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

[WDWLVR]

Good Morning Deck9 Sunrise Members and all Fellow Cruisers

Good morning everyone! Still all stuffed up so I'm staying home. No sense in spreading the germs around.

Mark still has his cough and is deciding if he's going in or not.

Not much celebration yesterday but we do have a plan for next weekend to celebrate.

Have a great day everyone!
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PDFG and all our friends who need it.

 

[dvc4life]

Happy Belated Anniversary Mary & Mark!!!!!

 

[dvc4life]

Good Morning.

Hope you guys get to feeling better Mary. It sucks when you are not feeling good. Especially on your anniversary! But it sounds like you will be having fun next weekend. So get better!!!!!!

And, I hope that DVC/DCL listened real close to what you had to say and that next year will be better planned out. Time will tell.

Monica & Marsha - good luck with calling in! We can't wait.

 

[bsusanmb]

Hey, Mary,

Or anyone...I am looking for Mary's post where she wrote about the letter she sent to DVC about the member cruise and the decline over the years.

Anyone know what page it is one?

Does anyone have an idea of who is going this year? I am on the fence...but the best part of this cruise compared to others was the Dis members!!! Our dining partners made the cruise so much better. And also RAY!!! Crazy Ray across the hall from us...gotta go read his facebook if you aren't already on it...that is one crazy dude. He should do standup comedy!

Have a great day everyone
Susan

 

[manascarfan]

Hey, Mary,

Or anyone...I am looking for Mary's post where she wrote about the letter she sent to DVC about the member cruise and the decline over the years.

Anyone know what page it is one?

Does anyone have an idea of who is going this year? I am on the fence...but the best part of this cruise compared to others was the Dis members!!! Our dining partners made the cruise so much better. And also RAY!!! Crazy Ray across the hall from us...gotta go read his facebook if you aren't already on it...that is one crazy dude. He should do standup comedy!

Have a great day everyone
Susan

Hello Susan- It was post 1674 on page 112.
I agree the BEST part of this years cruise was the friendships we made from the DIS boards.

 

[bsusanmb]

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.

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WOW, I would have signed my name to this...I was really disappointed and embarrassed that I was promoting the DVC member cruise to the point of hard sell, thinking that I would see Marty Sklar etc....anyone I saw on the Discovery Channel, Travel Channel etc who had to do with Walt Disney...and that didn't happen...everything happened at d23....

I am proud of you, Mary, for speaking up for all of us DVC members.
Susan

 

[dvc4life]

Just thought I would pop in and say "Hi". Long day today. Went very slow. Had a boring conference call this morning about getting a credit card system in our office. We are moving right up in the world aren't we?!?

Hope all had a great day!

 

[FaithTrustnPixieDust]

Hello DIS Friends!!

Catching up on the posts.

for the support on finishing up my class. The next one starts next Wednesday.
From the first night I count down the weeks.....7,6,5,4,3,2,1 then and a When this one is done right before Christmas then I get a break until Spring Block 2 which starts around March 10. Then, the final class over the summer and then GRADUATION here I come!

I was able to get some painting done late last night. Not completely done the bathroom yet but getting there. The fact that two of DS's BB games were cancelled this week sort of helped out. It was meant to be. Turns out DS had a science test today which we stayed up late last night studying. And then Math test tomorrow so we spent this evening after CCD studying for that test.

Hope everyone is feeling better. So many people are getting sick. I think I might just stay in the house. but then again maybe not....
DD had fever and chills last Thursday night and went to the doctors Friday. She has had cold symptoms and a cough for a month and they are still lingering but the fever only lasted that one night. Thank goodness.

I actually started feeling a little achy this evening but that might just be due to being tired and maybe from painting. I asked DD if her throat was sore at all this past week and she said no, but it is hurting right now So, maybe we are both coming down with something. Time will tell.

I am excited to report that I am getting closer to making a final decision on my next vacation.

Good luck to all those calling in for the SSMC10.

I went over to Marsha's trip report and read through that this evening. That is fun. I have never read one before and I am enjoying seeing the pics and reliving the memories. Good Job Marsha!

Okay, so I asked this the other day. WHERE IS SUE? I still have not seen her out here, unless I just missed her post. I know she had a busy weekend planned with her scouting fundraiser but it is now officially Thursday by my clock. Maybe she is having technical difficulties and has not been able to sign on.
I was thinking of her this evening and the 3Day Race. DD's CCD teacher (about my age) informed the parents this evening as we dropped off our kids that she was leaving for a while. She was just diagnosed with breast cancer and will be having surgery and then all the treatments that come along with it. Very sad for the kids and especially for her. She is just so sweet. She was also the Kindergarten CCD teacher for DS 5 years ago. She sent home a note tonight with her address telling the kids that she will be keeping in touch with them while she is gone and asked that they keep in touch with her. DD was a little upset but she does not really understand why she is leaving. I just had to tell her she was sick and the doctors needed to take care of her.

Well, at this point the PHILLIES have WON GAME 1 !!! Almost a shut out. Way to go Cliff Lee! Great job!! It is now time to turn off the television. The only thing left for them to televise at this hour is all the drunks at the bars.

Take care everyone. I better get to bed. I have a meeting from 1 - 5 tomorrow. I think I can just participate from home but not 100% sure yet.

 

[manascarfan]

Good Morning Deck9 Sunrise Members and all Fellow Cruisers

Lisa-I was thinking of Sue as well, I really hope everything is okay with her and her family. Oh yeah GO PHILLIES. I have 2 favorite teams, the Red Sox and anyone playing the Yankees.. Cliff Lee did pitch an awesome game.

Chris- A REAL credit card machine??? Technology taking over.

Mary-Hope you and Mark are both getting over your bugs.

 

[WDWLVR]

Good morning everyone!

Well Mark and I spent another day of togetherness being sick.

Still not 100% but well enough that we're going to work today.

Susan - thank you for the kind words. I do however encourage you or anyone else that has strong feelings about the cruise (good or bad) to let DVC know. I am just one voice and while they did get back to me and listen to me that doesn't mean anything will change. Now don't get me wrong I'm not suggesting a mass writing campaign. Just saying that if you feel strongly about something you should write and tell them.

Have a great day everyone!

 

[wltdsnyfan]

Morning Everyone!

Lisa - You are amazing!

Mary & Mark - Glad you are both feeling a little better.

Sue - I dido everyone else. Hope all is welland you are just busy.

 

[dvc4life]

Good Morning Deck9 Sunrise Members and all Fellow Cruisers


Chris- A REAL credit card machine??? Technology taking over.

Yeppers! We are really getting in to the swing of things around here now!

 

[dvc4life]

Oh, Sue, my anniversary buddy, where are yoooooooooooooou?

 

[BigDogHU75]

Hello DIS Friends!!

I am excited to report that I am getting closer to making a final decision on my next vacation.

Good luck to all those calling in for the SSMC10.

I went over to Marsha's trip report and read through that this evening. That is fun. I have never read one before and I am enjoying seeing the pics and reliving the memories. Good Job Marsha!

Lisa, thank you. I am glad you are reliving some of your memories. Please let us know when you decide on what trip you will be taking.

 

[manascarfan]

Good Morning Deck 9 Sunrise Members and all Fellow Cruisers

Happy Friday everyone, hope you all have a great weekend.

 

[WDWLVR]

Good morning everyone - running late this morning as I overslept.

Have a great day everyone!



PDFG and all our friends who need it!

 

[dvc4life]

Good Morning!

Well Halloween is upon us once again. Last year at this time we were on the Western Disney cruise. Spent a day at EPCOT then boarded the Magic for 7 days of fun in the sun. Hard to believe it has been a year.

We were supposed to dress up today at work, but I don't really get into that. So, I wore some sweats. At least I am comfortable.

Have fun this weekend!

 

[dvc4life]

Just wondering, has anyone checked out the new ship yet? We were looking at it last night and the rooms seem alot narrower to me. The decor looks pretty cool and that slide, It goes out over the ship. Now, I'm a rollercoaster kinda gal, but that looks freaky to me!

 

[wltdsnyfan]

Good Morning!

Well Halloween is upon us once again. Last year at this time we were on the Western Disney cruise. Spent a day at EPCOT then boarded the Magic for 7 days of fun in the sun. Hard to believe it has been a year.

We were supposed to dress up today at work, but I don't really get into that. So, I wore some sweats. At least I am comfortable.

Chris - I am not a dresser either. But I like your idea at least you are comfortable.

Have fun this weekend!

Just wondering, has anyone checked out the new ship yet? We were looking at it last night and the rooms seem alot narrower to me. The decor looks pretty cool and that slide, It goes out over the ship. Now, I'm a rollercoaster kinda gal, but that looks freaky to me!

You are right about it going over the ocean. BUt I still want to go on it. Also, yes the rooms do look narrow. But I still want to go on it. You can begin to book on November 9th for the castaway members (some of them). But I would like to know the points so I may haveto call DVC to find out.

 

[wltdsnyfan]

Good Morning Everyone!

Happy Weekend!