Trip from hell update

[Dean]

Originally posted by Pa@okw95
Ants are a normal part of living in Florida??They have alligators there also!! Does this mean that alligators in the swimming pool should be an acceptable circumstance of staying at a resort in Florida?? People pay anywhere from $250 to nearly a $1000 a night to stay in these places. I am really beginning to wonder about some standards that people have here. Then there is the debate over is the ant problem a resort problem or a DVC problem. You have all got to be kidding. The fact is that the place is loaded with ants from just the few posts we have on this little site, there has been 4 reports of ants at BCV. I have to wonder how many ant problems there are in total and why BC management is allowing this to go on. There is no excuse for this ant situation, it is no different than an alligator in the swimming pool, they should take care of it immediately.

That's a stretch. Ants are one of the hardest insects to control and keep out of even the best cleaned and treated locations. Gators are not that difficult to keep out of your kitchen. If they get in your pool, you call the state and they come get them but it might take a day or 2 for them to get there. I will say again that ants are part of life in FL. Sure there are things one can do but no guarantees. If avoiding the risk of ants is the plan, don't go to FL or the Southeast in general. We were just in Birmingham picking up my daughters things from College. It rained and we had a bunch of ants in the Van. We do not eat or drink in the Van and there was no food in my daughters things.

A couple of years ago a diver came up missing in a local river that has springs and drains to the gulf. He was later found in the mouth of a large Gator. Whether the gator was the cause of his demise or he just took the opportunity for a meal is unknown to me. Obviously it was very sad for all concerned and especially for his family. I also have a number of friends that have lost pets to gators. They live on the same river and even with fences buried, it's not totally safe for children or pets. That's one of the reasons they say not to feed the gators.

In the office I see fire ant bites daily and most of the time it happened in the house, in the yard or on the playground at school or the park. It's a battle just to control them in my yard not to mention my neighbors yards.

 

[wilderness01]

Sammie,

Yes our car incident was LAST August, 9 months, so I think that is still a valid point. It was not 2 years ago. We were just there in February and did I see ants in our bed? No, just a dirty sock that didn't belong to our family. Did I see ants on the balcony, yes but I blew it off to being in Florida, etc. Did I see a few ants in the bathroom that I killed? Yes, but again there were only a few and again I blew it off to being in Florida. However, if I saw tons and they were in my bed that is unacceptable and needs to be corrected.

Twinmom thanks for posting and please keep us updated. If some here do not want to believe that this issue is serious it is their choice. Thanks for alerting the rest of us and especially those of us who are allergic to fire ants.

 

[MiaSRN62]

It does amaze me that people who will not go anywhere else for their vacations are also so very quick to think the worst of those running the place. Does not make sense to me.

I don't agree. Just because all of us here truly enjoy vacationing in WDW (enough to buy into the DVC even) doesn't mean we should sit back and not voice our opinions if certain issues are not up to standard. Thanks to people like Twinmom, maybe DVC is kept on their toes a little more. I bet if it was just 2 or 3 ants she never would have mentioned it here on the boards. The bench issue is a whole other issue entirely.
Yes, I thoroughly enjoy vacationing in WDW but I don't feel they're faultless or perfect ? I think the OP just wants certain issues addressed and taken care of so future visits are not tainted/ruined for her and others?
In fact, I think she probably has begun planning her next DVC/WDW trip aside from this unfortunate experience at the BCV.
It doesn't make sense to me that some people can't see this for what it is---Disney messed up and needs to address some important issues, and the OP is just asking for accountability from them in this regard ?
I'm a DVC member and also own a Vistana timeshare. I enjoy staying at both resorts and have both complimented and criticized where I see fit. I've written several glowing compliments to both resorts over the years, as well as pointing out some flaws (mainly at Vistana). And of course, I'll return for many years to come I hope.
I think management at these resorts depends on their guests to supply some feedback---provides some checks and balances so to say.

 

[NancyDVC]

Each resort has a general manager who is responsible for the all the maintenance, repair cleaning and running of that resort. It doesn't matter if it is a DVC resort or not. The general manager is responsible for the day to day operations of the resort.
During our March stay at BWV we had some maintenance issues (not ants). Most of them were taken care of very promptly. Two of the issues required more than one request for the problems to be taken care of. I expressed my concerns to the Front Desk when we left.
We received a postcard for an online survey (my first ever such request from Disney-maybe because it was our first stay at BWV?) After I finished the survey, mentioning our specific problems and how they were and were not taken care of I received a follow up call from DVC. They let me know that my concerns were passed on to the BW general manager and the appropriate BW departments. I did mention that anytime we have had a maintenance or housekeeping issue at OKW they were much more responsive even calling back to see if the problem had been taken care of.
If you have a problem that you think is not being taken care contact the resort general manager. He or she has the final responsibility for the resort.

 

[Sammie]

You know I really do not understand why some can voice their opinion and it's accepted as fact and others can't.

My comments were not even addressing Twinsmom comments, I am sure she has a legititmate complaint. I was commenting on the fact that some believe the resort is completely over run now with ants and nothing is being done to stop it.

I agree ants in the rooms is not acceptable. Ants in the parking lot and balconies would not concern me. The seat problem definitely needs to be fixed and thanks to Twinsmom, maybe it will.

I just think some are over reacting to the extent of the ant situation and assuming that nothing is being done to treat the problem without even knowing that for sure. I also don't think the entire resort is infested and over run with ants.
I don't want ants in my room either, I just don't think it is a reason for the panic. I think Dean is being realistic in saying if you must totally avoid ants then you best not visit Florida or the Southeast.

I also did not say you should not complain if you have a legititmate concern. I did not say Disney is without problems. They are human, of course they have problems.

I said that I find it interesting that people go back to Disney time and time again and yet they are so quick to believe that the problems will not be taken care of. If I have problems, I will be the first to complain and have complete faith it will be taken care of. If I did not believe that, I would not continue to go back year after year. I am not going to continue to support a business with my money, that I do not feel provides a quality service. That was my point.

As I stated this is one version of the situation, we do not know the other.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Originally posted by we3luvdisney
I think I can answer this one ......... They have your money why should they care. Sorry about being blunt but I have seen it time & time, with DVC.

Because for every resale on the market, that is one less contract DVC will sell.

 

[PamOKW]

I think Jackie Lueders has backed off handling your problems because you have already initiated contact with BC. They have tried to address the issues with you. By posting your problems/complaints on a public forum like this for discussion and then going back to Disney with the replies you are "making the waters murky" for them to resolve this with you. You may or may not be planning a law suit. With that potential out there, Disney will not want to have multiple people dealing with you.

You have shared your experience with everyone on the boards. My recommendation would be for you to now drop public discussion and resolve the matter with Disney.

 

[jaysue]

Yes, I agree with PamOKW that this thread is exhausted and I think should be closed off.

twinmomplus2, let us know how your campaign for resolution goes

Thanks
jaysue

 

[invalid_char]

Hugs and kisses for PamOKW!!!

 

[Pa@okw95]

Dean--your statement if you don't like ants don't go to Florida has been stated twice on this forum. I have to say that is the most outrageous statement I have seen on these boards in a long time. When you check in to a WDW resort you are not going camping, to have to deal with ants or even give them a thought is beyond belief. Your remarks regarding ants really are from left field. Years ago there was a post or two about some kind of small bugs in the room at the Poly. I saw no debate about it, the bugs did not belong in the Poly, or any resort unless you are at the camp ground area then that is part of life everywhere not just Florida. But these people are not camping, they are in what is suppose to be a top notch resort.

 

[Zurg]

Well I have never had a bug problem at BWV. I am sure the aints try to get in but they must not like the long walk form the elevator, the bad parking or the small rooms.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Well I have never had a bug problem at BWV. I am sure the aints try to get in but they must not like the long walk form the elevator, the bad parking or the small rooms.

Too funny Zurg ! Thanks for the chuckle

 

[twinmomplus2]

This was a trip report, OBVIOUSLY, it should have been posted on the trip reports board. Attempting to let other DVC'ers Know about a potential dangerous situation for small children. Has Somehow been turned into an attempt by me to get fodder for a lawuit. You all must be joking.....If that was the case, I would not have posted my TRIP REPORT, Thats what it was. I would not have been forth coming and sent them the post, THe post sent to DVc by the way folks was the first day and had no more than 3 replies attached it was not the entire thread if they are interested then it was up to them to read it on thier own computer. Along with the notation that I had let other members Know of a POTENTIAL PROBLEM. This defending DVC accomadations as If I have Insulted Walt Himself is odd. If I had any intention of lawsuit, Which the mere accusation of it over and over is insane. Why I would have notified members in a light hearted way, Did any of you Cynics, read the actual trip report in it's entirity? FYI..... As for me..... My brother and SIL who were traveling with me, are both lawyers. MY Dad Is a Lawyer. My other brother is a lawyer. So, your continued cynicism is laughable, I certainly would have representation wouldn't I? By, the way I myself am a paralegal. I will stick to the Resorts boards and Disney family board. From now on.... I have never dealt with such cynical people in my life. IT was a Trip report along with a hey, watch out for this.

 

[PamOKW]

Okay, you took my post the wrong way. You asked why the DVC rep does not want to discuss your case. I gave you my opinion. I have no idea whether or not you plan to sue and neither does Disney. As someone in the legal profession, you know that they must act from the perspective that you might bring legal action. You go into great detail about how your child was injured by faulty furniture. It's nice that you warned fellow DVC'ers but it is also a "red flag" for Disney. It sounds like you have no intention to sue but they don't know that do they? Sharing with them that you've gone public with your problems would also be a warning to them.

It was good of you to share your experiences. You had problems with bugs at BCV and CSR. While having bugs at all isn't a good thing, it was nice to know that they did respond with first attempts to bait for the bugs and then finally moved you. Other guests will now know to ask to be moved immediately rather than seeing if baits will work. The crayon incident was a freak thing but it's something parents are now aware of thanks to your report. Bringing it to the attention of the BC staff should lead to their checking it out. If other people also see this problem, they should tell BC management as well.

Your children getting so sick was just horrible. But, once again, it was good to hear that you got some help from Disney CMs in dealing with this.

It's important to hear the good and the bad to see if something is an abberation or a pattern.

If you aren't satisfied with the responses you've gotten to date with Disney, I would first go back to your original contact at BC to follow up with them and see what happens. I'm not sure what it is you do want to happen? The bugs have already been taken care of. If it's the furniture, are you concerned that it should be replaced? If so, that's something you could pursue seperate from the idea of your "trip from hell" and other problems. Just focus on the question about the bench and, if you don't like BC's answer, go back to Jackie with the suggestion it be replaced.

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by Pa@okw95
Dean--your statement if you don't like ants don't go to Florida has been stated twice on this forum. I have to say that is the most outrageous statement I have seen on these boards in a long time. When you check in to a WDW resort you are not going camping, to have to deal with ants or even give them a thought is beyond belief. Your remarks regarding ants really are from left field. Years ago there was a post or two about some kind of small bugs in the room at the Poly. I saw no debate about it, the bugs did not belong in the Poly, or any resort unless you are at the camp ground area then that is part of life everywhere not just Florida. But these people are not camping, they are in what is suppose to be a top notch resort.

It's not meant as an insult only as a reality check. It's like saying if you don't like snow don't live where it's cold. Sorry you took it the wrong way. It is a reality of life in the South.

 

[LisaR]

Originally posted by Dean
It's not meant as an insult only as a reality check. It's like saying if you don't like snow don't live where it's cold. Sorry you took it the wrong way. It is a reality of life in the South.

Dean,
I am sorry but I have to agree with Pa on this one. Ants/bugs may be a reality of life but they are not a reality INSIDE a top notch resort. They aren't even a reality at a Motel 6. I don't care if I paid $29 a night or $400 a night. Bugs exist down south just like snow exists up north. However, I wouldn't expect the snow up north to be INSIDE my hotel anymore then I would expect the bugs down south to be INSIDE my hotel.

Now, I do expect things to get in. With the doors opening and closing things will come in. However, ants in the bed, sofa sleeper, carpet, etc are NOT exceptable anywhere. It is not "reality of the south." If it reality, I have NEVER seen it in ANY place I have stayed down south and back in my college days, I stayed in some pretty flea bag hotels. It indicates a problem. If it wasn't a problem then BCV wouldn't bait the room. They would simply say, "welcome to the south."

Lisa

 

[Dean]

The post was suggesting I was being insulting. I think it was read much like someone might say "if you don't like it, sell your DVC membership" and that was not what I was saying. I was simply stating that ants are a fact of life in FL as in much of the Southeast and Southwest. As are sharks, Jellyfish and drownings in the Oceans here. I agree that I don't think it should be routine but I've seen nothing to suggest it is. Besides, if the OSHA requirements make it difficult for them to spray inside, that will make i more difficult to control them than ever.

I apologize if anyone thought I was saying in a snide tone not to come, that was not my intention. I also wasn't saying just to deal with it when it happens. Just that ants can and will happen in FL, nor more and no less. The OP poster and anyone else with a major problem with ants in the room should be moved. Sorry if I came across the wrong way. Hard to write and get things across sometimes.

 

[Mrs. Snowgod]

IMHO the "Trip from hell" is becoming the thread from hell.

 

[trishy]

I'm not sure what it is you do want to happen?

This has been brought up many times and frankly that is what is making this thread the "thread from hell". If I were in the OP's shoes, I would have wanted (1) an acknowledgement of my correspondence, (2) an apology, written or verbal, from a manager of DVC AND/OR BCV, (3) an all-expense paid vacation to a bug-free, concierge-level resort with brand-new-in-working-order furniture, including all meals. However, I believe the OP would probably be happy with just (1) and (2). I'm beginning to think the DVC board is the place to go to get chewed out by "pro-DVC under any circumstances" fanatics. I just wish people could share their experiences - good or bad - without getting chewed out in this forum. DVC is not the Perfect Time Share - they have their problems like every other business. If "THEIR" resorts are having some problems, it is up to us as the consumer to complain to them and ask for appropriate changes. It shouldn't take a lawsuit to facilitate change - written notification is sufficient. Ants in a room is not acceptable (Zurg, we did have an ant problem in our BW villa last July - along with water damage - another story) - neither is a broken bench where a toddler could possibly have been killed. I came to the DISboards to get information and the "heads-up" from experienced travellers who share their experiences - I hope we don't start scaring people away by questioning their motives for being angry and posting negative reviews on our "precious" DVC resorts.

 

[Pa@okw95]

trishy--that was the best post written on this subject. This site for years has had the "Disney Lovefest People" who think it is just terrible to say anything negative. The poster of the negative comments is often made to feel unwelcomed and is often told to sell is shares in DVC and worse. Good for you -trish