Trip Report

[RCDisneyFan]

Ok I have to say I am worried about owning DVC now....most things I read is nothing but negative reviews..We go on "our first time home" trip in October at SSR....I'm going to go with positive thoughts and just tell myself that everything will be great.

I'm just a little worried now.I know you have to check things out for yourself and yous should not worry about what others say..just a little nervous thats all.

Again, not to flame the originator of this thread, or anyone else who's had an unpleasant WDW experience...Remember we're on the internet here. In the real world, people will tell up to 10 people about a negative experience, but will usually only tell 2-3 about a positive one. I think that habit escalates online. It's the way we are.

I look at DVC trips like any trip to WDW - it is Amazing when everything is perfectly magical, but it take a lot of planning, patience and research to make your vacation feel effortless. Knowledge will be your best friend as a DVC member! Also helps to be a 'glass half full' person for any trip to WDW, I think.

 

[tryntje]

Just for the record, regardless of what the literature may say, I spoke with a DVC representative when making these reservations and asked very specific questions regarding the beds and the check in times, and based our flight times on that information. I didn't go into this without forethought or knowledge. I didn't care for being misinformed, and thought a Trip Report informs future DVC travelers of potential problems they should be aware of (ie 5:00 check in times).

I didn't realize that I'd get slammed for warning other people what they could expect. I've been a guest at WDW many times and have never before experienced the unorganized check-in that we had. It was unexpected and disappointing. So I should just lower my expectations rather than expect Disney to raise their's (to the level of service I was told to expect)? Okay then.

 

[bellazachmom]

sorry you hit some speed bumps but it really sounds like most of your frustrations was from the lack of communication between different hotel staff/grocery people. I also can confirm that groceries arent delivered until you're in your room. And I also agree that 5pm is way too late!

We have always used the Disney Grocery Service, the one you can download the order form for from the DVC website, and the groceries are ALWAYS in our room when we arrive, we have not had to wait. I guess there is something to be said for the extra you pay to order food through Disney

That being said, I am glad to read what others have experienced and I am going to assume it is when they have ordered from non-Disney grocers (WeGoShop, GardenGrocer, etc.) I was planning on using one of these services next time and this is something to consider.

Thanks!

 

[tryntje]

I did order from a form downloaded from the DVC site. It was the AKL form and that is where the groceries came from, based on the receipt.

 

[bellazachmom]

I did order from a form downloaded from the DVC site. It was the AKL form and that is where the groceries came from, based on the receipt.

Yikes! that is really disappointing to hear.

With 3 little ones it was really nice to know that as soon as we got in to the room we would have some of our "necessities" ready and waiting for us. And it's not like we can bring them with us on the plane anymore ....

Maybe we will go back to taking a towncar from the airport that makes a free stop at a grocery store instead of using Magical Express.

So sorry to hear that your first experience wasn't as wonderful as it should have been. Pixie dust that your future trips home are much more magical!

 

[Terri2007]

Quite honestly I never even considered that the check in time would be after 3pm. We are going home for the first time in January. 5 pm guarantee is pretty lousy, hopefully we can get ours earlier so my kids can nap.

 

[abeyst]

When did check in change to 5:00? It hasn't always been that way.

 

[lugnut33]

What exactly does guananteed mean? I've heard people use it 4 times now in regards to check-in time. They'll reimburse your points if it's not ready by some set time? What good is a guarantee if there's nothing there?

 

[cocowum]

They just shouldn't say it will be one way and it is actually another, or give false expectations.

I am sorry you had such a frustrating stay.


I have to agree with this part completely.

 

[LIFERBABE]

What exactly does guananteed mean? I've heard people use it 4 times now in regards to check-in time. They'll reimburse your points if it's not ready by some set time? What good is a guarantee if there's nothing there?

Actually, the word guaranteed is not used. If you read the confirmation letter, it says "checkin after 4p.m." Which means, after 4 p.m. until when?

It's not acceptable, but that's what it says. We once received our unit after 3 p.m. and that was pushing my limits of acceptability. Matter of fact, it was at AKV concierge over Christmas last year.

We watched the Mousekeeper work her way down the hall from the lounge and we figured the last room must be ours because we checked everytime she finished a unit

 

[Judy WI]

. We are going home for the first time in January. 5 pm guarantee is pretty lousy, hopefully we can get ours earlier so my kids can nap.

Do Not Plan on before 4 pm. And it maybe later or earlier as explained here but again do not make plans on getting in before 4. Naps are tricky but you can "check in" at any time and have bell service hold your things and go enjoy the pool or park until the normal checkin time or your room is ready.

 

[LoriMomx5]

Our family just stayed at SSR in June and had a dedicated 2 bedroom with 2 beds in the seond bedroom. The resort was great! We own at Vero Beach but love SSR and OKW. Sorry for the issues on your trip. Hopefully your next experience will be a better one. Lori

 

[tryntje]

Thanks so much . I'm relieved to hear all of the positives about SSR. Our next trip to DW will either be SSR or OKW strictly as a resort vacation (no parks).

I still think I'm going to write Disney to suggest they use Murphy beds instead of those lousy sleep sofas.