Who'll stand with me...outside the DVC 'member' lounge?

[erionm]

I think that was the problem. They were trying to keep it under wraps as long as possible and it didn't work out so well.

Disney want's to control when and by whom the information is released. Because of that, they don't tell anyone that doesn't have an immediate need to know. With information related to DVC, they most likely need to run the information past their legal department first.

 

[DebbieB]

When they made the 2011 changes, they gave an approximate 60 day notice (see below). Legally, I know they do not have to but it creates goodwill if there is notice and people don't get caught in the middle or unprepared.

http://dvcnews.com/index.php/news-p...dvc-to-create-direct-purchase-benefit-program

It just seems that Disney & DVC has lost that sense of customer service. I know it's a business first but the way you conduct business can create goodwill and makes people want to give you more business. People like to feel that they are being treated fairly even if there is bad news. This middle of the night change and then miscommunications isn't creating much trust.

 

[DisDadDVC]

When they made the 2011 changes, they gave an approximate 60 day notice (see below). Legally, I know they do not have to but it creates goodwill if there is notice and people don't get caught in the middle or unprepared.

http://dvcnews.com/index.php/news-p...dvc-to-create-direct-purchase-benefit-program

It just seems that Disney & DVC has lost that sense of customer service. I know it's a business first but the way you conduct business can create goodwill and makes people want to give you more business. People like to feel that they are being treated fairly even if there is bad news. This middle of the night change and then miscommunications isn't creating much trust.

The problem may be that PVB hasn't been selling great until they had the recent promos. If they gave 60 day notice now, it would probably kill PVB sales with everyone trying to get in under the wire on resale. PVB is weak enough without that.

 

[DebbieB]

The problem may be that PVB hasn't been selling great until they had the recent promos. If they gave 60 day notice now, it would probably kill PVB sales with everyone trying to get in under the wire on resale. PVB is weak enough without that.

I agree, but they could have grandfathered those already submitted right from the start. It's pretty clear their original intent was not to but made a mess of it so that they had to end up doing it.

It just seems like there is a lot going on with Disney in general and to be honest, I've lost trust. I'm going next month and this Rivers of Light postponement has me wondering. Last week preview dates were set and then all the sudden this week it's postponed. Is it technical issues or could they save money by not starting it until summer?

 

[DisDadDVC]

I agree, but they could have grandfathered those already submitted right from the start. It's pretty clear their original intent was not to but made a mess of it so that they had to end up doing it.

It just seems like there is a lot going on with Disney in general and to be honest, I've lost trust. I'm going next month and this Rivers of Light postponement has me wondering. Last week preview dates were set and then all the sudden this week it's postponed. Is it technical issues or could they save money but not starting it under summer?

I think they did...We will probably never know for sure. The wording the brokers got on day 1 is the same wording they have now. "Any contracts received by the 4th". The only difference is people have had different interpretations of what exactly that meant since then.

 

[DisDadDVC]

I agree, but they could have grandfathered those already submitted right from the start. It's pretty clear their original intent was not to but made a mess of it so that they had to end up doing it.

It just seems like there is a lot going on with Disney in general and to be honest, I've lost trust. I'm going next month and this Rivers of Light postponement has me wondering. Last week preview dates were set and then all the sudden this week it's postponed. Is it technical issues or could they save money by not starting it until summer?

I guess I am less bothered because I never had any trust.

 

[southerngirl528]

There seems to be an awful lot of people on here who appear to have been gloating on the disappointment of those that were caught up in this mess.

I've been following this whole mess her on the Dis for the last 2+ days and I disagree that anyone was "gloating". What I have read is folks trying repeatedly to point out that the perks were NEVER, ever promised. NEVER. That is far different from "gloating". Myself and numerous others have both pointed out the previous AND stated we felt it would have been better if DVC had included the folks whose contract they had received before 4/04. And the good news now is that DVC IS doing that!

 

[bobbiwoz]

I think there was more sympathy rather than gloating. I strongly felt people should have been grandfathered as in the end, they were.

 

[Madame]

I've been following this whole mess her on the Dis for the last 2+ days and I disagree that anyone was "gloating". What I have read is folks trying repeatedly to point out that the perks were NEVER, ever promised. NEVER. That is far different from "gloating". Myself and numerous others have both pointed out the previous AND stated we felt it would have been better if DVC had included the folks whose contract they had received before 4/04. And the good news now is that DVC IS doing that!

I agree. I was wondering if the PP was confusing DIS posts & FB posts. There's been plenty of gloating & venom on FB. The DVC board on the DIS is probably the most measured & least contentious that I visit.

 

[jedcaum]

See, I think several people currently in limbo got unreasonably angry at others on this board who were trying to provide some perspective on what this change meant, and didn't mean, regarding DVC membership. Accused us of getting pitchforks, even, or being sycophants for the Mouse. Come on.

They wanted to hear "You're totally justified and Disney lied and misled you about what DVC membership meant, and you have every right to be bitterly angry, without question. You should cancel your pending contract, sell your Disney stock - heck, we ALL should in solidarity, and let's get that class action discrimination suit going. Who's got the "Petrock" tshirts? - STORM THE CASTLE!!!!!!!"

All of which was ridiculous sentiment from the get go.

I get being disappointed, angry even. Totally agree with feeling salty and ill-used. I get feeling like you went from something special to something less so based on the announcement. What I don't get is the shock, or surprise - this has happened before, it will happen again. Nor do I understand the exaggeration of the importance of the perks or the feeling of eternal betrayal for removing them - they've never been part of anyone's contract. You are buying resale, and DVC has already shown a willingness to distinguish that purchase from retail. What's shocking?

I also totally agree that DVC could and should have handled it more delicately, and with more notice for interested parties. It seems that upon reflection, they did, too.

If it's true that all involved really understand what they are buying, there just isn't any place for all the hand-wringing. It's a waste of energy. And the breathlessness about it potentially undermines the value of the product for all of us.

I'm one of those people on the bus or the plane who sing the virtues of DVC. I DO think it's a great value for frequent Disney visitors, even when it disappoints a bit or isn't perfect in it's execution. What I don't do, and what no guide has ever done to me, either, is pretend that it's something it's not. That does a disservice to one of the most honest timeshares I've ever run across. I think that's why I spent any time at all trying to explain the rational side of things, and I still think that side is the one that bears focusing on.

 

[Rhonda Mousie]

Glad I did not pull this trigger.

See, I think several people currently in limbo got unreasonably angry at others on this board who were trying to provide some perspective on what this change meant, and didn't mean, regarding DVC membership. Accused us of getting pitchforks, even, or being sycophants for the Mouse. Come on.

They wanted to hear "You're totally justified and Disney lied and misled you about what DVC membership meant, and you have every right to be bitterly angry, without question. You should cancel your pending contract, sell your Disney stock - heck, we ALL should in solidarity, and let's get that class action discrimination suit going. Who's got the "Petrock" tshirts? - STORM THE CASTLE!!!!!!!"

All of which was ridiculous sentiment from the get go.

I get being disappointed, angry even. Totally agree with feeling salty and ill-used. I get feeling like you went from something special to something less so based on the announcement. What I don't get is the shock, or surprise - this has happened before, it will happen again. Nor do I understand the exaggeration of the importance of the perks or the feeling of eternal betrayal for removing them - they've never been part of anyone's contract. You are buying resale, and DVC has already shown a willingness to distinguish that purchase from retail. What's shocking?

I also totally agree that DVC could and should have handled it more delicately, and with more notice for interested parties. It seems that upon reflection, they did, too.

If it's true that all involved really understand what they are buying, there just isn't any place for all the hand-wringing. It's a waste of energy. And the breathlessness about it potentially undermines the value of the product for all of us.

I'm one of those people on the bus or the plane who sing the virtues of DVC. I DO think it's a great value for frequent Disney visitors, even when it disappoints a bit or isn't perfect in it's execution. What I don't do, and what no guide has ever done to me, either, is pretend that it's something it's not. That does a disservice to one of the most honest timeshares I've ever run across. I think that's why I spent any time at all trying to explain the rational side of things, and I still think that side is the one that bears focusing on.

Well it worked. THE END. See you in the lounge.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

I've been following this whole mess her on the Dis for the last 2+ days and I disagree that anyone was "gloating". What I have read is folks trying repeatedly to point out that the perks were NEVER, ever promised. NEVER. That is far different from "gloating". Myself and numerous others have both pointed out the previous AND stated we felt it would have been better if DVC had included the folks whose contract they had received before 4/04. And the good news now is that DVC IS doing that!

No I haven't taken any posts as gloating just concern that people are taking the extra benefits for granted and they can remove them at any point for any of us. We were just trying to make it clear buy for the vacation not for the perks and you will be as happy as we have been! Enjoyed every stay. It was not a financial investment to make money. Just to secure our trips for the future at a price we could afford at the time of purchase. Also consider dues go up. I did not factor in benefits when buying but I am pleased honestly the poster has been grandfathered.

 

[dvcdream4fld]

So many statements on this thread...As members, we should all expect good customer service. It's not in the legal contract with Disney, but it is the emotional contract that causes us to return to Disney and buy the high priced everything including timeshares. Benefits have come and gone, but the expectation of good customer service is why I keep coming back and if everyone just spent the time and thought about it, then you would probably agree. I'm glad most people realized that was the problem with ROFR debacle and DISBOARDS allowed DVC members to voice their opinions. In the end, DIsney upheld good customer service with the help of the DVC members on this boards. We should all be congratulating ourselves.

 

[DisneyDiana]

All of my DVC contracts were purchased through resale. I have been a lover of all things Disney for at least thirty years. I do understand the disappointment those you had just signed contracts must have felt. I was mad too even though I knew was in the grandfathered group. I do feel like I should warn those of you who were emotionally wrecked by the news. Prepare yourselves for future disillusionment and disappoints. Member Services customer service is not top notch and there will be plenty of unannounced changes to the perks. There have been rumors that TIW will be discontinued and AP and shopping discounts will be a thing of the past. Those of us who have been around for a long time know often the rumors eventually become reality.

With that said, I love staying at the DVC resorts but I take everything else with a grain of salt. Please learn to keep emotions and expectations in check. Those that have been repeating the mantra, "perks are not guaranteed" have most likely experienced some of the changes already and know that there really is no hidden DVC Magic or pixie dust for anyone.

 

[2thdr]

Disney if famous for not telling the left hand what the right hand is doing. They don't even tell the fingers on the right hand what's going on. And it will never change.

They never gave Mickey the correct number of fingers!

 

[linzjane88]

Whoa! DVC just called me back about the letter I sent! I just missed the call cause my phone was on silent.

 

[Lyn-CA]

They never gave Mickey the correct number of fingers!

 

[Lyn-CA]

Whoa! DVC just called me back about the letter I sent! I just missed the call cause my phone was on silent.

Oh, I'm curious to know how that conversation goes.

 

[linzjane88]

Oh, I'm curious to know how that conversation goes.

I called back but they didn't answer. I'll try again Monday

 

[RaymOOOnd]

See this right here is why some of you are upset. You truly don't understand how all this works. Annual Dues go towards your Resort's operating costs, administrative expenses, refurbishment expenses and real estate taxes. Absolutely no profit for DVC from money spent while you are on vacation. Do you honestly think when you buy a Mickey ice cream bar that Disney Food Services, says, this was a DVC member that bought this, give the money to DVC.

The only revenue generating income that DVC has, is direct sales. Nothing else.

I think people who make this argument are putting odd blind faith in artificial distinctions. Disney as an entity has overhead, and annual dues go to pay down that overhead - whether it be overhead associated with the running of their DVC operations or their regular hotel operations. The two coexist on the same land, for heaven's sake. How do you pretend that dues we're paying for our stake in the Jambo house, for example, doesn't benefit the Animal Kingdom resort as a whole (being in, let's see...the SAME BUILDING). Again, I think these are artificial distinctions and it's difficult to believe that our dues will only ever be used to keep the utilities in order, replace the couches and paint jobs periodically, etc, for our designated rooms and entailing no overlap whatsoever with the other functions occupying the very same properties.

The upfront cost of these contracts is pennies put to what is spent both while on vacations and via dues over 50 years. It's stunning that anyone would disagree with that.