I've only been to one, so I'm really not an "expert" on them, but the last one was PHENOMENAL! We had an absolute blast. We got there, got a goodie bag with a
DVC notepad (the kind that is vinyl and goes around a legal pad), pen, and a "raffle" form. We sat down, and as soon as they started, they started giving out goodies! We got DVC plastic binoculars (cheap, not very good magnification, but free, so we thought they were awesome!), Blue iced rice crispie treats like a gift (think Tiffany package), something else I can't remember, but by far the coolest gift was DVC passport holders! They are very upscale looking (think Burberry). I was especially impressed that my daughter was only 2.5 years old and got everything we did. No child-discrimination!
Also, the "party" at the end was awesome! It was on a raised section, and all of a sudden it lit up, the DJ started playing, Mickey & Minnie came out, Tink, Aladdin & Genie! We then got to dance and hang out with the characters. So magical! Much better than anything at the parks. My daughter was just beside herself! She got to dance with Mickey for almost an entire song. She got to take pics with Aladdin & Tink (she was scared wit-less with Genie).
Lastly, no time EVER did I feel pressured to buy additional points!!! Sure, they told you all about them, the specials, etc., but at the end they simply said there were DVC reps in the back room and if you were interested to go talk with them. That's it. We walked out without even having to say NO once!!! And, to boot, they gave us a bunch of the Mickey Ear rice crispie treats that they sell in the park to take home and enjoy.
It was an absolutely wonderful experience and I signed up to go to this event the moment I got the email. Looking forward to it SO MUCH!
~~~
As far as the specials go, be prepared if you're even thinking about it to consider adding points. If I would have know just how good the deal was going to be last time, I would have bought the points, but we didn't think it was going to be a great deal. I'm still kicking myself!!!
~~~
As far as who they invite, I have no idea. I'm guessing they email people within the state at least. And, it isn't restricted to your email, so someone could forward it to you if you wanted to sign up and drive, you could. I would just keep an eye out on the Disboards!
Hope I answered everything!
