3 Changes Coming to DVC Rumor

[jerseyduke]

rooms that aren't cleaned, inspected or maintained properly, and refurbishments that have lost the resort theming.

Bill, are you saying you dont like the beach club villas at the wilderness lodge?

 

[disneynutz]

Bill, are you saying you dont like the beach club villas at the wilderness lodge?

I'm saying that the current and upcoming refurbs have or will change the old room feel or theme.

If I wanted a generic room I wouldn't stay at Disney who was known for taking you away from your day to day life and transporting you to another time or place. The thought and detail that they used at the resorts, rooms, and parks made/makes you feel like you are on a special vacation only available at Disney.

That was/is the magic of Disney.

Bill

 

[jerseyduke]

I'm saying that the current and upcoming refurbs have or will change the old room feel or theme.

If I wanted a generic room I wouldn't stay at Disney who was known for taking you away from your day to day life and transporting you to another time or place. The thought and detail that they used at the resorts, rooms, and parks made/makes you feel like you are on a special vacation only available at Disney.

That was/is the magic of Disney.

Bill

I totally agree with you, i was being sarcastic. Disney has done an amazing job at capturing a feel by means of themeing and architecture. It is getting away from that and it is sad.

I enjoy resort hopping on my trips. Just walking around, because they are all so different.

Walt wanted people to feel they were in a different world when he was in his world. I hope they keep that in mind.

You hit the nail on the head: That is the magic of Disney

 

[disney junky]

I am enjoying this thread. I always pause when it's time to pay the dues each year, and I compare to what I'm getting for my money. Love the comments about the rosy colored glasses because I agree. I justify the money I spend and compare it to what it would cost to pay cash for the same accommodations. But really, who pays cash? I mean, I suppose a few do, but I'm the type who is going to only look at what I can afford. Since we only stay at DVC anymore, and that's mostly been at our home resort because I plan our trips way out, I don't see anything out of that context.

On our May trip, I did find that one of the covers of the electrical outlet behind the sofa was missing that the outlet itself was loose. There was something else in the bathroom that I don't really recall. I reported both, got the standard, thanks for your report automated response, and really gave it little thought until now. But it does show my perspective. I'm not going to let this impact my vacation.

 

[disneynutz]

I am enjoying this thread. I always pause when it's time to pay the dues each year, and I compare to what I'm getting for my money. Love the comments about the rosy colored glasses because I agree. I justify the money I spend and compare it to what it would cost to pay cash for the same accommodations. But really, who pays cash? I mean, I suppose a few do, but I'm the type who is going to only look at what I can afford. Since we only stay at DVC anymore, and that's mostly been at our home resort because I plan our trips way out, I don't see anything out of that context.

On our May trip, I did find that one of the covers of the electrical outlet behind the sofa was missing that the outlet itself was loose. There was something else in the bathroom that I don't really recall. I reported both, got the standard, thanks for your report automated response, and really gave it little thought until now. But it does show my perspective. I'm not going to let this impact my vacation.

But we shouldn't accept problems and just blow them off. Doing so hasn't improved things, if anything they have become worse. If the DVC owners don't seem to care, why should Disney?

Bill

 

[disney junky]

But we shouldn't accept problems and just blow them off. Doing so hasn't improved things, if anything they have become worse. If the DVC owners don't seem to care, why should Disney?

Bill

I totally agree. That's why I reported the issues. I do think there is a certain mindset that is different from the old time share model though. My in-laws used to own a timeshare. They stayed in the exact same unit every year. With BW, where I own, I have no idea whether those two issues were the exception or the rule. I assumed, from past experiences with Disney, that they were the exception. From what I read on here, I get the impression that overall things aren't what they once were. For us, as infrequent as our trips are (every two years) I don't recall the condition of the room unless something just wasn't working. And to date, I haven't had that experience.

 

[disneynutz]

I totally agree. That's why I reported the issues. I do think there is a certain mindset that is different from the old time share model though. My in-laws used to own a timeshare. They stayed in the exact same unit every year. With BW, where I own, I have no idea whether those two issues were the exception or the rule. I assumed, from past experiences with Disney, that they were the exception. From what I read on here, I get the impression that overall things aren't what they once were. For us, as infrequent as our trips are (every two years) I don't recall the condition of the room unless something just wasn't working. And to date, I haven't had that experience.

We found out that the more we vacationed at WDW, the more problems we experienced with the rooms. We also own at BWV and 5 other resorts and the issues aren't just at one resort.

I would notify housekeeping and/or maintenance and DVC of any issues. DVC would act like we were the only ones with any problems and of course they were going to discuss the issue with the resort.

At OKW one year a kitchen drawer was missing and the dishwasher wasn't working. The contents of the drawer was laying on a kitchen towel. We reported it and lived with it that vacation.

The next year we are in the same room, still a missing drawer and broken dishwasher. This time I go to the front desk and they send a maintenance person and supervisor to the room. They know about the dishwasher, they are waiting for a replacement timer. The drawer is thought to be in one of the shops waiting to be repaired. Never saw a fixed drawer but they repaired the dishwasher a couple of days later.

A year later!!!

Bill

 

[Docmom]

But we shouldn't accept problems and just blow them off. Doing so hasn't improved things, if anything they have become worse. If the DVC owners don't seem to care, why should Disney? Bill

Good point. I don't know if it's just our experience or if more people are seeing a recent change. We've only owned DVC since 2013. We tend to do short trips since we live in Florida and stayed 5 times in 2013 at 5 different resorts with no major issues at all. Sure there were some small things like chipped tiles in bathrooms, the "hidden Mickey" in the BWV shower (turned out to be mold when I put my glasses on and viewed it), worn carpet, etc. but nothing major. Of the 4 times we went in 2014, also 4 different resorts, we ended up speaking with the manager 3 times about an issue. One, AKV, was just for information because we had horrible internet connectivity and since DH works online needed to know if next time a different room location would be better. The other 2, VGF and SSR, we're serious housekeeping issues with unchanged sheets, blood stains on the sofabed, and missing items. Because we own DVC we think it's important for the rooms and resorts to be the best possible in terms of cleanliness, theming and maintenance. I've been going to WDW since 1972 and it's that special Disney magic that makes me feel as if I'm completely in another world that makes it special. If they go to generic hotel theming, skimp on housekeeping, and have even a few surly cast members (fortunately we've only encountered a very few of these but some friends had a really bad CM experience) then that magic and specialness is gone.

 

[thebigman65]

On keeping the themes of the resorts intact, I totally agree. However, I can remember numerous threads on this board and others on how the old bedspreads were tacky and they should have more up to date linen so it feels like we are in a DELUXE resort, and how people didn't like the carpet because its was always dirty and unhygienic. Things like that. My point is sometimes I think that DVC gets the wrong message and does what they think the members want but then find out they got it wrong....sometimes its a no win situation.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

On keeping the themes of the resorts intact, I totally agree. However, I can remember numerous threads on this board and others on how the old bedspreads were tacky and they should have more up to date linen so it feels like we are in a DELUXE resort, and how people didn't like the carpet because its was always dirty and unhygienic. Things like that. My point is sometimes I think that DVC gets the wrong message and does what they think the members want but then find out they got it wrong....sometimes its a no win situation.

I for one did not like the bedspreads - just don't like them in general because of the heaviness but do not doubt that I also think they are super gross because they don't get washed between every guest. But - theme does not have to revolve around that. It's all the various details that Disney used to pay such close attention to and that were left out of the VWL refurb for one.

I have a a situation of decorating an area for a more rustic look and was speaking with a furniture store owner who specializes in that - she had so many awesome things on display just what could have been bought "off the rack" so to speak that would have been in much better theme for VWL IMO. But unsolicited the owner made a comment about how her and my definition of rustic is very different from the young designers - that they are much more urban rustic with brighter colors, brighter metals etc. That resonated with me for a bit of an explanation of what happened at the Lodge. However - though it's a different take on a theme I think it's more of one for every day living rather than the somewhat over the top theme that many of us liked when we vacationed at Disney. My room at Yosemite this year had been recently updated and would have been a better design for VWL and National parks are not known for their awesome lodging designs for the most part. At least they shouldn't be able to outdo Disney in that area.

 

[Pumbas]

Who is the best person to complain to? In Nov. we stayed at OKW with my parents. There was water leaking down from the outside, 2nd floor stair landing down to the ground level. The water made the landings & top stair slippery. Property maintenance must have been aware since they placed a sign to let people know it was wet (but only something visible during the day). I reported the issue to the front desk twice & nothing was done to clean up the mess or to fix the leak.

 

[disneynutz]

Who is the best person to complain to? In Nov. we stayed at OKW with my parents. There was water leaking down from the outside, 2nd floor stair landing down to the ground level. The water made the landings & top stair slippery. Property maintenance must have been aware since they placed a sign to let people know it was wet (but only something visible during the day). I reported the issue to the front desk twice & nothing was done to clean up the mess or to fix the leak.

The reality is that what's important to us is just another complaint to Disney. To get things done you need to know who to talk to. In this case if it was a big issue, I would talk to a front desk manager to let them know that people are slipping in the water. Safety is important to Disney and I would bet that the issue would be resolved ASAP.

Bill

 

[LauraLea]

The reality is that what's important to us is just another complaint to Disney. To get things done you need to know who to talk to. In this case if it was a big issue, I would talk to a front desk manager to let them know that people are slipping in the water. Safety is important to Disney and I would bet that the issue would be resolved ASAP.

Bill

And if nothing was done, take pictures and send them to:

dvcmembersatisfactionteam@disneyvacationclub.com

Laura

 

[disneynutz]

And if nothing was done, take pictures and send them to:

dvcmembersatisfactionteam@disneyvacationclub.com

Laura

Certainly couldn't hurt but MS could take a couple of days to get back to you.

MS gets the report and contacts the resort, the resort says what do you want now? MS tells them that a few days ago there was water dripping outside that could have been a safety issue. The resort says not our issue, contact grounds maintenance.

You can see where this will go.

Bill

 

[Pumbas]

Thank you for the advice!

 

[culli]

Last time I had an issue took pictures with my phone and firmly yet calmly asked for a manager then showed the pics - that got a quick response. Still wasted my time but was effective.

 

[nunzia]

I saw in another thread this morning where someone was implying that we see things basically through rose-colored glasses here on the DVC section of the DIS. That's not necessarily untrue. More times than not, most of us are on or very close to the same page when it comes to things DVC.

The point I'm trying to make is that we take the resale market for granted. What do I mean? We know it exists. I would be willing to bet an inordinate amount of money that fully 90% of the people that see DVC sales presentation never knew (or know) that a "resale market" even exists. Further, I'd bet you that better than 75% of current owners do not know it exists.

DVC thrives and gloats on the ignorance of the buying public. They count on it. That, my friends, is why they can do what they want when they want to do it. Period.

That's why they've never negotiated price. It's the our way or the highway mentality... and it WORKS. Witness the DVC sales registered at the Orange County Registrar's office just last month.

You summed it up..it WORKS..as a company that strives to make as much profit as it can, is in fact obligated to do so, the market will determine what is a fair price. If folks quit buying prices will go down. If resale sales hurt them too much they will buy back resale points. If the buying public is ignorant and uninformed, then they are to blame, not Disney. If you own a store, and you like to make a profit, and your widgets sell out fast at $5.00 you're going to raise them to $6.00 and if they sell out at $6.00 up they go to $7.00. If $7.00 is too much you can drop the price to $6.50, then take the extra profits and put up pretty wallpaper.
I don't get upset at anything Disney charges if they keep quality and service up...it is their duty to find the fine line of pricing. If it's too rich for my blood i quit buying.

 

[jerseyduke]

When it comes to maintaining DVC properties, it has nothing to do with profit. Yes, Disney is out to make a profit, that is not evil.

BUT

Maintenance is payed out of TADA! maintenance fees!

Now, these are kind of like taxes; no one wants them to go up

But, really, does any one new buyer even think about them when deciding if they should purchase? I am not saying to jack the things. But bump them a tad.

VGF (I always use this since its my home) has 2.5 million points. So raise them an extra 10 cents. Even 20. 20 cents is an extra 500,000 they can put to maintaining the property. That is easily one persons salary, and costs of fixing all the little things on a daily basis.

At 200 points, that is only an extra 40$ a year. And it would make a big difference in the resort.

(Dating myself)
I think Snyder from "One Day at a Time" would do a great job.

 

[SpaceMountain77]

When it comes to maintaining DVC properties, it has nothing to do with profit. Yes, Disney is out to make a profit, that is not evil.

BUT

Maintenance is payed out of TADA! maintenance fees!

Now, these are kind of like taxes; no one wants them to go up

But, really, does any one new buyer even think about them when deciding if they should purchase? I am not saying to jack the things. But bump them a tad.

VGF (I always use this since its my home) has 2.5 million points. So raise them an extra 10 cents. Even 20. 20 cents is an extra 500,000 they can put to maintaining the property. That is easily one persons salary, and costs of fixing all the little things on a daily basis.

At 200 points, that is only an extra 40$ a year. And it would make a big difference in the resort.

(Dating myself)
I think Snyder from "One Day at a Time" would do a great job.

I would gladly pay double the current maintenance fees for pristine, like-new condition rooms.

Moreover, I think villas should be inspected upon arrival and departure. If your child draws numerous blue hearts in marker on a wall (i.e., Animal Kingdom Value Studio), then you should be billed for the paint job. Like the accent pillows on the couch? Great! Bill them to the room folio.

 

[Brian Noble]

I would gladly pay double the current maintenance fees for pristine, like-new condition rooms.

But there are also plenty of Members who complain about the high dues as it is. DVCMC is in a tough spot---it is hard to make the full spectrum of Members happy.