New mug and glass poll

[Anal Annie]

Though I'm in the minority on this issue, I think many people are getting worked up over something that really is not a big deal. Sometimes, there really are things that are wrong or problematic and deserve to be brought to management - this is not one of them.

I can appreciate the fact that some people like their drinks in glasses/mugs and sometimes, they require it. However, I also believe that this is an amenity that was probably changed due to cost and logistic issues. I've seen the argument from some that "we pay the same for our points as everyone else". However, by the same token, since everyone is paying the dues, is it right that everyone should pay whatever the extra cost is to keep glasses/mugs in the studios for the needs/wants of some? Some have even gone so far as stating "well, then studio points per night should be reduced at the same time" - that is just silly.

I think maybe management just needs to communicate the issue better and the reasoning behind the change to disposables. What was probably most disturbing to those objecting so profusely was that it was a unilateral decision made without notification. Had DVC simply notified everyone "we are changing to disposables in the studios because we've determined it would save X cents per point in annual dues and if we don't make this change, dues will have to go up", then the acceptance of the change would probably have been better received.

I liken this to the "free" internet service which is coming. I use the internet service while visiting and will gladly take it for free. But, by the same token, I really don't mind paying the $9.95 per day for use, because I use it and realize that many people do not. Should everyone have to pay for the internet service through dues when many do not use it?

If having glasses/mugs in the studio versus disposables comes down to paying more for it in dues, I say do away with the glasses/mugs. Not a big deal - it will not affect my enjoyment of the stay in a studio whatsoever.

I disagree. My point is that it is discrimination against only those who rent studios. Why don't they make everyone use styrofoam? That is not fair practice - they are treating people who use studios differently than people who rent larger units. And the red flag is up on my mailbox right now with my letter to Mr. Lewis in it. I want him to explain to me how using a styrofoam cup for a glass of wine is going to enhance my "deluxe resort vacation". DVC Customer Satisfaction got an email last night and the FL Dept of Environmental Protection will be getting their letter this week as well - they should be aware that some of the DVC units are not practicing "green lodging" any more.

 

[Chuck S]

If having glasses/mugs in the studio versus disposables comes down to paying more for it in dues, I say do away with the glasses/mugs. Not a big deal - it will not affect my enjoyment of the stay in a studio whatsoever.

That's the problem. I don't understand how changing to foam mugs saves any $$. The glassware was paid for years ago, when the resorts were sold to members as part of the buy in costs. Replacing a mug every 5 to 10 years, at bulk prices isn't a cost savings (or a very minimal savings) over constantly purchasing disposables. Some of the mugs at OKW are the original greenish Fiestaware from 1991.

Styrocups can leach polystyrene into hot beverages. I also think beverages taste awful in foam, it definitely has a taste. You can not microwave in them, so again, the purpose and function is not the same as the original furnishings of the units.

 

[disney54us]

Though I'm in the minority on this issue, I think many people are getting worked up over something that really is not a big deal. Sometimes, there really are things that are wrong or problematic and deserve to be brought to management - this is not one of them.

I can appreciate the fact that some people like their drinks in glasses/mugs and sometimes, they require it. However, I also believe that this is an amenity that was probably changed due to cost and logistic issues. I've seen the argument from some that "we pay the same for our points as everyone else". However, by the same token, since everyone is paying the dues, is it right that everyone should pay whatever the extra cost is to keep glasses/mugs in the studios for the needs/wants of some? Some have even gone so far as stating "well, then studio points per night should be reduced at the same time" - that is just silly.

I think maybe management just needs to communicate the issue better and the reasoning behind the change to disposables. What was probably most disturbing to those objecting so profusely was that it was a unilateral decision made without notification. Had DVC simply notified everyone "we are changing to disposables in the studios because we've determined it would save X cents per point in annual dues and if we don't make this change, dues will have to go up", then the acceptance of the change would probably have been better received.

I liken this to the "free" internet service which is coming. I use the internet service while visiting and will gladly take it for free. But, by the same token, I really don't mind paying the $9.95 per day for use, because I use it and realize that many people do not. Should everyone have to pay for the internet service through dues when many do not use it?

If having glasses/mugs in the studio versus disposables comes down to paying more for it in dues, I say do away with the glasses/mugs. Not a big deal - it will not affect my enjoyment of the stay in a studio whatsoever.

Well one suggestion for keeping dues down, is stop using our money for the Disney Files mag that has replaced Vacation Magic. Sorry, but when will owners stop acting as DVC is a 'gift'??? I read so many post that seems to convey the "well it's fine they did ______"fill in the blank. Or 'why is this person complaining about a dirty room?' What I am wondering, would everyone have this same attitude if they booked and paid for a first class vacation? After all, this is what is marketed and sold to DVC members.

Another point, how hypocritical their 'green' attitude is. For years, they have asked that we re use towels to save the environment, now it's okay to go disposable??? I guess if they save a buck, yes as long as we keep using the same towels. It will all even out.

 

[Kathi OD]

Though I'm in the minority on this issue, I think many people are getting worked up over something that really is not a big deal. Sometimes, there really are things that are wrong or problematic and deserve to be brought to management - this is not one of them.

I can appreciate the fact that some people like their drinks in glasses/mugs and sometimes, they require it. However, I also believe that this is an amenity that was probably changed due to cost and logistic issues. I've seen the argument from some that "we pay the same for our points as everyone else". However, by the same token, since everyone is paying the dues, is it right that everyone should pay whatever the extra cost is to keep glasses/mugs in the studios for the needs/wants of some? Some have even gone so far as stating "well, then studio points per night should be reduced at the same time" - that is just silly.

I think maybe management just needs to communicate the issue better and the reasoning behind the change to disposables. What was probably most disturbing to those objecting so profusely was that it was a unilateral decision made without notification. Had DVC simply notified everyone "we are changing to disposables in the studios because we've determined it would save X cents per point in annual dues and if we don't make this change, dues will have to go up", then the acceptance of the change would probably have been better received.

I liken this to the "free" internet service which is coming. I use the internet service while visiting and will gladly take it for free. But, by the same token, I really don't mind paying the $9.95 per day for use, because I use it and realize that many people do not. Should everyone have to pay for the internet service through dues when many do not use it?

If having glasses/mugs in the studio versus disposables comes down to paying more for it in dues, I say do away with the glasses/mugs. Not a big deal - it will not affect my enjoyment of the stay in a studio whatsoever.

Logistics issues, yes. Mousekeeping doesn't do as a good a job as they should and Disney's housekeepers at the CR were exposed on national television.

Cost issues, no way. Replacing something that is disposable on a continual basis over time will cost much more than replacing the occassional mug or glass that is broken by a guest. Add the negative effects on the environment and this is a decision that just does not make sense, and really is a much bigger deal than it appears to be on the surface. I can almost guarantee that our dues would go up using the styrofoam before they would go up using the ceramic/glass dishes.

How can you liken this to the free internet that is coming? They are totally opposite examples. In one instance they took away something that you expected and gave you something of a lesser quality. In the other instance they upgraded an amenity. As far as the internet is concerned, you knew up front that you would have to pay $9.95/ day if you wanted access. You didn't have free internet and then DVC decided to take it away. The upcoming free internet is an example of something that DVC got right. They recognized that there are DVCers that have a need for access to the internet during their stays and improved that part of our membership.

It will be interesting to see if today brings some communication on our email/letter campaign.

 

[disney54us]

Logistics issues, yes. Mousekeeping doesn't do as a good a job as they should and Disney's housekeepers at the CR were exposed on national television.

Cost issues, no way. Replacing something that is disposable on a continual basis over time will cost much more than replacing the occassional mug or glass that is broken by a guest. Add the negative effects on the environment and this is a decision that just does not make sense, and really is a much bigger deal than it appears to be on the surface. I can almost guarantee that our dues would go up using the styrofoam before they would go up using the ceramic/glass dishes.

How can you liken this to the free internet that is coming? They are totally opposite examples. In one instance they took away something that you expected and gave you something of a lesser quality. In the other instance they upgraded an amenity. As far as the internet is concerned, you knew up front that you would have to pay $9.95/ day if you wanted access. You didn't have free internet and then DVC decided to take it away. The upcoming free internet is an example of something that DVC got right. They recognized that there are DVCers that have a need for access to the internet during their stays and improved that part of our membership.

It will be interesting to see if today brings some communication on our email/letter campaign.

What show was this on??? Would be interesting to see. We had the unfortunate experience of staying at CR one night when we came back from the 06 member cruise. It was disgusting and we couldn't wait to get out of there and go 'home' to one of our resorts!

 

[Chuck S]

What show was this on??? Would be interesting to see. We had the unfortunate experience of staying at CR one night when we came back from the 06 member cruise. It was disgusting and we couldn't wait to get out of there and go 'home' to one of our resorts!

It was on the Feb 20th Inside Edition.

 

[TisBit]

I disagree. My point is that it is discrimination against only those who rent studios. Why don't they make everyone use styrofoam? That is not fair practice - they are treating people who use studios differently than people who rent larger units. And the red flag is up on my mailbox right now with my letter to Mr. Lewis in it. I want him to explain to me how using a styrofoam cup for a glass of wine is going to enhance my "deluxe resort vacation". DVC Customer Satisfaction got an email last night and the FL Dept of Environmental Protection will be getting their letter this week as well - they should be aware that some of the DVC units are not practicing "green lodging" any more.

I don't feel that it rises to the level of discrimination. As defined by Dictionary.com

dis·crim·i·na·tion /dɪˌskrɪməˈneɪʃən/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[di-skrim-uh-ney-shuhn] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun 1. an act or instance of discriminating.
2. treatment or consideration of, or making a distinction in favor of or against, a person or thing based on the group, class, or category to which that person or thing belongs rather than on individual merit: racial and religious intolerance and discrimination.
3. the power of making fine distinctions; discriminating judgment: She chose the colors with great discrimination.
4. Archaic. something that serves to differentiate.

I say that only because no one has bought a "studio ownership" in DVC, if we had purchased into individual units as other timeshares do, that could be considered a different "class" of ownership. The only thing that comes close is the archaic definition.....but I don't think we live in the archaic times or that is how you were referring to it.

I definitely see this being preferential treatment or trying to reduce the benefits when staying in a studio vs 1 bedrooms, which isn't fair. I have mention before, on one of these many threads , that it would different if they received something in return, such as daily housekeeping to offset the differences. Almost like having the options of a "hotel" experience in studios and "condo" experience in larger villas, but that isn't what Disney is doing.....

I just have issues when the "discrimination" word is thrown around so loosely, but that is my opinion....and we all are entitled to our own......

With that being said, I still want them to return the glasses and mugs (AND give us real plates and silverware!)

 

[disney54us]

It was on the Feb 20th Inside Edition.

Thanks, would have like to have seen it.

 

[Chuck S]

Thanks, would have like to have seen it.

Here is a link to the transcript Inside EditionTo see the video, at the top of the page click on video then select investigative reports

 

[Liljam]

I'm in the "not bothered" category!

I plan to take paper plates, cups and disposable utensils with me on our next trip and we're in a GV where we could take advantage of glass and a dishwasher... I just prefer to use disposables. I also use the refillable mug so I don't really care what they put in the rooms. Most of the time I will be using a studio to stay. I'm also new to DVC and have not stayed in a DVC unit yet though so maybe this is why I feel unaffected by this!

 

[jdg345]

Here is a link to the transcript Inside EditionTo see the video, at the top of the page click on video then select investigative reports

Uhm ... okay ... that was *disgusting* ... especially with the one lady blowing her nose (or wiping her mouth) in a towel and then using it to dry off the mugs/glasses. Yuck!

 

[rsinj]

.

 

[disney54us]

Here is a link to the transcript Inside EditionTo see the video, at the top of the page click on video then select investigative reports

Thank you for suppling the link. , it was gross!!!! Having stated previous 1 night was more then enough for us at CR. The room was not properly cleaned and I believe I did rinse everything in hot water. You would expect in hotel rooms that fresh glasses,mugs are brought in that have been commercially sanitized. Go figure.

 

[disney54us]

I'm not saying that is necessarily the reason, just a possibility. As I also said, let them explain the reasoning - what's the harm in that? If you want to convince people it is the best thing to do, what better way than explain how you arrived at the decision?

Though the glasses/mugs are paid for and the cost minimal, maybe because they need to be cleaned/replaced between guests in addition to breakage or theft, there is higher cost because it is not as simple as throwing everything in the dishwasher in the unit? I don't know, and I'd be confident that almost everyone here doesn't know. If we all knew the reasoning behind the decision, lots of the discussion might not be necessary.

Ah yes, the green fiestaware. The good old days!

I'm sure their would be discussion, since you can't (well obviously they have) sell people luxury resort ownership aka timeshare, w/all the amenities and then start downgrading. Unless someone is having a bad night and using the mugs to throw at someone, breakage is at the min. I know what I can pay for fiestaware on sale, so I'm sure what Dis pays is next to nothing in bulk. The point here seems to be how DVC keeps 'cheating' us from what was originally presented and all these perks add up to the reason many made the decision to purchase.
To be honest, I will state that in 10 years I have never stayed in a studio, but I am not one that says it doesn't effect me, so I don't care. If the day comes that we would stay in one, I don't drink wine from styrofoam, nor coffee. Remember this is suppose to be your 'home', so where I may pack wine glasses staying at a hotel, I shouldn't have to when I go 'home'. Welcome home folks.

 

[PinkTink63]

That's the problem. I don't understand how changing to foam mugs saves any $$. The glassware was paid for years ago, when the resorts were sold to members as part of the buy in costs. Replacing a mug every 5 to 10 years, at bulk prices isn't a cost savings (or a very minimal savings) over constantly purchasing disposables. Some of the mugs at OKW are the original greenish Fiestaware from 1991.

Styrocups can leach polystyrene into hot beverages. I also think beverages taste awful in foam, it definitely has a taste. You can not microwave in them, so again, the purpose and function is not the same as the original furnishings of the units.

I'm with you Chuck! I just don't see how this can be cost effective if the dishes are already paid for, for one thing! For another, even when some of the dishes have to be replaced due to breakage, etc., I don't see how disposables can be less money and how are they going to keep the studios supplied? When we stay, we always end up taking garbage down to the trash can even before our T&T day or our full cleaning. Those little garbage cans in the rooms do not hold very much!

 

[PinkTink63]

Uhm ... okay ... that was *disgusting* ... especially with the one lady blowing her nose (or wiping her mouth) in a towel and then using it to dry off the mugs/glasses. Yuck!

Okay...my son just watched that video with me and his mouth fell open with a stunned look on his face! I said, "That is why I wash everything first and bring my sanitizer with me every where! Are you going to make fun of me anymore?"
My family always teases me about stuff like that! I think they are going to be less likely to do that now!

 

[donaldbuzz&minnie]

Hate it! It just seems really cheesy and unnecessarily cheap to me. I totally agree with those who say it makes no sense to give people a microwave and foam "dishware". The studio becomes just another hotel room instead of a home away from home.

Is Disney telling us something about how they intend to act in the future? Sell as much DVC as the market will bear, and then start cheaping out on the amenities? This kind of thing makes me think twice about the future vacation value of our points.