Anyone going to the Annual Meeting next month?

[JoEllen]

We will be in WDW the week of the annual DVC meetings next month and were thinking about going. Has anyone been that could offer their feedback of past meetings? Is it a couple of hours long? Are they generally well attended?

Thanks for any info!

 

[DebbieB]

I went to the BWV one last year and the one in 2000. They keep it strictly to an hour. They do the business meeting first, which is boring, lasts about 10 minutes. Then they do the general meeting. They offer a slide show on the dues for next year and upcoming DVC changes. This is where they announced the OKW slide last year (BWV's meeting was after OKW's where is was first announced). After that they open the floor up for questions. I'd say there was 50 to 75 members at the meeting. They have the top management of the resort in attendance to discuss any questions members may have. I think it's worth it. It's before we arrive this year, so I can't attend.

Here are my notes from last year:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=476802

 

[Simba's Mom]

I went last year to the OKW meeting, and considering the fact that I was the first one to post that they announced the new pool slide, I definitely thought it was worth it to attend-think of the juicy tidbit of information that may happen to be "dropped" at the meeting-"Oh, by the way, we're going to..." And I don't think anyone knew they were planning to put coffee tables in the BWV studios until they announced it at the meeting (OK, maybe not as "juicy" as a pool slide" but still). A lot of execs from DVC were there, and a lot of CMs from the resort, so it was great to meet people (as well as meeting a few other DISers-Hi, ChuckS and Hi, JudithM)
I think it's well worth the time to go, and if nothing else convinces you- besides, it's free food at WDW!

 

[Chuck S]

Yes, Simba's Mom, Judith M & I were at last years OKW meeting. It was the first meeting I had attended since becoming a member in 1992. I found it interesting and definately worth your time if you'll be at WDW during the meetings. The meeting is a little too early for us this year, I don't arrive at OKW until Dec 7.

The legalese business part is pretty cut and dried and basically scripted, so it goes pretty quickly. But you do get a chance to see a bit of how DVC works, can visit with the folks in charge, and find out some of the newest plans for your resort. Plus, maybe meet some DISers.

 

[JoEllen]

Thank you for the great info. Free Disney food and a short meeting......We'll be there!

 

[dianeschlicht]

We plan to attend the OKW one this year. Last time, we missed it by a day.

 

[PamOKW]

Just putting in a request to folks that attend to share what they hear with the rest of us who aren't at WDW. As Simba'sMom says, her report last year was just the type of info we were looking for and wouldn't have known about for months if she hadn't shared.

 

[Northwoods]

Anyone planning to bring up the smoking / non-smoking guarantee at booking??

 

[JudithM]

This year will be my 10th consecutive OKW annual meeting!

Personally I find it worth my time & energy to attend the meetings. I encourage any DVC member who is in the area to come to an annual meeting. It is an opportunity for members to meet the CMs who spend our money, manage our resort, etc. Several CMs are available to speak to members before & after the meeting. Members are encouraged to participate in the two Question & Answer sessions - one on budget after the budget is presented during the meeting & the other at the end of the Member's meeting.

Don't get excited about the free food . For the last few years it has mainly been coffee, juice, bottled water. In the early years we used to get fresh fruit, bread/muffin type goodies, etc.

This year some DVC meetings are planned back to back on Tuesday & Wednesday, so there might not be as much time to just chat after the OKW meeting.

 

[SimbaCub]

I attended the meeting last year for the VWL and did bring up the smoking/non-smoking issue. To be honest, while I feel they "felt my pain" regarding having a non-smoking room, I didn't feel they were going to treat it with a level of urgency as their reservation system is not equipped to handle that request. I pointed out they have modified the BWV point structures--providing for standard and preferred view--and modified it again to provide for a boardwalk view and garden/pool view under preferred so why can't they fix the smoking/non-smoking category. It was brushed under the table but after the meeting I was told that due to medical reasons they will try to find something at the resort you are staying or another if necessary. Given that statement and all the stories here regarding people requesting non-smoking and ending up in a smoking optional room I think we have a problem with the system. And too few smoking room for those who desire them as well.

I hope to attend again this year and try to go to both VWL and OKW.

SimbaCub
VWL/SSR Nov/Dec 04

 

[CarolMN]

I plan to go to the Boardwalk meeting - I want to hear this year's answer to the perennial question (someone ALWAYS asks) re ticket discounts.

I'll take notes and post, but it may not be until the following week. Don't know if we'll have a laptop with us this trip or not.

Best wishes -

 

[DrShifty]

I've never been to one but happen to be at a conference at BW Inn at that time so, I'll be at BWV meeting. I may have my laptop to post. Are there any other questions that would be important/helpful to ask? Who else will be at BWV meeting?

 

[VWLMember]

I will be attending the VWL meeting on Nov 30th.