Magic of Membership Holiday Reception Chicago Nov 19th-20th

[Laurabearz]

Today I got an invite to a Magic of Membership Holiday Reception at the Fairmont hotel in Chicago... Anyone going??? I just got the notice today in the mail.... No cruise info, but I am tickled about this event... The Fairmont is a swell hotel....

So Who's going?

[evaready51]

We are all going...we are so excied.

evaready,

Barrington, IL ::MinnieMo ::MinnieMo ::MinnieMo ::MinnieMo ::MinnieMo ::MinnieMo ::MinnieMo ::MinnieMo

[BCV23]

We received it too as well as a mailing about the Member Cruise.

[cobbler]

What is this? I am only 2.5 hours from Downtown Chicago and it would be fun to go. What is it about and what happens?

[gazeborob]

I plan to be there on Sunday with my youngest daughter. Perhaps I will get a chance to meet some other Dis members.

[Disneylovers]

We're thinking about going on Saturday. Our invite and the Member's Cruise invite showed up in the mail today. I wish we could go on the cruise (our 20th anniversary will be during the cruise, but there's no way (sniff). Maybe we'll see some of you there. :wave:

[debloco]

I got the Member Cruise mailing yesterday or today, but nothing on the Holiday Reception and I'm less than an hour from downtown!

Could someone please post the details?

[Laurabearz]

The event is from 10-2 both Saturday and Sunday at the Fairmont Hotel in downtown Chicago.... You must call MS to reserve a spot, but it doesnt mention any fees involved.

I am going to go on Sunday... maybe with DH and the kids, maybe without.....

[Figment2]

From talking to a couple of friends, there are apparently two different invites. Mine mentioned both Saturday and Sunday. The other invite only mentions Sunday. It appears that they are inviting prospective members only to the Sunday get together.

Saturday will be a zoo downtown. Either get there early (parking lots will fill up quickly) or take public transportation. A million people usually show up to see the parade and the lighting of all the trees down Michigan Avenue (turned on by Mickey!). Disney puts on a show a couple of times a day and there are all kinds of booths set up in the plaza next to the Tribune Bldg.

I'm wondering if they will have preferred viewing of the parade (which would be cool) since to get a first row seat you need to line up 1 to 1 1/2 hrs ahead of time (just like WDW)!

Looking forward to seeing everyone!

Cyn

[Jenny0725]

We RSVP'd today for the event. We will be there Sunday @ 10am. There are 2 receptions each day: 10am and 2pm. Each one is 2 hours long. They said to bring your camera and that there would be entertainment and food. Sounds like a lot of fun!

[Laurabearz]

We too just RSVP'ed for the 10 am Sunday reception. Light snacks, beverages, bring camera, speical guests, Spiecal Member update.... I CANT WAIT!!!!

[llp479]

We're thinking about going as well. Probably an afternoon as we usually can't get our crew up and moving that early, but who knows. Will post after DH (Joepoe) and I figure it out. A trip to the American Girl Store and TDS on Michigan Ave might tempt them.

We also got the Member Cruise info yesterday.

[cobbler]

We are going Sat at 10am. I called and they said there is a 10-2 or I could go from 2-4?? Never heard about the second time being available. She said the 2-4 is for both Sat and Sunday.

[Laurabearz]

We are going to the Member event, then to look at the windows at Marshall Fields since this could be the last Christmas for Fields.. :::: Sniff sniff::::

[cobbler]

Ok, just changed mine. Going 2-4 on Saturday per hubby's request :)

So excited!!

[calypso*a*go-go]

The reception is on Nov. 19/20. MS is closing early for training on Friday, Nov. 18th. Hmmm...do you think there's any connection between the two? Wonder what kind of member updates there will be?

[Laurabearz]

http://www.themagnificentmile.com/EventsCommunityNews/LightsFestival.cfm
theabove link is for the lights festival on Sat 19th. I wish we could make it on the 19th, but it's dd 5th birthday party on the 19th..... so we will go on the 20th

[Jenny0725]

We will also be checking out the windows at MF and then over to the American Girl store, the Hershey store and the Disney store on State St.

They told us when we RSVP'd that they would be also having door prizes. Sounds like fun!

[cobbler]

There is a Hershey Store on State Street??? How in the world did I miss this??

Anywho, anyone have any good info on where to park? Do they have valet at the Fairmont and would we be able to use it for the event even if we aren't staying there? How much?

If anyone knows! Thanks!

[Laurabearz]

Fairmont has valet.... my guess is it would be at least 20 bucks... at least. We are going to park near Marshall Fields in a parking garage on Randolf between wabash and state street... and walk the 4-6 blocks to the hotel. That way we will be closer to where we are ending up when we head back.

[goldilocks_63]

I think I'll see if hubby willl go.... would DD=7 have fun too?

FYI - If coming in union station, could also take 151 bus up that way....

I work at 325 N. michigan, so even could stop in a get a few things done... (just kidding...).


Goldi

So is Sat the 19th the time to go?

[Jenny0725]

I think I'll see if hubby willl go.... would DD=7 have fun too?

FYI - If coming in union station, could also take 151 bus up that way....

I work at 325 N. michigan, so even could stop in a get a few things done... (just kidding...).


Goldi

So is Sat the 19th the time to go?

I'm taking both of my girls, DD7 and DD3. I'm assuming that since they told us to be sure and bring our camera that they will have characters. ::MickeyMo ::MinnieMo We can't make it on Saturday so we RSVP'd for Sunday.

[Jenny0725]

There is a Hershey Store on State Street??? How in the world did I miss this??

The Hershey store is new and it is near American Girl, not on State. It is always a fun stop.

[cobbler]

Where is the Hershey store located?

[rigsby25]

This made me think how nice it would be for Disney to have a hotel in each major city that you could reserve on points exactly like you do your home resort. I would love to be able to stay downtown for a week or even a few days. And we vacation in San Francisco too. Not just exchanges, but actual "Hotel Disney"s. I'm not sure we'll be able to go. Any exciting updates will be on the board right away right?

[goldilocks_63]

And we're thinking of going this sunday?

Any ideas how to get on the RSVP for tomorrow?

Goldi

[SylviaL]

goldilocks_63--It's next weekend! I think we're going on Saturday. We'll probably take the train in and cab it over to the hotel. Having just come back from WDW, I have recently discovered the convenience of cabs (cheaper than renting a car there).

[goldilocks_63]

I;ll go look at the invite. I thought my invite had both this and next weekend....?


Goldi

[Laurabearz]

http://www.hersheys.com/discover/chicago.asp Looks like a great place!!

[wdwstar]

Hi Lucy, i think we are going sunday. i am trying to book a overnight downtown with no luck. I want to go and make it a weekend. :flower:

[goldilocks_63]

Maybe try priceline.com for a hotel???

I thought of spending the night too... but just decided to drive it or train.

Let me know if you decide to stay, and where you'll be....


Did you try the fairmont where the event is being held? Sometimes they have discount rates for people attending conventions.

Goldi

[Laurabearz]

We hotwired a hotel and got the SOfitel for 89 a night.... it is around the corner from Fairmont, and a lovely hotel right on the river.

BTW if you priceline... check out www.biddingfortravel.com first...

[Laurabearz]

We can do a

:thewave: SINGLE DIGIT DANCE:thewave:

for the

Magic Of Membership Holiday Reception!!!
I really cant wait....

I will start a list of who is going when if ya'll like... just repost your time...

[Tony P. IL.]

Here is a link to a map. You will be south of the Chicago River and the Festival is on the north side of the river on Michigan ave. http://concierge.fairmont.com/locationMap.process/OID_8C536BEE/OLID_8854/MID_49/CG_1/?LV=4&CT=NDEuODg1OTQxOi04Ny42MjA1MTU6Mi4zODEyNDk5OTk5OTk 5OTk2OjEuNzg1OTM3NQ%253D%253D#map

[llp479]

Looks like we're going Sat at 2PM. Can't wait! Sounds like a lot of fun.

[Jenny0725]

Did anyone have luck getting a hotel for Saturday night? A lot of the rooms I found had a 2 night min. stay or were over $200.

We will be there Sunday @ 10am.

[Disneylovers]

Just got off the phone with MS - we'll also be there at 2 PM on Sat.!! Can't wait!!! (and now I know I'll get some Garrett's caramel corn too... ohh Saturday hurry up!!!)
Pat :wave:

[rigsby25]

We signed up for Saturday at 10:00. I hope the weather is nice. How would you get there from Union Station? Could you walk?

[SylviaL]

I think the Fairmont is too far to walk from Union Station. it's east of Michigan Ave. We thought about taking the train, too, but since we convinced some friends to come with us, we'll drive. We signed up for Saturday at 10am! Can't wait. I also want to go to Garrett's--I hope the line isn't too long.

[Disneylovers]

We signed up for Saturday at 10:00. I hope the weather is nice. How would you get there from Union Station? Could you walk?

No, it's too long of a walk. However, there is a free trolley service that leaves from Union station every "20 to 30 minutes" (according to the web site). It's the "red circle" trolley which makes stops at Marshall Fields and Millenium Park, as well as Nordstroms and Water Tower Place (as well as a few other stops which I can't remember right now).
Pat
:wave:

[cobbler]

We are driving in. We also aren't super familiar with downtown. Can anyone tell us a good place to park that is close and cost? Does the Fairmont have valet we can use for the day??

[Jenny0725]

No, it's too long of a walk. However, there is a free trolley service that leaves from Union station every "20 to 30 minutes" (according to the web site). It's the "red circle" trolley which makes stops at Marshall Fields and Millenium Park, as well as Nordstroms and Water Tower Place (as well as a few other stops which I can't remember right now).
Pat
:wave:

FYI... I'm not sure about Saturday but on Sunday the free trolley doesn't start running until noon. We were downtown for Wicked a few weeks ago and were disappointed when we couldn't use the trolley in the morning.

[byoung]

Got the cruse info, but not the meeting. Would liked to get the meeting info a lot sooner to make plans to go. :banana: :Pinkbounc :banana:

[CarolAnnC]

We signed up today for Saturday 10:00 Am!! Can't wait to go! :Pinkbounc

[wdwstar]

UGH, old man winter is here ! sat. 46 showers, sun.45. After today I am not sure if I am going way to cold ! LOL

[cobbler]

I called the Fairmont and if anyone is interested the valet service is 41 per day.

[goldilocks_63]

And leaving Rt. 59 train station at 9 am. to arrive downtown at 10. Then we're taking the 151 bus downtown.

Should be fun. We tried to make American Doll girl reservation but no luck.

FYI - I called the fairmont to ask for a discount, and yes, they do have discounted rooms.... but they are only for DVC cast members.

Ummmm- why couldn't DVC negotiate some rate on behalf of their DVC guests, whom their going to "soft sell" for 2 hours?????

I called MS, and complained, but no one returned my call.

Oh well, should be a fun day. WDWSTAR, come on down. I want to meet you and Sylvia.

Goldi

[Laurabearz]

Have fun today everyone!!!




Who is going to report back first I wonder.... lol

[rigsby25]

I went to the 10:00 am session. They had pastries, fruit and coffee. No OJ or hot chocolate or milk for the kids. A can of pop was 5.00. We didn't win the week's trip. We all got blinking pins. You can now bank points online and track them. Wilderness lodge camping and Contemporary concierge level will be added to the disney collection. And an couple more places for the other collections. I brought my camera, but the backdrops weren't nice enough to wait in line for IMHO. I was disappointed. I expected something nicer.

[Laurabearz]

I went to the 10:00 am session. They had pastries, fruit and coffee. No OJ or hot chocolate or milk for the kids. A can of pop was 5.00. We didn't win the week's trip. We all got blinking pins. You can now bank points online and track them. Wilderness lodge camping and Contemporary concierge level will be added to the disney collection. And an couple more places for the other collections. I brought my camera, but the backdrops weren't nice enough to wait in line for IMHO. I was disappointed. I expected something nicer.

Nothing for the kids to drink eh??? That sucks. Only Coffee for the adults to drink.... that really sucks. lol

Was there a Q&A session??

Were their chararters??

Long lines? How many people would you say were there?? How many DVC Staff...

When was the drawing, and did you have to be present to win??

What time did it wrap up?? Did you stay the whole 2 hours???

Thanks bunches!

[SylviaL]

I was at the 10am session, too. There was only coffee and tea for the adults. I, also, couldn't believe they didn't have drinks for the kids. Chip n Dale and Mickey and Minnie came for less than 5 minutes--no time for pictures. However, we had to leave after an hour b/c DS2 was getting stir crazy! So, I have no idea about lines or if the characters came back for photos (I doubt it). We would have stayed if they had a little area for the kids. They had the room set up like a lecture hall so there were no open areas. I think it would have been nicer if it was an open room with booths set up. By the way, we parked at the parking structure by Marshall Fields (Wabash & Randolph) for 2+ hours and it was $25 (Marshall Field's validates for $3 off if you purchase something). At least it was a beautiful day and I got my Garrett's popcorn!

[Laurabearz]

At least it was a beautiful day and I got my Garrett's popcorn!
OOooooh I LOOOOOVE Garretts!! Well worth paying a lot for parking. How was the walk??? Windy I bet... We are thinking of parking in the same parking lot.... maybe Garretts on the way to the event and for the way home!!!

[cgcw]

We were there and had a great time. I don't want to say too much as I don't want to spoil the surprises for the families going down tomorrow. But, I will say we had fun and hope they will do another event here in Chicago.

Here are just a couple pictures to tease Laura (I hope you know I'm teasing you, I sense you have a tough time with the anticipation ;) ). I know you're going to have fun!

We met up with Mark (MarkRG) and Mary (wdwlvr) in the lobby. Here they are along with myself and my two children.
http://www.dotphoto.com/SAN1/5B/D0/AC/i5BD0AC99-E5FA-4DBA-8F97-B64646CB9566.jpg

This we took after the event. We're thinking it might become our Christmas card picture this year.
http://www.dotphoto.com/SAN1/FE/D0/01/iFED001A9-46BC-4D7C-8762-02CAABA7EECE.jpg

And here are my kids with the Snowman Mickey display.
http://www.dotphoto.com/SAN1/A9/32/BC/iA932BC8A-2550-4E59-BDB0-9B8DFFABFC74.jpg

[WDWLVR]

Yeah we were the rowdy row - especially when it came to the Member Cruise (can you tell by all our shirts that we loved it). Any day spent with friends is good. When they are DIS and DVC friends even better!

[bobbiwoz]

We were watching the parade and the show from Chicago's Magnificent Mile, I don't remember seeing that show before. Is there a reception every year in conjunction with the parade?

Very very nice pictures, cgcw!

Bobbi :flower:

[Laurabearz]

Welp.... DD6 has 104.5 temp. This of course I discover after she was help me with DD 4 (soon to be 5) birthday party.... I can see it now... 8 little girls all coming down with fevers next week.... UGH

Sooooooooo our plans have changed. I might come down alone.... or with my dd4.... not sure. May just cancel...

[WDWLVR]

Bobbi - I think this is the first time they have done a reception in conjunction with the lights festival. They went over all the Member Events that have been happening and said that they are now going to try coming to the members as well.

I think if they get good feedback they will expand it to other cities and events.

[iluvdisney]

Wish I had been able to drive out there for that Mary - sounds like it was fun! And to be around the "rowdy" crowd again sure would have been fun! But I am busy setting up Christmas around the house so maybe next time. :wave:

[llp479]

We were at the 2PM reception yesterday. DH won one of the table decorations so we've now got a very nice Mickey decoration for Christmas. We were also able to take a nice family pic that we will probably use for our card this year.

Membership is now at 95,000. The cast member who was moderating the event said that with numbers comes power. She used the discount on the AP as one example. She also said that with more members it would allow them to open resorts in other locations. No locations announced or hints given, but found the comment interesting.

She said they listen to the suggestions from members and cited the changes to the website to be unveiled early next month, and the new sit down restaurant at SSR as examples. If they have your e-mail you will now also receive an e-mail about 2 weeks prior to your arrival with info.

All in all it was a fun afternoon. Only downside was March is too far away for our next trip. Surfing today for airfare for a quick fix before then.

[Jenny0725]

We were there today at the 10am and had a great time! I hope they do it again next year. The kids had fun with the Radio Disney DJ. We couldn't believe all the giveaways they had. I won a DVC key chain and a stadium blanket. The girls were given beaded necklaces and pencils. We all got blinking pins and the girls got coloring books and crayons on the way in.

It was nice to see people from the past member cruise and meet another family from Oswego. Hi Amy! :wave2:

[MagicalFun]

We were at the 10:00 am reception and we also had a great time today. My children had fun with the Radio Disney DJ, especially when he picked my husband to throw the basketball in the hoop. He won a prize! He also won a nice Mickey Mouse center piece from the drawing.

We also had Patrick, who works for Disney take our family picture. He was so nice. We are going to try to see him when we go to Epcot next month. We have a lot of great pictures that were taken today, thanks to him.

I think Disney needs to throw more of these receptions throughout the year in Chicago. It's a great time to meet other DVC members.

Hi Jenny! :wave: It was great to meet you and your family! We will have to try and get together. Maybe, we should try to throw a DVC party here in Oswego!

[Jenny0725]

Hi Jenny! :wave: It was great to meet you and your family! We will have to try and get together. Maybe, we should try to throw a DVC party here in Oswego!

Sounds good! We will have to plan something after the holidays!