Is DVC service the same as other Disney resorts?

[jerlev]

Hey all!

My wife and I started our DVC journey in September of 2005. We have stayed at all the Disney World resorts with the exception of AKV.

That said, we have been vacationing at Disney World for 10 years, since our honeymoon in September of 1997. I can recall many occasions when we got special treatment when I noted on our reservation that we were celebrating an anniversary or birthday. We received room upgrades, special attention by housekeeping (cute animals made from washcloths, rearranging items on the table to make things look great when we returned) and even a sighed photo of Mickey and Minnie wishing us happy anniversary.

That said, our last vacation was our 10th anniversary. We stayed 12 nights at OKW at the Hospitality area. We had a great time. We had many issues with the room that were never resolved. Even further, we were not even wished a happy anniversary as we checked in to the hotel.

Anyone else find this to be true? :veryconfu

--Jerry
N. Atlanta, GA

PS: We're trying OKW again in April for 3 nights when we attend A WILD DECADE event at Animal Kingdom celebrating their 10th anniversary.

 

[ConstanceIrene]

We've never been there for a birthday or an anniversary, but we've experienced many nice touches that always make us feel welcome. It starts with "welcome home" upon arrival. Our rooms usually have the cute, little washcloth animals. During a 3 night stay at WL last August, we took part in an interactive demonstration on how to make the animals and we each took home our creations.

There's always a cast member in the lobby making sure that we don't wait on line too long for the front desk. In general, we feel a sense of "being cared for" whenever we come home to a DVC resort.

 

[naf917]

We took our first trip home in December, which was also my sons 6th bday. When I made the resveration I did not indicate this. When we check in the woman at the front desk noticed that it was his bday and gave him a happy bday pin. Later that evening when we came back from dinner there was balloons and a signed picture of Mickey Mouse wishing him a Happy Birthday.

I am not sure if this happens everytime or not but it sure made his 6th bday one he won't forget.

 

[Monty]

As with any special treatment at WDW, there is no guarantee that it will happen. If you go expecting it, you're setting yourself up for disappointment. If you go with no expectations, you'll be pleasantly surprised if it does.

 

[MinnieLee]

We try to go twice a year (October and then when we can't stand the cold weather and snow anymore) and most of the time when we book through DVC the cast member will ask us if there is anything special we are celebrating. We have come back from the parks and found birthday and anniversary cards "signed" by Mickey and Minnie and, of course, you get your button when we check in and they say "Welcome Home". I am sure that if you mention a special occasion there will be something special there.

 

[flagen]

It all depends whats it says on the computer and who checks you in. This last Oct we used VC points to stay at the Grand Floridan for our honeymoon. I told them this when we made the Res and even emailed them 2 weeks before we arrived.

We did get a "Just married" button but nothing else. Yes we know very well not to expect anything but staying at the "flagship" hotel was less then magical .....We have stayed at many other Disney Hotels In FL, SC, Ca and Cruise Line if a birthday/anniversary was told to front desk all the others made sure something was in your room and truly made your stay magical. But not at the Grand Fl.

They had us in a room that was far walk, the pools closed early, and the place was a ghost town at night. We spoke to a manager and told them our feelings and they did try a little and the key word is a little with some strawberry's and chocolates and a bottle of champaign.

At the Grand Californian we used points and this was a year before we were married ..we were there for a anniversary of just being together. They had roses covering the bed balloons, champaign and flowers....it was VERY magical....in fact they did it twice!.

Our home resort Saratoga Springs we took our parents there for their anniversary and they also got balloons, roses, and a few other magically things and we did not need to remind anyone about the occasion either. Oh one thing i love about the Springs is if you want to swim at 2 am...you can!!!...The main big pools might be closed but the smaller big pools are open and quiet and kid free as can be at 2 am as well as the hot tubs