Member Update 12/15

[tjkraz]

Attended the member update today. Here are a few "official" comments from the meeting:

- Upon arrival each attendee was given a free trading pin. I'm not into pins, but it didn't look like anything special. It was attached to a small card that explained pin trading, so I assume it was a fairly standard starter pin. DW and I each got different ones--a Mickey and a Minnie. Neither said anything about DVC.
- Over 86,000 members.
- Lots of info about AP discount...using points at non-DVC destinations...someone from the spa said a few words about the spa offerings and DVC discount, etc.
- Personally I thought they still laid it on kinda thick about add-ons, buying more points, current promotions, etc. Didn't give me any reason to buy more points, but even with the "informational" format of the meeting, they didn't miss a beat in remining people that points are available!
- When asked about table service restaurant at SSR, the response was that nothing was planned. In what sounded like an oft-repeated response, the CM stated that with DD being so close, the decision was made to create Artist's Palette in its current form. As the resort grows they will continue to "evaluate" the situation. But at present, there are no official plans to add another dining option.
- They did a nice job of summarizing all of the upcoming attractions / changes at the theme parks. Pieces on 'Soarin', 'Lights, Motors, Action!', 'Expedition Everest' and the new MK Castle stage show were included. Each had a 20-30 second video clip with info about the attraction I hadn't seen elsewhere.
- They gave away about a dozen prizes during the meeting--a handful of ice scrapers, travel alarm clock, toiletry bag, photo album, etc. People received gifts at random for answering questions, and then they drew cards from a box to award the last 5-6 items.
- Upon departure, they handed each attendee a map to the model rooms at Congress Park along with a "DVC Member" static cling decal. The decal was a very pleasant surprise. It's one of those things that you really wish you could get somewhere, but they never seem to offer. We walked out behind a guy who was literally hooting a hollering over the decal.

The meeting is definitely worth an hour of your time if you can work it into your touring plan. 4pm every Wednesday at the SSR Theater.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I kind of wish they would have done something like that after the annual meetings! I always liked the member updates we had on Tuesdays at OKW.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Thanks for the info tjkraz!

 

[lenshanem]

Did people bring their kids???

 

[JKLLady]

Shan:

I brought my two kids to the Member Update @ SSR in July & I wasn't the only one! DD is 18 & DS is 7; the other kids at the meeting ranged from toddler to my daughter's age.

 

[tjkraz]

There were a few kids at this week's meeting. It was a solid hour long, so as long as they can handle some of the drab DVC stuff for that long, I'm sure you'll be fine.

 

[Caskbill]

Nice report tjkraz. We were there too. DW got one of the ice scrapers for being closest guess to how many current members there were. However, being reminded we'll be going back to where it can be ice and snow was not a pleasant thought..

Missed the decal. We hung around inside for awhile chatting with others and guess they stopped handing them out by the time we left. Oh well....next time.

Might point out that the meeting was given by the DVC Sales people which definitely explains the empasis on points.

Only things I remember that you didn't mention were the Animated Dinosaur that will be touring at WDW in the near future. It's a little larger than the average person, is pulling a cart, can sign autographs, and will steal park maps.

Also one of the DVC travel people was there and talked a little about trading DVC for II resorts. You can get to the II trades directly from the member website following a link. The II page you get shows only those resorts eligible to trade with DVC.

 

[JudithM]

I kind of wish they would have done something like that after the annual meetings!

reminds me ... We used to get little gifts after the annual meetings - refirgerator magnet/photo frame, DVC pins to trade, posters, etc.