Early DVC owners--What say you?

[Johnnie Fedora]

I would like to hear from some of the early OKW owners.

Could you describe what kind of "Member events" were held in the early years. I remember reading about DVC receptions with food and drink, etc. What were they like, what kind of food was served, and what did they cost? Were they just sales pitch events? For those of you who also attended the Member Days picnics held last summer, how did they compare?

Johnnie

 

[nuthut]

But I sure enjoyed the six years of free park passes!!!!!

 

[PamOKW]

I attended one of the evening events at OKW and it was not very elaborate. I seem to recall salsa and chips and drinks. (In fact, when they went to charging for towels I suggested in a letter that they eliminate the chips and keep the towels.) I'm not sure whether wine might have been offered. It was held along the boardwalk at Turtle Krawl in the early evening. You have to keep in mind that there were probably fewer than 10,000 members at that time (1993-1994). It wasn't anything impressive at that point. I think the idea was to "get to know your neighbor" and it was another opportunity for DVC sales staff to talk to folks. Not to be rude but I'm more interested in enjoying Disney than meeting too many folks (present company excepted).

 

[sgtdisney]

I have to agree with nuthut. I remember the free passes most. (And miss them the most too.. ) I do recall some events and meetings that they held in the Grand Villas at OKW, I think to showcase the room. I never went to any of those events though. I think that you could go and get free ice cream in the Commodore House. I have to agree with Pam, when I am at Disney I tend to value my time so much I didn't partake in the meetings and get togethers.

 

[robinb]

I bought my resale at the end of the free park passes. they were great . We also went to a promotional event at VB back in 1998. It was held in one of the cottages and they served wine, cheese, chips, etc. Very nice and it really made me want to stay in one of the cottages ... they were beautiful!

It seems that even the weekly member events have gone "down hill" recently. Just last year it seems there were giving out hats and other chachkas all the time and now ... nothing.

 

[OKW91]

We purchased in December 91 and had our first visit home in January 92! We went to a member get together one evening on Turtle Krawl, by Olivia's. I remember there being several different wines, an assortment of cheese, and iced shrimp it was a nice spread! I knew that this was not the kind of thing that would last to long! The next trip down was different more dips, less wine and NO SHRIMP! It was still a nice gesture on DVC's part, and nice way to meet the other members. I know that with the number of members now a days, this is out of the question. The park passes where really the best perk in those days!!

 

[Werner Weiss]

I'm in favor of any "freebie" that's paid for by Marketing, but I'm against any "freebie" that's paid for by our specific DVC resort operations — our money.

 

[Johnnie Fedora]

Originally posted by Werner Weiss
I'm in favor of any "freebie" that's paid for by Marketing, but I'm against any "freebie" that's paid for by our specific DVC resort operations — our money.

I absolutley agree!! I wonder if most of the DVC logo "freebies" given away at the member events (i.e. the DVC cruise/member homecoming, etc.) are paid for by the HUGE point cost/cash rate the participants are charged to attend. I guess if members are willing to pay the price, the DVD marketing department laughs all the way to the bank.

I agree with you Pam, when I'm on vacation, I'd rather focus on other activities. There's plenty of time to meet other DVCers in the resort lobby or around the pool. It would be nice to see a "DVC only e-night" as a member activity/event. Not so pricey $12-15, but special for members only.

 

[Cruelladeville]

I remember the ice cream socials at Commodore House, and free pictures. Then later, at the weekly meetings, free breakfast, with several juices, tons of donuts, toast, bagels, etc., coffee, and fruit, and we were told to help ourselves. I did like last summer's "DVC Member" lanyard, but I wasn't interested in lounging around and meeting other members, when it was beautiful swimming weather! I also liked the breakfasts, too, I want to go again to see if it's gone downhill. I, too, would like to see the DVC members only events, like they are having in May, but spread out thruout the year so that all members have the opportunity to partake. Why couldn't they do something like they did for the AP holders the past couple of years, like having free drinks, a special fireworks viewing area, and an area to just sit and relax?

 

[Margie J]

I joined in 1994. As for events and "freebies", I remember:

- The park passes
- Free ice cream sundaes at the Commodore House
- A really nice canvas tote bag when I purchased
- The DVC license plate
- A DVC luggage tag
- Very nice Xmas cards the first few years
- An OKW cookbook in my villa


I attended one Member get together at OKW. They had basic party munchies and soda/juice. It was pretty much a sales pitch with info on the expanding DVC network of Resorts. At the one I went to they had sketches of the BW villas. The reception and sales pitch was low key though, as DVC has always been.

 

[NancyDVC]

I remember get togethers on Turtle Krawl with punch, soda and snacks (I don't ever recall shrimp). Yes there was always the 'opportunity' to buy more points at those events.
The ice cream sundaes at Commodore House after the sales presentation. Now it's just taffy! (But I do stop by to get some each visit.)
There was a slightly crazy DVC members 'party' here on Long Island one snowy weekend when the DVC sales team was here for a Florida 'real estate' show at the Nassau Coliseum. They held it at the Long Island Marriott and it was extremely well attended with snacks, beverages and games! We played Disney trivia and got prizes. We brought a friend who thought we were part of a group of really crazed Disney fanatics. (Well maybe we are!)

I don't recall an OKW cookbook but did get a small DVC photo album in our 'home' on our first trip. We still have it filled with pictures from that great trip.

The park passes were the best member perk of all!

I would agree that they should have member events scattered throughout the year. I never seem to be there when the special events are scheduled. Like last summer's Member Days picnics or the 3 events this spring. None of them fit in with my schedule. (Not to mention my pocketbook.)

We had APs several years ago and got a special preview of the Osborne Family Lights. It was great with hot chocolate, cookies and that 'Disney snow'. My Mom kept asking what was that stuff falling from the sky. When I told her snow she kept repeating that we were in Florida! I finally had to point out those little old Disney snowmakers on the roof! Now that would make a great perk. Admission to special events like that.