Merry Mixer dates???

[Disney Princess]

Personally I kinda wish they would do away with the Mixers altogether. Haven't taken a family vacation in December since 2004 and it sort of annoys me that only those who visit over a select 4-5 week period get to partake in these events.

We all pay our share of the dues and resorts are pretty darn full of members year-round. IMO, some effort should be made to offer special parties (with entertainment, character meets, free gifts, free refreshments, etc.) at other times of the year.

I see what you are saying. We went a few years ago at the end of December once the Mixers were already over. We really wanted an ornament, but we couldn't get one. We don't live in a city or even a state with a Doorway to Dreams store, so we can't pop over there to pick one up. I wish that they would allow you to request one if you wanted. I understand that they don't mail one out to each member as some probably wouldn't want/use/need one.

I do understand that it is impossible to plan an event of this magnitude to include every single member that travels using points at some point during the year. Minus the characters, I guess they are assuming that WHW counts as a weekly event with prizes, gifts, socializing, but even that does not happen at DLR, on ABD trips, or on cruises.

We are going earlier in December this year, so we hope we can experience a Mixer, at least once.

 

[Dizny Dad]

. . . . It sort of annoys me that only those who visit over a select 4-5 week period get to partake in these events.

We all pay our share of the dues and resorts are pretty darn full of members year-round. Imo, some effort should be made to offer special parties (with entertainment, character meets, free gifts, free refreshments, etc.) at other times of the year.

excellent point !!

 

[dianeschlicht]

I have to agree with Tim, and I think if DVD wanted to make nice with members, the best way would be to just mail a DVC ornament to each member each year. It would likely be a lot cheaper than their parties, and much more appreciated!

 

[bobbiwoz]

I have to agree with Tim, and I think if DVD wanted to make nice with members, the best way would be to just mail a DVC ornament to each member each year. It would likely be a lot cheaper than their parties, and much more appreciated!

I would be happy to receive the ornament in the mail, but I do like meeting other DVC members. I've chatted with a few at the Wednesday meetings, and made a friend at one party that took place during one summer. It was held in DTD, and they had some people giving chair massages to introduce you to the services offered by SSR's spa.

I've been sad that I couldn't go to other parties they have had, but I've never thought that life would be better if they didn't have them since everyone couldn't attend.

Bobbi

 

[CT_Bev&Jeff]

Although my DW and I have only attended one Merry Mixer two years ago when it was held at near the boardwalk entrance at Epcot, We had a wonderful time standing in line chatting with people and the Disney Officials.

I hope they continue them and I hope that we can continue to attend them when our schedules permit. There are plenty of other DVC items that my wife and I do not partake in, this is one we do.

I don't expect top shelf items to be given to me by Disney, I expect a nice time, friendly people, and fun. If I want an expensive ornament, I would go purchase one. There are many things at Disney to keep one entertained and happy. I hope that you all find the things that make you smile!

CT_Jeff

 

[disneynutz]

Personally I kinda wish they would do away with the Mixers altogether. Haven't taken a family vacation in December since 2004 and it sort of annoys me that only those who visit over a select 4-5 week period get to partake in these events.

We all pay our share of the dues and resorts are pretty darn full of members year-round. IMO, some effort should be made to offer special parties (with entertainment, character meets, free gifts, free refreshments, etc.) at other times of the year.

Apparently the marketing effort pays off more in December then other months.

Bill

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

The last one I went to had a few snacks (After my fellow DVC members treated it like "Halloween" and LOADED thier bags with 10 or 15 cookies! I stood there and watched two families stock up for the coming famine), LONG LONG LONG lines to buy "special stuff" (Uh.. I don't stand in line to give you cash LOL!) and a sales pitch.

The Christmas Ornament was nice, but I won't bother again.

 

[n2mm]

I have to agree with Tim, and I think if DVD wanted to make nice with members, the best way would be to just mail a DVC ornament to each member each year. It would likely be a lot cheaper than their parties, and much more appreciated!

I absolutely AGREE! I choose not to go in December because I find it too crowded for us. So the folks who go for 1 week get to partake in these events, while folks like me who choose 4 different times of the year to go get nothing. I would prefer they just mail the ornament to everyone. Afterall, how many ornaments get given to non-members during these events....ALOT. They just hand them to you as you're leaving and never ask if you're a member or not. I had my adult kids with me for the one and only time I went and they got the ornament too. So there are alot of non-members walking around with stuff that should've been mailed to the actual members.

And on that note, I feel the same way about the passholder system too. I just read that passholders can pick up a 2012 calendar in December. What's that all about? Not all of us are local. Why can't they just mail them out to one per household (we are a family of 6 Passholders). Heck, the renewal bill finds me each year just fine. I know participating in passholder events is luck of the draw, but when they give away a lanyard, pin, calendar, the non-locals lose out.

OK, I'm done.

 

[disneynutz]

The reason that DVD puts on the Merry Mixer and Welcome Home Wednesdays is to make you feel good and to get you to purchase a add on contract. It is a proven fact that when someone gives you something, it makes you want to buy. An example is "free" dining. Disney could deeply discount the rooms to try to fill the place up but people respond better to a full price room and some free food. Buying only works well if you are there ready to sign the contract so mailing gifts to every member would be a waste of money in the eyes of the marketing department.

Bill

 

[Disney Princess]

And on that note, I feel the same way about the passholder system too. I just read that passholders can pick up a 2012 calendar in December. What's that all about? Not all of us are local. Why can't they just mail them out to one per household (we are a family of 6 Passholders). Heck, the renewal bill finds me each year just fine. I know participating in passholder events is luck of the draw, but when they give away a lanyard, pin, calendar, the non-locals lose out.

OK, I'm done.

What? Is that the calendar that they sell in the parks? I already purchased mine in October, but I could have gotten it for free? We're going back in December. Maybe I need one for my office too.

 

[erionm]

Looks like the 2011 Merry Member Mixers will take place on the first 4 Thursdays in December. They will be held in the World Showplace in Epcot from 3pm to 5pm. This is per the pin page at disneypins.com.

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/pintrading/pin?id=60375

 

[tjkraz]

Looks like the 2011 Merry Member Mixers will take place on the first 4 Thursdays in December. They will be held in the World Showplace in Epcot from 3pm to 5pm. This is per the pin page at disneypins.com.

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/pintrading/pin?id=60375

The time and place is correct. Dates are 11/29, 12/6, 12/13 and 12/20. Found out about this a few days ago and wasn't supposed to say anything until Wednesday but I guess the cat is out of the bag.

 

[carlbarry]

The time and place is correct. Dates are 11/29, 12/6, 12/13 and 12/20. Found out about this a few days ago and wasn't supposed to say anything until Wednesday but I guess the cat is out of the bag.

Those days are Tuesdays. The Disney site says Thursdays.

 

[tjkraz]

Those days are Tuesdays. The Disney site says Thursdays.

Then the Disney pin site is incorrect.

 

[disneynutz]

Then the Disney pin site is incorrect.

Any idea why Disney holds back on releasing dates? I don't see a benefit for them and it only causes the attendees to delay their planning.

Bill

 

[bbluvsdis]

Can anyone give me an idea of what this event is like? We have never been and if the date is 12/6 for us that will mean cancelling our tea at the GF. Just wondering if it is worth it. Is there a sales pitch or is it really a mixer for members? Thanks for the input!

 

[tjkraz]

Any idea why Disney holds back on releasing dates? I don't see a benefit for them and it only causes the attendees to delay their planning.

Bill

It hasn't been long--just a couple of days since everything was confirmed. I've said this before but it's my understanding that Disney's event planners won't commit dates and location until the 11th hour due to the possibility of booking a more profitable event in any given space.

As for the couple days' delay in getting word out, if I had to guess I'd say DVC will probably announce it via their Facebook page tomorrow, too.

 

[disneynutz]

Can anyone give me an idea of what this event is like? We have never been and if the date is 12/6 for us that will mean cancelling our tea at the GF. Just wondering if it is worth it. Is there a sales pitch or is it really a mixer for members? Thanks for the input!

Go to the tea.

It's put on by DVD Marketing. A bunch of DVC owners will line up, enter a big tent, stand in lines to get a drink, then stand in line to get a cookie. There will be a line to meet a Disney character. Music will be playing and kids will dance on a dance floor. There are Guides there to sell contracts. Probably a drawing for something and maybe a Christmas ornament as you leave the tent.

It's only 2 hours long, nice to do one time unless you have nothing else to do.

Bill

 

[Dizny Dad]

The MIXER part of Merry Mixer is where DVC members talk to each other when standing in line . . . .

 

[Luv2trav]

I enjoyed the Merry Mixer the one and only time I went. When we went it was just outside International Gateway. I didn't stand in line for pins or anything like that because I am not a collector. Only negative is you need to get there early for a spot to sit down. Hopefully they have more seating in new location. Cookies were OK.. not the best but OK.

The best part in my opinion was my kids had a great time dancing and taking pictures with the characters. The lines were MUCH MUCH shorter than in the parks and that alone made it worth it.

I plan on doing it again this year. Hey it's free!! Why not? I love that its in Epcot this year on the day we planned on being there.