Crisi, you made an excellent point re
DVC members subsidizing 'free lunches'.
"
Remember, we own DVC as much as Disney does. We own all the units except the developer inventory. They run it at a predefined and legal profit margin in terms of management fees - if costs go up, our dues or something else we pay for go up - they aren't going to "eat" a darn thing. If DVC gives away rooms, that means it comes from somewhere - trades suddenly become even more expense, higher dues, perhaps ROFR numbers going up along with the cost of add ons - but one way or another, once we signed the contract and until we sign - there is no free lunch. And the few "free" lunches I'm subsidizing I want to be for truly horrible things "
And, sadly, without paying a fortune in accurate accounting, it is probably the DVC members that would get charged for comps by DIsney aka Disney management....But the bylaws and contract for management should clearly state that if Disney management comps Mickey's or upgrades etc, that Disney pays for same. THat is a management elected expense...just as if an employee of Disney were to sue for liability, the DVC owners should be protected from same.
Did I read that out of say 1000 DVC 'units' that DIsney keeps some for cash rental? Then those should be the units that are comped or upgraded. Also, how many nights are ALL the DVC units/cash units really sold out completely?
I think if a DVC member requests a nonsmoking studio and there really isn't any member or cash studios that are nonsmoking available BUT there is a 1 bedroom available...then that room should be made available because it otherwise woudl be sitting empty. (Forgive me if I have the 'cash rental' part misconstrued...I am assuming that the cash goes to Disney but perhaps it is cash that goes into the DVC costs pot)
Additionally, in the resorts that combine Disney rooms (BC and YC and BWI) with DVC in the same resort, if a room was guaranteed smoking and non was available in a DVC unit, then the member should be given an option of a DIsney owned YC< BC OR BWI room....without kitchen, yes, but it is a fair one night trade...again at DIsney expense tho in such cases the offered room was an 'extra' unoccupied unit anyway and not be charged back to the DVC owners.
Bottom line: we are at the mercy of Disney management being honest about these things. I am jaded enough to believe that if one of Mikies friends was coming to visit and there was a beautiful GV empty...that Mikie might let the friend stay in the unit and never comp back the members of DVC anything for it....So it goes, it isn't a perfect world. I imagine it is the nature of timeshare to have these problems, especially when there are nontimeshare units in the sme resort and management/use fees are 'split'....we just have to deal with it, like the other nonperfect things in life.
At the same time, there is nothing wrong with asking questions and communicating concerns to 'management'.
I agree with the people who were nicely told that unfortunately there were no nonsmoking rooms....but here's what we can do. Why in Mickey's name would any CM be allowed to do otherwise...that is the JOB of hotel management: to use words of compassion and accountabilty for the problem...hiring CMs that are 'blamers' rather than 'solvers' is problematic. Many of us need to be taught that our position demands certain nuances of speech. So a front desk person might need to be taught how to appease in a win/win sort of way instead of inflame a customer in a lose/lose way simply in tone or choice of words. Ok...lets get Covey to become a DVC member!!!!
I really do think that DIsney will listen and maybe even change a few policies IF it can be done without drastically affecting bottom line. We just have to be willing to be a reasonable yet unyielding thorn in their side.
I read on another thread that there are currently 87,000 DVC members. That is a pretty powerful group , if united.
I can certainly get a doctor...the dreadful X....to write a script that I must have a bathtub for my mental health (he might say: or else I go nuts)
Do you think that might assure me of a room with a tub?
Finally...I would be willing to stay the first night off property at a cheapie motel because I usually get in late (flying west to east) IF you REALLY think that checking in very early might make a difference...So I guess I could take advantage of cheaper air on Saturday and then stay Sat at a motel to avoid using twice the points as weekdays. Are you pretty sure that if I checked in at say, 7;00am that when it came to unit assignments, I would be given first crack? (Does anyone know this for sure?)
Well, I am sorry that anyone gets treated poorly by front desk CMs. I was treated so, as a cash customer at AKL in December too. Mayhaps I could get gainful employment in setting up Disney Magic classes in guest relations for front desk personel!!!! I actually think Disney does offer these training classes to employees...maybe some CMs just need a little refresher course.
Fondly to all!
Colorado Belle
Just kidding, but checking-in early does appear to be way more important than in past years.
) and arrives in Orlando at 1am. Can I call the DVC resort check-in desk during my layover or before taking off to ask my name be placed on the list for getting room assignments? This may take care of some issues we have discussed with first-in best-room.
Yeah, they can be stored in the hall closet or something!!
