Honeymoon from Hell at the Beach Club Villas last week

[robinb]

If it still really bothers you I would encourage you to send a letter. Expressing your feelings doesn't have a time restriction. I think I got a different impression from your post than other readers though - you just are very disappointed in your stay, live and learn - wanted to get it out. I didn't think you were trying to get money or comp from WDW on anything.

I'm going to agree with jennz on this one. I think your letter was very well written and if things still bother you, go ahead and send it. Since you say you don't want any compensation, what do you have to lose? You will be able to express the feelings that you could not while you were sick. I know how it is to have one thing after another go wrong. Even though each individual thing is little the sum of all those little grains of sand can produce a big sand dune. Overall poor maintenance, bugs, failure of housekeeping ... we DVC owners should really pay more attention to your complaints instead of dismissing them.

Should you have said something at the time? I would have. Then again, I'm the kind of person who doesn't hesitate to complain when something goes wrong. Other people are more shy. For instance, the last time I stayed at BWV there was feces on the toilet under the seat and on the side. Someone had diarrhea and housekeeping did not clean it properly. I have a 6 year old DD and we did not want to get sick on our first day. I called down right away when I was told that someone would be sent up, but I had to call down twice more and go down in person once in order over the course of a day and a half to have the diarrhea cleaned. The head of housekeeping finally came up to clean it herself, almost 20 hours after our first call down. I was furious that it wasn't taken care of the first day (we arrived back at the hotel after 10 and did not want to wait up for housekeeping that wasn't going to come up anyway).

Back to your story . I am very sorry you had a bad Honeymoon. For those in a similar situation, I think you can order take-out from table service restaurants and still use your credits.

 

[chris1gill]

wo If I was a complainer, maybe I would have been on the phone telling them about everything like several of you are suggesting I should have done. If I wanted Disney to give me something back, then maybe I would have called about our dining plan meals wasted ahead of time like some of you are suggesting I should have done. I simply thought that maybe some of you as well as Disney themself would like to know about my experience, especially with the condition of the resort as I viewed it....period.

No, instead you don't say anything while you are there, and then come here to post your findings?! And you want Disney to know after the fact as well...

Don't come down on DVC for the poor condition of the resort if you aren't willing to ask for assistance while you are there. Asking for your unit to be cleaned and/or fixed in area's that need it is not complaining... it's letting Disney know there's a problem with your unit... they do not know if you do not tell them.

I really dislike when people come to the boards complaining and whining about issues that arose during their DVC vacation, when in fact they themselves took no action towards resolving the problem... it really does not make sense...

 

[BCV23]

Brandon, I think many of us were sympathetic to the fact that you both became ill on your honeymoon. Not fun.

It truly is better to call about room issues while you are there if you are well enough to do so.

First of all, it would make your stay more enjoyable.

Secondly, the matter will be addressed before the next guest.

But after the fact is fine too IMO. You could do it by letter or just call the resort and ask to speak to a manager.

Oh, with regards to the hall carpet, I do know they clean those things pretty much constantly. I too noticed how discolored the carpets near the elevator have become. But I know it is not due to lack of cleaning.

Finally, if you want to do so, all you have to do is contact a moderator and ask them to close your thread.

Again, I hope your next trip is better..in fact magical!

 

[BCV23]

I forgot to say that although I have never seen crooked light fixtures, I bet BCV would want to know about them.

I don't think anyone should try to correct the problem themselves! They probably got that way from some guest as it is!

 

[Deemarch]

Uh, yeah. Sounds like the first thing that set you off was the roof shingles??? And you assumed that they blew off 2 years ago...What if they had a whopper of a storm yesterday???? Does that count.

Unfortunately, getting sick on your honeymoon really stinks. But after all of your planning and expectations, stress really has lots to do with that. Your body finally feels the toll of the past couple of months, if not more, and some people react with sickness.

Sounds like you are trying to get Disney to reimburse you for your unused meals...But ROOF SHINGLES?? Please!!!

 

[bobbiwoz]

I am sorry that you were both so sick during your honeymoon.

Last Monday we returned from a long weekend stay at the BCV and had the most marvelous time. It was surprising to us that the shingles were still off the roof, and we noticed the carpet was worn and the number 4 didn't light up on one of the elevator panels, but not one of those things detracted from our stay, not even the tiniest bit. I sort of see things as "work in progress."

I wish I knew how to make you feel better. Write the letter and say what you want. Read the letter the next day after you write it and if you still think it's important enough to send, do it.

Congratulations on your wedding, and best wishes for the future.

Bobbi

 

[DrTomorrow]

Sorry you got sick on your honeymoon. I know about being sick at DVC - on our first trip "Home" (Member Homecoming, SSR Founders Day) I got a stomach bug the first night we were there (well, to be fair, I'm sure I brought it with me) and spend the first whole day there sleeping in bed (with the dear MrsTomorrow feeding me fruit cups from AP). WDW is not a place to be at 25% of your normal capacity.

That said, you seem quite passive-aggressive. You experienced multiple unsatifying experiences, yet contacted no one who could help rectify them. If you want to be a stoic, suffering in silence, fine - your choice. But to then, after the fact, write a "poor me" letter to Disney complaining about not only the DVC conditions, but your own poor luck - and share it here on the DIS; well, IMHO it is understandable why others here question your motives. I agree with goofydad621 - people who post on opinion forums should expect contrasting opinions.

If you still wish to, take your letter and, after removing the "I'm a big Disney fan who was sooooo disappointed" verbiage, send it to DVC so that they can address the valid issues they raised. Maybe the need to spray more, or inspect more - but they won't know that if you don't tell them.

Finally, I've travelled to many, many motels, hotels and resorts, and I can honestly say that I've never, ever done a roof inspection, much less right as I arrive at a DVC Resort for a vacation!

Good luck with your marriage - we're at 26 years so far, and it's still great!

Be well!

 

[dcibrando]

Uh, yeah. Sounds like the first thing that set you off was the roof shingles??? And you assumed that they blew off 2 years ago...What if they had a whopper of a storm yesterday???? Does that count.

honestly... I know they blew off 2 years ago because like I said this is the 3rd time I have been to Disney in a year and the 3rd time I have visited the beach club property and the exterior roof still looked the same (really bad and missing a lot more shingles than one would expect from Disney in a weeks time, much less 2 years)

what set me off was the continual findings of disappointment, and then top that off with getting sick, etc...

 

[momtosydneyntodd]

Just a couple thoughts--

1) congratulations on your wedding
2) Prior to buying into DVC, we stayed at the value resorts (a few times).
When you are used to the value resorts (and you make the decision to shellout four times what you are used to paying for a room) your expectation is that you are going to be dazzled. I understand. I think getting sick made everything else (in your mind) much worse. When I'm sick, the last place I want to be is in a hotel room.
3)I love DVC and I bought into DVC because of the amount of space in each room, the kitchen, the washer and dryer, theming and location--not necessarily the lighting in the hallways.
4) I think someone else said it--everyone has high expectations for their honeymoon. Getting sick is probably the last thing you want to happen. I know, my husband was seasick (for a week) on a Bermuda cruise.

The two of you have so much ahead of you. Move on and start planning your next getaway. Here's to many years of happiness.

Trish

 

[dcibrando]

I really wish I had taken all of the pictures of the problems (and more) I am referring to. I think many of you, especially those who haven't been there in awhile would be surprised at how bad some of this really looked...especially those of you who are DVC members and paying so much for annual maintenance fees.

 

[TAKitty]

I have been to a Ritz and still could find something not quite perfect.

I have read the entire thread and you keep bringing up how much the dues are and how disappointed people should be. I don't think the dues are THAT much. Sure it is an expense, but not one that allows me to believe that things are going to be spotless.

Most are sorry about your experience. I got sick this April from what I think was something that didn't agree with me at Boma. Bummer for me but I got over it. Oh how I feel for those in the bathroom with me at MGM. . .

Do you rent or own a home? If you own your own home, you must realize that carpet fades and roofs need to be fixed. Most of these repairs are on a schedule.

 

[freediverdude]

You know what? I think you should go ahead and send your letter. Because it's how you feel. I think Disney wants to know of people's experiences, both good and bad. And you'll probably get a nicely worded letter back, stating how they have sympathy for how it went, and that they are working on maintenance, and hoping that you'll still come back. Sometimes that goes a long way towards showing that they still care, and that they want you to return, and that an actual person has listened to your concerns. Go ahead, let the magic happen, you've got nothing to lose, and I bet it will make you happier to hear that someone at Disney read your letter.

 

[Figment2]

I stayed at BCV over Christmas weekend. I have to admit I didn't notice the missing shingles. I do know that Wilma did some damage in Oct. (was there) which was damage on damage in some places.

One thing I noted this past trip (weekend of May 5th) is that I didn't see as many blue tarps on house roofs as before. I was down twice in December 2005 and there were blue tarps everywhere. Friends who live there mentioned it's been difficult to get work done. Disney probably has their own construction crews but it probably works out to the same problem. Too much work, not enough workers.

If your desire is truly to call Disney's attention to the wear and tear I would only keep the information in your letter on that subject and delete everything else. (Sorry.)

Cyn

 

[dianeschlicht]

I'm not a BCV lover, so I read your letter thinking it was going to be another problem with check in etc. I kept reading thinking I was going to get to the "big horrible" part, and I never got to it. Really, read your letter again and pretend you are the owner of a property that is receiving this letter. You will see how absurd most of it sounds. It really sounds like you are trying to blame Disney for you getting sick on your vacation.

Bugs? Hey, it's Florida! There are bugs there, and if you only saw 8 in a week, you were doing well! We have even had tree frogs come into our room when we have had ground floor rooms.

Worn carpets and flooring? It's a VERY busy always full to capacity DVC resort. Even doing non-stop maintenance, there are going to be issues. I can't speak of the roof, but then I doubt I have ever looked at a roof with much concern on vacation.

Either you are trying to be funny and pull chains around here, or you are looking for justification to send a complaint that looks pretty flimsy and almost laughable. There are going to be a LOT of things in your marraige that will be 100's of times more tramatic than anything in that letter. Maybe it's time to mature a little and rolll with the punches.

 

[chris1gill]

I really wish I had taken all of the pictures of the problems (and more) I am referring to. I think many of you, especially those who haven't been there in awhile would be surprised at how bad some of this really looked...especially those of you who are DVC members and paying so much for annual maintenance fees.

You know, you've mentioned this a few times.... why are you concerned with what we DVC members are paying for our dues? You were renting, I suspect paying the equivalent of what you'd have paid had you stayed at Pop Century.

Did you by chance walk through the Beach or Yacht Club hotel's to compare the elevator banks, carpeting and wall's for comparison sake?

Caring for interior corridor's is always an on-going task, unlike concrete structures with exterior corridor's...

 

[JUDSON]

Brandon, don't let the folks here get you too worked up. Many of them are just defending their home resort, or the entire dvc for that matter, Disney can do no wrong in their eyes. Heck wouldn't you if you had $15K sunk into this thing?? Really entertaining to read from them non-sympathisizers. Personally, I think you've got a good point on the whole maintenance aspect. I think dvc needs to be more proactive and vigilant when it comes to maintenance and upkeep. They definitely should not be selling these things as "dexluxe" accomodations.

 

[dcibrando]

Chris.. honestly yes I did walk through the Beach Club section (not the Villa section) and it was a HUGE difference in neatness and upkeep when compared to the Villas where I was staying.

Jusdon, I know you're right about this. Many are defending DVC and their own home resort. Again, I was really hoping this would help me make my decision to buy into DVC, but when staying a Pop Century (although not as convenient and not as nice of a pool), I have to say was a TON nicer than the condition I witnessed this past week (when most of you WEREN'T there) at the Beach Club Villas.

This is major disappointing...and I WILL NOT spend $15,000 and annual maintenance fees on something that isn't kept up to Disney standards (in my opinion) like the other non-DVC resorts are. Could this have just been my experience alone? Of course, but it was enough to turn me off of DVC and makes me wonder if the "Best Kept Secret" is really what you paying members maintenance fees are really going to.

 

[Buckalew11]

Maybe you were seeing everything through a more critical eye because you were seriously thinking of buying into DVC in the future. And maybe that is why you talk about the high maintenance fees being shelled out by members and having the place look as worn as it did to you.

I still think the complaints sound pretty minor and I still think you should have said something while you were there because something could have been done about some of the problems. Granted they weren't going to lay new carpet for you or fix the elevator problem just because you spoke up, but I am sure sprying and towels would have been fixed for you.

I think sending the letter to make Disney aware of the problems is a fine idea. I think mentioning sickness is better left unsaid.

Love how JUDSON says that people "had $15K sunk" LOL. That is a nice selection of words there...

 

[dcibrando]

trust me... if you were to have seen all of the different photos of the problems (which I should have taken) many of you would be surprised as well at many of the problems I encountered.

Ya know... some of these things aren't that big of a deal sure, but when you pile them all on top of one another when you're paying a lot for the perfect honeymoon vacation resort... we found ourselves wishing we were at a value resort and that shouldn't be

 

[mickeyfan2]

DH and I had better things to do on our honeymoon than to count the missing shingle and check for stains on the hall carpets.

BTW I am not a DVC owner, so I have not sunk $15K into this thread.