Perks

[john1012]

We have been DVC Owners for 5 years at the Boardwalk. I love the experience of getting rooms at the best resorts at Disney, pretty much whenever we have tried to. However, and isn't there always an "However', the whole Perks is just bothering me. Frankly, they aren't great perks. I bring this up only because I just received the latest member news and was disappointed. Aside from the 10% dining discount at some places, most of the news could apply to anyone visiting Disney. I realize that I am venting and I am sure I will hear you shouldn't count on or expect perks but I am ashamed to say I do. Not really ashamed, but maybe slightly embarrassed. How about priority seating earlier than everyone else? How about 10% off dinner everywhere? How about special seating at Fantasmic?

I realize it's a business and yes I know I can sell if it doesn't meet my expectation but a little customer loyalty. Oh yeah, and I am tired of hearing about the pool hopping privileges that we don't have. You know what take them away from everyone. Wherever you are staying is your pool. It is ridiculous that they make you feel like a criminal because you want to take a swim in Stormalong Bay. Another Perk we had that they took away.

As you can tell from below, these are just such tiny things and it doesn't stop me from going back.

 

[Mad4Dizne]

I agree with everything you said. I also was a bit disappointed with the "perks". I believe a owner who bought when DVC first started they said that they received free theme park tickets every stay....I wasn't sure if I got that correct...when you say free and theme park tickets in the same sentence..I start to faint...but seriously. It obviously hasn't effected us in a way in which we wouldn't purchase...obviously!!!! But we too would like something..that the regular day tripper doesn't. (thank-you!!)

 

[jcodespoti]

I understand how you feel. I don't agree with it, but I see your side of the perk issue.
There are many reasons why Disney does not give us "good" perks. Many have been listed on this board, however with sales brisk, there is little incentive to dish out these perks.
I think if we as DVC members started to boycott the parks than we might see good perks (FL annual pass rates for one).
But the contract we signed does not say that we get anything but DVC.
You could always write a letter.


Joe in CT

 

[Dean]

I'm actually two faced in this situation. I get what I paid for and have been promised and have not problem with that. I do however think Disney is making a mistake by not making DVC owners feel more special with at least as good a perk package as they offer FL residents and Annual Pass holders.

 

[poohj80]

Originally posted by Mad4Dizne
I believe a owner who bought when DVC first started they said that they received free theme park tickets every stay....I wasn't sure if I got that correct...when you say free and theme park tickets in the same sentence..I start to faint...but seriously.

You are correct - a coworker of mine got the same deal, but only for the first ten years.

Two perks I didn't expect when we recently joined was the 10% off at the Disney Store (which will come in hand IF they really get more adult clothes this month and especially when the Disney Club ends this year) and the discounted room rates when booking outside of using our points. However, they couldn't tell us how good of a discount it would be. Does anyone know? How do they relate to AP discounts?

 

[Granny]

Originally posted by john1012
...the whole Perks is just bothering me. Frankly, they aren't great perks. I bring this up only because I just received the latest member news and was disappointed. Aside from the 10% dining discount at some places, most of the news could apply to anyone visiting Disney. I realize that I am venting and I am sure I will hear you shouldn't count on or expect perks but I am ashamed to say I do. Not really ashamed, but maybe slightly embarrassed. .

As Joe indicated, I understand your point but don't necessarily share your feeling. I guess it's because I only joined a couple of years ago and I never experienced the free passes or the free dinners to listen to the sales talk or anything like that. We made our decision solely on getting high quality accommodations at an affordable price.

Would I like a customer loyalty perk like a better park discount? Sure, but 10% off a LOS pass is treated here like an insult rather than a perk. We don't use it either, but at least it's an option.

Discounts are pretty straightforward...if you discount something you have to increase sales enough to generate incremental profit compared to not discounting the item. They could discount AP's, but poll after poll here shows that the big majority of DVCers purchase AP's, so it's hard to see why Disney would provide a discount there.

I do think they could do a better job with "no cost" perks like maybe a few free FastPass tickets good on any ride, any time. Or something like that. Wouldn't cost them anything and would make members feel special.

 

[DebbieB]

Members can get a 25% room discount at DVC resorts only. It is treated as a DVC stay (the rooms come from the points pool), so you get limited housekeeping, but you also get pool hopping. Subject to availability, which can be limited. AP rates are usually better.

 

[Lori in CNY]

I agree with some of the points made here.

In theory, we are Disney's most loyal guests. We are the families/friends that will come back time and time again-virtually guaranteed. Why not try to at least make us feel like we're special? A fast-pass freebie is a great idea that would cost Disney nothing. Allowing us a seating area for Fantasmic or Illuminations viewing area are others. Pool hopping priviledges and valet parking are great but I sure wish someone, just once, would ask to see my membership card. It makes me wonder whether they are allowing this for everyone.

We recently stayed at BW for the first time. We were swept up in a sea of guests and there was nothing that separated us, as members, from cash paying guests. Very few Welcome Homes. How would they possibly know who to say it to?? And we were never once asked for our DVC card to valet park or buy exclusive "Members only" merchandise. That's the part that bothers me the most.

Please treat us as though we just dumped a boat load of money into the company's pockets .....because we did, and we'll be back next year, and the next year and the year after that.......