BCV trip 10/4-11

[JimC]

We loved our first stay at the BCV. We had already stayed at the BC and appreciated the easy access to two parks, many restaurants and recreation. That stay was an influence on our buying into the BCV resort during summer of 02. Owning there will be a real joy over the years. We thought the resort was very well thought out with great design details.

SAB was a joy and the wrist band program very simple to work with. The CMs at SAB were really a lot of fun to be with. They have a tough job. That pool is difficult to guard and they work hard to keep everyone in sight. No probems during our stay with finding open chairs. The quiet pool was also a pleasure as we had room 471 and it was just a few steps to the back elevator and then right out to the pool.

Our view from that room (471) was superb. Spaceship earth was the main focal point from our bedroom and living room. At 9:00 pm we could easily enjoy the music and fireworks from illuminations.

We were there during the big press event when Epcot closed early and there were late fireworks at Epcot that we enjoyed from our room as well.

Now here was our one major complaint -- Housekeeping. Never have I seen it this lax at Disney. We had two lights out when we checked in. I called and they asked which lamps. Four days later, I left a reminder note at T&T day. At check out still no light replacements!

On T&T day they did not replace the laundry detergent, although it is on the list for replenishment.

Also, there were no pots and pans, no pack-n-play crib and some of the glassware and silverware needed to be recleaned before use. The last item, by itself, would have been no big deal. There have been times at home when a second run in the dishwasher was needed.

None of this really detracted from our trip or our overall enjoyment of the resort. Here is my question, should I send this (pretty much all of the above) to DVC or just let it go? I don't want to overreact, but it was a such a stark difference from our 26 other trips to WDW covering nearly every other on property resort, that it really stood out in our minds. I welcome your thoughts.

Edit: The water pressure was fine - easily handled shower while bath was running. Thermostat kept temperature reasonably constant at night but the weather at night was not hot so I don't know how well it would work say in August.

 

[jdm_dkm]

They can't fix what they don't know about. It would probably be helpful to management to kindly let them know what you found....my $0.02

 

[disny4ever]

Although it did not hamper your trip ( which I am glad for that )
these items should have been taken care of. I would definitely send them a note so they know.......going "Home" in 1 more week so I will pay attention and let you know how things go !

 

[DebbieB]

Did you check for the pots & pans in the drawer underneath the oven?

 

[ArthurAmish]

Did you check for the pack and play in the chest type coffee table in the living room?

I too was a bit disappointed in the wear and tear the villa showed after only one year plus of use in our September visit. We too had a light bulb out, but maintenance quickly responded and replaced it. Maybe it was just me, but the granite counter top surfaces never did feel clean - just kind of gritty. To me, the worst problem was in the scuffs and nicks in the paint and drywall, probably where furniture had been placed. Hopefully, they will be painted and repaired on a frequent (maybe annual) basis. Also, one of the bad spots was in the elevators. They had appeared to have taken alot of abuse and also needed cleaned and painted.

Not that any of these ruined our trip - it was just a bit below what my expectations were.

 

[JimC]

DebbieB -- I don't remember checking the drawer under the stove. Never been in a home that kept anything but broiler pans there. I will have to remember for our next trip. Thanks.

ArthurAmish -- Yes, I did check for the pack-n-play in the living room coffee table / chest. It was not there. They were working on the elevators while we were there. The rear elevator was down for maintenance and repainting for a day.

 

[goldilocks_63]

in Room 320 (1 Bedroom).

We put DD in the pull out bed, but had no blankets or pillows for her. Called to ask for some to housekeeping, and nothing.....

1 hour later, call again, and say that 5 year old DD really wants to go to bed, so please, and got it.

Then, next day went to Win Dixie for Groceries... after long day, I wanted a glass of wine. Asked for a Wine opener, didn't get it... Oh, well, forget my bottle of wine. Got a glass at diner. LOL.

Next morning, woken up early by someone banging on all the doors, to tell us High Speed Internet is being put in. So I looked for the do not disturb sign to put out, and nothing there. I got the person who woke us up, and asked them for a sign, but got a blank start, and a "it should be on the back of your door.

SO back to the room, again call housekeeping, ask for a do not disturb sign, and oh, by the way, again still waiting for the wine opener.

Got them.! YEa.

No more problems for a few days. (It always seems like it takes a day or so to bring things up to snuff).

But then the afternoon before we are scheduled to leave, I started packing, and couldn't get our DVD out ("The Wizard of Oz"). Daughter would be upset if we left without it. I bring DVD's because it's a pain to check out / return from the store. We like to sleep in late

So called maintenance this time, and after 20 minute wait, called again, saying we'd like to leave for the Halloween party.... etc. At any rate, maint got it out, saying sometimes they get stuck, and you have to power cycle the player to get it out. Which we knew being IT persons, but we couldn't move the heavy piece of furniture to get to the power cord.

That all being said, I love BCV, especially storm along bay, and the Sandcastle Club. (why did they close the kids club at the boardwalk!!).

I have stayed twice now at BCV, and I think the housekeeping is poor compare to the other places. (Like Yatch Club concierge, but also compared to OKW). I wish they would fix this.

Goldi

 

[LUVMICKEY]

I was sorry to read about the issues you had at BCV. We were there for our first trip home in July and we had no problems, so we're always concerned when we read where other people have had problems. We'll be there again in December with very close friends of ours who have never stayed at a DVC resort before, and we're really hoping to make a good impression.
We are very glad it didn't ruin your wonderful time though. We hope they get some of these housekeeping issues straightened out.

Michele

 

[lenshanem]

When we stayed at BCv last November I never could get a toddler bed rail brought to us. I had requested it on our ressie, then again at check in, then again that night and finally on the second day. I finally gave up. They just weren't going to bring us one. We ended up putting cahirs and pillows up to block her in.

I guess it woudln't ahve been so important, but the night we stayed in a Holiday Inn going down there she fell off the bed and hit her forehead on the end tabel and all our pictures from that trip she has a nice gash. So i was overly worried each night about her falling off. No way she would sleep in that pack and play either.

Last two trisp to AKL they werw wonderful. IMMEDIATELY bringing up rails and once the guy even put them in for me. Both times they saw I had another older chidl and INSISTED on bringing back another rail for her.

It worries me a lot when i keep reading these bad reposrts about BCV. I'm taking my family there next July and I will really be embarrassed if it is not up to standrds. They know we spent a lot of money for this. Plus, my dad works in the hotle industry so he knows what shoudl be expected.

you woudl think with all the complainst BCv gets they woudl be trying to take better care of things. Hurts worse to hear bad things cause thsi is where we bought at.

 

[disneychick05]

I would say that you should report these concerns. We will be at BCV the same time in OCT. '04 and I really want to have a nice trip home and also impress my dad who will be coming down for a few days. I would be upset if we had some of these small problems because I have never had ANY problems at any other Disney resort. I think that reporting your concerns would benefit us all.

 

[DeeP]

I just returned from my first stay at BCV 3 weeks ago and we got the worst rooms, as far as view and noise, we have ever gotten at any WDW resort. We were so close to the very busy road we could almost read the license plate numbers on the many cars and buses we constantly saw go by and the noise was unbelievable from outside and also from several of our neighbors. However, these were our only complaints. Other than this, we loved our stay at BCV. Our villa was very clean and in excellent shape, housekeeping was just fine and so was the a/c and the water pressure. All the CMs we encountered were very nice, especially when we would see Art in the BC lobby--what a sweetheart! And SAB, I can't say enough about how wonderful this amazing and beautiful pool is.
We look forward to future stays at BCV but in the future will never accept a room that is even remotely considered an Epcot view room.

 

[kaw1106]

Okay, I am totally nervous now!!!! We are leaving tomorrow with my children,parents, sister, BIL and their kids. I will be so embarrassed if it is dirty with poor service.

I would definately complain to a higher power if I were you!!! What are the mant. fees for?

I will post a report when I return.

 

[JudyS]

Ooo, all these problems with maintenance sound like a pain!! Does Disney let guests go to housekeeping and pick up light bulbs or whatever they need? (I understand that housekeeping *should* bring the items to the room, but I'm wondering if just getting it yourself is an option when you are in a hurry.)

ArthurAmish said, "The granite counter top surfaces never did feel clean - just kind of gritty."

Hmmm.. sounds like some cleansing powder had not been rinsed off well -- or maybe the granite needed sealing?

Lenshanem, I hope your little girl is all better now!

-- Judy

 

[Terry S]

JimC... All the pots and pans are in the drawer at the bottom of the stove. My mom couldn't find them either when we were there she was going to start dinner before I got home and couldn't find the pans. I told her sure, you just didn't want to cook.

 

[goldilocks_63]

First of all, I love BCV, and will go there as much as possible.

I had a great vacation, and am going again in December to BCV, and can't wait.

Having said all that, I think there a few things I could do better to help improve the service, such as,

when I call maint or housekeeping, tell them that I expect the items NOW, or in 2-3 hours from now, when we're out at the parks, would be okay.

and
2. I believe that some of the confusion is the lack of understanding english by the housekeeping. Next time, if I get someone I feel who cannot understand my request, then I will politely ask to speak to someone else.


So, in summary, I'm going to ask them to 1. repeat what they think my request is, and 2. when are they going to address it.

Tips for others.

Don't stress about BCV - It is fabulous, and you will love it.

(Although I want to try VWL next

Goldi

 

[RobDoc]

Any issues you find at any DVC resort should be reported when you find them. They are most responsive to these concerns.

If you chose not to report your concerns while at the resort, there is little that can be done after-the-fact. If you are conerned about future stays, certainly mention it to MS, but th ebest time to express concern is at the resort itself. ...Give them an opportunity to correct any issues when they occur- not days/weeks later.