A little disappointed

[TimB21]

Just came back from 5 nights at BWV and we were a little (not a lot but a little) disappointed with our room.

We'd booked Preferred View but found ourselves on the first floor facing the back of the pool that's undergoing refurb. (room 1092). This meant that we had a view of a wall of boards running around semi-noisy construction. It was impossible to sit on the veranda and read or even think at times. I do understand the need for maintenance and the BWV were overdue for it.

Should I complain and if so who to?

I should note (before the flames start) that apart from this we had an awesome vacation. Cruise then 5 days at WDW was pretty sweet.

-=Tim=-

 

[Lew]

The best time to voice your concerns was just after you entered your room and noticed the problem.

Having said that, I would write to the resort manager to express your disappointment. If it were me, I would ask that the difference in point value between preferred and standard views be returned to my account. After all, you paid extra points for a better view and didn't get one.

Good luck...

 

[CarolMN]

Sorry you didn't have a better view this time. Assuming you are a member and go again soon, I bet the view from your room next time will be better.

As far as complaining, I'm not sure what DVC would/could do about a complaint about the rehab and construction noise during the day. If it will make you feel better to let them know you were disappointed, go ahead. I'm sure you'll get some kind of response back. However, I do not think it would be practical to "block out" every room that has a view of the rehab. The resort was most likely booked at or near to capacity, and as you say, rehab is something we all recognize as necessary. Someone has to be assigned to those rooms. This time, one of the someones was you and yours. Glad to hear you has an "awesome" time anyway and didn't let the view/noise spoil the trip for you.

IMHO, one of the few disadvantages of reading the DIS (and other internet forums) is that it tends to raise expectations - often to the point that it is impossible for Disney to meet them all!

Here's hoping that for your next visit, your room turns out to be perfect for you!

 

[DebbieB]

I think the fair thing to do would be to refund the difference in points between preferred and standard. I'd be ticked if I was staring at a construction wall paying preferred points while people over in standard view were watching Illuminations from their balcony. I would call member services and ask to speak to Jackie Leuders, member satisfaction manager. It can't hurt to ask.

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by Lew
.....(snip)..... If it were me, I would ask that the difference in point value between preferred and standard views be returned to my account. After all, you paid extra points for a better view and didn't get one.

Good luck...

Lew - Just curious. If DVC did what you suggest for everyone in that area of the resort, where would the points come from? I don't think Disney's ownership percentage is large enough to do what you suggest - IMHO, if this is done for one, it should be done for all in the same position. I bet Disney wishes they had never made two categories of rooms at BWV!

Looking back with 20/20 hindsight, I wish DVC would not have named the views when they split the points into two categories. "Preferred" implies better and as we all know, that is a subjective thing. Perhaps there wouldn't be as many disappointed guests if the views were just called category "X" and category "Y" (or something that doesn't imply better). You get what you get (X or Y) by what is available when you call for the reservation.

I hope the OP doesn't think I am dismissing his feelings of disappointment - that isn't my intent. I too would have been disappointed with that room, even though it would not have spoiled my trip (as it didn't his).

JMHO. YMMV.

 

[Connears]

We have been DVC members since 1994 at OKW and we tried BWV and won't return again. We were forced to reserve a preferred view (only option)at 7 months. We only asked for non-smoking and close to the elevator as room request. We got the next to the last room on that very LONG corridor, about as far from the elevator as possible. As if that wasn't enough we had NO preferred view(we overlooked another roof; no water or boadwalk view). When I returned to the desk they said they could do nothing and we very NON disney in their attitude. We got over it and continued with our vacation. When I returned home, I e-mail MS and told them about the non-preferred view and they credited us the extra points. We never had that warm feeling like at OKW(or even BCV) while we were at BWV and just don't like the tone of the CM. Won't return again.
Connears

 

[DebbieB]

Originally posted by CarolMN
Lew - Just curious. If DVC did what you suggest for everyone in that area of the resort, where would the points come from? I don't think Disney's ownership percentage is large enough to do what you suggest - IMHO, if this is done for one, it should be done for all in the same position. I bet Disney wishes they had never made two categories of rooms at BWV!

What did they do while they were renovating the outside the past 2 or 3 years? Earlier this year, many standard view reservations were moved to preferred view rooms. I still can't figure how they could have justified having all those rooms out of service at one time. Their 4% developers inventory would not have covered it.

I agree that they are probably sorry they created the 2 views. My bet is they are going to have a similiar problem - SSR rooms with a view of Downtown Disney.

 

[ClarabelleCow]

What they should do is just block out the rooms. But then you would have owners complaining that the resort is booked but there are 50-75 rooms sitting empty. I have never been to BWV, staying in February unless we get into BCV (waitlisted - it came through already but we were away and didnt get to call back soon enough!!) Why did they make 2 views, and if a standard view will give you illuminations, what is a preferred view, basically what really is the difference??

 

[TimB21]

THanks for all your responses. Gives me something to think about.

To reiterate we did enjoy our trip and in general had a great time at BWV, if the room location had ruined things we'd have spoken to the front desk right away.

Thanks!

-=Tim=-

 

[MelissathePooh]

BWV interpretation of "preferred" view rooms can be, at times, LOOSE! Our last stay there (over MLK weekend) was also a "preferred" view - it was the second to the last room that overlooked the roof of a maintenance building. We could kind of see the edge of the back of the Swan if we looked around the way. We actually called the front desk to ask if it was in fact a "preferred" view and technically it was.

It didn't ruin our trip by any means - we mostly just laughed about how bad it was and how far away, but it was our turn to get it! Our 1st two stays at BW we had rooms overlooking the Luna Park pool close to the elevator on the main floor - got kind of spoiled!

What disappointed us most was the overall condition of the studios - we had 3 total studios for our group and each was in need of rehab - torn sofas, scratches and marks on the wall, holes in the carpet. It was kind of disappointing, but as it isn't our home resort anyway we just won't stay there again unless we have to.

 

[Barb]

Just curious, was your room booked with the new room request system of specifically requesting Preferred View-Boardwalk View?? Would that have guaranteed your getting the BW view? Reason I ask is that we're booked in May with the specific request for a BW view. I'm hoping that's exactly what we get. Thanks!

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by Barb
Just curious, was your room booked with the new room request system of specifically requesting Preferred View-Boardwalk View?? Would that have guaranteed your getting the BW view? Reason I ask is that we're booked in May with the specific request for a BW view. I'm hoping that's exactly what we get. Thanks!

The Preferred view-Boardwalk view is now a "guaranteed" reservation. Your confirmation will say that (Preferred - Boardwalk view) next to the Vacation Home Type if you have one of those rooms. Otherwise it will say Preferred view - Garden/Pool view.

If the confirmation just says Preferred view, that means you booked prior to the new policy taking effect. The reservations made before the policy went into effect were reviewed and some were placed in the Boardwalk view category, This was based on the date/time the original reservation was made. New confirmations were only sent to those who received the guaranteed boardwalk view.

Anyway, if you have a preferred view and don't have a confirmation that says Boardwalk view on it, you are booked in the Garden/Pool view category.

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

I'dve definitely marched back to the desk and asked for another room...something, anything. One thing I would not expect to give up is any sort of view. Sounds like BWV should review the actual views of their rooms and change them so that some preferreds are standards and some standards become preferreds!

I will add that my point of view isn't based upon an "I'm a DVC owner so I'm entitled to..." perspective. It's the same basis that'd I'd use if I were a cash guest. There is no way I'd pay for a view of boards AND ongoing construction noise. I'll probably stay at BWV again some day but only because its near EPCOT. If it were adjacent to OKW I'd choose OKW...and I'm not a fan of OKW studios.

 

[Granny]

The OP characterized his feeling as "a little disappointed". I think that's fair, given the nature of the room assignment and view of construction walls.

I agree with Lew that the time to express the concern was right off the bat upon entering the room and seeing that view.

And as CarolMN said, I'm not trying to dismiss the feelings of disappointment. But I'm also trying to put into perspective the OP's comment that he had a great trip and is not indicating that he is angry or feeling cheated...at least that's not what I got out of the post.

TimB21...thanks for sharing the experience. And I hope your next trips are just as great with some better views from your room.

 

[DebbieB]

Originally posted by doubletrouble_vb
Sounds like BWV should review the actual views of their rooms and change them so that some preferreds are standards and some standards become preferreds!

I think standard views are one of DVC's best kept "secrets". Not all standard rooms have an Illuminations view, the ones farther from the elevator facing the bus stop on the upper floors are the best ones. I can overlook the driveway & parking lot if I'm paying lower points and also have a view of Illuminations (you can even hear the music!). I think the long walk is exaggerated. Some rooms at OKW can be long walks from the bus stop or main building.

 

[Lew]

Originally posted by CarolMN
Lew - Just curious. If DVC did what you suggest for everyone in that area of the resort, where would the points come from?

Carol,

I made that suggestion because the same basic thing happened to me. A few years ago when building 62 was under construction at OKW, we were in building 16...in the room right next door to the construction site. The construction crew started working before 6:00am making so much noise it was impossible to sleep.

We moved to another room the first morning and the points for the first night were placed back into our account. It wasn't my idea, although I thought it was very nice of OKW front desk to offer. I suspect it was charged to developer inventory somehow.

Whether guests are cash paying or staying on points, I think there is a reasonalbe expectation of peace and quiet as-well-as a nice view if you are paying extra for it.

 

[kweaver]

FWIW, we discussed the BWV preferred/standard view issue with our guide when we visited in October. It seems that it's definitely been a problem for DVC...as their definition of preferred is not always the same as DVC members' definitions!

Boardwalk views are always going to be great for some people...but most people with small children are not going to want a room with a balcony over Spoodles on a Friday night. I can't think of anyone who wants to look out on a dumpster. I imagine these dual views creates quite a problem trying to manage the reservations as well!

In any case, he said they would "never" create rooms with specific views at a DVC resort again.

 

[Dean]

It's fair to be disappointed and somewhat reasonable to ask for another room AT the beginning. Getting upset if it's not available or complaining afterwards is probably not reasonable. Someone must get these rooms. It's unfortunate that DVC hasn't made it a priority to assign units on the basis of home resort like most timeshare do.

 

[tixx]

Originally posted by CarolMN
Sorry you didn't have a better view this time. Assuming you are a member and go again soon, I bet the view from your room next time will be better.

As far as complaining, I'm not sure what DVC would/could do about a complaint about the rehab and construction noise during the day. If it will make you feel better to let them know you were disappointed, go ahead. I'm sure you'll get some kind of response back. However, I do not think it would be practical to "block out" every room that has a view of the rehab. The resort was most likely booked at or near to capacity, and as you say, rehab is something we all recognize as necessary. Someone has to be assigned to those rooms. This time, one of the someones was you and yours. Glad to hear you has an "awesome" time anyway and didn't let the view/noise spoil the trip for you.

IMHO, one of the few disadvantages of reading the DIS (and other internet forums) is that it tends to raise expectations - often to the point that it is impossible for Disney to meet them all!

Here's hoping that for your next visit, your room turns out to be perfect for you!

the way to insure your next visit is A++++ is to let them know right know how you feel ... they owe you

 

[MiaSRN62]

I would call member services and ask to speak to Jackie Leuders, member satisfaction manager. It can't hurt to ask.

I agree Tim.....it can't hurt to ask. I had a problem with a "preferred" BWV too this past August. Even though I didn't get anywhere with MS (Jackie)---she said BWV was standing firm that my room was indeed preferred, I think you have an even stronger argument than I did with your room experience.
The room designation of "preferred",in your specific situation, doesn't sound at all reasonable to me. Good luck Tim.....let us know what MS says if you decide to follow-up with them.