Thelazer said:
What I cannot stand is the DVC members who act as if they now own the place. They feel that they can boss around and at the CM'S over the silliest of things. Stuff that a normal guest, would just chalk up to bad luck "rain, certain room view not available, long lines" and move on.
However, often it seems that when a BIG DEAL is made over something tiny the word "DVC" gets thrown around. Then, we as CM's have to go over board, bend over backward to do whatever it takes to fix the situation. Just because they are DVC, and they are the all holy of holeyest guests.
I'm not suggesting that CM's should not care or go that extra mile, far from it. I'm suggesting that DVC members now abuse the "Privilege" of owning at Disney. Abuse it, knowing that if they or complain about anything and say the word "DVC" they are going to get comp tickets and what not handed right to them.
I think it's time for a bit of a realty check with DVC. Yes, it makes money; it makes A TON OF MONEY. In fact, if a DVC member really knew how much money Disney makes off them..Oh boy, you'd feel a bit silly. This making money IS the reason they get treated so well. It cannot and will not go on forever. A major part of the "cool factor" of DVC is being able to say you "own" at Disney. Give it a few more years. Suddenly, everyone you know will be "owning" at Disney, it won't be so cool then. Just watch what happens, DVC will not exist. It will be converted into some other form of program (Anyone else see the word "Condo"??? It's already happening at other resorts in Orlando)
I also long for the day, when your average guest staying at the All-Stars, gets treated as well as the guest who stays at the DVC resort. Same discounts, same treatment, same everything. Level playing field. If you want to act like the stinky rich guest, go to Vegas that is my motto.
Maybe it's the Holidays, I don't know. I can tell you, that it's well known by CM's that DVC members have gotten much worse in there attitudes over the last 2 years.
Please don't paint the DVC members with such a broad brush. I have seen the attitude you described, but, have also seen some downright nice members.
In reality, I have seen the level of courtesy towards anyone degrade in the last few years, it is not just members of DVC towards the CMs. It is also CMs towards guests. The rudeness factor in CMs has amazed me over the past few years. Sometimes I can totally understand the CM being rude when a guest is giving them attitude, but, I cannot understand it when nothing rude on the part of the guest has been exhibited.
I long for the day when all guests are treated the same, not just your example. I feel you singled out the DVC/All-Stars when, in fact, guests at the GF are going to be treated better than the guests at one of the All-Stars or DVC. The old saying "money talks, etc" works here, unfortunately.
I treat people the way I want to be treated. I also do not tolerate a guest berating a CM and I do say something. We are now facing the "entitlement mentality" everywhere we go. Fly on a plane sometime and see how the parents of an unruly child behave. I guess they think their little darling is "entitled" to disturb the entire plane. Go to a restaurant where there is a party of somewhat rowdy adults, apparently they are "entitled" to disturb the entire restaurant.
It is nice to "own a piece of the Magic", but, I do not feel it entitles me to anything except a unit when I call to make a reservation (space available, of course). I don't pitch a fit if my requests are not totally met (they usually are, btw). The only thing I am totally explicit about is a smoking unit. I refuse to smoke in a non smoking unit and I also refuse to have to go outside to smoke in "my home away from home". Am I entitled to it? Nope. It is the luck of the draw, but, with so few smokers we have been very lucky.
I will pitch a fit (only before I call housekeeping and I am always totally polite to them.) if the unit is has not been cleaned properly or if items are missing that should be there. But, I would do the same anywhere.
I have requested a manager for one situation. I did explain the situation quite well and expected something to be done about it. No different than any other guest. I feel because I was polite and not in her "face" that my complaint was handled quickly and correctly. All I expected was the complaint be taken care of, I did not need any compensation.
I am acutely aware of how much money DVC makes, and I really don't care.
Are you aware of how much money a car mfg. makes on a sale from you? Or a realtor, a stock broker, etc? It is insane to believe they are not making money, it is a BUSINESS it is supposed to make money. IMHO, if I am happy with the deal and DVC is happy with the deal, the rest is not an issue. What is an issue is someone trying to denagrade decisions made by people. It was my choice to purchase DVC, the rest is really none of your business. I have my membership at DVC until 2042 or until I wish to sell it. I doubt I will be alive in 2042 and frankly, I don't give a fig what they do with it after my contract has been fulfilled. If you are not a member, why would you care?
I get very annoyed at people making huge general statements about a group.
It is, indeed, prejudice at it's best. You are prejudging a group of people. Unless you know them all, it is improper to do so. I also take offense at being
placed into that group when, indeed, I have done nothing to deserve it.
I am sure the other DVC members on this board would not like it either.
