Will the new studio policy......weaken our trading power?

[alldiz]

Just wondering if we will be a "equal" trade now.

Do you think that Interval Internation...etc....will downgrade us.
Can you imagine a "marriot" person trading in...and seeing our "ammenities".
What do you think?
thanks
Kerri

[spiceycat]

no

II wants all the DVC resorts at WDW (not HH or VB) that it can get.

most of the II exchangers want DVC.

[alldiz]

no

II wants all the DVC resorts at WDW (not HH or VB) that it can get.

most of the II exchangers want DVC.

thats good to know....I guess they knew that.....they don't want to piss off potential business.....just business they already have:rolleyes1
Kerri

[spiceycat]

....they don't want to piss off potential business.....
Kerri

would you buy a DVC resort when the studio has the junk?

I would not. bet this will definitely hurt sales to II exchangers who before would have at least looked at buying DVC.

[alldiz]

would you buy a DVC resort when the studio have the junk?

I would not. bit this will definitely hurt sales to II exchangers who before would have at least looked at buying DVC.

Funny thing I thought I could never have enough points.....

the direction DVC is taking with their members......leaves me wondering
if I have too many points....

My additional add-on I wanted.....is no longer wanted....I will call my guide and tell her this.
Kerri

[Brian Noble]

Despite the hundreds of posts that suggest otherwise, I'm guessing most inbound exchangers won't notice beyond a quick "Gee, that's kind of cheap."

I can tell you that quality of glassware is no where near the top of my list when comparing two potential exchanges.

[DVC Mike]

Just wondering if we will be a "equal" trade now.

Do you think that Interval Internation...etc....will downgrade us.
Can you imagine a "marriot" person trading in...and seeing our "ammenities".
What do you think?
thanks
Kerri

I think most people want to trade into DVC for it's location right inside WDW, so the lack of ceramic mugs wouldn't seem to dissuade folks much.

[pilferk]

I don't think traders will give two turduckens one way or the other. The number of times they'll be impacted is miniscule, and will likely just warrent a "Man, I'm glad we bought OUR timeshare...this is kinda cheap" response after they arrive...and nary another thought about it.

I think trades for WDW DVC resorts likely are driven by location, and not much else.

However, I do think it's a significant (and judging by the number of postings, threads, polls, etc I think it's a solid thought) Member Satisfaction issue. I'm not sure it will change, even given the outrage we're all showing. I HOPE DVC doesn't pick this battle to fight, and just capitulates over the mountain of complaints they're receiving. Time will tell.

[spiceycat]

I HOPE DVC doesn't pick this battle to fight, and just capitulates over the mountain of complaints they're receiving. Time will tell.

Hope DVC gives it too and gives back our mugs and glasses.

where does it state that DVC must follow the other timeshares.

[alldiz]

Despite the hundreds of posts that suggest otherwise, I'm guessing most inbound exchangers won't notice beyond a quick "Gee, that's kind of cheap."

I can tell you that quality of glassware is no where near the top of my list when comparing two potential exchanges.

I think most people want to trade into DVC for it's location right inside WDW, so the lack of ceramic mugs wouldn't seem to dissuade folks much.

I guess your right.....they won't even know till they get there.
I hate DVC cheapened:mad:
Kerri

[Kathi OD]

I have to agree with everyone else on this one. The lack of amenities in a DVC unit wil not deter trades into the system. People trading into DVC are primarily interested in one thing and that is not paying OOP to stay on WDW property while visiting the parks.

The negative that might come into play is with those people who trade in with the idea that they might purchase DVC. After seeing the amenties DVC provides, they may decide that the DVC is not worth the cost as owners when compared to other timeshares.

[alldiz]

I have to agree with everyone else on this one. The lack of amenities in a DVC unit wil not deter trades into the system. People trading into DVC are primarily interested in one thing and that is not paying OOP to stay on WDW property while visiting the parks.

The negative that might come into play is with those people who trade in with the idea that they might purchase DVC. After seeing the amenties DVC provides, they may decide that the DVC is not worth the cost as owners when compared to other timeshares.

Yes and with all the units they need to sell with all the new construction....you'd think they would try to make it more appealing.....not looking cheesy.
Kerri

[rascalmom]

I am in the minority on this one (although we haven't stayed in a studio in a long time).

I am always a little grossed out by the questionable cleaning methods used by any hotel/motel/timeshare housekeeper. Haven't you heard about the glasses being just wiped out with a cleaning rag between guests? :scared1:

Since there is not a dishwasher in the studios so that I can make sure my mug or wine glass is nicely sanitized, I much prefer the paper products. We don't eat much in our room anyway, usually just a quick breakfast. That is what the WDW restaurants are for! (at least as far as my family is concerned)

Now about those coffeepots.....:lmao:

[pilferk]

I am in the minority on this one (although we haven't stayed in a studio in a long time).

I am always a little grossed out by the questionable cleaning methods used by any hotel/motel/timeshare housekeeper. Haven't you heard about the glasses being just wiped out with a cleaning rag between guests? :scared1:

Since there is not a dishwasher in the studios so that I can make sure my mug or wine glass is nicely sanitized, I much prefer the paper products. We don't eat much in our room anyway, usually just a quick breakfast. That is what the WDW restaurants are for! (at least as far as my family is concerned)

Now about those coffeepots.....:lmao:

Here's the issue:

The paper...well, not paper, actually....polystyrene cups are NOT individually wrapped, or kept sanitary in any way.

So, while with the glasses you had the option to wash them (by hand) prior to use, you have no such option with the disposable cups. In addition to that, the person stocking those cups is your mousekeeper...who may, or may not, have just finished handling cleaning products (or cleaning your toilet) before they stock your cups.

I'm not sure the disposable route, at least as implemented, is a WHOLE lot more sanitary than using the reuseables.

But that's not my biggest beef with the change. The styrofoam is just awful for the environment....and that, considering the sheer volume we're potentially talking about, REALLY bugs me. Especially coming from Disney, who has touted itself as a friend to the environment....

You give us SEALED paper cups and, while not very happy about it (and likely still unhappy enough to complain to MS), I'm not nearly as "outraged".

:)

[spiceycat]

I am always a little grossed out by the questionable cleaning methods used by any hotel/motel/timeshare housekeeper. Haven't you heard about the glasses being just wiped out with a cleaning rag between guests? :scared1:


that is what the liquid dishwashing soap is for - my opinion. if the water is not hot enough for you - and at times it is not. then put water in the glasses or mug and heat them up in the microwave.




Since there is not a dishwasher in the studios so that I can make sure my mug or wine glass is nicely sanitized, I much prefer the paper products. We don't eat much in our room anyway, usually just a quick breakfast.


the new dishwasher do NOT sanitized - I think there is sign telling you that - water is not hot enough.

I have allergies - eating in the room is very, very much needed. have no wish to send hours in the restuarants.

one of my big allergies is pepper - do you have any ideal how hard it is for a chef not to put pepper on something. So my wait for the food is much, much longer than just cooking it would take.

so if I want to eat and see the parks - then need to be able to fix my own meals. the studio with the glasses, mugs, mircowave and toaster allowed that - now?

[Dean]

I doubt it'll make any difference. Studios are not that desirable overall, even for DVC. And if the extra $95 fee DVC charges inbound exchangers doesn't do it, I doubt anything will. DVC studios have always been sub par compared to many others out there esp for Marriott. And the truth is that DVC doesn't have that great of trade power/value anyway.

[LIFERBABE]

Before DVC I turned my nose up at all timeshares because of their cheesy sales and hi pressure tactics.

Last month I visited Silverleaf Resorts because my niece who owns there invited us for the weekend. I just knew it would not compare in any way to DVC and in fact, they apologized because they knew it would never stack up.

Well I was surprised! Especially for the money, dues, and distance.

So the timeshares are definitely coming up and we are actually considering selling most of our DVC and buying a resale Silverleaf for quick getaways and maybe a more upscale timeshare like 4 Seasons for our Golden years. Im not really feeling the magic with DVC anymore and our ownership outlook is short term like 1-3 years.

[PinkTink63]

Here's the issue:

The paper...well, not paper, actually....polystyrene cups are NOT individually wrapped, or kept sanitary in any way.

So, while with the glasses you had the option to wash them (by hand) prior to use, you have no such option with the disposable cups. In addition to that, the person stocking those cups is your mousekeeper...who may, or may not, have just finished handling cleaning products (or cleaning your toilet) before they stock your cups.

I'm not sure the disposable route, at least as implemented, is a WHOLE lot more sanitary than using the reuseables.

But that's not my biggest beef with the change. The styrofoam is just awful for the environment....and that, considering the sheer volume we're potentially talking about, REALLY bugs me. Especially coming from Disney, who has touted itself as a friend to the environment....

You give us SEALED paper cups and, while not very happy about it (and likely still unhappy enough to complain to MS), I'm not nearly as "outraged".

:)

I feel the same way! I think this is a huge problem concerning the environment!:scared1: There are many things we all can do to help with the environment and washing out a few cups everyday is not a lot to ask IMO! If they have not changed this by the time I get there this summer, I will find another alternative, because I will not use that much disposable for a 15 night stay! If I have to go buy a few cheap glasses and mugs, I will do that!:drinking1 I really don't want to have to fly them across the US! I'm always so close to the weight limit!:scared1: I have been trying to lighten our load every year!:rotfl:

[BusterCat]

For MANY this is a large inconvenience: they will now need to haul to WDW all the mugs, glasses, & soap to outfit the now useless kitchenette.

For MOST it's the principle: DVC has once again degraded the value to the existing membership to either 1) save a buck or 2) misguidedly fix the housekeeping 'issue.' In either case DVC clearly was not thinking of our best interest. I’m slowly realizing that we are considered a captive audience of fanatics and, as such, we’re on the bottom of list to satisfy.

[eliza61]

I am in the minority on this one (although we haven't stayed in a studio in a long time).

I am always a little grossed out by the questionable cleaning methods used by any hotel/motel/timeshare housekeeper. Haven't you heard about the glasses being just wiped out with a cleaning rag between guests? :scared1:

Since there is not a dishwasher in the studios so that I can make sure my mug or wine glass is nicely sanitized, I much prefer the paper products. We don't eat much in our room anyway, usually just a quick breakfast. That is what the WDW restaurants are for! (at least as far as my family is concerned)

Now about those coffeepots.....:lmao:
No your not in the minority. It's one of the reasons I never stayed in a studio but I'm a admitted germaphobe. I never used the glassware in the studios. In a 1 or 2 bedroom I could run it through the dishwasher first.

I doubt very much if this will have any affect on trade in's or even sales. Most people who trade in are looking to stay onsite in a deluxe for as little as possible.

[alldiz]

I doubt it'll make any difference. Studios are not that desirable overall, even for DVC. And if the extra $95 fee DVC charges inbound exchangers doesn't do it, I doubt anything will. DVC studios have always been sub par compared to many others out there esp for Marriott. And the truth is that DVC doesn't have that great of trade power/value anyway.
I know your right....DVC has been dissapointing me lately and I'm only a member for a year.
Before DVC I turned my nose up at all timeshares because of their cheesy sales and hi pressure tactics.

Last month I visited Silverleaf Resorts because my niece who owns there invited us for the weekend. I just knew it would not compare in any way to DVC and in fact, they apologized because they knew it would never stack up.

Well I was surprised! Especially for the money, dues, and distance.

So the timeshares are definitely coming up and we are actually considering selling most of our DVC and buying a resale Silverleaf for quick getaways and maybe a more upscale timeshare like 4 Seasons for our Golden years. Im not really feeling the magic with DVC anymore and our ownership outlook is short term like 1-3 years.
Never would consider another timeshare.....till now:sad2: .....they better
put those mugs back.....or mousekeeping will get harrassed....not right.
For MANY this is a large inconvenience: they will now need to haul to WDW all the mugs, glasses, & soap to outfit the now useless kitchenette.

For MOST it's the principle: DVC has once again degraded the value to the existing membership to either 1) save a buck or 2) misguidedly fix the housekeeping 'issue.' In either case DVC clearly was not thinking of our best interest. I’m slowly realizing that we are considered a captive audience of fanatics and, as such, we’re on the bottom of list to satisfy.

Exactly this is what pisses me off. These bigwigs think they can do anything
and we will just lie down and say thankyou....Not this time....If you see
a crazy person in the lobby of BWV on 4-17 around 10:30am....it's me demanding coffee mugs.
Kerri

[spiceycat]

timeshares are definitely coming up and we are actually considering selling most of our DVC and buying a resale Silverleaf for quick getaways and maybe a more upscale timeshare like 4 Seasons for our Golden years. Im not really feeling the magic with DVC anymore and our ownership outlook is short term like 1-3 years.


yes but DVC is the only timeshare on WDW property. as long as they have the guest benefits will kept DVC.

you can do what some of us do - sell part of your DVC then buy silverleaf or some other timeshares.

as long as I love WDW and staying onsite - will kept DVC. now it might get smaller. Especially since the kids (DNi & DNE) are at college or almost (junior). Definitely time to down grade or shortly.

[littlestar]

Before DVC I turned my nose up at all timeshares because of their cheesy sales and hi pressure tactics.

Last month I visited Silverleaf Resorts because my niece who owns there invited us for the weekend. I just knew it would not compare in any way to DVC and in fact, they apologized because they knew it would never stack up.

Well I was surprised! Especially for the money, dues, and distance.

So the timeshares are definitely coming up and we are actually considering selling most of our DVC and buying a resale Silverleaf for quick getaways and maybe a more upscale timeshare like 4 Seasons for our Golden years. Im not really feeling the magic with DVC anymore and our ownership outlook is short term like 1-3 years.

It can definitely be a real eye opener looking at the competition in Orlando. Marriott Grande Vista studios are bigger than DVC studios and have king size beds.

Talk about nice Orlando timeshare properties - there are some very nice ones out there! We stayed at Marriott Cypress Harbour again this past month and my husband prefers it to DVC (except a 1 or 2 bedroom at VWL - then it's a tie). We've scaled our DVC points down because we like Marriott quality so well. Bathrooms were spotless at the pools and checked frequently by housekeeping - I was amazed at the upkeep. They have excellent management.

[LIFERBABE]

It can definitely be a real eye opener looking at the competition in Orlando. Marriott Grande Vista studios are bigger than DVC studios and have king size beds.

Talk about nice Orlando timeshare properties - there are some very nice ones out there! We stayed at Marriott Cypress Harbour again this past month and my husband prefers it to DVC (except a 1 or 2 bedroom at VWL - then it's a tie). We've scaled our DVC points down because we like Marriott quality so well. Bathrooms were spotless at the pools and checked frequently by housekeeping - I was amazed at the upkeep. They have excellent management.

Thank you for sharing.

After 5 years of owning, the parks are not that big of a draw for us. We really dont use the onsite benefits like EMH or ME most of the time. 3-5 hours is plenty for us in any park.
Family time is important to us and we still love vacationing at WDW, but this year we will have passports for all of us and with the reduction in DVC quality and service, the cost and the distance, other options are looking pretty good.
Im sorry, but I write a check every month and I dont feel warm and fuzzy knowing Im getting less and less but they are charging us more in dues.

And I agree, Jim Lewis looks at us as a bunch of fanatics that will buy anything and put up with anything. The OKW extension is another example of that. Make the members pay for their equity in the resort?:confused:

[BillPA]

Changed my mind.

[toocherie]

I am in the minority on this one (although we haven't stayed in a studio in a long time).

I am always a little grossed out by the questionable cleaning methods used by any hotel/motel/timeshare housekeeper. Haven't you heard about the glasses being just wiped out with a cleaning rag between guests? :scared1:

Since there is not a dishwasher in the studios so that I can make sure my mug or wine glass is nicely sanitized, I much prefer the paper products. We don't eat much in our room anyway, usually just a quick breakfast. That is what the WDW restaurants are for! (at least as far as my family is concerned)

Now about those coffeepots.....:lmao:


But really, how do we know ANYTHING is sanitized in a unit? I believe we take it "on faith" that the sinks, tubs and toilets have all been properly cleaned between visitors--but can we really know? I pooh-poohed some of the posters I have read here on dis who indicate they give their units a cleaning when they first arrive . . . . but the more I read the more I think they may be right!

[ldo]

we were at a MArriott suite in Fl that even had a DW and they had a big sign posted saying "we cannot certify that plates, cups, etc. have been sanitze according to OHSA regulation blah, blah, blah..." I have seen it at a few other hotels with kitchens, as well.
The only acceptable thing without a DW is to take out all dishes, cups, and put them in a DW somewhere and replace them with every stay. I am sure that DVC decided disposable was cheaper and easier---personally, it is fine with me---without a DW--it sort of gives me the creeps to use them anyway. I will just put a mug and a few microwable bowls in my luggage.

[LIFERBABE]

You can easily sanitize anything with a bleach tab or sanitizer. No need to change out the entire kitchen between guests.

If these things really bother anyone, they should not own a multi occupant product. Nothing gets sanitized between guests and if it did, they would have a hard time proving it, short of cleaning while the guest is present and watching.

I personally dont trust any of it, (I worked housekeeping) but once I arrive I bring the Villa up to my comfort level and enjoy the rest of my stay.

[eliza61]

After 5 years of owning, the parks are not that big of a draw for us. We really dont use the onsite benefits like EMH or ME most of the time. 3-5 hours is plenty for us in any park.
Family time is important to us and we still love vacationing at WDW, but this year we will have passports for all of us and with the reduction in DVC quality and service, the cost and the distance, other options are looking pretty good.
Im sorry, but I write a check every month and I dont feel warm and fuzzy knowing Im getting less and less but they are charging us more in dues.
:


I guess it is all how you look at it. I've owned for 6 years now and I did look around, we have not been interested in any other time share simply because we like to stay on site. Our main reason for purchase was to get a deluxe room at a savings over time. So I guess since we still go mainly for the parks, if they ended all the perks associated with it, I would still keep my membership. It still gives me a great room at a much lower price. I generally go 2 times a year and have been extremely fortunate in that my rooms have been great and my service excellent.

[Dean]

Before DVC I turned my nose up at all timeshares because of their cheesy sales and hi pressure tactics.

Last month I visited Silverleaf Resorts because my niece who owns there invited us for the weekend. I just knew it would not compare in any way to DVC and in fact, they apologized because they knew it would never stack up.

Well I was surprised! Especially for the money, dues, and distance.

So the timeshares are definitely coming up and we are actually considering selling most of our DVC and buying a resale Silverleaf for quick getaways and maybe a more upscale timeshare like 4 Seasons for our Golden years. Im not really feeling the magic with DVC anymore and our ownership outlook is short term like 1-3 years.Don't people hate it when I'm right? I'd caution you to looks around a little more and make sure that's the best option for you. If it is, go for it, but if that's about all you've seen, there might still be even better and/or cheaper options for you.

I know your right....DVC has been dissapointing me lately and I'm only a member for a year.
We've been members for 14 years (almost) and DVC certainly has changed. Some of those changes were for the better and some for the worse but overall I'd say the growth and new resorts has been good but the niceties have certainly gone downhill. I realize some of this is inherent in the growth, but much of it is not, IMO. I think DVC has lost sight of the customer service that was plentiful in the early days and if it continues, the system and all members will suffer eventually. That's not to say it's bad, it's not, just that it is not as good as it once was and probably not good enough to consistently keep many of the members happy. Some won't be happy no matter what but if DVC doesn't start sweating the small stuff eventually the entire system and membership is likely to suffer.

I bought DVC because I felt it made good sense for us to do so. That is still the case at the present time though the field has certainly shifted. There are reasons that DVC doesn't have control over, my knowledge is far more and my options for other and cheaper choices are also far greater. These are the kind of reasons why I say that anyone who has the emotional aspects of DVC at the core of their enjoyment and value are making a big mistake. Anyone who owns DVC should do so because it makes financial sense for them, the rest is just icing on the cake.

[bounceliketigger]

yes but DVC is the only timeshare on WDW property. as long as they have the guest benefits will kept DVC.

you can do what some of us do - sell part of your DVC then buy silverleaf or some other timeshares.

as long as I love WDW and staying onsite - will kept DVC. now it might get smaller. Especially since the kids (DNi & DNE) are at college or almost (junior). Definitely time to down grade or shortly.


I own DVC and some other timeshares & I have to say, other than for peak times and short stays, my dollar is starting to look better with the other timeshares. First, you can spend ALOT LESS and still get great times, great locations and even 2 br villas in DVC when you trade w/ II.