A Couple of Gripes...

[Tara]

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?

Exactly.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

I can't keep up with this thread, so I will bow out with this last comment-

I don't buy the issue about raising dues. After all.. YOUR AVERAGE HOLIDAY INN HAS BETTER TVs.

I don't use my room as just a place to sleep. Over the years the room has turned into a more & more important part of our trip. We often travel with adult family, and we entertain in the room.
Also as the parks become less & less of the focus, we tend to sleep late in the morning, then putter around with our coffee.

No, I don't want old fashioned appliances (harvest gold stoves and fridges included) just because they still work and we can save a nickel on dues. I didn't join DVC to just have a place to hang my hat. I bought it because it's the premier place.

Why are we paying the highest annual fees in the industry? I thought it was to maintain DVC as a premier product, not because the tubes used in the TVs blowing that quickly.

MG

 

[Chuck S]

YOUR AVERAGE HOLIDAY INN HAS BETTER TVs.

Sure, but it is included in the price of your room. Some Super 8 locations are $90 per night, many Hampton Inns and Holiday Inns are $100 to $150 per night for a room much smaller than a DVC studio, and that's in smaller towns, like Hammond, Louisiana, or Marianna, Florida. And some of them still have the older TVs.

 

[dcamdad]

For as much bashing as OKW gets, people may not want to stay there but they certainly due because of the low point structure, they put up with the old tv's etc. and book GV's and then they bash away. I agree, if you don't like OKW, stay elsewhere, then maybe I could have gotten in at the 4 month mark instead of having to stay at SSR!

You took the words right out of my mouth.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

Hey now - don't go OT and bash SSR in an OKW bashing thread

Heck, here's a crazy idea : Given the lower point structure at OKW, maybe the people that are "stuck" there instead of one of the resorts with flat screens (and a higher point structure), could take their savings and buy a flat screen at the local electronics store in Orlando and leave it in their OKW room for the next guest.
Chris

Sorry Logan, it wasn't a bash directed at SSR, I'm happy there's at least room for me there, you see I actually like staying at my home resort!

Just like the Vero Beach, beach chair exchange, perhaps a flat screen TV exchange for those who can't cope being on vacation without one!

 

[disneynutz]

And you think the other off-site timeshares don't want you staying at their resort? That's why Marriott does so much with their pool bars and activities. As soon as you drive offsite, they've lost the chance to sell you something.

Think about it. Disney doesn't encourage you to stay at your resort (particularly true if we're talking standalones like OKW and SSR). What do you do instead? If you're a budget-conscious DVCer you get a deeply discounted AP and bum around a park all day. We haven't paid a lot for our park days in years. Maybe a snack mid-day. Worst thing is when you have a car and can compare your offsite amenities to onsite. Then it's very stark.

Caveat: I do love my DVC, but it's mostly for the accessible transportation and some accessible amenities (pools at SSR are fantastic for disabled). But I'm very realistic about onsite vs. offsite offerings. I suspect Disney corp is too.


The one thing Disney has to offer that the offsite timeshares don't is transportation. This is why I highly doubt we'll ever see them charge for DME. As soon as they do, they encourage people to rent cars. And with a car rental they've lost their captive audience.

We can debate all we want, but obviously the Disney formula works. If nothing else Disney is very good at making money while at the same time, getting the Guests not to care about paying their high prices.

Last quarter their profit was almost $900 million, not bad when you consider the economy and the promotions and incentives that they put into place to fill the parks and resorts.

My only concern is that their continued cuts will continue to decrease the Disney magic. Without magic, they are another Six Flags with a timeshare attached.

Bill

 

[Starr W.]

The living room in the VB cottage had flat screens, but the bedrooms did not.

MG

Our 2br at VB this Easter had 3 flat screen tvs. Which is 3 more than I have at home.

 

[BroganMc]

But, we will see the TVs upgraded over the next couple of years, during the next rehab. The point of the OP is that they aren't upgraded at this very moment.

I interpreted the point of the OP to be that OKW rooms were getting very dated. It's a fair assessment to make. As you say OKW is on a schedule for an update in the next few years, that equates with people noticing it's getting dated.

My last trip I stayed in the Springs area of SSR. The master bed was so low to the ground (about 5 inches lower than a normal ADA bed) that I had trouble getting up. This was about 2 inches lower than when I last stayed in the same room in 2007. The mattress or box spring needs replacement. There were also scuff marks on the furniture and walls. The carpet was looking pretty worn too. But I realize this section opened in 2004 and is due for an update soon.

Our Grandstand room (which we moved to at the tale end of the trip) was noticably less worn.

Just because I noticed this didn't mean I thought less of the resort. Just that it was due for service.

Also, you need to keep your rental condos upgraded to attract cash renters who have a choice of other local accommodations, with DVC, we are owners, the accommodations are fully pre-paid for years in advance...a major difference between timeshares and cash resorts. If Disney cash reservations saw the TVs as a major liability to renting rooms, they have the option of upgrading at Disney's expense immediately. Just as Disney paid for the pool slide to be added at OKW. Disney felt is was a necessity for their cash business after OKW owners overwhelmingly voted not to fund it in a preliminary survey.

Disney also makes money on continuing to sell timeshares. It's a little harder to sell a SSR contract when your guest is experiencing a worn Springs room with crappy TV, etc.

And exactly what happens when CRO renters and new members get a chance to experience the newer resorts with better amenities? Disney will suffer from a bit of expectation that if not met can hurt the perception of those older resorts.

Again I point specifically to OKW and SSR. Those resorts are removed enough from everything else that they need to be the "home away from home" luxury resorts to maintain favor in the buyer's market.

So why are people bunched in knots because the OP pointed this out?

As a SSR Owner, I am a little dismayed that Disney decided to shut down all of Pleasure Island's clubs. It takes away a selling point for me as SSR being "the place for adult getaways". If they'd just left the freakin' comedy clubs! Sheesh!

 

[Brian Noble]

So why are people bunched in knots because the OP pointed this out?

Because DVC can't possibly be anything less than perfect, and whenever it is perceived that way, it is only because the perception is wrong.

Naturally.

FWIW, the CS location at OKW is horrid. I didn't think the TV had such a horrible picture, but I also have a 20 year old tube in my basement that I watch while I'm on the treadmill, so I'm perhaps not the best judge of picture quality.

 

[mgroshans]

If the lack of HD tv's or other tech gadgets like ipod acessories are putting a damper on your vacations to WDW...... wow I sure would not want to vaction with you.

 

[Chuck S]

I interpreted the point of the OP to be that OKW rooms were getting very dated. It's a fair assessment to make. As you say OKW is on a schedule for an update in the next few years, that equates with people noticing it's getting dated.

My last trip I stayed in the Springs area of SSR. The master bed was so low to the ground (about 5 inches lower than a normal ADA bed) that I had trouble getting up. This was about 2 inches lower than when I last stayed in the same room in 2007. The mattress or box spring needs replacement. There were also scuff marks on the furniture and walls. The carpet was looking pretty worn too. But I realize this section opened in 2004 and is due for an update soon.

Our Grandstand room (which we moved to at the tale end of the trip) was noticably less worn.

Just because I noticed this didn't mean I thought less of the resort. Just that it was due for service.



Disney also makes money on continuing to sell timeshares. It's a little harder to sell a SSR contract when your guest is experiencing a worn Springs room with crappy TV, etc.

And exactly what happens when CRO renters and new members get a chance to experience the newer resorts with better amenities? Disney will suffer from a bit of expectation that if not met can hurt the perception of those older resorts.

Again I point specifically to OKW and SSR. Those resorts are removed enough from everything else that they need to be the "home away from home" luxury resorts to maintain favor in the buyer's market.

So why are people bunched in knots because the OP pointed this out?

As a SSR Owner, I am a little dismayed that Disney decided to shut down all of Pleasure Island's clubs. It takes away a selling point for me as SSR being "the place for adult getaways". If they'd just left the freakin' comedy clubs! Sheesh!

I think a lot of newer buyers don't realize the differences between a timeshare and a cash resort. They operate quite differently, with very different budget priorities. While I'm surprised at the closure of the popular Adventurer's Club and the Comedy Club, it was made quite clear by our guide when we purchased OKW in 1992, that there were no guarantees, even as to the major parks continuing operations, but that we were buying a timeshare. In fact, it was in our "product understanding checklist" we had to initial and sign.

A timeshare has a fiduciary responsibility to try to keep dues as low as possible while providing the services and furnishings represented at the time of sale.

A cash resort does not have those responsibilities, their goal it to attract cash guests and show a profit to stockholders.

Sometimes those two systems work together and complement each other, sometimes they are mutually exclusive. I'm sure Disney knew that closing the clubs would cause problem for guests that bought into SSR for the purpose of clubbing. But Disney has to do what it deems profitable or necessary for Disney (like closing the clubs), without consideration for DVC Members, and DVC sometimes has to do what is good for the budget without regard to how it affects the impressions cash guests may have of Disney, like sticking to scheduled rehabs.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Oh my, now I really feel bad. I have three televisions at home and none are flatscreen. They are great big, honkin' TV sets. Two of them don't even have the connections on the front of the TV.

How will I go on living?

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Oh my, now I really feel bad. I have three televisions at home and none are flatscreen. They are great big, honkin' TV sets. Two of them don't even have the connections on the front of the TV.

How will I go on living?

Me too.. But I'm not charging somebody $500 per night to stay at my home.

MG

 

[cjs123123]

I think everyone has the right to have there own opioion.... big tvs or not, you are there on vacation to have a good time. I agree though with op somethings do need to be updated, but then again everything cost money to upgrade!!! I think if anything okw should get rid of that old stinky smell before they upgrade there tvs. That one would be a cheap fix.. GLADE PLUGINS!

 

[bobbiwoz]

... GLADE PLUGINS!

Please no, I would be Sneezy all the time...and I'm sure others would have the same problem!!!!!

I've been reading this thread but not posting...but I draw the line here!!!!!

Bobbi

 

[logan115]

That one would be a cheap fix.. GLADE PLUGINS!

Anything but the vanilla scented ones - I hate the smell of those more than the smell of the litter box in the basement that it's supposed to be covering up

 

[nunzia]

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...

I will quietly chime in my agreement. Our home TV is still the big old box. It's a decent size..I think 35", but it works perfectly fine and we refuse to get a flat screen until it dies (although occassionally we do a diediedie chant around it). I do wish Disney would get better channels (much better selection at the Jolly Roger over the Grand Californian :/) but really, it isn't that big of a deal. What I want are clean rooms, nice CMs, pretty surroundings, decent food and easy park access.

 

[bobbiwoz]

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...

Thank you for saying this, I agree!

Bobbi

 

[jade1]

Thank you for saying this, I agree!

Bobbi

I guess DVC does not though since its all getting replaced. Of course think of the carbon footprint we are all contributing to, that WDW is leaving so we can be entertained with moving parts, fancy lights and air conditioned restaurants that don't have any walls, much less doors or windows.

 

[dzorn]

Oh my, now I really feel bad. I have three televisions at home and none are flatscreen. They are great big, honkin' TV sets. Two of them don't even have the connections on the front of the TV.

How will I go on living?

You're not the only one. The only flat screen in our house is a 15 inch the in-laws bought for the girls. TV is just not a priority around here.

Denise in MI