NO MORE free valet parking for DVC members.

[Dean]

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

Only if you have 5 points or less. See my second post on this subject just after the one you quoted.

 

[Deb & Bill]

...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. ...When I joined 6+ years ago I had no affordable access to the Contemporary, AKL, Grand Californian or the Treehouse Villas. ....

Tim, we have always been able to use DVC points at CR, AKL, GC. And the THV have been closed for a long, long time until DVC decided to renovate them. We used DVC points at the CR back in 2005.

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.

No, they park at DTD, then walk over to SSR and catch a bus at either Congress Park or the Paddock. Or they even park at SSR and catch a bus from there.

 

[Dean]

Tim, we have always been able to use DVC points at CR, AKL, GC. And the THV have been closed for a long, long time until DVC decided to renovate them. We used DVC points at the CR back in 2005.

I suspect affordable is the key word in Tim's post.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I suspect affordable is the key word in Tim's post.

I'd bet we used about as many points as it takes at BLT now.

 

[Dean]

I'd bet we used about as many points as it takes at BLT now.

I'm not home to look at the old points charts but for a hotel room compared to a studio at BLT, I doubt it. If I recall it was about 2.5 times the points roughly compared to a studio at BCV/BWV. Hopefully someone has the points charts to check for certain.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I'm not home to look at the old points charts but for a hotel room compared to a studio at BLT, I doubt it. If I recall it was about 2.5 times the points roughly compared to a studio at BCV/BWV. Hopefully someone has the points charts to check for certain.

Since the hotel room at CR had two queen beds and a day bed, it's not quite fair to compare it to a studio. The points for Magic Season in a one bedroom at BLT now is about the same for Magic Season at CR- Wing Room in 2005.

You can probably fit two studios into one Wing Room at CR.

 

[Dean]

Since the hotel room at CR had two queen beds and a day bed, it's not quite fair to compare it to a studio. The points for Magic Season in a one bedroom at BLT now is about the same for Magic Season at CR- Wing Room in 2005.

You can probably fit two studios into one Wing Room at CR.

I would absoluteluy disagree that the proper comparison would be to a 1 BR in this situation. IMO the proper comparison to all moderate and deluxe options that are or have been available is the studio. They will all vary minimally but the closest size to all of these rooms would be a studio plus the studio would have the mini kitchen. Suites would be appropriate to compare to the same size unit. The rooms are around 400 sq ft if I recall correctly.

 

[Hazzard101]

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?

I wrote them a note, they called back, we went out and had a candle light dinner and shared some wine and I asked...........A meaningful way? I sent them an email and called MS I guess I need to send them a thinking of you card.

That is really not the point. The original posts on this thread were about the way VP was taken away with no explanation and no pre-warning.
This whole thing has gotten bigger than the original problem. We should not have to ask higher ups to find out simple answers. I sent an email to MS and to one other place that I don't know right now. I got the same cut and paste run around as everyone else. I am done, the perk is gone, life goes on.

 

[Hazzard101]

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.

Not sure you saw it but I also said I thought it was bad for the BWV people.
as far as spending money there, you are so right, the merchandise has gotten Doller store cheap and very generic! I for one am happy, it costs much less as you put it.

 

[Dean]

I wrote them a note, they called back, we went out and had a candle light dinner and shared some wine and I asked...........A meaningful way? I sent them an email and called MS I guess I need to send them a thinking of you card.

That is really not the point. The original posts on this thread were about the way VP was taken away with no explanation and no pre-warning.
This whole thing has gotten bigger than the original problem. We should not have to ask higher ups to find out simple answers. I sent an email to MS and to one other place that I don't know right now. I got the same cut and paste run around as everyone else. I am done, the perk is gone, life goes on.

My point was that sending an email or calling MS or Member Satisfaction was NOT a meaningful communication is this situation if you wanted real information.

 

[Hazzard101]

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

I was using waitperson as an example of people who get paid less and rely on tips. Not as someone who was paid by dues. Sorry if I wasn't clear. Are we done, you win. Glad I decided to share my thoughts. I really needed to be reminded why I don't post that often. Thanks

 

[Hazzard101]

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.

That's all good, I think one thing and you think another. I have no problem with that. The only reason I even responded to your post ( the first one ) is because it seemed that the loss of this one perk has split everyone into two groups and now it is a battle, I am not happy with the change VS. get over it.
I probably should have just read on and not commented but the temptation got the best of me.

I am not upset or have hurt feelings. I just think that enough is enough and we have gotten off the original topic. So for that reason, lets agree to respect each others opinions and leave it at that.

 

[Sammie]

I am really surprised this discussion is still going on. I was as upset as anyone over the change. I talked to MS and got answers I was satisfied with.

I still feel they could improve thier communication of changes so that members are not caught unaware, kinda embarrassing to pull up to the BWV with guests and have plans to use free valet only to be told no, afraid not.

So hopefully communications will improve, but I doubt it, when you have a company that has over 55,000 employees in Orlando alone and spans the globe and decisions are being made in CA that affect WDW, I doubt it can improve.

I was also told that they guard much of the info closely because many CMs are also DVC members and it would not be fair for them to have an inside track over members who do not work for Disney. I can see that being an issue.

So I have moved on, I will either pay for it or walk from the self lot. I am glad they listened to member concerns about BWV and have taken action on it.

It was nice while it lasted, but it does not affect my enjoyment of the resort stay.

 

[Hazzard101]

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.

People are doing it. If you choose to believe otherwise that's fine. There is a direct rout from DD to SSR, it is a very short trip and there are many bus stops from there to the parks. And when we were there last May, the buses were full in the mornings. It only takes about 15-20 min to get from DD to most parks. Sure beats paying 14 dollars to park. Disney is really in need of a reality check.
Raising parking prices during this economic time? This upsets me and that is why I threw in that foot note. Sorry about that. Soap box is put away now.

 

[Hazzard101]

I am really surprised this discussion is still going on. I was as upset as anyone over the change. I talked to MS and got answers I was satisfied with.

I still feel they could improve thier communication of changes so that members are not caught unaware, kinda embarrassing to pull up to the BWV with guests and have plans to use free valet only to be told no, afraid not.

So hopefully communications will improve, but I doubt it, when you have a company that has over 55,000 employees in Orlando alone and spans the globe and decisions are being made in CA that affect WDW, I doubt it can improve.

I was also told that they guard much of the info closely because many CMs are also DVC members and it would not be fair for them to have an inside track over members who do not work for Disney. I can see that being an issue.

So I have moved on, I will either pay for it or walk from the self lot. I am glad they listed to member concerns about BWV and have taken action on it.

It was nice while it lasted, but it does not affect my enjoyment of the resort stay.

Well said I wish I was able to put it so smoothly and elegantly.

 

[TLSnell1981]

I am really surprised this discussion is still going on. I was as upset as anyone over the change. I talked to MS and got answers I was satisfied with.

I think, a few of us are still a little sour. It's not just the loss of the perk, but the way it was handled. I also spoke with MS and I'm not satified with their answer. There really was no answer.....just a load of manure.

I don't like being patronized.

 

[Brian Noble]

I don't like being patronized.

I don't know that anyone does, but this is Disney's modus operandi. It is very very unusual to get a "Real Answer" out of Disney---either verbally or in writing---when it comes to matters of pricing and policy. They tightly control what their front-line customer relations people can and cannot say. I don't really like it either, but I've learned to accept that it is what it is.

 

[Hazzard101]

I think, a few of us are still a little sour. It's not just the loss of the perk, but the way it was handled. I also spoke with MS and I'm not satified with their answer. There really was no answer.....just a load of manure.

I don't like being patronized.

Well put.

 

[DebbieB]

I am really surprised this discussion is still going on. I was as upset as anyone over the change. I talked to MS and got answers I was satisfied with.

I still feel they could improve thier communication of changes so that members are not caught unaware, kinda embarrassing to pull up to the BWV with guests and have plans to use free valet only to be told no, afraid not.

So hopefully communications will improve, but I doubt it, when you have a company that has over 55,000 employees in Orlando alone and spans the globe and decisions are being made in CA that affect WDW, I doubt it can improve.

I was also told that they guard much of the info closely because many CMs are also DVC members and it would not be fair for them to have an inside track over members who do not work for Disney. I can see that being an issue.

So I have moved on, I will either pay for it or walk from the self lot. I am glad they listened to member concerns about BWV and have taken action on it.

It was nice while it lasted, but it does not affect my enjoyment of the resort stay.

They have an e-mail distribution list setup for DVC Members,how hard would it have been to send an e-mail out? They don't seem to have a problem sending marketing e-mails out.

 

[MELSMICE]

They have an e-mail distribution list setup for DVC Members,how hard would it have been to send an e-mail out? They don't seem to have a problem sending marketing e-mails out.

Agreed - just an e-mail to explain the change in the valet parking would have been nice. The day I inquired about it was October 30. About 3 weeks after the change was put in to affect. (effect???)