Just back and my feelings on Saratoga Springs

[Jillpie]

Think of it this way. You decided to stay at BWV for F&W, but they put you in the farthest wing MGM side because it was packed. You'd be a bit miffed about that too. Does this mean BWV is a terrible resort and one you can never enjoy? Or did you simply draw the short straw and perhaps next time you'll get a better one.

You bring up a good point. But that brings in the theming of each resort for me. If I had stayed at BW for the first time and was put out in the boonies, I probably would have loved it anyway. The sheer beauty of the whole Boardwalk and Beach Club area blows me away, each and every time. SSR just didn't do that for me. Yes, it was very pretty, but there is so much more to the Boardwalk. Now, if we were to have been put close to the gift shop at SSR, I do wonder if I would've felt differently...somehow I don't think so. I also didn't mention the night before I checked out. I was leaving pretty early in the morning, so I called bell services to make sure I got on the list to be picked up with the luggage. She says (and this is midnight) that they are completely filled up with orders and we won't be able to be picked up. I said, are you kidding me, I have to drag my luggage from Carousel??? She said, I'm sorry, I don't know what else to do. So I had them pick up my luggage at midnight and I took the bus to the Carriage House the next morning. NOT good customer service at all. Thats another story.

 

[drakethib]

That would be incorrect, I've done it a number of times and see DVC units almost every day of my life as I have done the search at least once almost every day for years. I could probably have stayed in a DVC unit almost every single day for the past 2-3 years if I had enough weeks to trade. Many would like you to believe that DVC is so difficult to trade in to that one shouldn't even try. That's simply not true but one does need to be realistic as to unit size and time of year.

Thanks Dean.

Again I could really care a less if II can trade in or out as it makes no difference to me.

DVC is a timeshare just like all others IMHO, but for me I liked the structure and regardless of the bashing of DVC I am happy with the money I spent for it. With that being said, I am sure one can get a unit for any timeshare for just about any day the same way you described.

I was just under the impression that it could not happen.

Learn something every day.

 

[BroganMc]

I also didn't mention the night before I checked out. I was leaving pretty early in the morning, so I called bell services to make sure I got on the list to be picked up with the luggage. She says (and this is midnight) that they are completely filled up with orders and we won't be able to be picked up. I said, are you kidding me, I have to drag my luggage from Carousel??? She said, I'm sorry, I don't know what else to do. So I had them pick up my luggage at midnight and I took the bus to the Carriage House the next morning. NOT good customer service at all. Thats another story.

Jillpie, I don't know whether to laugh or cry. Man, they really did aim to disappoint you didn't they? In that case, I'd say you had every right to come home and lambast the place here. The fact you were mostly fair in your OP is a credit to your temperament.

All I can say is that this was not the situation I encountered in December, also a very busy time for the resort. I did have to wait about 10-15 minutes to get a Bell staffer to retrieve my dad's scooter from storage. At the time, the staff was jammed with airline check-in folks. And I did find my table at AP hijaacked by a hungry family when I left for a minute to grab a few napkins and forks while my dad bought breakfast. (They not only took my table but did away with my things, including my cane/dressing stick/general reacher & 3rd arm.) That didn't win friends with me. And I was mystified about the Trash & Towel basket left outside my door one morning with the very unproductive conversation with a barely-English speaking maid.

But when I went back to all those places later (Bell hop, AP dining hall, and room end of T&T day), I found everything working as I expected it should. (i.e. friendly, available bell staff; free tables and no hijaackers; and fresh towels & soaps in my bathroom at night). That's why I say sometimes first impressions are not always the most accurate.

You bring up a good point. But that brings in the theming of each resort for me. If I had stayed at BW for the first time and was put out in the boonies, I probably would have loved it anyway. The sheer beauty of the whole Boardwalk and Beach Club area blows me away, each and every time. SSR just didn't do that for me. Yes, it was very pretty, but there is so much more to the Boardwalk. Now, if we were to have been put close to the gift shop at SSR, I do wonder if I would've felt differently...somehow I don't think so.

Now that just gets into a personal preference difference. No harm, no foul there.

There's a lot to like about the Boardwalk area. I make a trip there every time I visit, usually enjoying a meal, strolling around and heading into World Showcase. In fact my preferred World Showcase day begins in the Boardwalk area. I like to skip Future World, save the walking and just immerse myself in the culture of the countries. I'll vary my plan a bit by starting at Cape May for a character meal. I've even made it a habit to go play golf at Fantasia.

But at the same time, I find the area incredibly busy in a not-so pleasant way. SAB has always been packed to the gils when I've been, and it's not an accessible pool so pretty worthless to me. (All those bridges with steps mean I always have to go the long way around just to tour it, and there's no way I can get into the pool to swim.) That has soured my interest in BCV. (The small size of the resort and tiny amount of accessible rooms make it a foregone conclusion I can't be staying there unless I own a contract.) BWV has more of my interest because it seems more spread out and less busy. I wouldn't mind being in a long hallway, I think, and have a canal view of Swan/Dolphin. And I find the walk to the World Showcase scenic and pleasant enough for me not to want to use the ferries. But I'd still expect more of a high-strung vacation there.

Since I do so much high-strung on my park days, I gravitate towards SSR as home. Why? SSR is the kind of resort that makes it fun to just enjoy the resort. From looking at walking pictures in other threads, and remembering my byways, I find myself just itching to plug my headphones in and stroll around come May. I'll find people in some congested areas or be able to seclude myself in a private nature retreat and watch the wildlife (bunnies, ducks, swans, salamanders, etc.). It makes the resort much more like a health spa than urban center. I guess you could say that's the sort of theming it has and that's what appeals to me. (Besides the other piddly things like the location of my car, ability to make short notice trips, and proximity to one of my favorite shopping/dining districts.)

Bottomline: different strokes for different fish.

 

[alldiz]

That would be incorrect, I've done it a number of times and see DVC units almost every day of my life as I have done the search at least once almost every day for years. I could probably have stayed in a DVC unit almost every single day for the past 2-3 years if I had enough weeks to trade. Many would like you to believe that DVC is so difficult to trade in to that one shouldn't even try. That's simply not true but one does need to be realistic as to unit size and time of year.

Dean,
Is there a website that we can look at....that shows
where dvc can trade too.....and show actual availability....
Or do we have to call ms....

Wonderin where you are looking that shows all the dvc
availability...
thanks
Kerri

 

[twinmomplus2new]

The website Dean is looking at is the the Interval exchange website. In order to search yourself VS DVC searching for you, you need to pay $89 and become a member of Interval, then you simply plug in dates and or resort codes and search availability.

 

[mwmuntz]

Undoubtedly that is the situation at the moment. But AKV cannot sell itself by existing membership alone. It'll have to have a majority of new membership if it ever hopes to be completed.

The situation existing now is that new buyers have two choices: SSR and AKV. SSR is a bit cheaper, mostly completed and within walking distance of outside resort entertainment. New members are overwhelmingly going for SSR leaving AKV for the existing members and enthusiasts. But when SSR sells out later this year, that leaves only AKV as the route into the system (outside resales and wait lists for big points).

That's when we'll see the influx of neophyte questions, but I suspect with an entire host of new quarrelsome problems. Such as: room occupancy for that 5th person, wanting to stay within walking distance of something, and mass confusion about point requirements.

Trust me, from what I have seen here, there will be plenty of AKV bashing from folks who need to constantly remind themselves that they did not make a mistake when they bought their resort. Seems to me that some people need constant justification on their choice. It might not happen until the new building opens, but it WILL happen...

 

[RobDoc]

Is there a website that we can look at....that shows
where dvc can trade too.....and show actual availability....
Or do we have to call ms....

Here is the II listing available to DVC members:

http://disney.intervalworld.com/web/cs?a=5

Unless you own another timeshare that trades using II, you won't be able to purchase an II membership as an individual. For DVC members, DVC holds a corporate membership and all II arrangements must be made thru MS. We have no individual status with II at all and the full list of II resorts is not available to DVC members.

 

[Beca]

I've traded to all you quote and have seen 2 BR units at all of them as well. SSR and OKW are by far the most available though and many of those at the destination DVC resorts are studios far more so than at SSR or OKW. VB and HH are actually the most available overall. I've seen spring break and 4th of July, even Xmas on occasion.

Far too late IMO. DVC does not appear to have nearly the trading power that one is led to believe by DVC or even by II at times, the question is whether it ever did. It's likely due to more availability combined with the fact it's just Orlando but only II knows for sure. I see the trade power of a given DVC resort go up and down simply related to the number of units currently showing in II.

Thanks, Dean. I don't know if this means I should worry less....or more.

 

[Olaf]

Seems to me that some people need constant justification on their choice.

Ain't that the truth. Honestly people, quit taking it so personally when someone doesn't like your home resort. You just end up looking foolish.

 

[twinmomplus2new]

Thats interesting.. I was not aware you could not deposit a week through Interval directly. Clearly I have never traded a DVC week,. I do own another timeshare and that is my trader on II I do See DVC rarely and even traded into it 3 years ago for an extra OKW week. Why are you not privy to the entire inventory on Interval with DVC????

 

[Lady V]

- and will never have to second-guess ourselves while enjoying our home over in the more popular Epcot neighborhood!!

ohhh...does someone want a cookie?? By the way-more popular to whom? Guess what? While you enjoy your home I get to enjoy all the homes because I am willling to try them all! so far-OKW, BW, SS (2 times), and this summer BCV. Maybe I will see you around!

 

[beachblanket]

Why are you not privy to the entire inventory on Interval with DVC????

The published word implies that DVC has "pre-screened" the Interval universe of properties, limiting the ones available for trades through DVC MS to those that are (quoting directly from Interval website that DVC links to) "Disney selected."

While that implies DVC "cherry picked" ones that meet certain quality criteria, review of the properties on the list shows to say the least a wide range of classes. At one end are some of the top resorts in the Caribbean and Hawaii. At the other end are scores of small, older stand-alone hotel-ish properties that don't even approach DVC quality.

So my gut is DVC and Interval negotiated the list, and Disney ended up having to take apples from all levels of the barrel.

Perhaps Dean knows the actual history.

 

[elijahpep]

...but so many times I have passed people in WL's lobby asking the person selling there "If I buy at SSR, can I still stay here." I'm sure the answer is the standard response....

Many times you have heard the question but never the answer?...

If the standard answer is "at seven months you can stay here", then that is a correct answer. Nothing deceiving about it. The buyer should realistically do more research before shelling out so much money. Then the buyer would find out there is no guarantee at the seven month window, only an opportunity.

~Eli

 

[beachblanket]

If the standard answer is "at seven months you can stay here", then that is a correct answer.

Isn't the standard answer "at seven months you can stay here, based on availabilty?"

If it didn't include those last three words, that would be a significant ommission; the word "can" without any qualification runs the risk of implying a guarantee. I doubt Disney's lawyers missed that.

 

[elijahpep]

Isn't the standard answer "at seven months you may can stay here, based on availabilty?" If it omits those last three words, then it implies a guarantee and is consequently misleading.

I don't think it is misleading and here is why. People should understand before buying in that they can only stay based on availability no matter if it's at seven months at a non-home resort or at 11 months at their home resort. if a person buying into DVC doesn't understand the concept of availability, should they truly be spending so much money to buy in?

~Eli

 

[beachblanket]

I don't think it is misleading and here is why. People should understand before buying in that they can only stay based on availability no matter if it's at seven months at a non-home resort or at 11 months at their home resort. if a person buying into DVC doesn't understand the concept of availability, should they truly be spending so much money to buy in?

~Eli

Philosophically, I completely agree with you, in terms of the "caveat emptor" element (yes, buyers should perform due diligence and understand exactly what they are getting into when making any big ticket purchase).

However, government regulation is a factor here. Time shares sales are covered under general realty law, which includes sales practice compliance review.

The relevant laws are very focused on "protecting" buyers against "abuses," and are consequently full of specific mandates on how things can (and can't) be promoted and explained. I'm sure the sale materials DVC uses have to go through related legal complaince review, and I bet a lot of that focuses on literal, word by word assessment of language - to insure it meets legal requirements to not "misrepresent" the product in any way. That's what led me to assume some attorney would have highlighted the need to communicate that availability of space at 7 months is not guaranteed.

I would presume the training CM sales associates get falls under similar rules.

 

[elijahpep]

Philosophically, I completely agree with you, in terms of the "caveat emptor" element (yes, buyers should perform due diligence and understand exactly what they are getting into when making any big ticket purchase).

However, government regulation is a factor here. Time shares sales are covered under general realty law, which includes sales practice compliance review.

The relevant laws are very focused on "protecting" buyers against "abuses," and are consequently full of specific mandates on how things can (and can't) be promoted and explained. I'm sure the sale materials DVC uses have to go through related legal complaince review, and I bet a lot of that focuses on literal, word by word assessment of language - to insure it meets legal requirements to not "misrepresent" the product in any way. That's what led me to assume some attorney would have highlighted the need to communicate that availability of space at 7 months is not guaranteed.

I would presume the training CM sales associates get falls under similar rules.

What I was trying to convey is there is no guarantee at 11 months with DVC so why would anyone presume availability at seven months. With DVC there is no guaranteed week that an owner has so when buying in a person should realize this fact.

I understand what you are saying about the language but if a potential owner understands how DVC works, they would understand that staying somewhere at the seven month mark is only if availability exists as it is at the 11 month mark.

 

[Jillpie]

Jillpie, I don't know whether to laugh or cry. Man, they really did aim to disappoint you didn't they? In that case, I'd say you had every right to come home and lambast the place here. The fact you were mostly fair in your OP is a credit to your temperament.





.

Thanks for that last comment, I do love all things Disney and this resort has been my only disappointment in all these years. And to tell you the truth, we loved the room itself and the fact we could just walk out to the bus stop from there. And there were other positives, like this is where I got to spend a whole week with my oldest son for the first time, so for that reason, this resort will be special.

I also want to thank you for sharing your viewpoint, I do appreciate you taking that time in this last post . It was hard enough to be that far away, I cannot imagine having a disability too, I do hope they keep the handicapped rooms close by for your convenience.

 

[mwmuntz]

Ain't that the truth. Honestly people, quit taking it so personally when someone doesn't like your home resort. You just end up looking foolish.

I'm thinking that it goes both ways too. I think that there are a good number of folks here that are slamming other resorts so to make them feel better about themselves. I don't think that most of them are doing it to be hurtful, but when a new resort comes along, instead of feeling excited that they have another possible vacation choice, they need to find something wrong with it to affirm that their resort is still "better". I think it's human nature, it's not necessarily done in a mean spirited way and it can even be a sub-conscious thing, but before you put down another resort, please consider the following:

1) You cause unnecessary FUD (Fear, Uncertainty & Doubt) to other owners. Just like you, other people have made a big investment, emotionally & financially into DVC. Actually, for new owners, it's probably a bigger financial investment than you, but that may be just another bragging point. And just like you, they may need affirmation that they made a wise choice - Perhaps not in their particular resort, but in DVC as a whole. I came to this board looking for information, not affirmation, but I can tell you that it's not pleasant to spend $18K+, and then come here & read the kind of junk that's goes on between fellow owners. I'm starting to wonder what kind of people DVC attracts. Are these the kind of people that I want to be around when I am on vacation? I keep reminding myself that there are over 100,000 members, and that only a small portion post here, and of that, it's only a vocal minority that is bothering me.

2) As others have said, you are only hurting yourself. Bashing another resort will only cause folks to book elsewhere, most likely your own, and possibly making it harder to get in your own resort.

3) I'm sure a lot of folks who are interested in buying or trading in to DVC research this board prior to making a decision. Just Google "Disney Vacation Club" & this board is on the first page. Now I'm not sure how much traffic this board gets, or if it will have any real-world effect on sales/trades, but this negative attitude certainly cannot help DVC's resale or trade-in value.

I'm not saying that we all need to put on our rose-colored Mickey glasses & pretend that everything about DVC is just honky-dory. There is nothing wrong with CONSTRUCTIVE criticism. But a lot of what I am seeing in this thread has crossed the line of being constructive, and has been outright rude. I mean name calling? Taking pleasure in another's mis-fortunes? Come on!

Please understand that I am not trying to single anyone out, especially not the OP (JillPie). I felt her criticism of SSR to be helpful and constructive, and I feel bad for her that it did not meet her expectations. I also feel that she was treated unfairly here. I appreciate her honesty & it looks like she really tried to enjoy her stay, but the negatives outweighed the positives for her. It's the folks who are constantly bragging about one resort & bashing another that bothers me. And yes, this even includes my fellow SSR owners who put down the other resorts too.

 

[Jillpie]

Please understand that I am not trying to single anyone out, especially not the OP (JillPie). I felt her criticism of SSR to be helpful and constructive, and I feel bad for her that it did not meet her expectations. I also feel that she was treated unfairly here. I appreciate her honesty & it looks like she really tried to enjoy her stay, but the negatives outweighed the positives for her. .

Thanks a million for these comments, I do really appreciate it. As far as being treated unfairly, I have been on this board for 5 years now. Nothing really bothers me much, I tend to take it with a grain of salt and absorb the truly helpful information in and use it for our trips. I have learned to brush off the posts that are abrasive, or I'll address them and move on. Anyway, I do love a good discussion. I don't look at alot of these posts as bashing, but just a good give and take. Thanks again for your kind words.