Small Perks Disappearing

[Dell]

Just returned from a week stay @ OKW (as a member on points). Made a few local phone calls (modem) and when I checked out I was charged 35 cents for each one. I know it is not much, but I always thought members were not charged for local calls. I questioned this @ checkout, but all three people that were working the desk (8:30pm) said members pay for local calls. When did this change??

BTW, no biggie, just a little disappointed as things change. I know dues probably were used to pay for this; does this mean my dues are going down?

ha-ha!

 

[dianeschlicht]

I think that one changed a couple of years ago. I'm not exactly sure, since we rarely make any local calls from the room and NEVER make any long distance calls on anything other than a cell phone. Besides, we didn't buy DVC because of the free local calling....LOL, Didn't seem to matter much to us!

 

[Towncrier]

It changed the same year that our dues went down (as a direct result of the savings from not paying for local calls). At least that is how it was explained to me.

 

[jekjones1558]

Non-members pay 75¢/call, so we are getting a reduced rate. I wondered the same thing when we were there, so I checked.

 

[spiceycat]

so far I have not been charged for my toll free numbers - but I am expecting that to happen too.

 

[PrincessJasmine08]

I called the front desk one day and asked to be connected to the spa at Saratoga Springs. I was charged 75 cents for this call when I checked out and we are owners. I guess this was an error. It's obviously not an issue, but I'll know for next time.

 

[Muushka]

I have been paying for local calls since 2002, maybe longer than that. I always check on prices of calls when I check in, in case something changes.

 

[Towncrier]

I should have explained my comment a little better. I attended my first DVC condo association meeting in 2001. The question of free vs 35cent phone calls was asked. The reply was that DVC was able to lower the "per point" cost of ownership at Old Key West for all members by charging for those formerly free local calls.

Every perk that DVC provides (discounted park passes, waterslide at OKW main pool) or might someday provide (free internet, free phone calls) has to be paid for by someone. And that someone is us.

Do I miss the free park passes that we used to get at Old Key West? You bet. And free phone calls? Perhaps (although I tend to use my cellphone to make all my calls). But personally, I would rather see lower dues.

 

[rogerram]

another question is, didn't the clubs on the Boardwalk have no cover charges for members at one time. I seem to remember this being a perk, but I had to pay $8.00 this past year at Jellyrolls.

 

[Chuck S]

Every perk that DVC provides (discounted park passes, waterslide at OKW main pool) or might someday provide (free internet, free phone calls) has to be paid for by someone. And that someone is us.

I don't think most actual discounts are charged back to members through dues. Free perks, yes, but why would all members be charged back for spa discounts, ticket discounts, tour discounts, etc? I thought the point of any business giving this type of discount was to increase participation...ie, the spa discount is to encourage more members to try out the spa (which is not Disney operated), the purpose of the AP discount is to encourage members to spend more time in the parks, as members tend to take longer vacations than most WDW guests, etc. The water slide construction was paid for by Disney, the upkeep and lifeguard are paid for by dues, as outlined in our POS. Free internet and phone calls, yes, that would be made up by dues, as that applies directly to our resorts.

 

[DBBN]

We've been paying for local calls while staying on points for at least 10 years. After a quick check of our expenses while at the resort I found the earliset local call charge was during a stay at OKW in March of 1996 when calls were .25 each. The first charge I have for .35 local calls was during another stay at OKW in March of 1999.

 

[jcodespoti]

We've been paying a cover for Jellyroles since '99.

Joe in CT

 

[Niagara2]

We have been members since 96 and have been paying the reduced local fee the whole time. I think it is a bargain as I have been know the been on a dial up connection for two hours late at night when the kids are in bed. 35 cents for all that time on the internet - not bad and better than the $10 for DSL for one day. It is slower but really not bad.

 

[Muushka]

I don't think most actual discounts are charged back to members through dues. Free perks, yes, but why would all members be charged back for spa discounts, ticket discounts, tour discounts, etc? I thought the point of any business giving this type of discount was to increase participation...ie, the spa discount is to encourage more members to try out the spa (which is not Disney operated), the purpose of the AP discount is to encourage members to spend more time in the parks, as members tend to take longer vacations than most WDW guests, etc. The water slide construction was paid for by Disney, the upkeep and lifeguard are paid for by dues, as outlined in our POS. Free internet and phone calls, yes, that would be made up by dues, as that applies directly to our resorts.

I agree with you Chuck. I do not think that the discounts that we are given are paid for with our dues. The AP discount for example. WDW is certainly getting a lot more business from us because we now buy the APs and spend more time ($$) in the parks and on Disney property. If I thought for one minute that we were paying for those discounts, well I don't know what I would do!!

 

[Dean]

Members pay for hardwire things like busses, phone systems, MS, front desk, housekeeping and the like. As a rule, there are no direct costs to the perks like discounts, free valet and the like. There are a few exceptions like free movies but even then the other income likely covers the cost without members having to ante up. And the free park passes were not paid for by members either.

 

[dvc at last !]

DVC Members should get free local calls - if it has to do with making/checking reservations for dinners on property, spa services, golf reservations etc.

 

[Chuck S]

For call within Disney property (spas, salons, special tour, caaling friends at a different Disney resort, etc.) I've not been charged...I've simply called WDW operator and asked to be connected. Anything offsite, of course, I pay for.

 

[keishashadow]

Perhaps I'm conditioned to never "touch" the phone in any hotel for fear of the excessive fees involved for nearly any call @ most non-WDW resorts we visit...stick to my cell phone/national plan, no roaming.

I think eliminating the toll-free DVC phone number would be a huge cost saver toward operating costs. Certainly would eliminate alot of the gratuitous phone calls.
I'd be upset if the valet perc goes by the wayside.

 

[dvc at last !]

I think DVC Members shoud get FREE calls to ONSITE restaurants, golf
and spas to make reservations.
We are paying our dues and wanting to
spend MORE money when there.
If that becomes a problem (making too many calls)
- then limit the number of calls per day/visit.

 

[Chuck S]

Perhaps I'm conditioned to never "touch" the phone in any hotel for fear of the excessive fees involved for nearly any call @ most non-WDW resorts we visit...stick to my cell phone/national plan, no roaming.

I think eliminating the toll-free DVC phone number would be a huge cost saver toward operating costs. Certainly would eliminate alot of the gratuitous phone calls.
I'd be upset if the valet perc goes by the wayside.

I do not think the toll free Member services phone number should be eliminated. I think restricting Member Services to members only is the right thing to do.