Just Back from Member Homecoming!

[Boo]

Well, we just got back from our trip at Member Homecoming last night- and we were really impressed. We had a blast and I think DVC worked very hard to make the experience magical for everyone. The overall attitude/theme was 'We think of our DVC members as royalty'. And they certainly made us feel special.

Monday we received gift bags in our room at BCV including a special blinky Mickey bin, earlier that day we were given special Homecoming lanyards. Then Tuesday night we had a special spot at World Showcase Plaza reserved for us to watch Illuminations right up front. This is the best view I've ever had- and we didn't have to camp out forever to get it. They had dessert tables set up with cookies, brownies, lemon squares, s'mores squares, chocolate cake, krispy treats lemonade and coffee. After the fireworks they had a stage set up for the presentation- welcome to the event, giveaways of Interval exchanges. They only thing we thought was a little quirky was the hired MC they had. She was kind of a cross between Karen from Will & Grace and Phyllis Diller- squeaky voice, corny humor, etc. She kept us "entertained" by leading a few disney songs- that kind of thing- very much like a "lounge" act. But I guess they needed to do something while Epcot cleared out. Then the area by Mission Space and Test Track was ours! Nice tables scattered around with candles, more dessert tables, sodas and water. DJ entertainment. But the best part was walking on to Mission Space and Test Track.

Wednesday night was the best part- the Magic Kingdom to ourselves after Wishes. Even Fantasy Land was open. The kids wanted to ride Pooh over and over and we just stayed on. The kids were thrilled. Lots of character pairs. As for food- the snack stations like The Lunching Pad (I think that's the name of it) were open and you just ordered whatever you wanted for free.
That night's gift basket was a special Tink pin. What impressed me was how many cast members they had from DVC in blue shirts asking how are you doing, what can I do for you, can I take a picture, are you having a great time, we so appreciate you...
Kind of like the scene from Pretty Woman- we're going to need some major sucking up... But seriously, you felt as if they really wanted to do whatever to make us happy. Later that night we had dancing on Main Street with Cinderella, Prince C and other period costumed dancers. Then our own Spectro Magic Parade at midnight.

Thursday was the opening ceremony for Saratoga. It was so oppressively hot. But DVC was trying to do all they could to keep everyone cool by passing out water and personal, battery powered fans to everyone. For entertainment they had the Dapper Dans and the lady who was the voice of Ariel- can't think of her name. Cast members were dressed in period costumes. The main stage was at the West Downtown Disney side in front of Cirque. Food was a taste of downtown disney with all the restaurants having little tents set up with all you care to eat samples. Activities included mini shows of Cirque, conversations with artists, games for kids, sample chair massages at the spa, and room tours. The gift bag for this event was a bottle of Saratoga Spring water, a glass decantur, Saratoga pins and a few chocolates.

Overall, we had a wonderful time- well worth the expense IMHO. We had so many "magical moments" that were special to our family I could do an entire thread just on those!!!
Sorry this is both long and probably not enough info at the same time! I'm happy to answer any questions! I think overall I would give it a definite thumbs up and if they did something like this is the future, I would go again!

 

[rocketriter]

Thanks for the report. There was a lot of debate a few months ago whether or not the event would be worth the price. It sounds like you're saying a resounding "Yes!"

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Thanks for such a wonderfully detailed report. I wish we could have gone but felt the expense to be a bit much. You made me wish that we had been able to go. Since they called it Homecoming, maybe they will do it again, not just to coincide when they introduce a new resort. It would be great if they could make it annual event.

Did you meet many people from the Boards here?

Glad you had a good time.

 

[PamOKW]

Thanks for the report! It sounds like DVC is making an effort to keep members feeling special. I'm so glad to hear you felt the event was a success. Do you have any estimate of how many people participated?

 

[dianeschlicht]

Thanks for the great trip report ! I hope if they do another MH, they announce it early enough so more folks can attend.

 

[CarolMN]

Wish I could hav been there. Thanks for taking the time to give us such a detailed report.

Best wishes -

 

[Boo]

Oops- made a mistake on the pin gifts. Epcot night was a blinky Mickey and Limited Edition Mickey Light up the Sky (Mickey dressed like an astronaut with fireworks), Wednesday was the special Jiminy in a velvet box and a Limited Edition Blue Fairy- A Night of Wishes Come True"- sorry, not Tink, and Thursday was the Saratoga Grand Opening with Donald Duck on top of a geyser.

They sold 2100 tickets for the MH. Unfortunately, we didn't make it to the Dis Meet on Tuesday. I think around 3 that time we were dropping on ToT! The week just flew by!

 

[blossomz]

I wish we could have been there! Thanks for the report!

 

[MJTinNH]

Thank you for the report! Sounds like you had a blast!

 

[wdwstar]

dvc also gave away ( 7) interval international 7 nights trips !

 

[Pa@okw95]

Thanks for the report, you gave us a good over-view of what took place. I think that was what all of us were looking for. Did they give you any meals with the deal or just the samples and snacks? They took in around $50 to $60 thousand for this event which makes me think they might try similar stuff again. I would pay just to be treated like you were treated as a guest. I think if they give everyone more time to make reservations they would have more takers. I would be interested that is for sure.

 

[Muushka]

If I remember correctly Disney was vague on what was in store for the MH. To be honest, I too wish we had gone. Listening to all that was done for DVC members, sounds like it was worth the extra $$ to be able to walk around MK with nobody around!

I am glad for all that went.

 

[FanofDis]

Wish I could have been there. It sounds like you had a great time and it was worth the money.

 

[colleen costello]

Thanks for sharing with those of us who couldn't travel at that time. Loved your report!

 

[disney4me4ever]

We are also just back from Member Homecoming and I went out of my way to thank the CMs that were working the event, and to let them know how nice it was to be appreciated in such a big way!

I couldn't wait to check the boards this morning to see positive response, as I knoew there would be. Unfortunately, at my home resort, BCV, the pool area seemed to be taken up by what I call "professional complainers". One couple complained because they were promised a "decadent dessert buffet" on Tues at Epcot, complaining the desserts "weren't decadent enough"! Can you imagine? Another couple complained about the night at the Magic Kingdom. "Not special enough!" "Not enough stations to eat at". And then they moved on to the "quality" of the giveaways. These same people actually DEMANDED refunds!! To say I was appalled and disappointed at people that are supposed to be "neighbors" was an undestatement.

Surely everyone is entitled to their opinion, but for my .02 I certainly hope these minor few don't think they are speaking for many. I overwhelmingly talked to people that were very pleased and happy with the event, and are already hoping for a repeat next year. I had a great time, can't wait to go back. The night at the Magic Kingdom was worth the price of the event in itself!

Nancy

 

[rocketriter]

If you really liked the event, please let MS know. They hear from EVERY refund-requester but not from everyone who was thrilled.

 

[BCVOwner2002]

Some people aren't happy no matter what anyone does for them. DH and I had an awesome time and would do it again in a minute!!! I was happy the homecoming coincided with the graduation trip we had already planned for DS and friends.

I heard a lot of complaints that DVC only gave out one SSR opening day pin per room and there weren't enough buses after MK night. I will post my own trip report later today but had to put in my 2 cents! Annmarie

 

[Johnnie Fedora]

We did not attend do to the pricing structure. From the comments I've read, I think the MK night would have been fun. However, the Epcot night would have been a dissapointment, the "decadent desserts" did not sound quite so. You think that since your at Epcot, they would have had desserts from around the world or something. Saratoga day would have also been a skip.

Given the total attendence was 1/2 of what was expected (even though the DVC resorts were filled to capacity), DVC may need to examine the pricing structure for special events like MH, and offer other options like partial event pricing. Especially for members with other ticket media.

Glad all who attended thought it was worth it.

 

[Doug7856]

Thanks for the overview! It sounds like one of those "press events" that I've always wished I could attend! With a little more notice, we would have loved to attended. Maybe next year if they have a similar event! Thanks again for the report!

 

[disney4me4ever]

AnnMarie~

Wish DH and I would have been in the pool when you guys were! I completely agree that some people would be unhappy no matter what the event was like. I think the group that put this together genuinely had good intentions. Not having done this before, I'm sure lessons were learned, and that next Tues. morning there will be a full review. I should clarify, also, that the people that were complaining were not from BCV.

Life's too short to be unhappy about everything. It was my magical bday and no one was going to take that away! Just seeing Wishes for the first time was unbelievable! I couldn't wait to check the boards this morning, knowing that there would be some positive energy regarding the event.

Nancy