A Trip Report, A Lesson and A Rant.....

[bom_noite]

Short - Sweet Trip Report:

Just got back last Friday from a 5-day Grand Villa stay at OKW! Some Bullets:

Stayed the first night at the Nick Studio hotel. It was fantastic - if you like 14,000 kids under age 10 all yelling at the same time! Many Florida folks there - just for the weekend! Nice place though!

Got Extra lucky on weather - in the 6 day stay we got 14 hours of rain (mostly over night).

Lastly, you should have seen everyones eyes when we walked in to the GV - that was one of the high-points of the trip!

Three parks (MK, AK and MGM) + one Water Park (BB).


THE LESSON
Let me explain the math behind a mid-september stay.

Everest 3 times in 40 minutes
+ Space Mtn 2 times in 15 minutes
+ Tower of Terror in 3 minutes
Hello!



OK, here is the Rant.

We had 8 people and about 15 bags of luggage and food. I checked in early (5:00 AM) and luckily they had a room ready for us! The plan was to go to MK so - we drove two cars over and were going to ask the Bell Staff to take the bags to the room.

At 9:00 AM we parked in the "Car" aisle right in front of Conch Flats Check In. I got out and a young CM came over and said "You cant park there - I have a bus coming!".

Me: "It says Cars - I have done this before..."

CM: "Well, you cant now - I have a bus coming and you have to move the cars now!"

Me: "Well, what can we do with the bags? - What do you want me to do?"

CM: "Not sure - but - I have to have you move so we can get this bus in!"

Well, my mouth fell open - and I wanted to argue longer, but, realized I was going nowhere! I looked at her with a confused and she walked away and threw her hands up. NOTE: Perhaps I was not as polite as suggested in the above text - but - I did not raise my voice - I was just looking at her confused!

In the end, every time I passed Conch Flats I looked for cars in the drop off aisle and never saw any! It seems that OKW has ditched the drive-up bag drop off to accommodate DME. So, I guess curb side bag drop off is now history!

Ok, no problem for us. I had my 16 year old son and he and I lugged up most of the stuff. And, I will acknowledge the DME is fantastic for those that fly. I would also guess that many do not take advantage of the curb side drop-off at OKW.

But, what about a 60 something couple? How well does this work for them?

I guess I was miffed at:

1) The CM gave me no alternatives - did not figure out a way to work with me. How about a "Can you park over there and we will collect the bags from you!" Which would have recieved a "Great idea - thanks!" from me. A little creative thinking go's a long way!

2) No advanced notice - that I am aware of - was circulated. The stupid sign still says Car Baggage Drop-Off! Maybe a notice was sent - but - I missed it.

3) This will be a disadvantage to many!

I will be sending a note to DVC. But, if that is your biggest problem - it had to be a great trip!

 

[CapeCodFam]

Just curious.. Did you ask the CM at the check-in desk?

 

[bom_noite]

Just curious.. Did you ask the CM at the check-in desk?

Before or after?

Before: Would have never thought to ask them if I could drop my bags off. Have done it before - thus I was expecting it was business as usual.

After: No, but, I probably should have asked and clarified with them or the bell staff.

I hate to complain without a suggestion. I do realize they have very little room to accomodate both the resort busses plus DME. And, DME is not going away.

So, my suggestion will be that they have a number of special parking slots reserved for staff - they should convert at least one, maybe 2 or 3 for bag drop-off.

When someone pulls in they should be just directed to these spots and a bellman would be sent to assist.

This could be done with minimal headache and would not require a "re-design" of the front area.

 

[Chuck S]

You could have driven to your room and called for bell services to come and unload your car.

 

[bom_noite]

You could have driven to your room and called for bell services to come and unload your car.

Could have - could have left the Bags in the car too. But, it was 90F, so, we wanted to get the bags and food out of the car. The whole affair set us back about 20 minutes. Small inconvenience - but - had I known different we would have adjusted before hand.

The whole purpose of the drop-off was so we could get moving and get to MK. I am cheap, but, pay for service and had an envelope with 20 Bucks in it that I was prepared to give the Bell staff.

The Sign Clearly States: Car Bag Drop Off and I was kicked out of there with absolutely no assistance! If it said: Disney Magic Express Pick Up I would have driven through.

Good Customer Service: "Sir, a bus is scheduled in a few minutes, can you move your car over there - and - we can get this figured out for you!".

Bad Customer Service: "You cant park there, a bus is coming, so you will need to move your car now!"

In the end, small problem - but - I guess it miffed me enough to write it down. If you check my posts - I think this is the first time I ever complained about anything at DVC! I was just amazed at the attitude I got right off the bat.

And, I think that they need to assist those that want to drop their bags off. This is not a problem at ANY other WDW Deluxe or Moderate resort. At what high-priced resort or hotel have you ever run in to a problem like this?

I have traveled 110 nights this year (on business) - and - this is the first time I was treated like this. And, at a place I have an equity interest?

Ok, Bom - GET OVER IT! DONE!

 

[byoung]

Glad you had a good trip.

 

[SoCalKDG]

Sir, you can't park this trip report here. Sir, please move your trip report.

Sorry, it just popped in my head. I couldn't resist. Its amazing how luggage seems to pile up and not having bell services would be a pain.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

Sir, you can't park this trip report here. Sir, please move your trip report.

Sorry, it just popped in my head. I couldn't resist. Its amazing how luggage seems to pile up and not having bell services would be a pain.

Bom, sounds like you showed great restraint. I'll bet it gave you the feeling also that you were really unimportant.

Personally, if the sign says Car Baggage Drop-Off I'm telling the CM the I am going to unload here and if your bus shows up before I'm done I'll hurry as best I can. Not confrontationally, but matter of factly.

Glad you had a great vacation.

 

[JimFitz]

Your mad because they asked you to move your car?????

 

[bom_noite]

Sir, you can't park this trip report here. Sir, please move your trip report.

Sorry, it just popped in my head. I couldn't resist. Its amazing how luggage seems to pile up and not having bell services would be a pain.

I did get a big

Your mad because they asked you to move your car?????

It was not that they asked me to move the car - it was they said Move Along and figure out your problems on your own.

But, you are correct, it is not that big a deal. I will still go back to OKW and will still tell everyone I know to look in to a DVC purchase.

 

[dianeschlicht]

We are in the "60 age group" and for us it's more of a "I'll handle my own bags, thank you very much", but I'm sure there will be a time in the future when we WILL be using bell services. I guess I would have parked in the lot and addressed someone at the bell desk to come to the car and get the bags. I would also probably have noted the DME "guard"s name and given a negetive report about her/him now on the return home. I also would have brought it up at the check in desk. Hey, you shouldn't be penalized just because you didn't take DME! For what it's worth, we have always driven our car through that same spot and stopped to check in. Of course, it's usually just long enough for DH to drop me off, and then he goes and parks and sits in the car and waits until I get back with our room keys.

 

[DisneyTarheel]

Personally, if the sign says Car Baggage Drop-Off I'm telling the CM the I am going to unload here and if your bus shows up before I'm done I'll hurry as best I can. Not confrontationally, but matter of factly.

 

[Dean]

I'm in agreement with you regarding the complaint. I would likely have asked to see a manager BEFORE I considered moving in that situation. But I'm confused. If the room was ready and since OKW does not have a full functioning Bell staff, why not just drive the the room and unload them. Unless there was some handicap or the room was not ready and you need to store the bad, just put them in the unit.

 

[bom_noite]

I'm in agreement with you regarding the complaint. I would likely have asked to see a manager BEFORE I considered moving in that situation. But I'm confused. If the room was ready and since OKW does not have a full functioning Bell staff, why not just drive the the room and unload them. Unless there was some handicap or the room was not ready and you need to store the bad, just put them in the unit.

Had 8 folks in Tow and 2 bathrooms! So, it took a while for us to get moving. The hope was that we could dump the 15 bags / boxes (actually - it was probably more like 20) quickly and get moving to the park.

I also knew that if everyone got to the GV everyone would look around and gawk a bit - which occurred!

I appreciate your support Dean (and all others) - I guess I am a bit embarrased airing this complaint - as I tried to say in previous posts - if this is the worst issue I had it was a great vacation! And, since it is not in my nature to complain I never discussed it with anyone else (Front Desk, Management, Bell Staff, etc.). Nor, did I want to waste any more time on the issue - we never had a down moment in the 5 days.

I did however send a note to DVC. They forwarded it to corporate and have yet to hear back.

At the time:

I was a bit mad - since I felt I was in the right.

I was also a bit embarassed that the newcomers first glimpse of DVC/WDW was a negative one.

There were 15 or so guests waiting for the DME (or resort busses), so, was not going to stand and argue.

In the end, the reason I pointed it out was so that others did not make the same mistake. And, my point to DVC in the e-mail was:

Hey, this is a service you should/must offer! I suggested if that lane will be used for DME then you need to 1) Post It (and alert me that Cars and/or Bom is not welcome in the lane) and 2) Find an Alternative way to Accomodate the service!

I am not sure that the fact that they do not have a "Full" Bell staff should be considered! At any other DVC/Deluxe/Moderate resort this would not have been an issue.

 

[Dean]

I am not sure that the fact that they do not have a "Full" Bell staff should be considered! At any other DVC/Deluxe/Moderate resort this would not have been an issue.

I guess my view at HH, VB, OKW & SSR is that the bell staff is only there to help those that can't help themselves for some reason. In your case, had the room not been ready. As for easier, it would have been easier for me to just dump the bags in the room than deal with the aggravations and risk of leaving those bags at the Bell Stand. I guess I just don't like others messing with or having access to my things unless absolutely necessary.

 

[bom_noite]

I guess my view at HH, VB, OKW & SSR is that the bell staff is only there to help those that can't help themselves for some reason. In your case, had the room not been ready. As for easier, it would have been easier for me to just dump the bags in the room than deal with the aggravations and risk of leaving those bags at the Bell Stand. I guess I just don't like others messing with or having access to my things unless absolutely necessary.

I hear you, but, I guess I disagree in that the fairly dumpy Holiday Inn in Leicester UK has staff that jumps on my bag upon arrival. That is their job!

Why in the world would a Bell Person who is sole job function is Bag and Luggage Management not take my bags or provide some type of remedy in such a situation?

Maybe I am jaded as all of my travel is international - and basically I rarely have to touch my bag once packed.

Also, I must note that while I pack a small duffel bag (and wash my stuff every two days), my wife assumes that we will be invited to a Presdential Gala upon arrival and packs accordingly!

 

[castleri]

I guess my view at HH, VB, OKW & SSR is that the bell staff is only there to help those that can't help themselves for some reason. In your case, had the room not been ready. As for easier, it would have been easier for me to just dump the bags in the room than deal with the aggravations and risk of leaving those bags at the Bell Stand. I guess I just don't like others messing with or having access to my things unless absolutely necessary.

ITA- Guess I missed the sign about car drop off this week - the only one I saw said buses only so we went down and came into the lot- parked there and went in from there. Would think if I had asked that bell services would have brought their cart out to the car and taken the luggage directly to the room from there. I do agree that at the very least they need to take down a sign that is not valid any longer. Glad you had a good trip despite losing 20 minutes of park time.

 

[Dean]

I hear you, but, I guess I disagree in that the fairly dumpy Holiday Inn in Leicester UK has staff that jumps on my bag upon arrival. That is their job!

Why in the world would a Bell Person who is sole job function is Bag and Luggage Management not take my bags or provide some type of remedy in such a situation?

Maybe I am jaded as all of my travel is international - and basically I rarely have to touch my bag once packed.

Also, I must note that while I pack a small duffel bag (and wash my stuff every two days), my wife assumes that we will be invited to a Presdential Gala upon arrival and packs accordingly!

And I am colored by timeshare travel, where a large portion of resorts don't even have bell staff OR they wear many hats like the guy at Church Street inn who was the valet, Bellman and jack of all trades otherwise. Come to think of it I've never been in a Holiday Inn that had a Bell staff that I can recall other than the one near the Mall in DC and I've stayed in many different ones in the SE. I hear you on the "pack light" approach of the women in our life. For me it's my wife, daughter and sister that have to have matching shoes, hair dryer (even when the resort has one), matching makeup, etc, etc.

But I still think you tried to make an easy venture difficult by even attempting to involve the Bell staff in the exact situation described, somthing we've all likely done at one time or another.

 

[bom_noite]

Come to think of it I've never been in a Holiday Inn that had a Bell staff that I can recall other than the one near the Mall in DC

You have to travel internationally. Only one HI property that I have visited did not have a Bell Staff and that was a HI Express in Brussels. In fact, most of them have a on duty concierge!

When I was in Brazil I used to have a guy who would: Take my Laundry to the Cleaners (as I did not like the Hotel service), go the Grocery Store or Restaurants to get me food and provisions and handle any other odd jobs I needed.

In India I had a driver that stayed at my hotel from 8 AM to Midnight (even though I only used him 3 hours a day - and tried to tell him: GO HOME!).

I sometimes forget this is not the norm in the US.

But I still think you tried to make an easy venture difficult by even attempting to involve the Bell staff in the exact situation described, somthing we've all likely done at one time or another.

Fair and it is Noted!

 

[bobbiwoz]

I'm glad you had a mostly wonderful trip. Wonderful weather, low crowds - it sounds heavenly.

A Blizzard Beach report would be appreciated. We intend to spend our first day there and it's been a few years since we've been there.

Bobbi