DVC studios - fewer amenities

[blizzard]

Just got my "Disney Files" and decided to send them a message too:

Dear Editor;

Today in the mail, I received the latest issue of Disney Files Magazine. I noted with interest all the stories and references to Disney's "Green" Initiatives. I would like to point out to you that Disney Vacation Club has made some changes recently which are not so "green".

Recently, DVC has removed the glasses and coffee mugs from the Studio villas. These have been replaced with styrofoam cups. In addition, DVC has removed the dish soap from the units.

Studio villas are designed to accomodate up to 4 persons. Full housekeeping is only provided once per week (or upon room turnover). Providing enough disposable cups for 4 people to use for a week is a lot of garbage! It is also my understanding that if a guest requests reusable cups or glasses for their stay, they will be refused.

It is assumed that this decision was made in part because of bad press recently regarding cleanliness of glasses in hotel rooms. Rather than ensure that housekeeping is cleaning the dishes properly, Disney has decided to remove the dishes entirely. It would seem to be an oversight that they are not providing individually wrapped disposable dishes, but stacks of dishes that could easily have been handled immediately after cleaning the toilet. This does not seem to be any more sanitary to me, and in fact less so, as the dishware could be washed immediately before using if it was suspected to not be cleaned properly.

I have already expressed my concerns to Member Services, but thought that Disney Files should be included too, since your magazine seems to promote Disney's "green" initiatives.

Sincerely,
Carol xxxxxx
(DVC member since 1997)

 

[kt-scarlett]

Is it my imagination or are posts beginning to disappear?

 

[n2mm]

Is it my imagination or are posts beginning to disappear?

I think they are! I hope this thread doesn't get closed and folks stay On Topic because I would like to see if and when someone gets a written response from DVC. So many of us sent in emails I would think someone will get an answer.

 

[DVCSAMNH]

I've missed a page or two here and there in this thread, so I apologize in advance if this is another repeat.
It's been quite a few years since I've stayed in anything but a studio, but I am pretty sure that the dishwasher in the one bedroom I stayed in was not full when I checked in.
In their statement to AllEars DVC singled out the studios for special treatment because they were lacking a dishwasher. The only way this would be a logical argument was if they intend to wash all the plates, glasses, silverware and pots and pans in the larger units IN THE DISHWASHER between guests. Otherwise it is a totally invalid argument. As with the studios, they have no way of telling who touched or did whatever with the remaining kitchenware in the cupboards unless they do so. That stuff is just as unsanitized as any glass or mug in any studio. Their argument is garbage.

 

[doodle]

I've missed a page or two here and there in this thread, so I apologize in advance if this is another repeat.
It's been quite a few years since I've stayed in anything but a studio, but I am pretty sure that the dishwasher in the one bedroom I stayed in was not full when I checked in.
In their statement to AllEars DVC singled out the studios for special treatment because they were lacking a dishwasher. The only way this would be a logical argument was if they intend to wash all the plates, glasses, silverware and pots and pans in the larger units IN THE DISHWASHER between guests. Otherwise it is a totally invalid argument. As with the studios, they have no way of telling who touched or did whatever with the remaining kitchenware in the cupboards unless they do so. That stuff is just as unsanitized as any glass or mug in any studio. Their argument is garbage.

Could you point me to the allears article? TIA!!

 

[Chuck S]

Could you point me to the allears article? TIA!!

It really isn't an article. It is basically a statement by DVC spokesperson Diane Hancock that glasses and mugs will no longer be avaialable for use in studios because they don't have dishwashers. Also that the Palmolive dish soap will no longer be provided in studios, because studios no longer have dishware.

 

[DVCSAMNH]

Could you point me to the allears article? TIA!!

It was a paragraph in the weekly newsletter at www.allearsnet.com

"Disney Vacation Club spokesperson Diane Hancock confirmed for AllEars® that the studio villas no longer have glassware or ceramic mugs for use and have now switched to disposables. "Because dishwashing equipment is not available in the studios, we feel this is the best option for our members and guests," said Hancock. And without the glassware, dishwashing soap will no longer be provided for the Studios. This change does not affect the one-, two- and three-bedroom villas."

You're Welcome

 

[granmanh603]

Oh I am not sure if this is realated but I have been in a BWV studio for over 14 days and have not had any of the paperware replenished and I have used up all the paper plates and bowls and today was trash and towel day and even left open the door on the area where the paperware is stored and none were added ....even the door was still open!!!!!!! I only have one more day so I won't even ask for more now.....

 

[DBorges]

Oh I am not sure if this is realated but I have been in a BWV studio for over 14 days and have not had any of the paperware replenished and I have used up all the paper plates and bowls and today was trash and towel day and even left open the door on the area where the paperware is stored and none were added ....even the door was still open!!!!!!! I only have one more day so I won't even ask for more now.....

Actually I would have asked sooner then now..

Please let us know..
Dave

 

[Longhairbear]

Does anyone have the phone number for the DVC store in Chicago?

 

[granmanh603]

Actually I would have asked sooner then now..

Please let us know..
Dave

No I did not get any today either but I check out tomorrow morning....I have learned my lesson and next time will not let it go that long.....Oh I posted back on page 1....I had mugs and glasses when I arrived and they were removed from the room in early March(we arrived Feb 26) but I didn't know about the change and I went out the next day and hunted down the mousekeeper and got my mugs back but she did try to just give me styro cups and I said NO I want mugs and pointed to some she had on her cart....Of course I washed them myself be fore usuing them. I sure don't like this new policy and them not even mentioning it at all just removing the mugs and glasses...I had no clue til I saw the posts on here. Carol

 

[Donna]

Maybe each resort is just using up whatever sponges/dish soap they have.

Bobbi

oh they'll use them alright, but in the 1-2-3 BRs. they won't phase them out gradually, that wouldn't save them any money!

 

[kt-scarlett]

I don't know if this is within the rules, and if it is not please feel free to delete. I am assuming we cannot insert pictures into threads so I am sharing the URL instead. It is a scan of an interesting passage of my DVC Purchase Agreement. If it is not clearly legible it reads:

"10. Furnishing. The Units at the Condominium will have furniture, appliances, equipment and accent furnishings substantially similar or of equal quality to those shown in the model and on the plans and specifications. Since the models and the materials are for display purposes only, DVD reserves the right to make substitutions of material of equal or better quality."

http://*******.com/yrgons <Insert tiny url>

Material of equal or better quality. Isn't that interesting?

Mary

 

[sgtdisney]

"10. Furnishing. The Units at the Condominium will have furniture, appliances, equipment and accent furnishings substantially similar or of equal quality to those shown in the model and on the plans and specifications. Since the models and the materials are for display purposes only, DVD reserves the right to make substitutions of material of equal or better quality."

Who'd have thought that plastic dishes and styrofoam cups are of a better quality than glass or ceramic. I bet in Bob Iger and Jim Lewis's mansions they have nothing but the finest plasticware.

 

[Cyndibear]

Oh I am not sure if this is realated but I have been in a BWV studio for over 14 days and have not had any of the paperware replenished and I have used up all the paper plates and bowls and today was trash and towel day and even left open the door on the area where the paperware is stored and none were added ....even the door was still open!!!!!!! I only have one more day so I won't even ask for more now.....

We stayed at AKV Studio in January and had the same problem. We were there for 10 days so we had a full cleaning and trash and towel day. On full cleaning day, we did not have our plates, bowls or plasticware replenished. Had to get plasticware at Mara's. We had breakfast in the room every day and used the bowls and plates. Last coulple of days we had to reuse the plates. I should have asked for more but wasn't sure if I would be charged.

Not too sure about how I feel about the cup situation. On one hand I understand how Disney was most likely very embarrased about the TV show featuring the Contemporary and wants to (instead of training or teaching their housekeeping staff proper sanitary cleaning measures) keep their guest safe by having the plastic and styro cups. I just don't understand why the DVC resorts were targeted. Why not the deluxes and moderates? They don't have dishwashers either!

I guess I'm upset because I am a DVC member and feel that being a member is special. My DH and I work hard to be able to afford this membership and are very blessed to be able to be a part of this. I know they are just cups and mugs but in some way I feel it makes it feel cheap and I know it's not right for the enviroment.

I was looking through the Dreams book last night and on pg 8 it states "we offer all the amenities of a resort, plus the comforts of home" and then on page 20 it says "relax with the comforts of home on vacations in our first-class accommodations" I don't use styro cups at home. It just makes me wonder what next? I know there is no dishwasher in the studios but, I did used the dishwashing liquid to wash some of the things we had brought from home.

I knew we should have saved the bottle of dishwashing liquid that we had left and put it in our Owners locker!!

I haven't emailed Member Services yet, but after this post, I think I will.

Cyndi

 

[Longhairbear]

I don't know if this is within the rules, and if it is not please feel free to delete. I am assuming we cannot insert pictures into threads so I am sharing the URL instead. It is a scan of an interesting passage of my DVC Purchase Agreement. If it is not clearly legible it reads:

"10. Furnishing. The Units at the Condominium will have furniture, appliances, equipment and accent furnishings substantially similar or of equal quality to those shown in the model and on the plans and specifications. Since the models and the materials are for display purposes only, DVD reserves the right to make substitutions of material of equal or better quality."

http://*******.com/yrgons <Insert tiny url>

Material of equal or better quality. Isn't that interesting?

Mary

So basically, that is proof that DVD is violating the agreement.

 

[TDC Nala]

They are in the cupboard. I run them through or wash them before use.

If you are new, call your guide and complain.

I think we should all wear T-shirts that say ......

I was MUGGED by DVC! on the front and
Ask me for a referral on the back

I just sent my email and Sammie if you have a way to contact Eiger, please pm me!

wouldn't a mug be better?

Although I've thought about it and I don't think the mugs are ever coming back to the studios - someone made a good point about the lack of commercial dishwashers at DVC resorts.

 

[keys2kingdom]

Not too sure about how I feel about the cup situation. On one hand I understand how Disney was most likely very embarrased about the TV show featuring the Contemporary and wants to (instead of training or teaching their housekeeping staff proper sanitary cleaning measures) keep their guest safe by having the plastic and styro cups. I just don't understand why the DVC resorts were targeted. Why not the deluxes and moderates? They don't have dishwashers either!

You know I was wondering about this too. The video from the Contemporary apparently shows the housekeeper replacing the glasses with fresh ones from her cart (as she was supposed to do) but then shows her rinsing (using her hand to wipe) the mugs. Am I missing something here, where in the heck do the mugs come from in a Deluxe? I've NEVER had mugs at the BC or YC on any of my stays prior to becoming DVC and staying in a DVC unit. Perhaps the housekeeper had no clean mugs on her cart to give because the Deluxes don't use mugs. What I really want to know is WHERE DID THOSE MUGS COME FROM? If mugs aren't provided in the rooms at the Contemporary then the housekeeper had no obligation to wash them in the first place.

Can somebody help me out here, are ceramic mugs now standard in the Deluxe resorts?

 

[dvc at last !]

I agree with the idea that a small drawer type dishwasher can be installed for not much money.

I HATE using styrofoam and paper.

Save a tree.

Save chemcals.

Dish soap is needed for washing things including the upscale plasticware.

 

[LIFERBABE]

wouldn't a mug be better?

That's a good one! We could sell them and the net proceeds could go to help the mugless.

I need to order 4 for our studio stays