One thing I saw in our new DVC member book that cracked my DH up!!!

[Figaro30]

My husband got really annoyed at this:

I was reading about what they supply in your room. I noticed they give you a start up supply of 1 shampoo 1 soap and 1 lotion (I think?) Anyway if you wanted more of these items you would have to pay $3.00 for each set you requested. My husband said "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?"

He got so mad that we just spent $11,000 on this and we'd have to pay to get these items. Unlike if you were at a resort you would get them everyday if needed.

Just thought I'd pass this along. Would like some comments on this.

[Peggy Sue]

This has been the standard for a long time. They are replenished on trash/towel, or cleaning day. With the "home away from home" concept we always pack our own shampoo, soap etc. anyway.

[pluto109]

just ask one of the maids you see in the hallways...they will give it to you for free...:) :) :) :)

[mickey7861]

I hate those little bottles and bring my own anyway. With 4 of us that 1 little shampoo wouldn't go very far.

[Granny]

Figaro30...

It does seem a little tight on DVC's part.

On the other hand, you might get your DH to come off the ceiling a little if you tell him that this will no doubt help keep our annual maintainence expenses down. Sometimes you have to really look hard to find a glimmer of a silver lining! :sunny:

[ReneeQ]

I wish they would give more soap and not give the shampoo or lotion at all. The shampoo does horrible things to my hair so I never use it. I always take my own shampoo, conditioner and lotion. Just like at a hotel or another "home away from home." But I never take soap to a hotel, any hotel, they always provide soap. Say you're staying in a one bedroom unit - you need soap at each bathroom sink, the shower and the tub. We use them all, so that's 4 bars of soap needed. I don't think that's too much to ask. It's not like they're full size bars!

[MaryAnnDVC]

I hate the shampoo, I hate the lotion, I hate the soap. I bring my own.

[dianeschlicht]

WE have the inconsiderate ones to thank for this. A couple years ago they said too many people were requesting multiple soaps, etc. to use as stocking stuffers! How silly is that! I like the soap, but don't use the shampoo. We always bring ours from home no matter where we are traveling. So many chains are now only giving it to those who ask, so it is somewhat of an industry wide thing.

[trishy]

Okay, I'd gladly give up the Shampoo, the Soap, and the Lotion if they would just give us more laundry soap!!!:bounce:

[Werner Weiss]

figaro30 wrote:
He got so mad that we just spent $11,000 on this and we'd have to pay to get these items.
The point is that the shampoo, soap, lotion -- and all other operating expenses, for that matter -- aren't paid out the purchase price; these expenses are paid for by the DVC members through our annual fees.

I'm glad we're no longer subsidizing those members who did their souvenir "shopping" by demanding extra shampoos and soaps from housekeeping. In addition to the cost of the items, there's the labor cost of having housekeepers deliver these souvenirs.

We've never run out of shampoo, soap, or lotion while staying ot OKW.

[GAIL HAYDEN]

FYI,
We no longer get lotion, just soap and shampoo. I always bring my own shampoo and soap because I need it. They don't provide Dove and that is what I use.
In a one bedroom they have two bars in the bathroom and two bars in the jacuzzi room. Seems to be plenty for the normal 4 to a one bedroom rule.

[normr]

I think we all knew when we signed on the dotted line that we were buying a home away from home resort and that we would get a startup supply of some items and that we would have to bring our own stuff to use beyond a day or two, Why are you getting bent out of shape because you don't get a tiny bar of soap or as many as you want, as others people have stated some people abused the system which then required changes, get over it there are more important things in life to worry about.

And if you're not happy about it, then I'd suggest selling ASAP.

[PKK/MJK]

I chuckled when I saw that the list still included a mixer in the kitchen!!! Guess their editors missed that. Also, I could not believe that with the towels in a 1 bedroom (for 4 people) you get 4 bathtowels, 4 bathmats--but only 2 handtowels and 2 washcloths!!!! What's with that???? We need more than 2 washcloths and hand towels--definitely don't need 4 bathmats. I think we used to get 4 of everything--but I noticed when we were there in July, that we only had the two washcloths and handtowels. How ridiculous!!!!! Give me a break!!

[BraveMom3]

Actually after being in our room for a few of the 14 that we'll be there, all that lotion, soap, shampoo gets on my nerves(takes up valuable vanity space!). I just keep stacking it up, since we don't use it. I can't imagine really wanting to use a different shampoo (usually doesn't work out very well for your hair), and I like the liquid bath soap. I'm glad that they don't provide these every day.

[mikesmom]

I look at DVC as our vacation home. If we went up to a cabin on the lake, for instance, we'd have to bring everything. I figure we're ahead of the game that they supply what they do!

[Towncrier]

We stayed at OKW this year for 12 nights. We were in a 2BR unit with five people. We started off with one soap, lotion, and shampoo in each bathroom. On our first trash-and-tidy day, the maid didn't leave us any additional supplies. We finally tracked down someone from housekeeping and got another shampoo, but I was shocked at how DVC is cutting back on supplies. Since I am paying for this with my dues, I'm not complaining. I was just surprised. Next year I'll pack my Hawaiian shampoo and soap and not worry about it.

[GAIL HAYDEN]

I was just there and I received 4 bath towels, 4 hand towels, 4 face clothes and 2 bath mats in the one bedroom. Also 4 bars of soap (two for the sinks and one each for the shower and the tub).
I have yet to receive less than the above mentioned items on any visit.

[DB Washington]

Doesn't everyone have a Sam's Wholesale or Costco where they live? It's pennies we're talking here to bring your own.

[rbuzzotta]

BraveMom3---I totally agree with you. I have a supply of shampoo, soap, lotion etc at home because we never use it (I bring my own) and my DD's like to play with it in the tub at home.

It takes up too much space on the vanity!!! With all my haircare products, various degrees of sunblock, medical supplies, pony tail holders for DD's, etc. I need more counter space!!! Plus, I find that since I don't use the soap, if I don't put it in a suitcase right away it gets all wet and the package gross!!

[ILuvDVC]

They also charge extra if you request more towels :)

[Figaro30]

I ALSO don't use their shampoo or soap. I do use the lotion though. The point isn't that I don't think they give you enough at the start. The point is that if you do in fact use it and request more that you would be CHARGED for it. I just think that is silly.

Me and my husband do think that sometimes they go way beyond their call of duty, while other times they get really petty with things. Just thought it was funny (but irritating) that they would charge us 3.00 if we needed more.

and NORMR...? Did somebody wake up on the wrong side of the bed today??? I'm not about to sell over a .50 bottle of shampoo. So lighten up on me. As you said...there are more important things to worry about right now than slamming me for this post!!!!!

[robinb]

The point is that if you do in fact use it and request more that you would be CHARGED for it. I just think that is silly.


I totally agree with you. I was one of the members that received the annual DVC questionaire back in 1998 (?) which asked if we members wanted to continue to pay dues so DVC members can get free extra soap, extra towels and room changes. I said "yes" because I thought that removing those perks was an erosion of our overall vacation value. Of course, it's human nature to think "I don't need/use X, so I don't want to pay for someone else to have it either." and IIRC an overwelming number of people voted to have it removed. I think that dues were indeed reduced by a few cents per point.

[Figaro30]

Now during this thread I find out that if you need extra towels you would get charged?????? I think that is 100x worse than the soap. That makes ME angry. I'm not even going to mention that one to DH....he'll have a fit.

[robinb]

I'm not even going to mention that one to DH....he'll have a fit.


LOL! Sorry! You can always launder your towels if you like having a fresh one every day if you're in a 1 bedroom. If you're in a studio you can always filch towels from the pool. Of course, filching towels from the pool is a whole other thread ;).

[Figaro30]

PS....I don't think towels will be a problem anyway. I'm bringing 6 tablets of Wisk with us to do laundry. (Along with what they give us). So we plan on washing some items probably 2 or 3 times. Again it's not the point that I would need them....but if I did I would be very angry. Luckily DH won't find this out because like I said we'll be doing our laundry anyway. I'm pretty positive we won't have a towel shortage in our room! :D

[10drum]

Figaro30, It looks like you've found out how protective the people on this forum are, of their decision to be in the dvc. I posted a thread about house keeping and they were on me like white on bread. I understand exactly how you husband felt. It seems like once you've bought in, then the little things, that are so characteristic of disney, sort of go away.
I still think it is probably wise to be a member, if you go often for many years. Good luck and I hope you enjoy.

[Figaro30]

I guess I've just always had the attitude of "I'd rather pay an extra few bucks at the start and not have to pay for little extra things later."

i.e.,:

Like the time we spent 240.00 a night at the B.C. and was told if you wanted to use a tube to float around the pool it would be $3.00. Well then they should make the cost $243.00 a night. NO?

or how about the reverse?

It would be like airlines lowering their fares by a few dollars to make people happier then charging you for meals and that little bag of peanuts!

or

Like car dealers who charge extra for the darn car mats. Can't they just add another $40.00 to the price of the car so you feel like you are getting them for free? Instead they don't do it that way and charge you extra for things like car mats and cigarette lighters! I think that is just ridiculous.

Honestly I don't understand anybody that doesn't understand this.

But don't worry 10drum....this is not about to have me sell. I've never been yet but I have very good feelings about my new ownership of my DVC. We're planning on keeping this hopefully for a very very very long time. :smooth:

[Paul in CT]

I don't think the toiletry limits are a big deal. As long as DVC continues to keep the annual dues increases as small as they have, I'm not complaining. :)

I would like to know what the "official" towel count is supposed to be in a 1BR at DVC. The last time we were there we had four hand towels in the 1BR(BWV and VWL), but the trip before at OKW there were only two hand towels. When I called to replace the two "missing" towels, housekeeping told me that two hand towels were standard in the one BR. It's no big deal when you have a washer/dryer in the unit, but I wish they were consistent among the DVC properties. :D

[Laurajean1014]

I don't mind one supply of shampoo and stuff. The stuff is never that good, so we bring our own and donate the samples to our church for a homeless shelter!

Does everyone really need all that extra fluff?

I'd rather have better accomodations........

[Dean]

In a way the toiletries and towels issue is petty but it certainly does impact dues. How much, I don't know but would guess we're talking about $5-10 per member per year at least. The problem is beyond just the reasonable use of soap and an extra towel or 2. You're talking extra personel to tool around the resort delivering these extra items, extra towels to purchase and launder in addition to the direct cost of the extra soaps, etc.

I was once told of a lady that called and asked for 12 each extra of all of the items. They delivered them and at that time she said thanks, I'm going to use these for Christmas presents. The only real issue I have is with the studios for those that have a full 4 people and no W/D. I think it's reasonable to have one or 2 extra towels when there's no Laundry in the unit. Unfortunately many use the pool towels which is far more expensive in the long run because it costs far more to launder those or so DVC says.

[SwampFox]

10drum states:It seems like once you've bought in, then the little things, that are so characteristic of disney, sort of go away.

Except in this case, these issues are made known BEFORE you have "bought in"- so there is really nothing to "go away", they aren't there from the start. All of these "little things" are in the member's guidebook- including the towel issue.

If things like extra soaps, towels, housekeeping and lotions are important to you, they are available. Many people don't seem to understand the "Home-Away-From-Home" (Timeshare) concept and still expect the DVC resorts to behave like a hotel.

The question is just how importatnt these petty issues become. If your vacation will be improved by the presence of these extras, then by all means don't deny yourself the pleasure. A quick call to housekeeping will provide any of these things.

[sumessefui]

I have always found that the amount of soap furnished to be ample. As far as the shampoo goes, it seems to be watered down and really does not do a good job. I just leave it. The lotion also seemed to be watered down. I always carry that stuff with me when I travel anyway. The towels are not a problem, they can get washed when doing regular laundry. As has been mentioned in some of the above posts, some members took advantage, which makes it bad for the rest.

[JonHM]

The only thing about your concept of 'pay a few more bucks up front, not have to worry about it later', and your example of the inner tube at the beach club is this: there are a gazillion *tiny* little expenses like that - how do you decide *which* ones to include in the purchase price, and which ones to let people pick and choose how to spend their money? For instance, someone without kids would probably never have any need or call to use the inner tube, and would not want their room rate raised because of it. If it's something that everyone, or just about everyone, is going to need and use, then that argument makes more sense.

I have to agree with you that YES, showing up and having all of this stuff just there, and having it replenished automatically, without having to think about it, would be nice, like a warm and fuzzy. But is that teenie, tiny warm and fuzzy worth raising everyone's dues??? .... mmmmm, not really, in my opinion. I am happy to bring my own soaps, etc, and have our dues stay as low as they can.

I don't know, I can understand both sides of the argument: magic is a very important component to a Disney World vacation. But there is STILL *SO* much magic in a DVC vacation, that I think the few granules of pixie dust you might get from having free unlimited soaps sort of drops off the meter. Like someone said earlier, the buy in price does NOT cover this type of stuff, so the $11,000 has nothing to do with the cost of soap in a room.

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Figaro,
I am sure if your husband reads further he will see the cost for "pay as you go" for towels.
also, there is no lotion and has not been for years.

[Figaro30]

You obviously don't know my husband or else you would know that I can guarantee in the next 40 years or so of us owning this...he will NEVER pick up the book and read about it. I love my husband to death....but he doesn't get involved with stuff like this. I don't even think he knows the name of the company we pay our regular house mortgage to. :eek: (we've only been there six years)

[GAIL HAYDEN]

LOL, typical of a lot of men. :) I misread your original post, I reread it and no understand that you were reading the "book" not him. Sorry about that.

[Granny]

HEY GAIL....what's with the men bashing? :eek:

My DW looked at the new guide book and faithfully studied every page...unless there were no pictures! ;)



PS. This was meant in jest....PLEASE don't anyone start a sexism thread.

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Granny,
ROTFLMAO, good one. :)

[KNWVIKING]

I'll trade my soap kit for your coffee setup.

[ron7654]

The shampoo is NOT for your personal use. It's to put into the filter at the kiddie pool. When you see the smiles on the kids faces you will know just how much fun was packed into that little container, LOL That's why you only get 1; nobody should be able to have more fun than that on any given day. ;) ;) ;)

[Figaro30]

It's a deal. We don't drink the coffee anyway.

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Oh, yuck, the coffee they supply is really awful. Be happy, Figaro, that you don't drink it.

[nickglover]

We just stayed at the Grand Californian on points for a planned three nights, but it was over Sept. 11 and the hotel let us stay for free another two nights. Each day they brought us more soap and shampoo, so we wound up with quite a cache that should last into the new year for travel sizes!!