A Couple of Gripes...

[mgroshans]

I find it pretty funny that people are complaining about the tv's My personal opinion is, who cares about a tv. Don't anyone take that the wrong way, but are you really there to stay in your room and watch tv or enjoy family time together by swimming, going to the parks, or enjoying the atmosphere- things you can't do at home. JMHO

 

[Tara]

Of course they are adding them at BCV/BWV, as part of a scheduled rehab. The same will happen at OKW, but at the moment, those regular TV are still pretty new, and have use life left. No doubt, when the TVs reach their normal replacement schedule, OKW will get flat screens, simple as that. I find it interesting that those folks that don't own at OKW are the most vocal in demanding that OKW replace them.

That's what I don't understand - why would anyone want their money spent (or anyone's money) to replace perfectly functional items with good life left in them? I will save my rant about consumerism and the environmental impact of constantly upgrading items for a more appropriate time and forum, but sheesh...

 

[bblanch]

I thought the counter service at the VWL & AKV were fantastic.

TVs at Kidani & BLT are great.


If those are the things that are important to you, why not buy/book at resorts that have them?

 

[kapeman]

OKW is scheduled for a full rehab next year. Everything will be changed out from beds, to drapes, to kitchens, to appliances (including TV's), and even new color palletes.

The OP brings up a good point about OKW being outdated and rundown. I know DVC is doing their best at keeping it up, but you can only do so much. You will really notice the condition if you move from a new resort (in our case the Tree House Villas) into OKW. I was hugely disappointed with the condition of OKW.

Do you mind if I ask the source of this information?

This is the first I have heard of this and would like more details.

Agreed, considering how poor the channel selection is at Disney, the size and shape and type of TV does not matter to me, there is nothing decent to watch anyway. They don't show the good channels.

With one exception: the classic Disney cartoon channel. I don't recall seeing those on any of the regular Disney channels and I wish they would show them.

 

[jade1]

That's what I don't understand - why would anyone want their money spent (or anyone's money) to replace perfectly functional items with good life left in them? I will save my rant about consumerism and the environmental impact of constantly upgrading items for a more appropriate time and forum, but sheesh...

Then why are they doing it at BCV/BWV now and apparently OKW next year?

 

[Chuck S]

Then why are they doing it at BCV/BWV now and apparently OKW next year?

Likely as part of a pre-scheduled rehab.

 

[movie77]

With all of the other issues that should be addressed, is the size, shape and style of the TV set that important? I would rather have a clean, well maintained room over a flat screen TV.

Bill

I don't know why at these prices we have to choose one over the other. I travel a lot for business as well and agree with the thrust of the thread. There should be abundant and good quick services offering at every DVC, period.

 

[jade1]

Likely as part of a pre-scheduled rehab.

Right, someone decide on their own when it will happen (and it may be accelerated for some items) and you will pay the penny a point and not even think twice (like us BCV owners are).

But Tara asked why would anyone spend money on items that still function? A "pre-scheduled rehab" does not address that.

 

[Chuck S]

Right, someone decide on their own when it will happen (and it may be accelerated for some items) and you will pay the penny a point and not even think twice (like us BCV owners are).

But Tara asked why would anyone spend money on items that still function? A "pre-scheduled rehab" does not address that.

I'm not so sure "someone decided on their own." More likely they (a group of people) looked at the history of functional lives of furnishing in Disney resorts, and figured an average functional life for a TV set, taking into consideration costs, and determined an ongoing replacement schedule. Figured that scheduled cost into the ongoing reserve fund, with pre-set dates for upgrades and withdrawals from that fund. Throwing off that schedule could deplete the fund prematurely, meaning even more increase in dues costs later to replenish those funds, much as we saw dues increases to replenish the funds when interest rates plummeted from what was anticipated.

I think Tara was questioning why should we replace the TVs before their normal rehab schedule. This would impact the reserve fund, the environment, and costs more than simply waiting for the normal schedule. After all, it isn't like the TVs have complete stopped functioning, they are still quite watchable. Do you normally replace functioning appliances in your house? I don't. I wait until they wear out. At the resort, it is more cost effective to replace them on a schedule with a volume discount than when an individual TV or appliance fully wear out. But why accelerate that schedule needlessly?

 

[eliza61]

I think Tara was questioning why should we replace the TVs before their normal rehab schedule. This would impact the reserve fund, the environment, and costs more than simply waiting for the normal schedule. After all, it isn't like the TVs have complete stopped functioning, they are still quite watchable. Do you normally replace functioning appliances in your house? I don't. I wait until they wear out. At the resort, it is more cost effective to replace them on a schedule with a volume discount than when an individual TV or appliance fully wear out. But why accelerate that schedule needlessly?

But this is not your home. This is a unit being used as commerce. I own a condominum in Ocean City NJ. It is a rental property and on average every 5 years I am replacing some thing. That is how I keep competitive with other properties. In fact my broker requires certain minimum standards before listing properties and she checks every feb. No way would I get away with having a 10 year old bulky small screen TV. I just replaced the washer and dryer after only 3 years due to heavy than normal usage and because it was an outdated dial knob turning model. The same goes with my furniture. Why would I expect some one to rent from me with old dated furniture?

Some things are necessary to maintain a level of standard and imo Disney level does not include 10 year old TV's

 

[hakepb]

I'm not so sure "someone decided on their own." More likely they (a group of people) looked at the history of functional lives of furnishing in Disney resorts, and figured an average functional life for a TV set, taking into consideration costs, and determined an ongoing replacement schedule. Figured that scheduled cost into the ongoing reserve fund, with pre-set dates for upgrades and withdrawals from that fund. Throwing off that schedule could deplete the fund prematurely, meaning even more increase in dues costs later to replenish those funds, much as we saw dues increases to replenish the funds when interest rates plummeted from what was anticipated.

I think Tara was questioning why should we replace the TVs before their normal rehab schedule. This would impact the reserve fund, the environment, and costs more than simply waiting for the normal schedule. After all, it isn't like the TVs have complete stopped functioning, they are still quite watchable. Do you normally replace functioning appliances in your house? I don't. I wait until they wear out. At the resort, it is more cost effective to replace them on a schedule with a volume discount than when an individual TV or appliance fully wear out. But why accelerate that schedule needlessly?

It is interesting to watch home buying shows on HGTV and see a couple describe a kitchen remodeled less than 10 yeas ago, (with decent, functioning white appliances ) as hopelessly out of date because it does not have "Stainless Steel" faced appliances.. I think we are seeing this throw-away, what does stuff say about me attitude here

On the other hand, there may be a valid reason to accelerate the "schedule" If the initial, say, 10 year replacement budget was established to save for a $700 TV, they've now saved up $400, well, TV prices dropped, they can now buy the TV cash, and since LCD TV's use (quite a bit) less electicity, replacing now might actually save ongoing costs for OKW owners...

 

[eliza61]

It is interesting to watch home buying shows on HGTV and see a couple describe a kitchen remodeled less than 10 yeas ago, (with decent, functioning white appliances ) as hopelessly out of date because it does not have "Stainless Steel" faced appliances.. I think we are seeing this throw-away, what does stuff say about me attitude here

...

I think the difference here Hakepb, is that when we travel to hotels we have different expectations. If you went into a Hilton and saw your room with the lime green plether funiture from the early 80's complete with a big console TV, you'd be a tad bit taken back (amazing our taste in the 80's )

Sure it's functional but generally when we travel, especially to a place that puts a huge emphasis on luxury and service we sort of expect a bit more than " well it's functional".
I do have certain "expectations" on how the bathroom will look, on the furniture etc etc.
Heck, we have people here who have major expectations on the room view.


If I traded out to any other timeshare, sorry I would not expect to walk into the room and see a 15year old gold stove. No matter how functional.

 

[Chuck S]

But this is not your home. This is a unit being used as commerce. I own a condominum in Ocean City NJ. It is a rental property and on average every 5 years I am replacing some thing. That is how I keep competitive with other properties. In fact my broker requires certain minimum standards before listing properties and she checks every feb. No way would I get away with having a 10 year old bulky small screen TV. I just replaced the washer and dryer after only 3 years due to heavy than normal usage and because it was an outdated dial knob turning model. The same goes with my furniture. Why would I expect some one to rent from me with old dated furniture?

Some things are necessary to maintain a level of standard and imo Disney level does not include 10 year old TV's

The TVs at OKW were replaced far less than 10 years ago. Most were replaced when the DVD players were installed about 2 years ago. AS far as being used as commerce...DVC Memebers are not supposed to be renting their units in a "commercial" manner. Disney, who rents the units for cash, can equip the units any way they wish, at their expense. Apparently Disney cash reservations sees no dire need to pay for the upgrade.

Don't like it? Stay at a different DVC resort that offers flat screens. Lack of a members' advanced planning to stay at a resort they may personally find more desirable is not a reason to deviate from the pre-determined rehab schedule.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

I think the difference here Hakepb, is that when we travel to hotels we have different expectations.

If you went into a Hilton and saw your room with the lime green plether funiture from the early 80's complete with a big console TV, you'd be a tad bit taken back (amazing our taste in the 80's )

puts a huge emphasis on luxury and service we sort of expect a bit more

I can't say that I've ever equated Disney's timeshare with the word "luxury". If that were the case I probably coudn't have afforded to buy in. A lot of what you mention I consider to be theming.

Most of the bedspreads at OKW are new and so are the couches, Are you saying that you want it all replaced including theming?

At BWV they just had a big rehab, a badly needed one, people talk about OKW being worn and tatty, well BWV before the rehab was much worse IMO. The bedspreads were changed for something very similar to the old ones, other than flat screens nothing much else changed. Sorry, thank gooness they did change those terrible stoves witht the cockeyed burners, lucky to have 1 out of 4 working but otherwise the decorative theme is still the same. At OKW I like the center island, I don't know how they will make it work with a flat screen when the old tv's have outlived their usefulness but I hope they don't change too much of OKW's style.

As far as expectations, I want any/all resorts to be clean and stocked as stipulated, and I don't think luxury really enters into it.

 

[Pootle]

That's what I don't understand - why would anyone want their money spent (or anyone's money) to replace perfectly functional items with good life left in them? I will save my rant about consumerism and the environmental impact of constantly upgrading items for a more appropriate time and forum, but sheesh...

ITA - especially with the sentiment of your final sentence.

 

[jade1]

After all, it isn't like the TVs have complete stopped functioning, they are still quite watchable.

Totaly agree-but they are being replaced.

Do you normally replace functioning appliances in your house? I don't. I wait until they wear out.

100% YES, I replace functioning appliances. Flat screens for HD, gave the "working" old sets to PROP for folks that need a TV. Just did stainless steel appliances in the kitchen-it was all working when Menards took them to recycle (except the fridge went to PROP as well). Washer was sounding funny-so we got a washer and a dryer-not interested in waiting for it to fail. All our old cell phones worked fine, as did our laptops, PC's and VCR's.

 

[wdrl]

But this is not your home. This is a unit being used as commerce. I own a condominum in Ocean City NJ. It is a rental property and on average every 5 years I am replacing some thing. That is how I keep competitive with other properties.

Some things are necessary to maintain a level of standard and imo Disney level does not include 10 year old TV's

When someone does the financial comparison between buying into DVC and paying for cash reservations, the question arises whether the yearly increases in MFs could eliminate any financial advantage of owning a DVC property. The common response voiced by many DVC veterans is that MFs will rise, but not as fast as the rack rate for cash reservations. Although I have no data to support it, I do believe that cash rack rates have increased at a higher rate than our MFs.

Both cash rooms and DVC villas have similar expenses that drive increases in expenses: Labor, insurance, taxes, maintenance, etc. But why would DVC MFs grow at a lower rate than cash rack rates? I suspect that cash rooms have to be more responsive to the demands of the current market, while DVC properties adhere to a long range process. If the cash paying public demands wi-fi, or flat screen TVs, or wii games in their rooms, then hoteliers have to respond to those demands to stay competitive. This drive to stay competitive may force hoteliers to replace TVs, furniture, bedding, etc, ahead of schedule. And when this happens, these costs are factored into higher rate racks.

DVC properties have refurbishment and renovation schedules that presume that certain items will need to be replaced in a certain number of years. If TVs should last 10 years, then reserves are set aside in each resort's budget to purchase new TVs after 10 years. Even if new HD TVs become the rage after 3 years, the reserve fund is not able to cover that expense.

I know I'll probably be flamed for saying this, but DVC is not subject to all of the same competitive forces that apply to cash reservation accommodations. It is a "home" and, as such, has some different factors that apply to it. And because of this difference, our MFs should grow at a lower rate than rack rates for cash accommodations.

 

[CandleontheWater]

I do have to agree with the TV issue. DH and I love to stay at the boardwalk, and one of the first things we do when we get into our studio is go to the TV cabinet, open it up, and laugh at the tiny 13in TV inside. Its a running joke between us, first of all it is such an outdated TV, and it is in such a large cabinet, the whole situation is comical!

I'm glad to hear that they are being updated, but I'm sad we'll have to find something else to poke fun of. Maybe the entire color scheme still clashes: Arggg, my eyes, they are burning from the mismatched colors and patterns!

 

[eliza61]

Don't like it? Stay at a different DVC resort that offers flat screens. Lack of a members' advanced planning to stay at a resort they may personally find more desirable is not a reason to deviate from the pre-determined rehab schedule.

Aah the old "You didn't properly plan" so it must be your fault. Really not sure what the heck my advance planning, or lack of planning has to do with crappy tv's but thank you for the tip.

 

[hakepb]

I think the difference here Hakepb, is that when we travel to hotels we have different expectations. If you went into a Hilton and saw your room with the lime green plether funiture from the early 80's complete with a big console TV, you'd be a tad bit taken back (amazing our taste in the 80's )

Sure it's functional but generally when we travel, especially to a place that puts a huge emphasis on luxury and service we sort of expect a bit more than " well it's functional".
I do have certain "expectations" on how the bathroom will look, on the furniture etc etc.
Heck, we have people here who have major expectations on the room view.


If I traded out to any other timeshare, sorry I would not expect to walk into the room and see a 15year old gold stove. No matter how functional.

A gold stove is not out-of-date. A gold stove is offensively out of date. And anyone that was dumb enough to find a new gold stove 15 years ago wasted their money (gold was not an option I remember when my parents built a house in 1990)

Flat screen TV's really only got maginally affordable (sub $500 for a 32") in the last 2 years, I believe. to me a Tube TV is no where near "offensive" given that 2 year responsible purchase timeframe..

I'll end my post with some good natured ribbing and polute this thread with some out-of-date tube TV smilies (When will Dis' ever get with the program)