Since we are not DVC members, we pay cash to stay a week or more each summer in a Villa in Disney's Vero Beach resort. We have also stayed in Old Key West @ WDW. We receive full-service housekeeping, and I mean FULL! They actually do any/all the dishes left in the sink...and run the dishwasher for me. They also empty it (if it was already run--with clean items left inside) and place everything in it's place. They vac, clean, *wash windows, open/secure drapes, leave fresh towels, make towel animals, leave extra tide for the laundry, etc. I was literally "blown-away" by the extensive cleaning services these cheerful persons provide.
On the other hand, I would not be against cleaning all of this myself...as I seem to do most of this anyway. We always make the beds each morning, clean the villa before leaving, place the trash in the bag, p/u all towels and place them in a neat pile in the bathroom corner, even vac if necessary. I always leave an envelope on the kitchen island with some $$, and any requests for additional items. To conserve water, we do not require they "change" the sheets each day (after all...I do NOT change the sheets at home each day...LOL).
Therefore, I thoroughly enjoy the fabulous cleaning and attention to detail these mousekeepers provide. Yet, would do all of it myself w/o question/problem. The opportunity to stay in a beautifully appointed VILLA on a Disney Property, with all the comforts of home...is a TREAT in itself. I fully understand the housekeeping rules for the DVC members, which helps to keep costs down.
I would like to personally "thank" all the DVC members for taking such great care of these properties while vacationing with their families. Our Villa is always immaculate, extremely well-cared for and fully stocked with the necessary items. Disney vacation members seem to take great pride in their membership, and value their association with this club/timeshare. We are pleased to be able to pay cash to stay in these exclusive membership resorts/villas, and greatly appreciate the opportunity to feel like part of the "family" of wonderful DVC members. No one has ever treated us any differently while staying in a DVC resort. After all, we are always "potential" DVC members.
*BTW...I actually "enjoy" cooking at Vero Beach. Since we are on vacation for longer than 7 weeks, it's the only opportunity I have to prepare a meal for our family. The housekeepers were all gathered in our Villa last summer as I returned from the beach to obtain some gear. I surprised them, and they turned (blushing) to inform me they were "intoxicated" by the heavenly smells eminating/wafting from my kitchen! It was the home-made spaghetti sauce simmering slowly on the stove. The aroma filled the villa, and the housekeeper whom arrived to clean had promptly summoned others to partake of the savory smells. (LOL). It's one of my favorite "beach" meals. I just toss on the Angel Hair pasta, add a fresh salad, some garlic bread...and VOILA! Italiano festival @ Vero.
TDC Nala...We have never had any problem with the housekeeping staff disturbing us at any resort (Disney or other). Upon arrival, we promptly contact the Manager of housekeeping. We inform this person we ONLY wish to receive "Evening service" (Full Service...just in the eves). We inform this person of the "time" we would like this service.
Since we enjoy sleeping-in (late) while on our sojourns, we do NOT appreciate being disturbed. We never have to place the DND on the door, and have never been disappointed. The manager informs the day-staff, and they bypass our suite completely. The evening staff is fabulous. They clean, plus indulge us with full turn-down service. When we arrive after a late-night in the parks...the room is Clean and Fresh, softly lit...and very welcoming.
If you desire a later service time, or a scheduled "specific" time...merely contact the management personnel of housekeeping in your resort. It's always good to obtain their name too (for reference if you need to call again for any changes or requests). Enjoy!
The 4 of us in even the nicest hotel room would have been a little cramped! This way we have a den to realx in. We'll have a full kitchen (not that any of us intend to cook anything) to keep snacks, sodas, beer, etc in. My biggest concern on any vacation is having clean towels daily. I can easily take care of that when we come in from the parks every day. I don't have to have the bed made up--I can just shut the bedroom door!
