New member guidebook...

[lenshanem]

So I was a littel bummed to hear we aren't getting new guidebooks cause I only ahve one since we joined in May and I was looking forward to seeing soem SSR stuff in a new one. (I read you used to get a new one each year? Is that right?)
So it sounds like we are just getting a new points book.
I know thsi will probabbly save DVc money (dues), but I was wondering...
Couldn't they coem up with a ring binder with the guidebook in it and just send new poinst charts for us to switch out and new pages to replace for any updates?
Sounds liek a good idea to me...

 

[jaysue]

Must have missed the news - so no 2004-05 guidebook?

Thanks
jaysue

 

[mickeyc]

I did not know they were not sending out new books. However, DVC did use binders at one time. You only had to replace the updated pages. I thought they switched because the books were less expensive.

I don't have a preference for one over the other--I would vote for whichever is cheaper in order to reduce operating cost.

 

[Richyams]

I liked the binder better. I really think here reason for changing it was their changing rules. They didn't want people to have such easy access to information about older, better percs.

I can't imagine that a bound book is cheaper than the twenty or so pages that they sent us each year to update our book.

 

[PamOKW]

That's funny that you'd like a binder! There have only been two bound issues of the Member Guidebook. I think it probably was a cost savings because they no longer have to issue the binders -- which were probably the most expensive part of the project!

 

[goofy4dvc]

Originally posted by PamOKW
That's funny that you'd like a binder! There have only been two bound issues of the Member Guidebook. I think it probably was a cost savings because they no longer have to issue the binders -- which were probably the most expensive part of the project!

Yes, but they only had to give the binder to you once, then just update the pages. Over several years, I'm sure it would have been cheaper. Of course, there are those who probably NEVER put in the new pages and pulled the old pages, but it sounds like most of us are obsessive/compulsive types who would changes the pages as directed.

When we first joined, we got the notebook. I kept my points chart in the notebook. Then when they sent out the bound book, I had to keep my points chart somewhere else. So I'm with Richyams in liking the binder best. Also if you needed to a page, it was easier to do as a loose page rather than in a bound book. And it's easier to read when the pages lay flat.

The bound book was okay if they were going to keep updating it with new pictures and other stuff of interest.

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

I still have my binder and the bound books. My original plan was to punch holes in the bound books , tear them apart and insert them in the binder...unfortunately I've never been motivated enough to actually do it...plus they screwed up the formatting of the latest bound book.

I'm wondering if they are passing on new books just for this year...after all new members must be getting something.

 

[Coach Rick]

I know I just look forward to read something about Disney, but I could certainly understand the desire to save, after all, how many way's can they describe the resorts? That said, I have worn my 2 guide books out pretty good. Everytime someone comes to visit they get a tour.

 

[JimC]

I suspect that the most economical route is to do away with the books and use the member guidebook on the web site. No printing, handling or shipping costs what so ever. It is easier to update and distribute. Couple that with the e-newsletter we get and they could eventually cease all snail mail communication. They could even e-mail reservation confirmations.

On that possibility I am torn, I actually like both (glossy Disney materials -- which I habitually keep and the electronic versions -- for quick reference).

I just had a funny (well maybe not so funny) thought -- what if they created tiered maintenance fees -- a premium level that includes glossy materials distributed and other snail mail communication and a lower all electronic communication level.

I need to go back to bed and get some more sleep!

 

[Granny]

I guess you can put me in the very small minority that would prefer to see them eliminate the costs of the books and use the web site as a "living" member guide book...updating it whenever it needs it rather than just once per year.

I guess I've gotten so used to using the internet as a resource that it wouldn't bother me.

On the other hand, I don't have a computer monitor in my personal "library".

 

[dianeschlicht]

I LOVE my ring binder from DVC, and still use it by updating points pages etc, and putting them in it. The problem is, my binder is wearing out!

 

[MaryJ]

I suspect we were one of the last to receive a binder, and I must say I prefer it to the bound book. With the binder I could print off other info that I'd find about DVC (from these boards mostly), three hole punch them and put them in the binder too.

 

[RobDoc]

Originally posted by lenshanem
So I was a littel bummed to hear we aren't getting new guidebooks cause I only ahve one since we joined in May and I was looking forward to seeing soem SSR stuff in a new one.

Just curious where you got this information??

When we had the ring binder guidebooks, we did not get a new one each year- only updates for any information that had changed.

I'm certain whatever form the guidebooks take in the future, we will have access to the same information as in the past. Only the method of delivering the information will change- not the quantity or quality of information. I'm also confident that we will have all pertinent information for all DVC resorts- including SSR in this and future guidebooks.

 

[lenshanem]

Darn Doc, now I'm trying to find my source. Surely I didn't dream it. Was it in the recent clubhouse email? I didn't save it and it is not archived yet on DVC's website. I also tried the search function on here, but it is disabled. I thought I read that in place of a new guidebook they would be sending us a vacation planning supplement or something like that with new point charts. I also thought I read it been discussed about on this board. Maybe I'm just going insane?!? Anyone help me out here? Jeez...

 

[pwwhitehead]

New Member Guidebook companion coming
Members always look forward to receiving their Member Guidebook for planning vacations. Well, now there's something even better to look forward to. Introducing the Vacation Planner, a new companion to the Member Guidebook that makes planning your next magical getaway faster and easier. That's because your Vacation Planner will focus on Vacation Point charts along with key pieces of information on making, changing, and canceling reservations. By streamlining content and not repeating resort information that doesn't change much from year to year, this useful new book will be much easier to navigate. Look for it to arrive in your home next month. Be sure to hold on to your Member Guidebook, which remains a great reference source for information about your Membership. Happy planning!

This appears to be the quote you are refering to. The start aooears to suggest that the new Vacation Planner will be in addition to the Member Guidebook. However later on the passage states the content being streamlined to prevent repeating resort information. To my mind it appears that we will not another guidebook the quote "Hold on to your guidebook" states this.

 

[RobDoc]

Thanks, pwwhitehead.

In my discussion with a friend from DVC 2 weeks ago, I got the same suggestion and had reported it here, but had not seen anything from DVC yet. Your quote confirms the new planner. No rumor there at all!

New members who purchase thru DVC will still get a Member Guidebook. The Planner will supplement that. I wouldn't be surprised to find that, in the future, resale members may need to purchase a guidebook, if desired, unless they get the original from their seller with the purchase.

I'm still very confident that information about new DVC resorts and any changes to existing programs will be updated in the planner and on the DVC website. I know that added emphasis will be placed on the Member's Only website for current information.

 

[Mouse Ears]

The bound Member Guidebook is of decent quality, but there's no way its going to last 40-50 years!!!

I hope they will send a new guidebook on request for those of us who wear it out and want to keep our 'library' copy!

 

[lenshanem]

Thanks so much for backing me up pwwhitehead. Where was that info? I knew I read it, but couldn't recall for the life of me from where. I surely don't want to be one to cause any untrue rumors!

 

[pwwhitehead]

Happy to back you up Lenshanem. I copied this from the September Member Clubhouse e-mail.

I also hope they do replace the guidebooks again, say every three years. I have no problem with this so long as they update the guidebook online. I see on the DVC site this still shows the 2002-2003 guidebook!

I was hoping to see the info and points regarding SSR. Will have to wait and see what transpires

 

[BCVOwner2002]

Can you say CHEAP??? Come on! I recently purchased 300 - 3" D-lock heavy duty binders for a project at work and they cost $2.75 each! Considering there are over 75,000 members DVD would get a much better deal than I did! Annmarie