Changes at DVC?

[PamOKW]

I almost forgot one other change.....they took away one of our mountains.

 

[JonHM]

Yes they did, but if you'd like a very nice copy of it on your PC, DVCDAVE has the old three mountain logo, very nicely sized and sharp and clear, at the bottom of each of his posts. Just right click on it and save image as...

 

[normr]

We leave the place CLEAN, we load the dishwasher and then run it, we strip the beds, throw out the trash, and bundle up the linens in one of the sheets, vacuum, clean the counters. I'm sure the hoisekeeping personnel really appreciate the way they find the place. I'm sure it really helps them getting it back into service for the next member.

It all goes back to the golden rule.

 

[IslandHap]

bump

 

[iluvdisney]

Pam - I remember the 3 mountains - I was surprised when one of them just up and disappeared! We became members in June 92 and only remember 1 evening get together with a few goodies - don't remember wine but it seemed like an informative members get-together and was held on the walkway outside the front desk. It was there that I would try and get as much info from the DVC reps as I could, but they surely were not telling very much. I also remember getting my room earlier in the day but not everytime. Now I try to check in as close to 4 as possible so I don't have to hold onto a carload of stuff all day.

 

[Paul in CT]

AS members at OKW since 1995, we have not been unhappy with any of the changes. I have been very pleased with DVC's management to keep the dues increases at OKW low. My biggest concern upon joining was that there might be large increases in dues once the developer subsidies ended. Happily, these fears were ultimately unfounded.

As far as the "after 4:00 PM check-in", we have had to wait until four sometimes, but many times we have been able to check-in on arrival earlier. Surprisingly, our best luck has been at BWV and our worst at VB. I suspect earlier check-in all depends on your preference requests and how busy it is at the time of year you are going.

Looking forward to our next trip "home" in August..........

 

[StephenKay]

If you are so unhappy sell???

But if you only wish to raise a point then that's fine.

But remember, If you did not be happier on this vacation then sell.
#



Best Wishes


Stevie Kay
Inverness
Scotland

 

[pinhopper]

Having been members since 1993, a couple more minor negative changes come to mind:
- each unit used to be stocked with fresh copies of several magazines (the Disney magazine, Family Fun, and Disney Adventures). These were fun souvenirs to take home. And seeing them on the counter when I first arrived made the unit seemed more home-like.
- check-in materials used to be presented in beautiful, laminated folders that either had the OKW logo or looked like a wicker suitcase (not sure how accurate the latter description is).
- at one time, there was a pamphlet sent out to let members order DVC-members-only merchandise (jacket, mug, keychain, etc.). I REALLY WISH that DVC would re-instate this mail-order idea -- after all, there are a LOT more DVC members now since 1993...
- for a number of years, members could purchase shirts, bathrobes, and jackets at OKW and then the staff would arrange for the word "Member" to be custom-embroidered on the apparel. My understanding is that this offer ended after the one individual who performed this service died. But I think there is a current alternative -- you can take your apparel to a store somewhere in Downtown Disney, correct?

While these details are minor in the grand scheme of things, they still were the nice "extra-special touches" that I associate with my early memories of and trips to DVC/OKW.

 

[CarolA]

As I read this I realize that most of the "extras" that have been eliminated actually cost us money. Since the DVC dues have been going up slower than the rate of inflation (ie staff raises) then cuts had to be made someplace. I personally would rather not pay extra for some things. I have feeling that the majority of people agree.

 

[Chuck S]

I remember when we had resort delivery of park purchases at OKW, and they actually brought the things and left them in your room. Though, personally, I'm just as happy picking them up at the general store. It save us a little money on dues and some people are very uncomfortable having 'strangers' deliver things when they aren't in their rooms.

And while most of the CMs in the general store have been there for years and many at Olivia's, the check-in CMS always seem to be new. They used to remember members from year to year. But so far all the changes people have mentioned are minor in the grand scheme of things.

 

[DebbieB]

then the staff would arrange for the word "Member" to be custom-embroidered on the apparel. My understanding is that this offer ended after the one individual who performed this service died. But I think there is a current alternative -- you can take your apparel to a store somewhere in Downtown Disney, correct?

A friend of mine bought her husband a tan jacket with the DVC logo at the store at OKW on a trip 2 or 3 years ago. She took it to a store on Hollywood Blvd at MGM and had MEMBER embroidered on it under the logo. It came out very nice.