Just Back from Member Homecoming!

[Johnnie Fedora]

Most DVCers have visited WDW numerous times and have a familiarity with WDW that gives us the ability to comment on topics like these w/o actually being there. Based on my past experiences and the descriptions posted here, I can virtually experience the overcrowded illuminations viewing and taste the disappointing decadence of lemonade and rice crispy treats at Epcot. I also vividly picture the very funfilled rides, street dancing and spectro parade on MK night.

Based on the success of the member cruise, I think DVC may have miscalculated this one a bit. They may not be able to slap a DVC logo on any event and expect a sell out. I hope it leads to better events in the future, not the elimination of DVC events all together. It would be nice to have some of these member events be strictly appreciation (i.e. little or no charge)---Like periodic "e-nights" for DVC members or a late Fantasmic show, etc.

Wouldn't it be nice to be checking into your DVC resort and have the CM announce "Disney is hosting a special event just for all the DVCers at WDW this week--- a special MK e-night" That would really be a surprise and be a special member event to me, even if it came with a $15-20 charge/person.

Afterall...we do spend 7 times more that the average WDW guest. We should see an occasional sign of apprecation w/o a big price tag.

 

[Muushka]

Originally posted by jarestel
Doug, I think the main point those of us who "found problems" with parts of the event are making is this - rather than slap the DVC organizers on the back and tell them everything was perfect, we want to tell them what was great and what was not so great. We're not trying to discourage DVC from offering future events, we're trying to make sure the future events are even better. Hostile remarks regarding the event won't accomplish anything, but constructive criticism ( which I hope is what I am offering ) may go a ways towards making the next DVC event just a wee bit more enjoyable for all of us who attend.

I so agree with jarestel's opinion. Please, give me the whole story, not just the good. When all you hear is the good, expectations go way out of whack. I prefer to make an informed decision based on all information available.

 

[disneychick05]

Originally posted by Muushka
I so agree with jarestel's opinion. Please, give me the whole story, not just the good. When all you hear is the good, expectations go way out of whack. I prefer to make an informed decision based on all information available.

I agree. The big mistake with MH was the fact that DVC was not sure themselves what MH would actually entail until very close to the event. I remember while buying tickets in December we were asked how we would like our names to appear on personalized items. Did we ever get personalized items as a gift? NO. Like Muushka said we all like to make informed decisions and I am 100% sure that many did not attend based on the fact that the details were soooo sketchy...even up until the last minute. It is not like me to make a decision to spend $299 and not know exactly what I am getting for the money. However, I am a sucker for Disney so DH and went for it.

What I did not like was that DVC assumed that everyone arrived in WDW on Sat. , Sun., or Mon. Also, they assumed that we all were going to use points and stay in a DVC resort. We arrived Tues. morning at AKL. I would have had no idea about a packet of info. or gifts. unless I has checked the boards early Tues. morning & saw MarkRG's post. I asked at AKL and they were clueless at first and then after doing some research they brought us our packet. In the packet it said we should have our gifts & itinerary for that night for Epcot as well. AKL front desk was clueless again so I called DVC who was also very much clueless. I was told to go from AKL to the BW DVC office to pick up my gifts and itinerary since I arrived on Tues. and those items were given out Monday. That was ridiculous so of course we didn't do that. We just figured forget it and we arrived at the Epoct night with no itinerary and wondering how everyone had flashing Mickey pins. Not a huge deal, but very annoying that no consideration was taken into account for those arriving in WDW on the day of the first event. Why would they just assume that we all arrived on Mon. or earlier?? If we woud have known about the member update (which we missed) and some of the other specifics, we would have arrived on Monday instead.
We had a great time at MH and would proabably go to another event in the future as long as the details were laid out ahead of time. We made the mistake of thinking we could do it all in three days and then fly back home. At the same time it had to be that way since we left DS (2) home w/ MIL & FIL since the events were not child-friendly. Next time I hope for more info. to make an informed decision as most most of us like to do.

 

[Marthajill]

Thank you DisneyChick05 - I thought for a moment I was the only one losing my mind and remembering the DVC reps asking the spelling of our names when we made the reservations - I too thought we would be receiving a "personalized" gift or at least a shirt to remember the event - I guess they decided to downscale the event after seeing they were not going to seel out the event. Too bad since in reading the boards it seems that I was not the only person unhappy with the event. I too, however have posted my information for others to read and keep in their minds for future events to use as their own meter as to whether they will attend of not. Sometimes, we tend to get caught up in the "disney" hype and excitement and forget what a real value is.......where else would you buy a bottle of water for $3.50!!!!

 

[Boo]

You're right DisneyChick05- they did ask for the names and ages of our children. I had forgotten about that. I was a bit disappointed that the gifts weren't tailored age appropriate. DD would have been more thrilled with a 80 cent bottle of bubbles than a pin. DS who is 2 was completely left out and not given anything.

 

[Sammie]

Originally posted by Johnnie Fedora
Most DVCers have visited WDW numerous times and have a familiarity with WDW that gives us the ability to comment on topics like these w/o actually being there. Based on my past experiences and the descriptions posted here, I can virtually experience the overcrowded illuminations viewing and taste the disappointing decadence of lemonade and rice crispy treats at Epcot. I also vividly picture the very funfilled rides, street dancing and spectro parade on MK night.

Based on the success of the member cruise, I think DVC may have miscalculated this one a bit. They may not be able to slap a DVC logo on any event and expect a sell out. I hope it leads to better events in the future, not the elimination of DVC events all together. It would be nice to have some of these member events be strictly appreciation (i.e. little or no charge)---Like periodic "e-nights" for DVC members or a late Fantasmic show, etc.

Wouldn't it be nice to be checking into your DVC resort and have the CM announce "Disney is hosting a special event just for all the DVCers at WDW this week--- a special MK e-night" That would really be a surprise and be a special member event to me, even if it came with a $15-20 charge/person.

Afterall...we do spend 7 times more that the average WDW guest. We should see an occasional sign of apprecation w/o a big price tag.

The Surprise events you mention sound wonderful. But don't you know if that happened they would be flooded with complaints that since there was no prior announcement of this someone missed out and is not happy that you got to go and the week before when they were, it was not offered to them. I can just hear the " It's not fair comments."

 

[Sammie]

As with all things when one gives an opinion, what appeals to one won't appeal to another. DVC will never have an event all like. As PT Barnum put it, "You can please some of the people all of the time, all the people some of the time, but never all of the people all of the time. "

I have a friend that flies from the East Coast to Disney for weekends when special pins are released. This is a huge deal to her and she would be thrilled to get special edition pins. To others it just a pin. In any group event, as Mark pointed out, patience and courtesy is definitely required and lately I have not seen it much at Disney. Also I think some just can not tolerate any heat and anything that occured on a hot day is totatly affected by the weather and less about what happened. To that as someone that lives here I say, It's Florida, it's late May what did you expect. It gets hot and sometimes even hotter than usual.

It sounds from Mark's description a fun event that would have been worth the cost for the MK section alone. I wish I had gone, but was out of town and hopefully they will plan future events.

 

[Peggy Sue]

anyone who attended the recent DVC event also participate in the DVC cruise? How did they compare? Value for $$'s invested?

The cruise was something we would have been interested in, but the date was not convenient for our work schedules. when we heard about this event, we didn't even consider it as we thought the price for AP ticket holders was too high. We also didn't think we should have to shell out $$ to attend the resort openning...we considered that a marketing event..

We typically travel off season. We've watched spectro many nights .. sitting .. with no one to block our view. We've also attended MNSSHP and MVMCP -- at about $30 a ticket we also had the run of the park, no lines etc. and special shows.

I'm glad those that attended enjoyed themselves.

i liked a previous poster suggestion..spread events throughout the year..have a dvc special view area at epcot and MK for the parades and fireworks, maybe a special reduced rate for enight..little things that all members could take advantage of. Have them announced in the quarterly news letter and on-line.

 

[WDWLVR]

Originally posted by Peggy Sue
anyone who attended the recent DVC event also participate in the DVC cruise? How did they compare? Value for $$'s invested?

The cruise was something we would have been interested in, but the date was not convenient for our work schedules. when we heard about this event, we didn't even consider it as we thought the price for AP ticket holders was too high. We also didn't think we should have to shell out $$ to attend the resort openning...we considered that a marketing event..

We typically travel off season. We've watched spectro many nights .. sitting .. with no one to block our view. We've also attended MNSSHP and MVMCP -- at about $30 a ticket we also had the run of the park, no lines etc. and special shows.

I'm glad those that attended enjoyed themselves.

i liked a previous poster suggestion..spread events throughout the year..have a dvc special view area at epcot and MK for the parades and fireworks, maybe a special reduced rate for enight..little things that all members could take advantage of. Have them announced in the quarterly news letter and on-line.

Having been on both the member cruise and at member homecoming I'll try and answer that. I will start by saying it is very hard to compare the two $$$ wise because they were so different.

The member cruise was all inclusive and we paid points for it. We had already cruised so we knew what to expect cruise wise. Also because you are dealing with an all inclusive things like delivery of gifts was easier. The room stewards know when you are scheduled for dinner so they are used to going into all the rooms at certain times. The cruise also pretty much was DVC all the time except for when we were in Nassau. They had more time to spread events out. Overall the cost was high, but well worth it in my opinion.

Member Homecoming was $$$ in addition to what we had to pay in points for the rooms. They outlined the 3 main events and hinted at surprises. Based on the member cruise we, and I think others, had expectations. I feel overall those expectations were met. Maybe not exceeded as far as the surprises but definately met. We too were expecting something with out names on it. Who knows what they were planning, I'm happy with what we did get. We've done MVMCP and MNSSHP as well, but I can tell you that our access to Magic Kingdom was far better than either of those! Yes every ride was a walk on, but more than that if you wanted to go again you could. There were really no waits whatsoever! Thr food that was included and the dancing on Main Street just added to the magic. I think the thing that made Member Homecoming so much harder to organize was that people were spread out. Unlike the cruise where we were all in one place Member Homcoming had to juggle multiple resorts and even those staying off site. In addition they had to do this at a time of year when the parks were already crowded and I'm sure they didn't want to upset their regular customers as well. As for the actual opening yes it was a Marketing event, but they added things they didn't have to. Having Jodi Benson come to sing for us, having the artists show up to sign copies of their prints, having the merchants of Downtown Disney give coupons and participate in the "taste". They did all this to make the members who were attending happy, and happy members walking around the parks made for increased conversations at the DVC booths. Having happy members touring the resort while those interested in buying are walking through makes those interested parties think even harder about joining this fun group.

So to answer your question yes I feel that both gave an excellent value for the dollars/points needed. Each event was unique and can't be compared item for item. What I feel each event had in common was this - a lot of hard working castmembers making sure that the DVC members involved had a great time. Both events also had a lot of great DIS'ers that made the events even more magical for us.

 

[tiggerguy2000]

For me I was just at Disney in December and had our 5th in a row annual 4th of july trip coming up.I would be interested if they do it again in the near future.
tiggerguy2000

 

[mickeydvcer57]

I hate to say it, but for those who loved it, great ... for those who didn't, too bad. Quit your whining. Please ... get over it. You spent the money, and I hope you had a good time. Was it perfect, maybe not, but it was the first time. We keep telling DVC to have events and that's what they're doing. And besides, if there were only 1,000 families there that leaves room for 80,000 more families at future events. If you didn't like it, then don't go again. End of rant.

 

[cgcw]

We just got back a couple of hours ago so I haven't had a chance to post until now.

We had a wonderful time at MH!!!

By far, our favorite night was at the MK -- with DS4 & DS9 how could we not have had a wonderful time. DS4 & I rode Peter Pan 7 -- count them -- 7 times in a row without exiting!! DH & DS9 rode non-stop on BTMRR several times. We will never be able to repeat those experiences. That doesn't even begin to touch the memories of our special night there -- we had an impromptu water fight through the MK. From Frontierland to Tomorrowland, we squirted each other with cold water from our water bottles. It's sure to be a lasting memory. Something we will not be able to repeat -- as there was hardly any one around as far as a crowd went. It was wonderful and the kids are still talking about it.

Epcot was okay. DS9 & DH rode on Test Track. DS4 walked around with his glow in the dark glasses which kept him rather entertained -- surprisingly. Then we went into the exit of Mission Space. DS9 was thrilled to play the control games in there and DS4 thought the kids climbing area was a hoot. We didn't leave until close to midnight.

We baked in the sun along with everyone else on Thursday. Eventually we took shelter under the La Nouba tents. After the presentation, we walked over to Saratoga Springs and were invited to swim in the pool. Just by luck, I had tossed our swimsuits into the bottom of the stroller on our way out that morning. The pool was fabulous!! We can't wait to stay there.

Afterwards, we took a boat back to DTD and had lunch. We enjoyed all of the selections they had there -- it was great to be able to try so many different flairs. We found several that our kids would love to return to and some that just were not our taste. We thought it was a very nice lunch.

As we were leaving, I commented to one of the CM's working the event that we enjoyed ourselves. He commented back that hopefully we'll make it to the next one. Of course, I inquired as to when that might be. He told me that the short notice for this event was based on ensuring that Saratoga Springs was going to be open in time but in the future, they would like to give more notice. In fact, he told me they are currently working on another event. He wouldn't elaborate as to what they were planning but did say they prefer the cooler months -- possibily January or February.

If that is the case, it will coincide with our next vacation to WDW.

 

[Regina]

We got back late yesterday. MH was the highlight of our trip.

There was DH and myself as well as our two DD's, ages 19 and 21 and each of them had a friend. We had a blast.

We loved Dee Vee Cee. She was a riot. With "young adults" you just never know what they're thinking. Let me tell you, they couldn't wait to tell me when they ran into her. She said the funniest things to them.

We stayed towards the back of the Illuminations viewing area. Since that area is banked, we had no problem seeing it.

MK night was beyond incredible. DH and I were walking from Fantasyland to Tomorrowland. If we saw 10 people, it was a lot. An amazing experience. We thought that we missed Spectro. We saw it was just reaching the Castle so we went to watch it. We stood in the castle courtyard and had that section entirely to ourselves.

It was much hotter than usual for that time of year, and I went in search of some shade during Jodi Benson's concert. We enjoyed sampling all of the food, delish.

Two of our group went swimming at Saratoga that day and loved the pool.

My 19 year old DD's friend hadn't been to WDW in 10 years. She never stopped thanking us.

 

[jarestel]

Originally posted by mickeydvcer57
I hate to say it, but for those who loved it, great ... for those who didn't, too bad. Quit your whining.

Your post comes closer to whining than any other I've read in this thread. Skip over the threads that contain opinions that differ from your own and you'll probably be much happier.

 

[dcfromva]

MarkRG,
I wasn't able to make it to the DVC Dis meet at EPCOT, but I saw the name tag buttons you had made and I thought you did a wonderful job on them. They looked very nice.

-DC

 

[vanstoj]

We too attended member homecoming. It was so nice to meet all the people from these boards. All are really nice people. Nice to meet you all. I thought on the whole that member homecoming was good, but there were parts that could be improved on. Here is what I liked and didn't like. I didn't like the desert party and crowding us all in to see Illuminations. It was too small a space for that many people and I too was expecting more in the way of desserts. perhaps I had expectations of some sort of International dessert buffet because of the location at World Showcase. As to the rides for the two nights, I was dissappointed that Test Track broke down for 20 minutes during the 2 hour period we had to ride. My husband and son were stuck at the barrier for 20 minutes. I did not get to ride because of this. The first night was disappointing to us. I did appreciate that they seemed to make an effort, but I think that this might have been better if held at MGM. THere are also seemed to be a lot of staff people with little to do.

The second night met and exceeded every expectation that we had and in my opinion was worth the money that we spent on the event. I loved being able to ride all the rides and given that I brought my 21 month old daughter, I was glad that so many of the children's rides stayed open. The parade was magical. This was a very special night for my family with 15 of the best rides being open and I definitely enjoyed this.

I was disappointed in the grand opening. I did love the taste of Downtown Disney, enjoyed the food, but felt that the space was a little too enclosed for the number of people that were there. I was happy to see them bringing in the Cirque de Soliel performers and thought the entertainment was great. I do think that it did not appear that they had planned enough activities to draw our interest and we ended up eating and then leaving by 1:00.

We had no trouble with transportation and thought the gifts were nice, although I did think that it was inappropriate to give a pin for each paying participant for the first 2 nights, but only 1 grand opening pin for the family for the 3rd day.

On the whole my family concluded that it was worth the money for tuesday night alone. I do believe that they lost money on this event, but I hope they will consider doing it again. Next time I hope they consider holding it at MGM instead and I do think we could do with a few less staff members as they did not appear to have much to do.

 

[Johnnie Fedora]

Originally posted by vanstoj
On the whole my family concluded that it was worth the money for tuesday night alone.

Shhhhhh. If Disney reads these boards, this would be the one comment they take to heart. Look for the next three-day member event to cost $897.

 

[Regina]

You know what Fedora, you did the exact same thing after the Member Cruise.

Sorry to disappoint you, but the vast majority of us loved it and felt it was well worth the price. Since you've chosen not to go to either event, you have no idea what it's like to be a part of a DVC gathering of this magnitude. It's an incredible experience that's measured in far more than dollars and cents.

You weren't on the Member Cruise, you didn't go to Homecoming, but apparently you're an expert on both.

For those of us who actually enjoy these things and go to them, I hope that DVC continues to offer them.

 

[WDWLVR]

Originally posted by dvcreg
You know what Fedora, you did the exact same thing after the Member Cruise.

Sorry to disappoint you, but the vast majority of us loved it and felt it was well worth the price. Since you've chosen not to go to either event, you have no idea what it's like to be a part of a DVC gathering of this magnitude. It's an incredible experience that's measured in far more than dollars and cents.

You weren't on the Member Cruise, you didn't go to Homecoming, but apparently you're an expert on both.

For those of us who actually enjoy these things and go to them, I hope that DVC continues to offer them.

Reg,

Well said - I couldn't agree more!

 

[Johnnie Fedora]

Reg,
Please check out my previous post if you need to know why I feel I can comment on this topic w/o having attended.

I'm not disappointed that you and others were not disappointed. From some of the lengthly positive posts, it's obvious that many thought the event was great. I knew there would be many happy DVCers...but after reading ALL the posts, there were other opinions expressed. Knowing my DVCerself, I would not have been completely satisfied.

But count your DVC blessings, as long as member events follow the current pricing scheme, you probably won't be seeing the Fedora family in attendance. HOWEVER, the first time I feel DVC offers a special event that meets my entertainment and value criteria, I'll be joining fellow DVCers in line awaiting my share of the decadent desserts.

Just like the DVC resorts....DVC members are all different and each has unique charms. Sometimes, you have to look closely to find them....Johnnie