BWV - decided to try - disappointed

[Dean]

OMG... I cannot imagine paying that for ANY Disney room

I just checked... The Ritz Carlton Club Level room for next Sat night is $349 And Disney wants $510 for a room that's not as nice. That's almost $200 for LOCATION??? Actually it's more then $200 for location. You are losing a star or two (depending on rater) in the rankings.... WOW! Got to hand it to Disney for getting that. The Ritz basic room is $249! I am just amazed at what Disney pricing is doing. Welcome to the REAL Fantasyland!

You could say that about every Disney room on property whether timeshare or otherwise. Location is everything to some. I stayed off property for a week in Oct in a 2 BR for the Hilton which is better than DVC in many ways and my total cost was about $300. There are at least 7 or 8 timeshares in the Orlando area that are better resorts in many ways than are the DVC resorts, some more clearly than others. DVC's big draw is location and the one thing Disney does better than any other is the theming of the resorts.

Many timeshares hav gone to check out of 10 instead of 11 exactly for this issue. Most allow not or limited late checkouts. The Hilton I mentioned above allowed only a certain # of units per building to check out an hour later (12 instead of 11). Come to think of it we were actually after 4 getting in to our unit at Hilton and even then had to ask and get assigned a different unit than we were originally assinged to. They were trying to fulfill our location request and that unit was not ready. Getting in to the unit was far more important to us so we asked nicely if there was another unit since we had our 6 w/o grandson with us. They were very helpful in doing so. And it does illustrate one issue that also doesn't apply to hotels normally, that is one the unit is assigned you're pretty much at the mercy of when the people in that unit check out and when the housekeeper can get to that unit. Considering it does take a lot longer to clean a timeshare, if this is the 3rd or 4th on their list, it could take a while.

As I mentioned, Marriott does better in this area overall than DVC, of this there can be no doubt. One thing Marriott's do as a rule is if you are changing units, even other Marriott resorts in the same area, they will allow you to stay in one unit until the other is ready.

 

[MinnieVanMom]

So the OP doesn't like the DVC and owns at Marriot. The answer is simple, they can keep going to the Marriot, Ritz or anywhere else they want. No one has to stay at the DVC. If you don't like the DVC don't stay there. Easy and simple.

That is why there are choices for everyone.

 

[Dean]

So the OP doesn't like the DVC and owns at Marriot. The answer is simple, they can keep going to the Marriot, Ritz or anywhere else they want. No one has to stay at the DVC. If you don't like the DVC don't stay there. Easy and simple.

That is why there are choices for everyone.

I'm not even sure they own timeshares or have timeshare experience. The central criticism is still valid, don't lose site of that fact, it's the additional info that removes credibility.

 

[jade1]

Am I the only one who hasn't tried all the burners on the stove? Will make it a to do for next visit. Will let maintenance know the results.

 

[anonymousegirl]

Why is this thread still running? OP, obviously DVC isn't for you. Stop trying to bad-mouth it and MOVE ON. Your posts are becoming very troll-like.

You have stated what is UNACCEPTABLE to you. Fine. We get it. But we like DVC. You are not going to change that with your stories of other timeshares and how much "better" they are.

Is DVC perfect? No, of course not. Was your experience perfect? Apparently not. Point made. DVC isn't for you.

Goodbye.

 

[aurorafan]

Dean makes a good point. Timeshares aren't hotels. They operate fundamentally differently. DVC timeshare units are more "hotel-like" than most, for a variety of reasons, and that can be good or bad, depending on your perspective. But, still, they are not the same as hotels.

Some people are hotel people. Others are timeshare people. Furthermore, some find DVC units wonderful, others perfer more traditional timeshare units and resorts. That's why Baskin Robins has 31 flavors.

This is the point I was going to make as well. I have next to no experience with timeshares, but I do know they are condos or are treated as condos, regardless of whether or not they are located in a hotel building (like DVC). I think one of the problems people have with DVC might be they are expecting (either conciously or unconciously) a hotel experience, just with a larger room size/nicer amenities (kitchen, whirlpool, etc.). I know from the condo my parents owned at a ski resort that they are not hotel rooms and walking into one is not the same as walking into a hotel room, nor is the overall experience the same (if that makes sense).

I agree that some of the problems mentioned (mold, things breaking etc.) need to be addressed at the time, but age issues--scuffs, worn carpet, etc. can and should be expected at the older resorts. Honestly one of the reasons we bought at AKV was the newness of the place . We visited the Beach Club and Boardwalk on our trip last week, and I'd love to stay at the Boardwalk after they refurbish it, but truthfully I'm not willing to risk disappointment until they do refurb it (bad as that may sound ).

 

[CarolA]

As to the OP>

Perhaps it's time to adopt the "Don't feed the troll" theory and quit responding.

We respond to him, but he has failed to respond to those of us who have had issues with Marriott.

So why bother? Is he really worth the effort?

 

[eliza61]

Am I the only one who hasn't tried all the burners on the stove? Will make it a to do for next visit. Will let maintenance know the results.

I tend to use the same 2 burners all the time. Its some type of defect I know.

As to the OP>

Perhaps it's time to adopt the "Don't feed the troll" theory and quit responding.

We respond to him, but he has failed to respond to those of us who have had issues with Marriott.

So why bother? Is he really worth the effort?

As usual, you are soo right.

 

[Dean]

As to the OP>

Perhaps it's time to adopt the "Don't feed the troll" theory and quit responding.

We respond to him, but he has failed to respond to those of us who have had issues with Marriott.

So why bother? Is he really worth the effort?

I generally look at these type of issues the other way. I think it's good to get the issues out in the open and discuss them. There certainly are improvements DVC could, and I think should, make in the areas of unit assignments and unit preparedness and it's likely only going to come to light on threads where things are "beaten to death" if you will. Marriott and many other systems out perform DVC routinely in this area. Also, when there are unfair criticism, I think it's helpful both to the OP and the readers of a thread to define that as well.

 

[fishermouse]

I expect Disney to hire adequate mousekeepers to care for their guests. One day our mousekeeper came to our room at 4 pm to clean the room....unacceptable.

Oh by the way, I have a handful of DVC friends....one in particular is a DVC-aholic owning at.......Vero Beach, AKV, BWV, WLV, will buy at Grand Cali in California......he is at WDW at least once each month for a Jiko dining event.....and he said he never gets into his accommodations until late in the afternoon.

I don't consider that one event exclusively.....he was the the DVC guest who was meeting us for the Christmas Party and got his AKV room after closer to 6 pm. THAT is unacceptable.

Not to be argumentative but it's hard to believe your statement, which now puts your entire tirade in the dumpster. I go down 3-4 times a year sometimes I get a great view sometimes not sometimes we get in as early as 10am sometimes after 4pm. To say someone goes at least 12 times a year and never gets a room until late afternoon is IMO just trying to stir the pot. Unless of course he never arrives before late afternoon, which would make your argument mute. I have arrived at all times of day early morn afternoon and late night, and rarely have I had to waite what I would consider an unacceptable time , it has happened but not often. I will be at BWV in a few weeks so I'll let everyone know how things go. Since I am arriving late approx 9pm checkin time won't be relevent.

 

[fishermouse]

Am I the only one who hasn't tried all the burners on the stove? Will make it a to do for next visit. Will let maintenance know the results.

They have a stove????? I just use the microwave toaster and coffee pot...

 

[DebbieB]

I do have to agree that Disney does a much better job of rehabbing and maintenance to thier Resorts than DVC does and that is a shame.

Keep in mind that rehabs at DVC resorts come from member dues. A portion of each year's dues go into a reserve fund. I definitely want my dues to pay for necessary repairs. But I can't see taking out perfectly good tv's and replacing them with flat screens just because they are the latest craze. They also are going to have to replace the cabinet, I don't think flat screens would fit in the current ones.

 

[littlestar]

Keep in mind that rehabs at DVC resorts come from member dues. A portion of each year's dues go into a reserve fund. I definitely want my dues to pay for necessary repairs. But I can't see taking out perfectly good tv's and replacing them with flat screens just because they are the latest craze. They also are going to have to replace the cabinet, I don't think flat screens would fit in the current ones.

Some of those old tv's at Old Key West from the early 90's are probably too heavy to lift.

 

[crisi]

Keep in mind that rehabs at DVC resorts come from member dues. A portion of each year's dues go into a reserve fund. I definitely want my dues to pay for necessary repairs. But I can't see taking out perfectly good tv's and replacing them with flat screens just because they are the latest craze. They also are going to have to replace the cabinet, I don't think flat screens would fit in the current ones.

That's sort of how I feel about improvements and DVC. I don't think DVC units are rehabbed to CRO standards - but I'm getting a relative bargain on an on-site room - and I'm not particularly interested in paying more dues so I can have a flat screen TV, or a room without scuff marks on the wall.

Rooms should be clean - there isn't an excuse for not clean. And at some point they do get "too worn" - but I don't expect - or want to pay for - a pristine room.

If that means I end up making a phone call to maintenance because a light bulb is burned out or the faucet drips - I can handle that.

 

[Pennyguy23]

I expect Disney to hire adequate mousekeepers to care for their guests. One day our mousekeeper came to our room at 4 pm to clean the room....unacceptable.

Oh by the way, I have a handful of DVC friends....one in particular is a DVC-aholic owning at.......Vero Beach, AKV, BWV, WLV, will buy at Grand Cali in California......he is at WDW at least once each month for a Jiko dining event.....and he said he never gets into his accommodations until late in the afternoon.

I don't consider that one event exclusively.....he was the the DVC guest who was meeting us for the Christmas Party and got his AKV room after closer to 6 pm. THAT is unacceptable.

Everything for you is unacceptable. You can't judge on one stay alone. Its just not fair. But Thats fine don't go back. Another room for us folks who love it. If it's so "unacceptable", just pay your CM discount room. We will save a great deal of money and enjoy ourselves doing it.

 

[keishashadow]

WHY??? Location, location, location!

it's the 'disney difference'

they have the on-site lure, don't have to necessarily have all the bells & whistles, imo BWV is charming as is (as long as they do basic maintenance/refurb & housekeeping is on the ball ill be happy)

im not paying DVC big bucks for the most deluxe accommodations, just the vibe & the percs..we've stayed in more cushy digs offsite, just not the same for us

 

[Sammie]

Keep in mind that rehabs at DVC resorts come from member dues. A portion of each year's dues go into a reserve fund. I definitely want my dues to pay for necessary repairs. But I can't see taking out perfectly good tv's and replacing them with flat screens just because they are the latest craze. They also are going to have to replace the cabinet, I don't think flat screens would fit in the current ones.

Believe me we pay enough in dues to keep the DVC resorts up to the standards that Disney resort does.

DVC simply wants to hold onto our money until the last possible moment before rehabbing. Personally I could care less about TV replacement. I want appliances that work, carpet that is not stained and thread bare, I want walls that are clean and not marked up excessively. I really think DVC can do a much better job in maintenance and housekeeping without raising dues.

 

[dis-happy]

Believe me we pay enough in dues to keep the DVC resorts up to the standards that Disney resort does.

DVC simply wants to hold onto our money until the last possible moment before rehabbing. Personally I could care less about TV replacement. I want appliances that work, carpet that is not stained and thread bare, I want walls that are clean and not marked up excessively. I really think DVC can do a much better job in maintenance and housekeeping without raising dues.

I think there is also an element of responsibility of the owners, not just to call in maintenance if something is broken but to take care of the rooms while staying in them. I'm a mom to four kids, but we keep the room neat and we all know not to make a huge mess in the bathroom, eat so that there aren't crumbs and stains left on the couch, etc. I've seen a couple of posts where members caught a glimpse at the condition of the room after someone checked out, and it was appalling. It surprises me that people will act like animals in a hotel room simply because someone else has to clean it up. I've stayed in other timeshare properties where people were warned up front that damage fees would be charged if the room is left in disrepair. Something like that for DVC might be a better way of distributing fees for the few who ruin it for the many.

Also, I doubt that the CRO resort properties are ever as busy as the DVC ones. Except for an occaisional weekend night, BCV tends to be booked solid and BWV/VWL aren't far behind.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I think there is also an element of responsibility of the owners, not just to call in maintenance if something is broken but to take care of the rooms while staying in them. I'm a mom to four kids, but we keep the room neat and we all know not to make a huge mess in the bathroom, eat so that there aren't crumbs and stains left on the couch, etc. I've seen a couple of posts where members caught a glimpse at the condition of the room after someone checked out, and it was appalling. It surprises me that people will act like animals in a hotel room simply because someone else has to clean it up. I've stayed in other timeshare properties where people were warned up front that damage fees would be charged if the room is left in disrepair. Something like that for DVC might be a better way of distributing fees for the few who ruin it for the many.

Also, I doubt that the CRO resort properties are ever as busy as the DVC ones. Except for an occaisional weekend night, BCV tends to be booked solid and BWV/VWL aren't far behind.

I agree with this. And if Disney ever started actually charging guests for the damage, maybe it would stop. When you see crayon markings on the furniture or walls, someone just wasn't watching a youngster.

 

[tjkraz]

I think Disney made some logistical mistakes with the earlier DVC resorts in terms of the design and materials used. The quality of materials used at OKW has always struck me as being a grade above at least BCV and BWV. But all three of those resorts have the disadvantage of light-colored furniture and fixtures.

I have personally seen the models for the Animal Kingdom Villas and the Grand Californian and I have to say that the darker room designs and heavier, more durable woods used for furniture and room finishes will hold up MUCH better in the long run. In terms of quality, they are closer to OKW than the other DVCs, and the darker finishes will absorb the impact of guest abuse much better than the lighter woods. BLT looks to be similar in quality, although I have not personally seen the models yet.

When you have walls, trimwork and furniture all finished in very light tones, every scuff, scrape and bump is going to show. Disney could paint a BWV room tomorrow but if the next guest scuffs the wall up while moving a suitcase, the room will give the appearance that it hasn't been serviced in months. Same thing for those light-finish laminates used on the armoires and other furniture. They aren't terribly resistant to scratches, and the scratches and scrapes are very evident when present.

I guess that's the price we pay for a seaside resort design like BCV and BWV. You can't really take a dark design like VWL or AKV and drop it into BWV.

Disney could do better with things like appliances (kitchen, washer/dryer) and hopefully those will come in time. We've already seen them upgrade things like mattresses, sofbeds and patio furniture when the time is right.