Just joined DVC, not using points for cruise, will they know I am a member?

[aan1701]

Just a quick question,
I just joined DVC today 9/27 and I am not going to use my new points to pay for either one of my cruises in 2009. I was wondering who do I let know I am a member now so I can get all of the little perks on the ship. Thanks for the answers to this question.

 

[LauraLap]

Subscribing as I'm in the same "boat" for our November cruise

 

[eva]

If you booked the cruise before joining, I would call to make sure that it is noted on your reservation. But if you still haven't reserved the cruise, you will be fine. When you make a reservation with DCL the computer automatically picks up all DVC Members. I'm betting either way they will find you. But it doesn't hurt to call and double check. If you get to your stateroom and do not have a DVC welcome magnet on your door, call guest services. They will take care of it.

 

[4Goofys4Dis]

What type of perks do you get on the cruise? We have been DVC members for 3 years, but this is our first cruise booked (with points) since then? Just wondering what the perks are!

 

[DVC Mike]

If you used the same email address, phone number and address, then they should know that you're a DVC member.

 

[2002Disneybride]

What type of perks do you get on the cruise? Just wondering what the perks are!

I was wondering the same thing--we are DVC members but not using points

 

[MdmMim]

There are a few members who always fall through the cracks. I spoke with the CM onboard and was told that the DCL and DVC systems are supposed to compare notes, so to speak. DVCers should be flagged, but on every cruise there are some who are not. (I would be among that group, having cruised 5 times--cash not points-- and having been a DVCer for 8 years, and always overlooked on DCL.)

I called DCL prior to cruising--they wouldn't take my DVC info. They said those onboard would know. Same name, email, address, phone each time for DCL and DVC.

There is a DVC desk on deck 4. Just drop by, and they should take care of you if you're excluded for some reason.

 

[lsutigger2]

Guess we fell thru the cracks also I didn't know there were any perks to be had.

We bought DVC in 2000, cruised for the first time in 2004 (not on points & no perks/goodies), and have reservations for 2009 (not on points). I'll be checking with the DVC desk if there isn't a magnet on our door.

Does it matter if you pay cash or use points??

 

[winotracy]

If you booked the cruise before joining, I would call to make sure that it is noted on your reservation. But if you still haven't reserved the cruise, you will be fine. When you make a reservation with DCL the computer automatically picks up all DVC Members. I'm betting either way they will find you. But it doesn't hurt to call and double check. If you get to your stateroom and do not have a DVC welcome magnet on your door, call guest services. They will take care of it.

You cannot note that you are a DVC member on your reservation. They do not have a place on the reservation for this notation. I have also heard that if you book directly with DCL or on points with DVC they will know you are onboard. Otherwise, they will not. Maybe it depends when you joined DVC as the two sailings I have been on since becoming a DVC member were booked before I was a member.

All you have to do is go to the DVC desk on deck 4 in the Atrium if you don't get a welcome home kit and they will set you up and get you on the list for any announcements, invitations, etc. during your sailing.

 

[tecdavidt]

We were new DVC members Dec. '07, cruise booked long before that for March '09 with a prestay at the Poly so this was a cash booked vacation. When we checked into the Poly it was vacation as usual BUT when we arrived on the ship we were told "Welcome Home" and from what I remember,

Perks:
We had a nice Welcome Home cruise sign magnat on our door which I still have at home on my door leading to my garage! A life perserver stating Welcome Home DVC.

DVC Lanyards

A DVC gathering but we didn't go to that.

They also had specials running if you wanted to add points but we choose not to add at that time.

Welcome to DVC. If you are one that the system missed, just go to the Desk. It is magic, they will have you in the DVC system. Kathy and Dave

 

[LakeAriel]

My first cruise, on points, I was not given any perks for being a member..In August I told my TA.(Dreams Unlimited) to note it. The first day, while we were at the pool, they delivered a bunch of goodies to our room..A beautiful Captains Log which stores photo's and memorabilia and pen, two landyards and other goodies. They put the magnet on my door and everyday I got a call to pick up either baseball hats or a new pin..It was very nice! As others said if you fall through the cracks, go to the Kiosk on deck 4 with your membership card!

 

[Deb T.]

We've been DVC members since 1995 and cruised DCL 7 times. We've "fallen through the cracks" on six of those cruises. Each time, I've gone to the desk to let them know. Most of the time, they're apologetic, add our names and cabin numbers to the list, and eventually we've received all the perks. However, on our Mexican Riviera cruise last July, the two guys working at the desk seemed like they could have cared less. They wrote down my information and told me we'd get our gifts and member invitation in our cabin. Never did. Two days later, I stopped by the desk again to let them know I hadn't received anything yet and to ask when the member gathering would be. They both looked at each other sheepishly and said it had been earlier that day. I was really upset because we've never missed one and always enjoy them and the chance to win additional goodies. Again, they seemed like, "Oh well," which upset me even more. They handed me two pins and told me again we'd get the rest of the stuff in the cabin... and again, nothing arrived. So, I went back to the desk two days later and they handed me four red caps. That was it. VERY disappointing.

 

[jns]

I just dropped by deck 4 and let them know too

 

[aan1701]

I would like to thank everyone who replyed. I will be sure to have my DVC card with me to show at the desk just in case. One more question. Can you take advantage of the on board booking discounts and credits if using some of the points?

 

[Keggy]

I have sailed Disney 5 times since being a DVC member and once using points. We have never been recognized. We only realized that they do things for DVC members when we went on a sailing a few years ago that was soon after the DVC members cruise and we went with another DVC family. They received all sorts of goodies that were leftovers from the members cruise.

We inquired about it at the DVC desk and the guy working there could have cared less. My DH really just wanted a hat, so our friends gave them one of theirs.

I am going to inquire the first day this time and just call down and say - I just wanted to make sure you had our names on your list - or something like that. I always carry my card with me as well.

Kelly

 

[luvalldisney]

Have been DVC members for all 6 of my cruises and I have always fallen through the cracks. Each time I have had to drop by the desk and discuss it with the DVC cast members. They have always given me a magnet and invited me to the gathering where they gave me lanyards and hats. If someone at the DVC table is rude, or unwilling to "go the extra mile" you need to note their name and contact DVC, in writing, when you return to dry land. The people manning the DVC desk earn those trips and their supervisor needs to know if they are not living up to the Disney image. While it is possible they are overwhelmed because of a large number of people purchasing points, they should always be helpful and considerate. How do the DVC people at the desk not know that you may have wanted to purchase more points? If they don't treat you right, I would not give them credit for the sale.

 

[MegaMouseHouse]

I am glad I found out that if I am overlooked I can just take care of it at the DVC booth. This November will be my first cruise as a DVC member. I actually signed up on my last Disney cruise so would love to be able to get the welcome home special treatment. I do know that my travel agent said she was going to call DCL and let them know about the birthday we will be celebrating and that we are DVC members. She didn't tell me there was any problem with them noting that. I know I sure do not want to miss any of the DVC get togethers.

 

[KAR3600]

Boy, there has to be a big crack in system!. I have sailed 3 times with Disney using only my points, and NEVER got a thing! But, thanks to you folks I will make sure I find out whats going on. I sail on Oct. 18th.

 

[aan1701]

Hi I am the one who started this thread and was wondering if anyone could answer this:
Can you take advantage of the on board booking discounts and credits if using some of the points?

 

[MyLove4Disney]

Hi I am the one who started this thread and was wondering if anyone could answer this:
Can you take advantage of the on board booking discounts and credits if using some of the points?

hopefully others will chime in also.

Last Feb 08 while on board I rebooked, I asked how it worked if I wanted to use points.

The booking cm said that there would be a discount on points charged and you had up to 3 days after the cruise to deside if you wanted to rebook (yes they were lower, but I don't remember how much lower), but there was no on board credit. So I then asked about paying cash. She said I could get a 10% cash discount of the current booking rate for booking on board but could not book a cat 12 gty and would get 200.00 on board credit 7 night cruise. I selected the cash option.

As others have said it is kind of not as good value to use points for a cruise if you're booking well in advanced. (but you also have to remember it does cover all you food on the cruise) I believe that when the rates of the cruise go up as you get closer to the actually cruise then points might equal out. Or if you really want to cruise and won't really be using your points for the regular vacation clubs resorts or other vacation locations then by all means use them, that is why we (I) bought mine, no extra out of pocket expenses. Sometimes I can't plan my vacation that far in advance.

I also say that if you think you might want to cruise again, book on board and get your discount and obc, but if you don't know exactly when you want to go, just pick a date out into the future, you can then change your date after checking calendars and what not and adjust your date, just don't wait to long you do want to go past the cancellation cut off...

Good luck deciding and happy cruising.