10 days, 3 resorts VWL,BWV,HH trip summary

[TwirlerGirl]

The following is a summary of our 10-day trip (4 adults, 2 kidlettes 4 & 2):
HH (Sept. 5 - 7)
VWL (Sept. 7 - 10)
BWV (Sept. 10 - 13)
HH (Sept. 13 - 15)

VWL
Highlights: Breathtaking, a treat to the eye, very large yet quite and restful. Transportation to MK fast, wait time no more than 10 min. Bus to MGM & AK good as well. Short wait time, no crowds. Guest Services was wonderful. Spoke with a woman named A. P. while picking up coloring books and Hidden Mickey list. Told her about celebrating 4 yo birthday. I thought we might receive balloons and a card, a small cake was delivered to our room with autographed card from the characters. Big surprise! 2 bedroom on 3rd floor, very nice, woods view, short walk to elevator.

Lowlights: None. Well I asked about being flag family when we checked in, first opening not until Sept. 14th. Maybe next time.

BWV
Highlights: While checking in, CM noticed 4 yo's birthday button. Sent up cookies and a craft of milk with birthday card. Room was nice, had a lock off this time. Sofa bed comfortable but children kept hitting knees on metal supports. Top floor, close to elevator, view of Luna Pool & MGM. Loved the accessibility to EPCOT & MGM.

Afternoon tea at the Grand Floridian, wonderful, wants to do it again.

While waiting for boat to MGM, DH was talking to DVC sales reps on the Broadwalk. They noticed
4 yo's birthday button. Asked if they could send something to our room for him. When we returned, balloons and cards from the characters had been delivered.

Lowlights: An afternoon storm caused some water damage to our rooms. Called Housekeeping about the problem. Seems to be a regular problem. Water comes in from the patio doors. Sealers need to be replaced.

HH - 2 adults
Highlights: The staff, friendly, helpful and willing to go out of their way to make your stay great. Love this resort. Went crabbing (cooked and eat our 1 ½ doz. large), enjoyed the pool, spa, Beach House and beach.
Lowlights: Check-in about 5:30 PM. Was assigned a handicapped studio room. Why didn't they inform us at check-in that this was a handicapped room? They knew, it is right next to the front desk. Refused to accept it. We had made our reservations well in advance. Knew there were other rooms available at that time. Currently available were a smoking studio and 2 one bedroom non-smoking units. Asked if any studio reservations were made after ours for the same time frame. Yes, but they were staying longer than we were. Mentioned knowing that reservations were to be filled by date received and calling Jackie Lueders about this problem. Upgraded to a 1-bedroom unit. Happy ending.

Overall a great vacation, nice surprises, no crowds at the parks. Nice 9/11 events. When can we go again?



Do you have any questions about the resorts?

Sandy B.

 

[pwwhitehead]

How does the Boardwalk look with all the repairs going on.Does the scaffloding spoil the atmosphere.Going in October 11 for 14 days.Would be obliged for a update

 

[TwirlerGirl]

They are working on the back wing of the DVC Luna pool side. Large screens have been installed so you don't see the workers. We were two rooms away from the work and was not bother by the sound (hear nothing unless sitting on the balcony and not much then). We used the Luna pool without a problem. Had to walk around the screens to the road to get to the quiet pool and spa. Repairs are completed over there.

IMHO, it is a good thing that this is happening. The sliding doors in our rooms leaked during a recent storm and soaked the carpet. The wood surrounding the doors looks moldy/rotten and needs to be replaced. The sections that are complete look great.

I reported the carpet and leaking doors to Housekeeping. They were talking about
replacing the wheather striping. We ask them to wait since we were leaving the next day. Reported the problem again just before we left to make sure they would fix it.

The pier side and front side are completed. For the most part, everything looks wonderful.

Sandy B.

 

[paults]

About your ressies at HH. If there were ressies made after yours were and you know there were because you asked (and you made yours well ahead of time for a studio) and they gave your request to someone else because they were staying longer do you think they do that at all the DVC resorts. If they do who can we call to correct this at (BWV) when we're on-site. I thought this could happen but never heard anybody say anything till you did. I hope they don't do this at all (BUT) who knows!!

Who is Jackis Lueders?

Glad to see you had a great time. We own at BWV and love it there.
Paul

 

[msdis]

Glad most of your trip was good. I'm curious to hear more about your crabbing story. Where did you find them, did you need a license, and how to cook and eat them. We are from Maine and know all too well the particulars of lobsters, are crabs different? Have had Alaskan king crab legs but no others. Thanks!

 

[TwirlerGirl]

Hi Paults,

Jackie Lueders is the Member Satisfaction Manager. you can contact her by calling 800-800-9800, or
sending an email to members@disneyvactionclub.com (subject: ATTN
JACKIE LUEDERS), or write to: Disney Vacation Club, Attn: Jackie Lueders, 200 Celebration Place, Celebration, FL 34747.

This is the first time we had a problem with a room. Ms. Lueders would be the person to contact if you are not satisfied with a resolution. We talk to the Front Desk CM and then the Manager. I mentioned Ms. Lueders name, that I would be calling her if I was not satisfied. Hense the upgrade. The Front Desk CM had answered many of my questions but the Manager was the one who confirmed that our reservation didn't fit neatly into a vacate studio. We arrived on a Friday and left on Sunday. A short visit.
He checked when our reservation was made on his computer and confirmed that others were made after ours. I feel that HH management should have informed us of the room type when we arrived. I guess they hope we just take the room without saying anything. I think they should have automatically upgrade our room without all the hassle and stress.

I don't think this happens often. We were lucky that a 1 bedroom was available.
Do bring that list of important phone numbers with you. Don't be afraid to use them if necessary. We pay big $$$'s and should receive what is described as a standard room unless we request a handicap room.

Sandy B.

 

[TwirlerGirl]

Hi Msdis,

We're from Maryland were crabbing is a way of life. We brought nets ($5) from the resort, added our own bait (chicken wings) and crabed from the fishing pier at the resort. You don't need a license. We steam our crabs in a 1c water / 1 c white vinegar solution, 2 T Old Bay seasoning & 3 T sea salt. Add the crabs , sprinkle more Old Bay on each layer of
crabs in the pot. I brought the pot, salt and Old Bay with me but they were available at the local grocery (Publix). Crabs are a little different. More meat is found in the main body then in the legs/claws. There is a trick to opening the crab and removing the meat. I love lobsters and am willing to get messy to enjoy them. It is the same with crabs but a little more messy due to the seasoning . Try them!

Sandy B.

 

[pwwhitehead]

Thanks for your update on BVW. I also regard it as a good thing that the resort is been renovated.Keeps it looking great and you can see where your dues are going.

Again thanks.Can't wait to set off