Did they originally have the maid service?

[Peterd]

We joined DVC back in 96, and I thought I remembered when DVC offered the daily towels, new soap/ shampoos etc., without having to pay the extra at check in. Did they have maid service? Or did we survey this away?I may have been mistaken. Was this one of the things that the "old" survey included, To charge at check in, or pay it in dues? I was wondering if they had a vote on this policy or was it always like this in the beginning?
Did they make it a DVC wide policy or did each property vote seperately? With all the talk of our "Luxury" vacation properties we own, it seems more like any other timeshare out there without the basics. We hardly get studios, but I would think it wouldn't be that Luxurious to not have clean towels everyday. Yeah, I know you could pay extra for it, but did we originally have to pay for it?
I wonder what the results of a new survey would be if they asked each resort their choices on this, not just one policy for all of the resorts. I know I wouldn't mind paying the extra dues to go along with the conveniences the other Disney properties have. If you traded into a resort that offered these amenities, THEN you would pay. I could see where some of the resorts might vote to have all the amenities and some would just like to keep the dues down.
What do you think?

 

[Chuck S]

No, DVC never offered daily maid service. We really never missed it. The only thing that has changed was the name of "trash and towel" service. While the service never actually changed, I think it used to be called "trash and tidy". And folks were expecting more than towels.

 

[Richyams]

The maid service has always been the same.

The maids used to have a lot more leeway in givng extra towels, soaps and the rest. The did have a survey and told us that the extra towels were costing extra money, they asked if we wanted to spread that cost out over dues or charge the individuals requesting the extras. I guess they had the same or a similar question regarding soaps and stuff.

I don't know the numbers, but the majority voted to have the individuals who were requesting the extras to pay for them without spreading the cost through our dues.

In ten years and many stays, I have never asked for extra towels, there is a washer and dryer in the unit. I have never asked for extra soap, I like being dirty, I don't really wash that much. I believe that if the requesting of these extras was actually costing some noticable amount of money, the fair was to offset these costs is to have the requesting member pay for it.

 

[RobDoc]

There was a survey asking about these issues. I think it was worded that continuation of the extra towels, soaps, etc. would involve a dues increase or the extra services could be obtained for a nominal charge for those who wanted them. The survey indicated that most members didn't need the extra amenities and since they are still available as a user fee, they are still available if desired.

None of the surveys thus far are actually a vote and they are not binding. They are used by the board to indicate member preferences on various issues, but have no real role in deciding the issues. The board already has authority to act on our behalf without consultation.

 

[Chuck S]

Originally posted by Richyams
I have never asked for extra soap, I like being dirty, I don't really wash that much.

LOL, Rich....nothing better than a gamey smelling grand villa.

 

[antnee]

There was a survey asking about these issues. I think it was worded that continuation of the extra towels, soaps, etc. would involve a dues increase or the extra services could be obtained for a nominal charge for those who wanted them.

Doc when do they conduct these surveys???

 

[RobDoc]

The surveys are randomly conducted. I have received only one- and that was the one I mentioned above. It was a lengthy survey and took quite a bit of time to read thru and answer.

Not everyone will get the survey, so I'm not really sure how many have been done. I'm not aware of any recent ones, as I haven't gotten one for quite awhile.

Perhaps someone else can offer some insight.

Enjoy!

 

[Dean]

The survey to which Doc refers was sent to all members. There have been 2 I believe since that were sent to only a random segment.

 

[mikesmom]

There was quite a bit of extra towel and amenities used by a very few people. There was some discussion, I believe, of people who actually asked mousekeeping for a dozen extra soaps and shampoos to use as stocking stuffers! With that sort of thing going on, I can see where they'd have to pass the costs on.

 

[Dean]

Yes, there was a person who asked them to bring a large amount (a dozen sounds right) of soaps, shampoo's and the likes. When the requested items were delivered, the lady said thanks, these will make great stocking stuffers for Xmas, or something to that effect.

 

[PamOKW]

We did receive slightly more service in the "olden days". The original "Trash & Tidy" included the maid vaccumming and straightening up the unit (but not making the bed/doing dishes). Towels, soaps etc. were given out the same as all other WDW resorts (just not daily maid service).

The story from DVC was that some woman asked for, I think, 50 soaps to use for Christmas. Why they couldn't just refuse a request like that rather than penalizing everyone I'll never understand. That led to survey that brought us to today's trash & towel.

There was one place where daily maid service was provided. The Inn at Vero was included to give DVC members the variety of staying in a hotel instead of a villa. They did include daily maid service until other members complained it wasn't "fair".

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Daily maid service would make the cost of annual dues go up substantially. It's nice that it's available as an extra cost option for those who want it.

Many timeshares don't even have a mid-week trash and towel service.

 

[sgtdisney]

Originally posted by PamOKW
The story from DVC was that some woman asked for, I think, 50 soaps to use for Christmas.

It never ceases to amaze me that someone would actually have the gall to ask for something like this.

 

[wheatenwalker]

What is the extra charge for towels etc when you check in? And is there a vacuuum in the units for the guests to use (or a carpet sweeper or broom?).

 

[mzzbuzzlightyear]

Yes, there is a vacuum in the room...we have used it many times when we travel with our grandchildren! LOL!
Usually we wash our own towels, too. Since we take the trash out every day, there is nothing for housekeeping to do on trash and towel day. We, do, however get the scheduled housekeeping day.

 

[RobDoc]

An extra set of towels is $6. There is a vacuum in the villa. I usually run it part way thru the stay and our last day to clean up after myself. DW thinks I'm nuts, since I don't usually do that at home!

 

[PamOKW]

And is there a vacuuum in the units for the guests to use (or a carpet sweeper or broom?).

I'm not sure about all the resorts but at OKW in a 1-bedroom or larger you not only have the vacuum but a mop, pail, broom....you could have all kinds of fun. I think maybe they keep the supplies in each unit for us to use in an emergency and to make it easier for the housekeepers to service the units.

 

[ncligs]

Originally posted by PamOKW


I'm not sure about all the resorts but at OKW in a 1-bedroom or larger you not only have the vacuum but a mop, pail, broom....you could have all kinds of fun.

Don't forget the broom's are also used for "pounding " on the ceiling above you for noisy DVC members.

 

[wheeler]

My DH is the same way! I can't figure it out! At home, he throws his wet towel any old place, peels off his dirty garage clothes (he does auto-repair) right inside the doorway and leaves them there, leaves toothpaste blobs in the sink, I could go on and ON..........but on vacation.......he turns into a NEAT FREAK!!!!!!!!! We're not allowed to vacate the room, unless the BED IS MADE, all the towels are picked up, and the dirty laundry is gathered in put in a bag! Drives me nuts! I'd be shooting for EE at MK and he'd be running around the room like an obsessed butler with OCD!!!!!!!! I'm like, "Would you COME ON?????!!" and he's like, "Yeah....just let me wipe down the vanity, and straighten out this table...." ARRRRGGGGHHHHHH! Who *ARE* you by the way, and what have you done with my husband?!!!!!!!

 

[wheatenwalker]

OK, not to sound too dumb, but is a set of towels, towels for one person or the entire party? I dont want to have to do laundry every day (2 teenagers + Orlando in August+ showers =1 billion towels per day). Just like 2 teenage boys + food of any type = 1 billion crumbs..