Unannounced "inspections"

[Sammie]

Just keep your Do Not Disturb out and problem solved, then they will leave you a phone message.

 

[disneynutz]

I doubt they have the option to just enter on a whim. certainly if there is an acute issue such as a water leak or for normal scheduled maint. It is not unrealistic to expect them to place a call or to catch the rooms as they're empty. As a min, they have the ability to broadcast messages to rooms or groups without even having to speak to people. Many resorts I stay at do this every single day for activities, weather, et. IMO, that's not enough for standard inspections but I would see it as a min.

My understanding was that the hotel could only enter under certain situations such as evictions which vary by state. I found this Web Article on the subject. I'd think that a hotel would NOT want people in a room unnecessarily due to the risks involved. IF something became missing, or someone simply said it was, it's put them in a precarious position.

As I said before, we have been in the room when the HVAC filter was replaced. Do you really think that they wouldn't enter if we weren't in the room? The bags from Magical Express are left in your room as are some types of deliveries including the Disney Florist, and groceries ordered from Disney. These delivery people entering rooms doesn't seem to bother people, how is a hard/soft goods inspection different?

FYI the only reason Bell Services doesn't enter an unoccupied room is because the union made a deal with Disney to increase the Bell tips.

Bill

 

[AirGoofy]

When we were there in October, we stopped by in the afternoon and maintenance was changing filters. The room next to us had a DND, they asked if it was our room as well (maybe adjoining rooms) and we said we did not know them. They did not enter the room. We keep cash, wallet, and car keys in the room safe, but we keep merchandise and laptop computer out in the room. Even though it's Disney, we probably should be more vigilant.

 

[WilsonFlyer]

As I said before, we have been in the room when the HVAC filter was replaced. Do you really think that they wouldn't enter if we weren't in the room? The bags from Magical Express are left in your room as are some types of deliveries including the Disney Florist, and groceries ordered from Disney. These delivery people entering rooms doesn't seem to bother people, how is a hard/soft goods inspection different?

FYI the only reason Bell Services doesn't enter an unoccupied room is because the union made a deal with Disney to increase the Bell tips.

Bill

I don't like it on GP but they had CAMERAS. Who knows who's in kahoots with someone else for a future (or present) thievery run. Leave the deadbolt turned. Record leaving. The lock systems don't record exits, only entries (card usage). Need I go on?

I'll admit I drive so I've never dealt with ME. I've never had groceries delivered by anyone (I drive to the grocery store after we arrive and get my groceries for the week+.). I have had flowers delivered twice by Disney Florists and both times (two different DVC resorts, BTW) I was left a message that I had "something" at the front desk to pick up. They were not delivered.

As for the bellhops, I have always made them handwalk my luggage up with me when we have used bell services.

I don't expect anyone in my villa once I check-in aside from T&T day for 5-10 minutes and I usually try to be there when that happens (Yes, I ask when they plan to do mine.).

I need to add that one of the reasons I bought DVC was because of the LACK of daily "intrusions" and the privacy that alone provides. If I need them, I'll let them know, thank you very much. Otherwise; leave me the hell alone. I'm at home and I'm on vacation and they're not invited. LOL

I wonder what would happen if they walked into Brad Pitt's room and started taking pictures while he was away. Don't laugh. They wouldn't do it, and we all know why.

 

[Dean]

As I said before, we have been in the room when the HVAC filter was replaced. Do you really think that they wouldn't enter if we weren't in the room? The bags from Magical Express are left in your room as are some types of deliveries including the Disney Florist, and groceries ordered from Disney. These delivery people entering rooms doesn't seem to bother people, how is a hard/soft goods inspection different?

FYI the only reason Bell Services doesn't enter an unoccupied room is because the union made a deal with Disney to increase the Bell tips.

Bill

Yes, I don't believe they would or should generally enter a room unannounced for this or any other reason that wasn't either planned so the guest would be aware or an emergency. The difference is that these other issues or planned though I proactively make sure that deliveries of any kind don't come to the room when it's something I can control OR I plan on my side to be available or to discuss specific arrangements (such as maint repairs). I'm sure it happens, I'm not naive about such issues, but I don't think it should nor do I think it's routine and I think any company that allows unplanned entrances are asking for trouble.

 

[WilsonFlyer]

As God is my witness, I tried to stay out of this thread yesterday when I saw it. I did SO good for over 24 hours. God knows I tried to stay out but you guys make it SO hard!

 

[WilsonFlyer]

Exactly, I mean they do have keys to your room and they also make mistakes and check someone into your room.

I always bolt my hotel room door as soon as I enter.

That is not a mistake. That is a cardinal and unforgiveable sin and if I ever see or can prove that it happened to me, it is highly likely that I will see DVC in court.

 

[WilsonFlyer]

{It seems to me that this is more "Operations" oriented, certainly in the way that it has materialized.}

 

[Brian Noble]

they shouldn't be able to come in on a whim without a search warrant while there is a member occupying the room.

Newsflash: the requirement for search warrants applies to the government when entering private property.

That is not a mistake. That is a cardinal and unforgiveable sin and if I ever see or can prove that it happened to me, it is highly likely that I will see DVC in court.

It certainly is a grave error. On the other hand, "in court" is perhaps just a teensy bit over the top.

Folks: the DVC units are not your private homes, despite the "ownership" patina.

 

[WilsonFlyer]

Newsflash: the requirement for search warrants applies to the government when entering private property.

I'm pretty sure I knew that when I said it. That was kinda my point.


It certainly is a grave error. On the other hand, "in court" is perhaps just a teensy bit over the top.

Folks: the DVC units are not your private homes, despite the "ownership" patina.

That probably was over the top but you get my point. May be (intentionally two words) on part duex too but as long as I have a deed and pay property taxes on it (via dues), I'm certain it isn't a hotel room either.

See above highlights.

 

[quirty30]

Just keep your Do Not Disturb out and problem solved, then they will leave you a phone message.

We do this every stay. It goes up as soon as the bags have been delivered and it doesn't come off until we check out. I just don't like the idea of anyone being in my room when I'm not there.

 

[hlyntunstl]

I have the biggest issue with the camera. I think that's the point where a courtesy call should've been made. I know it may generate some questions but, if it's worded correctly, it would give people the opportunity to either take extra care in securing personal items or even possibly request an opt-out.

I always assume there's a chance that some authorized person could come in my room for a maintenance/housekeeping reason (even with the "do not disturb" sign posted) and store any valuables accordingly. I would also expect them to appear without a camera. The idea that pictures of my personal items may appear in a random file somewhere of room maintenance issues squicks me out.

 

[Sammie]

I don't consider my room private property. I put out my Do Not Disturb and they always call if they need access to the room. If I don't have it on the door and I leave I always assume they can access it at anytime.

 

[jimmytammy]

This happened to us back in Dec. at VWL. I was at a table near the door, heard it knock then a lady proceeded in. Didnt have time to answer as she came right in. She was a DVC CM as I recognized her from earlier when she and a few fellows brought in a new flat screen. It was morning so we we were in process of getting ready. Dont know if that time of day she was assuming we were gone, but it happened so quick that I didnt have time to question her intent. Didnt assume she was up to no good, just got the feeling as they were in the process of checking rooms for needed upgrades, etc. Still a bit unnerving.

 

[Dizny Dad]

This happened to us back in Dec. at VWL. I was at a table near the door, heard it knock then a lady proceeded in. Didnt have time to answer as she came right in. She was a DVC CM as I recognized her from earlier when she and a few fellows brought in a new flat screen. It was morning so we we were in process of getting ready. Dont know if that time of day she was assuming we were gone, but it happened so quick that I didnt have time to question her intent. Didnt assume she was up to no good, just got the feeling as they were in the process of checking rooms for needed upgrades, etc. Still a bit unnerving.

At THE LODGE!?! Oh, my! Is there nothing sacred?

 

[jimmytammy]

At THE LODGE!?! Oh, my! Is there nothing sacred?

Apparently not

She told us earlier in the week that they were checking rooms to see how appliances were working and she was in charge of getting those replaced/upgraded as needed. I felt it was legit, didnt think any more about it. But from that moment on, we put dont disturb out, bolted door. Never felt like this was needed at VWL before, but quickly did afterwards.

 

[TisBit]

Unfortunately, I don't think anyone here has demonstrated that DVC cannot do exactly what they did. As for the people that complain they should need to "announce" their intentions, well they did.....they knocked on the door to inform the occupants.

As far as liking the idea of people being in our rooms, sure no one like this, but can they do it is the question. As others have said, being the inn keeper and basically the "landlord" they do have a right to come into the rooms....pretty much for whatever reason they feel is justified. Courts have ruled many, many times on this issue (even where police entered without a warrant by the innkeepers permission). If you are staying in any type of hotel/rental you should understand you have given up almost all of your "rights" to someone entering your room.

As far as the liability of people being in your room, well actually DVC has looked at that and thats why they send a cast member with the contractor, to ensure the contractor doesn't do anything they are not supposed to and DVC be put on the line for it (because they allowed them in).

There are a lot of things that we might not "like", but it doesn't mean that it isn't allowed by the person that is doing it. I am sure that if they mass broadcast messages, it would create a lot of work/phone calls and the such....which is why they don't do it. And as for doing it between guests, there are enough complaints about rooms not being ready early, could you imagine if they tried to cram in 20-30 inspections too!!

 

[dianeschlicht]

Apparently not

She told us earlier in the week that they were checking rooms to see how appliances were working and she was in charge of getting those replaced/upgraded as needed. I felt it was legit, didnt think any more about it. But from that moment on, we put dont disturb out, bolted door. Never felt like this was needed at VWL before, but quickly did afterwards.

I'm sure all of this stuff IS legit, BUT... (It's a big but) Why can't this stuff be done between guests???? It seems to me a check like this could be done on the turn over rooms instead of the ones with ongoing occupants. How difficult could it be to just schedule those rooms being turned over and doing each room on that schedule?

 

[Figment2]

I'm beginning to see this as a "damned if they do, damned if they don't" situation. If the resort sent out a broadcast of some kind (even including language that only some rooms would be checked), I imagine there would be guests who would stay in their room and then get upset because "their room was not one of the chosen ones" and they wasted a day, etc. and they want compensation so on and so forth.

As far as cameras go, I'm not sure why anyone would be upset. What do you have in your room? I have a feeling that cameras are used to prove either subpar or superor mousekeeping. We do a form of this at work. When you are talking to someone about their performance, it's much easier (as a manager) to pull out examples of subpar work. Nowadays employers need proof and what better proof than a picture.

JMHO

Cyn

 

[SarahInMN]

Exactly...they also make mistakes and check someone into your room.

This happened to us last month. We checked in, schlepped our stuff over to BCV, and when we walked into "our" room, we noticed a purse and sunglasses on the entry way table. The shades were drawn so I think they were napping. We just backed out, ran away, and were given another room. Its kind of scary how easily that happened because, when we checked, they said our room was ready and just handed us our KTTW (it didn't seem like a last minute room switcheroo or anything weird since everything was ready for us).

So, if anyone was asleep in a 1 br BCV on 10/23 and we came into your room, sorry!