what stupid, greedy move Disney will make to try to raise their bottom line. We are in a time of a bad economy and it seems that Disney looks at DVC members as a captive guest that has no choice as to where to eat and were to go when it comes to staying at our special priced rooms that are Guaranteed to us for being members. Call me a conspiracy theorist but making it more of a hassle to take your car would keep you in the parks and on property.

This is exactly why...in this instance...I believe DVC has acted in the best interest of members.

As I've said repeatedly, it would have been well within their rights to start charging our dues for "free" valet parking. Based upon a daily rate of $14 per vehicle it would have put millions of dollars in Disney's pockets every year.

By making it a pay-as-you-go option, valet parking business will certainly decline and Disney risks losing some residual income from things like resort shopping and dining.

Where are the positive changes we need to be looking at?

How far back do you want to go? Changes to the booking policies which eliminated the need for day-by-day calls...improvements in new resort guest rooms and locations...Top of the World Lounge at BLT...improvements in existing rooms like new patio furniture, new mattresses, new sofabeds, flat panel TVs...more guaranteed booking categories (OKW, AKV, BLT)...AP discount...free Internet service...no peak season fees for DDP...discounts for after-hours party tickets...admission to attraction sneak previews...on-line reservations being developed, and so on.

Fear and doubt as weapons in our arsenal? I didn't look at this discussion as a war. Just some concerned DVC members sharing their thoughts and discussing a situation that concerns us all.

I'm all for people sharing feedback with DVC. But when posters suggest that DVC will start charging for things like Bell services, Front Desk (fees to check-in?) and Concierge (fees to pick up pre-ordered tickets?), I see that as making inflammatory statements primarily to further one's one agenda.

 

[Simba's Mom]

DVC has specifically said this:

"Similar to other fee-based services, such as additional housekeeping service or additional room amenities, only those Members who choose to valet park will be charged, instead of increasing the annual dues for all Members to cover the costs."

Wasn't charging for internet a "fee-based" service? So using the reasoning they gave for eliminating free valet parking makes the new perk of free internet, instead of leaving it as fee based, really puzzling to me. Didn't that increase everyone's member dues just as free valet parking would have? What's the big difference?

 

[tjkraz]

Wasn't charging for internet a "fee-based" service? So using the reasoning they gave for eliminating free valet parking makes the new perk of free internet, instead of leaving it as fee based, really puzzling to me. Didn't that increase everyone's member dues just as free valet parking would have? What's the big difference?

We've had subsidized Internet for a couple of years now and there were no major upticks in dues when it was implemented. That suggests members are getting a pretty good deal on Internet--we're certainly not paying $10 per day, per room. And as another poster mentioned, Internet usage has grown significantly, as has the number of hotels which offer service for free.

As for valet, the numbers are probably not as favorable. The BoardWalk has a max of about 530 rooms. If just 1/3 of guests valet park that's 176 rooms x $14 daily fee x 365 days = $899,000 in annual valet parking fees.

The BoardWalk operating budget for 2009 is around $18 million. At those numbers we could be looking at 5% dues increase just for the valet parking. That would be in addition to the normal 2-4% increase due to higher CM salaries, increased benefits costs, higher utilities costs, etc.

If the number of valet parkers is higher, the cost increase would be even more dramatic. If the number of valet parkers is lower than 1/3, it increasingly begs the question of why 100% of owners should pay for an expensive perk only used by a small percentage.

 

[DebbieB]

We've had subsidized Internet for a couple of years now and there were no major upticks in dues when it was implemented. That suggests members are getting a pretty good deal on Internet--we're certainly not paying $10 per day, per room. And as another poster mentioned, Internet usage has grown significantly, as has the number of hotels which offer service for free.

As for valet, the numbers are probably not as favorable. The BoardWalk has a max of about 530 rooms. If just 1/3 of guests valet park that's 176 rooms x $14 daily fee x 365 days = $899,000 in annual valet parking fees.

The BoardWalk operating budget for 2009 is around $18 million. At those numbers we could be looking at 5% dues increase just for the valet parking. That would be in addition to the normal 2-4% increase due to higher CM salaries, increased benefits costs, higher utilities costs, etc.

If the number of valet parkers is higher, the cost increase would be even more dramatic. If the number of valet parkers is lower than 1/3, it increasingly begs the question of why 100% of owners should pay for an expensive perk only used by a small percentage.

I thought the valet was now $12 per day. Is it $14?

 

[Hazzard101]

DVC has specifically said this:

"Similar to other fee-based services, such as additional housekeeping service or additional room amenities, only those Members who choose to valet park will be charged, instead of increasing the annual dues for all Members to cover the costs."

That's a good point they make. We get our rooms at a discounted rate and we accept the fact that we only get housekeeping a limited part of our stay and we get towels every four days. We get free laundry service along with all the people who Pay and stay. They really didn't answer the question as to why it happened. A real answer to the question would be more specific. Something like" Free VP for members was paid for through the contract with the VP contractor, new negotiations with the contractor has made it necessary to make this perk a pay for use and no longer a perk" not saying this is at all the reason just giving an example of what a specific answer to a question looks like.

We know for a fact that member dues were not being charged for valet parking until now, but that all members WOULD have been charged in order for complimentary service to be offered as a perk. The only thing we don't know is how valet parking was being funded up to this point. I'm not sure that's even relevant. Whether it was complimentary as a result of vendor negotiations or because DVC was paying for it out of their own pockets, that arrangement ended on Oct 11. It then came down to whether it was more proper to have all members pay for the cost of the perk or just those who will use it.

How do we know this? they do not mention this in the response. They simply say that our dues would have to go up if they keep it.



Maybe...maybe not. With a company as large as Disney, there is no guarantee that all divisions know what the others are doing.

Regardless, it doesn't surprise me that they sprung it on members rather than announcing it well in advance. Not saying that it's right...just that it doesn't surprise me.



I'm not going to disagree. But people need to understand that:

1) Most perks are backed by financial justification. Members don't get 10% off lunch at the ESPN Club because Disney is saying "thanks for being a DVC member"...we get that perk because the ESPN Club is under-utilized during lunch hours.

2) Perks come and perks go. Someday they may all disappear.



DVC members were always going to be exempt from the higher seasonal pricing of the DDP.

When was this announced by Disney? There was a rumor on DVC news . com but it has never been announced officially to my knowledge if it has I would like to see it. I could have missed that


Again, we do know that the only options available were to either charge all members or charge just those who use the benefit.

If any of the change is related to contracts with the outsourced valet parking vendor, there is no way Disney will publish any other details.



This is exactly why...in this instance...I believe DVC has acted in the best interest of members.

As I've said repeatedly, it would have been well within their rights to start charging our dues for "free" valet parking. Based upon a daily rate of $14 per vehicle it would have put millions of dollars in Disney's pockets every year.

By making it a pay-as-you-go option, valet parking business will certainly decline and Disney risks losing some residual income from things like resort shopping and dining.



How far back do you want to go? Changes to the booking policies which eliminated the need for day-by-day calls...improvements in new resort guest rooms and locations...Top of the World Lounge at BLT...improvements in existing rooms like new patio furniture, new mattresses, new sofabeds, flat panel TVs...more guaranteed booking categories (OKW, AKV, BLT)...AP discount...free Internet service...no peak season fees for DDP...discounts for after-hours party tickets...admission to attraction sneak previews...on-line reservations being developed, and so on.

How is building a new resort like BLT a perk? As a member I can't stay at AKV and go to the Top of the World Lounge.

New patio furniture, mattresses, Sofabeds, and flatpanel TVs, these are all upgrades and amenities that are for one, part of the new construction and is paid for at the price of the points and member dues...not perks. Updating old out of date rooms is a business expense and also what should be expected by the due paying members of the resort. Not a perk.

Free internet access, in this day and age I get free internet access at fast food restaurants and at most motels. I believe that even paying guests should not be charged.

Yes AP discounts are great. It also makes Disney money and makes up for the fact that they give away dinning and park tickets to people for staying at the resorts. I also would like to point out that there are a lot of people who stay at the resorts and go to other Orlando attractions. The AP discount helps Disney keep them on property.

The other perks mentioned don't matter to me like you said you don't use it so you don't care. VP was one perk that made a member feel like a member. I feel that they should change the greeting from Welcome Home to Oh it's You Again.



I'm all for people sharing feedback with DVC. But when posters suggest that DVC will start charging for things like Bell services, Front Desk (fees to check-in?) and Concierge (fees to pick up pre-ordered tickets?), I see that as making inflammatory statements primarily to further one's one agenda.

I don't have an agenda, I have a concern about the Club I have joined along with others here. I could see Disney taking away the Concierge desk. why can't you pick up your tickets at the parks like everyone else? A couple less people to have to pay to man the desk. Bell service? Why do we need bell service, is it in our contract that we get bell service? I remember toting all my stuff to the room from my car at SSR. But I wouldn't worry about that because we basically pay them, if Disney had to pay them more you would see them disappear I would guess. BTW they do charge us for all these things they come out of our dues.

 

[Hazzard101]

I thought the valet was now $12 per day. Is it $14?

No the Park Parking has gone up to $14 a day. And guess where people are parking now more than ever, that's correct, Downtown Disney. They use the free parking and then jump on a bus to the parks. So guess how long it takes to get places on Disney bus services!

 

[Chuck S]

[/COLOR]

I don't have an agenda, I have a concern about the Club I have joined along with others here. I could see Disney taking away the Concierge desk. why can't you pick up your tickets at the parks like everyone else? A couple less people to have to pay to man the desk. Bell service? Why do we need bell service, is it in our contract that we get bell service? I remember toting all my stuff to the room from my car at SSR. But I wouldn't worry about that because we basically pay them, if Disney had to pay them more you would see them disappear I would guess. BTW they do charge us for all these things they come out of our dues.

Bell services is a standard offering, especially considering the DVC resorts also rely on cash guests to offset the cost of trades. All Disney resorts, including DVC offer the ability to purchase your park tickets at the resort, plus the concierges at the lobby desk often double for standard Front Desk personnel when needed.

Complementary valet parking being offered is not the norm for hotels, and even seen less with timeshares.

 

[needtogomore]

I'd estimate between $10 and $20 per week for each membership per year (not just those that use it) by the time you add the direct costs, admin fees associated and DVCMC 12%.

$10 $20 per week, how, that would equate to more than many peoples dues now

 

[Hazzard101]

Bell services is a standard offering, especially considering the DVC resorts also rely on cash guests to offset the cost of trades. All Disney resorts, including DVC offer the ability to purchase your park tickets at the resort, plus the concierges at the lobby desk often double for standard Front Desk personnel when needed.

Complementary valet parking being offered is not the norm for hotels, and even seen less with timeshares.

The point I was making is that all the things the person had mentioned were paid for by members dues and others. Bell hops and wait staff and all other tipped professionals are paid a lower rate. and the tips make up a large part of their pay. I never said That VP was a common part of timeshares but Disney set the standard bar higer and we have grown to expect more from them and Disney.

Will now take my opinions and keep them to myself.

 

[needtogomore]

. Perks say " being a DVC member is something special and Disney appreciates your commitment and they reward you for coming back year after year and spending boat loads of cash when you come"

while it doesnt affect us as we dont have a car, I dont think its fair to BWV owners, as for the spending boat loads of cash since we bought DVC our spend at WDW has dropped by at least half mainly due to the generic merchandise.

 

[Chuck S]

The point I was making is that all the things the person had mentioned were paid for by members dues and others. Bell hops and wait staff and all other tipped professionals are paid a lower rate. and the tips make up a large part of their pay. I never said That VP was a common part of timeshares but Disney set the standard bar higer and we have grown to expect more from them and Disney.

Will now take my opinions and keep them to myself.

Wait staff should not be paid by dues. They work for the restaurant division, not DVC.

 

[tjkraz]

I don't have an agenda, I have a concern about the Club I have joined along with others here. I could see Disney taking away the Concierge desk. why can't you pick up your tickets at the parks like everyone else? A couple less people to have to pay to man the desk. Bell service? Why do we need bell service, is it in our contract that we get bell service? I remember toting all my stuff to the room from my car at SSR. But I wouldn't worry about that because we basically pay them, if Disney had to pay them more you would see them disappear I would guess. BTW they do charge us for all these things they come out of our dues.

I never claimed that YOU have an agenda with your comments but I believe some posters do as noted in my previous clarifications.

Just to repeat, you are certainly welcome to your opinions and welcome to share them with DVC. I have no problem with that. DVC has made changes in the past which they claim were based upon members' requests.

As for other topics:

I personally confirmed with DVC that our dues were/are not being charged anything for valet parking. Contact member accounting and I'm sure they can clarify for you as well.

DDP pricing is listed on the member website. If you look up prices for 2010 you will see just the lower pricing listed. Again I confirmed with DVC that this means we are exempt from seasonal increases.

As for the issue of what exactly constitutes a "perk", that's certainly open to interpretation. Yes, things like new mattresses and sofabeds are paid for by member dues. But so would valet parking if it had continued to be offered for "free." To me they are one in the same. If you see a continuation of "free" valet parking as a perk, then getting better patio furniture, better appliances and flat panel TVs is similarly beneficial.

Access to new resorts may not be the textbook definition of a "perk", but I certainly view it as a plus for the program. When I joined 6+ years ago I had no affordable access to the Contemporary, AKL, Grand Californian or the Treehouse Villas. Now those are all options available to me. And the high quality of the accommodations (larger, more luxurious rooms) makes them even more attractive.

Free Internet may be prevalent in other areas of our society. But that doesn't change the fact that Walt Disney World guests are still charged $9.99 per day while DVC members are not.

Other perks will come and go. In addition to the things I mentioned there are a handful of new perks just revealed recently--discount shopping days in Disneyland and WDW, free admission to the PGA tour event, 50% discount at the pirate's league. We've been offered discount Broadway show tickets, discount Cirque tickets, discounts on tours and dozens of different restaurants over the years.

Obviously none of us will be interested in every offer. But DVC has to view this from a high level--offering perks that will appeal to members of different ages, incomes and interests. I understand that the valet parking is your particular hot button. But looking at the many different offers we have been extended in recent months and years, it's very difficult to argue that Disney/DVC is operating in exclusively a "take, take, take" mode.

 

[CarolMN]

No the Park Parking has gone up to $14 a day. And guess where people are parking now more than ever, that's correct, Downtown Disney. They use the free parking and then jump on a bus to the parks. So guess how long it takes to get places on Disney bus services!

There is no bus service from Downtown Disney to the parks. Those who park t DD to avoid paying have to catch a bus to a resort and then transfer to a park bus. Very time consuming and inconvenient. Don't think many are doing it, especially since buses from DD back to the resorts in the mornings are quite scarce.

 

[Dean]

You are correct that we don't know why this perk went away. But to expect me to accept the fact that we are kept in the dark as to why they take away things and add them is completely unreasonable. I, like many others on this thread have asked DVC to explain the reason behind the Perk being discontinued. They skated around the question and never gave a specific answer.

Actually we do know the reason, what we don't know is the info and actions that led up to it. The reason is simply that the amount to cont the perk was deemed unreasonable and would have had to be passed on to the members. Given the additonal admin charges and 12% DVCMC add on, even those that used it are not hurt nearly as much as many are thinking. Have you really asked DVC for the info in a meaningful way? By that I mean that MS and Member Satisfaction are NOT a meaningful level to ask such a question. A couple have talked to more meaningful options and so far, none of them have come away unhappy with the explanation that I can say. Also, as a member and under FL law, you have the right to inspect the books and contracts by appt. Want to spend a day of your vacation doing so?

 

[Dean]

Wasn't charging for internet a "fee-based" service? So using the reasoning they gave for eliminating free valet parking makes the new perk of free internet, instead of leaving it as fee based, really puzzling to me. Didn't that increase everyone's member dues just as free valet parking would have? What's the big difference?

While this is likely the closest example one can come up with, there are many differences. Internet usage is likely more widely used, there is an economy of scale where the per member amount is almost negligible, it is an item often considered normal to a resort (though some still charge) and it is still being subsidized by those that are not members and do pay for it including exchangers and cash guests.