DVC studios - fewer amenities

[LIFERBABE]

No answer from the website so I wrote to member satisfaction.

Satisfaction Team,

I sent a message on the DVC web site that was never answered so I figured rather than just let this issue die, I'd continue to address it until I feel satisfied.

............. (where this will be posted shortly) also seem to have a bit of a problem with conflicting messages from the powers that be. I know we're strange that way.

This whole fiasco reminds me of the pool temperature change. DVC stopped heating the pools in the winter and thought no one would notice. Well we all wrote in and DVC's first response was to tell us there was no change in the temps and then that they were heating the pools to American Red Cross standards. Well ARC has a range of temps depending on activity and none of those told DVC to reduce their temps. People at the resorts were complaining and the lifeguards were taking alot of heat They fixed it promptly.

Jim Lewis hates Disboards. He spoke to a few fanatical disboarders on Member Cruise 2005 and decided we were all the same. Once he got rolling, he got rid of all the member oriented castmembers and replaced them with Westgate flunkies. Everything he touches gets sold out and bartered. Well I didnt join a union, I joined a vacation club with high standards and a higher price. They take things away and tell us its for our own good. Like we have more money than brains. DVC has become very condescending and that is my biggest peeve with them

 

[DisneyPhD]

This whole fiasco reminds me of the pool temperature change. DVC stopped heating the pools in the winter and thought no one would notice. Well we all wrote in and DVC's first response was to tell us there was no change in the temps and then that they were heating the pools to American Red Cross standards. Well ARC has a range of temps depending on activity and none of those told DVC to reduce their temps. People at the resorts were complaining and the lifeguards were taking alot of heat They fixed it promptly.

Jim Lewis hates Disboards. He spoke to a few fanatical disboarders on Member Cruise 2005 and decided we were all the same. Once he got rolling, he got rid of all the member oriented castmembers and replaced them with Westgate flunkies. Everything he touches gets sold out and bartered. Well I didnt join a union, I joined a vacation club with high standards and a higher price. They take things away and tell us its for our own good. Like we have more money than brains. DVC has become very condescending and that is my biggest peeve with them

Yep, that is what I was talking about with the pool temp changes (who knows how many pages ago that is now? )

Duckfan-in-Chicago, great letter, I will be interested in hearing any response you might get.

I hope in May while I am sitting out on a balcony at AKV with my drink in my glass cup that that I will look back at this thing and laugh and have it serve as a reminder to me of the power of individuals working together as groups to make our voices heard.

 

[Chuck S]

If the mugs issue isn't addressed with a proper response (and I do think people would accept a truly reasonable explanation for the change, if it is to be permanent, maybe not too graciously, but we'd accept it) it may lead to an interesting association meeting in December, and some interesting interaction at Member events during the year.

 

[MrsToad]

I'm sorry if this has already been asked and answered, but what type of beverage vessels are now at the bathroom sink in the studios? Are these now plastic cups as well? What about all of the non-DVC resort room bathrooms, which do they have? I'm not thinking of the coffee pot areas, just the bathroom sinks. Thanks.

As to the two removal reasons the DVC emails have provided (no dishwasher in early responses, and to be consistent with the other paper plates and plastic utensils in later responses), just as other posters have mentioned, neither reason is believable since there are still glasses and mugs in the "regular" resort rooms (with no dishwashers or dishsoap) and DVC studios are supposed to be in the "deluxe" category, not in the "you get less quality drinkware" category.

 

[LisaS]

I'm sorry if this has already been asked and answered, but what type of beverage vessels are now at the bathroom sink in the studios? Are these now plastic cups as well? What about all of the non-DVC resort room bathrooms, which do they have? I'm not thinking of the coffee pot areas, just the bathroom sinks. Thanks.

All of the glass glasses and ceramic mugs have been removed from the studios. You get a small number (8 or so) Styrofoam cups to use for the length of your stay.

 

[gkrykewy]

Jim Lewis hates Disboards. He spoke to a few fanatical disboarders on Member Cruise 2005 and decided we were all the same. Once he got rolling, he got rid of all the member oriented castmembers and replaced them with Westgate flunkies. Everything he touches gets sold out and bartered. Well I didnt join a union, I joined a vacation club with high standards and a higher price. They take things away and tell us its for our own good. Like we have more money than brains. DVC has become very condescending and that is my biggest peeve with them

Hear, hear.

 

[deltachi8]

DVC has become very condescending and that is my biggest peeve with them

Interesting perspective. Granted I am a new member but can say one thing that did "scare" me away from the idea for a while was my feelings that DVC members were quite condescending (not all of course).

 

[CarolMN]

I'm sorry if this has already been asked and answered, but what type of beverage vessels are now at the bathroom sink in the studios? Are these now plastic cups as well? What about all of the non-DVC resort room bathrooms, which do they have? I'm not thinking of the coffee pot areas, just the bathroom sinks. Thanks.

As to the two removal reasons the DVC emails have provided (no dishwasher in early responses, and to be consistent with the other paper plates and plastic utensils in later responses), just as other posters have mentioned, neither reason is believable since there are still glasses and mugs in the "regular" resort rooms (with no dishwashers or dishsoap) and DVC studios are supposed to be in the "deluxe" category, not in the "you get less quality drinkware" category.

Have only personal experience with the BWV studios. There have never been any type of "beverage vessels" at the bathroom sink. The mugs and glasses were always in the kitchette area of the studios. I assume that is now where the plastic and Styrofoam cups are placed, also.

Haven't stayed in any of the non-DVC resorts for so long that I can't remember what was provided for those.

 

[bobbiwoz]

If the mugs issue isn't addressed with a proper response (and I do think people would accept a truly reasonable explanation for the change, if it is to be permanent, maybe not too graciously, but we'd accept it) it may lead to an interesting association meeting in December, and some interesting interaction at Member events during the year.

I could accept them not being in the studio, but I would expect them to be brought if asked for, the way blenders, wine glasses and other things have been brought when asked.

I drink herbal tea and a styrofoam cup is not an acceptable utensil(?) to heat it in. I've stayed at "cheap hotels that have provided me with an amenity that I have forgotten. I certainly expect "my DVC" to do the same.

Bobbi

 

[paulh]

All of the glass glasses and ceramic mugs have been removed from the studios. You get a small number (8 or so) Styrofoam cups to use for the length of your stay.

we tend to stay 14 nights or more, 4 people 8 cups ant good enougth for me.As long as when i phone mousekeeping when i want more i get em
Paulh

 

[Sammie]

I wonder if this isn't tied into the recent reports of mousekeeping at the Contemp and other places cleaning the cups with window cleaner and old towels that have been all over the national news the past few weeks. There aren't any dishwashers in those rooms, so how do they clean them?

Was this discussed here on the DIS, if so is there a link? to the Contemporary situation?

 

[LIFERBABE]

My whole thing with the Contemporary deal is that a DVC studio is completely different.

We have a sink a microwave and Palmolive. Plenty to sterilize any glassware prior to us using them.

Most hotel guests dont have these.

It makes no sense to take away our glasses and mugs when we actually have the means to properly wash and sanitize them.

These are our homes and if someone comes into your home and takes away your dishes you should fight back!

 

[bzzelady]

I just cannot fathom how much more trash this new policy is going to create.
Heck, when we stayed at SSR in November, I could not get over the fact that I actually had to walk around the bags of garbage in those exterior hallways that remained there for most of the day. Now we will need pogo sticks to hurtle us over the new, even bigger piles of garbage bags

 

[Anal Annie]

I haven't been on the DVC boards in several days I guess....this is all new news to me! Since by now this thread is pretty long I only read thru the first couple and the last couple of pages. Did anybody else bring up the fact that those of us who rent studios pay the same amount per point in annual dues as those who rent larger units? I mean, I COULD rent a larger unit but I don't NEED to. Likewise, I COULD drink my wine in a styrofoam cup but why would I WANT TO?! I mean, really. THIS ONE takes the cake. If they want to do this then I want to pay less maint. dues per point!

Who do we write to in order to complain?!

 

[bobbiwoz]

..

Who do we write to in order to complain?!

Many of us began with the "contact us" link on the DVC site. Most of us got a canned reply back that our e-mails have been forwarded to Member Satisfaction. Then I know that I wrote 2 letters, one to Member Satisfaction itself, address is in the guide book, and I also wrote to Jim Lewis. I'm planning another letter this one's going to Iger.

It seems that some are getting call backs now. I have not.

Bobbi

 

[jmtf2004]

Was this discussed here on the DIS, if so is there a link? to the Contemporary situation?

Here is a link to the article that exposed the problem on Inside Edition:

http://www.insideedition.com/news.aspx?storyId=1320

Here is a link to a thread where it was discussed here on the resorts board:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1728989

A couple of other things:
I was just made aware of this list on the Disney corporate site (Environmentality)...**check out item 24**
http://corporate.disney.go.com/environmentality/50_actions.html

Also found this press release on the FL Dept of Environmental Protection site:
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/secretary/news/2007/09/0905_01.htm
According to that site the following Disney/DVC resorts are designated Green Lodging Properties by the state of FL (I didn't include the resorts that are not DVC): AKL, BW, VB, WL, OKW, SSR.
For those of you who have recently returned from a stay where the change to disposables was implemented, here is a link to a form to provide feedback on a Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Green Lodging Designated Property where you stayed:
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging/comment/default.htm

The FL DEP might be interested to learn about this policy change at these designated properties.

Just another reminder about other addresses:

dvcmembersatisfactionteam@disneyvacationclub.com

Mr. Jim Lewis, President
Disney Vacation Club,
P.O. Box 10350
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

 

[culli]

I doubt this will do anything but did send my guide this:

Is this true?

"Info from a Manager is that there is a new "disposables in Studios" policy in effect across property: Studios will no longer have glasses or mugs - only disposable plates and cups. Since you're never supposed to use Styrofoam in a microwave, you have to heat water for tea in the coffee maker, or bring your own microwavable mug. Also no dish soap?"

What is the deal with this? If this is the future "wave" of DVC I need to second guess the add-on. What do I do just not sign the contract and not return to Disney? I guess I don't see the rationale for this move. Penny pinching on what is supposed to be "deluxe". We ate in the studio, and like the idea of the "kitchenette". How is this any different then any other hotel room? I know this is not your decision but can you pass the displeasure on to the appropriate area? Just has me worried that DVC is going to continue to penny pinch in the future. If we decide not to sign the papers I apologize for any inconvenience but for the first time starting to second guess this decision.

 

[cc1075]

Thank you JMT2004 - for the links - - I love it - Disney themselves on #24 tells us to limit our use of Styrofoam.

Here the the email I just sent to Member Services.

I really had to send this message to someone. Obviously, a lot of people, including me are upset over the change in the studios. But tonight confirmed my feelings about this decision. Please go to the Disney website - http://corporate.disney.go.com/environmentality/50_actions.html

"50 things that I can do to help the environment from Disney - #24 - Limit your use of polystyrene (Styrofoam)"

So little "green" Mr. Cricket wants me to limit my use of Styrofoam - he must mean only when I am at home - not when I am at my "Home away from Home" OKW. Per Mr. Cricket I will limit my use - I will be arriving in OKW tomorrow - Sunday March 16th. I will call housekeeping and let them know what Mr. Cricket said and request my mugs and glasses back!!

From the Disney website
"#33 Reward people who practice Environmentality."

Sorry, that would not be DVC at this time.

My family is looking forward to our stay in OKW!

 

[paulh]

more enviromental would be paper cups and you could also put these in microwave as well
Paulh

 

[Pootle]

Thank you JMT2004 - for the links - - I love it - Disney themselves on #24 tells us to limit our use of Styrofoam.

Here the the email I just sent to Member Services.

I really had to send this message to someone. Obviously, a lot of people, including me are upset over the change in the studios. But tonight confirmed my feelings about this decision. Please go to the Disney website - http://corporate.disney.go.com/environmentality/50_actions.html

"50 things that I can do to help the environment from Disney - #24 - Limit your use of polystyrene (Styrofoam)"

So little "green" Mr. Cricket wants me to limit my use of Styrofoam - he must mean only when I am at home - not when I am at my "Home away from Home" OKW. Per Mr. Cricket I will limit my use - I will be arriving in OKW tomorrow - Sunday March 16th. I will call housekeeping and let them know what Mr. Cricket said and request my mugs and glasses back!!

From the Disney website
"#33 Reward people who practice Environmentality."

Sorry, that would not be DVC at this time.

My family is looking forward to our stay in OKW!

Excellent post

Good to see the pressure being maintained. I still haven't received a response to my email of exactly one week ago (apart from the canned response that is) and I now will write using regular mail.