Well, I have been here since Saturday and I leave tomorrow. I was excited to stay at BC and see how they have changed since my last stay in 2008. Sadly, little has changed. I have received poor service and the rooms are very used (which to be fair is pretty typical of WDW).
My room wasn't ready at 3 and by 4, I still hadn't received a text so I went to the desk and found that my room was ready. They asked to update my keys since they were having lots of key problems. I got to my room and my key didn't work but my sisters did so I got in (she arrived by ME about 15" after i got to the room). It smelled like chemicals and every day I walk in, it smells like chemicals (not a cleaning agent smell). I called bell services and it took an hour to get my bags. But I was happy to be here so my sister and I went to Epcot. When we returned, neither key worked. We went to the front desk and got new keys. The thing is, it is not a quick process - they took a long time. We went back up and keys still don't work. I called from the hallway & they asked me to hold. I said no, just send someone up & they said ok. Well, no one ever came!! I went back down, waited in line again and then they had to go to the back and converse with a manager or someone and issue keys again. Finally, they came upstairs with me with the 'one' hotel master key. After numerous jiggling, we got in (even though our card keys didn't work since the whole locking mechanism was broken). She profusely apologized since this whole process took over an hour and said 'they would make it right' and leave new keys under the door so we could get some sleep.
Next morning - nothing. We waited until 10 am and a maintenance guy finally came. So much for getting on toy story mania that morning
. And make it right?? No clue what she was talking about because there was never a call, note, or anything. Just inconvenience.
I understand these experiences can be isolated so let me review some other things-
Room - my room in 2008 was larger and had a daybed and I know not all rooms have one but this room feels smaller than the one I stayed in at Coronado springs. I'm glad it is only me (&my sister for 3 of the nights). I wouldn't like this for my family of 4. The room itself is pretty worn, the fan makes a thunking noise (not calling maintenance again- my time is precious), and the bathroom sprinkler is incredibly rusted. I do not like sinks outside of the bathroom but I knew this when I booked the room. But if moderate hotels can put wood panels or curtains, why don't they do that at BC?
Getting around - the location to Epcot and the other hotels is amazing! Trying to get around in the hotel is limited. Very few elevators and less stairs. I was told there were no stairs to get to my room since they were 'cast member' areas but not to worry since they would be open in the event of a fire (great). This makes you reliant on waiting for heavily used elevators if you aren't on the ground floor.
Hurricane Hannah's - I was so happy to see the expanded menu and the service was so much better than my last visit. I had the new bacon/cheese/apple butter sandwich. The bread gets too soggy and while it tastes unique, it fell apart due to the sogginess and needed something lighter to balance the rich, heavy taste.
Beach club marketplace still has a limited menu. I have walked to Boardwalk Bakery for 3 meals - it is that good!
Storm along Bay - happy to report I could easily find open chairs most likely due to the implementation of the wristbands. The slide closed as I waited in line for it so I didn't try it (maybe today?) I'm still not keen on the pool set up though. It is like walking through a maze to get anywhere and I still wouldn't want to watch my kids at this pool due to how it is spread out. It's ok for good swimmers 11 & older maybe.
Parking - I have been fortunate to find close parking and am pleased this is possible since I typically have to park far away at Disney hotels.
Transportation - this can be hit or miss at ANY Disney hotel but I am happy to say I only waited 10 minutes once & that is still great. Most waits have been under 2"!
Movie at night - this is still one of the best parts. Chill and watch a movie, roast marshmallows, grab a drink and food at Hurricane Hannah's, and see fireworks from 2 parks. But, it wasn't going last night - some private party last night
All in all- I might consider staying in the villas for the 1 bdr and bathroom set up but I am really upset by the lack of customer service here. I stay frequently at Disney hotels and even more so elsewhere since I travel so much for business and this hotel is not earning its deluxe status so far.
I know many of you are fans and I can understand if my experience is unique. It is not what has happened to me but how they have dealt with it (or rather not dealt with it) that disappoints me.
It can be quite a walk if your room isn't close to that end of the BC.
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Thankfully I remembered the person's name who finally let us into our room and they did verify with maintenance that they went to our room for the lock. The manager also said that I should have asked for a manager right away. I worked for a large hotel chain in the past and I was 'empowered' to make things right and even if I didn't feel right doing something, I would tell a manager. It is hard for me to understand why someone in customer service does not have the ability to hep me. And I am not sure why it is up to the customer to escalate. But now I know that with Disney, I should only deal with a manager - which is unfortunate. The manager did apologize and offered compensation and I believe it was equal to the issue that I had - so I am satisfied with that. 
) doc emailed me about a consult with her friend at a high profile institution, but did not mention blood work results...wondering if she'll call today 
