Sometimes people just crack me up!

[Mickey Fliers]

So, I have been reading all these threads on the Resorts Board about people being offered a switch from AKL to either SSR or OKW. These people are up in arms and saying things like "I am not interested in stayin in any villas", "I want a real resort experience", "I want to be pampered", "Switch from AKL to SSR...not a fair trade".

These statements literally make me chuckle. If they had any idea how great ANY of the villas are, they would certainly feel silly for saying such things. Oh well, let them continue to live in their delirium. Take your small resort room at BC, Poly, or wherever (I love BC and Poly, btw) and feel pampered as 5 people share one bathroom and mom and dad need to go to sleep with the little ones at 8:00. :rotfl2:

Don't get me wrong, I love the resorts, but I would never turn down a FREE upgrade to ANY villas.

[spiceycat]

I know - I think it is because they have never even seemed a DVC resort. Probably scared they would want to buy it.

[MiaSRN62]

I have also heard a few comments from those that don't understand in regards to housekeeping. They are afraid they won't get it. But as renters, they will get daily housekeeping. Alot of people get hung up on the hotel environment too. SSR and OKW are more like traditional timeshares....with the rooms encompassing different areas at the resort. Some don't like that.

I suppose room service is the other problem ? Because other than this, I can't understand why some wouldn't take the switch either. The noise level at the AKL is predicted to be quite loud (and I'm sure annoying ?). Can't see how this would make someone feel "pampered" ?

[MARY-IN-OH]

I like it that way. If everyone loved dvc there might not be room for me! We were fortunate to stay at okw in december (rented pts from a friend) and it was the most wonderful experience in the world.
(mary "the dvc-wanna-be") :yay:

[BCV23]

I laugh at the misperceptions too.

However I do sympathize about the bedding for families of 4 and especially 5. We were a family of 5 and one reason we didn't buy at OKW when it opened was that to get enough actual beds we would have needed to get a 2BR every trip. For occupance reasons of course but also comfort. I wouldn't want my kids to have to sleep on pullouts. One son always does now when just 3 of us travel but he thinks it's fun...loves pulling out the bed.

[justjudy]

I have to chuckle -- and kick myself -- as well. Our trip in the beginning of September was originally a cash, deluxe Savannah view room. Then we bought the AKV points and I decided to switch to a 1 BR points stay. Now if I had only kept the cash reservation, perhaps we could have been switched to SSR, received money back AND we would still have all those AKV points to bank. Story of my life!:rolleyes:

[n2mm]

I agree too. I saw someone who would rather stay in a room with 400 SF than stay in a one bed with over 700 SF. (Plus Disney was offering the person tons of $$$ to change and stay in a 1 bedroom at SSR and they didn't take the offer). Most are acting like DVC resorts are not delux resorts. They just don't know our "secret" do they? Personally I would've take the SSR + $$ offer, and stay at SSR, then use the extra $$ towards my next trip and stay at the other resort and they could've tried both places for a great deal!

[Starr W.]

Is this the person that wanted a "hotel" experience? Personally I need an RX for valium with all four of us were going to stay in one room, to me that's not a vacation(ie time to relax).

Guess that's why we bought DVC, we love getting our 2br villas.(Though may try a 1br at AKV since they sleep 5 to save on points in the future.) Everyone gets a proper bed(no sharing for the boys) and the big plus of the washer in the room(fewer clothes=fewer suitcases):thumbsup2

I don't need someone to make my bed or clean my room everyday(they always mess with my stuff in the bathroom).

[JimMIA]

All of the correct observations above notwithstanding, I can certainly understand someone being unhappy being moved from AKL to SSR or OKW (and I own at both).

That's not the reservation they booked in good faith. They probably put a lot of time and effort into deciding to stay at AKL; in fact, they may have been looking forward to staying there for years. Now they get "walked," presumably because of the DVC construction at AKL.

"Better" is not always better. Getting upgraded from Pop to SSR is definitely a step up, but not everyone will agree that being moved from a deluxe resort property with special appeal to a DVC resort is an equal swap...no matter what size the rooms are.

[bobbiwoz]

At least one person stated what the family would prefer, Beach Club, and Disney accomodated the family. If you know what is acceptable, state it, and you may just get what you want.

Usually we go to the Flower Show, I book BWV, and switch to BCV...for '08 we booked Savannah View AKV, and will not change. That's just how much AKV means to me!

Bobbi:goodvibes

[crisi]

All of the correct observations above notwithstanding, I can certainly understand someone being unhappy being moved from AKL to SSR or OKW (and I own at both).

That's not the reservation they booked in good faith. They probably put a lot of time and effort into deciding to stay at AKL; in fact, they may have been looking forward to staying there for years. Now they get "walked," presumably because of the DVC construction at AKL.

"Better" is not always better. Getting upgraded from Pop to SSR is definitely a step up, but not everyone will agree that being moved from a deluxe resort property with special appeal to a DVC resort is an equal swap...no matter what size the rooms are.


I agree. I like staying at AKL and I stay there for one reason - the Savannah. Our one short stay at AKL was looked forward to and planned for for over a year - the hotel was a destination in itself and we spent barely any park time that day. If you were going to move me to OKW or SSR I'd have fits - I would have been spending months dreaming about sitting on the Savannah. Trading giraffes for golfers is not an even trade - no matter how big the room is - its a downgrade.

[Disneynut4ever]

I have also heard a few comments from those that don't understand in regards to housekeeping. They are afraid they won't get it. But as renters, they will get daily housekeeping. Alot of people get hung up on the hotel environment too. SSR and OKW are more like traditional timeshares....with the rooms encompassing different areas at the resort. Some don't like that.

I suppose room service is the other problem ? Because other than this, I can't understand why some wouldn't take the switch either. The noise level at the AKL is predicted to be quite loud (and I'm sure annoying ?). Can't see how this would make someone feel "pampered" ?


But I heard you don't get daily housekeeping. Am I hearing wrong?

[Inkmahm]

I agree. I like staying at AKL and I stay there for one reason - the Savannah. Our one short stay at AKL was looked forward to and planned for for over a year - the hotel was a destination in itself and we spent barely any park time that day. If you were going to move me to OKW or SSR I'd have fits - I would have been spending months dreaming about sitting on the Savannah. Trading giraffes for golfers is not an even trade - no matter how big the room is - its a downgrade.I agree. I have been to SSR just to view the AKV rooms and I don't like the looks of it at all just from driving through it. No offense to those who love it but I really have no intention of ever staying there. I bought where I want to stay.

I love AKL and we always stay there for the Savanna view. I'd be REALLY upset if I had a reservation for months ahead of time only to be told I'd have to move to SSR. That's why I bought AKV as soon as it was available. I love those animals! (p.s. I hate golf.)

[Mickey Fliers]

I can definately see being upset b/c your vacation plans have suddenly changed. And, if you had been waiting and waiting to stay at AKL, then most certainly the construction would be sucky.

However, my issue is with the "I don't want any villas", "I want a true resort experience", and "I want to be pampered" statements. They make it sound as if they are comparing a Four Seasons with a Motel 6. Like DVC is something less than desireable, b/c you may not be "pampered"???? I think that they believe if they stay in any DVC resort, it will somehow be less "Disney" or less of a "vacation".

I find it funny, b/c I believe the exact opposite to be true! If my family of 5 (including 3 boys 9,8,4) had to stay in one Poly room for 7 nights, I would be drunk before breakfast. ;)

[Deb & Bill]

But I heard you don't get daily housekeeping. Am I hearing wrong?

If you stay on DVC points or DVC cash reservation, you get your trash removed and towels replaced on day 4 for 7 nights or fewer. For 8 nights or more, you get full cleaning on day 4 and trash and towels on day 8.

If you pay cash (which these people are doing), you get full cleaning every day.

[castleri]

But I heard you don't get daily housekeeping. Am I hearing wrong?

The people who are being upgraded from the values or AKL do get daily housekeeping because they are using Disney CRO rooms for these upgrades which are a different inventory and are considered the same as if they had made the original reservation through CRO paying rack rates. Members or their guests staying on points do not get daily housekeeping.

[DebbieB]

To be honest, I wouldn't be happy being moved from AKL to OKW or SSR. People book AKL for the animal theme. I haven't stayed there but I would love a room with a view of the savannah. OKW and SSR are very spread out. They have limited fast food options, many families like the food courts. I've been a member for 7 years and love it but DVC is not everyone's "cup of tea".

[JimMIA]

However, my issue is with the "I don't want any villas", "I want a true resort experience", and "I want to be pampered" statements. They make it sound as if they are comparing a Four Seasons with a Motel 6. Like DVC is something less than desireable, b/c you may not be "pampered"???? I think that they believe if they stay in any DVC resort, it will somehow be less "Disney" or less of a "vacation". I can understand why those comments might offend you. Usually when you see comments like that, they are from people who have no idea what they are talking about. We get that here on the DVC boards sometimes too -- silly, inaccurate comments from people who don't even own DVC and have never stayed in a DVC resort. I prefer to just let those comments go.

Ignorance is bliss, after all. Let 'em be happy!

[crisi]

I can definately see being upset b/c your vacation plans have suddenly changed. And, if you had been waiting and waiting to stay at AKL, then most certainly the construction would be sucky.

However, my issue is with the "I don't want any villas", "I want a true resort experience", and "I want to be pampered" statements. They make it sound as if they are comparing a Four Seasons with a Motel 6. Like DVC is something less than desireable, b/c you may not be "pampered"???? I think that they believe if they stay in any DVC resort, it will somehow be less "Disney" or less of a "vacation".

I find it funny, b/c I believe the exact opposite to be true! If my family of 5 (including 3 boys 9,8,4) had to stay in one Poly room for 7 nights, I would be drunk before breakfast. ;)


OKW and SSR don't have valet parking. They don't have room service. If you are off the beaten path, its hard to stroll down to the hotel bar for a drink. They are pleasant resorts if you are looking for the condo feel, but if you want the hotel feel, they really aren't sufficient. As a DVC member, I prefer the hotel resorts over the condo resorts (other people are different) - in part because I feel more pampered.

[MiaSRN62]

If you were going to move me to OKW or SSR I'd have fits - I would have been spending months dreaming about sitting on the Savannah. Trading giraffes for golfers is not an even trade - no matter how big the room is - its a downgrade.
Just curious....I do have an AKL reservation for Dec and I heard it was only "water" view rooms that were going to be affected by the construction ? Is it savannah view too ? Because if it's not savanah view, then getting moved might not have the same impact you described above. The threads I was following, only mentioned water view ? Maybe I missed something ?

OKW and SSR don't have valet parking. They don't have room service.
On a side note...you really do not need valet at OKW. You're car is parked right outside your villa door. And I do use outside restaurants for room service :thumbsup2 So I'm rarely lacking for that at OKW.

I agree....it does probably come down to those that prefer a "hotel feel" in a resort. I can understand some would feel this way (though I'm not one of them).

[crisi]

Just curious....I do have an AKL reservation for Dec and I heard it was only "water" view rooms that were going to be affected by the construction ? Is it savannah view too ? Because if it's not savanah view, then getting moved might not have the same impact you described above. The threads I was following, only mentioned water view ? Maybe I missed something ?


On a side note...you really do not need valet at OKW. You're car is parked right outside your villa door. And I do use outside restaurants for room service :thumbsup2 So I'm rarely lacking for that at OKW.

I agree....it does probably come down to those that prefer a "hotel feel" in a resort. I can understand some would feel this way (though I'm not one of them).

Maybe, but even if I'd only booked a water view, I would have booked it with the intent of using the public viewing areas of the resort. AKL is a destination resort - the only other resort that has the same sort of destination quality to it IMHO is the Y&BC with SAB . (I'd never book anything at AKL but a savannah view, but I'd never book a cruise without a veranda either - and we are lucky to be able to afford to be that snobbish).

I visited OKW on my last Orlando trip (I was at a conference, so my entire "Disney" was doing a little resort hopping). There were some things I really liked about the resort - it did feel "homey." The cast members were out of their way pleasant. The pool area was very comfortable, uncrowded and resorty. One think I didn't like was all the traffic and how many cars and buses there were close to the units. Parking outside the unit doesn't have much appeal, and with the ability to do that comes the roads and the traffic.

[nhdisnut]

All of the correct observations above notwithstanding, I can certainly understand someone being unhappy being moved from AKL to SSR or OKW (and I own at both).

That's not the reservation they booked in good faith. They probably put a lot of time and effort into deciding to stay at AKL; in fact, they may have been looking forward to staying there for years. Now they get "walked," presumably because of the DVC construction at AKL.

"Better" is not always better. Getting upgraded from Pop to SSR is definitely a step up, but not everyone will agree that being moved from a deluxe resort property with special appeal to a DVC resort is an equal swap...no matter what size the rooms are.

I agree completely! I love both SSR and AKL but they are certainly different resort experiences. If I had been hoping to stay at AKL and got bumped elsewhere (except maybe the Poly - it has always been a dream of mine to stay there) I would be very disappointed. Now, on the other hand, moving from a value resort to any other level would be a treat! (although we have enjoyed both Pop and AS Sports)

[princessvacg]

hey nhdisnut your Saratogoa Springs pics are great!! I will be there in 7 days!!!!!!! First trip home. Then off to boardwalk. I can not wait.

[MiaSRN62]

Maybe, but even if I'd only booked a water view, I would have booked it with the intent of using the public viewing areas of the resort. AKL is a destination resort - the only other resort that has the same sort of destination quality to it IMHO is the Y&BC with SAB . (I'd never book anything at AKL but a savannah view, but I'd never book a cruise without a veranda either - and we are lucky to be able to afford to be that snobbish).

Well I'm sure there are those that feel like you do Crisi. I, personally, don't feel the same but I can see your point how getting switched from the AKL to another resort would be a downer for some.

I'm the type of person, who is looking at my third cruise (second time without a verandah) this Sept. We actually find, while it is nice to have one, that we have just as great a time with a porthole room. There is just so much to do on a cruise....same as there is just so much to do in WDW. I'm just the type of person that is happy to be on a cruise....or happy to be in wdw :) For me, it's all about the fun things I do, and who I share those times with. Some of our most enjoyable and memorable wdw vacations have been stays in value resorts and even our offsite timeshare. But I realize everyone is different. Some people (and I can respect this), NEED to be in a certain room or a certain hotel to be really pleased. Same as some guests need to plan out every minute of every day....every meal.....map out their every move in wdw....while others are happy to just wing it for the most part. There are just so many different tastes and preferences.

Another point....
I could see being unhappy with a switch to SSR/OKW from AKL for another reason (besides the ambience or "destination" factor). Beds. If one is being switched from AKL to a studio at SSR there is the issue of not having two "actual" beds. SSR has one queen and one double sofa bed. OKW at least offers two queen beds. Or, a good amount of rooms at AKL have bunk beds....that would be a problem too if the guest were counting on having them. So there are cons. But I'll bet there are those that are ecstatic to have a kitchenette with frig and microwave etc. So for some, the switch may be a welcome thing.

Parking outside the unit doesn't have much appeal
Now for us (and I'm sure others from what I've read over the years), this has mega appeal :thumbsup2 This is a major deal for us. We often use our car to go offsite and visit offsite attractions, the beach, relatives etc. Depending on valet constantly can slow one down a bit. Not to mention, alot of people who stay at OKW seem to drive their own cars. We have seen alot of different states represented there when we stay. We, ourselves, have driven our own car from PA on occasion. Being able to park right outside the door proved to be so valuable/helpful. We have traveled with my mil and stayed at several different resorts with her. OKW was her favorite, particularily later in her life. Not having to walk through big lobbies, get on elevators and walk hallways to get to our room was welcomed by her. She loved being able to get out of the car and walk a few steps right into our villa. We stayed at BWV, WL, POR and OKW with my mil. OKW was her favorite.

One think I didn't like was all the traffic and how many cars and buses there were close to the units.
I don't know....I always find OKW so peaceful and relaxing. We encountered more noise at some other resorts---kids running and screaming up and down the hallways etc. I think each resort has it's pros and cons.

But again, fortunately, disney is able to please all sorts of vacationing preferences.
I guess what it comes down to, is the guests that are being offered these switches, can ultimately just say "no".

[crisi]

Agree, and I'm certainly not arguing that OKW and SSR don't appeal to a lot of people - but I do understand anyone who would refuse an upgrade there - and not think its an upgrade. Its a shame that these people are under the impression they won't get daily mousekeeping - if that is what is stopping them that is a non-concern for these reservations. But if what is stopping them is beds, or destination, or "we wanted to have breakfast at Boma twice and dinner at both Boma and Jiko" or "we like room service - I can completely get it.

(Is anyone else always shocked by the number of room service trays in the hallways every morning. We like the availability of room service - but it isn't something we use - we just like the insurance of "its a storm" or "the kids are sick." Yet leaving BWV each morning there seem to be a ton of people who really do use room service.)

[nhdisnut]

hey nhdisnut your Saratogoa Springs pics are great!! I will be there in 7 days!!!!!!! First trip home. Then off to boardwalk. I can not wait.

Thanks! Have a great trip!!:goodvibes

[Miss Park Avenue]

I stay at OKW just about every trip I go, but I understand the dissappointment of those who are kicked out of AKL. I've been dreaming of a stay at the Poly all my life, if I had finally been able to get a stay there, and then suddenly offered SSR, or even OKW, I'd be dissappointed. I'm sure some would feel the same towards AKL.

To some people the location of a resort is more important than the space. Ever since Disney offered the dining plan to DVCers, we've been leaning more towards studios than the bigger villas anyway. But that's just us.

The misconception that gets me the most are the ones who say, "We had three rooms booked, we called and we all got one-bedrooms!!! I wish we could have gotten a two bedroom" I'm just waiting for someone to come on here later and say, "Boo hoo...our rooms were so far apart, our kids had to sleep in a sofa bed next to the kitchen." What I want to say is that if you get a studio, at least at OKW you WILL get two queen beds and who needs that big kitchen when they are on the dining plan??? But also, if you have two rooms, if you upgrade to a one-bedroom and a studio, you could get them connected and viola....a two bedroom. But I wasn't able to communicate that well I guess. Oh well, I hope everyone going during this time has a wonderful vacation.