New DVC Merchandise?

[CaptainMidnight]

Alright!!! I've been waiting for this type of information, right now it looks like only a couple of items, but maybe with success we'll be able to see some future clothing items like jackets and shirts with the DVC logo. This could be the start of something bigger. The info I just got said:

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Starting December 1, 2001, an exclusive collection of merchandise items will be made available only to Disney Vacation Club Members. The items are: a unique canvas travel bag for $40.00, a Mickey Hand luggage tag for $6.00, and a copy of the 2001 - 2002 Member Guidebook for $15.95. To purchase any of these new items, simply visit one of the Disney Vacation Club Resort general stores and present your Member ID Card. This merchandise can also be ordered through Walt Disney World® Mail Order by using a credit card, check, or money order. Email - wdw.mail.order@disney.com

 

[Sorcerer]

I got it too! Here's my question, though...why would I want to purchase the Member Guidebook (that I got for FREE a month ago) for $15.95? Is it a different guide? Anyone else confused by that?

I like the bag and the luggage tag, not sure if I want to pay those prices, though. They seem a tad steep to me.

 

[DebbieB]

I was wondering about the guidebook too. I'll check it out when we are there next week. Their items do tend to be pricey, they had a nice light jacket available (white w/navy) this spring but it was over $100.

 

[Granny]

Their items are pricey, but think about it. They are marketing to a pretty darn small group of people (in the scheme of things). Their sales per item will be much smaller than, say, the generic Disney stuff so they won't be able to buy in large quantity for as low of a price.

I haven't seen the stuff, but the luggage tags sound reasonable if they are nice.

As for offering the Member Guide Book......that's a complete mystery. Especially with members who haven't even received theirs yet from the original mailing!

 

[CaptainMidnight]

Well, actually I was considering a second copy of the guide book. We find ourselves referring to it regularly, and that way my extra copy won't burden other DVC members with additional costs.

As to the expense of the clothes? Yes, they are pricey. Perhaps larger volume sales would help bring the price down. I counldn't spring for the jacket, I saw the white getting stained pretty easily. I do have a couple of shirts and a sweatshirt and will probably buy more in the future.

 

[Disnydad]

At first I too asked why pay for what I already get for free? But, now that I think of it, a copy for my desk at work would be nice.

 

[Mary Ellen]

The 'members only' site has a picture of the items available and the book looks like the one we received recently.

 

[Doctor P]

My book is already falling apart and I have barely used it! Perhaps this was a great money making idea!

 

[PamOKW]

I've been waiting years to have some nice DVC items (not specific to the different resorts) to buy. I was excited by the e-mail and very disappointed to discover one of the three items was the Member Guidebook. I guess some of you are interested in purchasing a second copy but I almost took it as insulting that after all this time that counted as one of the "hot" items. Way, way back there was a very nice watch that I wore into the ground. Even the shot glasses they used to have would be welcome.

 

[Lesley]

I personally find it a bit tacky that they are promoting this as a (WOW!) exclusive member product

I have no problem with them offering extra copies for sale, but to pass it off as something new and cool is weird....to say the least. Seems typical of Disney these days though....

 

[msdis]

My book is already worn out too. Was wondering if they would send me another if I added on. Not the most economical way to get a new "free" book but what the hay!

 

[CaptainMidnight]

I have no problem with them offering extra copies for sale, but to pass it off as something new and cool is weird....to say the least. Seems typical of Disney these days though....

Great point, I didn't think of it that way. We've waited a very long time for DVC merchanidise, this doesn't make sense as a part of the list. The DVC clothing exists in the onsite stores, why not offer it to members? Putting up an info web page on the member site would't be that hard.

 

[Granny]

I agree with all that this is a pretty tacky promotion for DVD to peddle off some of their excess inventory.

I didn't get the luggage tags when I joined so I might be interested in them. But the tote bag and guide book.....

I also agree that it is really simple to put up a web page with visuals. They don't have to make it an on-line ordering page, just an on-line catalog with an 800 # to call to order. This seems like such a low cost, no brainer way to sell more of the stuff they already have inventory of at the resort stores!

Someone in DVD merchandise sales group needs a lesson in Marketing 101.

 

[lsutigger]

Okay, I didn't get the email and I know I've asked to be put on the list. Oh, well. For those of you who have worn out your member guidebook, a suggestion to make it last longer and maybe easier to use. If you take it to Office Depot or similar place they can "bind" it for you with either a plastic comb or a spiral and ask to have the cover laminated. I did this with a quilt book I used often and it really made a difference. If I remember correctly, it didn't even cost that much.

 

[DebbieB]

Arrived at BWV today, I stopped in the store in the lobby. They do not have the new merchandise yet. They did have a white & blue tote bag, the CM said it wasn't new. She said a couple of other people had inquired about it but she has not heard anything. I'll check back later in the week.

 

[Tomskatt]

Maybe in relation to what they sell world wide for generic Disney stuff, but c'mon! We are hardly a small group! If I can get better prices than this for fundraisers for a pre school than I know Disney and/or DVC is making some GOOD money on this merchandise! But again, what the traffic will bear!
Kathy