Why AP holders get discounts at Downtown Disney and not DVC members

[Muushka]

For whoever suggested that we get over it, we already have.

Expensive meals + no discount = eating elsewhere.

It is as simple as that.

Moo

 

[CVW]

It's always funny reading threads where some people expect DVC to wine and dine them. I expect most of those people have never been on the GIVING end of the wining and dining to understand how "perks" decisions are made.

It's not based at all on our previous spending, only the potential for future spending.

But here's where Disney may have to change: DVC is fairly young, so most of us are only into our first few years of Disney trips. As the years go on, we'll collectively spend less and less time at the resort, and start venturing out to see the rest of Orlando. If that happens at substantial levels, it might finally make sense for them to make more substantive discounts.

 

[Doug7856]

Originally posted by Muushka
For whoever suggested that we get over it, we already have.

Expensive meals + no discount = eating elsewhere.

It is as simple as that.

Moo

True! True!

We are planning to buy three meals during our next trip, but since we are in a 1BR, we plan to cook our own breakfasts and lunch (we have a two year old, so mid day nap & lunch in the room is a must!). But beyond that, we have cut back on the $20 T-Shirts and $40 sweatshirts. I used to buy a collector's watch at Epcot each year using the discount from the CP, but have cut that out as well. It seems that Disney assumes that when they eliminate a perk (Disney Club discount), most consumers won't notice -- and this may be true, but we do adapt to the new rules by reducing our spending.

It's all about priorities and making choices. For us, a great vacation no longer has to include a T-Shirt that will fade in the near future! It does include great accommodations, family memories, and a trip to one of the best vacation destinations virtually every year.

 

[goofy4wdw59]

Nice to know newer folks are questioning this too.
Don't get discouraged--people have strong opinions on this topic. Some DVC members may not realize that we've gone round and round on the discounts (or lack thereof) for a long time.
I know DVC ain't no freebieland...believe me, I didn't buy DVC for discounts-on-demand, LOL! ...I GOT IT, I GOT !! I already GOT MY DEAL!
The reason I fell into the discounted admission mentality is the fault of my previous employer, MetLife. They didn't overdo it with employee benefits, but, they did offer the employees a 20% discount on Park Hoppers (not sure if AP's were included?). Each employee could get 8 per trip/year--something like that. It was connected with their sponsorship of the "Wonders of Life" pavillion at EPCOT. We had a little employee lounge where you used a "VIP" card to get access. It was nicely decorated and had a couple of bathrooms, a place to sit down, beverages, etc. Also, you could get in front of the line for the Body Wars ride. It did make the employees feel somewhat appreciated by mother Met. I didn't get to use it much, but, it was nice.
I don't want lavish discounts. Yikes...nothing worse than an overly demanding DVCer feeling so entitled...I've seen a couple of these types at the front desks of resorts and such. I do think they (Disney, DVC, DVD, etc) have the abililty to negotiate some treats for us...as a simple jester of customer appreciation. If the Disney Club and the AP holders are able to get a 10% discount here and there, why not include the DVC members? It's not a big loss if you don't have it, but it's the idea of the thing...isn't that what many posters are saying?
Oh well. I'll keep on hopin' and dreamin'.

 

[DrTomorrow]

Originally posted by CVW
[...]It's not based at all on our previous spending, only the potential for future spending.[...]

This is a key point. While I'm not a salesman (just don't have the personality to close the deal) I have many friends in Metro Detroit who are (auto industry), and I know this - when they buy the lunches, the skybox seats, the afternoons at the "gentlemen's clubs" for their vendors - they are solely for the purpose of extracting significant future sales. If a purchaser said that they were done making significant buys - maybe little ones, now and then - but still expected all the freebies, they'd get laughed at.

Same for 'whales' in Vegas: the jets, the suites, the meals, (the, ahem, escorts) are all in anticipation of future high levels of gambling; if a high roller from Asia told a host that, while they were never going to gamble at the host's casino again - or if they did, it'd be at the $25 tables - they still expect the the same level of comps; well, let's just say that the jet won't be showing up any time soon. (This is actually the case for many host-arranged comps: if you are given a deal based on a certain level of play, and you don't meet that expectation, that deal will very likely be revoked).

So I too don't understand why folks think that Disney/DVC - who already have our up-front cash AND contractually locked-in annual fees - would be giving us after.the.sale benefits. Unless - as CVW noted - they see park and restaurant spending decreases that they can 'blame' on DVCers, I don't see why they would give us park / dining discounts. Hey, I'd like 10-20% discounts on APs (I'd like DVC-sponsored "Date-with-a-face-character Dinners, too ), I guess I just don't see what's in it for Disney; and if they don't ask that question every time they do things, there won't be a "Disney" to come home to.

 

[DiznEeyore]

I guess I don't see where wishing for a *small* discount on APs or merchandise qualifies as "being greedy".

I love my DVC and am not going to sell because of lack of discounts, but I've seen Disney take away a lot of nifty things (not all perks, many things we paid for that added a little magic to our trips) and I frankly miss them.

I'm not looking for "Florida resident" discounts, just something to back up that "Members are Magical" stuff they love to print on all of their sales brochures!!

 

[DVCPAT]

Originally posted by Muushka
For whoever suggested that we get over it, we already have.

Expensive meals + no discount = eating elsewhere.

It is as simple as that.

Moo

I’m with ya.

I don’t feel entitled to a discount but I think loyalty should always be rewarded. It makes good sense to reward customers who not only spend large sums of money on your product, but also act as verbal cheer leaders for your product.

I never give Disney any information on my vacation spending habits. If you spend a substantial amount of money per vacation and you let them know it, they essentially use the data against discounts for DVC members.

 

[Sammie]

If DVC felt it was necessary to give more discounts to be able to sell DVC, then they would work hard to get them. They don't see a need. They are not in the reward business. They don't reward you for being a customer, they never have.

As far as Disney World rewarding a valued customer, then they would offer discounts for the frequent repeat customer. There are many of these and they are not necessarily DVC.

 

[Dean]

While there's no entitlement and we did buy into a timeshare, it seems petty of Disney not to offer similar discounts to DVC that it does for AP and FL residents. I also agree the good will would be worth the minor financial hit. But they certainly aren't required to.

 

[tjkraz]

Originally posted by DiznEeyore
I guess I don't see where wishing for a *small* discount on APs or merchandise qualifies as "being greedy".

While I don't necessarily agree with that particular choice of words, there are clearly many different takes on the situation. The one that I disagree with the most is something that Dean just beat me to the punch mentioning: entitlement.

If someone wanted to start a petition to get additional discounts, sure I'd sign it. If a discount was offered, certainly I'd take advantage of it.

But I think it's wrong to imply that DVC / Disney somehow owes us additional perks just because we are DVC members.

Purely from a business standpoint, I think it makes sense to have slightly different discount programs for the different business units. After all, the primarly purpose for the 10% WoD discount is to encourage folks to purchase Annual Passes. And, in that regard, DVC members are just like any other guest; they need to evaluate all of their options and choose the ticket that best suits their needs. If the 10% WoD discount helps to convince some DVC members to choose an AP over other (cheaper) passes, then
its goal has been accomplished.

 

[DVCPAT]

Originally posted by Sammie
As far as Disney World rewarding a valued customer, then they would offer discounts for the frequent repeat customer. There are many of these and they are not necessarily DVC.

Not necessarily DVC, who has made a greater commitment in vacationing at WDW than a DVC member?

I would bet most DVC members charge purchases to the room keys. Disney uses the spending data attached to the keys and decides where to entice future member spending. If members were more discrete with their spending habits, the spending data chart will reflect a drop in spending and new discounts would follow.

 

[las3888]

goofy4wdw59, I couldn't agree with you more! I know that when the large company that I work for was a customer of AT&T (not even DISNEY!) we received free lunch at EPCOT as well as back door passes to most of the attractions at EPCOT (this goes back some 6, 7 years...I don't think AT&T is in the ballgame with Disney anymore). At any rate, it was a WONDERFUL perk!!!

Also, a neighbor works for ABC and he receives free 1-day passes once a year (at least he did about 2-3 years ago), amongst other perks and freebies.

The point isn't what we expect, but why are others being rewarded with perks for what I see as far less loyalty to Disney than DVCers? It's just plain human to feel slighted to a certain degree when you see and know others getting 'special perks'. If you don't feel slighted, well, than that's great for you, but don't get irritated with those of us who do.

I also think that perks mean different things to different people. As another poster has mentioned - it's not the 10% discount that is so special itself, it's the thought of it--it's a way of Disney saying we think you're special, and we thank you. In many cases that 10% discount doesn't really add up to any significant savings making a dent in any of our budgets, so that isn't the point.

To take it a step further, many of us I think see perks as a 'norm' in the business world (look at how another poster mentioned Las Vegas). It's just so common for vendors to buy a customer lunch or give them tickets to a ballgame, or take them on a golf outing. For those of us used to seeing that type of thing take place on a routine basis, when you see Disney somewhat lacking in that respect, it makes me feel that Disney has a certain arrogance that is irritating. Not a show-stopper to me, but irritating nonetheless. It's akin to not publishing an 800# for customers (non-DVC) to book ressies. I mean, that is really unheard of in the world of hotel reservations, but Disney does it because they can get away with it. It is just to me a certain arrogance that I don't care for.

I will always welcome any perks and discounts and do feel that as long as other groups and 'special customers' are entitled to them, I don't see why DVC shouldn't be.

 

[DrTomorrow]

Originally posted by las3888
[...] The point isn't what we expect, but why are others being rewarded with perks for what I see as far less loyalty to Disney than DVCers? [...]
To take it a step further, many of us I think see perks as a 'norm' in the business world (look at how another poster mentioned Las Vegas). It's just so common for vendors to buy a customer lunch or give them tickets to a ballgame, or take them on a golf outing. For those of us used to seeing that type of thing take place on a routine basis, when you see Disney somewhat lacking in that respect, [...]

Two main points of dispute:

1. Loyalty. I do not agree that DVCers can be said to be more loyal. We buy one item - a DVC contract - and use it as it is intended. We're no more loyal than someone who buys a single car from a dealer, regardless of the cost. If you are loyal - that is, you buy more DVC - there are perks (2 free APs). Now, IMHO, the real 'loyal' people are those who, year in and year out spend a lot of money for WDW Resort rooms and buy APs; they are the 'loyal' customers who have a choice, but keep coming back, year after year, to spend their hard-earned money at Disney. And, guess what - they get perks. Room discounts, discounts on AP renewal, and all those AP discounts that make some folks all drooly. But are DVCers more 'loyal' than the rest when all we're doing is using what we already paid for? I believe not.

2. I'm the one who make the 'business world / Las Vegas' post; I politely suggest you go back and re-read it. Yes, vendors buy things for customers - but only as long as they are legitimate customers. If I buy a lot of wickets from you every month, you're going to treat me right - lunches, ballgames, etc. But if I bought wickets from you once - even if I bought a lot of them - and won't be buying any more, how many lunches are you going to keep buying for me? Not a lot, I'll bet. It's the same with DVC; in most cases, Disney has already extracted all of the lodging money it's going to get out of a DVC owner - why waste money on non-customers?

I know this will never be resolved, along with mugs, and speedos, and Rich's endless hallways . But, to be blunt, I don't think that people want 'loyalty' perks; I think they want 'Hey, I spent a ton of cash on a one-shot purchase' perks. And to you I say, "Good luck!" But if you want a warm, fuzzy feeling - buy a dog....

 

[las3888]

Sorry, DrTomorrow, I will have to respectfully disagree.

First, I went to Las Vegas about 10 years ago and stayed in the Flamingo Hilton. ONCE. To this day, I still receive specials, discounts, promotions, etc. And, BTW, these discounts are much more significant than the DVC discounts ever have been.

There are 2 different things going on here. There are 2 different companies at play here...DVC and Disney. We are not 'repeat' customers at DVC (although that's debatable as many of us have bought 2nd and 3rd add-on contracts), but we are repeat customers at DISNEY. We go every year - pay to get in the parks, pay for the same food in the restaurants, etc. etc. etc. To suggest that we are not loyal DISNEY customers is just not true. As far as the company Disney goes, it could be argued that we are the most loyal customers of all, since we have bought a lifetime commitment to go to the resort year after year after year, implying that we will be entering the parks and restaurants at some point.

Again, I stand by if perks are being given to employees of ABC, why not DVCers? After all, your argument is based on loyalty, how loyal is some guy that works at ABC that gets a free pass every year, but has no interest in Disney whatsoever?

 

[WDWLVR]

Originally posted by goofy4wdw59
I don't want lavish discounts. Yikes...nothing worse than an overly demanding DVCer feeling so entitled...I've seen a couple of these types at the front desks of resorts and such. I do think they (Disney, DVC, DVD, etc) have the abililty to negotiate some treats for us...as a simple jester of customer appreciation. If the Disney Club and the AP holders are able to get a 10% discount here and there, why not include the DVC members? It's not a big loss if you don't have it, but it's the idea of the thing...isn't that what many posters are saying?
Oh well. I'll keep on hopin' and dreamin'.

I've seen examples of DVCers feeling entitled right here on this board. Don't have to look far to see it.

As for a jester of appreciation - here you go

I agree with Dr. T. on both of his points. This coming from someone who many years ago got one of the best perks of all. I got signed in to Disneyland and was given tickets (back in the old A, B, C, D, E ticket days) that were good on ANY ride. All because of who I worked for at the time. Yes it felt good.

Last May I was able to walk up to guest services in Epcot and got a wrist band as a DVC member that got me into the front section of the Flower Power concert. Made me feel just as good.

DVC does give us perks - but if they aren't the ones people are looking for they don't want to acknowledge them.

 

[las3888]

WDWLVR, yes, DVC does give us perks, and yes, they aren't what we are looking for when you compare them to the 'lavishness' of other group discounts. That is the argument.

 

[Chuck S]

Not only does DVC give us discounts (though not the SAME discounts as an AP), some of them are BETTER than an AP discount, like the 20% discounts at some of the WS restaurants for lunch. This is basically the same as the FL resident discount that they pay $75 per year for (except the FL disc is good is the evenings). It is also the same as some of the lower tier CM discounts.

It was made clear to us all when we purchased that we were NOT purchasing a discount/perk package. Heck, stockholders who often have a large investment in the company don't even get any discounts. I wouldn't complain too loudly.

 

[DrTomorrow]

Don't get me started on Las Vegas, las 3888 ::hee:: . I would suggest that the offers that you're getting from the old Flaming-O are no better than what I get because I joined their free players club and signed up for internet offers. I would also suggest that you review the list of discounts that DVCers do get and compare it again the the occaisional Flaming-O packages. But even if they are better, that's still because the Flaming-O thinks you are a potential customer - something you are NOT for DVC.

As I said previously, there are perks if you buy an add-on through Disney.

You are correct, we are potential customers for Disney, albeit a "captive audience", and that's where I respectfully feel you miss the point. Think about it; Disney has a finite marketing budget and a goal of selling more APs. Who should they target - with ads and discounts: DVC owners, who (as you point out) are going to be on-site year after year after year without Disney having to spend a penny; or the people who they are trying to convince to pay $100, $200, $300/night for lodging? Don't you get it? DVC owners are a sure thing. [NOTE: In fact, this is one of the things I agree with Johnny Fedora on - that DVC is viewed as a 'cash cow'. With people (like me ) willing to use expensive points to overpay for a DVC Member Cruise, there's simply no logic to DVC offering more perks).

You said our DVC ownership implies steady park and restaurant patronage - I agree, so why waste critical dollars wooing someone who's going to show up anyway? And if they somehow figure out that DVC park/restaurant attendance is decreasing, then it would make sense for Disney to start targeting DVCers with added discounts.

I feel for you, las; those discounts would brighten many people's day. I just haven't seen a logical, business-based justification for them....

And I call "apples and oranges"; Disney owns ABC, and therefore is giving a benefit to employees only, just like automakers give discounts to employees that they don't offer to the general public.

 

[CapeCodFam]

Isn't prepaying for your vacations at a substantial discount THE reward for Disney's best and loyal customers?

 

[Johnnie Fedora]

Originally posted by DrTomorrow
.... In fact, this is one of the things I agree with Johnny Fedora on - that DVC is viewed as a 'cash cow'. With people (like me ) willing to use expensive points to overpay for a DVC Member Cruise, there's simply no logic to DVC offering more perks)...

All together: Give me an M Give me an O Give me an O Give me an O Give me an O Give me an O

What's that spell MOOOOO!!!

That's the cheer heard from the DCL boardroom when they decided to schedule a DVC cruise for the start of the school year during hurricane season including a 25% member upcharge. IMO, the cruise is all about DCL/CRO's bottom line and not DVC perks.

Member perks of all types do make a difference in how we spend our vacation dollars. As time goes on, perks will play a bigger roll in deciding where our money goes. There's a lot to choose from in the local area.

That's the wonderful thing about DVC. Whether you're a cheapskate, drunken sailor or somewhere in-between, you can make it work for you.