Werner said,
60,000 DVC families -- who are motivated by value
"Motivated by value" is at the heart of this discussion. While all consumers are motivated by value to one degree or another, DVC'ers I believe to be much more value driven than the typical WDW vacation consumer. As such, the DVC family represents a specialty market segment (and a fast growing one at that).
Our satisfaction with DVC ownership really has little to do with the demand for value priced park admissions. Like most, my wife and I are very satisfied with our investment in DVC. That does not mean we are satisfied with Disney's park admission media and the prices we pay for it. We are part of a large and growing frequent users group; judging by feedback on this board many feel the same way. Because of this, some are opting to spend less time in the parks and less $$$ on site. While LOS does fit the DVC "lifestyle," the value we receive relative to the cost is significantly less than the value provided to a less frequent WDW vacationer. We want casual access to the parks and we want it at a reasonable price. We are not commando riding all the E-ticket rides and staying open to close, we should be billed accordingly. AP's are a better fit, but as a different market segment we expect a better value than the typical AP consumer.
This is why FL discounts are so often referenced in this thread. Discounted tickets, dining programs, after 4 Epcot admissions, etc are much more aligned with the type of access we are demanding. With park attendance down and growing competition Disney will eventually move to satisfy our willingness to spend more time in the parks; but it is at least partially up to us to communicate to Disney that these types of programs are what we expect from the company. So talk to your guides and resort staff, write letters, etc. Explain you want to spend more time on property, but also explain that the same value equation used to purchase DVC accomodations is what keeps you from doing so. In the interim enjoy some of what Orlando has to offer off property.
None of these points should be seen as any kind of revolt against WDW. In fact, we will still spend the majority of our time at the place we love, just more time away than we would normally want(casual dinners, slow days, etc).
Corporations regularly reward frequent/repeat customers. Airlines (SkyMiles, OnePass, etc), carwash (every 6th wash free), frequent diners clubs, etc. recognize the value in bringing customers back on a regular basis. While Disney does have it's own types of rewards (DisneyClub, APs, etc), a significant part of these programs are room discounts which we do not need. We want casual access at reasonable costs. The FL discount programs fit the bill and that is what we should be leveraging our stength to attain; it may be the easiest to lobby for and administer since it already exists. To recognize FL DVC owners, the black-out date restrictions should be removed for DVC. Many other previous suggestions might also be satisfactory.
I'm with most of you and feel such a change would be a win/win for Disney. We get the greater value we expect and Disney keeps us at home where we belong.
upcoming trips
HHI in Oct - first Time!!!
OKW in Jan - (no park visits this time, waiting til next visit)