DVC Releases Membership Magic Program - MM+ comes to DVC

[tjkraz]

Yes but the Premier pass has increased tremendously in price since it first appeared just a few years ago. I believe the initial year the price was $600, now it is $979, so somehow $849 doesn't seem that great.

The original cost of the Premier was $722. That was back in 2010. Both WDW and DL passes are up sharply over that time.

As for criticism of the website, I guess I don't get that. In addition to the redesign, the new site does promote the new AP offers, a new spa offer, Splitville event, new Adventures by Disney offers. Things like member merchandise are apparently coming soon.

Is it really so offensive that it's worth complaining about?

I'm slowly coming to the conclusion that there's nothing Disney can do to satisfy members. Even people who take advantage of those offers will likely slip into "what have you done for me lately" mode in a few months.

Lowest PAP rate available = complaints
Best DL AP discount we've ever had = complaints
First ever discount on Premier pass = complaints

There ARE people who pay $499 for Disneyland Deluxe passes while DVC owners can buy for $429. There actually ARE people who pay $776 per year for a Premium Annual Pass while DVC owners can get one for $515.

Don't care for the PAP? Then buy an AP for $494...instead of the $648 non-discounted rate.

Are Disney tickets / passes overpriced? Sure, by some individual standards. But DVC owners are still paying significantly less than the masses who fill the parks to the tune of record-setting attendance.

Most days I'm surprised DVC (Disney) even tries.

 

[ParentsOf4]

I'm slowly coming to the conclusion that there's nothing Disney can do to satisfy members.

Please don't take the following as a criticism; I'm just trying to understand the numbers.

Disney's Premier Annual Pass first was sold in March 2010 with a starting price of $700, excluding tax. It was $749 in 2011, $849 in 2012, and $979 in 2013. 2014 price increases haven't been announced yet.

If I correctly understand this, then Disney has increased the price from $700 to $979 in 3 years. That's a 40% increase or about 12% per year.

Now, with the special limited-time DVC discount, the price is $849. That's a 21% increase or about 6.5% per year.

Median household income is up about 3.5% since 2010. Not per year but in total.

Please don't take this the wrong way but, if I correctly understand the numbers, what exactly are we supposed to feel satisfied about?

 

[tjkraz]

Please don't take this the wrong way but, if I correctly understand the numbers, what exactly are we supposed to feel satisfied about?

On behalf of the 120 million people who visited Walt Disney World and Disneyland in 2013: We apologize.

Look, you and I both know that as long as attendance remains strong, Disney is going to feel emboldened to raise prices. And they'll do it at rates which have no regard for inflation.
It sounds trite but the only thing we--as consumers--can do is change our spending habits. I've done it. Sounds like you've done it. But as long as others make up for our reduction in park visits, it's going to be business as usual for 'ole TWDC.

In spite of the increases in ticket costs, DVC owners have several avenues available to pay less. In some cases, substantially less...like the PAP promo which is 35% less than the rate charged to thousands of PAP holders who are not DVC owners. Or the now-mundane Annual Pass discount of 24%, available year-round, which is so quickly dismissed. "What have you done for me lately?", I suppose.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

If you feel this way than you should stop going to Walt Disney World and find a Universal web site that you can write on. I will be purchasing the discounted annual pass and using it for my next renewal.

Ohhh dear.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

Where is Morpheus when we need him?

Your 'go back to your universal hole' attitude is tiring and pathetic honestly. People aren't here to make them feel better about their favorites but because they are interested in Disney. Just because you don't want to be reminded of things that doesn't make it off topic for the rest of us.

If you don't want to see those posts... Don't read them.

But how else can one displays unquestioning loyalty to a favoured multinational? DVC its just spiffing.

 

[slappy magoo]

I will never be one of those DVC members who feels like we "deserve" perks we've never received, or used to receive but no longer do. I'll never stamp my feet and say Disney owes me anything beyond what I've paid to get.

But in case anyone from the Mouse House is reading...yeah, discounts for DVC members for tickets beyond the annual passes would be awesome. You'll more than get it back in deluxe dining, souvenirs, photopasses etc. Promise.

 

[MaxsDad]

The biggest effect this has had on me is an extra click to get to the page I need on their web site, while I bypass the new dorky info page.

Do the Mickey Ears look like a photo shop job to anyone else?

 

[216bruce]

Purchased the San Fran/Napa trip from the MM list o' stuff. Looks great. Going to the Disney Family Museum, touring SF, going to drink a bunch of wine too and check out Napa Valley and Muir National Forest. I don't get why folks think Disney owes them something. Your reward and the perk is the fun you SHOULD be having. If you're not having it, look elsewhere and I hope you find it.

 

[jamiek81]

It says on the Disney Parks Blog that there is "A new online home for exclusive merchandise and more."
I am not seeing it anywhere on the DVC Member website. Has anyone else seen this? Or, know where the website is?

It isn't really an exclusive location per say. If you visit www.disneystore.com and go in to the Disney Parks Merchandise, Disney Vacation Club merch is available under Vacation FUNdamentals. There is, however, a link to both that and the DVC Exclusive Dooney and Bourke bag through dvcmember.com. Its under Membership Magic and Special Offers.

 

[note2001]

The biggest effect this has had on me is an extra click to get to the page I need on their web site, while I bypass the new dorky info page.

Do the Mickey Ears look like a photo shop job to anyone else?

That splash page is annoying to me too. I go onto the web site to deal with my points and reservations, don't need the intro.

Most bothersome bit to me: per usual disney makes sure the site plays well with Microsoft, but only cares that it can load with other browsers. Timeout issues still occurring with FF despite talking with their IT guys twice. They're not taking time to resolve it, instead saying "use Explorer"