DVC Survey about killing the printed Vacation Planner

[SuperRob]

I got to take part in a survey today, and one of the questions mentioned that they are considering getting rid of the printed Vacation Planner book in favor of online materials (which they already have).

I made it clear that I wanted to keep getting the book. I use it as a conversation piece, and maybe a little bit of of a humblebrag. But I would really hate to see those books go, because they have some really great photography, and I enjoy looking at them.

What do you guys think? Would you want to see them get rid of the Vacation Planner?

 

[jambo5564]

Heck no!! I love getting that book. I flip through it. I use the online stuff too. Nothing better than setting up your vacation planning bunker and having the book on the table

 

[DisneyRegulars]

I think it would be nice if owners could opt out of getting it if they don't want one. I'm torn on getting rid of it altogether. I have used the most recent planning book quite a few times to my surprise, but I could have just as easily looked the info up online. I guess if it made our dues go down, I would be in favor of killing it.

 

[Chuck S]

I think they should print a more limited quantity, and only mail them out to members that do not have an email address on file with DVC Member Services. Those members would be less likely to have high speed internet access and limited in their ability to access the online info. The "per book" printing costs would be higher, but overall it would probably save a lot of $$$.

Or an even better option would be to put the info on DVD, similar to the WDW Vacation Planner videos. You could pause them to read the point charts, if needed, or they could include a Points Calculator program on the disc that you could access on a home computer if you don't have internet access.

 

[bwvBound]

If given a choice, I'd opt OUT of receiving a printed planner sent to me by mail.

 

[bwvBound]

Or an even better option would be to put the info on DVD, similar to the WDW Vacation Planner videos. You could pause them to read the point charts, if needed, or they could include a Points Calculator program on the disc that you could access on a home computer if you don't have internet access.

The notion of shipping Hardware with built-in optical drives is trending towards "old school."

 

[DenLo]

I vote for opt out. We rarely look at it. I rather go online.

 

[jennylyn_b]

Oh no! I love the book! Yes I have high speed Internet but I love flipping through the book and looking at the different points as we decide if we want to switch or stay at our home resort.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Kill it, costly to print and to ship.

 

[sissy_ib]

I would love to opt out. Mine go in the trash. I have a phone app that calculates how many points I need for a stay. Plus the points charts online.

 

[automaticsoap]

I would also like to opt out. It's nice, but I just throw it away after barely flipping through it.

 

[Chuck S]

The notion of shipping Hardware with built-in optical drives is trending towards "old school."

Perhaps it is a bit old school, but not so much as a printed book. And it is cheaper than paper. Not everyone has a tablet or smart phone, or wants the monthly costs associated with them. I have a cell phone, it is not a smart phone and truthfully I rarely use it for anything other than texting. It fits my needs for now. Remember that many owners are in their 60s and 70s, and may not be techno-savvy at all. I'm not trying to stereotype any age bracket, but my 70 year old neighbor has trouble using her bare bones cell phone and has never learned to text. She has an old Windows 98 computer that is only used for solitaire...and most of her friends have no computer, tablet or smart phone...they still pay $60+ per month for a landline. Not everyone has the newest gadgets.

My mom, on the other hand, was fairly computer literate, and had actually learned data input on an IBM 1620, using IBM Cards.

Times have changed quickly, not everyone has been able to keep up.

 

[DutchsMommy]

Def opt out option would be great, or 'on demand' like planning CD (or app for those tech-savvy youngsters ).

 

[dallastxcpa]

The Planning Guide is GORGEOUS. The photos are beautiful, the pages are thick and made of quality paper. I have noticed though over the years that most of the resort pictures are the same. At the end of the year I cut the photos that don't have people in them out and use them for scrapbooking etc.

On that note, I say AXE it. Those who do want it can order it and pay for it like they would a magazine at the store.

 

[LisaS]

I would opt out if given the option. I can find whatever I need online and would rather save a tree and the expense of printing and mailing me a copy of the book. I can see why others would like to continue to receive it so I hope they offer everyone a choice.

 

[Sammie]

I agree with Lisa, I think its a huge waste. I could see sending one out to new members but year after year of taking them to the recycle bin, I would gladly give it up. I think the suggestion to let those that want it, order it and cover the cost is a fabulous idea.

 

[RSWA2]

As soon as I got my first guide book and since I know my MF goes towards it, I thought about writing to MS to ask them if there was a way or a plan to opt out.

I don't need the book, but I do agree that it is nice. I think they should cancel all books and only send 1 per calendar/UY or PDF on optical media, if a member requests it. If you don't request one, you can view it online.

I rather my $x get saved in my pocket or used for something other than a big heavy annual book. I don't want to have 40+ of these mailed to me over the course of DVC ownership.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I would like the "option". I love having the book, because a lot of time I do our vacation planning while riding as a passenger in the car traveling to our many dog show trips. It is too hard to do that on my cell phone, and I like to be able to put two pages of point charts up in front of me at a time to compare. While I use the online stuff too, I still like having the book.

 

[Tink-n-Belle]

They should just do the small one with all the Dvc resorts...and they should mail them ahead of the year not half way through! I mean we get the guide in May...by that time I have my next years points already booked. I'm looking for 2015's now.

 

[jennypenny]

I'd opt out in a heartbeat. It seems like a big waste of money and resources, especially since I usually have my trips planned for the next year before the thing ever comes.

My in-laws (also DVCers) need a book. They don't do "online" and they'd never figure out a cd/dvd. They know how to use a book though