Backpack Gate?

[lockets]

Are there any images online?

I thought OKWLover was joking, but it begs the question: What gift would you like to receive with your direct purchase if not a backpack? Water and a cooling towel is a good start!

 

[gregskellington]

What does the backpack look like? I received a backpack and whiteboard magnet for inquiring about direct pricing, not actually buying. Wonder if it's different?

 

[lockets]

From the comments it seems like gifts are unpredictable and have been all over the place.

https://dvcfan.com/2022/02/23/rumor-dvc-discontinues-backpacks-with-new-direct-purchases/

 

[lockets]

What does the backpack look like? I received a backpack and whiteboard magnet for inquiring about direct pricing, not actually buying. Wonder if it's different?

See link I posted above

 

[jscottnc]

We bought direct back in 2014 on a DCL cruise. At that time it was a nice DVC tote rather than backpack. In addition we got hats, tumblers, and a beach tent. Those were the days.

 

[EM Lawrence]

I'm a Marriott Gold member and when we checked into the Swan last month they gave us a really nice microfiber backpack, a collapsible water bottle, and a laundry bag. And I didn't have to spend $30K to get it! LOL!

 

[Akck]

When we added on in December, my wife requested that we not get a backpack since we already have 2. Our ship guide said it was out of his control. We now have 3.

 

[wishicouldgomoreofte]

When I bought BLT direct in 2010, I got a carry bag for the park. A few weeks earlier, and for several months, new purchasers got a free 3 day cruise for so many points, 4 days for more points, etc. So, like so much in life, timing was everything. Current DVC members who bought a lot before it opened or was even done being built got some thing (I don't recall exactly, but others will) with their names on a pillar or plaque or something as the first 1000 buyers. I don't recall, but I hope someone comes on and tells. It was supposed to be a big deal. It clearly was not something I was interested in or would want. But I would have liked the cruise more than a park bag.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Are they still giving out backpacks for DVC members on DCL cruises?

 

[808blessing]

I bought resale and a super small direct add-on and got the nice backpack surprise. My friend who bought full contract (150-175 pts direct got the drawstring bag a few years earlier. Always changing - such a bummer! Their backpack advertising worked tho! Picked up two more contracts after that. My friends never added on.

 

[Vulnox]

We got a backpack when we bought at the end of 2019, but canceled the DVC membership within the "changed my mind" period because on basically the day-of, we were sent home from work due to COVID and things were looking pretty uncertain. Disney didn't want the backpack back though. When we signed up again December 2021, we got another backpack about two weeks after our official "close" date.

What was odd, I think, was that the backpacks have different looks, I kind of expected DVC to never change them. Also I feel like we got more "Freebies" inside the backpack the second time than the first. We got the drawstring backpack like three days after we signed and I thought they were already cheaping out and that was all we were going to get, but it turned out the drawstring one was just a "thank you" from our Guide for talking with them and getting information and that.

I don't put a ton of financial value on the backpacks, but they are pretty decent backpacks, and sized that I feel like we can keep them in our owners locker and have as a spare or for the oldest kid to use to carry their own water bottle and that. It is a small thing to DVCs bottom line that makes you feel good, I think, in that short period after signing away $30k+ that might diminish some of that buyers remorse that is always possible with these size and type of purchases. DVC doing away with them or sending some pop socket thing I would immediately get rid of would almost feel insulting. Yes, I know, the backpack isn't an Osprey or anything truly deluxe, but I put at least a $30 personal valuation on a decent backpack like that, I put about a 5 cent valuation on some stupid phone accessory.

The only thing I would take in place of the backpacks and find to be very valuable and cool would be if they sent a pair of DVC specific MagicBands. Make them a nice but not outrageous design and put your home resort name on it or whatever, and I doubt those would cost DVC much more than the backpack does, and most DVC members would use it I imagine, at least on their Welcome Home stay.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Are they still giving out backpacks for DVC members on DCL cruises?

Never mind. Those are for castaway cay levels. Wonder if they are still doing that on the cruises?

 

[808blessing]

Not only did they get me with the nice backpack, I now have quite the collection of DVC swag I've bought online at Shop Disney. Although is it really swag if I bought it?

 

[JeffBDisney]

I just added on about 2 weeks ago. They did send us a backpack but maybe they had one left over. Had a letter from Terry Schultz in there too who I thought got fired from listening to the DVC show.

 

[DonMacGregor]

In my experience, the drawstring bags typically are given out at the preview centers or by your individual guide as a "Thank You". The (slightly) more robust backpacks come directly from MS and are sent out by a third party in Orlando.

 

[MickeyMice]

i just received a backpack from the site sponsor after my resale purchase so there's that

 

[BWV Dreamin]

i just received a backpack from the site sponsor after my resale purchase so there's that

They are talking about direct purchases.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

So all this backpack talk had me digging into my closet. Seven backpacks between DVC and DCL. My how time flys!! LOL.

 

[Jwaire]

I got a backpack in mid February so I’m not sure where they’re getting their rumor unless it’s a recent change. Maybe they’re back ordered? Now, AUL and GCV have always given out those drawstring backpacks when you visit their preview centers. I’m not sure if that’s all you get if you purchase there. Either way, it’s not like it’s the best quality. I’d never take it to the parks.

I’d much rather get a $25 dining gift card like they’re doing for May stays or how about bringing back annual passes for DVC members?

 

[MickeyMice]

They are talking about direct purchases.

i know, i'm just rubbing it in, haha