Ready to sell DVC, not happy with it

[reedycreek]

I have been reading all of your responses all day, and it sure seems that many agree the quality of the DVC product is declining. For those of you who just signed on, feel good about it! There is no need to take my comments or anyone else to make you feel scared about your purchase. You will need to experience it for yourselves and make your own decisions. If it doesn't meet your expectations, then you sell, hopefully for no loss or a very little one.

My intent of starting this thread was to get feedback from other DVC owners.

My latent intent of this thread was a hope that someone at DVC or Disney would be reading it, and would realize that many of us are unhappy with the constantly declining quality of the product. Disney, in my opinion, is one of the strongest customer service experts in the country, if not the world. It is uncharacteristic of them to let things get this bad.

Maybe this thread will help them realize that they have a problem on their hands, and the people like myself (hardcore Disney fans who visit their parks 1-2 times a year, whom spread information about Disney parks to all their friends and families) are just fed up. I haven't shared by feelings with friends and family who are considering buying DVC yet, but may at some point.

I'l' be writing a few letters to DVC management this week and will share the results and outcome if any.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

I have been reading all of your responses all day, and it sure seems that many agree the quality of the DVC product is declining. For those of you who just signed on, feel good about it! There is no need to take my comments or anyone else to make you feel scared about your purchase. You will need to experience it for yourselves and make your own decisions. If it doesn't meet your expectations, then you sell, hopefully for no loss or a very little one.

My intent of starting this thread was to get feedback from other DVC owners.

My latent intent of this thread was a hope that someone at DVC or Disney would be reading it, and would realize that many of us are unhappy with the constantly declining quality of the product. Disney, in my opinion, is one of the strongest customer service experts in the country, if not the world. It is uncharacteristic of them to let things get this bad.

Maybe this thread will help them realize that they have a problem on their hands, and the people like myself (hardcore Disney fans who visit their parks 1-2 times a year, whom spread information about Disney parks to all their friends and families) are just fed up. I haven't shared by feelings with friends and family who are considering buying DVC yet, but may at some point.

I'l' be writing a few letters to DVC management this week and will share the results and outcome if any.

Excellent post...
And may I suggest you put an address for this thread in your letter..??

MG

 

[reedycreek]

Great idea! I've been busy writing letters of commendation for cast members, so when I am done with that I'll write my complaint letter to DVC.

 

[Dean]

We've been members for about 5 years now, and I absolutely loved my DVC membership up until the last few months. Now I'm ready to sell for the following reasons. Am I crazy?

1) Our most recent visit to BWV this week was awful. We were in a studio on the first floor and the condition of the room was not good. Dust everywhere, carpet stained throughout, cracked tiles, mold, funky smell. A/C barely kept up with the high heat that week. Handles on sink leaked green fluid. We complained twice in 24 hours about all of this, and BWV said they would not move us and could not move us because the room was booked with points. We've stayed at DVC resorts and many moderate and deluxe resorts and never ever had a problem with room cleanliness or condition. BWV told us this wing was being renovated soon, but that didn't do anything for our visit last week. We were very close to just checking out and paying for a cash ressie at POR, as the rooms at the moderates were much nicer and in much better shape. The fact that BWV was so indifferent to the situation was troublesome, and clearly showed me how the level of service is declining at DVC. It is important to note that we have NEVER complained about anything regarding our rooms when staying DVC in the past. We are not complainers, we just make the best out of everything.

2) Like I said, since we were DVC, BWV said there was little we could do. Seems that their focus is now on cash reservations, as they are very unwilling to help out members. The non villa portion of the hotel is very nice, as we got moved there in February because of some hotel wide maintenance issues in the villa side.

3) $700 a year in annual dues is a lot. I could take that $700 an apply it toward a vacation every year at a cash resort. We love the POLY and that would be about 2 nties a year there. I also worry about the increase in these dues over the next few years. DVC rooms are being sold to the general public which will increase wear and tear, which in turn, will increase our dues each year.

4) I am not happy with the fact that Disney continuously markets and sells DVC rooms on a cash basis for tad over the cost of moderate resorts at peak season. You can stay at POR for $150 a night or SSR at $190 a night. Hmmm. My membership was sold me on the basis that DVC had Deluxe Villa Accomodations. DVC would allow me to stay at these fine resorts at a substantially lower cost than if paid for in cash. That appears not to be the case anymore. I know this is not the case with the newer resorts such as AKL and BLT, but I am talking about a majority of the other resorts.

5) It is becoming increasingly difficult to get a reservation that we want. Every time I call, either none of our dates are available (and we are quite flexible) and/or the only options are OKW or SSR. Fortunately, a few of those times, our waitlist request has gone through which was nice, but I don't care to count on that. 5 years ago, we would get the dates and location we wanted first try. Now, its nearly impossible.

6) The buses seem to be getting worse too. With the exception of BLT, most DVC resorts rely on the buses for transportation. I'm at the point where I wound rather spend the extra money to stay at a monorail resort just to avoid the frustration and wasted time with the bus system. It took us 1 hour and 45 minutes to go from BWV to GF for dinner. This seems to be a common occurrence now.


We visit WDW 1-2 times a year, and it just seems to make more sense to me to purchase reservations each time than deal with all the hassle of DVC. Like I said, I had a great time with the 5 years of my DVC membership, I just see the quality of the product rapidly declining. Disney seems to be expanding DVC faster than they can ensure that quality Disney service is provided to each member. I'll take about a $5000 loss if I sell now, but I figure that is $1000 for each year that we used the club + dues, which I can stomach.

Overall, I like the flexibility of paying cash for reservations each year. I like the ability to stay on the monorail on the dates that I want. I like the quality of non DVC resorts. DVC just doesn't seem to have a place for me anymore. Am I crazy????

1. Unacceptable and doesn't sound right as they certainly can move you if a room is available and can compensate you if it's not and there truly are issues. Did you go and talk to a manager in person, to a higher manager if necessary.

2. I'm more cynical than most and this has not been my experience at all.

3. Reality of course and one that has not changed since you bought. IF this is truly the case, it sounds like you may not have considered the consequences adquately going in or had too high of expectations possibly. OTOH, you may just be venting at present.

4. See number 3. This is reality and is driven in large part by the exchange options members have. If it's the fact they're available for cash that upsets you, you didn't understand how the system works. If it's just the price difference right now, that is likely to be temporary plus I think you've exagerated the difference using rack rates for one and the most discounted rates for the other.

5. Reality, IMO. DVC has experience what I think is an easier reservation availabilty than would be expected. I'm surprised that most things are booked most of the year before the 7 month window opens and that a larger number of people don't get shut out when they don't call exactly 11 months out. DVC members have been spoiled in this area and I think we will see this trend continue where you have to book earlier and have less chances late. It will also get worse over the next 2-4 years as SSR conts to sell out and those members get a trip or 2 under their belt and then start to venture out.

6. I don't think the buses have ever been great, I'm not convinced their getting worse though.

Your note illustrates well why I try to paint a realistic picture (some would say persimistic) when people ask about buying in. There is a downside that a lot of people don't understand or appreciate going in when the feel good emotions are so high. DVC is not right for everyone and if it's a break even situation, one likely shouldn't buy in. Whether you should sell is a personal decision but it's a good time for you to re-evaluate your ownership. Good luck, let us know what you decide.

 

[Crystal_27]

My latent intent of this thread was a hope that someone at DVC or Disney would be reading it, and would realize that many of us are unhappy with the constantly declining quality of the product.

I'm not at all trying to discourage your optimism, but my Guide told me that when they are slow, they read The DIS (specifically the DVC Boards) and laugh about most of the "complaints" they read on here. He said that people on The DIS who own DVC feel overly entitled (he specifically mentioned the posts that come up every year about DVCers not getting free dining, as well as "other complaints"). I took it with a grain of salt when he said it (because I do agree with him that DVCers should not get free dining), but now I'm not so sure...

There just really doesn't appear to be any incentive for DVC/Disney to fix/address any issues that arise. They've got our money, and our commitment to pay them more every year.

 

[nunzia]

I'm not at all trying to discourage your optimism, but my Guide told me that when they are slow, they read The DIS (specifically the DVC Boards) and laugh about most of the "complaints" they read on here. He said that people on The DIS who own DVC feel overly entitled (he specifically mentioned the posts that come up every year about DVCers not getting free dining, as well as "other complaints"). I took it with a grain of salt when he said it (because I do agree with him that DVCers should not get free dining), but now I'm not so sure...

There just really doesn't appear to be any incentive for DVC/Disney to fix/address any issues that arise. They've got our money, and our commitment to pay them more every year.

I can tell you that these boards are read and I was called one day out of the blue by a guide (not my own) and my concerns were addressed and all was explained and made right. Yes, I'm sure there are some who feel entitled and expect perfection, but my biggest concern has never been free dining or perks, but just a clean and well maintained room. If I find that quality lacking over a period of time I will certainly sell my DVC. I expect cleanliness on a par with a Microtel Inn, and I don't think that's asking too much.
Everyone says, "go ahead and sell, Disney knows someone will take your place." Really? If dis-satisfaction gets higher and higher who will take our places? Is Disney going to buy back a majority of the points if no one wants them in resale? Can Disney rent/give away the majority of our rooms if no one's booking them? Seems like a huge amount of customer dis-satisfaction could start a slippery slope.
I only hope management gets that what we really want is AVERAGE standards met..they really need to stay on top of their maintainace and housekeeping issues.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

Well, you aren't alone, this thread expresses much the same opinion:

Sorry, don't know how to link--live at OKW and after 15 yrs I HAVE HAD IT! ( 1 2)

My experiences are different thus far, the few dispointments with DVC/WDW do not outway the fabulous 30 wonderful vacations that I've had. With that said, each and every DVC owner has different expectations and standards to which they've become accustomed over the years and DVC/WDW needs to be made to uphold them and for that to happen we have to continue to complain & speak up.

Clean rooms, informative/curtious MS/CM's etc. are not negotiable.

But as far as Disney, they're in it for the money and that decision has forced me to make changes in how I vacation. I use my DVC but I often go out of WDW to dine, I also go to Universal, Sea World etc. I won't put up with substandard dining at ridiculous prices just because it's packaged as Disney. I still love my DVC and WDW but I try to make it work for me not just Disney's pocket.

 

[HayGan]

But as far as Disney, they're in it for the money and that decision has forced me to make changes in how I vacation. I use my DVC but I often go out of WDW to dine, I also go to Universal, Sea World etc. I won't put up with substandard dining at ridiculous prices just because it's packaged as Disney. I still love my DVC and WDW but I try to make it work for me not just Disney's pocket.

I agree! We returned 2 weeks ago from a 12 night (10 at DVC stay) In that time, Disney received less than $400 of revenue from us! We purchased groceries at Publix and ate several excellent meals off-site. I refuse to fall prey to the trapped at Disney mentality. Their seasonal surcharges were the final straw for us when it came to Disney dining.

To the OP, if you are really that unhappy then you should try and sell (although you couldn't have picked a worse time to make that decision. There are LOTS of contracts for sale and prices have been declining.) We have been very pleased with our DVC expereince. Maintenance issues have always been addressed quickly and curtiously. Having the room to relax and a full kitchen is the only way to go for us! I hope you make a decision that you are comfortable with.

 

[Mouseaholic!!!]

We've been members for about 5 years now, and I absolutely loved my DVC membership up until the last few months. Now I'm ready to sell for the following reasons. Am I crazy?

1) Our most recent visit to BWV this week was awful. We were in a studio on the first floor and the condition of the room was not good. Dust everywhere, carpet stained throughout, cracked tiles, mold, funky smell. A/C barely kept up with the high heat that week. Handles on sink leaked green fluid. We complained twice in 24 hours about all of this, and BWV said they would not move us and could not move us because the room was booked with points. We've stayed at DVC resorts and many moderate and deluxe resorts and never ever had a problem with room cleanliness or condition. BWV told us this wing was being renovated soon, but that didn't do anything for our visit last week. We were very close to just checking out and paying for a cash ressie at POR, as the rooms at the moderates were much nicer and in much better shape. The fact that BWV was so indifferent to the situation was troublesome, and clearly showed me how the level of service is declining at DVC. It is important to note that we have NEVER complained about anything regarding our rooms when staying DVC in the past. We are not complainers, we just make the best out of everything.

2) Like I said, since we were DVC, BWV said there was little we could do. Seems that their focus is now on cash reservations, as they are very unwilling to help out members. The non villa portion of the hotel is very nice, as we got moved there in February because of some hotel wide maintenance issues in the villa side.

3) $700 a year in annual dues is a lot. I could take that $700 an apply it toward a vacation every year at a cash resort. We love the POLY and that would be about 2 nties a year there. I also worry about the increase in these dues over the next few years. DVC rooms are being sold to the general public which will increase wear and tear, which in turn, will increase our dues each year.

4) I am not happy with the fact that Disney continuously markets and sells DVC rooms on a cash basis for tad over the cost of moderate resorts at peak season. You can stay at POR for $150 a night or SSR at $190 a night. Hmmm. My membership was sold me on the basis that DVC had Deluxe Villa Accomodations. DVC would allow me to stay at these fine resorts at a substantially lower cost than if paid for in cash. That appears not to be the case anymore. I know this is not the case with the newer resorts such as AKL and BLT, but I am talking about a majority of the other resorts.

5) It is becoming increasingly difficult to get a reservation that we want. Every time I call, either none of our dates are available (and we are quite flexible) and/or the only options are OKW or SSR. Fortunately, a few of those times, our waitlist request has gone through which was nice, but I don't care to count on that. 5 years ago, we would get the dates and location we wanted first try. Now, its nearly impossible.

6) The buses seem to be getting worse too. With the exception of BLT, most DVC resorts rely on the buses for transportation. I'm at the point where I wound rather spend the extra money to stay at a monorail resort just to avoid the frustration and wasted time with the bus system. It took us 1 hour and 45 minutes to go from BWV to GF for dinner. This seems to be a common occurrence now.


We visit WDW 1-2 times a year, and it just seems to make more sense to me to purchase reservations each time than deal with all the hassle of DVC. Like I said, I had a great time with the 5 years of my DVC membership, I just see the quality of the product rapidly declining. Disney seems to be expanding DVC faster than they can ensure that quality Disney service is provided to each member. I'll take about a $5000 loss if I sell now, but I figure that is $1000 for each year that we used the club + dues, which I can stomach.

Overall, I like the flexibility of paying cash for reservations each year. I like the ability to stay on the monorail on the dates that I want. I like the quality of non DVC resorts. DVC just doesn't seem to have a place for me anymore. Am I crazy????

I find #5 curious.

My DH is a castmember so DVC just doesn't make financial sense to us. We DO however, stay at DVC resorts on occassion especially now that a good friend with too many DVC points (and a disappointed DVC owner in recent years) gives us his points. We watch here to keep up to date with DVC property issues -- I wish we had watched more carefully with BWV because our room on the last trip was a complete dissapointment as far as maintenance.

ANYWAY.....DH and I often talk about how much trouble it is to make a DVC reservaton and actually get the resort you want.....waitlists in particular.

Our friend will make a reservation for us....and we will be waitlisted for the hotel/days we want....but if DH goes to the castmember portal.....everything is WIDE open at castmember rates.

We have just recently jumped into this DVC game....we DID get a 2 bedroom villa at the Grand Cali on the first call...but our other attempts have always been...frustrating at best.

I know most of us are planners when it comes to a WDW trip....how do you plan with all these waitlists?

 

[BEASLYBOO]

I know most of us are planners when it comes to a WDW trip....how do you plan with all these waitlists?

I have school age children/friends whom we travel with and the minute I get that school schedule, I book, both at the 11 or 7 month mark. I seldomly make last minute plans, but if I have I've stayed at what was availble rather than waitlist. I've only had to waitlist once, because I made changes at the last minute to a 6 month reservation. I got the waitlist withing 10 days at BWV, no problem. Other than HH, I've never had trouble getting any resort at the 7 month mark, ADR's are quite another problem however. I frequently dine outside of Disney.

With that said I don't travel to Disney during Food & Wine, Easter, Spring Break, Christmas. Free dining etc. and most probably that's why DVC works for me. I travel, June, Aug and Oct. and DVC works for me.

 

[Ramsfan28]

As a new member that just finalized my contract about 2 weeks ago at BLT this thread has me very nervous.

I will say this, regardless of the economy, how "old" the resort is, Disney does owe us owners that "Disney Magic". A room that has broken tiles, a bad smell, or isn't cleaned properly is not acceptable on any level. They owe us a resort that is clean and well maintained. Will a resort show some wear and tear? Yes of course; however, a room that isn't clean or does not have a A/C system this is not working can not be tolerated.

I don't expect free meals, free park passes, etc.. but as a DVC member, I expect a certain level of service whether I am at the park, a DVC resort, or any other Disney resort. Whether you are an owner or not you are paying for that usually fantastic Disney service and Disney needs to maintain that no matter what.

My opinion is that if enough owners complain about the poor service and maintenance, something may be done, if not.. well, I think Disney will assume everyone is happy and satisfied. Trust me, Disney can't afford to have many unhappy owners - unhappy owners have the ability to turn off other people from buying and Disney will not want that.

Disney like many companies is hurting in this economy and turning off current owners or potential future owners is not a good business decision. I hope all that have had issues, call or write DVC to let them know.

 

[WolfpackFan]

I know most of us are planners when it comes to a WDW trip....how do you plan with all these waitlists?

The secret is buy where you want to stay. Be happy with your home resort. And make your ressies at 11 months. Then you don't have any problems with waitlists.

 

[littlestar]

We've actually cut our exposure to DVC way down from where we used to be. I sold the last of our BWV points last year. I will be honest, I was becoming nervous about the "tired" rooms and the condition of the hallway carpets. The hallways had become pretty worn and dirty looking.

I still have 155 points at SSR and I've been happy with all my stays at SSR. We plan on at least one stay a year at a Disney Vacation Club resort so it made sense to keep some DVC points. Our other trips to Orlando I stay offsite. I book those through II or RCI - and I always investigate and choose a resort that I know is either fairly new construction or been recently refurbished. There are just too many great choices in Orlando to settle for sub par. You really don't have to.

 

[gkrykewy]

We've actually cut our exposure to DVC way down from where we used to be. I sold the last of our BWV points last year. I will be honest, I was becoming nervous about the "tired" rooms and the condition of the hallway carpets. The hallways had become pretty worn and dirty looking.

But aren't they refurbishing the rooms and hallways from top to bottom? That would seem to be an appropriate response.

 

[crisi]

I have been reading all of your responses all day, and it sure seems that many agree the quality of the DVC product is declining.

I actually think my last two stays have been better than my previous stays in terms of CM friendliness and room cleanliness. So my experience is that they've been getting BETTER, not worse, over time. Our last room even had all working lightbulbs and no broken doors (my sister's room had the toilet break, but it was fixed promptly and they brought in cupcakes for an apology).

 

[gkrykewy]

I actually think my last two stays have been better than my previous stays in terms of CM friendliness and room cleanliness. So my experience is that they've been getting BETTER, not worse, over time. Our last room even had all working lightbulbs and no broken doors (my sister's room had the toilet break, but it was fixed promptly and they brought in cupcakes for an apology).

But were they fresh cupcakes or BOXED????!?! RAAAAAAGGGGGGEEEEE.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

We've been members for about 5 years now, and I absolutely loved my DVC membership up until the last few months. Now I'm ready to sell for the following reasons. Am I crazy?

As far as the boardwalk noise goes, I understand where you are coming from, but you could always reserve a standard or preferred room.
3) $700 a year in annual dues is a lot. I could take that $700 an apply it toward a vacation every year at a cash resort. We love the POLY and that would be about 2 nties a year there. I also worry about the increase in these dues over the next few years. DVC rooms are being sold to the general public which will increase wear and tear, which in turn, will increase our dues each year.
Sorry, no where are you going to find a week at any upscale resort for $700 week. You can't even get a week in a hotel room at the beach on the Atlantic coast, bayside, for $700/week. Your off on this.
4) I am not happy with the fact that Disney continuously markets and sells DVC rooms on a cash basis for tad over the cost of moderate resorts at peak season. You can stay at POR for $150 a night or SSR at $190 a night. Hmmm. My membership was sold me on the basis that DVC had Deluxe Villa Accomodations. DVC would allow me to stay at these fine resorts at a substantially lower cost than if paid for in cash. That appears not to be the case anymore. I know this is not the case with the newer resorts such as AKL and BLT, but I am talking about a majority of the other resorts.
The lower cost room promos are due to the economy, this is not going to be an everyday event with Disney. Have you been watching the market? Have you seen Disney's latest quartely earnings? As a business, they are doing what they are supposed to be doing.
5) It is becoming increasingly difficult to get a reservation that we want. Every time I call, either none of our dates are available (and we are quite flexible) and/or the only options are OKW or SSR. Fortunately, a few of those times, our waitlist request has gone through which was nice, but I don't care to count on that. 5 years ago, we would get the dates and location we wanted first try. Now, its nearly impossible.
If you own at BWV, and can get into OKW and SSR, that only leaves BCV, VWL, AKV. Sorry, you can most definitely get into AKV and VWL at 7 mos. BCV, a little harder, not impossible. You must not pick high demand times, that is unrealistic as a non-owner.
6) The buses seem to be getting worse too. With the exception of BLT, most DVC resorts rely on the buses for transportation. I'm at the point where I wound rather spend the extra money to stay at a monorail resort just to avoid the frustration and wasted time with the bus system. It took us 1 hour and 45 minutes to go from BWV to GF for dinner. This seems to be a common occurrence now.
Subjective here...what times are you catching the bus? From where?

We visit WDW 1-2 times a year, and it just seems to make more sense to me to purchase reservations each time than deal with all the hassle of DVC. Like I said, I had a great time with the 5 years of my DVC membership, I just see the quality of the product rapidly declining. Disney seems to be expanding DVC faster than they can ensure that quality Disney service is provided to each member. I'll take about a $5000 loss if I sell now, but I figure that is $1000 for each year that we used the club + dues, which I can stomach.
Sounds like the expense of owning DVC is your problem here, not that DVC is the problem.
Overall, I like the flexibility of paying cash for reservations each year. I like the ability to stay on the monorail on the dates that I want. I like the quality of non DVC resorts. DVC just doesn't seem to have a place for me anymore. Am I crazy????
If your not a planner, want to cancel 1 week out, then NO timeshare is for you.

 

[littlestar]

But aren't they refurbishing the rooms and hallways from top to bottom? That would seem to be an appropriate response.

I read on various boards that DVC is in the process of refurbishing BWV. They certainly need to. From the experiences we had, it was time. Our BWV dues were higher than our BCV, VWL, and SSR dues (we used to own at 4 different resorts - kept the BCV points in the family by giving them to mom and dad).

Another reason for buying SSR and getting rid of our BWV points was I like the setup in the newer DVC's with the lock-off door up near the entryway - so that was another reason why we got rid of our BWV points. We always seemed to have noisy neighbors.

 

[Sammie]

Actually we can get a 3 bedroom fully furnished, very upscale beach cottage with beautiful large screened porch on the emerald waters of 30-A near Seaside for $625 a week, many times a year.

So yes it is possibly to vacation for a week very nicely in other places than DVC.

 

[eliza61]

I won't call you crazy at all. I would just council a little patience as you said you've only be disappointed for the last few months.

I've had the exact opposite experience. Over the last 2 years I've stayed at Deluxe resorts on a cash basis and was extremely disappoint.

Last april I went to the Grand Floridian. Room was dirty, Valet parking took forever.. I mean literally 30 mins to get my car. Front desk cm's were so poorly trained as to be of no help whatsoever.

All in all I have really been seeing the effects of cutbacks at the world.
-food now is mediocre at best. It has not been unusual for me to get luke warm food or have my order mixed up.
-Poorly trained employees. God forbid you have an issue. It simply takes too long for resolution,
- I don't care what anyone says, a corporation as large as Disney should have a much better IT department. I am beyond sick of the "system" being down.
-Cuts in entertainment. from Fantasmic to street performers.

I'm not comparing my DVC to other places outside of Disney. Disney itself is had a marked decrease in quality IMO. If you use words like "Magical" & "luxurious" to advertise your product, I think an attempt should be made to live up to that.
I'm keeping my dvc because I think Disney will rebound but my vacation in August will probably be the last for a few years. then I'll be back.