Let's use care when staying at our DVC Home

[Boardwalk Tigger]

I think most of us do take care of our disney home away from home but it aggravates me to see some of the damage to rooms that is NOT caused by normal wear and tear. We are BVC owners and have stayed at the BWV's in the past too. This March I noticed that both the living room couch and kitchen seating area had red marks on them . I also saw black marks on the comforteron the King bed. It looked as though someone perhaps a child, had markers and they used on the couch, kitchen and bed. The BCV people had clearly tried to clean them as they were faded a bit. I have seen this type of thing before and I personally think they should make people pay for this type of damage. Anyone else seen this kind of thing and any thoughts on the matter( no flames please).

 

[twinmomplus2new]

I wish I could remember my room number from December. Because we had the same type of damage. The bedside table. The ledge window under the tub, ANd someplace else? Maybe the legs of the chair in the living room? All had black pen lines and red majic markers. No flames here. It bothered me as well, Majic markers are not allowed at my home without supervison and I venture to guess, If they have got themselves a couple of little writers. They wouldn't allow it either. So why at DVC? Af ew marks happens, But my experience someone ws writing all over.

 

[jaysue]

Good reminder to all - you would think that DVC would come up some magical mickey mouse light hearted way to provide this type of message at check in

thanks
jaysue

 

[pumpkinboy]

What? something like:

Mickey says: Coloring on the Furniture is a No-No, kids

or maybe:

Coloring on the Furniture makes Fairy Godmother sad. Now Cinderella has even more cleaning to do before she can go to the Ball

 

[DisneyPhD]

I like to think there is pride in ownership and events like this are caused by renters or people who pay cash, but you never know. Of course as a mother I know things like that can happen, even when you are being careful (the box said washable and I only left the room to use the potty for 2 min!) I actually have more patince for damage caused by children. They are learning and no mater how hard we as parents try, things like that happen. (actually my kids are really good about things like that, but one thing I have learned as a parent is, every situation is differnt.)

However I have no patince for adults who cause damage, are rude (and drunk) and careless. I can tolerate the occasional happy kid running down the halls at 7:00 am to go see mickey (but I have vowed my kids never will) It is the drunk adults yelling at 2:00 am that really bother me. Our 1st night at OKW I had to call FD because the people in the onebedroom below us were partying REALLY LOUD at 4:00 am. I must say OKW sent someone over with in 5 min to take care of it.

 

[dallastxcpa]

You have to love the Crayola Colorwonder markers. I will not let anything else into my car after a couple of terrible incidents with colors and markers.

As far as the loud drunk people. I agree that everyone should be respectful of the people around them. At the sametime we have to remember that as long as it is within normal bounds those people are on vacation too. When we were at the BWV last summer my step kids and husband often made it a habit to stay up until 3 AM. I must say though that they definetly weren't loud or misbehaving just catching up on life.

 

[classicpooh]

For the record, I don't think that just because you are renting points you are more likely to cause damage. I make sure my children respect property no matter who's "home" I am in.

 

[wtpclc]

"Coloring on the Furniture makes Fairy Godmother sad. Now Cinderella has even more cleaning to do before she can go to the Ball"

That shoud do it. Thanks for the laugh pumpkinboy!

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by DisneyPhD
I like to think there is pride in ownership and events like this are caused by renters or people who pay cash, but you never know.

I don't think there's any information to suggest that renters are any more likely to damage thing. Just like some people that own homes, cars, etc are more likely to take care than others, same is said for renters and members alike. While we are technially owners, usage patterns puts us far more in the situation like we're renting a car. Personally I think it comes down more to the personality of the people involved (renter or owner) and how many times they've stayed at DVC. It is my opinion, for what it's worth, that the first couple of times people are in awe and less likely to follow their usual habits.

 

[jaysue]

Originally posted by pumpkinboy
What? something like:

Mickey says: Coloring on the Furniture is a No-No, kids

or maybe:

Coloring on the Furniture makes Fairy Godmother sad. Now Cinderella has even more cleaning to do before she can go to the Ball

Looks good to me

 

[tiggerguy2000]

It sometimes comes down to people just dont care enough.We feel it's special to be members so we take good care of everything while we are staying home.
tiggerguy2000

 

[sandieb]

There will be some normal wear to the furniture, linens and rugs. On occasion there may be something damaged inadvertently. However, I think it is the responsibility of DVC to repair and replace worn and broken items. As members we should not have to stay in units that obviously need upkeep.

On the other hand it is our responsibility as users to care for the DVC villas as property we share.
Sandie

 

[msdis]

I agree about renters, who's to say they treat things worse. We stayed at other Disney resorts prior to becoming an owner and treat every piece of property like we own it. I think it is the respect and integrity of the individual. It's sad that some people just do not posess those qualities. Just like any of us who feel this way, they would think we were making a big deal out of nothing. They really just don't see it. We were at BCV last summer, less than 1 year from open and the dining table had deep gauges on it. We have seen a lot of wood "issues". I don't get it either, but figure I am but a small piece of the puzzle and the only thing I can do about it is make sure we do not add to the problem. I like all the "reminder" ideas though. I wonder if we as owners could possibly let DVC know we are concerned and would like their help in helping us. After all we do ultimately pay the bill. I have often times read threads from people who say how disappointed they were in their DVC room, how something was ruined, broken, worn, or other. I never say anything but how on earth can they blame Disney and DVC when it's the members doing it. And I certainly don't want to pay to replace something every time someone ruins something, our dues would be unbelievable. Why should those of us who take care of things pay for those who don't. I think a strong message is in order too.
I like stores that have signs up, "you break it, you own it". And I do agree, adults are just as bad if not worse than kids, and they teach theirs kids no different.

 

[NancyDVC]

I remember the day we joined DVC, way back in 1992. I suddenly became more aware of upkeep in general. I found my self picking up stray pieces of paper etc. all over WDW, just like I do at home and at work. My best friend and co-member still asks what am I doing. My reply is that as a DVC member I have a stake in how things are kept up. I feel a part of WDW because as a DVC member I am a part of the magic. And whether it is picking up a stray piece of paper, or reporting a burned out light bulb or worn items I like to think that I am keeping the place in great shape not only for me and my family but for all of us.
I seem to keep encountering people who seem to think that just because they are 'paying guests' (and by paying I mean cash guests or paid DVC members) they are 'entitled' to leave the place a mess because they are paying for it (one way or another). That really riles me up. Would these same people let others ruin their home just because it didn't belong to that person? I don't understand the arrogance and selfishness of such people.
And it is rude, arrogant and selfish not to have simple consideration for others and take care how you use things.

For those of you who have children, yes accidents do happen but I will bet that you take every precaution to see that they don't happen and if something does spill or get dirty you report it so that it can be cleaned up promptly.
Well I am off my soap box now and will continue to see that I keep up my end of the responsibility to make DVC better for all of us!

 

[donmil723]

I guess we should all take responsibility for any damage, not normal wear and tear, we, or our children, cause in our DVC homes, by reporting it and offering to pay for the damages. We really shouldn't expect DVC to have to police issues like this for us. Of course, some people might feel like the maintenance fees they pay each year should cover any damages. Unfortunately, unreported damages will cause all of our dues to go up. Thankfully, all of the villas I have stayed in have not been damaged other than the usual wear and tear issues.

Donna

 

[Boardwalk Tigger]

I think housekeeping should report major defacement of rooms be it intentional or unintentional.and people should be contacted to pay for the damage. I have children too and they have never done any damage. I didn't bring markers with us when they were younger and perhaps they need to say they are not allowed in rooms if this is a problem, just like the parks don't sell gum. Hopefully this type of damage occurs in a minority of cases but it is unacceptable. I really don't want to see writing on couches and benches and bed comforters. I am not talking about normal wear and tear. Perhaps DVC should develop a policy on this.

 

[rocketriter]

Originally posted by pumpkinboy
Mickey says: Coloring on the Furniture is a No-No, kids

I'd rather see something in the check-in contract that says, "Guests are responsible for damages to rooms or furnishings." This could be gently but firmly enforced. If my kids marked all over everything with indelible markers, I wouldn't be surprised if I were held responsible for it.

 

[twinmomplus2new]

I totally agree with you. First off... don't bring them with you, if you are not going to supervise thier use.
Rocketier.. You hit the nail on the head. If my children were to do somthing of this nature, I would fully expect to be responsible for the repair.
Perhaps if we were held responsible, people would be more careful of gouging the tables or letting kids destroy furniture.
It is easy enough to implement just make sure when you check in to note any damage in writing so they know you and yours did not cause it.

 

[llp479]

We stayed at a Marriott VC in Kauai this past December as "guests of a member". We were required to complete a form upon leaving of all the items that didn't work, or were damaged. They do hold their members liable for anything that is "intentionally" damaged, or is missing.

This unit had only been open for about 6 months. Upon leaving we listed a plate that was cracked in half, missing glasses, an oil stain on the ceiling (left by a previous occupant), and a leaky bathroom faucet.

Maybe if DVC had a similar form, things would be taken care of in a more timely manner. I know we left a list of things that didn't work in the 2bdrm at BVW when we checked out in April.

 

[TwingleMum]

Great suggestions. And I agree that we should all be more careful.