Sucks/Doesn't Suck DVC Edition Summer 2022

In this episode, the team once again plays sucks/doesn't suck with topics surrounding Disney Vacation Club, including topics like Boulder Ridge Villas, the new resort rooms at Disney's Grand Floridian, and more!
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[@melissaslater2575]

I think Disney is being short sighted in reducing the exterior theming of their resorts. I agree that more DVC rooms and room types are needed at the Poly - but I really feel that the exterior should look more Hawaiian/Polynesian and flow better with the rest of the resort. ESPECIALLY since the Poly is an original resort. To justify the prices they charge the resorts should be magical and immersive. If they want to build generic buildings they shouldn’t be visible from a theme park.

[@GeorgeGeo]

Changing existing resorts room to dvc rooms absolutely sucks. Took away great rooms and availability at Poly, Wilderness Lodge and now Grand Floridian.. and it jacks up the prices at these resorts. DVC should always be stand alone buildings IMO

[@vincentparisi2644]

What's the point of a Poly vacation club building when it looks nothing like the Poly? It's a highway Comfort Inn marring the Seven Seas Lagoon which will only further crowd already too crowded facilities. And remember for years now in WDW what is built looks far cheaper than the designs that are rendered. So this too big motor lodge which has no theming unless you consider mall bland theming is going to be as attractive as a coal slag heap in Elizabeth, NJ. And before covid Cape May Cafe was terrific, one of the great places to eat in Disney World. The manager and staff were wonderful.

[@nicolehire8956]

The try before you buy is the BEST thing I have ever done. I am so very grateful for the chance to try it before I commit.

[@caryrae73]

We rented points to stay at Boulder Ridge just last month and maybe it’s because we’ve never stayed at any DVC resort and only value and moderate resorts but we really liked Boulder Ridge very much. Very happy with our stay.

[@jemlovestfm]

My wife and I are longtime DVC members and we just found this channel. So glad we did; we really enjoyed the show today.

[@emailuser8668]

Since you have experience with DVC, would you say the dues you pay annually get you an amount of resort stays that is better than paying regular hotel rates at a Disney hotel? Any info you have would be appreciated? Thanks

[@jemlovestfm]

@@emailuser8668 we justify what we spend in DVC dues by taking vacations that exceed the cost of the dues we pay each year. The vacations we take and the amount of time we spend on the cruise ships and in the resorts far exceeds what we pay in dues. I hope that helps. Be blessed!

[@dee_mcgee11]

100% agree with Amy. I joined DVC to stay at resorts I could not otherwise afford to stay at. I'm also a fan kg anything that opens up inventory availability.

[@judyvancleef6986]

I own at Boulder Ridge and at 11 months I was unable to book anything for the first week of December! I was able to get a reservation for the week before for a one bedroom which I did switch at 7 months for a Riviera one bedroom (with a few additional points!). I do agree the rooms need an update! By the way I love the video of Pete and his mother. And I have a sister who cleaned houses and she’s like that - maybe even more critical!

[@marka5361]

We had breakfast at Cape May Cafe a few weeks ago for the first time and after hearing about the smell on DIS and other places I was expecting a really bad smell. I am a limited seafood eater(cannot stand fishy smells). I had zero issue with any smell eating breakfast there or walking by the restaurant at night going to the pool. Breakfast was an incredible value for what you get. Would definitely book it again next time we go to Beach Club.

[@burnruber13]

So glad to see the sucks doesn't suck shows come back. I use to love these shows!

[@ziggy4465]

I have to say that we haven’t had a meal (other than breakfast) at Cape May Cafe in quite some time, probably close to ten years. The last time we were there the had pan seared Mahi-mahi and it was delicious, again this was late 2012. It always did have that “low tide” smell come late afternoon, so we tended to walk through the lobby and out the doors to the Epcot walkway. When Arielle’s was open full time, I think they shared a kitchen and the food was much better back then this would have been early to mid 1990s. Haven’t experienced Steak House 71 yet, but since we primarily stay in the Epcot area…it hasn’t been o our radar. Something for the next DVC outing as we’ve decided no theme parks until they are easier to visit (yes that means we aren’t spending nearly as much money on Disney property as we could, but that’s Disney’s loss not ours). I can agree on the resorts as well, I think that some are in desperate need of refurbishment. I do however miss some of the nostalgia of the resorts, they appear to be taking Disney out of the Disney property resorts. I also think “modernizing” the Grand Floridian lobby is a huge mistake. It’s a Victorian styled resort, what’s modern about that? Keep the theming and you’ll have more guests they appreciate the experience. That’s the whole reason for staying at a Disney resort in the first place, to have that experience that you’re not getting anywhere else in Central Florida. Something that appears to be lost on the current management. I would love to see the resorts return to the level of maintenance and upkeep that was seen in the 1990s, but apparently that’s no longer important. Disney was always many steps ahead of their competition and now they better start doing something different if they don’t want to fall behind. It’s a reality that they seem unwilling to accept. Being the most expensive theme park in the area on works if you’re the best, right now…they are failing at being the best. If you are not capable of running this themed complex at an incredible profit, step aside and let us fans that know what is needed do it. There is zero reason why there should be capacity issues, no real need to charge extra for these lightning lanes, food could be (because it has in the past) oh so much better, no real reason for constantly needing to use an app (other than justifying having it), no need for this silly reservation system (crowds used to naturally shift from area to area, but now that’s not even possible), and get rid of all the outsourced labor. It is a proven fact that these parks were oh so much more efficient when everyone on property was employed directly by Disney. Okay, rant over. Love this content, can’t get enough.😁

[@WillCulbertsonIT]

Cape May is awesome...for breakfast. It's our favorite. It's not just for dinner. The character experience is one of the best. Amy was spot on!

[@karatea8621]

Stayed at BR two nights when I needed to extend our trip. Never. Ever again. Couldn’t wait to check out. Rooms were shabby.

[@tracyl5112]

Boulder filed the permit contracts this past week for construction!

[@jenny71WDW]

brv owners here and it wasnt the stay we wanted for our 25th anniv. No excuses for the condition. we couldnt even charge our devices. No usb and the outlets were hanging out of walls. gross sofa! sooo gross

[@56strine]

The Eggs and Bacon was excellent at Steakhouse 71. The service and Steak was really bad. Steakhouse 71 does not come close to the great service and food. At the former Steakhouse 55 in Disneyland. We just recently stayed at SSR. SSR is definitely much nicer this time around. We love the convenient boat ride to Disney Springs.

[@davidhansford9256]

Wondering about the 50% borrowing. Hopefully will go back to 100% soon.

[@mickeysmyspiritanimal223]

Yes, Paul and Derek are correct! Steakhouse 71 sucks! Had dinner there and the food was awful! Something changed in the kitchen and the award winning fancy burger was raw! 🤬🫣😱

[@GhostHostMemories]

How will adding rooms "add" to inventory? Because for every room they add, they are also adding owners to rent out said room. Now in the early part it might help as there may be an extra 300 rooms per day, and non new owners, so yeah there is more availability for the current owners, but once those points have been sold, back again to the owners fighting for the limited rooms.

[@storey13]

I like your show, but bad takes on the new Poly villas (Paul). Yes, that is where deluxe hotel rooms are going towards (Mariott), but this is Disney, it should be better than that and it should fit in well with existing infrastructure. They could easily make the roof and support structure look like existing Poly buildings. It wouldn't even be that difficult with the right architect group. This is just being lazy and cheap.

[@Michelleybellin]

Love the return of "sucks, doesn't suck" - it is one of my favorite formats of all the shows that you have done! I absolutely know that Pete had no harmful intentions in his use of it, but I do wish that we could retire the phrase, "off the reservation."

[@juniperdog5523]

Yeah, does he really understand the meaning of that phrase?

[@thelawfus]

@@juniperdog5523who cares?

[@frankcarney4882]

Pete, why did you add on at RR as opposed to GF?

[@ginafriebel2568]

I would love to know as well.

[@kendragoode4328]

Love your show! Just subscribed! Thanks for all of the info you give to viewers!

[@Liquid-Ice]

I was just at Beach Club last week and Cape May Cafe doesn’t have the same smell anymore now that they did away with the unlimited crab. Agree on Steakhouse 71 not being as good as when it first opened too!

[@lisamorris9765]

We stayed at Boulder Ridge in a 1bd in 2018 using DVC Rental Store, We fell in love as well. We are West Coasters and Ex Cast members of Disneyland Hotel. We kick ourselves for Not buying Californian Grand. We also stayed at Aulani in 2015 also thru the DVC Rental store. I wish I could talk my husband into buying but he would rather just rent. We've also stayed at Margaritaville Cottages last summer in a 2bd at a quarter of the cost to Beach Club Villas. We had to go thru Disney for the 2bd at Beach Club because DVC Rental Store couldn't find it for us.

[@FrancesAlicia]

They sell the DVC rooms on the uk Disney website to paying hotel customers at a very high price. I know they are allowed to do this but something just doesn’t seem right when you can book as a “hotel guest” so easy and Disney are making a high mark up, when DVC members have no availability

[@chaleej5571]

This is a common confusion. Disney owns points. Disney can book villas with their points just like any other owner and rent those villas just like any other owner. When a DVC owner decides to book a Disney cruise on points, what they actually do is give the points to DVC and DVC books a villa with those points to rent for cash - then DVC can give the cash to the cruise division for the DVC owner to travel. But in order for DVC owners to be able to trade out of the DVC system for things like Disney cruises, Disney has to be able to rent their points for cash to pay for the trade internally. But however Disney acquires the use of the points they are using to book DVC villas, they do end up owning those points and they have the right to rent them out (with their typical hotel policies). DVC owners know we aren't guaranteed availability - that's up to us to book early...

[@jayoungrn]

For business people - the tower concept is just too Marriott for a vacation.

[@Chalk89]

Cape May Cafe has always been my breakfast go-to - unsure of the last time I went for dinner and I have been going for two-and-a-half decades now. Great options, will always go when I'm at Disney for breakfast - last time my family went for dinner but wife and I went elsewhere. Will have to give it a shot next time we are there.

[@matthirsch9434]

Boulder Ridge was great last week. Theming at resort was great. OK rooms need a refresh.

[@jasonchampagne6825]

Our experience at Steakhouse 71 two weeks ago was excellent and lived up to Pete's glowing reviews.

[@wakeywarrior]

Permits are in for Boulder Ridge and hopefully that refurb is about to start! After a good start, Steakhouse 71 is getting a lot of dissatisfied reviews. Cape May Cafe - stinks! Fish doesn’t seem fresh.

[@christinegeraci5203]

With a shellfish allergy, I have to hold my breath when I walk past Cape May, makes me want to barf. But I have to walk past it to get my No Way Jose!

[@M303871EB]

my wife and I toured the new rooms at Grand Floridian and were going to purchase 75 points but with the opening offer we ended up getting 125 more, like you guys always say add on itis. Have you guys seen the new luggage that was included if you purchased 125 or more points, ours came in the mail a couple of weeks ago. Thanks Erik

[@csharrison2011]

We are in ROFR for a BRV contract (with Derek) and it’s because we fell in LOVE with the surroundings and the atrium and the fireplace and the inglenooks and side rooms. We’ve never stayed there or seen a guest room, but we were ok with that. Fingers crossed!

[@Betcaligarcia]

I stayed at Wilderness Lodge last year … loved it BUT for the price it should have robes in the closet ! The food is not all that great :( My son and I loved the pools ! We were swimming way past midnight.

[@karenpetersen4293]

Agree with Amy 100% about preferring hotel-side DVC rooms. I dislike sprawling DVC resorts like OKW and SSR, as well as standalone DVC buildings that are so far away from the main amenities, like an afterthought. I know DVC is supposed to be a "home away from home", but my family likes to be where the action is!

[@cathyblessing8887]

Had one of my proms at the Sheraton at Eatontown!

[@HeyItsMeBrandonP]

I’m surprised to hear the hate for Steakhouse 71. We did takeout from Steakhouse 71 a couple weeks ago and thoroughly enjoyed our steaks. I will definitely go back.

[@BroadwayDreamer89]

We had such a bad experience at Steakhouse 71 in February. Our food came with many many mistakes and I don't mean we had special requests that were messed up, I mean we got the wrong sides and wrong meals. Multiple wrong sides which made no sense. One of us got a completely wrong meal brought to the table. We were a table of 5. It can't be that difficult. But so many items came out that we didn't order and it was confusing how that could happen with so many dishes. The steaks were not consistent at all. Our server was never around and didn't seem to care that nearly everything came out weirdly wrong.

[@amydoran9987]

We’ve stayed at Boulder ridge even though we are not dvc. We are staying there again next month.

[@holliekeohane7939]

I agree with Paul on Steakhouse 71. My steak was tough and not much flavor at all. I ordered medium and it was definitely well done. However, the server we had was outstanding. I would try again for lunch perhaps and order a burger.

[@Kim-dv1sq]

Steakhouse 71 was a huge disappointment. I was excited to try it based on Pete’s recommendation, but I think maybe I’d have to go *with* Pete to enjoy it🤣. The biggest problem was how hurried I felt. I ordered a Diet Coke, French onion soup appetizer, and the gourmet grilled cheese with wedge salad. The soup came out immediately and I’d barely put my spoon down when my sandwich arrived. Start to finish the meal was 23 minutes long. I was also seated against a wall when there were plenty of empty two person tables available.

[@tomcaron9113]

Limitations at our favorite restaurants brought us to Steakhouse 71. Had the medallions. They were terrific along with the sauce flight. Mac and cheese was good also. Their kitchen along with the Wave, is really slow. Got to be a reason?

[@carries.213]

With the current trend of switching hotel rooms to DVC and after Disneyland Tower is sold out, Does anyone think they will convert more Grand Californian rooms to DVC?

[@angelaterranova1577]

Was excited about new inventory for GF, got in for the first time ever! Looking forward to staying!

[@GeorgeGeo]

As for Steakhouse 71.. I am going to use a Trattoria al Forno example.. we were at Trattoria a few weeks ago and it was different since the re-opening. Asked our server and he said yes.. WDW was upset that a casual table service had some of the best food and value over COvID re-openings and once Flying Fish opened staff was pillaged and costs were cut. I assume the same went for Steakhouse 71.. we were there on 10/2/21 and it was awesome. WDW probably cut costs in there too to keep it at its lower price point quality.

[@cyclechickmary]

Very curious to see what types of rooms we get in the Poly tower. Will there be a small studio option, similar to a Riviera tower room?

[@mickeysmyspiritanimal223]

Great video and Derek is a great addition to these shows! 🥳 The question I have is when the GF hotel room gets “flipped” to a DVC studio, does the DVC studio have the same amenities as other DVC resorts? especially if you need to have a full kitchen? Please advise!

[@hm4704]

(original post) You refer to studios, which only have a mini-fridge, microwave, toaster and coffeemaker. If your needs require a full kitchen you need to book a 1 bedroom or larger. Edit: what amenities I described above are the deluxe studios. The new GF version are the “resort studios” which only come with a Keurig coffee machine and beverage cooler (which is not cold enough to store leftover food) You will find deluxe studios and full kitchens in the 1B, 2B and Grand Villas in the specific GF DVC building. note: as of this post I am not acquainted with any other room types in the new GF DVC bldg. except the resort studios. So I can’t speak of them.

[@michellebrill5328]

I would love to see a video talking to people exploring the idea of buying a contract. How do I know what to buy? Occasionally there are 30 and 50 point contracts on DVC Resale. Realistically what does it give me? What is the lowest price per points? It’s hard to get over the $10,00 lump in your throat.

[@YamKriegs]

Check out the DVC 101 series on this channel!

[@josephcommons4703]

Initially I was surprised someone said cape may doesn’t suck now. But after Amy explained her reasoning, we changed from ale and compass breakfast to cape may breakfast. I was not aware of the pricing of this breakfast buffet until this video.

[@YamKriegs]

So I looked it up to be sure. It’s actually $15-35 depending on season. It was $25 (before discount) during Spring Break when we went. It can be as cheap as $15. I would imagine $35 has to be for seriously busy times like Christmas maybe?

[@josephcommons4703]

Thanks for this extra feedback. I did notice the price range for breakfast. I also checked the menu and it showed $25 like you said. I am hoping it is 25 like the online menu shows.

[@karancoulter2794]

When my husband and I ate at Steakhouse 71 in May we did not think it was that great. Honestly we had a better steak at our local Longhorn recently.

[@getawayswithangela]

Pro repurposing existing blgs- but on monorail line NOT for new buildings- IE New Poly tower- simply bc you are not recycling crowds rather adding more people on an already congested monorail- more migratory crowds to Grand Flo

[@frankcarney4882]

👏 suck don't suck YES!!

[@kristindewitt9059]

Steakhouse 71 is very reasonably priced. Still miss The Wave but my kids request a meal there each time we visit.

[@lindsaynd09]

Pete and his Mom's visit to Boulder Ridge: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqqzh2CBiK6nfsU

[@untuckedgolf10]

Lack of AP options for DVC owners. - Sucks Feelings on Boulder Ridge - Sucks (outdated, but lobby is great.) New Grand Floridian resort rooms. Doesn't suck- Stunning and I'll be staying opening week. Conversion to DVC rooms. - Sucks, puts more points in play. Polynesian Tower - Doesn't suck. Cape May Cafe. - Sucks, the smell is terrible. Steakhouse 71 - Doesn't suck - Fire ass food.

[@DennisOBrien1]

I only went once but for steakhouse 71, I give it: 1. Atmosphere: C (Average) 2. Service: C- (slightly below average) 3. Food a A- (very very good)

[@matthewnelson5699]

The crab cake sliders were actually great when I had them ha

[@marciascherer1042]

My Home is VGF and haven't seen resort studios but I don't want to stay there because there is no fridge.. Anyone know if you can request one? May try one for a short stay to see how they are.

[@jauslynne1150]

Yeah Steakhouse 71 was not good when we went in March and service was pretty bad.

[@PS-zw4yc]

Can we talk about how they have changed the rules That sucks! They have increased points needed for same room which was not supposed to happen and ruins the value of having invested and paying to build them a hotel. Then the only being able to borrow 50% is ridiculous. And not Disney’s fault. But these jerks booking hotels to try to sell third party is killing the market. It is so hard to get rooms for a stay. We are savvy and try early and even 6 months out find ourselves scraping together rooms hoping they will make it all in one room and not have to switch hotels or rooms

[@rsvihla]

I'll tell you what SUCKS: BOB CHAPEK!!!!

[@johnadriano6258]

Had dinner at steakhouse 71 in March and it wasn’t very good.

[@matthewnelson5699]

I want updates for BLT as they feel outdated slightly but agree BR deserves it first as they are just worn looking.

[@knik7029]

Did they do a refurb on all of the existing rooms at GF or only the rooms in the new building?

[@Bigups5ify]

ima keep saying it... the Bacon & Eggs is a diff dish now at Steakhouse compared to The Wave... they messed it up and changed it...its NOT the same as we remembered it. Was my fav app in all of WDW, but now, ehhhh. So disappointing. Also, I think we expected the Steakhouse 55 concept and quality and prestige, and we got the cheaper version of that concept.

[@mariadwhelan5028]

Amy, Not Haunted Mansion but maybe Camp Crystal Lake! It’s time to refurb!

[@whatifdisneyworld]

We've stayed at Boulder Ridge and enjoyed it, but the rooms do need some love!

[@jenniehayes2593]

I LOVE BR for the “Shining” and Camp Nowhere vibe. So worried that the refurb in 2042 will sterilize that feel. Keep the vibe but pass the burnt orange murder couch onto a Halloween haunted house.

[@crocketp]

“Extra well” 😂😂😂😂

[@holotape]

Panda is so funny

[@nickm1587]

The Poly Tower looks like it is going to be right next to GF. There’s no longer any open space separating the two…doesn’t make sense

[@marjchan]

Steakhouse 71: Lunch is my favorite

[@frankcarney4882]

I agree with Amy it looks like the haunted mansion

[@leonorfernandez3596]

The “suck” paddle should say, “sucks.”

[@burnruber13]

Here's the question though would you have rather had Reflections or the Polynesian Tower?

[@GhostHostMemories]

reflections. Keep poly as it is. Monorail is barely able to struggle to keep transportation to Epcot/MK. and Disney bus service sucks ESPECIALLY for a deluxe resort.

[@robertmcknight8357]

I own in Boulder Ridge and have never stayed there.

[@rsvihla]

Too bad. You don't know what you're missing.

[@victoriasetzer6455]

I agree with the ambiance, it is just eh. It feels like a wedding hall. food was just ok. we liked the Wave MUCH better. We love cape may cafe for breakfast.

[@tomg3323]

Steakhouse 71 was great when it opened Now IT SUCKS

[@tylermeece]

Man, I need a DVC Contract… 😅

[@joycesavarese2275]

love boulder ridge

[@Wildcat32615]

I thought Old key West was your first was resort? I’m so confused. Pete I know your gay but I must say your looking healthier Blue is your color.

[@grissellolmeda4312]

Ok. I like the show but your personality Pete can be overpowering. I’m not sure if I like you or not. Sometimes you give dictatorship attitude. This is my 5th view of your show. I like the crew but you’re the main character. Content was fun to watch. 🤗

[@juniperdog5523]

What you are describing is a main feature of the show. Authoritarian and dismissive, yes. Some people love it. Many come to the show specifically for it I think, given some of the comments. Not me.