NO MORE free valet parking for DVC members.

[jade1]

DVC/Disney made no guarantees of continued theme park operations.
.

I would agree-somebody could buy Disney over the years and close it all down.

 

[Dean]

The only change that I witnessed a reversal on from DVD due to complaints (both from the DIS and emails/phone calls was the studio glasswares change. That did get reversed. What was the impact that forced the change? Why has nothing else been reversed?

That and the decision to cont to allow 25 pt contracts was a reversal. IMO there is a fundamental difference here though. While this decision (valet) was implemented rapidly, it was clearly a major decision that required collaboration and input from the very top of DVC, the resorts and likely outside DVC as well. It was not a minor decision that could have gone either way (as the other 2 were) though i would classify the other 2 as minor. I personally would have been surprised had they not made some allowance for BLT given the change after sales began but before opening, the glassware could have gone either way. Regardless, both were fairly minor issues with low dollar amounts associated overall.

I guess you've noticed how there are a few people here who will defend nearly every change that DVC makes as totally justifiable. It's like that on almost every message board that there is.

It's not generally blind justification but rather more objective evaluations, usually combating selfish and/or emotional responses not based on fact or reason, as in this thread.

I think some are talking "perks", and some are talking "changes". Kind of the same but, not really. To me a perk would be 3 FP's a day on DVC stays for example. Pre-paid valet would be not be a perk IMO. I think some of us prefer a more inclusive (pre-paid) membership and are willing to pay for it-not an entitlement. Some have pointed out we should expect to stare at 4 walls and nothing more-well that explains the importance of a good view anyway.

By the way, if perks were static, wouldn't we all have no charge AP's? I thought those were included in the beginning.

IMO, anything not guaranteed by law and legal paperwork is a perk. That's true no matter what one was verbally promised or how long it's been in place.

Its fascinating, because the people who defend DVC in these threads are a lot of the same people who will tell other people not to buy. I know that Dean and Tim and I have all been dinged in the "should I buy" threads as being "too negative." I think Chuck has too.

But the thrust of what we say, those of us who "defend everything DVC does" is the same from thread to thread. Buy DVC for what you are contracted to get. Understand that it is a timeshare, not a luxury hotel. Understand that you are about to become a captured customer. Make sure it makes sense as a program for the way you travel and your financial situation. And our "defense" of Disney tends to be in reaction to people who didn't understand these points going in. Who expect Disney to run as something other than a business whose job it is to legally maximize return for their shareholders.

Exactly, thank you Crisi. I'm not a homer, I'm a realist. I expect a lot out of our DVC and that's why I value each and every point as I do and refuse to use them for trivial low value options. And I want people to buy DVC because it's right for them, not because they're enamored with it or Disney. It is funny to be seen as a homer on one thread and chastised for comparing DVC in a negative light to Marriott or others on another thread.

Having 4 theme parks in your backyard isn't guaranteed in the POS either, but I would bet if Disney closed the parks many POS worshipers would be up in arms.
Heck, I wonder if someday we are charged to self park at the DVC resorts?

Valet parking may be a stretch, but some perks are considered more guaranteed than others.

MG

I have specifically stated that the parks are not guaranteed and have wondered out loud on these boards how people would react if there were DVC resorts and not parks including how prices would hold up and how DVC would compete with others in Orlando and elsewhere. Frankly I would expect to be charged at least at the hotel type resorts (if not all) someday for self parking. Just like I expect PH to go away at some point and another reallocation.

 

[dmoore22]

Its fascinating, because the people who defend DVC in these threads are a lot of the same people who will tell other people not to buy. I know that Dean and Tim and I have all been dinged in the "should I buy" threads as being "too negative." I think Chuck has too.

But the thrust of what we say, those of us who "defend everything DVC does" is the same from thread to thread. Buy DVC for what you are contracted to get. Understand that it is a timeshare, not a luxury hotel. Understand that you are about to become a captured customer. Make sure it makes sense as a program for the way you travel and your financial situation. And our "defense" of Disney tends to be in reaction to people who didn't understand these points going in. Who expect Disney to run as something other than a business whose job it is to legally maximize return for their shareholders.

Agreed. If the issue is so important they would contact Member Services or attend the condo association meetings to express their views and vote as opposed to venting on a discussion list. If enough members use those avenues something may change because, as in the old cliche, the squeaky wheel gets attention. How many times has DVC changed, added, or altered benefits, perks, or points, based on, as they report it, member input?

 

[Chuck S]

My point is there is a lot of folks saying "entitlements" and "free", and that's not the case for some of us-we are willing to pay for these things. Not saying which is the best way to approach it, just that some of us have different views. Hopefully other opinions are accepted on the here-please let us know if not.

But that's the thing...someone has to pay, whether it is paid individually by the people that use it, or whether it is included in dues, or if it is discounted/subsidized by Disney (which isn't likely to happen.) You're saying it should be included in dues. That would be to the benefit only of those that use the service, and be to the detriment of those that do not use the service.

Others feel it is more fair for the people that use the service to foot the bill.

And if it were added to dues, those resorts involved would be the owners billed, OKW and SSR would not be affected...as they have never had valet, and there is really no parking lot available for them to start such a service.

Thus those other resorts could have a substantially higher increase in dues compared to OKW, SSR, HHI and VB. Would that not impact the resale values of BWV, BCV, VWL and BLT?

It is all a balancing act as to what benefits the majority of members at a resort, while still being fiscally responsible to the ownership of that resort as a whole. Apparently, in this case, DVC thought it was not a fiscally responsible move to continue providing the service for some owners of the resort by billing all owners of the resort. Obviously, for some services, like the internet, the cost would be minimal. For others, like energy and utilities, the cost is more, but necessary under the POS for resort operation.

Without having the ability to see the financial estimates, we don't know what the increase would have been per point at the varying resorts to continue the service, but it is not a necessity like utilities.

Would it be a minimal financial impact? Possibly. Or would it be somewhat expensive? Again, possibly. We just don't know.

What we can surmise, is that the majority of owners would not like to see dues increased to pay for it. How can we assume this? From the straw vote taken of OKW owners by DVC many years ago, asking if dues should be increased at OKW to build the pool slide. And that was a one time cost. Services like valet are labor intensive, and a continuing and increasing annual cost.

At OKW, DVC/Disney thought the slide would be a benefit to the resort and were probably looking at increasing demand for cash rentals. Members disagreed, so DVD financed the slide construction. Members, however, are obligated to pay for the continuing upkeep and lifeguards.

The bottom line, you may disagree with whom you think should foot the bill, the individual or all owners at the resort, but the bill still would need to be paid by someone. And Disney/DVD is unlikely to finance this increasing annual cost.

 

[Dean]

There are 2 groups of perks. Those that are more marketing and don't cost anyone anything like restaurant discounts and those that are tied to the resort and have cost like internet. Then there are required elements that are tied to the POS like exercise room, pool, etc.

 

[crisi]

What we can surmise, is that the majority of owners would not like to see dues increased to pay for it. How can we assume this? From the straw vote taken of OKW owners by DVC many years ago, asking if dues should be increased at OKW to build the pool slide. And that was a one time cost. Services like valet are labor intensive, and a continuing and increasing annual cost.

At OKW, DVC/Disney thought the slide would be a benefit to the resort and were probably looking at increasing demand for cash rentals. Members disagreed, so DVD financed the slide construction. Members, however, are obligated to pay for the continuing upkeep and lifeguards.

For anyone "fairly new" who missed the OKW slide thing - this "DVC making decisions in our best interest that we don't all agree is in our best interest" has been going on for quite some time - this isn't new.

Another old time one that caused a lot of consternation was the move to "room ready" - particularly for the first six weeks when BWView was not a booking category.

Then there was the closing of SAB to pool hopping when BCVs opened. For those that were making use of SAB from the BW or OKW who'd been "promised" that perk at purchase, there was a great gnashing of teeth.

 

[CarolAnnC]

Just a reminder here folks - the topic of "smoking" is not allowed here on our DVC DIScussion boards.

Thank you and now back to our "No More Free Valet.." discussion...

 

[Deb & Bill]

A really stupid question ....I apologize in advance....

My DH and I go over to WDW quite often for only one night.

If we check in on a Saturday and valet, then check out the next morning and retrieve our car - are we paying $14 or $28?

...I'm assuming $28 - and that would really stink....

Could someone please confirm?

TIA...
~ Beth

You'll be paying $14 for the one night. The valet parking day coincides with the resort day/night.

 

[Beth]

You'll be paying $14 for the one night. The valet parking day coincides with the resort day/night.

Thanks for the info - that's good to hear!

 

[MELSMICE]

What we can surmise, is that the majority of owners would not like to see dues increased to pay for it. How can we assume this? From the straw vote taken of OKW owners by DVC many years ago, asking if dues should be increased at OKW to build the pool slide. And that was a one time cost. Services like valet are labor intensive, and a continuing and increasing annual cost.

Of course, no one would like to see a dues increase ever, but the reality is that they will increase over the years.

We purchased DVC as a luxury for our family. We wanted nicer/larger accommodations for our vacation. We wanted what we consider a first class vacation at WDW. If that means upgrading the amenities (which includes an OKW slide) and offering member perks, such as free valet, which will increase our dues over time, then so bet it. Members couldn't have purchased thinking that dues would stay the same and that costs wouldn't be increased.

If I have to pay a little more yearly to make mine or someone else's vacation what they expected when they joined, then I'll pay a few pennies/dollars more. We never bought DVC for it's great monetary value - it was purchased for relaxing, fun, entertaining vacations for our family.

 

[disneynutz]

Thanks for the info - that's good to hear!

The price for Valet was increased from $10 to $12 per night.

The price for auto parking at the parks went from $12 to $14 per day.

Bill

 

[Robo-Daddy 3000]

And there are a few people who think perks can and should never change! Perks are just that....a bonus to your membership. Frankly, we are all lucky we get "perks"! Lots of other timeshares give you nothing more than the chance to use your timeshare and pay dues!

And I'm not one of those people. Other than the AP discount, we don't take advantage of too many perks.

I'm not sure if I've ever even weighed in on the subject of the valet parking perk. But I never used it and really never gave a thought about how it was paid for. The actual removal of the perk was poorly executed and that is the most bothersome aspect to me. No one should drop off their car thinking that valet was free and then be told upon picking up the car that now they have to pay. But we've all read about instances like that. For a long-standing perk like valet parking-, advance notice of its removal should have been given to members.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

. . .If I have to pay a little more yearly to make mine or someone else's vacation what they expected when they joined, then I'll pay a few pennies/dollars more. We never bought DVC for it's great monetary value - it was purchased for relaxing, fun, entertaining vacations for our family.

And, of course, each member can still have the option to make their vacation as luxurious as they want by using valet parking. The only difference is that it will cost them $12 per night (plus tips) instead of so much per point.

For us, we usually stay an average of 11 nights using our 175 points, so valet parking (without tips) will cost us about $0.75 per point. Every member's point cost will vary and those who do not valet park will not pay anything. Nothing wrong with that in my book -- Suzanne

 

[mopee3]

I keep checking back on this thread wondering how long people are going to complain about the removal of a perk they were never promised when they signed the papers. Well you all are greattttttt...... it has been going on for, lets see about 40 days!!

I wonder if it ought to be made a "sticky" about complaining?

Moe

 

[disneynutz]

I keep checking back on this thread wondering how long people are going to complain about the removal of a perk they were never promised when they signed the papers. Well you all are greattttttt...... it has been going on for, lets see about 40 days!!

I wonder if it ought to be made a "sticky" about complaining?

Moe

To my knowledge, you were never promised that AKV would have animals. How are you going to feel when the animal perk is taken away because Disney feels that it is too expensive and that there aren't enough animal lovers who are Members.

Bill

 

[dmoore22]

I keep checking back on this thread wondering how long people are going to complain about the removal of a perk they were never promised when they signed the papers. Well you all are greattttttt...... it has been going on for, lets see about 40 days!!

I wonder if it ought to be made a "sticky" about complaining?

Moe

Anyone for 41 days? Let's keep it going! What's the Guinness record? Opps! I forgot to complain about lossing valet parking. Oh woe is me! I shall shed a tear. Sniff, sniff.

 

[jdg345]

So I just skimmed around because I just found out about this change and we're at about 81 pages. Has anything been formally announced as of yet? I was on the dvcmember website today and didn't see anything -- though I can't say I was specifically looking either at the time.

Also, someone mentioned in a previous page that some arrangements were made for BWV (or was it BLT?) based on this change -- can someone post the cliff notes on this please?



btw, I will be sending my own note to dvcmembersatisfaction. I am happy to see they continue enhancing my membership without telling me about it.

EDIT: Just checked dvcmember and saw a wonderful notice about Deevy's Comedic Adventures ... nothing on the perk loss. They have the tool to communicate these things, but seem to choose not to. I guess if everyone found out at once, they'd have to deal with more grief all at once. At least this way, they can spread it around and make it seem like it's not as important.

 

[mopee3]

To my knowledge, you were never promised that AKV would have animals. How are you going to feel when the animal perk is taken away because Disney feels that it is too expensive and that there aren't enough animal lovers who are Members.

Bill

Animals?? What animals? Was I suppose to get animals somewhere?

Where did my animals go? Who took them?

Seriously haven't we about chewed this bone to pieces?

Moe

PS. Bill I enjoyed using valet services when I was there during our Oct-Nov trip and I paid for it, well sort of, by using another perk. The DDE or TIW card. Really the only reason I bought the card in the first place a year ago.

 

[jdg345]

Animals?? What animals? Was I suppose to get animals somewhere?

Where did my animals go? Who took them?

Seriously haven't we about chewed this bone to pieces?

Moe

PS. Bill I enjoyed using valet services when I was there during our Oct-Nov trip and I paid for it, well sort of, by using another perk. The DDE or TIW card. Really the only reason I bought the card in the first place a year ago.

I thought you could only use the TIW card to comp Valet Parking if you had an accompanying ADR? We have a TIW card, how do you use it to comp Valet? Do you have to show it when you park?

 

[mopee3]

I thought you could only use the TIW card to comp Valet Parking if you had an accompanying ADR? We have a TIW card, how do you use it to comp Valet? Do you have to show it when you park?

I really don't know about the "rules", we only used it when we went to dinner. Pull up, jump out, give them the card, they give you the receipt, and off to dinner we went. Did they ask about ADR's? No, just took the card info down and gave me the receipt.

Moe