Just returned BWV What happened????

[Sammie]

well, how come nobody has asked what number room this was? This way, those that are staying soon can avoid that rom if possible. I'll be there in january, I hope my room is not like this or I'll be asking to be moved to the Beach Club. Is it any better?

Are you staying on points, if so you can totally forget about getting moved to another resort.

Staying on cash you might if they have opens at the Beach Club, but more than likely they will move you to another room at the BW.

 

[mikesmom]

When everyone complains that the balcony is dirty is it just dusty or caked on dirt kind of dirty?

Try not to stress. I think "everyone" tends not to post when their visit went well. We just returned a week ago from BWV and everything was just fine: room very clean, housekeeping responsive, all parts and pieces present when we checked in. As for the balcony, sometimes they will be dirty - after all, it IS outside. Not even Disney magic can prevent dust, dirt, etc from being blown or rained in.

 

[crisi]

Try not to stress. I think "everyone" tends not to post when their visit went well. We just returned a week ago from BWV and everything was just fine: room very clean, housekeeping responsive, all parts and pieces present when we checked in. As for the balcony, sometimes they will be dirty - after all, it IS outside. Not even Disney magic can prevent dust, dirt, etc from being blown or rained in.

To a certain extent, its a timeshare in Florida. Disney does a pretty good job with mold, bugs and wear and tear, but when you are battling Florida humidity, Florida bugs, and near complete occupancy by families, you aren't going to get perfection - not for the dues we pay - even if they are higher than most timeshares.

There have been some reports over the years that cause me to roll my eyes that Disney didn't take care of it before someone arrived (tiles off the tub when you walk into the room? Faucets that won't turn off? Holes in the sheetrock?) and wonder if they are pushing occupancy capacity too far - and some that make me wonder if the member lives in a different world than I do ("oh, my God, there was an old Froot Loop under the couch! My kid could have eaten that old thing!")

 

[Tarheel Tink]

("oh, my God, there was an old Froot Loop under the couch! My kid could have eaten that old thing!")

Oh Tag Fairy! Over here!

 

[ANIMO]

Please keep in mind we have been owners of BWV for 9 years now with little or no complaints at all just the past couple of trips we have noticed that the building is somewhat worn looking and the rooms have wear and tear
I did tell housekeeping about the leak and the light fixture falling (that was a hazard) I don't complain about the trash/towel service I washed our towels no problem emptied my garbage swept the balcony etc
I did see maintenance painting the facade of the building cleaning the carpet just not much has been done about the rooms

 

[ANIMO]

Fruit loops under the couch are not exactly in the same league as a light fixture made of glass crashing down in the bathroom
When we go to Disney which is not as much as we would like but not counting the room which we go on points it still costs us close to $4000 now I know I am getting an awesome hotel which we love however I expect it to be somewhat safe for my children
I don't live in a different world than you do at any given moment there is probalbly a two day supply of cookies chips ect under my furniture
My house seems to always be dusty and I may live on the North Shore of Long Island but it doesn't cost me $4000 a week to live
and hopefully my light fixtures are somewhat secure

 

[J and R's mom]

We stayed at BCV in 11/2005 (2br) and BWV three times in 2006 (studio, 1br, 2br).

Our BCV trip was our first as DVC members and we had brought my parents along for that trip. I was a bit disappointed in the upkeep (peeling ceiling paint in the shower--big hunks, not little pieces--worn furniture, well-used carpet). I understand why things wear out so fast (these boards have helped with that) but I was used to rooms being nicer at our previous stays at WDW.

BWV was about the same as BCV. One of our rooms had missing baseboards around the washing machine area, the door to the washroom didn't close correctly, the door on the TV armoire was barely hanging on by one screw (yes, I called...no, no one ever came to fix it), more peeling ceiling paint, VERY clogged drain. The rooms just appear very worn to me. But constant, daily use and minimal housekeeping will do that over time. Plus, I think DVC families in general might be harder on the rooms since we're probably in them more than most WDW guests.

Even though I am not content with the wear at these two resorts, the location remains my favorite (being so close to EPCOT), so I have lowered my expectations now and know what to expect (and not expect) there. None of the things I have mentioned are bad enough (yet) for me to not want to stay there again (we'll be back to BWV in Dec).

 

[UConnJack]

Fruit loops under the couch are not exactly in the same league as a light fixture made of glass crashing down in the bathroom
When we go to Disney which is not as much as we would like but not counting the room which we go on points it still costs us close to $4000 now I know I am getting an awesome hotel which we love however I expect it to be somewhat safe for my children
I don't live in a different world than you do at any given moment there is probalbly a two day supply of cookies chips ect under my furniture
My house seems to always be dusty and I may live on the North Shore of Long Island but it doesn't cost me $4000 a week to live
and hopefully my light fixtures are somewhat secure

I don't think Crisi was putting you in that other world category, your observations are absolutely reportable, here and to DVC. But I think the point is spot on that, for better or worse, people are more likely to report complaints than compliments, its just human nature. For all the valid complaints I've seen (yours included), I have seen some that make me roll my eyes wondering. I love the fruit loop comment. My favorite was a compliant that they found an old stale piece of bread behind the refrigerator. Could not figure out why they were pulling out the refrigerator in the first place. I give the room a once over too, but c'mon.....

There do seem to be more complaints about the condition of BWV and BCV that the other DVCs, and its probably justified. I don't Disney is letting it go to pot or ignoring issues, I just think they are the hardest DVC resorts to keep up with the maintainance issues due to the higher occupancy rates there, the relative age of the resorts, and (I believe) the higher percentage of "active" guests there vs. the more laid back resorts of VWL and OKW. Plus, I think the beach cottage decor of the resorts tend to show wear.

 

[crisi]

I don't think Crisi was putting you in that other world category, your observations are absolutely reportable, here and to DVC. But I think the point is spot on that, for better or worse, people are more likely to report complaints than compliments, its just human nature. For all the valid complaints I've seen (yours included), I have seen some that make me roll my eyes wondering. I love the fruit loop comment. My favorite was a compliant that they found an old stale piece of bread behind the refrigerator. Could not figure out why they were pulling out the refrigerator in the first place. I give the room a once over too, but c'mon.....

Yep, these definitely come under the "DVC is the problem" not "member expectations seem a little out of whack." We get both kinds here.

Stains from mold - understandable, mold beginning to achieve intelligence - real problem

Light bulb burned out - understandable. Light fixture falling from ceiling - what the ....!?.

Bread behind fridge - how would you find it! - dirty dishes piled up in kitchen at checkin, we DO pay dues for housekeeping!

Marks on wall from luggage - sure, its a timeshare, its going to happen. Holes in wall from keg party - that's going to happen, too, but they should be fixing it before they rerent the room.

 

[ILuvDVC2]

Marks on wall from luggage - sure, its a timeshare, its going to happen.

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser could take care of it... if only Mousekeeping used those, we wouldn't have to see those marks!

 

[Bopsmom]

This may sound odd, but we kinda knew that BWV was in need of re-doing and still bought there. We figured it soon would be in the rotation be remodeled. I sure hope that thinking holds true.
banana: They got our money & we're waiting for the papers )

 

[tjkraz]

This may sound odd, but we kinda knew that BWV was in need of re-doing and still bought there. We figured it soon would be in the rotation be remodeled. I sure hope that thinking holds true.

Don't mean to burst your bubble but I don't believe that to be true. Disney started working on a refurb at the Wilderness lodge about a year (?) ago, and put a note right in our member newsletter indicating that the Villas were not slated for a similar refurb.

Old Key West is going on 17 years old and has never seen a wholesale refurb on the scale of what Disney is doing at the Contemporary or Poly. The BoardWalk is 5 years younger.

Given the nature of the DVC beast (near 100% occupancy year-round), I doubt we will ever see refurbishments of that scale at a DVC. DVC will be more piecemeal. They spent the last 2-3 years upgrading sofabeds at the older resorts. Many mattresses have also been replaced. DVD players in Studio villas were recently deemed appropriate--probably since Disney can get them for $10 a pop. They will eventually follow with new TVs, appliances, carpet and such. But these changes will be organic--made gradually and in a manner that's consistent with refurbishment schedules rather than a marketing department's desire to put on a fresh face.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

DVC resorts are designed to run near 100% occupancy all the time.

True, but part of that 100% occupancy may be rooms that are out of commision. DVC can use their points to do that, thus keeping the 100% level with only 50% of the rooms filled.

I do wish we would see major refurbs more often.

On a side note, why are most people willing to settle for a partially cleaned room? I mean, we do pay more in fees than most other timeshares. I for one would be willing to pay more if it meant better housekeeping.
Did I miss a memo somewhere that stated we must accept cereal under the couch, and mold in the shower?
You don't see that when staying at the Disney deluxe hotels, so why should it be acceptable at the DVC Resorts?

MG

 

[tjkraz]

True, but part of that 100% occupancy may be rooms that are out of commision. DVC can use their points to do that...

Perhaps but I don't see them closing entire floors / wings / buildings for weeks on end to do the sort of high-profile refurb that the Contemporary and Poly received. The Contemp's refurb took nearly 18 months for the guest rooms in the Tower and South Garden Wing. The Poly refurbs have often resulted in entire longhouses closed for several months.

DVC's maintenance allocation would give them the ability to close a single guest room for about 2 weeks per year. And you can't afford to burn that window all at once due to the reality that even an extended refurb would not insure the room of remaining in prisine condition for the next 50 weeks.

These big refurb plans at the cash resorts are more about PR than they are about maintenance needs. They want to make a big push to revitalize the property and get people excited about it again. An 18-month refurb window at the CR gives the marketing folk a set timeframe after which they can reintroduce the new and improved resort to the public.

DVCs are more likely to take a slow and steady approach. Barring any major structural failures (plumbing, electrical, etc.) there really is no need to take a hotel room out of service for a month and re-build it from the inside out. Furniture, appliances, carpet, wallcoverings, fixtures, moldings...those are all items that can be individually replaced either on fixed maintenance schedules or in the specific units whose condition necessitates replacement.

Even if Disney were to determine that DVC units needed major enhancements, I believe they would be more inclined to work on rooms in small blocks so that a single unit can be turned around in a week or less. An OKW refurb on par with the Contemporary could take 3-4 years to complete (and that's with half as many rooms at OKW compared to the CR.)

 

[sjdisneywedding]

On a side note, why are most people willing to settle for a partially cleaned room? I mean, we do pay more in fees than most other timeshares. I for one would be willing to pay more if it meant better housekeeping.
Did I miss a memo somewhere that stated we must accept cereal under the couch, and mold in the shower?
You don't see that when staying at the Disney deluxe hotels, so why should it be acceptable at the DVC Resorts?

MG

I agree with you, I would be willing to pay more for better service. With the amount of members per resort I dont think it would take much of an increase at all to bring in more/better help in each resort

I dont know the numbers of points per resort but I would imagine it would only take a couple pennies per point in dues for each employee

However, with that said, I think there are some problems with the shear numbers of employees needed to fill all these new jobs in the area. The competition must be pretty good.

I dont think thats the only reason because I also feel that the area is still growing overall. I dont think its anywhere near saturated, but even if not every step forward takes a little bit more effort and time. Theres not 100 people lined up for a certain WDW job anymore. maybe now theres only 30 or whatever.

basically slimmer pickins would be the appropriate statetment I would think

 

[groverdog]

We just got back from BWV and had a lovely stay. No major problems, the tile in the bathroom and around the tub is looking a tad grungy but that is about it. The only housekeeping issue was an odd one, the tub had about 4 inches of water in it. I assume the maid was cleaning it and forgot to drain it, but it was kind of odd. The rest of the one bedroom was very clean and comfy. I love BWV and can't imagine selling my points, I think you will have some problems anywhere you stay over a given period of time. Don't give up yet!

 

[Granny]

On a side note, why are most people willing to settle for a partially cleaned room? I mean, we do pay more in fees than most other timeshares. I for one would be willing to pay more if it meant better housekeeping.
Did I miss a memo somewhere that stated we must accept cereal under the couch, and mold in the shower?
You don't see that when staying at the Disney deluxe hotels, so why should it be acceptable at the DVC Resorts?

MG...I agree that housekeeping continues to be an issue (though we've been pretty lucky with our visits). I'm not sure, however, that more money is the answer.

Too many people have complained about obvious cleaning issues of rooms that have been already "cleaned". There seems to be some performance issues of housekeeping doing a cursory job on occasion or turning a blind eye to substantial cleaning needs. More money won't really fix those issues. I have a feeling that the "good help is hard to find" adage is very true in this case.

What more money could conceivably get us might be an earlier check in time. I'm not sure I'd be willing to pay more for that, though.

Regardless, this is something that needs to be brought to management attention every time it happens. Thanks to all who report substandard cleaning or maintenance immediately and to the proper personnel.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Too many people have complained about obvious cleaning issues of rooms that have been already "cleaned". There seems to be some performance issues of housekeeping doing a cursory job on occasion or turning a blind eye to substantial cleaning needs. More money won't really fix those issues. I have a feeling that the "good help is hard to find" adage is very true in this case.

What more money could conceivably get us might be an earlier check in time. I'm not sure I'd be willing to pay more for that, though.

I'm thinking an increase in housekeeping staff... not so we can check in earlier, but rather so they can spend more time in each room.
I don't really know.. Perhaps that's not the solution.

It also seems as though housekeeping spends more time correcting issues than they would if they did the job properly in the first place.

[rant]It may sound as though I'm a complainer, but I'm truly not. I cringe when people say DVC Members feel entitled. Personally, I don't feel entitled to anything beyond what a non DVC guest receives.
That said, we are entitled to a properly cleaned room, just like non Members.[/rant]

MG

 

[sjdisneywedding]

I'm thinking an increase in housekeeping staff... not so we can check in earlier, but rather so they can spend more time in each room.
I don't really know.. Perhaps that's not the solution.

It also seems as though housekeeping spends more time correcting issues than they would if they did the job properly in the first place.

[rant]It may sound as though I'm a complainer, but I'm truly not. I cringe when people say DVC Members feel entitled. Personally, I don't feel entitled to anything beyond what a non DVC guest receives.
That said, we are entitled to a properly cleaned room, just like non Members.[/rant]

MG

right on, I think they are very rushed to get the job done. Its like anything else, you know there are only the bare minimum number of housekeepers to get those rooms cleaned in the alotted time. Most employers are the same way, you start off with a set number of employees and time frame to get a job done, then cut cut cut and push push push until theres not a spare second left. Many times they will even cut below what is acceptable simply to find out where the acceptable line is.

if noone every raises issues or concerns then they probably are guessing/assuming they havent gone below acceptable

i would just assume pay a couple more cents per point even if it means that housekeeper sits there and twidles their thumbs half of the day

 

[hsmamato2]

My mom has been an OKW member since it was the only DVC.... back in the day when they gave free park tix and everything... seems to me,the times I've seen OKW,it was built longer ago,and they used better materials/workmanship on the building.(seems more solid) It always seemed to be in good shape- now last year dh and I took a tour of SSR to see if we wanted to buy in...after the tour DH decided 'no way!' to his analytical handymans mind, the place was put together too quickly,and with less durable materials than in (many) years past. These are things I didn't notice of course,but he's the kind of person who calculates dues 20 years from now based on the workmanship and quality of the roof shingles he's looking at while on a tour!(I know,not normal,but that's him)
He was very concerned about wear and tear,upkeep,and how long quality vs non quality(rushed) workmanship might be a factor. never seen BWV up close, but perhaps it might be similiar? Sometimes,the 'flagship' is well done, then subsequent offerings are slightly less well done,till it comes to a point when people don't expect too much anymore?
I'm not a member,but I think members do have the right to expect high quality of rooms,etc. It is not cheap to be a member,and if it was a cash room, you'd expect nothing less!