why don't return guests get treated right?

[F4disneyfan]

Actually it is the Loews First rewards program. Works for all Loews properties around North America. We've also gotten suite upgrades in Santa Monica and Montreal due to the stays we have had in Orlando. Has nothing to do with low occupancy.

http://www.loews-first.com/loewsfirst_benefits.asp

Very cool and I can see the appeal to using that property we have no desire to ever visit Universal but I can see for those that do the benefit to this.

 

[madonna31]

we do not want to go to Disney 12 years in a row when their is a hundred other places to see?

That's your prerogative, just as it's mine to visit Disney 12 years in row (in fact, it's been much longer than that).

I get a very good discount on room only stays. Yet, I STILL bought into DVC because we did the math and in the long run (with yearly fees and all that), it works out to be cheaper than my discount does. Remember, room rates will continue to increase EVERY year, but DVC points remain the same.

That being said - if for no other reason - DVC is an investment. I met someone who doesn't even use his points, he rents them out every year and makes money by doing so. Also, when OKW was first being sold, people paid about $41 per point? Now they are selling SSR for what - $90 per point???

Oh and I have to say; my sister and BIL own time share elsewhere. Let me tell you, I don't care HOW you cut it, DVC is NOT time share. Just like Disney's Animal Kingdom is not a zoo...

 

[drag n' fly]

That's your prerogative, just as it's mine to visit Disney 12 years in row (in fact, it's been much longer than that).

I get a very good discount on room only stays. Yet, I STILL bought into DVC because we did the math and in the long run (with yearly fees and all that), it works out to be cheaper than my discount does. Remember, room rates will continue to increase EVERY year, but DVC points remain the same.

That being said - if for no other reason - DVC is an investment. I met someone who doesn't even use his points, he rents them out every year and makes money by doing so. Also, when OKW was first being sold, people paid about $41 per point? Now they are selling SSR for what - $90 per point???

Oh and I have to say; my sister and BIL own time share elsewhere. Let me tell you, I don't care HOW you cut it, DVC is NOT time share. Just like Disney's Animal Kingdom is not a zoo...

IMO (that would be my opinion) it is a time share (again my opinion) and a waste of my money (yes my money) and a poor investment of my money (my investments). I also feel the same way about the deluxe resorts...way overrated! I am allowed to give my opinion as are you. Glad to hear it worked out for you and your travel agency business. Definitely not my cup of tea though. To each his own

 

[madonna31]

I am allowed to give my opinion as are you.

Of COURSE you are, it's called 'freedom of speech' and I for one am glad we have it! imho, it's GREAT when there are two different opinions on the DIS, because if all of us always agreed, this place would be sooooo boring.

Glad to hear it worked out for you and your travel agency business.

Um...I have NO idea what my DVC has to do with my travel agency business though.

 

[PrincessTrisha]

ii was just meaning that it would be nice to have some acknowledgement that we are returning guests. a note on the bed welcoming us back, a pair of ears for my child, an upgrade without asking, a coupon for a free photo taken by one of the Disney photographers... all these things are either free or pretty darn cheap for them to do but would make returning guests feel the "pixie magic" and that we are welcome and not just money machines (even though we are)

But what would define a returning guest?

Is it someone who goes once a year, every year?
Someone who goes more than once a year, every year?
Is you have visited within the last two years? Five years? 10 years?

Should your level of reward depend on the number of visits? The amount of money you spend? Your ticket prices? Is it tied to hotel stays? Or ticket purchases? Is there a different level of reward for room only vs package deals?

Disney is not like any other hotel chain - they don't want you to just stay there, they want you to stay, play, eat and shop there.

(And it's not the same as Universal because their hotels are owned by corporations which also maintain properties outside of the theme parks).

 

[dsneygirl]

Very good points Thrisha. Should an All Star Guest get less "return" perks than one who stays only at Deluxes...