“Hey, my DVC sisters and brothers!” If you're a member of any of the DVC Facebook groups, that's all the introduction you need to realize our guest for this episode is none other than Mr. Kevin McCloud. I consider Kevin “The Happiest DVC member on Facebook!” Kevin has the gift of packing pixie dust into pixels and filling our Facebook streams with pure joy.  I find it ironic that Kevin shares a last name with the author of “Have You Filled a Bucket Today? A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids.”  Just like the posts, Kevin brings happiness and joy to episode 028 and its sure to fill your bucket!

The McCloud Part at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

Kevin's Disney Origin Story

In 1996 Kevin and Yolanda started to coming to Walt Disney World when they were still dating. In 1997, they went on the DVC tour as boyfriend and girlfriend but thought it was best to make a commitment to DVC after the commitment of marriage.  In 1999 they were married and bought into DVC in 2000. Kevin was working at a Disney Store and it took 4-5 other cast members to convince him to buy DVC.  Bear in mind in 2000, you didn’t have podcasts, facebook groups, and other consumer media.  Kevin was pretty much reliant upon his DVC guide for information and members that he personally knew from working at a local Disney Store.

2000 – Initial purchase at BoardWalk Villas2003 – Addonitis strikes and they add more points at Wilderness Lodge.2007 – More points added at Saratoga Springs Resort2011 – The McClouds added more points at Animal Kingdom Villas.

When asked about getting more points, Kevin believes if he can’t get it done on the points he has now on four contracts, it’s not happening.

Looking back, Kevin realizes that life didn’t really work out for them to buy into DVC until after they got married.  Could they have bought in earlier?  Yes; however, they did was best for them.  Looking at the current point costs, he doesn’t know if he could economically pull off joining at today’s prices.  However, a couple of years ago, Kevin’s mom bought into DVC at Copper Creek after seeing the joy that DVC has brought Kevin and Yolanda.

Favorite Disney Memories Revolve Around Family

Kevin explained that they do not have any kids of their own; however, they enjoy bringing their family to Disney. From parents, in-laws, brothers and sisters to nieces and nephews.  Kevin and I discuss how our families are spoiled.  His niece demands “High Excellence” and doesn’t want to stay in a studio.  Chad adds that his family is #1bedroomspoiled!  After 20 years of going to Disney, Kevin has a hard time limiting his favorite Disney memories to just a few stories because there are so many awesome memories that all involve family members. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party was the first thing that came to mind.  He also has very fond memories of his nieces when they were young.  Another trip he had a family member with some disabilities absolutely light up with joy at every single character meet.  Another favorite memory is when he brought his late mother-in-law to see Fantasmic at Hollywood Studios.  It was her favorite Disney event ever.  Kevin finds so much joy in Disney that every trip is magical.  With 20+ years of coming to Disney; he can only sum it up as quality time with his family.  DVC allows him to bring his family with him and that’s the key to happiness.

The McCloud Family Celebrating Life and Family at Magic Kingdom

Excellence Disney Customer Experience and Details

Kevin and I discuss the standard of excellence at Disney.  We’re both of the opinions that complaints should be directed to somebody who can solve the problem – namely a manager at Disney. We’ve found that if you reasonably explain the issue to a manager at Disney, they will take care of it.  In 20 years, Kevin points out that he’s never had a major problem at Disney.  Kev