2006 DVC Member Cruise - SSMC06 - October 22, 2006 Part 6

[cherylp3]

We're having thanksgiving at my mother in law's in Spring Hill ( North of Tampa)
We're staying Wed - Friday and I am stopping at Wild Oats in Tampa to pick up some dairy free food.

 

[toddp3]

I've been a vegetarian for 22 years, so I can relate. My family is understanding, if not supportive, so I don't have to put up with stupid comments. I just enjoy the day with those that I love.

I really hate "Happy Turkey Day", though!

Our families, specifically my stepfather, can be real PITAs about our dietary choices, like being Kosher and the fact that Cheryl has certain dietary needs. He's also one of those people who will harp on a point continuously despite when it's become "enough".

 

[RRBB]

Ok, since I've completely forgotten who I've said that we've gotten CDs from, here's the whole list.


Diana (Diana Lyn)
Dana (MaryJ's DD)
Mary (iluvdisney)
Tim (tcc)
Sandy (gometros)
Mary (MaryJ)
Ilene (IleneF)
Erin (crzy4dals)
Marla (okwdreamin)
Lily (Tiger Lily 03)
Chris (sanddune)
Curt (curtdennis)

I don't see my name there. Oh wait, that's because I just made the CD a few minutes ago. Amy, got any idea how many CDs/DVDs all these pics will fill. I'm trying to figure out how many blanks to send to you. Thanks.

 

[IleneF]

Wow, Diana, that's cool that you got to express your frustration with this last cruise. I'd love a call too. I have no prior dvc cruise to compare it to but the hard sell was so darn obvious in the little game show and I was upset they kept us off CC for that. Also I think they could have done much better with the communication so us planners could plan. I'd love to let them know that.
Anyway......

My puppies ran away yesterday but I got them back. It was a harrowing 5min or so though. They lifted their stake from the ground and were leashed so they got wrapped around a neighbors tree but it sure was awful when I thought they were GONE! They are my babies and I/we would have been just heartbroken. Sure brought to light for me what's important at this time of Thanksgiving.

 

[MarkRG]

I've been waiting for the girls to settle down and go to bed before I posted my BIG thing of the day. At 4:58 my phone rang, the caller ID read "Disney Vacation Club". Hmmm... Here's the conversation:

Me:Hello?
DVC: Hi. This is so-and-so from DVC. Do you remember me? I sold you your contract. (Uh, no...actually you didn't. I was assigned to you after my person got a big promotion. I didn't say that, but I thought about it.)
Me:Hi, sure, what's up?
DVC: Well, I noticed that you're just getting off the Member Cruise and wanted to give you a call to make sure everything was ok.
Me: Did you hear everything was not ok?
DVC: No.
Me: OK, it was ok.
DVC:Just OK? (OK--you're asking for comments, I'll give you comments.)

I went on to tell her exactly what my impression was but you guys all know the impression. She was surprised. She hadn't heard any comments about the "hard sell". I then went on to tell her how disappointed we were in the 07 booking procedures and how it was seen as real slap in the face to people who cruised before, and her words were --"I'm not entirely sure why they came up with that idea, but I see it being a problem" I told her the lottery was a fair idea, but excluding previous cruisers has really left a negative impression on us and a few fellow members that cruised with us who decided we'd rather cruise without DVC together next time because in comparision for us this cruise had less magic than the others. It was my family and friends that highlighted the cruise for me.

15 minutes later--she was saying, well you have a Happy Thanksgiving, rushing me off the phone. I'm assuming she made the call at 4:58 figuring this would be quick and easy, tell me all about how I need more points and there's a special going on and she'd get out the door by 5.

Oho, did your guide pick the wrong person to call.

What this conversation tells me is that DVC is ignoring the negative feedback that they got about the cruise, both from the comment cards and what everyone's sent them since.

If they wern't ignoring it they sure would have instructed their guides better about talking to the members who have been on the '06 one. And it sounds like yours was totally unaware.

 

[alikat99]

I don't see my name there. Oh wait, that's because I just made the CD a few minutes ago. Amy, got any idea how many CDs/DVDs all these pics will fill. I'm trying to figure out how many blanks to send to you. Thanks.

At this point, Chris is thinking that this is going to be 2-3 DVDs of photos.

 

[Diana Lyn]

Oho, did your guide pick the wrong person to call.

What this conversation tells me is that DVC is ignoring the negative feedback that they got about the cruise, both from the comment cards and what everyone's sent them since.

If they wern't ignoring it they sure would have instructed their guides better about talking to the members who have been on the '06 one. And it sounds like yours was totally unaware.

I was trying to figure out when she kept saying "Wow, this is the first time I've heard this" if she was just saying that to be politically correct and feel me out for my opinion or if she seriously lived under one of those rocks they put out on CC. (Another example I used of crappy planning on DVC's side). I told her that I had many conversations on the beach at CC that last day about emails and surveys that were going in, so this seriously can't be the 1st negative feedback about the cruise. I specifically mentioned to her the On the Nose presentation that was a much hyped game show even pre-cruise and turned out to be 25% game show 75% BUY BUY BUY. I also gave her the direct comparison from Jim Lewis' 05 talk and '06 talk. I explained to her that going to things to hear about the "family side" of DVC was what we enjoyed. I know where to buy points, I know how to buy points, I know why I should buy more points.

Usually when I go off on a rant I become very scatterbrained. But this time, it wasn't even like I was ranting, I seriously and calmly gave her my impression and did keep stressing along the way that DCL made sure I had a magnificent time, and I did. It just seemed that little extra DVC magic that had been there previously, that had transformed the Wonder to "home" was gone. I also stressed to her, don't get me wrong, I'm fully aware that in my lifetime I'll never get an opportunity to sit and listen to Roy Disney talk about his uncle, and I'm so thankful for that. The entertainment and speakers were top notch, I kept stressing to her the atmosphere wasn't "home", it was like DVC completely dropped the ball.

What's funny is that everyone has always commented that their guide calls them. In 5 years, this is the first time anyone from DVC has ever called. I bet I'm now on the do not call list.

 

[cgcw]

I've been waiting for the girls to settle down and go to bed before I posted my BIG thing of the day. At 4:58 my phone rang, the caller ID read "Disney Vacation Club". Hmmm... Here's the conversation:

Me:Hello?
DVC: Hi. This is so-and-so from DVC. Do you remember me? I sold you your contract. (Uh, no...actually you didn't. I was assigned to you after my person got a big promotion. I didn't say that, but I thought about it.)
Me:Hi, sure, what's up?
DVC: Well, I noticed that you're just getting off the Member Cruise and wanted to give you a call to make sure everything was ok.
Me: Did you hear everything was not ok?
DVC: No.
Me: OK, it was ok.
DVC:Just OK? (OK--you're asking for comments, I'll give you comments.)

I went on to tell her exactly what my impression was but you guys all know the impression. She was surprised. She hadn't heard any comments about the "hard sell". I then went on to tell her how disappointed we were in the 07 booking procedures and how it was seen as real slap in the face to people who cruised before, and her words were --"I'm not entirely sure why they came up with that idea, but I see it being a problem" I told her the lottery was a fair idea, but excluding previous cruisers has really left a negative impression on us and a few fellow members that cruised with us who decided we'd rather cruise without DVC together next time because in comparision for us this cruise had less magic than the others. It was my family and friends that highlighted the cruise for me.

15 minutes later--she was saying, well you have a Happy Thanksgiving, rushing me off the phone. I'm assuming she made the call at 4:58 figuring this would be quick and easy, tell me all about how I need more points and there's a special going on and she'd get out the door by 5.

Hmmmm, what a weird coincidence. I'm betting your right in thinking the real purpose of her call was to hear how great of a time you had an surely you wanted to add on because of it.

I can guarantee our guide won't be calling here --- after all, she heard all my thoughts as soon as we returned from the cruise.

 

[cgcw]

We will be at my MIL's house (she lives 10 minutes away), but we are all contributing something. I donated my free turkey (had to spend $300) and I am also making the salad and a side dish. Kids will all be home. With all the stuff they bring home, even for a short visit, I am still trying to find a place for all the Disney gifts!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

That's one expensive "free" turkey, Judy.

 

[cgcw]

OOOh dang - cough cough has anyone sold one of their new DVC Bricks - oh I mean DVC member cruise scrapbooks? We don't think we need two

I saw one sold not long ago for $61.

I did sell mine, but I did it without the use of ebay, along with a set of the pins. The buyer and I came to a very fair agreement and I didn't have to wait the 7 days of the auction to see where it ended up for a final sale. I'm very happy to offload the extras and the buyer is happy to be receiving the items. A win-win situation.

I do have some pins listed now, though.

 

[cgcw]

Tom said the same thing! He hopes our guide calls too. I work with 7 different people who are DVC owners. I am the only one who has been on a DVC Member cruise but everyone who I've talked to about the new policy thinks it's ridiculous. One of them tried to get on the cruise last year but couldn't get through. Afer hearing my story about the hard sell she is very happy she didn't go. She said she wants to continue with her belief that DVC is magical and isn't like other timeshare companies.

The Mom I know from Walker's soccer team, the one who told me about next years cruise and point spread before we sail and Jim Lewis denied, has since reconsidered her thoughts on next years cruise as well. When I told her who we sailed with, how the DVC team treated us and how much more expensive it was than a regular 7 night cruise, it made her decide against it as well.

Sad, because I truly thought at one time that DVC was top notch. I hope that feeling someday returns.

 

[Diana Lyn]

The Mom I know from Walker's soccer team, the one who told me about next years cruise and point spread before we sail and Jim Lewis denied, has since reconsidered her thoughts on next years cruise as well. When I told her who we sailed with, how the DVC team treated us and how much more expensive it was than a regular 7 night cruise, it made her decide against it as well.

Sad, because I truly thought at one time that DVC was top notch. I hope that feeling someday returns.

That's another thing I mentioned to her (sorry I should have taken notes!) I told her JL lost some credibilty in my book when he denied it then completely and got the crowd hyped up on the last night. Her response was sometimes, contractually they aren't allowed to talk about it and stuff that's out on the internet they can't always comment on. So I gave her at least 4 other ways he could have "legally" answered the question without answering the way he did. I told her I realized they were just waiting for us all to get home before they explained the new booking procedure because it would have seriously dampened the already lacking atmostphere.

 

[#1Mouse]

If I was working I would be over there w/the lights and siren broadcasting to the neighborhood --- GAIL's baking!!! The world is coming to an end. I'd even let John run the siren. This good for you?? Ask John too...

That was funny. John said he would love to run the siren!

 

[#1Mouse]

You mean you can actually BAKEthese puppies???!!!??? They don't last long enough to make it to the oven (sorry to say)

I use to buy that tube of cookie dough and sit and eat it with a spoon. I did stop long enough while I was pregnant with my dd Diane. While in the hospital having her my friend asked me what I wanted her to bring back the next day. I bet she was thinking I was going to want McDonalds or something, but I asked her if she'd make a batch of Chocolate Chip Cookies but not to cook them. It was soooo good!

 

[#1Mouse]

I've been waiting for the girls to settle down and go to bed before I posted my BIG thing of the day. At 4:58 my phone rang, the caller ID read "Disney Vacation Club". Hmmm... Here's the conversation:

Me:Hello?
DVC: Hi. This is so-and-so from DVC. Do you remember me? I sold you your contract. (Uh, no...actually you didn't. I was assigned to you after my person got a big promotion. I didn't say that, but I thought about it.)
Me:Hi, sure, what's up?
DVC: Well, I noticed that you're just getting off the Member Cruise and wanted to give you a call to make sure everything was ok.
Me: Did you hear everything was not ok?
DVC: No.
Me: OK, it was ok.
DVC:Just OK? (OK--you're asking for comments, I'll give you comments.)

I went on to tell her exactly what my impression was but you guys all know the impression. She was surprised. She hadn't heard any comments about the "hard sell". I then went on to tell her how disappointed we were in the 07 booking procedures and how it was seen as real slap in the face to people who cruised before, and her words were --"I'm not entirely sure why they came up with that idea, but I see it being a problem" I told her the lottery was a fair idea, but excluding previous cruisers has really left a negative impression on us and a few fellow members that cruised with us who decided we'd rather cruise without DVC together next time because in comparision for us this cruise had less magic than the others. It was my family and friends that highlighted the cruise for me.

15 minutes later--she was saying, well you have a Happy Thanksgiving, rushing me off the phone. I'm assuming she made the call at 4:58 figuring this would be quick and easy, tell me all about how I need more points and there's a special going on and she'd get out the door by 5.

I bet she was sorry she made that call

We only had 1 call from DVC since getting back and that was someone calling to see if we received our documents for the add on that we purchased. They were hoping to get the documents back within a week and it had been a bit longer than that. John took the call and wouldn't let me talk to them. I told him to tell them I was holding a lottery to decide if I was going to sign & mail them in or not

 

[#1Mouse]

OOOh dang - cough cough has anyone sold one of their new DVC Bricks - oh I mean DVC member cruise scrapbooks? We don't think we need two

List it on eBay! I gave one to my sister and kept the other.

 

[#1Mouse]

Actually, today I was trying to figure out how to even use just one. I'm not sure how to use it with those magnetic pages in the back.

Take the plastic off the magnetic page. Creative Memories and I'm sure the scrapbook stores sell a paper that has a protective barrier that you can put over the sticky part and then use the paper as your background paper. If you have any other questions, just pm Carol (scrappy910) and maybe she can explain it a little better.

The scrapbook store near here is having a 30% off everything on Friday between 10 and noon. I think I will go over and check on getting an album for the CJ.

 

[RRBB]

At this point, Chris is thinking that this is going to be 2-3 DVDs of photos.

Thanks Amy. Wow, that's a lot of pics we're going to get back.

 

[gometros]

Ok, since I've completely forgotten who I've said that we've gotten CDs from, here's the whole list.


Diana (Diana Lyn)
Dana (MaryJ's DD)
Mary (iluvdisney)
Tim (tcc)
Sandy (gometros)
Mary (MaryJ)
Ilene (IleneF)
Erin (crzy4dals)
Marla (okwdreamin)
Lily (Tiger Lily 03)
Chris (sanddune)
Curt (curtdennis)

Did Kevin (unixadm) say he was going to participate? He also took loads of pictures.

 

[gometros]

I really hate "Happy Turkey Day", though!

Happy Tofu Day, Karen!