Staying at AKL Right Now And Am Annoyed...

[DisneyTiger]

Ok, I don't know if I should have known this but here's my problem...

We are DVC members and are staying in a studio right now at AKL (hence the free internet access) and just found out that we don't get maid service daily??? We stayed in a 1 BR villa last year at BC and there were designated days for towels, trash... That I get. We had a washer and a dryer so we were able to wash towels therefore there was no need to get fresh towels daily. Staying in a studio, we do not have a washer dryer and have no way to wash our towels (which we knew when booking and were fine with). Yes, I know there are communal washing facilities but why should I have to go to the trouble and pay for clean towels??? If I were staying here at AKL in a regular room (ie: not DVC) I would be getting maid service. It just doesn't add up. When my husband called the front desk to request more towels, the CM gave him attitude about needeing a whole new set. She acted totally put out and like we were asking for something outlandish.

Please no flames here. I am just sincerely suprised. Thoughts???

Ok, sorry but just had to vent. Someone please tell me if I'm missing something here?

 

[crzy4dals]

There are washer and dryers available to DVC members at no charge on the 5th floor for those who stay in the studio units. You have trash and towel days as well in the studio.

 

[oakmanner]

With DVC you don't get daily maid service regardless of your accommodations.

 

[mecllap]

Yep -- sorry -- that's maybe something you should have known ahead of time. The timeshare world is different from hotel stays (I think they know that most people use the same towels at home more than one day -- it is more "green" anyway), and that's one of the ways it's more like your own apartment, more privacy and a little bit of looking after yourself. Is this your first stay as Members? I think the laundry is free for the studios; it's probably near the pool, but of course it does take some time if you want to wash your towels every day. (There's a mid-week service, if you stay that long). Hope you don't have too many more surprises (at least unwelcome ones).

 

[toocherie]

That is one reason that a studio is so much less "point-wise" than a one bedroom and up--because you don't have the in-room washer/dryer. You will get fresh towels on the fourth day. Ok--maybe I'm totally out in left field, but do you wash your towels daily at home? I don't--I generally hang them up to dry and then change them out once or twice a week.

One of the trade-offs in being a DVC member/user is that you don't get daily maid service and fresh linens. It also helps keep our dues lower.

so, I'm not flaming you at all--and I realize you're annoyed, but the fact that you don't get fresh towels every day without paying for them is pretty common knowledge--although apparently everyone doesn't know!

 

[M5ward]

DVC provisions for towel/trash/cleaning services:

For stays of seven or fewer nights, Trash and Towel Service is provided on day four. With this service, Housekeeping will

Empty the trash and put new liners in the wastebaskets
Provide fresh bathroom towels
Replace shampoo, facial soap and bath soap
Replenish facial tissues, paper towels, and toilet paper
Replenish coffee, sugar, and cream
Replenish diswashing liquid, dishwasher detergent, sponges, and laundry detergent as applicable
For stays of eight or more nights, Full Cleaning Service is provided on day four and Trash and Towel Service is provided on day eight. After that, the cycle begins again on day 12. With Full Cleaning Service, Housekeeping will provide everything included with the Trash and Towel Service, plus

Change the bed linens
Vacuum and dust
Clean the bathroom(s)
Clean the kitchen/ette and wash the dishes

 

[DisneyTiger]

Alright, see, already learned something. Didn't know laundry was free for DVC members. But, seriously, we just got back to our room with two exhausted kids and blisters on my feet and the LAST thing I feel like doing is laundry, free or not.

This is our second stay as members but we had a washer and dryer before so I didn't even think about it. And I should say that I am not this diva type person that needs fresh towels every day. I am totally fine with using them more than once. It's just the point. I am new to the timeshare scene. I guess I didn't realize that this was common practice.

It's just leaving me with a funny feeling. Like, when we bought in, we were treated like kings and queens and felt that we were becoming members of an elite group. That's how I feel and am very proud to be a DVC member. But now that I am getting the hang of things, I am starting to feel that that's not the case. I guess full price room paying patrons are a priority.

Wow, I sure sound catty and I am normally not this way. Just a bit let down, I guess. Thanks for letting me vent.

 

[dpuck1998]

Not sure where the confusion came in, but when I bought I was well aware of the fact that I did not have daily maid service. I'm pretty sure you can pay extra for it though if it is something you would want. If you pay cash for the same room you do get maid service daily.

 

[gkrykewy]

It's just leaving me with a funny feeling. Like, when we bought in, we were treated like kings and queens and felt that we were becoming members of an elite group. That's how I feel and am very proud to be a DVC member. But now that I am getting the hang of things, I am starting to feel that that's not the case. I guess full price room paying patrons are a priority.

But cash guests don't do laundry in their rooms either (re: your BC stay). On the bright side, a cash guest would be paying about $300 per night to stay in your room, even with discounts. More actually if you're at Jambo, since the DVC rooms (aside from the Value rooms) used to be the larger "deluxe" room category.

 

[twinklebug]

You don't sound catty at all - it sounds like you just weren't aware that daily maid service is something you give up when staying DVC. For your family the 1br units will probably work out for the best. At first for that washer, but trust me when I say you'll grow accustomed to the larger space & fridge

To easy your mind about "full price room paying patrons are a priority" - those folk are hotel guests and as such do not get the DVC privileges we enjoy (discounts, pool hopping, free valet etc). They do get daily maid service but we also own for 50 years. We will be returning year after year locked into our purchase price, They come and go and and prices go up (or, very rarely, down depending on the economy ).

 

[helenk]

It's just leaving me with a funny feeling. Like, when we bought in, we were treated like kings and queens and felt that we were becoming members of an elite group. That's how I feel and am very proud to be a DVC member. But now that I am getting the hang of things, I am starting to feel that that's not the case. I guess full price room paying patrons are a priority.

I'm not sure about the being members of an elite group, we bought into a timeshare which gives us a place to stay without paying each time we take our vacation.
Its not that full room paying patrons are a priority, they pay each time they go on vacation and the stay includes daily maid service. As a DVC owner no matter what size accomodation you have you do not have daily maid service unless you pay extra.
If you were to price out the cost of your room through CRO you would see that those paying for the room are paying for that maid service.
You have to kind of think of DVC as your vacation home, there is no one else to clean up after you, wash your towels or make your beds.

 

[Nikisha421]

Studios are a good deal for what they are...you just have to get use to them...like me...I see no real need in every doing anything more than a studio...ENJOY your trip and relax

 

[BroganMc]

I am new to the timeshare scene. I guess I didn't realize that this was common practice.

Actually Trash & Towel service is a perk DVC offers members. At Marriott, you don't even get that. Stay in a studio lockoff at Grande Vista and you'll have to haul your laundry to the communal area to get fresh towels during the week. The most they do is a cleaning on week's end.

But they're also not huffy about getting extra towels or supplies. In fact, neither is Disney. We routinely get extra towels, wash clothes, even laundry soap just by asking the housekeeper as she passes by at SSR.

 

[phyllisnnj]

From the DVC Member website - http://dvc.disney.go.com/dvc/member...rsAnimalKingdomVillasResortServicesDetailPage

Pay As You Play
With Pay As You Play service, you'll be provided with the following amenities free of charge at the start of your stay. After that, you may purchase more for the following fees:

Toiletries Package, $5.00 - 1 facial soap, 1 bath soap, 1 shampoo, 1 conditioner, 1 shower gel
Coffee Package, $3.00 - 1 package of coffee, 8 sugars, 8 creamers, 8 artificial sweeteners
Towel Package, $6.00 - 4 bath towels, 2 hand towels, 4 washcloths, 1 bath mat
Laundry Detergent (only in One-, Two-, and Three-bedroom Vacation Homes), $1.00 - 1 box

Additional Full - Cleaning Rates:
Studio/Inn Room - $30.00 per day requested
One-Bedroom - $45.00 per day requested
Two-Bedroom - $60.00 per day requested
Three-Bedroom - $75.00 per day requested

Additional Trash & Towel Rates:
Studio/Inn Room - $15.00 per day requested
One-Bedroom - $20.00 per day requested
Two-Bedroom - $25.00 per day requested
Three-Bedroom - $35.00 per day requested

Note: Rates are subject to change

 

[Lynne M]

Just a bit of info on why the housekeeping is limited with DVC stays.....

As members, our dues pay for the operational costs of the resort, which includes housekeeping, laundering the linens, etc. Daily maid service and towel replacement would send our dues through the roof. So, they have a pay-as-you-go housekeeping policy. Everyone gets basic, limited housekeeping services, and those who want additional or more frequent services, pay out of pocket for that. It's a fair way to do it, as the entire membership doesn't get stuck paying for services that only some members want.

BTW, you were paying for that housekeeping and towel replacement when you stayed at the resorts before you became a DVC member. It was just part of your room rate.

 

[alldiz]

Ok, I don't know if I should have known this but here's my problem...We are DVC members and are staying in a studio right now at AKL (hence the free internet access) and just found out that we don't get maid service daily??? We stayed in a 1 BR villa last year at BC and there were designated days for towels, trash... That I get. We had a washer and a dryer so we were able to wash towels therefore there was no need to get fresh towels daily. Staying in a studio, we do not have a washer dryer and have no way to wash our towels (which we knew when booking and were fine with). Yes, I know there are communal washing facilities but why should I have to go to the trouble and pay for clean towels??? If I were staying here at AKL in a regular room (ie: not DVC) I would be getting maid service. It just doesn't add up. When my husband called the front desk to request more towels, the CM gave him attitude about needeing a whole new set. She acted totally put out and like we were asking for something outlandish.

Please no flames here. I am just sincerely suprised. Thoughts???

Ok, sorry but just had to vent. Someone please tell me if I'm missing something here?

No flames....I think you answered your own question with your 1st line.
the mousekeepers are in the halls all day....just ask them for extra towels. I would call down again....I always call for extra towels, toilet paper etc.... someone always comes right up. Maybe you just got a bad person...try again. Don't let this ruin your vacation....and you learned something.
Kerri

 

[disneynutz]

It's just leaving me with a funny feeling. Like, when we bought in, we were treated like kings and queens and felt that we were becoming members of an elite group. That's how I feel and am very proud to be a DVC member. But now that I am getting the hang of things, I am starting to feel that that's not the case. I guess full price room paying patrons are a priority.

Wow, I sure sound catty and I am normally not this way. Just a bit let down, I guess. Thanks for letting me vent.

You're not alone. Disney does a great job of making you feel special before you buy, it's called selling. Special van picks you up, beautiful Preview Center, Guides are your best friend, etc.

Now that you are a Member, the reality sets in. Rules and restrictions that you didn't know about, trouble getting your favorite resort and room type when you want it, MS making mistakes with your reservations.

What you purchased is a pre-paid room, nothing else is guaranteed. Your savings will be several years down the road if you stay a member for that long. It's a good deal for some and not a good deal for others.

 

[Disney_Villain]

Yes, housekeeping rules are the same for all DVC accomodations - regardless of your resort or room type. Surprise!

 

[Starr W.]

Treated like Kings and Queens when doing the tour? I must have higher expectations that the OP.

The staff was very professional(we have a great guide, if he's lurking here), but to me it was just like any sort of business meeting I have been in countless times before. He explained everything, making sure we knew that DVC is a ts product(ie planning ahead is best) and DVC is not some sort of pre-paid hotel reservation system.

We've been owners for nearly 3 yrs and have done 8 DVC trips in that time. I've encounterd only one surly person at MS, have always got the reservation that I have wanted(but I do call at 11/7 month right on the nose).


Personally I like not having a maid in my room everyday, and at my house you get clean towels once a week(maybe twice in the summer).

 

[wulfekamp]

We all need to vent a little. Don't let this ruin your vacation. Over the years we have run into a few bad CM's. Just have to let it go. If you stay long enough you will run into a few. You will run into a few nasty guests as well. I keep telling my self I'm not going to let this ruin my vacation over and over again. The wash machines will sometimes look like pay machines in a DVC resort but there not. Disney doesn't put them on maps to prevent others from sneaking over to use them. ( thats what I was told) If the machines have a money slide just push it in with no money and it should work. Thats in DVC resorts only. At BCV there's a tv in the laundry room. Go do a quick load and watch a show. have fun. And you are a member of a bunch of Disney nuts.