We are losing Member's Perks!

[Mark099]

From the link you posted

MK and DHS had one option, AK and Epcot a few more. I still don't see that as a huge loss. May I suggest that you purchase an AP or TIW as you will have better discounts with those.

I did qualify that it's a current list (supposedly), not an old list, which would be more helpful.

 

[bavaria]

Ok, I think this is much ado about nothing! (Note, I am entitled to an opinion, too)

Here are the theme park perks listed on the DVC member website

Rainforest Café®
Yak and Yeti
Tutto Italia Ristorante
Chefs de France (France pavilion)
Nine Dragons Restaurant (China pavilion)
Marrakesh (Morocco pavilion)
Studio Catering Company
Noodle Station

Here is the list of 2008 perks I pulled

Chefs de France Epcot 20% off Lunch
Coral Reef Restaurant. Epcot 10% off Lunch
Marakesh Restaurant Epcot 20% off Lunch, Dinner
Nine Dragons Restaurant Epcot 20% off Lunch
Noodle Station MK Park 10% off Lunch
Rainforest Cafe
Yak and Yeti

There is the addition of Tutto Italia on the 2009 list and I believe that San Angel was on the list for 2008 but not for 2009. I've only listed theme park dining because OP seemed upset about that.

I'm confused. The only significant change appears to be the loss of 10% off at Coral Reef, not much of a loss most would agree, I think.

 

[LVSWL]

I agree, but we tend to look on them as if we were "automatically entitled" to them because we are 'special'.... I think you are MUCH closer to the truth. We just have shown a willingness to SPEND $100 if they give us $10 off!

I don't feel as though I am special or entitled, but I do appreciate the fact the DVC extends these Perks to us as DVC members. I guess it makes me feel as though they appreciate my investment in DVC. It is upsetting to me when Perks are changes, points are moved around.. I know that everything is subject to change, but when DVC extends a perk, such as the discount on the AP, I feel like they recognize our loyalty.

 

[DaveH]

We joined in May 2001 there were alot of perks. They were for places most folks did not go to. The ticket discount was for length of stay. Most of us passed on that and either bought 5,6 or 7 day passes. At that time they were park hopper and did not pay extra for no expiration. In 2002 we would trip over all the folks taking surveys. The things they found DVC folks were going to WDW. Most would not spend every day in WDW parks. We would go elsewhere or no parks at all for part of our stays. We would give ticket prices as reason for not all the time. WDW company decided it would give us the current annual pass discount. They gave us better discounts then. The discounts were for places that did not get enough business. DVC/DVD would ask for more and WDW company would decide what they would give or not. The free internet we are paying for through our dues.

 

[twinklebug]

Many of the perks offered to members are not out of Disney's own pocket, but the pocket's of those contracted to Disney. Like anyone else in these times, they're looking for ways to make the bottom line better.

I never used any member discounts - but can understand your disappointment. Changes leave a bitter taste in your mouth when you've grown accustomed to them.

 

[Tozzie]

I don't believe it's a case of entitlement because "I'm special". It's a case of removal of perks that I have enjoyed, come to rely on and add value to my DVC ownership.

Interestingly, I have found a current list of perks posted on another website...

http://www.arondaparks.com/DVC Perks.htm

There are a lot of perks on this list not listed on the DVC website.

Anyway, there is no point belaboring this point since it's obvious that people don't really care enough about most of the member perks. Just remember, you're not allowed to complain when Disney removes the $100 off the AP for members because if you don't care about the little things pretty soon Disney will run out of little things to remove. It's only a matter of time.

I don't care because I don't base where I am eating or shopping based on the discounts I will get. When I receive a discount then I am pleasanlty surprised.

You may not think you have a feeling of entitlement but your posts do reek of it. DVC does not decide on the discounts they are offered throught Disney not DVC which are different companies, Just like the dinning plan, DVC can only offer it through an arrangement with Disney and has to follow the rules that Disney made such as must purchase for entire stay.

 

[jarestel]

Perks come, perks go. Eh! What can you do?

 

[tjkraz]

Seriously, there were several options in each theme park -- including counter service. I know because we used them.

Unless you're going all the way back to 2006 or before, I think you're wrong about the counter service. I have several copies of Portable Perks dating back to January '07. The '07 lists don't have a single counter service location listed--that is, unless you count McDonald's at Downtown Disney.

Today (Portable Perks valid through June '09) we get discounts at the MK noodle station and Studio Catering Company at DHS.

Doing a side-by-side comparison, in 2007 members received discounts at 8 theme park restaurants. Today it's 11.

In 2007 we got discounts at 15 resort restaurants. Today it's 12.

In 2007 we got discounts at 13 Downtown Disney area eateries. Today it's the same--13 locations.

Specific locations vary but it doesn't appear there has been much change over the last 2 1/2 years. And honestly I don't remember the list being any more extensive in the previous 3-4 years we have been members.

 

[Mark099]

I don't care because I don't base where I am eating or shopping based on the discounts I will get. When I receive a discount then I am pleasanlty surprised.

You may not think you have a feeling of entitlement but your posts do reek of it. DVC does not decide on the discounts they are offered throught Disney not DVC which are different companies, Just like the dinning plan, DVC can only offer it through an arrangement with Disney and has to follow the rules that Disney made such as must purchase for entire stay.

It's really not entitlement. It's disappointment. Unlike many of you, we cannot take advantage of many of the other perks (especially the AP discount). The dining perks are something we felt we could use.

Perks come, perks go. Eh! What can you do?

Complain? Otherwise, perks don't come anymore. They just go!

Ok, I think this is much ado about nothing! (Note, I am entitled to an opinion, too)

Here are the theme park perks listed on the DVC member website


Here is the list of 2008 perks I pulled



There is the addition of Tutto Italia on the 2009 list and I believe that San Angel was on the list for 2008 but not for 2009. I've only listed theme park dining because OP seemed upset about that.

I'm confused. The only significant change appears to be the loss of 10% off at Coral Reef, not much of a loss most would agree, I think.

Perhaps, the perks list changed sometime in 2008. Our last trip (before this year) was in October 2007. I noticed the much shorter list the night before we left on Feb 15, 2009.

I don't feel as though I am special or entitled, but I do appreciate the fact the DVC extends these Perks to us as DVC members. I guess it makes me feel as though they appreciate my investment in DVC. It is upsetting to me when Perks are changed, points are moved around.. I know that everything is subject to change, but when DVC extends a perk, such as the discount on the AP, I feel like they recognize our loyalty.

Finally! Someone that understands how I feel. Thank you!



This reminds me of the American Express card I had several years ago. It had the 90 day purchase protection plan and double the manufacture warranty thing on it. I know these plans are common now on many different cards, but back then the perk was qualifying and having a credit card so this was a bonus. I used it to purchase electronics and such things to take advantage of the purchase protection and double warranty. After about 8 months, I get this letter from American Express saying "our members have determined that they do not want the purchase protection, blah, blah, blah, .... and effective January 1st we will no longer be offering this benefit with your card". Huh, what members? Nobody asked me.

Like I said before, I don't want to see any complaints posted here once DVC reaches it capacity at WDW and all your favorite perks are removed. Afterall, I doubt many people are willing to spend a week at the Beach Club and not step into a theme park.

 

[Mark099]

Unless you're going all the way back to 2006 or before, I think you're wrong about the counter service. I have several copies of Portable Perks dating back to January '07. The '07 lists don't have a single counter service location listed--that is, unless you count McDonald's at Downtown Disney.

Today (Portable Perks valid through June '09) we get discounts at the MK noodle station and Studio Catering Company at DHS.

Doing a side-by-side comparison, in 2007 members received discounts at 8 theme park restaurants. Today it's 11.

In 2007 we got discounts at 15 resort restaurants. Today it's 12.

In 2007 we got discounts at 13 Downtown Disney area eateries. Today it's the same--13 locations.

Specific locations vary but it doesn't appear there has been much change over the last 2 1/2 years. And honestly I don't remember the list being any more extensive in the previous 3-4 years we have been members.

Maybe I am thinking back a little further too. Even my wife, who usually has a bad memory for most things, remembers being able to use our DVC card for discounts at counter service locations.

Who knows at this point. Maybe CMs figured that a DVC card must count for something and gave discounts in error. All I know is during our last vacation in 2007 we were able to use our card often enough to make it worth while.

BTW... do you have the most recent perks book? The T-Rex Cafe was listed on the website I posted above. I am curious if it's listed in the book? Not knowing, I tried to use my card in the T-Rex and was turned down. We ate there twice too.

 

[Tiggerismynameo]

Mark-

FWIR, I think the only discount at T-Rex was the AP discount, and not one tied to the DVC membership.

The funny thing, is that after eating at many of the places that there is a discount, I think it is more about giving a discount to a captive audience (DVC members) because business at that place is not as good as Mickey wants it. T-Rex is a good example, because like Rainforest, the place is more about the experience than it is about good food. With that, comes limited repeat business.

 

[Anal Annie]

We have reservations at T-Rex and Wolfgang Puck Cafe for our trip in May and I was told when I made our reservations that both places would honor both a DVC and an AP 10% discount for dinner. I had to call the T-Rex restaurant directly for ressies since they are not owned by Disney but I did confirm that both of these discounts started in January. I WAS going to get the TIW card too but now that they've raised the price on that I am not sure if it's worth it for us any more...

The AP discount is one thing that prompts us to go more than once a year...we definitely would not go 2 or 3 times a year if they dropped that perk. Having AP's definitely encourages us to maximze our membership by going more than once a year. We actually briefly considered going to DL for one trip this year then remembered that we'd have to buy tix so we dropped the idea since it would be cheaper to go to DW again in that respect. Personally, I would like to see the AP's work at either park. I think that would be a nice perk and we would definitely hop between FL and CA.

 

[granmanh603]

This just came to my e-mail today because of our upcoming vacation. We're staying at the BWV and Tutto Italia and Fulton's are good discounts for us. Now, we don't need the Tutto Italia because we have TIW, but we really enjoy and use the Fulton's lunch discount.

We also like to rent bikes, so that's another good one for us.

What are your particular favorites that are now gone? I would specifically mention ones that you would like in a letter to MS. Maybe they will listen.

Bobbi


Dining • Tutto Italia Ristorante in Epcot® – Save 10% off lunch and dinner.
• Flying Fish Café at Disney's BoardWalk entertainment district - Save 10% on dinner from 5:30-6:30 pm and from 9:00-10:00 pm (reservations required).
• Portobello at the Downtown Disney Area - Save 20% on lunch.
• Fulton's Crab House at the Downtown Disney Area - Save 30% on lunch and 20% on dinner

• House of Blues® at Downtown Disney West Side - Save 20% on dinner.

Note: Dining discounts do not include tax, gratuity, or alcoholic beverages.

Recreation • Disney Resort Marinas - Save 10% on rentals of bicycles and a wide range of watercraft at your nearest marina, Bayside Marina at Disney's BoardWalk Villas.
• Sammy Duvall's Watersports Centre at Disney's Contemporary Resort - Save 10% on parasailing, wakeboarding, waterskiing, and more.


Visit dvcmember.com for complete details (including restrictions) on all the Member Perks available at the Walt Disney World Resort. And also look for Portable Perks, included in your Disney Vacation Club Resort check-in folder.

HI I am at SSR right now, where did you find the 30% off at Fultons at lunch...my perks book says 20%....thanks

 

[Inkmahm]

HI I am at SSR right now, where did you find the 30% off at Fultons at lunch...my perks book says 20%....thanks

It's 30% at lunch per the email that she quoted. I got the same email since we are traveling to WDW next week.

 

[granmanh603]

Thanks got no email? guess they don't know I am here???? for 3 weeks

 

[dianeschlicht]

Frankly, if I was only interested in "perk", I wouldn't buy DVC. I feel we get the best "perk" anywhere with our $100 discount on APs. It's the only one I ever use and the only one I need. With the AP, I can buy the TIW card and save way more on meals than any "perk" DVC has. As far as I'm concerned, the AP perk is the only one. Well, other than DVC ownership itself!

 

[lugnut33]

Frankly, if I was only interested in "perk", I wouldn't buy DVC. I feel we get the best "perk" anywhere with our $100 discount on APs. It's the only one I ever use and the only one I need. With the AP, I can buy the TIW card and save way more on meals than any "perk" DVC has. As far as I'm concerned, the AP perk is the only one. Well, other than DVC ownership itself!

You're missing the point. People didn't buy in for the perks, but it was a small reason why people feel DVC is special.

Personally, they could get rid of the AP discount and I won't care, but I bet some on here will. Why is that?

 

[jbrowna]

On our visit last December, we were told about a new discount at Wolfgang Puck's: 50% off on lunch on Mondays. We never saw it posted online anyplace or appearing in a portable perks book. Our guide told us about it. We used it, and the WP people were well-informed about it -- all we did was show our membership card and the discount was applied. I don't know if it's still in effect. My suspicion is that a pp was correct: these things are often negotiated with the particular venue. WP was probably seeing poor business on Mondays, and so offered this to boost sales. Our guide hinted that, as the state of the economy effects WDW, there may be some of these surprise perks that pop up from time-to-time. I plan to call our guide before our next trip down in May and see if anything new is out there.

So, although we may be losing perks, we are also gaining perks. It's always changing. I just think, because of that, it's probably not wise to count on any perk -- Murphy's Law being what it is, as soon as you begin to "need" a perk, it will go away!

 

[KevGuy]

I think it's aweful to offer us perks then take them away and not offer something comparable in return. No one buys into DVC for perks and you all know that so why admonish the OP about that, rediculous. If the AP perk suddenly dissapeared you would all be up in arms that use it. Let's be real, DVC continues to take advantage of it's membership because they have our money and since Jim Lewis took over it's been downhill steady and continually in this area. Not giving a discount to members at DVC resort eating establishments is horrible in my opinion. Given this economy I would think that they need to offer more and better perks if they plan to continue to entice and sell memberships and have people actually buy them. Don't give me that you are only buying the right to book a room garbage there either, you want people to be happy and spread the word about how fabulous DVC is then you take care of the membership with perks, not take them away and lessen the perceived value. Just my opinion and $.02.....

 

[CarolA]

I think it's aweful to offer us perks then take them away and not offer something comparable in return. No one buys into DVC for perks and you all know that so why admonish the OP about that, rediculous. If the AP perk suddenly dissapeared you would all be up in arms that use it. Let's be real, DVC continues to take advantage of it's membership because they have our money and since Jim Lewis took over it's been downhill steady and continually in this area. Not giving a discount to members at DVC resort eating establishments is horrible in my opinion. Given this economy I would think that they need to offer more and better perks if they plan to continue to entice and sell memberships and have people actually buy them. Don't give me that you are only buying the right to book a room garbage there either, you want people to be happy and spread the word about how fabulous DVC is then you take care of the membership with perks, not take them away and lessen the perceived value. Just my opinion and $.02.....

WHAT? You bought a place to stay and you are going to whine when you don't get "perks" and get told how "special" you are for spending money?

Are you going to buy MORE points because you got 10% off at dinner?