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

[Tiger926]

I'm sorry the OP has experienced lots of problems. I see common denominators within the post too - many issues with DHS (the Studios is not one of our fav parks for many reasons), and like others, it seems that many of the issues are with Disney in general. Food issues, service, attitudes and general knowledge, are all areas that are common to Disney in general.

I hope the OP is able to put these issues aside, and go on with the rest of vacation. If not, that list is going to grow, and that won't be good at all.

Best of luck to OP in writing to Disney or DVC (make sure you are writing to the proper department) and with the rest of vacation - take care of that bee sting! Ouch!

Tiger

 

[SLM]

Hope the rest of the vacation gets better for you! We've only been members since 2003, but have not had any major issues at any of the WDW resorts, VB or HHI. (The villas at HH are beautiful, and I love the large balcony). As regards to restaurant prices-we have a place at the shore and find their prices are often higher than WDW and few are worth it. We rarely eat out when there-not to mention prices on the Boardwalk! We plan on eating at Jiko one night this August-maybe Boma, and our DD and her husband will go to the California Grill for their anniversary. Other than that, we'll fix things in the villa and go to the CS places where we've had good experiences in the past.
OP, I hope things improve and you have a great week ahead of you!

 

[lugnut33]

I wonder what would happen if you set up a meeting with a manager since you're going to be there for several more days. That way he's not getting blindsided and you could really explaine what the issues have been.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I wonder what would happen if you set up a meeting with a manager since you're going to be there for several more days. That way he's not getting blindsided and you could really explaine what the issues have been.

We actually did this on our May trip. I had no real "issues", but I wanted to express my concern about how I have seen housekeeping deteriorate the past couple of years. I also wanted to ask some specifics about how things are done...like requests, first come first serve, etc. I had a smile on my face the whold conversation, and the manager had no reason to be defensive or offended. I did find him being a bit defensive anyway, so that leads me to believe that he has had more than a few complaints recently.

I think if a bunch of people expressed the same concerns at the annual meeting, DVC would try to gloss over it at the meeting itself (this is what we have seen in the past), but if there was a LOT of complaining, I think something MIGHT be done about it. This slip shod housekeeping that has gone recently has GOT to stop.

 

[kikiq]

I hope the rest of your stay is happier.

I did notice that only 3 of your original concerns had to do with DVC specifically. The rest had to do with the parks and CMs. Maybe it's time to step away for awhile. BTW, I asked my DD who is in the WDW CP right now and working at DAK counter service, and they are instructed to give ice water to anyone that ask. They cannot however fill your own cup, they have to give you their cup filled with ice water and you can pour the water into your container.

 

[MickeyCrazed]

A few years ago, we had a trip (with a stay at the Boardwalk) which soured my opinion of Disney and DVC for awhile. I got happy again, and except for the Disney Dining Plan ruining the quality of food at the restaurants, I'm pretty satisfied, and still glad I'm a DVC member.

 

[d-r]

They had such a big round of layoffs. I've heard a rumor that another one is coming next month. They are also outsourcing a lot more than they used to (like the valets and bell service). I think that is the reason for things like the groundskeeping. I was noticing in May that the bcv was looking like it needed groundskeeping, then one day a whole big crew came and did it.

We were at kidani a couple of weeks ago and the cast was great there, obviously the facilities are new.

I blame the dining plan on a lot of the dining problems. There has been a lot of cutbacks on menus and so on. The "seasonal pricing" you enjoyed is a matter of making more money during the busiest times of the year to pay for the free dining during one of the least busy times of year.

The studios managers, I don't know what they were thinking.

 

[smjj]

I hope Disney has cast members reading boards and reads this thread. Alas, they probably outsourced this function too and it will not make it to the people who care(they were probably let go anyway)...smjj

 

[plymouthmom]

I am a new owner who is looking into buying more points and does alot of research on these boards, which I have found very very helpful. I have a couple of things to add to this thread.

Obviously the OP is having a rough vacation. It happens and it happens everywhere. I have friends who are non DVC members and are DVC members who both recently came back from the world, they both had a great time but both had issues with housekeeping. The NON dvc'ers were at Port Orleans and the DVC'ers at Beach Club.

I also have friends that recently returned from Atlantis and another friend from Universal. Both complained of crabby customer service people and all around unfriendlyness.

I know Disney has some work to do on the service front. BUT this is a problem all over. If it were me , and I am in the customer service industry, I would write as many people as you possibly can. Make yourself heard, it can't hurt

 

[movie77]

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?

Well I kind of understand that thinking. Disney is sort of an artifical closed off world so the price are way inflated. The average dish there that is $24 is probably $14-16 back home and I live in DC not a cheap city. So the wait staff certainly benefits from those inflated prices.

 

[movie77]

I hope the rest of your stay is happier.

. Maybe it's time to step away for awhile. .

Why is the answer for people who receive terrible service to go away for awhile? Is there like a reeducation camp for those that have pointed out the obvious? How about we all back these people up and Disney starts living up to what they sold us all?

 

[kikiq]

Why is the answer for people who receive terrible service to go away for awhile? Is there like a reeducation camp for those that have pointed out the obvious? How about we all back these people up and Disney starts living up to what they sold us all?

If you read the original post, only 3 items had to do with DVC. I agree that one should not have to put up with unacceptable room conditions. Personally, I haven't experienced what the OP has, so my only suggestion was to step away and regroup and enjoy the rest of their vacation. Gosh, I've drunk the kool aid but I would definitely speak up if my DVC resort stay was not up to snuff.

 

[logan115]

Why is the answer for people who receive terrible service to go away for awhile? Is there like a reeducation camp for those that have pointed out the obvious? How about we all back these people up and Disney starts living up to what they sold us all?

I don't think that people are advising anyone to look past this and just accept it, I've actually seen many posts with folks encouraging others to make DVC aware of these types of issues. If we don't let them know how will it get fixed ?

I believe the "go away for a while" message is more about taking some time and letting the dust clear before making any decisions that you might regret in the future. Not many people (myself included) make the best decisions when they are highly emotional, the advice is just meant to take a step back, weigh the pros and cons, and then make a decision.

Don't think anyone is going to give anyone else a hard time if they decide that DVC isn't right for them (or not right for them anymore), but it's much easier to take a few weeks off and then decide than it is to sell you DVC because you had one bad experience, only to regret it later on.

Chris

 

[nhdisnut]

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.

Now while I sympathize with the OP, I want to let it be known that we have never had a trip like the one that is described - rooms at all of the resorts were just about perfect, wonderful cast members, excellent service, delicious food, and free ice water......We have stayed both at DVC and non-DVC resorts and had fantastic experiences. So, don't let one experience or one post bum you out as you plan for your trip. If I had listened to the "downer" posts about SSR just after I purchased in '05 I would have predicted a terrible resort experience.....turns out SSR is one of our favorites!

OP - here's hoping your vacation improves.

 

[JenSop]

I'm sorry the OP is having such a rough vacation.

We just returned from the World (there June 20-26.) We had a great time overall! (I'll be putting together a TR soon!)

Our only real BIG negative was the service (or lack thereof) at Ohana for dinner last Monday night. We were basically ignored the entire time. However, our previous visits to Ohana were always great.

Otherwise, we had a wonderful time! We received EXEMPLARY service at Sanaa and Olivia's. Our servers at those restaurants were some of the best severs I've EVER had - in the World or outside. Overall, we were treated well by every CM we came into contact with.

We were able to get free ice water at any CS place we stopped at.

Our rooms (one night at CBR and 5 nights at AKV Jambo) were neat and clean.

We had a great time at MK evening EMH - stayed until 2:30 am - hardly any crowds after 1am - and the CM's checked room cards at EVERY ride.

Besides the excessive heat and the bad service at Ohana, our trip was quite nice! But I am a bit of an optimist and go knowing that some things might not be perfect, but I won't let it ruin my stay! I've been visiting the World since 1984 (I was just 8 then!) We've been DVC since 2007. None of the magic has worn off for me!

I hope the OP's trip gets better - think happy thoughts - you're at Disney!

 

[minnierealtor]

I'm sorry the OP is having some bad experiences on vacation. We just returned from a longer than normal (6/14-6/24) vacation at WDW and Vero. When we checked in on the 14th I thought we were going to have an issue but I tried to keep smiling when the SSR CM looked unhappy with my requests. It quickly turned around. The entire vacation was filled with great CMs everywhere. It was so hot that I found myself getting irritable so I can imagine how the CMs feel on a daily basis. Not an excuse but I could see how it could happen. We had the dining plan on the last leg of our trip and had some great meals except at the Germany buffet. Our meals at Raglan Road and Yak and Yeti where excellent. I have to agree that sometimes a break from Disney is not a bad thing. When you have an outstanding vacation you expect it everytime but that may not be the case. Hopefully the remainder of the OP's vacation will be better.

 

[toniosmom]

I agree that the dining experience can be less than stellar. We did the dining plan in spring 2008 and I was less than impressed. It almost became stressful to get our food every day, between the ADRs, the crowds, etc. This past spring, I was traveling alone with my 4 year old son, so I brought in groceries and cooked. No, I didn't make any stellar meals -- I never felt like I was COOKING on vacation. It worked out GREAT. I didn't realize how much time we spent last year going out for meals (even the quick ones). On this go-around, we had so much more time to go to the parks, swim, and relax, relax, relax! It was the first time in my entire life that I felt like I really HAD a vacation at WDW.

To the original poster -- I hope that you are able to get someone's attention while you are there. It appears that your experience is not unusual and someone needs to do something about it. I hope you can enjoy your remaining time there.

 

[twinklebug]

Wow - that's a long list ILoveMyDVC. I can see why you're upset.

Most of your issues sound like CM-troubles. Please shoot an email off to Disney guest relations, just so they're aware of where the troubles lie. For now, It might help to list the little things you do love about Disney/DVC.

for me:

#1 : the area music.
#2 : the smells.
#3 : no allergies
#4 : no work

 

[allshookup]

Sorry OP things are not going well at all. We've certainly never had a "perfect" vacation at any DVC resort, but luckily any problems we encountered were handled when we called. One recent visit at I think BCVs, they had just installed the new sleeper sofas recently, but our sofa bed was literally broken in two. We could not even open it all the way & when DH looked underneath you could see where the metal was completely snapped in two on both sides. DH got it open enough to sleep on, except the front part was a little higher than the back. We called maintenance next morning & they came right away to replace the whole bed.

While they were standing there I asked them to check the dryer, because it didn't seem to be getting hot enough & at the same time I was filling the coffee maker & it sprung this huge leak & was spurting out everywhere so we got a new coffee maker too. It was almost comical, but I was glad maintenance was there when all this happened or they might've thought we were wrecking the joint. I think they did wonder about the bed!

That being said, we are still happy with our DVC & going to WDW, but I have to agree that we almost always find hairs on the bathroom floor when we check in. I will admit I'm very picky about bathroom cleanliness, but it doesn't happen at the Mills Falls Inn in NH which we also visit about once a year so I'm not sure why mousekeeping can't get all the hair picked up? DH & I have also commented on the drop in food quality over the last few years & we are definitely not fans of those dry wheat buns they started using. Blech! More reason for us to make our own sandwiches & eat in the villa for lunch.

 

[Anal Annie]

Just to chime in a bit....our very first DVC stay was at OKW and it went much the same way as the OP's. Dirty, worn unit, slow buses...had a terrible time getting to ADR's & the parks etc. We were just miserable souls all week. We hated that trip. BUT ALL OTHER trips since have been FABULOUS tho. LOVED VWL, AKV and SSR. Last trip was to celebrate DS's birthday...he wore his birthday button and every CM we passed wished him a Happy Birthday by name...without fail. It was a wonderful touch and we were tickled with the whole trip. It was our first trip "home" to SSR and we liked it a lot. NOT afraid to go back!

Trying out BCV and VB in August....hoping we love them the same way we did our past 3 trips...but are aware not all trips are created equal and now the free dining is set to start when we go so I dread mealtimes. Our meals that we had on our May trip were all OK - did mostly CS. We dined at T-Rex and Wolfgang Puck Cafe in DTD which are not Disney owned and they were both good experiences...ressies ran right on time actually. I don't really have an expectation that our ressies will be PROMPTLY on time at any restaurant tho. I would expect a 15 min. wait at a peak period. The worst waits we've ever had at WDW have always been Hollywood & Vine. They really don't know how to schedule. Trying out 4 new restaurants in August that we have never done before, all Disney owned so we shall see how it goes. Since they're all new to us we don't have any history to compare them to. Decided to steer clear of places like Yak & Yeti that tend to get mixed reviews. I think one of our best meal experiences at WDW has been the little CS place in Morocco (Tangerine Cafe I think it is). Always good. Oh, and I got a free cup of ice from a cart stand of some sort in Epcot...not quite WATER, but there was no flack from the CM and she was about 8 months pregnant & it was pretty hot out...she could've been pretty hormonal to me but she wasn't.

RE: Toy Story Mania...that line is ridiculous. It is still considered a new attraction and the Fast passes run out EARLY. Therefore the Standby line is always a nightmare from the get-go. WORST is when the Brazilian Tour Groups are there and they all show up with their Fast Passes while you are already in the Standby line. That can jack up the wait time by 30-45 min. if a large group comes back. It's a cute ride but not worth trying to do twice in any one trip. I don't think any ride is worth more than a 90 min. wait. We will do just a few rides with long stand-by times (and only if we're already holding Fast Passes for something else...gotta pick the worst of the 2 evils when you go at a busy time).

Sorry the OP is having a miserable trip. Been there. Done that. Hope not to repeat it too often but know it's a possibility at any time.