VB owners. Should they tell us what damage occured at the resort?

[floridafam]

We've had our reservations canceled twice by MS for various dates because of Hurrricane Jeanne and Hurricane Frances.

MS never says much other than they are working on the resort.

As "owners", should they tell us exactly what damage occured? Most likely, it will impact our future dues so do you think we have a right to know?

 

[wbc99]

I am not a Vero Beach owner, so I do not really have a vested interest in the topic, but if there was damage at my home resort, I would hope that I would be informed as to the nature and extent of the damages. Of course, there is usually always a difference in my hopes and my reality!

 

[Beca]

I think you do have a right to know. All DVC owners (not just BWV owners) know of "plumbing repairs" that are going on at BWV. Granted, DVC is telling us this because of problems it may cause while people are staying there...but, to a certain extent, you should be told what is going on.

Maybe because there is SOO much going on at VB right now, they simply can't keep you as informed as they eventually will. There might be a situation right now that they can see that "A" is wrong, but they aren't sure yet whether the damage stops at "A" or continues on to "B" and "C" as well. Forgive the BAD analogy, but I don't think that with hurricane and water damage, "what you see" is always "what you get".

I think DVC may be much more forthcoming when repairs are complete than they are while repairs are going on. At least, I hope this is the case.



Beca

 

[Chuck S]

I also do not own at VB. But, if there were damage at OKW, I would like a "general" description...for instance, interior water damage to walls at bldgs A,B,C,D etc., minor roof damage on Bldg X, and several minor instances of siding blown off .

But as far as getting extremely detailed, no I don't see a need for it, as it should be covered by insurance. I think the possible increase in insurance rates would have a much greatet impact on dues than the current repairs of damage.

 

[CarolMN]

I think you will be told - it's probably just too soon for them to provide good / accurate info. Assessment takes time, as do storm damage repairs/rebuilds. I'm sure there are constant changes/surprises as the work progresses.

My best "guess" is that there will be something included with the statements members get just before the annual meetings.

In the meantime, we'll have to keep an eye on our monthly Vacation Clubhouse emails and on the Members' Website.

Sorry for all those the hurricanes inconvenienced.

Best wishes -

 

[ArRzrbk]

I don't own at VB, yet... But I think you should be told about the damage in a general way. But I know our beloved Henderson Park Inn (which we cannot own, as it is not a timeshare) on the Panhandle was also damaged from hurricanes this year, and I was told by the company that rents out the property that FIMA was still assessing, and it would take some time to find out exactly what happened.

However, the reservation company did give me general information about the damage, as I was interested and a frequent guest. They said the pool was up on the porch of the resort. Anyway, I think DVC could at least tell you something general now and give you more specifics later and should do this as you all are true owners, not just guests. If HPI can do it, so can DVC.

Char

 

[sgtdisney]

I believe as owners, that yes people who own points at VB should be kept up to date on what is going on there. They could (and should) give them a brief synopsis on what is going on and what is damaged and then a more full accounting as they go on.

While I am sure this will be covered by insurance, I am willing to bet that the insurance costs will go up for VB owners. It would be nice for them to know what was damaged and how much the repairs cost, etc., just as you would know if it was anything else you owned like a home or a car that was damaged and covered by insurance.

 

[fireplug]

We do own at VB and yes I am sure insurance costs will go up . But dont you think they will go up all over the state? There was wide spread damage not just coastal. I am afraid all of the rates will go up.

Steve

 

[sgtdisney]

Originally posted by fireplug
We do own at VB and yes I am sure insurance costs will go up . But dont you think they will go up all over the state? There was wide spread damage not just coastal. I am afraid all of the rates will go up.

Steve

I am sure all the rates will go up statewide, but it makes me wonder if making multi-million dollar claims on an individual policy would make it go up even more. I think there are laws in florida to limit the amount of increases in premiums though aren't there? I now that there was a lot of stuff happening after Andrew in South Florida so a lot of laws where created.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

I agree with those who say DVC will eventually inform us. I also agree that it would be hard to inform us now, as it is likely they are still discovering hidden damage.

That being said, since this whole thing started I've always got the impression DVC was being somewhat secretive about the resort.
Perhaps they just didn't want members picturing the beautiful resort looking ragged.

Anyway, if there is a special assessment I would think there would be at least an informal explanation of the repairs.

Thanx for posting this Q, as I was wondering the same thing myself...

MG

 

[DebbieB]

They probably have a hefty deductible to pay. I work in commercial insurance and most Florida locations have a 2%-5% wind deductible. That percentage is of the property value. With VB being right on the ocean, I would bet on 5%. So if the property is insured for $10,000,000, the deductible would be $500,000. Another interesting situation with Florida right now is that the deductible is per occurrence. So if they had separate damages from different storms, they could be hit with the deductible more than once.

 

[floridafam]

Thank you for all of the responses.

I got the impression that the CM who told us things after Frances wasn't really allowed to say much. She did say there was a lot of water and drywall damage to Sonya's.

Maybe they'll let us know at the yearly meetings. I guess I may try and go this year to the one at Vero. Do we just show up if we want to go?

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by floridafam
Thank you for all of the responses.

I got the impression that the CM who told us things after Frances wasn't really allowed to say much. She did say there was a lot of water and drywall damage to Sonya's.

Maybe they'll let us know at the yearly meetings. I guess I may try and go this year to the one at Vero. Do we just show up if we want to go?

When you get your official meeting notice and annual budget statement for next year, there will be info on how to let them know you are coming. At least that's how it was in previous years. You can probably just show up, too.

When I went to the BWV meetings in 2002, those who let them know had name tags. But it wasn't full so I doubt anyone would have been refused entry. Try to let them know, though so they can plan the right size room and refereshments.

Best wishes -

 

[Beca]

Originally posted by Maistre Gracey

That being said, since this whole thing started I've always got the impression DVC was being somewhat secretive about the resort.
Perhaps they just didn't want members picturing the beautiful resort looking ragged.

MG

That's another really good point!! Every year, I take a competitive show choir to DL (now, we're going to WDW) to perform in their "Magical Music Days" showcase, and to participate in workshops where Disney performers teach our kids what Disney looks for in dancers/singers....our kids LOVE it (as do I)!!! Anyway, they take us to a back area where 1) no non-performers are allowed (when they told me I had to hand my then 6 month-old baby girl off to a parent for 4 hours, I about "freaked"), and 2) absolutely NO pictures are allowed!!! They said this was a competitive issue (they don't want photographs for other parks to see how they look), and also they don't want the "magic" to be ruined by anyone not directly involved in the group. All this, and we were just allowed in the "cast members, you are ON stage!!" sections. Disney is VERY good at what they do, and part of their "magic" is keeping all things unmagical under "wraps".

I know it is different with VB because you are owners, not guests...but, secrecy on ugly matters IS the Disney way, and also remember that Disney might want to keep "tales of signigicant damage" down to a minimum to keep resale values high, or Disney might be "buying back" a LOT of VB property.

I do think that DVC will tell you SOME descriptions of the damage, but I think it will come when the resort is completely restored (along with MANY pics of the resort looking gorgeous). I don't think "details" will ever be forthcoming. I think a little more information would be given if MF's were to go up significantly, and a LOT more if a "special assessment" were to be incurred.



Beca

PS...If the insurance companies have been reading any of the same reports that people have posted here...the ones which predict 20-30 years of increased hurricane activity....then, I think ALL of our MF's will be going up to cover "projected" costs.

 

[DrTomorrow]

I feel that all DVC owners should be advised when serious damage occurs at any DVC resort - allowing, of course, a reasonable time to identify and repair.

I also feel that anything "out of the ordinary" that increases dues should be explained to those who pay those dues at a specific resort.

 

[thegoods]

I work for local government and have spent most of my last six weeks cleaning up a city from hurricane damage. I get many questions about "status". Each day is different and each day brings new frustrations and problems that changes the status. We do our best to keep people informed but our time is best spent on our response efforts. Therefore, I can relate to Disney's dilemma. I am sure they are doing their best.

I too own at VB and would like to know of the damage. However, this is for my own curiosity and nothing else. Knowing has no bearing on my life. I am confident that all will be normal in the future much as life will return to normal in my city. Its just a matter of time and patience.

I will be at VB over Thanksgiving for a much needed family break and I assume that I will get many stories from CM's in the Green Cabin Room while downing a few cold ones. I have known many of them for years so the stories should be good. My curiosity will then be satisified.

 

[Judique]

Originally posted by floridafam
We've had our reservations canceled twice by MS for various dates because of Hurrricane Jeanne and Hurricane Frances.

MS never says much other than they are working on the resort.

As "owners", should they tell us exactly what damage occured? Most likely, it will impact our future dues so do you think we have a right to know?

I am an owner at Vero. Today I received a letter similar to one we received after the first hit from a hurricane. The letter states that recovery is well underway, and that they anticipate a soft opening on Nov 8th, expecting most of the resort to be open at that time, although some common areas will not be ready by then.

I am not concerned with knowing exactly what has been damaged, just that it get up and running again as soon as possible. I AM interested in all the photos that have been posted - from a general interest point of view. And I'm sure we'll all get to pay a little more dues at some point because of the damages and their impact on insurance rates.

 

[Sammie]

I would imagine if insurance rates go up in the state of Florida due to the damage of the hurricanes there will be more than owners at Vero affected.

 

[lenshanem]

If I owned at VB I would want to know. Shoot I own at BCV and I still want to know about VB.

Earlier this month I chatted with a CM at one of the DVC booths at Epcot. We talked about VB. He said they are being very Disney about it all. They basically don't want you to see the mess. They want you to think all is OK. He did say he heard the beach was gone.

I asked him about how the point structure was going to be affected. He, too agreed it would be nice if they came out with some kind of statement. He acted like he knew about as much as me. And I think he was being pretty honest. We were chatting casually, no sales action going on here.

 

[Desperado]

Originally posted by lenshanem
He did say he heard the beach was gone.

When you see the pictures, does it look gone to you? I know the dune area is washed away, but it seems to me like the recreational beach area is wider, like there's a big sand bar area and then beach area. I am probably missing something....