Bad experience I read about that makes me question buying DVC

[PinkPixel]

I had a similar situation in June. I was booked at BCV for three nights. Our flight landed around 5 and I was expecting to turn on my phone and get a text with a room number. By the time we got our bags and got to the hotel in our mears shuttle, it was a bit past 8pm. I went to the front desk and stood there for about an hour while the CM talked to someone on the phone. Finally a manager came out and said there was a water leak in the room and he was so graciously not going to put us in the room since the carpet was wet (he made it sound like he could put us there it he wanted to but was doing us a big favor). Instead, they put us in a club level studio for the night on the hotel side. He thought this was a fantastic deal for us, even though we would have to pack up and move again in the morning, and it was 8pm so basically all the club level services were done for the day. He kept going on and on about how desserts and alcohol was still put and we should go and enjoy some drinks and what a great deal that was. However, I’m pregnant (I guess he didn’t notice?), so having a few bites of cake was not worth the hassle of having to move rooms. I think he could see we weren’t happy so he offered to let us use the club lounge the next day as well.

In the end we loved getting the club snacks the next day but I was still annoyed. I think the fact that he was not going to originally give us access and made it seem like he was doing us a giant favor by not putting us in a room with wet carpet really bothered me. I wouldn’t not buy dvc based on this experience, our room at riviera was ready early three days later and in a nice location. Just sharing another example of a time this situation happened.

That is a let down after a long day, and being pregnant with club level if you normally enjoy the aperitifs is frustrating ! Glad you had a better experience after.

 

[PinkPixel]

We are just about done with DVC as we feel ripped off with the amenities we received on our last two 1 bd stays as we are given ADA rooms with roll-in showers and modified kitchens instead of jetted tubs and a full size kitchen.
Both stays they claimed those were only rooms available and someone has to get the inventory as they are sold out. They should have all the ADA rooms listed as a separate category like Grand Californian.

I had that happen once at an Omni hotel. They said it was more sq ft so therefor an upgrade. It was unrenovated, the bathroom did not have tub I was looking forward to, and on the other side of the resort and not mountain view than I had paid for. I was able to call and eventually get moved, but it did put a negative spin on a first night. There was a business conference going on and I felt they had wanted to give my room to someone else.

 

[Nursemanit]

Looking for a day that would match.. mid-May.... RIV preferred 1 BR would be 44, GFV 1BR would be 46, BLT would be 41 points, and the SSR treehouse would only be 43... So the treehouse is actually 3 less points than GFV, 1 less than RIV, and only 2 points more than BLT.

BLT is the value play here - with the 2 baths.

The treehouse has multiple negatives to account for the lower points. Not that I would have balked at the trade.

DVC is not kind to 1 Br lovers.

 

[RoseGold]

We are just about done with DVC as we feel ripped off with the amenities we received on our last two 1 bd stays as we are given ADA rooms with roll-in showers and modified kitchens instead of jetted tubs and a full size kitchen.
Both stays they claimed those were only rooms available and someone has to get the inventory as they are sold out. They should have all the ADA rooms listed as a separate category like Grand Californian.

I was in an accessible 1BR room at BR and at BW, because we needed one. Both of them had jetted tubs.

They've removed the jetted tubs in the flips. Maybe your resort didn't have them at all anymore?

 

[Pens Fan]

They should have all the ADA rooms listed as a separate category like Grand Californian.

Oddly enough, the one and only time we've been given an ADA room was at the Grand Californian. We don't require one and had just booked a regular 1 BR. It was our very first DVC stay. I'd been waitlisting and stalking the website for weeks trying to grab a 1 BR to add onto our ABD Southern Californian trip. About a month before the trip, one popped up. I just assumed that at some point they release the ADA rooms that haven't been booked into the normal inventory and that was why we were able to get a 1BR at all. But who knows? I wasn't the best first stay, for sure, but it's been all good from there!!

 

[MakiraMarlena]

if you're thinking you want to dump DVC if something (anything) goes wrong, then maybe you don't want to buy it...although depending on where your points are, you could sell them.

I was given an accessible room at GFV, they were looking for one that was ready and asked if I wanted it though. I've been given accessible rooms before. Things happen and rooms get taken out of inventory.

it was a studio, so nothing jetted, but it had a tub.

 

[Dizzydizney]

25 years of ownership and probably 65 plus stays and have never had this happen. So I would say it’s not a common occurrence. We’ve had other bumps and burps, but nothing to really get upset about. But if something like this is bothering you, then DVC ownership is probably not a good fit. Especially if you’re thinking of the older resorts to buy at. Owning a timeshare is not like renting a hotel room. DVC is supposed to be your home away from home, so nothing fancy like chocolates on your pillow or fresh sheets daily or daily housekeeping.

 

[bumbershoot]

Also, the fact they expected the person to essentially rebook on the spot to the only room available at the resort.

I'm mystified by this sentence. Can you explain?

The thing about it that concerned me was that at a hotel if this happened and they offered you a downgrade and refund, the refund would be cash in the bank and you could also decide if you want to try the hotel again.

We purchased timeshares, so we know it's not going to be cash in the bank.

We are just about done with DVC as we feel ripped off with the amenities we received on our last two 1 bd stays as we are given ADA rooms with roll-in showers and modified kitchens instead of jetted tubs and a full size kitchen.
Both stays they claimed those were only rooms available and someone has to get the inventory as they are sold out. They should have all the ADA rooms listed as a separate category like Grand Californian.

Had you done online checkin so they knew when you'd be there?

We got in very late and were given a no-tub room at AK Jambo our first DVC stay there. I was much heavier and out of shape then, and the lack of soaking ability did NOT work for my poor feet (or knees and spine). We dealt with it that night, but we were moved the next day.
Hint: if you're moving the next day just go do something fun. We didn't. We stayed put, asked for late checkout (which my then-husband got) and were just miserable the whole day. Not our most intelligent move.

 

[wishicouldgomoreofte]

Sounds like you would not be happy with DVC. The "feeling special" was only the first 10 years. You are just buying a timeshare. Pre-paying some of your future costs. Don't forget the annual dues add up to more than the buy in. Cash guests spend a lot with the resort prices now. I would say DVC members are low on the totem pole for valued guests. If you want to feel special, DVC is not the way.
I have not seen the FB post, but you said they were offered a RIV tower studio (only room available at RIV, and a treehouse, which is a 3 bedroom villa, which they took. You said they took the treehouse, not the tower studio, but you then go on to complain about them being offered the tower studio. Maybe if I saw the report, I would understand why it upset you so much.
Anyway, sounds like DVC is not for you. You won't feel special, and things will happen.

 

[sethschroeder]

The most alarming thing to me in that story is that a RIV 1BR is 44 freaking points so that it almost equals a treehouse.. That's crazy. Just shows you how inflated RIV's chart is.

To me it shows how poor Treehouses are. If they had their own private bussing to the parks maybe I would consider trying it but SSR to me looks terrible for getting around and Treehouse is even worse because its not even close enough to easily walk to Disney Springs.

Every 1BR is inflated in DVC in my opinion.

 

[Rozzie]

To me it shows how poor Treehouses are. If they had their own private bussing to the parks maybe I would consider trying it but SSR to me looks terrible for getting around and Treehouse is even worse because its not even close enough to easily walk to Disney Springs.

Every 1BR is inflated in DVC in my opinion.

Having stayed at THV's and a RIV 1 BR, I would place the RIV 1 BR way way WAY above a THV. I don't even think they belong in the same comparison. THV for me is enjoyable if I am going to do a resort-dominated stay with my car. They are very tired looking and in desperate need of a facelift as well. There is a bridge to walk to DS and it drops you by House of Blues. It is not too far. They are balls of fun if you are going to do golfing, shopping, exploring and lots of in-villa cooking. We do very much enjoy the private grill there and having guests over for dinner.

RIV, well it is RIV! We sold our SSR contract just to buy RIV. (member since 2005...)

 

[vacay77]

To me it shows how poor Treehouses are. If they had their own private bussing to the parks maybe I would consider trying it but SSR to me looks terrible for getting around and Treehouse is even worse because its not even close enough to easily walk to Disney Springs.

Every 1BR is inflated in DVC in my opinion.

The 1BR at VGC is fantastic (to my standards anyway).

 

[bakerworld]

People spend an extraordinary amount of time concentrating on negative issues. Being re-directed to another room due to over booking or maintenance issues is a PITA but it's not an exclusive issue to a particular timeshare program or hotel. I booked a room in AC NJ for my girls and they waited until 11p to get firm because they were beyond tired. They ended up in a suite which housekeeping tried to get them to leave at 9a. Things happen. Planes are delayed. Weather alters plans. Pandemics appear out of thin air and plans are changed.

For us our DVC membership has usually been a great experience. We've stayed in accommodations for lengths of time we would not have without owning DVC. We have relatives who are always trying to down play our DVC accommodations but without us they're at the moderates or values where walking to a park doesn't exist. Our biggest reason for joining DVC was to be able to walk to a park and that reason hasn't changed. Have I fallen asleep in the lobby waiting for a room? Yes. DH called from PA to ask when I'd be able to sleep in a bed and miraculously the room became ready (or my snoring was an issue). LOL

 

[PinkPixel]

People spend an extraordinary amount of time concentrating on negative issues. Being re-directed to another room due to over booking or maintenance issues is a PITA but it's not an exclusive issue to a particular timeshare program or hotel. I booked a room in AC NJ for my girls and they waited until 11p to get firm because they were beyond tired. They ended up in a suite which housekeeping tried to get them to leave at 9a. Things happen. Planes are delayed. Weather alters plans. Pandemics appear out of thin air and plans are changed.

For us our DVC membership has usually been a great experience. We've stayed in accommodations for lengths of time we would not have without owning DVC. We have relatives who are always trying to down play our DVC accommodations but without us they're at the moderates or values where walking to a park doesn't exist. Our biggest reason for joining DVC was to be able to walk to a park and that reason hasn't changed. Have I fallen asleep in the lobby waiting for a room? Yes. DH called from PA to ask when I'd be able to sleep in a bed and miraculously the room became ready (or my snoring was an issue). LOL

I totally get your roll with the flow mentality and stuff happens, I have traveled quite a bit. But.. I don’t think the scenario DVC offered here was the typical hotel mishap. I don’t own DVC and am trying to do some due diligence.

Which room would you have picked? The tower studio only has a Murphy bed and the room is exceptionally small, maybe the smallest room at Disney? I was surprised to watch the video on YouTube that it even exists tbh. I guess if you buy in for that and it works for you, that’s a an appealing/innovative offering. But for someone who was anticipating a preferred 1 bedroom? And ready to use the required points? I don’t know, that does seem pretty off balance to me on the spot. The treehouse choice is kind of seems not comparable resort wise, I would guess, based on updates, closeness of resort amenities and transportation. Having to pony up the more or less equal points for that, when it’s not needed or desired, also just seems like a strange offering as a solution. Appreciate your feedback on your experience with your membership.

 

[Sandisw]

I totally get your roll with the flow mentality and stuff happens, I have traveled quite a bit. But.. I don’t think the scenario DVC offered here was the typical hotel mishap. I don’t own DVC and am trying to do some due diligence.

Which room would you have picked? The tower studio only has a Murphy bed and the room is exceptionally small, maybe the smallest room at Disney? I was surprised to watch the video on YouTube that it even exists tbh. I guess if you buy in for that and it works for you, that’s a an appealing/innovative offering. But for someone who was anticipating a preferred 1 bedroom? And ready to use the required points? I don’t know, that does seem pretty off balance to me on the spot. The treehouse choice is kind of seems not comparable resort wise, I would guess, based on updates, closeness of resort amenities and transportation. Having to pony up the more or less equal points for that, when it’s not needed or desired, also just seems like a strange offering as a solution. Appreciate your feedback on your experience with your membership.

They will never charge you more points if they have to move you to something that costs more if your room is not available for an emergency.

Obviously, if one of the options offered was the tower studio, it means there were no more than 2 guests, and may have just been someone on a solo trip. If that had been me, I would have taken the tower and the points back for the smaller rooms to stay at RIV vs moving to SSR treehouse.

One thing we don’t know is if the 1 bedroom was booked because they wanted it, or because that was all that was available when they went to book.

So if that is all they had, the may have offered it just in case. As mentioned, these are few and far between situations, but can happen.

Personally, I think it was handled as best it could by the resort and the fact that they gave the owner more points back than entitled to was nice gesture.

DVC runs near 100% occupancy due to being a timeshare and they can only offer things that are not booked,

I will add that when one does buy DVC, you do have to change your mindset that you are no longer a cash hotel guest but an owner using a timeshare and what happens when one is a hotel guest doesn’t apply any longer.

 

[PinkPixel]

They will never charge you more points if they have to move you to something that costs more if your room is not available for an emergency.

Obviously, if one of the options offered was the tower studio, it means there were no more than 2 guests, and may have just been someone on a solo trip. If that had been me, I would have taken the tower and the points back for the smaller rooms to stay at RIV vs moving to SSR treehouse.

One thing we don’t know is if the 1 bedroom was booked because they wanted it, or because that was all that was available when they went to book.

So if that is all they had, the may have offered it just in case. As mentioned, these are few and far between situations, but can happen.

Personally, I think it was handled as best it could by the resort and the fact that they gave the owner more points back than entitled to was nice gesture.

DVC runs near 100% occupancy due to being a timeshare and they can only offer things that are not booked,

I will add that when one does buy DVC, you do have to change your mindset that you are no longer a cash hotel guest but an owner using a timeshare and what happens when one is a hotel guest doesn’t apply any longer.

Is there any flexibility in this rare, but possible situation that you could pay for a cash room and they return your points back without holding to your use year? Since technically they altered the booking and not you? Just wondering if there’s a fine print on the timeshare reservation stuff. Mostly out of random curiosity and I guess I’m an over planner. I guess I could also ask DVC this. Thanks again.

 

[ehh]

Adding more data to the thread: in our 28 DVC stays, we've had this happen to us once and it was a surprisingly pleasant experience. We also had this happen to us once in a non-DVC stay at Paradise Pier Hotel (though I don't know how many non-DVC stays we've done at Disney properties...10 maybe?).

For the DVC stay, we (2 of us) were booked in a 1BR Savanna view at Jambo and were upgraded to a 2BR Suite (non-DVC) for our whole 2-night stay. We didn't need laundry or a full kitchen for these nights so we took the upgrade very willingly. The room was definitely nicer than a DVC room; rack rates for these nights were ~$1400/night for the 1BR villa vs. $3000/night for the 2BR suite.

One other big difference for us was they called us at around noon saying there would be a problem and asked if we would accept the room change. Waiting until 5:45 and then finding out they won't have a room for you is a terrible guest experience. I suspect the lack of in-resort upgrade availability probably contributed to the late decision that the room wouldn't be available, but they need to make those decisions, and communicate them, earlier.

At PPH we had a simple upgrade to a 1BR suite from a standard hotel room, which was the worst 'nice' room we've ever had. I think it was a 3-night stay and was our first and definitely last stay at PPH. We were a very late arrival/check-in, around 10PM, and found out then. Point is, it happens on cash stays too.

As for whether or not we'd take Tower Studio vs. Treehouse, we'd probably take the Tower Studio as it's the same resort and we'd expect the delta of points returned (and unborrowed, as necessary), which we'd put to use in the future. I guess it could depend how much stuff we had with us--if it were a 1-night stay as part of a longer trip (maybe a split-stay or a cruise) and we had more than just carry-ons, maybe we'd go with the Treehouse. But we're Tower-curious and have wondered if these smaller rooms might work for us for weekend trips and a single night would be a great way to test that.

 

[Sandisw]

Is there any flexibility in this rare, but possible situation that you could pay for a cash room and they return your points back without holding to your use year? Since technically they altered the booking and not you? Just wondering if there’s a fine print on the timeshare reservation stuff. Mostly out of random curiosity and I guess I’m an over planner. I guess I could also ask DVC this. Thanks again.

It doesn’t work that way. Any points returned would still follow normal rules if you declined to take the DVC room that has been offered to you via the points system..

There is language, even when you book a Disney cash room that something can happen and the room become unavailable , due to an emergency.

Its not about anyone altering the room, but rather your room being taken out of service for an emergency and them finding you another room to stay for the same or more points.

We all know going in that if this rarity happens, we may be moved to something else. As I said, most cases, you are upgraded if they can make it work.

There are rules regarding points, etc, and its best to understand that and how it’s different. They balance with ownership interest and giving extra exceptions when these types of things happen is just not the way it works.

Even in this example, the owners son was actually given another DVC room that in the system is considered an upgrade…1 bedroom to a 3 bedroom treehouse….

When I was given a 2 bedroom instead of my 1 bedroom I had booked at VGF, I didn’t know until we got there at 4 pm and was told we had to be moved because the room booked had an issue discovered during routine cleaning.

 

[crisi]

Am I missing something about DVC? The scenario just seemed rather unfair and wondering how this has been handled otherwise. Are you treated like a valued guest, or no because you signed up for 50 years?

Honestly, you signed up for 50 years. They have you, they have your money, and they will jerk you around. In addition to "maybe you'll end up downgraded" (which happens rarely) you might find your room isn't very clean (happens somewhat more often) or is in disrepair (DVC renovations happen with member dues and are on a schedule - the rooms get a little shabby between renos). Check in time is AFTER 4 - we've always gotten in earlier, but sometimes members don't get into their room until early evening. If you expect to be treated like a valued guest, keep paying cash. You'll pay a lot more for it. But DVCers aren't valued guests - we are owners of a timeshare.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We had our worst room experience happen over this past 4th of July stay. A $200 room credit was given, accepted, and I do think if something like that happens again, I will be selling many, though not all, of our points. It happened at BCV, and they found us something at YC.