My trip to BCV or so I thought!!!!!!!

[momba#9]

We just returned from a rather dissapointing trip to WDW. It all started when we recieved a phone call from MS on Saturday the 12th. The call regarded our check in at BCV for the following day. Apparently the 2 bedrooms were over booked and we were being moved to BWV 2 bedroom standard view. Well, my first reaction was just being stunned. My second reaction was to just make the best of it. They were apologetic and refunded the difference in points. So off we went.

BWV check in was a rather bad start. The bellman/valet were very distracted and not friendly at all. Not like we remembered when we stayed at the BW inn 4 years prior. CM checking us in couldn't have been more grumpy. I wish I had gotten her name but I do remember she was from Haiti. We were in room 3135 a lock off 2 bedroom. Room was the last room at the end of those loooooooooooong halways. View wasn't bad for a standard with a view of the canal and Tower of Terror. Room was worn and just seemed rather dull. Room was clean except for the balcony which was filthy!!!!!! I'd be willing to bet that it has never been cleaned.

Well we were glad to be at WDW so we just moved on and headed for the pool. Pool was very crowded and just filthy. Garbage all over, chairs in disaray and the pool just seemed old. I had heard they recently refurbed the pool but for the life of us we couldn't see what. Maybe the pool surface, I don't know. We had some conversations about maintenenace at DVC Resorts after this experience. The deluxe resorts we are used to just seem to be better maintained than this DVC Resort. I hope they all aren't like this one!!!! The BW really needs work. Our first stay as DVC members was at SSR. It wasn't great either but you know after staying at BWV we will go back to SSR before the BWV. Nicer overall with WAAAAAAAy better food/drinks.

Eating just became a huge hassle there with kids. Nothing poolside except for Turkey or Ham sandwich pre made, chips or pretzels, that is it, not even a hot dog. You either head out or cook in your room. ESPN wouldn't do a to go order for me either. Eating became a stress point on our resort days. SSR had good food to grab at AP, I expected something better I guess. Room service menu has changed or is very different from the one that we had years ago at the BWI. Nothing for non meat eaters and extremely limited choices. We did eat at two of the BW restaurants for diner, Spoodles and Big River. Both were pretty god but again very few choices. The menus seemed very generic to us and paired down. Both even had Hummus, I mean Spoodles that makes sense but at a Brew Pub??????

We took the kids to Universal and Seaworld. Both were excellent and we enjoyed them both. We love the variety in Orlando and we had decided up front not to do the Disney parks as we will be returning so often.

All in all we really enjoyed the trip. We even had two magical experiences. First was at the boat rental place near the YC. I took the boys over to rent a boat. Two friendly girls approached and asked if we had some time. We said sure and they proceded to give us our own private pirate chase. We boarded the boat and looked for the pirate around the lagoon. We chased off the prirates and recieved treasure at the end. Very cool and the boys loved it!!! It was part of the eyar of the million dreams. We also had another experience at the community hall at thew BW quiet poool. We rented bikes there and upon return we were told no charge and thye even gave each of us ice cream mickey ears!!! Awesome stuff, really. TWO in one trip. Maybe the WDW gods looked out for us afterall.

We now have at least stayed at all of the DVC Resorts so we can now make an informed decision about what we like/dislike. We seem to be a BCV/VWL family I guess as those are our favorites. After that we like OKW/SSR with BWV being last on our list. We think the new AKV might appeal to us as well.

Thanks for reading.


Mike

[starbox]

We just returned from a rather dissapointing trip to WDW. It all started when we recieved a phone call from MS on Saturday the 12th. The call regarded our check in at BCV for the following day. Apparently the 2 bedrooms were over booked and we were being moved to BWV 2 bedroom standard view.

:scared1:
Seriously?
I always thought you got offered an upgrade if the resort was over-booked, not a downgrade. That is not cool at all. :headache: :eek:

Congratulations on the dreams though!! The pirate one sounds very neat!

[dannyh23]

Sorry to hear about the bad start. Glad to see you won some dreams though to make up for it!

[50 years Too!]

We stayed at BWV this last spring break.
I didn't notice that the pool area was in disrepair, but I will definitely agree with you about the food issue.
I had 6 kids with me (took my nieces and own kids) and agree that forging for food during the morning and lunch was a hassle. I would walk over to BCV marketplace and bring back breakfast. Lunch, if we weren't in a park, got really old with the choices from the bakery.
Even though I really like the theming and location of the BWV, I will only stay at BCV from now on when we stay near Epcot.

[Olaf]

I'm curious, when did you book your two-bedroom? I wonder how they decided that you would be the one to be bumped? And I wonder if they overbooked the cask paying customers and they made a DVC owner pay for their mistake? I wonder if member services would be able to tell you what happened?

[momba#9]

I'm curious, when did you book your two-bedroom? I wonder how they decided that you would be the one to be bumped? And I wonder if they overbooked the cask paying customers and they made a DVC owner pay for their mistake? I wonder if member services would be able to tell you what happened?




This was booked about 10 m0nths ago when we became DVC members at BCV in July.

I wasn't given much of an explanation just that my 2 bedroom was unavailable. Given there is no 3 bedrooms at BCV they couldn't have upgraded me there. They told me they put me at BWV because of the similiar location and same room type. The standard view was all they had according to MS. We were told that this is not the norm and they apologized the best they could.

Part of me wanted to push harder but you know all we wanted was a relaxing trip to WDW without stress. I'm thankful they told us BEFORE we arrived. Something good came of it in that we now know the resorts we prefer and barring any other "bumps" we'll get one we most enjoy.

Thanks,


Mike

[Lexxiefern]

Wow. I am always shocked when I read about people being "bumped" from the resort they booked. At least you were still in the Epcot resort area I guess. I was at BWV earlier this month and the balcony was filthy in our room too. I have seen the maids out there cleaning them, but I guess they need to do that more often. As far as food goes, I think most of us agree with you about the lack of quick food. Especially at the pool. They used to have hot dogs at the pool with chips and that was perfect. I hate that they got rid of it. Glad you were still able to enjoy your trip!

[Pennyguy23]

We just got back from BWV last night and we had a WONDERFUL time. Check in was great. Bell service was great. I do agree with you about the Counter service. Somewhat of a pain to get anything. We actually used almost all of our CS at the bakery. Very good sandwiches. I thought the pool was very clean but didn't really care for the circus theme. But now that we have stayed at all 5 DVC resorts it is our 2nd Favorite resort behind BCV. Sorry you had such a bad time but I to would have been FURIOUS about the down grade of resorts. Sorry to hear about that.

[goofy4tink]

Sorry you had a less than magical stay at BWV. I have to agree with you though....although we own at BWV and love it to pieces, I do wish they had more quick food options. And a corn dog isn't going to get it done for me. Grab and go food is available at the other DVC resorts, why not at BWV. But, it is my only gripe with them.
I have yet to have a clean balcony. The balconies at BCV, the Polynesian, and BWV have all been yucky. I actually have to wipe everything down and empty ashtrays myself. At least ashtrays shouldn't be an issue pretty soon.

I can only imagine that there were people that decided to stay extra nights, so the villas weren't open.

[Simba's Mom]

I too am shocked that this happened. And as far as guests deciding to stay, can't the front desk tell them, "No, I'm sorry, but we have guests expecting to check in." I've never heard of this happening-after reserving 10 months out at one resort, being called THE DAY BEFOREHAND to be moved, and even worse, to be downgraded. Was this your first experience after becoming members? Our worst experience(our only bad experience) was our first stay after becoming members. And on that trip, we met some other new members who got the "no balcony" room at VWL on their first stay. Sometimes, I wonder if we all get the "new member-give them the trial by fire!" sticker on our first reservation. Please don't give up on DVC, but please do try to get some answers as to why this happened. Has anyone else ever experienced this last minute change?

[JimVL]

I can only imagine that there were people that decided to stay extra nights, so the villas weren't open. Does this really happen? I can't see how a person with a ten month reservation would be bumped by somebody who woke up and decided to stay another night.

[Starr W.]

I too am shocked that this happened. And as far as guests deciding to stay, can't the front desk tell them, "No, I'm sorry, but we have guests expecting to check in." I've never heard of this happening-after reserving 10 months out at one resort, being called THE DAY BEFOREHAND to be moved, and even worse, to be downgraded. Was this your first experience after becoming members? Our worst experience(our only bad experience) was our first stay after becoming members. And on that trip, we met some other new members who got the "no balcony" room at VWL on their first stay. Sometimes, I wonder if we all get the "new member-give them the trial by fire!" sticker on our first reservation. Please don't give up on DVC, but please do try to get some answers as to why this happened. Has anyone else ever experienced this last minute change?


No I don't think it's a new-member trial by fire type thing. Our first trip was to VWL and we had a great room with a view of the lake through the trees. Don't know if it helps by checking in on Saturday?

As to the OP, now I am somewhat concerned about BWV, we were considering trying it on our January trip. :confused:

[starbox]

This is JMHO, but you paid a premium for BCV points and made a reservation well within your 11 month window. I think you should be reimbursed for all your points from the downgraded reservation. People complain about things on the boards all the time that are not really valid, but in this case, I think you are totally justified to expect compensation for the over-booking and downgraded reservation. If I were you, I'd write a letter.

[dznymom1]

I think you were treated very poorly, and they must have been thanking their lucky stars they got someone as easy going as you were. At the very least they could have offered you pool privileges at Stormalong Bay and a complimentary dinner or something!

My stay last month at BWV was less than magical so I understand your disappointment there. I have been a huge Boardwalk fan for years, but there is no question that things are slipping and there are substantial issues with housekeeping and maintenance. I hope they get their act back together soon.

It sounds like you had a positive attitude and managed to have a good vacation. I am glad you had the Magical Experiences and I hope your next DVC trip is as Magical as it should be! :wizard:

[JimMIA]

This is JMHO, but you paid a premium for BCV points and made a reservation well within your 11 month window. I think you should be reimbursed for all your points from the downgraded reservation. People complain about things on the boards all the time that are not really valid, but in this case, I think you are totally justified to expect compensation for the over-booking and downgraded reservation. If I were you, I'd write a letter.Like Starbox, I'm not a big fan of some of the "lumpy-pillow" complaints we get here sometimes.

But telling you the room you booked 10 months ago is "not available" is simply not acceptable. How can that happen? And what makes anyone think moving you anywhere -- even with an upgrade -- is adequate compensation?

You booked your home resort and they didn't deliver. You should get all of your points back.

[jjk1107]

We stayed at BWV about 2 weeks ago and I was not that impressed with them. The one thing that bothered my family is the fact that they turn the boilers off for the water from around midnight to 6 am. If you have a room at the very end of a hallway and you need to shower between those hours, you do not get hot water. If you need to shower between 6 and around 7:30, you have to let the water run for a half hour prior to getting in so that the water warms up. We complained to the front desk about the lack of hot water and was given a credit of $50.00. We went to buy more points the next day for AKV and were discussing this with our guide. He had never heard about this, so he called BWV. The manager was up front and honest saying that they turn off the boilers to save money and if anyone complains, they just credit the person $50.00. He also told the guide they have been getting more and more complaints about it. My guide was not to happy about this and planned to take it up the chain of command because he can not understand how it can save the resort money if they then credit people $50 and tell them to let the water run for 30 minutes before hand. My only thought is that a lot of people do not complain, so they do not have to give out $50 too often. We did not experience this at BCV or SSR, both of which we really enjoy.

[Olaf]

This was booked about 10 m0nths ago when we became DVC members at BCV in July.

Ten months out?! That's nuts! You need to write a letter. Lay it on thick. You're a brand new BCV owner, you paid a premium for those points, you wanted your first visit to be at BCV, and your kids wanted to swim at SAB. You deserve to get those points back.

And as far as the boiler goes . . . sounds as if everyone making a BWV visit needs to have a shower around 2:00 am. :rolleyes: Manager dools out enough $50's maybe he'll get the message. I'm really getting tired of the nickel and dime mentality.

[Duckfan-in-Chicago]

Ten months out?! That's nuts! You need to write a letter. Lay it on thick. You're a brand new BCV owner, you paid a premium for those points, and you wanted your first visit to be at BCV. You deserve to get those points back.
Yep...if Disney wants to play the overbook/bump game then they should shell out like the airlines.

Move you to the BWV, but this trip is on the house. Our bad.

[Sammie]

I'm really getting tired of the nickel and dime mentality.

I know those that post often know what a huge defender I am of WDW but I will agree with the OP on this one that deluxe resorts at Disney are getting a better grade of maintenance, rehabs and housekeeping and service than DVC.

At this point I am afraid that the upper management at DVC is more concerned with expansion than the current memberships.

If a cash guest had booked a 2 bedroom and it was not available a suite would have been offered.

[momba#9]

[QUOTE=jjk1107;18748691]We stayed at BWV about 2 weeks ago and I was not that impressed with them. The one thing that bothered my family is the fact that they turn the boilers off for the water from around midnight to 6 am. [QUOTE]




Well, that happened to us as well four times during our stay. I forgot to mention it. The first time was around 3:30 p.m. My wife had to let the shower run for about 30 minutes before it got hot. It happened to me the day we left at 6:30 a.m. I let it run for 20 minutes or so and still nothing. I gave up and shaved and washed up before heading home, frustrating to say the least. The other two times were mornings as well.

My wife gave me some grief for not complaining "louder". We wanted and had booked BCV 10 months out and to not get it was a dissapointment. We are new members but not new to WDW Resorts. We want to give things a chance before passing judgement. ANY Resort can have problems so I try to give the benefit of the doubt when possible. The turning the hot water off post gets me more angry than anything really. Don't WE as members pay for that anyway???? How is that saving the resort money????

Thanks for the support. We still love WDW and hope for many magical trips in the future.


Mike

[SuzanneSLO]

My understanding is that it is common in the hotel industry that if you are "walked" -- moved to another hotel due to overbooking of the hotel you reserved -- the entire cost of the hotel stay is complimentary. I recall being bumped from the Palace Hotel in SF a number of years ago and my stay at the nearby W Hotel was free.

Best of luck to the OP -- Suzanne

[loveit]

Ok, this just scares me!:scared1: I would hope that DVC or ANY hotel I book 10 months out that I would get what I booked! I would not have been as nice if I had received that call a day before we left. (with my packing stress, NOBODY wants to give me bad new a day before my vacation, DH learned that REAL quick!!)

Laura

[VBfan]

We just got back from BWV last night and we had a WONDERFUL time. Check in was great. Bell service was great. I do agree with you about the Counter service. Somewhat of a pain to get anything. We actually used almost all of our CS at the bakery. Very good sandwiches. I thought the pool was very clean but didn't really care for the circus theme. But now that we have stayed at all 5 DVC resorts it is our 2nd Favorite resort behind BCV. Sorry you had such a bad time but I to would have been FURIOUS about the down grade of resorts. Sorry to hear about that.

I believe there are EIGHT DVC resorts....

OKW, BWV, VB, HH, VWL, BCV, SSR & AKV.

There are 5 OPEN WDW area DVCs, with AKV apparently opening before Sept 1!

To the OP:

Contact your guide, explain what happened and ask why you were 'Downgraded' ?

I suspect allof your points may be refunded.

As to overbooking, there could have been a room or more out of service due to damage, mishap, abuse or police investigation.

Or some Big Wig VIP decided to stay longer or that they wanted the BCV!

Best of luck

[dvcmember]

Did they even tell you they were refunding the difference in points. Standard view at BWV is less points than BCV. I would have made a fuss. How did they to decide to bump you and not someone who made later reservations. Definitely pursue this. Barb:sad2:

[roadtripper]

I agree with the posters who think you should be reimbursed your points. Making a home resort reservation should guarantee you a room at your home resort.
We were bumped once at Disney-- had an AP rate at Port Orleans Riverside, checked in at 11PM, and were told that they had to move us to another moderate resort. I politely said that if we were being bumped at such a late hour, I would like to be upgraded to a deluxe resort. As a result, we stayed at AKL for 79/night:thumbsup2.

[gracelrm]

I'm supposed to be at BCV in 14 days - good thing I won't be home the week before checking in - so they can't call me and move me! Now, if they wanted to upgrade me to a BW - Grand villa - I'd take it. I would be quite angry if I were you and would certainly pursue this with DVC.

[Olaf]

We were bumped once at Disney-- had an AP rate at Port Orleans Riverside, checked in at 11PM, and were told that they had to move us to another moderate resort. I politely said that if we were being bumped at such a late hour, I would like to be upgraded to a deluxe resort. As a result, we stayed at AKL for 79/night:thumbsup2.

That reminds me of when we were bumped and upgraded. We had ressies at the values for a Fri & Sat before our first DVC visit to VWL. The rate was a FL resident rate of $49 a night. We came in really late, and DH was at the counter forever. He came out with the news that they'd overbooked and were sending us to the AKL for those two nights. We had a standard pool view room with bunkbeds. :rolleyes: I was a happy camper.

[DISNEYFOS]

:sad2: Oh my goodness, I would never think this would happen without a serious upgrade!! Some of us make these reservations 11 months out, day by day. (as I did). I would expect a grand villa, a suite in Grand Floridian in addition to a complete refund of points (completely bankable, btw).

Of course, I don't have anything against BWVs, but its not what you expected or reserved..

I'd be making some phone calls :faint:

[mickeysgal]

I think you were treated very poorly, and they must have been thanking their lucky stars they got someone as easy going as you were. At the very least they could have offered you pool privileges at Stormalong Bay and a complimentary dinner or something!


To tell you the truth, I've never heard of this happening. How could it happen when you hold a booked reservation for over 10 months??

This is the very reason we try to book at BCV. To have to move to another resort and lose Stormalong Bay is unacceptable. At a minimum, I would have expected them to grant you swim privileges no matter where they put you, or perhaps offer you concierge at BC first, before moving you. At least then you would have had some sort of choice.

[JimMIA]

Compensation is not the big issue here, even though I posted above that I think you should receive a full refund of all your points for that stay.

The thing that mystifies me, however, is "How could this happen?" We hear all the time that there is a DVC inventory and a CRO inventory. If MS will only book what they have in inventory, how could a previously-reserved room NOT be available?

I can understand getting "walked" in a traditional hotel, or even at a DVC resort on a cash ressie. But on a DVC points ressie? How?

[kathleena]

I would suspect the room availability could go something like this: names and ressies are released to resort 5-10 days in advance (I was told it was 10 days once by the resort, but have read it could be 5 days) Room assignments are done in advance because the resort is fully booked. The day before you arrive, Mousekeeping goes to the room and the toilet has backed up and the entire villa is flooded. You get called because you were assigned to that villa and all the other ones are already booked to other people. In other words, the villa was down, the resort was full. I very much doubt they actually over-booked. JMHO.

Anyway, I was at BWV from 4/20-4/25. Our stay was great, from valet to mousekeeping. Sorry that you seemed to have been handled by a couple of crabbies. I would have reported them to the BWV management right then.

The pool and the whole pool area was very clean and we went every day. The slide was just repainted in January. Having stayed there a few times in the past year, I can tell you that even the elephants were taken away for repainting recently. One day this trip, they were even painting the light poles.

I'm not sure why being moved to the BWV is a downgrade from the BCV. Unless the word "downgrade" is referring to the fact that it's a standard view? I have stayed in room 4133 and it was my favorite room of all the BWV views I have ever stayed in. Quiet view of a lovely pond, the Tot and the Canal. Very nice and much better than a woods or noisy road view that I've had at the BCV. I understand the disappointment of not being at SAB or BCV at the last minute and I'm not trying to downplay that part of it, but they refunded the points, it was still a 2 bedroom. It's not a downgrade.

What I would have done, was insist that they give me passes for SAB, however.

Oh, and down on the boardwalk they have all the fast food like hotdogs, chicken fingers, pizza etc. It's just not all in one place. I agree, I wish they hadn't taken it away from the pool area and do wish they would open a marketplace where the old Harbor Club is. Still waiting on that one......

And in my experience - the porches are filthy everywhere. Doesn't excuse it, but BWV has not cornered the market on it.

[Mule2007]

Just open up your Spring 2007 Vacation Magic mag from Disney - there on page 2 is the MAN... Jim Lewis - President Disney Vacation Club.

Send him a nice letter (not email) detailing your experiences -- I always found contacting the top man works most of the time.

Mule

[Sammie]

If MS will only book what they have in inventory, how could a previously-reserved room NOT be available?

The only thing I know that could have happened was a maintenance or damage issue that was not a quick fix and the room while available on booking became unavailable right before the OP checked in.

[edk35]

I believe there are EIGHT DVC resorts....

OKW, BWV, VB, HH, VWL, BCV, SSR & AKV.

There are 5 OPEN WDW area DVCs, with AKV apparently opening before Sept 1!

To the OP:

Contact your guide, explain what happened and ask why you were 'Downgraded' ?

I suspect allof your points may be refunded.

As to overbooking, there could have been a room or more out of service due to damage, mishap, abuse or police investigation.

Or some Big Wig VIP decided to stay longer or that they wanted the BCV!

Best of luck

I thinkposter was talking about the Disney World DVC resorts minus AKV because no one has stayed there yet.

[Treacle44]

OMG, can they do that then?? That's awful and refunding your points is the very least they could do. I would've expected a serious upgrade or free DDP or similar.

I would write a very strong complaint letter now you're home as you should get better service than that.

They better not do it to me!

T
x

[bobbiwoz]

This is the sort of "lottery" nobody wants to win! I think they should have upgraded you to something out of the ordinary...where's the Disney magic??? DVC should have done BETTER for free!!!

Bobbi:goodvibes

[starbox]

I'm not sure why being moved to the BWV is a downgrade from the BCV. Unless the word "downgrade" is referring to the fact that it's a standard view?

I'd personally prefer BWV to BCV, so the term "downgarde" has nothing to do with the merits of one resort over another.

But I do think that when you purchase a home resort like at a premium price specifically so you can BWYWTS, and make home resort reservations inside the 11 month window, anything less than a larger, more luxurious unit elsewhere would is a downgraded reservation and is not okay.

[dvcmember]

I think the term downgrade is being used because of the switch to standard view requiring less points. While standard view is a bargain when you plan for it-it is a downgrade when you are being charged the premium points. If they had given Boardwalk or Preferred view it would have been an equal swap.. Barb

[starbox]

If they had given Boardwalk or Preferred view it would have been an equal swap.. Barb

Respectfully, if we say that there is such thing as equal swapping that can be done by MS, then we essentially give up the home resort advantage.

If you are switched to equal accomodations at a non-home resort, you are being downgraded because you are having your 11 month home resort advantage taken away from you at the discretion of MS. This is not right.

[dvcmember]

I completely agree this is not right. I would have been kicking up a huge fuss. I wonder how they determined the day before it was an owner to be bumped. I would think there were many people who booked long afer the 10 month mark Barb

[mickeysgal]

If this were me, even if they gave me a grand villa somewhere else in exchange, I would still be hopping mad. We book at BCV because of the pool for the kids - plain and simple. We like it there and to be switched to anywhere else in any type of accomodation would have been viewed, in my eyes, as a downgrade - regardless of equality of points or room view.

If the issue was a maintainance one and that a room(s) had to be pulled from service, I would think that BCV would have bent over backwards to honor owner reservations first and foremost. Certainly not all check-ins that day were turned away and placed at other resorts?

To have been looking forward to BCV and then, surprise, not get it at the check-in desk is a huge error on the part of DVC/BC. As I said before, I'm surprised that they didn't offer pool privileges or better yet, at least offer a concierge room at YC or BC in order to keep the OP at that resort property. At least they could have offered them a choice...concierge BC/YC or BWV.

OP, I sure hope you document this and write to the head of Member Services.

[edk35]

I totally agree with the replies here. I think they should be compensated for what happened. :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2

[3DisneyKids]

OP...please contact MS and report back to us what happens.

Like JimMIA, I think all of your points used for this trip need to be put back in your account (and be completely bankable). This is very disturbing to all of us to think that our reservations can be changed at the last minute like that.

[Lesley]

So sorry to hear about your experience. I know when we book the BCV it is specifically so we can use SAB. I would not have been happy- particularly if I was a member at the BCV.

I don't see where an upgrade to a GV would do anyone who only needed at 2br any good...and to be bumped to BWV standard view is definitely a downgrade (even though it sounds like you had one of the best views at the BWV and it is my home resort). I can see where the loss of the room could happen, but shouldn't they bump a cash guest instead of a member? I mean, you own part of one of those villas!

I definitely would have had to come back at them with a "um, no, that's really not going to work for my family- would you like to make another offer?" But I understand how it could be such a shock that you didn't. Hopefully because of your post, the rest of us will be prepared if this were to happen in the future.

[Halle]

OP I can feel you and your family's disappointment. I wonder what would have happened had they not been able to contact you, would they have called someone else? Me thinks thay may have to avoid any face to face disappointment at check in.

[fishermouse]

Does this really happen? I can't see how a person with a ten month reservation would be bumped by somebody who woke up and decided to stay another night.

From what I read it was just a possibility that a readr came up with , I guess it could be true but I really doubt it. More likely is a computer hicup or for some reason a room or two went out of service. This happens from time to time air goes out, a major appliance breaks, plumbing etc. This of course is just as much speculation as the guest who wants to stay, but in my opinion more likely. I also feel op should have gotten a little something for your inconvienence, don't know what but something would be nice.

[Deb & Bill]

We're scheduled to check into BCV on Jun 1. If they told me that my room wasn't available and they were moving me to BWV, I'd have to ask if I could go to OKW or SSR instead. Just don't like BWV.

Worst thing would be if they tried to call the day before we were due to arrive, we'd already be gone and wouldn't find out until we got there.

[BriarRosie]

If this were me, even if they gave me a grand villa somewhere else in exchange, I would still be hopping mad. We book at BCV because of the pool for the kids - plain and simple. We like it there and to be switched to anywhere else in any type of accomodation would have been viewed, in my eyes, as a downgrade - regardless of equality of points or room view.

If the issue was a maintainance one and that a room(s) had to be pulled from service, I would think that BCV would have bent over backwards to honor owner reservations first and foremost. Certainly not all check-ins that day were turned away and placed at other resorts?

To have been looking forward to BCV and then, surprise, not get it at the check-in desk is a huge error on the part of DVC/BC. As I said before, I'm surprised that they didn't offer pool privileges or better yet, at least offer a concierge room at YC or BC in order to keep the OP at that resort property. At least they could have offered them a choice...concierge BC/YC or BWV.

OP, I sure hope you document this and write to the head of Member Services.


I totally agree here. I bought into BCV specifically because I want to spend
most of my stays there at "home". I would not be happy in October if
the villa I reserved exactly at the 11 month window was "unavailable" and
I had to move to a different resort. You can be sure I'd ask them if they
could put me in Concierge in BC or YC as compensation for the loss of use.

[rsquare]

From an earlier post, "WHERE'S THE DISNEY MAGIC?" If they are going to bump you, then they should be prepared to re-establish the "WOW" that is Disney. In this case, it sounds more like they banked on your surprise at the bump and hoped that you'd take whatever they offered.
I hate to say this, but we should all be prepared to respond to less than satisfactory service with, "that's not going to work for me, here's what I expect..." and list exactly what you want. I know it's hard to do, especially when caught off-guard. Maybe if we all start expecting the level of customer service that we were promised in the sales pitch, Disney will start to pay attention again.

[william4192]

So what happened in the end? Did you call them?

[jdg345]

Compensation is not the big issue here, even though I posted above that I think you should receive a full refund of all your points for that stay.

The thing that mystifies me, however, is "How could this happen?" We hear all the time that there is a DVC inventory and a CRO inventory. If MS will only book what they have in inventory, how could a previously-reserved room NOT be available?

I can understand getting "walked" in a traditional hotel, or even at a DVC resort on a cash ressie. But on a DVC points ressie? How?

Is it possible that they had an issue with a room or building? flooding? pipe leak? something that would suddenly cause them to take rooms out of inventory?

[TDC Nala]

I think Boardwalk very badly needs some sort of counter service food option. They put one in at Beach Club, now what's the deal?

[TDC Nala]

I think the term downgrade is being used because of the switch to standard view requiring less points. While standard view is a bargain when you plan for it-it is a downgrade when you are being charged the premium points. If they had given Boardwalk or Preferred view it would have been an equal swap.. Barb

The OP says he got the difference in points back. But there's a pretty good argument that says he should have gotten ALL his points back.

[momba#9]

The OP says he got the difference in points back. But there's a pretty good argument that says he should have gotten ALL his points back.



Yes, they did refund the difference in points.

I have a call into DVC regarding this. I haven't heard back yet from member satisfaction but I'm sure I will. I will post what comes of it when I do.

I really don't want the points back. I mean I stayed at BWV standard view so I have no problem paying for that stay. What I do have a problem with or want answers about is how I was bumped. My goal is to see that this never happens again to us or any other family.

I'm not hard to please but expect to actually get what was paid for and booked.

Thank you for all of the support.


Mike

[TDC Nala]

Well, you obviously can't get them to guarantee that it will never happen again. If it's because of overbooking, maybe protestation will have an effect. Maybe not. If there was some incident that made the villa uninhabitable, and they had no other corresponding size villa at BCV available, that is not something preventable.