dvc 2020 member cruise

[Mathmagicland]

Everyone has their own opinions on price to value received, on anything - shoes, phones, tablets, cars, etc. Phones are a great example - ie iPhone vs Samsung, and/or which model of either brand is best, that is all a matter of personal preference. There are various options and price points so people can research and make their own decisions as to what they are willing to pay for what value they feel they receive.


Walt Disney World hotels are another great example - people can choose from a Disney hotel, or other hotels or home rental options in the Orlando area, looking at price to value received. With Disney hotels the options range from the All-Star resorts to the Grand Floridian. All of,these are options for people to research and choose what is best for their situation or what they are willing to pay or what features, benefits, and location is worth value to their vacation experience.


It seems that each time a DVC member cruise is announced, there is a lot of conversation and debate as to price and value, and comparisons to both other Disney cruises and to other cruise lines. Some feel that the extras and experience of a member cruise are worth the cost while others do not have the same opinions.


The DVC Member cruises are similar to the special ticketed Park events Disney offers - ie the Mickey’s Halloween or Christmas parties, the after hours Magic nights, etc. Some people attend those every year or are willing to pay the extra money for such an event while others do not feel the cost justifies the value received. Disney offers the choices and the opportunity for those who choose to participate.


Not every event is for every person, and that is OK. People can make their choices as to whether the value for the price of the experience is there for them. For some, explanations or sharing past experiences can help someone decide one way or the other on whether to participate. For others, that type of information will not be a helpful factor in their decision.


Some will choose to attend the Member cruises, and others will choose not to attend in favor of other DCL cruises or other cruise lines. The choice is there for everyone to decide what works best for them.

 

[PrincessDisneyFan]

I just posted this on the worth it thread... but thought I'd post it here too.

I've been lurking on these member cruise threads and finally feel compelled to add my 2 cents.

A little backstory and stepping on my soapbox for a hot minute. I bought into DVC in 2013 and own at the Grand Floridian. I find it very exciting that DVC attempts to include all members in an exclusive cruise/event that don't live near the parks. One of the most annoying things to me as an owner in Virginia is to sadly watch all the fun events and perks happening throughout the year (which realistically due to jobs and vacation time) we can not attend. And most of these events are random last minute dates you can't plan for. Honestly, I don't feel there is any real effort to extend these events elsewhere. I feel they could easily have conventions or special events in other non-Disney major cities if they so choose. Granted we did not buy into DVC for 'perks' per say, but knowing they exist and we help pay for many of these events we can not attend is just downright frustrating. (But I digress)

When Alaska was announced as the destination I was excited. It's a huge bucket list for my hubby and I.

But these 'worth it' threads are so quick to just get negative. Which quite frankly is pretty deflating for those of us considering attending.

I have no problems with people voicing their opinions and being brutally honest about the pros and the cons of things. In fact, that's me a straight shooter. But let's get real. The major con everyone keeps throwing around is OMGBBQSAUCE its SOOOOOOOO EXPENSIVE. Besides Bobbiwoz and SMJJ (I appreciate you both) I have yet to see anyone else actually break down what you actually accomplish on these cruises. If you are going to con the cruise site specific examples for us as to why you didn't feel the experience was worth it. I'm tired of reading about money. Tell me the crew was crappy to you. Tell me the stateroom sucked. Tell me the presenters insulted you or your mom. I mean I get it I'm being extreme here, but those are the things that help us make actual informed decisions.

I can understand where people that don't like going to conventions or don't care about the history or inner workings of the Disney Company would find a member cruise not worth it. Because from what I understand it's a lot of 'backstage' type panels and activities. And I can totally get behind someone saying if you have never done a Disney Cruise... this might not be a good place to start. Those comments are helpful.

I guess my point is. Keep the threads constructive... not a bash fest.


Ultimately, what is worth it to some will not be worth it to others. And we all choose to go or not go. But we all (or at least the majority) joined DVC with a love of Disney. So maybe take a second to think about that.

Think about the lurkers reading these forums afraid to post real interest... for fear of being told how silly they would be to attend.


As for me... I did decide that I want to go on a member cruise and see what it's like for myself.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I just posted this on the worth it thread... but thought I'd post it here too.

I've been lurking on these member cruise threads and finally feel compelled to add my 2 cents.

A little backstory and stepping on my soapbox for a hot minute. I bought into DVC in 2013 and own at the Grand Floridian. I find it very exciting that DVC attempts to include all members in an exclusive cruise/event that don't live near the parks. One of the most annoying things to me as an owner in Virginia is to sadly watch all the fun events and perks happening throughout the year (which realistically due to jobs and vacation time) we can not attend. And most of these events are random last minute dates you can't plan for. Honestly, I don't feel there is any real effort to extend these events elsewhere. I feel they could easily have conventions or special events in other non-Disney major cities if they so choose. Granted we did not buy into DVC for 'perks' per say, but knowing they exist and we help pay for many of these events we can not attend is just downright frustrating. (But I digress)

When Alaska was announced as the destination I was excited. It's a huge bucket list for my hubby and I.

But these 'worth it' threads are so quick to just get negative. Which quite frankly is pretty deflating for those of us considering attending.

I have no problems with people voicing their opinions and being brutally honest about the pros and the cons of things. In fact, that's me a straight shooter. But let's get real. The major con everyone keeps throwing around is OMGBBQSAUCE its SOOOOOOOO EXPENSIVE. Besides Bobbiwoz and SMJJ (I appreciate you both) I have yet to see anyone else actually break down what you actually accomplish on these cruises. If you are going to con the cruise site specific examples for us as to why you didn't feel the experience was worth it. I'm tired of reading about money. Tell me the crew was crappy to you. Tell me the stateroom sucked. Tell me the presenters insulted you or your mom. I mean I get it I'm being extreme here, but those are the things that help us make actual informed decisions.

I can understand where people that don't like going to conventions or don't care about the history or inner workings of the Disney Company would find a member cruise not worth it. Because from what I understand it's a lot of 'backstage' type panels and activities. And I can totally get behind someone saying if you have never done a Disney Cruise... this might not be a good place to start. Those comments are helpful.

I guess my point is. Keep the threads constructive... not a bash fest.


Ultimately, what is worth it to some will not be worth it to others. And we all choose to go or not go. But we all (or at least the majority) joined DVC with a love of Disney. So maybe take a second to think about that.

Think about the lurkers reading these forums afraid to post real interest... for fear of being told how silly they would be to attend.


As for me... I did decide that I want to go on a member cruise and see what it's like for myself.

I think for the most part what people are stating is pretty straight forward. The DVC member Cruise costs 30% or actually even more than other Alaskan cruises on other lines. They do not go to Glacier Bay and they have stops at the same locations as other cruise lines. I wouldn't expect there to be a differnce in service which makes the upcharge that much more stunning. They have Disney legends along but unfortunately don't announce those at the time the cruise is announced so you have no idea what that is going to be. It is what it is though. If you feel that being on the member cruise is something you want to do then paying the price is the only option. Because other people do not feel that thousands of dollars mark up is not bashing for no reason. Cost is a very real consideration too.

 

[SydneySusan]

So, to some (me, but not really DH), it may be worth the extra money to have this apparently amazing Disney experience.

How hard exactly is it going to be to get through on the phone lines? I was told by Member Services, "You may be on hold for hours and don't dare hang up"! And, I guess, I take whatever cabin remains, if I do connect. Anyone tried booking a DVC member cruise before? This is sounding like booking Cinderella's Royal Table, but more expensive.

Appreciate any experience about DVC members cruise. Thanks!

 

[miTnosnhoJ]

Can Travel Agents (like Dreams Unlimited) book the member cruise for you? Assuming I’m not using points.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Can Travel Agents (like Dreams Unlimited) book the member cruise for you? Assuming I’m not using points.

Nope. It is basically a charter. So no TA, no using placeholders or booking agents who give rebate or onboard credit. You have to book via DVC, period.

 

[miTnosnhoJ]

Nope. It is basically a charter. So no TA, no using placeholders or booking agents who give rebate or onboard credit. You have to book via DVC, period.

Thanks.

 

[miTnosnhoJ]

I was looking at the prices yesterday, and the Member Cruise didn’t look too bad. Then I realized the regular cruise prices included 2 people, where the DVC Member Cruise is quoted as per person. So the Member Cruise is almost double.

 

[islandsnoopy]

So, to some (me, but not really DH), it may be worth the extra money to have this apparently amazing Disney experience.

How hard exactly is it going to be to get through on the phone lines? I was told by Member Services, "You may be on hold for hours and don't dare hang up"! And, I guess, I take whatever cabin remains, if I do connect. Anyone tried booking a DVC member cruise before? This is sounding like booking Cinderella's Royal Table, but more expensive.

Appreciate any experience about DVC members cruise. Thanks!

Last year, I called right when booking opened and waited about an hour. I was able to get my choice of category and stateroom. It really depends on the demand for the Alaskan DVC cruise. Right now, you can still book either of the 2019 DVC cruises. Hope it works out for you!

 

[bobbiwoz]

So, to some (me, but not really DH), it may be worth the extra money to have this apparently amazing Disney experience.

How hard exactly is it going to be to get through on the phone lines? I was told by Member Services, "You may be on hold for hours and don't dare hang up"! And, I guess, I take whatever cabin remains, if I do connect. Anyone tried booking a DVC member cruise before? This is sounding like booking Cinderella's Royal Table, but more expensive.

Appreciate any experience about DVC members cruise. Thanks!

The recent ones have not sold out right away. There were cruises years ago, that, if you had gotten in around three o’clock on booking day, it was sold out, and you waitlisted.
I was not going to go on last year’s, but around two in the afternoon, I decided to call, got in, and in a cabin of my choice.
Next years is unknown. However, my suggestion is to try to get in right at nine, or whatever the call in time is. Use two phones. Beware, sometimes your call could get dropped. Having a sense of humor helps. Come to the Disboards and there should be a thread about people’s experiences. There will be someone who got in first thing and was all done in 20 minutes while you are still redialing after an hour.
I have always gotten in when I wanted, and I don’t have any special system.


PS. My DH will tell people that it’s ALL my idea, going on DVCMC, but it’s really not. He enjoys them almost as much as I do.

 

[SydneySusan]

Thanks for the input. I will try to connect at 10 am (and onwards, most likely), and with two phones.

Is there any feedback on what actually happens on a Members Cruise to make it so special? That's beyond what Members Services will tell you: great Disney swag every evening in each cabin, special guests, tripped-out decorations and theming and super entertainment, oh - and no pirate night as Alaska cruises have something else (yet to be decided).

I am assuming the atmosphere/rapport on the cruise is really special? The quote from an earlier post was not to expect a cruise, but a Disney experience. I appreciate any feedback, which may help sustain me as I wait to speak to a human early on April 6th. Thanks in advance!

 

[Geomom]

Thanks for the input. I will try to connect at 10 am (and onwards, most likely), and with two phones.

Is there any feedback on what actually happens on a Members Cruise to make it so special? That's beyond what Members Services will tell you: great Disney swag every evening in each cabin, special guests, tripped-out decorations and theming and super entertainment, oh - and no pirate night as Alaska cruises have something else (yet to be decided).

I am assuming the atmosphere/rapport on the cruise is really special? The quote from an earlier post was not to expect a cruise, but a Disney experience. I appreciate any feedback, which may help sustain me as I wait to speak to a human early on April 6th. Thanks in advance!

Just a comment on the Alaska part--Disney's Alaska cruises (and Northern European ones) have a Frozen deck party instead of a Pirate night due to the restrictions on fireworks.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Thanks for the input. I will try to connect at 10 am (and onwards, most likely), and with two phones.

Is there any feedback on what actually happens on a Members Cruise to make it so special? That's beyond what Members Services will tell you: great Disney swag every evening in each cabin, special guests, tripped-out decorations and theming and super entertainment, oh - and no pirate night as Alaska cruises have something else (yet to be decided).

I am assuming the atmosphere/rapport on the cruise is really special? The quote from an earlier post was not to expect a cruise, but a Disney experience. I appreciate any feedback, which may help sustain me as I wait to speak to a human early on April 6th. Thanks in advance!

I did not take a lot of pictures, these are some.