Anyone Attend the SDC Takeover this Week?

[BeantownNewbs]

We were at DP this week and wanted to go to DRM using our free visit coupon from the membership presentation, but we were unable to do so because of the SDC takeover. So, a few questions:

1) How was it? Did SDC do anything special to add to the DRM experience?

2) How was it priced relative to a similar 7 night stay at DRM otherwise booked directly from the hotel during this time period, including applicable promos like 4th night free, free massages, etc.?

3) Do people that attended think the DRM experience was better or worse than it would have been otherwise?

4) Was it totally full/booked?

5) How did they (SDC/DRM) deal with membership benefits?

Anything else?

[CokeMann]

Just a FYI - when groups book at either property there are no visitations of guests allowed from the other property.

Also if was a typical SDC full "takeover" then the only way for anyone to book during a real takeover is thru the group since they have contracted and booked all the rooms for that week - ie members are not allowed to book that week unless they book thru the group at the normal group rates.

SDC and most large groups feature special events, contests, prizes and surprises throughout the week that are not part of the normal Desire experience - that is one of the "value adds" of traveling with a large group.

[BeantownNewbs]

Thanks. I'm curious abt the advantages and disadvantages of booking thru a group like SDC.

Are the rates the same as they are this week, if booked directly w the hotel, or does SDC pass along a discount, or use their discount to fund supplemental activities and/or benefits? And perhaps someone that attended can share a description of some of the supplemental activities.

[CokeMann]

Most group rates are typically the same or very close to what you would pay to book directly with the resort (most groups do pass along any available promo savings if you book with them during the period the promo is active).

As to what each group offers in the way of special activities, events, etc - that of course will vary with the group.

If you want to read a couple of Trip Report from newbie couples that have traveled on one of our large annual group trips, click the links below for their perspective on doing the "group" thing
"Group"On - tripping with a group - a first time experience
Another Newbie Trip Report May 4-11, 2013

[desireaddict]

Can members book during group stays, or must they book thru the Group too?
Are they allowed their member discount if they book thru the Group's TA?

[CokeMann]

Can members book during group stays, or must they book thru the Group too?
Are they allowed their member discount if they book thru the Group's TA?

If it is a true "complete takeover" ( ie the group has booked all the rooms at the resort) the only way a member could get a room would be to book thru the group at whatever rate the group is charging for that week.

For non "complete takeover" group weeks, members would book how they normally do, but in most cases would not be a part of the group. Some groups do make exceptions(ie the YNOTs) and allow members to be part of the group by paying a supplemental "group admission fee" to be able to participate with the group and benefit from the special events, contests, prizes and surprises throughout the week that are not part of the normal Desire experience.