Any DVC'ers out there think we should have more perks?

[chwilson88]

I am just throwing this out there, but I've been a member since 2005 and I think it's the best decision I've ever made..however, having said that, I really wish there were more "in-park" perks for us. We've paid more money to WDW than most will ever spend, especially those that frequent the value resorts, and I'm sort of unsatisfied with the lack of VIP-type perks we might enjoy. One thing that would go a long way for me personally would be a VIP fast pass waiting in our room each year we stay or something simple and yet so pleasing like that. Doesn't have to be much, but just something a little more or unexpected would be nice. Something to say "we at WDW appreciate your investment with us, and we'd like to say thanks"...

 

[DisneyJoe]

We've paid more money to WDW than most will ever spend, especially those that frequent the value resorts

From everything I've ever read about DVC membership, you should never join if you are used to staying at Value resorts - if you do, you will regret it. What I have read is that you should only join if you are used to staying, and want to continue staying at, Deluxe accommodations. In brief, comparison against value and moderate resorts is not a valid comparison, IMHO.

Using that basis, and assuming that Disney continues to raise resort rates each and every year, for the next 40 years or so, you are locked into a rate that will keep your long term spending well below those that visit WDW and stay at Deluxe resorts over the same period.

In other words, your membership has locked in your "deals" for the next 40 years.

Current perks for DVC members:

- discount on AP purchase
- Free Internet
- 10% discount at Children's Activity Centers
- you can use any DVC Fitness facility for free
- Free DVD rental
- Pool Hopping privilege
- some dining discounts
- Photopass Discounts
- $50 Annual Golf membership
- and a few other perks

and these don't even include the perks that AP members get.

I personally don't feel that Disney owes you anything further.

 

[chwilson88]

I understand your point of view...however, I've always stayed at Deluxe resorts, so I'm not comparing value to deluxe. Also, I don't feel that Disney "owes" me anything. I'm just saying it'd be nice to throw in a few other perks that would actually be useful at the parks. $50 off a golf session doesn't do anything for a family with kids. The dining discounts are minimal. Free internet is stupid, I go on vacation to get away from work/internet. Why would I want to pool-hop when the resorts I stay at have magnificent pools to begin with?

The rates that get locked in for 40+ years is obviously why I joined, but I would argue that the increasing maintenance fees are a little exorbitant, and the resorts like BCV and others are needing a lot of maintenance that I haven't seen implemented yet.

 

[Master Yoda]

I have to agree with Joe on this one. DVC members are by far the most perked demographic at WDW and rightly so. You guys even trump us Florida residents who Disney is quite kind to. Just because you do not use some of the perks does not devalue them as a whole as many, many people do use those perks. I am sure that you will find yourself in the minority on the golf discount and especially the internet access.

We would all love more free stuff but Disney is in no way obligated to give them to us.

 

[DisneyJoe]

$50 off a golf session doesn't do anything for a family with kids.

Actually, this is a yearly golf membership, for those who do play, it saves them a lot of money. I believe it covers mini-golf too, which is perfect for a family.

Apparently Free Internet means much to many people on these boards, very long threads pop up about once a month with pros and cons.

What I am saying is that Disney currently gives you quite a long list of perks. Just because you personally don't use them doesn't mean they aren't there.

They could offer something new next year that you may not be interested in also, would that mean that they aren't trying to keep the DVC members happy?

 

[chwilson88]

I have to agree with Joe on this one. DVC members are by far the most perked demographic at WDW and rightly so. You guys even trump us Florida residents who Disney is quite kind to. Just because you do not use some of the perks does not devalue them as a whole as many, many people do use those perks. I am sure that you will find yourself in the minority on the golf discount and especially the internet access.

We would all love more free stuff but Disney is in no way obligated to give them to us.

Yoda, I'm shocked you would go against me after all the positive energy I've thrown your way!! :brick:JK. You and Joe are correct from a very Disney-executive-financially-driven perspetive. Why should I expect Disney to give me any more than I already have at my disposal, whether or not I use them...but anyways, thanks for the feedback. I will continue to hope that better perks come along my way that fit my family's desires.

 

[Master Yoda]

Yoda, I'm shocked you would go against me after all the positive energy I've thrown your way!! :brick:JK. You and Joe are correct from a very Disney-executive-financially-driven perspetive. Why should I expect Disney to give me any more than I already have at my disposal, whether or not I use them...but anyways, thanks for the feedback. I will continue to hope that better perks come along my way that fit my family's desires.

What kind of perks are you looking for?

 

[chwilson88]

I think one example that would be extremely useful would be some type of upper-level fast pass. We received a VIP fast pass some years ago from our DVC rep when we added on points, and it allowed us to immediatley use it once on any ride...no coming back for some time schedule. So, maybe something like that would be nice..just something useful in the theme parks...maybe half hour earlier admission than the resort guests or something I don't know...just brainstorming. I personally don't know any family with kids that allows the husband to go play a round of golf on their vacation...my wife would have a fit. Plus, bringing clubs etc on the plane, it just sounds like a lot of effort. I know you can rent clubs, but, when you're used to your own..

 

[DisneyJoe]

Disney has filed a patent for FastPass, and part of it gives perks to guests based on the level of resort you are staying at, so one day this may come to pass.

I know at least 3 families that visit WDW and the husbands spend much of their time golfing, each of these families visit WDW at least once per year; they would love a yearly golf membership.

 

[Master Yoda]

I think one example that would be extremely useful would be some type of upper-level fast pass. We received a VIP fast pass some years ago from our DVC rep when we added on points, and it allowed us to immediatley use it once on any ride...no coming back for some time schedule. So, maybe something like that would be nice..just something useful in the theme parks...maybe half hour earlier admission than the resort guests or something I don't know...just brainstorming. I personally don't know any family with kids that allows the husband to go play a round of golf on their vacation...my wife would have a fit. Plus, bringing clubs etc on the plane, it just sounds like a lot of effort. I know you can rent clubs, but, when you're used to your own..

I for one hope the resort level fastpass thing never comes to pass. It creates a hierarchy in the parks that Disney does not need. Universal has a similar system and it one of the main reasons that I have not been to US in around 7 years. I have witnessed rage that spills out of a regular guest that has paid several thousands of dollars to be in WDW only to be told that he can not go on an attraction during an AP preview. I could only imagine what would happen if there was a DVC only line at TT.

In regards to the golf...I just booked 2 families that the dads will be playing golf for 2 days straight and the moms and the kids will be hitting the parks. The dads like hitting the links more than the parks and the moms and the kids like the parks. Both are getting what they want. It happens all the time.

 

[chwilson88]

Well then I am in the minority....I prefer to be in the parks with my family, but that's just me! I work hard to pay for what I have, and if I am able to have a perk like higher level fast pass then too bad if someone gets upset, maybe that person should get a better job and make more money to afford nicer vacation privileges...

 

[Master Yoda]

Well then I am in the minority....I prefer to be in the parks with my family, but that's just me! I work hard to pay for what I have, and if I am able to have a perk like higher level fast pass then too bad if someone gets upset, maybe that person should get a better job and make more money to afford nicer vacation privileges...

I would much rather spend time in the parks with my family as well but to each his own. The point is that it does happen quite frequently. Disney can be a hard sell to most dads and being able to hit some incredible golf courses can be a great selling point to get dad to sign off on a trip.

The thing is in the case of DVC you are getting what you paid for....better accommodations and I like that Disney has kept DVC membership and resort level somewhat separate from park privileges. It creates the feeling of a level playing field inside the parks. It does not matter if a guest is a billionaire staying at the Presidential Suite at AKL or someone just getting by kicking it at Pop Century. They are all given equal opportunity inside of the parks. Think Its a Small World philosophy applied on a grand scale.

Also the VIP treatment in the parks that you want is available inside the pars. You simply have to pay through the nose for it.

 

[Disneykidder]

Just to add something about DVC. Yes the dues rise every year and so does point values. Something that cost 167 points last year may cost 169 points this year, meaning that in a few years someone owning 175 points will need to purchase more to be able to have the same length vacation. DVC will only allow a 100 point minimum and right now that runs about $12,000. Resales are cheaper but would still need to be purchased. So, it kind of is not locking you into a deal.

I think the perks for DVC are great (we are currently becoming a member) but more would always be cool. )

Investing in a DVC is like paying for a car upfront, rather than financing it over time, but can also be financed. I'm not so sure why their seems to be amamosity towards DVC owners.

 

[chwilson88]

You are incorrect about point values rising every year. Total points can not ever change. Only the distribution and seasonality of the points can be shifted around. But you are locking in for sure, no doubt about that.

 

[Master Yoda]

Just to add something about DVC. Yes the dues rise every year and so does point values. Something that cost 167 points last year may cost 169 points this year, meaning that in a few years someone owning 175 points will need to purchase more to be able to have the same length vacation. DVC will only allow a 100 point minimum and right now that runs about $12,000. Resales are cheaper but would still need to be purchased. So, it kind of is not locking you into a deal.

I think the perks for DVC are great (we are currently becoming a member) but more would always be cool. )

Investing in a DVC is like paying for a car upfront, rather than financing it over time, but can also be financed. I'm not so sure why their seems to be amamosity towards DVC owners.

This is actually not 100% correct. While point values form day to day can and do change the total point value can not change by law. When you add up the point values for all the rooms in a resort for they year they must always equal the same and can not go up.

Disney recently revised the point charts as they were quite out of balance when you compared weekends to weekdays.Some days went up others went down but in the end when it is all added up the point value for the resorts remained unchanged.

 

[DisneyJoe]

I'm not so sure why their seems to be amamosity towards DVC owners.

It's not animosity towards DVC owners in general - it's animosity towards DVC owners that aren't happy with all of the benefits and privileges that they currently have. They knew what they had going into their multi-decade contract, why are they all of a sudden not happy with what the contract gives them?

On another board there are monster discussions from DVC owners who are very upset that they can't get Free Dining, or get Buy 4 Get 3 Deals, or similar discounts - instead of being happy with all of the things they have. IMO, those people didn't weigh all of the pros and cons before they purchased.

 

[Master Yoda]

Just to add something about DVC. Yes the dues rise every year and so does point values. Something that cost 167 points last year may cost 169 points this year, meaning that in a few years someone owning 175 points will need to purchase more to be able to have the same length vacation. DVC will only allow a 100 point minimum and right now that runs about $12,000. Resales are cheaper but would still need to be purchased. So, it kind of is not locking you into a deal.

I think the perks for DVC are great (we are currently becoming a member) but more would always be cool. )

Investing in a DVC is like paying for a car upfront, rather than financing it over time, but can also be financed. I'm not so sure why their seems to be amamosity towards DVC owners.

I do not have any animosity toward DVC owners....far from it but, DVC ownership never has improved your standings in the park nor do I think it should. To borrow you car analogy, should prepaying for you car grant you a special lane on the highway? DVC it about your accommodations at WDW and not about your park experience.

 

[HauntedPirate]

I could be completely off-base here, but I think Joe is looking for more park-based perks, like he mentioned. I despise any level-based FastPass system - it creates an "caste" environment that Disney does not want, namely a Univeral Studios-type environment. If anything, I'd probably go along with some system whereby you get a FP for every FP ride at each park each day, but having some kind of priority over other guests doesn't sit well with me (this from someone who stayed almost entirely at Value resorts until DVC). They've always said that FP's are "free to any guest" to set them apart from UniStudios and others, why would they ruin that now? Of course, it's Disney and if they can make a short-term buck from it now, they could easily do it and alienate a lot of future guests, but damn that bottom line looks good this year so who cares??? Sorry, I'll get off the corporate soapbox.

The fact of the matter is, any and every perk could be taken away at any time and that is documented. The AP discount is nice, no doubt - but they used to give you AP's. How many members take advantage of the golf perk? I'd say a minority. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to, but right now park time with the family wins out over golf. A lot of the other perks listed are simply resort amentities that you can and do find at tons of hotels across the country. They aren't that spectacular. Pool hopping is only nice if you are have some burning desire to visit Stormalong Bay (the best pool on-property) each visit or SS's kiddie pool (which is the best one we've found on-property).

Extra time in the park could be nice, but EMH kind of puts a kink in that plan from a logistical standpoint - they'd have to pay more in CM wages to do it than they'd get from it. What about a flat 10% discount on all food and beverage purchases at all counter-service restaurants in the parks? Perhaps an additional 3-day window to make ADR's for sitdowns? 5% off merchandise in the parks? I know you get 10% off at WoD, but if Disney would get their head out of their collective and put park-and-land-specific merchandise back in the shops, people would probably buy stuff again. There are little things they could do to make DVC'ers feel special, but they don't seem inclined to.

I honestly believe that the thinking with DVC management is - we've got their money, we know they're going to come back, why do we need to do anything else?

Edit - uhh... I missed a few posts while typing. Yes, the total points for a room for a year is set in stone and cannot change. Nightly values can change, but they can't change how many points a room costs per year.

 

[MKCP 1985]

animosity towards any group whining for more perks is easy to understand.

especially when the group is already blessed to have the resources many hard working people can't afford.

whether the OP has a valid question is beside the point.

this thread title was probably a bad idea. :shrug:

probably better to address the question to fellow DVC owners in a private forum, if such exists. :wave:

 

[chwilson88]

Sorry if my choice in thread title was not appropriate...however I believe this is the best forum to discuss such ideas/concepts, since it is entitled "Disney Vacation Club" and those who enter must be willing to discuss things related to DVC (or so I would think). But I agree fully with hauntedpirate...those are some of the ideas I was thinking of, little perks besides golf and pool hopping would be nice. I too think that DVC golfers are a minority.

I certainly am happy as heck with DVC, as I stated previously it's one of the best decisions I've ever made. So I'm not bashing it or anything like that at all. I just was talking out loud to see what others thought, that's all.