I'm still trying to unpack from vacation. I've got so much to do and I haven't found my notes. I didn't get to ask about pool hopping during the Q&A session, but I did ask afterwards. The answer I got made me think that George (
DVC prez) should run for public office. He didn't say that it was going away, but he mentioned that it was never a part of the original DVC offering (in an official sense). Go figure.
They talked a lot about replacing major appliances this year (except fridges - that happens in 2002). There was the inevitible question about Florida resident discounts. We asked for a better ticket package. A DVC member from the UK asked about the point allocation scheme (many more points to stay Friday and Saturday night) and how it was impossible to get a cash ressie for 3 days and that 2 days is not long enough for someone to plan even a short trip to WDW. His suggestion was to change to points so that there were 3 expensive nights and 4 inexpensive night to encourage the cash paying public to fill the rooms (or at least have the opportunity to get a 3 night stay). The response from the board was a reminder that they changed the point distribution scheme in 1998 (oops - I meant 1996 - thanks Doc) and had to deal with a lot of angry DVCers. And that changing the scheme effects 100% of the members. My impression is that DVC is not likely to change point allocation without a lot of discussion.
The idea of putting a pull out couch (convertabed) in the OKW studios was brought up. Folks that stay in studios think that it would give them more of a 1BR feel. I think that this is another hot topic that will infuriate more members than it will placate.
People that I sat with were disappointed that there weren't any sweet rolls or fruit at the meeting. In years past there have been more eats. This year it was just hot beverages. And no goodies were given away. No pins. No hats. No nothing. I still enjoyed being there.
They had artist drawings of Eagle Pines (not the final name for the resort). I was going to ask if it was OK to take a photo, but I never did get around to doing so. As everyone probably already knows, the Eagle Pines architect is the same one who designed Coronado Springs. This new DVC club will be like OKW's big brother in terms of size and scope.
Beach Club Villas should be open in the spring.
Dues are going up 2.8%. This is the first increase in 5 years and the OKW folks are pretty proud of the fact that they have managed to contain costs enough to keep dues flat.
If I find any more information when I locate my notes, I'll let you know.
