09/13/09 SSMC09 S.S. Member Cruise 2009 - Part 4!

[FaithTrustnPixieDust]

Yikes!!!

How could I forget.....

GO PHILLIES!!!

GO PHILLIES!!!​

GO PHILLIES!!!​

 

[manascarfan]

Good Morning Deck 9 Sunrise Members and all other member Cruisers!!

 

[WDWLVR]

Good morning to my deck 9 Sunrise Club friends and my other fellow Member Cruisers.

On the advice of a good friend who used to work for DVC I've written a letter to Jim Lewis letting him know about our disappointment in DVC's part of this years cruise. Hopefully the feedback will make it better for future cruises.

Of course it was all of you who made the cruise very special and very enjoyable.

 

[wltdsnyfan]

Good Morning Everyone!

I am the first one of this morning!! WOW!!

I went to bed last night when the kids did... I was so exhausted. I was lucky to get back from the Cyber Security conference in Dover by 8:30.

I woke up at 5am and put on a pot of coffee. I got on the computer. I just finished up the online Business Risk Escalation Training and quiz which took about 20 minutes.

I have yet to get a cup of coffee though. Mittens crawled up on my lap and he and I are on the recliner as I work on the computer. This is a regular thing now when I work from home. I feel so bad waking him up to go get my coffee but ...oh well, he had time to sleep all night.


Marsha - If only I had unlimited points and cash (oh, and vacation time) But then isn't that what everyone would like.

HAPPY BELATED ANNIVERSARY FLO AND DAN!!!​

Have a great day everyone!!

Lisa,

Sounds like you got some much needed sleep.

I agree it would be nice to have unlimited points and cash. and everone would like this.

Thanks for the belated wishes. much apreciated.

Have a good day.

flo

 

[wltdsnyfan]

Good morning to my deck 9 Sunrise Club friends and my other fellow Member Cruisers.

On the advice of a good friend who used to work for DVC I've written a letter to Jim Lewis letting him know about our disappointment in DVC's part of this years cruise. Hopefully the feedback will make it better for future cruises.

Of course it was all of you who made the cruise very special and very enjoyable.

Mary,

GOod for you!

You will have to let us know what he says.

Good Morning Everyone! Have a great day.

I agree the cruise was made special by everyone on the DIS.

 

[WDWLVR]

Mary,

GOod for you!

You will have to let us know what he says.

Good Morning Everyone! Have a great day.

I agree the cruise was made special by everyone on the DIS.

I honestly doubt it will even get to him, but at least by sending it to him it will be sent to the right person instead of just sending it to a general address like Member Services. I also doubt I'll hear from anyone but you never know.

It wasn't a bad cruise but it certainly didn't have the magic of some of the earlier Member Cruises. 2005 and 2007 are still my favorites!

 

[dvc4life]

Good Morning to all.

Flo - Brooke is feeling better. Still stuffed up but not coughing nearly as much. Thanks for asking.

Mary - glad to hear you sent a letter. Hopefully you will get a response about your concerns. I felt DVC didn't do anything overly special for us this time. And the sales presentation we sat through was, ehhhh, didn't really need to sit through all that since we are already DVC members and own. But it was fun seeing the videos and stuff.

Sue - GOOD LUCK!!!! with your walk this weekend. You are doing a truly remarkable thing. I'll be thinking of you.

 

[susieq55]

Well, Good Morning to all of my cruisin' buddies!!

You were all up very early this morning! I did the totally unusual - I overslept and apparently both of us went right through the alarm! Ran upstairs to wake Dustin and he wasn't thrilled about only having a half an hour to get ready - he's one that likes to get up early and take his good ole' time about things! Soooo, a little rough start here! But all good now!

Thanks soooo much for all of the good wishes for my walk!!

You guys are fantastic and your support means the world to me! Yes, the weather looks horrific - go figure, a Nor'easter no less - but one way or another, we'll all make it through!

When I get home, I'll try to post some photos of us soggy walkers!! We'll have to leave around 4:30 am tomorrow! Friend Shirley will already be here, she's sleeping at my house tonight because she's further away. She's my survivor - 10 years!!! Then we'll swing by and pick up friend Linda and niece Jen. Start is in Willow Grove, PA at Willow Grove Mall. Then walk down towards Philly. Camp is in Fairmount Park in Philadelphia, just outside of center city. That will be approximately 19.6 miles, so they say. Then second day will loop up and around the Main Line area - about 20.8 miles - and back to camp. Then the last day, Sunday, will be out and around Center City, Boat House Row, the Art Museum, City Hall, Liberty Bell, and all that - and then end up out at the Naval Ship Yard, out passed the stadiums. And yes, Lisa, GO PHILLIES, and there is a Phillies game that night at 8 pm so it's going to really make traffic getting to us pretty nasty - hope John and Dustin leave early!! They always come to the finish and cheer me on!!! The closing ceremony (like the Opening one tomorrow) are very emotional - but really wonderful!!

 

[susieq55]

Have to go pick up a few last minute things for tomorrow - and it's a "mom" day, have to take here to the food store! So I'll check back in a little later!

 

[Time4disneynow]

Good Morning Everyone.

A rainy day here in Southern Delaware.


Called Member Services this morning to ask when the call in date for SSMC 2010....the call in date is November 7th at 9am.
Charge all your cells and have plenty of coffee available. Can't wait!!! Anyone going to call in?


Have a great day.

 

[bsusanmb]

yikes!!!

How could i forget.....

go phillies!!!

go phillies!!!​

go phillies!!!​

yankees vs phillies...now that would be a great world series

 

[smillingjack]

It would be interesting to learn what your comments were concerning the Member cruise. You could send them via private mail.

I was a bit surprised by the fact that we were told that the sign up for the 2010 members cruise by mail. Something seems fishy. They gave the dates in September.

I did not attend any of the high level sales events. But gather that if you purchased enough points you were automatically signed up for the 2010 member cruise.

Stay well and warm,
Smillingjack

 

[smillingjack]

This is part of a series of photos I am trying to include with a informational bit on the Tree House Villas It was not intended to be included.

 

[WDWLVR]

It would be interesting to learn what your comments were concerning the Member cruise. You could send them via private mail.

I was a bit surprised by the fact that we were told that the sign up for the 2010 members cruise by mail. Something seems fishy. They gave the dates in September.

I did not attend any of the high level sales events. But gather that if you purchased enough points you were automatically signed up for the 2010 member cruise.

Stay well and warm,
Smillingjack

Jack- even though the dates were announced on the cruise itself (at the sales events) they still have to do a mailing to the general DVC membership.

Here is the content of the letter I wrote (warning it is a bit long) I didn't want to come across as whining and I think I succeeded. I honestly hope that what I wrote helps them plan better for future events. I'm not saying we'll never cruise on a member cruise again but it isn't in our plans for 2010 or 2011 at this point.

I am writing today to share with you my disappointment in the 2009 DVC Member Cruise. To give you a little background my husband Mark and I have been DVC members since early 2000. We have participated on all of the dedicated Member Cruises (2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009). In addition we attended the DVC Member Homecoming in 2004. For almost all of these we have been cheerleaders when it comes to DVC especially on some of the internet message boards where many felt like these were rip-offs because they were more points and dollars than a regular cruise at the same time. We always explained that it is like apples to oranges. That you can’t equate the DVC cruise to other cruises because of how special they are. That the guests were so wonderful and that we really felt we got a great value out of the cruises. That for anyone who loves Disney history would love a Member Cruise. I tell you this so that you can understand where my frustration is coming from. We’ve seen wonderful things for these DVC member events but this years cruise just fell short and to us just didn’t have the value of others in the past.
My concern started when the Member Cruise website wasn’t being updated. In the past we had at least known the theme months before even if we didn’t know who the guests would be. This is understandable as I know how hard it is to get guests to commit and many things can change their ability to come at the last minute.
The only update to the website was this:

Welcome back to the S.S. Member Cruise Web site. You may be here to unlock a few secrets about the special entertainment in the works for this year's voyage. But here's the thing. We can't tell you. Why? Because we're taking our shows a step further this year and working with our friends at the Walt Disney Animation Studios to show you things you've never seen before. Things nobody has seen before. Things that could get us fired if we blabbed about them online.

They're good things, and they'll come to those who wait.

All of us at Disney Vacation Club are looking forward to sailing with you again on the waves of Disney Inspirations. See you onboard!

​

Not really much of an update. To make matters even more suspicious I was getting updates 2-3 times a day from D23 on Facebook talking about all the exciting things that were going to happen at the Expo. An event we would have gone to if we weren’t already booked on the cruise. So how come D23 can announce all of these things but DVC would get fired if they told? I’m sorry but any time I see that much hype being put out I’m pretty sure it is all smoke and mirrors and won’t live up to the hype. Sad to say I was right about the Member Cruise.​

​

To me it felt like a cover up of a plan they really didn't have. Within hours of being on the ship I knew that was true. This years theme was the same as last years. So what is the big secret? Later that night we got the special Disney Files magazine and on the very first page the editor talks about getting together after last years cruise and realizing that it was a theme that could carry on and go many different directions. I don't disagree and if you had put that up on the website 11 months ago I think everyone would understand. But to have no updates for many months and then this whole "it is so wonderful you will be amazed" is just BS. You even kept the 2008 theme up on the website until mere weeks before the cruise and then just deleted it. It is all about the details. Know what I mean?​

Here are the other areas where I felt this years cruise just didn’t measure up to the past. ​

The guests - yes we have been spoiled. We've seen Art Linkletter, Roy Disney, Richard Sherman, Marty Skylar, and so many others. I'm sorry but this year’s guests just didn't measure up. They weren't bad, but not up to the same level. More like the “B” team showing up. I love Ducky Williams and really enjoyed his presentations but we’ve seen him past Member Cruises as well as a number of other DCL cruises. I also enjoyed the previews being shown but again while it was enjoyable it didn’t live up to the hype.

The gifts – we cruise for the guests not the gifts, but come on these were a big disappointment. In 2007 we got these small little suitcases with the gifts inside waiting on the bed. Ok kind of strange for a cruise that has a much larger ration of adults vs. kids than on normal cruises. Still we have some friends with kids and they enjoyed them. 2008 we get the same cases with a different design? 2009 we get them again. I swear I think the person buying the gifts must have an inside deal with the person making them. Why do 2 adults (and many, many of the rooms on the cruise held just 2 adults) need with 3 sets of these mini suitcases. We've also been spoiled and got gifts twice a day while this cruise was hit and miss.

The DVC staff – sadly they have been more and more distant ever since 2006. In 2003 and 2005 you could always run into the staff and they would stop and talk and make sure you were enjoying the cruise. In 2006 they just about refused to even acknowledge anyone. My guess is that is because after that cruise came the announcement that they were going for first time cruisers. So why talk to those already cruising. This cruise felt much the same way. I constantly saw DVC folks standing around in groups talking to each other and in some cases ignoring guests. Not all the time but enough to be noticed by more than just myself.

The sales presentation – do you really need to hold everyone captive on the boat until 10:30 on our first Castaway Cay day to make sure people attend this? Back in 2006 I know it made a lot of people mad not only because of the delay but because the presentation itself was so hard sell. (This coming from a woman who got to enjoy Hawaii in 2007 because my husband was the winner of the II trade out). 2007 and 2008 was a little better. I will say that this years was better still as it was an hour of some music to introduce the properties and only 15 minutes or so of the incentives. Before there were more raffles with one big prize (an II or RCI trade out) but many smaller ones like a rainforest pass or dinner at Palo. This year there were only 3 winners all for an RCI trade out and one of them wasn't even in the room (where in the past that would be drawn again). One other thing on the Sales Presentation and maybe this one is just me but I'm really sick of seeing Dave and Joan tell about all the wonderful trips they have been on. I'm sure they are really nice people but again it comes across at look at us (DVC) aren't we wonderful. Wouldn't it be much nice to match up some real DVC families (either those booked on the cruise or even better offer a cruise) to some of the stories that come in to the DVC office and I'm sure there are tons. That would pull at the heartstings of fellow DVCers more than hearing that these guides got yet more wonderful vacations so they could do research for all of us.

Last but not least the survey. Does DVC really care what we think? I think maybe not because there was no where on the survey is there an option to put your name, e-mail address, or phone number to be contacted. To me that says you don't really care and may not even read what we have to say. Yes I know we could have put our name on it, but if you don't have the thought to do it why should I?​

​

Thank you for taking the time to read through all this. Hopefully some of the concerns I have voiced can help make it a better cruise for those going in the future. We won’t be calling in for the 2010 cruise, that’s how disappointed we were. We have other plans with DCL and I know we will enjoy them. We will also continue to enjoy our DVC membership and still plan to add on once Ko Olina opens up for selling. I will say those that were on for the first time did seem to enjoy themselves but many of the repeat guests I spoke to were disappointed. Maybe that was your plan all along. Disappoint the repeaters so we can get new blood on the ship. If that is true you have succeeded, but I find that very sad.

​

 

[WDWLVR]

Well, Good Morning to all of my cruisin' buddies!!

You were all up very early this morning! I did the totally unusual - I overslept and apparently both of us went right through the alarm! Ran upstairs to wake Dustin and he wasn't thrilled about only having a half an hour to get ready - he's one that likes to get up early and take his good ole' time about things! Soooo, a little rough start here! But all good now!

Thanks soooo much for all of the good wishes for my walk!!

You guys are fantastic and your support means the world to me! Yes, the weather looks horrific - go figure, a Nor'easter no less - but one way or another, we'll all make it through!

When I get home, I'll try to post some photos of us soggy walkers!! We'll have to leave around 4:30 am tomorrow! Friend Shirley will already be here, she's sleeping at my house tonight because she's further away. She's my survivor - 10 years!!! Then we'll swing by and pick up friend Linda and niece Jen. Start is in Willow Grove, PA at Willow Grove Mall. Then walk down towards Philly. Camp is in Fairmount Park in Philadelphia, just outside of center city. That will be approximately 19.6 miles, so they say. Then second day will loop up and around the Main Line area - about 20.8 miles - and back to camp. Then the last day, Sunday, will be out and around Center City, Boat House Row, the Art Museum, City Hall, Liberty Bell, and all that - and then end up out at the Naval Ship Yard, out passed the stadiums. And yes, Lisa, GO PHILLIES, and there is a Phillies game that night at 8 pm so it's going to really make traffic getting to us pretty nasty - hope John and Dustin leave early!! They always come to the finish and cheer me on!!! The closing ceremony (like the Opening one tomorrow) are very emotional - but really wonderful!!

Since you have such an early start tomorrow let me send you my best wishes now. What a wonderful cause you are walking for. I know the weather may not be the best but the sunshine in your heart will keep you warm!

 

[wltdsnyfan]

Good Morning Everyone.

A rainy day here in Southern Delaware.


Called Member Services this morning to ask when the call in date for SSMC 2010....the call in date is November 7th at 9am.
Charge all your cells and have plenty of coffee available. Can't wait!!! Anyone going to call in?


Have a great day.

Good Luck Monia and Michael

and who ever else is doing this.​

 

[manascarfan]

Mary- Very well explained, all we can do is hope they try and make some improvements over this past years cruise. So much "secrecy" and for what??? The previous two years cruises should have been much more secretive as in the guests aboard.

 

[WDWLVR]

Mary- Very well exlained, all we can do is hope they try and make some improvements over this past years cruise. So much "secrecy" and for what??? The previous two years cruises should have been much more secretive as in the guests aboard.

Thanks Dave. I knew you would appreciate the part about the little suitcases.

 

[mnra]

hi everyone how is everyone doing this rainy thursday evening


mark

 

[erionm]

For those that are interested, the point chart for the 2010 Member Cruise is up on the member website. Booking day is Nov 7.