VIP/Tiered Rewards to be released soon

[Dean]

If the VIP program ever happens, you can bet that the rewards will be items that cost Disney nothing and can be easily programmed into the MS computer system.

Different booking window
Different banking window

Any other ideas?

Bill

I doubt that's true. IF they do a true timeshare VIP program, I can assure you it will be things that have cost to them. However, it's likely things that don't have large costs or that produce a lot of sales to justify the costs. IF they do a FF type program, it will likely be ho hum and not turn many people's heads to buy extra points. I'm not sure they could actually do the unlimited transfers or a different booking or banking window without some type of DVC II component. I suppose they could give WL priorities and allow points trades for other cash items like tickets, DDP, etc. My guess is this will be just like the resale exclusions where a lot of people say nothing or almost nothing will happen and then when it does, they'll be scratching their heads. From a sales standpoint it makes perfect sense to do a VIP program that has real value and to use it to milk $$$ of out existing owners they would not have gotten otherwise. What remains to be seen is whether they have the stomach to do it. 5-10 years ago I would not have believed they had the backbone but the last 3 years they have shown at least a little.

 

[tjkraz]

The only reason Disney would make a VIP program is to stimulate additional sales. I'm sorry that you won't be happy.

Bill

I doubt they will exclude current owners to exceed the published thresholds. Remember this all started with Lewis' comments at the annual meeting. Those comments came in response to a member who already owns over 1000 points.

IMO the perks will be somewhat appealing and they will be items that cost DVD money. But the threshold will also be high, meaning that DVD's expenses will be mitigated to some extent. I don't see this as a program where 50 or even 25% of current members will qualify.

The program will be a marketing expense and DVD actually has a decent track record for spending on marketing. Whether it's the cash purchase discounts, free cruises, free APs, Developer's Points or even thousands of dollars in rewards to a referring member, DVD is heavily invested on the sales end.

Dean makes an interesting point with suggestions like lower cost exchanges and short term booking. DVD is still sitting on hundreds-of-thousands of unsold points at AKV and SSR. They could use their own holdings to subsidize those lower cost bookings.

Say they offer one half-price cruise booking per year. The normal rate is 600 points but in this case, the member only pays 300 points and DVD kicks-in the other 300 from Developer holdings. Since it's an exchange, I'm not sure if this formal process is even necessary.

Either way, it wouldn't cost them much out of pocket but it's a heck of a perk for those who qualify.

 

[been2marceline]

I'd be happy if the VIP program rewarded owners who have already purchased a set level of points from DVC, and isn't based upon future purchases and/or referrals.

If we look at what DCL did when they implemented their tiered system, I'm pretty sure that the program would have to count points that are currently owned.

We'll see if they are as smart at this as DCL was....

 

[Pootle]

I was thinking this exact thing when reading through the thread. 'Perks' are never guaranteed for long. Remember when they gave out park passes for length of stay when buying OKW? I think they stopped offering the passes for sales in early 1998 and the park pass offer completely expired in 1999. I remember everyone thought that DVC would replace it with something. It's all been downhill since then.

In the interests of accuracy, I bought OKW in September of 1996 and the offer for park passes had ended by then. What's more, because internet use was not widespread like it is now, I didn't even know that there had even been park passes until a few years later! I for one definitely was not speculating on a replacement for something I did not know existed

 

[tjkraz]

I was thinking this exact thing when reading through the thread. 'Perks' are never guaranteed for long. Remember when they gave out park passes for length of stay when buying OKW? I think they stopped offering the passes for sales in early 1998 and the park pass offer completely expired in 1999. I remember everyone thought that DVC would replace it with something. It's all been downhill since then.

The park passes were a sales incentive, which is quite different from a membership perk. The passes are the equivalent of $XX off per point, free AP vouchers or a free cruise with a point purchase. The exact terms of the offer were disclosed at the time of purchase (ending date, how many passes received per trip, etc.)

The free park ticket offer ended around 1995 but owners who purchased under those terms continued to receive the passes through 1999 per Disney's agreement. While perks are typically not guaranteed, the free park passes WERE guaranteed.

It remains to be seen whether or not DVD will make any guarantees for a VIP program.

 

[Sammie]

Remember this all started with Lewis' comments at the annual meeting

The discussion of it started with that comment, but the program was already in planning.

 

[Anal Annie]

I only read the first few pages of this thread. Personally, I would so NOT BE impressed to hear my new perk is a free refillable mug. WhoooHooo! Yeah, that'll get me to buy more points and plan an extra trip!!

While a special fast pass would be on my top 3 list to see them offer give me something that really helps my wallet. Give me a discount on MYW tix and / or that new pass that works for both WDW AND DL. We're not going to WDW at all this year because we're giving DCL and DLP all of our money. I can only spread the love so far. I would've LOVED to have been able to slip down to FL for a long weekend but the price of 3 or 4 days of MYW tix is just plain stooopid. I knew we wouldn't be able to go enough days to buy AP's so we're just not going at all. It hurts but 3 or 4 days of tix + airfare would've cost $2,000. On top of everything else we've got going already that just didn't fit the wallet. Now, had we been able to get a decent discount on MYW tix I might have been able to figure it out.

As an owner with only slightly more than the average number of points I'm not gonna hold my breath for anything REALLLLY good. And I seriously doubt there will be anything for anybody who's remotely near the average (ie anything less than 500 pts.) There is absolutely no sales incentive that could get a 200 or 250 point owner to simply double their points because most of us already own all that we can afford to own.

 

[tjkraz]

The discussion of it started with that comment, but the program was already in planning.

Absolutely.

My comments were directed at the idea that all owners would start out with -0- credit toward this VIP program and only future purchases would have any meaning. I sincerely doubt that is the case. Otherwise, JL would have had no reason to crow about the program to a member who already owns 1000+.

 

[going/again]

As an owner with only slightly more than the average number of points I'm not gonna hold my breath for anything REALLLLY good. And I seriously doubt there will be anything for anybody who's remotely near the average (ie anything less than 500 pts.) There is absolutely no sales incentive that could get a 200 or 250 point owner to simply double their points because most of us already own all that we can afford to own.

Its not the cost of points, that will stop us from buying more, its the airfare from the UK 2 trips a year costs us over £3500 in airfare alone.

 

[Sammie]

Absolutely.

My comments were directed at the idea that all owners would start out with -0- credit toward this VIP program and only future purchases would have any meaning. I sincerely doubt that is the case. Otherwise, JL would have had no reason to crow about the program to a member who already owns 1000+.

I felt sure you knew that but thought maybe someone might misunderstand and I agree I think it will be for points owned and go from there.

 

[lah3hh]

I am still waiting on the release of this announcement...come on DVC tell me all about it...my check book is wide open and ready!!! LOL...

Seriously though, I was one of those who attended last year's annual meeting (like many of you) when JL made this 'teaser' annoucement. I even stayed after the meeting to put a little 'hint' into his ear.

I am one of those 1,000+ point members and I even have my points spread out on two different use years. I had asked if some of the 'normal' DVC rules could be lifted in the VIP tiered system allowing us to transfer points from our different use years and not have all of the stipulations. I am not one of those members who bought extra points to rent or transfer for $$ to other members. I use every single point for myself and trips we take as a family. I know some of these transfer rules are to help limit the selling of points to 'others' but DVC can clearly see I am just transferring points from one of my UY to another. In other words, they can see it is clearly it is me taking the vacations!!!!

I would still like to see some of those 'rules' lifted but don't get me wrong...some of the stuff I have read here is VERY interesting as well. Free Lifetime passes...are you kidding me!!! Line me up for those for sure!!! Extra booking windows, extra banking windows (nice) and how about a special group of MS team who assist some of the tiered members with a more personal service and phone number to call into...that would be nice too!!!

As you can see I am open to about anthing DVC offers and I know if it benefits me and my family in the long run my loving hubby will support additional 'adds' to get us to the top tier...that's just how we roll...

COME ON let's just get the announcement out there...does anyone have the inside scoop on when this is coming?? It seems the DIS gets alot of inside scoop before it is announced where are those spies when we need them!!!

 

[Sammie]

I am still waiting on the release of this announcement...come on DVC tell me all about it...my check book is wide open and ready!!! LOL...

Seriously though, I was one of those who attended last year's annual meeting (like many of you) when JL made this 'teaser' annoucement. I even stayed after the meeting to put a little 'hint' into his ear.

I am one of those 1,000+ point members and I even have my points spread out on two different use years. I had asked if some of the 'normal' DVC rules could be lifted in the VIP tiered system allowing us to transfer points from our different use years and not have all of the stipulations. I am not one of those members who bought extra points to rent or transfer for $$ to other members. I use every single point for myself and trips we take as a family. I know some of these transfer rules are to help limit the selling of points to 'others' but DVC can clearly see I am just transferring points from one of my UY to another. In other words, they can see it is clearly it is me taking the vacations!!!!

I would still like to see some of those 'rules' lifted but don't get me wrong...some of the stuff I have read here is VERY interesting as well. Free Lifetime passes...are you kidding me!!! Line me up for those for sure!!! Extra booking windows, extra banking windows (nice) and how about a special group of MS team who assist some of the tiered members with a more personal service and phone number to call into...that would be nice too!!!

As you can see I am open to about anthing DVC offers and I know if it benefits me and my family in the long run my loving hubby will support additional 'adds' to get us to the top tier...that's just how we roll...

COME ON let's just get the announcement out there...does anyone have the inside scoop on when this is coming?? It seems the DIS gets alot of inside scoop before it is announced where are those spies when we need them!!!

I was told the basics/POS of what we bought when we all purchased would not be affected, it would be additional perks/enhancements. And while you might not abuse the system others would.

As to when it is a guess, but I don't think soon. But of course everyone's definition of soon is different also.

 

[CarolMN]

.....(snip)......I am one of those 1,000+ point members and I even have my points spread out on two different use years. I had asked if some of the 'normal' DVC rules could be lifted in the VIP tiered system allowing us to transfer points from our different use years and not have all of the stipulations. I am not one of those members who bought extra points to rent or transfer for $$ to other members. I use every single point for myself and trips we take as a family. I know some of these transfer rules are to help limit the selling of points to 'others' but DVC can clearly see I am just transferring points from one of my UY to another. In other words, they can see it is clearly it is me taking the vacations!!!.....................!

IMO, they should do this right now for those in your situation, no matter how few or how many points they own. Shouldn't need a VIP program.

In fact, I have read reports from more than one person that they do make exceptions in this area. You should ask the next time you find yourself with an issue that could be "fixed" with an extra transfer. I predict that you will be pleased with the result.

 

[2disneydads]

Absolutely.

My comments were directed at the idea that all owners would start out with -0- credit toward this VIP program and only future purchases would have any meaning. I sincerely doubt that is the case. Otherwise, JL would have had no reason to crow about the program to a member who already owns 1000+.

When I spoke with my guide about the program, although he could not give me any details, he said that with the number of points we own (1725), we would be assured of the maximum benefits. So that leads me to believe that current ownership indeed is taken into account. That is how Marriott Vaction Club did it when they introduced a tiered program last year. Current ownership (at least current ownership bought direct) counted toward placement on the tiers. Hilton Grand Vacation Club did the same when they introduced a tiered program a few years ago. Current ownership bought direct counted toward the various levels. So I would expect DVC to do the same. I'd hope for something meaningful.

 

[Sammie]

When I spoke with my guide about the program, although he could not give me any details, he said that with the number of points we own (1725), we would be assured of the maximum benefits. So that leads me to believe that current ownership indeed is taken into account. That is how Marriott Vaction Club did it when they introduced a tiered program last year. Current ownership (at least current ownership bought direct) counted toward placement on the tiers. Hilton Grand Vacation Club did the same when they introduced a tiered program a few years ago. Current ownership bought direct counted toward the various levels. So I would expect DVC to do the same. I'd hope for something meaningful.

Since the guides have no info on this program, how could your guide possibly know that 1725 will get maximum benefits.

Not saying you will not get the benefits but I think your guide is making a guess which could actually cost him his job.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Since the guides have no info on this program, how could your guide possibly know that 1725 will get maximum benefits.

Not saying you will not get the benefits but I think your guide is making a guess which could actually cost him his job.

With all due respect, I'm sure at least some guides do receive some inside info. Not all guides, and not all info may pan out in the long run, but to suggest guides have zero inside scoop is wrong IMO.
Now, if it was a bus driver...

MG

 

[MD_Guy]

With all due respect, I'm sure at least some guides do receive some inside info. Not all guides, and not all info may pan out in the long run, but to suggest guides have zero inside scoop is wrong IMO.
Now, if it was a bus driver...

MG

I 100% agree....My guide has told me "unofficial" things in the past that have panned out.

I can do a search here and see past rumors that members were told by sources that came true.

 

[jagson]

If a Tiered/VIP program expands the booking window for those that qualify, wouldn't it stand to reason that those that didn't qualify would be shut out more readily from booking a room? Wouldn't those that qualify be able to rent points to nonmembers earlier than non-qualifying members filling primetime reservations earlier; putting non-qualifiers at the back of the line when it came to reservations, say at a high season period, or those that can only go at certain time of the year, ie teachers? Thus, wouldn't it hurt sales in the long run? Why buy a "small" contract if you're at a booking disadvantage?
If this has been addressed already, I apologize.

 

[culli]

If a Tiered/VIP program expands the booking window for those that qualify, wouldn't it stand to reason that those that didn't qualify would be shut out more readily from booking a room? Wouldn't those that qualify be able to rent points to nonmembers earlier than non-qualifying members filling primetime reservations earlier; putting non-qualifiers at the back of the line when it came to reservations, say at a high season period, or those that can only go at certain time of the year, ie teachers? Thus, wouldn't it hurt sales in the long run? Why buy a "small" contract if you're at a booking disadvantage?
If this has been addressed already, I apologize.

I agree this would make me mad. If they do stuff I hope it is something that doesn't put others at a disadvantage or "punish" them. Discounts and AP type stuff makes sense. Or even more housekeeping, early check in late out stuff doesn't necessarily put others out of anything.

 

[Dean]

If a Tiered/VIP program expands the booking window for those that qualify, wouldn't it stand to reason that those that didn't qualify would be shut out more readily from booking a room? Wouldn't those that qualify be able to rent points to nonmembers earlier than non-qualifying members filling primetime reservations earlier; putting non-qualifiers at the back of the line when it came to reservations, say at a high season period, or those that can only go at certain time of the year, ie teachers? Thus, wouldn't it hurt sales in the long run? Why buy a "small" contract if you're at a booking disadvantage?
If this has been addressed already, I apologize.

I think that IF reservations were made easier (no matter how) for one group, it would make them inherently harder for another group. I don't think DVC could do much with the current system other than possibly with the wait list as it relates to the current resorts and system. For new resorts, they could create a parallel system where the reservations rules are changed. It would require current members to change over to the new system in some way to make changes with existing resorts.

As for sales, I think you give people far too much credit. Timeshares are an emotional purchase in most cases, those that investigate and make a truly informed decision are relatively rare though it's changing somewhat. Also, even when one has the facts in front of them, they often make a poor and/or emotional decision. How many have we seen post they bought direct because it was a simple process or they trusted Disney or even for the BLT dues being lower. What if DVC becomes more aggressive on the sales side (they really have to)? that would spur a better sales rate at the presentation level.