Was VM really worth the $$ this month ?

[KNWVIKING]

Just got mine today,browsed thru it fairly quickly at lunch time and must say it was disappointing. While I'm not certain our dues pay for this publication I'm assuming it does and if so is it really worth the expense ? It's basically the same old info rehashed. Info that's availible on-line. I would like to see it improved rather then discontinued, but if it isn't improved then drop it and spend the money elsewhere. How impressed have the rest of you's been with the last couple issues ?

[Lyndarella]

We have received just one issue. I don't see any point to it, except for the nice pictures! We could live without it, though.

[Maistre Gracey]

Don't forget that not all DVC members are on "The Dis", or even have access to a computer for the DVC site. That may be the only way for many people to get any info. Information that we think of as "old news", may be "news" to this large group of people.
:cool:

[CaptainMidnight]

I look forward to getting them. But you have a point, this issue was pretty ho hum. They could have provided many more pictures of BCV given it's impending Grand Opening. Could have shown construction photos of DI. It need some beef, some umph or something.

[KNWVIKING]

... do you think there are that many DVC owners that don't have internet access ? I always pictured the majority of our membership to be under 50yrs old with kids, hard to imagine most of us aren't on the internet.

[Maistre Gracey]

KNWVIKING, to be honest...I have no idea how many have internet access. I think it is safe to assume that not everyone does. :cool:

[nydizfan]

I also look forward to the magazine. But it definitely needs some more pics of BCV. I mean its going to open in less than 2 weeks. you would think they would make more of a big deal of it.. right?Well us guys on the DIS are very spoiled when it comes to up to the MINUTE info....;);)

[Zimbubba]

Reading various boards you get more info than in the latest issue. At least the issue confirms it as fact. The visual design has deteriorated also. Needs a redo.

[PamOKW]

I would like to see it improved

This is the "improved", I guess. At least they made a big fuss about the re-designed VM. Looks like, if possible, they put "less" into the issues. VM has never been a timely source of info regarding upcoming events, etc. It would be nice though if they could find something to highlight in each issue. More info on BCV would have made sense this time.

[Cinderelli]

It's amazing to think, but we personally know a couple who live in Erie, PA who bought into DVC back in 1993. They do not own a computer and have never logged onto the internet. We see them about once a year and DVC discussions always come up. They are always amazed at the information we have for them and wonder where we get it. We've encouraged them to get a PC but they have no interest.

By the way, they are only in their early 50's.

I do agree, however, that the VM could use a little spice.

[ReneeQ]

I feel it's a total waste, always have. When we first became members (Jan 2000) I got excited when it arrived. Now, I honestly don't care. I don't feel like it tells you anything. I have often wondered if our dues pay for this. Does anyone know?
If we are paying for this publication, I really think the money could be spent in a better way.

As far as the people that don't have internet - well, the VM is so glossy and full of the same pictures over and over, it just seems really expensive to publish. (But maybe it's not, I don't know). What little info it gives you could be sent out in a much cheaper newsletter, I would think.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE DVC and own at BWV and VWL. VM just seems like a waste of money, whether members are paying for it, or some other source.

[Cinderella]

I normally look forward to the VM but, I did find it lacking in info this month. Previously, even when I had already glanced thru it on line, I still enjoyed reading and receiving the actual magazine in the post.

[DVCDAVE]

There is NO doubt in my mind that WE are paying for it. Disney certainly isn't.

To be honest, we also belong to the Disney Club. Now, THEY know how to put out a magazine. Loads of information, trivia, and great focus articles. Too bad DVC and DC don't join up and exchage their resources, it would be one heck of a mailing to us Disney nuts.

I really look forward to the Disney magazine every quarter. VM, hah ! These boards give far more information every night than VM gives in a quarter.


Anyone else a DC member too ?!! Please weigh in.....

[Caskbill]

Keep in mind there is a tremendous lead time in publishing something like VM, so up to date information is probably never possible. For example, any pictures of the BCV's probably would have been several months old, and the resort may actually open before some members get a chance to even read their copy of VM.

As to cost, I would bet for sure it comes out of our dues. I don't see any advantage to the sales department picking up the tab. However the cost may not be that much. I have a relative who has a small internet business. They just printed 10,000 catalogs of their merchandise. I would judge the finished product was similar in size and feel to VM. Their cost was about $1.00 per copy, plus postage.

I would think Disney's cost would't be much different, so for 4-issues maybe it's $5.00 or so, per member per year for the VM, including postage. Still high considering what you can get in a monthly magazine subscription, for example for $15, but then most magazines have up to millions of subscribers, not just 60,000 or so.

All MHO

[Granny]

I agree that the VM seems to be nice a "coffee table magazine" but is dated for those here on the DIS. But my gosh, believe it or not, not every DVC owner surfs the net for WDW news on a regular basis. So I think Maistre Gracey makes a good point about the "newsworthiness" of the magazine.

Having said that, it does seem the content could improve. Maybe some "behind the scene" information about the DVC resorts or other tidbits. Disney Magazine has done a good job with it feature articles such as this month's "Ride Operator for a Day" article. Don't see why VM couldn't do this as well.

[twinglefam]

I used to Love reading the Disney Club magazine, but don't see any reason to join now that we are DVC...(am I missing something?)
That mag is full of information and ideas. The VM is always fun to get, but maybe if it had some more information from owners, it would be more likeable. It is fun to see other members and their pictures. I've sent in some great ones myself and have never seen them used. no biggie.

[Johnnie Fedora]

VM is nothing more than advertisement for DVC. It is meant for you to leave out on the coffee table with the hopes a guest will ask you about it (giving you ample opportunity to praddle on about DVC!!). I think it should be paid for out of the DVD budget and not our dues. There was no worthwhile information in it this time, and some of the rehashed articles about the parks were not meant for the typical DVCer who already knows that there are 2 water parks at WDW. They might as well have had an article titled "See a castle at the Magic Kingdom" lame-ooooh!!!!:confused: :confused:

Maybe DVC could offer it as a subscription for those who want it....like Disney Club. I bet we pay a pretty penny for that glossy. Personally, they could send me a $0.25 newsletter with any new info and save my dues. Of course I would be happy to see a VM announcing the newly discounted DVC annual pass, or cruise point sale info.;) ;)

[rbuzzotta]

DVCDAVE,

i totally agree with regards to the DC magazine being much better than VM. I look forward to my DC magazine and read it all, as for the VM, I just browse. It doesn't really offer much information. I, do, however look to see if I know anyone in the VM pictures!!

[Beth]

When ya'll refer to the "Disney Club Magazine," are you referring to the "Disney Magazine" that we get as a perk of our DC membership, or is there another publication in addition to that one?

As far as the Vacation Magic - it takes so long for me to get mine each time, I've thoroughly perused it online, and have no interest in it by the time it "finally" arrives...

[Nanajo1]

I was disappointed in VM this time. It just didn't seem to have much in it. It didn't appear to be much improved. I do enjoy the Disney Club Magazine. It is a great source of info and fun to read. The Mickey Monitor for AP is good at alerting AP holders of the current perks.

[twinglefam]

I totally agree about the AP Monitor...miss that a lot as we don't have annuals this year.

[doubletrouble_vb]

The vacation magic is a waste even for people who don't have the internet. Those people would be wise to get a DC membership because the benefits are so similar and the information is at least timely. In fact the combination is pretty handy. Last year I found out about a discount at VB in time to use it rather than points. The rate was DC only and it was lower than my DVC cash discount.

That aside...the Disney Magazine has given me actual details of things you can do at each resort...something VM sorely lacks. At the very least each issue should give you some idea of what is happening at each resort for each season. The resort they feature should give you ideas of things you can do from that resort that don't require going into a theme park and should also have a breakdown of the seasonal differences.

[dianeschlicht]

I have to agree that if this VM was supposed to be the new and improved version, then they took a few giant steps backwards@!!!

[WDWLVR]

the thing to remember with the Disney Magazine is that it is an actual magazine publication that is sold on store shelves or through subscription. The bonus is that if you have the Disney Card the subscription is free. Having said that it shows why it has so much more than the Vacation Magic.

I still like the Vacation Magic and wish they would add a little to it but if they went to the lengths of the Disney Magazine our dues would really go up.

I also agree that there people out there without internet access so we can't assume that everyone has it or even wants it. To them Vacation Magic probably does bring them a lot of great news. We've just been spoiled by what we have on the DIS.

[RweTHEREyet]

I think that they could survey all members and request how they would mose like to receive their information. Those with internet could receive VM that way and those that don't could still get a hardcopy, maybe not glossy, with the same info. I know we save a lot of money in printing/postage/paper at our Association by doing this. There are some of our members that do not have internet, but not that many. The savings in postage alone would be substantial.

[DoeWDW]

I'd love to be able to "opt-out" of getting the VM by mail. I'd much prefer to see it online and let those who want it via mail continue to get it that way. We're trying very hard in our house to pare down the amount of mail in the mailbox!

[POOH&PIGLET]

Originally posted by KNWVIKING
It's basically the same old info rehashed. Info that's availible on-line. I would like to see it improved rather then discontinued, but if it isn't improved then drop it and spend the money elsewhere.

I agree 100%.
_________________________________________________
Originally posted by Maistre Gracey
Don't forget that not all DVC members are on "The Dis", or even have access to a computer for the DVC site. That may be the only way for many people to get any info. Information that we think of as "old news", may be "news" to this large group of people.

I doubt this is a large group of people. If we can afford to buy DVC, we can easily afford a computer and internet access. In their last issue of VM, DVC can say log on the website for information.

[Maistre Gracey]

Originally posted by POOH&PIGLET


_________________________________________________


I doubt this is a large group of people. If we can afford to buy DVC, we can easily afford a computer and internet access. In their last issue of VM, DVC can say log on the website for information.
I agree that on a percentage basis, it would be a small group of DVC members that do not have internet access. However, even if 10% did not, that would still be 6,500 members.
It is not always about whether or not members can afford it, but remember that many people are still computer illiterate. Yes, until about two years ago, I did not know how to turn on a computer.
I do agree that the mag could be a lot better though. :cool:

[DVCDAVE]

BETH ; We are referring to the 'Disney Magazine' that one gets free with their membership to the DC. There is not a second, or special magazine with the DC.

I, for one, look forward to the Disney Magazine with much more anticipation than the VM. I also personally disagree that the Disney Magazine would cost us DVC much more. While we are not privy to the costs, I would assume that Disney Mag. has much wider circulation, hence much better economies of scale. I believe that any increase would be marginal.

At the very least I would assume that DVC publications could internally 'purchase' some or all of the material in Disney Magazine, hence making a better, more informative periodical for us DVC members.

How many times do we need to be informed about the 'Spa at DI' ? or Golf Discounts that VM dishes out every month? VM gets very redundant. By comparison this past issue of Disney Magazine had a great feature on the secrets of the parks, and I always enjoy the write in questions on Disney Trivia.

[BIERMUGG]

Not all DVC members are addicted to DVC like we are on this board. The VM is just a little reminder to people about there membership and whats going on so people can plan there vacation.

Last July at VB we went to a Members Meeting held by a research firm just about VM and the Members Guide Book. We were asked what we liked and did not like about both. Out Of about 30 members only 3 used the internet to keep current about DVC.

It lasted about one hour, after which we got a $ 50 or $100.00
certificate at Shutters.

George

[Hilary]

I enjoy getting VM, but I've always already read what little content there is on the DVC website. For me, it's a nice souvenir, but I'm still quite a new member - I can imagine the novelty wears off pretty soon!

The content is very thin - even if you haven't already heard all of the 'news' elsewhere. The same amount of information could easily be put on a newsletter which would be (presumably) much cheaper to produce.

[Peter Johnson]

I agree that VM doesn't have much content, but I enjoy it for the ability to leaf through it and daydream. (In fact, I was doing just that at lunch.) With 167 days to go before our next visit, I need something to keep me going! Reading it online imparts the same (lack of) information, but just isn't the same as the glossy hardcopy. Maybe that's just because I do computers all day.

I also think the number of DVCers who get DVC information online is low... rather than 90% doing it, I believe 90% aren't doing it. Let's see... 30% of all homes have a PC; 30% of those have an ISP; 30% of those do more than e-mail with it... and of those who are left, how many live, breathe, eat and sleep DVC like we do? :)

(Disclaimer: the preceding statistics are totally ficticious, but represent what I have encountered during my career in IT management. So don't bash me! Besides, statistics show that 34% of all statistics are meaningless :D )

[twinglefam]

Boy, give us any reason to discuss DVC/Disney all day and we'll do it....! That said, I also wish we could receive the Disney Magazine for the wide variety of information on the parks/resorts/restaurants given in each issue. I may have to just start buying it again after this thread. I am online every day, have cable modem actually, and NEVER go to the DVC site! I get the Allears email newsletter from wdwig.com weekly, and between that and this site, I know more than anybody in Patchogue about Disney ;) and they all are sick of hearing about it..;)

[KNWVIKING]

Maybe in the overall scheme of things at WDW DVC members are still a small minority but I think they are missing a lot of sales by not sending us a mag like Disney Magazine. We are always looking for deals and ways to spend money at WDW. DC always sends that flyer that has the tear out coupons (or is that AP monitor). Maybe the VM could have something like that.

[jlambrig]

There is a special newsletter for DC in addition to the Disney Mag. It too is better than VM. This is a time where DVC needs to offer opt outs and either lower dues slightly or use the moeny for better uses.

[DVCDAVE]

KNWVIKING;

It is DC that sends out the flyer with the coupons. Albeit, lately most of the coupons have been for Disneyland. However, last year during our two trips to WDW, we did use the National Rental Car coupons provided in the flyer and got great deals, over and above what our National Emerald Isle membership provided. Even better was the fact that we still got to pick up the car at the Emerald Isle at the airport.