Just Back from Member Homecoming!

[MarkRG]

Originally posted by Muushka
Yes, that is exactly what I complain about. DVC's promises of a great time, but no facts. Sorry, I don't hand out $598 for 2 people unless I know exactly what I am getting.

And that's cool, I do think they actually kept things a little TOO quiet with this one, they should have said a teeny bit more upfront. I will admit my enthusiasm about going carried a lot on my experience from the last event, not useful at all for anyone who had not.

And I do apologize to some who did go and had some honest opinions of what could have been better. It is certainly not my intent to make constructive responses unwelcome. As someone else said above, give DVC honest feedback on the event good and bad, and maybe they'll improve it to you for next time.

 

[Muushka]

Thanks MarkRG, I appreciate that.

I tried to PM you, but your box is full!

 

[MarkRG]

Uh, oops, had a folder setup with the pming from the DIS meet. Cleaned out now

 

[JudithM]

Originally posted by MarkRG
And that's cool, I do think they actually kept things a little TOO quiet with this one, they should have said a teeny bit more upfront. I will admit my enthusiasm about going carried a lot on my experience from the last event, not useful at all for anyone who had not.

And I do apologize to some who did go and had some honest opinions of what could have been better. It is certainly not my intent to make constructive responses unwelcome. As someone else said above, give DVC honest feedback on the event good and bad, and maybe they'll improve it to you for next time.

DVC CMs have been discussing the good & the not so good about MH, how thinks went & what could be changed the next time they have a member event. I had a long chat this afternoon with a DVC CM in management about MH. The CM had some good ideas, too, about how things could be improved next time.

I hope that implies there will be more member events. We really enjoyed meeting other DVC members & also knowing that everyone in the MK or EPCOT after hours were DVC members.

 

[disneycrazed139]

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

I am being a little wishy-washy, but after thinking about it, can't really agree or disagree with the above. The ironic thing is that because we DO spend so much more than the average WDW guest, DVC knows that they can put the price tag on the sign of appreciation. The only way the price tag won't exist is if people won't pay it. Enough can and will to make it a big enough event.

Unfortunately, it is not within my personal budget to attend a special event like this. It sounds like it was a wonderful time for all who attended, and I really wish it was something we could have done. It sounded amazing. I also wish these experiences didn't have a fee...but, hey, if they treated members THAT well there would be so many people clamoring to become members that I could have been totally priced out of owning! I'll just count my blessings and enjoy.

 

[Aurora3]

I attended MH with my 10 year old daughter.
We stayed at SSRS which is our newest home resort (also have points at VWL & BCV, have also satyed at OKW). The timing was perfect on MH - I already had a trip planned and had passes that only had three days plus plusses left on them for each of us. Paying for those two days as part of the event worked out perfect for our 6 day trip.
We had a great time. I'm definitely an early morning person but my child would prefer to sleep in every day. Having two of the events run until midnight meant we slept in the following days. She was thrilled that Mom didn't get up at the crack of dawn on at least three of our vacation days.
The MK night was by far the best and we didn't even get to dance with the characters! I loved someone's description of it being like Pretty Woman ("we need some major sucking up here"). I have no problem paying for major sucking up. Yes, it was expensive, but I swear that night I really did feel like I owned a piece of the magic. It was as if there was no one in that park and they were running all those rides for my child and I alone. All the CM's smiling and saying "Hi" and doing traffic control with those flashlights just for us! While Spectromagic is not my favorite parade what a great experience to see it with so little crowding. It was incredible.
EPCOT was great for my kid since she was able to ride MS 5 times. Her new favorite ride. And that was after downing three of those rice krispy things. Not for me, love the ride but only on an empty stomach. I was finally able to play those computer games that I couldn't get near during the day because of crowds.
I enjoyed the Sara Toga character. Reminded me of the Adveturer's Club personalities.
While I'm not into pins I loved getting gifts every night. Opening presents is fun in itself. My child loved that they were pins. I loved the carafe and have it on the night table in my "DVC" guest bedroom where my lithos are hung.
Loved the Taste of Disney. Reminded me of what we have here in San Antonio during Fiesta called NIOSA (A Night In Old San Antonio). Lots of food booths. Plenty of variety. The Nouba entertainers amoung the crowd were wonderful. The weather was oppresive (of course I came home to 104 degree weather so it didn't seem so bad in retrospect).
Chalk me up on the "loved it" side of the board. Plus I really feel I found my true home resort. I enjoy the others (a lot) but this one truly feels like "home". Something about having DD within walking distance, all the rock features, the Spa (loved it!), the lines of the architecture, the Thomasville furniture and the agapanthas (sp?) which were my Dad's favorite landscaping flowers.

 

[Copper3]

I made a promise to a few DIS’ers I met while attending Member Homecoming last week that I would post more as I have been a lurker here for several years. So, here are my most objective thoughts of Member Homecoming (this is the condensed version):

Tuesday – Epcot was the first event and it showed as I found some members in the Showcase Plaza rude and could not wait for that part of the night to end (other than the fireworks which were great!). The line was clearly longer for Test Track than Mission Space but the single rider line had no wait all night. Later in the evening I was able to ride Test Track over and over simply by “re-fastening” my seatbelt and I don’t know if that will happen again except at an event like this. Looking at this night objectively, I had a great time but can understand others feelings where what they gave us was desserts and non-alcoholic beverages, a special place to view the fireworks, two thrill rides open for just over an additional two hours and a DJ. There should have been at least one ride/attraction open for older, physically challenged and/or weak-stomached patrons like Universe of Energy or Spaceship Earth. Wonders of Life would have been a treat because it’s not open for the paying public anymore. I still had a great time and would give this night a 5 on a scale of 1 to 10 because of what I mentioned previously.

Wednesday – Member update was a complete waste of time for me except the model tours because I walked around Saratoga Springs Monday night and took pictures of everything else. However, I met some DIS’ers there who ate lunch with me, gave me a ride back to OKW and helped me get a much-needed haircut that afternoon (thanks again!). The Magic Kingdom event was exceptional. It was everything everyone has listed here and then some. The rides had no lines and the SpectroMagic/Dancin’ on Main Street became an instant life memory (luckily, I have some video as well). About the only improvement would have been to eat earlier by possibly opening the old Adventureland restaurant with a buffet so we could eat at a more normal time and give us more time for rides. This night was a 10 out of 10! The transportation was exceptional as well as there is not much WDW/DVC can do when 2500 (or whatever the number) people decide to watch SpectroMagic and leave immediately after except to keep the buses coming which is what happened for at least OKW (I wasn’t watching the other buses). Once one pulled away another pulled up, loaded and left for the resort. This was so much so I continually saw two buses waiting while one filled. I waited for the last bus because I did not want to stand and figured it wouldn’t be more than a half hour difference (I was almost right as it took about 35 minutes until the last bus was filled and left). The last of Spectro passed us at 12:10AM (and we were just towards the castle passed Casey’s corner) and I returned to my room at 1:15AM by Turtle Pond.

Thursday – Mears left the resort too early as I don’t know anyone who stayed for SpectroMagic and got to sleep before 1AM. The buses left OKW at 9:15AM sharp, or so I heard as I overslept, missed the bus and took a taxi to Downtown Disney arriving at 10:10AM. I must have just missed the beginning of the opening ceremonies, but I arrived in time for Jodi Benson who was outstanding. The heat was oppressive but the DVC employees were great with providing the fans and needed water. I went for food early and enjoyed it very much. While waiting to enter the “Carnival” like stand food area, the Cirque performers kept us entertained. After the food I went to Saratoga Springs for the Founder’s Day parade which was very good but not overstated and while there I met a few DIS’ers from the Land DIS meet on Tuesday. The only Saratoga day events I missed besides the pre-ceremony events were the Cirque Stage acts because I forgot about the first one (and I was eating at the time) and it was just too hot to wait for the second one (also I might have still been at Saratoga then). The transportation was set up to take everyone to the event but you were on your own after and this is where the weather being so hot took an adverse effect because from Saratoga there was one boat an hour to OKW and no bus transportation to Downtown Disney, you could walk if you wanted. At 2PM in the hot Floridian sun I wasn’t about to walk back to Downtown so I waited for the boat and after over a half-hour a boat pulled up with a few seats and a good number of OKW guests waiting to board. I gave up my seat (as I was waiting the longest) for a family with an overheated child and a few wheelchair bound older guests as I figured I could take the heat better than them. They did send another boat about 10 minutes later with plenty of seats but this should have been the case at least from 1PM until 3PM just to get people out of the heat. I felt like they wanted us to stay at either Saratoga and do an add-on or walk through Downtown Disney and spend more money, not the greatest of feelings when you’re dehydrated. I say this because the boat and golf cart transportation during the event back and forth between Saratoga and Downtown was terrific, it’s the transportation to the other areas/hotels of the world that was lacking. Unfortunately, I heard of a heat-related incident where a child lost consciousness because of the heat and I did see both an ambulance and fire engine pulling up to Saratoga as our boat pulled away from the dock to go to OKW. I didn’t hear of any results from that and hope everything worked out for the best for those involved. Because of the weather/transportation issues I gave this day a 6 out of 10 and it would definitely have been higher had these issues not been as prevalent because the day was planned well and flowed well.

Overall, I was happy I attended Member Homecoming and the plusses by far outweighed the negatives. DVC has a few kinks to work out for their next event, whenever that may be. Was it worth the money? As a single participant without a doubt. For a family/non-thrill ride patrons maybe not but this is DVC’s first attempt at a major event at WDW and this was not confined to a cruise ship. It is worth noting that most (if not all) DVC employees worked this event including management and all were there to help in anyway they could. I will send an email about Member Homecoming to member services with suggestions for the next event. I encourage all who attended with an opinion either way to do the same because if you don’t speak what’s on your mind they will never hear you and things won’t improve then!

Sorry this was so long, but believe it or not this is the condensed version!

Copper3

 

[JudithM]

Copper3, how wonderful to see you participating here! I enjoyed reading your MH experiences - thank you for sharing your views.

I agree with you that members need to share their comments about MH with DVC - email, snail mail, phone, etc. all work well! I had a relatively long discussion with a DVC CM in management earlier this week, & we discussed the plusses & not minuses of MH. DVC CMs were having a meeting to discuss MH.

I encourage you & other lurkers we met last week to please particapte in this bb. Everyone is entitled to their opinion whether or not others agree. I hope the lurkers don't get scared
off !

Copper3, I am sending you a pm!

 

[anniet]

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.

Excuse me, but would a moderator check on this- I think it violates a guideline or at least comes close

3._ NO FIGHTING: Several Internet news groups are marred by the actions of a few selfish people who turn an otherwise positive forum into a soap box for their anger issues. Internet newsgroups are not moderated, and therefore, anything goes. These boards are moderated in an effort to keep the discussions appropriate to the topic at hand. Those who feel they can not abide by these rules are welcome to read the posts on the board, and respond via email to the person who posted the message._ Messages that are argumentative or sarcastic in nature will be deleted without discussion.

 

[MarkRG]

dvcreg IS a moderator anniet. And what she posted was quite nice considering the last time certain people brought it on themselves to attack everyone by calling us stupid and how much a 'ripoff' it was. And now we're being called cash cows. Well, gee better look out, bulls have horns.

 

[anniet]

Originally posted by MarkRG
dvcreg IS a moderator anniet.

Uh-oh!

 

[Johnnie Fedora]

Originally posted by MarkRG
.......And what she posted was quite nice considering the last time certain people brought it on themselves to attack everyone by calling us stupid and how much a 'ripoff' it was. And now we're being called cash cows. Well, gee better look out, bulls have horns.

It appears you may have misinturpreted my postings.

For the record:
Don't ever recall calling anyone stupid.

Calling an event with a ticket price a rip-off is just an OPINION.

Refering to the "cash cow treatment" of a group of paying customers is also just OPINION.

The tone of your posts and mine speak for themselves.

 

[bonzie1]

I'm glad so many people had wonderful times at the MHC. We fell into both categories, great times and not-so-great times... isn't that how it is with life? I am glad the DVC management has had meetings to see how the next event can be better. Events are wonderful and give us a chance to come in contact with each other.

I must say I expected the same smoothness with events as the 2003 Member Cruise, which was a mistake for me to even compare the 2. They were separate events. I've also spoken to DVC management and shared my thanks, and my suggestions for next time. I really believe they were trying so very hard.

For those who had a great time... cherish it. For those who didn't, hang in there. Yes, there were many things which needed fixing.

Everywhere we went, we ran into those who were having problems... no lanyards, misinformation, no gift bags. We were even driven by the DVC manager from POFQ to OKW and then Saratoga Springs just to find our "goods"... the effort was there, but so was our frustration level. Yes, we finally got our bags, but only through much searching and help. Fortunately, we hung in there and were patient, but we gave up almost a day of our vacation to do this. DVC has recognized they were overly ambitious in sending bags out to DVC resort properties and, as they called them, "off site" resorts. They will not be attempting this again due to so many mix-ups and disappointed guests.

A lot of other thoughts, positive and negative, have already been expressed by others, so I will end here.

Markrg... thanks for taking time to organize the Land meet. It was nice to meet other DISers!

 

[iluvdisney]

I had a great time at Member Homecoming and can't wait for the next one! Let's do it again!!!

 

[sgtpet]

WOW. This is fun and strange all at the same time. Johnny, I got your back. Once again somebody raises an alternate thought process and the responses back are personal attacks on that individual. Please folks, let's get it together and not get so hostile. If you thought these events are valuable then fantastic for you. I think the MH event was only at 50% capacity. That says a lot. The Magic Kingdom night sounds like it was relatively cool. The rest, eh.

 

[JudithM]

Originally posted by bonzie1
Everywhere we went, we ran into those who were having problems... no lanyards, misinformation, no gift bags. We were even driven by the DVC manager from POFQ to OKW and then Saratoga Springs just to find our "goods"...

It is my understanding the DVC members participating in in MH stayed at every WDW resort & that did make it difficult to get the gift bags out every evening. I was staying at OKW. When we checked in our room was not ready, but the CM did not mention anything about MH. We sat down in the "living room" & were chatting with another couple participating in MH who mentioned the bag with the lanyard, etc. Then I went to the desk & asked. I'm sure it was also difficult because everyone arrived at different times prior to the event.

 

[garylpn]

we stayed at bvcv, 561, a dedicated studio
we had no problems recieving our gift bags, all were waiting in the room when we arrived home each night
lanyards were ready at announced time at dvc desk at bcv

 

[jweiss]

We stayed at POFQ, off campus, so to speak. We had NO problems getting our bags....the folder and first gift bag were there when we arrived, as was each subsequent one. We also had no problems with transportation!!

 

[scotthart]

Just back from our Homecoming/Cruise vacation. Anyone else less than thrilled with the homecoming? My wife allowed DD 4YO and I to attend the Homecoming by ourselves, meeting us later in the week after the rest of our kids got out of school. This was to be a very special time for DD and I as it was our first trip to the World by ourselves. We spent the first day of the Homecoming at MGM Studios as it is DD's favorite park. We took the Friendship Boats over to Epcot for the Homecoming. On the boat we met a nice couple that had the great lanyards and pins that were given out. Since I did not receive these in our package we received in the mail I asked them about them, they said they were in their welcome home package at the resort. We did not receive this package, so I made myself a mental note to check with the front desk when we returned to the resort. Upon arrival at Epcot, it was still several hours until the fireworks/dessert reception started so we meandered our way around the World Showcase until the scheduled start. When we got to the reception it was packed to the gills! DD was very tired and in a stroller and I made two attempts to get to the desserts with no luck. I finally gave up and was leaving the area to try to find a spot for ROE, when I spotted a CM with the Homecoming logo on his shirt. I mentioned to him that it was to crowded to get in, he was very sympathetic and told DD that having the rides all to ourselves after ROE would make up for it. DD was very excited as she just reached 40 inches earlier this year, and TT is her favorite ride. We ended up watching ROE about 20 people deep near the San Angel, we could have been only two or three people deep if we would not have tried getting into the reception. After ROE we hightailed it to the MS and TT area only to be stopped by the same CM we talked to earlier, then waiting 1/2 and hour before he would let us in. In the meantime DD fell asleep, and when we finally were allowed to queue up to TT I had to carry her sleeping through the queue. We did only have to wait about twenty minutes for our first ride which DD woke up for and she was very excited. We immediately got back into the line, which stretched back to Innoventions and proceeded to wait 45 minutes for our next ride. DD was very tired at this point and starting to get cranky. After our second ride was over, we went to get back inline, and when we saw the line was still almost to Innoventions, we headed back to AKL. We waited about 30 minutes for a bus. I stopped at the front desk on my way in and they knew nothing about the lanyards and pins. It was now 1:00 am and DD was wiped out. We slept in the next day, the plan was DD to have Tea with Alice at the GF, spend a few hours at the MK, then dinner with Cindie at 1900 Park Fare, then the Homecoming at MK. DD really enjoyed the tea with Alice, we spent our couple of hours at MK, but DD fell asleep on the monorail to the GF so we skipped dinner and the homecoming and went back to the room. I stopped at the DVC desk in the lobby to inquire about the lanyards and the pins, the CM there said I should have gotten them at the entrance to Epcot. I told him there was no one at International Gateway representing DVC when we entered Epcot, and he was sympathetic but could not help.

We were transfering from AKL to OKW to meet the rest of the family on Thursday, so we did not even try to make it to the SS Grand Opening. So what did we get out of our Member Homecoming? Bad seats for ROE and two rides on TT. Now I know it is not DVC's fault that DD was in a stroller and we could not get in the reception, and I know that it is not their fault that she was to tired for MK on Wednesday, but it seems to me that the Epcot portion of the Homecoming was not very well planned. They knew exactly how many tickets were sold and should have had a larger area for the dessert/ROE party. They also know the ride capacities for MS and TT and should have sold fewer tickets (even at a higher price) or opened more attractions, ie HISTA, JiI, Spaceship Earth, Unvierse of Energy, or something so that lines were not 45 minutes long. I think we probably would have enjoyed MK as it appears that more atttractions were open, but we were so wiped out from being out so late the first night, that it was not possible for us to make MK. I really though that we would have ridden TT two or three times by 10:30 or 11, but between the delay in letting us in and the long lines, that did not happen.

I absolutely love DVC, but the MH was less than magical.

 

[wdwstar]

i agree with bonzie1 about MH, there is always room for improvement, no event is perfect.

The most important thing to me was i got to go home to a place i love and will keep going back.