Valet Parking

Thanks for the news Vettelover. I caught a glimpse of something like this over on twitter, but had no idea what the details were. This seems outlandish to me! Why would they take away such a great perk?

I would be outraged if I were a DVC member. That was certainly a meaningful perk and when I've bought 50 years of vacations I'm no wild about them changing the terms whenever they want. Have we heard this from any official source?

OK, this is something that needs to be clarified, and something that I've mentioned before on here that our DVC Rep told us when we were considering whether we want to buy in the DVC.

Never, ever based one's decision to purchase DVC on the "perks". He flatly told us that. Assume that the perks don't exist. Now look again and see if buying into the DVC is worthwhile for you. If you say yes, then you should buy it. This is because none of the perks are ever guaranteed. It isn't part of any agreement that they have promised to provide when you buy into the DVC. It means that it can be taken away at any time. This includes those discounts on tickets.

We bought the DVC with that in mind. While it is disappointing to see a perk goes away, we certainly would not be writing a complaint that we were tricked into buying into the DVC simply for that perk, or that we no longer find any value in our membership.

We have used the free valet parking at both the Boardwalk and the Beach Club a few times. While it is certainly is convenient, especially when it is pouring rain, we find that we tend to NOT use it in most cases. Just being able to park there is enough. We could get to our car a lot faster than when we valet park, especially in the early evening when they're busy. So not having this perk for free doesn't affect us one bit.

Having said that, I haven't see anything yet the removal of this perk for DVC members.

Zz.

You can always quote other websites here, Vettelover! I saw the news over on dvcnews.com as well... it was supposed to go into effect yesterday according to them, so I'd be interested to hear if there's an official announcement soon (or maybe they won't announce?)

It is true. I called Member Services and I have a friend who's boyfriend works valet at a DVC resort, the valet CMs are upset too because if less DVC members use valet parking now they make less in tips.

I understand that all perks are subject to change, they weren't the main selling point when we purchased, but I also hate to see them being taken away and possibly cut into the pockets of valet CMs.

If you aren't happy about it, I'd suggest everyone send over a little e-mail stating so to this address. I did, and it took less than a few minutes:
[email protected]

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Thanks for the news Vettelover and DisneyLife4Us. What a bummer!

I'm kind of shocked by this. They're cutting prices everywhere else; why wouldn't they continue to honor discounts for their most prized supporters?

I hear ZapperZ point that they're explicit about not buying it for the perks, but that's still a serious downside to me. Makes me think they don't plan to build another DVC property in Florida any time soon.

DisneyLife4Us: I totally understand the valet guys not liking it either. I bet that was a considerable portion of their business. Does your valet friend ever mention how much people typically tip there?

But we also need to keep in mind that they also ADD perks. For example, the free internet connection for DVC members at DVC resorts was instituted just only last year. That certainly wasn't part of the existing perks when we joined. I'm sure there are plenty more that they added recently.

So the amount of perks being given is not a one-way street.

Zz.

I would be bummed if I'd grown accustomed to a particular perk. That said, I have to agree Z; they still make it worth your while in my opinion. I'm not a fan of valet parking anyway, as I'm familiar with what goes on in the client's car when they're not in it. I'm sure Disney keeps their parking attendants on a relatively short leash, but I'm still not comfortable with that.

Good point, Zapperz. I think the discounted annual pass perk is outstanding, and that's relatively new.

Free Internet is of a comparable value to free parking right? About $10/day each?

Plus valet costs you tip money either way, so if you forego it you save more than $10/day!

There's no way I can go without Internet.