A Couple of Gripes...

[DadofTwoMice]

Our family is a member of DVC and we love everything Disney. This is my first post because there are a couple of things I can't stand and just had to vent somewhere. If anyone knows of a place your can submit direct comments to DVC please feel free to post me a link. In any event, please bear with me.

We are fortunate we live in Florida and go to the resorts 2-4 times a year. Our last two stays were at Saratoga in September, and just this Halloween weekend at at Old Key West. I am sure that this has been hit on before by someone else, but I can't help but voice my frustration on our only three REAL complaints:

1. The food courts stink at all the DVC resorts! Is this some sort of joke they are playing on us? I go on vacation to enjoy myself, not to cook (yes, as the male in our home I do 90% of the cooking). It is nice having the kitchen area in our room and we do use it some, but not much. We want to eat on the go and hit the parks, the pool, the amenities. The food courts are ridiculous. At Old Key West it is outside, barely the size of one car garage, and usually had a 25-45 minute wait at meal time and the resort wasn't even packed??? The choices were limited. A 7 night stay and unless you bring food, or eat at Olivia's Restaurant you are subjected to the same menu of burger, hot dog, turkey sandwhich, salad, or chicken tenders? Really? At a 4 star resort? The food courts at the value resorts give 5 times as many options. Saratoga in September was better, but barely. At least there you had a few more food options but it was still small and always crowded. Lines abound at these resorts and I have heard more than one person complaining during our stays. This is a major, major burr in my side but I know it is unlikely to change. I can't believe Disney isn't aware of this complaint and problem but it appears they don't seem to care now that they have our money.

2. Am I paying to belong to the Motel 8 chain or supposedly a Top of Line Disney Vacation Club? What's up with the outdated, crappy old square TV's that abound in all the ALL WDW resorts? Is this 1999 or 2009? At old Key West the TV was an old 19" diagonal. Are you kidding? No flat screens? My wife even joked about it without me saying a word and she could not care less about the size of a TV. At Saratoga last trip, maybe a 20" diagonal box and that was in a 2 bedroom villa. I am using valuable points on a 2 bedroom and getting 20" diagonal old style BOX TV's in each room? Heck, I've stayed at Holiday Inn's that have nicer flat screen sets. No, we don't go on vacation at WDW to watch TV. However, when we come back to the room in the evenings, or on days when we lounge around the resort, it would be nice to watch a football game or show on something bigger than what I had in my college dorm room 20 years ago. I ended up playing a movie for our girls on my 20" laptop while I squinted at the little TV showing the end of the Miami / Wake Forest game before we hit Downtown Disney Halloween night.

3. The resort shop / stores are a small and VERY limited. Very few choices to pick up stuff to take back to the room. They are missing lots of dollars (at least my dollars) by not having a broader selection like at the "regular" resorts.

I just don't get Disney or DVC's thinking here. It doesn't make sense considering the extra money they could be making. I'm just saying....

 

[Chuck S]

The food courts at almost all Disney Deluxe resorts, including the DVC resorts, are IMO lacking, especially compared to POP Century...but the emphasis seems to be on a nice table service location, instead. With OKW and SSR, you have the option of going to DtD where there is a nice selection of restaurants, but Olivia's is one of our favorites.

Personally, I've always found the resort store at OKW adequate, it certainly carries a larger selection of food products than the non-DVC Resort stores, as those Deluxe resorts do not have a full kitchen. You can buy most of the basics, just not a big selection of produce or 15 brands of mayo. You really can't expect a full-sized grocery store at a resort that has maybe 2000 to 2500 guests as a customer base, given that most of them won't be doing any major food prep in their rooms, they are on vacation, after all, and for most that doesn't include daily full blown in room meals cooked by Mom. We generally make a run to Publix for the bulk of our groceries, and then supplement from the resort store as needed.

As far as the TV, many of them were just replaced before the flat screens dropped some in price....since any upgrades come from dues, I think we should be patient enough to wait for them to reach the end of their normal life expectancy and the next scheduled rehab. That is the differece between a timesare and cash resort...at a timeshare the owners have to pay for the maintenance and replacement of furnishings.

Timeshares aren't for everyone, and may not be the best choice for your vacation expectations.

 

[disneynutz]

Disney's decision to offer amenities at the resorts, or anywhere at Disney for that matter, is purely a financial one.

If the restaurants or counter service locations at the DVC resorts made Disney money, there would be more of them.

If the resort stores made Disney money, they would be larger and better stocked.

If flat screen TVs caused more rooms to be booked, then there would be flat screens everywhere, at a DVC resort, maintaining 99% occupancy isn't a problem, even with the "old fashioned" TVs".

Bill

 

[jekjones1558]

The newer DVC resorts have flat screens and the other DVC resorts are getting them. BWV has them now as part of rehab and someone posted that their BCV room had them.
I agree that the food court situation could be better but I don't see that happening in the foreseeable future.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

One other note, I wouldn't put much strength in stating a 4-Star resort, the Grand Floridian barely qualifies as a 4-Star resort.

 

[dianeschlicht]

1. Food courts. DVC resorts are "home away from home" timeshares, and do not have "food courts" like the value resorts do. In fact, most of the deluxes do not have food courts either. I always equate "food court" with value, so maybe that's why there aren't any attached to DVC resorts. OKW and SSR both have "Quick service" areas, but SSR has a better selection than OKW. I never use the food courts, and I love Olivia's so I've never missed it. We also use our kitchen for breakfasts, and we eat at other WDW table service etablishments for most of our main sit down meals.

2. TVs. Sure the flat screens are nice, but I own 380 points at OKW, and given the small amount of time I watch TV while at Disney, I'm not sure I want my dues going to buying flat panels for all those units! We have flat panels at AKV, and while they are nice, they also can have more go wrong with them. Now if you want to talk about the channels that are available at WDW, then you might have a gripe!

3. Since you live in FLorida, why don't you stop on your way into the resort or bring things with you? Much cheaper than shopping at the resort store. We fly in from Minnesota, and we always make a grocery store run at least once during a trip.

If you want to express your displeasure with something about DVC, you need to contact Member Satisfaction. I have found them to be very responsive whenever I've had a issue with anything. They will call you back and you can have a real person to person discussion with them about your concerns.

 

[hakepb]

Remember, TV replacement is not just TV replacement in most cases. The flat screens are wider, but shorter for a given size, which also means furniture replacement..

 

[BEASLYBOO]

I just don't get Disney or DVC's thinking here. It doesn't make sense considering the extra money they could be making. I'm just saying....

Sorry, your concern for Disney's pocket while touching, is somewhat misguided, trust me, Disney capitilizes on everything they do. As far as your other complaints, Disney has never put food courts in resorts that have full kitchens etc., the only ones that do have food courts were Inns, Hotels etc. to begin with, to which vacation villas were later added. OKW, works for me, perhaps if you need a food court you should look to the other resorts like AKV Jambo House or the Boardwalk. Personally, If spending the week, I go to the grocery store. The resorts are all under constant refurbishements and eventually OKW will get flat screens just like each resort is now getting upgraded alarm clocks that hold I-Pod's as the old ones expire. I survive at home without a flat screen, as long as the picture is good I'm o.k, and even better when on vacation since we watch so little TV anyway. I'm not one to replace something until it's broken and I can appreciate Disney doing the same where my dues are concerned.

Each resort has some ammenities/restaurants/spas/ to offer and you just have to find the one that suits you best! But if you're looking for 4 star then you should stick to concierge otherwise a timeshare won't cut it!

Good Luck with your future vacations.

 

[eliza61]

2. Am I paying to belong to the Motel 8 chain or supposedly a Top of Line Disney Vacation Club? What's up with the outdated, crappy old square TV's that abound in all the ALL WDW resorts? Is this 1999 or 2009? At old Key West the TV was an old 19" diagonal. Are you kidding? No flat screens? My wife even joked about it without me saying a word and she could not care less about the size of a TV. At Saratoga last trip, maybe a 20" diagonal box and that was in a 2 bedroom villa. I am using valuable points on a 2 bedroom and getting 20" diagonal old style BOX TV's in each room? Heck, I've stayed at Holiday Inn's that have nicer flat screen sets. No, we don't go on vacation at WDW to watch TV. However, when we come back to the room in the evenings, or on days when we lounge around the resort, it would be nice to watch a football game or show on something bigger than what I had in my college dorm room 20 years ago. I ended up playing a movie for our girls on my 20" laptop while I squinted at the little TV showing the end of the Miami / Wake Forest game before we hit Downtown Disney Halloween night.

3. The resort shop / stores are a small and VERY limited. Very few choices to pick up stuff to take back to the room. They are missing lots of dollars (at least my dollars) by not having a broader selection like at the "regular" resorts.

I just don't get Disney or DVC's thinking here. It doesn't make sense considering the extra money they could be making. I'm just saying....

guys I'm totally with OP on this one.

I totally understand the dues vs amenitites line of argument but for me I think it's a lousy one.

There are some names that symbolize different images. Disney Deluxe use to IMO mean some thing. Yes, it was never up to the Waldolf astoria version of Deluxe but I'm sorry, now you can get a freakin flat screen TV cheap. NO way in 2009 should any 300/night resort have crappy TV's
And I'm sorry, I own two other time shares and believe me the Hilton chain cuts very close to how their hotels are.

DizneyNut, you called it. It's a pure financial reason and Disney is becoming a cheap, watered down version.
Sorry for the tone but it use to be that people would accept a little less because of the location. Now I see Disney slipping very quickly into motel area. Hell, I've been in a lot of nicer Hampton Inns. the Mouse is not keeping up. Plain and simple.

 

[Chuck S]

guys I'm totally with OP on this one.

I totally understand the dues vs amenitites line of argument but for me I think it's a lousy one.

There are some names that symbolize different images. Disney Deluxe use to IMO mean some thing. Yes, it was never up to the Waldolf astoria version of Deluxe but I'm sorry, now you can get a freakin flat screen TV cheap. NO way in 2009 should any 300/night resort have crappy TV's
And I'm sorry, I own two other time shares and believe me the Hilton chain cuts very close to how their hotels are.

DizneyNut, you called it. It's a pure financial reason and Disney is becoming a cheap, watered down version.
Sorry for the tone but it use to be that people would accept a little less because of the location. Now I see Disney slipping very quickly into motel area. Hell, I've been in a lot of nicer Hampton Inns. the Mouse is not keeping up. Plain and simple.

You realize the cost to replace all the TVs at OKW would be substantial, right? And it would come out of dues. Even at $300 per room, when you're looking at 761 units, you're nearing 1/4 of a million dollars. Thanks, I've wait until the next rehab.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

You realize the cost to replace all the TVs at OKW would be substantial, right? And it would come out of dues. Even at $300 per room, when you're looking at 761 units, you're nearing 1/4 of a million dollars. Thanks, I've wait until the next rehab.

Not me..
If all the other cheapy motels out there can do it, certainly a premier place like DVC can do it.

Besides.. 1/4 million divided the number of points at OKW, divided by the number of life-years of the TV, would come out to be how much??
I would bet less than a penny.

MG

 

[Chuck S]

Not me..
If all the other cheapy motels out there can do it, certainly a premier place like DVC can do it.

Besides.. 1/4 million divided the number of points at OKW, divided by the number of life-years of the TV, would come out to be how much??
I would bet less than a penny.

MG

The number of points per unit at OKW is substantially less than at other resorts, as we have a lower point chart. After all, DVC decided Valet Parking was too expensive to fund at about the same price, at resorts that have far more points per unit, and where the average contract size is likely smaller than at OKW, since the minimum buy in was 230 point, then 210 points, for a number of years.

 

[mgroshans]

I'm sorry to hear about the problems. We just got back from our first stay last week. I hate to say it, but it was awesome stayed at Kidani, studio with a savanah view (room 7208). We had absolutely no problems and have no complaints. Maybe it was b/c it was our first time and didn't know what to expect. I hope all future trips go like that one did. We did the MNSSHP again- loved it. I guess there is one thing we wouldn't do again- the Wishes desert party- not worth it- IMHO.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

The number of points per unit at OKW is substantially less than at other resorts, as we have a lower point chart. After all, DVC decided Valet Parking was too expensive to fund at about the same price, at resorts that have far more points per unit, and where the average contract size is likely smaller than at OKW, since the minimum buy in was 230 point, then 210 points, for a number of years.

Do you know approx how many points are sold at OKW?

I travel for a living and spend roughly 144 nights every year in a hotel.
The last hotel I recall seeing an old big round set, was DVC. That's not exactly what I would expect from a premier resort..

MG

 

[disneynutz]

Do you know approx how many points are sold at OKW?

I travel for a living and spend roughly 144 nights every year in a hotel.
The last hotel I recall seeing an old big round set, was DVC. That's not exactly what I would expect from a premier resort..

MG

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

 

[mgroshans]

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

Agree totally. Our TV was probably on a total of 2 hours for our 5 night/ 6 day trip. Not important, IMHO, to us. We weren't there to watch TV, our boys didn't even ask to turn it on, DH did.

 

[eliza61]

You realize the cost to replace all the TVs at OKW would be substantial, right? And it would come out of dues. Even at $300 per room, when you're looking at 761 units, you're nearing 1/4 of a million dollars. Thanks, I've wait until the next rehab.

Yep, I also totally realize that my dues are going to go up no matter what. So instead of my dues going up 20 bucks they go up $25 bucks, I'll take the rehab now.

Sorry, I'm just no longer buying the "hey you got a clean bed sheet" line. A clean room is the bare bottom minimum I will except. If that's going to be the litmus test, then please stop using words like "luxury, special, magic" in your advertisement. Simply say you'll get a clean bed and not much else.
No a tv is not "important" to me. As I said, it's more of an overall trend. out dated accomadations, take away valet parking, mediocre food, on and on and I see it continuing.
Next year, it will be no more free health club access, then no more discounts on annual passes.
I just wish they would attempt to be competitive in the time share market

Just my view that we are swallowing DVC becoming motel 6 with lousy excuses.

 

[Chuck S]

Yep, I also totally realize that my dues are going to go up no matter what. So instead of my dues going up 20 bucks they go up $25 bucks, I'll take the rehab now.

Sorry, I'm just no longer buying the "hey you got a clean bed sheet" line. A clean room is the bare bottom minimum I will except. If that's going to be the litmus test, then please stop using words like "luxury, special, magic" in your advertisement. Simply say you'll get a clean bed and not much else.
No a tv is not "important" to me. As I said, it's more of an overall trend. out dated accomadations, take away valet parking, mediocre food, on and on and I see it continuing.
Next year, it will be no more free health club access.

Just my view that we are swallowing DVC becoming motel 6 with lousy excuses.

Good, tell the folks at VWL, the resort you own at, that you want your dues increased to cover the valet costs. But we that own at OKW may not want an increase to replace TVs that are still very new, or can think of other areas better to use the $$$, rather than on TVs.

That cost could pay for 5 or 6 salaries for additional resort personnel, maybe getting us into our rooms earlier. I'd take that over TVs any day.

While I'd miss the AP discount, we all know it can disappear...oh, and that isn't offered by DVC or financed by dues, nor are the restaurants.

 

[eliza61]

Good, tell the folks at VWL, the resort you own at, that you want your dues increased to cover the valet costs. But we that own at OKW may not want an increase to replace TVs that are still very new, or can think of other areas better to use the $$$, rather than on TVs.

that's cool, I wish I could. At least we would have a visible sign of our increases. Unlike now where our dues are going up and up and we can't see what the heck the increases are going to, since we're getting less and less.

 

[lugnut33]

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.