well, it is official; dvc is a timeshare

[dianeschlicht]

The problem isn't the discount offer. It's the mandatory sales presentation. It oozes slime. This isn't a "first step". It's a jump off the cliff.

This is truly my saddest day as a DVC owner. To many of us, DVC isn't just a business transaction. There's a huge pride-of-ownership factor. For me at least, that's taken a huge nosedive.

Again, I don't see how my situation was any different. We booked the OKW studio at the discounted rate, but only after he had us book a face to face appointment time with him during the trip. Had we not gone on the tour, I don't actually know if we would have gotten the discount or not. I just know we booked the discount BECAUSE we booked the tour.

 

[jamstew]

Really? Huh - when we bought in the summer of 2007, we were told we had to decide within 72 hours of coming home in order to get the incentives that were quoted. It was a little annoying actually

Compared to other timeshare sales, this is absolutely "no pressure."

 

[dis-happy]

We made the mistake of doing the "Vacation as You Wish" presentation a few days ago, just so we could check out the BLT rooms. The presentation lasted 90 minutes and was a rehash of pretty much everything most members already know from reading the member site or their outdated planners. The one saving grace was the acapella singers and the dessert party. Everything else felt like a hard sell as we were seated in front of a stage and forced to listen to their gibberish for 90 minutes before getting to the dessert party and tour of BLT. It was very unlike any other member even we have done and very much like a hard sell. I was disappointed to see DVC stoop to this level. Of course, we could have walked out at any minute, but DVC knew we were really there to check out the models and most of us ended up sticking it out.

Is that the event that came by email and you had to sign up on the website? One of the dates crossed over on our stay and I tried to book a spot for my family but didn't get in. Figured it would have a sales element but it sounded like it would still have some of the fun and special Disney parts too (like the characters at the Member Christmas party). Based on your review, I'm glad we didn't get in!!!

 

[La2kw]

Is that the event that came by email and you had to sign up on the website? One of the dates crossed over on our stay and I tried to book a spot for my family but didn't get in. Figured it would have a sales element but it sounded like it would still have some of the fun and special Disney parts too (like the characters at the Member Christmas party). Based on your review, I'm glad we didn't get in!!!

Yes, it was an email we got and we had to register online for it. I have been to a few of the member events such as the Merry Member Mixer, the Summer on the Savannah, and the ones at Pleasure Island. This one was in the Contemporary Ballroom and started out fun enough. Until it dragged on for 90 minutes. They presented information that can be found anywhere and did some lame interactive "surveys". They also had an idiotic character called the "Wishmeister" who grated wishes. I guess someone in the audience was wishing for a cheap luggage tag, a cheap pair of binoculars, and a rice krispy treat, because that's what he gave us. One person won a trip with RCI, and that was it. Finally, they ended it and opened up the other part of the ballroom for the dessert party. This was the part that was similar to the other member mixers we have been to, with ice cream, a DJ, etc. We waited here until our tour group was called (we were #8 and it still took another 40 minutes to get called). It was a huge waste of time other than the fact that we got to see the BLT grand villa which is amazing and had a free mickey ice cream bar.

 

[pycees312]

doesn't bother me. I'd much rather see this than layoff of cast members who need a job to support thier families.

Then the complaint( and someone would post a thread) would be DVC is going down hill as the resorts are not being kept due to lack of employees..

 

[bumbershoot]

I think it's a nice promotion, I like that they are very up front with the fact that you MUST attend the presentation, and I just wish we had some friends or relatives who might want to do it!

The problem isn't the discount offer. It's the mandatory sales presentation. It oozes slime. This isn't a "first step". It's a jump off the cliff.

I have no problem with it. They are up front about it. They don't hide it in fluffy words. They state "Tour required for special rate" and I think that's wonderful.

We sold our time for a DVC presentation for a $50 giftcard while staying onsite at Disneyland Resort in '07. Would have prefer to sell our time for this, instead!!!! Of course, we also got 2 hours (b/c we're chatty) with our sweet guide away from our cranky son, and DS got 2 hours of time in their free kidcare area, watching Shrek (which prompted an interesting discussion of the relatinoship between Disney and Dreamworks, and if they should have Shrek in their video collection) and not having to deal with cranky parents, so it was really a win/win/win situation.

Disney will do what ever it takes to make a sale. Your Guide will say things like, "I have to see if I can get permission from my manager", or "we can only offer this deal for (insert a time here).


We purchased some points several years ago during "friends and family". We told our Guide that we didn't know any members so we couldn't get the special referral price. He said, "no problem, I will get you someones name".

Not all guides will do those things. Our guide is incredibly laid back, and he's never lied to us (though I think he skimmed over one part that I just flat out missed, but I think it was me more than him), he has explained the stuff about points "never" changing VERY well. On the other hand, he would not have scrounged up a referral for us. So it's not "your guide" who will do those things; it's, literally, YOUR guide, and maybe some other guides...but not ours.

I have not seen anyone mention a 'mandatory' DVC presentation that have recieved this pin code though....

Separate offers, separate PIN codes.

DVC is probably trying to keep from having to lay off staff.

They had 'em back in March, just after we bought in.

 

[Sammie]

It's not just you--that used to be the standard "hook" used after taking an on-site tour. But I'd say within the last 12-18 months reports of this 3-day incentive period have all but vanished. Every so often I'll see one, but it's pretty rare.



Don't know that I'd call it desperate but certainly sales are being hurt by the economy. It's not any of Disney/DVC's doing. They have arguably the best lineup of properties ever offered combined with some pretty nice incentives. But the market is certainly small than it has been at any point in the last 5-7 years.

If they weren't trying to formulate innovative ways of attracting more sales, layoffs would follow. If you don't have the sales, you don't need as large of a sales staff. You don't need as many people to process the contracts. You don't need designers or builders for a Washington DC property or a second Contemporary Tower if DVC is sitting on a backlog of points.

We already know Disney is hurting. What's wrong with finding creative ways to fill the rooms and expose more people to the DVC product?

It's fine with me for them to do it. I just wish they would stop building and pay more attention to what they have, instead of what they want.

If they would do that, they can offer as many incentives as they want to sell.

 

[Sammie]

I received the email and I agree with Bobbi. 2 years ago, people were paying Value Resort prices and being upgraded to SSR 1 bedrooms for free. Many here were upset about that.

This seems aimed more at the Moderate Resort customer which is more likely to purchase DVC based on what they are already paying. Mods can go for $150 and up so for $30-$50 more and a tour, these customers will be able to upgrade to a 1 bed Villa.

At least DVC is requiring compensation this time whether it be this offer or a PIN Code.

Upgrading someone that paid $79 a night to a 1 bed Villa during Free Dining to boot, devalued their rep and product much more than this offer.

It's a slower time for the parks and resorts and they need to keep the door swinging with all the points they have to move.

Oh and Cheezy/Sleazy was my last DVC Member Cruise 2007 (and I do mean last) when we ported at Castaway Cay at 6:30 a.m. but they did not open the gangway until 10am to ensure we all attended their Cheezy "game show" sales presentation. It was awful and a whole bunch of unhappy members on that one!

Well they will be upset again then, because it is happening again. The resort forum is busting out with threads about the new upgrades from a value resort with free dining to a studio or one bedroom at OKW/SSR for no extra cost.

I guess free dining did not book as many moderates and deluxes as it has in the past.

 

[Greysword]

They also had an idiotic character called the "Wishmeister" who grated wishes. I guess someone in the audience was wishing for a cheap luggage tag, a cheap pair of binoculars, and a rice krispy treat, because that's what he gave us.

That is AWESOME!! That same person was at OUR presentation, too!!!

None of the guides we've met have been high pressure. They just pull out the info, and DVC seems to sell itself.

As for this deal, I'm happy it is for friends and family of members (at least initially), since it may entice some family trips and help the ones we are close to understand the special magic we have. Maybe the upgrades/discounts should have been reversed! Our friends could have stayed in the resort for under $100 and for an extra $100 the value resort guests could have been upgraded.

 

[SunnieRN]

I received the email and I agree with Bobbi. 2 years ago, people were paying Value Resort prices and being upgraded to SSR 1 bedrooms for free. Many here were upset about that.

This seems aimed more at the Moderate Resort customer which is more likely to purchase DVC based on what they are already paying. Mods can go for $150 and up so for $30-$50 more and a tour, these customers will be able to upgrade to a 1 bed Villa.

At least DVC is requiring compensation this time whether it be this offer or a PIN Code.

Upgrading someone that paid $79 a night to a 1 bed Villa during Free Dining to boot, devalued their rep and product much more than this offer.

It's a slower time for the parks and resorts and they need to keep the door swinging with all the points they have to move.

Oh and Cheezy/Sleazy was my last DVC Member Cruise 2007 (and I do mean last) when we ported at Castaway Cay at 6:30 a.m. but they did not open the gangway until 10am to ensure we all attended their Cheezy "game show" sales presentation. It was awful and a whole bunch of unhappy members on that one!

Well said Liferbabe. Not that my opinion matters, but I'm going to throw it out there anyway. If sales are truly down, they need to push sales, then why don't they give members (who have already paid disney $1,000's) something to really offer their friends and families.

Give our friends and families the free dining, $92 rate per night in a 1 bedroom? I know, that aint gonna happen, but don't you think it would go a lot further in members eyes then upgrading free dining value guests?

And before you all start flaming me for my statement, I am not saying that the families staying at value resorts can't afford to buy DVC, or that anyone that owns a piece of disney through DVC is any better than anyone else. I am just saying that if you really want me to invite family and friends, give me the absolute best offer out there, so they can be as excited to go as I would be to "invite" them. Also, maybe as part of the free dining pin a stipulation to upgrade should have included a tour requirement if this is to boost sales?

 

[buck4568]

Now...I'm very curious about that $17off at BLT. Meaning it's $95 a point?
That's less than my $96 per point add on that I did at AKV last year

The BLT offer for the week of July 19th to DVC members that attended the presentations, which were way over the top and much to long, $112 per point, you have to buy 200 or more points to get the $17 per pt. discount for $95 a pt.. For a 100 pt. add-on it is $12 off and for the 160 pt. offer it is $15 off per pt., No closing costs if you purchase at any level. If you wanted to use the three day cruise for four people promotion it was $5 off per pt.. That cruise offer ends soon I believe.

The rooms were awesome! We went to a guide after the presentation and told him that we wasted enough time already that day and wanted to see the rooms and add-on. So, we bypassed the wait for getting our number called as he got us right up to the BLT, gave us the tour and we added 200 pts..

We did not have a reservation for the event. We just happened to recall that it was during a visit we were on looking at colleges with our DD and decided, after a trip to Sea World, to go to MK for the day.

So glad we did!!

 

[BEASLYBOO]

DVC is a timeshare, it was always a timeshare and it will continue to be a timeshare with the on-going game plan of making Disney lots of money. $199 for a 1BR, just to see a presentation, seems like a heck of a deal, it's better than all of the others who just put you up at a hotel and let you visit the model!

I don't see the slime factor in any of it! It's just good business which Disney has excelled at from the get go!

 

[going/again]

Disneywalker does bring up a good point about customer loyalty to DVC and how important that is to the success of DVC. In this instance they are directly targeting it's membership to sell more shares, so they darn well better be sure they keep us happy. They are relying on us to tell our friends and family how great DVC is.

dont feel it would be right to tell them that anymore

 

[going/again]

I received the email and I agree with Bobbi. 2 years ago, people were paying Value Resort prices and being upgraded to SSR 1 bedrooms for free. Many here were upset about that.

Upgrading someone that paid $79 a night to a 1 bed Villa during Free Dining to boot, devalued their rep and product much more than this offer. !

they are doing it again this year just been anounced

 

[LIFERBABE]

they are doing it again this year just been anounced

I see that!

But yet they want us to send our Family and Friends to SSR and OKW for $199 a night a tour and they will have to pay for their dining plan. Then they can all sit around the pool with all the Free upgrade, Free Dining No Tour required guests and compare notes!

Yes that is a marketing homerun for DVC!

And then it will be my fault for telling them what a good deal this $199 tour thingy is, and why didnt I tell them about the free upgrade deal instead, and why should they buy if Disney is giving free food and free 1 bedrooms to people that booked Values and only paid $79 a night?

This is why you dont mix business with pleasure or friends or family

DVC can do its own dirty work, I wont be taking part in this one!

 

[CarolAnnC]

Since this thread has veered off to a topic that was closed on this board today, this thread will now be closed.