Pay for priority for room locations?

[HIRyeDVC]

Also, any membership extras have to be negotiated with other divisions so I think any level of paid program would then have to guarantee those benefits...now, its not like that.

This is an excellent point.

Agree. Our only "request" for a room is that it be clean and ready at 4:00 PM when check-in begins.

I remember VGC and Aulani used to provide those nice soft bathrobes. I would take that as a perk.

 

[HIRyeDVC]

I hope so too! Whatever its 7 month availability is, it can’t be as bad as VGC, can it?

With 5+ million points, one would think that but I'm not going to assume anything in Anaheim. I may just haveto buy a small contract there just to be sure. My biggest curiosity is how much they'll start selling it for. History says the intro price to existing members will probably be the best deal but something tells me VDH won't sell like hot cakes as everyone assumes which may prompt Disney to offer more aggressive incentives later on? I can't wait to see how it all unfolds.

 

[BeachClub2014]

I remember VGC and Aulani used to provide those nice soft bathrobes. I would take that as a perk.

I hope they clean the robes between guests!

 

[HIRyeDVC]

View attachment 690118

 

[HIRyeDVC]

I hope they clean the robes between guests!

https://tenor.com/bxZng.gif

 

[HIRyeDVC]

I hope they clean the robes between guests!

 

[Paul Stupin]

With 5+ million points, one would think that but I'm not going to assume anything in Anaheim. I may just haveto buy a small contract there just to be sure. My biggest curiosity is how much they'll start selling it for. History says the intro price to existing members will probably be the best deal but something tells me VDH won't sell like hot cakes as everyone assumes which may prompt Disney to offer more aggressive incentives later on? I can't wait to see how it all unfolds.

I think you’re right. Though we live in LA, we love the size and immersiveness of WDW. The resorts themselves for the most part are each their own little or not so little escapist universe. Regarding VDH, I think it will be hard to get caught up in the magic looking out on a not particularly photogenic residential Anaheim neighborhood from the new tower. And I don’t think they’ll sell many larger point contracts, since visitors can experience the entire property in 2-3 days.

Also, the tower itself seems nice enough, but it doesn’t seem to have any really killer features, and the theming is relatively nonexistent, hardly guarantees for robust sales.

 

[HIRyeDVC]

I think you’re right. Though we live in LA, we love the size and immersiveness of WDW. The resorts themselves for the most part are each their own little or not so little escapist universe. Regarding VDH, I think it will be hard to get caught up in the magic looking out on a not particularly photogenic residential Anaheim neighborhood from the new tower. And I don’t think they’ll sell many larger point contracts, since visitors can experience the entire property in 2-3 days.

Also, the tower itself seems nice enough, but it doesn’t seem to have any really killer features, and the theming is relatively nonexistent, hardly guarantees for robust sales.

Right? I mean, when I stay at VGC or CCV, I sometimes forget that I'm at Disney. The theming is so immersive and detailed. VDH on the other hand is just another hotel with Cinderella themed rooms and limited dining options. And the vast majority of rooms will be overlooking a bunch of houses past Walnut St or the DTD parking lot. And none of them will have balconies. The only appeal will be all the new renovation on DTD's west end. which is exciting. And you're spot on about most visitors only needing 2-3 nights. I on the other hand stay at VGC for 7-10 days at a time and I never feel bored. Just being at the Grand makes me happy beyond measure.

 

[Paul Stupin]

Right? I mean, when I stay at VGC or CCV, I sometimes forget that I'm at Disney. The theming is so immersive and detailed. VDH on the other hand is just another hotel with Cinderella themed rooms and limited dining options. And the vast majority of rooms will be overlooking a bunch of houses past Walnut St or the DTD parking lot. And none of them will have balconies. The only appeal will be all the new renovation on DTD's west end. which is exciting. And you're spot on about most visitors only needing 2-3 nights. I on the other hand stay at VGC for 7-10 days at a time and I never feel bored. Just being at the Grand makes me happy beyond measure.

Yeah, I love the Grand too. I’d buy there but we already own a ton of points at Aulani, VGF, and CCV, which has the same feel. Going for two weeks to WDW in Sept. One week in a one bedroom at VGF, and another week in a CCV cabin! Never stayed in one before so am totally looking forward to it.

 

[RamblinWreck]

Can DVC start a paid rewards program that would give priority for room locations to those who have paid for the rewards?

In my opinion, they should not only not do this... they should ignore everybody's current room requests as well.

 

[Paul Stupin]

In my opinion, they should not only not do this... they should ignore everybody's current room requests as well.

But haven’t you ever had any sort of request regarding a room? If there were a chance you’d have a view of a dumpster right outside your window, would you be motivated to put in a request before hand? The worst that can happen is that you don’t get it. What’s the downside?

 

[havoc315]

Several have noted that the theory of a "paid perks" program would/should only be available to blue card members. I tend to disagree... From an economic standpoint, I only have to buy 150 points (currently) to be a blue card member. Meaning that DVC only makes money off of me one time and it's a finite amount of money. After qualifying, I would be free to buy all of my remaining points resale - which I believe many people do. After that initial qualification, there's really no incentive to continue to buy direct outside of convenience. However, if the "paid perks" program were available to blue and white card holders, DVC would be able to create a revenue stream that goes beyond a one-time direct purchase and now gets my white-card money via another avenue, where they wouldn't have gotten anything further from me if I were only buying resale.

Another thought might be that the "fee" is based on points owned - similar to dues... So you pay a price per point rather than a flat $100/year or whatever.

Thoughts on either of these options?

Same argument could be made that they should have opened up the dining plan to off-site guests. But despite the fact that the dining plan brought in extra revenue (Unquestionably, WDW made extra revenue on the plan than without it), they still opted to keep it an "on site perk."

Keeping a "paid perks" program as direct only would reduce a little bit of revenue from re-sale buyers, but probably generate far more revenue by really encouraging people to buy direct.
1 extra person buying direct is worth hundreds of re-sale buyers paying $100-$200 for perks.

Look at it this way, 1 direct buyer is another $30,000 of revenue for WDW. So converting 1 buyer into a direct buyer per year, is worth more than 300 re-sale buyers purchasing $100 perks for that year.

By my math, assuming about 50% of re-sale owners would pay the $100 per year charge -- WDW would "win" keeping it blue card only, if it converted 83 people into direct buyers per year.
Back when AP discounts were tied to blue cards, did that perk convert 83 buyers per year? Probably more than that.

 

[RamblinWreck]

But haven’t you ever had any sort of request regarding a room? If there were a chance you’d have a view of a dumpster right outside your window, would you be motivated to put in a request before hand? The worst that can happen is that you don’t get it. What’s the downside?

Then I guess if I was worried about it I’d pay up to not have that chance by getting a different room category.

It just seems like room requests targeting specific views or locations are just a way for people with knowledge to cheat the system and make it so typical owners are getting a lesser product than they paid for.

 

[Sandisw]

But haven’t you ever had any sort of request regarding a room? If there were a chance you’d have a view of a dumpster right outside your window, would you be motivated to put in a request before hand? The worst that can happen is that you don’t get it. What’s the downside?

Doesn’t someone have to get that dumpster view though?

Honestly, I have never had any request that was a big deal. If they didn’t take them I’d be fine..matter of fact most often I don’t request anything.

Just came back from RIV and our view was of the maintenance area on 2nd floor. It wasn’t our original assigned room but it was one ready when we got there at 1 pm so I was happy to take it.

 

[TonyCnLV]

My concern is it would go to 90%. The assumption is on Blue card members could buy into the "premier" program, however if the vast majority do, they will not be able to honor 90% of the requests. With a $100-$200 fee, a large number of Blue carder will join, and now that they are "paying" for room requests, more will make special requests. Today, I rarely make a request, if I was paying into this system, I would almost always make a request. This will be like Genie+, with everyone paying the extra $30, the benefit is diluted and they still will only be able to fill 30%-40% of the requests.

And now, I paid for a "preferred" room and didn't get it..... and some white card member that didn't pay into the premier program got a room I like better, or is no different than mine.

I think they would be inviting all the entitled folks to be upset. (I avoided using the K name as to not offend anyone)

Also just you point out that let’s say this did go into effect, how would they let you know the request you’re making isn’t even possible Because someone who paid already requested it? There’s only a finite number of room 3115 so when you made a paid request, would they even tell you that it’s a futile attempt?

 

[Paul Stupin]

Then I guess if I was worried about it I’d pay up to not have that chance by getting a different room category.

It just seems like room requests targeting specific views or locations are just a way for people with knowledge to cheat the system and make it so typical owners are getting a lesser product than they paid for.

I don’t think a person willing to take the time to put in a request, either by calling or going on chat, who might have spent hours (as I have!) researching views, noise levels, and particular conveniences of room locations, is cheating the system. Anyone willing to do the work can do it.
And we all know it’s no guarantee, that it’s not an entitlement.

 

[CarolMN]

Also just you point out that let’s say this did go into effect, how would they let you know the request you’re making isn’t even possible Because someone who paid already requested it? There’s only a finite number of room 3115 so when you made a paid request, would they even tell you that it’s a futile attempt?

Agree, but it's even more likely that another guest is occupying the room you requested.

Occupancy levels are very high for DVC resorts. If someone pays for a request and doesn't get it, they are unlikely to care why. I just can't see how DVC could offer such a perk. Way more trouble than it's worth.

 

[Paul Stupin]

Doesn’t someone have to get that dumpster view though?

Honestly, I have never had any request that was a big deal. If they didn’t take them I’d be fine..matter of fact most often I don’t request anything.

Just came back from RIV and our view was of the maintenance area on 2nd floor. It wasn’t our original assigned room but it was one ready when we got there at 1 pm so I was happy to take it.

Yeah, someone has to get the dumpster view. But if you know enough to ask for another location, why not?

That said, most of the time I don’t request anything either, since the room category kinda covers it. And when I do I’m fully aware I probably won’t get it. But in Aulani last May by sheer luck our one bedroom ocean view had one of the biggest balconies on property. I’d be crazy not to at least put in a request for it again.

 

[Paul Stupin]

Agree, but it's even more likely that another guest is occupying the room you requested.

Occupancy levels are very high for DVC resorts. If someone pays for a request and doesn't get it, they are unlikely to care why. I just can't see how DVC could offer such a perk. Way more trouble than it's worth.

Agreed. I don’t think they’ll ever offer it.

 

[Sandisw]

Yeah, someone has to get the dumpster view. But if you know enough to ask for another location, why not?

That said, most of the time I don’t request anything either, since the room category kinda covers it. And when I do I’m fully aware I probably won’t get it. But in Aulani last May by sheer luck our one bedroom ocean view had one of the biggest balconies on property. I’d be crazy not to at least put in a request for it again.

The bigger problem though is that someone who does get it and had a different request, goes to the desk, complains, and then they swap them anyway.

If they didn’t take requests or didn’t make room switches unless there Is a maintenance issue, it would cause less issues.

Like I said, I’d rather it be room ready be the priority and that they find a way to get to a point where getting rooms between 1 and 2 pm becomes easier on a regular basis.