Member Homecoming: Who Was it Designed to Benefit?

[FriendsOfEeyore]

The Next Great Debate... Inspired by my thoughts surrounding the opening of SSR and that little thread where I questioned what DVC did in regards to the slight booking advantage given to SSR Members.


So here is the question: Who did DVC have in mind when they organized the Member Homecoming? Homecoming is of course a tradition in high school and college. It usually surrounds a football game and a dance. The main objective, originally, was to invite alumni back to the school to partake in a little partying, reminiscing and building school spirit amongst the current students.

With that said, DVC think that the Member Homecoming Event, which is essentially a Grand Opening Party for SSR, would have most of the long time members scrambling to make ressies to attend? Or was it intended as a way of welcoming the new SSR members and their resort into the DVC family? Did DVC think that everyone would want to attend? Or, as other posters have suggested, was DVC just trying to generate a little more profit at the expense of it's members?

My thinking is that it was originally intended to be for the existing members (going by the definition of homecoming) to have a chance to check out the new resort and hopefully drum up more interest in adding on additional points. But DVC knew that we would not rollover that easy. Some had already done the add-on, while others were taking a wait-and-see approach. While still more had already decided that SSR was not right for their families. So DVC decided to go BIG with the fireworks and E-night at the Magic Kingdom. DVC also knew that if we wanted to do this, we could do it for $12 a person. So they thought what about an E-night at EPCOT... Thinking that enough of us would be pulled in be the draw on the new attraction MISSON: SPACE!

I wonder how many tickets have been purchased as of now. We are almost a month into the sale of the event. We heard initially that we need to act fast as space was limited and would sell out fast. Correct me if I wrong, but MH is not sold out yet.

Also, how many members maybe had some interest in MH but did not make the purchase because they could not secure a room for the event? A lot of members already had existing plans, some planned to be there at the right time without any knowledge of MH, when they booked their family vacations. Or with the advantage that SSR Members currently have in the booking process, how many could not secure a room eventhough there may currently be availibility at SSR. We know for a fact that some SSR Members have ressies at other DVC resorts, but how many of those ressies correspond with MH? DVC will never release that information.

So, if MH was designed for the existing members, did they do them a dis-service by allowing SSR members to book both SSR and non-SSR units during this period, while only allowing non-SSR members access to the exisitng 4 resorts?

Edward

 

[Doug7856]

I selected exisiting members. We are new SSR members (purchased in October). I read about the event here and on the DVC Members web page and the email notice, but had not received anything in the mail. I sent an email to MS. The reply said that I would not receive any mail until we actually settle on the membership (spring), but that I could still use the web site for information. So as far as I know, SSR only members did not actually get invited to this event -- just informed throught the web site. Obviously, we are able to attend.

I would love to attend a similar event some day, but this year was just not possible for us.

An interesting poll.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

I wouldn't read too much into this.
I think it is a fun thing that DVC did for the members, in hopes to make the members happy. Happy members means add-ons, more visits to WDW, and positive word of mouth about buying DVC. Add-ons, more visits to WDW, and positive word of mouth about buying DVC means more money for DVC/Disney.

In my opinion this is not a bad thing, but rather the way a good business such as DVC should be run.

MG

 

[DrTomorrow]

Some other group / idea, please explain

All of the above!

There appear to be a lot of existing DVC member signed up for this - and if you listen to the group that went on the Member Cruise, they had a spectacular time, and expect a similar outcome for MH.

As a new SSR member, I'm pretty geeked up about being there for my Home Resort's Grand Opening! And a look at the threads here shows that I'm not alone in that, either.

Of course, DVC has to benefit. Disney is NOT the Loyal Order of Charitable Mice - it is a publicly-held corporation, with a BOD and shareholders to answer to.

I agree that the timing was poor, but I don't think that is part of any Disney scheming, just a side-effect of trying to time the opening of a newly-built resort. We bought a condo still in construction, and we had a terrible time getting dates for utilities, deliveries, closing, etc. even a month in advance. ("Well, the tile guy can't start until the electrician is done, and he's waiting for the inspector...") And Disney did NOT want a messed-up grand opening like the Aladdin and Venetian in Las Vegas (celebrities who performed at the grand openings had to stay at other hotels!) So, I feel that, by the time Disney had a hard date it was comfortable with, it was too late to give the appropriate amount of notice.

 

[burnsoc]

You are too funny Edward! Are you trying to break some kind of thread record? In answer to your question, I believe you are right that it was aimed at existing members. We DVC members are free marketing for Disney. I walk around wearing one of my three DVC baseball caps just about everyday. I'd love to see how many sales were referrals from existing members. "Not that they would ever release that information to me" to quote another Dis'er . Doug is right in that most new SSR owners are probably not even aware of MH, because it takes about six months to start receiving mailings from DVC. Maistre Gracey hit the nail on the head, a superior product sells itself. Disney knows that making existing members happy will mean an increased bottom line.
-Chris

 

[burnsoc]

Loyal Order Of Charitable Mice - LOL

 

[Johnnie Fedora]

Two specific groups:

1) Members who feel that it is a once in a lifetime experience that is worth the $$$$$$$$.

2) Disney Vacation Development's advertising budget bottom line.

 

[FriendsOfEeyore]

Chris,

I am just trying to provide some thought-provoking threads to mix in with the "What view should I request" and "I am a new member" threads.

No pain or finger pointing intended, just try to make all of us DIS-DVCers exercise our brains a little!

DVC has a very captive market and I would assume, great referral system. The referral bonus that they do distribute to those that are eligible is a nice little spiff. Especially, when you refer more than one potential buyer within a year..

Loyal Order of Charitable Mouse.... I love that one..

While I will not be attending MH, I did give it the office. We just wanted to invest our $600 in DVC / Disney slightly different. Also, the timing was just not the right time of the year for us this year. I really think that it will be a great event, don't get me wrong. And maybe DVC just wanted to do something nice for their members, but I tend to think that the add-on part was the major piece.

I am not set in my ways on this thread as much as I was the other, but I will tell you now, I may change my thoughts. Either because your arguement was that good, or just to maybe make you think twice about your own thoughts. Gut feelings are great, but they can changed through a good discussion.

My favorite quote ever on Sesame Street, "Asking Questions is Good Way to Find Things Out!"

 

[burnsoc]

I too have been enjoying your thought provoking threads. I hope you didn't think otherwise. Sometimes it's difficult to tell a persons tone from written words. Keep 'em coming!

 

[larry_poppins]

IMHO The members' homecoming is a good example of how the new Disney works.

The old Disney strove to make cutting edge attractions for the WHOLE family that could not be found anywhere else. Disney was a creative company.

The new Disney is a marketing company. Every move they make is designed to get the most money from their captive audience. They no longer creat the way they used to do. THe now buy standard rides from amusement park vendors and decorate them.
They market items to their captive audience like Pal Mickey, pin collecting, beanie babies, etc... Members Homecoming is just more of the same

Eisner is squeezing more cash from us to pay for ABC Family network and ABC tv. His true passion.

Just my imho

Larry

I hope those who go to the Homecoming have a great time!

 

[pirateeast]

With the dates chosen for this event at the opening of SSR I would have to say this is for long term members. A way to show case how far DVC has come over the years and where DVC is going. I’m sure they are hoping to impress old members and get them to add on more points, if not Disney isn’t doing their job.

Far as members not having room I’m not sure the new SSR owners would have much to do with that with most not being able to get their room till after June 1st, unless I have miss read all the info giving to me by Disney and the DIS boards. So unsure how much of an impact they would have for this event far as DVC rooms go. (Yes I know there are a few that could book before June 1st but most had to go after June 1st.)

Now the price of this event I have to agree with most that it sure is pricey and I’m sure Disney isn’t losing anything off this deal. But if I was able to change my plans and make it during that time I would take advantage of this for no other reason then to see how Disney throws a party.

 

[Gigashadow]

Unless DVC worked out a deal with The Department of Education's vacation dates for schools, I believe that they left out a large chunk of the member base that would have loved to participate and enjoy this member event, but won't pull kids out of school for it. It wasn't really an option or choice for us.

 

[Towncrier]

I just wish that DVD had done something similar for the Grand Opening of the Beach Club Villas. The timing would have been much better for us (as we have two children in high school and our school administrators look unfavorably upon parents who take their kids out of school for vacations).

Hope everyone has a wonderful time. I can't wait to hear all about it. Second hand. Cause I won't be there.

 

[Melrosgirl]

I chose Other...I think the short notice (short notice as far as DVC vacation planning goes) makes it more for retired people and/or those without school aged children.

 

[Kick it up a notch!]

You left out the disney corporation. They are the ones who stand to gain when the rooms are filled!!!!!

 

[cgcw]

Originally posted by DrTomorrow
if you listen to the group that went on the Member Cruise, they had a spectacular time, and expect a similar outcome for MH.

I think this group was originally the "target" audience. The cruise was a success and I suspect DVC is trying to match the positive feedback they received afterwards.

We did not go on the member cruise but I read great things about it here and saw one of the members scrapbook. It is what sold me on attending the Member Homecoming. We will be taking our DS9 out of school in order to attend. I know for certain if it had been arranged for June, July or August, we would not have been interested. WDW in the summer with the crowd is not something appealing to us.

 

[mrsdon]

I dont understand some DVC members. They whine andcomplain becaue they aren't getting special discounts or feel they are owed something because they are members. Then when DVC plans a special event they whine and moan, because the dates dont suit there life or other things.
It the homecoming was planned around Christmas, i would not be alble to go as that is a really busy time of the year at my job. I would never complain about poor planning on Disneys part and accuse them of leaving everyone who works retail unable to go,
I get the feeling mo matter when they plan something some people would not be happy.
I think it sounds like a lot of fun and I wish I could go,
Its just not in the budget for me.

 

[LIFERBABE]

I think it benefits........ME!

It may be marketing, it may be a member funded opening event, but I am not a member of the press or travel industry and normally that's who gets invited to these events.

DVD could have went that route and threw a grand party for all their industry friends like they did for Mission Space. In return, they would have received a ton of advertising. Yes they will receive much advertising from us also but that's more subjective

It's a matter of perceived value. Some people spend hundreds of dollars on a meal, or concierge service and swear by it when you can go to Sam's Club and buy a whole box of similar hors d'ouevers for $12 bucks. Some people purchased DVC although they could stay at the Rodeway Inn for $30 bucks a night. I purchased Member Homecoming tickets and will skip V&A's and Fulton's and the Rodeway.

DVC knew this event could not accomodate everyone and they didnt even try. It was basically, IF YOU'RE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD STOP ON BY MH. They don't even have to try. At their current occupancy, even if less than half of 1% of the guests decide to attend they've sold out. (rough est.)

There will be members that will arrive on those days and know nothing about MH and purchase tickets to attend.(if available)

Texas doesnt allow a Referral Bonus for it's residents so that's not applicable for me.

Edward my head still hurts from the last thread! No fair making us think!

 

[Patricia]

I have to agree with mrsdon. I am happy just knowing that the DVC continues to find inventive ways to keep us interested. The timing or idea they come up with is unlikely to fit all of our lives. I just looked at the pamplet and wished I could have been there, guess I am a simpleton... maybe next time. But these events are not likely to be held in the summer time and retirement is a long way off for me... oh well. Hope those who are lucky enough to go have a wonderful time!

 

[BCVOwner2002]

We already had a vacation planned during Home Coming but still not sure if we will attend or not. While I think this will benefit DVCers I also believe DVD will benefit. Great marketing ploy! Get people all excited about being there and maybe they will open their wallets again! Annmarie