Disney Files Magazine

[papertraveller]

The latest issue landed in the mailbox today, with a major printing error. We received the front and back pages twice, all nicely stapled.

We're new DVC members, and I understand the reason behind the marketing push with this product. But I'm not at all impressed by the issues we've received. Given the high-priced editorial talent they must have, not to mention the budget for high-quality paper stock and printing and mailing, the overall quality is very poor. It really does a disservice to the brand.

 

[disneynutz]

Disney spends a bundle on marketing the DVC. Some of the printed pieces are way over the top and I will bet that it's done buy a outside agency.

The Files publication has always been a little strange and I suspect that it is produced by a different team.

Bill

 

[papertraveller]

It is strange, and it clearly isn't geared towards the needs and issues that DVC members seem to have. It's so gushy that it's embarrassing. I read it because I don't want to miss anything, but as a tool to keep in touch with members, man it's poor.

 

[Deb & Bill]

According to the second page, it's recycled paper and soy-based ink.

 

[Tiger926]

Here's a current thread about what we as members would like changed about Disney Files Mag:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2409551

Some interesting suggestions! As a new member, I'm sorry you aren't happy with this mag. Many of us on here are not either as DVC is totally out of touch with this mag as it's not a member mag at all, but mostly a marketing tool for Disney corporate.

Tiger

 

[HotdogDncrs]

We also received our first Disney Files issue today in the mail. We didn't have duplicates of any pages, but did notice that the envelope was originally addressed to someone else, and then a mailing label with our address was put on top - so much for privacy - I easily read the other DVC owner's name and address!

 

[papertraveller]

Thanks - I hadn't seen the other thread.

I can see that other DVCers have precisely the same issues that I have - the magazine isn't geared to its users at all. And one poster on that thread rightly points out that only a slim percentage of members monitor forums such as this to keep up with developments.

I recognize that lead times for magazine production can make it a bit tough (heck, we're only getting the 2010 planning guide in March). But the lack of focus on this key, motivated group is mystifying to me. The mission should be to make the experience so amazing that we are all a mobilized salesforce. But the yokel quality of the magazine content is a shame.

 

[Anjelica]

The latest issue landed in the mailbox today, with a major printing error. We received the front and back pages twice, all nicely stapled.

We're new DVC members, and I understand the reason behind the marketing push with this product. But I'm not at all impressed by the issues we've received. Given the high-priced editorial talent they must have, not to mention the budget for high-quality paper stock and printing and mailing, the overall quality is very poor. It really does a disservice to the brand.

Hmm...mine seems fine - no double prints of any pages.

 

[rutgers1]

The first one I got last year was actually pretty good. It had previews of a bunch of Disney movies that were on the way. Other than that, I always find myself laughing at how ridiculous it is. As others said, it is totally a sales tool - and a very poor one at that.

EDIT: After I finished the post above (including a line I have since edited out), I went and flipped through the new Disney Files. It is MUCH better than recent ones. If you take a step back and realize that the majority of owners do not frequent this board (or other Disney sites) as much as we do, it is actually a pretty solid edition. Aside from a few pages of fluff, the entire thing was filled with interesting nuggets here and there. I'd say the percentage of stuff that interested me compared favorably to any other magazine I receive.....Even though it was a sales pitch, I actually enjoyed the cruise line preview. I also liked the SSR pool preview. I had heard about both, but the additional info was welcomed.

So, with that said, I hope that my first experience with the magazine, as well as my most recent one, will be the benchmarks that continue into the future.

 

[wendypooh]

Got my first one a couple of days ago............ no double pages, but I did notice in the "small talk" section, most of that info is outdated by months.
I agree, that if members don't check here on the boards for info - and I can only assume that MANY do not......... that magazine offers little to no information.

 

[capecoddisneyfamily]

I will say the water slide on page 6 looks AWESOME!

 

[Kuzco]

I personally don't have a problem with it and look forward to receiving it every season. Very little of it actually concerns DVC, but I'm not sure there is enough DVC "news" every quarter to fill an entire magazine. That's why I come here!

 

[bwvBound]

The latest issue landed in the mailbox today, with a major printing error. We received the front and back pages twice, all nicely stapled.

You can also find it online. I just downloaded the PDF to read tonight as mine hasn't yet crawled its way to the West Coast.

Edited: Ugh. Nevermind. The newest copy isn't yet posted online.

 

[bgraham34]

Hopefully I will have mine today. I like the mag. Its not a great mag but it gives me a little piece of home.

 

[tgj]

I like it. I think it's fun, and sometimes informative. We usually read it cover to cover.

There's no additional subscription fee or added cost to you. If you don't care for it, call them and ask to have your name removed from the mailing list - problem solved.


TJ

 

[Deb & Bill]

I like it. I think it's fun, and sometimes informative. We usually read it cover to cover.

There's no additional subscription fee or added cost to you. If you don't care for it, call them and ask to have your name removed from the mailing list - problem solved.


TJ

You probably never got Vacation Magic. That was more specifically DVC news from cover to cover. Might only be 16 pages long, but each resort was covered, interviews with the staff, recipes from the DVC resort dining facilities, etc.

 

[MinnieGi]

Hmmm...just waiting to get mine!

Although its cheesy I do enjoy reading it!

 

[bbluvsdis]

Nothing here in VA yet either. I enjoy getting it even though it is cheesy!

 

[Mlissa88]

I just try to look at the magazine as being my little dose of disney until I get back to FL.... Any little bit makes me look forward to my next trip

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

You probably never got Vacation Magic. That was more specifically DVC news from cover to cover. Might only be 16 pages long, but each resort was covered, interviews with the staff, recipes from the DVC resort dining facilities, etc.

That would be nice! I'd much rather read about that or upcoming DVC events - things that are specific to DVC ownership rather than general Disney marketing.