Economy – Creative Journal: Marketing and Creativity

Disney Vacation Club: Best Timeshare?

November 15, 2008

For many of us, our first formal introduction to the Disney family was through television. From the early morning cartoons that entertained us for countless hours, to the small fortune we spent on Mickey Mouse dolls, most of us have in some way been part of the Disney experience. Today, having established themselves as one of the leaders in family entertainment, Disney has positioned themselves to take the lead in “vacation memberships.”

Started in 1991, the Disney Vacation Club was founded on using the basic ideas of ‘timeshares’ but with a different approach. Staying true to the Disney tradition of quality, hospitality, and creativity, Disney has turned the Disney Vacation Club into one of the top timeshares in the world.

How does it work?

Similar to timeshare, the DVC (Disney Vacation Club) allows members to purchase ‘points’ that they can use toward there stay at any DVC resort. This is just one way that Disney has been able to seperate themselves from other timeshares. In the past, when an individual would purchase a timeshare they would have to set a date for which they would travel during that year. If they did not travel during that time during the year, in essence they would have paid for nothing that year. For the DVC, they allow you to ‘roll over’ your points to the next year.

So for example, if Mickey Mouse decides to buy 150 Points, then each year for the duration of the timeshare, he will pay X amount for 150 points each year. If he doesn’t use the points, he can transfer or ‘bank’ his points, as is the term used by DVC, to the next year to be accumulated. For the family that knows they will be having a large family reunion at Disneyworld, this is a great way to save money on accommodations.

Another great part of the DVC is that you can take multiple trips during the year as long as you have points. Also, if you don’t have enough, Disney allows you to borrow points from the next year.

Disney has broken each of there resorts down based on point values. Some resorts for example may only need 20 points a night during June 10-15, while another resort may require more or less. Cost wise, the ‘points per night’ is less than if you were to book the rooms on your own with no DVC.

Only Disney Hotels?

Another great part of the Disney Vacation Club is that Disney offers accommodations at more than 500 different hotels around the world not including there own Disney Resorts. Points may also be used on the Disney Cruise line.

Best Deal?

For the family that is looking for a way to save money on family trips, or even the family or couple that is just looking to travel, the Disney Vacation Club offers all of us a chance to be part of the Disney Family. From there affordable packages to there Disney promise of quality and innovation, Disney has re-invented the idea of a timeshare, and turned it into a ‘vacation club.’

Dining, Economy, Food, News

More than just cars…

November 3, 2008

When most consumers hear of AAA (Automobile Club of Southern California) they think of roadside assistance. It is true that AAA is well known for there roadside assistance services, but not many are aware of the great perks that accompany being a AAA member. Apart from there insurance and travel services, AAA members can save at many locations just by showing there AAA card.

So just how much does it cost to be a member of AAA?

Aside from the first time sign up fee of $20.00, consumers can choose from three different membership levels, each with different levels of service offered. The most basic level, Classic, costs just $47.00 a year. In comparison to the various discounts and perks of being a AAA member, this is a bargain.

Perks

Shopping                     Entertainment                         Dining                 Accommodations
Barnes and Noble          Sea World                                  Chart House              Best Western
Circuit City                    Universal Studios Hollywood      Hard Rock Café         Hyatt
Dell                               San Diego Zoo                           El Torito                    Hilton
Target                     Lego Land                                  Joe’s Crab Shack     Marriot
The UPS Store                Anaheim Ducks                         Kelly’s Coffee          Westin
New York & Company    Aquarium of the Pacific   Sweet Factory            Starwood Hotels
Sears Optical                 Discovery Science Center           Rainforest Café
Blue Nile                        Knotts Berry Farm                      Wetzel Pretzel
Enterprise                      LA Kings                                    Circle K
LensCrafters                  LA Sparks                                   Disney Dining
Motorola                        LA Clippers                                Dream Diners
Payless Shoes                USA Today
Reebok                          Bally Total Fitness
Sit N’ Sleep

These are just a few of the man places and services that you can get a discount at by simply showing your AAA card.

In what some have called an ‘economic crisis,’ AAA helps us save a little money so that we can save it for a rainy day.

College, Dining, Economy, Food

LA going Pinks

November 1, 2008

Long lines, cash only, and great food. This can only equate to one thing, Pinks Hot Dogs.

Started in 1939, Pinks Hot Dogs on the corner of Melrose and La Brea, has established itself as a ‘must-try’ when in Los Angeles. From there long lines that sometimes go around the corner of the store, to the parking attendant that helps maintain the peace in there tiny parking lot, Pinks breaks the notion that all hot dogs are the same.

Boasting over 20 different types of hot dogs alone, Pinks offers its customers a variety of choices when it comes to ‘personalizing’ there dog. From the original Chili Dog to the film inspired “Lord of the RINGS dog” (10″ Stretch Dog, Yummy BBQ sauce topped with onion rings), just asking for a ‘hot dog’ will not work. Not only does Pinks offer a great selection of hot dogs, but they also serve burgers as well. The key element in almost all of Pinks menu items, is there famous chili. Using the same recipe that was used in 1939 by founder Paul Pink, Pinks attracts customers from all parts of Los Angeles. From famous celebrities to the average Joe, Pinks has used the strategy of great quality and service as there main business mantra. Every hot dog is made to the customers specifications, and is handled and prepared in a timely manner.

One may ask if it is worth staying in line for upwards of 30 minutes just for a ‘hot dog’, but most will tell you it is. The closer and closer you get to the front, the more and more you are convinced it is worth it. From the aroma of the chili, to the sight of the dogs being made, the visual showcase is a treat in itself.

Whether you are a college student looking for a creative date spot, a struggling actor looking for some inspirational food, or a high powered CEO looking to reconnect with us little people, Pinks is just a small reminder of why we love LA.

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Pinks Hot Dogs

709 N. La Brea Blvd

Los Angeles, CA

323.931.4223

Dining, Economy, News

Service Marketing: Georges at the Cove

October 31, 2008

From the simplistic marquee that adornes the entrance to the modern and stylish decor, Georges at the Cove in La Jolla, California offers an upscale experience in a contemporary setting.

Georges at the Cove offers guests three different dining expereinces, George’s California Modern, Ocean Terrace, and George’s Bar. While each are unique, all three are consistent in keeping up with George’s careful attention to the customers satisfaction and experience.

Attention to detail, and catering to the customers every need and desire has helped George’s develop the reputation of being at the top of its class. Winner of several restaurant awards, George’s has used a simple yet proven formula: Customer First.

When we look at successful restaurants and companies that provide a service, we can see that most, if not all share the common trait of having great relationships with there customers and doing everything to make sure that they walk away with a great experience.

The Ritz-Carlton hotel and resort chain is a great example of this. From the minute the guest walks through the revolving doors to the hotel, they are transformed from being the “average-Joe,” to something more: a guest. The difference between the “average-Joe” and “a guest” starts with the personalization of the service encounters with the Ritz Carlton and its staff. From the staff that cater to the ‘guests’ every request, to the ‘guests’ being addressed as “Mr.” and “Mrs.”, the Ritz-Carlton proves that putting there customers first equates to a good business.

With the service sector now accounting for more than 65% of the United States’ GDP, it is important that businesses get it right when it comes to its customers. Businesses providing a service must realize its consumers needs and address them accordingly. Having the proper customer protocols, management, as well as service quality should all be important points when running a business.

Georges at the Cove is just one of the prime examples of the result of having established good customer relations as well as quality service. From the contemporary dining setting, to the picturesque view of the Pacific ocean, Georges at the Cove makes there customers feel like ‘guests.’

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Georges at the Cove

1250 Prospect Street

La Jolla, CA

858.454.4244

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