DVCNews Debates: Preferential Treatment

[theoldgrump]

I agree with most of the replies thus far -- As a DVC member I enjoy the "discounts" on annual passes and the tables in wonderland .. I too have had very little trouble getting into my unit before four in the afternoon.. Usually we have had to wait no more than an hour .. maybe two ..

It would be nice to get some "preference" as to where a member would like to stay on property ..
We did pay a lot of money for those points, plus annual dues .. So that would be a nice "perk" ..
There are other time share companies ( not all ) that do that for their owners who trade within the company.

Maybe a small discount on a meal plan would be nice .. but we'll never see that one ..

Have a great day everyone .. ( or should I say a "magical day" )
73

[TimK]

I think that my guests staying on points should have the same perks as I do. But if I rent my points to someone for cash then I don't believe they should get the perks, they are already getting a great rate on the room by renting points.

In terms of true "perks" (like dining discounts, etc.) DVC is capable of doing exactly what you describe. Non-compensated guests of members are supposed to be entitled to all member perks but renters are not necessarily eligible. By default all room keys for units booked on DVC points will read "DVC Member." However if you tell Member Services that the individual booked on your points is a renter, the "DVC Member" notation will NOT be included on the card.

Trouble is there's absolutely no reason for a member to ever inform DVC of a rental. In fact, it works in the member's favor if they are able to tell their rental customer that they will receive access to most DVC perks and benefits.

Honestly I'm a little surprised at the responses. Not saying folks are wrong--I just expected that there would be more support for the idea of members over renters / traders.

Someone used the phrase "equal rights for all." I don't really view it as a "rights" issue. All resort guests have rights to the size / view booked. All have a right to be in the room by 4pm (give or take.) All have a right to free parking, pool access, health club access, wi-fi, etc.

Nobody wants to remove those "rights" from any group of guests.

But I'm surprised there aren't more people who think a points-owning member should have a better shot at their preferred view or room location. That members shouldn't have first crack a renovated rooms or early occupancy.

It seems like it would be in DVC's best interest to keep its members happy above and beyond all others. If there's a vacant dumpster view room with two arriving parties--one a Member and the other an RCI trader--should the resort staff really just flip a coin to decide who is assigned to that room?

There wouldn't be even a twinge of resentment if a member--assigned to the dumpster view--overheard a renter talking about the awesome view they received in a room which was ready at 10am?

[denlo]

Of course, I'd be jealous that an RCI or renter got a better room than I did, but if I know it's the luck of the draw it's easier to accept. But when special rights like views are given to members over RCI exchange guests, then we should know we'll get the same treatment when we exchange into RCI.

Now my question is do DVC members automatically get the worse views/rooms when trading into RCI? Is that their policy? If it is then, it would be appropriate that DVC treat RCI members the same way. If it's only some of the RCI resorts that do it, then when a DVC member is trying to book that resort then they should be told they will be giving the worse room/view. And then the RCI exchange should be given the worse room/view. I have to admit that last situation seems impossible to book properly on the DVC end.

[TimK]

Now my question is do DVC members automatically get the worse views/rooms when trading into RCI? Is that their policy?

RCI is simply the middleman. Their only concern is that if a member trades for a Two Bedroom Villa at "X" resort on "Y" dates, he/she receives a unit which matches that criteria. RCI doesn't get involved in room assignment specifics.

[Ranger275]

RCI is simply the middleman. Their only concern is that if a member trades for a Two Bedroom Villa at "X" resort on "Y" dates, he/she receives a unit which matches that criteria. RCI doesn't get involved in room assignment specifics.

There are a lot of RCI resorts and they are all independently owned from RCI, some are not that nice and most are not even close to the quality of Disney. When I belonged it was hard to get in the nicer ones. It wasn't worth it and we didn't use it very often because we could never get what we wanted.

[bakerworld]

I actually misunderstood this debate question. I thought you were asking about preferred tx of cash vs. club vacationers or the TOWL situation.

My knowledge of RCI is 2nd-hand via my sister who owns 2 timeshares (PA poconos & dewey beach DE) but uses neither. Each year she pays her dues, RCI membership and RCI trade fee for both directly into RCI. They're skiers and spend 2 weeks a year somewhere in a ski resort. She tells me RCI is SUPPOSE to remember that they are Red Week/Gold Crown owners and offer accomodations accordingly. My point is that RCI does maintain 'like for like' accomodations and if you try and place my sister in an accomodation overlooking the trash / kitchen area she will address.

We actively share our club - bought it to share - with our children. We would be upset if they weren't offered the same experience. When our DVC experience was new, our eldest DD consistently asked, "Should I accept the DVC discounts?" "Yes, Dad and I pay for you to get that 10%. Don't throw our $$ away."

[akvhutch]

I'd have to say that I would be a bit miffed if I knew a renter or cash person got a room at 10 while I waited until 4, but beyond that I would have to say that as an owner you have to look at this as a business. I think that you have to take care of members but at the same time attract new members & one way is to treat them well as cash guests. That was exactly what got me to buy DVC (well that & relaxing vacations at the best place on the planet). We stayed at OKW in a 2 bedroom with DS & Family. It was a great relaxing trip. I don't know if we got anything preferred, but we got to pick from some available 2BR. I'd also have to say that I don't feel (except at SSR) like we've ever received anything but great service at any of the resorts where we've stayed.

Now that I've rambled around forever, it comes down to treating everyone the right way, like you want them to return. I've always gotten that feeling from Disney resorts (except once at SSR).

[Marguerite]

I'm a Disney snob. Why did I buy DVC in the first place? Of course I think I deserve preferential treatment when it comes to room assignment and access. Am I wrong to assume the front desk takes my membership status into account when it books me in?

[jarestel]

Those who pay dues at a resort, ie owners, should be given top preference when it comes to room assignments and requests. DVC members who don't own at a resort but are using points from another resort to stay there would be in the 2nd tier and cash guests or renters would be at the bottom of the list.

Outside of room and request preferences, I don't think any other preferential treatment is warranted.

[bakerworld]

Those who pay dues at a resort, ie owners, should be given top preference when it comes to room assignments and requests. DVC members who don't own at a resort but are using points from another resort to stay there would be in the 2nd tier and cash guests or renters would be at the bottom of the list.

Outside of room and request preferences, I don't think any other preferential treatment is warranted.

We used our pts to stay at Carribean Beach Resort in 2010 and DVC refused us parking lot view - they said DVC could only be booked in 'preferred' view.