Disney Vacation Club has announced some changes for people who buy their memberships on the resale market. Posted on the website, it says “Members who do not purchase an ownership interest directly from Disney Vacation Development Inc. will not have access to Membership Extras.” Some of these extra perks include discounts on shopping, dining, annual passes, and member-only events.
This is effective today, April 4, and does not affect current owners, only those who purchase today or after.
The website also states: “We see this policy change as a very positive step to ensure that, going forward, our Members who purchase directly from Disney Vacation Club receive a premium advantage – in addition to all the magic that Disney has to offer.”
Members purchasing on the resale market previously lost another big perk, when the ability to use points to book Disney cruises, Adventures by Disney trips and stays at the Concierge Collection hotels was removed in 2011.
Tim Krasniewski, editor of DVCNews.com, said, “Frankly I am surprised it has taken Disney so long to make this move. While resale purchases are clearly beneficial to the consumer, they undoubtedly cause Disney to lose direct sales. I’m sure it’s difficult to sell points at $168 each when a very similar product can be had for just $70-$80 per point. Blocking resale buyers from the accessing some of the most beneficial perks like the Annual Pass savings and merchandise discounts can only have a positive effect on sales. However it may also cause a decrease in demand for resale contracts and an overall downturn in prices.”
News source: Orlando Sentinel
