DVC Property Upkeep

[jlacobb3]

I’d like to ask for some feedback on how members feel about the upkeep of the DVC resorts. We’re new to the club and we’ve only had a few opportunities to stay at resort properties on Disney so far, but we’ve already had one ‘less than satisfactory’ experience. I’d go as far to say ‘way’ less than satisfactory based on the condition of the room. Somewhat run down, shaggy edges on carpet, tile fallen off in the bathroom, rusted refrigerator, etc.

What am I to expect as a member of DVC? Is this going to be the norm when we stay at resorts that are not brand new? And should I be ok with this state of disrepair of the DVC resorts as they age? My initial thought is… no… I’m not satisfied at all if this is what I have to look forward to from Kidani in 10 years. I’ll be extremely disappointed as by that time we will have invested almost $30k in our membership.

Thanks for your feedback.

Lisa

 

[DebbieB]

I can't say I've had a room that was really rundown. Scatches and dents here and there but nothing major. My home resort, BWV, was completely renovated last year.

Keep in mind that renovations come from member dues. Each year a portion of the dues goes into a reserve fund for future repairs/replacement/renovations. Each room/building item has an expected life (roof, siding, carpet, appliances, etc). People were complaining about the lack of flat screen TV's a couple of years ago. The question is do you want your dues to increase for replacing TV's early just because it's the latest fad? I don't think so. People think that Disney pays to replace them. No, it's member dues, you own a timeshare.

 

[oct2014]

(saw your post on the Georgia thread)

We have had mixed experiences. I guess it helps that we did not stay at deluxe resorts before and have rented accommodations elsewhere (cabins, condos, etc.) so we are used to things not being replaced because of minor damages.

I think it reflects poorly on Disney as they rent some units out through CRO (those people are unlikely to make a distinction between Disney and DVC) and it hurts DVC because they are losing potential (initial or add-on) customers when a unit shows badly. Therefore, I think it would be in the best interest of these entities to throw in some additional money beyond dues. I don't mean that they are obligated to or that we have any entitlement to that. I just think Disney at least should make sure the rooms are in line with its deluxe resorts and DVC should consider every unit a marketing opportunity.

Caroline

 

[jlewisinsyr]

I’d like to ask for some feedback on how members feel about the upkeep of the DVC resorts. We’re new to the club and we’ve only had a few opportunities to stay at resort properties on Disney so far, but we’ve already had one ‘less than satisfactory’ experience. I’d go as far to say ‘way’ less than satisfactory based on the condition of the room. Somewhat run down, shaggy edges on carpet, tile fallen off in the bathroom, rusted refrigerator, etc.

What am I to expect as a member of DVC? Is this going to be the norm when we stay at resorts that are not brand new? And should I be ok with this state of disrepair of the DVC resorts as they age? My initial thought is… no… I’m not satisfied at all if this is what I have to look forward to from Kidani in 10 years. I’ll be extremely disappointed as by that time we will have invested almost $30k in our membership.

Thanks for your feedback.

Lisa

I don't see where you mentioned it, but what resort?

 

[stichy]

We've stayed at every property but BLT over the last 4 years. I haven't be dissatisfied with any of out rooms. There is some wear and tear that should be expected. DVC seems to keep everything nice and maintained.

 

[jlacobb3]

I don't see where you mentioned it, but what resort?

We stayed at SSR. We've also stayed at AKV (Jambo House), but not as DVC members. I thought our room there was much nicer than our studio room at SSR.

We have a trip planned later this month at HHI. Not sure what to expect there.

Thanks,

Lisa

 

[drusba]

Reality is this: you get extensive refurb at each resort about every seven years (not all the resorts at the same time). As you approach the end of that period before a refurb, as SSR is doing now, you start seeing more wear and tear and although many rooms in any particular resort still look fine, some look fairly bad. Nevertheless, they do replace many things at any time, such as those missing tiles, when members inform them they exist. About a year ago there were many complaints about the conditions of some BWV rooms. It was refurbished within the last year and now you get many applauding at how great the rooms look.

 

[Bill K]

I have always seen DVC renovating the properties. I feel very comfortable that my investment is being taken care of properly.

 

[jarrdisney]

We've stayed in studios everywhere in WDW besides SSR, and change rooms/resorts quite often because we like to experience everything. We've yet to have a room that we felt was run down at all. In fact, one of the main reasons we bought DVC (outside of being huge WDW fanatics), was that we knew disney would always maintain all of the resort grounds as well as the rooms themselves. As Walt said, "Quality will out." I truly believe that, knowing that not only members stay in DVC rooms, but also guests that pay cash.

 

[Chuck S]

I had a refrigerator at OKW that had exterior rust a few years ago, and an occasional room in less than stellar condition. It is not the norm, and OKW is currently undergoing a full rehab (we are in a renovated studio right now.)

As others have said, minor repairs seem to be constantly underway, but as you approach the full rehab cycle, the rooms tend to look worn. Given the amount of use a DVC unit receives, compared to a standard hotel room, I think overall DVC does a very good job...but there are occasional glitches.

 

[canda]

I go to a DVC resort about twice a year since joining in 1999. I have never had a bad room. I own at HHI and they are always fixing the property up. Only one time did i have a "bad" room and that was not the fault of Disney, but previous inconsiderate guest. they caught fresh seafood and 1. stored in the fridge and 2. clean the shrimp and fish and used the disposal for the remains. Now the mousekeeper did her job to clean and removed the smell on day of clean up, it was not until 2 days later that the smells came back. So a maintence had to come and unclog the disposal and he dumped the ice (we never used it) outside. Smellwas gone after that. Even the pipe busted SSR rooms were fine after they cleaned the carpets. I am not one to have a blind eye either. I am a contractor and my area of focus is redoing Hotels. So my eye is always out for subpar work. I have never seen any at a DVC resort. I do understand though that my opinion is only based on around 22 rooms out of how many? 2000 maybe? I do admit to having lots of pixie dust on my trips, From the unheard of upgrades, to my non ticket room keys giving out Fastpasses.

 

[mjfox]

We are currently at BLT and there are repairs going on right now in our hallway and outside doors. Maintenance is ongoing all the time. If you see something that is broken or in disrepair you need to notify the front desk.

Housekeeping does see and report a lot of issues but even they don't use the rooms everyday like a guest would.

I have been at other timeshare resorts and Disney by far keeps its resorts in great shape.

Like some have said if the resort is at its end of life before a major rehab you will see more than other times.

 

[lugnut33]

Good thing we stayed at the THV's first because the room we had at OKW for one night was in pretty sad shape. Glad they are refurbing OKW because I do like the layout of the rooms.

 

[lugnut33]

Also, I think SSR gets more abuse because Disney cash sells the rooms very cheap on occasion.

 

[wulfekamp]

We had 4 issues at beach club last year in a 2 bedroom. 1 call to the front desk and everything was fixed.

 

[disneynutz]

I have found that if you only stay at 1 resort or so per year you have a much better chance of not seeing any problems.

We average 8 to 10 different resort stays per year and we do notice the problems. Disney is aware of them too, because usually they apologize and give us gifts to make us feel better. We appreciate the gifts, but we would rather not have the problems.

Bill