live at OKW and after 15 yrs I HAVE HAD IT!

[gkrykewy]

9. 285 dollar check for 6 people with 3 drinks at O'Hana. Price was outrageous but 22 minute wait for waiter to stop at table to bring skewers (or refills on the appetizers) was even crazier Finally, a server came over and apologized - he said he worked on the other side of the dining room but came over to help out because they were so far behind. (the tables next to us were in the same boat) The mandatory 41 dollar tip was OUTRAGEOUS. Really, how many people do you think make 41/hr plus their salary and benefits in the real world? And that's just one table and he sucked!

I can sympathize with most of your comments, but I don't get this one. The standard tip in the United States is 15-20%. I'm not sure what you're getting at - would you rather tip something like $10 all the time, regardless of what the bill was?

 

[bcrook]

These Disboards are made up of people's experiences and opinions good & bad. When someone like the OP vents about things not being up to par or rather not up to a standard commonly expected through 15 years of past experience, it's just that, a vent. Imagine how many wonderful trips have been taken in that 15 years of DVC ownership and unfortunately, this trip culminated in several things making the beginning of this trip a disapointment, it happens. These things shouldn't affect someone else's vacation or decision on ownership, IMO.

I do know from friends who are original owners at OKW much like the OP that DVC ownership/perks/service etc. has changed over the years, it's no longer the best kept secret. These resorts are utilized and beat up and the refurbishements never come fast enough but this happens in each resort, even Kidani will show wear and tear just like OKW. I've owned since 2000, used a friends DVC even before that, and I've had 30+ stays, 98% of which were beyond fabulous. Most of the wonderful stays were at OKW, my favorite resort and even though I think mousekkeeping is a problem right now at OKW, it's still my favorite resort and I would not hesitate staying there again, in Aug as a matter a fact.

Disney's perks like free dining and the like has made me change my dining options to go outside of the parks, into Orlando, as Disney has changed I've had to make changes to maximize my vacation using DVC/WDW. I no longer give all my money to WDW.

In the end, as another poster said, "I guess I've been lucky", for me that many stays, isn't luck, but just like the OP it's made me aware of a standard that I've come to expect with DVC/WDW and I hold them to it.

OP, you have another 8 days, as an optimist, I say it can only get better and I hope it does.

I hope the trip turns around too!

But we are paying a LOT of money in maintenance fees and paid a premium for our points, and we should demand knowledgeable CMs, maintained rooms, and NO EYE Rolling. Managers need to read these types of reports. Bad service shouldn't be excused because we are on vacation.

 

[bobbiwoz]

For you to have better experiences.

I would not be on the internet complaining about things at WDW while I am at WDW.

Bobbi

 

[DebbieB]

Wow, I am sorry to hear that you are having this experience. We just got back from a week at Kidani and it was great. The vast majority of the CMs we encountered were very pleasant. That story you tell about the manager at DHS demonstrates completely unacceptable behavior by a WDW manager.

We are thinking of booking OKW for a short 4 night stay. Should we not? Our last OKW stay was fantastic.

I also just got back from a week at Kidani and thought they were great. The cm that checked me in was wonderful, explaining the features of the resort. CM's I saw at the resort were all friendly.

I can't say I encountered any miserable cm's in the parks or resorts, maybe I just didn't pay attention.

I don't want to sound like a "Stepford Wife" but I was thinking during the trip that I love DVC more than ever. When I bought it was just OKW and BWV, now we have all these other options. Who would have thought we would have a resort with animals!

 

[POS]

Just my opinion obviously but if this was my vacation, this is what I would do:

1. I would just ask for the fiskars myself.
2. I show up 20 minutes early as they suggest, it is also fairly well known that Cape May is notorious for being a bit late so I show up even a bit earlier, 30 minutes. So 15 minutes late at one seating wouldn't necessarily cause me too much concern. By the way, I have always LOVED the food there.
3. Was there last week (AKV) and I didn't notice much quality issues besides just being WOWed during our visit. It was GREAT.
4. I bring my own water. If I didn't, I would buy a bottle and when it was empty, fill it up at a water fawcet. I don't have an expectation when I go there that water is free. Everytime I have ever ordered water, I have had to pay for it.
5. I have had meals where something was wrong. I told them about it and they fixed the situation. Seems as if the same was done for you. What else would you like them to do besides offer a replacement or give you a refund?!?!
6. I have one or so things I see where someone is a little less cordial than they should be. I see it ALL THE TIME everywhere else...a little in WDW..tough to say I have had it with WDW considering....I usually believe I have had it with outside the world since it happens all the time.
7. TIW cards have always had to be purchased at the parks...or over the phone.
8. Not sure what the problem is here. Someone has a high opinion of a ride at Universal. I can't see how I would let that hinder my vacation.
9. You didn't see or know the price of the food before you ordered? Shame on Disney. Did you complain about the service so that you could see what the options were on the TIW tip?
10. Sounds like OKW needs some TLC. I would complain about this.
11. Yep, some routes are shared. OKW has some advantages and some disadvantages. Busses may be chalked up as a disadvantage.
12. I was there last Wednesday, checked mine each time. Yep, it was June and lines were long.
13. Didn't notice this at all. Had wonderful experiences with all CMs. Sometimes we don't but that is the exception to the rule. Have a hard time believing someone else could have the exact opposite experience.
14. I was VERY well treated as a DVC guest last week. So after you called your guid three times and he NEVER returned your call, you called a 4th? I probably would have called Member Services after a week went by after call 1myself.

From your description, it did seem as if you had at least 3 legitimate complaint issues...I don't know if it would make me throw in the towel though.

 

[lugnut33]

Staying at THV this August during free dining and will be eating every meal outside WDW. I refuse to overpay so much for the food. And the quality of that food is not as good as it used to be.

 

[AKV707]

Staying at THV this August during free dining and will be eating every meal outside WDW. I refuse to overpay so much for the food. And the quality of that food is not as good as it used to be.

Fortunately for us, that has not been our experience. We just came back, and had no negative dining experiences Jiko, Flying Fish, San Angel, Chef's, Rose & Crown, Columbia Harbor House, The Cantna, The Land, Rosie's at DHS were all great. 9 Dragons was a little disappointing. Sure, everything was a little more expensive than at home, but that happens on vacation. And with the TIW card it was even better.

 

[DisneyMama27]

Disney's perks like free dining and the like has made me change my dining options to go outside of the parks, into Orlando, as Disney has changed I've had to make changes to maximize my vacation using DVC/WDW. I no longer give all my money to WDW.

We have enjoyed the free dining in the past, and since have paid for it, since we enjoy eating in the parks and resorts. We did notice last week that some of the tips are extremely high - when the only thing the server did was bring us drinks - and never come back to refill them until he brought the check. The buffets are where this tip seems unnecessarily high. We are very good tippers, and usually don't balk at this. Our solution - next year we will not do DDP. We may still eat at a couple of select places, but otherwise will do food in our room, etc. We usually have a car and have been around Orlando. Nothing there that really calls me to leave Disney, but I also don't feel like giving DIsney all my money when it is not always worth it.

We have had a few CMs not give us their Disney-best, but the rest have more than made up for it. We stayed in Kidani for 2 weeks this month, and the CMs were extremely helpful, polite, friendly. Even when a massive storm drove everyone into the small gift shop at 10pm to check out videos, etc. the CMs were not frazzled or stressed. Just took care of everyone's needs with a smile - and since they closed at 11, I know they had to be ready to go home! We did have a couple CMs make comments late at night about being ready to go home, but it was said in a friendly way - they ARE human, and would like to be treated that way. I think too often guests expect them to be super-human and abuse them as if they are not real people. We try to always smile and talk to them like the kids that they are, hoping that a little kindness will balance out the rudeness they get from so many. I could go on and on with examples of how CMs have gone out of their way to help me out or make my day better!

We have had similar experiences with our guide. He used to call us each time we came to visit. This last time DH called him about a question and he never did get back to us. I think DH will probably at this point make a complaint, but we don't want to get him "in trouble." Just want our question answered!

Our overall experience has been so wonderful with WDW and DVC. It's not a perfect world even at the World, but it's better than the "real world"!

By the way, I still do not know what TiW card is, and I thought I knew almost everything!!

 

[rentayenta]

I think I need to take a break from the DIS for a while. We haven't even closed on our first DVC purchase and this bums me out too much. I want to look forward to my October trip . I am so sorry things have not worked out for you and do hope that your trip improves.

I'm brand new to this board and to all the dirty room bad service comments. We also just purchased.

We just purchased too while having an amazing DVC stay at both OKW and AKV. Disney is not perfect, bad visits will happen that's for sure. I would say they are by no means the majority though. Our villas were clean and service was outstanding. We spent the last 2 nights at the POR, got a free upgrade, and an email from the manager once we returned home asking how our stay was. We found the CMs to be helpful and kind. This is in no way a reflection on the OP as I truly understand that service is not perfect and feel bad that their trip is beginning with such disappointments but I do find that sometimes you get what you give; not always but sometimes especially in the customer service industry.

Signed a former server/bartendar/retail associate.

 

[lugnut33]

By the way, I still do not know what TiW card is, and I thought I knew almost everything!!

Tables in Wonderland (used to be Disney Dining Experience)
It's a card you can purchase for $100 (if you have an annual pass, which not everybody does) that gives you a 20% discount on all food and beverages.


If you'd like ot read all about it:
http://allears.net/din/dde.htm

 

[AKV707]

Tables in Wonderland (used to be Disney Dining Experience)
It's a card you can purchase for $100 (if you have an annual pass, which not everybody does) that gives you a 20% discount on all food and beverages.


If you'd like ot read all about it:
http://allears.net/din/dde.htm

The cost of the TIW card is $75 for AP holders.

 

[nunzia]

btw...we have never had a problem getting free tap water with ice at CS places in Disneyland and thought it was the same in WDW?

 

[Meriweather]

I'm sorry you experienced all that. It would be discouraging all in one trip.

We have taken 3 trips since Nov....all at OKW.
Have eaten at a lot of TS spots......never experienced any of that.
We love it and are looking forward to our next trip in Sept.

 

[DisneyMama27]

Tables in Wonderland (used to be Disney Dining Experience)
It's a card you can purchase for $100 (if you have an annual pass, which not everybody does) that gives you a 20% discount on all food and beverages.

Thanks! We have purchased the DDE card before, but did not realize it had changed names. We loved having it, but found it sometimes redundant since often the AP or DVC would give us the same discount. It was great for drinks, though!

I did the research on the DDE card when we bought them and when I called to purchase was given very specific, very helpful info on how to pick them up, use them, etc. That's been the case any time we have had a question about something - call Disney and ask. The concierge, front desk, restaurant itself, etc. As they say, "It never hurts to ask!"

BTW, we were allowed to purchase the DDP after checking in recently. I know this is a big No-No, and they did tell DH no at first. Then the CM checked with her manager (DH asked very nicely, and was not insistent at all) and they let him do it after all! Of course, since I am the planner I was having a conniption fit trying to make last minute TS ressies! The concierge patiently navigated through their new system to make 12 nights of ressies for us, made suggestions (which turned out to be fabulous) and made it so much easier for me than having to sit on the phone to make them. Thanks, Jill! Just goes to show, It never hurts to ask!

 

[Lynn5700]

I'm brand new to this board and to all the dirty room bad service comments. We also just purchased.

Not all the rooms are like that. At SSR and AKV, our rooms were spotless. We have never had an issue. Also people are more likely to complain about things, rather than praise things. I think if you just go with a positive attitude it will be a pleasant experience, if you go with a negative attitude, you will be surrounded by negativity.

OP I hope your trip gets better.

 

[JasonDVC]

I guess we've been lucky.

I don't think so. I think the OP has been unlucky.

There are so many people at WDW at any given time that it is impossible for everything/everyone to be 100% perfect everytime. I think cases like the OP's are fewer than what it may seem.




(I hope I'm right)

 

[smjj]

I often feel they are taking advantage of the fact that so many people use ME now and they have us captive. Where else are you going to eat? The place is so big its not like you can leave the peoperty unless you have a car and want to take the time to leave. We to have noticed the last few years just how expensive it has become to eat at Disney. Even more is the fact that most of the food is now pre-prepared at that massive kitchen facility near DTD. Many of our favorites from OKW have been dropped in favor of the more factory prepared food and they just don't taste as good. There was a thread here a several months ago about the food being tailored this way due to DDE to make the food similar wherever you go. Oh well, we are still going and we still like it very much, I just wish they would stop all the cost cutting that has such a impact on the very people they at one time valued so much...smjj

 

[Sammie]

The arrogant workers sadly do not just work for Disney they are everywhere.

We all just got spoiled over the years of having outstanding CMs in every area but as Disney has to hire what is available and what is available is sometimes not that great anymore, they are getting more and more rotten ones.

But please do complain not sure if anyone is listening anymore.

 

[reedycreek]

OP - we just got back and I had similar complaints that you can read in the similar thread that I started. We have never complained about anything in our 7 years of visiting WDW. This trip was different. I feel that budget cuts and layoffs really showed their mark. Unfortunately, it has even affected DVC to the point where I am ready to sell.

Write a letter and complain! Speak to someone while you are there. Things are not what they used to be at WDW, and especially DVC, and management needs to know about it.

 

[eliza61]

Op,

I think you and I are suffering from the same problems. "Looking Back" ites. Unfortuantely I really believe the "magical" days of Disney are behind us. My problem is I always compare it to 5 years ago.
I visited 3 times in the last 16 months, I stayed in Deluxe resorts under some of the deals Disney was promoted and like you things were "less" than magical.
Unfortunately what I see is that it is small stuff that is just adding up. nothing big enough for me to complain about.

• -Food arriving lukewarm. 45 minute waits with an ADR (which makes me ask, why have them) and for me these haven't been once in a while occurances. they've been quite a number of times.
• -Front Desk CM's that know next to nothing. I mean seriously, some times I've known more than the CM's
• -rooms that are dusty and stuff left over. Not filthy but just enough to let me know the mousekeeping did a rush job of it.
• -Poor service. I was at the Grand floridian last year and it took 30 minutes to get my car from valet. The couple we were waiting with, got so fed up they simply went and got their own car.

a little here, a little there. Never any thing that ruins a vacation (that would take a lot) but just enough to make me wish I went some where else.

People have accused me of having too "high expectations". Maybe I do, but I'm sorry a company as big as WD should not continuously have "system down" problems when you call. Hire a 'freakin IT department.

When you use the words magical and luxurious on your website. I expect that you deliver.
I'm tired of making excuses for them. I'm not selling my dvc but I am taking a break from disney after this August. I'll re-evaluate in 2 or 3 years.

Like I said, my problem is that I remember when me & DH would come back from a vacation literally "gushing' about Disney. people couldn't shut us up. Now we come back and we say "it was ok"