NO MORE free valet parking for DVC members.

[PinkTink63]

If this is true, there darn well better be a space for me in the self park at BWV when I stay there. There have been times I've gone round and round and just gave up and valet parked.

This is exactly what I was thinking!
I feel like I can always use the exercise so, I really have only used this a few times, but it is a nice perk to have!
I am quite sure I will not be using it at $12.00/day! Now all those people that used to valet park are going to be taking up my spot in the outfield!

 

[lchez]

I am tired of being "nickled and dimed" by the DVC. Non-members get offers for free nights, free dining, etc. We get things taken away. Plus, their member "perks" are garbage!

 

[Dean]

I am tired of being "nickled and dimed" by the DVC. Non-members get offers for free nights, free dining, etc. We get things taken away. Plus, their member "perks" are garbage!

As timeshares go, DVC is on the mild end for the nickel and dime stuff. Timeshares aren't for everyone.

 

[TChrist05]

But communication works for everyone!

 

[Tara]

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???)

Effect.

 

[MELSMICE]

Effect.

LOL - Thanks!

 

[kindra657]

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.

This makes a lot of sense!
I am not a BWV owner and I've never used valet because we utilize Disney's FREE ME service and their FREE transportation service all over the world. I do miss about an hour of park time a day using Disney's transportation system but I don't mind because using wdw's transportation is part of the experience for us.
I understand that some people like having their own vehicle but Disney has made it to where you don't HAVE to drive if you don't want to (on property) and for those with disabilities, the valet is paid for.

 

[Deb & Bill]

This makes a lot of sense!
I am not a BWV owner and I've never used valet because we utilize Disney's FREE ME service and their FREE transportation service all over the world. I do miss about an hour of park time a day using Disney's transportation system but I don't mind because using wdw's transportation is part of the experience for us.
I understand that some people like having their own vehicle but Disney has made it to where you don't HAVE to drive if you don't want to (on property) and for those with disabilities, the valet is paid for.

What about when they decide to start to charge for ME because the contract is up?

 

[LIFERBABE]

What about when they decide to start to charge for ME because the contract is up?

EXACTLY!!! ME is a PERK! It is not in the POS or part of what we as members purchased. It will not be free forever.

I can see it now. Charge $40 each for RT transfers on ME but Resort Guests that book a package will receive FREE DINING and FREE ME! LOL!!

DVC Members will have to pay and everyone else will be getting it free as part of their Free Dining Package.

 

[Dean]

But communication works for everyone!

But that wasn't the issue Ichez was addressing. In general, timeshares aren't very good at communication and knowing that also, one can decide whether they want to participate or not from that point of view as a somewhat separate issue from the nickel and dime question. I doubt things are going to change much at DVC in this arena, they have never been good in this area and have gotten worse in recent years. As such each person has to decide whether DVC is still right for them, it likely isn't for some that thought it was previously. In addition it's likely the pay to play and separate charges will become more common, not less so, with DVC.

 

[Dean]

What about when they decide to start to charge for ME because the contract is up?

It has not always been free and it likely will not be going forward. I don't know when it'll change but I would be surprised if it took more than 2 or 3 years.

 

[Sammie]

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.

Oh I agree they have the ability to do it, but I don't think it is going to happen. I was told that after Eagle Pines they would be very, very cautious about announcing anything that might possibly change.

So I guess that means they are not going to take a chance.

Also I do understand that due to the fact so many DVC staff are also members it could cause problems if certain info was released ahead of time.

 

[Chuck S]

EXACTLY!!! ME is a PERK! It is not in the POS or part of what we as members purchased. It will not be free forever.

I can see it now. Charge $40 each for RT transfers on ME but Resort Guests that book a package will receive FREE DINING and FREE ME! LOL!!

DVC Members will have to pay and everyone else will be getting it free as part of their Free Dining Package.

If they start charging DVCers for ME, I doubt it would be truly "free" to cash guests. It would be hidden in an increased cost of the package or room.

 

[kindra657]

What about when they decide to start to charge for ME because the contract is up?

I guess I'll be paying for transportation then. In 2020, when room rates are $600 a night, I'll still be paying the same number of points for my room. If DVC membership ever becomes "not worth it" in my opinion, then I will sell my points and sign up for free dining and 4/3 deals at POP like everyone else and maybe get a free upgrade to SSR in a 1bdrm!!

 

[Deb & Bill]

I guess I'll be paying for transportation then. In 2020, when room rates are $600 a night, I'll still be paying the same number of points for my room. If DVC membership ever becomes "not worth it" in my opinion, then I will sell my points and sign up for free dining and 4/3 deals at POP like everyone else and maybe get a free upgrade to SSR in a 1bdrm!!

But what will you be paying in member fees in 2020? I'm a member I who also bought into the prepaid vacation concept. But when you start adding in the fees,.....

 

[TLSnell1981]

In general, timeshares aren't very good at communication and knowing that also, one can decide whether they want to participate or not from that point of view as a somewhat separate issue from the nickel and dime question. I doubt things are going to change much at DVC in this arena, they have never been good in this area and have gotten worse in recent years. As such each person has to decide whether DVC is still right for them, it likely isn't for some that thought it was previously. In addition it's likely the pay to play and separate charges will become more common, not less so, with DVC.

I feel much better knowing things have gone from bad to worse...regarding communication. NOT!!

And, BTW.....this is no excuse, but it's unlikely to change as long as they continue to get a free pass.

 

[Dean]

I feel much better knowing things have gone from bad to worse...regarding communication. NOT!!

And, BTW.....this is no excuse, but it's unlikely to change as long as they continue to get a free pass.

I'm not making excuses only giving a reality check. For those that can't accept it they should consider moving on or working for change. And complaining at the level of MS or similar isn't going to be a reasonable method to affect change, IMO.

 

[DebbieB]

It has not always been free and it likely will not be going forward. I don't know when it'll change but I would be surprised if it took more than 2 or 3 years.

As long as it has been "Magical Express" it has been free. Before that, you could get a Mears Shuttle on your own for a fee but that did not include the luggage delivery.

 

[Dean]

As long as it has been "Magical Express" it has been free. Before that, you could get a Mears Shuttle on your own for a fee but that did not include the luggage delivery.

That is not my recollection but you may be correct, thanks for the info.

 

[MELSMICE]

That is not my recollection but you may be correct, thanks for the info.

I don't ever remember them charing for ME.