Just returned BCV/ HAVE ISSUES!!!

[MiaSRN62]

The way DVC works is that except for a 4 month booking advantage, all members are equal. That means if I own at VWL but want to stay at BCV, I'm entitled to do that. And if I find the room temperature to be too warm to keep my sides of beef frozen, I'm perfectly within my rights to request a temperature setting I find more acceptable. I would hate to think you're suggesting that only people who pay dues at a certain resort are entitled to be comfortable, because that's just not the way DVC works.

Agreed 100% Jarestel.
The way the DVC system works, is just as you stated. Dues asid, a "Member" is a "Member". Problems or issues that occur at one DVC resort, can very easily pop up at another. I own at OKW, but when I've stayed at BWV or VWL in the past, I was not treated any differently than if I owned at that resort myself and I believe we are all entitled to certain basic things with our Membership. The issues Daitcher mentioned in his OP are what I'd consider basic expectations to any Member staying at that resort or any other DVC resort.

 

[dianeschlicht]

We had this very problem when staying at the Polynesian. I didn't know any better and suffered through it until I read a tip here on the Dis Boards. Not sure if it will work the same everywhere but it is certainly worth a try but I can tell you it worked at the Poly. Thanks to the Dis Member that Posted it!

On the thermostat, push the power button and the down arrow (that adjusts the temp) at the exact same time. If you do this correctly there will be the letters "bp" where the temp numbers usually are. You are now bypassing the sensors in the room. You can then set the temp to whatever you want and it keeps the room that cold whether you are in it, moving around or not. You may have to do this once a day as the thermostat tends to go back to sensor mode after 24 hours.

We like to sleep with it cold in the room so I really only needed this for the nights. It was great not to wake up in the middle of the night in a sweat.

Now THIS I am going to copy and take with ne in case I have the too warm at night problem!!!

 

[LakeAriel]

I know this is but Diane I LOVE your house! Is it a log home?

 

[dianeschlicht]

I know this is but Diane I LOVE your house! Is it a log home?

Yes. A few years ago I had a long running thread on the CB during it's construction.

 

[LakeAriel]

Yes. A few years ago I had a long running thread on the CB during it's construction.

Stunning!

 

[The_Admiral]

I stayed at BCV last month for the second time. Im not a DVC person, I just like the extra space of a 2br hotel room. From a lot of what I saw, I am glad I am not a DVC member.

That sensor thing did cause the room to get very warm at night (I didnt realize this was due to a motion sensor at the time) also the temp of the BR and the LR were often different, the BR was colder usually. It was irritating waking up sweating every night.

Besides that the landscape maintenence is poor compared to regular resorts, weeds and bare patches everywhere.

The place generally looked much older and worn down than it should have looked for being 4 yrs old. All carpeting in the entire place should be discarded. Other than that the inside of the villa was nice.

For all the folks who think 68 is too warm, think about the 200+ villas in the long FL summer, and the current price of energy to cool them to 64 or whatever, then think about your dues, 68 will sound a little better. Those dues are the biggest, but not only, reason I wont buy DVC.

 

[jarestel]

For all the folks who think 68 is too warm, think about the 200+ villas in the long FL summer, and the current price of energy to cool them to 64 or whatever, then think about your dues, 68 will sound a little better. Those dues are the biggest, but not only, reason I wont buy DVC.

If someone can't afford the dues to have the a/c set at a comfortable level in Florida, I suspect someone made a bad decision when they calculated whether they could afford DVC. I don't "sweat" the a/c costs at home in the summertime, so I'll be dagged if I'm going to go to Florida and become obsessed with energy costs.

DVC isn't for everyone, and it sounds like it's not for you. It's also not for people who want to pinch pennies. If A/C costs are too strenuous for an individual's budget, it's not logical to expect the other 90,000 or so members to subsidize that person's membership.

 

[MiaSRN62]

For all the folks who think 68 is too warm, think about the 200+ villas in the long FL summer, and the current price of energy to cool them to 64 or whatever, then think about your dues, 68 will sound a little better.

Agreed the current price of energy has gone up----but I didn't sign on the dotted line with DVC to "save" money. It was never stated in any contract papers that I'd have to be a part of some money-saving campaign with cooling/heating. DVC is a luxury to us that we invested in. I think we should be able to cool ourselves however we wish. Heck, I live in the northeast where our winters and cold temps are last long. I don't sacrifice my warmth despite the higher oil/gas prices to heat homes this year. We will turn our heat down when noone is home, but as soon as we come back, the thermostat goes up to our perception of "warm"---regardless of what this is for us. We adjust our thermostats in our DVC villas as well when we leave for the parks for the day. But at night, when I'm sleeping, I would like to be comfortable. My perception of comfortable---not anyone else's.
I refuse to freeze during the winters, just as I feel I shouldn't be forced to wake up in a sweat during the night while I'm on vacation in sunny/hot/humid FL. I vote for fiitting adequate AC capabilities into the maintenance budget.

 

[d-r]

Sorry you don't see the problem????? We were dripping sweat and unable to sleep at night. Some like it warm some like it cool. Problem is this, I bought in for about $35,00 cash and pay my annual dues every year. Call me crazy but I would like the option of having the room at a comfortable temperature for our family, whatever WE DECIDE that is, not DVC.

DAVE

Us beach club owners asked them to set it that way so we don't have to pay the A/C bill for folks from SSR -- they give us a secret over-ride code to use.

JUST KIDDING!!!!!!!

Actually, I was thinking how great your home heating bill must be to like it that cold - I wish that my family an I coud find it that comfortable to be below 68!!

 

[MiaSRN62]

Actually, I was thinking how great your home heating bill must be to like it that cold - I wish that my family an I coud find it that comfortable to be below 68!!

Not to answer for Daitcher....but I'm with him on the liking it 68 or below. The clincher is, only during the hot/humid/summer days. During the winter, under 68 isn't nearly as comfortable. I think it's a relative thing. A perception thing ? Maybe humidity plays a factor ? So, no, we don't save any money with our winter heating bills...........

 

[coasterbob]

.....just coat-tailing on this issue........we had the same problem at BCV last December. Being stuck on 68degrees just doesn't work for us. We like it cool at night, especially my wife. I notified the front desk, and was told it was fixed............but it wasn't. I believe we as DVCers have every right to control our individual comfort levels, and I hope that our collective VOICES will be heard. Bob

 

[RLevy29]

I guess that I really don't understand the whole thermostat thing. When someone is in the room moving around the air conditioner runs according to what you set it at? For example; if you are sitting around watching tv and you have it set for 68 it will run until it hits 68? What about when you are out of the room? It doesn't run at all? So you can come back and your room may be 80?If that is the case then I can understand why people are upset! I don't understand how this could be efficient because the unit has to work harder to cool it back down to 68.

 

[DVCPAT]

For all the folks who think 68 is too warm, think about the 200+ villas in the long FL summer, and the current price of energy to cool them to 64 or whatever, then think about your dues, 68 will sound a little better. Those dues are the biggest, but not only, reason I wont buy DVC.

Disney monitors energy consumption in every building, they won’t let consumption get out of hand.


The Walt Disney Company

Walt Disney World Resorts is made up of nearly 200 buildings. To effectively track and manage energy at these facilities, Disney developed an innovative intranet-based computer program called the Utility Reporting System (URS). This system publishes utility and submetering data on Disney's intranet system and tracks the results from energy savings efforts. By publishing performance data, the URS continuously "shines a light" on utility usage at each facility and allows similar facilities to be compared to each other. Since no facility wants to be at the bottom of the list, the system helps drive continuous improvement at the facility level.

Information and reports generated by the URS help Disney's energy managers identify areas that need improvement. When a facility is not performing as expected, Building Tune-up (BTU) Teams are formed from Engineering and Operations to review the building and energy management systems control devices, programming, and settings.
Disney estimates that its URS has facilitated a 5-20 percent reduction in utility usage and ensures that all building systems are operating at peak energy performance.

 

[DVCPAT]

I vote for fiitting adequate AC capabilities into the maintenance budget.

Disney has some of the most advanced HVAC systems. Walt Disney was a firm believer in conservation ….

In a public-service announcement recorded while he was the honorary chairman of National Wildlife Week, Walt Disney defined "conservation" and thereby set the tone for Walt Disney's Environmentality ethic:

"You've probably heard people talk about conservation. Well, conservation isn't just the business of a few people. It's a matter that concerns all of us. It's a science whose principles are written in the oldest code in the world, the laws of nature. The natural resources of our vast continent are not inexhaustible. But if we will use our riches wisely, if we will protect our wildlife and preserve our lakes and streams, these things will last us for generations to come."

 

[childsplay]

Not that I beleive 68 is the magic number, but I understand that there has to be some ability to control the enegy consumption. I'm ok with the use of motion sensors to monitor room activity, I mean i don't think we need people cranking it down to 62 in the morning, leaving for the parks all day, then coming back 16 hours later to a room that has been empty yet chilled the entire time. I do agree however that 68 is seems a bit high for the low.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Disney has some of the most advanced HVAC systems. Walt Disney was a firm believer in conservation ….

In a public-service announcement recorded while he was the honorary chairman of National Wildlife Week, Walt Disney defined "conservation" and thereby set the tone for Walt Disney's Environmentality ethic:

"You've probably heard people talk about conservation. Well, conservation isn't just the business of a few people. It's a matter that concerns all of us. It's a science whose principles are written in the oldest code in the world, the laws of nature. The natural resources of our vast continent are not inexhaustible. But if we will use our riches wisely, if we will protect our wildlife and preserve our lakes and streams, these things will last us for generations to come."

Thank you for posting this. Conservation and energy savings has been on my mind since this thread began.

Bobbi

 

[PatMcDuck]

It is so strange, we are BCV owners, and we stay there almost every August, in a 2BR, for 5-7 nights. We never noticed this problem! But I do not keep our A/C below 68, I think (can't afford it) so maybe we are used to it.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Walt Disney was a firm believer in conservation ….

Yes, but 68 is very uncomfortable for many. Particularily in 90 degree heat with 99% humidity. I'm not waking up in a sweat and with a headache for nothing. Obviously I'm affected by this, as is my dh.
I have a friend who has MS and need very cool temps---particularily in the summer--or she has major flare-ups of her disease. People with this disease, and perhaps other similar conditions deserve comfort.
I'm not asking to have a refrigerated room....but I would like the room to feel cool enough to sleep in at 3 am.
As for conservation....I believe wdw does what works best for them. This came up awhile back on a refillable mug thread. Disney has no problem in requiring people to buy multiple mugs that are only good for that LOS at the particular resort you're staying in. I can just see the landfills now with thousands of non reusable Disney mugs. Where's the conservation there ? Sorry....had to bring this up though it's a bit OT, but I was involved in a mug thread where conservation was discussed. No....I know it's not directly related to heating/cooling.....but the word conservation came up so I thought I'd chime in. Besides, I've been in wdw restaurants and gift shops etc that were freezing. Where's the conservation there ? We're big on recycling and doing our part to conserve, but one shouldn't have to be uncomfortable enough to cause trouble sleeping. Obviously you're comfy with the DVC room temps at night DVCPat, so it's a non-issue for you. That's very good for you, but not everyone is the same. I shouldn't have to wake up with a headache every morning.

 

[DVCPAT]

As for conservation....I believe wdw does what works best for them. This came up awhile back on a refillable mug thread. Disney has no problem in requiring people to buy multiple mugs that are only good for that LOS at the particular resort you're staying in. I can just see the landfills now with thousands of non reusable Disney mugs. Where's the conservation there ? Sorry....had to bring this up though it's a bit OT, but I was involved in a mug thread where conservation was discussed. No....I know it's not directly related to heating/cooling.....but the word conservation came up so I thought I'd chime in. Besides, I've been in wdw restaurants and gift shops etc that were freezing. Where's the conservation there ? We're big on recycling and doing our part to conserve, but one shouldn't have to be uncomfortable enough to cause trouble sleeping. Obviously you're comfy with the DVC room temps at night DVCPat, so it's a non-issue for you. That's very good for you, but not everyone is the same. I shouldn't have to wake up with a headache every morning.

Disney probably leads in conservation and recyclables, check the bottom of your mug, I bet it can be recycled. Disney knows its good business sense to have conservation programs, they are way ahead of the curve.

In mid 2006, many Electric Companies are going to sell electricity at market rates. The consumer will purchase it like home heating oil. You can lock in a price for a set period of time, or gamble with daily market prices. Disney will be known for being conservative, when conservation wasn’t cool.

You mentioned cold temperatures as a form of luxury, not a health issue. In the future, energy conservation will rule the day. Disney had the insight to see this back in the early 60s.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Disney probably leads in conservation and recyclables, check the bottom of your mug, I bet it can be recycled.

I have been checking since 1998 and it cannot. My area only recycles number 1 & 2 and the disney mugs are neither. I have also never seen recycle containers for disney mugs on the resort itself. They only recycle glass and aluminum---if that I believe. If you or anyone can point me in the right direction to a place I can even send all my mugs to be recycled I'll be grateful. From what I can tell, wdw doesn't do it, and neither does my area (near Philly).

You mentioned cold temperatures as a form of luxury, not a health issue.

But it can exist as a health issue so that cannot be dismissed. Besides the MS I mentioned, I believe asthma sufferers would have had problems with the temps we woke up to at 3 am. I have several friends with asthma---and their children as well. I know my friend with MS MUST have cool temps. Her doctor actually strongly suggested she get central air in her home and that is what she did. She was amazed at how much better she felt.

I brought my husband up to speed with this topic as well. He confirmed for me that the temp that our thermostat was sticking at during the middle of the night was 72 or 74. He can't recall exactly but it was one of the two but we got up several times in the middle of the night to lower it again. We couldn't believe it. I'm honestly telling you Pat....energy conservation aside.....that was too warm for a hot August night in FL. Maybe had you experienced it (stuffy room/headaches), you'd feel differently ? But I don't believe you have from how you're talking and this is fortunate for you.

So as far as luxury goes.....I believe Membership, for which we spent a good deal of money and had certain expectations (i.e. good night's sleep without a stuffy room etc), is a luxury and they probably should have told us all that they'd be shutting off our AC in the middle of the night before we signed on the dotted line. A good night sleep is crucial to anyone----good health or preexisting health conditions.

So if Disney is so concerned about regulating our temps and setting them so they default to 68---or in our case at OKW (Bldg 62)---72/74, maybe they can start with regulating the AC in those gift shops and restaurants first. I'm sorry Pat, while I am in agreement with the majority of Disney's conservation program and elsewhere throughout the country, the topic of defaulting a thermostat to 68 or 74 during the night hours when one needs good sleep is where I have problems. I'm all for conservation, believe me---we recycle newspapers, plastic, glass and aluminum here. But sleeping in a room where breathing/stuffiness is an issue I draw the line. I'm sure the Disney exec's don't do this.
So I respectfully disagree with you to a point........