No more West End Gallery!!

[moomy-san]

I just got off the phone with DCL to inquire about our purchase from West End Gallery (yes, I was foolish and purchased on-board!) and was given some news that should make EVERYONE on these boards VERY happy. DCL is taking over the art sales and auctions on their ships!! (effective this week I think she said) WEG is done.
I called WEG this morning before I called DCL and was given the 'new shipment in 3 weeks' line, but since I've read so many people have been fed that line I decided to just throw in the towel. I can get the same print on E-Bay.

 

[MickeyManiacMom]

Oh I hope this is true! I set sail next Saturday and now I will go to the art auction and look seriously at purchasing!

 

[wcw57]

HOORAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!



and I never even bought from them....you could just TELL they were sleazy

 

[engle]

HOORAY!!! We were JUST talking about this since we cruise on May 3rd!!! I have a $50 off coupon from WEG (to make up for my troubles...yeah, it doesn't!!!) but I may still bring it and see if they will honor it if I find something....but if they don't that is FINE cuz I am soooooo done with WEG!!!! Great news! Thanks for sharing!!

 

[stargazertechie]

So glad to see Disney giving them the boot!

 

[bombygriz]

I'm singing this right now!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYzOQFpGPYE

 

[Bullseyebaby]

I was one of those people who waited, and waited and waited... for my art piece. Glad to hear the "news".... maybe someone from DCL actually reads the boards and realizes that all of us are their best customers($$$), so why not make us happy and use a reputable company (or better yet, do it themselves!). I can't wait to see if this is true.... we are sailing in June and I can now attend the auction and not be afraid to bid!

 

[Tammyepolytinkfan]

Hurrah! This is great news!
I will definately go to an art auction on my upcoming cruise now since it will not be WEG and will be DISNEY!!!!

 

[kcashner]

Well, this is the second company they've dumped. Maybe they'll get the idea and just do it "Disney" now!

 

[moomy-san]

Well, this is the second company they've dumped. Maybe they'll get the idea and just do it "Disney" now!

Thats what the girl told me- that Disney is doing it all themselves now!!

 

[anna08]

Awesome! Now I'll actually take the time to look at the pieces! Great news!

 

[tchrrx]

Woo-hoo! Now, we just need Disney to realize that they could take over the photography and sell Photopass CDs themselves for a better price.

 

[moomy-san]

I just got a phone call from DCL and they graciously refunded the $$ i spent on the print. He also confirmed what I had been told last week- DCL is now running an art gallery on board similar to what you'd find in the parks.
I have found the same print on ebay for @ $85 dollars less that what I paid on the ship... I am a happy camper this Monday morning!!

 

[SallySkelington]

yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees!!!

 

[genmasjoy]

I think the cruise lines should do away with art auctions entirely. It's not a good idea to make such an expensive purchase on an impulse.

 

[moomy-san]

I think the cruise lines should do away with art auctions entirely. It's not a good idea to make such an expensive purchase on an impulse.

My purchase was not at the auction and it was definitely not an impulse. I walked past the print every day 2-4 times and agonized over it. I finally decided that if after 5 days I still wanted it so badly I should buy it.
Many people we spoke to had budgeted big $$$ for the auction.

 

[noahsmom]

DCL used to do their own silent auctions. We purchased framed pressed pennies (they used to have them either at the port or on the ship not sure which, but discontinued because it contrasted with the cash free atmosphere), and 5 yards of Animators Palate fabric. Glad to see they are doing it again!

 

[Petals & Pixie Dust]

SO GLAD TO HEAR THIS!
Will stock make it to the Wonder in Alaska?

 

[UmmGooD]

I think the cruise lines should do away with art auctions entirely. It's not a good idea to make such an expensive purchase on an impulse.

Does Disney sell anything at their parks or ships that isn't based on impulse, art or not? If you wait you can get almost anything at the parks significantly cheaper just because you don't have to have it right then.

 

[trimix]

SO GLAD TO HEAR THIS!
Will stock make it to the Wonder in Alaska?

Stock is already onboard! Where West End used to show their pictures, Disney had a collection of framed paintings (mostly giclees) for sale. The cheapest price I saw was $300, I didn't look for the most expensive!

I was very happy last Wednesday when I saw West End was gone!