Being from the Hospitality industry, fourteen years is entirely too long for a total renovation! The Disney properties are used very frequently so the wear and tear is enormous. The prices charged have been raised to be outrageous currently. For the prices being charged, people expect top of the line rooms decorated to the nines and furnished with the latest and newest furnishings.
Maui is incredible, I agree. I also love Oahu. But I think if you want to KNOW Hawaii, you need to spend time on all the islands. They are so different.
I will say Aulani is in an inconvenient location-it’s wonderful, but it IS hellishly expensive! Now, I DID have a two bedroom villa, but it cost me $1500 a night in May! For comparison, the entire trip for six nights cost me about $15,000 all in… For less than that, next year I am getting an entire month vacation with 12 nights in Australia and New Zealand and a cruise coming back to Hawaii from Australia for 19 nights! But it is absolutely a wonderful resort… Just 35 minutes drive from everywhere! And the food is comparable to the price in any Disney resort, whether in California or Florida.
100% agree with the Bay Lake Tower and Contemporary one. BLT seriously sucks and Contemporary is absolutely an airport terminal. I've never thought about it that way but it makes total sense. Not to mention the Incredibles rooms were a total bust.
Pete is 100% right about Riviera. I haven't been but I lived in Europe for 10 years and the Riviera looks just like a French/Italian resort. The genius is the simple or (boring as some would say) pool. You wouldn't have a pool with wild kiddie slides and stuff in Europe. Riviera is a perfect homage to what resorts in Europe are like. Also, Pete's necklace is really stunning.
As to refurbishment schedule, Marriott and the other bigger timeshare brands tend to do a 5 year soft/10 year hard refurbishment. Their units are generally in better shape than what we noticed at DVC. Also on our stay at Saratoga Springs, while the refurbishment looked good, it looks like they used just average quality or products. We will have to wait and see how well they hold up over time, but not surprised at the comment about some of those rooms looking like they are seeing some wear already.
Would love for you to do a comprehensive review show on which DVC resorts are newly refreshed and which DVC resorts to stay away from because they are dirty or run down. We recently stayed at AK Jambo and it was the pits. Grimy carpet, worn out furniture, dark and dingy even with all the lights on, a janky shower curtain on the tub/shower combo (no separate shower). Dark surfaces everywhere (I get it’s the African esthetic) but it disguised a lot of dirt and grime everywhere especially built up in the corners and high surfaces like the top of the fridge. We had stayed at Riviera 6 months prior and by comparison no amount of animals roaming around could make up for the “Motel” feel of our room. Sadly it’s our home resort and we will never be back after this stay. Please do frequent check ins with us as to which resorts we should skip based on the wear and tear of furnishings and cleanliness. It would be a great feature for every show to do a lightning round of recommended vs rundown. Thank you!
Here’s an unpopular opinion. We just came back from Aulani and were very underwhelmed. The grounds were beautiful BUT as 2 adults there was LITERALLY nowhere (except our hotel room) where we could have any peace and quiet. To get a chair that wasn’t in full sun you had to be up and reserve a chair by at least 7am. They did not enforce that you had to stay at the chair. You could freely get any drink (after we paid for the mugs). To eat 2 APPS and have a drink we are paying over 70 USD. I am with James. ALUANI IS OVERRATED. We will not go back.
Hahaha, loved this video so much. Pete your reactions are soooooo funny!!! Thank you for your amazing sass. I had a really crappy day today, but you really cheered me up! Thank you
I know a lot of people do not like the long travel to Aulani. I am guessing Aulani is still not sold out. I believe a new DVC Resort on the eastern portion of Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Would be very popular and would quickly sell out. There is a lot of money in the San Francisco Bay Area and Southern California Area. It would be a short flight away from both locations.
Who would one call to report issues with furniture etc? Front desk? DVC? I don’t really feel like calling DVC and waiting 20-40 minutes in the phone and you can’t even get front desk direct any longer . Perhaps they should have cards in the rooms to report or a hotline that allows for text and pictures to report problems.
You can report using the MDE app. You can just state exactly what you would like to report, just be as detailed as possible, and sent it through the chat. You don’t have to wait for anyone to respond but they will once they get your message.
I lived on Oahu for 3 years. On a military budget, been to more expensive places! Aulani is nice; we own at the Marriott Ko Olina now and love the area.
On Starbucks and most other coffee by the cup: those of us who grew up in South Louisiana have known how to make coffee practically from infancy. Buy good beans, grind them at home, make your own. Community and French Truck are the best, and Lola Savanna (from Houston) sells an Indonesian that is so smooth you could skate on it.
Thank you.....I normally love wilderness lodge villas.. I was there last week it was the biggest problem, letdown. I always stay a boulder ridge, Disney makes you jump through hoops it take up to a year to get a reservation. The refreb was discussing old toilet rolling around with feckel material in the air with old rug dust from room that use to have smoking..all they had blocking this mess was curtains held together with file clips which did not do anything. When I complained they said they sent notice.. no they did not...they said they could give me $200 and move me to budget resort. I paid for deluxe if I wanted to stay at a super 8 I would have stayed at one.. I still can't get the stall smoke and shit smell out of my jackets I taking them to be dry cleaned and I still have this coughing from it..the cheap work they are doing beware it's a bio Hazzard.....
Fun video. I too went from Bay Lake Tower to Boulder Ridge and was underwhelmed by the Boulder Ridge rooms. But at the same time, we spent so little time in our room there that we didn't really care that much. The central common area and its rustic stylings, restaurant, and pool made up for the drop off at the rooms at Boulder Ridge (not to say that the Bay Lake Tower had a bad pool, it was actually quite nice). The only disappointment that I have overall with DVC is that too many times the rooms are laid out exactly like the rooms everywhere else, just with different paint, curtains, carpets etc. You feel like you are in the exact same place, just with a different theme. We need more of a layout difference. For instance, there is no mistaking the difference between Old Key West Room layouts and those at Boulder Ridge or Saratoga. I haven't stayed at Riviera yet, but perhaps they are getting better with this.
Jewelry in this video is totally hypnotizing me. Pete’s necklace reminds me of Kate Winslet’s “Heart of the Ocean” from that Titanic movie. Spectacular. (Where is Celine Dion’s famous song when you need it most?) 🚢
Unpopular opinion: Add DVC to existing resorts - add some DVC to All Star Sports, Pop Century, etc. so I can get a 1 point room night if I need to extend my stay.
Love this video! Love Sue Saunders. Last year I bought a small Poly resale and Sue was my sales agent and we talked about the bathrooms at Poly and Grand Cal.
Boulder Ridge is so dark and over worn. I would love to stay there again because I love the lobby fireplace and seating areas, especially during Christmas, but not until the refurb.
I gave my son and wife my expiring points for AK then two nights at Boulder Ridge. When I asked them how BR was all they said was how much time they spent at Geyser Point. And they shrugged. Now I know why🤦🏼♀️. I just texted an apology. 🤷♀️
Unpopular opinion: I am starting to very much like the Disney decisions! Stores closed - our Disney merchandise purchases are way way down - result: saving money. Genie plus - refuse to pay for something that may or may not get me on rides - result: not going to parks = saving money.
First off, I’m not a “real” coffee drinker but I like buying Joffreys from Marshall’s and TJMAXX when they have the different flavors and mix it with coffee mate, and this coffee doesn’t gripe my stomach
Unpopular Opinion on Aulani - The stay was so-so because of some of the staff. I had more extremely negative interactions in 15 days then I've had in total length visiting Disney. It wasn't even related to service level, it was literally some cast members (multiple cast members ) just being flat out rude. I have seriously never, ever had these type of interactions or more 'unDisney' situations with any Cast members ever. EVER. We had some amazing cast members no doubt and honestly they would be the reason we might try it again. I do have to particularly comment that we were traveling with 2 people with food allergies and wow did the staff go above and beyond to make sure their meals were safe. I was thoroughly impressed. All in all, it was a bit of a shock to the system after we had just stayed in Waikiki with hands down staff, across the board, that could not have been nicer - and what I experience at all other Disney properties. We've since been back at Bay Lake (during Ian) and had an amazing stay (Pete is right on his Bay Lake take). The staff was so Kind, we made sure to thank them for being there and had so many conversations about their homes, family and friends etc. Could not be more night and day difference between our experence with the Bay Lake and Parks cast members vs our Aluani stay. It seriously restored/reminded us how top notch the Disney experience is.
Well here’s what Disney probably considers an unpopular opinion, we pay monthly due for our resorts which are supposed to cover maintenance. Last I checked, maintenance included refurbishments. So for what we are already paying, the DVC resorts should look new ALL THE TIME! Not only did we pay for my 40 year usage contract, but we pay dues every month on a direct debit. The money is there every month, there’s no excuses in my opinion. Another unpopular opinion is the toiletries, I loved the original bath toiletries. They were perfect in that they were lightly scented. They didn’t clash with my cologne or deodorant. The H2O+ products smell great, but clash with everything else I wear (including sunscreen). There’s also nostalgia there, I got used to the same bath products being in the rooms, unchanged from 1991-2005. It set Disney apart as all the high end places were putting in the fragrant body washes at the time. It made them the same as everyone else and as a Disney fan, that’s not what I’m looking for. And while we’re on the subject, fitted sheets. I grew up in a home that always had fitted sheets, not once was it an issue. Why is it with Disney? Your child is more likely to inhaled the untucked corner of the bed sheet than get strangled by a fitted sheet. To me it seems like litigation, not imagination, is Disney’s top priority nowadays. Kind of sad because I do miss our annual trips that no longer occur because of the unavailability of annual passes. Disney may be saving hundreds of thousands (possibly millions) of dollars, but billions (possibly trillions) could be had if annual passes were reinstated. I know my family would be good for two trips a year.
My Unpopular/Popular opinion is that Boardwalk resort needs a restaurant on the Main level of the resort. Right now you need to leave the resort for meals.
Although Boulder ridge villas absolutely needs a total refurbishment, I am not that impressed with the concept art. I wish it had the aesthetic of a cozy log cabin feel if that makes sense. It can have updated bathrooms, fixtures, mattresses & bedding, etc.. while still maintaining some rustic touches.
We recently splurged on a poly stay . It was not the dream vacation we expected. The lobby carpet had stains, popcorn on the floor. Captain cooks was disgusting. Sticky floors and tables, the drink area was nasty. We purchased refillable mugs and the cast member dropped them on the floor then handed them to us. The room ( supposedly redone) was less than inviting . Looked like a college dorm room. Peeling paint on the pool facade. This was not the poly we dreamed of staying at. Hopefully this was not the norm but never again we will waste our money here.
Love the DIS keep up the good work ! This was a Fun video. Off topic but I want to compliment Pete on his jewelry. Especially his rings, I’m thinking I might have to get a ring or two.
I agree with Paul regarding number of toilets in the 1 bdrm units. If there is a bathroom it needs to have a toilet. The bathrooms have the space and a basic toilet is what $150? Paul point taken and oftened discussed on our visits. How many times does someone take a bath or shower compared to how many times they need a toilet? Now add to that, how many in your party feel stressed to rush your turn in the shower cause someone else is lined up for the only toilet? I hate the multiple doors between the adjoining bathrooms. I have been walked in on due to unlocked doors or had to walk around to unlock a door on the other side? Paul, others on this panel seemed uncomfortable with you discussing a need for a toilet and glossed right over the topic and moved on to Joffrey coffee and H2O products going away.....I CAN AND HAVE BROUGHT MY OWN COFFEE AND SHAMPOO.....I CANT BRING MY OWN TOILET!!!!
I’m taking my family, (mom dad bro sis in law and their daughter) with us in January at BC. I’m nervous about the condition of the room. 2 BR… we stayed at a studio back in 2020 and it wasn’t in best shape then… better than BLT but not great
Disagree about Maui, if you are into whale watching it's the island to visit and some of the snorkeling is just fabulous. If you' stay near Kaanapali, you can reach all of that easily from most resorts. Aulani is gorgeous, but the snorkel trips from Ko Olina just don't compare. You'd have to actually drive to another port. I think the food at Aulani, is really meh if you have dietary restrictions. The vegetarian options are the pits and while cute the Mickey shave ice is not as good as elsewhere on Oahu. I'd rather use my DVC points for Aulani over any other resort, but if I am paying out of pocket, I'm going to a different island.
Regarding Jared’s opinion on Boulder Ridge. I can appreciate the “grandmas lake house” charm that the current decor lends itself to. I did not want to see a refurb that looks white and sterile like we are seeing in some refurbs. So maybe he was referring to not turning it into every other room but I cannot get on board with not changing anything, it needed help and was/is overdue.
Pff Riviera looks really plain Jane to me. I have travelled all around Europe and it also reminds me more of Marriott Renaisance hotel than Europe. I agree Lowes Portofino is awesome. I have gone there for 10 years - great great great. I am trying Aulani next year, it looks amazing.
The old Mickey in-room amenities - I was laughing - they were so horrid it wasn't even imaginable they were being offered at that price point. I joked that the soap bars had lye in them, they were so "stripping" of your skin. Where in H did they even source that crap?
Aulani is a beautifully designed resort, but it falls way down in operations, maintenance, and food offerings. For those reasons, it is not as good as any of the Disney hotels in Tokyo. Post pandemic re-opening it has gotten worse too. And yes, I have stayed there 9 times starting in 2013, and as recently as earlier this year.
Big no for Reflections, I hope it or anything else they were thinking for that location is permanently shelved. It would destroy the current laid back vibe of the existing WL, CCV, BRV and Fort Wilderness and make that area so incredibly congested. There are so many other places on property they could build something new.
Seriously! What a horrible take 😂😂😂. I noticed that people that don’t like hiking/nature… don’t like Maui because it’s an active lifestyle island. Maui over Oahu any day
I’ve never been but we loved the diversity of Oahu. Urban and Rural. Mountains and beaches. Nature preserves and high end shops. People. Food. It was incredible! And I’m open to visiting more islands too!!
@@heatherk9807 Visiting Maui is like hearing about all of the essence of Hawaii that inspired the creation of Aulani resort, and then getting to go experience it yourself. Oahu, especially the greater Honolulu/Waikiki area, is more like a monument to Hawaii's history of colonialization. It's fun and beautiful, but you gotta get out there and see the rest of it if you ever go back.
Some people really hate H20 but it’s a lot better than what they had before. Joffrey’s coffee isn’t my favorite but Disney and bad coffee goes way back.
I think the pool at Kidani is WAY better than Storm Along Bay. I have an 18 year old Autistic child with the mind of maybe a 6 year old. When staying at Storm Along Bay, with one of us having to stay by the pool and the other running out to where you go for the slide.... yeah doesn't work very well. Now most of the time we go to Boardwalk or Kidani, sure the Pool at Boardwalk isn't that great, but he loves the slide and there's always something going on in the Hotel.
A family of 4. 2 teen boys and my husband and I travel together. Two toilets at Poly would be nice but I will take the two showers over the two toilets.
h20 probably thought people would buy their products after a trip to a Disney hotel. We used to sell the skincare and body products at Nordstrom 15 years ago. Only during Christmas the H2O body sets would sell. They just sat there all year
also yes BRV was disgustingly embarassing. Our 25th wedding anniv stay was this past April and after 2nd night we begged to be moved only to be told sorry cant. It was the worst stay ever and we own there. Filthy outdated and gross. It was a bad stay.
I love Joffreys coffee especially the frozen cappuccino dream, definitely better than Starbucks, I always laughs when I see the hour long line at Starbucks and I get my coffee in 10 minutes lol
Oahu was the best island to put Aulani on. I think people should explore all parts of the island, outside of Wakikki & Aulani, while there. So much to do & see. I also agree Maui has less to do unless you plan on staying at a resort the entire time.
Thought your maintenance fees paid for refurbs. Didn’t know the refurb schedules were so long apart. People that treat these rooms poorly are definitely low class. I’m very careful when I stay in a hotel room, I’m not a little kid. Love Elemis, it’s expensive but it works and I don’t need plastic surgery, rather spend on Elemis. Also love Joffreys coffee. I went on line and bought 8 bags and I’m rating them as I go. Also love Caribou coffee, bought the chocolate one and to me it’s the best chocolate one out there, bought at Denver airport in Southwest terminal. Regarding dvc, condition of rooms is at the top priority when I buy. I could just go rent a great hotel for a lot less. I’m wanting to buy at the Disneyland tower as I live in Northern California and I just drive there. Need a hotel anyways, grew up in Southern California so I can get around easily. Liked this episode.
I think opening the resorts to non DVC owners through points buying websites etc leads to these resorts becoming trashed so quick, since they aren't investing 10s of thousands of dollars for DVC, additionally don't pay the annual dues and what not. Just my opinion.
I know this has been posted for a while but I am finally able to begin getting caught up. I am a Joffrey's fanatic and yes a minor coffer snob, do I love dark roasted coffee yes! But do i like coffee cooked like the sahara dessert walked through Qatar, no! Starbucks is such crap Satan wouldn't drink it!.Well maybe he would, I don't know the guy!
Being from the Hospitality industry, fourteen years is entirely too long for a total renovation! The Disney properties are used very frequently so the wear and tear is enormous. The prices charged have been raised to be outrageous currently. For the prices being charged, people expect top of the line rooms decorated to the nines and furnished with the latest and newest furnishings.
Did you go to Haleakala crater at sunrise? The road to Hana? Whale watching? Maui is awesome and so is Oahu
Maui is incredible, I agree. I also love Oahu. But I think if you want to KNOW Hawaii, you need to spend time on all the islands. They are so different.
Before the sea salt H2O they had a grapefruit scent that I loved
I think it was grapefruit bergamot! I love loved it too!
I will say Aulani is in an inconvenient location-it’s wonderful, but it IS hellishly expensive! Now, I DID have a two bedroom villa, but it cost me $1500 a night in May! For comparison, the entire trip for six nights cost me about $15,000 all in… For less than that, next year I am getting an entire month vacation with 12 nights in Australia and New Zealand and a cruise coming back to Hawaii from Australia for 19 nights! But it is absolutely a wonderful resort… Just 35 minutes drive from everywhere! And the food is comparable to the price in any Disney resort, whether in California or Florida.
I’ve been told that Hawaii is expensive already and even more so at alulani.
100% agree with the Bay Lake Tower and Contemporary one. BLT seriously sucks and Contemporary is absolutely an airport terminal. I've never thought about it that way but it makes total sense. Not to mention the Incredibles rooms were a total bust.
Pete is 100% right about Riviera. I haven't been but I lived in Europe for 10 years and the Riviera looks just like a French/Italian resort. The genius is the simple or (boring as some would say) pool. You wouldn't have a pool with wild kiddie slides and stuff in Europe. Riviera is a perfect homage to what resorts in Europe are like. Also, Pete's necklace is really stunning.
Yeah, the resorts in Paris it does resemble, the Rivera doesn’t seem as similar.
Pete’s necklace was probably from his AMEX card😅
As to refurbishment schedule, Marriott and the other bigger timeshare brands tend to do a 5 year soft/10 year hard refurbishment. Their units are generally in better shape than what we noticed at DVC. Also on our stay at Saratoga Springs, while the refurbishment looked good, it looks like they used just average quality or products. We will have to wait and see how well they hold up over time, but not surprised at the comment about some of those rooms looking like they are seeing some wear already.
Would love for you to do a comprehensive review show on which DVC resorts are newly refreshed and which DVC resorts to stay away from because they are dirty or run down. We recently stayed at AK Jambo and it was the pits. Grimy carpet, worn out furniture, dark and dingy even with all the lights on, a janky shower curtain on the tub/shower combo (no separate shower). Dark surfaces everywhere (I get it’s the African esthetic) but it disguised a lot of dirt and grime everywhere especially built up in the corners and high surfaces like the top of the fridge. We had stayed at Riviera 6 months prior and by comparison no amount of animals roaming around could make up for the “Motel” feel of our room. Sadly it’s our home resort and we will never be back after this stay. Please do frequent check ins with us as to which resorts we should skip based on the wear and tear of furnishings and cleanliness. It would be a great feature for every show to do a lightning round of recommended vs rundown. Thank you!
Bay Lake was the same way for us last year.
Here’s an unpopular opinion. We just came back from Aulani and were very underwhelmed. The grounds were beautiful BUT as 2 adults there was LITERALLY nowhere (except our hotel room) where we could have any peace and quiet. To get a chair that wasn’t in full sun you had to be up and reserve a chair by at least 7am. They did not enforce that you had to stay at the chair. You could freely get any drink (after we paid for the mugs). To eat 2 APPS and have a drink we are paying over 70 USD. I am with James. ALUANI IS OVERRATED. We will not go back.
Hahaha, loved this video so much.
Pete your reactions are soooooo funny!!!
Thank you for your amazing sass. I had a really crappy day today, but you really cheered me up!
Thank you
Great discussion!
PS I wanted to let you know we can hear someone’s breathing on the mic. I think it might be Panda’s. I keep hearing it.
I know a lot of people do not like the long travel to Aulani. I am guessing Aulani is still not sold out. I believe a new DVC Resort on the eastern portion of Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Would be very popular and would quickly sell out. There is a lot of money in the San Francisco Bay Area and Southern California Area. It would be a short flight away from both locations.
Not a bad idea. Mix it up a little bit.
Who would one call to report issues with furniture etc? Front desk? DVC? I don’t really feel like calling DVC and waiting 20-40 minutes in the phone and you can’t even get front desk direct any longer . Perhaps they should have cards in the rooms to report or a hotline that allows for text and pictures to report problems.
You can report using the MDE app. You can just state exactly what you would like to report, just be as detailed as possible, and sent it through the chat. You don’t have to wait for anyone to respond but they will once they get your message.
I lived on Oahu for 3 years. On a military budget, been to more expensive places! Aulani is nice; we own at the Marriott Ko Olina now and love the area.
BayLake is so awesome, so agree with Pete. Location Location Location.
I agree about the H20 stuff. I keep shampoo and conditioner in my Owner's Locker since I've never liked it.
On Starbucks and most other coffee by the cup: those of us who grew up in South Louisiana have known how to make coffee practically from infancy. Buy good beans, grind them at home, make your own. Community and French Truck are the best, and Lola Savanna (from Houston) sells an Indonesian that is so smooth you could skate on it.
What do you think about eight o clock coffee?
I can understand her point to Contemporary however Contemporary and Bay Lake is for one thing… Location, Location and Location.
i got a studio for my daughter at Boulder Ridge this past spring and she said the bed was evil. It gave her pain for days.
Thank you.....I normally love wilderness lodge villas.. I was there last week it was the biggest problem, letdown. I always stay a boulder ridge, Disney makes you jump through hoops it take up to a year to get a reservation. The refreb was discussing old toilet rolling around with feckel material in the air with old rug dust from room that use to have smoking..all they had blocking this mess was curtains held together with file clips which did not do anything. When I complained they said they sent notice.. no they did not...they said they could give me $200 and move me to budget resort. I paid for deluxe if I wanted to stay at a super 8 I would have stayed at one.. I still can't get the stall smoke and shit smell out of my jackets I taking them to be dry cleaned and I still have this coughing from it..the cheap work they are doing beware it's a bio Hazzard.....
Fun video. I too went from Bay Lake Tower to Boulder Ridge and was underwhelmed by the Boulder Ridge rooms. But at the same time, we spent so little time in our room there that we didn't really care that much. The central common area and its rustic stylings, restaurant, and pool made up for the drop off at the rooms at Boulder Ridge (not to say that the Bay Lake Tower had a bad pool, it was actually quite nice).
The only disappointment that I have overall with DVC is that too many times the rooms are laid out exactly like the rooms everywhere else, just with different paint, curtains, carpets etc. You feel like you are in the exact same place, just with a different theme. We need more of a layout difference. For instance, there is no mistaking the difference between Old Key West Room layouts and those at Boulder Ridge or Saratoga. I haven't stayed at Riviera yet, but perhaps they are getting better with this.
Jewelry in this video is totally hypnotizing me. Pete’s necklace reminds me of Kate Winslet’s “Heart of the Ocean” from that Titanic movie. Spectacular. (Where is Celine Dion’s famous song when you need it most?) 🚢
This made me laugh as I pictured Pete, arms outstretched on the front of a Disney cruise ship clutching his gorgeous necklace! LOL
Love listening to you Pete! And everyone one else
The Contemporary does look like an airport terminal tbh
Unpopular opinion: Add DVC to existing resorts - add some DVC to All Star Sports, Pop Century, etc. so I can get a 1 point room night if I need to extend my stay.
A Pop/Art option would be fantastic
I like how this turned into "Old Man Yells at Crowd"
Love this video! Love Sue Saunders. Last year I bought a small Poly resale and Sue was my sales agent and we talked about the bathrooms at Poly and Grand Cal.
Boulder Ridge is so dark and over worn. I would love to stay there again because I love the lobby fireplace and seating areas, especially during Christmas, but not until the refurb.
I gave my son and wife my expiring points for AK then two nights at Boulder Ridge. When I asked them how BR was all they said was how much time they spent at Geyser Point. And they shrugged. Now I know why🤦🏼♀️. I just texted an apology. 🤷♀️
Our Jacuzzi tub was broken when we were at the Boardwalk Villas in August.
Disney has a major maintenance problem. This also extends to the parks. Bad omen.
I’m not a coffee connoisseur but I always felt Starbucks was burnt. I thought maybe I’m just weird since everyone else loves it.
Contemporary and Bay Lake are well run. I have never experienced better Bell Services than at BLT. The front desk at BLT are also fabulous.
Unpopular opinion: I am starting to very much like the Disney decisions! Stores closed - our Disney merchandise purchases are way way down - result: saving money. Genie plus - refuse to pay for something that may or may not get me on rides - result: not going to parks = saving money.
First off, I’m not a “real” coffee drinker but I like buying Joffreys from Marshall’s and TJMAXX when they have the different flavors and mix it with coffee mate, and this coffee doesn’t gripe my stomach
Unpopular Opinion on Aulani - The stay was so-so because of some of the staff. I had more extremely negative interactions in 15 days then I've had in total length visiting Disney. It wasn't even related to service level, it was literally some cast members (multiple cast members ) just being flat out rude. I have seriously never, ever had these type of interactions or more 'unDisney' situations with any Cast members ever. EVER. We had some amazing cast members no doubt and honestly they would be the reason we might try it again. I do have to particularly comment that we were traveling with 2 people with food allergies and wow did the staff go above and beyond to make sure their meals were safe. I was thoroughly impressed.
All in all, it was a bit of a shock to the system after we had just stayed in Waikiki with hands down staff, across the board, that could not have been nicer - and what I experience at all other Disney properties. We've since been back at Bay Lake (during Ian) and had an amazing stay (Pete is right on his Bay Lake take). The staff was so Kind, we made sure to thank them for being there and had so many conversations about their homes, family and friends etc. Could not be more night and day difference between our experence with the Bay Lake and Parks cast members vs our Aluani stay. It seriously restored/reminded us how top notch the Disney experience is.
Been to the the French and Italian Riviera - Still think the R resort is overrated
Well here’s what Disney probably considers an unpopular opinion, we pay monthly due for our resorts which are supposed to cover maintenance. Last I checked, maintenance included refurbishments. So for what we are already paying, the DVC resorts should look new ALL THE TIME! Not only did we pay for my 40 year usage contract, but we pay dues every month on a direct debit. The money is there every month, there’s no excuses in my opinion.
Another unpopular opinion is the toiletries, I loved the original bath toiletries. They were perfect in that they were lightly scented. They didn’t clash with my cologne or deodorant. The H2O+ products smell great, but clash with everything else I wear (including sunscreen). There’s also nostalgia there, I got used to the same bath products being in the rooms, unchanged from 1991-2005. It set Disney apart as all the high end places were putting in the fragrant body washes at the time. It made them the same as everyone else and as a Disney fan, that’s not what I’m looking for.
And while we’re on the subject, fitted sheets. I grew up in a home that always had fitted sheets, not once was it an issue. Why is it with Disney? Your child is more likely to inhaled the untucked corner of the bed sheet than get strangled by a fitted sheet.
To me it seems like litigation, not imagination, is Disney’s top priority nowadays. Kind of sad because I do miss our annual trips that no longer occur because of the unavailability of annual passes.
Disney may be saving hundreds of thousands (possibly millions) of dollars, but billions (possibly trillions) could be had if annual passes were reinstated. I know my family would be good for two trips a year.
Petes opinion that Aulani is the best of Disney is correct, however, the fans opinion especially about bad location is 100% correct also
Agree-Riviera is the most beautiful resort at Disney!
My Unpopular/Popular opinion is that Boardwalk resort needs a restaurant on the Main level of the resort. Right now you need to leave the resort for meals.
Yes, yes and yes!!!! They should have added a quick service to the lobby area or the side wall before you get to Flying Fish.
I reported broken items to engineering, reported it on day one and never fixed or acknowledged.
Another great episode! I love to hear everyone's unpopular opinions even if they are wrong 😜😜 ... makes for a great discussion!
Although Boulder ridge villas absolutely needs a total refurbishment, I am not that impressed with the concept art. I wish it had the aesthetic of a cozy log cabin feel if that makes sense. It can have updated bathrooms, fixtures, mattresses & bedding, etc.. while still maintaining some rustic touches.
Agreed. If they lose the cozy cabin feel given the architecture of the complex, shame on them. That would be a big miss.
We use Elemis exclusively at the Gaylord palms spa and love it!
We recently splurged on a poly stay . It was not the dream vacation we expected. The lobby carpet had stains, popcorn on the floor. Captain cooks was disgusting. Sticky floors and tables, the drink area was nasty. We purchased refillable mugs and the cast member dropped them on the floor then handed them to us. The room ( supposedly redone) was less than inviting . Looked like a college dorm room. Peeling paint on the pool facade. This was not the poly we dreamed of staying at. Hopefully this was not the norm but never again we will waste our money here.
Love the DIS keep up the good work ! This was a Fun video. Off topic but I want to compliment Pete on his jewelry. Especially his rings, I’m thinking I might have to get a ring or two.
lol... Pete's my favorite Disney Princess.
I agree with Paul regarding number of toilets in the 1 bdrm units. If there is a bathroom it needs to have a toilet. The bathrooms have the space and a basic toilet is what $150? Paul point taken and oftened discussed on our visits. How many times does someone take a bath or shower compared to how many times they need a toilet? Now add to that, how many in your party feel stressed to rush your turn in the shower cause someone else is lined up for the only toilet? I hate the multiple doors between the adjoining bathrooms. I have been walked in on due to unlocked doors or had to walk around to unlock a door on the other side? Paul, others on this panel seemed uncomfortable with you discussing a need for a toilet and glossed right over the topic and moved on to Joffrey coffee and H2O products going away.....I CAN AND HAVE BROUGHT MY OWN COFFEE AND SHAMPOO.....I CANT BRING MY OWN TOILET!!!!
I’m taking my family, (mom dad bro sis in law and their daughter) with us in January at BC. I’m nervous about the condition of the room. 2 BR… we stayed at a studio back in 2020 and it wasn’t in best shape then… better than BLT but not great
I am subscribed to the Big Fat Panda channel a few weeks ago.
Totally agree with you Pete on the Starbucks coffee . Only way this coffee is good is as Panda says “ it needs to be flavoured “ .
Husband used to work in coffee industry-Pete is absolutely correct on Starbucks LOL
My wife love jofferys at home and in the Disney restaurants not so much in the parks agreed Pete
Agree on the coffee front. Very hard to get good coffee on property.
The H2O stuff is amazing! I dont know if I like it so much because it brings Disney memories or because it is good.
Disagree about Maui, if you are into whale watching it's the island to visit and some of the snorkeling is just fabulous. If you' stay near Kaanapali, you can reach all of that easily from most resorts. Aulani is gorgeous, but the snorkel trips from Ko Olina just don't compare. You'd have to actually drive to another port. I think the food at Aulani, is really meh if you have dietary restrictions. The vegetarian options are the pits and while cute the Mickey shave ice is not as good as elsewhere on Oahu. I'd rather use my DVC points for Aulani over any other resort, but if I am paying out of pocket, I'm going to a different island.
Regarding Jared’s opinion on Boulder Ridge. I can appreciate the “grandmas lake house” charm that the current decor lends itself to. I did not want to see a refurb that looks white and sterile like we are seeing in some refurbs. So maybe he was referring to not turning it into every other room but I cannot get on board with not changing anything, it needed help and was/is overdue.
Pff Riviera looks really plain Jane to me. I have travelled all around Europe and it also reminds me more of Marriott Renaisance hotel than Europe. I agree Lowes Portofino is awesome. I have gone there for 10 years - great great great. I am trying Aulani next year, it looks amazing.
“You are outside the sunshine of my favor”. That is the best line.
The old Mickey in-room amenities - I was laughing - they were so horrid it wasn't even imaginable they were being offered at that price point. I joked that the soap bars had lye in them, they were so "stripping" of your skin. Where in H did they even source that crap?
Aulani is a beautifully designed resort, but it falls way down in operations, maintenance, and food offerings. For those reasons, it is not as good as any of the Disney hotels in Tokyo. Post pandemic re-opening it has gotten worse too. And yes, I have stayed there 9 times starting in 2013, and as recently as earlier this year.
Great episode and fun discussion! 27:59 has me laughing over and over 😂 great job everyone!
One of my favorite videos is Pete’s Mom’s review of Boulder Ridge.
Aulani is in Hawaii I would hope it's themed like that.......
People make it out to THE Hawaii experience which is where I think people have pushback.
Big no for Reflections, I hope it or anything else they were thinking for that location is permanently shelved. It would destroy the current laid back vibe of the existing WL, CCV, BRV and Fort Wilderness and make that area so incredibly congested. There are so many other places on property they could build something new.
This man said there's nothing to do in Maui🤣🤣🤣 Tell me Disney is your whole personality without telling me Disney's your whole personality.
Seriously! What a horrible take 😂😂😂. I noticed that people that don’t like hiking/nature… don’t like Maui because it’s an active lifestyle island. Maui over Oahu any day
I love Disney, but yeah.. Maui is great. If I'm paying out of pocket to go to Hawaii, it's going to be Maui or Kauai, not Oahu.
Maui is my favorite island. I much prefer it to aulani actually. Aulani is always very crowded.
I’ve never been but we loved the diversity of Oahu. Urban and Rural. Mountains and beaches. Nature preserves and high end shops. People. Food. It was incredible! And I’m open to visiting more islands too!!
@@heatherk9807 Visiting Maui is like hearing about all of the essence of Hawaii that inspired the creation of Aulani resort, and then getting to go experience it yourself. Oahu, especially the greater Honolulu/Waikiki area, is more like a monument to Hawaii's history of colonialization. It's fun and beautiful, but you gotta get out there and see the rest of it if you ever go back.
This show is great! I love Pete's rants so much ❤️
Some people really hate H20 but it’s a lot better than what they had before.
Joffrey’s coffee isn’t my favorite but Disney and bad coffee goes way back.
This video should be renamed to ‘Pete gets triggered’ 😂 His reactions are priceless.
Worst meal I ever had at Disney was at Topolino’s at Riviera. I will never step foot on that property again. Tile murals are poorly executed.
I think the pool at Kidani is WAY better than Storm Along Bay. I have an 18 year old Autistic child with the mind of maybe a 6 year old. When staying at Storm Along Bay, with one of us having to stay by the pool and the other running out to where you go for the slide.... yeah doesn't work very well. Now most of the time we go to Boardwalk or Kidani, sure the Pool at Boardwalk isn't that great, but he loves the slide and there's always something going on in the Hotel.
A family of 4. 2 teen boys and my husband and I travel together. Two toilets at Poly would be nice but I will take the two showers over the two toilets.
Fully agree with you with two teen girls. We need the showers. You can always go use a toilet in the lobby if it is worse case 😂
The hotel Pete is referring to at Grand Canyon is “ el Tovar “
Stayed there last year …. He’s spot on lol
Pete are you wearing Rose's necklace?
Great show today! Laughed so much.
Discontinuing H2O products is a HUGE mistake!!!!
The company is dead. Not disney. But I bet disney was under paying.
h20 probably thought people would buy their products after a trip to a Disney hotel. We used to sell the skincare and body products at Nordstrom 15 years ago. Only during Christmas the H2O body sets would sell. They just sat there all year
H20 products smell great but the hair products are awful. Yes they’re better than previous but I’m glad to see a change
I am not seeing many of these TH-cam pages lately.
What a funny show😃😄😂😅😊❤️❤️❤️. Thanks for sharing your thoughts 🥰
I love your podcasts and videos! You guys are great!!!
ohhh I remember the NesCRAPe days
also yes BRV was disgustingly embarassing. Our 25th wedding anniv stay was this past April and after 2nd night we begged to be moved only to be told sorry cant. It was the worst stay ever and we own there. Filthy outdated and gross. It was a bad stay.
That motel at Grand Canyon is what is. I just didn't hang in the room.
In room ar okw now with broken nightstand. Reported to engineering. Still waiting.
I love Joffreys coffee especially the frozen cappuccino dream, definitely better than Starbucks, I always laughs when I see the hour long line at Starbucks and I get my coffee in 10 minutes lol
Do you think if you have Poly resale that we would be able to use it at the new Poly tower?
Agreed. Starbucks is highly overrated low-quality coffee.
Oahu was the best island to put Aulani on. I think people should explore all parts of the island, outside of Wakikki & Aulani, while there. So much to do & see. I also agree Maui has less to do unless you plan on staying at a resort the entire time.
Look at all of Pete's bling. Wow haha love it
Speaking of Marriott, I was told their refurb schedule is 5 years! I’ll take a JW Marriott over Disney any day of the week.
Thought your maintenance fees paid for refurbs. Didn’t know the refurb schedules were so long apart. People that treat these rooms poorly are definitely low class. I’m very careful when I stay in a hotel room, I’m not a little kid. Love Elemis, it’s expensive but it works and I don’t need plastic surgery, rather spend on Elemis. Also love Joffreys coffee. I went on line and bought 8 bags and I’m rating them as I go. Also love Caribou coffee, bought the chocolate one and to me it’s the best chocolate one out there, bought at Denver airport in Southwest terminal. Regarding dvc, condition of rooms is at the top priority when I buy. I could just go rent a great hotel for a lot less. I’m wanting to buy at the Disneyland tower as I live in Northern California and I just drive there. Need a hotel anyways, grew up in Southern California so I can get around easily. Liked this episode.
I’m in the same boat with you Leslie, grew up in So Cal, live in NorCal, waiting on Disneyland Tower but not 100% sure I will purchase. So expensive.
I think opening the resorts to non DVC owners through points buying websites etc leads to these resorts becoming trashed so quick, since they aren't investing 10s of thousands of dollars for DVC, additionally don't pay the annual dues and what not. Just my opinion.
The Jersey in Pete reeeeally came out lmao
Hmmm… Is that what it is?
Stromalong bay has the same issues at the pool at AKL Jambo house
Joffreys is the worst coffee ever
The best argument people can make for joffreys is “it’s better than Starbucks”
Real high bar … smh
Bay Lake needs a serious refurbishment, it’s not overrated, but it’s not as nice as the other DVC resort rooms.
I still have some shampoo, conditioner and round bar soap from before h2o . Saved because they’re cute not good.
I know this has been posted for a while but I am finally able to begin getting caught up.
I am a Joffrey's fanatic and yes a minor coffer snob, do I love dark roasted coffee yes! But do i like coffee cooked like the sahara dessert walked through Qatar, no! Starbucks is such crap Satan wouldn't drink it!.Well maybe he would, I don't know the guy!
I liked Oahu over Maui and Big island. I haven't been to Kauai yet.
Marriott above "Meh" - like Swan and Dolphin?
“…More of an unflushed toilet….” 😂😂😂
Kind of agree with Jennifer.