Why no "Special Deals" for DVC owners

[Johnnie Fedora]

Originally posted by CRobin
I'm with you Doc...I just put this list together in anticipation of our Halloween trip home, and these are only the discounts WE might use.

Cape May Café 10%
Olivia's 10%
Yacht Club Galley 10%
Artist's Point 10%
Chefs de France 20%
Marrakesh 20%
Nine Dragons 20%
Rainforest 10%
Wolfgang Puck 10%
Fulton's 10%
Portobello 10%
House of Blues 10 - 15%
Planet Hollywood 10%
Swan / Dolphin 20%
Mini Golf 15%
Cheesecake Factory 10%
Basin 10%
Disney Quest $4
Pleasure Island $4

These discounts are generally offered to many other WDW guests (Disney club, AmEx, Visa, AAA, etc.). They are not DVC exclusives.

These threads always boil down to whether you believe that offering repeat customers a discount encourages more business.

For our family...repeat customer discounts DO encourage further business!!! I'm just waiting for the USF/IOA DVC member park pass discount. Maybe then Disney will offer one their own discounts to us.

 

[KNWVIKING]

The only problem I have with your list is that most of those discounts are also availible with the DC card and AP's. In some cases the AP's are better- mini golf is 50% off, not 15. There are very few perks out there we can claim as ours. I'm not complaining about this, just stating what I've observed.

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by WebmasterDoc
I'll have to disagree here. We currently own weeks at four other timeshares besides DVC and none have anything close to the perks offered thru DVC. They have a few 10% offers for local dining and maybe a couple of tours, but nothing like the DVC listings. One of our timeshares is a floating week and we get no special consideration as to room location. The others are all fixed weeks- and we get exactly the unit we purchased.

None of these offer daily housekeeping. One offers a towel exchange at no extra cost, but we have to take the towles to the housekeeping/laundry building. All require that we strip beds, take out trash and do the dishes before checking out and all have a 10:00am checkout time with no exceptions.

... Just typing this out makes me appreciate all that DVC has to offer.

Each timeshare is different. The Marriott's in HH have a list of discounts and promotions that is almost two pages at 12-14 point type. This includes many discounts at restaurants, for activities and the like. Every Marriott that has floating units offer owners preferential unit assignment. Most if not all Marriott's also offer day use passes to owners at THAT resort. The Royals in Cancun offer a personal concierge, some dining and activity discounts and daily maid service, the units are fixed. La Cabana in Aruba offers members full day pass privileges, a 10% discount at all restaurants on property plus many specials and discounts on off property eats and activities, plus daily maid service. They also offer a major discount on the All Inclusive options and even special meal plans for members.

The Embassy's in HI give MAJOR preference to owners in unit assignments, plus they have many specials for activates and a built in discount for members AND exchangers at their restaurants. Paradise Village in Puerto Vallarta offers members 10% off all restaurants and the spa plus at least 10% off the All Inclusive packages and a special Meal Plan only for members that is VERY flexible. During off season, they run specials for additional discounts and usually include 20% off the spa. Lawaii Beach Resort and Cliff’s club on Kauai give major preferences to unit assignment to owners.

Many resorts charge exchangers fees for parking or the AC, etc while not charging members. I’ve never actually stayed at, toured or actively sought info on a resort that didn’t give some type benefit to members over exchangers but I’m sure there are many that don’t as well. That’s not to say that all do it for the right reasons. Unit assignments are many times used as an exclamation point to demonstrate you should own there if you want to be treated like an owner. Three of the ones I mentioned above fall into that line of thinking. Many of the discounts and specials don’t cost the resort or system anything. At Marriott, everyone staying gets the discounts and the only difference is the unit assignments for the floating unit resorts. The other thing the Marriott’s in HH do is they allow you to stay in one unit until the next one is ready if you’re staying over. That’s true even if it’s at one of the other resorts on the island.

The point though was that many resorts give benefits to owners and many are at least as good and in many situations better than DVC though there are many variables. DVC has so much potential to offer benefits that they have not explored. Many of these would be there, just for the taking if actively pursued. There’s no question in my mind that DVC could secure most or maybe even all the discounts available to AP and FL residents if they chose to make it a priority.

 

[RobDoc]

Gosh, those Marriott's sure sound great, but there are hundreds (thousands??) of timeshares not part of that organization. I have also stayed at many different timeshares and NONE offer any perks as nice as what we get with DVC. I'm certain there are some (obviously Marriott is one) who have wonderful perks (even better than DVC) for their owners and guests- I just haven't stayed in any of them yet and certainly none are onsite at WDW.

In my case, I purchased all of my timeshares for the accommodations and the ability to trade. I didn't even look at any perks when I purchased- nor am I concerned about any perks at this time. If something is offered that I can enjoy- great- if not- great, I'll still enjoy the accommodations.

I haven't paid over $2500 for any of the 8 weeks I own- except for DVC- and purchased DVC because I couldn't find any other timeshares onsite at WDW. The included perks are appreciated, but not crucial to my own enjoyment of the program.

I realize that some are disappointed with the perks offered and wish them well in their quest to reach satisfaction. In the case of these other timeshares, the resort does have some bargaining power with the local merchants and I'll be very vocally disappointed if I learn that Vistana/Fairfield/Marriott/etc. suddenly offer WDW perks equal to or better than what DVC offers. Until that time, I think we have the best Disney perks of any timeshare at or near WDW.

.02

 

[MelissathePooh]

we aren't in any way disappointed with our dvc purchase or experience, but I agree with this 100% -

There’s no question in my mind that DVC could secure most or maybe even all the discounts available to AP and FL residents if they chose to make it a priority.

They absolutely could if they tried. I also think they could better negotiate point rates at dcl and the other disney resorts. While it would be COOL if they mirrored the current package offer and gave one child ump to every adult ump bought by dvc'ers, I don't look for it to happen. But little things - like a seasonal pass, or an ap lounge, or a tray of cookies when you walk in to the lobby (ok, that is probably over the top, but you get the idea) they really could do, imho. But where is the incentive to do it? Disney doesn't do anything if there isn't something in it for them.

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by MelissathePooh
we aren't in any way disappointed with our dvc purchase or experience, but I agree with this 100% -


They absolutely could if they tried. I also think they could better negotiate point rates at dcl and the other disney resorts. While it would be COOL if they mirrored the current package offer and gave one child ump to every adult ump bought by dvc'ers, I don't look for it to happen. But little things - like a seasonal pass, or an ap lounge, or a tray of cookies when you walk in to the lobby (ok, that is probably over the top, but you get the idea) they really could do, imho. But where is the incentive to do it? Disney doesn't do anything if there isn't something in it for them.

I don't want to sound like one of those whiners who think DVC owes it to us. We get what we paid for, DVC accomodations. Still, I think it would be a win-win situation for DVC as it would further enhance the satisfaction of the members. And yes, I think it could definitely use a boost at times.

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by WebmasterDoc
Gosh, those Marriott's sure sound great, but there are hundreds (thousands??) of timeshares not part of that organization. I have also stayed at many different timeshares and NONE offer any perks as nice as what we get with DVC. I'm certain there are some (obviously Marriott is one) who have wonderful perks (even better than DVC) for their owners and guests- I just haven't stayed in any of them yet and certainly none are onsite at WDW.

In my case, I purchased all of my timeshares for the accommodations and the ability to trade. I didn't even look at any perks when I purchased- nor am I concerned about any perks at this time. If something is offered that I can enjoy- great- if not- great, I'll still enjoy the accommodations.

I haven't paid over $2500 for any of the 8 weeks I own- except for DVC- and purchased DVC because I couldn't find any other timeshares onsite at WDW. The included perks are appreciated, but not crucial to my own enjoyment of the program.

I realize that some are disappointed with the perks offered and wish them well in their quest to reach satisfaction. In the case of these other timeshares, the resort does have some bargaining power with the local merchants and I'll be very vocally disappointed if I learn that Vistana/Fairfield/Marriott/etc. suddenly offer WDW perks equal to or better than what DVC offers. Until that time, I think we have the best Disney perks of any timeshare at or near WDW.

.02

Doc, sounds like you bought RCI timeshares, LOL. Seriously, the beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If you will use the perks, they are great and if not, they have no meaning whatsoever. Personally, I don't pool hop, live in FL, sometimes have an AP and can only think of a couple of times I've used any DVC related perks outside the movie rental. I stand by my main premise, that DVC could do far better than they do if they just put a little effort forward in this area. They could do better still if they were willing to play hardball but I don't see them doing that or the members willing to give up some of the options to get other far better options.

 

[CaptainMidnight]

Originally posted by Dean
I don't want to sound like one of those whiners who think DVC owes it to us. We get what we paid for, DVC accomodations. Still, I think it would be a win-win situation for DVC as it would further enhance the satisfaction of the members. And yes, I think it could definitely use a boost at times.

Agreed.

 

[RobDoc]

Originally posted by Dean
Doc, sounds like you bought RCI timeshares, LOL. Seriously, the beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If you will use the perks, they are great and if not, they have no meaning whatsoever. Personally, I don't pool hop, live in FL, sometimes have an AP and can only think of a couple of times I've used any DVC related perks outside the movie rental. I stand by my main premise, that DVC could do far better than they do if they just put a little effort forward in this area. They could do better still if they were willing to play hardball but I don't see them doing that or the members willing to give up some of the options to get other far better options.

While we are RCI members, we own four weeks at one timeshare that is on the DVC/II exchange list- I can guarantee you that this resort does not offer perks anywhere near what we get thru DVC- so I don't understand the shot at RCI at all, but that's OK- I still enjoy the lesser (apparently) exchanges I've chosen. I guess the beauty is in the beholder's eye. Those Marriotts may be great- but there are still none on-site at WDW that I'm aware of.

As for playing "hardball", I still don't see what DVC brings to the table to bargain with. There are a few more AP holders and certainly more FL residents for the other Disney divisions to entice with discounts. As I already stated, I'll be the first one in line to complain if Marriott owners get even the same perks from Disney. SInce it's so easy to play hardball with Disney, certainly a timeshare like the mighty Marriott could do better than they do now if they'd put it a little effort.

Maybe someone can quote the Disney perks from the almost 2 pages of 12-14 point type that Marriott has played hardball to get? ... I'll be right here waiting for that list ...

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by WebmasterDoc
While we are RCI members, we own four weeks at one timeshare that is on the DVC/II exchange list- I can guarantee you that this resort does not offer perks anywhere near what we get thru DVC- so I don't understand the shot at RCI at all, but that's OK- I still enjoy the lesser (apparently) exchanges I've chosen. I guess the beauty is in the beholder's eye. Those Marriotts may be great- but there are still none on-site at WDW that I'm aware of.

As for playing "hardball", I still don't see what DVC brings to the table to bargain with. There are a few more AP holders and certainly more FL residents for the other Disney divisions to entice with discounts. As I already stated, I'll be the first one in line to complain if Marriott owners get even the same perks from Disney. SInce it's so easy to play hardball with Disney, certainly a timeshare like the mighty Marriott could do better than they do now if they'd put it a little effort.

Maybe someone can quote the Disney perks from the almost 2 pages of 12-14 point type that Marriott has played hardball to get? ... I'll be right here waiting for that list ...

I apologize, it was a joke and I was not trying to offend you. It was truly light hearted. The list I quoted was from HH as I believe I mentioned and if one compares to the DVC HH list, Marriott puts it to shame. I used this as an example of what timeshares can do for their members, I honestly think DVC could do more. Though I do believe that the Marriott's in Orlando offered a discount similar to the AAA discounts and those found on line from some of the travel agencies, I'll have to try to find my papers from our stay at Grande Vista a couple of years ago.

The hardball issue would be that DVC and the members would have to be willing to pit one venue against another and to leave some off all together if need be. I think some 4000-5000 members at WDW on any given day should get the attention of various aspects of Disney outside DVC if they were willing to drop some of the resorts off the list if the benefits weren't good enough. I know from past discussions on this list that many want benefits but aren't willing to accept the consequences that might come with them, hence the wimpy options with the DCL, DC, etc.

 

[CaptainMidnight]

Originally posted by Dean
...The hardball issue would be that DVC and the members would have to be willing to pit one venue against another and to leave some off all together if need be. I think some 4000-5000 members at WDW on any given day should get the attention of various aspects of Disney outside DVC if they were willing to drop some of the resorts off the list if the benefits weren't good enough. I know from past discussions on this list that many want benefits but aren't willing to accept the consequences that might come with them, hence the wimpy options with the DCL, DC, etc.

Interesting. I guess I wouldn't mind if some WDW hotels were dropped from the list in exchange for better point values on Disney Cruises. This is certainly similar to the strategies described in the managed care world, the hardball may be a great approach.

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by CaptainMidnight
Interesting. I guess I wouldn't mind if some WDW hotels were dropped from the list in exchange for better point values on Disney Cruises. This is certainly similar to the strategies described in the managed care world, the hardball may be a great approach.

There really are two components to my thoughts. One is that DVC could make a case for most if not all the discounts that are floating around from DC, AP and maybe even the DDE. If they truly were willing to stand up and say they felt strongly, I doubt many if any would be held back that are offered to others. The DDE group might be the iffy ones as I don't know if the system gives a kickback to the venues in return for the discounts. As to putting the pressure on playing hardball, that would be a level of commitment beyond just making the plea and effort. I do think it possible for DVC to go this route to a certain extent without rocking the boat. Actually DCL might be the hard one as there would be no direct competition.

Doc, thanks for the email.

 

[CRobin]

Originally posted by Johnnie Fedora
These discounts are generally offered to many other WDW guests (Disney club, AmEx, Visa, AAA, etc.). They are not DVC exclusives.

These threads always boil down to whether you believe that offering repeat customers a discount encourages more business.

For our family...repeat customer discounts DO encourage further business!!! I'm just waiting for the USF/IOA DVC member park pass discount. Maybe then Disney will offer one their own discounts to us.

Good point, and both you and KNWVIKING are correct in that these discounts are available from a number of other sources.

My point is this:

1). Annual Passholder - can elect not to renew at any time and give up the discount.

2). Visa / MC / AAA / Amex cardholder - same thing.

3). DC - gone in 2 months

4). DVC member - go ahead and sell. Someone else will pick up your contract on the resale market. Disney doesn't have to offer you a thing. Those points represent to Disney a guaranteed repeat visitor. And, on top of that, they're providing you accomodations where you can cook your own meals and don't need to spend a dime in their restaurants.

 

[timC]

I'd assume that DVC management is goaled on DVC member sales/revenue...not WDW resort revenue. And WDW resort management is probably not goaled on DVC revenue...at least until you get to senior management.

I would not be surprised if the two didn’t coordinate any marketing efforts to increase resort bookings/sales. In fact, a sale to DVC is a lost customer for WDW resort, and resort incentives from WDW resorts, potential conflicts with DVC marketing. Why buy a DVC add-on when my membership gives me a special discount at a cool monorail resort?

Now, this thinking does not apply for other offerings like AP discounts, restaurants, golf, etc. DVC has no direct revenue interests here, and it would not be DVC who would offer any discounts. WDW resorts take the costs for these discounts. So, for DVC members to be offered any discounts, DVC will have to convince WDW resorts that members are good market to go after. Clearly they have had some success, but not enough for many on this board. By the way...would love to have an AP discount too! But, it seems that WDW resorts views FL residents as a more important target market for AP’s than DVC.

I have noticed that many non-Disney enterprises actively market to DVC members. Example: FCH, and RFC are two DtD restaurants that regularly discount to DVC members. I believe the Swan/Dolphin also regularly discount to members.

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by timC
I'd assume that DVC management is goaled on DVC member sales/revenue...not WDW resort revenue. And WDW resort management is probably not goaled on DVC revenue...at least until you get to senior management.

I would not be surprised if the two didn’t coordinate any marketing efforts to increase resort bookings/sales. In fact, a sale to DVC is a lost customer for WDW resort, and resort incentives from WDW resorts, potential conflicts with DVC marketing. Why buy a DVC add-on when my membership gives me a special discount at a cool monorail resort?

Now, this thinking does not apply for other offerings like AP discounts, restaurants, golf, etc. DVC has no direct revenue interests here, and it would not be DVC who would offer any discounts. WDW resorts take the costs for these discounts. So, for DVC members to be offered any discounts, DVC will have to convince WDW resorts that members are good market to go after. Clearly they have had some success, but not enough for many on this board. By the way...would love to have an AP discount too! But, it seems that WDW resorts views FL residents as a more important target market for AP’s than DVC.

I have noticed that many non-Disney enterprises actively market to DVC members. Example: FCH, and RFC are two DtD restaurants that regularly discount to DVC members. I believe the Swan/Dolphin also regularly discount to members.

Tim, I think the point that the WDW resorts lose a potential customer is when they first buy DVC. After this, the main way they can get them back is to have the stay with the DC or maybe on weekends. Remember there are several parts to the equation on DC, DCL, CC type exchanges. First is the negotiated price. Second is the rental price through CRO. Third is the chunk CRO taks out as payment for their efforts.

 

[Johnnie Fedora]

Originally posted by Dean
Third is the chunk CRO taks out as payment for their efforts.

For Disney, this is the goose that laid golden egg. The accounting process for these traded points has Disney laughing all the way to the bank. DVCers REALLY pay for this easy trade service. For some members, it's worth it, for others its a major rip-off.

 

[Johnnie Fedora]

Originally posted by CRobin
DVC member - go ahead and sell. Someone else will pick up your contract on the resale market. Disney doesn't have to offer you a thing. Those points represent to Disney a guaranteed repeat visitor. And, on top of that, they're providing you accomodations where you can cook your own meals and don't need to spend a dime in their restaurants.

I realize for some, Disney can't do anything wrong, and can't improve on anything.

Selling is often suggested when a DVC member is critical or just makes a suggestion concerning a particular Disney policy/offering. Not really the point, as I am happy with the accomodations (which is what I purchased...nothing more). Disney is guaranteed me being a repeat visitor to the property, but not necessisarily to the parks restaurants or shops. Yes, Disney doesn't have to offer anything. I response, I also can choose to not offer them a large chunck of my discretionary vacation money. I also like to keep in mind that the accomodations, full kitchen, etc. aren't anything that Disney "provides for me"...I paid for those.

 

[CRobin]

Originally posted by Johnnie Fedora
I realize for some, Disney can't do anything wrong, and can't improve on anything.

Selling is often suggested when a DVC member is critical or just makes a suggestion concerning a particular Disney policy/offering. Not really the point, as I am happy with the accomodations (which is what I purchased...nothing more). Disney is guaranteed me being a repeat visitor to the property, but not necessisarily to the parks restaurants or shops. Yes, Disney doesn't have to offer anything. I response, I also can choose to not offer them a large chunck of my discretionary vacation money. I also like to keep in mind that the accomodations, full kitchen, etc. aren't anything that Disney "provides for me"...I paid for those.

I don't believe I said that DVC can't do anything wrong. DW can write you a book on that topic. Required improvements? They are countless, and I'll take every one if they deliver.

Nor was I making the oft repeated "If you don't like it, sell" comment. I was simply trying to provide my interpretation of Disney looking, at a strictly financial standpoint, of what they got from a DVC member. That being that the interest in the Vacation Club is sold. It will be either resold or turned back over to Disney. SOMEONE is going to be there 96% of the year on their purchased points.

Do they have to figure out ways to entice people to come back to stay on their property? Not really.

How about annual pass discounts? Mmmm, maybe, but these guys are here every 2 years or so at least, so why bother?

Restaurants? Yeah, let's give them some discounts, they always have the opton of going offsite.

That's what they did, and I hope they continue. JMHO

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

Do I wish DVC would negotiate a better range of discounts for me? Yes I do. However what I routinely see missing from the argument that Disney should give more to DVC'ers is how Disney would make a profit from those who would use the discount. The bottom line is always profit. AP's already offer a huge discount to purchasers...a savvy ap'er can make that baby pay for it self with judicious use. Except as an incentive to purchase more points I don't see the advantage to Disney in offering it to DVC at a discount.

I think Restaurant and retail discounts are where Disney could boost its bottom line with DVC'ers. You can choose to eat in and just how much Disney wear does a body really need? A discount might just encourage someone to buy something more. If there were excessive demand for DVC units by cash customers I could see encouraging DVC'ers to go to hotel room in exchange for discounted points. ..but unless people are willing to tolerate discounts going to specific groups (say BCV'ers for example) I don't see it happening.

Other timeshares versus DVC. Discounts are only as good as the ones you will use. In that regard I don't find DVC to be any better than my other timeshare. I think I've managed to use the DVC discount maybe once or twice. I routinely use the discounts available to me at the other unit.