DVC temporary policy rooms now between 4pm and 6pm?

[chicagodisneyguy]

If Disney can't uphold room requests (which again most basic hotel chains seem to field them without issue) then don't take them. That's not a guest issue that Disney can't keep up with basic hotel industry expectations.

I agree DVC should pause requests. Getting people into clean rooms should be top priority. They obviously have some operational/staffing issues that is making that harder.

I know people make this point a lot, and most roll thier eyes, but DVC is not a hotel...it's a timeshare. If it was a hotel there's be 10 more room categories based on views and they'd all be an upcharge to secure. The fact that DVC accommodates the wide spectrum of room requests on a rather consistent basis is actually great. But if in this environment, continuing to meet those requests leads to a greater percentage of members waiting until 6pm to get their rooms then requests needs to be paused IMO

 

[DVCSunDevil]

I agree DVC should pause requests. Getting people into clean rooms should be top priority. They obviously have some operational/staffing issues that is making that harder.

I know people make this point a lot, and most roll thier eyes, but DVC is not a hotel...it's a timeshare. If it was a hotel there's be 10 more room categories based on views and they'd all be an upcharge to secure. The fact that DVC accommodates the wide spectrum of room requests on a rather consistent basis is actually great. But if in this environment, continuing to meet those requests leads to a greater percentage of members waiting until 6pm to get their rooms then requests needs to be paused IMO

I don't think they should pause requests. A request is just that...a request. If things are flowing nicely and the request can be granted, then awesome! If the resort is way behind and they have to give those requested rooms to waiting guests then OK. But I think requests should still be accepted and then fulfilled if possible.

Like you said, it's great that DVC accepts requests. IMO, It would be a bummer for them to stop doing that. Just grant those requests when possible, that's all. On my split stay last week neither room request was fulfilled (BCV and Poly), but I was totally cool with it. Those requests aren't guaranteed. But when the request is granted, like my BCV trip last year, it's a little extra "pixie dust" for the trip.

 

[lowlight]

I agree DVC should pause requests. Getting people into clean rooms should be top priority. They obviously have some operational/staffing issues that is making that harder.

I know people make this point a lot, and most roll thier eyes, but DVC is not a hotel...it's a timeshare. If it was a hotel there's be 10 more room categories based on views and they'd all be an upcharge to secure. The fact that DVC accommodates the wide spectrum of room requests on a rather consistent basis is actually great. But if in this environment, continuing to meet those requests leads to a greater percentage of members waiting until 6pm to get their rooms then requests needs to be paused IMO

I guess I just don’t agree that when Disney is the one responsible for late check ins, that customers should be the one to give up things. It’s like saying the demand for rides in the park is so high that customers should not be able to ride as groups when there is a wait and should have to ride single rider. No, Disney should open their pocket books and fix it.

 

[New Mouse]

I agree DVC should pause requests. Getting people into clean rooms should be top priority. They obviously have some operational/staffing issues that is making that harder.

I know people make this point a lot, and most roll thier eyes, but DVC is not a hotel...it's a timeshare. If it was a hotel there's be 10 more room categories based on views and they'd all be an upcharge to secure. The fact that DVC accommodates the wide spectrum of room requests on a rather consistent basis is actually great. But if in this environment, continuing to meet those requests leads to a greater percentage of members waiting until 6pm to get their rooms then requests needs to be paused IMO

I've stayed in timeshares that cost substantially less than Disney and recently the service has been substantially better.

Disney markets it as a hotel. Their problem, not mine. Disney intentionally chooses to say it's different than a time share.

What data do you have that shows DVC even gets a substantial number of requests? We've never made one.

 

[Sandisw]

I don't think they should pause requests. A request is just that...a request. If things are flowing nicely and the request can be granted, then awesome! If the resort is way behind and they have to give those requested rooms to waiting guests then OK. But I think requests should still be accepted and then fulfilled if possible.

Like you said, it's great that DVC accepts requests. IMO, It would be a bummer for them to stop doing that. Just grant those requests when possible, that's all. On my split stay last week neither room request was fulfilled (BCV and Poly), but I was totally cool with it. Those requests aren't guaranteed. But when the request is granted, like my BCV trip last year, it's a little extra "pixie dust" for the trip.

The larger problem, though, is that the resorts won't make a change to a clean room when its been assigned to someone else, especially when they see the note for the request. As I shared a few pages back, that happened to me on one of the times it was after 4 pm, waiting in the lobby and overhear them give someone who just arrived a clean room for the same room and type I had booked.

When I asked, they said it was because that was what they were assigned. So, instead of letting me have it at 4 pm...they knew I was there, they didn't and I had to wait longer for my room which they said had not yet been finished.

Now that they will text someone when the room is ready, it adds another wrinkle.

 

[kes601]

The larger problem, though, is that the resorts won't make a change to a clean room when its been assigned to someone else, especially when they see the note for the request. As I shared a few pages back, that happened to me on one of the times it was after 4 pm, waiting in the lobby and overhear them give someone who just arrived a clean room for the same room and type I had booked.

When I asked, they said it was because that was what they were assigned. So, instead of letting me have it at 4 pm...they knew I was there, they didn't and I had to wait longer for my room which they said had not yet been finished.

Now that they will text someone when the room is ready, it adds another wrinkle.

This is different from my experience at BCV and Poly. We were early (like noon or earlier) and they re-assigned us from "our:" room to a recently cleaned room. Given this was Labor Day weekend and end of December I would assume they were fully booked up at both places so all rooms had been already assigned.

 

[Sandisw]

This is different from my experience at BCV and Poly. We were early (like noon or earlier) and they re-assigned us from "our:" room to a recently cleaned room. Given this was Labor Day weekend and end of December I would assume they were fully booked up at both places so all rooms had been already assigned.

Never had that happen in all my stays..it is good to hear they have done in the past for some!

 

[chicagodisneyguy]

I guess I just don’t agree that when Disney is the one responsible for late check ins, that customers should be the one to give up things. It’s like saying the demand for rides in the park is so high that customers should not be able to ride as groups when there is a wait and should have to ride single rider. No, Disney should open their pocket books and fix it.

Do you mean owners should open their pocket books? Because that's who would be paying for added staff/higher wages to clean DVC rooms. And unfortunately throwing money at the issue doesn't seem to be the solution as it seems the bonuses and higher wages Disney/DVC is offering still can't attract the optimal number of workers needed.

As far as your point of customers giving up something I see your point. But when you have to prioritize your operations, I think DVC should always prioritize someone getting their room by check in time over a non guaranteed room request. I think someone not getting their room until 5:30pm is a worse outcome than someone assigned a room request having that taken away. I get that people who request rooms probably don't agree.

 

[kevtlas]

The larger problem, though, is that the resorts won't make a change to a clean room when its been assigned to someone else, especially when they see the note for the request. As I shared a few pages back, that happened to me on one of the times it was after 4 pm, waiting in the lobby and overhear them give someone who just arrived a clean room for the same room and type I had booked.

When I asked, they said it was because that was what they were assigned. So, instead of letting me have it at 4 pm...they knew I was there, they didn't and I had to wait longer for my room which they said had not yet been finished.

Now that they will text someone when the room is ready, it adds another wrinkle.

This is different from my experience at BCV and Poly. We were early (like noon or earlier) and they re-assigned us from "our:" room to a recently cleaned room. Given this was Labor Day weekend and end of December I would assume they were fully booked up at both places so all rooms had been already assigned.

I think this all depends on the resort and the cast member you check in with. We’ve had similar experiences to both of these. I would understand if the assigned room that is clean is also fulfilling a room request, but it is quite aggravating to be sitting within earshot of people getting rooms of the same type, view, etc. while “your“ room is still being prepared.

 

[Sandisw]

I think this all depends on the resort and the cast member you check in with. We’ve had similar experiences to both of these. I would understand if the assigned room that is clean is also fulfilling a room request, but it is quite aggravating to be sitting within earshot of people getting rooms of the same type, view, etc. while “your“ room is still being prepared.

And, that is what bothers me to be sitting there and it is after 4 pm and you are not getting a room when others just arriving are because they were lucky to get the room cleaned earlier in the cleaning rotation.

Like I said, prior to 4 pm...I am fine with not being given a clean room that is ready, especially if it was a request. But, come 4 pm...anyone who requested first available and has arrived, should be changed.

Of course, the best situation is that 99% of the rooms are ready by 4 pm and this isn't an issue.

 

[chicagodisneyguy]

I've stayed in timeshares that cost substantially less than Disney and recently the service has been substantially better.

Disney markets it as a hotel. Their problem, not mine. Disney intentionally chooses to say it's different than a time share.

What data do you have that shows DVC even gets a substantial number of requests? We've never made one.

Just because Disney markets DVC as hotel-like, or different than a timeshare, doesn't mean it is. It's a timeshare. Everything we signed says it's a timeshare. Although many times they seem to operate in parallel Disney is not going to operate the DVC side the same as they would the hotel side.

As far as number of requests, I assume it's high enough to warrant Disney's IT team to integrate requests into online check in. If Disboards is indicative it's probably not an immaterial amount of people. As far as actual data, I don't have any. I do have common sense though

 

[lowlight]

Do you mean owners should open their pocket books? Because that's who would be paying for added staff/higher wages to clean DVC rooms. And unfortunately throwing money at the issue doesn't seem to be the solution as it seems the bonuses and higher wages Disney/DVC is offering still can't attract the optimal number of workers needed.

As far as your point of customers giving up something I see your point. But when you have to prioritize your operations, I think DVC should always prioritize someone getting their room by check in time over a non guaranteed room request. I think someone not getting their room until 5:30pm is a worse outcome than someone assigned a room request having that taken away. I get that people who request rooms probably don't agree.

I might be misunderstanding you. We (DVC members) pay for our housekeeping, I believe it's contracted through Disney. The added staff and housekeeping wages that have recently been increased are already/will be reflected in our dues. We aren't getting what we paid for, why should we be opening up our pocket books again? I understand the short staffing issue that is present everywhere. There is no reason Disney can't contract out temporary additional assistance, there are literal businesses that are made for this exact purpose. The same for food services, most Universities and hospitals, for example, contract out these services when they need additional help or can't staff on their own. For me it's as simple as 1) do I pay for it? 2) then I deserve it. It's weird to me to pay for something, have it be inadequately provided, and then my fellow DVC owner tell me I should sacrifice some stuff to help Disney out. Is that what you're saying?

 

[BeachClub2014]

I bet if someone requested a first-floor room near the elevator and ice machine with a parking lot view next to the dumpsters you could get into it at 4:00 PM.

 

[lowlight]

I bet if someone requested a first-floor room near the elevator and ice machine with a parking lot view next to the dumpsters you could get into it at 4:00 PM.

I bet there is someone out there reading this that's like, "crap, that's my favorite room, don't let the secret out BeachClub2014! I really like to be near the laundry room, sometimes I take 2 week trips to Poly and I don't even visit the parks, I just wash my clothes twice a day and mobile order pork nachos from Capt Cooks."

 

[BeachClub2014]

I bet there is someone out there reading this that's like, "crap, that's my favorite room, don't let the secret out BeachClub2014! I really like to be near the laundry room, sometimes I take 2 week trips to Poly and I don't even visit the parks, I just wash my clothes twice a day and mobile order pork nachos from Capt Cooks."

Nicely done!

 

[BeachClub2014]

I've been following this thread with interest. There are many folks who have polar opposite perceptions on this topic.

I don't care if you call it a hotel, timeshare, squatters cabin, commune, hostel, or linen closet. DVC is supposed to be deluxe accommodations. Disney is sitting on nearly $60K of my hard-earned dollars and gets another $2,500 a year in dues from me. I don't think it an unreasonable expectation to have the doggone room, that I had to reserve 11-months out from my arrival, ready for me at 4:00 PM as indicated. And I ain't buying all the wishy-washy lawyer language saying that 4:00 doesn't really mean 4:00. Nonsense.

Whew! I feel much better after getting that out.

 

[chicagodisneyguy]

I might be misunderstanding you. We (DVC members) pay for our housekeeping, I believe it's contracted through Disney. The added staff and housekeeping wages that have recently been increased are already/will be reflected in our dues. We aren't getting what we paid for, why should we be opening up our pocket books again? I understand the short staffing issue that is present everywhere. There is no reason Disney can't contract out temporary additional assistance, there are literal businesses that are made for this exact purpose. The same for food services, most Universities and hospitals, for example, contract out these services when they need additional help or can't staff on their own. For me it's as simple as 1) do I pay for it? 2) then I deserve it. It's weird to me to pay for something, have it be inadequately provided, and then my fellow DVC owner tell me I should sacrifice some stuff to help Disney out. Is that what you're saying?

I am saying if the current staffing levels to clean DVC rooms are not adequate, then any costs associated with subsequent increases in staffing levels or temp workers to make up the shortfall will fall to DVC members. If they need to hire 100 more housekeepers we'll be the ones paying for it, not Disney. It will be on our dues statement somewhere. Now, if DVC is billing members for 1000 housekeepers and there are 800 cleaning rooms, then there is obviously an issue. But I am making all my comments assuming that DVC is billing members for xxx amount of housekeepers and we have xxx amount of housekeepers cleaning the rooms.

I am not telling you to sacrifice to help Disney out. I am saying that you might not get your requested room so that someone who is there at 4:15pm gets into a room at 4:15pm and not at 6:00pm.

Honestly, as I said earlier, I don't really have much skin in this game. But after reading the 4pm check in is now 4pm-6pm thread (edit...that's this thread...i forget where i am sometimes), I think 5pm or 6pm check in becoming more common for members is a far worse situation than people getting their room requests less often.

 

[lowlight]

I am saying if the current staffing levels to clean DVC rooms are not adequate, then any costs associated with subsequent increases in staffing levels or temp workers to make up the shortfall will fall to DVC members. If they need to hire 100 more housekeepers we'll be the ones paying for it, not Disney. It will be on our dues statement somewhere. Now, if DVC is billing members for 1000 housekeepers and there are 800 cleaning rooms, then there is obviously an issue. But I am making all my comments assuming that DVC is billing members for xxx amount of housekeepers and we have xxx amount of housekeepers cleaning the rooms.

I am not telling you to sacrifice to help Disney out. I am saying that you might not get your requested room so that someone who is there at 4:15pm gets into a room at 4:15pm and not at 6:00pm.

Honestly, as I said earlier, I don't really have much skin in this game. But after reading the 4pm check in is now 4pm-6pm thread (edit...that's this thread...i forget where i am sometimes), I think 5pm or 6pm check in becoming more common for members is a far worse situation than people getting their room requests less often.

I don't think we'll ever agree, but that's ok, I enjoy civil debate. Our contract with Disney is to provide housekeeping, I think we disagree on the fundamentals of what that entails. To me, that's "rooms ready and thoroughly cleaned on time", irrespective of labor shortages, pandemic, anything- it's just a pure business agreement of "you do this, we pay you this". The cost of that arrangement is given a price tag by Disney, and we pay it. It's not like Disney is undercharging us right now, so we should be happy with rooms not being turned over on time. We are paying full (increased) dues for housekeeping, not "housekeeping, but not all of it because of labor shortages". I do agree that members getting in at 6 is worse than not getting room requests, but I still say "why not both, we pay for it". I don't remember getting a labor shortage discount on my dues, other than excess dues refund at the start of the pandemic and that was a whole different ballgame. Again, we won't agree, but I'll leave it as my final response and thank you for discussing civilly.

 

[Sandisw]

I bet there is someone out there reading this that's like, "crap, that's my favorite room, don't let the secret out BeachClub2014! I really like to be near the laundry room, sometimes I take 2 week trips to Poly and I don't even visit the parks, I just wash my clothes twice a day and mobile order pork nachos from Capt Cooks."

Okay, gotta admit those pork nachos are AMAZING!!!!

 

[Sandisw]

I am saying if the current staffing levels to clean DVC rooms are not adequate, then any costs associated with subsequent increases in staffing levels or temp workers to make up the shortfall will fall to DVC members. If they need to hire 100 more housekeepers we'll be the ones paying for it, not Disney. It will be on our dues statement somewhere. Now, if DVC is billing members for 1000 housekeepers and there are 800 cleaning rooms, then there is obviously an issue. But I am making all my comments assuming that DVC is billing members for xxx amount of housekeepers and we have xxx amount of housekeepers cleaning the rooms.

I am not telling you to sacrifice to help Disney out. I am saying that you might not get your requested room so that someone who is there at 4:15pm gets into a room at 4:15pm and not at 6:00pm.

Honestly, as I said earlier, I don't really have much skin in this game. But after reading the 4pm check in is now 4pm-6pm thread (edit...that's this thread...i forget where i am sometimes), I think 5pm or 6pm check in becoming more common for members is a far worse situation than people getting their room requests less often.

DVCMC contracts with Disney to provide the housekeeping, so yes, we are paying for it and if costs rise, we would have to absorb the costs. Having said that, they should still be providing us with the service of providing rooms for check in in a timely manner because that is what is part of the contract we have with them.

So, providing subpar service is not okay and we need to at least let DVCMC know that Disney is not living up to the terms of the contract if too many rooms are not being cleaned and ready in a timely way. While we can't do anything about it, because its all Disney, at least we can let our management company know we are not happy with what we are getting.

But, I do agree with you that no one should be waiting for a room longer after 4:00 pm so someone gets to keep the requested room if they have not yet arrived.