The 2015 edition of the "Merry Member Mixer" is in full swing at Epcot at Walt Disney World.
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The "Merry Member Mixer" is a free gathering offered exclusively to Disney Vacation Club owners and their guests. It is held from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM on the scheduled dates at Epcot’s World Showplace Pavilion, which is located between the Canada and United Kingdom pavilions.
This annual event is very popular with Disney Vacation Club owners. At the Mixer held on December 1, the line of members and guests waiting to enter the World Showplace Pavilion at 3:00 PM stretched almost to the Gateway gift store. Although the line flowed very quickly once the doors opened, at 4:00 PM the line still stretched to the performance stage in the Canada Pavilion.
Members are given a perforated coupon as they enter the Mixer; one part is an entry ticket for a raffle for prizes, the other part can be exchanged for a holiday treat. In addition, each group or family is given a coupon for a DVC holiday ornament, which was handed out as they left the Mixer.
This year’s Merry Mixer is very similar to Mixers held in past years. Three character meet-and-greets were available: Mickey and Minnie; Donald and Daisy; and Lilo and Stitch. There were long lines for each. A Disney Infinity play area was set up, as well as tables for kids and adults to do some arts and crafts. There was also a shopping area offering DVC merchandize, such as pins, Vera Bradley bags, and shirts.
A large dance floor was set up and a DJ played music while both children and adults participated in games, such as lip-syncing. A number of prizes were given to the top performers.
Two DVC Cast Members commented that this year’s turnout is higher than in past years. One Cast Member attributed the larger crowds to DVC announcing the dates for the 2015 Merry Member Mixer almost 11 months in advance, which may have allowed more people to plan to attend.
Complimentary ornament for 2015
Two Mixers have been held so far, and three more are scheduled for Tuesday, December 8, Monday, December 14, and Tuesday, December 22.
Wil Lovato is a contributor to DVCNews.com and has been a Disney Vacation Club owner since 2009. His DVC Home Resorts include Bay Lake Tower, Animal Kingdom Villas, and Aulani. He can be found posting on many Disney discussion forums under the username of “wdrl”.
