DVC resorts compared to DCL

[wide awake]

For all that have cruised with Disney...how do the DVC resorts compare ? I'm asking because we've done two DCL 7 days and loved both. Very impressed with the cleanliness and service. I was assuming the DVC resorts would be the same so put down a deposit, but am almost ready to cancel due to the recent posts on poor housekeeping, HA or smoking rooms given when not asked for, and surly CMs. Are these posts flukes ? I ask because I just read a terrible review on the cruise board...IMO the OP's lousy cruise was due to her own issues, not DCLs, and I'm wondering if the negative DVC posts are the same ?

 

[CarolMN]

The problems are the exception, not the rule. We've never experienced anything even remotely approaching some of the things reported here. I believe the negative things happened, but I think they are definitely not the norm.

Keep in mind that negative things always get a lot more attention than the positive ones - it's just our human nature. There have been several polls done in this Forum that show that the DVC members who post here are overwhelmingly satisfied with their trips and their memberships.

If you read the Resort Board on a regular basis, you will see that all the WDW resorts occasionally get "dumped" on. The DVC Resorts are no different in that regard. Please don't let a few negative posts influence your decision. IMHO, they are definitely NOT THE NORM!

Best wishes -

 

[beccasmom]

We are members of DVC and our home resort is OKW. We’ve been members almost since the beginning (1992) and have seldom had issues. Our largest issue was a few years back – we had soap bubbles in our toilet and it was flooding the bathroom! Some toddler must have stuck some soap in it and the bathroom soon looked like the old Lawrence Welk shows! This was at 1:00 a.m. and the Maintenance gal arrived promptly. Issues like burnt-old lightbulbs and running out of tissues were also handled efficiently. We’ve also stayed at SSR and BCV and they have been fine. I think that it is important to always call Maintenance and Housekeeping when things are not up to snuff. We do not consider ourselves to be a high-maintenance family, but the staff can’t fix what they don’t know is broke! I would highly recommend any of the DVC resorts.

 

[HookdonWDW]

Think of it like this: When you read the Cruise Board, there are posts from people who had the "Cruise from Heck", and have nothing good to say about DCL. When you read the posts, you start wondering if they cruised on the same ship you've been on! Just like everything else, it's a matter of personal expectations and how you look at life. Sure, some people have legitimate complaints, but others... well, that's for you to decide. We've stayed at DVC resorts dozens of times, and we've never had anything more than minor issues. Good luck making your decision!

 

[Capn Dave]

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The problems are the exception, not the rule. We've never experienced anything even remotely approaching some of the things reported here. I believe the negative things happened, but I think they are definitely not the norm.

Keep in mind that negative things always get a lot more attention than the positive ones - it's just our human nature. There have been several polls done in this Forum that show that the DVC members who post here are overwhelmingly satisfied with their trips and their memberships.

If you read the Resort Board on a regular basis, you will see that all the WDW resorts occasionally get "dumped" on. The DVC Resorts are no different in that regard. Please don't let a few negative posts influence your decision. IMHO, they are definitely NOT THE NORM!

Best wishes -

I have stayed at SSR twice and both times had issues with the Housekeeping.
See the DVC housekeeping SSR thread. So for me it is the rule and not the exception. I hope as time goes on I have better luck, if that is what this is.
I just had higher expectations with this being a Disney enterprise. I didn't mind paying higher dues because I felt the level of maintenance of the DVC properties would be better.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We're very very happy with our DVC purchase. If there is ever a problem in housekeeping, I'm sure it will be taken care of. We have had no issues so far with our stays, we've been members for 1 1/2 years, with about 14 nights worth of stays under our belts.

We cruised DCL in November, and I do think that Disney's standards onboard ship were the most stringent we've ever encountered, and we've been on 15 cruises. Disney didn't even let customers take their own drinks from fountain set-ups on the cruise. In WDW, they aren't nearly as fussy in the buffets that they serve. So, if I were to rate the two, DCL has higher standards than WDW and DVC.

Best wishes to you as you make your decision.

Bobbi