What about us loyal Disney fans?

[trampslady]

Okay, I'm a little upset right now. Why is that Disney has so graciously decided to extend the offer of the Candlelight Processional Package to those on the dinner plan for no additional fee? Actually, it's better than just strolling into Le Cellier without the package as they are allowing folks to use just one dinner credit to take advantage of the Candlelight Processional Package. Meanwhile, those of us that aren't paying $35.00 per day for a counter service meal, a sit down dinner, and a snack are being asked to fork over $49.00 for the same package--that's if you can get a reservation. I even have the DDE card and consider it a great savings for our three to four extended visits per year, but I can't use that either for the package. Why are they alienated those of us who remain loyal regardless of the latest and greatest marketing offers?

Feel better now......of course, I shot off an email to Disney as well. We'll see what kind of response I get.

 

[Doctor P]

I wholeheartedly agree. Just one more way that they have chosen to screw DVC members who aren't even eligible to buy the dining package. The lowest cost CP dinner package is effectively as much as one full day on the dining package. If they made them use two dinner credits, it would be a whole different story.

 

[poohj80]

I'm with ya! Aren't some of the particpating restuarants normally two credit restuarants? If so, why have then been downgraded to one credit just because it's part of the CP package?

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

If this kind of stuff keeps us, there will probably be a lot more people renting out their points and booking through CRO instead. Especially those that normally stay in a studio.

 

[trampslady]

It breaks my heart to feel this away about a company and place that I dearly love, but I fear that the response that I get will be a generic form that closely relates to my subject but does not specifically address the issue at hand. I'm not giving up on this one. I'll probably take my concern to DVC next. I'm not a complainer, and I truly LUV Disney, but when I'm paying more and having a harder time giving them the darn money (lack of availability at restaurants) it becomes quite annoying.

I suspect that the DVC Guides will have a tougher time shining a positive light on forking over thousands of dollars for future Disney trips if the lucrative offers outside of DVC keep up. Seriously, I'm an airline employee and get 50 percent off rooms. I still joined DVC because I thought it was a great offer. That said, free transporation, 50 percent of deluxe accommodations AND attractively priced dining options are making my decision to invest in DVC much less intelligent on my part!

 

[mrsdon]

While I understand the frustration..
We are not owed anything,
Disney is giving us exactly what they promised..
A pre-paid hotel room.
I dont know of any other time-share that gives discounts on dinner packages or anything else to owners..
Just renters.
maybe someone else can enlighten me.
Dean perhaps?

 

[poohj80]

I never thought we were owed anything, but I will admit feeling a bit slighted when everyone else visiting WDW has access to special things that we don't whether it be dining plans or whatever. I understand not giving us the free dining plan but it would be nice if we had the option of purchasing it like everyone else.

 

[CharlesTD]

Personally we can't understand why people get so upset about this I mean we bought into DVC for the accomodations nothing more. We don't feel slighted in any way with the dining plan if we want it we will stay on cash but it isn't in any way taken personal.

 

[DVCLiz]

And to follow, it's because we are loyal and would come anyway, wouldn't we? These kinds of things aren't just because somebody got out of bed and thought, "Golly, I'll choose somebody to be extra nice to today - who should it be?" These are marketing techniques, and they are designed to bring the people who are thinking, "Now, where should we go on our vacation?", not the people who are saying, "Make your ADRs and book a BCV, it's time for WDW!"

It would be nice to get a perk, but look at where we get to stay!!!!

 

[Muushka]

Once again, I will voice my disappointment with my feet. If we get down there in Dec and restaurants are booked and/or crowded, we will simply make good use of our kitchen. No problem. I do know how to cook! And it is much healthier and less time consuming. When the APs at WDW got so high in price we went to USF/IOA. There are also some great restaurants off-site.

I agree with the OP. Yeah, I know we were only promised a room, but this dining plan will have an impact on everyone-whether you are able to use it or not.

 

[trampslady]

I don't think I said that I was entitled to anything other than a room in any of my posts. Please forgive me if I was interpreted that way. I paid for a timeshare, so to speak, and that's what I have. That said, I also have certain expectations of what my Disney experience will entail each visit. Nice dining experiences are part of the reason we invested in Disney and plan to make WDW a regular part of our yearly plans. However, when it becomes increasingly difficult to book our preferred dining locations as a result of creative marketing of which I am somewhat limited in taking advantage of (yeah, I can pay cash...uh, why when I already paid thousands and continue to pay thousands every year for dues) my Disney experience and the entire reason I purchased DVC to begin with becomes less pleasant, relaxing, and vacation-like.

I simply expect a pleasurable Disney experience and opportunity to enjoy the reasons I committed to DVC. And, while I don't expect bonus offers to DVC Members, I do feel as though the recent round of marketing campaigns have worked to "exclude" Members.

No argument, just my opinion.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Yikes! I am usually the first one to say "we bought accommodations, and nothing else. They owe us nothing more."

However, in this case, it's a different arguement.
Because we bought and are staying at DVC, we are are not able to take advantage of promotional stuff that other guests are??? That makes no sense to me.

With all the above said, it makes absolutely zero difference to me. My wife and I enjoy the freedom of eating wherever, whenever, and whatever we want.
The DDE Card suits us to a tee.

I do understand why it would upset many loyal DVCers.

MG

 

[TCPluto]

Hi Trampslady! (HHI Christmas 2003...)

I think this likely amounts to Disney being so big and varied with their promotions and marketing people, the resort marketing folks have devised this plan for their area of responsibility, while DVC belongs to another person, group, etc.

I would think if this got to the right people (and who knows how to accomplish that), they would see the unfairness to all of us DVC owners.

Good luck!!

 

[Megangel31]

However, when it becomes increasingly difficult to book our preferred dining locations as a result of creative marketing of which I am somewhat limited in taking advantage of (yeah, I can pay cash...uh, why when I already paid thousands and continue to pay thousands every year for dues) my Disney experience and the entire reason I purchased DVC to begin with becomes less pleasant, relaxing, and vacation-like.

Amen to that!

 

[trampslady]

Great to hear from you TCPluto!! I hope you and you family are doing well. You've got a great "big picture" outlook on this matter, and I welcome that thought process.

I think the folks at the top of DVC truly want Members to enjoy their investment, and I've been wowed by the more than generous offerings provided by DVC. While the dining plan appeals to some DVC owners, it really doesn't to us, because, as Maistre Gracey said, we really enjoy dining at our own will since we frequent Disney so often.

We LUV our DVC, and we LUV our DDE card--what a great deal! All in all, I guess my little mind compares this particular issue to a neighborhood restaurant that has been lovingly supported by the locals for years that starts sending out flyers for discounted food to folks that don't normally patronage the place--flyers that don't apply to the locals. Suddenly, it's impossible for the local "friends" of the restaurant to even get a reservation. It just feels funny that's all.

 

[rinkwide]

Remember those kids in school who had coupons for free hot lunches? I used to think they were lucky. I don't now.

 

[CharlesTD]

I equate this to the AP discount we recieve that the cash paying guest does not. Is it fair for them some of them partake in yearly pilgrimages to Disney and spend more in a 2 week span than many do on DVC alone. So why do we get this perk yet they do not it goes the same way with the dining privlage they are offered that we are not it just seems the shoe is on the other foot this time and many are crying about it. I know one family that routinely spends between 20 and 30 days at AKL or CR on teh concierge level they have no desire to buy into DVC they love those 2 resorts far to much.

 

[trampslady]

School lunches for the impoverished? That's just a very sad comparison to draw.

That said, CharlesTD has a very good point. Thanks for using the AP discount as a reminder of the super benefit that we have that others don't. Point very well taken and definitely food for thought!

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Is it fair for them some of them partake in yearly pilgrimages to Disney and spend more in a 2 week span than many do on DVC alone.

Holy Smokes! That must be some two week vacation; especially after 40 years of annual fees!

MG

 

[CharlesTD]

Holy Smokes! That must be some two week vacation; especially after 40 years of annual fees!

MG

Yep when you figure that a month in concierge at AKL or CR every year I am going to say it is more than I will spend on dues and cost of points in 40 years. Heck I know in 99 when we met them down at DW the trip that year was 28 days long and was in excess of 25K.