Room component survey...

[Sammie]

It's virtually impossible to survey all members. There will be some that you can't contact. There will be some that won't respond. And the cost of a survey to get feedback from everyone might be more than to add daily housekeeping! I'm exaggerating but it would be a lot. That's why survey's pick a random group of people and adjust for a typical margin of error. Statistically it can be a very valid way of getting information and if done correctly it will provide a good overview of what the membership thinks as a whole.

Why not put the survey on the member site, what cost would that be to them? I would rather they do this and let as many as are interested respond than them to continue to mail out the guidebooks 6-7 months late.

 

[tjkraz]

Why not put the survey on the member site, what cost would that be to them? I would rather they do this and let as many as are interested respond than them to continue to mail out the guidebooks 6-7 months late.

Sending out the survey isn't the expensive part. Compiling the results is what takes time and money. And the reality is that they wouldn't learn anything by surveying 150,000 members that they couldn't also learn by surveying 15,000.

Aside from that, you'll notice that his survey was both targeted at guests who had visited within the last few months and room specific. If they put links to a similar survey on the website, they will get responses from members who may not have visited in months or years, as well as brand new members who have never even visited. You would also have people commenting on villas they have never stayed in. What value is there in asking a member to comment on Studio amenities if he/she only books One Bedroom and larger? That would dilute the opinions of those who really use the Studios.

Additionally, the results would also be skewed in favor of heavy users of websites like this. With a poll linked on the member website, there would be numerous discussion threads reminding people to go and vote. Instead of getting honest responses from a cross section of all members, the results would be weighted toward those who frequent the web forums. And its conceivable that those responses would be tainted by persuasive members pushing their own agendas.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Why not put the survey on the member site, what cost would that be to them? I would rather they do this and let as many as are interested respond than them to continue to mail out the guidebooks 6-7 months late.

They could but that still wouldn't come close to surveying all members. There actually are a lot of people that don't use the web. And I'd guess DISer's are the minority that log in as often as we do. That would be good as a for fun survey but wouldn't provide a valid representation from all members.

To actually survey everyone it would take emails, snail mails, calls and perhaps even visits to the members home - much like the Census.

Placing it on the website would give people who desired to give their input the ability to do so but that statistically would skew the results. NOT that I believe DVC has taken great care anyway to prevent that mind you or is being extremely scientific with their polls. The fact that the survey's are all via email does that also but at least that may be random where having it the website would not be.

I really was responding mostly to your question about why survey's and polls don't go to 100% of members and how DVC can feel they get a good representation. There certainly are other ways they can get input but not all will be statistically as valid as others.

 

[corpcomp]

When I responded they indicated that their records showed I stayed in a Studio at BCV. I stayed in a 1 bedroom. When I responded to that question, the survey said they already had enough responses for 1 BRs and ended the survey. Weird.

 

[Sammie]

Sending out the survey isn't the expensive part. Compiling the results is what takes time and money. And the reality is that they wouldn't learn anything by surveying 150,000 members that they couldn't also learn by surveying 15,000.

Aside from that, you'll notice that his survey was both targeted at guests who had visited within the last few months and room specific. If they put links to a similar survey on the website, they will get responses from members who may not have visited in months or years, as well as brand new members who have never even visited. You would also have people commenting on villas they have never stayed in. What value is there in asking a member to comment on Studio amenities if he/she only books One Bedroom and larger? That would dilute the opinions of those who really use the Studios.

Additionally, the results would also be skewed in favor of heavy users of websites like this. With a poll linked on the member website, there would be numerous discussion threads reminding people to go and vote. Instead of getting honest responses from a cross section of all members, the results would be weighted toward those who frequent the web forums. And its conceivable that those responses would be tainted by persuasive members pushing their own agendas.

Thanks TJ, that makes sense.

 

[Cricket2]

...That would dilute the opinions of those who really use the Studios...

What about the members who WOULD stay in a studio but don't because it's lacking something? You would miss out on a whole new segment of possible business or potential conversion of someone who never thought of staying in a certain accommodation based on a shortcoming in their eyes. It can be twisted from any point of view.

 

[tjkraz]

What about the members who WOULD stay in a studio but don't because it's lacking something? You would miss out on a whole new segment of possible business or potential conversion of someone who never thought of staying in a certain accommodation based on a shortcoming in their eyes. It can be twisted from any point of view.

Those responses can be obtained with appropriate lines of questioning. For a survey aimed at One Bedroom guests they can ask why the guest chose that size room or what modifications would be desired in order to make another option more attractive.

Overall it is better to question members on their feelings toward the type of accommodation they use most.

Of all my stays, maybe 5% have been in Studio villas. While it feels good to be asked for an opinion, I would hate to think that DVC is giving equal weight to my opinion as someone who uses almost all of their points for Studios. Let them have a say in the type of changes they want to see.

 

[JudithM]

The day fitness gear is added in place of furniture is the day we sell. Anytime DVC does a survey it scares me; they seem to somehow twist the results to justify deleting a service or adding a cost then calling it an enhancement that members wanted.

I do not want to see pet friendly rooms. I have allergies to cats and dogs and no amount of cleaning will help. I, also, do not want to see exercise/fitness equipment in the individual units. How much do you think our dues will increase?

I am tired of hearing DVC management say members wanted the change.

 

[Inkmahm]

True, but unfortunately there's really no way I would be travelling all the way from Maine with my 2 dogs It may work well for others, but I just can't see us ever utilizing this option. Mazel to those who can/will.

And for normal vacations to DVC, we wouldn't bring pets either. We have a dog and 2 cats. We DO take them with us when we head to a cabin in the northern part of our state each June. That's about a 6 hour car ride and they do okay. For Florida, it would be a 2 day trip for us. The only way I'd bring the pets is when we are retired and would like to spend 2 months at DVC in the winter. For a 2 month trip, it would be worth driving and taking all the animals with us.

Again, I wouldn't expect all DVC units to be pet friendly since I know there are people with severe allergy problems. But for those willing to spend more points for the option, I don't see anything wrong with some units being pet friendly at each resort. We pay $125 extra to take the pets with us in June for the two weeks. That's much cheaper than boarding 3 animals for 2 weeks.

 

[Chuck S]

And for normal vacations to DVC, we wouldn't bring pets either. We have a dog and 2 cats. We DO take them with us when we head to a cabin in the northern part of our state each June. That's about a 6 hour car ride and they do okay. For Florida, it would be a 2 day trip for us. The only way I'd bring the pets is when we are retired and would like to spend 2 months at DVC in the winter. For a 2 month trip, it would be worth driving and taking all the animals with us.

Again, I wouldn't expect all DVC units to be pet friendly since I know there are people with severe allergy problems. But for those willing to spend more points for the option, I don't see anything wrong with some units being pet friendly at each resort. We pay $125 extra to take the pets with us in June for the two weeks. That's much cheaper than boarding 3 animals for 2 weeks.

Except it then physically limits those with allergies from using those units...units that were not designated as such when they purchased the resort...thus limiting their ability to use their points, even if a room in their desired size were available, but only in the "pet friendly" section.

I really would not want to see any new guaranteed booking category that further limits the ability of owners to use the resorts. But if a totally new DVC was designated as pet friendly, and it was that way BEFORE sales of the points began, that would be fine...people could make their purchase decision based on that option. But please don't retrofit any existing resorts.

 

[cseca]

...

I really would not want to see any new guaranteed booking category that further limits the ability of owners to use the resorts. But if a totally new DVC was designated as pet friendly, and it was that way BEFORE sales of the points began, that would be fine...people could make their purchase decision based on that option. But please don't retrofit any existing resorts.

I agree...
If they want to make an awesome brand new resort for pet owners then great! But don't make ours a pet friendly resort. I love dogs but I don't want to hear dogs stuck in a room crying or see additional damages to furnitures or mess up the carpet/floor.
Can you imagine what the room/resort would smell like if a room gets wet dogs, repeated accidents on the carpet?...

 

[tjkraz]

But if a totally new DVC was designated as pet friendly, and it was that way BEFORE sales of the points began, that would be fine...people could make their purchase decision based on that option. But please don't retrofit any existing resorts.

Yeah, that's pretty much how I feel. If there's demand for a pet-friendly resort, so be it. But I have no interest in it and probably would not have bought into a resort that allowed it.

 

[tjhsr]

My dog thinks the other seat in my truck is his. But he's not going on vacation with us. Love my dog but the local dog hotel is where he stay's for vacation. I did the survey and the option for pets was always no.

 

[disneynutz]

Disney will probably follow what's popular in the timeshare and hospitality industry. If there is enough demand and a profit to be made, I expect that Disney will offer pet-friendly accommodations.

Bill

 

[FOXFIELDZOO]

I agree...
If they want to make an awesome brand new resort for pet owners then great! But don't make ours a pet friendly resort. I love dogs but I don't want to hear dogs stuck in a room crying or see additional damages to furnitures or mess up the carpet/floor.
Can you imagine what the room/resort would smell like if a room gets wet dogs, repeated accidents on the carpet?...

Dito,Also there should be a room that is just for the pets to go like a kennel/bedroom for when the owners are out,that would keep damage down,I know now that is asking a lot

 

[Sammie]

Dito,Also there should be a room that is just for the pets to go like a kennel/bedroom for when the owners are out,that would keep damage down,I know now that is asking a lot

Most all pet friendly hotels require you to kennel your pet while you are gone, I doubt Disney would be any different.

 

[La2kw]

I am concerned about this survey as well. It just makes me wonder what it is they want to get rid of now, in order to "improve our experience".

No on pet friendly rooms. I love my cats, but they don't belong in a hotel room. The housekeeping staff has enough trouble cleaning up after people, can you imagine what the rooms and hallways would look like with pets running around everywhere?
I would rather they spent the money on hiring enough housekeepers who can do a decent job. It's a joke what passes for housekeeping and customer service at WDW.

Until they add some decent television stations, I see no need for DVR's or even the flat screens they are putting in everywhere.