I think some of us forget

[Pa@okw95]

I think some of us forget that the rooms at DVC run in price during regular season from $289 to $1555. For those kinds of prices the customer should never have to face some of the things that have been reported on this site, the exception being the construction complaints at SSR. I made a reservation for a room at an excellent hotel the other day for $265 plus tax, valet service is $25 per day,etc. Nine days after the reservation I was contacted by the concierge wanting to help me with any reservations I wanted, a day later the reservations desk contacted me telling me the exact location and type of deluxe room I had, etc. They asked me what time I would arrive so they could plan on having the room ready for me. Now I know that DVC is not a deluxe hotel but I point this out because the price is $24 less than the cheapest room we have at DVC and yet look at what has happened and I have 3 months to go before I arrive at this hotel. The kinds of things that are reported here about our DVC rooms should not be happening. I think that we forget that the prices of these rooms warrant the best in service, attitude, and condition of the rooms. While there is no concierge service at DVC we should expect everything to be the best. I know this subject has been beat to death lately on this board I hope what I said here makes people think a little.

 

[Like to Dis]

These are excellent points!!!!!!!!! Kinda makes you go HHUMMM....

 

[Dreamfinder2]

Points well taken, Pa. What's the solution, anyone?

I might just add that the last time we stayed on property was at the AKL concierge. The service we got was easily on par with what I've gotten at a Ritz-Carlton. Is the service a little less attentive at DVC properties because it's a home-away-from-home resort? Costs notwithstanding, should we adjust (not necessarily lessen) our expectations? Not trying to make any point here - just askin'. I've never had a bad lodging experience on Disney property, but there are levels of service, fer sure. We've stayed at value, moderates, and deluxe over the years, and there is a difference.

Headed to BWV tomorrow, and nothing this side of bubonic plague will lessen my enthusiasm!

 

[Laurabearz]

What hotel?

I wonder if all of us made ressies there and/or stayed there on a regular basis, if all the reports would be favorable. Is there such a website for that hotel, where people come on a daily basis to hawk its tributes and bash it's failures?

Heck I had some horrible experiences at a hotel (Grand Walia on Maui) and our suite rate there per night was BIg time money. The 10 days there could of paid for 300 points to use for the next 38 years at DVC. LOL But I would kill to stay there again!

Despite DVC's flaws... it is still IMO one of the best run 'hotels' around.

 

[rriley25]

Originally posted by Pa@okw95
I think some of us forget that the rooms at DVC run in price during regular season from $289 to $1555. For those kinds of prices the customer should never have to face some of the things that have been reported on this site, the exception being the construction complaints at SSR.

I totally agree! All owners need to hold Disney accountable for any problem with the service or accomodations, no matter how insignificant. Ignoring real problems is the worst thing we could do. It could imply that we don't care about poorly trained CM's or unclean rooms. It is incumbent on all owners to report these problems. This doesn't mean I'll let a burnt-out bulb ruin my vacation though. Report the problem to management and move on.

 

[Chuck S]

While DVC rooms MAY RENT for $289 per day and up through CRO, remember that NONE of us members are actually paying that much. If we were, tell me advantage of being a member? And ANY increase in staffing and upkeep cost that we "demand" will be reflected in our dues. Not to say that they should let maintenance slide and the buildings/landscaping should not be kept up, but we aren't PAYING for concierge level services, and there is a big difference between reasonable expectations for a timeshare (Disney or any other company) and the Ritz.

If we owners wanted concierge level service, we should be paying cash or using our points at a Disney resort that offers it.

My expectations are that DVC resorts are home away from home resorts. I don't see too many families preparing their own meals, doing their own laundry or making their own beds at concierge level resorts. DVC resorts should be fiscally responsible and provide basic services, maintain the properties well, keep them clean and in good repair throughout the life of our ownership.

 

[UConnJack]

I haven't had any problems with the condition of my DVC rooms (knock on wood). They have always been clean and in pretty good shape. My compliant considering the supposed quaility of the accomadations are the beds. It seems to me that Disney uses cheap bedding materials and matresses, they are not very comfortable. They remind me of a Days Inn sometimes. I think expecting something more than a generic matress and low thread count sheets is reasonable considering the touted quality of these rooms.

 

[Like to Dis]

I think perhaps the point is being missed. I for one bought into DVC because Disney has the reputation for having "Superior Service" whether it be a premium resort or a DVC resort. If we want Disney to continue to maintain the reputation they have earned and therefore maintain their position as the most sought after timeshare we should expect and demand this level of service.
I am not looking for Concierge services but I am "expecting" Well maintained resorts with a well trained and knowledgeable staff. In some of my resent visits this has been lacking (not only at DVC) but at the other resorts as well and they need to refocus some of their people.
I am not knocking DVC or saying that I am dissatisfied but, the cost of the investment (or stay) does lend itself to these expectations.
I love going to Disney and will continue too.
These are just some of my observations.

 

[Bracho]

When I stay at Disney, I expect a clean room, well kept landscape, beautiful and well maintained buildings, and polite cast members. Being a DVC member or not shouldn't even enter into it, after all not one resort is exclusive to DVC, they all have cash paying NON-members staying there.

We as owners should expect the same Disney quality and service as any other guest. Anything below that is not acceptable. I purchased DVC to bring vacation costs under control, not to have the service I receive cut back.

 

[Johnnie Fedora]

It is extremely difficult to compare the price of just about everything at WDW to similiar services elsewhere, because everything onsite has about a 100% mark-up. The best DVC dollar comparision may be cash rates at DVC offsites. HH and Vero rooms are much less expensive compared to the on-sites, and the cash rates there probably more closely represent a DVC resort's value in "real world dollars".

Either way you view the dollar value of a DVC resort room, members should expect top-notch accomodations. As members, we should also be treating the accomodations in that manner.

 

[JimC]

I believe there are several sometimes conflicting concepts that come into play here:

1. We (DVC) are a captive audience who loves Disney vacations. Disney knows it and will act in its own best economic interests.

2. The Disney Brand: Disney created the theme park business and did so at a very high end for quality and service to families of all ages. It is carried out with a unique corporate culture and style. Protection of that position in the market place is a central value of the organization.

3. Members' and Disney's interests in controlling maintenance and operating costs of the DVC program. No one wants dues to increase any more than is necessary.

4. Members' expectations are probably higher than the average guest. We are more knowledgable about the company, travel to WDW more frequently, exchange our views (The DIS!) and spend more dollars on property (per capita).

5. Attention to detail. Disney is known for its fanatical attention to even the smallest of details--from the rich theming we all love to maintaining the physical plant so that each guest, each day can experience the property in pristine condition.

I believe we see each of these come into play in our interactions with the company, with different ones taking a stronger position from time to time. #1 and #3 are stronger when we see and hear of physical plant or service that is not up to standards. #2 and #5 are stronger when we enjoy the true Disney magic.

#4 comes through very clear on the DIS. I agree that we should hold DVC and Disney accountable for providing on #2 and #5 it is what they sell and have sold. Whether we pay with cash or points, member or non-member is not the point. To protect number #2 there must be consistency in the upkeep of the property and in the service the CMs provide.

I believe they do deliver on their promise, not perfectly and maybe not as well now as when the operation was much smaller. But overall they do this remarkably well.

 

[linco711]

Let's not forget Disney is a big business and constantly monitors it's bottom line profits. After all Michael wants to be sure he can keep draining it for all its worth. Disney is not the nice company it use to be. They're very hard on their employees and because of this they lose many good ones and have to be continually replacing with the new, young and untrained. Lets not get buried in the pixie dust. We need to watch out for our interests too. After all....we pay those big salaries.....

 

[Dean]

Disney created the theme park business

Places like Coney island might be to differ, LOL. But I know what you mean.

 

[mickeymouse710]

Despite DVC's flaws... it is still IMO one of the best run 'hotels' around.

ITA! WDW resorts including DVC resorts are and have always been the most well kept and nicest overall resorts that we have experienced. We are constantly comparing other resorts to Disney resorts and have only found a few that can even hold a candle to a Disney resort.

 

[nuts]

Wow! What is the name of that hotel! BTW, $260/night hotel is not really considered a deluxe hotel in the business world. I do a very significant amount of international business travel and NEVER get that kind of service even for $500/night plus hotels.

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

Hang on to that place for 265.00 per night. That is amazing service for that price. We paid much more per night this past Easter break in the USVI and the service wasn't anywhere near that.

Disney is different though. I can't and don't compare it in dollar terms.

HBC

 

[KNWVIKING]

One of the reasons I bought into DVC is because I'm a penny pincher. All those great ammenities deluxe hotels offer aren't free. The people making the phone calls prior to your visit - they're getting paid, one way or the other, by YOU to make those calls.

I expect to pay fair dues to maintain my DVC resorts. I also expect parents to prevent their children from destroying my home-away-from-home. I expect people to be responsible for my property. I expect people to complain to the proper people when things aren't right. It's common knowledge that Disney monitors this board, but that doesn't mean we should wait till we get home to post a complaint here.

 

[Disney Doll]

When I stay at a DVC property, I don't expect the services of a concierge-level hotel. I expect the services of a home-away-from-home resort.

I expect my room to be clean and fairly well-maintained. I expect the staff to be friendly and knowledgeable. I expect good service.

Truthfully, DVC has always met my expectations. When I have had minor problems, they have been handled properly and efficiently. I do tend to handle any problem while I am there, and not wait til I get home though.

Perhaps I go around with the rose-colored glasses on, but I haven't really had any terrible experiences at DVC, and we've been members since 1997. I have generally encountered great CMs, nice accomodations, and friendly service.

 

[Cris]

may I ask where you are staying for 265.00 with those services?

 

[Pa@okw95]

A couple of you asked what hotel because of the price for $265 with tax it comes to $310 and there is a extra charge for valet service or parking per day. I am not comfortable telling which hotel until I get back. I am also staying at a deluxe hotel for $249 per night in another state. The hotel I first mentioned has prices all over the place, mulitiple rooms with a range of prices. My room is a deluxe with a view. It is in a very famous hotel that any traveler would recognize. Both deluxe hotels are famous but they are not in New York. I travel when with the motto zig while others are zagging. In both cases I am zigging and it is also during the week. By the time I pay for valet parking, taxes, tips, the bill will be much higher. The point here is that I am getting top rated service and I am sure the rooms will match the service for what it costs to stay in a studio at DVC. While DVC is not a concierge deluxe hotel, the costs per night should warrant service and rooms that come with no problems.