where the coaster & napkin dollars are going

[lodgelady]

Hi all... I've been away from the board for a couple of weeks and am concerned that the usually positive tone of this board has soured. It seems the root of the problem is DVC growing pains and worry over policy changes. I thought I might ease some tension by pointing out a paragraph in the new VM on the OKW page. Under the heading "For your Information" it states that the amenities of coasters, placemats, cloth napkins and mixers (WHICH ARE STILL AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST) have been eliminated as STANDARD ammenities so that all studios could be better equipped with toasters, corkscrews, coffee cups and glasses. High chairs have also been added to units with kitchens. I am assuming that these changes have been made because of member demand for these items. I hope this eases some minds....:earsgirl:

[PamOKW]

I "think" the mixer is the only item that can be requested from your list. The napkins, placemats and coasters are gone. The wording is a little ambigious. As far as I know, the coffee cups and glasses were always in the studios so listing that as an addition was kind of odd. I do think the toaster being in the unit is an excellent idea. The high chair, well maybe sometime in the next 40 years I'll find a use for it. ;)

[Werner Weiss]

I think lodgelady is making a good point. I expect DVC management to fine-tune the "product" over time -- making sure that the DVC experience continues to be very quality, while also keeping expenses under control.

I don't miss the former fake plants in the OKW units. I remember before there were porta-cribs or hair-dryers in OKW units. I remember the key decal that used to be on the shelf by the front door (I thought that was a clever touch). Does anyone remember when the OKW carpets were a orange instead of green?

I'm glad the milk bottle decoration is permanently attached to the shelf, because I'm sure they would "walk off" otherwise. I would really miss that decoration for some strange reason.

On our most recent OKW stay, there were no throw pillows in the unit when we checked in. Presumably, they had "walked off" -- or are they being eliminated? After a call to housekeeping, we were brought replacements.

One of these days I expect to see DVD players replacing the VHS players.

Minor chages. No problem.

[SueM in MN]

When we stayed at OKW in March, we did request placemats, napkins and coasters. Housekeeping delivered them quickly (as well as some potholders, which we realized we didn't have when we needed them). I always go over the list of items that are supposed to be in the unit. Many times, there are things missing. Strange things, like there are less cups or glasses than listed or one less plate. I don't know if things are being broken, wlaking away or are being thrown out by mistake, but they do have to replace a lot of stuff.

[Disney Doll]

We generally don't eat big meals in the rooms, so the placemat/napkin thing isn't that big of a deal to me, especially since you can get them with a call to Housekeeping if you need them. For the snacky stuff we do, paper towels are fine to wipe my mouth when necessary!:)

[Richnj]

Maybe they are going to replace the napkins with HDTV.

[mzzbuzzlightyear]

When we were at Old Key West in March, we requested the place mats, napkins, and pot holders, and got them right away. We cook some meals in because DH and DD love to cook...and we all LOVE to eat!. LOL!

June

[Laurajean1014]

Who cares?

Does no coasters, napkins break you from having a great vacation?

I don't understand why this concerns so many people? Maybe my expectations are lower, but I feel that the necessities of a room would be: (extremely) clean room/baths, lighted areas, helpful, friendly employees, clean and well-maintained pool, and beautiful weather (well, Disney can't control that, yet).

I say, No coasters ~ No big deal.

Have a DVC day.

[GAIL HAYDEN]

I like coasters because I do not like rings on the furniture. I don't like using paper towels for this as it looks tacky, IMHO.
I like placemats and napkins because it looks nice and I use napkins, not my sleeve or a tablecloth or a rough paper towel. I also use dishes, not paper plates or paper towels for my food. I am picky. I am a neat freak. :)
Will my vacation be ruined? Nope, I will request them and see if they are still available. I will also pack some to take with me.
I will also bring some coasters with me.

[lodgelady]

The VM paragraph I referred to in my original post indicated that DVC was trying to standardize equipment at all properties...so I guess they were tired of paying people to run toasters up to the studios!

[Doctor P]

My only concern is whether the lack of coasters or placemats will increase wear on any of hte furniture in the units so that we will end up paying for it in the long run. Otherwise, I don't think I'll miss them.

[OKW fan]

I do not miss placemats and coasters. In all honesty, I put them away and never used them anyway (we also don't mind using paper towels as napkins). We have done extensive cooking at OKW and have never used a mixer. I think Disney had done a good job determining what items can be eliminated.

[pentex]

Well, my two daughters (5 and 9) are sure going to be sad if there are no napkins/placemats in the room! They always remember that about OKW and how they love to play house with them. It's funny because we just spent a few days down in Ocean City, MD and they were both talking about how the hotel wasn't as good as OKW because they had no placemats and napkins!

So much for magical memories, eh? We take them down to Disneyworld and the best part for them is the napkins and placemats!!

[PKK/MJK]

Well, it may be no big deal to some, but personally I am disappointed to see things like the placemats, napkins, coasters, plants and mixers taken away. They were nice, cozy "touches" to what is referred to as our "home." It's a shame things have to be eliminated in one place so that something can be added in another. Economics, I guess. I wonder what else is going to be taken away in the future???? That is what troubles me when these things happen. It is not that the coasters are gone, but that it seems to be a trend. What will be eliminated next?? Will I o worry about this and let it ruin my vacation-- of course not!!

[baileybrad]

If they want to really "standardize" the properties then I suppose they have ordered the VCRs for the studios to be standard with the ones in HH's studios. Getting rid of coasters is beyond cheap and will just result in even more rings on the wood furniture but I don't wish to be accused of complaining too much so ......mum is the word.

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Well of course OKW fan,
Because you don't use these items, then Disney made the right decision, in your opinion.
In mine, I did use them, including the mixer, and I will miss them.
IMHO, they did the wrong thing.
A highchair is useless to me, do I think Disney made the wrong decision in putting one in there, NO, I think it was a great decision and a time saver for those who have children that need them and for housekeeping, so they won't have to shlep them around.
Now, I don't use the vacuum, never have, never will, in keeping with your thoughts, we should remove that. Lots of people don't use the iron and board, should that go to?
What you find useless to you may well be useful to others.

[PamOKW]

I agree with PKK and Gail -- While certain changes don't effect someone, maybe the next one will.

I can appreciate that they try to keep our dues down but I don't think eliminating all the special touches in the units is necessarily the best way to go. Just like cutting back on towels and soaps wasn't that big a deal it's still annoying. Yes, I might want an extra towel on one trip out of a dozen. But I rarely attend the member parties and have no children that participate in the Community Hall events. I certainly have no use for the high chair either. How about a trade off? My towel for another member child's craft project?

I would rather pay a little more in dues to keep the deluxe resort feel rather than constantly cut corners to save a few dollars.

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Pam,
Pentex's children have the perfect solution to the craft projects and napkin placemat thing, they, to those kids, ARE craft projects.
See, get the kids to play with the placemats and napkins and viola, you can save money on the craft projects. ;)
Pentex, I had to chuckle when I read your post. :) Thanks for making me smile.

[pentex]

Gail, you had to hear my 8 year old when I told her...it's like the end of the world! I just hope they still have the ice bucket or I don't know what the kids will do!

I do agree with you guys on not liking this getting rid of the small touches. I do cook in the room on occasion (I don't do it often at home, so I do something different on vacation!). I just love setting up that table with the seagreen placemats and napkins. It may sound dorky, but that was real special to me.

I also think adding high chairs to all kitchen units is not necessary. Although I could still use it (my little one is petite and fidgety), I think it's excessive to stock all rooms with them. Many people won't use them and they'll be in the way. I never mind calling to get them and have even picked them up myself from Housekeeping when they were too busy.

I still love my DVC, but I will miss these touches.

[DisneyCrazy]

Why not make one of the children's craft projects knitting napkins/placemats/coasters - kill two birds with one stone.

We don't need no stinkin' child labor laws...

RD&H...

P.S. I'll probably get more grief for bird killing than the child labor thing...

P.P.S. To me it's Monday, so take it easy on me...
:jester:

[Paul in CT]

Doctor P,

I agree with you about the "wear and tear" on the furniture due to lack of coasters. This was especially obvious to me at our most recent stay at VWL where the much of the furniture appears to be polished wood that can easily be damaged by water rings. Of course, even if coasters were provided, not everyone would bother to use them. :(

Now that I've read these posts, I wonder if I could have requested coasters at VWL where they may never have had them. :confused: Perhaps they would have to call over to OKW for them. :D

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Pentex,
LOL. well I don't think the ice bucket is on the "hit" list.
As to the coasters and rings, I totally agree, but, as one poster put it, they put them away anyway. Sad.

[Niagara2]

I missed the placemats and napkins last trip. We were just set to eat and then I noticed - no settings to make the table nice. I could of called but by the time I moved the unused highchair out of the way so I could open the cabinet, dinner was ready!

[Niagara2]

A two bedroom, depending on day of week and season go for 24 to 64 points a nite on average. A point has a value of 10 dollars so for example if 220 points are used than the "street" value can be $2200 for this stay. You have a very nice friend as she has the chance to sell her unused points on this board.

[Debbie H]

I find that by trying to make all DVC's the same is taking things away from those of us who where in virtually from the beginning. Gail has been there since practically day one. Remember the peach towels, nice soft peach sheets, scales in all the bathrooms??? All gone because people had a tendency to steal them. We even had different color towels at the pool. This was done because back in the beginning, they wanted the DVC to be different than any of the other resorts. Well, now they are trying to make it just like all of the other resorts. I think it is wrong and am put off by it. Ruin my vacations? No, not at all.
Debbie

[Mary Anne]

I just today returned from 10 days in a one bedroom at the BWV. There definately was no placemats, napkins, coasters, plants, mixers or pot holders in the room. Personally I didn't miss the other stuff the the pot holders were missed. I was using a towel to take a pizza out of the oven, and it was hot and I dropped it. It splatted all over the oven door and really made a mess. I cleaned it up the best I could, but I'm sure housekeeping is cleaning that oven tonight.

I felt bad and made a note to bring my own pot holders next trip.

I also noticed the tables were showing a worn looking look to them from people putting stuff on them with no protection on the table.

It didn't spoil my trip, but it was noticable.

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Debbie,
I honestly do not remember the peach towels, sheets or the scales. Maybe they took them out by my first trip to a GV in 92.
I do remember that the last trip still had those fake plants . I think they look nice.
When I arrive I usually do an inventory and call for the things I need. Pot holders are usually first on the list. Housekeeping is wonderful about bringing stuff rapidly.
None of these missing items will ruin my vacation, but, it sort of saddens me to see them missing. The items set the DVC apart from other resorts.
I plan to put the highchair out on the balcony, IMHO it is just a stubbed toe looking to happen. :)

[OKW fan]

It appears from what other members are saying that you can still request coasters and placemats. We are in the process of purchasing points at OKW. We have been "guests" for the last five years and finally decided to make the purchase. As a result, we will lose our daily housekeeping services (which included loading the dishwasher and making the beds), soap&shampoo, etc. While traumatic, the benefits of ownership far outweigh these losses and we are extremely happy. I guess that is why the loss of coasters does not seem that significant.

I don't look at it like items are being "taken away" from me. I figure there has been a financial analysis done and it was determined that the cost of replacing these frequently damaged/missing items did not outweigh the benefits of continually replacing them. I would be interested in knowing what percentage of the yearly fees went towards these items.

[Beth]

Gail.

We were at OKW this weekend - and that highchair fit nicely in the front closet - by the vacuum cleaner - something ELSE we never use.... (But nice to have ... just in case...)

And - there "is" still an artificial plant in the Master BR (on top of the entertainment center).

[PamOKW]

I plan to put the highchair out on the balcony, IMHO it is just a stubbed toe looking to happen.

LOL!! That was one of my first thoughts when I read about the high chair....Beth, your idea was my second thought when I considered thunderstorms.

I like having the vaccuum and I think having them in the units makes it easier on housekeeping. However, I could do without the crib and now the high chair. These items are just taking up space in the units. Are there really that many infants/toddlers that "on demand" delivery is an inconvenience?

[pentex]

I agree with PamOKW. We've been in DVC since 1993 and have had two infants there many times (my kids are now 5 and 8). I never minded whatsover waiting for the highchair. I was just really happy that there was even the possibility of getting one...who cares if you have to call and ask for it? As far as the travel crib, we never even used that since they also had the full sized cribs and we asked for those.

I think more people would use the mats, napkins, oven mitts than would use highchairs. It's a shame if the reason is that people were stealing them. That is so petty.

[Niagara2]

I actually called housekeeping when I saw that we had a highchair in the room. I figured we sure didn't need it and some poor soul with a few little ones would. They chuckled when I said we had this chair and felt that someone might need it and it is available and then told that all rooms had one. News to us as we were there in June with no highchair but we did have placemats!!

[GAIL HAYDEN]

The front closet by the vacuum decoration is a great idea, but, my DD will be with us, along with another couple in a two bedroom lockoff, sooooo, she will have to use the closet for her clothes (she will no doubt bring enough for a month). So, it is out on the balcony with the hc.

[OKW fan]

I think the point is that the value of an item is a matter of personal preference but tradeoffs and decisions must be made. I certainly have no use for a highchair (and did not even know there was a vacuum cleaner in the room) but understand that may be a high priority for other members. Ironically, I was sad to hear the artificial plant is gone but will never let something like that sour my attitude!

Perhaps it would be best to express your concerns to Disney directly as they do not share your opinion that missing coasters will result in mass destruction of furniture (especially since they are not included at newer resorts!)

Cheer up Disney Veteran, we are a part of one of the best vacation resorts in the world!!

[Lil]

I used the placemats, napkins, and napkin rings. I vacuumed every day.......my hubby is a snacker and a bit messy and all those crumbs drive me crazy.

As far as the absence of items having a negative effect on my vacation - NO. But I do view my stay at WDW as being at home.....I don't like drinks on the endtables without coasters, we use cloth napkins and crumbs on the carpet attract bugs. Why would I treat WDW any different. I don't allow wet bathing suits on my sofa here, why would I there?

As far as the high chair........it will go in the closet or on the patio.

[Jeanne]

I keep going back to this post, and have been wondering over the past few days why it keeps nagging at me, (I am not loosing sleep however). The reason I read that we no longer have these items is for uniformity. Do we really want all DVC to be uniform. I kind of like the uniqueness of each property. Will I be crushed if one place has napkins and another property has coasters. Nope. But I do like the extras, and love to see how the decorators make our homes nicer than home. I miss the little touches that make each property unique.

[OKW fan]

Lil sounds great. Unfortunately, I don't use coasters at home and certainly don't vacuum every day! However, I do insist that my family eat all food (even snacks) at the table and would not leave a highchair out on the patio.

It is meeting people from all different backgrounds, that share a common love of Disney, that makes DVC so great.

[gscott8075]

In the name of uniformity, several items were removed.

However, OKW added high chairs.

Hmmmm....seems a bit of an oxymoron?

[Johnnie Fedora]

Many beverage establishments have a somewhat durable reuseable/disposable pressboard coasters with their logo on it. Maybe DVC could have some printed with DVC logo and phone number on it. It would help save the furniture, and since many people would take as souvieners, it would provide free advertisment. Money could come from the DVC advertising budget, they certainly have money there (think about the thousand of books and tapes sent out each year). ;)

Maybe this could work for napkins as well??

[baileybrad]

I think that the main reason for the addition of the high chairs is so they won't have to be carried up and down the steps. For those of you that don't require them....stick them in the closet with the vc. Just remember that many of those little ones in the strollers do need the high chairs.

[OKW fan]

I haven't needed a high chair in many, many years but can see how difficult it would be without one. I wonder if a lot of members even realized that they could request one. That never crossed my mind and we did have a little one with us one year.

[Lil]

It really kinda of funny.....we are taking our son and family to WDW next month....all expenses and spending money on us......an early gift for every holiday for the year 2002. When we reserved our two bedroom, I requested a high chair and crib for the 1 year old. Also, we purchased a seat on the plane for him.

As for leaving the highchair on the patio.......welllllll....I'm too anal to abuse anything at WDW....high chairs included.......I must blame my allergy meds for the flip reply.

[doubletrouble_vb]

My fellow posters...I've read through the postings and am surprised that the obvious solution was missed. Each and everyone of us should make a request for napkins, placemats & coasters along with our reservations. Like the high chair they may magically re-appear as an automatic amenity in the room.

Actually I was wondering why there was a pak-n-play in my studio last weekend.

I also agree with the person who advocated durable disposable coasters. High quality paper dinner napkins, durable paper placements and coasters may be the way to go. Restock if used during the course of the stay.

P.S. To be honest the only thing I would bother with, with any frequency, would be the coasters.