vanishing perks

[mic_KY_mouses]

I don't count on the perks and I am happy with our membership without them. That being said, there is a new La Nouba DVC discount announced in the last few days that is saving us 35% off the ticket price for this December.

Perks change and can come or go entirely. I am happy to use whatever is available. I do think they will always offer some sort of perks as enticement for future sales.

 

[going/again]

Despite what you read on the DIS (or what think you read on the DIS) you can't book a two week holiday with free dining, for less than the dues for enough points for a two week holiday. Try it and see if you don't believe me.

you see this is what happens someone comes along and says the above, every year i go to the travel agent and get a price from them ( I like to see what i'm saving with dvc) for the past 2 years its been cheaper than our dues, I did try it if its the same next year i will be selling. I didn't read it on the dis i got it 1st hand from travel agent if i knew how to post pictures i would post quote from travel agent.

 

[Lynne M]

you see this is what happens someone comes along and says the above, every year i go to the travel agent and get a price from them ( I like to see what i'm saving with dvc) for the past 2 years its been cheaper than our dues, I did try it if its the same next year i will be selling. I didn't read it on the dis i got it 1st hand from travel agent if i knew how to post pictures i would post quote from travel agent.

Which resort?

 

[going/again]

Which resort?

SSR, ironically our home resort 42% off plus free dining.

sorry my mistake it was 47% off

 

[Chuck S]

SSR, ironically our home resort 42% off plus free dining.

sorry my mistake it was 47% off

That is a UK special, not offered on the US website.

But, let's look at it.

SSR Feb 7 to Feb 21, 2010. Studio, family of 4 with 1 child over the age of 10, and one child under 10. $5,608 rack rate plus tax of $616.88 = $6,224.88. Less 47% (2925.69) = $3,299.19.

Ponts for that stay = 233. If SSR dues increase 15% for 2010 (unlikely) that would be $4.99pp. or $1,162.67 for dues on those points. Now add the DDP $1,931.44 = $3,094.11. So no, it is still less on points counting just your dues, but close. Now, add the initial buy in of the points at $2 ($100 divided by a 50 year contract) and that ups the point total to $3,560.11. So slightly more with points and DDP.

Now the question...do you expect that type of cash special to be around every year until 2057? Were such specials being offered when you purchased? If so, why did you purchase?

This cash special is not meant for US residents, who make up the vast majority of DVCers. So while DVC may not be a current bargain for UK owners, it is still a great bargain for US owners, since in order to get free DDP we'd be paying $6,224.88, DVC would still yield us about a 43% discount.

 

[DisneyWalker44]

SSR, ironically our home resort 42% off plus free dining.

sorry my mistake it was 47% off

That's a heck of a deal. I'll love to see the details (always fun to read about them here.)

I don't mean to doubt your story... just want to show that your situation was extremely rare. Under normal circumstances, the maintenance fees on DVC are much cheaper than a cash reservation, even with a killer bargain.

Cash Resort:

1BR is September (I guessed because of free dining):

$395 (Rack Rate) x (1-47% discount) x 1.125 (tax) x 7 (nights) = $1,648.33

Points:

182 points for a week x 4.3353 (maintenance fee) = $789.02

 

[going/again]

That is a UK special, not offered on the US website.

But, let's look at it.

SSR Feb 7 to Feb 21, 2010. Studio, family of 4 with 1 child over the age of 10, and one child under 10. $5,608 rack rate plus tax of $616.88 = $6,224.88. Less 47% (2925.69) = $3,299.19.

Ponts for that stay = 233. If SSR dues increase 15% for 2010 (unlikely) that would be $4.99pp. or $1,162.67 for dues on those points. Now add the DDP $1,931.44 = $3,094.11. So no, it is still less on points counting just your dues, but close. Now, add the initial buy in of the points at $2 ($100 divided by a 50 year contract) and that ups the point total to $3,560.11. So slightly more with points and DDP.

Now the question...do you expect that type of cash special to be around every year until 2057? Were such specials being offered when you purchased? If so, why did you purchase?

This cash special is not meant for US residents, who make up the vast majority of DVCers. So while DVC may not be a current bargain for UK owners, it is still a great bargain for US owners, since in order to get free DDP we'd be paying $6,224.88, DVC would still yield us about a 43% discount.

why would you add the dining plan when its offered for free, I live in the uk can only compare with prices being offered here, no special offers were not being offered or i would not have bought, we keep being told that these deals wont be around forever, but disney has conditioned people to expect deals you only have to look on here to see posts asking when the deals come out, my real gripe is keep seeing my home resort sold by travel agents when its a stand alone resort, you might have to pay $6000 + we dont over here.

 

[pinnocchiosdad]

Well, if financing makes you feel entitled to perks because it's a burden, then maybe you shouldn't have financed in the first place. Owning something like DVC is a luxury, If affording it means you feel you must have perks to make it worthwhile, then maybe it wasn't a good purchase for you.

Read closer next time. I never said i purchased for the "perks". My point is that many of us with mortgages look at our monthlyX12=yearly payments as our cost of ownership and not just the MF's. I stand by my statement.

 

[going/again]

That's a heck of a deal. I'll love to see the details (always fun to read about them here.)

I don't mean to doubt your story...

easy to see their on the net

 

[CarolAnnC]

I'm sorry, but I have to disagree with the focus of this thread.

With the points that my DVC purchase has given me I can:

Book a room with access to Stormalong Bay,

Book a room with a view of the Magic Kingdom,

Book a room with a view of African animals,

Book a room in Disney's premier California resort,

and many other room/resort types. Rooms that have spoiled my family so much that I found it would not work out to use the first pin code I could ever use (darn).

DVC presently gives me access to a $100 discount on an regular annual pass - does ANY other group get a discount on this type of ticket media ? A very useful perk since past polls on this very board routinely return the result that the AP is the most common ticket media used by members.


By extension, the AP allows me access to other discounts on food, merchandise, tours, ability to purchase TIW card, etc. THough these are AP benefits we are more likely to purchase this because of our dvc membership and travel style.

From Allears.net :
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Members receive discounts on golf, shopping, spa treatments (at Saratoga Springs) and annual passes. Dining discounts at select restaurants are occasionally offered (usually 10% - 20%), and discounted tickets are available for Disney Quest, Pleasure Island and the water parks.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Reduced room rates are available at DVC resorts if staying on a cash reservation.[/FONT]

To those that complain about the food - where are you eating ?!? Some of out best meals have been at WDW. Maybe one of your old favorites has changed - well, try something new ! Try Jiko. Alfredo's replacement Tutto Italia has been getting much better reviews than its replacement. Teppan Edo is good food and great fun, and this is from a "meat-n-potatoes" type of guy.

DVC has done exactly what I expect it to do - provide my family and I deluxe and specious accommodations for an affordable price. Any perks they provide above that are welcome, and I will do my best to take advantage of them when I can, but I will not cry a river when they are gone. Life is too short to waste your anger on things this small.

Very well said.

 

[Chuck S]

Read closer next time. I never said i purchased for the "perks". My point is that many of us with mortgages look at our monthlyX12=yearly payments as our cost of ownership and not just the MF's. I stand by my statement.

But isn't it the same "cost of ownership" whether you paid cash or financed, other than the interest rate?

The "true cost" isn't your monthly payment, since the ownership interest extends much longer than your mortgage.

You can't say the "true cost" is your monthly payment, unless you planned to sell immediately upon your mortgage being satisfied...and then there would still be value to offset the cost, unless you just give your ownership away.

 

[wtshirleydvc]

you see this is what happens someone comes along and says the above, every year i go to the travel agent and get a price from them ( I like to see what i'm saving with dvc) for the past 2 years its been cheaper than our dues, I did try it if its the same next year i will be selling. I didn't read it on the dis i got it 1st hand from travel agent if i knew how to post pictures i would post quote from travel agent.

Ok. Assuming that this is true... there is one error in your argument. You said for "the past two years"... Disney is hurting at the moment... and has been for the past two years. That is why they are offering all of these discounts!!!! Free Dining, 7/4, etc. Disney is not doing this because they are generous people. They are going it because, due to (most likely) the recession, occupancy rates are at (almost) all time lows. They need people on property... and need them bad. Now with that said... I don't agree with the current plan of action and I think that upper management needs a wake-up call. (That conversation is for another time.) But, the point is... the recession will end... and when it does... these promotions will be scaled back. Big time.

DVC is a great value now, but it will be even better in the years to come. I've ran the numbers... I've spent HOURS running the numbers (using an MF increase of 3% compounded annually). The conclusion... If you use your points to stay at DVC resorts, you will save money. Period.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Read closer next time. I never said i purchased for the "perks". My point is that many of us with mortgages look at our monthlyX12=yearly payments as our cost of ownership and not just the MF's. I stand by my statement.

I did read closer....so close it was between the lines.

 

[UConnJack]

My God, the sense of entitlement is staggering. Why do so many DVC'ers feel they are owed anything and everything? As a group, DVC owners seem to be the biggest whiners when it comes to getting things their way. I'm sorry, we did not buy "perks", and being DVC does not make us shareholders in Disney. It does not mean we are ENTITLED the best room in the building, the best seat in the house, discounts on everything, and being first in line. But the great thing is, sometimes it DOES get us these things. So stop complaining.

Perks are just that, perks. Not entitlements. We didn't pay for them, and we were never promised them. Sure they use the general concept of perks as a sales pitch, but they never promised any specific perks were going to be around forever. And many (including me) think that the perks are better overall now than before. For me, the AP discount and free internet (both recent additions) are the best perks that have been offered to date. Add in the golf perk, and I'm perfectly happy with the perks. Would I be disappointed if these were taken away? Sure, but it will never affect my feelings about DVC and its value (there are things that can and have, but that's another discussion).

And to the person complaining that because he financed, DVC is not as good of a deal for him........well DUH! And this doesn't make you any more entitled to "perks" than anyone else or if you didn't finance.

 

[alady89]

My God, the sense of entitlement is staggering. Why do so many DVC'ers feel they are owed anything and everything? As a group, DVC owners seem to be the biggest whiners when it comes to getting things their way. I'm sorry, we did not buy "perks", and being DVC does not make us shareholders in Disney.

Wow - can you feel the hostility? No, we did not buy perks but as DVC owners who have made a long term investment in a product, perks enhance the satisfaction of members and in bring referalls to DVC which does enhance the bottom lime for the company.

Why do you think everything from restaurants to airlines offer "reward" programs? You are not entitled to these perks simply because you choose their services but they increase repeat business and customer satisfaction.

Yes, I bought into DVC because it fits my priorities now. I even financed because that worked best for my family now but if you took away all the perks, I would definately be less satisfied with my product and purchase. I am still shocked there is no discount on any type of normal ticket as APs do not work for a lot of DVC members and you do lose money we would spend in parks when we use other Orlando parks over Disney due to better deals.

This is not about entitlement but rather about satisfaction, repeat business, increased referalls, and for Dinsey - ultimatley an increased bottom line.

For any whom would argue perks are not a part of the experience, then you really need to call DVC marketing and tell them their guides are committing fraud in their presentations and explain how you hate perks and only wants rooms to be happy. Sounds insane to me . . but to each their own.

Love my DVC and love perks. Let the two long live together, at least for the next 45 years or so.

 

[Chuck S]

Wow - can you feel the hostility? No, we did not buy perks but as DVC owners who have made a long term investment in a product, perks enhance the satisfaction of members and in bring referalls to DVC which does enhance the bottom lime for the company.

Why do you think everything from restaurants to airlines offer "reward" programs? You are not entitled to these perks simply because you choose their services but they increase repeat business and customer satisfaction.

Yes, I bought into DVC because it fits my priorities now. I even financed because that worked best for my family now but if you took away all the perks, I would definately be less satisfied with my product and purchase. I am still shocked there is no discount on any type of normal ticket as APs do not work for a lot of DVC members and you do lose money we would spend in parks when we use other Orlando parks over Disney due to better deals.

This is not about entitlement but rather about satisfaction, repeat business, increased referalls, and for Dinsey - ultimatley an increased bottom line.

For any whom would argue perks are not a part of the experience, then you really need to call DVC marketing and tell them their guides are committing fraud in their presentations and explain how you hate perks and only wants rooms to be happy. Sounds insane to me . . but to each their own.

Love my DVC and love perks. Let the two long live together, at least for the next 45 years or so.

People keep using the phrase "repeat business." That certainly applies to airlines and other services because you have a choice as to which company you do business with. But with a timeshare...any timeshare, what do you mean by "repeat business?" While many members will add on small contracts at new resorts, it is doubtful they will be inclined to continually buy a larger contract, that is normally the initial purchase only.

There is no real "need" for them to keep us happy, the resort expenses are paid by dues, unlike the cash resorts that constantly need cash customers to pay the maintenance expenses. If a DVCers is so unhappy with their membership because of lack of perks, they will sell. The member takes the financial loss, not Disney, they still get their dues, either from the original member, or whomever buy it resale. They've made the bulk of their profit from the initial sale.

Discount perks aren't to "keep us happy" they are offered as an incentive to buy a specific product, like an AP, or to dine at a specific restaurant. It is true for any business, perks and coupons benefit the company as well as the consumer. If a specific location is doing well, there is no need to offer a discount.

 

[alady89]

People keep using the phrase "repeat business." That certainly applies to airlines and other services because you have a choice as to which company you do business with. But with a timeshare...any timeshare, what do you mean by "repeat business?" .

Simply put, although DVC has my money, it does not mean DW has my money. I can and will use my nice pre-paid hotel room and visit other Orlando parks. There is better discounts and value available other places.

Discounts and perks lure customers to visit. As a DVC member, it is nice to be treated as a most valued customer. Similar to other preferred customers such as AP holders.

Thus, the "perks" influence where else my money goes. In most service related type of businesses, repeat customers account for a large part of the revenue source. Arguing perks are not important is to undermine the ability to get these perks in the future. Ask and thou shall receive still goes far in many business places.

If we all say that perks are not important, watch them disappear. I would rather DVC and Disney realize these are important and enhance these perks as well. Why would anyone want less perks? Simply does not make sense!

 

[TDC Nala]

They still get your money - you've already paid DVC and you're still staying there, whether you visit the Disney parks or not. If you sell because you don't like the perks, then you'll have an impact. If you keep staying at Disney, no impace. If Disney wants to encourage us to visit their parks or a particular restaurant, then they'll offer some sort of discount.

Chuck's right - a timeshare is not the same thing as a preferred customer program. Starwood wants me to book their hotel and not Marriott's so they offer me stuff the more I stay there. Disney knows I own points so I'm coming to stay there.

Everyone wants a DVC discount on the dining plan - other than "free dining" which is actually a room package discount, nobody gets a discount on the dining plan (except sometimes cast members). In fact, DVC members are lucky to even be able to buy the dining plan. It wasn't offered to DVC at first but they had to work it out because of complaints that DVC members thought it should be available to them. Now that we have it, it's not enough - we want it discounted? I personally don't want that - I wouldn't use it even at a discount.

So it's probably obvious that I would never ever choose to be on the Disney dining plan for almost a full MONTH - oh the horror.

 

[mikron]

Bought OKW & SSR in 2004, there was not talk from sales staff about perks that come along with DVC points other then free parking at DVC resorts. We have lost that right as I understand it, but I am selfemployed and had to lay off 3 of my men. I guss you could say they lost more then perks and I needed to do that so my business could stay alive.

 

[Chuck S]

Simply put, although DVC has my money, it does not mean DW has my money. I can and will use my nice pre-paid hotel room and visit other Orlando parks. There is better discounts and value available other places.

Discounts and perks lure customers to visit. As a DVC member, it is nice to be treated as a most valued customer. Similar to other preferred customers such as AP holders.

Thus, the "perks" influence where else my money goes. In most service related type of businesses, repeat customers account for a large part of the revenue source. Arguing perks are not important is to undermine the ability to get these perks in the future. Ask and thou shall receive still goes far in many business places.

If we all say that perks are not important, watch them disappear. I would rather DVC and Disney realize these are important and enhance these perks as well. Why would anyone want less perks? Simply does not make sense!

I wonder what "perks" those other "Orlando Parks" are offering to you as a DVC member? My guess would be that there are a lot more "DVC Member" perks at Disney than at Universal or Sea World, aren't there? At least I sure haven't seen any specific DVC Member perks at those other parks.

Also, a $100/$125 DVC discount per person on an AP seems to be a means to encourage repeat business to the parks, doesn't it?