Ok I Understand the Excessive Wear and Tear

[Deb & Bill]

You have a good point. The dark plastic laminate that they used shows every fingerprint that ever touched the surface and it appears to be the thinest material that you can buy. It doesn't wear well and chips and scratches destroys the surface.

Bill

And so what did they put into OKW for the refurbishment? Dark repainted/refinished wood. No sense.

 

[BeesKnees]

I personally think it would be easier if you attached the tree to the bottom rack of the dishwasher and rolled it around with you. The dishwasher rack is already there in the villa (unless someone has broken off the wheels by pushing their kid around in it) and you wouldn't have to worry about getting the stroller to Dis!

Nope, the bottom rack of the dishwasher is one of the ornaments. I will have one pimped out Christmas tree with that kind of bling.

 

[tjkraz]

And so what did they put into OKW for the refurbishment? Dark repainted/refinished wood. No sense.

Dark solid wood that stained or painted can still be quite durable. SSR, VWL, AKV and VGS all have darker woods and haven't been the subject of similar complaints.

In the case of BLT, I think it's more about the style of decor chosen. Most of the furnishings are wood core with sheets of laminate. As another poster said, laminate is prone to chipping and will show all of the scratches and scrapes much more than a solid wood.

 

[BeesKnees]

Dark solid wood that stained or painted can still be quite durable. SSR, VWL, AKV and VGS all have darker woods and haven't been the subject of similar complaints.

In the case of BLT, I think it's more about the style of decor chosen. Most of the furnishings are wood core with sheets of laminate. As another poster said, laminate is prone to chipping and will show all of the scratches and scrapes much more than a solid wood.

Laminate also doesn't do well in very humid environments.

 

[Sammie]

sadly the furniture at BLT as stated is a dark laminate that not only shows marks it chips easily and as stated the humidity does not help.

The Thomasville furniture at SSR is wearing very well because it is quality that does not chip and even the dents or scratches are easily covered with a furniture pen.

 

[Starr W.]

Dark solid wood that stained or painted can still be quite durable. SSR, VWL, AKV and VGS all have darker woods and haven't been the subject of similar complaints.

In the case of BLT, I think it's more about the style of decor chosen. Most of the furnishings are wood core with sheets of laminate. As another poster said, laminate is prone to chipping and will show all of the scratches and scrapes much more than a solid wood.

Depends on the type of laminate used. Worked in the forest product/laminate/kitchen cabinet industry for years before I sold my company and retired.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

I think it's a noble idea but I'm forced to agree with others that it would be a very cumbersome process. Having a bill-back policy in place would probably limit a portion of the damage. However, think of the extra expenses members would incur in order to enforce such policies.

There would have to be detailed room inspections before arrival. Some guests would probably insist on one-on-one inspections with a CM--or they would be mandatory. Post departure inspections would also have to occur--again many with a CM present to verify room condition. Then they would have to bill offenders, make collections and deal with disputes from guests.

And think of the potential loss of good will from guests. I'm not talking about folks who actually destroy the rooms, rather the honest mistakes on Disney's part or things that are legitimately discovered after a guest leaves. How would any of us feel if we got a $100 bill in the mail for something reported in a room after departure?

Yes our dues pay for damages and theft committed by others. But we've been paying for it all these years and I'm hard-pressed to see how the alternatives would result in any real savings.

I'm not against creating reasonable rules and doing a better job of communicating them to members. Most people will naturally follow posted guidelines without a slap on the wrist. Look at things like occupancy guidelines which are not enforced in any meaningful manner. But enforcement of most rules would only come at a high cost to members.

I agree with you here. Disney walks a tight rope with this issue. This has caused me to ponder... We take the auto train when traveling to the Fla resorts. This means our car is loaded into an Auto Carrier Car and off-loaded when we arrive. The car is their responsibility from the time we hand it over to them until the time they hand it back over to us. THEY have a person who's sole job is to video record the condition of the car (inside and out) before they take responsibility. It only takes 30 seconds or so. I'm betting this is due to claims of damage while the carrier had responsibility (scratches, dents, rips, dirt, etc.).

So, I'm thinking, why not assign a mousekeeper to do the same when a unit is transferred responsibility. Take a 1 minute capture of the unit before cleaning, and another after cleaning. This would provide the before and after (the stay) record of conditions (evidence), and also provide a record of before and after the cleaning (accountability). Beyond the obvious benefit of being able to hold a member responsible for a specific issue, it also gives management a tool for evaluating cleaning results, effectiveness, and for training. Of course this would not be perfect and doesn't record how things function, but it could be quite useful, and effective I'm thinking.

Just a ponder.

 

[y2kdave]

The most we've ever done is put up a small tree at Christmas. I agree that it isn't 'mine' so I treat it like I always do other peoples property, as good or better than my own.

 

[kevmag]

This was great reading just before hitting the sack. Most of what I was thinking has been said, I only had 2 other points:

1. Regarding the higher % of children in Disney...is there a case to be made that the rooms actually don't have kids in them all day as much as might be in other family friendly resorts? (Because many (most??) families are at the parks all day?) Just a thought....no idea if thats true or not

2. A few posts discussed behavior of kids/teens/parents nowadays compared to other generations. I have to admit...(and will sound like an old fogey here)..I travel a lot on business, and when i see the behavior of younger people (not kids..I mean young adults who probably don't have families yet)..the ignorance of common courtesy with cell phone screaming...texting while walking, and looking down....etc, etc.
I wonder how they will be able to teach their own kids any manners, since they don't have manners themselves??

(Geez, i read what i typed...i sound old)
Good night

 

[MinnieVanMom]

I also read this late last nite and slept on it. Sure many points are valid the resorts do show age. I recently spent a week at the Disneyland hotel in Ca and it was beyond horrible compared to what I see at DVC. Resorts, room, hotels, all need to be updated and maintained constantly.

People, families, etc all use a room. Just being there causes wear and tear. We are all not perfect. I dare to have someone here say they are perfect???? But Disney is suppose to be fun, magical. So a person decorates and they clean up afterwards. So what, does it cause you butt hurt?

I could have sworn somethings I read were written by my very crabby and very old gramps who I love so much but sure do wish he could just enjoy the moment.

I thought this thread was about wear and tear not child rearing or morals??? So kids are little, big, hard on anything and full of energy. God love them, they are kids. Parenting styles take all shapes and forms. Are we to judge? Are we all perfect? We have a SN child, but you can't tell by looking at him. But I sure have felt the stares of the holy than you when we are having issues. You really don't know till you walk a day. Autism sucks. Yep, we have a huge SN stroller on steriods. DS needs it, sorry you are offended. We just aren't perfect, don't pretend to be and try to not judge. Things are not as they appear.

But this is about wear and tear. Rooms need to be maintained and people need to enjoy the magic of Disney. Be sensible and do our best.

Off my soap box now. I found this thread very sad............

 

[BeesKnees]

We have a SN child, but you can't tell by looking at him. But I sure have felt the stares of the holy than you when we are having issues. You really don't know till you walk a day. Autism sucks. Yep, we have a huge SN stroller on steriods. DS needs it, sorry you are offended. We just aren't perfect, don't pretend to be and try to not judge. Things are not as they appear.

Honestly, I think you took offense where none was intended. As I recall the issue was about Christmas trees and the "damage" they cause and how a stroller probably causes more. However, I don't recall anyone saying that parents were rude for bringing them or that they shouldn't bring them it was just used as a comparison. The same could be said for sleeping on a mattress. Each time anyone sleeps on a mattress, not to mention other activities, it is slowly damaging it. The cost of replacing mattresses has to be much higher than repairing any damage a Christmas tree has caused (unless one has ever caught fire) but that doesn't mean people should not sleep in the beds.

On parenting techniques it boils down to the generation gap just like it always has. Most grandparents probably dislike the way kids their grandchildren's age are being raised and I am sure it has been that way for a good hundred or more years. It is the way of things. The average age of maturity climbs for each generation and it is annoying. The thing that is really rubbing many people like myself the wrong way is the self-entitlement exhibited by so many people under tha age of 30. Based on my own personal experience young adults now expect a promotion/raise every 2-3 years. It is not that they expect they will earn it but that it is just how it should work. I have had several of them quit when informed what they would have to do to earn it.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I also read this late last nite and slept on it. Sure many points are valid the resorts do show age. I recently spent a week at the Disneyland hotel in Ca and it was beyond horrible compared to what I see at DVC. Resorts, room, hotels, all need to be updated and maintained constantly.

People, families, etc all use a room. Just being there causes wear and tear. We are all not perfect. I dare to have someone here say they are perfect???? But Disney is suppose to be fun, magical. So a person decorates and they clean up afterwards. So what, does it cause you butt hurt?

I could have sworn somethings I read were written by my very crabby and very old gramps who I love so much but sure do wish he could just enjoy the moment.

I thought this thread was about wear and tear not child rearing or morals??? So kids are little, big, hard on anything and full of energy. God love them, they are kids. Parenting styles take all shapes and forms. Are we to judge? Are we all perfect? We have a SN child, but you can't tell by looking at him. But I sure have felt the stares of the holy than you when we are having issues. You really don't know till you walk a day. Autism sucks. Yep, we have a huge SN stroller on steriods. DS needs it, sorry you are offended. We just aren't perfect, don't pretend to be and try to not judge. Things are not as they appear.

But this is about wear and tear. Rooms need to be maintained and people need to enjoy the magic of Disney. Be sensible and do our best.

Off my soap box now. I found this thread very sad............

When you walk into your villa and find crayon drawings on the wall, that's bad parenting. At the very least, the family should have tried to repair the damage.

When you walk into your villa and there is a big ugly stain on the carpet or furniture, that is someone not taking the time to clean up their own mess and letting housekeeping know as soon as possible to avoid the stain.

When you walk into your villa and see big gouges on the furniture and built-ins, that's someone not taking the care to make sure they don't hit the walls and furniture with their big stroller or luggage or whatever. Or letting the little ones drive the stroller in the villa.

Every little mark, stain or bit of damage left behind by another guest costs us, the members. That's what this thread is all about. If the damage is caused by your child, no matter what that child's condition it, you are responsible for taking care of the problem. Whether it's a bunch of drunks partying in the villa or little ones jumping on the bed. Doesn't matter.

 

[jdg345]

Speaking of stains, we recently were moved (and upgraded), points refunded, because the cushions on the pull-out couch in our 1BR were such a mess. I'm not talking about the mattress, but the actual cushions/pillows. I don't want to get too descriptive because it was pretty disgusting, so let's just say a black-light wasn't even necessary.

I just don't understand some people. SMH

 

[DisDaydreamer]

So much emphasis on parenting. I don't get it. Kids are kids, and show me a home with children that doesn't show the existence of children. The age old thing about "children these days, or parents these days" is old and just ongoing. Your great, great grand parents said the same thing. MOST parents try to do the right thing (not all, but most). There is no getting around it, seriously, Disney/DVC tenants are the hardest on the unit because of children. How different would your home look if you didn't have children?

IN GENERAL... it is not because of bad parenting (in general), or the new generation of parents not being diligent. It is just the nature of the beast. Yes, there are many times when people act or parent badly, but the general wear and tear is caused by the tens or hundreds of thousands of occupants at every resort every year, and when your occupants almost always include children you are going to have a greater rate of wear and tear. You cannot point the finger at anyone or any type of person. You have to look at the bigger picture.

I/we were the anal/diligent parents. I am sure we prevented many possible cases of specific wear and tear. So kudos to us, but I have learned much after my children have grown... And I might choose a different path given the opportunity. Everyone has to make a choice and in some cases it is not a choice, but rather just trying to survive day to day. I now always try to put myself in other's shoes... It is hard to do if you haven't been there. But if you haven't been there... don't be so quick to judge.

Everyone has a direct negative impact on the earth... Anyone could point at anyone and convincingly make that case.

Time to put this one to bed IMHO.

 

[gkrykewy]

So what, does it cause you butt hurt?

 

[Sammie]

Sorry but one can have lots of fun at Disney without letting the kids jump on beds, mark on walls and something I witnessed this week, riding Grandpa's scooter in the room and playing bumpem cars with the furniture and walls.

My mantra for my DVC stays is leave the room in better shape than I found it. See that burned out bulbs are replaced for the next guest, have housekeepoing replace missing items such as our sink stopper.

Clean any stains including those we did not make.

 

[tgropp]

Some people are just slobs. These are the same people that throw garbage on the ground when there is a garbage pail 5 feet away. Having said that, it is probally only 5% of the people that have no respect and ruin it for ecveryone else. It happens.

 

[sam_gordon]

When you walk into your villa and find crayon drawings on the wall, that's bad parenting. At the very least, the family should have tried to repair the damage.

With what? Are there cleaning supplies left in the villa that will take crayon off the wall? I honestly don't know.

When you walk into your villa and there is a big ugly stain on the carpet or furniture, that is someone not taking the time to clean up their own mess and letting housekeeping know as soon as possible to avoid the stain.

Again, are there carpet cleaning supplies left in the villas? Is it possible whoever left the stain DID tell housekeeping, but housekeeping didn't clean it yet?

When you walk into your villa and see big gouges on the furniture and built-ins, that's someone not taking the care to make sure they don't hit the walls and furniture with their big stroller or luggage or whatever.

No matter how careful you are, over time, accidents happen.

Or letting the little ones drive the stroller in the villa.

Every little mark, stain or bit of damage left behind by another guest costs us, the members. That's what this thread is all about. If the damage is caused by your child, no matter what that child's condition it, you are responsible for taking care of the problem. Whether it's a bunch of drunks partying in the villa or little ones jumping on the bed. Doesn't matter.

So if I (or my family) chips the laminate, I should call a repair man? I should call a carpet cleaning company if something gets spilled? I don't think that's what you really believe. I feel whoever makes the mess should make a best effort to rectify the situation, but otherwise, should let Disney know... if not immediately, upon checkout.

If the stains/items are large enough to cause the next guest problems, shouldn't mousekeeping have fixed the problem while turning the room over to the next guest? If they don't have the time/materials/knowledge to do that, should you expect the guests to?

 

[tgropp]

No matter how careful you are, over time, accidents happen.
So if I (or my family) chips the laminate, I should call a repair man? I should call a carpet cleaning company if something gets spilled? I don't think that's what you really believe. I feel whoever makes the mess should make a best effort to rectify the situation, but otherwise, should let Disney know... if not immediately, upon checkout.

If the stains/items are large enough to cause the next guest problems, shouldn't mousekeeping have fixed the problem while turning the room over to the next guest? If they don't have the time/materials/knowledge to do that, should you expect the guests to?[/QUOTE]



Maybe, DVC should be like a car rental company and take a credit card for excessive damages. When you are done using DVC and there is damage, you are charged.

 

[sam_gordon]

Maybe, DVC should be like a car rental company and take a credit card for excessive damages. When you are done using DVC and there is damage, you are charged.

Agreed. HOWEVER... when you rent a car, when you pick it up, you can take note of any existing problems. You can point the problems out to a rental rep and it can be marked on a sheet.

For DVC, that can be done too... but with the size of the resorts, how many CMs need to be employeed to do a walk-through on check in AND at checkout? Speaking for myself, I want anything that's already a problem noted at checkin, and I want someone to acknowledge at checkout that I didn't cause any extra damage.

In addition to increasing rates (because you have to pay those CMs), that will also slow down the check in/check out process.