For those who are tired of increase costs

[yitbos96bb]

I think people are negative be they feel entitled to something that they don't deserve. They compare it to back in the 90s when it started and members got free passes and what not disney was trying something new and was not sure if it was going to work so the juiced the pot. Well now it works and works well so they don't need to give out so many perks. It's like hearing my parents when we went to a movie it was .25 cents god now for the iMax Star Wars tickets I bought it was 18.75! Gosh every single year until the Disney stops functioning they will increase the price. I guess it comes down to if you still like it as much any everyone hates spending money on things they don't like. I know the state of my disney Union is very strong I don't mind the price increases hope it keeps the crowds down!!!!!

I think more people get upset because there is Lack of communication on Disney's part many times. People plan vacations and then face an additional raised cost because of ticket increases for example. The thought is that when a company cares about their customers they give them more info to a,e an informed decision.


You can agree or not, it doesn't matter. It's the optics of the beholder. And because of it, Disney will alienate some guests.

Since they've opted to focus on the once in a life time guests rather than repeat trips, they no longer put the effort into the good or service they used too.

 

[imaginiff]

I think more people get upset because there is Lack of communication on Disney's part many times. People plan vacations and then face an additional raised cost because of ticket increases for example. The thought is that when a company cares about their customers they give them more info to a,e an informed decision.


You can agree or not, it doesn't matter. It's the optics of the beholder. And because of it, Disney will alienate some guests.

Since they've opted to focus on the once in a life time guests rather than repeat trips, they no longer put the effort into the good or service they used too.

Really? Once in a life time guests? Is that a corporate goal that was published somewhere. I would really like to read about that if you could provide the place where this statement was published. That would be a foolish mistake on their part....although they have made some foolish mistakes, but it does not seem to prevent the parks from being very busy all times of the year.

Here is what happened to me today. Was talking in a group about Vero Beach and how lovely it is there and someone brought up the Disney resort in Vero Beach and another person said..."I heard the resort was very run down and dated". Well, I was kind of shocked at that remark as I was just there 3 weeks ago. Yes the studio we were in was not really a deluxe room. The bathroom vanity needed painting or staining or something. The bathroom needed to be retiled or at minimum re-caulked. The room was tiny and the tv was tiny too. Then I began to wonder if I have just been lowering my standards over the years as far as Disney is concerned. Some of the posts on this site talk about the "disgusting carpets" and other complaints about cleanliness at the resorts. When the word "disgusting" creeps into conversations about our DVC it definitely gives me pause. Things should never reach the "run down", "dated" or "disgusting" descriptions which I have heard or seen (many times on this site) lately. I think Disney might be a bit slow to keep the resorts up to the hospitality standards that travelers have come to expect from the higher-end brands.
In the name of full disclosure we are long time owners who have been considering selling our ownership for awhile. Maybe we are just selectively hearing comments to enforce our decision to sell. Who knows. Only thing I know is that I felt a bit embarrassed by the comment regarding Vero Beach Disney Resort. I have treated many guests to VB stays and all the while I thought the place was beautiful. Now I am wondering if my guests also thought the place was "run down" and too polite to say anything to me.

Where did this person hear this information? I've never been to Vero, but if it hasn't undergone and interior renovations, I could see where it could be quite worn (wasn't it the second DVC built in the early 90's?). Personally, I would never be embarrassed by what my guests thought if I was treating them to a resort vacation on the beach

 

[LoveBWVVBR]

Really? Once in a life time guests? Is that a corporate goal that was published somewhere. I would really like to read about that if you could provide the place where this statement was published. That would be a foolish mistake on their part....although they have made some foolish mistakes, but it does not seem to prevent the parks from being very busy all times of the year.



Where did this person hear this information? I've never been to Vero, but if it hasn't undergone and interior renovations, I could see where it could be quite worn (wasn't it the second DVC built in the early 90's?). Personally, I would never be embarrassed by what my guests thought if I was treating them to a resort vacation on the beach

I don't recall Vero being run down and dated...it always reminded me of OKW inside, and I thought it was fine. It wasn't lavish or anything (at least in the units...the main lobby is really nice), but it was fine. It definitely wasn't run down to BWV or BCV level. Has it ever been renovated? It wasn't one of the DVC resorts that I thought was totally awful in condition.

 

[imaginiff]

Vero is on our DVC bucket list. I think people's opinions of what is worn, run down and/or dated vary. If you are comparing Grand Floridian DVC to any other DVC....yeah, sure, everything else pales in comparison. Go on a tour there and when you return to your own room it is kind of a letdown. But that's the way it is...nearly new vs. been around since the 90's. We just had a split stay, and our BWV studio had not yet been updated. Sure, it was well lived-in, but it was clean and neat and comfortable. That is what I want. I don't expect blemish-free furniture and carpets. I will not tolerate hair of any kind in the bathroom; but we have not had that problem in a very long time.

I recently stayed in a time share near Disney. It looked as if nothing had been updated since they opened in the early 90's except the stove. But it was immaculate. No trash and towel on your fourth day, though. Trash was picked up outside your patio between 10 and 2. Clean towels and soap replenishment was your own responsibility. It was roomy and affordable, but I really missed being on-property.

I've been looking at airfare prices for next year. Never been higher, although the price of fuel has gone way down. Remember when they started charging for baggage? Supposedly to cover the increased cost of fuel. Still getting charged. Would love to drive there, but it is just too far.

To me, DVC and Disney is a luxury....entertainment..fun. So when I cannot afford it, I will sell and move on. DVC is not a necessity. However, health care costs, food, housing....all necessities. Can't really compare people getting upset over one and not the other. And of course increase costs for employee healthcare always gets passed on to the consumer.

 

[michelleiada]

I still love my DVC but continue to be disappointed with the condition of our home resort, BCV. We absolutely love so much about the resort but the last few years we have been told a refurb was coming and it never comes. And each time we visit the condition of the villas declines. Two years ago, we brought family members who had never been to Disney. We talked it up so much to them and how much we love DVC. I was very embarrassed by the condition of the BCV. The hallway carpets were disgusting. I'm not kidding....they were disgusting. The rooms were worn looking and windows were filthy. Dust bunnies in corners. I could go on. I was thoroughly embarrassed and my family members were not impressed. But....I was told a refurb was coming so ok....I thought maybe next time we will have a newly refreshed villa. Not! Our most recent visit this past May, our two bedroom villa was in very poor condition. I opened a kitchen cabinet upon arrival and the door literally fell off. The cabinets were all dinged and scratched. Kitchen table was all scratched. You could write your name in the dust on the light fixture above the kitchen table. The master bath tub Woden frame was caved in and dented. One of the toilets continuously ran. Not to mention the hallway carpets...again disgusting and the walls in the hallway all scratched and worn. It is in dire need of a refurb and yet no work has been done or started. This is my only complaint thus far about DVC. The resorts should NEVER get this bad. DVC is an expensive timeshare. Other much cheaper timeshares are kept up beautifully. There is no excuse! I put out a lot of money and pay my dues. I expect better than this from Disney. I expect Disney quality.

 

[Sammie]

I think more people get upset because there is Lack of communication on Disney's part many times. People plan vacations and then face an additional raised cost because of ticket increases for example. The thought is that when a company cares about their customers they give them more info to a,e an informed decision.


You can agree or not, it doesn't matter. It's the optics of the beholder. And because of it, Disney will alienate some guests.

Since they've opted to focus on the once in a life time guests rather than repeat trips, they no longer put the effort into the good or service they used too.

What company sends communications to it's customers that there will be a price increase? I can't think of any.

I think part of the problem is unrealistic expectations. Disney is in the business to make money. Some seem to forget that. Also DVC members need to remember what they bought. They did not buy a contract that sets ticket prices at a certain amount.

 

[eliza61]

What company sends communications to it's customers that there will be a price increase? I can't think of any.

I think part of the problem is unrealistic expectations. Disney is in the business to make money. Some seem to forget that. Also DVC members need to remember what they bought. They did not buy a contract that sets ticket prices at a certain amount.

humm not sure how much I agree with that Sammie,or rather let's say that I think Disney lovers use that as a cop out.

ALL Businesses are in it to make money but why is making money and offering premier services mutually exclusive? IMO only at Disney are two different things.

for example, let's take Disney Deluxes (not the dvc, timeshares are different animals). Now Disney themselves bills them as Deluxes and charges accordingly. How in the world is it "unrealistic" to expect a certain level of service.

4 seasons manage to do it
Waldorf Astorias manage to do it
Heck, Hiltons manage to do it.

So no, imo if I'm a first timer and I book a "deluxe" I don't think it's unrealistic at all to expect a comparable standard of service and then the excuse you get from 99% of the Dis is "well you're really paying for the location". fine, then darn it, stop calling them Deluxes, call them some thing else. lol. My expectations when I stay at the 4 seasons are totally, totally different than when I stay at the GF.


you are absolutely right about dvc'ers we do have to remember we purchased for a discount room. But once again, I think for those of us who are really contemplating selling it's not ONE issue alone.

as sad as it is, I've gotten use to having a warn down room. If that was my only gripe hey no worries but over the years ....

I've lowered my expectations on food quality
I've lowered my expectations on mousekeeping
I've lowered my expectations on ease of fp+ (it's a horrible system if you need to make changes in the parks)
I've lowered my expectation on park experiences (HS as I mentioned before is beyond sad)

so lol, I'm the opposite. I do not have "unrealistic" expectations, I'm actually surprised when we do get a good meal. I'm actually surprised when we do get a fully fuctional room. we had a two bedroom villa at Boardwalk this August, 2 burners on the stove didn't work. lol.

Now I sold one contract, I'm waiting until the so called new items in the parks come on line before I pull the plug on the last contract but I do totally disagree, I don't think I have unrealistic expectations at all.

 

[Brian Noble]

I think part of the problem is unrealistic expectations.

I often post this, but it bears repeating. Disney is in the business of selling happiness. That's not quite the same as "Disney wants me, personally, to be happy," but it is easy to confuse the two.

4 seasons manage to do it
Waldorf Astorias manage to do it
Heck, Hiltons manage to do it.

Disney is a competent mid-range hotelier. Always has been, seems like they always will be. Anyone who has even the barest travel experience would put them a notch above, say, IHG but a notch below name brands like Starwood, Marriott, or the above-mentioned Hilton. To put them in the Four Seasons/Waldorf/Ritz category is laughable. There's a reason that Disney leased to Four Seasons to build the new resort---they know they can't compete in that space.

And, if you think about it, the level of service at all of Disney's categories is shockingly similar. They all follow essentially the same guest-services playbook, and the differences are only in location, resort/room amenities, and room size. There are a handful of differences in the service realm, but they are more alike than they are different.

Granted, Disney charges Deluxe prices comparable to those upper-tier providers, but that's simply because they can. The hotels themselves are only a part of what Disney is selling, and given the large number of people who visit every year, one needs only a small fraction of those willing to pay top-shelf prices to keep those properties full.

fine, then darn it, stop calling them Deluxes

There's a reason that the smallest size at Starbucks is Tall.

 

[VegasMike]

It is true that "deluxe" is not a absolute reference. To get a true read on disney resorts you need to look at AAA ratings or other hotel rating organizations. 3 star at best is all one can expect from a disney resort of any category.

 

[imaginiff]

If a family member told me they were "not impressed" when I brought them to a DVC, I would make sure to never bring them again. And I hope the concerns of the condition of the BCV room were brought to the attention of the manager right away....I am okay with "well used" but not okay with disgusting filth....although with my multiple trips each year, have never come upon "filth" anywhere (except the restroom after a fireworks show....but it is non-stop in the ladies' room, no chance of a clean-up in between). And if I did, I would bring it to the attention of management and actually insist they accompany me to the filthy area. I did visit BCV in the summer (did not stay there, but walked around inside a bit) and it looked like they were starting improvements to the common areas. I have seen more positive comments regarding BCV than negative.....but seems all agree that BCV is way overdue for a refurb. BWV refurb is taking much longer than expected, and I would imagine some heads are going to roll because of this. Rooms were released in early summer for F&W.....I think they did this much too soon. And it seems they are moving people into these rooms hours after the last coat of paint is being put on....saw where one guest could not stand the smell.

*Brian Noble", I totally agree with your assessment. I can't be bothered arguing with some that seem to enjoy being negative. I don't mind when Disney is criticized, especially when they deserve it. But some seem to enjoy to constantly point out the negative. I tend to scroll by certain posters now or don't respond.

 

[Sammie]

I guess it comes down to personal experiences. We just got back and our room was in excellent condition and the only issue was prior guest caused and fixed by maintenance within 30 minutes of calling for assistance. Food was very good and service was excellent. The steak at Yachtsman was simply delicious and we got a special treat for our anniversary.

I just think it's unrealistic to expect them to give notice they are going to raise prices. Do other business do that, if they do, can someone share one that is a major corporation that does it?

As to hotel expectations, Brian covered that very well as he always does.

As to Fastpass+ again personal opinions vary, it works great for us and works great in the park.

I think if you are going to compare Disney hotels to Four Seasons and large city fine dining, you are setting yourself up for disappointment, there in I think the expectations are unrealistic. I don't compare them to 5 star hotels because that is not what they are. They are deluxe in that they offer more than moderates and values do.

One simply has to decide if the experience is worth the prices they are asking and if not, then quit going. For us at this point they are. If not, we would not return.

 

[eliza61]

One simply has to decide if the experience is worth the prices they are asking and if not, then quit going. For us at this point they are. If not, we would not return.

and that's all we are saying. I think what folks who have decided to not go get tired of is people implying that
1) we some how are "complainers" who feel "entitled" to more than we deserve
2) we are some how making rash, incompetent decisions
3) we are Disney "haters" who are "miserable". I always laugh at this one because from what I've been seeing and hearing, most of the folks who are seriously considering bailing are Disney vets who have 10, 20 + visit under their belts. Hardly what I would classify as haters.

We are simply a family who feels the money we spend on a Disney vacation no longer gives us a good value especially when put up against other vacation venues.

In a nutshell it's that simple.

edited to add: I am very glad that people are still enjoying their vacations, like I said I'm not totally giving up, I'm hoping in a few years we'll be back. I don't htink I'll ever go back to multi contracts with lots of points but I'll definitely enjoy a long weekend here or there.

 

[sleepydog25]

and that's all we are saying. I think what folks who have decided to not go get tired of is people implying that
1) we some how are "complainers" who feel "entitled" to more than we deserve
2) we are some how making rash, incompetent decisions
3) we are Disney "haters" who are "miserable". I always laugh at this one because from what I've been seeing and hearing, most of the folks who are seriously considering bailing are Disney vets who have 10, 20 + visit under their belts. Hardly what I would classify as haters.

We are simply a family who feels the money we spend on a Disney vacation no longer gives us a good value especially when put up against other vacation venues.

In a nutshell it's that simple.

edited to add: I am very glad that people are still enjoying their vacations, like I said I'm not totally giving up, I'm hoping in a few years we'll be back. I don't htink I'll ever go back to multi contracts with lots of points but I'll definitely enjoy a long weekend here or there.

I agree, eliza. I enjoy my Disney vacations. I also recognize their value for us is less than what it once was. Making note of such--while technically complaining, I suppose--seems to rankle some people. Go figure.

 

[DougEMG]

I'm taking my brothers family to poly in January. They should be nice bc they are new.

In dec 2016, we are inviting my best friends family to BWV and BLT. I'm hoping the renovated BWV rooms are nice. And I'm hoping the BLT rooms are likewise nice although I've heard of broken furniture.

The thing is... If the rooms are so bad, why is the rental market so active? It can't be THAT bad, IMHO!

I'm in a BWV renovated room right now and everything looks nice.

 

[nabi]

A few years ago IMO all DVC resorts were in better condition and we were proud to have guests and show off the DVC. Today we no longer take guests because you never know what shape the room will be in.

Bill

We stayed at VGF the first year open. Pristine! I think I now understand the high point cost of the Poly bungalows- less wear from disuse (I'm, of course, joking).

 

[tjkraz]

When I read negative commentary directed toward the Disney Parks and resorts from frequent guests, I often wonder how much of that is sound, measured criticism and how much is the result of diminishing marginal utility.

All things being equal, the first, second and third visits to the Magic Kingdom will be far more satisfying than the 50th, 75th and 100th visits. Same is true of restaurant meals, resort hotel stays and every other aspect of the vacation.

Is the food objectively worse than it used to be or are diners simply not as wowed as they were during those initial visits? Has the quality of housekeeping, maintenance and customer service truly declined or are frequent guests simply more attuned to the shortcomings?

During that first visit to the Magic Kingdom, few people are paying attention to the level of garbage in a trash can or if the exterior of POTC appears to have been recently painted. But by the 100th visit, those are some of the criteria by which guests choose to measure the quality of their experience.

Of course, all things are not equal and opinions are also tainted by price. The signature restaurant meal or after hours party ticket which seemed like a tremendous value 10 years ago can easily be labeled a rip-off today. Despite the fact that prices have been rising since the day the gates opened, most people choose to measure value starting with their initial visit.

Deciding that a Walt Disney World visit no longer returns sufficient value is a perfectly reasonable conclusion. We all value our money differently and if WDW isn't the preferred way to spend thousands of dollars on recreation, so be it.

However, passing judgement on the quality of specific experiences typically involves flawed subjective analysis. Is (park/restaurant/resort/cast member) really worse than it was 10 years ago or are we simply seeing it differently than a decade ago?

Familiarity breeds contempt.

 

[sleepydog25]

When I read negative commentary directed toward the Disney Parks and resorts from frequent guests, I often wonder how much of that is sound, measured criticism and how much is the result of diminishing marginal utility.

All things being equal, the first, second and third visits to the Magic Kingdom will be far more satisfying than the 50th, 75th and 100th visits. Same is true of restaurant meals, resort hotel stays and every other aspect of the vacation.

Is the food objectively worse than it used to be or are diners simply not as wowed as they were during those initial visits? Has the quality of housekeeping, maintenance and customer service truly declined or are frequent guests simply more attuned to the shortcomings?

During that first visit to the Magic Kingdom, few people are paying attention to the level of garbage in a trash can or if the exterior of POTC appears to have been recently painted. But by the 100th visit, those are some of the criteria by which guests choose to measure the quality of their experience.

Of course, all things are not equal and opinions are also tainted by price. The signature restaurant meal or after hours party ticket which seemed like a tremendous value 10 years ago can easily be labeled a rip-off today. Despite the fact that prices have been rising since the day the gates opened, most people choose to measure value starting with their initial visit.

Deciding that a Walt Disney World visit no longer returns sufficient value is a perfectly reasonable conclusion. We all value our money differently and if WDW isn't the preferred way to spend thousands of dollars on recreation, so be it.

However, passing judgement on the quality of specific experiences typically involves flawed subjective analysis. Is (park/restaurant/resort/cast member) really worse than it was 10 years ago or are we simply seeing it differently than a decade ago?

Familiarity breeds contempt.

Unique perspective and well-reasoned. However, there is room for both sides of that notional coin. I'm certain I see things with less rosy glasses than, say, 10 years ago--the sour smell on Splash Mtn, for example. Didn't bother me at first, but now I almost refuse to go on the ride. All that's changed? Me. On the other hand, I can very objectively, quantitatively, and qualitatively judge a meal I had at Artist Point that same 10 years ago to one from 10 weeks ago to determine the value has eroded. The buffalo my first few times at AP was the loin, pure and simple. Only the sides changed. Now, though the buffalo is still tasty, they no longer offer the filet as a stand-alone option, instead doing a 3-for-1 buffalo sampling that doesn't have the overall size nor clean, earthy taste profile as the original dish. The same can be said for the fruit cobbler which used to be huge, flaky, and chock full of fresh berries. It's quite smaller, more doughy, and they skimp on the fruit, comparatively. Both dishes, of course, cost more. Yes, those are two small examples, but I'm sure most could provide other relevant ones. Still, it is human nature to be less appreciative of something when it becomes rote. Thanks for the provocative post.

 

[freediverdude]

I also think DVC is starting to go for a little bit more upscale feel with the latest VGF and PVB and even BLT, trying to make them more like the level of the hotel, only with extra room or amenities, instead of the home-away-from-home feel of the previous resorts.

 

[WilsonFlyer]

Upscale? That's rich!

 

[Sammie]

As someone that has gone often every year for over 32 years, I also think all of our experiences are now influenced greatly by interaction with less than pleasant guests. Even Disney has noticed it. The map and brochure that you pick up at Disney Springs, actually has a section on how to be nice to other guests. Seriously, when did we have to start putting good manners in print.

I think this rubs many frequent guests the wrong way and influences their enjoyment of the trip experience. When you are in a bad mood I really think you notice in greater detail things that have changed or that are not perfect.

I know it is rubbing the Disney staff the wrong way and yes they are not as willing to just take it anymore, and I applaud them for doing so.