Just back from BCV...

[smvdelv]

and a wonderful week! But I do have to say that our unit was not quite up to par. The washing machine made a horrible noise when it was spinning out. It took 2 requests and 2 days for engineering to address and fix the problem. The dishwasher door would not open all the way so the rack would go rolling back in every time you pulled it out. In order to close and lock the door on the dishwasher, you had to lift up one side and "jimmy" it into place. Two burners on the stove were slanted, despite our attempts to snap them into place. And finally, one morning, my mom pulled out a frying pan to have breakfast and it was disgraceful. The teflon on the inside bottom was completely scratched, and the outside of the pan was disgusting. We did call housekeeping and got a brand new pan within minutes.

All in all, it was a fabulous trip - don't get me wrong. It just seemed that this unit had taken quite a bit of abuse that had gone unnoticed.

Other posters had mentioned that the parks (especially the restrooms) didn't seem as well maintained and I agree. When have you ever seen litter at WDW? I saw lots. And the bathrooms were not as immaculate as they have always been.
I hope the "powers-that-be" see this, too, and do something about it. Maybe if we write letters? Does anyone where a good place to start would be?

 

[jarestel]

For your DVC issues, send an email to Member Services, attn: Member Satisfaction Manager. He will forward your comments to the appropriate department heads. I'm not sure who to contact regarding the parks, maybe someone else will post with that info.

 

[Pa@okw95]

WDW has been on a slide down for years. As for BCV the members should compain, maybe something will happen. Sometimes things go real bad before a sale, I think WDW could be sold in the future. They will be sucking all the money they can out of the place before the sale, usually after a sale things will improve for awhile.

 

[lenshanem]

Please go to WDW website and click the contact us link. From there you can send an email regarding the bathrooms in the parks. I have sent two in the past year regarding this issue. The more they get, maybe the more they'll start to pay attention that we DO see the cutbacks in these areas. Most likely, someone will call you within a month or so afterward. Good luck!

 

[AreWeThereYet]

any other problems or concerns about the BCV? I wll be there at the end of May and am looking forward to having a nicely-maintained unit to stay in.

How was the rest of the kitchen stocked? Any other missing, dirty or broken items?

 

[BWVDee]

Originally posted by Pa@okw95
WDW has been on a slide down for years. As for BCV the members should compain, maybe something will happen. Sometimes things go real bad before a sale, I think WDW could be sold in the future. They will be sucking all the money they can out of the place before the sale, usually after a sale things will improve for awhile.

I agree that WDW, like all vacation destinations, has had cut backs due to the declining tourism business since 9/11, however I still find WDW to be far above everyone else out there.
What puzzles me, is that your posts frequently refer to your dissatisfaction with Disney; why then do you continue to be a DVC member and patronize a company that you obviously find gives you sub standard service? I know you have posted that you rarely go to the parks but instead enjoy relaxing at OKW. Not trying to be a smart alec, but why not sell your DVC membership and buy another timeshare in the area? There are many very beautiful timeshares in the immediate WDW area that will give you accommondations just as spacious, and some even more spacious, as OKW, in a resort just as relaxing and scenic-- for a lot less money! DVC timeshares are the most expensive in the area because of the fact they are ON WDW property. Why pay for something you do not use and also why patronize a company that does not provide you with acceptable service????
Again I am not trying to give you a hard time, it is just something I always think when I ready your very strong feelings regarding WDW.

 

[smvdelv]

AreWeThereYet,

The rest of the unit was fine. I was just a bit surprised at the condition of the appliances for a resort that is only 2 years old. When we first heard the noise of the washing machine, we knew something was wrong. My DH is very mechanical and said it sounded like a bearing. I called Engineering and they said they would send someone up. Well, 24 hours later, we tried to do another wash and it was making the same awful noise, so I went to the front desk and the CM there called Engineering again. The next day the machine worked fine.

As for the frying pan, I thought that Mousekeeping was supposed to take inventory to be sure the units had everything they were supposed to. There is no way anyone could have looked at this pan and not thrown it away. It was HORRIBLE! The bottom was completely gouged to the point where the teflon would flake off when you touched it! But, like I said, one call to Housekeeping and we had a brand new one.

Sometimes I wonder if I get too picky and start "looking" for things to be wrong since we go to WDW so often and are SO used to EVERYTHING being first quality...

 

[Synonymous]

You're wasting your breath complaining about the condition of the parks. Disney has made a business decision that they can save money on maintenance by letting things go a bit. The only thing that might change the situation is getting rid of Eisner and his ilk and putting the company back in the hands of people who care about Disney quality.

 

[jaysue]

Originally posted by Synonymous
You're wasting your breath complaining about the condition of the parks. Disney has made a business decision that they can save money on maintenance by letting things go a bit. The only thing that might change the situation is getting rid of Eisner and his ilk and putting the company back in the hands of people who care about Disney quality.

Agreed....you would think 45% opposed vote would have been enough for the board to get with the program

thanks
jaysue

 

[OneMoreTry]

1. Some of the issues in the condo were the fault of previous guests. Specifically the washing machine/dryer -- because I don't think housekeeping routinely checks those after every guest. The guests probably BROKE it and were afraid to notify someone, or they just didn't take the time when they noticed it.

I'm sure that someone's kid broke the dishwasher door. It seems like housekeeping should have reported that and the frying pan and the burners.

As has been pointed out by others on this forum, some people are not as picky as others. Remember, if something is wrong with your condo, reporting it not only helps YOU but also future guests.



2. The decline in park maintenance and cleanliness is like Eisner spitting on Walt's memory (and his formula for success).

 

[senecabeach]

Thanks for the report!

I'll be going for my 1st trip home next week.

Its very sad to think that its (some) DVC Owners that could care less about taking care of other peoples things! Think they feel entitled?? i

Makes you wonder how they live in their own homes??

Then...complain that the maintenance fees are rising!!!!

 

[Disney Enthusiast]

Thanks for taking the time to post your trip report. I'm glad you had a nice vacation.

 

[DemoBri1]

Originally posted by smvdelv
AreWeThereYet,

As for the frying pan, I thought that Mousekeeping was supposed to take inventory to be sure the units had everything they were supposed to. There is no way anyone could have looked at this pan and not thrown it away. It was HORRIBLE! The bottom was completely gouged to the point where the teflon would flake off when you touched it! But, like I said, one call to Housekeeping and we had a brand new one.

Sometimes I wonder if I get too picky and start "looking" for things to be wrong since we go to WDW so often and are SO used to EVERYTHING being first quality...

It can be a natural reaction, and if we all really look for something we'll find it. On the other hand, sometimes it is the responsibility of the people to help with the condition of the rooms. Some think that because it's not their main home that they can "rough" it up a bit. The condition of that pan doesn't sound like normal wear and tear. It sounds like someone let their kids at it and they had a good time gouging it up. It's these people who ruin the experience for everyone else.

Glad your trip was a good one outside of these inconveniences.

Brian

 

[leanne2255]

Originally posted by Pa@okw95
WDW has been on a slide down for years. As for BCV the members should compain, maybe something will happen. Sometimes things go real bad before a sale, I think WDW could be sold in the future. They will be sucking all the money they can out of the place before the sale, usually after a sale things will improve for awhile.

I would have to respectfully disagree with this statement. I don't believe WDW will ever be sold. It would seem to me that the parks business is a cash cow. Look at all the money all of us are willing to spend during any given year. Would we still be willing to spend that kind of cash if WDW was owned by a "non-Disney" entity. I don't think so. It would be like buying a timeshare at Six Flags.

Now, I do agree with the Eisner situation. I believe that things would improve under new management.

 

[Disney1fan2002]

Some of the issues in the condo were the fault of previous guests. Specifically the washing machine/dryer -- because I don't think housekeeping routinely checks those after every guest. The guests probably BROKE it and were afraid to notify someone, or they just didn't take the time when they noticed it.

I have to agree about people maybe being afraid to report things. In the GV, there was a large black stain on the MB carpet, and the picture in one of the bathrooms had a huge crack in the glass. I called housekeeping because I did not want to get blamed for it. We left for the parks and came back and the stain was cleaned as best that could be (almost gone) and the glass was replaced in the frame.

Most timeshares encourage you to call if you find anything broken or missing from the unit, because they charge the guest. If Disney did this, I am sure alot of people would inspect the unit upon check-in, report any damage, and Disney would have it fixed. This in itself would help in preventing the units from becoming "rundown". Disney is not going to bite if you accidentally broke a picture frame.

 

[senecabeach]

Next week I am taking my 1st trip home to the BC.

I have 2 other RCI timeshares ( 4 weeks) and do get a check list upon arrival to verify/check silverware, glasses, pots, pans and the condition of the unit. I do report any inconsistency.

Do they do this @ the DVC???

It seems a no brainer to me that much care and consideration should be taken... not only for the family to come after me...but...especially to keep the maintenance fees down??

Realize that I haven't even been to the DVC yet...and already my mtc. fee has gone up !!

My 4 weeks of RCI mtc. fees are about double the DVC Hmmmmmm ......

 

[TwingleMum]

Thank you for the post. Also thank you for taking care of the problems.

 

[OneMoreTry]

Originally posted by leanne2255
I....the parks business is a cash cow. Look at all the money all of us are willing to spend during any given year.....

I can hear that cow start to MOO the minute I pass under the Walt Disney World sign. Like a giant sucking sound coming from my wallet.