OKW Disappointment

[ekm]

We bought at OKW in 1992, when it was the only DVC resort.
We have stayed at many of the other properties over the years, but OKW is still our favorite. OKW has the best balconies of any of the resorts, and we spend a lot of time there.
We have never had any major maintenance issues at OKW.

 

[charvel67]

mamaprincess said,
OP I'm sorry you got a lemon but it could happen at any dvc as evidenced by the amount of threads similar to yours. I have seen so many really yucky complaints about every DVC so I wouldn't go into your next reservation thinking it's impossible to get a sub-standard room or service simply because it's not OKW. You could go back to OKW and have a completely different experience or go some place else and have the same experience you had at OKW. The most important thing you need to know is if you get a lemon don't accept it, make them do what they need to do to get the room up to par or have them put you in another room.

The thing about this post is I was pointing out my first Disney let down, which is a big deal to me. As far as people saying don't accept the room, well the hair dryer not working wasn't known until the following day along with the ihome, and the shower curtain the following day too. The phone issue was called in immediately once noticed but needed a second call the second day to get fixed. The loud toilet flushing wasn't known until we were asleep. Cobwebs and dust , well that was there and noticed immediately, but we weren't feeling much like moving again. The people who have defended OKW in this post, well that's fine, I have no problem with that. You can stay there all you like. If you are happy why wouldn't you? I am happy to hear that so many haven't had any problems-that's the way it should be at Disney, which is the main point of my posts. This board is for posting information and I see posts similar to mine about a lot of the resorts, including my home resort. It seems people take "my disappointment" personally, and they shouldn't.

 

[mamaprincess]

... It seems people take "my disappointment" personally, and they shouldn't.

I have never stayed at OKW nor do I have any intention of ever staying there because although it is an extremely lovely resort it just isn't for me so I certainly didn't take your post personally. I wasn't defending the state of the room or the lack of service you experienced just saying that this has happened at every resort so when you go to AKV (have heard read even worse reports about AKV and I love it by the way, it's my home), really give the room a thorough once over to make sure it is in acceptable condition because it is possible to get a lemon there as well or one that hasn't been thoroughly serviced by house keeping. If they don't handle your complaints in a timely manner, if it is possible to change rooms, change rooms. All resorts have lemons and that is a shame. House keeping can also be very spotty. I am very sorry you got stuck with a room that was in such poor shape and wouldn't want you to get stuck with another one in the future.

 

[charvel67]

Sorry mamaprincess,
Wasn't talking about you taking it personally,
I was just using your quote in two ways. First, I was agreeing with you 100% about anybody could get a bad room anywhere. That's why I say I have seen posts, all the time, about a bad room or service, and that is understood. The second thing is that we didn't realize most of the problems until the following morning, which by then we didn't want to move because we were only staying at OKW for two nights. I wasn't clear on why I was quoting you in the post when I posted.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Sorry mamaprincess,
Wasn't talking about you taking it personally,
I was just using your quote in two ways. First, I was agreeing with you 100% about anybody could get a bad room anywhere. That's why I say I have seen posts, all the time, about a bad room or service, and that is understood. The second thing is that we didn't realize most of the problems until the following morning, which by then we didn't want to move because we were only staying at OKW for two nights. I wasn't clear on why I was quoting you in the post when I posted.

I think the point is that no matter where you are staying, you really must check those things out BEFORE you accept the room. I've had issues at AKV and once at OKW, and both times I evaluated if it was too big an issue to accept the room of if I could live with it and get mousekeeping and maintenance involved to fix the problem. Each time, I decided to to do the later.

 

[dmoore22]

This board is for posting information and I see posts similar to mine about a lot of the resorts, including my home resort. It seems people take "my disappointment" personally, and they shouldn't.

It is one thing to post for informational purposes. It is another thing to use a singular experience to bash an entire resort. Hence a comment like "I'll never stay there again" will be offensive to those that have chosen to have a particular resort as their home resort. The resorts are not separate entities but rather a component under the umbrella of the "Disney Vacation Club Management Corp., a Florida corporation, its successors and assigns." Any blemish on any one resort is a blemish on all the DVC resorts. Rather than "bash" a single resort we should be on the lookout for patterns or maintenance lapses because they affect all DVC members. Are these experiences isolated events or are they chronic? Are they limited to one resort or is this being observed throughout the DVC properties? We stayed at SSR the first weekend in October for the F&W festival. The iHome didn't work and there was mold in the tile grout in the shower. There were other issues which surprised me for SSR being a newer resort. As a result should I refuse to stay there again? I reported the issues so they could be corrected. As a result the guests that followed our stay will have a better experience. I would not hesitate to stay at SSR again. Each resort has its own unique charms and benefits. Each resort provides a diversity of experiences that is only exceeded by the diversity of DVC members. DVC recognizes that one size doesn't fit all.

Several years ago I attended a presentation by the Disney Institute. One of the areas addressed was Disney customer service. The facilitators addressed the issue of guest complaints. What stuck with me is that they said that Disney looks at guest complaints as a "gift." Their perspective is that a complaint lets them know what they need to improve upon and/or fix. If there were no complaints then things would not change or be improved. I have provided Disney with many "Gifts" over the years.

 

[Deb & Bill]

It is one thing to post for informational purposes. It is another thing to use a singular experience to bash an entire resort. Hence a comment like "I'll never stay there again" will be offensive to those that have chosen to have a particular resort as their home resort. The resorts are not separate entities but rather a component under the umbrella of the "Disney Vacation Club Management Corp., a Florida corporation, its successors and assigns." Any blemish on any one resort is a blemish on all the DVC resorts. Rather than "bash" a single resort we should be on the lookout for patterns or maintenance lapses because they affect all DVC members. Are these experiences isolated events or are they chronic? Are they limited to one resort or is this being observed throughout the DVC properties? We stayed at SSR the first weekend in October for the F&W festival. The iHome didn't work and there was mold in the tile grout in the shower. There were other issues which surprised me for SSR being a newer resort. As a result should I refuse to stay there again? I reported the issues so they could be corrected. As a result the guests that followed our stay will have a better experience. I would not hesitate to stay at SSR again. Each resort has its own unique charms and benefits. Each resort provides a diversity of experiences that is only exceeded by the diversity of DVC members. DVC recognizes that one size doesn't fit all.

Several years ago I attended a presentation by the Disney Institute. One of the areas addressed was Disney customer service. The facilitators addressed the issue of guest complaints. What stuck with me is that they said that Disney looks at guest complaints as a "gift." Their perspective is that a complaint lets them know what they need to improve upon and/or fix. If there were no complaints then things would not change or be improved. I have provided Disney with many "Gifts" over the years.

Ooh, well said.

 

[mamaprincess]

Sorry mamaprincess,
Wasn't talking about you taking it personally,
I was just using your quote in two ways. First, I was agreeing with you 100% about anybody could get a bad room anywhere. That's why I say I have seen posts, all the time, about a bad room or service, and that is understood. The second thing is that we didn't realize most of the problems until the following morning, which by then we didn't want to move because we were only staying at OKW for two nights. I wasn't clear on why I was quoting you in the post when I posted.

No need at all to apologize. It's not the easiest thing to get your point across over the internet without benefit of demeanor, facial expression and tone of voice. I wish you all the luck with your future stays. We may have different home resorts but as dmoore22 pointed out what affects one affects us all.

 

[cm8]

Every resort has it's pros and cons. Over the years we have stayed at all of the WDW DVC resorts many times. Some stays were without problems and some weren't, I think that it is just the luck of the draw. I wish that I could tell you that reporting problems to the resort and MS makes things better but I really feel that problems are accepted as part of the business.

Here's hoping that you next stay is without issues.

Bill

 

[walter]

I am not bashing OKW, but we have been owners since 1997 and have had nothing but positive experiences with our room assignments until our last one that ended yesterday. The unit needed much attention and many of the issues could not have been new. I took a cast member at member services to the side and explained all the issues that we experienced in the room. They documented all the info on a computer then sent it to the various departments for action. Hopefully the items are addressed before someone else uses the room.

 

[edk35]

I am not bashing OKW, but we have been owners since 1997 and have had nothing but positive experiences with our room assignments until our last one that ended yesterday. The unit needed much attention and many of the issues could not have been new. I took a cast member at member services to the side and explained all the issues that we experienced in the room. They documented all the info on a computer then sent it to the various departments for action. Hopefully the items are addressed before someone else uses the room.

Just curious.. did you notice all of these things as soon as you arrived? Or did you notice things as you were staying there, so that by trip's end you had an accumulated list of issues? Did you wait until your checkout day to speak with someone? If you found these issues right away or within a day or two... I would have most definitely complained right away. They might have been able to move you.

 

[dmoore22]

Just curious.. did you notice all of these things as soon as you arrived? Or did you notice things as you were staying there, so that by trip's end you had an accumulated list of issues? Did you wait until your checkout day to speak with someone? If you found these issues right away or within a day or two... I would have most definitely complained right away. They might have been able to move you.

We have found, without fail, that if an issue is called to their attention they will make every effort to correct the issue in an expedited manner.

 

[Mississippian]

I have stayed at OKW once, in a Grand Villa for three days. It and the BWV Standard Views truly are the best deals in the DVC system.

For those who don't like "spread out" resorts, OKW does have this problem, although not as bad as SSR. And our grand villa was way away from the Hospitality House, which caused us not to enjoy the resort as much. Believe it or not, some people actually prefer to be away from the HH.

Personally, I wouldn't stay at OKW again unless I could be near the HH. But you CAN get a firm booking of a unit near the HH, unlike SSR, so if that's a problem you can know up front whether or not to book OKW.

 

[keishashadow]

The thing about this post is I was pointing out my first Disney let down, which is a big deal to me. As far as people saying don't accept the room, well the hair dryer not working wasn't known until the following day along with the ihome, and the shower curtain the following day too. The phone issue was called in immediately once noticed but needed a second call the second day to get fixed. The loud toilet flushing wasn't known until we were asleep. Cobwebs and dust , well that was there and noticed immediately, but we weren't feeling much like moving again. The people who have defended OKW in this post, well that's fine, I have no problem with that. You can stay there all you like. If you are happy why wouldn't you? I am happy to hear that so many haven't had any problems-that's the way it should be at Disney, which is the main point of my posts. This board is for posting information and I see posts similar to mine about a lot of the resorts, including my home resort. It seems people take "my disappointment" personally, and they shouldn't.

jmho, it's hard to not take offense when somebody bashes your 'home'. We all love disney or we wouldn't be posting here or have bought into DVC in the 1st place. Many posters over the years have come off very harsh when comparing a resort they were lucky enough to be able to book a popular DVC resort @ the 7 month window vs their typical home resort experience. Long-time owners have grown perhaps a tad overly sensitive to any criticism, constructive or otherwise.

Despite the excellent advice in the following post, sometimes there are literally no other rooms available during popular time periods. (Don't make me repeat my sad DVC bug story lol, which i now can laugh about after several years as many had suggested here would happen - the trauma has faded and now it's just a good 'war' story). All you can do is try to make the best of it, make your comments known both during your stay, and follow up in writing afterwards (not to be confused with trying get compensated w/points, etc., just to make sure the issues are addressed to the point where the next DVC member will have a better experience).

I have never stayed at OKW nor do I have any intention of ever staying there because although it is an extremely lovely resort it just isn't for me so I certainly didn't take your post personally. I wasn't defending the state of the room or the lack of service you experienced just saying that this has happened at every resort so when you go to AKV (have heard read even worse reports about AKV and I love it by the way, it's my home), really give the room a thorough once over to make sure it is in acceptable condition because it is possible to get a lemon there as well or one that hasn't been thoroughly serviced by house keeping. If they don't handle your complaints in a timely manner, if it is possible to change rooms, change rooms. All resorts have lemons and that is a shame. House keeping can also be very spotty. I am very sorry you got stuck with a room that was in such poor shape and wouldn't want you to get stuck with another one in the future.

 

[walter]

edk35

A couple issues were present when we initially occupied the room. Others came evident during our eight day stay. Some we probably should have called housekeeping to see if they could be repaired, fixed, etc. but having several strangers in your room during our stay is not a comfortable situation when you are not present.

 

[dianeschlicht]

It is one thing to post for informational purposes. It is another thing to use a singular experience to bash an entire resort. Hence a comment like "I'll never stay there again" will be offensive to those that have chosen to have a particular resort as their home resort. The resorts are not separate entities but rather a component under the umbrella of the "Disney Vacation Club Management Corp., a Florida corporation, its successors and assigns." Any blemish on any one resort is a blemish on all the DVC resorts. Rather than "bash" a single resort we should be on the lookout for patterns or maintenance lapses because they affect all DVC members. Are these experiences isolated events or are they chronic? Are they limited to one resort or is this being observed throughout the DVC properties? We stayed at SSR the first weekend in October for the F&W festival. The iHome didn't work and there was mold in the tile grout in the shower. There were other issues which surprised me for SSR being a newer resort. As a result should I refuse to stay there again? I reported the issues so they could be corrected. As a result the guests that followed our stay will have a better experience. I would not hesitate to stay at SSR again. Each resort has its own unique charms and benefits. Each resort provides a diversity of experiences that is only exceeded by the diversity of DVC members. DVC recognizes that one size doesn't fit all.

Several years ago I attended a presentation by the Disney Institute. One of the areas addressed was Disney customer service. The facilitators addressed the issue of guest complaints. What stuck with me is that they said that Disney looks at guest complaints as a "gift." Their perspective is that a complaint lets them know what they need to improve upon and/or fix. If there were no complaints then things would not change or be improved. I have provided Disney with many "Gifts" over the years.

Excellent post that bears repeating!

 

[dianeschlicht]

Just curious.. did you notice all of these things as soon as you arrived? Or did you notice things as you were staying there, so that by trip's end you had an accumulated list of issues? Did you wait until your checkout day to speak with someone? If you found these issues right away or within a day or two... I would have most definitely complained right away. They might have been able to move you.

Right, and we always call to make sure things are corrected. It might be something we can "live with", but we want to make sure it's corrected for the next guest.

For example: On our recent trip, there were a number of pots and pans missing. I called mousekeeping, and got them replaced easily.

 

[Tara]

It is one thing to post for informational purposes. It is another thing to use a singular experience to bash an entire resort. Hence a comment like "I'll never stay there again" will be offensive to those that have chosen to have a particular resort as their home resort.

jmho, it's hard to not take offense when somebody bashes your 'home'.

I went back and read every one of the OP's posts in this thread and I honestly don't see any bashing involved. He said he was disappointed, reported the problems, explained he didn't move because of when he noticed problems and that it was a short stay. He didn't say "I'll never stay there again" - he said it would be a while before they tried it again. Maybe I'm using a different definition of bashing (mine is "to attack" which also happens to be what's in the dictionary) but NONE of the poster's comments even come close IMO. "Bashing" when used on these boards also has a connotation of unfairness or over-reaction, neither of which I think were in play here.

I understand the urge to be protective of one's home resort, truly I do. But I do agree with the OP that people take even the most level-headed, even-handed reports personally sometimes, and I can only believe it discourages people from posting their experiences.

 

[Tara]

For example: On our recent trip, there were a number of pots and pans missing. I called mousekeeping, and got them replaced easily.

Easily?
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2608853

 

[dianeschlicht]

Easily?
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2608853

LOL! Well, yes, once they figured it out! I ended up with a whole new cookware set!