Our 1st 24 hours at Orange Lake CC

[Jeni]

We traded through RCI and checked-in yesterday afternoon. After a 30 minutes wait at check-in, we were given our keys. We were told that we COULD NOT USE THE RIVER ISLAND POOLS/AMENITIES without first taking a 1 hour tour, for which we would be given a $30 credit.

We were pleased to learn that we were placed in the North Village. Our unit would not be ready until 4pm, so we went over to Celebration, came back at almost 5pm, and housekeeping was just leaving. We walked in to a dirty tile floor and carpet that looked like it still needed some vacuuming. We then found towels with holes in them, as well as a washcloth with red stains. A positive was that the beds do appear to be new and they are very comfortable. Also in the master bathroom, there was hair in the jetted tub. The fans in both bathrooms sound like a rocket taking off. As we were bringing luggage in, we noticed trash in front of our door (eggshells, gum, salt packets, tissues, brillo pad) and wet hand towels. The final straw for the night was coming into the kitchen to get a drink around 8pm and there were ants alll over the counter and under the sink.

Our phones in the unit were not working, which we discovered when we went to call the front desk, so we loaded up the car, with our 18 month old, and returned to the West Village Club House. Did I mention our North Village unit overlooks a cell tower and highway construction? At the clubhouse, we were directed to Member Services, and they acted like this was just run of the mill for someone staying there.

I give them credit, housekeeping beat us back to the unit to address the ant issue. Member services said ant traps would be used since we did not want toxins sprayed in a unit with our toddler. The man from housekeeping came in and sprayed. When asked about it, he said it was non-toxic and pest control could come at noon tomorrow to set traps. When asked how something non-toxic kills ants, he said he did not know. When my mother walked in the kitchen when he was almost finished spraying, he asked her to stand back because the spray was "pretty toxic!" Pest control never arrived at noon today. Someone did come out and fix the phones within an hour of our visit to Member Services.

Today is Sunday and we went to see the RCI rep.- who pretty much said she is on-site b/c they know OLCC is an on-going issue for those who trade in, saying they "only focus on their new construction." She also agreed that they take no pride in ownership, customer service, or doing things the right way.

What OLCC cannot control is thier clientele, but I was amazed at how many rude and rowdy people stay here. Is there some kind of dicounted stay?

The RCI rep. agreed that OLCC was not turning out to be a comparable exchange for our Gold Crown resort in Williamsburg, and cheerfully offered to move us to another resort, which we are considering, but we have not made a final decision, since we don't know what the other resort will be like. We were offered the Sheraton Vistana.

Which brings me to my final point. While I applaud RCI for working to make us happy and remove us from OLCC, why give it Gold Crown status to begin with? We may just consider only trading with Interval and sticking to Marriott- at least we know we will be treated right and any issues will be satisfactorily resolved.

You can mark me as one who will not return to OLCC. They are aware of this various issues, yet do nothing to correct it. I am on vacation- I shouldn't have to worry about this crap, or point out issues they are already aware of. Customer service here is rotten. Never again for this family!

 

[littlestar]

Any way they could move you to Cypress Harbour?

Sorry to hear about the problems. Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

 

[STEVIE]

I would run out of that place!! How dare they treat vacationers like that. I know the resort is huge, but that is no excuse. We should all expect a gold crown resort to be at least clean. I don't think that is too much to ask for. I hope your toddler is ok from the toxic fumes. Let us know if you decide to relocate or stick it out. Sue

 

[funtime]

take the move

Take the move, you are bound to be happier!

 

[rickandcindy23]

There are probably lots of units at Cypress Pointe or Vacation Village at Parkway. Both of those resorts are very clean and extremely nice inside. They put exchangers into the best units, not the worst. Cypress Harbour is one of our favorites as well and is a Marriott. Maybe a Hilton is available?

I am so sorry your stay is such a disaster. How do they stop you from using River Island? Is there a key requirement?

I am surprised a North Village unit is in that condition. I thought that was one of the newer areas?

 

[Jeni]

Re: Cypress Harbour...can RCI place me in a resort that they don't trade? Cypress Harbour only trades II.

 

[rickandcindy23]

Jeni, Cypress Harbour is also an RCI resort, leftover from when Marriott was exclusively with RCI. Some members kept RCI memberships. I see them for exchange all the time, but they do not use Marriott in the name.

There are others as well, Sabal Palms, Royal Palms and another that I cannot remember...........

 

[Sea Six]

You're having a better time than I did at OLCC

 

[rickandcindy23]

I have been looking for a three-bedroom for our son and his friends who are going to OLCC after a wedding October 21st for a break. Now I am unsure whether going to River Island is worth the hassle. If they are going to make him go through a sales tour to get into River Island, they would be better off at Cypress Pointe. :annoyed:

 

[Jeni]

Cindy,

We were lied to! You can go and use River Island amenities without taking a tour. But when you check in, they say that you MUST take a tour in order to use River Island...a bunch of crap in my opinion. Don't forget, he and his buddies will have the pleasure of paying $8 per person, per day, for a tube for the lazy river. For a family of 4, that's about $230 a week in inner tubes, nice huh? Not impressed!

 

[STEVIE]

Jeni, see if you can be moved to Vistana Villages, not Vistana resort. The Villages are beautiful and newer. Parts of the Vistana resort are great too, but you can't be sure of a new room.

 

[rickandcindy23]

I just noticed that you are a Cypress Harbour owner. You should be able to get into that resort, even if it is an II unit, since you are an owner. You would still use the same week for exchange. I would work that angle, if I had some pull at Cypress Harbour. I love Cypress Harbour and have gotten great exchanges through RCI for that resort.

The salespeople lie at all resorts, unfortunately, so OLCC is not alone in that one.

 

[timetraveler]

Hi Jeni. wow, I don't know where to start.

Did you see the name tag on the guy that told you at check-in you HAD to take a tour to use RI? I'd really like to have that info. As you have stated....that's a blatant lie.

All amenities within the resort are available to guests and owners alike without taking any tour! :annoyed:

Second....what's your unit number? We were there in the North Village in June in one of the 3700 series buildings. It had just received the soft goods update. Meaning all new carpeting, furniture, bedding, drapes, paint, etc. No ants or bugs, (even though they are very common in Florida) and well obviously it was as immaculate. The North Village started occupancy in 2000, so the soft good updates are taking place in that village now.

Tell me what color are the interior walls? That will tell me if you are in a brand new refurbished unit.

We actually had a stay once where the phones were dead too. I have no idea what that's about. I remember I called them from my cell phone and it was fixed without anyone even comming out to the unit.

Something similar happened once in a hotel room, I remember they said it had to be activated at the front desk, and is always done at check-in...but the clerk forgot.

As far as the trash outside your front door, unfortunately some exchangers don't realize that the trash receptacles are located on the side of their building in the North Village. They are given that info in their info packet upon arrival. Owners and exchangers are instructed to place their trash in the receptacles, but if the outgoing family doesn't do that....then they tend to just leave it sitting right outside their front door.

We have definitely encountered that situation a few times. But once inside....at least you dont' have to stare at it, and it gets picked up that same afternoon.

I'm used to warp speed bathroom fans.....we have them here at home. I hate a steamy bathroom. They make my hair frizz!

I'm sorry you are unhappy with your North Village unit. It truly is a coveted area with owners. But at least you know that with lots of other Orlando TS's, you have alot of other choices and can return to mouse kingdom!

Hopefully the storm will fizzle out and you can enjoy good weather at least.

 

[timetraveler]

Today is Sunday and we went to see the RCI rep.- who pretty much said she is on-site b/c they know OLCC is an on-going issue for those who trade in, saying they "only focus on their new construction." She also agreed that they take no pride in ownership, customer service, or doing things the right way.

Thanks for this information also. I'll be passing along her comments as well, when we arrive there in a few weeks.

 

[Keitht]

With reference only to the phone being disconnected. It is fairly common practice within large organisations to disable phones when units / rooms / offices are not occupied. Apart from anything else it stops housekeeping / maintenance making calls from the units. It is a simply matter for the phone to be re-enabled, although obviously frustrating for the occupant when they can't contact the desk to ask for the phone to be sorted.

 

[BassAngler]

Jeni,

You aren't alone....look here at the disaster I had when staying there in May.

http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24259&highlight=olcc

 

[tsl]

???????

Cindy,

We were lied to! You can go and use River Island amenities without taking a tour. But when you check in, they say that you MUST take a tour in order to use River Island...a bunch of crap in my opinion. Don't forget, he and his buddies will have the pleasure of paying $8 per person, per day, for a tube for the lazy river. For a family of 4, that's about $230 a week in inner tubes, nice huh? Not impressed!

Do you have to rent tube for the River Island? Can you bring your own? What if you are going to just stay a couple of hours? Is it still $8 per person? Are owners charged?

 

[Vodo]

Do you have to rent tube for the River Island? Can you bring your own? What if you are going to just stay a couple of hours? Is it still $8 per person? Are owners charged?

This question arose when River Island first opened a few months ago and was hotly debated in a lengthy thread - and that was when they were renting them for half the price they are now. The bottom line is that yes, you MUST rent the Orange Lake tubes. The only exception is infant-sized tubes with a built-in seat. We rented tubes only one day and just free-drifted tubeless the other couple of times we visited RI.

Cindy

 

[timeos2]

If you have to pay it's just another option not a feature

This question arose when River Island first opened a few months ago and was hotly debated in a lengthy thread - and that was when they were renting them for half the price they are now. The bottom line is that yes, you MUST rent the Orange Lake tubes. The only exception is infant-sized tubes with a built-in seat. We rented tubes only one day and just free-drifted tubeless the other couple of times we visited RI.

Cindy

Is a resort feature or amenity really one if you have to pay to use it? Other than being physically closer is it better or even as good as an "off site", professional, paid service would be? In this case a waterpark that can't compare to a full sized, purpose built waterpark but is on site 1 mile or so vs 5 miles away or any other touted item that you can't actually use unless you pay. Like a local snack bar on site vs a real, money making restaurant the on site one usually cannot make the cut. In my mind if you have to pay it isn't a feature at all but another of the many choices you'll make during your trip about how to spend your limited vacation funds. In most cases I'll gladly drive and spend a little more to get a genuine and full sized park or a professional, fresh meal vs the little, usually overpriced taste offered at resorts. If it's free of course I'll try it but once money is involved I want the best for my dollar and few if any resort features are worth paying to use.

 

[ajsmithtx]

River Island is not a water park. It is a pool complex. You do not have to pay to use the River Island pool complex.

As stated previously implied, there are waterparks in the Orlando area.

 

[tsl]

Is a resort feature or amenity really one if you have to pay to use it? Other than being physically closer is it better or even as good as an "off site", professional, paid service would be? In this case a waterpark that can't compare to a full sized, purpose built waterpark but is on site 1 mile or so vs 5 miles away or any other touted item that you can't actually use unless you pay. Like a local snack bar on site vs a real, money making restaurant the on site one usually cannot make the cut. In my mind if you have to pay it isn't a feature at all but another of the many choices you'll make during your trip about how to spend your limited vacation funds. In most cases I'll gladly drive and spend a little more to get a genuine and full sized park or a professional, fresh meal vs the little, usually overpriced taste offered at resorts. If it's free of course I'll try it but once money is involved I want the best for my dollar and few if any resort features are worth paying to use.

Agreed. The resorts we have been to with lazy rivers have free tubes: Atlantis, Hyatt, and Marriott. Why charge for a tube? I don't get it......

 

[Vodo]

Agreed. The resorts we have been to with lazy rivers have free tubes: Atlantis, Hyatt, and Marriott. Why charge for a tube? I don't get it......

Why charge for a tube? Because they can. I remember being initially stunned when I learned that they allow only rented OLCC floats in the River Island pool -- and that was when they were significantly less costly. It had never occurred to me that they would actually charge for them. Some folks argued in the original TUG discussion on this subject that many resorts have amenities for which they charge a fee (golf, crafts, bingo, etc.). However, as I said several months ago, to my way of thinking, something as basic as a pool feature should not carry such a fee. Or, if they do want to charge for tube rentals, they should alternatively allow you to provide your own if you so desire. It has also been argued that you would pay significantly more to go to a water theme park, but that doesn't hold water (pardon the pun) either since it's completely inaccurate to equate River Island's lazy river pool with a full-service water park.

You can add to your free tube list the Fairfield properties with lazy rivers since they also do not charge.

 

[3kids4me]

We also had a bad experience at OLCC, but had two very nice experiences at Vistana. I think you will like it there, and I would accept the move.

Sharon

 

[Carl D]

In all fairness, nothing is free. If the folks using the tubes didn't pay for them, the cost of the tubes would still exist.
The cost would be passed on in the form of sales prices or dues.

 

[SBK]

In all fairness, nothing is free. If the folks using the tubes didn't pay for them, the cost of the tubes would still exist.
The cost would be passed on in the form of sales prices or dues.

I know that I am guessing here, but I can't be that far off base:

Let's say the useful life of a tube is about six months. Let's be very conservative and say each tube is only rented 2/3s of the time or 120 days. Do you really think a tube costs $960.00?

This has got to be a HUGE profit center.