DVC Incidental Benefits
I wanted to take the time and explain some of the information that has been recently released by the Disney Vacation Club. There is a slight change to their incidental benefits program. Here are some changes that took place starting in 2011, then in 2016. The most recent change will take place February 25, 2018. Now in order to receive the incidental benefits with the DVC you would need to purchase at least 75 points directly with Disney. Please see the full explanation below.
Quote from member newsletter:
“Effective March 21, 2011, Getaways included within the Disney Collection (e.g, Disney Cruise Line and Adventures by Disney) and the concierge collection, which are now membership extras have not been available for ownership interest not purchased directly from Disney Vacation Club. Effective April 4, 2016, Members who do not purchase their ownership interest directly from Disney Vacation Club will not have access to other Membership Extras, such as exclusive Member experience and discounts. (Those who already own, regardless of where they purchased will not be affected by this new policy change). “ The latest change is that you have to purchase a minimum of 75 points directly from Disney in order to receive these incidental benefits.
What does this mean for you? Is it still worth purchasing on the resale market? What is an incidental benefit? I will help with those answers.
The definition of an incidental benefit is as follows: Accompanying but not a major part of something. Another definition would be: Occurring by chance in connection with something else. With this in mind, incidental benefits that may be offered are not guaranteed and can change at any moment. When you make a purchase such as the Disney Vacation Club, we should all keep in mind what it really is we are purchasing and purchase for the right reasons. Anything that is listed as incidental should not be the reason you make such an investment.
When you purchase on the resale market, you will still have full access to all of the DVC Resorts themselves as well as RCI as your exchange company. That has remained unchanged. You still have your 11 month booking window for your home resort and 7 month booking window for a non-home resort. You still receive a member ID number. What will happen is after closing, Disney will mail you a letter with your member ID number on it. They will not issue you actual member ID cards from what I was told by a Disney cast member. You can still log in online or call member services and use your member ID to make reservations. If you would like to receive a member ID card for things such as member events and special discounts offered, you can purchase a smaller 75 point or larger point package directly through Disney and the rest of your points on the resale market. If you have already purchased a property through DVC and have your member ID card, you will not be effected.
Is it still worth purchasing on the resale market? The best way to determine this for yourself is to find out the purchase price Disney is charging per point and compare to the prices on the resale market. For current resale pricing, please visit my website at www.atimeshare.com and see what kind of savings you are awarded if you purchase on the resale market. You are welcome to visit another blog I have put together here regarding direct Disney pricing.
We are always here to help with any questions you may have on your purchase. Please reach out to us today!
Copy of Disney’s membership extras disclosure.
