Was "Live" now great memories from the 2006 DVC Member Cruise

[Babs417]

Some people just like to complain. Just like in a reasturant! Just try to enjoy the monent.

 

[Donna]

I may get flamed for this, but it makes me so mad that people complain about the gifts we were given.
They didnt have to give us a thing. I loved all the signage and thought it was great. Again, DVC didnt have to do anything.
I liked being able to see the merchandise in the gift shop before buying it and found it worked better...
Just because Jim Lewis was on the ship and giving a talk doesnt mean that he had to make a big announcement. It would have been great if he had, but it was still interesting to hear his talk.
I thought the cruise was awesome and cant wait until they announce a new one.

Debbie,
So glad you all had a good time! Darla sent over Adie and Lisa's report and it sure sounded like you guys know how to have fun! we were booked on the cruise but cancelled to do food and wine the same time as Darla. Maybe DVC will do a 7 day sometime!

 

[bonzie1]

Hi All! We returned last night and made it into work today.

A special "HI!" to Julie + Matt! Have a wonderful wedding tomorrow!

Thanks to all who have posted pictures!

We definitely had fun and would like to return again should they announce a 2007 Member Cruise.

Mary, thanks for your recap. You were right on the money.

Our highlights this year were the speakers, and the entertainment. Jason Surrell, Bonnie - the inspirational speaker was Fabulous, ROY DISNEY was a thrill. I think Jim Lewis scripted talk held Roy back a bit, but nonetheless, it was wonderful to hear him speak. The Ambassador's talk was great too. Of course the ENTERTAINMENT was over the top.

The game show On the Nose had me very upset. While the facts they presented were fun and interesting, the sales pitch was unnecessary. I would have rather gone to hear Jason's POC presentation a second time. I felt I wasted 1 1/2 hours of prime time. They should have allowed us to get on Castaway Cay earlier. After venting to my DH, I was able to calm down and enjoy Castaway Cay which was BEAUTIFUL!

I enjoyed meeting the different heads of DVC, but was very disappointed that there was not more news. Disney already had a press release of AKL being the next timeshare... but enough on that.

The gifts were very nice. Our luggage was packed to the gills!

My personal thoughts were it would have been more thematic if they moved Golden Mickeys to another night. Here we all were in Pirate costumes... and Golden Ears were given out (for the 50th anniversary... which was already ended )... too funny! (but, yes, the ears did go with Golden Mickeys) They could have shown Disney Dreams on Pirate Night. We had already received the pirate chest gift at the POC II premiere in NYC, and thought it was a limited edition, so we were disappointed that more of them were given out on the Member Cruise.

We loved seeing familiar cast members and fellow cruisers. They made everything more special.

Four days was definitely too short. A week long cruise would be better!

 

[MarkRG]

I sure hope Disney doesn't pay attentio to this post!!! It would have been a simple matter to buy another bag of some sort, or even ask for a carton one could seal shut and take as luggage.

The fact was for a large percentage of the ship, there simply wasn't time/availability.

For Mary and myself, no big deal, we drove. For anyone who had time after the cruise, also no big deal. We ran into someone tonight here at Boardwalk who shipped their two albums home. We were told that their box of gifts weighed out at about 30 lbs!! And I believe that, as I said when I posted it, my picture did no justice to how substantial that gift is.

The albums were put into our staterooms while we were off at dinner or the show. Most probably didn't even go back to the rooms in between, as the last nights show with Jodi and Jennifer was probably the best or a good tie with the Roy talk. That leaves about an hour to figure out how to get that much extra off the ship for anyone who is flying home with direct tranfers to the airport, as you have to have all your luggage outside your stateroom by 11 for transfer to the terminal the following morning. And don't forget that 50 lb airline limit on bags. I don't know off the top of my head how many staterooms the ship has, but I doubt that the gift shops come anywhere near having enough luggage to buy to cover that, especially in that short a time. I wouldn't be surprised to hear they sold out of anything baglike. And they don't have any kind of pack&ship onboard either, so that wasn't an option, wish it was different.

Now, mind you, this didn't exactly kill the enjoyment of this trip. Just felt a bit bad for all the people who did have to do a mad scramble at the last minute for such a substantial item, or even outright abandon them.

Mary said it so much better, but I'd like to focus on one word that made this DVC event a bit less to the last few cruises.

Details.

There simply wasn't a lot of that. Some fantastic broad sweeping gestures, yes, and they were appreciated, and made it fun. On the flip side, things like the embarkation picture having the standard 4-day Wonder border, listing Nassau as one of our stops just wasn't right. And there were more, but refer to Mary's post about all of that. I was just listing that as an example to make my point that the details of these events are as important to me as the larger efforts. They give a sense of care and friendlyness that, outside of our DIS friends, was somewhat lacking this trip.

 

[nanajoyx2]

DH and I had a wonderful time on the cruise. We attended the second On The Nose gathering and we didn't notice any hard sell at all. Maybe TPTB were listening and they changed their tactics. We also loved the gifts but were concerned about how to get them home on the plane. Our flight was at 3:30 Thursday afternoon, so we went to the UPS store in Celebration and shipped the Mickey boxes and the photo/scrapbook albums home. It cost me about $28 to do this and they will arrive on Tuesday. It made things much easier and brought our number of carry-ons from 6 down to 3 - a much more manageable number. It was wonderful to meet so many of the members of the Member Cruise 2006 thread. I wish I had met more of you. Our dinner companions, Tina, Tim, Krystina, Haylee, Genie, and John were great. DH and I really enjoyed our conversations and your company. And I also must mention all the goodies given to us by several of the members. After I gather everything together (some of the items were placed in the Mickey boxes being shipped home), I will post a thank you message. It was fun to receive gifts at the BC meet and to find items in my fish while on board.

Elaine

 

[Minnie&Mickey]

It sounds like for the most part you all had a wonderful time. I am still hoping that my husband and I will get to try the next Member Cruise. From what I understand, there was no mention of a Member Cruise for 2007 while on the ship. Is the next DVC Cruise normally announced while on the ship? Since it wasn't mentioned, does this mean that there probably won't be one in 2007?

 

[bonzie1]

The Wonder has been chartered mid October in 2007... might just be the next DVC Member Cruise... BUT there was no announcement about it.

 

[MarkRG]

The only two pieces of concrete info we have is:

What Georgie just said, the Wonder is chartered for the Oct 21st, 2007.

And, someone at the Member Clubhouse said to look for an announcement in the mail in about a month.

I can tell you right now, they announce another and Mary and I will be there

 

[Minnie&Mickey]

The only two pieces of concrete info we have is:

What Georgie just said, the Wonder is chartered for the Oct 21st, 2007.

And, someone at the Member Clubhouse said to look for an announcement in the mail in about a month.

I can tell you right now, they announce another and Mary and I will be there

I guess I will keep crossing my fingers and wishing for a 2007 DVC Member Cruise.

 

[cgcw]

we're finally home and settling in after a sidetrip for the weekend to Michigan.

The absolute highlight of our trip was spending time with all our DIS friends. It was absolutely the best to see friends we met on previous trips as well as friends that I hope to vacation with again.

The highlight of the DVC side was the presentation by Roy Disney. Our 12 year old didn't want to attend and went with because we told him he didn't have a choice. As we were walking out of the theatre, he told me he was glad that he went. It was a once in a lifetime opprotunity that had many in our group reaching for their kleenex.

Will we sail DCL again?? Definately!! Will we sail on another DVC Member Cruise? Sadly, we're leaning more towards not doing another one again. The gifts were awesome but the overall feel (for me, IMO) was very different from last year. I'm glad we had the opprotunity to express our comments to DVC on their survey -- I hope for those sailing again on another member cruise, the DVC Planning listen to the feedback offered.

 

[bonzie1]

we're finally home and settling in after a sidetrip for the weekend to Michigan.

The absolute highlight of our trip was spending time with all our DIS friends. It was absolutely the best to see friends we met on previous trips as well as friends that I hope to vacation with again.

The highlight of the DVC side was the presentation by Roy Disney. Our 12 year old didn't want to attend and went with because we told him he didn't have a choice. As we were walking out of the theatre, he told me he was glad that he went. It was a once in a lifetime opprotunity that had many in our group reaching for their kleenex.

Will we sail DCL again?? Definately!! Will we sail on another DVC Member Cruise? Sadly, we're leaning more towards not doing another one again. The gifts were awesome but the overall feel (for me, IMO) was very different from last year. I'm glad we had the opprotunity to express our comments to DVC on their survey -- I hope for those sailing again on another member cruise, the DVC Planning listen to the feedback offered.

WELCOME HOME! Glad you made it back safe and sound!

Do you, or does anyone know of a specific address to write to DVC to share comments about the cruise, both positive, and otherwise, along with suggestions for future events? I'm looking for a specific address to be sure the letter will be read. i.e. DVC Special Events, Jim Lewis

As I posted earlier, we enjoyed the cruise... what was there not to enjoy!

The speakers were phenominal. Roy Disney was once in a lifetime. The gifts were nice. I may have set my sights too high for this cruise, or perhaps DH and I are into Disney events too much. For a cruise which was supposed to be about DVC's 15th birthday celebrating milestones, I didn't catch the link between the theme and the execution. Yes the pins reflected the theme, like words on paper. But the only glimpse into the future was the animated short that Roy Disney worked on and the news that the Wildlife series will be released as a part of Disney's Treasures (which we went out and reserved as soon as we got back home). If Roy Disney hadn't announced either of those things, we would have had no new news from DVC.

We had already received 2 of the stateroom gifts, and while they were nice (golden ears + treasure chest), we didn't expect to receive them again. We received the chest, which we love, when we went to the paid event Pirates in the Big Apple, where we saw Jason Surrell, and got to see the midnight premiere of Dead Man's Chest. It was a fun time. At the end we were presented with a nice gold package, which when opened, showed a replica of Davy Jone's Locker. We were thrilled! I thought that would be unique for those of us who went to the premiere. Of course we were disappointed to see them again in our stateroom on this cruise.

Last year's themes carried into the dining rooms on board as well as the theater. This year's themes competed with the dining room + the theater. Pirates Night being the same as Golden Mickeys. To have a photo shoot dressed in Pirate gear with a formal Mickey + Minnie? To have a Bon Voyage picture without a special backdrop... to have Bahamas on the border?

AGAIN, THE CREW + CASTMEMBERS WERE FANTASTIC!

We will go on the next cruise. Why? Because we do love them. Yes, we know they cost more, and that the increased costs do pay for the tips and our stateroom goodies. I would just welcome the chance to share my thoughts DVC with the hopes that future cruises can be even more special. We love Disney and DVC, and want to come on a special cruise to learn NEW things and special announcements, not hear about things we already know about DVC.

 

[Diana Lyn]

Hi everyone!

We got home last night on a flight where after we landed, the flight attendant described the landing as cross between Star Tours and the TOT.

First off the highlight of this entire vacation for me was the friendships made. It really was the greatest time ever and I can't thank you all enough for making our vacation so memorable!

Georgie, your description of the cruise was dead-on. Phenominal speakers and excellent entertainment for sure. The gifts were awesome.

My biggest disappointment was in the lack of extra touches that we've seen in the previous member cruises. There were no Mickey hands to wave at sailaway, no beach balls at Castaway Cay, the formal Mickey/Minnie on Pirate Night, The Nassau on the sailaway pic, things like that. I found there was a HUGE communication gap between DCL and DVC and I think the problem was there. One of the DCL store workers confirmed that for me with the problem with the DVC merchandise. He told me straight out--DVC did not tell them where the merchandise was and how much they had and therefore they spent a while telling people things had sold out where in fact there were cartons of them. He agreed that pre-ordering was definitely the way to go and didn't understand why DVC didn't continue last years practice to ensure everyone got what they wanted.

The hard sell bothered me because I don't need convincing to buy DVC, I already a member. I was there to celebrate my membership to enjoy the magic, not be pushed to buy DVC. Not answering questions about AKL and totally dodging SSMC07 was also not impressive in my book. MS reps have confirmed, travel agents have confirmed, there's even been people who have been given points info....yet DVC still denied SSMC07. I also found the DVC staff less attentive to members. On 03 and 05 every where you turned there was another DVC staffer talking to you, smiling, adding that extra magic to DCL. On this cruise, I noticed they were always in groups of 2s and 3s having lots of fun--like they were on vacation and just passengers along with us but the only DVC person who said 2 words to me was the person we talked about adding on with. No "Hi's" no "Welcome Homes" nothing.

I wasn't on SSMC06 for the gifts, and I'm not complaining about what I got or didn't get. I was on it for the extra magic of feeling "home" on DCL and DVC didn't convey that message to us. DCL did an amazing job as always, but I still think DVC dropped the ball when it came to giving that "Home" feeling onboard.
And I'm not even touching the "rocks" fiasco!!

 

[#1Mouse]

Hey Everyone! We made it home about 2 PM today. We had a great time meeting up with everyone starting with the DIS meet at BCV on Saturday. The Party Bus was a riot - what a great trip! The linked Dining was great to have alot of our friends near by all the time! Two days at CC was wonderful and meeting up with the DISer's at the end of the family beach was alot of fun. Konk Koolers with plane fuel RULE! Julie's Bachlorette party was alot of fun. We crashed the guys party that they were having in Diversions - good thing too, since they were all sitting around staring at the TV's . Before we fell asleep hanging out with the guys we found a quiet place to hang out in the Promanade Lounge - ok, it was quiet until we got there.

The MNSSHP party was alot of fun - we spent most of the evening with Cindy and her family and Erin and her family. We ended up with a ton of candy - I sure hope Mary (iluvdisney) doesn't eat it all on her drive home! The Wishes Cruise was alot of fun especially since we shared it with so many of our DIS friends!

We did so many things the few days at WDW after the cruise that on the way home we realized we never used Storm Along Bay - which was the reason we booked BCV.

We had a great time. Our main intention of booking the Member Cruise was another chance to cruise with our friends and it proved to be a great cruise. We really have to do this again...........how about next week

 

[bonzie1]

We had a great time. Our main intention of booking the Member Cruise was another chance to cruise with our friends and it proved to be a great cruise. We really have to do this again...........how about next week

I'm ready . .. it's way too cold here in NJ already!!!

 

[crzy4dals]

Here is my contribution to the review. From a 1st time cruisers perspective, being on the cruise was absolutely FAB - U - LOUS! We were in awe the entire time we were on board. The sad thing was the DVC did not do much to WOW us it was the cruise line cast members that impressed us on a daily basis. The DVC staff seemed to be on vacation with their families along with us. They did not provide any extra MAGIC or feelings of "Thanks for being a part of the DVC family and coming on this special cruise just for you." Rich and I enjoyed the presentation with Roy Disney. I wish it was not so "SCRIPTED" by Jim Lewis. The nightly shows by DCL were AWESOME.

It was great to meet everyone that I have been talking with here on the DIS. I know that our cruise experience was enhanced by the knowledge you all shared.
We had great table mates Jacqui, Barry, Tyler and Cameron. Nick and Tyler were a HOOT at dinner each evening. Julies traveling bachlorette party was enhanced by our visit from Christian - your cruise director. And wouldn't you know it the men found our party while Christian provided his Marital Advice.

CASTAWAY CAY - need I say more. It was truely beautiful pulling in on Monday morning. The ocean was as smooth as glass. The beach was beautiful. On Wednesday, we pulled straight in. The day was a bit cooler than on Monday but very nice. We rode bikes around the island before we went back on the ship. KONK KOOLERS rock

We were so pleased with the DCL staff that we too booked another cruise. I think it would be so exciting if we could find a date that works for the majority and cruise again.

Thursday - To the Boardwalk - Rich and Nick hit the pool and I got 2 loads of laundry done before we got our room around 12 We retrieved our luggage and went to Beaches and Cream ate lunch and returned to the room and CRASHED!!!!!!!! As much as we would have liked to joined everyone at LTT - that NAP was G O O D. We met up with Lily and Ted and walked back to the meeting place. There we found Amy and family, Diana and family, Cindy and family, AND Gail and family. We were the ROWDY bunch on Splash Mountain. It was a great evening riding rides, getting CANDY. Nick and Walker has a great time together on the rides.

Thn ther was the plane ride home. I HATE DELTA!!!!!! We had a layover in Atlanta. Our gate never changed the plane was scheduled to leave on time. IT was all TOO good TO be true! we boarded the plane and sat at the gate for 30 minutes while they tried to locate a passengers dog who seemed to not be in the luggage area!!!!!! Low and behold the dog took the earlier flight to Cleveland. When we made it to the CLE airport Rich went to see if his Dad was outside while Nick and I went to wait for the luggage to make its trip on the "luggage mover" when I look over and see not only the missing dog but our luggage sitting in the middle of baggage claim. Seems the 8:15 flight was full but they had plenty of room for extra luggage and a DOG.

I want to thank all of you for making this cruise a wonderful family memory for my family. NOW back to reality in the morning
THANK YOU

 

[IleneF]

It sounds like for the most part you all had a wonderful time. I am still hoping that my husband and I will get to try the next Member Cruise. From what I understand, there was no mention of a Member Cruise for 2007 while on the ship. Is the next DVC Cruise normally announced while on the ship? Since it wasn't mentioned, does this mean that there probably won't be one in 2007?

Well here is my DD thoughts. A question came up about the DVC cruise items not being auctioned this year and DD thought maybe because they will use them again before the year is out?! I suppose it's possible.

 

[cgcw]

Do you, or does anyone know of a specific address to write to DVC to share comments about the cruise, both positive, and otherwise, along with suggestions for future events? I'm looking for a specific address to be sure the letter will be read. i.e. DVC Special Events, Jim Lewis

Hi Georgie,

I couldn't agree more with what you wrote! Definately my thoughts on target!

I don't have an address specific to Jim Lewis. I did not have a chance to fill out my survey and drop it in the box on Thursday. But.....I did call our guide Friday morning and we had a very long talk about the cruise. I had the chance to voice my thoughts on the lack of detail & my disappointments on this cruise. I know she took notes as she told me she had several pages of my comments. I also asked her for an address where I can mail my survey - which will go out in the mail tomorrow -- because I think the planning team needs to hear my constructive criticism.



Anyway, this is the address I was given:

Sue VanWinkle

DVC Marketing
200 Celebration Place
Celebration, FL 34747



​

Sadly, I heard that the new trend of DVC is going to be the hard-sell to the existing members. That in itself makes me sad -- as DVC has never stooped to the level of some timeshares. I've always felt that we did the pressuring to buy, not the other way around. In fact, when we bought our initial contract, we were ready to sign and our guide actually tried to push us out the door with a pre-arranged ride to see Fantasmic at MGM. We had to convince her that we wanted to finish the deal that night, not the other way around. I remember walking away feeling proud of the investment we just made knowing it was a great one. I sincerely hope that I can continue to feel pride in my DVC ownership.


Diana, you made a very good point when you said that the feel of this cruise was very different, especially from the planning team. I agree 100% with you that it didn't seem like they were there to get to know their members and it certainly appeared as if they were enjoying their vacation -- not working as it did last year. I have no doubt that a lot of planning went into this cruise. One would have thought that they would have enjoyed the opprotunity to share in the excitement with the members who were actually sailing.


Gail, I'm right there with you in cruising again. But, can we make it the week after next, I still need to recoperate from this one. I need a good night sleep. And, did you mention that idea to John yet?

 

[#1Mouse]

Thanks for the address Cindy. I did turn in my survey on the ship with my comments good and bad.

FWIW, I'm not sure that the On the Nose presentation was so much a hard sell, but it was CHEESY & TACKY! DVC is a class act and doesn't need to stoop to the less than desirable infomercial. Maybe sales are down a bit, but they really need to rethink their new strategies for building up sales.

Other than the couple of CM's at the Sales Desk, I thought the rest of the team seemed to be on their own vacation. Last year the Event Team along with Jim Lewis could be seen all over the ship talking with DVC Members. This year they traveled in their little packs oblivious that there were Members around. Now you all met John and realize he can get just about anyone to talk to him - but not this Event Team!

No Cindy, I haven't passed the idea of a cruise next week on to John. He did say NO to any cruises in 2007 and since we have 2 months left to 2006, I guess I should take that opportunity He did ask me last night how many points it would take for a studio from now until the end of March - I think he's sick of me complaining about the cold!

 

[Copper3]

Now you all met John and realize he can get just about anyone to talk to him - but not this Event Team!

Ain't that the truth! John was certainly the most energetic. It floored me when he said he was running out of energy at the Contemporary dock.

No Cindy, I haven't passed the idea of a cruise next week on to John. He did say NO to any cruises in 2007 and since we have 2 months left to 2006, I guess I should take that opportunity He did ask me last night how many points it would take for a studio from now until the end of March - I think he's sick of me complaining about the cold!

Gail,

The new room codes come out either Wednesday or Thursday for 1/1/07 thru 2/14/07 for passholders/florida residents. Also, there is free parking hopping attached for everyone thru 3/8/07 excluding 1/12-14/07 (MLK weekend). I can see it in your future, a trip in January and a trip in February.

 

[#1Mouse]

Thanks Jeff, just what I need......someone to help dig a bigger hole for me I usually have another trip planned before I leave Florida but I don't have any concrete plans for one just yet. That must have been why it was so hard to leave yesterday. Deanna and I have talked about coming down for a week in February when she has her Winter Break. I guess that's not too far away. I'm sure John will come with us, but it will depend on his work schedule.

Thanks for the info on the free park hopping attached to the tickets. My AP is good until Sept but Deanna's expires this Dec. I wasn't sure if I was going to renew hers or just buy her regular tickets.