Regret (and Disappointment)

[vacay77]

First, I need to put a disclaimer because undoubtedly, people will likely respond that when I bought into DVC, all I bought was a room. Nothing more, nothing less. Which is true. But I'm mostly venting here. I might feel differently next week, but for this week, I feel regret that I added on to VDH before the incentives for existing members ended.

My family's annual trip to Disneyland is usually in October. It's one of my favorite times to visit. Because VGC is our original home resort, we book our trip 11 months in advance. I look forward to going to Oogie Boogie Bash every year, and while the event always sold out, it never sold out the same day that tickets went on sale. Except for this past Tuesday. I logged in a few minutes before 9 am, and waited in a queue. And waited. And waited some more. Until a message popped up that said the date that I wanted to book had limited availability. At that point, I still had over an hour wait in the queue and I figured that the tickets would sell out before it was my turn. Which is exactly what happened. I stuck it out because I wanted to prepare myself for what I could expect near year, and by the time it was my turn, all of October was sold out. Anyway, in the past, guests of Disney hotels have been able to purchase tickets the morning of at the hotel. I've done this before at VGC when I had planned a last minute trip to Disneyland. I called Disney yesterday to enquire about it for this year and I was told that it's likely that they will not offer it this year due to the high demand.

I was also told that several cast members weren't able to buy any tickets, too. This whole process has got me thinking. If the cast members can't even get tickets, what is Disney even doing?? Or not doing?? Recently, I've seen a lot of notifications for D23 gold members - special Rogers the Musical viewing (or event?), Jollywood, are just a few of them. To me, it seems like Disney is targeting more towards D23 gold members and paid experiences. But I don't understand why DVC members or cast members can't have the opportunity to purchase special event tickets before the general public? I do have a Magic Key - I was finally able to purchase the Enchant Key after sales were paused for a long time, but it's not activated. I'm planning on activating it when I'm there this October - and I hope that it gives me an opportunity to buy tickets for Oogie Boogie for next year during pre-sales but even then, I read that Magic Key members had a difficult time, too. So I'm trying to prepare myself that it will be the same as this year.

Anyway, I still don't regret buying VGC. But I do regret adding onto VDH. This isn't meant to sour the experiences for new DVC members. Mostly just posting this here because I feel like many of you might feel the same way at this given time.

 

[Narcoossee11]

Popular event for sure. Demand is VERY high.
But not really a DVC issue.
Maybe next year if 2023 doesn't work.

Just heard that people are reselling tickets at inflationed prices. NOW that is a issue.

 

[nlharpel]

Popular event for sure. Demand is VERY high.
But not really a DVC issue.
Maybe next year if 2023 doesn't work.

Just heard that people are reselling tickets at inflationed prices. NOW that is a issue.

I was going to mention the same thing. It sucks but is understandable when events sell out because of demand but when I see people reselling tickets for huge profit, that is a problem. I’m really sorry you weren’t able to get tickets. I can’t believe how ****ty the process was this year and how quickly it sold out. I hope Disney does a major overhaul for next year to reduce scalpers and make the process smoother for everyone.

 

[CarolMN]

So sorry. Perfectly understandable to be disappointed.

I wish they would offer Disney Hotel guests the opportunity to purchase those tickets in advance, even if it's only a one day advantage and limited to the registered occupants. That seems only right to me. Wouldn't hurt for you to send DL guest services a note expressing your disappointment. Won't help this year, but maybe for the future?

 

[DonnerB]

I went last year for the first time, and we decided that while it was fun, it wasn't something we needed to do every year. Thank goodness because this year I was in a four hour queue for Eras Tour tickets on Tuesday!

I think @CarolMN has an excellent idea - this is already how we gain access to Moonlight Magic tickets. Pretty sure onsite guests at WDW had early access to tickets for the Halloween party this year too?

Hope your regret eases soon and you enjoy your trip despite the disappointment. Crossing my fingers for you there ARE actually tickets available for hotel guests day-of!

 

[Wedgeout]

They definitely need the hotel stay day. For WDW it was immediate, no queue. The dates of the party to select were lit up to pick from during our reservation. Purchase, finished. The Oogie Boogie magic key day was just as bad as the public mess. My luck for it was over 5 hours with dates gone. I believe this wasn’t an actual queue in line at all. Wish they gave a number in line like Moonlight Magic does. On the 11th was on the computer prior to sale time. That bar barely moved. Took over 8 hours for that queue. However just over 30 minutes into that day, I decided to select tickets through the Disneyland app. That queue entered the selection point just over 4 hours in. Then it becomes a sweaty palms stressful experience. Trying to refresh in hopes a date will return.

Don’t let this bad experience change anything in regards to DVC. Hopefully the resorts will magically have tickets during your visit. There will still be plenty of Halloween theming and activities without attending the party. On the Disneyland side, the characters have had their Halloween attire on, late afternoons on Main St. Just missing a parade, random other meet & greets, candy, and a themed woods walk. No biggie in the grand scheme of things. Put that money toward other fun things during the stay.

 

[Sandisw]

Definitely can see why it a disappoint and I agree with others to share that it would be nice to have some advance sale opportunities for those staying in certain hotels which would include DVC.

And, I know they said they may not be offering day of tickets, you never know until it happens so crossing fingers it works out!

 

[2Lunds]

I've seen quite a few tiktok/IG posts showing tickets on reseller sites. Hopefully they'll figure out a way to somewhat restrict this like they did with limited edition merch.

 

[MagicDVC]

I wish they would do a day for resort guests and Magic Key holders before the general public. I thought the special event tickets were nonrefundable and nontransferable, but that might be just WDW.

 

[Royal Consort]

Disney gives their direct DVC members the 'illusion' of being special and elite customers but it's an illusion only. When lack of perks were brought up at last year's condo meeting, participants were told the perk is the discounted room. That tells you everything.

I enjoy my few perks I get with my direct membership but it was not enough to prevent me from resale. Alas, I'm not surprised no offer was made to dvc members for Oogie Boogie.

 

[Sammie]

Unpopular opinion on a DVC page probably, but I never expect anything from Parks more than any other guest and honestly I don't feel as a DVC member I deserve more. Lots of people that are not DVC spend way more money at Disneyland and Disney World than some DVC members. I just see them as two different mini companies under a huge umbrella. If I get any perk at all I am happy as when we bought we got none, nothing, none.

 

[CarolMN]

Unpopular opinion on a DVC page probably, but I never expect anything from Parks more than any other guest and honestly I don't feel as a DVC member I deserve more. Lots of people that are not DVC spend way more money at Disneyland and Disney World than some DVC members. I just see them as two different mini companies under a huge umbrella. If I get any perk at all I am happy as when we bought we got none, nothing, none.

While I agree with you in principle, perks like this for DVC are really offered to support resort occupancy / DVD sales.

Since they just started VDH sales, I was surprised that DL did not offer this to its hotel guests. (I would expect them to limit the number of tickets available this way, just as they do for WDW MM events). Costs them very little and they already have the means to do so. YMMV.

 

[dcfromva]

...To me, it seems like Disney is targeting more towards D23 gold members and paid experiences....

Not that this will make you feel any better, but even having a D23 membership doesn't really help that much. I've given up on D23 because I have always been shut out of the really neat things they advertise. It really bugged me to pay a membership fee on top of it. (Some of the D23 special events apparently sell out in about a minute or so. )

Anyway, sorry you did not get Oogie Boogie tickets. I haven't seen anything like this year. I hope you get some pixie dust and are able to get last minute tickets at VGC.

 

[tjkraz]

Disney gives their direct DVC members the 'illusion' of being special and elite customers but it's an illusion only. When lack of perks were brought up at last year's condo meeting, participants were told the perk is the discounted room. That tells you everything.

The problem is that some DVC owners seem to have the perception that they should be branded "Disney's best customer" and thus receive the best of everything. In cases like Oogie Boogie where there is a limited supply (capacity), every added benefit potentially given to one group is something taken away from another. Priority purchase for Magic Key, DVC, D23, etc means fewer tickets for everyone else. That's why Disney tends to rotate those perks among various groups and events.

The primary perk of DVC *IS* the discounted room. Members often fixate on the idea that they've given Disney $30k-40k (or more), and again view this as some "best customer" indicator. But what we're really doing is locking in a discount for DECADES to come. From Disney's perspective, they're sacrificing 60-70% on lodging year-after-year in exchange for the up front fee. IMO, it's unrealistic for DVC members to expect an endless parade of discounts and perks in all other areas.

That said, there are a lot of perks for DVC members. It's not merely an illusion. Ask infrequent cash guests what they would think of cheaper annual passes, 20% merchandise discounts, private lounges and free after-hours parties. Specific to this one topic, it's fair to question why hotel guests didn't get some priority period. But DVC perks will never touch every corner of the Disney empire.

 

[Brian Noble]

It sucks but is understandable when events sell out because of demand but when I see people reselling tickets for huge profit, that is a problem

The obvious solution to this problem would be for Disney to charge significantly more for the tickets in the first place.

 

[Anthony1971]

I can understand your disappointment we have owned DVC for 20 years and have been locked out of things... Getting up and being online with 2 computers in 2 locations............................
I am all for DVC members getting "perks" and others that pay for Deluxe hotels or........
But this is just a fact we have to live with that Disney wants to be fair to all. While I understand and accept this part does not mean I agree with it. Scalpers are just a bigger part of this type of system not saying it will not happen if they offered X to just those who paid Y but it is less likely because of the Y and more Y is not what they want.
I did in fact buy understanding 'perks" were not a guarantee and they have actually improved through the years for "Blue" card members with better discounts at a lot more places, a member lounge and the exclusive park nights. However I would love to have universal type perks stay Deluxe get unlimited front of the line - also for sale as with most other theme parks- it makes for a stress free day where you can go to the theme park, eat and relax + many other perks.

 

[DonMacGregor]

The problem is that some DVC owners seem to have the perception that they should be branded "Disney's best customer" and thus receive the best of everything. In cases like Oogie Boogie where there is a limited supply (capacity), every added benefit potentially given to one group is something taken away from another. Priority purchase for Magic Key, DVC, D23, etc means fewer tickets for everyone else. That's why Disney tends to rotate those perks among various groups and events.

I agree with this 100%. I'm a Blue Card DVC owner (direct and resale), a D23 member, and own both a Sorcerer Pass AND an Inspire Key, and I still think that special opportunities to attend events (aside from Moonlight Magic, of course), should be disseminated amongst the various Disney affinity groups. I don't think any one group, in this case DVC, should be given priority to EVERY discount, event, or merchandise offering. Obviously that's easy for me to say because I belong to so many of those groups and even with dissemination, I have a better chance of enjoying the benefit, but I also appreciate that members of each of those discrete groups should get a chance to enjoy these events as well, regardless of how their love/support of Disney is manifested.

 

[Yankee626]

I disagree! DVC members should be given a window before the general public to get these tickets. DCL offers this to their Castaway members for special cruises . If someone is investing 20-100K to come to DW or DL every year multiple times they should at least get that perk. After all its not free. Yes DVC members are paying for a room but aren't they also spending more over their lifetime that other Disney customers. Disney doesn't sell DVC to lose money. Its a huge money maker for them and customers should be treated accordingly. Its business 101.

 

[DonMacGregor]

I disagree! DVC members should be given a window before the general public to get these tickets. DCL offers this to their Castaway members for special cruises . If someone is investing 20-100K to come to DW or DL every year multiple times they should at least get that perk. After all its not free. Yes DVC members are paying for a room but aren't they also spending more over their lifetime that other Disney customers. Disney doesn't sell DVC to lose money. Its a huge money maker for them and customers should be treated accordingly. Its business 101.

So no matter what event or merchandise item (or anything else for that matter) that any division of the Walt Disney Company offers, you feel you should be first in line for it because you own DVC.

And DCL offering advanced purchase opportunities for cruises to their best cruise customers isn't the same as California Adventure offering Oogie Boogie Bash tickets to DVC members. That's more akin to DVC offering Membership Extras to eligible DVC owners versus non-grandfathered resale owners. If anyone should (?) get advanced purchase opportunities for generally available park events, it would be Magic Key holders.

 

[Cfabar1]

I do think that membership should have its privileges. However, I would prefer to see DVC invest in the core product rather than take money that will raise prices on units and have that going to discounts. I'd much rather see better mattresses, more frequent refurbishments, etc. But that's just me. My understanding is that DVD pays for the discounts as marketing expenses in essence. Even worse would be if funding from dues were paying for these special events, but I don't think that is the case.

That and I'd like to see the return of the tapestry of nations and Illuminations2000.