member homecoming....???'s

[jweiss]

I saw part of the other thread on this, but being new to all this.... to DVC, to WDW, etc, I still feel confused. does DVC do events like this on a regular basis?? is this a big deal, or not. are people traveling from far and near to this event? Is it worth it? any suggestions of what hotel to stay in as all the DVC resorts are full?? Really tring to put this all in perspective. THANKS!!!

 

[MarkRG]

Originally posted by jweiss

I saw part of the other thread on this, but being new to all this.... to DVC, to WDW, etc, I still feel confused. Does DVC do events like this on a regular basis??

No, this is the second time they have done a member event, here's a link to what the first one was. Click here for info on the S.S. Member Cruise.

Here is a link that I am not close to finished with yet that has the basic info of what is being offered. Click here for info on Member Homecoming

BOTH links have clickable pictures- do click on them for a bigger one/more information.

is this a big deal, or not. are people traveling from far and near to this event? Is it worth it?

Now this is what the discussion in the other thread is over. You have to look at the info and decide that one for yourself. There is a downside. The cost, especially the fact the kids price isn't exactly that much lower than adults is really penalizing families some.

The upside? The last Member event was a very great time. There are features being offered for this one that has the potential to make it just as exceptional an event as the last one. I don't think I could even put a pricetag on having the MK to no more than 5000 people on an evening, including a run of SpectroMagic. Then throw in the night at Epcot. And the first look at SSR? It really is shaping up to be a great time too.

any suggestions of what hotel to stay in as all the DVC resorts are full?? Really tring to put this all in perspective. THANKS!!!

I'd say anywhere on Disney property would be ok, I am sure they are going to have transportation lined up to take us all back to the resorts at the end of the evenings.

 

[disneychick05]

DH and I are going and we are very excited! The events that are planned sound wonderful and to us this seems like a once in a lifetime event. The main issue for most is the cost. We happen to think it is worth the price and we can afford the price so we are going. Yes, a family of four would be very expensive but looking at the schedule, it is not geared toward young children so our DS (2) will stay home with MIL & FIL. We didn't even bother trying to book at DVC room because we wanted to try AKL. If you have a Disney Visa, there are discount codes that you can use to book an non-DVC room. Hope this helps!

 

[bjakmom]

I called MS, trying to get some additional information about this event. I'm was trying to convince DH to take a few days off for this before he goes to work overseas for the summer and some of the information seemed rather vague to me.

CM told me that the viewing location in Epcot has "not been specified" but will probably be near Future World as that is where the party will be after illuminations (my guess is probably the large patio area where the characters do meet and greets) - only Mission Space and Test Track and that area of the park will be open during the party and the rest of the night.

On MK night you would view Wishes with everyone else before the park closes and receive a voucher for a "quick and casual" meal (counter service). When I asked what attractions would be open she said they were being told it was "not specified", but "like an e-ride night" - it would definitely include Philharmagic. And, of course, the private showing of Spectromagic.


She said times for SSR event were not yet set "probably something like 10-2" and when I asked if the lunch would be a buffet she said they were "not sure yet."

She said yes, transportation would be provided to all resorts after the events (I specifically asked about the monorail). DVC rooms are apparently sold out - no studios anywhere, 2 2 bedrooms for 2 of the nights at OKW and a 1 bedroom at boardwalk for Weds night. I'd think the Contemporary would be a good central place to be.

If this were one week earlier and not so stressful for DH to go the week before he leaves (I know he would go for me, but I don't want to stress him out), I would probably spend what seems like too much $$ for what they are offering - I hope to hear reports that there's a lot of great "extras" they are not mentioning for that price. I have to admit that I'm surprised that they are so vague and noncommital about what they are offering this close to the event. I can't wait to hear that it's a wonderful time and hope that the next time they do this they give us more advance notice - we did not receive the first invitation even though we've been members since last Aug - just received one recently - maybe next time - wish I could be at the Dis meet ! - have fun everyone !

Mark - great links - how nice of you to organize the meet for everyone!

 

[MarkRG]

Sorry you can't make it. But, thanks for reminding me- I do have a thread started on the Dis Meets fourm: 20040525 Dvc Member Homecoming! (updated 2/18)--INDEXED

That has the most up to date info on it for right now - the webpage is very much in need of an update.

DVC has been purposely vague about what is happening where. They very much were last time as well, I think that was half the fun not knowing what was happening next. There were numerous pleasant surprises along the way.

I could probably just spend the MK evening in Philharmagic! and be happy Anyone going to WDW at any time DO NOT miss seeing this show.

For Epcot, my thinking was they were going to have the Illuminations dessert buffet in the character greet area. It's the only space big enough. And yes, we get only the east half of Future World, but those two rides alone are very fun and it should be a nice party.

For a small side note- if you already have your DVC points booked somewhere and want to go - talk to Member Services - they are bending over backwards to give people going to Member Homecoming the oppotunity to do so.

 

[jweiss]

Thank you all for your responses. I finally got someone helpful at MS today, who helped a bit as well. (when I called with ?'s last week, the CM just read me the brochure....duh!!!)

 

[bayarea-disney]

I have not been to one, but people tell me when Disney does something like this it is great. I think the price is a little high, but I still am going. I am staying at the BWV <the best place> 23rd to the 28th. On the 22nd I am staying at the PO Riverside $98.00 a night. If you cant book DVC shop around you might finds some deals.


RK