A Very Disappointed Dvc Member

[LeCras]

The GM's time would be much better spent inspecting rooms.

Why are you assuming she is visiting the boards during work hours..? Personally I think it's commendable for someone to actively check for feedback from their customers; I'd say that goes above and beyond the call of duty...

Charlotte

 

[linco711]

I live on Hilton Head, and will tell you, seeing a few cockroaches (although they are discusting) does not mean the place is dirty. Cockroaches are very hard to keep out entirely. They get in through cracks or when a door is opened or closed. Sorry to hear about things being broken in your villa........

 

[JimMIA]

Why are you assuming she is visiting the boards during work hours..? Personally I think it's commendable for someone to actively check for feedback from their customers; I'd say that goes above and beyond the call of duty...

Charlotte

Good point...she may peruse this site during her off time.

But I'd still rather she "actively check" the condition of the rooms. From the problems that have been described, it sure doesn't sound like she's doing that.

 

[tiffany123]

We just returned from our annual vacation at Disney's HH resort. We now know many of the CM's personally and were told by more than one that Disney is having a hard time keeping staff at the resort. The entire island of HH is experiencing a labor crunch as most employees in the tourist trade live off island----there is more and more development occuring just before you come onto the island in towns such as Bluffton and Hardeville so workers are no longer as eager to drive onto the island to work. This is in no way an excuse for dirty rooms and poor maintenance but may be part of the reason that things don't seem quite up to snuff. We were in a one bedroom in the Live Oak Lodge. The unit was showing it's age, with some mold in the shower, stains on the carpet and wear and tear on the cabinets. I think much of the resort is due for refurbishment soon.

 

[Duckfan-in-Chicago]

Here in Chicago, I can tell you from experience that some of the top restaurants in the city have had bug problems at one time or another. They are almost unavoidable. Even in an immaculate kitchen they can be brought in with the produce or some other way. The difference between a top restaurant and a dive is how they respond when there is an incident. If management at DVC is not informed that there are bugs, they can not treat them. It is much cheaper for them to treat a small problem than a big one, but they have to know there is a problem. A lot of bugs hide in the daylight when housekeeping would be in a room. Management may not even know there are bugs in that room if everyone staying there is like the OP who is planning on writing a letter when they get home. I don't mean for this to sound like a slam, but the OP did mention the cost of the initial investment. If this is all true, then there is a certain responsibility that comes with ownership, too.

 

[JimMIA]

I live on Hilton Head, and will tell you, seeing a few cockroaches (although they are discusting) does not mean the place is dirty. Cockroaches are very hard to keep out entirely. They get in through cracks or when a door is opened or closed. Sorry to hear about things being broken in your villa........

We have the same problem in Florida. No really...we do!

There is a difference between a cockroach and a palmetto bug, which people commonly mistake for a cockroach. If you see something that a) is more than about an inch and a half long, and b) flies...it's probably a palmetto bug, not a cockroach. They usually fly in through open doors and windows, but it is pretty amazing what a 2-inch palmetto bug can squeeze under. They do sometimes get in under closed doors.

An occasional roach can get in the same way.

But if you have an infestation of the smaller roaches (like you see several together at the same time), that is a sure sign of an unclean room. The same is true of ants and other creepy-crawlies. They wouldn't be there in herds if there wasn't food for them to eat.

 

[linco711]

Disney resort has always had a hard time keeping employees! The problems they have at the resort are not related to travel difficulties, or lack of the labor force. These difficulties started upon opening. The labor pool here is not as large as Orlando, and Disney's poor reputation here does not help it. There are many people that live on the Island that will not work at Disney because of this. They treat their employees poorly, and only manage to keep the most desperate to work. The vacationing public does not see the ugly side. The employees wouldn't dare to show any unhappiness. Word travels fast in a small community though, and because of this Disney can not get quality help! Upon opening Disney had a first class work force, people were clamoring to work for Disney! Yet during it's first year, they managed to lose 90% of them because of their poor management. There are very few of the original employees still there. It's certainly not the happiest place on earth!

 

[gppnj]

I live on Hilton Head, and will tell you, seeing a few cockroaches (although they are discusting) does not mean the place is dirty. Cockroaches are very hard to keep out entirely. They get in through cracks or when a door is opened or closed. Sorry to hear about things being broken in your villa........

I think another thing to keep in mind is that because of the kitchen facilities, DVC accommodations tend to have a lot more food in them than an average hotel room. If you have a few guests who are not good about cleaning up after themselves, suddenly you've got a breeding ground for bugs and mice. Bugs in your room now might have meant that the last two people to stay in the room were slobs. That doesn't mean it's still not Disney's responsibility to get the room back in top shape, but we guests can help make the rooms better for our fellow members.

 

[gppnj]

There is a difference between a cockroach and a palmetto bug, which people commonly mistake for a cockroach.

Ummm... no. A palmetto bug is a type of cockroach.

http://www.dudeface.com/pbdefinit.html

 

[JimMIA]

Ummm... no. A palmetto bug is a type of cockroach.

http://www.dudeface.com/pbdefinit.html

Well...that particular link is from a Miami car club trying to come up with a catchy name for their club newsletter.

HOWEVER...in Googling "Palmetto Bug" I found some authentic scientific references, and you are, in fact, correct. What we call a palmetto bug is actually a species of roach (Periplaneta americana), so I stand corrected.

The "roaches" I was talking about are German roaches, and when you see herds of them, you have a food residue problem.

 

[Disneyrsh]

Yeah, when I ran screaming around the beach with a giant "palmetto bug" in my hair, I wasn't concerned that I had the taxonomy correct.

Walks like a duck, quacks like a duck...

 

[Man_Of_Leisure]

This is all certainly very interesting. Being a longtime Disney vacationer and a recent DVC member I am finding this post extremely enlightening. I am planning to visit HHR next summer and I have not stayed in any DVC resort yet. Our first visit home will be New Years and I expect the accommodations to be first class; however, SSR is a new resort.

Whenever I travel the first thing I do after arriving is to inspect the room. If I find the room not to my liking for whatever reason I immediately contact management and try to have any problem(s) resolved. If the room is in such a state of disrepair or uncleanliness I will generally request another room. In most cases the request will be granted.

I appreciate the candidness of the OP and can sympathize with their situation. I recently stayed at the CBR in March during Easter week. I had made reservations through Disney about six months in advance not realizing at the time it would be Easter week. I informed the agent I would be having reconstructive surgery on my foot at the beginning of the year and I would still be recovering at the time of our visit. I requested a room close to the central food court for convienence. I was told that was not a problem and they would make a note with my reservation. The agent suggested I contacted the resort a few days prior to my visit as a gentle reminder which I did and again I was assured there would be no problem.

When we checked in I mentioned my request and pointed out the walking boot I was in (I had my cast removed earlier that day). I was given a room at the farthest end of the resort and told that they could not provide me with a room as I requested because they had none available. This clearly upset me and I spoke to a manager who said because it was a high volume week and all the rooms were booked there was nothing they could do.

I made the most out of the vacation but I am still upset about what happened and that was back in March. So I definitely understand. Not every visit I have had has been up to the Disney standards that I expect; however, I have had many magical moments that I wouldn't trade for the world. Well, okay, I might trade them for the world, but all you can do is try to turn the lemons into lemonade and move on.

In my case, the room I got was nice it just wasn't as convienently located. I should not expect some sort of compensation for that; however, in your case the room was apparently in bad shape and because you were 'committed' and no effort was made by management to put you into another room I feel Disney should offer to do something to 'correct' the situation. I would definitely contact DVC directly and tell them what happened. Maybe a refund of some of your points is in order or a discount on your next stay.

Man Of Leisure

 

[Simba's Mom]

Disney resort has always had a hard time keeping employees! The problems they have at the resort are not related to travel difficulties, or lack of the labor force. These difficulties started upon opening. The labor pool here is not as large as Orlando, and Disney's poor reputation here does not help it. There are many people that live on the Island that will not work at Disney because of this. They treat their employees poorly, and only manage to keep the most desperate to work. The vacationing public does not see the ugly side. The employees wouldn't dare to show any unhappiness. Word travels fast in a small community though, and because of this Disney can not get quality help! Upon opening Disney had a first class work force, people were clamoring to work for Disney! Yet during it's first year, they managed to lose 90% of them because of their poor management. There are very few of the original employees still there. It's certainly not the happiest place on earth!

My initial reaction was "I'd be thrilled to work there", but I'm a little concerned about the comment about how Disney treats their employees poorly. Anyone with more info on that, specifically at HH? I want to know before I start packing!

 

[deerh]

By: Linko711isney resort has always had a hard time keeping employees! The problems they have at the resort are not related to travel difficulties, or lack of the labor force. These difficulties started upon opening. The labor pool here is not as large as Orlando, and Disney's poor reputation here does not help it. There are many people that live on the Island that will not work at Disney because of this. They treat their employees poorly, and only manage to keep the most desperate to work. The vacationing public does not see the ugly side. The employees wouldn't dare to show any unhappiness. Word travels fast in a small community though, and because of this Disney can not get quality help! Upon opening Disney had a first class work force, people were clamoring to work for Disney! Yet during it's first year, they managed to lose 90% of them because of their poor management. There are very few of the original employees still there. It's certainly not the happiest place on earth!

I would like to know what source this is from, Are you an Ex employee at Disney? Or are you related to/work in the service employment area of HHI??

What are you baseing all of this on? Or is this your opinion. Sorry, I am a science teacher, and want facts, not opinion on matters as important as this!

DeerH

 

[Disneyaholic]

My initial reaction was "I'd be thrilled to work there", but I'm a little concerned about the comment about how Disney treats their employees poorly. Anyone with more info on that, specifically at HH? I want to know before I start packing!

Simba's Mom, before you start changing your mind about how much you love DHHIR, talk to a few current CMs (I know you do that when you're there) and see how they feel about it.

Don't let the nastiness of someone who is obviously a disgruntled former CM affect you.

 

[Zimbubba]

We are a 4 year DVC member and just returned from a 6 night \7 day trip to the HHI resort. We stayed in the Grand Villa 3022 with 6 of our friends. The conditions of that room were deplorable!!!! Many things were broken ( although they did fix them in a timely manner) but the place was sooooo dirty not to mention ALL THE BUGS INCLUDING COCKROACHES!!!!!! My 7 year old woke up with huge bug bites on her legs twice! The only reason we bought into DVC was because we were impressed on how beautiful and comfortable the rooms were. We paid THOUSANDS of dollars for this? Do members get the rooms with the worst conditions and the visitors the best so they might buy into it? I will be notifying Disney about this but I wanted to warn everyone what could happen to you!

Why didn't you notify them while you were there?

 

[linco711]

To all interested....The info stated is fact, not opinion. My husband(who is part of the HHI business community) and I have lived on Hilton Head for many years. We have many acquaintances (including some in management) who have worked there, and several who still do...Sorry to burst your bubble,(my bubble burst many years ago) but these are the facts! It's been that way for many years, and continues to worsen. It was only a matter of time before the infomation became public knowledge. By the way, we are very big Disney fans, and are DVC members. We have many magical memories of trips to Orlando, and wonderful times spent at Disney's Hilton Head Resort. I am in the unique position to know both sides of the story, and try my hardest not to let it ruin our vacations. In fact we're leaving for Disney tomorrow. Try not to worry about the politics and enjoy your vacations!

 

[linco711]

Dear Disneyaholic,

I don't think the CM's will be very forthcoming, or be able to be very honest with you...afterall, they do want to keep their jobs! I'm sure you'll agree if you give it some thought.

 

[jpmom]

Although I didn't read every post on this thread, I think that if you have a problem with your stay -- report it immediately.

If you are not satisfied with the response you get, take it to the next level.

We had a housekeeping issue at AKL -- called right away - dealt with housekeeping manager. Not satisfied with his response, my husband met with the hotel manager. The problem was rectified and we were satisfied.

As they say... the squeky wheel gets the grease.

 

[sgtpet]

I had no idea I would be offending anyone by posting my bad experience. I don't understand what I would get out of it by making this up. I am not bashing Disney. My husband and I have so many great vacations at Disney World and Disneyland since we've met and now continuing with our children. We tried a cruise last year and loved it [although you don't have to be a DVC member to go on their cruiseline]. All the Disney hotels we've stayed at were great--clean and no bugs. But---15,000 dollars later I don't see any excuse for it! I posted my experience to see if this had happened to anyone else and what they did about it and to inform--I am glad to learn that this is not becoming the "norm" with the DVC rooms.

Marwill, you were not offensive, the people that jumped on you were the offensive ones.

Negative comments are not looked upon favorably on this board.