BCV NYE trip report LONG

[kem330]

Arrived 12/28 for our first stay at BCV- stayed at BWV last year and BC many times before. I think they did a pretty good job of blending them into the resort. We had a 2 BR dedicated room 307. View of courtyard between BC and BCV. Requested this location for its proximity to the main hotel, Epcot, etc. and found it to be very convenient. Overall it is quieter and more intimate than BWV. The room seems a tad bit smaller- mostly in the closets. I thought I would really miss the big entry closet but it really wasn't a big deal. Master closet is kind of a joke- but it really did work out fine for us. Yes the doors are silly in the bathroom but you get used to those too and I really liked the separate toilet set up. Water pressure was okay and it was plenty warm- it really seemed to be a case of a water saver type showerhead. No welcome home but I never got one at BWV either. Check in was great- room ready around 3pm. Was informed by CM that second 2 BR reserved for 12/29 - 12/31 and 1/1- 1/3 had cleared WL for 12/31. Hurray! I asked how it happened as I was told wait lists are cancelled after 7 days prior and she said they keep their own wait list and somehow I was on it. I had called MS daily to check on it before departure and they never called BC, they said they had a sheet from them that said it was sold out. Because it was a Sat, she said not to cancel the studio for 12/31 because the points would go into holding. Next day when friends checked in, another CM confirmed that room had indeed cleared WL and they would not have to move. Really wanted to free up the studio for someone for NYE but again they said call MS on Monday. So from cell phone while touring AK, called and waited 10 minutes on hold to MS to clear it up. MS says no you do not have the 2 BR for NYE- they even called to BC and were told no. So when I got back I went to the front desk and they confirmed again that they would not have to move and called the room controller to make sure and called MS to straighten it out (even they were put on hold for 5 minutes!). She said she was working at 6 am the next day and would send new keys up as the ressies were not linked. Well no keys, but no big deal. We went about our business but around 4pm the maid came in and asked why they hadn't moved out yet. No phone call from the desk, just the housekeeper. So our friend went down and they told him he had to move out- and no studio as that had been cancelled! He argued with them and told them we had spoken to 3 CM's who said they did not have to move and CM asked for names- which of course he didn't remember. Finally he just let him stay- but jeez where's the communication at the place?? It was frustrating but certainly not a big deal as it all worked out in the end. Great weather- even went to SAB a couple times- except for the monsoon on NYE night right after a great dinner at Chefs de France. Fortunately it was warm so we didn't mind being soaked under our ponchos too much. Despite some lightning, Illuminations and fireworks went off and DJ was playing in Japan so we danced a little in the rain just for the heck of it. Makes for some fun memories! Crowds were heavy as expected. The key for us was getting in early and using fast passes. Crowds seem to build by noon- a great time to leave and relax by the pool or take a nap. Well back to reality!!

 

[yasuern]

I'm glad it worked out for you and your friends - although I am sorry that it had to be so difficult From what you say in the post it seems you had a lovely time inspite of this incident. I have read other posts that mirror your scenario in the recent past. - I hope its not a growing trend. We are going to BCV in June - would love to hear what you love most about this resort - disliked most about this resort. Also my DH and I are planning a short getaway w/o the kids - would you choose BCV or BWV for an adult only vaca? Sorry for the ?s - but would love your opinions of them both -

 

[kem330]

Yasuern,
Thanks for the thoughts- we did have a great time- I just was perplexed by the confusion at the front desk and also with MS. Thought it should be brought up in case their are persistent problems- can't fix it if you don't know about it!
Pros for BCV: Stormalong Bay, closer to Epcot, quieter, closer to parking, dedicated units, Better pool side food (Hurricane Hannas), Beaches and Cream, love the atmosphere!
Pros for BWV: closer to MGM, better views, bigger closets
Really there wasn't anything I didn't like about BCV. I'm not fond of the pool at BWV - not very good selection if you want lunch at the pool either. We had good room locations at both resorts so I didn't have to deal with too long a walk either way. In June I think BCV will be an excellent choice because you will really get some use out of the pool. For the two of you, either place would be fine. If you go to Epcot alot, then BCV is a little closer. If you want to be closer to the BW action, stay at BWV. If pool is important definitely stay at BCV- the quiet pool is nice and close to all units.

 

[JudithM]

Originally posted by kem330
I just was perplexed by the confusion at the front desk and also with MS. Thought it should be brought up in case their are persistent problems- can't fix it if you don't know about it!

Have you spoken to or emailed or written to a manager at either or both Member Services or Beach Club front desk? I know several DVC CM who read this bb, but they might not catch everything. I suggest writing/emailing with as many details (names, dates, times, etc.) as possible.

Glad to read though that you did not let this ruin your vacation although I imagine it was frustrating to take so much time clearing it up.

 

[Doctor P]

Welcome back, Karen! Just in time for a little snow. Thanks very much for your trip report--I was very interested to hear your impressions of BCV since you had had your heart set on that as your home resort well before it opened. Sorry to hear that there were problems with the 2BR wait list--hope it didn't put to much of a wrench into things. I am really looking forward to staying at BCV some time, but it will likely have to wait a few years given our future trip plans (and the fact that we have already used up our 2002, 2003, and 2004 BCV points for this summer's cruise).