BCV 2006 - Ewww

[gothmommie]

She says, above, that they promised her an anniversary surprise and didn't follow through. I am not clear on whether or not they actually said they would do something or just took the anniversary information at the front desk. I've told the front desk upon checkin that I had a birthday and didn't get anything in the room. That didn't bother me, although I would suggest that if you have kids, you don't tell them that the resort might acknowledge their birthday with free stuff.

For clarity - yes, it was noted on the reservation but it was the fact that 3 separate CMs remarked on it - all at the front desk (remember I had occasion to talk to them quite a bit this trip, LOL), 1 in fact saying oooh, we'll have to send a runner over to your room with something special for you. Even going so far as to take 10 min. of my time asking me to spell my name, my husband's name and what # anniversary it was. This happened TWICE.

Was I wrong to get excited like I'm 5? Sure. Did I ask for them to say this - no! Was I disappointed and annoyed when they didn't even follow up with a 'sorry ran out of helium but hope you had a magical day or a go s@#$ in your hat' or some such - yeah, you bet I was. I thought it was really shoddy. It was the fact that it was plainly and frankly offered (without my prompting or needling in any way, just the fact that they read our reservation and saw the note and commented) but not delivered that got me.

Now if it makes me greedy and horrible to be peeved when someone says something so plainly like that but doesn't follow up then I guess I'm just like that. Sorry. And yes, I hold myself to the same high standards of promises (once openly stated) and delivering on them - ask my husband, our daughter, my coworkers, my boss or my subordinates. Well, not that you can but you get the idea.

To be crystal clear - I did NOT check in expecting a red carpet and roses or even balloons for our anniversary. I did NOT expect the requested room view. I only expected these things when CMs said they would deliver them. Then they became an expectation that they set and as they set it they should have delivered it. That and that only is my point.

And yes, for the room debacle the manager did grant us a credit. She was very specific that this is what the credit was for.

So flame away if you like - again I won't change my opinions but this a great, wide world and everyone is entitled to their own opinion, myself included.

I don't think anyone should be 'scared' of the villas but I do think that if you find service or housecleaning that is questionable it should be reported and I do think one should give their room a once over upon check in and make sure you pack some lysol wipes. But, again, that's me.

BCV is still beautiful with a key location, a great pool and great places to dine. So go and have fun....but if something happens, don't just suck it up either. I don't think we should be rude to CMs but I don't think we should sugar coat it so they like us. You can state your concerns without explicatives or making a scene. I was very, very careful to insure that I did not venture there when I talked to the manger. Was my face beet red from restraint? I bet it was. But I behaved myself.

I'm sorry if I frightened anyone or peeved any of you. My point was to share what I considered a shocking experience based upon numerous Disney stays. I had seen other posts from other people on items such as these and I thought I'd have my turn..... Not for the drama but just to let it out and let it go.

Thanks for listening (reading).

 

[jade1]

I dont about the rest of you, but after reading this I think it IS Jennifer Anniston.

 

[gothmommie]

I dont about the rest of you, but after reading this I think it IS Jennifer Anniston.

I wish!

 

[Beca]

I wouldn't freak out so much on that. Really. That's just one posters opinion based on conversations they may or may not have had with CMs. CMs probably don't like rude people or people that call them on cutting corners or both. Do they generalize? Probably. But then I would hazard a guess that this stereotyping also reaches to ethnicity, socio-economic status and just about any other category you want to come up with. At least that's what I have heard from a (non-Disney) Concierge. I don't think that my experience would have been improved or worsened if it was not a DVC stay. JMO.

Actually, the thread I was referring to was one started by a DVC CM who joined the dis to tell all of us exactly why CM's hate dealing with us. It was VERY controversial. Other DVC CM's began to post, and say that he/she was "not the norm", and most DVC CM's really enjoy their jobs. However, he/she did have some interesting things to say about how CM's hate working at a resort that was/was attached to a DVC resort, because we are demanding, rude, and think we "own the place". Someone posted later that he ended up getting fired for the post (a diser fwded it to the DVC satisfaction manager), and other CM's who posted in that thread "disappeared" from the dis after that....they all "unregistered" as members. It was very weird. But, I also found it interesting how many DVC'ers posted they had bad experiences with CM's at DVC resorts (BCV in particular). Comments about how we are "cheap", and "bring our belongings in grocery bags", and "are always trying to sneak extra people in the rooms", and other things which are obviously not true.

However, it did make me realize that the actions of just a few members (some which I have seen with my own eyes at BWV and BCV) can really "taint" the image of all of us.

I own 540 points at BCV, and am currently on the waitlist for more. That may not be a lot of money to some people....but, it is a LOT of money for us. I really hope that I can have AMAZING vacations over the next 36 years, and that starts with being treated well by the CM's. I don't want to own at BCV if they "hate" us...on my first stay there, we ran across a REALLY snobby attitude over and over again....and, I am as nice as I can possibly be to the CM's. We have received AMAZING service at both BWV and VWL....but, I have never received AMAZING service at BCV. I have to think that the CM's are "gun shy" of DVC members for some reason. When we were there last May, my daughter went to pin trade with Art (she was three at the time) and she burst into tears during the trade. When my dh came over (I was checking us in), he explained that Art was wearing two lanyards...a green one (for kids), and black one (for anyone). The pin my dd wanted was on his black lanyard, but Art would not allow her to have it. He told her she could only trade off of his green lanyard (which is not true....black lanyard are for anyone). So, my dh took the pin off of my dd's lanyard and traded with Art, and then gave the pin to my dd. It was just silly...kids can trade off of ANY lanyards, and seriously....to make a little girl cry over it!!!

This is just one example of the treatment we have received at BCV...there have been others. However, we have also received some great treatment there (like when our refrigerator had to be replaced)...super nice!!!

But, I think because BCV is always SOOO full, and members all want that coveted Epcot view, CM's there get tired of the "mess" and have become jaded. Seriously, think about it....it is one of the few pool areas where you have to get a wristband because of "pool crashers", the valet parking is FULL of people who use it to go to Epcot, and people seem to try to break the rules whenever they can. It is a beautiful resort in a prime location, and yet that does not seem to please people. Add to that, the DVC wing stays at almost 100% occupancy, people always want in their rooms early, and many think it is "no big deal" if they are not out by 11. I imagine the daily grind of working at that resort is exhausting. And if the CM who posted last year is correct, turnover at the DVC resorts (except for OKW) is extremely high due to the stress of the job. That could go a long way in explaining why CM's do not seem to be the "best trained" at what they do.

That is why we go out of our way to be nice to EVERY CM we encounter, at BCV or otherwise (although the parking attendants at the parks really push my patience sometimes ). I worked at an amusement park for 5 years as a teenager, and it is VERY hard work. I appreciate what the CM's do, and try to find ways to let them know that (even bringing them "treats" from the park). They are a part of the magic, an can add to our trip in so many ways. And, even after Art made my dd cry, we thanked him (and, this was not the first time he has been grumpy with us). I explained to my dd that he must not have been feeling well that day, and maybe we should try harder to cheer him up next time (she said, "And pray for him, Mommy!").

I guess....bottom line...we realize that WE are a part of creating the magic at WDW, and we are directly responsible for how much/little magic we have. We have found that even the CM who was grumpiest to us when we first arrived, is laughing with us by the time we leave. My dh talks to the bellhops, and by the end of our trip always seem to call my dd by name when they see her...it's great!! Bottom line, I do think you get back what you put out into the world....and, I think that we DVC members are responsible for the way CM's view us.

It's just my opinion....



Beca

 

[gothmommie]

When we were there last May, my daughter went to pin trade with Art (she was three at the time) and she burst into tears during the trade. When my dh came over (I was checking us in), he explained that Art was wearing two lanyards...a green one (for kids), and black one (for anyone). The pin my dd wanted was on his black lanyard, but Art would not allow her to have it. He told her she could only trade off of his green lanyard (which is not true....black lanyard are for anyone). So, my dh took the pin off of my dd's lanyard and traded with Art, and then gave the pin to my dd. It was just silly...kids can trade off of ANY lanyards, and seriously....to make a little girl cry over it!!!

Wow! If I am reading this/understanding this correctly, that's really horrible. Sorry you experienced this - your poor daughter! Now I'm glad we never approached Art for trading....we kind of got that vibe from him. Nice to wave to though.

 

[Sammie]

It is very possible with the room changes, someone else got your anniversary surprise, it happens all the time.

The only thing that really surprises me is the money refund, I don't think I have ever heard of that happening with a points stay. I would much rather have that then 2 helium balloons and a photo of Mickey and Minnie.

 

[gothmommie]

It is very possible with the room changes, someone else got your anniversary surprise, it happens all the time.

The only thing that really surprises me is the money refund, I don't think I have ever heard of that happening with a points stay. I would much rather have that then 2 helium balloons and a photo of Mickey and Minnie.

Again, this was to address the room debacle. The manager was quite clear on that. Not the dirty room. Not the (later) anniversary thing. Yes, we were very surprised, in fact I know my jaw dropped. She was thanked and I have commented on her handling of that to guest relations in a complementary way.

Point, again, is that after that screw up they dropped the ball yet again of their doing. Which is why I was even more annoyed then I normally would have been.

I could sum it up in one sentence - People don't promise or state anything unless you are darn sure you intend to execute.

But yes, as you say, perhaps they sent whatever to the wrong room.

 

[Beca]

Wow! If I am reading this/understanding this correctly, that's really horrible. Sorry you experienced this - your poor daughter! Now I'm glad we never approached Art for trading....we kind of got that vibe from him. Nice to wave to though.

ITA....especially since I think Art is just a darling symbol of BCV. But, you know...she got over it, and we did too. We'll just keep trying to see if we can catch him "not grumpy".



Beca

 

[Judique]

ITA....especially since I think Art is just a darling symbol of BCV. But, you know...she got over it, and we did too. We'll just keep trying to see if we can catch him "not grumpy".



Beca

You have a great attitude! I hope someone reads this and Art gets clued in...nicely of course!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Re. gifts being delivered to the wrong room.

Our DS and DDil were supposed to be in the cabin next to us on a European cruise, but a member of her family got very ill and they stayed behind. On our first day out, we noticed room service going to the next door with a tray of what looked like chocolate covered strawberries. Now, this was our surprise to our family, but they were not there, someone else was in the room now.

Well, we went to management and cleared the whole thing up. We got a credit for all of the gifts, one each day were supposed to be delivere!d!!

Someone else very well could have gotten the gift meant for you.

Bobbi

 

[NMW]

This is a perfect example of why when given our room location, I never say...but don't you have anything on this floor/with this view/etc. The only thing that I would complain about is if I got to our room and it was really dirty, or a smoking room. In fact, non-smoking for medical reasons is the only request we make. This is not just DVC stays, but at ANY resort we have ever stayed at in Disney. Now obviously, if we had paid for lagoon view at the POLY and been given garden view, I would be upset. DVC is different-there are no gaurantees, just requests, it says so right on your confirmation letter. Plus, it would never be worth it for our family to stay in one room one night, and them move the next day just for a VIEW!

You might be annoyed that I'm saying this, but maybe you didn't get anything for your anniversary because the CM's and managers were annoyed by your "storming down to see them." Or, as others have suggested maybe your anniversary item was sent to one of the many rooms that had been assigned to you. The thread that Beca mentioned was controversial, but I hope it made some DVC members realize that they really don't "own the place", maybe that's why DVC changed it's slogan from "own a peice of the magic" to "members are magical"?? Sorry if what I've written bothers you (really), it's just my opinion.

 

[patsal]

It will have been two years in July since I have stayed at BCV. I found the place unacceptably filthy, the manager and the staff that I encountered to be unhelpful at best. I sent a letter, it took six months for a reply and I still am afraid to go there again. I had been hearing pretty good things lately and was hoping to consider it for 2007, but I'm guessing I might just forget about it altogether.

 

[gothmommie]

This is a perfect example of why when given our room location, I never say...but don't you have anything on this floor/with this view/etc. The only thing that I would complain about is if I got to our room and it was really dirty, or a smoking room. In fact, non-smoking for medical reasons is the only request we make. This is not just DVC stays, but at ANY resort we have ever stayed at in Disney. Now obviously, if we had paid for lagoon view at the POLY and been given garden view, I would be upset. DVC is different-there are no gaurantees, just requests, it says so right on your confirmation letter. Plus, it would never be worth it for our family to stay in one room one night, and them move the next day just for a VIEW!

You might be annoyed that I'm saying this, but maybe you didn't get anything for your anniversary because the CM's and managers were annoyed by your "storming down to see them." Or, as others have suggested maybe your anniversary item was sent to one of the many rooms that had been assigned to you. The thread that Beca mentioned was controversial, but I hope it made some DVC members realize that they really don't "own the place", maybe that's why DVC changed it's slogan from "own a peice of the magic" to "members are magical"?? Sorry if what I've written bothers you (really), it's just my opinion.

That's cool. But I think you're thinking that I want them to kiss my a$$ and I don't. I just want that if they say they will do something they do it. Otherwise keep your mouth shut as it's better for all. And no I'm not talking the original room REQUEST. As I explained ad nauseum I knew that was a request. Further, you'll see that I noted that I 'behaved myself' when I asked to speak to the manager. I may have stormed over but I politely asked to speak to the manager alone as I was very upset and did not want to make a scene.

Sorry if it annoys people that I expect them to do their job then I'll be that chigger up their a$$ indefinitely. Don't state you'll deliver if you won't. Please read carefully. The 'request' became a 'promise' and I expected them to make good on that - or call me that they couldn't so I could stay put. Really the fault was all their's and the manager was very embarrassed and said so. Hence the credit. When they messed up again - if I was the manager of that staff we'd be having quite the re-educating staff meeting. And yes, I manage staff and deal with Clients and yes, my staff knows what is expected of them and they get praised for high performance and re-educated for less than satisfactory performance and my Clients even the high-maintenance ones are (currently) very satisfied. So yes, it can be done - as long as you manage expectations appropriately.

Oh, yes - I want a clean and tidy room too please.

 

[gothmommie]

ITA....especially since I think Art is just a darling symbol of BCV. But, you know...she got over it, and we did too. We'll just keep trying to see if we can catch him "not grumpy".



Beca

OK, I give up - what does ITA stand for????

 

[Sammie]

OK, I give up - what does ITA stand for????

ITA= I Totally Agree, however in this case I don't because I been going to the Beach Club since it opened and never witnessed Art being grumpy.

 

[gothmommie]

ITA= I Totally Agree, however in this case I don't because I been going to the Beach Club since it opened and never witnessed Art being grumpy.

Duh! Thank you!

 

[Daitcher]

Okay....I'm not sure where to begin on this one. I will be the 1st to admit that the policies of "room requests" at BCV are probably the worst in DVC's system. I spoke to the GM about this at the owner's meeting, and he didn't seem concerned about what views owners get...it was disappointing. And, Kudos to you for being willing to move to get your views. However, it seems to me that you may have just had too many requests to get them all met. Because of the architecture at BCV, some rooms have full balconies, and some do not...I seriously doubt that it is in BCV's system as to which rooms do/do not.

I RARELY get my request of views at BCV, and have never been compensated for not getting them....which, IMO is what happened in your case. I cannot even imagine how "ugly" this scene had to get for you to be offered that. In your own words, you "Storm(ed) off to the manager". I cannot imagine it was pretty, and you probably added to the disdainful view that some CM's have for DVC members.

And finally.....Congrats on your anniversary...I hope it was wonderful!!! However, being mad because someone outside your marriage does not recognize it, or even wish you "Happy Anniversary" is silly. Maybe I come from the "other" end of the spectrum....but, I would be SHOCKED if someone (besides my dh) made mention of my anniversary. People visit WDW for "special occasions" all the time....it would be REALLY tough for them to remember everyone's "special" times.

I love my BCV's SOOOO much!! But, the truth is....service there can be VERY spotty. I know CM's get SOOO tired of people requesting Epcot views (that now you can no longer request them). And, most CM's HATE having DVC members in the resort....they feel we are demanding, high-maintenance, and think we "own" the resort. I know this was your first trip home as an owner....and, as a fellow owner, I am deeply saddened by the demands that you made on the resort (switching rooms 2 times which caused the rooms to be cleaned at all of our expense) for you to get your desired view.

I feel so badly for you that you had to change rooms two times....but, really all three rooms were acceptable (once the first room was cleaned), barring the fact that they did not meet your "requests". We would've just written it off as "the luck of the draw", and enjoyed our vacation.

But then, I wouldn't have even noticed that no one was saying, "Happy Anniversary" to me.

Maybe you would do better to own a timeshare where you actually own a particular unit. That way, you could be "guaranteed" your view, and would not have to "storm down to the manager", and get compensated for a free night to get it.

I think you made out pretty well in this situation.


(Getting ready for the flames)

Beca

You shouldn't need a flame suit for that post. Belive me my hair is singed from the flames I've taken on here. Most were deserved but some were for calling it like it is. Your post is right on the money here. I cringe when I see the "where's the manager" people at the check in desk. It is getting where I'm embarrased to say I'm a DVC member. I wouldn't want to be guilty by association. We are on vacation, relax, enjoy and move on. I recently had an issue at BCV and I tried to remedy it through maintenance. It didn't work so I went about enjoying our trip. I simply followed up with comments when I returned home and a post on here. ( a powerful tool by the way).

DAVE

 

[gothmommie]

OK, I gotta say it. Does anyone detect a condescending and holier than thou attitude from the old-timers who are embarrassed by other DVC members?

Please give it a rest!

You know what they say the truly wise man doesn't need to tell anyone how wise he is. The same goes for the truly GOOD person.

Perhaps that was not the intent if so please know that some of you are coming off that way and I am embarrassed for you (so right back at ya! ).

 

[DrTomorrow]

OK, I gotta say it. Does anyone detect a condescending and holier than thou attitude from the old-timers who are embarrassed by other DVC members?

Please give it a rest!

You know what they say the truly wise man doesn't need to tell anyone how wise he is. The same goes for the truly GOOD person.

[...]

And, I might suggest, the same goes for someone who manages well-trained subordinates

Sorry, I'm with Beca on the "shared responsibilty for creating the magic" and dear ol' Daitcher with "relax and enjoy". There're two key lessons to be learned: the management of expectations, and the ability to take what life dishes out and be happy anyway! Like my late father used to say; "I used to complain 'cause I had no shoes, 'til I met a man who had no feet." But far be it from me to prevent anyone from getting indignant, so go for it!

IMHO - YMMV - Be well!

 

[gothmommie]

And, I might suggest, the same goes for someone who manages well-trained subordinates

Sorry, I'm with Beca on the "shared responsibilty for creating the magic" and dear ol' Daitcher with "relax and enjoy". There're two key lessons to be learned: the management of expectations, and the ability to take what life dishes out and be happy anyway! Like my late father used to say; "I used to complain 'cause I had no shoes, 'til I met a man who had no feet." But far be it from me to prevent anyone from getting indignant, so go for it!

IMHO - YMMV - Be well!

Okey dokey thread over please.

I don't like you, you don't like me. At least Becca and Dave were nice. The icons were a tad over the top and I hope karma rewards you abundantly. We may stay in the same resorts but that's about it. See you around - and if I post another thread PLEASE spare us both and don't reply.