Check-in at BLT...view isues

[kellyf2626]

So we got back last Sunday from a wonderful 16-day trip to the world. We started off by staying 5 nights at BLT in a Magic Kingdom view. We were using all of our points for the remaining 10 nights, so we booked these 5 nights with cash.

At check-in, I was told my room was on the 3rd floor. Ummmm, ya, that wasn't going to fly. I told the CM that was in no way acceptable. He repeatedly told me that the upper floors were reserved for DVC members only. I told him I was, in fact, a DVC member that was paying cash for this ressie. They still refused to move the room. We argued for a bit and then I asked to speak with a manager. He went to the back room, and came out a few moments later to tell me we were on the 6th floor. I told him no way - still unacceptable - and that I wanted to actually speak to his superior. I was paying over $3,000 for 5 nights, and I wanted a good freakin view! He scurried out back and came back out about 5 minutes later to tell me that I was on the 12th floor AND that my room was actually ready (this was at 1:00).

While I was happy with the end-result, there are some things I am disappointed in:

*floors 1-5 should NOT be considered MK views. They are views of the parking lot, with a glance of the top of the castle. They should be standard views!!!! I was not shelling out all that money to look at cars!

*DVC members paying cash should not be treated as lower-tier DVC members. I decided to add-on to my trip and pay more money to experience BLT. If this is the way they are going to treat cash-paying DVC memebers, they need to explain this when you book your stay, disclosing that you will get a lower-level floor and less priority when assigning rooms. Some people may decide to get a larger room with a lake view instead of a smaller room with (essentially) a parking lot view.

I am happy that the end result was a good one, and our room and stay at BLT was incredible. Just thought I would share my experience at check-in!

[Crystal_27]

I'm so glad that you had a wonderful trip, but YIKES about the problems you had at check-in. I agree with you that the MK views should only be the upper floors (heck, even some standard views have views of MK). The MK views should be breath-taking. Good for you for standing up for yourself and making sure that they put things right.

As an aside, though, it's good to know that CMs are being trained to give us staying on points the good rooms. Your experience aside, it's good to know that we staying on points are going to get a little bit of priority. :thumbsup2

[dioxide45]

Basically DVC wanted to be able to sell more points so they made more units park view. Lots of timeshare chains do this with their seasons. They like to make the big dollars selling platinum weeks that are far from being in platinum time.

[WDW-BWV]

I agree on your 1 to 6 floor statement. But what REALY TICKS ME OFF is the attitude of the CT desk staff.

We stayed the first week the place opened. The CR staff treated us and others we spoke to like some poor hillbilly cousin checking in to sleep on the sofa. We had an issue with our room and it took 2 days and several phone calls until we met with a CM who held a senior managment position. In the end he made Disney magic happen and fixed the problem too.

My point is the lack of respect and the failure of really meaning, "Welcome Home". I'm going back to the BW!

[UConnJack]

Personally, I think you acted a bit like a spoiled brat with a sense of entitlement. While I agree the MK view should be raised a bit in floors (or maybe split between 2 different tiers), those are the current rules and setup, and everyone lives by them. Why are you specifically entitled to be on the top floors vs others who play by the same rules? Basically, you just displaced someone else who had a MK view room.

Don't get me wrong, I have no problem for asking for a better room if its available, I do it often. I also think you were right in calling out that you are a DVC member. But the way it sounds like you (twice) refused the room, called them unacceptable, and demanded a better view because you're entitled to it, or somehow have more right to a better room because you are paying $3,000, smacks of selfishness and arrogance. I might give you a pass on the first complaint being on the 3rd floor, but to still throw a fit after getting the 6th floor was uncalled for. You obviously just didn't want a good view, you felt you were entitled to the BEST view.

[Deb & Bill]

Did you make your reservation through MS or DRC? That could be the difference. If you did reserve through MS, DVC will often not allow cash reservations for some more preferred views or villa setups. Like the BWview at BWV is pretty much reserved for points. If you pay cash, you won't be getting a BW view.

And I kind of agree with UConnJack. You sounded like an ugly DVC member demanding the best room in the place because you've paid a whole bundle of money. If you read a thread about your hijinks on another board, don't be surprised.

[CarolMN]

I have a different perspective -

At the BWV, the Boardwalk view rooms are reserved for DVC members using points for their stay. Cash guests are not assigned to those rooms, even if they are DVC members who booked their cash stay through MS.

At the BCV, the dedicated two bedroom villas with two two queens in the second bedroom are reserved for members using points. Those villas are not available to cash guests, even if they are DVC members who booked their cash stay through MS.

Even though many (including me) think BLT's lower floors should be standard view, that is not the way it is right now. Someone is going to get those less desirable MK view rooms. IMO, it is perfectly reasonable for the better MK views at the BLT to be reserved for DVC members using points for their stay.

When the OP insisted on the change that the CR Mgr "granted", another DVC member using points was probably bumped to the room he/she refused. If so, that wasn't right. JMHO. YMMV.

[marynvince]

Personally, I think you acted a bit like a spoiled brat with a sense of entitlement. While I agree the MK view should be raised a bit in floors (or maybe split between 2 different tiers), those are the current rules and setup, and everyone lives by them. Why are you specifically entitled to be on the top floors vs others who play by the same rules? Basically, you just displaced someone else who had a MK view room.

Don't get me wrong, I have no problem for asking for a better room if its available, I do it often. I also think you were right in calling out that you are a DVC member. But the way it sounds like you (twice) refused the room, called them unacceptable, and demanded a better view because you're entitled to it, or somehow have more right to a better room because you are paying $3,000, smacks of selfishness and arrogance. I might give you a pass on the first complaint being on the 3rd floor, but to still throw a fit after getting the 6th floor was uncalled for. You obviously just didn't want a good view, you felt you were entitled to the BEST view.

Nicely put. :thumbsup2

[PatMcDuck]

I hope they fix this situation soon. I can appreciate both sides. Wasn't BW like this, in a way, before they guarenteed the BW view? Chaos.

I also was very stressed out over my 50th BD trip to AKV last summer (2008) , with my concierge room reservation. I wanted that Savannah view, I rarely stay at AKV. It was a big deal to me, and I ended up with pool view after all. I asked to be moved, and they DID end up moving us after one night. I did not demand it, I knew it was a 50-50 shot from the start. (we were there for 5 nights I think). I felt some guilt that I displaced someone else.......... I just sort of begged.

Now I have an upcoming room reservation at BLT, MK view, and I am getting stressed. I have a 2 BR MK view, Fri and Sat nights, and I am paying ALOT of points for this. ALOT. If I get 3rd floor I think I will really loose it. :sick:

[mandjblum]

Personally, I think you acted a bit like a spoiled brat with a sense of entitlement. While I agree the MK view should be raised a bit in floors (or maybe split between 2 different tiers), those are the current rules and setup, and everyone lives by them. Why are you specifically entitled to be on the top floors vs others who play by the same rules? Basically, you just displaced someone else who had a MK view room.

Don't get me wrong, I have no problem for asking for a better room if its available, I do it often. I also think you were right in calling out that you are a DVC member. But the way it sounds like you (twice) refused the room, called them unacceptable, and demanded a better view because you're entitled to it, or somehow have more right to a better room because you are paying $3,000, smacks of selfishness and arrogance. I might give you a pass on the first complaint being on the 3rd floor, but to still throw a fit after getting the 6th floor was uncalled for. You obviously just didn't want a good view, you felt you were entitled to the BEST view.

Agree

[brianheather]

We just got back this past sat, and I have to say that we checked in with ease, on the 11th floor MK view. I had found the # to BLT and called the Friday before we left to request a higher floor. The view was Awesome... Definetly stay there again

[ddoc185blt]

I think WAY to much is made of MK views anyway. The Lake view is better IMO. Remember You are on Vacation :thumbsup2 If you are going to fight over a view out a window or deck you just as well could be in work :lmao:

[DVC Mike]

We argued for a bit and then I asked to speak with a manager. He went to the back room, and came out a few moments later to tell me we were on the 6th floor. I told him no way - still unacceptable - and that I wanted to actually speak to his superior. I was paying over $3,000 for 5 nights, and I wanted a good freakin view!

Why was a 6th floor room "still unacceptable"?

[DVC Mike]

And I kind of agree with UConnJack. You sounded like an ugly DVC member demanding the best room in the place because you've paid a whole bundle of money. If you read a thread about your hijinks on another board, don't be surprised.

When I was at BLT in August, I saw a DVC member yelling at a CM in the lobby about some stupid thing, so much so that it drove her to tears.

My wife was so upset to see such bad behavior from another DVC member that we spoke to the CM and her manager afterwards, and we were a bit ashamed to learn that this is a commonplace thing. DVC Members get extremely upset about something and take it out on the CM.

I'm not saying that is what took place here, but it's a shame that DVC members have this reputation.

[MrToad_at_BLT]

Why was a 6th floor room "still unacceptable"?


That was the first question I had as well. The reservation was for "Magic Kingdom View" not for "The Magic Kingdom View that is good enough for me"

[LIFERBABE]

When I was at BLT in August, I saw a DVC member yelling at a CM in the lobby about some stupid thing, so much so that it drove her to tears.

My wife was so upset to see such bad behavior from another DVC member that we spoke to the CM and her manager afterwards, and we were a bit ashamed to learn that this is a commonplace thing. DVC Members get extremely upset about something and take it out on the CM.

I'm not saying that is what took place here, but it's a shame that DVC members have this reputation.

I agree. I dont want anything on vacation that will cause me to be so upset or disappointed if I dont get exactly what I want. This is why we dont book 1 bedroom Concierge at AKV because I was very disappointed to get the room without the tub. I still stay concierge just in studios. The same goes for BLT. I will not book MK view in the future. I am on vacation to avoid problems. Getting that upset at check in ruins the whole trip for me. I dont like setting myself up for disappointment so I avoid those situations.
I try to be extra nice and patient at check in. :goodvibes

We have MK View booked next month and my request was 6th floor or higher. If I had known what I know now, I would have booked SV or LV and saved the points and aggravation.

:goodvibes

[movie77]

My brother just joined DVC with BLT their home resort, I'll have to let him know about this. It does seem the lower floors should not be a premium cost in dollars or points, but where is a reasonable floor for the cut off? It sounds like the 6th would be not the best, but OK.

[kevmag]

Personally, I think you acted a bit like a spoiled brat with a sense of entitlement. While I agree the MK view should be raised a bit in floors (or maybe split between 2 different tiers), those are the current rules and setup, and everyone lives by them. Why are you specifically entitled to be on the top floors vs others who play by the same rules? Basically, you just displaced someone else who had a MK view room.

Don't get me wrong, I have no problem for asking for a better room if its available, I do it often. I also think you were right in calling out that you are a DVC member. But the way it sounds like you (twice) refused the room, called them unacceptable, and demanded a better view because you're entitled to it, or somehow have more right to a better room because you are paying $3,000, smacks of selfishness and arrogance. I might give you a pass on the first complaint being on the 3rd floor, but to still throw a fit after getting the 6th floor was uncalled for. You obviously just didn't want a good view, you felt you were entitled to the BEST view.

We JUST joined DVC, bought into BLT with our first trip 'home' next month.
Looking for reassurance here from other DVC members...please tell me the attitude of the OP is NOT typical of DVCers!! We hoped we were joining a group of like minded individuals who love Disney...not an "I belong to DVC and fooey on the rest of the folks..."
??

[bobbiwoz]

We JUST joined DVC, bought into BLT with our first trip 'home' next month.
Looking for reassurance here from other DVC members...please tell me the attitude of the OP is NOT typical of DVCers!! We hoped we were joining a group of like minded individuals who love Disney...not an "I belong to DVC and fooey on the rest of the folks..."
??

Honestly, we have all sorts of members, good, bad and ugly! Enjoy your membership and these boards. We've met lots of Disers, DVC members and not, and all of the meets have been GREAT! We've shared 4 Fireworks cruises, that's one way to meet nice, Disney loving people!

Bobbi:goodvibes

[Chuck S]

DVCers are a cross section of the population as a whole, so expect the same diversity and differing attitudes you encounter everywhere.

[wintergreen]

We checked in for our BLT stay last month very early in the morning, as we had an early Chef Mickey's breakfast reservation, and were moving over from the Poly. As I was checking in, I told the CM that we would prefer a room on a high floor (we had reserved a Bay Lake View), if one was available. She told me that a room had already been assigned on the 3rd floor, and that it was ready. I responded that we were more than willing to wait to check in later, if we could get a room on a higher floor. She responded that there was another room that was ready on the 10th floor, and would we like that one. Absolutely! I find that it is easier to make these kinds of requests with a smile, and everyone is happier. It does seem to me that they are assigning lower floor rooms first, and hoping that folks will take them. The resort was pretty empty when we were there. We never saw another guest on the 10th floor.

[disyady]

We JUST joined DVC, bought into BLT with our first trip 'home' next month.
Looking for reassurance here from other DVC members...please tell me the attitude of the OP is NOT typical of DVCers!! We hoped we were joining a group of like minded individuals who love Disney...not an "I belong to DVC and fooey on the rest of the folks..."
??

We spent one night in a MK view 1 bedroom villa in August. I had seen online that most folks weren't pleased with single-digit floor numbers being MK view and we were assigned to the 5th floor (same floor as the skybridge). All 5 members of my family were absolutely blown away and spent most of the 20 or so hours that we were lucky enough to occupy that villa grinning like fools! We loved everything about it with only one barely important exception - the lack of sheers on the windows. The decor, layout, size, proximity to the skybridge and all that the Contemporary offers and most especially THE VIEW. I even enjoyed looking down at the parking lot and watching families heading over to the Magic Kingdom. To be able to see the Seven Seas Lagoon, ferries, Grand Floridian, monorails, Wishes - it was pure magic. The curtains stayed open all night and we used the castle as our nightlight. I'm so glad that we gave the 5th floor a chance as that night is now our top memory among 30 years of Disney resort stays. :wizard:

[BEASLYBOO]

please tell me the attitude of the OP is NOT typical of DVCers!! We hoped we were joining a group of like minded individuals who love Disney...not an "I belong to DVC and fooey on the rest of the folks..."
??
Some of us (probably many in fact) are just happy, go lucky people just happy to be on vacation at WDW! Welcome!

[gkrykewy]

I can see both sides in this. Rather than piling on the OP, I'll just say that if I were paying $3,000 cash for a BLT MK-view room and was assigned a room on the 3rd-floor, I'd feel kinda pathetic later if I didn't at least try to get a higher-floor room.

This is going to be a permanent issue for BLT, since there's no obvious dividing line between what should be SV or MKV, and the different in pricing (points and presumably cash) is *enormous.*

LV is the sweet spot.

[Chuck S]

I can see both sides in this. Rather than piling on the OP, I'll just say that if I were paying $3,000 cash for a BLT MK-view room and was assigned a room on the 3rd-floor, I'd feel kinda pathetic later if I didn't at least try to get a higher-floor room.

This is going to be a permanent issue for BLT, since there's no obvious dividing line between what should be SV or MKV, and the different in pricing (points and presumably cash) is *enormous.*

Unfortunately, it is a problem at any resort with "guaranteed view" categories. Personally, I wish all the rooms at a resort were the same number of points, unless the rooms were actually different, like the smaller value rooms at AKV Jambo.

Views would be a non-guaranteed request, and everyone would be equal, whether they are Cash or DVC guests, first arrivals get their choice of view or a "ready room" if available. That way no complaints of "my guaranteed view room could barely see the Savannah, ocean, MK, boardwalk...whatever."

[cheezNE1]

Personally, I think you acted a bit like a spoiled brat with a sense of entitlement. While I agree the MK view should be raised a bit in floors (or maybe split between 2 different tiers), those are the current rules and setup, and everyone lives by them. Why are you specifically entitled to be on the top floors vs others who play by the same rules? Basically, you just displaced someone else who had a MK view room.

Don't get me wrong, I have no problem for asking for a better room if its available, I do it often. I also think you were right in calling out that you are a DVC member. But the way it sounds like you (twice) refused the room, called them unacceptable, and demanded a better view because you're entitled to it, or somehow have more right to a better room because you are paying $3,000, smacks of selfishness and arrogance. I might give you a pass on the first complaint being on the 3rd floor, but to still throw a fit after getting the 6th floor was uncalled for. You obviously just didn't want a good view, you felt you were entitled to the BEST view.

:thumbsup2:thumbsup2

Also, imagine if the DVC member in line right behind them witnessed this whole thing and then they ended up with the unwanted MK rooms.... :scared1: I'm gonna be there next month, hope I don't come across this when i check in....

[BWV Dreamin]

Views at BWV are a little more cut and dry. There is the "boardwalk" view....standard being the sections over the parking lot and bus driveways...everything else "preferred" pool/garden. BLT does not have areas that are so cut and dry. Anytime you get that in-between area there will be complaints. This does seem like this will be a problem. With the points chart already defined, I don't see how they will be able to change the room location's naming. Could they?

[dvcdisney]

As I was checking in, I told the CM that we would prefer a room on a high floor (we had reserved a Bay Lake View), if one was available. She told me that a room had already been assigned on the 3rd floor, and that it was ready. I responded that we were more than willing to wait to check in later, if we could get a room on a higher floor. She responded that there was another room that was ready on the 10th floor, and would we like that one. Absolutely! I find that it is easier to make these kinds of requests with a smile, and everyone is happier.

:thumbsup2 I completely agree and well said. I don't think there's anything wrong with asking for another room if it is available. And I think the best way and nicest way to go about it is to say that you would be willing to wait for that room. I, too, would be upset to reserve an MK view and end up on the 3rd floor. But, I have always provided a request of Higher floor and in most cases, I get a middle floor. Then I would ask if there were any higher floors available. If not, I say okay. I'm just a little concerned that because I don't make a big fuss about it, I don't get my preferred room. But someone who gets very upset about it, will. I think they need to do something about this. I think everyone understands that requests are not guaranteed and are based on availability, but this story makes me think that those policies are only for those who don't get upset.:sad2:

Hopefully, they will do something about this issue.

[cheezNE1]

Views at BWV are a little more cut and dry. There is the "boardwalk" view....standard being the sections over the parking lot and bus driveways...everything else "preferred" pool/garden. BLT does not have areas that are so cut and dry. Anytime you get that in-between area there will be complaints. This does seem like this will be a problem. With the points chart already defined, I don't see how they will be able to change the room location's naming. Could they?

It should be just like booking ressie, first ressie, first serve...:)

[gkrykewy]

Unfortunately, it is a problem at any resort with "guaranteed view" categories.

I disagree. I don't think there is another example in the DVC system where two view categories at the opposite end of the points spectrum are separated by an invisible and subjective 1-inch boundary.

I mean, you literally have a circumstance where two rooms have essentially the exact same view, and one has a... what... 50% points premium?

[BWV Dreamin]

There aren't any problems with the "views" at BWV. The points acurately reflect the views that you get there.

[pickles]

perhaps, they need another room category at BLT..like below such and such floor is a MK view, but lesser points and above such and such floor MK premium view such and such points

[JimMIA]

Views would be a non-guaranteed request, and everyone would be equal, whether they are Cash or DVC guests, first arrivals get their choice of view or a "ready room" if available. That way no complaints of "my guaranteed view room could barely see the Savannah, ocean, MK, boardwalk...whatever."I disagree. To me whatever the booking rules are at the time of reservation, they should be observed.

For example, at BWV, certain views are available ONLY to points guests -- that should be respected. At OKW, the "near HH" category is open to both points guests and cash guests -- that should be respected. At BLT, supposedly the better MK views are reserved for points guests -- that should be respected.

In OP's case -- without commenting on their behavior -- I'd say the staff messed up. The staff should NOT have caved in to their demands. They had a rule established to give BLT owners a legitimate advantage in booking views they have paid a lot of money to enjoy. That should have been respected. Caving in to unreasonable demands to bend the rules diminishes the value of BLT ownership.

[daisygirl902]

Has anyone actually BEEN in a 3rd floor MK view room? Especially during the fireworks? I am pretty easygoing, and it would seem to me (although I have been called overly logical at times) that since the fireworks are above the castle you would still have an OK view - not the BEST view but I am assuming you still get a pretty decent view at least, if you can see the fireworks from the bridge....again I am just guessing here as I haven't been there.

I'm not saying I would be thrilled with 3rd floor but I'm just saying that the criteria for their decision is "MK View" which I am assuming you do have from the 3rd floor.

I do sometimes find that some members of DVC seem to have a more demanding attitude at times...it was one of the reasons I waited until this year to buy in...after hearing the flaming comments surrounding the DDP from DVCers i just didn't want to be a part of that kind of group....however I met some fantastic members on the DCL cruise that convinced me that there are many very pleasant and fantastic members out there....and I did buy in last month, and am very pleased to be a member.

I did not go into this expecting any different level of service than I would have prior to owning a DVC membership, I expect decent service for all of my Disney Trips....but I DO NOT expect to be the "exception to the rules" or to get the "best room"...its just not possible. They just simply can't do that for everyone.

[movie77]

I'd like to hear from some people that have been on the 3rd, 4th floor on how the view is. Is 3rd floor where rooms start? If the view is indeed not that good you shouldn't have to pay premium points for that. Sorry but that would be misleading.

[Mtnman44]

Note: the following is intended soley as humorous opinion. I fully respect and support others' different priorities and likes/wants.

For me, the worst thing about the OPs experience was the fact that $600 per night was spent! We spend all of a mere two or three hours a day awake in the room. The amount of the time spent looking out the window is measured in minutes. A fun or unique view is nice, but wowza, I'd rather spend the night in a nice $179 room and have freaking $400 extra bucks PER DAY to spend, or better yet put back in the bank. ;) :thumbsup2

[Deb & Bill]

Note: the following is intended soley as humorous opinion. I fully respect and support others' different priorities and likes/wants.

For me, the worst thing about the OPs experience was the fact that $600 per night was spent! We spend all of a mere two or three hours a day awake in the room. The amount of the time spent looking out the window is measured in minutes. A fun or unique view is nice, but wowza, I'd rather spend the night in a nice $179 room and have freaking $400 extra bucks PER DAY to spend, or better yet put back in the bank. ;) :thumbsup2

Even some of the Concierge rooms at GF have a view looking out over the monorail. And they probably cost as much or nearly as much.

[Disneydonnam]

We just got back after staying 9 nights in a MK view at BLT. We were on the 9th floor and had a great view of the castle and also the parking lot. We thought when we booked this view we would love watching the fireworks from there. We were in the room 2 nights only. With the amount of time we spent in the room I booked our next trip in a standard view.

[JimMIA]

There are two issues here, and both are legitimate.

The most important issue to me is whether a cash guest should be allowed to browbeat the staff into giving them something that is supposed to be guaranteed for members staying on points only. Whether the person making the demands is a DVC member is irrelevant -- they're a cash guest for that stay. If that is permitted by the staff, it decreases the benefit of owning, and those of you who own at BLT have every right to complain to Member Satisfaction about the dilution of your ownership rights, and you should.

(I also happen to think that weak-kneed Disney managers who allow themselves to be bullied into bending rules for privileged people deserve all the bullying they get.)

The second issue is what constitutes a view worthy of paying a higher points cost. I haven't stayed at BLT yet, so I don't know. But if BLT owners think a certain height in the building is required to give a good view (however you define that), they should contact Member Satisfaction and share their opinions.

[Chuck S]

I disagree. To me whatever the booking rules are at the time of reservation, they should be observed.

For example, at BWV, certain views are available ONLY to points guests -- that should be respected. At OKW, the "near HH" category is open to both points guests and cash guests -- that should be respected. At BLT, supposedly the better MK views are reserved for points guests -- that should be respected.

In OP's case -- without commenting on their behavior -- I'd say the staff messed up. The staff should NOT have caved in to their demands. They had a rule established to give BLT owners a legitimate advantage in booking views they have paid a lot of money to enjoy. That should have been respected. Caving in to unreasonable demands to bend the rules diminishes the value of BLT ownership.

You make a good point...but the entire view situation could be easily avoided by not building it into the points chart for a premium number of points. As far as OKW, there is no difference in points between near HH and the rest of the resort, it isn't really a question of a "view" category, and even so, there are arguably some buildings physically closer to to HH than some of those included in the category...the 60s buildings are closer than the 20s cluster on Peninsular Road. So not matter which resort or location, those guaranteed categories were first assigned by someone's subjective decision making.

[DebbieB]

Unfortunately, it is a problem at any resort with "guaranteed view" categories. Personally, I wish all the rooms at a resort were the same number of points, unless the rooms were actually different, like the smaller value rooms at AKV Jambo.

Views would be a non-guaranteed request, and everyone would be equal, whether they are Cash or DVC guests, first arrivals get their choice of view or a "ready room" if available. That way no complaints of "my guaranteed view room could barely see the Savannah, ocean, MK, boardwalk...whatever."

I disagree. When I book a room, I want to know what I'm getting. If BWV would have not make the boardwalk view guaranteed, I probably would have sold it when my mom passed away (we traveled together). That boardwalk view is what gets me back, I make the reservation at 11 months to make sure I get it. I would be very upset to be paying the highest dues at WDW, make a reservation at 11 months and end up facing the driveway.

I also would not want to stay at AKV without the savannah view.

I think the problem with BLT is they need to publish the room descriptions. If they would publish that Magic Kingdom view starts at the 3rd floor, then it would define the expectations when you make a reservation.

[UConnJack]

I want to reiterate that I have no problem with requesting a different room if available. There is an element of first come-first serve to the system, which I am fine with, so if a better room within your category is available, I have no problem requesting the change. Of course, this is so long as they don't disregard room requests which should be first honored on a time-made basis In other words, they shouldn't bump a person out of their recorded room request just because somebody gets there earlier, who didn't have the foresight of a request, just because they think they deserve a better room.

If you have planned well, made your reservation and request early, and checked in as early as possible, you deserve the better room. If its a last minute trip, didn't make a request, and check in late in the day, and then throw a fit because you think you we entitled to a better room, tough doo-doo (and I really want to use the real expletive).

As for BLT, I think they need to make everything on the outer front and some outer north wing MK view. Basically, if you can see the fireworks and any part of MK from inside your room at the door of your balcony (e.g., SM, part of the castle, astro orbiter, etc.), its MK view. From there its all about making your reservations and requests early, first come first served. All have MK views, just some better than others. People may not like it, but otherwise there is always going to be argument about where the floor line that divides the views should be. Standard views should be only lower levels of the inside crescent and some of the outside crescent where you can't see water or a part of the MK from inside the room (if you can see from the balcony, then you get a bonus).

[BWV Dreamin]

I disagree. When I book a room, I want to know what I'm getting. If BWV would have not make the boardwalk view guaranteed, I probably would have sold it when my mom passed away (we traveled together). That boardwalk view is what gets me back, I make the reservation at 11 months to make sure I get it. I would be very upset to be paying the highest dues at WDW, make a reservation at 11 months and end up facing the driveway.

I also would not want to stay at AKV without the savannah view.

I think the problem with BLT is they need to publish the room descriptions. If they would publish that Magic Kingdom view starts at the 3rd floor, then it would define the expectations when you make a reservation.
Exactly. :thumbsup2

[BEASLYBOO]

That boardwalk view is what gets me back, I make the reservation at 11 months to make sure I get it.

I also would not want to stay at AKV without the savannah view.

If they would publish that Magic Kingdom view starts at the 3rd floor, then it would define the expectations when you make a reservation.

ie: VB, OVIR - I didn't expect that my view of the ocean would be to the far right as I jump up and heave myself forward on the balcony. It was 95 degrees out there and all I did was dry bathing suits on the chairs, but in cooler weather where I would have enjoyed the balcony, I would have immediately requested another room or perhaps a refund in the extra points.

Just as Debbie stated, I don't stay at AKV unless I can get the savanna, and at BLT if I request MK view and use the extra points, I hope to get the best room available when I check in. I don't believe in getting ugly w/ anyone for any reason, even while frustrated, civility is still necesarry! I think the offer of 6th floor should have been more than adequate compensation.

[Deb & Bill]

I'd bet MS can't arbitrarily change the MK view from X floor to Y floor and above. Points were established at that resort based on the total number of points available. If you suddenly change an entire floor to a lesser category - from MK view to standard view - multiple points have been lost and cannot be sold. I'm sure they know which rooms are MK view (and notice, it's not Cinderella Castle view, it's MK view which could be Space Mt or the bus stop or anything in MK) and which are not. It would be nice as a member to know that all rooms facing the MK and parking lot above X floor are considered MK view and all those X floor and lower are considered standard view.

And I'm sure DVC's idea of a MK view room is a whole lot different from many of us member's idea of a MK view room. That's why the concept of "views" leads so many members to dissatisfaction. If I knew I was getting a villa and that was all, it would be easier to accept the Bldg 29 (or is it Bldg 27) at OKW because I didn't request a Trumbo Canal view or HH area.

Haven't any of you reserved an ocean view at a hotel only to find you can see the ocean if you get out on the patio/balcony and stand at the very corner and lean to the left? I know we got a water view room at POFQ once (my husband insisted) and we had to leave the room and get out on the walkway to see the water. I told him we should have saved the $25 a night extra for that water view.

[JimMIA]

You make a good point...but the entire view situation could be easily avoided by not building it into the points chart for a premium number of points. Right. And Disney could have done that, and decided not to. Why? Because charging much higher points for a preferred view allowed them to sell many more points for the same capital outlay...thereby increasing their profit.

It is what it is, and they should abide by their own rules. If they are charging owners high points for something, they should deliver -- not cave in and put a cash guest there to shut them up.

[cheezNE1]

Note: the following is intended soley as humorous opinion. I fully respect and support others' different priorities and likes/wants.

For me, the worst thing about the OPs experience was the fact that $600 per night was spent! We spend all of a mere two or three hours a day awake in the room. The amount of the time spent looking out the window is measured in minutes. A fun or unique view is nice, but wowza, I'd rather spend the night in a nice $179 room and have freaking $400 extra bucks PER DAY to spend, or better yet put back in the bank. ;) :thumbsup2

True... but I actually planned my BLT trip schedule according to the firework schedule. :) I specifically booked restaurants at Contemp. on the nights of the fireworks just so I can head back to my room after dinner and enjoy my fireworks without having to fight for a viewing spot at MK. My little DS is afraid of the fireworks and this would be perfect for him to actually watch and enjoy the fireworks without being afraid of the loud sounds.
Why do people buy 4x4 SUV when we only use it like maybe couple times a year. It's not how much you use it, it's knowing that you have it and be able to use it whenever you want to. I know i won't be watching the fireworks from my MK view room every night, but i want to at least be able to watch it when I feel like it. And that comes with a price....
If we have the choice, i would just book the nights that i'm going to MK only and the nights that i want fireworks. :upsidedow

[snackyx]

This situation is only going to get worse. DVC has been marketing BLT with these dazzling MK views. Go into the models at Saratoga and they have a backdrop outside the window showing a "dazzing" MK view, most likely from a very high floor. Unfortunatly, rooms designated with a MK view are not just on high floors. Expectations have been set, and when DVC members are paying a substancial preminum for a MK view they are expecting a view worthy of those additional points.

Personally, I think the MK views have been oversold. This forum is loaded with photos taken from rooms with MK views that are really "parking lot views with the castle behind". In many instances the additional points spent on the preminum view would have allowed the member a longer stay or a larger accomodation. Their though is "lets spend the additional points and have a really MAGICAL view!"...and then the lower floor room is assigned.

Sadly, this will become an issue of the squeaky wheel getting the grease. If you are willing to make an issue at the front desk, chances are you will have your situation improved. Of course, these rooms do not come out of thin air, and someone else who has also paid the preminum points will have to settle for the lesser view. I can guarantee there are many DVC members who just do not have it in their DNA to confront the front desk and make a scene...and this won't be a points vs. cash problem--at busy times of the year the place will be loaded with DVC memebers staying on points. Who gets what then?

This becomes alot of hassle and additional stress to have to deal with when you are on vacation.

[UConnJack]

Also let me share my recent experience at AKV. We recently stayed at Jambo House Savanah View Studio, and our first room had a view of a smallish corner of the Sunset Savanah. I usually don't make a fuss at all unless there is a serious problem, and we did make this reservation on the late side, but I called down and nicely asked if there was anything available further down the hall along the Sunset Savanah, quickly noting that if there wasn't, that was fine. They called me back a few minutes later and said there was another room available that we could move to. The new room did have a better view. We moved in, unpacked, and started dinner, feeling maybe a little guilty that the next person to check in might get a somewhat inferior room. But we were there first, and I assumed we weren't treading on anyone's requests.

Head of housekeeping soon knocked on the door and asked if everything was alright with our room. We thought "what personal service, I'm liking AKV"! We said yes, but asked why the coffee maker was still in the box. She looked confused and said "to keep it Kosher".

Turns out they did move us into a room that was available, but apparently the CM at the front desk disregarded or didn't realize what the room request meant, and gave us someone else's requested Kosher room. We were mortified. We offered to move back, but we had already unpacked and seriously "un-Koshered" the room, and housekeeping said it would take just as much effort to re-do this room as it would be a new room, adding it was not our fault, but the CM's for moving us.

DVC really needs to stick to their guns about their rules and policies. Maybe the CM just thought Kosher meant they had special dietary restrictions, but they were awfully quick to disregard a request at just my casual inquiry about a room change. I may have worked to our benefit, but we certainly didn't feel good about it. What would have happened if I made a fuss? While this won't stop me from inquiring about certain rooms, areas, and changes at check-in, I will never let myself be some arrogant, entitled, self-important brat who demand that I be given the best seat in the house. I may even prompt the CM to make sure they aren't trampling over someone else request to accommodate me (unless I made the reservation/request before they did , of course ;)

[TagsMissy]

Personally, I think you acted a bit like a spoiled brat with a sense of entitlement. While I agree the MK view should be raised a bit in floors (or maybe split between 2 different tiers), those are the current rules and setup, and everyone lives by them. Why are you specifically entitled to be on the top floors vs others who play by the same rules? Basically, you just displaced someone else who had a MK view room.

Don't get me wrong, I have no problem for asking for a better room if its available, I do it often. I also think you were right in calling out that you are a DVC member. But the way it sounds like you (twice) refused the room, called them unacceptable, and demanded a better view because you're entitled to it, or somehow have more right to a better room because you are paying $3,000, smacks of selfishness and arrogance. I might give you a pass on the first complaint being on the 3rd floor, but to still throw a fit after getting the 6th floor was uncalled for. You obviously just didn't want a good view, you felt you were entitled to the BEST view.

I have to say I agree 100% with this post.

I will give you -- getting 3rd floor doesn't cut it for the cost of a MK view, I had a 2nd floor Std 2BR and we thought the view was marvelous for a Std, one floor up not so much for a MK view. To kindly and nicely request a higher room if available would be completely acceptable in my view.

However when you had a childish fit over the 6th floor is where I take great issue and feel you went too far in your belief of your entitlement.

[Cmbar]

A little off topic...

We have a BLT Lake View booked for two studios in November (Thanksgiving week). We have to arrive late (around 7pm) the Sat before Thanksgiving so I expect it to be a very busy check in day. Uconn Jack, I booked on the first day of 11 months window and requested "near the bridge". Do you think I will( or should be ) stuck on the lower level floors because we have to check in later? :goodvibes

We are traveling with two 90 year old grandparents and I am concerned that they not be too high up and would like to be close to the bridge for the simple fact of being closer getting to the Contemporary. So what should I expect for Lake View. I don't think we will be able to really request anything at the desk because we will be getting in late and will probably have to take what they have. We would REALLY like to be close to our grandparents.. I don't want to be on the other side of the building from them. Can I request that we be put together? I guess I am nervous about Lake view assignments. Has anyone determined how low the Lake View rooms go??

What would you suggest for requests on the reservation?? I would appreciate any advice.

[TagsMissy]

I'd like to hear from some people that have been on the 3rd, 4th floor on how the view is. Is 3rd floor where rooms start? If the view is indeed not that good you shouldn't have to pay premium points for that. Sorry but that would be misleading.

I wasn't on the 3rd but I had a 2nd floor room, std view and what we thought was a marvelous view of MK and we saw ALL the fireworks the night we were home to watch them. We were pleasantly surprised and absolutely thrilled BUT we had a Standard room. Where is the best cut off, I don't now? But 4 stories to the 6th floor would be MORE than lovely I'd wager.

I actually read this post yesterday and deleted my original reply as I was so angry reading it and how the feeling of self entitlement when the 6th floor wasn't up to their standards.

But as was mentioned before -- it takes all kinds to form society.

[MrToad_at_BLT]

Definately off topic...but I just was thinking about how these reactions were probably the last thing in the world the OP expected :rotfl2:

[UConnJack]

We have a BLT Lake View booked for two studios in November (Thanksgiving week). We have to arrive late (around 7pm) the Sat before Thanksgiving so I expect it to be a very busy check in day. Uconn Jack, I booked on the first day of 11 months window and requested "near the bridge". Do you think I will( or should be ) stuck on the lower level floors because we have to check in later? :goodvibes

No, I think you should (but not necessarily will) get what you requested. In general, I think that reservations with standing requests (should) trump early arrival and check-ins. I also think that earlier requests (should) trump ones made later. But I do think that all these things being equal, that people checking in earlier should have the ability to pick out the best rooms that are available from the remaining pool of rooms (i.e., those without requests.) I won't say that earlier reservations (without requests) should get preference, because really absence of a request is basically saying you don't care. Plus, the CM's can't be expected to read someone's mind as to what they'd prefer, so if you don't make a request, you should get what you get (and don't get upset - as my kid's teacher tells them).

That said, I unfortunately think DVC sometimes disregards requests, especially to placate the brats who cause a scene. So since you are checking in late, you could end up the unfortunate victim of one of these brats and spineless CMs (another reason to check in early if possible, beat them to the punch).

If you are mostly concerned with being near each other, I would definitely add that to your request. That is a request they get frequently and they will link the two reservations with notes that they would like to be near each other. But keep in mind, the more you narrow down your request, the more you have to be flexible with other aspects. So if you get rooms next to each other somewhere on the south wing where the bridge is, I wouldn't complain, even if you end up on a lower level with a lesser view. That said, my impression so far of the lake views from reports is that they are all pretty nice. Either people haven't quite been as particular about them like the MK views, or they all have reasonable views of the water.

[UConnJack]

Definately off topic...but I just was thinking about how these reactions were probably the last thing in the world the OP expected :rotfl2:

Then the OP obviously doesn't read the boards very carefully.....

[Mookie Blaylock]

personally, i think you acted a bit like a spoiled brat with a sense of entitlement. While i agree the mk view should be raised a bit in floors (or maybe split between 2 different tiers), those are the current rules and setup, and everyone lives by them. Why are you specifically entitled to be on the top floors vs others who play by the same rules? Basically, you just displaced someone else who had a mk view room.

Don't get me wrong, i have no problem for asking for a better room if its available, i do it often. I also think you were right in calling out that you are a dvc member. But the way it sounds like you (twice) refused the room, called them unacceptable, and demanded a better view because you're entitled to it, or somehow have more right to a better room because you are paying $3,000, smacks of selfishness and arrogance. I might give you a pass on the first complaint being on the 3rd floor, but to still throw a fit after getting the 6th floor was uncalled for. You obviously just didn't want a good view, you felt you were entitled to the best view.

+1

[Cmbar]

No, I think you should (but not necessarily will) get what you requested. In general, I think that reservations with standing requests (should) trump early arrival and check-ins. I also think that earlier requests (should) trump ones made later. But I do think that all these things being equal, that people checking in earlier should have the ability to pick out the best rooms that are available from the remaining pool of rooms (i.e., those without requests.) I won't say that earlier reservations (without requests) should get preference, because really absence of a request is basically saying you don't care. Plus, the CM's can't be expected to read someone's mind as to what they'd prefer, so if you don't make a request, you should get what you get (and don't get upset - as my kid's teacher tells them).

That said, I unfortunately think DVC sometimes disregards requests, especially to placate the brats who cause a scene. So since you are checking in late, you could end up the unfortunate victim of one of these brats and spineless CMs (another reason to check in early if possible, beat them to the punch).

If you are mostly concerned with being near each other, I would definitely add that to your request. That is a request they get frequently and they will link the two reservations with notes that they would like to be near each other. But keep in mind, the more you narrow down your request, the more you have to be flexible with other aspects. So if you get rooms next to each other somewhere on the south wing where the bridge is, I wouldn't complain, even if you end up on a lower level with a lesser view. That said, my impression so far of the lake views from reports is that they are all pretty nice. Either people haven't quite been as particular about them like the MK views, or they all have reasonable views of the water.

Thanks for the advice:thumbsup2 I booked both reservations together and both ressies came to me so I would assume they are already linked. But I will call MS and confirm they are linked and be sure that that is prominent in the request. I am pretty sure I have "near the bridge" in the request, so I guess I can keep that and hopefully they will fulfil the two requests. I would be thrilled with a 5th floor Lake view facing the contemporary so that my son can see the monorail, I can see the lake and we don't have to travel too difficult to get to the bridge! Not asking for too much right?:thumbsup2

Are Lake views all on the East side of the building? Anyone know?

[UConnJack]

Are Lake views all on the East side of the building? Anyone know?

There is a running thread listing the location and views of the BLT rooms:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2257082

[beccasmom]

We stayed at BLT for two nights last month. Our reservation was for a studio, lake view. We did on-line check in. When we got to the resort, I requested a high floor view if it was available (this was at around 4:00 p.m.). We were given a 9th floor room with a great view. I only saw one other guest on the floor during our (brief) stay there. We are members and did use points for our stay.

[LisaRN97]

What would you suggest for requests on the reservation?? I would appreciate any advice.

We were just there last week and I had emailed customer support on the DVC member website. They responded that they passed the message along to BLT and that they will try to meet my request, but it is not a guarantee. I requested a room in the North Tower (studio LV) and got what I had asked for....plus we didn't check in until 9:30pm.

Have fun!!

[LisaRN97]

We had a LV with a partial MK view and IMO, that view is even better than a MK view. The parking lot is an eye sore :eek: We were there for 3 nights last week and 2 of the 3 nights viewed wishes from the TOTWL......(the 3rd night our girls were asleep by 9). In the future we will always go with LV or standard....and be happy that we are even there!!!:banana:

[whitfamily]

Sad thing is think of all the people out of work, losing their homes or barely getting by right now. We're all fortunate to even be able to go to WDW, let alone afford the great accommodations of DVC. Instead of throwing a temper tantrum because things aren't 100% perfect enjoy the other 99% of things that are and realize you and your family are having experiences many would dream of in todays economy.

YOU'RE AT DISNEY WORLD FOR PETE SAKE!

[DVCJones]

When I was at BLT in August, I saw a DVC member yelling at a CM in the lobby about some stupid thing, so much so that it drove her to tears.

My wife was so upset to see such bad behavior from another DVC member that we spoke to the CM and her manager afterwards, and we were a bit ashamed to learn that this is a commonplace thing. DVC Members get extremely upset about something and take it out on the CM.

I'm not saying that is what took place here, but it's a shame that DVC members have this reputation.

This is a real shame.:sad2:

[Sammie]

I think part of the problem, not sure about OP, but in general that until DVC built at the Contemporary most that are now staying there as DVC had not stayed there.

I am sorry but the MK views at the Contemporary in my opinion are not dazzling. You have to be up really high to see the castle and most of the MK, if not you are looking a very large, very brightly lit parking lot.

The location is excellent at the Contemporary and has a lot going for it, but in my opinion view is not its best feature. I personally think the Bay Lake views are much nicer.

[Chuck S]

I think part of the problem, not sure about OP, but in general that until DVC built at the Contemporary most that are now staying there as DVC had not stayed there.

I am sorry but the MK views at the Contemporary in my opinion are not dazzling. You have to be up really high to see the castle and most of the MK, if not you are looking a very large, very brightly lit parking lot.

The location is excellent at the Contemporary and has a lot going for it, but in my opinion view is not its best feature. I personally think the Bay Lake views are much nicer.

This is true, before buying into DVC we stayed at the Contemporary, 8th floor and 11th floor facing the MK. The view of the MK was nice, but not spectacular, it was interesting to see what we could of the park at night after everyone had left and the rides that were visible, like the Astro Orbiter (and at that time the skyway) shut down, and you could hear things going on, like music tests etc. But the actual view was mainly CR parking lot, MK bus area and to the left the "new" convention center. And the way that the BLT sits back some from the original tower, I imagine the view is even a little worse at BLT than from a CR balcony. Wait until the turkey vultures start perching on the upper BLT balconies, like they do at the CR. ;)

[Cmbar]

We were just there last week and I had emailed customer support on the DVC member website. They responded that they passed the message along to BLT and that they will try to meet my request, but it is not a guarantee. I requested a room in the North Tower (studio LV) and got what I had asked for....plus we didn't check in until 9:30pm.

Have fun!!

Thank you Lisa! When did you email them? Was it far in advance of your trip or just before it?? Thanks!

[gkrykewy]

Wait until the turkey vultures start perching on the upper BLT balconies, like they do at the CR. ;)

That ship has sailed, I'm afraid. Multiple layers of bird droppings on our LV (specific view: lake, marina, contemporary, monorail, GF) balcony in August.

[BroganMc]

While this won't stop me from inquiring about certain rooms, areas, and changes at check-in, I will never let myself be some arrogant, entitled, self-important brat who demand that I be given the best seat in the house. I may even prompt the CM to make sure they aren't trampling over someone else request to accommodate me (unless I made the reservation/request before they did , of course ;)

Good story to share.

As for me, my only "must have" request is the special needs room with roll-in shower. I may request certain areas and views on the ressie, but this is the only one I'm sure to fight for as it is absolutely crucial for me. Now you may wonder why I even have to bother checking and rechecking that. Special Needs does lock the room in on reservation but I have arrived and found the Front Office room assigner put us in the HA room with the tub. It's easy to miss the tub vs shower portion of the room description.

[BroganMc]

I think part of the problem, not sure about OP, but in general that until DVC built at the Contemporary most that are now staying there as DVC had not stayed there.


This is why when we purchased our add-on it was with Lake View rooms in mind. Having been to Contemporary and seen MK and Lake views I knew which we considered worth the money.

[JimMIA]

Wait until the turkey vultures start perching on the upper BLT balconies, like they do at the CR. ;)Years ago here in Miami, we had a big problem with turkey vultures perching on the County Courthouse. The obvious joke was that they were attracted by the "scent" of corruption inside. The county tried everything imaginable, but nothing worked.

Eventually, the growth of the community made it necessary to build a separate county govenment building right next door to the courthouse. The courts stayed in the courthouse; most of the government offices and all of the elected officials moved to the new County Hall.

Guess what the vultures did? They moved next door to where the politicians are!

[ETA: They're still there!]

[dizfan]

For those that do not know, when BWV opened it had one room category.

After enough complaints they split into two categories to eliminate CMs from putting up with this.

Disney can still correct this problem.

[BroganMc]

Guess what the vultures did? They moved next door to where the politicians are!

[ETA: They're still there!]

LOL. Who knew birds were so smart?

[dioxide45]

This does seem like this will be a problem. With the points chart already defined, I don't see how they will be able to change the room location's naming. Could they?


I'd bet MS can't arbitrarily change the MK view from X floor to Y floor and above. Points were established at that resort based on the total number of points available. If you suddenly change an entire floor to a lesser category - from MK view to standard view - multiple points have been lost and cannot be sold. .

If BLT isn't sold out, they could fix the problem. Just readjust the views. If the number of units that change had x number of points before and now only have n number of points now. Just take x-n and multiply it by that number of rooms. Then don't sell that number of points. They could also fix it if they build another tower that has MK views.

This all boils down to $$ and profit for DVC, nothing else.

[Deb & Bill]

For those that do not know, when BWV opened it had one room category.

After enough complaints they split into two categories to eliminate CMs from putting up with this.

Disney can still correct this problem.

But they can't decrease the number of points required, only increase as they did with BWV. The standard view rooms are about the same as OKW rooms of the same size. The preferred view rooms were more than the standard view.

Unless they are willing to decrease the total number of points available to be sold. And would they have to go through the whole timeshare process with the states again at that point??

[Chuck S]

If BLT isn't sold out, they could fix the problem. Just readjust the views. If the number of units that change had x number of points before and now only have n number of points now. Just take x-n and multiply it by that number of rooms. Then don't sell that number of points. They could also fix it if they build another tower that has MK views.

This all boils down to $$ and profit for DVC, nothing else.

Not exactly, the number of points for the resort are fixed, reducing the number of available points will increase dues, and they'd wind up with a situation like at VB where DVD subsidizes dues for those that have already purchased. More than likely, if they re-designated some rooms out of MK view and into standard, the points required per night would increase somewhere, either for the remaining MK views, or BLT resort wide.

[dizfan]

But they can't decrease the number of points required, only increase as they did with BWV. The standard view rooms are about the same as OKW rooms of the same size. The preferred view rooms were more than the standard view.

Unless they are willing to decrease the total number of points available to be sold. And would they have to go through the whole timeshare process with the states again at that point??

Could they create another category or two, and splitting rooms as needed?
Maybe a Monorail view for the lower level MK side rooms.
Could also call many of the Northside outer C rooms LF (Lake view with Fireworks view).

This would allow them to keep total points for the resort, plus eliminate issues where one floor up/down can be 30-40% difference in points.

I hope they do something or make a steadfast rule so the CMs don't take the brunt of it. For us, WDW is about the magic and 90% of the time, the magic has been provided by a CM.

[Sandisw]

I think part of the problen, IMO, is that many people who put in requests expect them, even though they are not guaranteed. I have read a lot of posts where people were upset that they had requested something and it wasn't given to them.

But, I also think that they need to categorize those MK views even further (if they leave them as MK view) similarly to what they do at BWV.

Boardwalk view and preferred view are the same # of points, but are guaranteed booking categories. I personally think that a Boardwalk view is better than pool/garden view but there is no point savings.

Why can't they do that with BLT and the MK rooms? Take the MK view category and rename it "Regular/Preferred MK view". MK view rooms on floors 3 - 6 would be regular MK view and floors 7th and up would be "preferred MK view".

Same points, but when you make a reservation, you get to pick and then it is first come/first serve. If the only MK view rooms left when you call are those "regular MK view rooms" (meaning you know when booking you're going to be on a lower floor) then you make a choice--book or not. At least, people will know ahead of time what they are getting.

[BLTtinkerbell]

I think part of the problen, IMO, is that many people who put in requests expect them, even though they are not guaranteed. I have read a lot of posts where people were upset that they had requested something and it wasn't given to them.

But, I also think that they need to categorize those MK views even further (if they leave them as MK view) similarly to what they do at BWV.

Boardwalk view and preferred view are the same # of points, but are guaranteed booking categories. I personally think that a Boardwalk view is better than pool/garden view but there is no point savings.

Why can't they do that with BLT and the MK rooms? Take the MK view category and rename it "Regular/Preferred MK view". MK view rooms on floors 3 - 6 would be regular MK view and floors 7th and up would be "preferred MK view".

Same points, but when you make a reservation, you get to pick and then it is first come/first serve. If the only MK view rooms left when you call are those "regular MK view rooms" (meaning you know when booking you're going to be on a lower floor) then you make a choice--book or not. At least, people will know ahead of time what they are getting.

I really like this idea. I haven't been to BLT yet, (going in July!) but I have read lots of posts about the rooms/views. If your idea were in place, then when I called to book my reservation, I would have requested "preferred MK view" if that was not available I would have asked for a LV, as I personally think LV would be better than "regular MK view". Of course I won't really know what I think until I see BLT for myself. I do hope everyone gets a room that they love.

[dis-happy]

I've mentioned it before but maybe it's worth repeating: I never make any room requests (other than n/s when that was still an option). And the end result: we ALWAYS get fabulous room views and locations! Honestly, I think those room assigners get so tired of picky people with many requests and when someone comes along with no request they go out of their way to do something nice.

And if the day comes and we end up with the dumpster view or whatever, no big deal. Life goes on.

[Chuck S]

I think part of the problen, IMO, is that many people who put in requests expect them, even though they are not guaranteed. I have read a lot of posts where people were upset that they had requested something and it wasn't given to them.

But, I also think that they need to categorize those MK views even further (if they leave them as MK view) similarly to what they do at BWV.

Boardwalk view and preferred view are the same # of points, but are guaranteed booking categories. I personally think that a Boardwalk view is better than pool/garden view but there is no point savings.

Why can't they do that with BLT and the MK rooms? Take the MK view category and rename it "Regular/Preferred MK view". MK view rooms on floors 3 - 6 would be regular MK view and floors 7th and up would be "preferred MK view".

Same points, but when you make a reservation, you get to pick and then it is first come/first serve. If the only MK view rooms left when you call are those "regular MK view rooms" (meaning you know when booking you're going to be on a lower floor) then you make a choice--book or not. At least, people will know ahead of time what they are getting.

Yes, they could do that, but remember that the more "guaranteed" room categories there are, the more it will limit availability. For instance, can you imagine calling for an MK view, even at 8 months before it opens to the other owners, and having to move several times because nights aren't available for your entire trip in one "guaranteed" MK view area?

[tjkraz]

Yes, they could do that, but remember that the more "guaranteed" room categories there are, the more it will limit availability. For instance, can you imagine calling for an MK view, even at 8 months before it opens to the other owners, and having to move several times because nights aren't available for your entire trip in one "guaranteed" MK view area?

I totally agree with Chuck. With multiple categories, there will frequently be periods where (for example) Sunday & Monday are available in "Preferred MK View" while Tuesday - Friday are only available in "Standard MK View." With the dual categories, a guest has to choose the split stay to lock-in their reservation. But with the single "MK View" category available now, the entire period would be available for booking

Adding more categories also increases waitlist volume and the associated administrative expenses. Instead of being satisfied with the general "MK View" category, those booking "Standard MK View" will often waitlist for "Preferred MK View" when point values are the same.

No matter which resort we're talking about, there will always be rooms deemed "better" or "worse" than others. We've always been told that requests are simply requests and cannot always be granted. I'd like to think that we are all tolerant enough to take the bad with the good. It's pretty obvious that a 14th floor room will have a better view than a 3rd story room, but every single night of the year SOMEONE still needs to stay in that 3rd floor villa.

[LisaRN97]

Thank you Lisa! When did you email them? Was it far in advance of your trip or just before it?? Thanks!

I emailed them about two weeks before our trip and got a response within 24 hours (saying that they passed it along to BLT). Please let us know how your trip goes!!

[dianeschlicht]

I have a different perspective -

At the BWV, the Boardwalk view rooms are reserved for DVC members using points for their stay. Cash guests are not assigned to those rooms, even if they are DVC members who booked their cash stay through MS.

At the BCV, the dedicated two bedroom villas with two two queens in the second bedroom are reserved for members using points. Those villas are not available to cash guests, even if they are DVC members who booked their cash stay through MS.

Even though many (including me) think BLT's lower floors should be standard view, that is not the way it is right now. Someone is going to get those less desirable MK view rooms. IMO, it is perfectly reasonable for the better MK views at the BLT to be reserved for DVC members using points for their stay.

When the OP insisted on the change that the CR Mgr "granted", another DVC member using points was probably bumped to the room he/she refused. If so, that wasn't right. JMHO. YMMV.

Exactly. Usually cash discount rooms for DVC are not the "special catagory" rooms at all.

[Kris10luvsDisney]

Sad thing is think of all the people out of work, losing their homes or barely getting by right now. We're all fortunate to even be able to go to WDW, let alone afford the great accommodations of DVC. Instead of throwing a temper tantrum because things aren't 100% perfect enjoy the other 99% of things that are and realize you and your family are having experiences many would dream of in todays economy.

YOU'RE AT DISNEY WORLD FOR PETE SAKE!

Well said, Whitfamily. There are so many things more important in life than working yourself into a tizzy over a room location. Actually how much time are you spending in your room?? Appreciate the important things in life and realize how lucky you are to be able to share WDW with your family!!

[Disneydonnam]

Well said, Whitfamily. There are so many things more important in life than working yourself into a tizzy over a room location. Actually how much time are you spending in your room?? Appreciate the important things in life and realize how lucky you are to be able to share WDW with your family!!

Great Quote.

[spiceycat]

I've mentioned it before but maybe it's worth repeating: I never make any room requests (other than n/s when that was still an option). And the end result: we ALWAYS get fabulous room views and locations! Honestly, I think those room assigners get so tired of picky people with many requests and when someone comes along with no request they go out of their way to do something nice.

And if the day comes and we end up with the dumpster view or whatever, no big deal. Life goes on.

you don't understand

MK View is not a request. It is guaranteed view.

same for Lake View
-
standard view is what I get and yea it may be a dumpster view or a monrail view - can't know until I get there.

but if someone want a MK view and got 3rd floor - well sorry but that is a bunch of points for a parking lot view.

CR MK views start on the 5th floor and go up. BLT MK views should start on 6the floor and go up (6th floor at BLT is the 5th floor at CR)

these are not REQUESTS - they are views and boy the different in points is a whole lot.

studio - adventure season
the different in points for BW preferred is 12 - 9 (standard at BW)
for BLT - MK view is 17 - 12 (standard at BLT)

it would like asking for and paying for a savannah view at AKV - but getting a parking lot view.

now tell me you would be fine with that one.

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

CR MK views start on the 5th floor and go up.Actually the Magic Kingdom Views at the Contemporary start on the 6th floor, because of the Monorail station. So the 5th floor of the Contemporary Tower only has the Bay Lake View.

[Deb & Bill]

...CR MK views start on the 5th floor and go up. BLT MK views should start on 6the floor and go up (6th floor at BLT is the 5th floor at CR)....

Could that be because there aren't any rooms on any floor lower than the fifth floor? BLT has rooms on lower floors that face the MK. They should be MK views. Remember MK doesn't mean Cinderella Castle, it means MK.

We had the California Adventure view at the Grand Californian once and didn't see anything, but the tops of some of the rides.

[Chuck S]

Remember it is the design of the original CR tower that limits the "views" to floor 6 and higher. If there were 3rd, 4th and 5th floor rooms on that side they would likely be considered MK view.

[WoodysRoundup]

Just wanted to chime in. We stayed at BLT in Aug. on the 7th floor MK view. My initial response to the view was not very positive. You see way more of the parking lot than I had expected. Also, the area at the base of CR is very active early in the morning. After day one, I just trained my eye to look over that towards the MK. We thoroughly enjoyed our view. That said, I would appreciate the view categories broken down more. Whether or not that's possible, who is to say! ;)

[BWV Dreamin]

Do any standard views look at the parking lot?

[wdrl]

Do any standard views look at the parking lot?

If you look at work2play's thread on BLT rooms (see http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2257082), you'll see that she has confirmed that villas 7216, 7218, and 7220 are Standard view villas. She also suspects, but has not confirmed, that villas 7226, 7228, and 7230 are Standard view as well. All 6 of these villas are on the second floor and are on the middle part of BLT's crescent facing the the parking lot. TagsMissy (see post #141 of the above referenced thread) gives a good description of the view from villa 7216.

In addition, villa 7512 is a confirmed standard view villa on the north crescent. Post #180 of work2play's thread (see http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33559761&postcount=180) has some great photos of the view from this villa. One of these photos shows the castle and Space Mountain in the distance, and the parking lot in the foreground. Another shows Bay Lake.

Those photos in Post #180 from villa 7512 might be a good example of the different perceptions people have about views. Forget for a moment that Disney defined 7512 as a Standard View villa. How would a reasonable person classify this villa? Do you look at that photo and see the castle and Space Mountain (and in the evening fireworks)? Or do you look at that photo and see only parking lot? Or do you look at the photo showing Bay Lake and think it has a Lake View?

[BWV Dreamin]

That room 7512 is really a tough one to catagorize. I wonder how they determined each room? I wonder if they walked into each and every room, looked out and labeled? 7512 is really a subjective view!

If you look at work2play's thread on BLT rooms (see http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2257082), you'll see that she has confirmed that villas 7216, 7218, and 7220 are Standard view villas. She also suspects, but has not confirmed, that villas 7226, 7228, and 7230 are Standard view as well. All 6 of these villas are on the second floor and are on the middle part of BLT's crescent facing the the parking lot. TagsMissy (see post #141 of the above referenced thread) gives a good description of the view from villa 7216.

In addition, villa 7512 is a confirmed standard view villa on the north crescent. Post #180 of work2play's thread (see http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33559761&postcount=180) has some great photos of the view from this villa. One of these photos shows the castle and Space Mountain in the distance, and the parking lot in the foreground. Another shows Bay Lake.

Those photos in Post #180 from villa 7512 might be a good example of the different perceptions people have about views. Forget for a moment that Disney defined 7512 as a Standard View villa. How would a reasonable person classify this villa? Do you look at that photo and see the castle and Space Mountain (and in the evening fireworks)? Or do you look at that photo and see only parking lot? Or do you look at the photo showing Bay Lake and think it has a Lake View?

[TagsMissy]

And I've not forgotten about posting some pictures of BLT and our view but they are on my hubby's comp and we've been on completely opposite schedules during the week and he's been away the past 2 weekends for work since returning and so I've not had a chance to snag his laptop and look at them. I do promise I will do so this upcoming week since we are both working on the same schedule and will actually have evenings together.

[kmcrosby]

We tried to reserve a MK view for our 1-night stay before the Member Cruise, but none were available, so we books a LV studio. When we checked in at 10:00 AM, not only was the room available, but it was on the 16th floor, which is the same floor as the TOTWL.

What luck. We not only had a great view, we could come and go on the 16th floor as we pleased. If it hasn't already been posted before, you don't have access to this floor unless you have reservations for the TOTWL or are staying on the floor.

We thought this was great way to start off our Member Cruise, but I will agree with many others...the studios do seem small...but, very nice. We would definately stay again, even in a studio if it's just my DW and I, and we will request a room on the 16th floor.:wizard:

[DebbieB]

That room 7512 is really a tough one to catagorize. I wonder how they determined each room? I wonder if they walked into each and every room, looked out and labeled? 7512 is really a subjective view!

The question is 7512 really a standard view? Or was someone upgraded? I just read a thread where someone had a first floor standard view and was upset that her children might not be safe on the first floor. So they moved them to the 5th floor room that was 50% MK view, 50% lake view. They could see the fireworks. That was obviously not a standard view.

There have been cases at BWV where someone was given a room and was told it was preferred view and another person had it as a standard view. If you notice, DVC does not publish specific view maps.

[dizfan]

The question is 7512 really a standard view? Or was someone upgraded? I just read a thread where someone had a first floor standard view and was upset that her children might not be safe on the first floor. So they moved them to the 5th floor room that was 50% MK view, 50% lake view. They could see the fireworks. That was obviously not a standard view.

There have been cases at BWV where someone was given a room and was told it was preferred view and another person had it as a standard view. If you notice, DVC does not publish specific view maps.

If you read work2play's trip report
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2265605
Post 26 shows the desk CM thought there were SV on the 5th floor.

OK, just came from the front desk. (Son lost room key!). I asked about my room. She looked it up and said "standard view"! We think it might be due to the trees? She thought there were standard view rooms on floors 1-5, but she was not sure exactly where they would be...

work2play initially thought her room 7306 was an upgrade until checking with the front desk. Without her awesome diagrams and work, I think we would all be in the dark on these hidden gems.

[dis-happy]

you don't understand

MK View is not a request. It is guaranteed view.

same for Lake View
-
standard view is what I get and yea it may be a dumpster view or a monrail view - can't know until I get there.

but if someone want a MK view and got 3rd floor - well sorry but that is a bunch of points for a parking lot view.

CR MK views start on the 5th floor and go up. BLT MK views should start on 6the floor and go up (6th floor at BLT is the 5th floor at CR)

these are not REQUESTS - they are views and boy the different in points is a whole lot.

studio - adventure season
the different in points for BW preferred is 12 - 9 (standard at BW)
for BLT - MK view is 17 - 12 (standard at BLT)

it would like asking for and paying for a savannah view at AKV - but getting a parking lot view.

now tell me you would be fine with that one.


No, I understand. Just meant that I don't make any "requests". Different from the reservation categories of course. Although one time I had a standard view booked at BWV (with no add'l requests such as "top floor" or "near elevators") and we were actually UPGRADED to a Garden View room with a view of TOT, the canal and S&D, plus given daily housekeeping (they treated me like CRO). While the upgrade is unusual, I've still always been given great rooms with great locations and great views. Usually the ones I hear people trying to request here: such as the enormous balcony, or Illuminations views, or canal view at BCV; at BWV we always get a great spot with the standard view ressie (high floor away from the bell hops, great view of fireworks), VWL top floor overlooking the water and/or pool; HH was an upgrade from studio to 2 b/r.

When the time comes that I book BLT MK view, I won't be listing "high floor" or anything else as a request, just happily taking what I get, 3rd floor, 6th floor, 13th floor! If nothing else, I figure I'll never be disappointed by not getting a request. :)

[spiceycat]

Remember it is the design of the original CR tower that limits the "views" to floor 6 and higher. If there were 3rd, 4th and 5th floor rooms on that side they would likely be considered MK view.

I don't think so - remember you see the parking lot view here.


remember in the originally building this was considered the bad view. It was not until the demand for the bad view out weighted the good view (bay lake) that Disney changed it mind. (or think so)

for those lowered views it would be view of the parking lot - and who wants to pay top price for a view of the parking lot.

what I can't believe is DVC did not understand that simple fact. Now for a standard view that view is great. but for a MK view that is expecting more of a MK view and not parking lot - it is horrible.

besides remember the rooms in the model - that is what they showed as the MK view - that view is what 10th floor or higher.

so 7th floor and above should be MK views - the lower floors especially 5th and under should be standard - water if you can see the lake (either bay lake or seven seas lagoon)

for DVC to say it begans on the 3rd floor. Well that is not what they advertised.

[Fantasmic303]

That room 7512 is really a tough one to catagorize. I wonder how they determined each room? I wonder if they walked into each and every room, looked out and labeled? 7512 is really a subjective view!

I'll admit I didn't read this whole thread, but I'll tell you what they told me. We asked the same question when we took the Vacation As You Wish tour, where we ended up adding points. We wanted to know exactly how much "Magic Kingdom" we'd be waking up to. Our guide pointed out a specific spot in the room (I believe it was the wall that broke off the kitchen area from the bathroom) and said that if you were to stand right at that wall and look out the window, what you saw would determine what view the room was designated as. I want to say he told us that if you could see the Castle from that point, it was MK view, but I could be wrong - he may have pointed it out, but it could be a view of anything in the park.

If I recall correctly, he also told us that any rooms below the 5th floor (can't remember if it was including the 5th floor or not) would be considered standard view on the Magic Kingdom side.

And I apologize if any or all of this info has been previously stated.

[spiceycat]

No, I understand. Just meant that I don't make any "requests". Different from the reservation categories of course. Although one time I had a standard view booked at BWV (with no add'l requests such as "top floor" or "near elevators") and we were actually UPGRADED to a Garden View room with a view of TOT, the canal and S&D, plus given daily housekeeping (they treated me like CRO). While the upgrade is unusual, I've still always been given great rooms with great locations and great views. Usually the ones I hear people trying to request here: such as the enormous balcony, or Illuminations views, or canal view at BCV; at BWV we always get a great spot with the standard view ressie (high floor away from the bell hops, great view of fireworks), VWL top floor overlooking the water and/or pool; HH was an upgrade from studio to 2 b/r.

When the time comes that I book BLT MK view, I won't be listing "high floor" or anything else as a request, just happily taking what I get, 3rd floor, 6th floor, 13th floor! If nothing else, I figure I'll never be disappointed by not getting a request. :)

boy you are lucky!

If I was as lucky as you would not need requests at all. Lately have not asked for anything - but my history is still there - so generally get a water view no matter what - even BW standard view. the lagoon near the parking lot is generally what I get there.

at VWL had bad luck twice - got the service area - so after that now ask for the lake side just to avoid that thing. It is the trucks arriving and departing that makes it to avoid - as well as the eye sore in a beautifully resort.

never been upgraded on the DVC side - now with CRO was upgraded fairly often. but with DVC NEVER. So you are very, very lucky.

generally go with standard or even value at AKV and love every room received there.

so to get 3rd floor when paying MK point prices would be a big disappointment to me. that say you really think you would be happy regardless - but with your luck - it would not happen to you in the first place.

[spiceycat]

If I recall correctly, he also told us that any rooms below the 5th floor (can't remember if it was including the 5th floor or not) would be considered standard view on the Magic Kingdom side.

And I apologize if any or all of this info has been previously stated.

to my knowledge it has not.

too bad DVC did not stick with that description.

[wishicouldgomoreofte]

"Sadly, this will become an issue of the squeaky wheel getting the grease. If you are willing to make an issue at the front desk, chances are you will have your situation improved. Of course, these rooms do not come out of thin air, and someone else who has also paid the preminum points will have to settle for the lesser view. I can guarantee there are many DVC members who just do not have it in their DNA to confront the front desk and make a scene..."snackyx


Yes, that was me. I don't have it in my DNA to make a scene, and would never think of doing so, and so I wound up with the 3rd floor room for our 4 day stay at BLT. They told me there was nothing higher available. I said I would wait. They said there was none and would be none later. I believed them, and had to settle for what I got. I checked in at 11 AM, by the way, so not a last minute trip or late check-in. It was in fact the first 4 days it was open!!! I can tell you definately, 3rd floor leaves alot to be desired view-wise. Parking lot is what you get. However, walking to MK for EMH so quickly and easily, and monorail to TTC to Epcot monorail was really nice. On our last day we walked back to MK Ice Cream Shoppe for a hot fudge sundae. Wouldn't have been able to do that if we had to mess with buses. So the location was a convenience, and it is what sells. The views will always be a problem for the lower floors.

[DVC Mike]

Yes, that was me. I don't have it in my DNA to make a scene, and would never think of doing so, and so I wound up with the 3rd floor room for our 4 day stay at BLT. They told me there was nothing higher available. I said I would wait. They said there was none and would be none later. I believed them, and had to settle for what I got.

Good for you! I take the same approach. I kindly ask if another room is available and if they say no, I'm OK with that. Why should I consider myself so special that I'm always entitled to the best view? Everyone will get a great view sometimes and a not-so-great view another time. It's the luck of the draw.

I'm not happy that Disney gives in to the folks that yell and scream until they get the view they want. It's just bad form by those DVC members that do so.

[KAT4DISNEY]

so 7th floor and above should be MK views - the lower floors especially 5th and under should be standard - water if you can see the lake (either bay lake or seven seas lagoon)

for DVC to say it begans on the 3rd floor. Well that is not what they advertised.

I agree with you spicycat. IMO DVC pushed the limit too far on what they designate as MK view starting it at the 3rd floor. The point premiums are just too high for that. I was really shocked when the first reports started coming in that rooms that low had MK designation.

[SueM in MN]

Good story to share.

As for me, my only "must have" request is the special needs room with roll-in shower. I may request certain areas and views on the ressie, but this is the only one I'm sure to fight for as it is absolutely crucial for me. Now you may wonder why I even have to bother checking and rechecking that. Special Needs does lock the room in on reservation but I have arrived and found the Front Office room assigner put us in the HA room with the tub. It's easy to miss the tub vs shower portion of the room description.
This is an example of a "need" rather than a "want."

I know the special needs room with a roll in shower is blocked for us at the time of the reservation. We can make a request for certain views or areas, but don't usually get a choice of view - what's blocked for us is what is available at the time of the reservation.
Even so, we have run into times when we arrived and our blocked room was not available for us - in fact, there were no rooms with roll in showers available at the resort.
I wonder how often that happened because someone did not like their location or view and were given the room that was blocked for us??

If we don't have a room with a roll in shower, it will make our stay very inconvenient (and really hard to give DD a shower or wash her hair). When it has happened, we have managed and not let it ruin our vacation.

If we don't get a particular view, that would certainly not be enough for me to have a tantrum.:confused3

[senator74]

Personally, I think you acted a bit like a spoiled brat with a sense of entitlement. While I agree the MK view should be raised a bit in floors (or maybe split between 2 different tiers), those are the current rules and setup, and everyone lives by them. Why are you specifically entitled to be on the top floors vs others who play by the same rules? Basically, you just displaced someone else who had a MK view room.

Don't get me wrong, I have no problem for asking for a better room if its available, I do it often. I also think you were right in calling out that you are a DVC member. But the way it sounds like you (twice) refused the room, called them unacceptable, and demanded a better view because you're entitled to it, or somehow have more right to a better room because you are paying $3,000, smacks of selfishness and arrogance. I might give you a pass on the first complaint being on the 3rd floor, but to still throw a fit after getting the 6th floor was uncalled for. You obviously just didn't want a good view, you felt you were entitled to the BEST view.

Could not agree more. As I read the OP, all I could think was someone and their family got "bumped" out of a great room on the 12th floor by your demands. I do agree that the lower floors should be re-considered in the future as MK views, but no is entitled to negotiate/demand at check-in the perfect room request because they are paying cash.

[1andrea]

[QUOTE=UConnJack;33627142]I want to reiterate that I have no problem with requesting a different room if available. There is an element of first come-first serve to the system, which I am fine with, so if a better room within your category is available, I have no problem requesting the change. Of course, this is so long as they don't disregard room requests which should be first honored on a time-made basis In other words, they shouldn't bump a person out of their recorded room request just because somebody gets there earlier, who didn't have the foresight of a request, just because they think they deserve a better room.

If you have planned well, made your reservation and request early, and checked in as early as possible, you deserve the better room. If its a last minute trip, didn't make a request, and check in late in the day, and then throw a fit because you think you we entitled to a better room, tough doo-doo (and I really want to use the real expletive).

I don't agree with the first come first served comments.

We travel from England and usually arrive in the resort at 4.30pm if we encounter no delays at all an this is on the first flight of the day so its impossible for us to arrive any earlier.

[CarolMN]

This is an example of a "need" rather than a "want."

I know the special needs room with a roll in shower is blocked for us at the time of the reservation. We can make a request for certain views or areas, but don't usually get a choice of view - what's blocked for us is what is available at the time of the reservation.
Even so, we have run into times when we arrived and our blocked room was not available for us - in fact, there were no rooms with roll in showers available at the resort.
I wonder how often that happened because someone did not like their location or view and were given the room that was blocked for us??

If we don't have a room with a roll in shower, it will make our stay very inconvenient (and really hard to give DD a shower or wash her hair). When it has happened, we have managed and not let it ruin our vacation.

If we don't get a particular view, that would certainly not be enough for me to have a tantrum.:confused3

You have a great attitude!

That said, I hope that you and everyone else sends a report back to the special needs group whenever you don't get what has been blocked for you.

For those who may not know, there is a special group that blocks out rooms for those with special needs. They are the only ones who can do that. (I know that SueMN already knows this).

IMO, the special needs group needs to know when their "blocks" fail. My impression was that the Front Desk CMs are not allowed to "give away" a special needs room blocked by the special needs group. When they do that, I think they should get feedback from special needs on the impact of violating procedures.

[mommylo]

It's very interesting to see the OP's post and how she honestly thinks she is being rewarded for being "assertive". Is this what we are expecting from future generations to come? I have noticed that at the parks as well, people complaining about the littlest things. What is wrong with people this days? Honestly I have never asked to change rooms ever, whether to Disney or otherwise. They are rooms, not homes. Agreeably we are spending a lot of money to go away but I honestly feel really sorry for the poor Cast Members who have to put up with some of these really aggressive people day in and day out. Show a little respect for these people, will you?:)

[puntagordabob]

I sure hope they give us a great MK room for our 1 night stay at BLT in November... we are part of a grand gathering of over 30+ people (we are all staying at Old Key West, its what the majority voted for) and we wanted to rent a room for the MK view to show the rest of the group the view and the fireworks from inside the room if they want to (of course we who are actually staying in the room will likely go to the ToTW lol as I need some breathing room ROFL....

Besides.....who can tell how many of the non-DVC members in the group will be wanting to buy into DVC in the future so everyone is a potential new neighbor! :)

[Deb & Bill]

...If I recall correctly, he also told us that any rooms below the 5th floor (can't remember if it was including the 5th floor or not) would be considered standard view on the Magic Kingdom side.....

But we all know to take what the sales people, oops, I mean, Guides, tell us with a grain of salt. I've heard them tell prospective buyers at the models that the sleeper sofa in the studio was queen sized, same size as the bed. And we all know that the sleeper sofa in the studio is only double sized.

Unless it has been written in Disney Files or in the Public Offering Statement or some other official DVC publication, all you can expect of a MK view is that you can see the MK and that includes any part of the MK - the bus stop, Space Mt, train track, etc.

[SueM in MN]

You have a great attitude!

That said, I hope that you and everyone else sends a report back to the special needs group whenever you don't get what has been blocked for you.

For those who may not know, there is a special group that blocks out rooms for those with special needs. They are the only ones who can do that. (I know that SueMN already knows this).

IMO, the special needs group needs to know when their "blocks" fail. My impression was that the Front Desk CMs are not allowed to "give away" a special needs room blocked by the special needs group. When they do that, I think they should get feedback from special needs on the impact of violating procedures.
Thanks.
I think one problem is that the special needs requests are on a computer that does not 'talk' to the DVC MS computer.

A second problem is that some front desk CMs honestly do not know what a room with a roll in shower is or why a bathtub will not work for a particular person.
On our last trip, I asked right before our room keys were being printed to make sure we had been assigned a room with a roll in shower. The CM said it was a "handicapped" room and when I asked to verify it had a roll in shower, it did not. The manager was called and after about 10 minutes in the back said they had no record of us needing a room with a roll in shower.
I was assertive (and, for the record, it is possible to be assertive and still be completely polite without any raised voices, yelling, tantrum or nasty behavior). I showed them our confirmation, which clearly stated that we had a guaranteed room with a roll in shower, plus the dates of each time I had called to check that the information was still in the computer.
The manager went into the back room again and about 15 minutes later, came out and told us they had no roll in shower room for that night, but we could move to one the next day (no guarantee of check in before 4pm).
The next day, we moved, we got our new room, we found no roll in shower.
We could have chosen to go to another resort, but since we had a 2 bedroom and a studio, we would not necessarily even be in the same resort.
So, we stayed put. Luckily, our group included 1 RN, 2LPNs and one of my DD's personal care attendents. Between us, we were able to get DD taken care of.

When we have had problems, we have always given feedback, which makes it especially disturbing when it happens again. We have a trip planned for October and were promised that all our needs will be taken care of and we will be "wowwed."
we'll see.
For the record, we were offered a meal voucher. We turned it down and said all we wanted was for them to fix the problem so it doesn't happen to anyone else.

[kevmag]

I happened to be online when the OP was made, and saw how the person got hammered (I admit I chimed in also) for their attitude.
I notice they have not been back to this thread since the OP...probably stunned by the near unanimous disapproval!

[dpuck1998]

So we got back last Sunday from a wonderful 16-day trip to the world. We started off by staying 5 nights at BLT in a Magic Kingdom view. We were using all of our points for the remaining 10 nights, so we booked these 5 nights with cash.

At check-in, I was told my room was on the 3rd floor. Ummmm, ya, that wasn't going to fly. I told the CM that was in no way acceptable. He repeatedly told me that the upper floors were reserved for DVC members only. I told him I was, in fact, a DVC member that was paying cash for this ressie. They still refused to move the room. We argued for a bit and then I asked to speak with a manager. He went to the back room, and came out a few moments later to tell me we were on the 6th floor. I told him no way - still unacceptable - and that I wanted to actually speak to his superior. I was paying over $3,000 for 5 nights, and I wanted a good freakin view! He scurried out back and came back out about 5 minutes later to tell me that I was on the 12th floor AND that my room was actually ready (this was at 1:00).

While I was happy with the end-result, there are some things I am disappointed in:

*floors 1-5 should NOT be considered MK views. They are views of the parking lot, with a glance of the top of the castle. They should be standard views!!!! I was not shelling out all that money to look at cars!

*DVC members paying cash should not be treated as lower-tier DVC members. I decided to add-on to my trip and pay more money to experience BLT. If this is the way they are going to treat cash-paying DVC memebers, they need to explain this when you book your stay, disclosing that you will get a lower-level floor and less priority when assigning rooms. Some people may decide to get a larger room with a lake view instead of a smaller room with (essentially) a parking lot view.

I am happy that the end result was a good one, and our room and stay at BLT was incredible. Just thought I would share my experience at check-in!

So what was wrong with the second room? Just being selfish?

I happened to be online when the OP was made, and saw how the person got hammered (I admit I chimed in also) for their attitude.
I notice they have not been back to this thread since the OP...probably stunned by the near unanimous disapproval!

Must not have a good explanation to justify themselves. This me attitude from the OP is sad. That the OP thinks it was something good even sadder.

[liznboys]

I don't agree with the first come first served comments.

We travel from England and usually arrive in the resort at 4.30pm if we encounter no delays at all an this is on the first flight of the day so its impossible for us to arrive any earlier.

You could stay somewhere else for one night before you check in. We've done this on our last three trips, partly so that we could check into our DVC resort first thing in the morning. It was our choice to do that, or check in later in the day and get what was available then.

[Sandisw]

Yes, they could do that, but remember that the more "guaranteed" room categories there are, the more it will limit availability. For instance, can you imagine calling for an MK view, even at 8 months before it opens to the other owners, and having to move several times because nights aren't available for your entire trip in one "guaranteed" MK view area?

I know, it certainly would change things and potentially cause issues for some with more booking categories.

At least, though, it would cut down on the disappointments.

Personally, I will never spring for a MK view. Knowing that there are LV and SV rooms on that side of the building that can see fireworks (the only reason I would want an MK view anyway), I will take my chances.

The points for an MK view are really high and I just think that Disney should do something to even things out, just like they did with the views at BWV.

[DVCJones]

I know, it certainly would change things and potentially cause issues for some with more booking categories.

At least, though, it would cut down on the disappointments.

Personally, I will never spring for a MK view. Knowing that there are LV and SV rooms on that side of the building that can see fireworks (the only reason I would want an MK view anyway), I will take my chances.

The points for an MK view are really high and I just think that Disney should do something to even things out, just like they did with the views at BWV.

I hear ya!!! We just got a LV for our next trip. I just can't see using all those extra points for a MK view when you can go to the observation area on the roof.

[LORNA ANN]

[COLOR="Navy"][QUOTE=UConnJack;33627142]I want to reiterate that I have no problem with requesting a different room if available. There is an element of first come-first serve to the system, which I am fine with, so if a better room within your category is available, I have no problem requesting the change. Of course, this is so long as they don't disregard room requests which should be first honored on a time-made basis In other words, they shouldn't bump a person out of their recorded room request just because somebody gets there earlier, who didn't have the foresight of a request, just because they think they deserve a better room.

If you have planned well, made your reservation and request early, and checked in as early as possible, you deserve the better room .

I kind of wanted to add to this you see we are DVC members from the uk now there is no way we are going to be able to book in early to our resort as our flights are 91/2 hrs and we will not get to BLT till 7pm. We have when making the booking requested A higher floor room ie above the 7th floor, we have one bedroom bay lake view but if people are complaining when they arrive what is the likely hood that by the time we arrive we will be bumped to a lower floor !!! :headache:That being the case uk DVC members will always be on lower floors unless they moved from another resort !! :confused3 & a little:sad2: about this.
We work in hotels & would never speak to a CM unkindly they are all doing a job they are paid to do & do not make up the rules simply try to follow them to the best of their ability..

[LORNA ANN]

[QUOTE=UConnJack;33627142]I want to reiterate that I have no problem with requesting a different room if available. There is an element of first come-first serve to the system, which I am fine with, so if a better room within your category is available, I have no problem requesting the change. Of course, this is so long as they don't disregard room requests which should be first honored on a time-made basis In other words, they shouldn't bump a person out of their recorded room request just because somebody gets there earlier, who didn't have the foresight of a request, just because they think they deserve a better room.

If you have planned well, made your reservation and request early, and checked in as early as possible, you deserve the better room. If its a last minute trip, didn't make a request, and check in late in the day, and then throw a fit because you think you we entitled to a better room, tough doo-doo (and I really want to use the real expletive).

I don't agree with the first come first served comments.

We travel from England and usually arrive in the resort at 4.30pm if we encounter no delays at all an this is on the first flight of the day so its impossible for us to arrive any earlier.

Sorry just read your reply after we had sent ours & could not agree more !

[Bob Price]

" and so I wound up with the 3rd floor room for our 4 day stay at BLT. They told me there was nothing higher available. I said I would wait. They said there was none and would be none later. I believed them, and had to settle for what I got. I checked in at 11 AM, by the way, so not a last minute trip or late check-in. It was in fact the first 4 days it was open!!! I can tell you definately, 3rd floor leaves alot to be desired view-wise. Parking lot is what you get. However, walking to MK for EMH so quickly and easily, and monorail to TTC to Epcot monorail was really nice. On our last day we walked back to MK Ice Cream Shoppe for a hot fudge sundae. Wouldn't have been able to do that if we had to mess with buses. So the location was a convenience, and it is what sells. The views will always be a problem for the lower floors.

What room number did you have? What was the view designation? Do you have any pictures for work2plays's thread?

[anna08]

I have to admit I will be very bummed if we get a 3rd floor MK view with our first BLT stay, but am the sort who will find other things to love about the place. I do think it is prudent for folks who are assigned these rooms on the lower levels to send their comments to dvc member satisfaction team so that maybe this can be improved. I think the December DVC crowds will be a trying time for the CMs there with most folks coming for their first stay then.

[mnra]

I agree on your 1 to 6 floor statement. But what REALY TICKS ME OFF is the attitude of the CT desk staff.

We stayed the first week the place opened. The CR staff treated us and others we spoke to like some poor hillbilly cousin checking in to sleep on the sofa. We had an issue with our room and it took 2 days and several phone calls until we met with a CM who held a senior managment position. In the end he made Disney magic happen and fixed the problem too.

My point is the lack of respect and the failure of really meaning, "Welcome Home". I'm going back to the BW!

I agree with this posting. I booked the first day the you could to stay at blt. I had a magic kingdom view on floor four and if you hung off balconey you could see the top of the castle. In addition the contemporary staff was terrible. The girl was rude and even though we came in after 4 our room wasn;t ready. She offered no guidance on where to go except her comment was "here is your key and call this number or they will call you when it is ready. We didn;t get into the room after 5 and when we said we are suppose to have a mk view room they said this is what we have and no possible chance to change. If I had stayed at any dvc property and was not an owner I would never have purchased figuring this was the way they treated their guest. It was by far the worst check in I have ever recieved in 25 years of going to Disney World.

[DenLo]

It's very interesting to see the OP's post and how she honestly thinks she is being rewarded for being "assertive". ...

Agreeably we are spending a lot of money to go away but I honestly feel really sorry for the poor Cast Members who have to put up with some of these really aggressive people day in and day out. Show a little respect for these people, will you?:)

I was assertive (and, for the record, it is possible to be assertive and still be completely polite without any raised voices, yelling, tantrum or nasty behavior).

This me attitude from the OP is sad. That the OP thinks it was something good even sadder.

I've noticed this change in definition of what assertive means. I just checked the dictionary and the adjective is defined as having or showing a confident and forceful personality. Maybe the word forceful is overpowering the minds of these people.

I agree with all of the above posters, being assertive has nothing to do with be rude. A polite request and a smile often works wonders. It makes you feel good and the CM feel good especially when they are able to fulfill your request. And when they can't comply when the request, then a polite thank you is appropriate.

But when it comes to a roll in shower request, I agree that is a need. And the CM should do everything in their power to fulfill the request. And if the CM cannot figure out what rooms have the proper shower, the CM should immediately contact a superior to find out the proper procedure to identify these rooms.

[Cmbar]

You could stay somewhere else for one night before you check in. We've done this on our last three trips, partly so that we could check into our DVC resort first thing in the morning. It was our choice to do that, or check in later in the day and get what was available then.

I know this is not the case with the DVC, but my girlfriend was nervous about arriving and checking in about 10 pm on the evening they had to arrive at the GF. We even talked about paying that much (they had a good deal for garden room, but still it was costly). Well they arrived that late and to her surprise they upgraded her to Concierge. So for her the late arrival was a great thing. I don't believe for a second she would have gotten that upgrade if she had arrived at 7 in the morning or even 3 in the afternoon. The late arrival was benefit. Now arriving earlier is only an advantage in room booking if you insist on getting something. So if you get a room and you don't like it you have the option of changing. We probably won't do that, so I will have to see what will happen to us since we will be arriving at 7pm ish with two studio reservation the Saturday before Thanksgiving. I am assuming I will be very lucky to just get two studios on the same floor! And I will be happy as long as both of them have a Lake View!

[Deb & Bill]

I agree with this posting. I booked the first day the you could to stay at blt. I had a magic kingdom view on floor four and if you hung off balconey you could see the top of the castle. In addition the contemporary staff was terrible. The girl was rude and even though we came in after 4 our room wasn;t ready. She offered no guidance on where to go except her comment was "here is your key and call this number or they will call you when it is ready. We didn;t get into the room after 5 and when we said we are suppose to have a mk view room they said this is what we have and no possible chance to change. If I had stayed at any dvc property and was not an owner I would never have purchased figuring this was the way they treated their guest. It was by far the worst check in I have ever recieved in 25 years of going to Disney World.

MK doesn't necessarily mean Cinderella Castle. It means MK. I think that is something that most of the guests at BLT don't understand. It was like our California Adventure view from the GC resort.

And when DVC says "after 4" it can mean way after 4. I know we didn't get into our villa at OKW once until about 5:45. And then we had to stand outside and wait for housekeeping to clean up the mess the previous guests had left behind.

[dizfan]

MK doesn't necessarily mean Cinderella Castle. It means MK. I think that is something that most of the guests at BLT don't understand.

Based on this description, shouldn't the 2nd floor MK side also be MK view instead of standard?
Also, shouldn't the North side outer C also be MK view since they can see MK?

After looking at pictures from 7218, I'm even more puzzled by the points than I was before.
Second floor MK view, but standard points (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2270958)

[WoodysRoundup]

Based on this description, shouldn't the 2nd floor MK side also be MK view instead of standard?
Also, shouldn't the North side outer C also be MK view since they can see MK?

After looking at pictures from 7218, I'm even more puzzled by the points than I was before.
Second floor MK view, but standard points (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2270958)

I have to agree with you. Honestly, your second floor standard room wasn't much different at all from our MK view 7th floor room. You were just a hair closer to the parking lot. It seems to me that the room categories do need to be adjusted.
:confused3

[mnra]

MK doesn't necessarily mean Cinderella Castle. It means MK. I think that is something that most of the guests at BLT don't understand. It was like our California Adventure view from the GC resort.

And when DVC says "after 4" it can mean way after 4. I know we didn't get into our villa at OKW once until about 5:45. And then we had to stand outside and wait for housekeeping to clean up the mess the previous guests had left behind.

Yes and if I leaned out the balconey of this room you could see mk view. I would say I had a nice view of monrail going by and the floirdian. After 4 means after 4. so i guess to you then checking in anytime before midnight would be ok since it is after 4.

[wtshirleydvc]

I just returned from BLT (another wait list victory!!) and I think that the place is spectacular. We had a STD Lake View Room on the 14th floor and had a view of MK from our balcony. Even though we had the higher room, I don't think that a room on the 3rd floor is that much to gripe about... unless you just sit in the room all day long and look out the window... but to each his/her own. Oh and we arrived at 10am and our room was ready!!! (it was probably just added to inventory but who cares!)

BLT has the Top of the World lounge that opens at 5pm. We went there every night that we stayed at BLT. You are able to get truly the best view at WDW there, as well as, drinks and good appetizers. Not to mention that you have to be a DVD member and staying at BLT... so the place was not crowded at all. Plus the wishes music is pumped through the sound system during the fireworks.

BLT = A+++ in my book.

[Sammie]

Yes and if I leaned out the balconey of this room you could see mk view. I would say I had a nice view of monrail going by and the floirdian. After 4 means after 4. so i guess to you then checking in anytime before midnight would be ok since it is after 4.

I don't think any of us like getting our rooms late but it comes with the territory, book a DVC stay and you are not guaranteed a room until after 4pm and yes it can be much later than that.

[dclfun]

I think requests should be granted in this order:

1. To the actual DVC member- not to a guest who has rented points from a DVC member and paid them cash

2. To the DVC member who booked their room earliest and made a request. Those who booked at 11 months out should have priority over those who booked the month prior to check in. I don't agree that it should be the guest who checks in first as not everyone has that possibility.

All the rest is luck of the draw. It all depends on who is checking out the day you arrive and how many guests are checking in, and for how long they're staying.

I find the attitude of the OP appalling but frankly I'm not surprised. People feel entitled and as though they "deserve" something better than others. I see this everywhere. I'll never forget when someone posted that when they told a CM to jump, that CM had better say, "how high" ? With the OP's check in situation though it's such a sad testament to Disney that the manager in charge didn't come out to even speak with the guest, but had the poor front desk CM going back and forth and caving to her demands. For her to state that her room was "unacceptable" , TWICE..isn't being assertive or standing up for herself, it's being spoiled and arrogant. I could care less what she paid- she made the choice to pay cash, and as such had a lower priority than those who used their points.

I hope they reallocate the points at BLT also to avoid disappointment-same as they did at BWV's. There are lots of instances where there is opportunity for disappointment though at every resort. I know with the limited concierge rooms at AKL and having a 50/50 chance of getting a pool view, then when you choose to book CL there are no guarantees. I would never beg to be moved knowing that I bumped someone else. Again, what makes someone's request more special or important than another? Same with BLT- you take your chances and have to accept the room you're given. As DVC members you'll be able to come back. We are so fortunate. Many people save for years and can only come once to Disney. Let's count our blessings instead of having immature demanding hissy fits at the front desk. Life's too short to stress over something that in the long run, is not that important.---Kathy

[jcf]

Wow, reading this has got me nervous about Thanksgiving stay.
Despite waiting over 3 hours on the first day BLT started taking reservations, there were no 1 bedroom MK views. So, I was forced to book through MS - a cash reservation (full rate no discount-$600+ night:scared1:).

I hope I am not penalized because I am not staying on points though I did request a high floor (out of common sense) when I booked. I feel if your paying a premium you should be getting a premium view. Though it would have been sufficient moving from 3rd to 6th. I wouldn't be pleased with 3rd floor view of parking lot and would rather take any lake view at lower cost if given choice.

BTW, I didn't realize when paying rack rate - you get daily housekeeping free.

[mnra]

I don't think any of us like getting our rooms late but it comes with the territory, book a DVC stay and you are not guaranteed a room until after 4pm and yes it can be much later than that.

Maybe it is me but why do you think it takes so long to get rooms back up and running.

[Cmbar]

Wow, reading this has got me nervous about Thanksgiving stay.
Despite waiting over 3 hours on the first day BLT started taking reservations, there were no 1 bedroom MK views. So, I was forced to book through MS - a cash reservation (full rate no discount-$600+ night:scared1:).

I hope I am not penalized because I am not staying on points though I did request a high floor (out of common sense) when I booked. I feel if your paying a premium you should be getting a premium view. Though it would have been sufficient moving from 3rd to 6th. I wouldn't be pleased with 3rd floor view of parking lot and would rather take any lake view at lower cost if given choice.

BTW, I didn't realize when paying rack rate - you get daily housekeeping free.

I don't quite understand why you are paying so much for your stay. Did you opt out of using any points so that you could get a MK view instead of a Lake View or was there absolutely nothing available at BLT.. Why didn't you waitlist? I understand wanting to have a MK view, but to pay out of pocket the amount of a small add on in points just to see the MK seems crazy to me. The OP chose to pay out of pocket because she needed to have a MK view I suppose, but I don't feel the least bit sorry for her that she paid a premium and that she got (well should have gotten) less priority than a DVC member staying on points. JMHO!


Edited to say.... I do hope you get your request -especially since you are fellow DVC member and a cool Dis member :thumbsup2
We are there the same week but in a Studio, so don't worry we won't be bumping you but I am worried about our placement a bit since we will be checking in later in the day. I am not going to let it bother me though. I promised DH when we bought DVC I would no longer be dissappointed with room view since we can go back often! I am determined to stick to that! Hope you have a great Thanksgiving trip!

[Deb & Bill]

Maybe it is me but why do you think it takes so long to get rooms back up and running.

The rooms are not cleaned daily. There are usually multiple rooms and multiple bathrooms in a DVC villa. Not only is the room cleaned, but all the dishes need to be washed as well. You can't get a DVC villa cleaned for turnover in 20 minutes or less.

[mnra]

The rooms are not cleaned daily. There are usually multiple rooms and multiple bathrooms in a DVC villa. Not only is the room cleaned, but all the dishes need to be washed as well. You can't get a DVC villa cleaned for turnover in 20 minutes or less.

Didn't ask for 20 minutes and I am well aware of what is in a dvc villas since I have owned at okw since 1993 I was just wondering why it took so long. Is one of the reasons less help over the years or are they doing a better job etc

[Chuck S]

Didn't ask for 20 minutes and I am well aware of what is in a dvc villas since I have owned at okw since 1993 I was just wondering why it took so long. Is one of the reasons less help over the years or are they doing a better job etc

Could be lots of reasons. Some people, even members, are just slobs in a hotel or timeshare room. Some housekeepers may have been out for illness or emergencies. Some members may have left late, ven though it is against policy. Someone may have been ill in the room. The sheer size of a villa compared to a normal resort room, then add dishes, hot tubs, stove, refrigerators and microwaves to check and clean if necessary.

[mnra]

Could be lots of reasons. Some people, even members, are just slobs in a hotel or timeshare room. Some housekeepers may have been out for illness or emergencies. Some members may have left late, ven though it is against policy. Someone may have been ill in the room. The sheer size of a villa compared to a normal resort room, then add dishes, hot tubs, stove, refrigerators and microwaves to check and clean if necessary.

What I was generally after is are people seeing that the dvc properties are taking longer to recieve their room. Maybe I was just lucky the last 15 years or so but it seemed like the rooms where always ready before 4. My experience with blt (which I hope is not the norm going forward) was that the cm just didn;t want to be bothered.

[Chuck S]

What I was generally after is are people seeing that the dvc properties are taking longer to recieve their room. Maybe I was just lucky the last 15 years or so but it seemed like the rooms where always ready before 4. My experience with blt (which I hope is not the norm going forward) was that the cm just didn;t want to be bothered.


We've almost always have had our room ready by 2 at OKW...but there are a handful of times we've had to wait until 5:30 or 6. Remember, too, that BLT is new, so the housekeepers are new to cleaning large villas with kitchens.

[Sammie]

Maybe it is me but why do you think it takes so long to get rooms back up and running.

One reason is people checking out late. I truly wish DVC would charge another day of points for anyone over staying the 11am check out.

[DenLo]

I think requests should be granted in this order:

1. To the actual DVC member- not to a guest who has rented points from a DVC member and paid them cash

How do you know that the member has rented? I don't see how you can tell the difference between a renter and a friend or family of the member that are given the room. It might be that member may or may not be in another room at the same resort. So how would these people be treated?

2. To the DVC member who booked their room earliest and made a request. Those who booked at 11 months out should have priority over those who booked the month prior to check in. I don't agree that it should be the guest who checks in first as not everyone has that possibility.

I keep seeing posts that people post that there are rules for assigning rooms at various resorts. One I remember is that at BWV only members on points are given boardwalk views. How do you get a copy of all these rules? And who decides which ones are adopted?

As a newbie sometimes my head just spins at the things I do know! :faint:

[kellyf2626]

Hi everyone!!

Just thought I would check-in here! I stopped getting email updates, so didn't know the thread had taken-in a life of it's own! :laughing:

As for all the negative responses...that's fine. :thumbsup2 Everyone is entitled to their own opinion! I posted this info not to hear what people thought of my decisions in the process. More to let people know that if they were paying cash for a MK view at BLT, they were given less "priority" as compared to DVC members using points. This is not told to DVC members when they book these rooms with cash. I just figured people would want to know!

Sorry that most people didn't take-away the real intent of this posting, but thought it better to pass judgement on actions that I took and then post highly-negative personal comments to myself. :confused3 Hey, it's a public forum! That's life! Never knew I was surrounded by such quick-to-judge people on here. It would never even cross my mind to post such negative comments directed at a person on these boards. Kinda sad. I guess lesson learned!

Have a Magical Day! :goodvibes

[dpuck1998]

Hi everyone!!

Just thought I would check-in here! I stopped getting email updates, so didn't know the thread had taken-in a life of it's own! :laughing:

As for all the negative responses...that's fine. :thumbsup2 Everyone is entitled to their own opinion! I posted this info not to hear what people thought of my decisions in the process. More to let people know that if they were paying cash for a MK view at BLT, they were given less "priority" as compared to DVC members using points. This is not told to DVC members when they book these rooms with cash. I just figured people would want to know!

Sorry that most people didn't take-away the real intent of this posting, but thought it better to pass judgement on actions that I took and then post highly-negative personal comments to myself. :confused3 Hey, it's a public forum! That's life! Never knew I was surrounded by such quick-to-judge people on here. It would never even cross my mind to post such negative comments directed at a person on these boards. Kinda sad. I guess lesson learned!

Have a Magical Day! :goodvibes

Interesting where you draw the line....care to address the question about what was wrong with the second room and why you demanded a third room?

[kellyf2626]

Interesting where you draw the line....care to address the question about what was wrong with the second room and why you demanded a third room?

Sure...the 2nd room wasn't ready. I asked if he could talk to his supervisor if it was at all possible to get a room that was ready. That's when we were given the ready room on the 12th floor.

Where I draw the line? Hmmm...asking for a better view is somehow worse than publically bashing a person you don't even know? Interesting.

Oh, and did it ever occur to everyone that this whole back-and-forth was handled in a polite, respectful way? I love how it is assumed I was yelling and causing a scene simply because I was questioning something, where it was quite the opposite! The CM was nicely trying to accomodate us, and we both had smiles on our faces the entire time. :) I told him I was frustrated with the process, not him, and he even agreed!

Anywho....again...just wanted to let people booking cash through MS know what the scoop was on room assignments. I assume that everyone on this board know nows that! ;) I'm done replying, as I don't feel like it would lend itself to anything positive.

:flower3:

[Chuck S]

At check-in, I was told my room was on the 3rd floor. Ummmm, ya, that wasn't going to fly. I told the CM that was in no way acceptable. He repeatedly told me that the upper floors were reserved for DVC members only. I told him I was, in fact, a DVC member that was paying cash for this ressie. They still refused to move the room. We argued for a bit and then I asked to speak with a manager. He went to the back room, and came out a few moments later to tell me we were on the 6th floor. I told him no way - still unacceptable - and that I wanted to actually speak to his superior. I was paying over $3,000 for 5 nights, and I wanted a good freakin view! He scurried out back and came back out about 5 minutes later to tell me that I was on the 12th floor AND that my room was actually ready (this was at 1:00).

I can understand how many felt the exchange wasn't terribly polite. Nor did you mention that the 6th floor room wasn't ready.

I do hope the exchange was polite.

[Paging Tom Morrow]

OP - I guess it's all how the original post was handled. About a month ago I posted my view of the MK from my "MK View" room on the 4th floor. Most were in agreement that my view should not have been classified as MK View. http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2264954

As far as your situation, I think you handled it much better than what most are giving you credit for. If DVC has made a management decision to keep cash ressies on lower floors then that information should be given to you as you are making the reservation. If you go to book BLT on the Disney website, you are shown the views from the upper floors as an example of what you can expect. If, in fact, those rooms are not available to you if you paid cash, then Disney should expect complaints over that policy.

Finally, one comment to all those who believe that OP bumped another guest from a the room they eventually got: You have no idea if that is anywhere close to true. DVC has not declared all rooms into inventory and as such, those rooms not declared are not earmarked for points reservations. There's a chance that the room OP was eventually assigned had not been declared and therefore was only available to cash guests anyway, so before you assume that OP bumped someone, take a full look at all of the possiblities that existed since the resort is not sold out.

[Chuck S]

Finally, one comment to all those who believe that OP bumped another guest from a the room they eventually got: You have no idea if that is anywhere close to true. DVC has not declared all rooms into inventory and as such, those rooms not declared are not earmarked for points reservations. There's a chance that the room OP was eventually assigned had not been declared and therefore was only available to cash guests anyway, so before you assume that OP bumped someone, take a full look at all of the possiblities that existed since the resort is not sold out.

That actully isn't how the declared vs undeclared inventory works. It works on percentages. If 30% of the rooms at an open and operating resort are undeclared, then 30% of the rooms are CRO rooms, but that 30% can be anywhere in the resort, it is not restricted to the actual physical undeclared units. Cash guests may be staying in declared units, and DVCers may be staying in undeclared units. It is simply legal-speak required for sales of a particular unit to begin.

[smjj]

We will be there in just 10 days. We have a 1 bedroom lake view. How high do we need to be to get a good view of the lake? I do not think, being lake side we will have to much to complain about thought, not like looking at a parking lot or the tops of the fireworks...smjj

[LIFERBABE]

That actully isn't how the declared vs undeclared inventory works. It works on percentages. If 30% of the rooms at an open and operating resort are undeclared, then 30% of the rooms are CRO rooms, but that 30% can be anywhere in the resort, it is not restricted to the actual physical undeclared units. Cash guests may be staying in declared units, and DVCers may be staying in undeclared units. It is simply legal-speak required for sales of a particular unit to begin.

Agreed:wizard:

[Paging Tom Morrow]

That actully isn't how the declared vs undeclared inventory works. It works on percentages. If 30% of the rooms at an open and operating resort are undeclared, then 30% of the rooms are CRO rooms, but that 30% can be anywhere in the resort, it is not restricted to the actual physical undeclared units. Cash guests may be staying in declared units, and DVCers may be staying in undeclared units. It is simply legal-speak required for sales of a particular unit to begin.

But think of it like this....

Assume that the resort construction is complete, but only 50% of the points are sold.

That means only 50% of the rooms can be booked with points at a given time.

So, with 15 floors, only 7.5 floors worth can be booked with points.

Then realize that rooms on the first two floors are standard views.

So, 5.5 of the upper floors can be used for DVC members. That means that starting on the 9th floor a cash reservation could possibly be placed into a MK View without upsetting any points-based ressie. That of course assumes that there aren't rooms on the 9th floor that have superior views to some of those MK views available on the 12th floor. Based on location and perspective, I would argue that some of the rooms that are on the 9th floor that are closer to SM are better than those on the 12th that are much further away.

Obviously this isn't a perfect representation of the OPs scenario and it probably includes many imperfect assumptions, specifically we don't know what percentage of rooms are occupancy ready, what percentage of ownership has been sold or how many points reservations were active for the night she checked-in.

My point was that none of us know this, yet many assumed that the OPs move to a new room automatically bounced someone else and some of those posters comments bordered on the rude side. That wasn't definitely the case and, in my opinion, some deference should have been shown to the OP based on that.

[dis-happy]

At check-in, I was told my room was on the 3rd floor. Ummmm, ya, that wasn't going to fly. I told the CM that was in no way acceptable. He repeatedly told me that the upper floors were reserved for DVC members only. I told him I was, in fact, a DVC member that was paying cash for this ressie. They still refused to move the room. We argued for a bit and then I asked to speak with a manager. He went to the back room, and came out a few moments later to tell me we were on the 6th floor. I told him no way - still unacceptable - and that I wanted to actually speak to his superior. I was paying over $3,000 for 5 nights, and I wanted a good freakin view! He scurried out back and came back out about 5 minutes later to tell me that I was on the 12th floor AND that my room was actually ready (this was at 1:00).


The original words conveyed a much different atmosphere at the check-in desk. Even giving the benefit of the doubt, why would anyone ask for a supervisor (and state they needed a different room) because the room wasn't ready at 1:00? :confused3

[las3888]

Just wanted to give my 2 cents that I agree with the OP. I wouldn't want to spend $3k nor the great amount of points that I am spending for our very future stay at BLT and get a view of the parking lot when I've been sold a very magical view. I do think that people who actually are willing to spend the massive amount of points or cash for a MK view should by-golly get a MK view! I am getting stressed about our upcoming stay and hoping our view is magical (and high :goodvibes) but if it's not, and I have no other choice, I will deal with the hand dealt to me (yes, I do realize life is good) but I do believe it is within my realm to request a refund of points (or cash if I were paying cash) for not having the promised view.

[dpuck1998]

So we got back last Sunday from a wonderful 16-day trip to the world. We started off by staying 5 nights at BLT in a Magic Kingdom view. We were using all of our points for the remaining 10 nights, so we booked these 5 nights with cash.

At check-in, I was told my room was on the 3rd floor. Ummmm, ya, that wasn't going to fly. I told the CM that was in no way acceptable. He repeatedly told me that the upper floors were reserved for DVC members only. I told him I was, in fact, a DVC member that was paying cash for this ressie. They still refused to move the room. We argued for a bit and then I asked to speak with a manager. He went to the back room, and came out a few moments later to tell me we were on the 6th floor. I told him no way - still unacceptable - and that I wanted to actually speak to his superior. I was paying over $3,000 for 5 nights, and I wanted a good freakin view! He scurried out back and came back out about 5 minutes later to tell me that I was on the 12th floor AND that my room was actually ready (this was at 1:00).

While I was happy with the end-result, there are some things I am disappointed in:

*floors 1-5 should NOT be considered MK views. They are views of the parking lot, with a glance of the top of the castle. They should be standard views!!!! I was not shelling out all that money to look at cars!

*DVC members paying cash should not be treated as lower-tier DVC members. I decided to add-on to my trip and pay more money to experience BLT. If this is the way they are going to treat cash-paying DVC memebers, they need to explain this when you book your stay, disclosing that you will get a lower-level floor and less priority when assigning rooms. Some people may decide to get a larger room with a lake view instead of a smaller room with (essentially) a parking lot view.

I am happy that the end result was a good one, and our room and stay at BLT was incredible. Just thought I would share my experience at check-in!

Sure...the 2nd room wasn't ready. I asked if he could talk to his supervisor if it was at all possible to get a room that was ready. That's when we were given the ready room on the 12th floor.

Where I draw the line? Hmmm...asking for a better view is somehow worse than publically bashing a person you don't even know? Interesting.

Oh, and did it ever occur to everyone that this whole back-and-forth was handled in a polite, respectful way? I love how it is assumed I was yelling and causing a scene simply because I was questioning something, where it was quite the opposite! The CM was nicely trying to accomodate us, and we both had smiles on our faces the entire time. :) I told him I was frustrated with the process, not him, and he even agreed!

Anywho....again...just wanted to let people booking cash through MS know what the scoop was on room assignments. I assume that everyone on this board know nows that! ;) I'm done replying, as I don't feel like it would lend itself to anything positive.

:flower3:

I can understand how many felt the exchange wasn't terribly polite. Nor did you mention that the 6th floor room wasn't ready.

I do hope the exchange was polite.

Yea, can't imagine where we got that idea??

[TagsMissy]

... deleting my post as I found the answer I wanted a couple pages earlier.

.... OP I have to say you are FAR clearer now than your original post, I can see how people reacted based on how and what you said the first posting to your further explanation. THings you said the second time were not mentioned in your original post or they were not made clear. I am glad it was a polite communication you had with the CM

[jcf]

[QUOTE=Cmbar;33686328]I don't quite understand why you are paying so much for your stay. Did you opt out of using any points so that you could get a MK view instead of a Lake View or was there absolutely nothing available at BLT.. Why didn't you waitlist? I understand wanting to have a MK view, but to pay out of pocket the amount of a small add on in points just to see the MK seems crazy to me. The OP chose to pay out of pocket because she needed to have a MK view I suppose, but I don't feel the least bit sorry for her that she paid a premium and that she got (well should have gotten) less priority than a DVC member staying on points. JMHO!

NOTHING was left for 1 bedroom once I got through to MS on the first day of booking. I didn't think a waitlist would work as most of days missing.

I don't know why a DVC member paying cash is treated differently than one using points :confused3

[Deb & Bill]

...I don't know why a DVC member paying cash is treated differently than one using points :confused3

If DVC were a cash based operation, then cash would get first priority. But since it is based on points, points reservations should take priority over cash reservations. For example, the BWV BW view rooms are only supposed to be book on points. Same with BCV dedicated two bedroom with two queens in the second bedroom.

Otherwise members with non-home resort advantage would book with cash for these locations before the home resort advantage was ended. Couldn't you just hear the outcry then when a BWV resort owner couldn't get a BWV BW view at 11 months out??

[cheezNE1]

If DVC were a cash based operation, then cash would get first priority. But since it is based on points, points reservations should take priority over cash reservations. For example, the BWV BW view rooms are only supposed to be book on points. Same with BCV dedicated two bedroom with two queens in the second bedroom.

Otherwise members with non-home resort advantage would book with cash for these locations before the home resort advantage was ended. Couldn't you just hear the outcry then when a BWV resort owner couldn't get a BWV BW view at 11 months out??

:thumbsup2

[Cmbar]

[QUOTE=Cmbar;33686328]I don't quite understand why you are paying so much for your stay. Did you opt out of using any points so that you could get a MK view instead of a Lake View or was there absolutely nothing available at BLT.. Why didn't you waitlist? I understand wanting to have a MK view, but to pay out of pocket the amount of a small add on in points just to see the MK seems crazy to me. The OP chose to pay out of pocket because she needed to have a MK view I suppose, but I don't feel the least bit sorry for her that she paid a premium and that she got (well should have gotten) less priority than a DVC member staying on points. JMHO!

NOTHING was left for 1 bedroom once I got through to MS on the first day of booking. I didn't think a waitlist would work as most of days missing.

I don't know why a DVC member paying cash is treated differently than one using points :confused3

Please don't get me wrong. I hope you get a fantastic view, but I dont think I understand the paying cash thing for DVC. First I don't understand how it is done. When you called for BLT (and that really stinks you couldn't get anything on the first day) they told you no room right? Then do you just make a cash reservation with MS right there? Do they have some kind of discount on the rooms? :confused3

Trying to understand the cash situtation for DVC. I think I understand paying Cash for the room but I don't understand where the room comes from. Is it from DVC's portion of the BLT?

Personally, I wouldn't pay to stay in a DVC resort unless it was to add a night that I either didn't have points for, or pay for a weekend night where it doesn't make sense to not buy at the resort! But that is only because I know I have some 40 + years to come back and stay there at another time. So if I am going to pay cash for a Disney resort it will be at a NoN DVC resort.

As far as the DVC points vs Cash, I just assumed that cash reservations are just that... cash reservations anyone can make. How do they distinguish a person buying a Cash reservation is a DVC member vs a non DVC member. If they can't then I would say yes that Cash Ressies should get let preference because those people aren't owners of the resort. But I can certainly understand being upset if you didn't get a MK view if you paid for one. The OP's original post was quite explicit that she was arguing with the CM originally (although she has said that is was a cordial conversation) and she did say twice that a 3rd and 6th floor room was not "acceptable". Asking for a better room (in your mind) is fine, demanding it and displacing a member who booked on points is in my opinon, over the top. The fact is that 3rd and 6th floor rooms do qualify as MK view. Requests are simply requests. If you request a high floor it is simply a request and not guaranteed. I suppose it would have been prudent for Disney to classify exactly which rooms quality for MK view so people would have the opportunity to see if they should take the risk and buy or use high cost points.