Red Headed Step Child!

[Dean]

I couldn't agree more. And don't forget us DVC owners get the perk of throwing out our own trash and washing our own sheets and making our own beds. Guests paying rack rate have to let Disney do that for them. And why is it so many owners don't consider the interest on their loans when comparing the price of their room to a rack rate room.

Any timeshare is a long term commitment. That is both good and bad even with the right choice of timeshares and the right family. Some years it will be more expensive for the timeshare but the question is whether it's a good value/savings over the long term among other factors. Of course there are other benefits to DVC besides just the costs and potential savings. They include the extra space, kitchen and the perks that do have some value. IMO, anyone who bought in either knew or should have known they were giving up some things to be married to a timeshare and those things included other specials such as discount codes and the like. They should have factored in the loss of housekeeping, room/location/limitations and the risk of availability issues to name a few. Certainly one can take advantage of the specials by going outside DVC and this is one reason I've suggested lately that some consider buying less points than what they calculate they need just to have the option to stretch their points in this manner.

 

[AmyB2006]

I think there are at least 2 issues. One is that the restaurants seem to fill up much faster from a reservation standpoint making it more difficult to get a reservation and almost impossible for some. I'm sure free dining isn't the only factor, I can think of other likely possibilities. The other, and IMO more important, is that it appears to have affected the choices, prices and quality of the restaurant food and service to a degree. Again, FD is likely not the only factor at work here but is likely the most important one.

I agree. It's not so much of a "I can't get my reservation" (although it used to be waaaaay easier before free dining) but more of a lack of quality and choices, IMO.

I feel like the free dining has almost streamlined most of the restaurants' menus down to just a few choices and has put it all in this little package. I miss the days of more choices and better quality food. I feel like FD has affected that the most.

 

[Dean]

I agree. It's not so much of a "I can't get my reservation" (although it used to be waaaaay easier before free dining) but more of a lack of quality and choices, IMO.

I feel like the free dining has almost streamlined most of the restaurants' menus down to just a few choices and has put it all in this little package. I miss the days of more choices and better quality food. I feel like FD has affected that the most.

Mainly it's taken away high end choices. We could get together a list of lost meal offerings that seemed directly related if we wanted. Another way they could have gone was what some AI's do, have supplemental charges for some items and leave them on the menu. Neither choice thrills me and I prefer the current situation to having up charges. They could also limit the restaurants more for the DP or simply have a separate list for the FD option. There are many promotions they could consider instead. Regardless, I believe they need to expand their restaurant options a bit more in some niche's , esp at all parks other than maybe EPCOT. I'd like to see a higher end, Signature type, restaurant at AKV and MK that are not character related and a nicer in between option at DHS. They could rob from some of the counter service options in some locations to expand. I'd also like to see a larger character related option at DTD. We'll see what the DTD revamp brings. I realize hey have more info than we do.

I also think they could simplify the dining plan and it be a win-win. I think they could make meals where it was a choice of appetizer or dessert and have one plan with CS being 1 credit, TS 2 and signature 3. I believe a lot more people would use it without FD and they could simply have one plan with a choice of credit packages based on LOS. For example you might have a choice of 7, 14 or 21 credits pp on a 7 night stay and a slight discount for the larger packages.

 

[k3chantal]

I couldn't agree more. And don't forget us DVC owners get the perk of throwing out our own trash and washing our own sheets and making our own beds. Guests paying rack rate have to let Disney do that for them. And why is it so many owners don't consider the interest on their loans when comparing the price of their room to a rack rate room.

It would be interesting to see how many DVC owners have loans on their contract and the happiness / satisfied rate between those that have loans and those that do not. It is a quick way to lose any savings purchasing DVC might bring you.

Put me in the camp that is completely happy with my purchase. I understood going in that mouse keeping wasn't included and it was really not missed from the very beginning of our stays.

 

[bumbershoot]

I couldn't agree more. And don't forget us DVC owners get the perk of throwing out our own trash and washing our own sheets and making our own beds. Guests paying rack rate have to let Disney do that for them. And why is it so many owners don't consider the interest on their loans when comparing the price of their room to a rack rate room.

You wash your sheets on vacation? Heck, you make your bed while on vacation?

Since I once ended up with housekeeping throwing away the box that was going to house and protect the souvenir that came in it while it was on the plane in our soft-sided checked luggage, with NO time for anyone to replace it, I have absolutely no problems with daily housekeeping not being included in DVC.

And, of course, it's absolutely what I expected from having DVC long before we signed on any dotted lines.

It would be interesting to see how many DVC owners have loans on their contract and the happiness / satisfied rate between those that have loans and those that do not. It is a quick way to lose any savings purchasing DVC might bring you.

So what's your hypothesis?

 

[Iceman93]

Mainly it's taken away high end choices.

Yup. I really feel like the Disney dining choices have been largely homogenized and "lowest common denominator"-ed.

But how's this for stirring the pot--maybe Disney should add free dining plan for direct purchasers only. That would certainly be another differentiator, wouldn't it?

 

[Dean]

Yup. I really feel like the Disney dining choices have been largely homogenized and "lowest common denominator"-ed.

But how's this for stirring the pot--maybe Disney should add free dining plan for direct purchasers only. That would certainly be another differentiator, wouldn't it?

It would be doesn't seem a likely one. More likely would be FD for a single trip or year or simply no access do the DP at all for non qualified stays.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

I continue to be amazed that people are upset they don't get to dramatically overpay for subpar hotels because Disney used the word 'free' LOL

 

[JWG]

I continue to be amazed that people are upset they don't get to dramatically overpay for subpar hotels because Disney used the word 'free' LOL

I'm not sure people understand Disney's definition of "free".

I also don't understand why so many people think Disney owes us deals and discounts as timeshare owners. We only own DVC, so I'm not the most knowledgeable about all timeshares. My sister has a Hawaii property. She doesn't get any deals or discounts. She gets the rooms she paid for as a timeshare ownership.

I have to imagine Marriott, Wyndham and the others are the same way. No big deals or discounts - just a room to the specifications of your ownership. So, why then, do we feel entitled to freebies and discounts as DVC owners? I don't mind them, I enjoy using them, I appreciate them, but I don't expect them.

Free dining for members is never going to happen on points. But, is available to all DVC members. Book a rack rate room during the promotion and you too get it. I, in lieue of free dining, just take the big discount on my room that includes up to 3 bedrooms, laundry and a full kitchen.

Oh well, to each their own for sure. I don't mind people's expectations for Disney. I just worry some will never be happy because they won't let themselves.

I love our DVC and the lasting family memories it provides. I don't track to see when I break even on ownership, I don't pay attention to if I could get the room cheaper on a cash discount, etc. I just appreciate I'm able to afford the fun filled family trips to spend time together.

I'm sure there are 1,000,000 ways I could save a ton of money on vacations. But I don't see vacations as a financial investment. I see them as a family/entertainment investment - something a little more priceless.

 

[k3chantal]

You wash your sheets on vacation? Heck, you make your bed while on vacation?

Since I once ended up with housekeeping throwing away the box that was going to house and protect the souvenir that came in it while it was on the plane in our soft-sided checked luggage, with NO time for anyone to replace it, I have absolutely no problems with daily housekeeping not being included in DVC.

And, of course, it's absolutely what I expected from having DVC long before we signed on any dotted lines.




So what's your hypothesis?

My hypothesis is implied; I would never take out a loan on a "luxury" or unnecessary purchase. Happiness is knowing its truly yours; minus the maintenance fees of course.......

 

[myxdvz]

I couldn't agree more. And don't forget us DVC owners get the perk of throwing out our own trash and washing our own sheets and making our own beds. Guests paying rack rate have to let Disney do that for them. And why is it so many owners don't consider the interest on their loans when comparing the price of their room to a rack rate room.

Huh? This again goes back to lack of information before purchase. DVC is a timeshare - and like any other timeshare, daily housekeeping is not part of it. If you can't live without it, pay for it (it's available). But since the cost of it is taken from annual dues, I like it the way it is.

I don't consider the interest on loans because I paid for my DVC in cash. While others do it, I am one of those who agree that timeshare purchases shouldn't be paid for by loans.

 

[Chuck S]

Huh? This again goes back to lack of information before purchase. DVC is a timeshare - and like any other timeshare, daily housekeeping is not part of it. If you can't live without it, pay for it (it's available). But since the cost of it is taken from annual dues, I like it the way it is.

I don't consider the interest on loans because I paid for my DVC in cash. While others do it, I am one of those who agree that timeshare purchases shouldn't be paid for by loans.

I'm not 100% opposed to purchasing using a loan. Mother and I did a short term, 3 year loan, on our original direct purchased 230 points. this allowed us to use investment/dividend income to pay for it rather than selling off any stock in our portfolio. We did 3 direct add-ons paying cash. But, if you can't afford to purchase a luxury item, including a timeshare, without long-term 10 to 20 year financing, know that the interest will be substantial and you should consider that when you compare the overall cost of ownership versus cash stays.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

I financed my first resale for a few months. I did the math and it made more sense to do that then 'disturb' some investments and I had found a GREAT deal for me.

I don't really care how others pay. It is not really my business.

 

[k3chantal]

I financed my first resale for a few months. I did the math and it made more sense to do that then 'disturb' some investments and I had found a GREAT deal for me.

I don't really care how others pay. It is not really my business.

Your right, it is none of my business how people purchase something but as I was thinking about DVC owners and whether they are happy or not, it made me curious whether people who don't have loans for their contracts are happier with their timeshare than people who pay month after month. Is this a contributing factor?

I would imagine that people who pay their loans off quickly end up falling in the same camp of 'cash' payers since they are not paying a ton of interest if any on their loan.

 

[Sammie]

I think there are at least 2 issues. One is that the restaurants seem to fill up much faster from a reservation standpoint making it more difficult to get a reservation and almost impossible for some. I'm sure free dining isn't the only factor, I can think of other likely possibilities. The other, and IMO more important, is that it appears to have affected the choices, prices and quality of the restaurant food and service to a degree. Again, FD is likely not the only factor at work here but is likely the most important one.

Sure that is possible, and just as possible is this would have occurred without free dining.

 

[Dean]

Sure that is possible, and just as possible is this would have occurred without free dining.

I don't think so. It seems very likely that FD has had direct and indirect affect for both demand and menu's and has been the main factor in both. It'd be difficult to prove without insider documents though.

 

[helenk]

These posts start up every time Disney announces the Free Dining. There seem to be a lot of people that don't get the concept of a timeshare. My sister has a time share in the Poconos, she does not get housekeeping, she does not get a special deal on the rooms or the food, she does not complain when her resort offers special packages to those that pay cash for the rooms.
I am happy with my DVC, I get a nice size room, with a balcony at a variety of resorts. I can afford to go to WDW at least twice a year, this year I am also going to Hilton Head, this is something I could not do if I paid for hotel accommodations each time I travelled.
If someone wants to take advantage of the FD, they can rent their points and book the package. I do not think I would ever go that route, but never say never. I personally don't like the FD as your vacation is ruled by your dining reservations, I like to book 1 or 2 sit down meals and go with the flow for the rest of my meals. Breakfast I eat in the room, even when I stay in a studio.

 

[hakepb]

I'm not sure people understand Disney's definition of "free".

I also don't understand why so many people think Disney owes us deals and discounts as timeshare owners. We only own DVC, so I'm not the most knowledgeable about all timeshares. My sister has a Hawaii property. She doesn't get any deals or discounts. She gets the rooms she paid for as a timeshare ownership.

I have to imagine Marriott, Wyndham and the others are the same way. No big deals or discounts - just a room to the specifications of your ownership. So, why then, do we feel entitled to freebies and discounts as DVC owners? I don't mind them, I enjoy using them, I appreciate them, but I don't expect them.

Free dining for members is never going to happen on points. But, is available to all DVC members. Book a rack rate room during the promotion and you too get it. I, in lieue of free dining, just take the big discount on my room that includes up to 3 bedrooms, laundry and a full kitchen.

Oh well, to each their own for sure. I don't mind people's expectations for Disney. I just worry some will never be happy because they won't let themselves.

I love our DVC and the lasting family memories it provides. I don't track to see when I break even on ownership, I don't pay attention to if I could get the room cheaper on a cash discount, etc. I just appreciate I'm able to afford the fun filled family trips to spend time together.

I'm sure there are 1,000,000 ways I could save a ton of money on vacations. But I don't see vacations as a financial investment. I see them as a family/entertainment investment - something a little more priceless.

Actually, there are a bunch of timeshares out there with full RCI memberships that get their members access to many really good deals on additional stays through things like RCI's last call.

 

[JimMIA]

I have to imagine Marriott, Wyndham and the others are the same way. No big deals or discounts - just a room to the specifications of your ownership.

As hakepb said above, there actually are other timeshares that offer far more in terms of deals -- full RCI membership (3,242 choices instead of DVC's <600), Last Call, Extra Vacations, etc.

And some systems, within their own system, offer many times more choices than DVC's very limited number of resorts. Wyndham, for example, has more resorts in Hawaii alone than DVC has in their whole system. Also in Florida.

What they don't offer is quality accomodations ONsite at WDW, although many consider their offerings OFFsite superior.

So, why then, do we feel entitled to freebies and discounts as DVC owners?

Because it's Disney. I have to tell you I have never heard this kind of whining on a Wyndham board. It's pretty amusing.

 

[myxdvz]

Actually, there are a bunch of timeshares out there with full RCI memberships that get their members access to many really good deals on additional stays through things like RCI's last call.

RCI's last call, WM's Monday Madness, Bonus Time, are all specials that are offered to the members owners, not in addition to their discounted room.

That is no different than DVC or AP discounts, or 30% off on rooms. Most of the above are last minute and depends on inventory.

What is being talked about here are additional discounts in addition to already discounted room paid by your membership, i.e., free dining while staying on DVC points, free mousekeeping, etc.

Anyone can choose to go for the Free Dining promo instead of using their points. I see this as the same with RCI's last call. Either use your points, or get the same unit for $300. The issue is when people want the free dining WHILE also staying on DVC points.

Apples and Oranges, IMO.

Because it's Disney. I have to tell you I have never heard this kind of whining on a Wyndham board. It's pretty amusing.

I'll start my pretend whining. Oh why do I have to pay an extra $39 for changing my reservation. What? I'm out of RT? I'm out of HK credits? But, but, but, with DVC I can change my mind anytime and book and rebook and cancel anytime! What? I need to stay a minimum of 3, 4 or 7 days? But, I can stay 1 day at DVC? Oh, and why oh why must I pay an extra $99 for each extra rooms I'm booking for my family? Sooo frustrated with all these fees!!!! Why don't they value us owners? *throws a temper tantrum*

To be fair, there was a lot of angst after WBC started charging $12/day for their shuttle.

I think for the most part, it is because most other owners understand what they bought into. There really is a big number of DVC owners that don't understand what they bought.