DVC Resort Etiquette

[Greysword]

My wife and I just heard from the underwriters that we were approved for our first points in the Vacation Club.

While looking around the boards, I noticed some posts mention tipping, vallets, pool times, etc. The items were mentioned piecemeal, so I was hoping to ask this knowledgable bunch:

What is the etiquette while staying at a DVC resort?

Please pretend this is my first vacation and stay at WDW while responding. What are the important things to do and remember while arriving, staying and checking out? What interaction style has given you the most milage with the CMs and fellow guests (especially those not caring about the others around them)?

If this list goes well, maybe we can send it to the DVC resorts or the DVC sales team to give to guests and/or new members as an FYI (compiled by their peers for their information )

Thansk for your help!

 

[MrTerrorChair]

Be friendly! Be friendly to the other guests, the room, and all of the CMs that you encounter. Many people believe that because THEY are on vacation, that everyone working at WDW must cater to their every whim, even if it's irrational or undoable. The CMs are people, too. In my experience, they do try to help as often as they can. They have to deal with hundreds and thousands of people a week. It's difficult to make that many people feel special.

So, be patient, friendly, courteous, and enjoy Disney and the CMs for what they are...people in a people-person job who must deal with people who aren't always nice people.

Tipping is rarely out of the question, so do it as you see fit.

Ta! Ta!

 

[Pa@okw95]

I am affraid that resort etiquette is lacking in some areas at DVC. First, learn and obey all the rules. Rules like room capacity, rules that are clearly marked by the pools. When at a pool without a life-guard there should be no jumping in or throwing things around the pool. The pool towels are for pool use-dry down and leave them at the pool. When eating keep your kids under control. At Olivia's last month a kid acted up the father took her and carried her out before either of them finished their meal. That is what should be done. Tipping is about 20 percent at restaurants, with some minimums like $5 for valet or $10 for baggage. While staying at a villa remember there is someone next store so try to keep the noise down. Keep you cool at check-in, check out is easy because you do not have to check out just leave-express check out. Do not expect class A service at DVC, the help I do not think know what it is, so just be patient. There have been cut-backs at WDW and DVC which you will notice on your own-the maintenance situation at some DVC is below par-call them if you have a problem.

 

[slimplaw]

Don't leave your trash outside your door to be picked up. Take it to the trash area yourself on days you don't get service. It was very disheartening to walk the BCV and VWL hallways and see trash bags left outside doorways. And I don't believe it had been gathered by the maids and left for pick up later.

 

[Beca]

Remember not to "slight" people in tipped positions because of the discount we receive. When you get a meal discount (either DVC or even DDE), please tip on the "un-discounted" amount.

Please remember that even though valet parking is free, please tip the drivers appropriately. Some people tip both in and out, others tip only out. We tip both ways, and we noticed the bell staff "running" for our car when we drove up. They also remembered my dd's name EVERY time, and made her feel very special. I'm sure it would not be this way if we were "bad tippers".

WDW says tipping mousekeeping is optional, but it certainly never hurts to brighten someone's day.

Other suggestions have been to strip the beds, put the linens and towels in a pile by the door. Empty out the fridge, and throw away unused food. Someone posted putting all the dishes you can fit into the dishwasher and starting it running as you leave, as all dishes need to be washed in between each guest...whether they were used or not.

Certain people are more comfortable going to a further extent than others to help out. Many people say that "it's not my job" when I am on vacation. I like to do what I can when I leave (I also leave my home "spotless" before I go on vacation...it's just who I am), not only to help out mousekeeping, but also to try to see if the next guest could get into their room faster. I hope that sometime, someone else's efforts might help me to do the same.

Finally, please treat the room as your home. Don't allow children to mark or mar the furniture, please don't smoke in a non-smoking unit, and please be considerate to those in the rooms next to you.



Beca

 

[Alexander]

Although it has been said: smile and chat with the CM's. They so often have to deal with miserable people that a friendly face can change their whole day. They are people like you and me and they work very hard to make our stays as wonderful as possible.

Without starting a huge issue here: don't save pool chairs unless you truly intend to use them. Only take the number of pool towels you intend to use, and put them in the appropriate receptacle when you leave the pool area.

Watch your kids at all times. Don't let them rough house in the pools, throw sand at the playgrounds, pick the flowers or leaves off of trees. This is probably the biggest problem I see at the resorts--people don't tend to their children as much as they should. Follow guidelines for the hot tubs. No children unless accompanied by an adult. (I really am not anti-kid, I do have my own!)

If you are using the laundry rooms, please don't leave your laundry in the machines after it is done. There are always others who need to utilize the machines after you.

If driving around the resorts, please obey the speed limits. There are many people walking, and not looking to get run-down by someone speeding to their villas!

Please give seats on the bus to those with small children, or who are elderly. Also if it's hot and you'll be getting on the bus after a long day, be sure to apply a lot of deodorant! Also when the bus driver asks you to move all the way to the back of the bus, move all the way to the back of the bus!

Talk with other guests. I love to meet new people at the pool or waiting for dinner PS's. There are so many really nice people out there!

 

[lllovell]

*cough cough* suck-ups!! all that be sweet to the CMs stuff uh huh just trying to stay off that naughty list aren't you? (for anyone that missed it - that was teasing....smack your computer to adjust for tone as needed )

Excellent advice. More more - we take our first trip (hopefully ggrrrrrr mess with my plans why don't you) in April and I appreciate the info too!

 

[Deb & Bill]

Just remember we have all paid thousands of dollars for our DVC memberships, so we are all equal.

If you don't get that room on the top floor, with the excellent view of Illuminations or DTD, non-smoking, non-handicapped, left handed door, dedicated, full balcony, etc, you probably at least got one or two of those things. You will be back next year and just might get another room that you think is the best ever.

You have about 37 or 49 years worth of Disney vacations yet. Enjoy them.

When you leave, if you have left over groceries that you don't plan on taking with you, ask your neighbor (if you see them) if they might like them. We've made a few people's day by offering them a 1/2 gallon of milk that we weren't taking home with us.

Don't sneak in any pets or extra people.

Park your car where you are supposed to or use valet parking. We tip both ways on valet. You can do that or just picking up. But both valets have an equal amount of work to do.

Remember about the other guests when small children staying with you get excited. I know, it's hard, but give it a try.

Don't hold fraternity parties in your DVC villa.

The pool belongs to everyone, not just your family. Share the pool.

Rat out the pool hoppers who are not DVC members. It's fun.

Rat out the room stuffers. It's also fun.

 

[Ms. WDW]

First of all Congratulations!!! Regardless of which DVC resort you'll call home, everyone has really given you the best advice on resort etiquette.

Me personally....I smile and talk to everyone!!! Be it the CM at the front desk as I stroll down for coffee before anyone is awake. Or to the CM in the gift shop. A smile goes a loooooong way.


As Bill and Deb said "Just remember we have all paid thousands of dollars for our DVC memberships, so we are all equal. " That's the truth. And we should remember that. I've seen such rude DVC Members.....I actually saw a member at check in stomping his foot when the CM told him that he could not have the room he "requested". He said that he's paid alot of money into this investment and he SHOULD GET WHAT HE WANTS!!!!! I wanted to give him something right on the spot but DH told me to "mind my own business".

Just remember...treat people the way you would like to be treated whether they are CM's or Members.

And again, not to start a major "thing" here....but the pools are for everyone. Please...please only take chairs for the immediate people with you at the pool. Not for people who are expected to arrive 2 hours later.

And with all of the above said....Welcome Home!!

 

[CRSNDSNY]

WELCOME HOME!

 

[Mary Ellen]

Thank you for asking and Welcome Home! One etiquette reminder I have (particularly for resorts with indoor hallways - PLEASE use 'indoor' voices when in the halls.

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

DVC etiquette is no different than anything else: just be courteous to those around you and everything will be fine!

* * WELCOME HOME* *