Services are being stripped

[wdwdano@yahoo.com]

Wow, really, you wouldn't expect the perk was offered originally because the spa was brand new, and the first one at a dedicated DVC campus, to try to draw in new business? Why would you think it is fair for the spa company (a private enterprise, not Disney operated) to continue to offer free access, when they are paying rent and utilities?

I just think you're way off-base with that line of thinking that these are "Disney" perks in any way, and are not totally subject to change, or are some type of entitlement by virtue of you buying a timeshare. I mean, really, would you expect free haircuts or styling if a privately operated hair salon opened at SSR?

Look, you seem to be a little to passionate about arguing every little thing. I think there is a divide between people that see things as it is and people that see things through the other looking glass. I don't want to keep coming back to this but this was never a perk, it wasn't in the perks booklet, it wasn't even advertised. I am sure many of you never even tried to take advantage of this. But it was something complimentary that the resort offered. I am also not arguing that things at Disney don't change. In fact that is what makes them the greatest company on the planet. Currently, in this day and time, I think consistency and efficiency levels are off at the parks and resorts. Will they always fluctuate between good and bad? Yes, without a doubt. But when it is change that has a negative impact it bothers me as a consumer. One day if they were to take away the precious AP discount, only then will that bother another large group of people. Maybe then it will be clear to others.

 

[wdwdano@yahoo.com]

In the sense that Nikki Bryan let Disney/DVC know that they were no longer allowing free entry to DVC members, you're probably right.

NB may have initially seen this as a way to get a select group into their spa to generate new customers via word-of-mouth from that select group. Or perhaps to "up-sell" those people with additional pay services. If they don't see an upswing in revenue as a direct result of this, they discontinue the perk.

Thanks, it's just a communication issue and changes like that are probably noted. Same with any changes with T-Rex, Rainforest, Fultons, etc

 

[disneynutz]

A previous poster mentioned the Market Metrix Hospitality Ratings. Despite a lot of on-line furor over the last 2-3 years about everything from point reallocations to banking window changes to valet parking, DVC still leads the timeshare category. It's satisfaction numbers are are strong as ever.

Any idea who is polled, cash guests and/or DVC owners? What is the sample size?

Bill

 

[Chuck S]

Look, you seem to be a little to passionate about arguing every little thing. I think there is a divide between people that see things as it is and people that see things through the other looking glass. I don't want to keep coming back to this but this was never a perk, it wasn't in the perks booklet, it wasn't even advertised. I am sure many of you never even tried to take advantage of this. But it was something complimentary that the resort offered. I am also not arguing that things at Disney don't change. In fact that is what makes them the greatest company on the planet. Currently, in this day and time, I think consistency and efficiency levels are off at the parks and resorts. Will they always fluctuate between good and bad? Yes, without a doubt. But when it is change that has a negative impact it bothers me as a consumer. One day if they were to take away the precious AP discount, only then will that bother another large group of people. Maybe then it will be clear to others.

It was never something the "resort offered" it was a courtesy offered by the spa company. You keep saying it is a "Disney" perk, or that the "resort" offered it. Neither of which is the case. Disney/DVC has no control over the free spa access perk, unless Disney/DVC is funding it.

As far as if the AP discount disappears, I fully expect it will at some point, IF Disney doesn't feel they are selling substantially more APs and TiW cards (and serving more onsite meals) by offering the perk. It is the way business works, nothing more, nothing less. A perk in todays economy should have benefits for both parties involved.

It was several years before DVC received any AP discount, prior to that was a 10% discount on Length of Stay type passes. When the MYW passes were introduced, the Length of Stay passes were discontinued and we had no discount at all until the AP discount was introduced. But as long as the company granting the perk sees a benefit through increased sales, it will probably continue.

 

[wdwdano@yahoo.com]

It was never something the "resort offered" it was a courtesy offered by the spa company. You keep saying it is a "Disney" perk, or that the "resort" offered it. Neither of which is the case. Disney/DVC has no control over the free spa access perk, unless Disney/DVC is funding it.

As far as if the AP discount disappears, I fully expect it will at some point, IF Disney doesn't feel they are selling substantially more APs and TiW cards (and serving more onsite meals) by offering the perk. It is the way business works, nothing more, nothing less. A perk in todays economy should have benefits for both parties involved.

It was several years before DVC received any AP discount, prior to that was a 10% discount on Length of Stay type passes. When the MYW passes were introduced, the Length of Stay passes were discontinued and we had no discount at all until the AP discount was introduced. But as long as the company granting the perk sees a benefit through increased sales, it will probably continue.

It most certainly was a service that was offered at the resort. It doesn't matter if it was Jesus Christ that was the owner of the spa, the spa is a part of the resort and always has been. If the annual pass perk goes away and it is something that you really enjoyed, and your not mad or upset because of it, then you might have to get yourself checked out for missing screws.

 

[Tara]

I think there is a divide between people that see things as it is and people that see things through the other looking glass.

You say that as if there is some universal truth ("as it is") and some in this discussion are on the side of that universal truth and some are not. In matters of "services are being stripped" as you titled your OP, I don't think there is a universal truth, so there is no "as it is." Instead, there is only personal perception and opinion.

 

[wdwdano@yahoo.com]

You say that as if there is some universal truth ("as it is") and some in this discussion are on the side of that universal truth and some are not. In matters of "services are being stripped" as you titled your OP, I don't think there is a universal truth, so there is no "as it is." Instead, there is only personal perception and opinion.

So you are agreeing with me that some people are being realistic and some people candy coat things to make it sound la-di-da as if everything is always great all the time?

 

[SuzanneSLO]

It most certainly was a service that was offered at the resort. It doesn't matter if it was Jesus Christ that was the owner of the spa, the spa is a part of the resort and always has been. If the annual pass perk goes away and it is something that you really enjoyed, and your not mad or upset because of it, then you might have to get yourself checked out for missing screws.

All your argument suggests to me is that you would have a higher level of satisfaction if they never offered a freebie or discount to you unless they could guarantee that it woudl be offered for the next 50 years. Many others are able to enjoy freebies, discounts and (dare I say it) "perks" while they are offered withour worrying about the impact it will have on our vacation if they are no longer free or even available in the future.

I would be disappointed if the DVC AP discount went away, but would probably find a way to enjoy our DVC ownership without it. Of course, this is easier to say because this year, for the first time in many visits, we will not have a DVC AP because Disney is offering an option that works out better for our particular use: the Premier AP. -- Suzanne

 

[disneynutz]

As I previously posted, other than the DVD Marketing department offering a perceived perk, the DVC doesn't give us perks, they negotiate on our behalf and post the results.

The perks come and go because the company or group offering the perk wants more business. You will often find restrictions associated with the perk such as a lunch discount only or the perk is only valid on certain dates. These are slow times for the issuer and they want to fill seats or increase attendance.

I am convinced that if Disney didn't use the perks as a selling tool, they probably wouldn't bother arranging them for us.

Bill

 

[Chuck S]

I didn't say the free spa entry wasn't a service offered AT the resort, it was never offered BY the resort, and yes, it makes a big difference who operates it. Would you pay Disney big bucks to lease the spa as a business, then grant use of the facilities for free, while you are paying rent, utilities, insurance, employees and business taxes?

The spa is not legally part of the resort, unlike the pools and other amenities funded byDVC dues.

None of the spas or hair salons at Disney (with the exception of the Main Street Barber Shop) are Disney operated. Many years ago, before SSR was built, they were Disney operated. Disney was going to close them, until the current company leased them, including two backstage hair salons used by castmembers.

 

[Disneypubgal]

While I understand that everyone can't be happy all the time. I think we can all agree on this (or at least should) the only thing Disney guaranteed us is points that we can use for a room over a period of time, accomodations should be clean and in good working order when we arrive, if they aren't, we have a responsibility to let the appropriate parties know about it. Anything else (perks/Discounts) is gravy, period. It is our responsibilty as consumers to read the fine print for what we purchased at the time we purchase, if we didn't and don't undersatnd what we are buying shame on us!

Just as a disclaimer, I worked for the Walt Disney Company for 10 years and enjoyed every moment!! While I was not employed at the parks I enjoyed what I did and was (and still am) very proud of the company as a whole. Like in every company there are employees who don't do the right thing, I do think most do try. And Disney just like everyone else is impacted by the current economic conditions.

That being said, Disney Vacation Club is the top rated timeshare period.... I enjoy my vacations and I think most do... if you are unhappy with the product or service please feel free to sell to someone who will enjoy as much as the rest of us do!

 

[dianeschlicht]

I decided I was done with this crazy thread yesterday, but I just have to say calling on the name of the Lord is probably not appropriate blasphemy for the DIS/DVC boards. I'm gone.

 

[wdwdano@yahoo.com]

I decided I was done with this crazy thread yesterday, but I just have to say calling on the name of the Lord is probably not appropriate blasphemy for the DIS/DVC boards. I'm gone.

sorry if this offended you, I was trying to prove a point. My apologies.

 

[wdwdano@yahoo.com]

That is a little harsh... don't you think???

While I understand that everyone can't be happy all the time. I think we can all agree on this (or at least should) the only thing Disney guaranteed us is points that we can use for a room over a period of time, accomodations should be clean and in good working order when we arrive, if they aren't, we have a responsibility to let the appropriate parties know about it. Anything else (perks/Discounts) is gravy, period. It is our responsibilty as consumers to read the fine print for what we purchased at the time we purchase, if we didn't and don't undersatnd what we are buying shame on us!

Just as a disclaimer, I worked for the Walt Disney Company for 10 years and enjoyed every moment!! While I was not employed at the parks I enjoyed what I did and was (and still am) very proud of the company as a whole. Like in every company there are employees who don't do the right thing, I do think most do try. And Disney just like everyone else is impacted by the current economic conditions.

That being said, Disney Vacation Club is the top rated timeshare period.... I enjoy my vacations and I think most do... if you are unhappy with the product or service please feel free to sell to someone who will enjoy as much as the rest of us do!

your right. NIce job

 

[crisi]

So you are agreeing with me that some people are being realistic and some people candy coat things to make it sound la-di-da as if everything is always great all the time?

Its interesting because I think we are being realistic. The final arbiter of what you are entitled to is your contract. The fact that perks change is realistic - its one of the most consistent things about DVC ownership while I've been a member. I don't see anyone hear candy coating this and saying this is fine - fine is a value judgment and what is fine for me might not be fine for you, but this is what we all agreed to in our contracts. If this isn't fine with you, why did you sign the contract?

 

[Dean]

AGAIN. . . .it wasn't a perk it was a service that was included in the stay as a dvc member. If you were a DVC member you could show your DVC card and get in. I found out after I had gotten a great massage there. They mentioned there was a steam room, sauna, and spa with fruit(no longer there)water, cold towels, lockers,showers etc that I could use while I was there. They also mentioned anytime I wanted to use it, I just had to show my DVCcard. IT WAS NOT A PERK. WHY DO PEOPLE KEEP REFERRING to it this way.

Because it was a service voluntarily offered by the spa and not paid for by DVC or DVD in any way. Apparently the spa did this to try to get you in the door to schedule services you'd pay for and members did not sufficiently to justify the costs involved. It was the spa that required the card to be sure they weren't expanding the perk beyond the intended group, just like you show your card when you get the AP discount or a restaurant discount.

You are totally missing my point with the regards to discounts. I said that they are offered more frequently from vendors. That being said. . . Disney creates the illusion that the perks are theirs but really they are just being offered by most of the participating merchandise locations. Don't get me wrong there are a couple but I find myself using the perks booklet less and less.

I don't see this. I think some assume what you say but I don't see anything that DVC does that would suggest otherwise. They also say they can be removed without notice, this is noted consistently when perk info is published.

You are totally missing my point with the regards to discounts. I said that they are offered more frequently from vendors. That being said. . . Disney creates the illusion that the perks are theirs but really they are just being offered by most of the participating merchandise locations. Don't get me wrong there are a couple but I find myself using the perks booklet less and less.

Getting upset with Disney/DVC/DVD over a loss or changing of perks that are offered as a courtesy is silly and inappropriate. Being disappointed at the loss of something that was beneficial to you is understandable. With those type of expectations the ONLY way DVC could come out ahead would be to offer NOTHING that was not contractual. Unfortunately member actions/interactions have led to the various charges such as towel packs and an official removal of attention to requests, I'm sure there are other examples.

 

[Sammie]

While I understand that everyone can't be happy all the time. I think we can all agree on this (or at least should) the only thing Disney guaranteed us is points that we can use for a room over a period of time, accomodations should be clean and in good working order when we arrive, if they aren't, we have a responsibility to let the appropriate parties know about it. Anything else (perks/Discounts) is gravy, period. It is our responsibilty as consumers to read the fine print for what we purchased at the time we purchase, if we didn't and don't undersatnd what we are buying shame on us!

Just as a disclaimer, I worked for the Walt Disney Company for 10 years and enjoyed every moment!! While I was not employed at the parks I enjoyed what I did and was (and still am) very proud of the company as a whole. Like in every company there are employees who don't do the right thing, I do think most do try. And Disney just like everyone else is impacted by the current economic conditions.

That being said, Disney Vacation Club is the top rated timeshare period.... I enjoy my vacations and I think most do... if you are unhappy with the product or service please feel free to sell to someone who will enjoy as much as the rest of us do!

I would be very satisfied to get the clean room in working order. Anything else is just extra.

Why should someone have to sell in order to get the product they were sold, I feel it is DVC's place to provide what I bought, not run me away.

 

[Disneypubgal]

I would be very satisfied to get the clean room in working order. Anything else is just extra.

Why should someone have to sell in order to get the product they were sold, I feel it is DVC's place to provide what I bought, not run me away.

I must be in the minority... been a member for over 14 years... Have had one issue with a toilet that was correctly within a couple of hours of a phone call... Rooms have been clean and in good condition on all of my 20 plus trips... not a bad deal if you ask me, but that is just my opinion

 

[Dean]

I would be very satisfied to get the clean room in working order. Anything else is just extra.

Why should someone have to sell in order to get the product they were sold, I feel it is DVC's place to provide what I bought, not run me away.

If you are saying you want a clean room in working order with an appropriate check in process, I think EVERYONE agrees and I'd agree with several others who posted that overall I think things have not gone downhill from a resort standpoint. The only area I see is some wear and tear issues and I do not believe DVC has a good cycle for hard or soft refurbishment but it's not bad enough for me to be concerned. Certainly things happen, a pipe bursts, ants come in, etc. Even in the area where everyone agrees as to the general expectation, some can't be satisfied. We've seen it many times with the "how dare there be bugs in FL" type of attitude.

 

[Sammie]

If you are saying you want a clean room in working order with an appropriate check in process, I think EVERYONE agrees and I'd agree with several others who posted that overall I think things have not gone downhill from a resort standpoint. The only area I see is some wear and tear issues and I do not believe DVC has a good cycle for hard or soft refurbishment but it's not bad enough for me to be concerned. Certainly things happen, a pipe bursts, ants come in, etc. Even in the area where everyone agrees as to the general expectation, some can't be satisfied. We've seen it many times with the "how dare there be bugs in FL" type of attitude.

I can accept the things that happened that can not be prevented. Such as after we checked in a major wasp nest was built on our patio. We called and it was take care of.

I do not accept checking into a room at 5pm, which I had no problem with the time, but its not as if the room was given to us early, to explain the lack of cleaning.

But to find blood and hair in the refrigerator, dirty, nasty tub with muddy shoe prints in it, broken glass on the kitchen floor, leftover moldy food in the frig. sheets that were torn, mattress so broken down from someone jumping on it, that it was not sleepable. Even though for some reason when DVC makes commercials they seem to think that this is acceptable behavior.

Also I don't accept being put in a room that the bed is broken to the point when you sat down on it, it tipped over nor do I accept rude treatment by bellmen that yell at me to hurry up they don't have all day to take my luggage out.

And Yes each time we had less than satisfactory rooms or service I talked with the on duty manager. But I really am getting tired of having to do this.

Some things can't be avoided but a clean room in working order should be the norm.