Does anybody else think the new washer/dryer situation is ridiculous?!

[twotoohappy]

here's my rant...

I know that the old washers/dryers at BCV and BWV were
not working well and took a looooong time to dry but...
to only have 2 washers and 2 dryers for all the studios is
ridiculous! (BWV - 2 washers and 2 dryers and BCV has 2 of each)

Also, just a FYI - the normal wash takes an hour and somebody
used the sterilize wash before me and it was 3 hours long!

The speed wash and speed dry worked well at about 25 min. each.

Anybody know it they are going to put more in? It was a waiting line
for the washers/dryers the last 2 weeks of August so I can't
imagine how it would be when the parks are really busy!:rolleyes1

[DisDaydreamer]

here's my rant...

I know that the old washers/dryers at BCV and BWV were
not working well and took a looooong time to dry but...
to only have 2 washers and 2 dryers for all the studios is
ridiculous! (BWV - 2 washers and 2 dryers and BCV has 2 of each)

Also, just a FYI - the normal wash takes an hour and somebody
used the sterilize wash before me and it was 3 hours long!

The speed wash and speed dry worked well at about 25 min. each.

Anybody know it they are going to put more in? It was a waiting line
for the washers/dryers the last 2 weeks of August so I can't
imagine how it would be when the parks are really busy!:rolleyes1

Not good.... AT VB this summer (3 washers in the inn) we on more than one occasion found all 3 washers in use and all 3 at precisely the same point in their cycle (someone using all 3 at once). It was pretty selfish.

Sure hope BWV beefs up the capacity. As an owner I'll send a letter to them about this. Thanks for pointing it out.

[CarolA]

Not good.... AT VB this summer (3 washers in the inn) we on more than one occasion found all 3 washers in use and all 3 at precisely the same point in their cycle (someone using all 3 at once). It was pretty selfish.

Sure hope BWV beefs up the capacity. As an owner I'll send a letter to them about this. Thanks for pointing it out.

:rotfl:

I am raising my hand!

I would be selfish. If the washers are empty and I need them I use them. I don't take twice as long to do my laundry so that you can do yours....

[CraftyMouse]

Not good.... AT VB this summer (3 washers in the inn) we on more than one occasion found all 3 washers in use and all 3 at precisely the same point in their cycle (someone using all 3 at once). It was pretty selfish.

Do you really think that's selfish? (Not debating, just asking.)

When I go to the laundry room I use the number of washers that I need to do the amount of laundry I have. It's usually only a couple, but if the laundry room is small then I still use what I need, even if it means using all of the available machines. (BTW, I'm also right there when the cycle is over so I can free the machines up for someone else.) I've also gone to the laundry room when all of the machines are in use (likely by the same person for the reason you listed above) and I never thought of it as selfishness on their part.

As for the original post...yes, I do think that they need more machines at the BCV and BWV. Have you written a note to the management of either resort or directly to DVC management? That might be a good start.

[Chuck S]

OK, I haven't stayed at BCV or BWV, but they don't use the same coin op type washers like OKW? I wonder why?

[DisDaydreamer]

Do you really think that's selfish? (Not debating, just asking.)

When I go to the laundry room I use the number of washers that I need to do the amount of laundry I have. It's usually only a couple, but if the laundry room is small then I still use what I need, even if it means using all of the available machines. (BTW, I'm also right there when the cycle is over so I can free the machines up for someone else.) I've also gone to the laundry room when all of the machines are in use (likely by the same person for the reason you listed above) and I never thought of it as selfishness on their part.

As for the original post...yes, I do think that they need more machines at the BCV and BWV. Have you written a note to the management of either resort or directly to DVC management? That might be a good start.

It was frustrating because we noticed it when we were taking our own laundry to be done. 2 times in 5 days we had to carry our laundry back to our room because of this. The second time was on the last morning there and we ended up having to carry dirty laundry home in our suitcases. Had I walked in and seen the units at different points in the cycles I would have thought "tuff luck for me", but when all the units are being used by one person my thought was "you gotta be kidding me, how selfish".

I can't change what it is... If I choose to use all the available washers to speed up my laundry times while very likely causing others to wait... what do you call me. A Lucky Duck?

It's not that big of a deal. It was just bad timing for us.

[twotoohappy]

As for the original post...yes, I do think that they need more machines at the BCV and BWV. Have you written a note to the management of either resort or directly to DVC management? That might be a good start.

I talked to BC and they said that these were more efficient and
that there were no plans to add more. I am going to write to DVC
management also. I'm also going to ask them to update the
laundry sign to tell how long each cycle takes. If a nice woman
didn't tell me about the speed wash cycle then I would have chose
the normal wash that would have taken an hour.

Selfish to me is when I see a family walking back to the BC with
clean clothes in their arms coming from the DVC laundry room -

oh yeah... or when I am waiting to put my clothes in the dryer
and somebody puts their pool towels in for 30 min to dry them.
C'mon! 1st - wait your turn and 2nd - 30 min to dry your pool
towels:headache:

thanks for the replies!

[CraftyMouse]

I can't change what it is... If I choose to use all the available washers to speed up my laundry times while very likely causing others to wait... what do you call em. A Lucky Duck?

It's not that big of a deal. It was just bad timing for us.

That's what I call it...bad timing...whether I'm the one using the machines up or I'm the one carrying my laundry back to my room. If, while I'm loading the machines, someone else comes along wanting to do their laundry I'll gladly share. But if the machines are all available and nobody else is there at the time I'll use what I need to. I guess we just have different ways of looking at it.

I do understand your frustration though. I'm sure I would have been frustrated if I'd had that happen 5 times. We usually stop by the laundry room to see if there are available machines before lugging all of our stuff down there. If so then we run and grab our stuff, if not then we haven't lugged for nothing.

[jarestel]

I can understand the frustration expressed by the OP & others, but OTOH, the fact that DVC even provides (free) laundry facilities for the studios is a good thing. One might have to get up early or stay up late or wait in line to get clean clothes, but that's preferable to not having the option available at all.

I wouldn't expect there are plans to expand the laundry rooms though. The best thing to do for studio guests is to periodically poke your head into the laundry room to get an idea for when the "slack" periods are and use that time to do laundry. And of course, if a previous "launderer" has simply abandoned their clothes and they are sitting in a finished washer/dryer, there's certainly nothing wrong with removing them and setting them to the side for whenever the owner decides to return.

[CarolMN]

........
I can't change what it is... If I choose to use all the available washers to speed up my laundry times while very likely causing others to wait... what do you call em. A Lucky Duck?

It's not that big of a deal. It was just bad timing for us.To me, it's a first to come, first to be served situation.

Sorry you were unable to do your laundry at the time you preferred.

[CarolAnnC]

All I can say is, if you think this situation is bad you should have seen the DCL laundry room during the 10 day Med cruise last summer! The line went down the hall with people waiting to wash, and there were a few vicious confrontations in there, lol.

I intend to bring my little Tide packets when traveling so at least I can hand wash my undies in my room! :jumping1:

[BWV Dreamin]

On our last trip, people were not taking their laundry out of the washers in any reasonable time frame. After 2 hours. of the same laundry in the washer, I did take it all out and set it up on the counter. People do need to have some respect.

[Brian Noble]

When I book something without an in-unit washer and dryer (at Disney or elsewhere) I generally pack enough to get me through the entire trip without doing laundry. I'll still try to do a load or two, or I might even use the overnight service if the property offers it. No matter where I go, there are never enough communal machines.

[WDWLVR]

The problem I had at BWV is that the three people in the room when I came in were ALL staying at BWI. One of them even said "I read about the free washers on the internet".

[CarolA]

The problem I had at BWV is that the three people in the room when I came in were ALL staying at BWI. One of them even said "I read about the free washers on the internet".

And did you hike the front desk and complain? I would have. They need to keycode those rooms!

Generally if I am staying long enough to need to do laundry I just splurge on the 1 bedroom so I haven't really encounted this.

I actually have done laundry more at the SSR and OKW areas and it's generally pretty easy to find free machines there. You may have to "change pools" to find one, but still easy.

[WDWLVR]

And did you hike the front desk and complain? I would have. They need to keycode those rooms!

Generally if I am staying long enough to need to do laundry I just splurge on the 1 bedroom so I haven't really encounted this.

I actually have done laundry more at the SSR and OKW areas and it's generally pretty easy to find free machines there. You may have to "change pools" to find one, but still easy.


Honestly no. It was the end of a long day and I was tired. You are right the rooms should be key coded.

We almost always get a one bedroom for just this reason. This happened to be a quick 2 night trip (after 2 days of being on the road) before the Member Cruise a couple of years ago.

[Granny]

Anybody know it they are going to put more in? It was a waiting line
for the washers/dryers the last 2 weeks of August so I can't
imagine how it would be when the parks are really busy!:rolleyes1

See, this is Disney's not-so-subtle way of convincing people that they need more points to upgrade to a 1BR and their own private laundry! ;)

[DisDaydreamer]

And did you hike the front desk and complain? I would have. They need to keycode those rooms!

Generally if I am staying long enough to need to do laundry I just splurge on the 1 bedroom so I haven't really encounted this.

I actually have done laundry more at the SSR and OKW areas and it's generally pretty easy to find free machines there. You may have to "change pools" to find one, but still easy.

Good point. I can't understand why any DVC resort that has an adjoining hotel doesnt have roomcard entry only. Easy solution. I know the laundry room door at VB is fitted with a card reader, but it is not in service. Certainly no need to there.

We generally stay in 1 bdrm also, but occasionally will stay in OVIR for the view. We've never stayed in a studio.

I seem to have stirred up the Carols today. :)

[dgaston]

I think I am being snarky now. The one time I didn't think waiting for the washer was fair was at BCV when the woman using both washers said it was because the washer was too noisy in her 2 BR:confused3 Generally I don't mind first come first serve, but that bothered. Finished my laundry at 1:30 am that night (well...morning).

[CraftyMouse]

And did you hike the front desk and complain? I would have. They need to keycode those rooms!

I believe there is a house phone in the laundry room, or very close by. You could just call down to the front desk and let them know about the situation if you don't want to walk all that way!

And yes...they do need to keycode those rooms.

[CraftyMouse]

I think I am being snarky now. The one time I didn't think waiting for the washer was fair was at BCV when the woman using both washers said it was because the washer was too noisy in her 2 BR:confused3 Generally I don't mind first come first serve, but that bothered. Finished my laundry at 1:30 am that night (well...morning).

That's not snarky at all! She had her own washer/dryer but used those that are allocated to the studios. I would be upset too.

[alldiz]

:rotfl:

I am raising my hand!

I would be selfish. If the washers are empty and I need them I use them. I don't take twice as long to do my laundry so that you can do yours....

I hear ya....If I needed them I would use them. What if noone ever came to use them. Haven't used them yet myself....but i'm sure one day I will.
Kerri

[mgilmer]

The problem I had at BWV is that the three people in the room when I came in were ALL staying at BWI. One of them even said "I read about the free washers on the internet".

This happened to us also at the BWV (and yes, CarolA, I did go to the front desk and complain to the manager, but he did not do anything about it).

In any respect, thanks to all for this thread. It gives me additional ammuntition for my DW to convince her we need to accumulate enough points to always stay in a 1 BR. :thumbsup2

[CarolA]

I doubt they will go kick out the offenders but if they get enough complaints they might deal with the underlying cause. Disney is better at that then at dealing with individuals who break the rules.

In this case it's a simple fix.....

[Laneychris]

I agree that they need more washer and dryers!

[kda]

The problem I had at BWV is that the three people in the room when I came in were ALL staying at BWI. One of them even said "I read about the free washers on the internet".

So, is it finally time for people on this board to stop posting that there's free washers? What do we expect.

[twinklebug]

I doubt they will go kick out the offenders but if they get enough complaints they might deal with the underlying cause. Disney is better at that then at dealing with individuals who break the rules.

In this case it's a simple fix.....

I'm assuming part of the dues we pay goes to maintaining these machines & purchasing new ones if need be. The front desk must be more diligent about keeping out those who don't belong there.

I like the idea of carding the room, but resourceful visitors will always find a helpful person to open the room for them (hands full/left key behind etc). A better idea might be to card key the washers & driers themselves (college campuses have card reader machines so they exist & can be connected to the network).

The gray area comes with the rental of studios through CRO - at that point, is it a studio villa with laundry or a basic hotel rental?

[Chuck S]

I'm assuming part of the dues we pay goes to maintaining these machines & purchasing new ones if need be. The front desk must be more diligent about keeping out those who don't belong there.

I like the idea of carding the room, but resourceful visitors will always find a helpful person to open the room for them (hands full/left key behind etc). A better idea might be to card key the washers & driers themselves (college campuses have card reader machines so they exist & can be connected to the network).

The gray area comes with the rental of studios through CRO - at that point, is it a studio villa with laundry or a basic hotel rental?


Since most CRO units probably come from members trading out to the Disney collection, technically they are staying on a members points, only the member traded for another location...thus CRO villas would be entitiled to the laundry room. All they need is a card reader that reads resort, date of stay, and room number, it doesn't even need to be connected to the central network, though that would be optimal.

[n2mm]

The only time we've used the laundry room was at the AKV in January. We needed our room card to access the room and there was no one there during the entire cycle while my husband washed a load of clothes. That is sad about the reported abuse of non-members used our perk. I would've complained had I encountered this too, though I probably would've also confronted the non-members too, but that's me, the older I get, the more cantancerous I get.

[jarestel]

You just have to feel sorry for the folks who are willing to lug their dirty laundry from the hotel portion over to the DVC quarters just to save a few bucks. If money is that tight, maybe a vacation at WDW isn't the smartest ldea one could come up with. Having said that, CarolA's suggestion of key carding the laundry rooms is an EXCELLENT idea.

As far as the person who did laundry in the "public" facilities rather than their own room... Duh! Just throw in the laundry when you're leaving for a while and the noise won't bother anybody. What a dope!

[itsreally4mommy]

I disagree w/the comment to be thankful for the "free w/d". The cost is part of DVC and hardly "free".

I would have been tempted to ask the 2br lady if she minded if I went in her room and used her noisy w/d to do my laundry? :rotfl:

[tecodis]

That's not snarky at all! She had her own washer/dryer but used those that are allocated to the studios. I would be upset too.
Room key code those laundry rooms and restrict entry to studio guests room access only. Problem solved!

[PinkTink63]

I agree completely! The washers and dryers are great...but only having 2??:confused3 I am always doing laundry at 12:00am-2:00am when there were three, because they are always in use. Last month had to do it again, only this time someone never came to get their clothes the entire time it took me to wash and dry four loads! Not only that, but someone mistook the dryer for the washer and had put laundry soap in it! My husband cleaned it out as best as he could.

[CarolAnnC]

During my SSR stay at Congress Park, the laundry room required a key card for entry too. When I arrived there was one woman there switching her laundry to the dryer. She left the laundry room, propping the door open with a trash can. Not only did this allow anyone entry, it also allowed the air conditioning to overwork while cooling the outside air! When I left I moved the can over and let the door lock behind me. She gave me a dirty look, and I smiled sweetly.....as she lounged by the pool waiting.

[bobbiwoz]

I don't often stay long enough to have to use the W/D, but I'll be there for 8 nights beginning next week and will use them at least once. I've always been resigned to just using them at odd hours, very early or very late. It is nice when I'm traveling with family and we have the w/d in the room! However, I get a 1 bedroom for minimum of 3 adults, this trip is just 2 each night, so studio it is.

Bobbi:goodvibes

PS. I'm hoping to use them while I'm at VWL, after that it's AKV. Where is the DVC laundry room at AKV?

[pixiechick]

here's my rant...

I know that the old washers/dryers at BCV and BWV were
not working well and took a looooong time to dry but...
to only have 2 washers and 2 dryers for all the studios is
ridiculous! (BWV - 2 washers and 2 dryers and BCV has 2 of each)

Also, just a FYI - the normal wash takes an hour and somebody
used the sterilize wash before me and it was 3 hours long!

The speed wash and speed dry worked well at about 25 min. each.

Anybody know it they are going to put more in? It was a waiting line
for the washers/dryers the last 2 weeks of August so I can't
imagine how it would be when the parks are really busy!:rolleyes1


1. I'm sure it's not much consolation, but the dryer in our BCV 1 bedroom wasn't much better. It took hours to dry a load.

2. Welcome home, Hope your trip was good-I, DH, and DS spent Thursday 8/21 at the BCV quiet pool with you and your daughter! :)

[Rowaena]

The laundry situation at BCV has always been difficult - there are lots of studios and the competition for washer time is fierce.

The last two years when we stayed in a Studio, I ended up doing laundry from 12am to 1:30am two nights of our trip. Yes, I was freaking tired and staying up so late to get the clothes washed... annoying. :sad2:

Then you also have the people who put their stuff in the units and just don't come back. I've taken to dumping it on the table, if they don't show up within 5 minutes of the cycle end.

This year we are in a one bedroom for the week. As much for the w/d as anything else, tbh! I don't go on vacation to stay up half the night to get a shot at washing clothes.

If we stay in a studio again, I am considering locating an off-property laundromat. I would rather sacrifice the time to go there in the early morning and deal with it, than the hassle of the BCV laundry.

[Longhairbear]

At VWL I believe there are 4 dryers, and 2 washers, one is a front load. I always wash late at night, while we have cocktails poolside. The frontload washer took much longer to wash than the top load, as I used both machines for the two loads I had. One dryer wasn't drying at all, and I had to use another. My fault for not reporting it.
As for the in room dryers, we should report them if they are taking too long. It usually is because the vent ducts need cleaning. It happens here at home, and once the ducts are cleaned, my dryer goes from an hour, down to 20 minutes for some loads to dry.

[twotoohappy]

1. I'm sure it's not much consolation, but the dryer in our BCV 1 bedroom wasn't much better. It took hours to dry a load.

2. Welcome home, Hope your trip was good-I, DH, and DS spent Thursday 8/21 at the BCV quiet pool with you and your daughter! :)

Hey! How are you?! It was great meeting you :goodvibes
Hopefully our paths will cross again sometime!


as for the washers/dryers... still ridiculous!
maybe we could put a retinal scanner in for DVC members that
zaps not members when trying to access member privileges :rotfl2:
kidding... or am I? :rolleyes1

Hopefully everyone will write in about this AND
somebody can bring it up at the DVC meeting this fall/winter!

Have a great day everyone!
Remember waiting in line for washer/dryer at WDW is
better than going to work ;)

[dianeschlicht]

To me, it's a first to come, first to be served situation.

Sorry you were unable to do your laundry at the time you preferred.

Yep, I totally agree. While we have only used the public laundry facilities once in 11 years of membership, I always feel like it's my responsibility to get my things out of the laundry area ASAP so others can use it. If that means filling both machines at once, then so be it.

The real answer is to stay in a 1 bedroom so you don't have to worry about it!:thumbsup2

[MsAmerica]

Not only is the situation ridiculous but the manners of those using the laundry room are deplorable. I don't believe this is only because of renters or central reservation guests. Time after time, I am cleaning out the lint collectors and throwing away other guest's empty tide boxes left on top of the machines.

Last month, I had someone take my wet clothes out of the dryer and put their clothes into it. I had gone down to the marketplace for coffee and wasn't gone long and no one else was using the washing machine,so I don't know where the wet clothes came from. I figured they did wash in their villa and maybe their dryer wasn't working??? I don't know. Regardless, on vacation, I have do deal with this BS. I took out their clothes and put mine back in the dryer. Luckily, my clothes were dry before anyone came back for those clothes. I was dreading a confrontation with them.

The new machines take much longer than the old ones did. Also, I don't think many guests understand the he machines. he stands for high efficiency and take longer per cycle-I don't understand the efficiency there but whatever..:)

It wouldn't be that difficult to intall a card system. The machines at my daughter's college only run on quarters or the school's card. This system could definitely reduce the amount of abuse that is occuring due to Beach Club guests using the room.

I don't think it would hurt if people stopped posting where the laundry room is at the BCV's either. If you are staying there, it would take no effort at all to find it, ask the front desk where it is or call housekeeping for its location.

just my opinion,

MsA

[ransom]

I don't think many guests understand the he machines. he stands for high efficiency and take longer per cycle

Hmmm. As I understand it, high efficiency washers need a different laundry detergent. Are all the machines at all the DVC resorts now high efficiency?

We'll be staying in a VWL studio this November, and planned to do our laundry in the VWL laundry room. Does anyone know if those high efficiency washers?

[MEM]

[QUOTE=MsAmerica;27437886]Not only is the situation ridiculous but the manners of those using the laundry room are deplorable. I don't believe this is only because of renters or central reservation guests. /QUOTE]

My experience last month at both BCV and AKV is that some people think of the public laundry room as their own personal laundry room. At 6:00 one morning I noticed that one dryer was full of dry clothes - I cannot imagine that someone began their laundry at 5:00 a.m. so I assumed they did it before going to bed and left it there until morning. I also saw the same mega-piles of neatly folded laundry sitting on the table for two consecutive days! How could anyone forget they had left their laundry for two days?!? Plus it made it impossible to use the table to fold your own laundry.

[Deb & Bill]

[QUOTE=MsAmerica;27437886]Not only is the situation ridiculous but the manners of those using the laundry room are deplorable. I don't believe this is only because of renters or central reservation guests. /QUOTE]

My experience last month at both BCV and AKV is that some people think of the public laundry room as their own personal laundry room. At 6:00 one morning I noticed that one dryer was full of dry clothes - I cannot imagine that someone began their laundry at 5:00 a.m. so I assumed they did it before going to bed and left it there until morning. I also saw the same mega-piles of neatly folded laundry sitting on the table for two consecutive days! How could anyone forget they had left their laundry for two days?!? Plus it made it impossible to use the table to fold your own laundry.

Actually, the few times we stayed in studios (yes, we did actually stay in a studio once or twice), I used the washers and dryers at 5AM so I would be done with the laundry before it was time to head to the parks. I go to bed earlier than most at WDW and don't require as much sleep, so 5AM wasn't that bad.

And, sorry, Rob, I used all the washer available to get done more quickly. Each time, I was completely done before anyone else even arrived to do laundry.

[MEM]

[QUOTE=MEM;27440830]

Actually, the few times we stayed in studios (yes, we did actually stay in a studio once or twice), I used the washers and dryers at 5AM so I would be done with the laundry before it was time to head to the parks. I go to bed earlier than most at WDW and don't require as much sleep, so 5AM wasn't that bad.

And, sorry, Rob, I used all the washer available to get done more quickly. Each time, I was completely done before anyone else even arrived to do laundry.

Yes, but in your case you were done before anyone else needed the machines. When I needed the dryers at 7:00 a.m. the person had not yet returned. I had to move their dry laundry to the folding table. When my laundry was finally done at 8:30, the person had still not picked up their clothes. That doesn't sound like an early bird, to me, but an inconsiderate one.

[Deb & Bill]

Yes, but in your case you were done before anyone else needed the machines. When I needed the dryers at 7:00 a.m. the person had not yet returned. I had to move their dry laundry to the folding table. When my laundry was finally done at 8:30, the person had still not picked up their clothes. That doesn't sound like an early bird, to me, but an inconsiderate one.

You are exactly right. No one should have to wait for another individual to remove their laundry - wet or dry from the washer or the dryer. I was just commenting that I was an early bird washer.

[DisDaydreamer]

And, sorry, Rob, I used all the washer available to get done more quickly.

That's ok.... :goodvibes It seems I am THE ONLY ONE who feels this way. Plus 5 am is a lot different than 9-10 am.

[Chuck S]

BWV has a table to fold your clothes? I wish OKW laundry rooms had one. That is one thing I don't like about the OKW laundry facilities.

[SuzanneSLO]

You are exactly right. No one should have to wait for another individual to remove their laundry - wet or dry from the washer or the dryer. I was just commenting that I was an early bird washer.

I always feel free to remove other people's laundry when the cycle is completed. I always treat it respectfully and place it in an appropriate place, but if you don't want a stranger removing your laundry, then you should be available when the cycle finishes. -- Suzanne

[WilsonFlyer]

Just MHO but...

You guys kill me arguing about the number of washer and dryers and such. I've been to WDW 15-20 times and always stayed at the moderates (Nov-Dec will be our first trip home) and we always take enough clothes to get us by for the period (I don't even think there are laundry services at the moderates?). I can't IMAGINE this changing just because we're DVD members now.

I remember my guide pitching the washer and dryer in the 1 BR and that we'd have to take our laundry to the laundramat if we used out points for a studio. I remember atimately telling him that if he wated to pitch the 1-2 BR's, he'd better come up with something better than a laundry incentive.

The LAST thing I want to do at WDW is do laundry. I think I speak for my wife too. While it might be nice in a semi-emergency and I do appreciate it for THAT reason, I ain't got time to do laundry in WDW. I'll haul my clothes back and forth and wash them at home but thanks for playing! LOL :D

[LSchrow]

I've been to WDW 15-20 times and always stayed at the moderates (Nov-Dec will be our first trip home) and we always take enough clothes to get us by for the period

how long do you stay for? do you wear outfits more than once? do you fly or drive? (easier to pack extra if driving)

i pack about 5 days worth of clothes in one suitcase (including one or 2dressier outfits, toiletries, etc). since we fly with only one suitcase per person, & norm stay over a week, laundry is a neccessity. (i don't wear clothes more than once without washing at home, no way i would start doing so in hot, humid florida :scared: ).

[CraftyMouse]

(I don't even think there are laundry services at the moderates?).

Yup...there are. All of the WDW resorts have laundry facilities.

I remember atimately telling him that if he wated to pitch the 1-2 BR's, he'd better come up with something better than a laundry incentive.

Personally, I LOVE the washer/dryer feature in the larger units. We bring half as many clothes with us and I go home with only a load of laundry to do! It's fantastic! We usually run the washer in the evening, when we've returned from the parks. I don't have to schlep down the hallway to the laundry room and can do it at my convenience. And not having all of those dirty clothes to wash when I get home is wonderful. There's nothing to snap you right out of vacation mode like 5 or 6 loads of laundry!

[Deb & Bill]

...Personally, I LOVE the washer/dryer feature in the larger units. We bring half as many clothes with us and I go home with only a load of laundry to do! It's fantastic! We usually run the washer in the evening, when we've returned from the parks. I don't have to schlep down the hallway to the laundry room and can do it at my convenience. And not having all of those dirty clothes to wash when I get home is wonderful. There's nothing to snap you right out of vacation mode like 5 or 6 loads of laundry!

It's a great reason to stay in a one bedroom or larger. I really love going home with no dirty laundry other than the clothes we wore the day we left. As much as I hate unpacking, unpacking dirty clothes is worse than unpacking clean clothes.

[Sammie]

The problem I had at BWV is that the three people in the room when I came in were ALL staying at BWI. One of them even said "I read about the free washers on the internet".

Yep right here on the Resorts and Family forums.

[twinklebug]

It's a great reason to stay in a one bedroom or larger. I really love going home with no dirty laundry other than the clothes we wore the day we left. As much as I hate unpacking, unpacking dirty clothes is worse than unpacking clean clothes.

SO true. :lmao: nothing will make a great vacation seem like it was eons ago faster than a laundry room filled with everyone's dirty laundry :laundy:

We're staying studio for the next trip simply because the 1 br isn't available. Boy am I going to miss the washer/drier that 4th day. :sad1: So spoiled. I do have hopes that staying in a studio will bring me back to reality. I can vaguely recall back to when I thought the studio accommodations were fantastic hehehe.

[garnet1240]

Thought I'd throw a nice laundry room story in here...

Was staying at Vero in April. No one in laundry room around 10 pm when I did a small load of a couple shirts. Waited until done, then put in dryer..I think there are maybe 3 or 4 dryers? All machines were empty including washers. Our room wasn't too far away, so I left in dryer thinking I won't be holding anyone up. Someone would have to come in and do a couple of loads before they would need the dryer.. and went back to room for about 20 minutes.

Came back, no one there, but was one load in the washer, and very neatly folded for me where my shirts. Dryers still all empty. At first I was like ewe..someone touched my clothes...then I realized, someone was just being nice, saw my dryer was done and didn't want my clothes to get all wrinkled!

[Terry S]

Just MHO but...

You guys kill me arguing about the number of washer and dryers and such. I've been to WDW 15-20 times and always stayed at the moderates (Nov-Dec will be our first trip home) and we always take enough clothes to get us by for the period (I don't even think there are laundry services at the moderates?).

The LAST thing I want to do at WDW is do laundry. I think I speak for my wife too. While it might be nice in a semi-emergency and I do appreciate it for THAT reason, I ain't got time to do laundry in WDW. I'll haul my clothes back and forth and wash them at home but thanks for playing! LOL :D

How long do you normally stay and do you fly? We just returned from a 15 night stay at the Grand Floridian, there is no way I could have brought 15 days worth of clothing as there is a 50 pound restriction on baggage. By the way, there were only 2 washers/dryers in the GF bldg I was in and one was broke for half my stay. When I first got there I looked for the laundry room, when I saw that there was only 2 I thought to myself, well maybe people who stay here get their clothes laundered by the service. Unfortunatley I was wrong and they were busy my entire trip. I had to basically wait in line or I would not have been able to do my laundry. I never want to stay in less than a 1 bedroom again, preferrably 2 bedrooms.

[dan and scott]

We've been members for 10yrs now at the Boardwalk and have used the laundry facilities a couple of times and never had any problems getting a washer or dryer. But do understand for such a large room BW does'nt have enough dryers/washers. I just learn to go at non-peak times. I bring my own laundry essentials aka detergent/fab softner and such. I think the problem with using the facilities like on the ships is people DO NOT THINK or PLAN AHEAD for anything( I'm in the grocery business and see this all the time--people do not think and are oblivious to everything). I go at non peak times and ----ALWAYS--- stay with my washing as a ---common courtesy--- for the other guests. On the ship I also bring a roll of quarters and most of the time have to train other guests on the ins and outs of feeding/using the washer and dryers.

Scott

[WilsonFlyer]

How long do you normally stay and do you fly? We just returned from a 15 night stay at the Grand Floridian, there is no way I could have brought 15 days worth of clothing as there is a 50 pound restriction on baggage. By the way, there were only 2 washers/dryers in the GF bldg I was in and one was broke for half my stay. When I first got there I looked for the laundry room, when I saw that there was only 2 I thought to myself, well maybe people who stay here get their clothes laundered by the service. Unfortunatley I was wrong and they were busy my entire trip. I had to basically wait in line or I would not have been able to do my laundry. I never want to stay in less than a 1 bedroom again, preferrably 2 bedrooms.

Due respect and since you sorta snapped at me about how long do we go for; if I could afford 15 days at the GF, I probably wouldn't be worried about the fees associated with overage on luggage weight much less doing my laundry. It's all relative, I guess.

We usually go for 5-7 days and yes we have always flown (this will be our first driving trip coming up in Dec). I can't afford to be gone longer than that at a clip. I confess that we never go during the hot season and that yes, I do wear clothes over again so long as they don't stink and are not dirty.

I guess, since I don't care one way or another, I should have just kept my comments to myself. Now I know. :)

[SuzanneSLO]

Yep right here on the Resorts and Family forums.

Its also in the Passporter guide book. Free laundry is no longer Disney's best kept secret. -- Suzanne

[katallo]

We stay in studios and do rely on the washers and dryers. With the extra costs incurred with checked bags on flights, the less things we have to pack the better. I agree that two washers and dryers is not enough for the number of studios.

[Terry S]

Due respect and since you sorta snapped at me about how long do we go for; if I could afford 15 days at the GF, I probably wouldn't be worried about the fees associated with overage on luggage weight much less doing my laundry. It's all relative, I guess.

We usually go for 5-7 days and yes we have always flown (this will be our first driving trip coming up in Dec). I can't afford to be gone longer than that at a clip. I confess that we never go during the hot season and that yes, I do wear clothes over again so long as they don't stink and are not dirty.

I guess, since I don't care one way or another, I should have just kept my comments to myself. Now I know. :)


I do not feel a simple question as "How long do you stay and do you drive?" is snapping at you. If you felt that, I do apoligize.

[bzzelady]

It's funny that this should crop up on the boards. I stayed in a BCV studio on an AP discount (out of points...daughter wanted to celebrate her birthday with the Mouse) in the middle of August. Mid stay, I went in search of the laundry room as we traveled with only carry-ons (Thank you Owners Locker!!) and did not bring much stuff with us. I was a little shocked to only find two each of the washers and dryers in the nice big laundry room. I was even more shocked by how long they took to run...once I figured out how to operate them and how to modify my soap levels for the HE machines.
There simply are not enough machines for the number of studios in the villas.
Also, I was surprised that I did not need to use my room key to access the facilities.
I do believe that a guest in the building (DVC or cash stay) should be able to access the facilities. If you stay at a resort, you are entitled to the amenities of that particular resort, and that goes for washers and dryers.
Letter writing...here we go again :)

[twinklebug]

I've never had an issue with finding a washer open, but then I've only used the villa laundry facilities twice, once at BWV in the middle of an afternoon (nobody there the entire time) and once at VWL around 1am, and there was another person there who was a member.

For the record, on vacation I don't feel clothes need to be rewashed every day unless they're dirty (DD on the other hand thinks wearing anything for more than 2 minutes means it's dirty.) For a little perspective...

Just think about the insides of the Character costumes. They're so hot the cms have scheduled breaks just so they can breath. You KNOW those don't get washed out daily ... and the cms have to share them :scared: :rotfl:

[robinb]

I intend to bring my little Tide packets when traveling so at least I can hand wash my undies in my room! :jumping1:
OT, but Woolite works better because it rinses out easier. I hand washed all our clothes on our 3-week trip to Asia and Woolite was the key :).

[dan and scott]

I believe that the laundry facilities are for the exclusive use of members --and not for cash paying unless somehow could be linked to the key to the world card (example if a dvc member wanted to pay cash for a night in a vacation home) and NOT for the Inn side of Boardwalk(not hotel guests).
If I recall even when we checked out the laundry facilities(while staying at Disneyland Resort Paris) you had to pay at the hotels--wouldn't it be the same in tyhe states as in Europe?--even at the Grand Californian we had to pay if memory has it right.

Scott

[MBELSANTI]

When I stayed at VWL in February and went to use the w/d as I was in a studio, I found that all of the washers were being used by Mousekeepers to wash guests laundry. :sad2: I sat there for a good 1/2 or more while CM stood in their waiting for it to be finished. Two other Mousekeepers came in to talk to her and even a Manager. I wanted to say something about it, but it was my first stay at DVC and I really didn't know any better.

[Deb & Bill]

When I stayed at VWL in February and went to use the w/d as I was in a studio, I found that all of the washers were being used by Mousekeepers to wash guests laundry. :sad2: I sat there for a good 1/2 or more while CM stood in their waiting for it to be finished. Two other Mousekeepers came in to talk to her and even a Manager. I wanted to say something about it, but it was my first stay at DVC and I really didn't know any better.

I saw something very similar at SSR at the laundry room near High Rock Springs pool. The spa staff were washing and drying towels in that laundry room. It's a bigger laundry room, but even so...