New pool heat policy? ***update see post 549 ****

[scottb8888]

Maybe we all should contact our guides as well as inform prospective buyers of our concerns?

 

[lilstint]

A warm weather trip to Florrida each winter is something our family counts on.

In fact, some days, they spend all day in the pools and we don't even visit the parks at all.


The person who pulled the trigger and turned down the pool temps, highlighted those lines and passed your e-mail all around the office. He at this moment is up for a promotion. His plan to get people into the parks spending money, rather then sitting around filling those dang mugs has obvioulsy worked.

Last February we were hanging out at the POR pool around 2pm when I called to check if our room was ready. The CM said that the the room was not ready and actually told me go into the parks! I told the CM that we had had a long trip and were enjoying sitting at the pool (notice I did not say swimming). She told me that it might be awhile so I'd better take the boat to DD!!!

I thought the whole conversation so odd that I told my daughter about it when I got off the phone. I really do believe that there is some truth in the fact that Disney does not want people at the pools. Call it paranoia but maybe they did turn down the temp for just that reason.

 

[shantay1008]

What seems especially frustrating is not being able to confirm that the pool temps were officially lowered. We thought it was too cold to swim when we were there in Feb., but that doesn't prove anything. And DVC just repeats this Red Cross business that no one here is buying. Can't we get our hands on a memo or something that has this new policy in writing, if there really is a new policy?

I might be from up north, and I may even have sat in a sauna and then jumped through a hole in the ice on a lake once when I was in college, but I don't want to have to be that hardy at WDW!

 

[Markstudy]

What seems especially frustrating is not being able to confirm that the pool temps were officially lowered. !

Here is a post on the Resort Boards from a guy that backs-up the old pool temps

Looks like its time for us to collect names of all the Resort GM's so people can email or call the right people.

YBCM
Earning My Ears


Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 2 I am a lifeguard at Stormalong Bay during the summers. The (hot) water temp. in summer comes only from the heat of the good 'ol Florida sunshine. We actually add water to Stormalong that is 72 degrees during the summer to try and cool things off, but especially with all that sand holding in heat, it's hard to keep the pool cool in July/August. It does feel like a bath.

As for the cooler pool temps, I have not worked at the pool since last summer, so I can't confirm anything, but it does not surprise me that Disney would try lowering the temperatures. The only thing likely to get the temps. back up (we used to keep Stormalong btwn. 82-85 degrees, don't know what it is now) is a large volume of guest complaints. Do not complain to the lifeguards - they are probably just as unhappy as you are (we have to train in that water well after the sun goes down!) and have no power to change anything. You need to ask to speak to a recreation manager, or actually, I'd recommend going to the front desk and ask for the General Manager of the entire resort. They are the only ones with the power to change the pool temps. Even the recreation managers pretty much have to do what they are told by the higher-ups. If GMs get enough complaints, things should start to change.

 

[Beca]

Thanks, even with that info, I don't see it on the current ARC site.

Dean,

I pulled this off the website yesterday.


http://www.redcross.org/search/incl...TEMPERATUR&imgflg=&sumflg=&option=showcontent

Beca

 

[Disney Fanatic]

I resent another e-mail to Disney asking for the right persons name to address an e-mail to. Obviously it is not Jackie and I need to make sure the right people know how upset we are!!

We are expecting twins in July and definately need to add extra pts to be able to stay at DVC in a 2 bedroom. We will NOT be adding any pts until this is resolved or else we will just have to vacation in the caribbean instead of at Disney.

I know some people think this is harsh but we are not going to the parks every day during our trips we take during the Canadian winter months. We need some down time by the pools to swim and relax. This is what a vacation is all about for us!! If we cannot swim in the pools, we will look to vacation somewhere we can!

Yes I love Disney but unfortunately they won't get all of our precious vacation dollars all of the time, maybe just every 5 years instead of twice a year.


I hope Disney does the right thing.

 

[Katya]

Well I just got up the courage and time to call my guide, and left a message. He wasn't there, but I mentioned the ongoing discussion, the silliness (IMO) of quoting red cross fitness swimming recommendations for leisure pools, and my reticence to finalize closing if this is going to be an ongoing thing... seeing that I have a contract open, but haven't sent back the paperwork.

Maybe it will mean something, maybe not. I'm certainly not in a position where it will kill me either way if I finalize my purchase or not, but I hate "not knowing" what the deal is. Maybe this will shine some light on things.

I'll let people know what, if anything, comes of it. Wonder if QA can also assist me, or do they just deal with the documentation questions.

 

[lilstint]

Here is a post on the Resort Boards from a guy that backs-up the old pool temps

Looks like its time for us to collect names of all the Resort GM's so people can email or call the right people.

YBCM
Earning My Ears


Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 2 I am a lifeguard at Stormalong Bay during the summers. The (hot) water temp. in summer comes only from the heat of the good 'ol Florida sunshine. We actually add water to Stormalong that is 72 degrees during the summer to try and cool things off, but especially with all that sand holding in heat, it's hard to keep the pool cool in July/August. It does feel like a bath.

As for the cooler pool temps, I have not worked at the pool since last summer, so I can't confirm anything, but it does not surprise me that Disney would try lowering the temperatures. The only thing likely to get the temps. back up (we used to keep Stormalong btwn. 82-85 degrees, don't know what it is now) is a large volume of guest complaints. Do not complain to the lifeguards - they are probably just as unhappy as you are (we have to train in that water well after the sun goes down!) and have no power to change anything. You need to ask to speak to a recreation manager, or actually, I'd recommend going to the front desk and ask for the General Manager of the entire resort. They are the only ones with the power to change the pool temps. Even the recreation managers pretty much have to do what they are told by the higher-ups. If GMs get enough complaints, things should start to change.

I just asked YBCM the BIG question on another thread and got the same response. I mentioned that I have been swimming in Disney pools just about every February since 1976 and I felt the temps were at LEAST 6 degrees colder this year. It does now appear that they were, in fact, betwwen 5-7 degrees colder. Anyone that owns a pool can attest that that is a HUGE difference!!!!!

 

[toesmom]

Called my guide Hubert Van Alpern and left message about january vacation and how I need to talk to him.

When he calls I hope that he can find out for me the name of someone in charge and a phone number or fax number where I can send my letter of complaint because member services doesn't seem to care.

The whole reason we bought DVC instead of mexico vacations in january has to do with heated pools and if they are not heated it totally changes my plans.


When do we travel now? February or March has higher points. We only planned for January travel and now I'm really debating how to handle this because I don't want to be shivering in the pool again next year.

And I don't think I'm blowing this out of proportion at all. I should have been told ahead of time about this change - Disney should try to cut costs elsewhere.

I'll let you know what I find out and pass on information about where people especially DVC members can complain and hopefully bring about some change.

 

[manning]

Any ideas where they should cut costs? maybe we can give them some ideas.

Sorry in my rush I got a bit behind in my reading and posted in haste.

Are there any ideas how we can offset the increase in energy cost to keep the pools at the same temperature level. Management needs some help here. Also what do you think a fair increase in dues would be if they cannot come up with any offsets?? Those of you who don't swim much, would you agree to an increase in dues to cover this??

Here's one that would reduce energy cost. Eliminate towel and trash day. It could also reduce maid staffing thus lowering salary costs. It would give them more time to clean rooms. Then we could all get checked in before 4pm,maybe 3.

 

[PHILCT]

I sent an email to member services.

I think I will send it out every week until they reverse this policy.

It was a little tongue in cheek.

I ended a lengthy email, with asking Member Services to reveal the VP's name who implemented this pool temperature policy, and a promise to MEMBER SERVICES that it will be "THE BEST KEPT SECRET" at Disney.

I think everyone should send an email or make a call.

Don't be silent and freezing in the Pools !

I'm going for 12 nights in DECEMBER !

 

[Chuck S]

I just asked YBCM the BIG question on another thread and got the same response. I mentioned that I have been swimming in Disney pools just about every February since 1976 and I felt the temps were at LEAST 6 degrees colder this year. It does now appear that they were, in fact, betwwen 5-7 degrees colder. Anyone that owns a pool can attest that that is a HUGE difference!!!!!

Right, let's all believe someone who has 2 posts and reports to be a summer CM at SAB. Especially given the fact that Disney doesn't encourage their CMs to answer questions about Disney policy on intenet forums.

 

[DisneyJen]

Going the guide route is probably the best option ...

We had an issue with our stay in January (we had an "accessible" studio at BWV) and we had a laundry list of shortcomings in the room (no safe, no closet, no vc ... on and on).

One night on our way to dinner at Yachtsman we stopped in the DVC Center on the BW and shared our displeasure, along with how it was handled after multiple calls) with our stay. The two guides suggested we contact our guide. We did so after we returned home ... and Celeste returned our call and told us that she would pass it on to the customer service group but for us to be patient. About 4 weeks later we received a call from a senior customer service DVC person who offered a sincere apology along with a very acceptable resolution.

So long story short ... guess I will be calling Celeste tomorrow.

 

[lilstint]

Right, let's all believe someone who has 2 posts and reports to be a summer CM at SAB. Especially given the fact that Disney doesn't encourage their CMs to answer questions about Disney policy on intenet forums.

I don't think it is fair to immediately suspect a hoax on the number of posts someone has. Did you not have 5 posts once??? I know I did.

 

[gruZ]

Does anyone know anyone that works at or advertises for Universal?

They might want to highlight their warm pool policy, compared to other Orlando resorts, which are cold. My hope would be a competitive response from Disney to counter this, and then we get the warm water back...

Just a thought.

 

[Sammie]

What seems especially frustrating is not being able to confirm that the pool temps were officially lowered. We thought it was too cold to swim when we were there in Feb., but that doesn't prove anything. And DVC just repeats this Red Cross business that no one here is buying. Can't we get our hands on a memo or something that has this new policy in writing, if there really is a new policy?

I might be from up north, and I may even have sat in a sauna and then jumped through a hole in the ice on a lake once when I was in college, but I don't want to have to be that hardy at WDW!

A voice of reason that I am sure will be ignored. I totally agree.

I also agree if someone has been recently and found the pools cool, then they have a legitimate complaint.

However if someone is calling and writing Disney based on hearsay they are not going to get any recognition from Disney for that.

I have been told by everyone I know that works in resorts that the policy has not changed. That temps were always kept at this standard and while some might find that too cool at certain times it has not changed.

Some of these threads are beginning to look more like mass hysteria and less about guests having a legitimate complaint. If a large percentage of guests complain about the pool temps, then something might change.

If a small percentage of the total guest occupany complains nothing is going to change and rightfully so. They can't run around making pools warmer, then someone else complains it's too warm and they turn them down.

 

[stephen11]

Hi, here is one member that spent the first week of March at the BWV and tried to swim in the quiet pool. It was definitely too chilly. Air temperatures were between 78 and 84 degrees that week so we really thought that the swimming would be great (not so)... We always enjoy this time of year and the pool has always been luxuriously comfortable and warm...not this year.

We headed for the hot-tub and found about six guests trying to warm up...

We did go in the pool, but just to the edge of the steps..

 

[Beca]

I did a search, and here's the latest contact info I could find:

The last contact info I have is:

DVC Member Satisfaction Manager

members@disneyvacationclub.com

in subject line write "ATT: Carli D'Agostino"


I am sending this letter:

Ms D'Agostino,

It has come to my attention via a WDW fan site, that the pool temps of the resort pools at WDW have been lowered to "fall in line with the American Red Cross standards". In a letter sent to a member, WDW's official response was:

"Thank you for your e-mail.

We appreciate you taking the time to share your concerns regarding the temperature of our resort
pools. Based on American Red Cross recommendations, we are heating our resort swimming pools at
78-80 degrees during the winter months. Please note that water temperature is monitored throughout
the day so that we may maintain this recommended temperature. Since the average air temperature can be cool in Florida during the winter months, you may wish to be mindful of the current temperature
when using the pools. In addition, The Walt Disney Company is focused on continually finding ways
to be environmentally conscious and participative. By maintaining our resort swimming pools at 80
degrees during the winter months, we contribute greatly toward conserving valuable energy sources.

Thank you again for contacting us. We are glad you are a Member of our Disney Vacation Club family, and we look forward to entertaining you for many years to come."

My concern is, not only is this too cold to go swimming in the winter time, but it is also not within the current Red Cross guidelines. Per their website (as of today), the guidelines are as follows:

"What is a safe temperature for a home pool? Recommended water temperatures for the type of activity ranges from 78°F for fitness swimming, 82°F for recreational swimming and 86°F for water therapy." (The link for this information is: http://www.redcross.org/search/incl...TEMPERATUR&imgflg=&sumflg=&option=showcontent ).

For our family (especially our young daughter), there is a big difference in the temperatures of 80 and 82 degrees. We love our membership at the BCV, and look forward to allowing our daughter to swim year-round...especially during our December trip. We have always found the pool temps to be acceptable, but we are deeply concerned that the change in temperature will mean that if our daughter swims in the pools in December, she could be risking obtaining an illness as a result. And, most likely she will not want to swim in such cold water.

Please consider raising your pool temperatures to the recommended "recreational" temperature as recommended by the Red Cross.

I look forward to hearing your reply,




Beca

 

[AMcaptured]

BCV members should send a snail mail letter (many businesses still take snail mail more serious as it takes more time to write and a stamp ) to


Sam Pensula
General Manager
Yacht and Beach Club Resort
1800 Epcot Resort Blvd
Lake Buena Vista, FL
32830

It will take a few weeks to hear back but include your telephone number and someone "eventually" will call you.

I have sent them letters before and have always received a call from them within a few weeks.


AM

 

[DVCPAT]

Are there any ideas how we can offset the increase in energy cost to keep the pools at the same temperature level. Management needs some help here. Also what do you think a fair increase in dues would be if they cannot come up with any offsets?? Those of you who don't swim much, would you agree to an increase in dues to cover this??

Future skyrocketing energy costs are the bottom line. Disney is going to have a tough time deciding where to reduce energy consumption while keeping the majority of members happy.

Florida uses natural gas to generate 80% of its electricity. Energy costs are skyrocketing and Disney will have to pass the costs along to us. It would be great to see the public/dvc membership contact government officials in support of regulating the energy industry.

I wonder how many members would be opposed in lifting the 15% cap? I have no problem paying higher dues. Maybe a separate energy surcharge for those who stay during peak energy consuming times.






Regulation urged for natural gas cost
Manipulation of prices is blamed

March 8, 2006

BY SAM HANANEL
ASSOCIATED PRESS
WASHINGTON -- Too little oversight of financial markets -- not supply and demand problems -- are to blame for skyrocketing natural gas prices, top law enforcement officials in four Midwestern states said Tuesday.
Comparing natural gas trading to "the wild, wild West," the attorneys general from Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin urged Congress to increase regulation of markets they say are vulnerable to abuse and manipulation.
The officials -- all Democrats -- issued a six-month study of natural gas prices. They said they want to debunk the commonly held view that a lack of supply and surging demand are responsible for sharp price increases that have caused a 25% to 30% rise in winter heating bills in the Midwest and elsewhere.
"It's stunningly annoying to sit here and have to literally say the moon is not made of green cheese," Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon said at a news conference. "Supply and demand did not cause the spikes."
The price surge has affected more than half of all U.S. households that heat with natural gas. Many of those who rely on electric heat have also seen bills go up because a large number of power plants run on natural gas.
While natural gas prices are up about 28% this year, usage is down 5%. At the same time, supply has remained steady.
"How can you have demand down, and price up and supply level?" asked Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller. "It doesn't make sense. To get to these big increases, you have to look at the financial side, at the trading."
The report, prepared by Mark Cooper, research director for the Consumer Federation of America, concluded that one reason for the climb in prices is a huge influx of money into largely unregulated financial markets.
Under current law, Miller said, only about 20% of trades are reported. The lack of transparency allows traders to gain huge positions and potentially manipulate the market, he said.
"It's sort of like the wild, wild West in terms of trading," Miller said. "There's very little reporting of trades."
The officials urged Congress to make market trading more transparent by requiring registration of traders and reporting of all trades. They also want stricter limits on positions held by one entity, longer settlement periods for short- and long-term contracts, and restrictions on how much the price of natural gas can fluctuate before trading is temporarily halted for a cooling off period.
Sandy Crockett, a spokeswoman for the Natural Gas Supply Association, blamed the recent price surge on "unprecedented and massive supply disruptions" in the Gulf of Mexico during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
"Both the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission have, in fact, concluded that this winter's price fluctuations were entirely consistent with market fundamentals at that time," she said in a written statement.
"We support their ongoing efforts to police natural gas markets for any evidence of manipulation or abuse," Crockett said, adding, "We remain comfortable with the level of oversight provided by these regulatory agencies."
Wisconsin Attorney General Peg Lautenschlager said the report was commissioned before the hurricanes struck and took them into account. The report found the storms actually had little impact on supply because natural gas storage was at or near record levels both before and after the hurricanes struck the gulf coast.