An additional level of Membership Extras, rumored as "diamond." Supposedly may things like extra time in the park, private lounge areas, ticketing discounts, room request priority, etc. Fee was rumored at $100 per year but we know there is no way it would be that cheap.
Ah yes the rumored pay for perks. They should take a page out of OOP CCV concierge and realize that's not wise. Doing tiers as they have with buy ins is probably smarter.
Supposedly, the idea is really popular among members that they've floated this to (I'm guessing focus groups). I'd be surprised if it didn't move forward in some capacity.
I'm surprised a little. Maybe I've been moderating a pretty large DVC FB group too long to think it was received well (rumor was discussed). Lots of annoyed as well as completely disgruntled owners. Removing the TOWL access really peeved some big time. To have to pay would be insulting to many if that makes sense.
I could see this at $100 per stay, per person. Def not $100 a year. Unless the offerings suck, of course. Or unless you had to have 500 or more direct points to be able to pay the $100 per year.
This may be the straw that broke this DVC camel’s back. I have been going back and forth with selling my contracts. I am so heartbroken with the direction the new Disney has taken. I know how great WDW was, so it’s hard to accept what it is now. Probably time to let go and enjoy the wonderful memories I have, and Martin’s videos.
I'm still giving it some time and have remote plans to buy in for more PVB when the time comes. But if the changes aren't fixed before 2024 we'll likely start selling off instead of adding on
I’ve heard the program will be opt in and paid as part of your dues. I could see it being like $499 per year.
If they do move forward, all things point to the perks being additional perks. The few existing ones would remain.
This totally makes sense as a new offering and not part of the membership extras, as they can up the requirements and start fresh. Otherwise the direct membership is only good for merch discounts and eventually the right to buy one of the Florida resident passes.
So, I don't believe this perk is what it seems. Basically, as I understand it, the "perk" would be that your room requests (ground floor, near elevator, near lobby, etc.) would be considered first.
I can see the perks being pretty beefy and for direct only. They have an uphill battle ahead of them re: selling direct points.
That would be reducing value to other contracts, and I don’t think that ability is supported in the verbiage. Consistently contract language is in the spirit of first come first serve. Plus there’s no wording that says resale would get leftovers, for anything. DVC can only make changes that are seen to benefit the group as a whole. I’m no expert don’t think it is possible to offer room request advantage as a perk, paid or otherwise.
So really just some free money from people who will pay anything due to FOMO. Like me.
I don't think this is an issue, legally. They don't and won't guarantee any particular room other than the booking category you land in. And even then they can give you something "better" if they run out.
