10 Observations from Thanksgiving Trip

[Happy Birthday Cat]

1. The new pull out sofas at the BWV are outstanding. My 6'4" 17 year old DS liked it so much that he wants to put one into his room at home. He says he doesn't feel the wires digging into his back anymore. And they are so easy to open and close!

2. Check-in was difficult. We arrived on Tuesday, November 21 at around 11:15 P.M. It took a manager 1/2 hour to get us into our room with a key card for each member of our party. The first CM wanted me to come back in the A.M. to get cards for everyone but I suggested she find someone to help her. The magaer who ended up helping told me that they have a new computer system that is not everything it was thought to be (I read this as everyone is not up to using it yet). The problem seemed to be that they had only 5 listed on our reservation (even though our reservation form listed 6) and had a terrible time adding the 6th person back in.

3. The cool temperatures made for some of the best jogging weather in my memory around the Boardwalk.

4. The new system for getting a CP dinner package tickets at the restaurant instead of at the hotel was not a big deal.

5. I still love the view of Illuminations from a standard View room.

6. ESPN has done away with their big bucket of wings (much to my family's disappointment and dismay).

7. On our second day, we came back from EPCOT and found that our 2BR had received a full cleaning. It looked beautiful but I felt bad that I hadn't left a tip. And of course we didn't leave the room as we normally would when housekeeping is scheduled. We still recived our trash/towel service on day 4 as scheduled. I hope this doesn't account for a .00000001% increase in dues next year.

8. The quiet pool was quite warm on the first two days of the trip. Then it was considerably cooler for the rest (a CM mentioned that a guest complained that it was too hot). I just wish it would be consistant. I no longer believe that Disney is lowering the temperatures to save money. I now think they are clueless and anything on any given day could be different than the day before.

9. The energy wasted at WDW could light up a third world country. The number of outside lights left buring during the day is outrageous.

10. Best trip ever. Just like the one before this one was and I'm sure our trip next month will be as well. Now I need some time off to rest up from my "vacation"

HBC

 

[bobbiwoz]

I'm glad you had a good time. That was a late arrival, but you seem to have been pleased with the room assignment. Our BWV December trip is coming up, I can hardly wait!

Bobbi

 

[DVCconvert]

The energy wasted at WDW could light up a third world country. The number of outside lights left buring during the day is outrageous.

We are working ont that

 

[jekjones1558]

4. The new system for getting a CP dinner package tickets at the restaurant instead of at the hotel was not a big deal.

Could you elaborate?

 

[bonzarella]

Just wanted to say glad your trip was wonderful. For some reason I remember you. Maybe because you were the first response to my first post when we purchased OKW. I knew NOTHING about the boards & very little about DVC(just that I wanted it ). Thought I'd reciprocate BTW we were at BW two weeks ago & must say I agree about the pull outs-GREAT!

 

[jennybobenny]

Can't wait to test out those new couches! Thanks for the report.

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

Could you elaborate?

Be glad to. In the past you would pick up your candlelight processional badges from your hotel concierge desk and pre-pay for the meal package when making the reservation. Starting this year you don't pre-pay but pay at the restaurant after your meal. The restaurant then gives you your badges that you need for priority seating at the CP. We ate at Teppanyaki and were the first CP guests for our waitress.

HBC

 

[bigsmooth]

2. Check-in was difficult. We arrived on Tuesday, November 21 at around 11:15 P.M. It took a manager 1/2 hour to get us into our room with a key card for each member of our party. The first CM wanted me to come back in the A.M. to get cards for everyone but I suggested she find someone to help her. The magaer who ended up helping told me that they have a new computer system that is not everything it was thought to be (I read this as everyone is not up to using it yet). The problem seemed to be that they had only 5 listed on our reservation (even though our reservation form listed 6) and had a terrible time adding the 6th person back in.

6. ESPN has done away with their big bucket of wings (much to my family's disappointment and dismay).
HBC

We had the similar check in problems when we checked in Oct 28th nearly a month ago. Again we had plenty of blame for the new system. The new system had 'wiped out all of the contact info' for everone on our reservation. At least that is what they said, I think the CM inadvertantly deleted it. Only after some manager help were we able to get checked in. My parents checked in the next day and Magical Express did not deliver the bags because their names were still not on the reservation even after we worked to correct it. A month later they seem to still be struggling with it.

Oh, and bummer for the bucket of wings. I remember a business trip where myself and three colleagues struggled to finish off a bucket. We thought it would be a small appetizer and ordered meals along with it. Big mistake.

Great post.

 

[jakenjess]

Thanks for posting about your trip! My kids will be happy to hear how comfortable the new sofas are, as they'll be sleeping on one in just over two months!

 

[jekjones1558]

Thanks for CP info, HBC.
Regarding the computer system: When we checked in on Oct. 22, the computer systems were being upgraded. All of the keys for the rooms had been pre-cut. They expected that by the next morning the upgrade would be finished, but it took longer (can't remember how long). So it is possible that there are still glitches, IMHO.