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

[bom_noite]

Hopefully just slightly off the subject but related- we will not have a car in December due to the extrememly inflated rates and will be using DME both ways. They did a wonderful job of getting our bags to the room this past week but we had a car to return to the airport so didn't use them for the return.

On that subject, I saw a article in the Orlando Sentinal last week talking about DME (Sorry, do not have the link and am have to pack for another trip).

Anyways, DME is doing outstanding! In fact, it is too the point that many of the Car Rental companies are really hurting! And, for those that take advantage of it I think it is great.

The obvious strategy with DME is to get folks out of rental cars and on WDW property. Once there - you need to eat at WDW, shop at WDW, etc!

One of my objectional things I felt when I originally posted this (but did not spell out) was: DME is a coporate strategy - and - if it helps WDW I am all for it! But, do not take away other DVC services based on your corporate strategy!

Anyways, DME is not going away.

Also, for those following this thread I have amended my thoughts on the whole matter:

1) I should have probably just lugged the stuff to my room and not bothered the Bell Staff.
2) The Cast Member was still out of line.
3) I still think they need to provide this service!

 

[Dean]

DH is another one who prefers to not have someone tote bags for him. Must be a "guy" thing....You know, be a manly man and take care of it yourself type of attitude. Anyway, I do know that LOTS of folks use bell services at OKW, and often see folks bell service folks running golf cart type vehicles of bags and sometimes guests too, to their rooms. We usually rent a car, so seems redunant to us to expect bell services to come tote our bags for us when we are driving to the room anyway.

It may be in part but for me, I just don't like relying on others or even having others mess with my stuff. One of the reasons I generally prefer NOT to have housekeeping as well. And given that bell services is there, anyone who needs them should use them. I've never heard of them refusing a request. But most of those are people that had to leave luggage for one reason or another, didn't have a car, handiapped, food storage or the like. But given I've heard of people storing their luggage and losing it, having thefts from it or food not stored property and spoiling; I would not involve them unless absolutely necessary.

 

[bom_noite]

Live from the Holiday Inn Kensington Forum (in London). Soon as I get out of the Taxi the guy grabs my bag and it is brought to my room 10 minutes later.

The difference: No DME Here!

 

[Figment2]

Depending on how much luggage/groceries we have and if we are in a non-elevator building at OKW, we have in fact called from our room and had bell services bring everything up. We also tip very handsomely.

A couple of us have arthritic knees and hauling up luggage to the 3rd floor isn't an option. Yeah, we know, we could ask for an elevator building for medical reasons, but we don't. There may come a time when it's at the top of our requests but now we leave it to the luck of the draw.

When we've called, bell services sometimes tell us they are really busy and it might be an hour or more before they get to us. Our response - No problem! We get a chance to relax for awhile. And, as I said before, we always tip at least $3 a bag for their trouble (more if one or two are exceptionally heavy).

Cyn

 

[MrsNick]

I think it's nice to have the option to use bell services.

We try to pack reasonably light, and have our two bags on rollers, but that said, my DH has a herniated disk, and after travelling all day in a tight space, his back just doesn't feel so great. So, we appreciate the service, and also tip well for it.

 

[Anjelica]

this thread was started as it has educated me more on the DVC aspects of properties that are not "aligned" with a Deluxe hotel. Being new to DVC I never had a passing thought about the bellman and how there are fewer at DVC resorts. Glad to know I shouldn't count on any help "fast", etc (which is fine - as long as I know in advance). Additionally, I have never stayed at OKW but good to know its a "haul" and if I need to use bellmen will tip appropriately.

I do have one question though - what if you check in early but your room is not ready - do they still store your bags? If so, in my previous trips (to non-DVC exclusive hotels) the bags are usually put in my room once the room is ready regardless if I am there or not. Do they still do that at these hotels?

 

[bom_noite]

I do have one question though - what if you check in early but your room is not ready - do they still store your bags? If so, in my previous trips (to non-DVC exclusive hotels) the bags are usually put in my room once the room is ready regardless if I am there or not. Do they still do that at these hotels?

This is what I believe:

1) Yes, they should be able to store your bags and then deliver to your room.

2A) But, they cannot deliver to your room until you have secured the room - I guess I am saying that they will not allocate the room if you are at the parks - you would have to go back and check with the front desk to get your room. They cannot cut you keys and then say: Ok, the room will be ready and your card will be activated at xx:xx time.

NOTE: Someone confirm or challenge that last statement!

2B) In my discussion with the CM, one of her (very) direct comments to me was: "We cannot drop your bags off unless you are in the room". I have no idea if this is true (and should probably check with my friend the Bell Person). But, if it is, it is ridiculous!

 

[bom_noite]

When we've called, bell services sometimes tell us they are really busy and it might be an hour or more before they get to us. Our response - No problem! We get a chance to relax for awhile. And, as I said before, we always tip at least $3 a bag for their trouble (more if one or two are exceptionally heavy). Cyn

Wow, that $3 still floors me! I am glad you do it, but, for the group we had it would have worked out to $60! $60 for 10-15 minutes work is just too high for me!

Regardless, if this is the going rate, then perhaps a career change is in my future!

 

[smjj]

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

I think he is saying it was the way it was handled by the CM and the fact that if they nolonger want you to park and unload there, then take the sign down and open up another area. the OP handled it better than I would have...smjj

 

[Figment2]

bom_noite - the poor bell guy had to haul 8 suitcases up three flights of stairs. One was exceptionally heavy so we gave him $30. To us it was a great deal.

Angelica - what resort(s) did this for you? Every time we have moved resorts we have had to be in the room before bell services would deliver the luggage.

Cyn

 

[erikthewise]

At any other DVC/Deluxe/Moderate resort this would not have been an issue.

Oh but it is! Our first stay at BCV I wasn't sure how things worked but I was expecting to park in the circle while we unloaded and checked in. I pulled our rental car in the circle at Beach Club and was greeted by a CM who immediately told me "you can't leave it there -- you have to move it". So much for dropping off our luggage at the lobby! I went straight to self-parking, left our luggage in the trunk, and walked back to register. When we got our room, we took our own bags up. A hassle yes -- but it saves us a $15 tip. And that's the way we've done it every year since. I'm not interested in being chased away a second time.

 

[bom_noite]

Oh but it is! Our first stay at BCV I wasn't sure how things worked but I was expecting to park in the circle while we unloaded and checked in. I pulled our rental car in the circle at Beach Club and was greeted by a CM who immediately told me "you can't leave it there -- you have to move it". So much for dropping off our luggage at the lobby! I went straight to self-parking, left our luggage in the trunk, and walked back to register. When we got our room, we took our own bags up. A hassle yes -- but it saves us a $15 tip. And that's the way we've done it every year since. I'm not interested in being chased away a second time.

Wow! That would have made me more irate then my experience! We have stayed at BCV twice and not had that issue! They have always:

1) Taken your bags,
2) Parked your car
3) Taken the bags to the room when you got checked in! Or at least offered!

I am sorry - anything else is just unacceptable! You know, I softened my opinion a bit after listening to others - but - I am back in Rant mode.

I would doubt highly the DME bus waits in the Self Parking area until everyone checks in and then they ask everyone to hike out to the bus to get their own bags.

Bus, Car or Rickshaw - when you arrive they should provide you assistance!

Ok, DME is good for lots of people - but not everyone! And, it seems to me we would not be having this discussion pre-DME!

I know everyone will not agree with me - but - that is my humble opinion! Getting off Soap Box Now!

 

[Judique]

This is what I believe:

1) Yes, they should be able to store your bags and then deliver to your room.

2A) But, they cannot deliver to your room until you have secured the room - I guess I am saying that they will not allocate the room if you are at the parks - you would have to go back and check with the front desk to get your room. They cannot cut you keys and then say: Ok, the room will be ready and your card will be activated at xx:xx time.

NOTE: Someone confirm or challenge that last statement!

2B) In my discussion with the CM, one of her (very) direct comments to me was: "We cannot drop your bags off unless you are in the room". I have no idea if this is true (and should probably check with my friend the Bell Person). But, if it is, it is ridiculous!

1. Correct.

2A. They will cut keys for you at check in even if your room is not ready. With the keys they will give you a number to call to find out if your room is ready. When the room is ready, you will be given the room number and you can proceed to your room without returning to the check in desk.

2B. I've been told the same thing on many occasions when I've checked luggage with bell services. 'We cannot deliver unless you are in the room.' I've encountered this at hotels other then Disney also. Usually when I call for luggage it's there in minutes. No big deal.

 

[bom_noite]

2B. I've been told the same thing on many occasions when I've checked luggage with bell services. 'We cannot deliver unless you are in the room.' I've encountered this at hotels other then Disney also. Usually when I call for luggage it's there in minutes. No big deal.

I have never had the same issue. The only thing I can assume is that they want to make sure you agree you got all of your bags! If it is mis-delivered it would be tough to track!

I do not think it would be a liability thing (what if your purse, wallet, etc. was in the room). I say this because they let Housekeeping in your room without the same restriction.

 

[Sammie]

I have never in all the many years of going to Disney and staying at every resort on property ever had anyone agree to take our bags to our room without us being there.

Our experience has been Yes they will store them. When you get in your room call Bell Services and they will then bring them to the room. I am sure it is a liability issue with needing someone to actually receive them, so the guest knows everything arrived.

 

[Dean]

2A) But, they cannot deliver to your room until you have secured the room - I guess I am saying that they will not allocate the room if you are at the parks - you would have to go back and check with the front desk to get your room. They cannot cut you keys and then say: Ok, the room will be ready and your card will be activated at xx:xx time.

As noted, they do cut your keys to a specific room, they just USUALLY don't tell you which room. I know they've delivered bags without the guest being present but prefer not to and I'm sure we can all see why.

And again, I think everyone is in agreement with the idea one should have been able to park and unload, that was wrong of them IMO.

 

[thelobstershanty]

I have never in all the many years of going to Disney and staying at every resort on property ever had anyone agree to take our bags to our room without us being there.

Our experience has been Yes they will store them. When you get in your room call Bell Services and they will then bring them to the room. I am sure it is a liability issue with needing someone to actually receive them, so the guest knows everything arrived.

Nope, not the case. They will deliver your bags to your room without you being there, BUT this is only done at the value resorts.
It has nothing to do with insurance and everything to do with tipping. According to the bell service CMs, guests at the value resorts are less apt to tip bell services then the guests at the moderate and higher resorts. They can not get a tip if the guest is not in the room, so therefore in the moderate and higher resorts your bags will not be delivered unless you are in the room. At a value resort you bags will be delivered and left right by window, whether you are in the room or not.
I know this does not sound very "Disney like", but that is what we have been told when we asked about the different luggage delivery policies between resorts.

 

[Sammie]

Nope, not the case. They will deliver your bags to your room without you being there, BUT this is only done at the value resorts.
It has nothing to do with insurance and everything to do with tipping. According to the bell service CMs, guests at the value resorts are less apt to tip bell services then the guests at the moderate and higher resorts. They can not get a tip if the guest is not in the room, so therefore in the moderate and higher resorts your bags will not be delivered unless you are in the room. At a value resort you bags will be delivered and left right by window, whether you are in the room or not.
I know this does not sound very "Disney like", but that is what we have been told when we asked about the different luggage delivery policies between resorts.

We stayed at the values when they opened and they would not do this. Not sure if we just got a difficult CM or policy has changed since then. But "our" experience was they would not bring them unless we were in the room to recieve them.

As to current policy at the values, I will admit I am not sure as we stayed once and that was enough for us.

 

[thelobstershanty]

We have had our luggage delivered to our room at a value resort, when we were not in the room several times. We will sometimes stay at a value resort the first night, if we get to WDW late, and then check into a DVC resort the next morning.
I do not understand the bad rap the value resorts get. For the price, we find them to be quite a value. Guess that is why Disney calls them that. LOL! Of course they can't even begin to compare to a WDW deluxe resort, but the WDW deluxe resorts cost a heck of alot more money than a value resort does also.
We stay at ALL WDW resorts on a very regular basis. We like them all. Of course we like some much better than others, but I can honestly say we have never had negative experience in any WDW resort. And that includes them all, from the values up to the deluxe resorts; to the FW cabins; to the DVC resorts. We are definitely not resort snobs. Never were and most likely never will be. I have read so many times that once you stay at a DVC resort you will never want to stay at another type of WDW resort. Not us, we like them all. And we have been DVC members since BWV first opened, so that is at least 12-13 years ago. I can't remember which year it was, and I am too lazy to go get my DVC membership card, but I know it is more than 10 years.
Anywho, back the original question--you can get your luggage delivered to your room if you are not there, but only at the value resorts.