Does DVC do anything special?

[deerh]

Hi all! I am wondering if DVC would do something special for me, if anything. We are going to BWV in June, and taking our friends of 21 years down to Disney. These friends have had an awful year, as the wife of this couple has lost in 2002, her mom, her dad, her grandmother. Also the husband has lost his brother THE VERY DAY that they had the funeral for the wife's dad! They found out that morning of. So, I have been to 3 funerals with this couple, and been pallbearer twice, and was wondering if Disney found out this, would they do anything special, or not. I was wondering if anyone on this board has had anything done by DVC or Disney when matters like this occured. Not looking for a FREE handout, just curious.
By the way, we are treating them to one week at BWV, not because of last year, Not entirely anyway, just because they are special friends who are like an extended family.
Thanks All!
Deerh

 

[RoutemanDan]

WoW! That is a tragedy,I'm very sorry.I have no idea what Disney would do or why they would do anything at all.What were you thinking they could do?

 

[PamOKW]

Special treatment by DVC is uncommon but not unheard of. Some people have told stories about balloons, autographed pictures, etc. I've celebrated 16th, 21st, 40th, 50th and 75th birthdays as well as 25th and 50th wedding anniversaries and a mention to DVC got....no acknowledgement whatsoever.

I'm not really sure what you would want in this instance. As mentioned, most of the items have been celebratory. I think having a wonderful trip with your friends is a very nice idea on your part but I'm not sure what you would want from DVC.

So, long story short, no DVC does not generally do anything for any occassion although there are sometimes exceptions to that rule.

 

[RobDoc]

WDW may sometimes surprise you with "special" treatment, but if you want to have something special done for your friends, you can certainly call the resort and ask for help making it happen. There will likely be a charge for the extra service, but that does give them an opportunity to go above and beyond.

There are also local service companies available to provide special events and services.

While it's best not to depend on anything extra, you can make sure something happens by contacting the resort.

Enjoy!

 

[deerh]

WDW may sometimes surprise you with "special" treatment, but if you want to have something special done for your friends, you can certainly call the resort and ask for help making it happen. There will likely be a charge for the extra service, but that does give them an opportunity to go above and beyond.

Thanks Doc! I appreciate the advice, and may just do that when I get there!
I knew that they would not really do anything, but I guess I wanted a little "magic" to happen at the magical place, I do not know what, or would expect Disney to do something for every guest that had a tragic/happy experience, but was wondering what if anything to do for my friends.
Thanks for the advice.
As another poster said, the trip down there with them is good as well, just wanted some insight as to "magical" things happening to people at WDW.
Thanks again, and yes we will have our own "magical" trip with our friends and the memories of those that cannot be there.
deerh

 

[Desperado]

VBfamily said that at Vero they will:

"If you call in-room dining at the resort they can make up all sorts of special things to put in your room before you arrive

Choc. strawberries and champagne
Special baskets for the kids with food or beach towels and cameras.
Fruit and cheese plates or baskets
A "conch shell" plate where they use brown sugar for the sand and make edible shells and other nautical type things to eat

I thought this was kind of nice to know that you can enjoy this while you are at the resort or even call ahead and have it in your room when you arrive."

I don't know if this is available at other resorts, but that might be some nice ideas. Another would be fresh flowers in teh room when they arrive. Baloon sculptures may be better and more fun. They coudl include tickets to circus sol. ( sp?)

You could order one of those pal mickey's that tell you about the parks and have that witing in the room for them with a card.

You could have some resort wear like robes or something purchased and waiting in the room for them. You could get some Disney gifts and send them UPS so they arrive each day of your stay for them, with different treats for the day.

You could make reservations for a boat ride to see illuminations one night.

Just trying to think up some ideas for your to help. Discussions about weddings at WDW might also offer some magic ideas for you.

 

[JudithM]

A few years ago a Disney friend joined us on our trip to OKW. Her husband had recently passed away after a long illness, & she was afraid she might never go back to WDW without him. Next thing I knew she was meeting us in FL (we do not live near each other). It was bittersweet for all since both couples had been to WDW together a few times. Early on I stopped at the front desk & mentioned this to a CM. I thought maybe Mickey could send her a photo or something. The CM & I discussed how Mickey might word a note. Well, we definitely got a photo & a few others nice items. I was impressed !!

In January of this year a friend was at the Poly concierge (as a guest her friend's parents). I called & explained to them that my friend lost her only child (12 weeks old) a year ago. They acknowledged that the group of 12 had arrived earlier in the day. They assured me they would do something. She got NOTHING. I even told them a few of her favorite characters, etc. I was very disappointed in the Poly concierge .

Bottom line ... you never know.

 

[Desperado]

I was very disappointed in the Poly concierge

I guess the lesson there is to always make sure to ask for the persons name, then you can follow up when they fail to come through. Sorry to hear it didn't work out.

 

[Dean]

I would doubt if this is the type of situation where DVC or WDW routinely plans some type of special treatment. It's just different than Birthdays, Honeymoon's and anniversary's. If one feels strongly enough about this, they can make arrangements themselves for a fruit basked, flowers or the like. Or go through one of the groups that make dreams come true that have been discussed on this board.

 

[donald@home]

The last time we stayed at OKW it was actually for a funeral (the deceased family member lived in Orlando). We mentioned this when checking in, but we received no special treatment or surprises. I agree with others. If you want a little surprise for your guest you can contact the resort ahead of time to see what can be arranged.

 

[PamOKW]

Just to be fair to WDW/DVC, there are an awful lot of people who come to WDW with all kinds of circumstances....happy occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and engagements. Celebrations of families getting together, recovering from illness. People coming for what may be the "final trip" due to an illness of a parent, grandparent, child. Recovery from a death. A trip with a gravely ill child. I wouldn't be surprised if almost everyone at WDW on any given day has some reason they might want special treatment.

Sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesn't. No one should take it personally.

 

[Lynn K]

Treating your friends to a week at BWV is already a very generous and thoughtful gesture.

I am sure you will have many magical moments during your trip that "just happen". And the ones that "just happen" quite often are the ones that everyone remembers.

 

[jimmytammy]

Our first trip was 2 mos after 51 yr old very dear FIL passed with Lou Gehrigs disease. My MIL, my DW our 2 children my BIL and wife and 2 kids all. I think for us just being at WDW was a getaway and though sad at times it was magical. Just being together was good therapy. While at WDW magical things seem to happen when you least expect them. Sounds like you are already helping them to get their hearts back on the mend by being such good friends. A good hearted act can go a long way.
Hope yall have a magical trip!

 

[Dancind]

You might call MS and mention the circumstances to them, and ask that they be treated "with kid gloves". I doubt that they will receive any special gifts, etc., but perhaps they will get extra care. For instance, maybe the CM's will find a room that is ready when they check in, or they might get a better view than otherwise. It's worth a shot, but I wouldn't expect anything. Diana

 

[SAKPEG99OKW]

It can never hurt to mention it at check in or on your reservation. DW and I went in Nov 2002 with our son. It was his 1yr Birthday while at BWV. on the fourth day we came back to the room and found a big mickey birthday baloon with a happy birthday note from Mickey and a signed picture of Mickey. Needless to say my wife was all choked up.

It never hurts to ask.

Scott, Peg and Tyler

 

[danicaw]

I am sorry to hear your friends have had such a hard year.
I can understand you wanting to make this trip extra special for them.
You might consider making the first move yourselves. Call Disney Florist and have something waiting for them in there room. Or arrange with the front desk for some special WDW item to be waiting for them. This would of course cost - sorry .
This in addition to your telling them the situation. Who knows?

A few years ago at the Grand California at DL, I arranged for a stuffed DCA rafting bear, milk and cookies to be waiting for hubby and I when we checked-in.
I was amazed at the job they did - rose petals on the bed, the cookie plate decorated in chocolate. And even though I never said what the occasion was all the CMs who we spoke to on our trip gave us extra big smiles. Very funny!

I hope you all have a magical trip.

 

[NancyDVC]

Call MS. They can refer you or set up something for you. On our first trip as members (10 years ago) my niece's birthday was the day we arrived. She turned 14 that day. She picked out the restaurant for the family dinner.
I had called MS before we left to ask what could we do that was special. When we returned from dinner there was a birthday cake with ballons, paper plates, candles and a card from Mickey & Minnie. She was thrilled! They put the fee on our room charge and as I recall it was reasonable. So call MS and ask what they can suggest. They can make arrangements or put you in touch with the people who can. You are great friends-go for it!

 

[deerh]

Thanks for all your replies! I agree, it will be magical with our friends there and there new daughter (age 4), she has never been to WDW before, this will be her first time there. As many of you said, I really expect nothing, just wanted to know "if" something was done, or through MS we could arrange something, and I may heed the advice of many on this board as to your ideas and thoughts. These are very special friends who I think as my family (heck, I have known them almost as long as my wife), and just being there will be "magical" for them.
Thanks again for this great board and wonderful ideas!
deerh

 

[NJmouse]

Last year we stayed at BWV and I e-mailed MS and mentioned that DH and I were celebrating our 25th Anniversary with our family. When we arrived in our room we found balloons and a wooden picture frame with Mickey ears carved in it and a picture of Mickey there was also a card congratulating us on our special day.
It doesn't hurt to send an e-mail and find out what they can do for you. They do reply back in a day or two.