DVC Check in Tactics

[RweTHEREyet]

Sandy thanks for the links, this looks like it will be very helpful. Like I said, I don't make a lot of requests, but it always helps to have good information when you are checking in.

 

[The VWL Five]

WOW, that was some fun reading. Been gone for a few days and WOW.

I'm sorry this got turned into a bashing of sorts. BW is just my 3rd choice right now. Everyone has likes and dislikes as someone already said.

I'll choose what tactics work best for me to communicate what's best for my family (NS etc). Just wanted to see how others handle their own communication with the CM's.

Thanks for those who actually took the time to help respond to my post.

 

[goofy4tink]

How irritated do the CM's get if you ask for a different room than the one they just gave you? When we were at the Polynesian last summer, the CM seemed a little (okay, a lot) harried. I was pretty sure the room we got wasn't going to be as terrific as others, but I didn't want to seem pushy. Now, I know nothing about any of the rooms at BWVs other than the wonderful sheets I just printed out (thanks so much Sandy!) so I'm not sure what I would be looking for. I sure am not comfortable standing there with 6 pages of print out. Maybe I could just note what rooms are better than others on a small slip of paper? I just don't want to irritate them. They're jobs can be tough enough as it is. Thanks.

 

[nicksmom]

Where can I find the room report you are speaking of? I don't have too many requests, but travel w/ 3 small kids and it's easier on the first floor. I thought all rooms were the same?

 

[RweTHEREyet]

How irritated do the CM's get if you ask for a different room than the one they just gave you?

I usually ask them to show me on the map where the room is located. If it isn't what I want, then I ask them to please do me a favor and check for "thus and such" depending on where I am. I have never had a CM get angry or perturbed at my request. As long as you ask nicely and understand if there is nothing different available, I don't see a problem.

 

[BWVDee]

To the folks that do check out the room location on a map or the spreadsheet with the CM while registering for your room, do you or would you also do the same thing if you were staying at another comparable resort to WDW for a vacation? Just wondering.

 

[InstImpres]

Originally posted by BWVDee
r would you also do the same thing if you were staying at another comparable resort to WDW for a vacation?

Maybe I look at this the wrong way...I wouldn't rent a shore house, ski cabin, etc. for week without knowing where it is located. Again, I don't haress the CM or speak rudely, if I am unhappy with the room, I politely ask if something else is avail that I would enjoy more. DVC is a large investment, if I don't ask for what I want, than shame on me, the world can't read my mind.

Also, the change fee certainly factors into my thought process. I know plenty of people that get to a hotel room and aren't happy with it for one reason or another and move. The fee by DVC is to discourage this, so I feel I should know up front if the room is acceptable.

JMHO
Sandy

 

[MAC3]

My requests are usually simple, NS is always first, then certain bldgs (usually giving them 3 or 4 to choose from), then I ask for floors..... I think I will reverse the last 2 request from here on out though. When staying in DVC Resort I hate being on the first floor.

I have had some long walks to an elevator & some first floor villas but it didn't ruin my vacation. I love DVC, I'm just fortunate to have it.

BTW, I thought the comment about the clown face was hysterical and I love the BWV.

Lisa

 

[MiaSRN62]

BWV has very few villas that have a bad view whether they are standard or preferred villas. The other DVC resorts are not as lucky with dumpster views at VWL, road views at BCV and heavy vegation or road views at OKW. I think this makes a big difference in how a guest approaches the CMs at check in when they know there is a real possiblity of getting a room with a really bad view.

Personally, I don't know about BWV having very few villas with a bad view----I had one in July (PV). It was mostly of the valet parking lot and service driveway---and this was considered PV. I know my one isolated room wasn't unique to this view---many all along that side got this same perspective. In relation to it's size, I feel OKW has very few (also along with BWV) bad views. But even many of the SV rooms at BW overlook the driveway with cars, vans and busses pulling up ? How is this better than the "road views" at OKW ? Vehicles are vehicles ? Noise is noise and car exhaust is all the same ? So, in other words, I don't think OKW has more bad views than BW, but rather comparable in ratio form. I think the BCV and VWL may have more bad views in relation to it's smaller size---and I actually love the VWL so this is not a put-down in any way.
In all my stays at OKW, I have never had a bad view. Yes, the vegetation can be a little heavy primarily on the studio porches here and there----but 4 stays at OKW and all different buildings---I've never had overgrown vegetation on the main porch/balcony of a 1 or 2 bedroom or been near any road views. I'm not saying these don't exist (as with the BWV also), but I think my chances of getting a bad view at OKW are perhaps less than maybe BCV or VWL due to amount of rooms. One recent stay in an OKW 2 bedroom, we did have heavy vegetation on the studio portion of the porch and actually liked it. It gave us privacy, especially since we were on the ground, and I could sit out there in my robe and sip my iced tea in the morning. So, we didn't consider this a "bad" view and I'm sure some others might not also. The main porch was free and clear and overlooked a pond/water with ducks that were maybe 3 feet from the water's edge. Nice I feel one person's bad view might be perfectly acceptable to someone else & this holds true with every resort.

As far as check-in, I usually just remind the CM of my request that I had made on the phone with MS and ask if they received that in their computer. I very politely and casually mentions "areas" of the resort or general views of the resort that I would love to have "if they're available". I normally request non-smoking and a woods or water view at OKW. I try not to come off too pushy. I have referred to a resort map on occasion. I do this also with my off-site timeshare. There are a select few villas that overlook I-4 there. I know exactly which ones they are and have had the staff debate me on it. I have told them to take a walk over there sometime and check it out......lol In the end, they give in to my requests. It just annoys me that staff who work at certain resorts don't even truly know it as well as owners do but come off like they do ?

 

[MiaSRN62]

Personally, I don't know about BWV having very few villas with a bad view----I had one in July (PV). It was mostly of the valet parking lot and service driveway---and this was considered PV. I know my one isolated room wasn't unique to this view---many all along that side got this same perspective. In relation to it's size, I feel OKW has very few (also along with BWV) bad views.

To clarify my own post, I was referring to the OP's comment that BW had very few bad views in comparision to all the other on-site DVC resorts. What I'm trying to say, is rather, I feel BW and OKW are similar in that they most likely both have very few bad views in relation to the amount of rooms they have. I feel the ratios would be comparable with these two resorts.

 

[colleen costello]

I get so flustered at check-in that I always blow it. I forget the important question (in my mind) "Is it HC?" We checked into VWL this past June and I was a complete spaz. I was so fixated on the darn dumpster that I forgot all about "No HC please." This matters when you are a family of 4 in a studio. From now on, after "non smoking" I am just going to beg "Non-handicapped, please" and try not to WORRY about the view!

 

[MiaSRN62]

I was so fixated on the darn dumpster that I forgot all about "No HC please." This matters when you are a family of 4 in a studio. From now on, after "non smoking" I am just going to beg "Non-handicapped,

Good point Colleen.....I need to add this to my two existing reservations also.

 

[MulanMom]

The VWL Five...we're in the same boat as you, and we've been DVC members since '93! The whole issue of room assignments has gotten us to the point where we've considered selling our OKW points. We vacation once or twice a year to WDW, and we want a nice location. We've had some of the worst in terms of noise and views, only to be rewarded with an assignment to a HC room the following trip. That was last vacation. Rather than being offered what was available at the time, the front desk made us wait until 4 hours later to surprise us with another room that wasn't acceptable. I tried to contact Member Services to discuss the issue at the time, and their response was to transfer me to the OKW front desk. Repeated problems with the OKW front desk *was* the issue, and we get nowhere with the management.

Before anyone jumps down my throat, we do give a broad range for preferences. We are pleasant at check-in but we are not about to remain quiet when dissatisfied. It's a shame that one has to feel so *prepared* at check-in. I'm beginning to think they place the DVC members in the worst rooms and locations, leaving the best to renters/guests. Either that, or we have some mark after our names! The best rooms we've had is when we've had non-DVC members/guests staying with us.

Hope your future experiences improve!

 

[MiaSRN62]

The VWL Five...we're in the same boat as you, and we've been DVC members since '93! The whole issue of room assignments has gotten us to the point where we've considered selling our OKW points. We vacation once or twice a year to WDW, and we want a nice location. We've had some of the worst in terms of noise and views, only to be rewarded with an assignment to a HC room the following trip.

Wow MulanMom.....sorry to hear this. We've had nothing but the most wonderful OKW locations during the past 5-6 years ! The only place we've been unhappy with so far was BWV (location wise---not room). Wishing you much luck with whatever you decide to do in the selling of your points. We've always found OKW to be a very peaceful resort. The HC rooms are another situation entirely.
BTW.....you're not that far from me in Lehigh Valley, PA

 

[InstImpres]

I put together this quick little one sheet. I thought it might help for those who just want a few highlights (and something palm size) at checkin. Download this file and than only take the small square that applies to the resort you are staying at.

I've listed all known to me handicapped rooms at BCV, BWV, VWL

VWL dumpster & no balcony rooms

BCV 2 bedroom with 2 queens in 2nd room config.

As many have said, there isn't necessarily an "ideal" room but somethings (lack of tub with children, etc.) can be a real spoiler.


http://members.aol.com/InstImpres/dvcsummary.pdf

The file is in adobe acrobat and which can be downloaded from this site for free:
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

Happy travels,
Sandy

 

[MulanMom]

MiaSRN62...Thank you for the well wishes! We, too, still love the OKW resort and usually end up with a decent location once through changing rooms/check-in. It's the check-in process that has become such a downer for us. We've decided to hang onto the points for financial reasons...as long as we have young children who love WDW and as long as we intend to stay on-property in the future, it's really foolish to sell them.

>>BTW.....you're not that far from me in Lehigh Valley, PA <<

Yep, just up the turnpike! Have you used Southeast airlines out of Allentown yet for a trip to the mouse house?

 

[EAP'sDAD]

Fro mulanmom
I'm beginning to think they place the DVC members in the worst rooms and locations, leaving the best to renters/guests.


I have to agree with you Mulanmom I have stayed at BW 5 times since becoming a member in 98 the first time I had a cash ressie and was given a third floor view that was as perfect as they came for me. I could sit on my balcony and watch the fireworks, the stairs to the pool were right there it was great. the other 4 times as a member I have had canal views, my request are non-smoking and BW view that is it. Well 2 years ago I made a ressie using points and another for a family member using cash. I arrived at BW at 8 am and checked in i was not given a room but was able to use the pool, when I finally got my room bingo canal view. But about an hour after I got my room and was told that there were no BW views left, My BIL checked in on the cash ressie and guess what? BW view just like I asked. DVC knows they have us and they know we will keep coming back no matter what view we get. I have always been a strong believer in the rooms should be identified as either DVC or cash.

 

[mitros]

Sorry about doubting you regarding the red{trailers} building at the Boardwalk. We were there on January 13th and 14th, and we checked it out. Never even realized that area was back there, and yes indeed, the CMs told us they were in fact, movable trailers that will be gone in the spring. They just weren't sure as to what was going back there. Also, they gave DW and myself two SSR pins and bags of cotton candy.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Yep, just up the turnpike! Have you used Southeast airlines out of Allentown yet for a trip to the mouse house?

Not yet....and I've been anxious to do this since Allentown is slightly closer than Philly International----less congested ride too. But every time I do a search for airfare, the prices were always slightly higher than what I was getting out of Philly. I've actually found some of my best fares out of Newark, but I'll only drive there if I'm saving at least $50 per ticket. The past 2-3 years, we've actually driven after a recent purchase of a conversion van. But I'll def keep Southeast open as something to check into. I love small airports like Allentown and Atlantic City.

I arrived at BW at 8 am and checked in i was not given a room but was able to use the pool, when I finally got my room bingo canal view. But about an hour after I got my room and was told that there were no BW views left, My BIL checked in on the cash ressie and guess what? BW view just like I asked. DVC knows they have us

Interesting EAP'sDad. I also got the canal view in July----if it's the same one that overlooks the valet parking lot and service driveway ? But then again, I didn't request BW view either as I booked this 60 days or so out. I was charged Preferred View points for this view too.

 

[WolfpackFan]

Let me throw this out and see if anyone agrees or disagrees. Is it possible that when you check-in if you DO NOT make specific requests or check your assigned room to make sure that it is not HC or dumpster that the CM might assign you one of these rooms just because you don't make a big deal out of it? Think about it - they have some rooms thought of as being "bad" - but everyone comes in trying not to get them, so when someone comes along and doesn't question the room wouldn't it be natural to just give that person the HC or dumpster room to unload them? I've always been one to just go along and take what is given to me for the most part, but I'm thinking in April I'm going to take that printed sheet listing the HC and dumpster rooms and check it carefully before I walk away from the checkin counter. Just something to think about, I might be completely wrong.