Every trip is a learning experience...

[jekjones1558]

We leave tomorrow after a week in a 5th floor BW view 1 bedroom. Here are my latest ramblings:
• The no-smoking policy is a joke. We stayed in a BW view room specifically because DH has breathing issues that make park walking difficult, so he likes sitting on the balcony and watching the action. 4 different days we reported smokers on the balconies below us that required him to come in off the balcony. The same people continued to offend, so obviously nothing was done.
• We needed to get medical care for DH. Found a Minute Clinic at a CVS on 192. It would have been a great, fast option (they even take most insurance) but because of DH's history, he did not qualify for care there. They recommended the Centra Care that is just to the left of the intersection leading into Crossroads Center. The care there was fine but the wait was l-o-n-g. At least we know where to go in the future and we also found out that there is free shuttle service both ways, if ever we need that.
• The contracted-out valet service now requires ONLY valets can unload/load luggage from/to cars. The luggage must go through the bell services storage area and ONLY bell services can deliver luggage to/from rooms. This doubles the cost of tipping. When we do not have too much stuff, we will be wheeling our own luggage into the lobby and then getting bell services after check-in. Since we usually use Resort Airline Check-in on the return flight, we won't have to deal with the double-tipping on the way home. I ALWAYS tip mousekeeping so I don't know why I am being so cheap, but for some reason this really bugs me.
• Why in heavens name can there not be at least one designated lane at each theme park lot for those with resort parking permits to be waved through?
• We stopped at ASMu to see D. J., who was previously at BWV as front desk manager. He is assigned to a special pilot project there which attempts to make the check-in/front desk area/concierge area run more efficiently. D.J. stands at a laptop podium in the middle of the lobby. Other lobby cast members also have laptops to communicate with each other, thus eliminating the need for CMs to disappear behind closed doors. A really great (IMHO) process involves ME notifying ASMu as soon as their guests arrive at the airport, allowing the ASMu CMs to then begin assigning rooms to guests before they even reach the resort, thus speeding the check-in process. I hope that what is learned there may eventually make check-in faster at all WDW resorts. (P.S. D. J. is just as wonderful as ever!)
• We finally visited the AKV preview rooms at SSR. I guess that I am in the minority in not really liking the color scheme or the layout of the AKV rooms (nothing wrong with them--just not my cup of tea). But we also visited the SSR preview rooms again and I love the light color scheme and the layout of those rooms. I would definitely not mind trying out SSR some day.
• What did I ever do before Owner's Locker? Brian and John offer the best customer service on the planet. We'll never be without Owner's Locker.
• While the Luna pool was closed, we hopped with a 21-month-old to SAB. While I am too nervous to enjoy keeping track of older kids going from lazy river to water slide, I do love the SAB sand area for the little ones.
• Finally made it to the new Spaceship Earth ride. There are a LOT of changes: new animated figures, new costumes, great new narration, new scenes, new interactive video screens in each car. I always liked this ride and now I love it even more.
• Also finally saw the new Canada film. While it has a little more Martin Short than I would choose, the views of Canada are even better than the old film. Of course I am biased because I adore vacationing in Canada...
• If you ever get lucky enough to score a 5th floor BW view room, you will not be disappointed in the view of both Wishes and Illuminations. Gorgeous!

I probably forgot something (aren't you glad--I know this is already too long!)

 

[paults]

thank you for the report
with any luck those smokers got a hefty bill for cleaning when they left

 

[JimMIA]

• The no-smoking policy is a joke. We stayed in a BW view room specifically because DH has breathing issues that make park walking difficult, so he likes sitting on the balcony and watching the action. 4 different days we reported smokers on the balconies below us that required him to come in off the balcony. The same people continued to offend, so obviously nothing was done.

Although I'm not surprised (DVC management admitted they aren't enforcing at the Association meetings, I believe), I hope you'll communicate that to someone above the resort level at DVC. Obviously, BWV wasn't doing their job. Hopefully that didn't contribute to your DH's medical situation.

Glad you had a great trip and thanks for the reports.

 

[WDWorld2003]

Sorry about your medical issues and the smokers. We will never use Centra Care again... spent over 3 hours waiting in small quarters for a bottle of amoxicillin at an outragous price. I'll make note of the Minute Clinic for minor medical problems. Last time we used Celebration Hospital and the wait time was still long but much better than Centra Care in a better environment.

We had a 5th floor Boardwalk room on our first trip and you're right - it's absolutely a wonderful view. Enjoy your last day - it's getting warmer in Minnesota (I think it's at least 15 degrees today )

 

[goofy4tink]

Sorry about those smokers. Sure do wish they would do something about it, especially after someone makes a complaint!!!
I love the 5th floor view. But, we were relegated to a 3rd floor, boardwalk view this time (1/14-18). And we were the last villa, next to the Attic. Our view was completely blocked off to the left, but the view of Epcot was pretty nice. But heck...at least I was at WDW, not in NE freezing to death!!!

 

[Chuck S]

A gentle reminder...while it hasn't gone off topic so far...smoking policy discussions are not allowed on the DVC boards.

The new valet policy sounds odd...so the luggage has to be unloaded by a valet, who then hands it off to bell services for delivery? That sure seems like a strange policy. Also glad to know if the clinic for minor problems, we don't have any of those walk-in type things in our area.

And I agree, I think the AKV rooms are lovely, but the colors just don't thrill me at all.

I don't know if I like the room assignment system they are testing or not. I'd hate to arrive by car, only to have a desirable snatched away by someone still at the airport, especially if that room was ready for occupancy, but I then had to wait.

 

[jekjones1558]

I don't know if I like the room assignment system they are testing or not. I'd hate to arrive by car, only to have a desirable snatched away by someone still at the airport, especially if that room was ready for occupancy, but I then had to wait.

D.J. did mention that this pilot project has had less success at another pilot site (Yacht Club) than at ASMu. He said that higher end travelers tend to have different expectations than those who choose value resorts (maybe the room location, for instance?) and thus the room assignment issue becomes more complex.
Regarding the valet/bell services issue: the bell person I spoke with said that he does not really like the new system because guests do not understand why it has to be this way and, hence, it is embarrassing for them. It seems to me that the contract with private valet services may have stipulations in place in order to maximize the ability of those employees to get tips.

 

[Disney_Daddy]

Finally made it to the new Spaceship Earth ride. There are a LOT of changes: new animated figures, new costumes, great new narration, new scenes, new interactive video screens in each car. I always liked this ride and now I love it even more.

I'm excited about seeing the new ride. Thanks for the insight!

 

[pb4ugo]

D.J. did mention that this pilot project has had less success at another pilot site (Yacht Club) than at ASMu. He said that higher end travelers tend to have different expectations than those who choose value resorts (maybe the room location, for instance?) and thus the room assignment issue becomes more complex.
snip

Please don't ever let me be the guest waiting in the lobby to check-in who finds out that the CMs are registering guests en route from the airport! I'm with Chuck S. on that pilot project!

I have yet to enjoy a quick and easy check-in what with my limited number of DVC stays [am still waiting for mine] so I would really go postal if "my room" was given to an ME passenger rather than to me!

 

[Muushka]

• Why in heavens name can there not be at least one designated lane at each theme park lot for those with resort parking permits to be waved through?

Oh yeah. I'm with you on this one, big time.

 

[MrsNick]

• Why in heavens name can there not be at least one designated lane at each theme park lot for those with resort parking permits to be waved through?

ITA. The equivalent of EZ Pass at toll booths here in the NorthEast. Really, this would be a win-win for everyone.

It would cost Disney absolutely nothing, and they would then have the ability to tout one more "perk" for on-site guests...that they would be able to use an "express lane" to access parking at the Parks.

In any case, have a safe trip home!

 

[AKV707]

Thanks for the report. sorry to hear about the smokers.

I am glad that we take a town car or use ME. That whole valet thing seems a little odd.

I am glad to hear that you liked the new SE. It is one of my all time faves. Can't wait to ride it.

In terms of the AKV rooms, clearly you can see my opinion! That 5th floor BW view room sounds great. DW and I will have to try a BW view stay someday.

 

[TammyAlphabet]

Just a note on the medical care, I found, by accident, the Lake Buena vista medical clinic located on the corner across from the Buena Vista Suites, next to a CVS. The CVS by the way, did not even have a pharmacy. Anyway, it was a sunday morning around 11 and there was nobody there. We walked right in and got great care and service. The doctor even gave me a certificate for the antibiotics we needed that took care of the co-pay. They took my insurance too! Sorry I don't have the address but they were great.

 

[dallasdisneymommy]

• We needed to get medical care for DH. Found a Minute Clinic at a CVS on 192. It would have been a great, fast option (they even take most insurance) but because of DH's history, he did not qualify for care there. They recommended the Centra Care that is just to the left of the intersection leading into Crossroads Center. The care there was fine but the wait was l-o-n-g. At least we know where to go in the future and we also found out that there is free shuttle service both ways, if ever we need that.

Just for balance, thought I would relay that I had a very good experience at CentraCare back in August -- my daughter got sick at MGM, we went straight to first aid and they had the CentraCare people come fetch us directly from there in about 20 minutes. We waited another 20 or so at the clinic (not bad at all), saw a doctor, got her diagnosed, got her antibiotic at the on-site pharmacy, the driver took us back to the hotel, and we were back in our room in about 2.5 hours.

No one likes to get sick on vacation, and this situation could have easily taken days out of our experience, but as it was, she had one uncomfortable afternoon and woke up the next morning ready to go.

The medicine was exorbitantly priced. But I considered it a small price to pay for salvaging our vacay. I wouldn't hesitate to use CentraCare again if the need arose (knock wood that it won't).

 

[jekjones1558]

It is good to hear lots of reports about medical options. When you do multiple DVC trips each year, the odds are that at some time or other someone will need a doctor!

 

[WDWorld2003]

Also, the Boardwalk sent our perscription to Turner drug (we didn't need it immediately) and we had it the next morning for a $5.00 delivery charge plus a nominal cost for the medicine.

 

[JimMIA]

It is good to hear lots of reports about medical options. When you do multiple DVC trips each year, the odds are that at some time or other someone will need a doctor!

I agree. We'd all like to believe we're bulletproof, but we're not. And unfortunately neither illness nor injury takes a holiday when we go on vacation. We've personally been fortunate not to need medical attention on any of our trips, but we've had some little minor illness or minor ow-eee on just about every trip.

We sometimes travel with MIL, who has a number of serious chronic medical issues, one of which could become life-threatening. Maybe it's my EMT training, but I always pay attention to AED signs, I know where the Reedy Creek fire stations are, and I pay pretty close attention to those things when she's with us. We also bring her Florida Life Rights Declaration (a kind of living will) with us.

One local info tip -- anyone traveling with a terminally ill patient who has a DNR order from another state or country should know that those documents are absolutely useless in pre-hospital situations in Florida. Likewise, living wills and other types of advanced directives are of no value in the pre-hospital setting. They are only helpful in a situation where there is a physician present, like a hospital or urgent care clinic.

Only a specific Florida form will be legally binding on EMS personnel in the field. You not only have to have the right form, it has to be printed in black ink on canary yellow paper -- that's how specific our law is here. A photocopy is NOT acceptable.

If you're traveling with someone who has a DNR, you need to get the Florida form done, and you must have it on your person to present to the EMS personnel. We can't take your word for it, and if you can't present the right legal document we are required by law to resuscitate.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Only a specific Florida form will be legally binding on EMS personnel in the field. You not only have to have the right form, it has to be printed in black ink on canary yellow paper -- that's how specific our law is here. A photocopy is NOT acceptable.

and if you can't present the right legal document we are required by law to resuscitate.

Not trying to be funny, but I have heard that some have tatooed their wishes, like on their chest. Would that count?

 

[JimMIA]

Not trying to be funny, but I have heard that some have tatooed their wishes, like on their chest. Would that count?

No.

My post above was reasonably specific (in a serious way, because I know there are folks on the DIS who have terminally ill loved ones). If anyone needs additional info, here's a link to the Florida Division of Emergency Medicine webpage, where you can get both more information and download the actual form itself:
Florida Do Not Resuscitate Order

If you look at the form, you'll note there is a document, a detachable wallet card, and a detachable tag which can be worn or attached to clothing. All three are valid DNR forms, and any of the three will be honored.

 

[Goofy's apprentice]

Regarding the alert to the desk at the resorts when you check in with ME...

I think this has already been operating on some levels at t few DVC resorts. Sometimes we rent a car, sometimes we do ME. We started to notice that rooms were ready and requests more available on the ME trips.

My husband asked if that made a difference and was told that the resort is alerted when you checkin with ME. Sorry, but I can't remember which resort told us this. For sure it was a DVC since we have only stayed there recently.