Your Opinion on Member Events

[Girlstar30]

How do you guys like the member events that are currently being offered? Do you think more should be offered or are you happy with the current offerings? What kind of event would do you think would be awesome if Disney was open to suggestions? I am particularly intrigued by the Moonlight Magic and Member Cruise. For those that have gone, do you think the extra cost is worth it or taking advantage of our love for Disney Lastly, I heard they are hard to get, but should you bank on probably not getting into some despite trying everything possible or with some proper planning they are all doable? Just trying to make some friendly conversation for those interested

 

[Simba's Mom]

What bothers me is related to the fact that I've never attended one. They announce them on fairly short notice-those of us who might plan a trip around one, that is "I'm planning to go sometime in September-oh, DVC is having an event on September 20th so we'll go so we can attend it." Instead, in reality we've made our reservations for different dates in September, and by the time they announce their event that they're having on September 20th (for example) everything is booked. So I wish they'd announce events sooner. As to what kind of events, I vaguely remember they used to have weekly "mix and mingles" right at whatever resort you were staying at, with appetizers. No presentation, just some DVC management you could ask questions of, some introductory "get to know" type of questions (like who owns at the most resorts, has been a member the longest, shortest, from the farthest away, etc.) and some neat little door prizes. That was about 20 years ago, I think. That would be OK with me.

 

[Girlstar30]

What bothers me is related to the fact that I've never attended one. They announce them on fairly short notice-those of us who might plan a trip around one, that is "I'm planning to go sometime in September-oh, DVC is having an event on September 20th so we'll go so we can attend it." Instead, in reality we've made our reservations for different dates in September, and by the time they announce their event that they're having on September 20th (for example) everything is booked. So I wish they'd announce events sooner. As to what kind of events, I vaguely remember they used to have weekly "mix and mingles" right at whatever resort you were staying at, with appetizers. No presentation, just some DVC management you could ask questions of, some introductory "get to know" type of questions (like who owns at the most resorts, has been a member the longest, shortest, from the farthest away, etc.) and some neat little door prizes. That was about 20 years ago, I think. That would be OK with me.

I have heard this too that it's kind of luck of the draw. Seems like it would cater to local people who could go whether they have a room or not. That would be our case in California, but most things are probably in florida. I just wish at this point that they would lower the minimum for direct points. Would love to be direct for 100 points and have these perks, but 150 is steep. Really the only thing guaranteed with direct seems to be the ability to book future hotels.

 

[ThatCubT]

I attended the DVC Moonlight Magic event at Hollywood Studios a couple of weeks ago - we had signed up for DVC the day before so knew we never had a chance of getting in. Someone was "giving away" two spare spaces - we met them at the entrance and had a fab night!

That said, the system is not great I think, as they could not release them back to the system for someone else to book, so I imagine a lot of people maxed out the bookings of additional people that, in theory, never attended. Also, I dislike the last minute signup requirement - we're UK based so it wouldn't allow for us to book and attend with such short notice.

Was a fab night, however.

 

[Girlstar30]

I attended the DVC Moonlight Magic event at Hollywood Studios a couple of weeks ago - we had signed up for DVC the day before so knew we never had a chance of getting in. Someone was "giving away" two spare spaces - we met them at the entrance and had a fab night!

That said, the system is not great I think, as they could not release them back to the system for someone else to book, so I imagine a lot of people maxed out the bookings of additional people that, in theory, never attended. Also, I dislike the last minute signup requirement - we're UK based so it wouldn't allow for us to book and attend with such short notice.

Was a fab night, however.

Oh wow that's awesome you got to go! Seems like I will have to sell points for cash and stay somewhere else if I get lucky enough to snag tickets to go to this. I supposed I could waitlist and then cancel the other reservation if it pops up but from what I'm hearing from everyone it's super inconsiderate

 

[ThatCubT]

Oh wow that's awesome you got to go! Seems like I will have to sell points for cash and stay somewhere else if I get lucky enough to snag tickets to go to this. I supposed I could waitlist and then cancel the other reservation if it pops up but from what I'm hearing from everyone it's super inconsiderate

We got very lucky. Was a great event too - minimal queues, minimal people, free snacks and music etc. Hopefully I'll be able to go to another, if the trips align!

 

[CarolynFH]

LOL, considering that DVC didn’t have anything like MM for the first 20 years we were owners, just an annual Christmas party, I’m thrilled that they seem to be offering more and more special events! DD and I did go to one called something like “Welcome Home Wednesdays” in the late 90s or early 00s at BWV. I can’t remember much about it - I think they gave away a hat to one attendee and maybe gave out candy, in any case I was underwhelmed to say the least. The MM events require coordination with (and I can’t imagine how many $$$ paid to) Parks & Resorts, which is probably why they’re rarely held during MK party season and also possibly why they’re not announced as far in advance as we’d all prefer. So if one happens during our scheduled trips, I consider it extreme pixie dust.

 

[Girlstar30]

LOL, considering that DVC didn’t have anything like MM for the first 20 years we were owners, just an annual Christmas party, I’m thrilled that they seem to be offering more and more special events! DD and I did go to one called something like “Welcome Home Wednesdays” in the late 90s or early 00s at BWV. I can’t remember much about it - I think they gave away a hat to one attendee and maybe gave out candy, in any case I was underwhelmed to say the least. The MM events require coordination with (and I can’t imagine how many $$$ paid to) Parks & Resorts, which is probably why they’re rarely held during MK party season and also possibly why they’re not announced as far in advance as we’d all prefer. So if one happens during our scheduled trips, I consider it extreme pixie dust.

I've been doing research and it seems like there were two moonlight magics held in southern california recently in February. But with my luck, I would try to plan for that and then it would be held in a different month i can't seem to see any pattern with Disney world it seems like sometimes it's been held in the spring and sometimes in the fall. So I guess I'll just plan as normal and hope one day it falls on those days

 

[DisTravels]

I heard they are hard to get, but should you bank on probably not getting into some despite trying everything possible or with some proper planning they are all doable? Just trying to make some friendly conversation for those interested

It seems MM is not to be banked-on by design.

They are pixie dust that is a bonus when it works out, but not to have any expectations of going in base things do not align.

 

[Sandisw]

Since we see benefits as extra, we are happy when anything is done.

We have done a few Moonlight Magic events because we happened to be there, and of course, any additional events is always good.

 

[Girlstar30]

Since we see benefits as extra, we are happy when anything is done.

We have done a few Moonlight Magic events because we happened to be there, and of course, any additional events is always good.

I'm glad I asked, I was seeing it more as now I have access to this so I just need to do some advance planning for it to ensure I get in like open multiple browsers or hit join virtual queue at the stroke of 7am and 1 pm and other disney planning. I am used to waking up at 3am for blue bayou reservations or booking 60 days in advance to dine so I thought this was something I could be on top of months ahead like other disney events, but now I see it's completely different!

 

[Girlstar30]

Ah I'm also wondering whether you have to be staying at a disney resort during the event to attend these events or could you just buy the tickets if your local and go and the only requirement is being a dvc member with membership perks?

 

[DisneyMountainWoman]

I personally would prefer benfits that are usable all the time by anybody. They never have Moonlight Magic when we go since we only go during holidays or rundisney weekends. I know there are probably a lot of other members like me who will never get a chance to do them since they only go during the holidays too.

 

[eticketplease]

Ah I'm also wondering whether you have to be staying at a disney resort during the event to attend these events or could you just buy the tickets if your local and go and the only requirement is being a dvc member with membership perks?

If you are referring to MM there is not a way to purchase. There are two lotteries held for those that qualify for blue card/membership extras.

The first lottery has the most “winners” is held first for guests staying at a DVC resort during the event booked with points or with cash through MS.

The second lottery with a lot fewer “winners” happens later for anyone including those that did not win in the first lottery.

 

[eticketplease]

Really the only thing guaranteed with direct seems to be the ability to book future hotels.

Resale and direct both only guarantee one thing, the ability to book a room.

Direct just offers the choice of any from the growing collection of DVC resorts to book.

Resale is limited on booking choices depending on where you call home to one resort for properties expiring in 2070 or later and for those expiring earlier, any of the original 14 DVC properties.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We had a nice time in December for an AK moonlight magic event.



I have enjoyed DVC MC. I think I’ve been on 8 of them, and the most memorable to me was the one to Bermuda. We hit rough waters!

I was with 4 friends, we had two connecting staterooms and it was great fun!

I think my second favorite was the west coast DVC MC,, San Diego to Vancouver. I was with DH and we did an ABD with special adventures in DL and San Francisco!


I have talked to many members who poo-pooed DVC MC because “You know you are paying extra for all the BLING.” Well, I don’t go for the BLING, I go for the experiences. The look behind the scenes at Disney, and to meet people who help provide the MAGIC.

A very favorite of mine is Stacia Martin, who talked to small groups about the DVC MC on the Wish, and who drew this special gift for us! Everyone present got a special drawing!









So, we have enjoyed many special events. We have owned since 2003.

I was astonished when they limited DVC MC to direct membership owners only. I do feel all members should have the opportunity to go on them.

 

[Girlstar30]

If you are referring to MM there is not a way to purchase. There are two lotteries held for those that qualify for blue card/membership extras.

The first lottery has the most “winners” is held first for guests staying at a DVC resort during the event booked with points or with cash through MS.

The second lottery with a lot fewer “winners” happens later for anyone including those that did not win in

This is amazing, Stacia doing a personal drawing for you is worth every penny! Yeah direct dvc is getting out of reach for many, including myself, so I've gone the resale route for now. Maybe one day they will lower the point minimum again, but I'm not holding my breath!

 

[Sandisw]

I have heard this too that it's kind of luck of the draw. Seems like it would cater to local people who could go whether they have a room or not. That would be our case in California, but most things are probably in florida. I just wish at this point that they would lower the minimum for direct points. Would love to be direct for 100 points and have these perks, but 150 is steep. Really the only thing guaranteed with direct seems to be the ability to book future hotels.

Just to expand for you and others new. The only thing you are guaranteed is the ability to book your home resort, regardless of how you acquire points…resale or direct.

The ability to use points at other resorts is based on the DVC resort agreement part of the POS and is conditional upon it remaining part of BVTC..if the resort was to be removed…and there are only certain situations, like casualty, etc. that count…you’d lose that right to trade.

Because using other resorts is a trade, each resort gets to enter with its own rules for reciprocal use. RIV, VDH, and CFW all entered with restrictions to only allow direct points or grandfathered points to be used their in exchange for all their resale points to be restricted from trading out.

Membership extras are considered incidental benefits and can come and go at any time. To be eligible, you have to own a contract with the correct type of points to qualify.

But, DVC has the ability to amended, change or remove these “perks” at any time…with no reason needed.

 

[Pooh12863]

That said, the system is not great I think, as they could not release them back to the system for someone else to book

I completely agree with this, I have two ticket for tomorrow night that I'm not going to be able to use because the weather has caused me to postpone my trip for a day. There should be a way for me to release them back into the system for someone else to use. Maybe have a waitlist for those that didn't get tickets.

 

[Shellyred8]

The MM events have been fun...when we've been able to attend them. Being out of state, it's hard to make it. But there were a couple of times that we lucked out with timing.

We were there this summer and they were doing a thing where you got free ice cream at some of the resorts or at one of the parks. We were staying at SSR for that trip and they had the free ice cream event there, so we got a free mickey bar every day. They also had the free ice cream event at AK on the day we were at AK, so we got the free mickey bar there too. They had the frozen fruit bar too.
We were also members when the had the Welcome Home Wednesdays, or something like that. They had drinks and a few snacks and you got to mingle with some of the other guests. I liked those events because it gave us a chance to meet other DVC owners.