New Benefits for DRI Elite members in 2010

[dougp26364 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close dougp26364]

I was looking through the 2010 benefits guide online and notice a new benefit added for 2010 plus a few new benefits that are listed as coming soon at DRI managed resorts.

For 2010 there is an increase in the value of points used for reservations other than resort stays. This increase is available for most items EXCEPT for maintenance fee payments. For silver members the increase in 1 cent (nearly 15% increase), for gold members 2 cents (nearly 30% increase) and for platinum members 3 cents (nearly 40% increase). If I'm reading this correctly then silver members will receive 6 cents per point, gold members 7 cents per point and platinum members 8 cents per point in value when using points for things such as car rentals or cruises.

Under coming soon for DRI managed resorts (not available at affiliated resorts) are free WiFi, free daily newspaper and upgraded bathroom amenities.

[Ryne08 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Ryne08]

Doug26364 I liked the free WiFi and free daily newspaper upgrades. I am only hope that Greensprings Vacation Resort and Cyprees Pointe I are included.

[dale7 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close dale7]

Free WiFi, free daily newspaper and upgraded bathroom amenities.

This is great news I hope this starts soon.

[dougp26364 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close dougp26364]

Doug26364 I liked the free WiFi and free daily newspaper upgrades. I am only hope that Greensprings Vacation Resort and Cyprees Pointe I are included.

I know that Greensprings is managed by DRI so it would be included. I believe Cypress Pointe is at least partially managed by DRI. I'm not sure how it would work in resorts where DRI manages a portion of the resort but not the others. I would imagine those units under DRI management would receive the upgrades while those not unded DRI management would not.

[fnewman Member Find all posts View Profile Close fnewman]

If I read it correctly, at the Platinum level the value allowed for cruises, etc. actually exceeds what I am paying in annual MFs for that number of points. Of course, I'm sure that "discount" is applied to the full "retail" price, so it may not be as good a deal as it appears, but it is still a significant improvement.

[Carlos Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Carlos]

Liked The Benefits

I was waiting for someone to notice the new benefits. I saw them in the 2010Directory and had to take a double take. I liked them. Anything that is going to give me a little more for my money is just great.

It may not be a big thing but it shows they are at least trying to think about their customers.

[dougp26364 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close dougp26364]

If I read it correctly, at the Platinum level the value allowed for cruises, etc. actually exceeds what I am paying in annual MFs for that number of points. Of course, I'm sure that "discount" is applied to the full "retail" price, so it may not be as good a deal as it appears, but it is still a significant improvement.

This would be something one would need to consider when booking a cruise. Our prefered cruise line is Royal Caribbean and they no longer allow TA's to discount cruises by reducing price. They do all TA's to give value added benefits such as paying for travel insurance or giving onboard credit. Since I've read issues from other cruisers not getting what was promised by TA's I'm skeptical about accepting "gift" benefits.

I haven't checked into how this will work with FF mile, Rental Cars or AA flight certificates.

[mace Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close mace]

DRI absolutely should increase the cents per point because MFs have been increased greatly since DRI has taken over. But anything that resembles fairness should be commended. I especially like the WiFi bravo DRI

[Ryne08 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Ryne08]

During our stay at Greensprings this past month we did received the USA Today newspaper. It was delivered Monday - Friday at our villas by 6:00 AM.

No free INTERNET service was available at this time but they are working on it.

[damamabearx3 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close damamabearx3]

Powhatan is also delivering the newspapers on weekdays. Can't wait for the free wireless but there is something to be said about leaving the computer at home for weekend getaway.

[dougp26364 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close dougp26364]

Powhatan is also delivering the newspapers on weekdays. Can't wait for the free wireless but there is something to be said about leaving the computer at home for weekend getaway.

Becuase of my photography, leaving the computer at home isn't really an option. I'll be very happy when they get the free WiFi installed as it will allow me to upload photo albums before I get home and have to go back to work. I don't usually get them completely organized while I'm on vacation but I can select groups of photo's to upload while I'm fixing breakfast, watching TV or getting ready to go out for the day or evening. It's sort of like keeping up on laundry while on vaction. It's one less thing to do when I get home.

[damamabearx3 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close damamabearx3]

Does anyone know how these new Elite benefits are determined? I can't wait for the wireless but just realized that these benefits aren't really free since we pay for them in our maintenance fees. I, personally, could do without the newspaper.

Anyone remember when Sunterra put safes in the units and then automatically charged everyone a Safe Fee ($12 I think) at check out?

[damamabearx3 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close damamabearx3]

Becuase of my photography, leaving the computer at home isn't really an option.
...
It's sort of like keeping up on laundry while on vaction. It's one less thing to do when I get home.

I have taken online classes during my vacations so I understand your point and do miss the computer when I am on vacation since I find that I can't research what restaurant to go to, activities to do, etc. Actually, I think it's my husband's Blackberry (aka Crackberry) that I wish wouldn't receive service. We carried a Netbook to Europe for two weeks and enjoyed free wireless internet at the DRI resorts there and had to leave all cell phone devices in the US since they wouldn't work overseas. Yeah!!!

Laundry... too funny! Our clothes are never cleaner than when we are on vacation and we actually enjoy keeping up with it.

[dougp26364 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close dougp26364]

Does anyone know how these new Elite benefits are determined? I can't wait for the wireless but just realized that these benefits aren't really free since we pay for them in our maintenance fees. I, personally, could do without the newspaper.

Anyone remember when Sunterra put safes in the units and then automatically charged everyone a Safe Fee ($12 I think) at check out?

Elite benefits are determined by the number of points you own with DRI. Silver Elite starts at 15,000 points. Gold Elite begins at 30,000 points. I think Platinum elite begins at 50,000 points but I wouldn't swear to it. The fee WiFi and USA today will be for all Elite members. There are some additional benefits as you go higher in the Elite status.

[dougp26364 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close dougp26364]

I have taken online classes during my vacations so I understand your point and do miss the computer when I am on vacation since I find that I can't research what restaurant to go to, activities to do, etc. Actually, I think it's my husband's Blackberry (aka Crackberry) that I wish wouldn't receive service. We carried a Netbook to Europe for two weeks and enjoyed free wireless internet at the DRI resorts there and had to leave all cell phone devices in the US since they wouldn't work overseas. Yeah!!!

Laundry... too funny! Our clothes are never cleaner than when we are on vacation and we actually enjoy keeping up with it.

My wife's Blackberry Storm worked great in Europe. We had to call to add the international roaming plan but, you can put that on and take it off as needed. If you ever add international service it's important to remember to add the unlimited international data package as well. Otherwise you can have a really nasty surprise of a bill when you get home.