DVC satisfaction poll

[dianeschlicht]

JimMIA, I totally agree with your post. I too am quite realistic with my expectations, and while I wish the policies were more consistant, I must say I have never had a huge issue with anything that couldn't be dealt with.

Thanks for everyone being honest. I think the posts go to show that, while things are not perfect (nothing is perfect), they certainly aren't awful either.

 

[darner]

there should always be room for improvement, even to keep the satisfaction rating as high as shown here...

Personally, I didn't find SSR all that appealing (from the distance of DDT mind you)... as others have listed on DISboards, it reminds me of an overblown apartment complex, not a resort. Fortunately, we own at BWV.

Housekeeping issues (particularly upon check in) seem to be creeping up on these boards at increasing rates and we notice a difference btwn DVC rooms and other high-end (non-Disney) hotel rooms.

only recently the AP discount was instituted (much in part to member requests & rants no doubt)

we lost Disney Store discounts (I know, that's not the purpose of DVC, it was just an added benefit BUT things like this would keep satisfaction high by throwing some bones every now and then for Disney to show existing members are as important as acquiring new members).

and how about a DVC website with on-line, real-time reservations? I understand there's vast complexity related to this but it's good to dream...

 

[sssteele]

I can't say we've been dissatisfied with too much of anything. We bought in August of '02 (200 pts at BCV) and added on 100 points there in June of '03. Total trips = 5 (3 at BCV 1 combined BCV/VWL, and one fabulous VWL visit last Xmas). At BCV there has been the annoyance of occupied pool chairs that are not occupied, and I would like Hurricane Hannah's to be open a bit later, but my guess is that it can't be justified by the amount of business they do. We'd like to see an expansion of Beaches and Cream, but that may been unreasonable too. Last summer ('04) the same song played endlessly at the Wilderness Lodge Pool, and we couldn't seem to ignore it, but that's minor, and really not a VWL issue. Rooms (all studios) have been in good shape in our opinion. I have to agree that non-DVC WDW Disney properties are too expensive point-wise, and I think the cruises prices (on points) are exorbinant (sp?), but we'll use cash for them unless the point price seems more reasonable. We look forward someday to visiting Disneyland, but again that will have to be on a cash ($) basis. Trades outside the system seem very high also, but that's not why we bought DVC. Annual pass discount is great for DVC members (we generally plan to visit twice a year, but I'm waiting to see about the new "best price" AP discount on WDW properties. All-in-all, very satisfied. CMs have been very pleasant and helpful so far (including mousekeeping). No MAJOR complaints.

 

[justloveit]

I voted very satisfied. We bought DVC to have family vacations where we can stay in comfortable accomodations on Disney property. We have never been disappointed in that.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I voted very satisfied. We bought DVC to have family vacations where we can stay in comfortable accomodations on Disney property. We have never been disappointed in that.

You make a VERY GOOD point! I think that is a reasonable expectation, and one that can be easily satisfied. Perhaps some of us expect more of DVC as a timeshare because we expect more of Disney in general.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Thanks to those who responded. I can't say I am surprised, but I did expect a few dissatisfied folks.

 

[BEACHCLUBVILLAS]

The first is consistent policies. As Doc often says, I can work with whatever their policies are, but it would be helpful if they would tell us what they are and then stick to them.

A classic example is the manner in which rooms are assigned. It doesn't matter what system they use -- but let us know. If checking in after 8 PM, for example, is going to give someone a less-desireable room, let us know. We can stay at a value the first night (although I would stay off-site if they were putting me in a situation where I didn't want to go to DVC because of the room I was likely to get). There is no reason to keep people in the dark over that, especially considering the number of members who fly in, often from overseas, and frequently arrive late at night. .

Jim - you make a good point and I think share a point of view of many. My next comments are not directed to you just something to think about. I think if DVC published the policies on how the rooms are assigned and the policy is "first to arrive is more likely to have requirements met", then check-in during the mornings will be over crowded. There are a fixed number of guests checking in during the day. If all guests arrived before noon, by whatever means such as arriving a day early and staying in another hotel to get a good room, then eventually a early arriver will get a less desireable room. I'm not saying it's best not to publish the policy but it introduces other issues. If it isn't published, then it keeps guests guessing, check-ins are scattered throughout the day and only the members who arrive at the end of the day are dissatified. Publishing the policy resulting in more guests arriving early is no guarantee that you will be satisfied if everyone else arrives early as well.

Any other policy will yield the same results. There are fixed number of rooms available on any given day and fixed number of guests arriving on any single day. Short of making room assignments at the point of reservation, there is no guarantee anyone will get their requests no matter what the policy. The only difference is that at the time you make the reservation you will know no rooms are available that meet your requests. But, what if they went to that policy, and you request a non smoking, pool view, 3rd floor in that order. You make your ressie, and you get a non smoking but not pool view. Three weeks later, someone cancels their non smoking pool view 2nd floor room. Should DVC automatically change your ressie to that room? Now they can meet 2 of your 3 requests. And they shift someone else into your non smoking room who was assigned a smoking room because none was available at the time they made the ressie. Two weeks later, a non smoking, pool view, 3rd floor room becomes available. They switch you to that room, the second person gets switched to your previous room and so on. Imagine how confusing that would be for member services and guests. If they don't do it though then someone who called 4 months after you, could potentially get your room preference. Member uproar! And nobody is happy.

There is a process for handling changes if a member finds their room asignment is negatively affecting their overall vacation experience. If you are not able to get the room of your dreams on day one and it's that important to you, pay the fee and change rooms on another day. Room location is important to me and I'm more than happy to pay the fee when a room more to my liking becomes available.

 

[GoofyBanker]

I voted "somewhat satisfied" for this reason: I love BCV, I love everything about them, also VWL. I love to eat at Beaches & Cream, the boardwalk, ESPN Club and of course Stormalong Bay is the best! My point of dissatisfaction are the monthly dues. I think we pay around $80 per month for our 200 points and I am sure that number will go up as the years go by. $960 per year just seems terribly high for no more than you get and I don't believe Disney is not paying for all of the maid service for Beach and Yacht club out of what we DCV'ers pay in dues. I mean we don't even get a once weekly (7days) maid service when you go on vacation.

 

[RAD]

I voted "somewhat satisfied" for this reason: I love BCV, I love everything about them, also VWL. I love to eat at Beaches & Cream, the boardwalk, ESPN Club and of course Stormalong Bay is the best! My point of dissatisfaction are the monthly dues. I think we pay around $80 per month for our 200 points and I am sure that number will go up as the years go by. $960 per year just seems terribly high for no more than you get and I don't believe Disney is not paying for all of the maid service for Beach and Yacht club out of what we DCV'ers pay in dues. I mean we don't even get a once weekly (7days) maid service when you go on vacation.

While I don't think anyone likes spending a bunch of money if you look at the breakdown on where the dues go I don't think it's that bad. Remember besides paying for maid service it's also covering all the folks back in member services, the resort staff such as front desk, transporation for the resort (not all of it but a portion), utilities, etc. They also set up funds for items that will need to be replaced in the future such as the roof, furniture, appliances, etc.

 

[GoofyBanker]

While I don't think anyone likes spending a bunch of money if you look at the breakdown on where the dues go I don't think it's that bad. Remember besides paying for maid service it's also covering all the folks back in member services, the resort staff such as front desk, transporation for the resort (not all of it but a portion), utilities, etc. They also set up funds for items that will need to be replaced in the future such as the roof, furniture, appliances, etc.

I agree with what you say the money is being used for, I also believe there is alot of "fat" in our dues that could be trimmed. They would have to provide transportation from BC anyway, as well as replace all the other things and maitenance as well but with DVC, they can pass those expenses on to us instead of absorbing them into rental room rates. I guess I just am beginning to have a hard time justifying the dues when all I get is a new set of towels on the Thursday of the week I am there. Especially this year when they are offering so many inexpensive specials for value and Moderate resorts that include room, tickets and some food for not much more than I pay in dues annually.

 

[bobbiwoz]

A large part of my very satisfied vote is because I am so very satisfied with my Disney vacations. There's so many wonderful, interesting things to do. Where I rest my head is part of that and it all just spills over and becomes a great time.

I just booked the Epcot Aqua Seas Tour and mentioned the DVC discount (15%), well, the CM asked if I was going to use my Disney Visa card, and since I was, that discount was 20%. I wasn't disatisfied with the former, but hey, now I'm jumping!

So far 2 friends are joining me for the tour. We're staying BWV, I can just tell this is going to be a great trip.

Bobbi

 

[Luckytobedvc]

I am very satisfied. I think that being in this chat room makes that an automatic. However, I do feel that since our numbers are approaching 90,000 strong we are not fully appreciated by Disney. There should be much more perks. I mean the buying power we bring into Disney warrants much more appreciation. I bet if we organized under a united banner Disney would have to stand up and take notice. Just a thought.

 

[Zimbubba]

We all need to keep focus on one thing. DVC is sold and bought as accomodations and amenities that come along with it. People, in my opinion, focus too much on room location, view, perks, etc. Quality accomodations is paramount as that is what we bought. The other stuff is secondary in our opinion. In 10 years of ownership, we have never been unhappy.

 

[dianeschlicht]

We all need to keep focus on one thing. DVC is sold and bought as accomodations and amenities that come along with it. People, in my opinion, focus too much on room location, view, perks, etc. Quality accomodations is paramount as that is what we bought. The other stuff is secondary in our opinion. In 10 years of ownership, we have never been unhappy.

How very true! I couldn't agree more! In nearly 9 years, we have had very little to be disappointed in either.

 

[jarestel]

I see we have one lonely "completely dissatisfied" vote. Would whoever the voter is care to elaborate on the causes of the extreme dissatisfaction?

 

[dianeschlicht]

I was hoping for that answer too. That is exactly why I started this poll. Whoever you were, please come back and explain!

 

[cruise-o-matic]

I see we have one lonely "completely dissatisfied" vote. Would whoever the voter is care to elaborate on the causes of the extreme dissatisfaction?

ditto.....

We haven't made our first trip home to HHI yet, so I've abstained from voting at this time.....

 

[sigillaria]

I revived this thread because I wanted to vote in the poll.
Some good points are made.

 

[crisi]

I have been very satisfied with DVC. However, I think I had realistic expectations. I sometimes think folks have "unrealistic" expections. (For example, I will never get a "handicapped room" I will always have a great view, everything will be perfect in the room)

If having a certain room etc... is important then this might not be the right timeshare for you.

Yep. I'm satisfied, I got what I bought. There is room for improvement (there always is) but they have met their promises to me.

 

[CharlesTD]

Extremely satisfied we love the resort choices even if we don't love all teh resorts it is great to have the options in our inventory to choose from. We love the family feeling we get from being DVC members and we love the treatment we have recieved from our guide right through to member accounting any time I have called with a question.