DISNEY FILES MAGAZINE = junk mail?

[MLK-RI]

Completely agree - waste of paper and money. Wish we could find out if it is indeed being paid for by us!

 

[AKV707]

I have been a member for less than a year. I received two copies of the old VM and now two copies of this new one.

If there is going to be a magazine for members, that members pay for, it should be about DVC and members! A few Disney ads would not bother me, but this is junk.

What do members need a barrage of Disney ads for? Haven't we already shown that we get it, we bought it, and we will continue to do so?

When the Disboards are way more informative and current than the alleged members only magazine, our dues could be spent more wisely. I mean, for all of the rumors that we debate, we do get tons of factual information here that has helped me a great deal as a new DVC member. Disney FILES hasn't presented me with anything new or useful.

 

[JimC]

I guess the main thing that I object to in this new format is the overwhelming emphasis on marketing Disney merchandise and products. It seems to typify DVC's approach to us more as a marketing targets than owners.

If the magazine were 50% DVC stories and member pix, 25% Disney-related stories of general interest (like the Wilderness Preserve and Extreme Makeover stories, not story-ads), and 25% advertising of DVC-discounted products, I wouldn't mind.

But DVC's almost single-minded interest recently seems to be to sell us, rather than serve us.

Agree wholeheartedly! We should keep track of stuff like this for any of us who attends member updates and the Association annual meetings. I believe DVC needs to hear repeatedly and in different forums for changes to occur!

 

[Laurabearz]

I too wish there was more -dvc meat- in the magazine.

Like another poster mentioned, things like the changes in the cups for Studios, exactly what's going on with the internet, when they expect GCV to go on sale, or at least when point charts might be out..

I wish it answered more of our questions, and less about things that are not directly DVC related

 

[nunzia]

I enjoyed those articles that didn't have anything to do with DVC. I am one of those subscribers to the Disney Magazine who was seriously disappointed when that folded. That being said, you're absolutely right--not a lot of DVC content.

Instead of just complaining outright, perhaps we should give them some constructive criticism. What kind of DVC content would you like to see? I'd like see some DVC member profiles.

Agree. I kind of liked it, as I enjoyed the old Disney magazine and miss it. However..not much DVC content. I was glad to see the listing of dining discounts at DLR since my old Portable Perks had expired and there had been threads about many discounts at WDW disappearing.
I'd like to see more DVC content also..spotlights on good castmembers..a day on the job, etc. I'd really like a question and answer section..but that would be way too much to ask as Disney can dance around a question without actually answering it better than any politician. I liked the recipe included, but would like to see more and how about a section on good quick meals you could make in the villas (using only styrofoam cups in the studios of course...)

 

[Donald's#1Fan]

Hate to beat a dead horse here. This latest DVC publication SUCKS!!! I have every Vacation Magic and predecessor publications dating back to Fall of 1994, I loved all of the info. on each of the resorts and the resorts to come, even if some of it was repetitive, I don't care, that's what I love. This new Disney Files is just a very poor replacement for the defunct Disney Magazine. Give me back my old Vacation Magic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[LoveToDisney]

Do part of our maintenance fees go to pay for this magazine?!

 

[ADP]

I also agree with everyone!

It seems lately everything at Disney World and other Disney parks is a huge secret. Not just DVC, but everything. Information comes out so slow when, in fact, projects are progressing along. What's going on with the backlot theater at DHS? What's happening with the globe at Illuminations? Why are there bar codes on fastpasses these days; etc, etc.

I understand there are certain reasons why information cannot be released; i.e., SEC regulations, sales, profit, anticipation, etc, but for god sakes throw us a bread crumb once in a while! After all, we are DVC members. Give us the DVC Scoop! Give us a sneak peak into the GCV or Hawaii. I'm sure there have already been discussions and plans finalized.

I guess DVC is "The Best Kept Disney Secret" after all!

 

[sgtpet]

I could not agree anymore that I thought Disney Files was a commercial for Disney and lacked information on DVC. I rather pay less in dues than have this document produced on a quarterly basis.

I hear that DVC reads these boards. I certainly hope they read this thread.

 

[dvcbrad]

Here's another agreement! I told my wife last night that I didn't think it was worth the paper on which it was printed plus the postage to send it. It's in the recycling can already!

Jim Lewis said in the opening that DVC members spoke and they listened ... I hope they'e listening here, as I've already seen some very good suggestions at what should be in the publication.

 

[kikiq]

I hear that DVC reads these boards. I certainly hope they read this thread.

I wouldn't leave it to hoping that they read these boards. IF ALL OF YOU want to make sure they know, send an email to the magazine staff at
DisneyFiles@DisneyVacationClub.com.

Make sure you not only voice your displeasure BUT also give them constructive suggestions of what you would like to read in the magazine.

 

[WolfpackFan]

Let me ask you all this - do you find it interesting how in every issue that have this big spread on member getaways (II exchanges, etc.). We all know that this is a poor use of points overall. I just find it interesting how DVC is still pushing these exchanges so hard. I would love to know what percentage of DVC members ever do an exchange.

 

[JimMIA]

I wouldn't leave it to hoping that they read these boards. IF ALL OF YOU want to make sure they know, send an email to the magazine staff at
DisneyFiles@DisneyVacationClub.com.

Make sure you not only voice your displeasure BUT also give them constructive suggestions of what you would like to read in the magazine.

I agree with the idea of offering constructive suggestions. It's fine to express disappointment, but constructive feedback is also helpful.

However, an email to Disney Files will just generate an Auto-Reply saying they're not going to reply.

At the suggestion of other posters, I forwarded my original email to MS (members@disneyvacationclub.com) . I specifically told them no response was necessary or expected, but this afternoon, I received an email from MS saying, considering the nature of my correspondence, they had forwarded it to Member Satisfaction and they would respond within 5 days.

Not trying to foment rebellion here, but MS seems a lot more receptive to input than Disney Files. If you want to email someone, MS is probably a better choice.

 

[Doug7856]

Bring back Vacation Magic!!!! I used to take the magazine to work and share it with the other Disney addicts LOL. This last issue just went into the trash. Useless!

 

[Steve@BWV]

I guess I am in the minority here. I have always thought the VM issues were awful when held to the standard of a DVC newsletter. The small blurbs on each resort were rarely informative. The other stories were no better than (and in many cases worse) than the new Disney Files stories.

I think this new magazine had a better look and a nice blend of stories. Yes, they are really just info-stories selling the Disney product but this audience has shown a bias towards that product. And the named did not lead me to believe it was a DVC newsletter.

But, if this is indeed funded by our dues, please buy some fitted sheets instead!

 

[Sammie]

Personally to get their attention, I think everyone that does not care for the new magazine, should just pack it up and sent it back to them. Just think what a staetment that would make.

And yes I am getting fed up with all these so called great changes to DVC, that none of us like, only DVC management likes them.

 

[Luigi's Girl]

Bring back Vacation Magic!!!! I used to take the magazine to work and share it with the other Disney addicts LOL. This last issue just went into the trash. Useless!

And while you're at it, brink back the Disney Magazine!!!!

 

[LindaBabe]

And while you're at it, brink back the Disney Magazine!!!!

Here HEAR! Let me flog both these dead horses.

 

[JimMIA]

Just a quick update. This afternoon (Sunday), I received a very nice call from the DVC Member Satisfaction Team in response to my emails referenced above.

I was not really expecting any response. I originally sent an email to the magazine itself and received an auto-reply blowoff that said they don't answer emails. So, I forwarded the original email to MS -- telling them I neither needed nor expected any response from them. They forwarded the email to Member Satisfaction.

The Member Satisfaction CM thanked me several times for my email, said feedback is how they make things better, and all the other "right things." Very nice lady -- a credit to DVC.

In answer to her questions, I told her my main complaints were the scarcity of DVC content and the 15 pages of pure Disney advertising that had nothing to do with DVC. I also mentioned the link to this thread in my original email, in case someone wanted to see what I and other DIS members have posted, and I told her there were other threads with similar complaints.

She seemed genuinely surprised by the "we don't answer emails" auto-reply, and I pointed out the silliness of putting the email in the magazine if you're not going to answer comments or inquiries.

She also said my email "would go higher," so I'm thinking this is pretty much resolved!

She also said that the editor of Disney Files was just trying to make the magazine better, which I'm sure is true. He's pretty wide of the mark, IMHO, but I'm sure he's not trying to do a bad job.

She seemed to perk up when I compared Disney Files unfavorably to Vacation Magic; I got the impression she's heard that a few times before.

It was a very nice gesture for Member Satisfaction to respond, especially when I specifically told MS I didn't expect to hear from them.

It would be an even nicer gesture if Disney Files would put a little DVC content in the magazine. We'll see what, if anything, happens.

 

[dtheboys]

Junk..............