Am I the only one who feels this way?

[Jenngoofys]

Simple and to the point!

I'm not a hotel person, that's why I enjoy DVC/timeshare so much! I like having a kitchen, I actually love to cook and to have people to cook for even more so on vacation! I like my brand of drinks (water/Coke/wine/Blue Moon), available in the fridge at my disposal.

I do not purchase refillable mugs and would find it a waste of precious time to have to go to a station to get a cup of coffee that I can brew myself, using my favorite brand, French Roast Gevalia with the ability to enjoy it in my p.j's!
I can understand your thoughts on wasting time, that's exactly why I don't cook on vacation it takes too much time out of the day to cook 3 meals and clean up! and all the time wasted traveling back to the hotel then back to what I am doing that day, I might have saved money just staying home LOL

I really detest eating 3 meals in a restaurant day in and day out! I actually enjoy spending time at the resort, so do my kids! We love grilling by the quiet pool at OKW, having drinks and appetizers while the steaks gets done! Food court has no appeal for me, hence why I prefer Kidani over Jambo! Did the DDP once and hated the restrictions, the scheduling of ADR's, the over abundance of food and the complete lack in spontaneity! We love hanging out by the pool and not having to run any where too, so on our pool days we eat at our hotel. This trip will be Boma.

We don't eat out for every meal,do breakfast in before heading out for the day. I don't have to rush back and forth for anything during the day, I can grab a bite where ever I am. and dinner is our only planned meal each day, makes it much more relaxed for us not to have the hastle of running back and forth all day.

I prefer not to have housekeeping in my room, and always use the "do not disturb" signs!

I enjoy the privacy of DVC, so no housekeeping is fine with me.

Even when vacationing away from Disney, we rent cabins, condo's , villa's etc.

So I'm not a hotel person, I'm a timeshare person and I guess that's why OKW/SSR/BWV have always worked for me, don't need a food court or refill stations!

I understand your way of vacationing, but I also say everyone wants DVC for different reasons. And I like the option of the larger rooms, with private bedrooms. So we can bring guests and have less awkward moments lol. Weather or not I use the kitchen. I love the washer dryer combo, and the fridge, for my wine

 

[disneynutz]

Somebody has to pay for the QS and drink stations to be installed, I'm not clear if it's a dues expense or a Disney expense. The locations have to generate a profit for Disney. If Disney thought that they would generate a profit, they would be installed.

Bill

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

Somebody has to pay for the QS and drink stations to be installed, I'm not clear if it's a dues expense or a Disney expense. The locations have to generate a profit for Disney. If Disney thought that they would generate a profit, they would be installed.

Bill

I don't buy them any more because of what a PITA it is to use them effectively. Now, if they'd like to sell me a length-of-stay beverage option where I don't have to carry a mug around, I'd be the first in line with my wallet open. Put a code on my MagicBand that allows me to go to any counter service and get a paper cup of soda and I'd gladly pay.

 

[Jenngoofys]

Somebody has to pay for the QS and drink stations to be installed, I'm not clear if it's a dues expense or a Disney expense. The locations have to generate a profit for Disney. If Disney thought that they would generate a profit, they would be installed.

Bill

I agree and understand 100%and that's part of why I'm asking, I wondered if I was alone?

I don't buy them any more because of what a PITA it is to use them effectively. Now, if they'd like to sell me a length-of-stay beverage option where I don't have to carry a mug around, I'd be the first in line with my wallet open. Put a code on my MagicBand that allows me to go to any counter service and get a paper cup of soda and I'd gladly pay.

I think this would be an amazing addition to the band Great idea!!

 

[Deb & Bill]

None of those refill stations have Diet Dr Pepper which is what Bill drinks, so we always bring it with us. We find the refillable mug to be a hassle in most cases.

 

[jade1]

That is a great break down thank you. And something I will keep in mind for our future visits but if you figure in about $5 for the Disney Souvenir mugs for each person ( kids love these for use at home) your down to $60 and 25 bottles equaling 209 mugs which is 3 1/2 drinks a day per person so for us it is a break even this trip. But for my family in the future we have enough mugs so drinks ordered in may work.

Welcome. It wasn't all about the money-more to give you an option to eliminate the need to walk to the drink stations you started the thread about.

I forgot did you mention which DVC resorts you like how close the refill station is?

 

[tjkraz]

I know its ok LOL. But then again DVC isn't your typical "Time Share".

Sure it is. You would just like to believe that DVC is different (better?)

As for the lack of quick service dining, it has more to do with legacy expectations and the original intent of DVC.

You may not want to hear this but DVC wasn't originally conceived as a product which would be accessible to anyone who could afford the $200 monthly bank debit. Look at the spaciousness and luxury of Old Key West (albeit a luxury circa 1990.) Even the sofabeds were believed to be of limited use--One Bedroom villas were deemed most suitable for an adult couple while larger families would be booking Two Bedroom villas.

To be blunt, 15-20 years ago Disney's Deluxe resorts didn't appeal to the hamburger and chicken tender-eating crowd the way they do today. So Disney didn't bother putting them in Deluxe resorts.

The CR's Contempo Cafe was added around 2009 when Bay Lake Tower opened. The Beach Club Marketplace is only about 5-6 years old. BoardWalk has limited QS offerings even today...although I suspect the bakery refurb will address some of that.

Sure some people dined in their villas but when eating out, they tended to gravitate toward the full service restaurants.

Today things are different and Disney has taken steps to help meet changing guest expectations. But those modifications can be costly so there is little urgency. As a whole, Walt Disney World offers hundreds of dining venues. Management will weigh the cost of offering additional services against the likelihood that guests will simply spend similar dollars at existing restaurants.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

To be blunt, 15-20 years ago Disney's Deluxe resorts didn't appeal to the hamburger and chicken tender-eating crowd the way they do today. So Disney didn't bother putting them in Deluxe resorts.

The CR's Contempo Cafe was added around 2009 when Bay Lake Tower opened.

The current QS at CR was opened around that time but they had a QS location on the lower level where they opened the Wave for many years prior. All Disney did was shuffle locations around in 08/09. I was eating a bad burger at the CR in the early 2000's and could have done the same before that.

Jenngoofys - You are not alone. I was disappointed that when Kidani was built they did not include a regular QS location of some sort. But it's not a problem unique to Disney. I am seeing more "deluxe" hotels adding some sort of QS option which I'm appreciating as a frequent business traveler. Having done it for so long I'm more than tired of having to dedicate a lot of time towards finding someplace to eat and am happy to see this happening. It's been a complaint of mine for years and I'm always hoping that Disney will be making adjustments too. The modifications at the Boardwalk Bakery are a good sign IMO and also the trend toward recognizing that quick does not have to mean bad burgers and chicken fingers. Soups, salads and sandwiches etc. are good options that are popular and not difficult to offer.

 

[Deb & Bill]

...The CR's Contempo Cafe was added around 2009 when Bay Lake Tower opened. ....

The current QS at CR was opened around that time but they had a QS location on the lower level where they opened the Wave for many years prior. All Disney did was shuffle locations around in 08/09. I was eating a bad burger at the CR in the early 2000's and could have done the same before that.....

The Food & Fun Center was in the location where the Wave is now. The arcade was huge and the counter service location was rather small.

 

[rock_doctor]

The Food & Fun Center was in the location where the Wave is now. The arcade was huge and the counter service location was rather small.

That space has gone though several transformations over the years...a game room and movie theater, then game room and food, then a fancy (expensive) restaurant. I much preferred the game room and movie theater but then again i also preferred the top of the world where it was originally...

 

[Jenngoofys]

Welcome. It wasn't all about the money-more to give you an option to eliminate the need to walk to the drink stations you started the thread about.

I forgot did you mention which DVC resorts you like how close the refill station is?[/QUOTE

Thank you I really appreciate that. No I didn't say any I was happy with the distance I just would like one in the resort I was in. It would be like staying at a Bellagio and Having to go to Planet Hollywood Next door to get a drink, doesn't make sense!! Keep Your Customers Happy, and Keep them coming back to that hotel.

The current QS at CR was opened around that time but they had a QS location on the lower level where they opened the Wave for many years prior. All Disney did was shuffle locations around in 08/09. I was eating a bad burger at the CR in the early 2000's and could have done the same before that.

Jenngoofys - You are not alone. I was disappointed that when Kidani was built they did not include a regular QS location of some sort. But it's not a problem unique to Disney. I am seeing more "deluxe" hotels adding some sort of QS option which I'm appreciating as a frequent business traveler. Having done it for so long I'm more than tired of having to dedicate a lot of time towards finding someplace to eat and am happy to see this happening. It's been a complaint of mine for years and I'm always hoping that Disney will be making adjustments too. The modifications at the Boardwalk Bakery are a good sign IMO and also the trend toward recognizing that quick does not have to mean bad burgers and chicken fingers. Soups, salads and sandwiches etc. are good options that are popular and not difficult to offer.

I agree something simple like Soup and Salad would be nice. And I find it amusing that Burgers and Chicken Nuggets are some how now a "Class" thing!! I have seen MANY Movie star photos showing them eating McDonalds!! And Kids every where eat that stuff not just lower class as the PP has implied.

Sure it is. You would just like to believe that DVC is different (better?)
Yes I like to believe it is different because it offers something I want, whereas the others have never done this. I Guess youre right Im not a "Time share" person, I am a DISNEY person
As for the lack of quick service dining, it has more to do with legacy expectations and the original intent of DVC.

You may not want to hear this but DVC wasn't originally conceived as a product which would be accessible to anyone who could afford the $200 monthly bank debit. Look at the spaciousness and luxury of Old Key West (albeit a luxury circa 1990.) Even the sofabeds were believed to be of limited use--One Bedroom villas were deemed most suitable for an adult couple while larger families would be booking Two Bedroom villas.

I don't mind hearing this and I knew this, but Disney obviously didn't find the $$$ they were looking for in the "higher paid" community, so they went where the money is and always has been the "Middle Class". Making DVC available to everyone, weather it be a $200 a month payment (earning money by financing this themselves, Smart Move) or someone who can pay in full by writing one big check!! (not making them any extra cash) Disney isn't stupid if they only cater to the "rich" they lose, their product has to be available to the majority to make the most money.

To be blunt, 15-20 years ago Disney's Deluxe resorts didn't appeal to the hamburger and chicken tender-eating crowd the way they do today. So Disney didn't bother putting them in Deluxe resorts.

The CR's Contempo Cafe was added around 2009 when Bay Lake Tower opened. The Beach Club Marketplace is only about 5-6 years old. BoardWalk has limited QS offerings even today...although I suspect the bakery refurb will address some of that.

Sure some people dined in their villas but when eating out, they tended to gravitate toward the full service restaurants. Which is what my family does but I don't believe I need to pay $20 for a buger in a Full service restaurant when I can get one for $9. And Full Service is time consuming, so when my family is at the hotel we'd like a quick service not a Full service in the middle of our day.

Today things are different and Disney has taken steps to help meet changing guest expectations. But those modifications can be costly so there is little urgency. As a whole, Walt Disney World offers hundreds of dining venues. Management will weigh the cost of offering additional services against the likelihood that guests will simply spend similar dollars at existing restaurants.

Bottom line is Disney's Bottom line and that's how things will get done. If they feel that's what the majority want and it will line their pockets then we will see the change.

 

[jade1]

No I didn't say any I was happy with the distance I just would like one in the resort I was in. It would be like staying at a Bellagio and Having to go to Planet Hollywood Next door to get a drink, doesn't make sense!! [/COLOR]

I see, you had mentioned the "attached" DVC resorts as if the "unattached" or "stand alone" DVC resorts were set up better. IMO those are far worse because they are spread out so far.

We usually split stays with BLT and BCV-both are close enough for refills IMO, and SAB and BLT's pool have them as well.

 

[goofy kc]

I would like to use the mugs but it seems like a hassle...walk down the hall, ride down the elevator, walk to wherever the soda is and then head back. By the time you are back your drink is gone. Thinking about my last stay at BWV - miles from the fountain station, and it's outside.

I think there should be more stations. Anyone who has worked food service knows that fountain drinks are literally fractions of a penny per serving. If it was easier to use they would sell more of the (overpriced) mugs and end up well in the black.

 

[disneynutz]

I would like to use the mugs but it seems like a hassle...walk down the hall, ride down the elevator, walk to wherever the soda is and then head back. By the time you are back your drink is gone. Thinking about my last stay at BWV - miles from the fountain station, and it's outside.

I think there should be more stations. Anyone who has worked food service knows that fountain drinks are literally fractions of a penny per serving. If it was easier to use they would sell more of the (overpriced) mugs and end up well in the black.

It is a hassle by design.

Yes, some people make good use of the mug but my guess is that most do not. Disney is great at these types of programs. The public would die if they found out how many mugs only get filled a couple of times or how many dining credits are never used or how many days are left on admission tickets.

Bill

 

[Dean]

I know its ok LOL. But then again DVC isn't your typical "Time Share".

In my book it is, it's just another very nice timeshare. I don't think holding them to a higher standard is reasonable. Timeshares all vary both from one company to another and one location to another. In general it's very important to research a given timeshare to make sure you know what you are and are not getting. Your expectations will vary from mine and so on. No matter what list we might come up with of the minimum expectations for an acceptable timeshare there's guaranteed to be one more more out there that misses that standard.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

I

I think there should be more stations.

Unfortunately how does a design team integrate food courts, multi drink refill stations at every corner for availability and ease of use to satisfy the populous, and still make it a beautiful resort setting rather than having it look like a train depot or a cafeteria!

I bought into OKW/DVC/Timeshare because I didn't enjoy the POP, All Star, etc. and if the future thought was to eventually turn those "deluxe" resort into that type of a resort, I would not have bought! I think it's very reasonable for SSR to add a pool with a pool bar to satisfy the need for an additional eatery but I personally wouldn't want to see a food court or multi refill stations at every "deluxe" resort!

 

[rock_doctor]

The trick to the mugs is to not use them as mugs but as something to do socially. You swing over to contempo cafe fill the mug then go sit down and watch the people walk by or the boats in Bay lake while sipping on some of the worst coffee i have ever seen... Go fill it up at the BLT pool then sit down in front of the fire and just relax... If you are going to use them as mugs i.e. just to get a drink and nothing more then you can buy 14 2L bottles of soda for the cost of each mug...

 

[MsTessP]

My son worked custodial at WDW on the college program, and he was amazed at how many of the refillable mugs he would find discarded in the trash at the parks. Either people got sick of carting them around, or they did not fully understand the concept.

 

[Deb & Bill]

My son worked custodial at WDW on the college program, and he was amazed at how many of the refillable mugs he would find discarded in the trash at the parks. Either people got sick of carting them around, or they did not fully understand the concept.

We have a bundle of them at home. We have thrown them away in our villa trash when we left because we just didn't want to haul them home. And they are not good for free beverages after you leave. So we recycle them in the trash.