First Trip Home to VWL Report!

[Gwydion]

Well, we just got back from a week at the VWL and had a great time!
What a beautiful place! It was our first trip as DVC members and we loved it! My DS-6 had his birthday there and my DD-8months was an angel the entire time. This is the first week's vacation I've had in a very long time and I had planned a daily itinerary for each day there. It worked great! I think my wife was worried that I would be Captain Bligh and drag her through each day, but "they were more like guidelines really!" so she was very happy with the way it worked out. On the last day it was just too hot for us to stay and we left the parks early. As we were driving away my DS decided that a week had not been long enough, even though we were all exhausted! I had never been to the Lodge and was amazed at how gorgeous it was. During the week we also took a boat ride from Epcot to check out BWV and BCV. They were gorgeous too. Now I think I am getting addonitis myself. Which brings up a few questions I have;
1) If I were to add-on points, how easy would it be to rent any extra that we don't use? I know that people do rent their points, but how strong is the buying market? Can I be fairly confident that I could get rid of my points or is it hit and miss? Also, how much is the usual amount needed to rent? And lastly, can you rent points borrowed from next year (if you need a round number)?
2) One unfortunate event that happened during the trip was that when I had my wife's fairly new car brought around to get some luggage out, there was a pretty bad scratch on the rear bumper corner where the paint had been rubbed off. It isn't a terrible problem, but it was being valeted and did take place on their property. I had the manager take a look at it and the Disney Police gave me a report, although I'm sure it won't meet my deductible. They stated that it was most likely a hit and run and that there was nothing they could do, although they admitted it had happened during my stay. Should I bother getting an estimate and asking Disney for some compensation, or would it not be worth my time? It's probably a $100-$200 repair, which I might not even get fixed if they don't offer to pay for it. It isn't that noticeable but I know it's there. Any suggestions from anyone who has had experience with this sort of thing?

Thanks in advance for your replies.

 

[ClarabelleCow]

Glad you enjoyed your stay, we also own and love the VWL.

Re: the "hit and run", if that's what you think really happened, then I wouldn't expect Disney to pay for it. If it happened in a shopping center, would the shopping center pay for it?

But if you think it was Disney negligence, then I would submit it.

When you valet, are they responsible for any damage done to your car? I have always wondered that, I like to valet park our car at a local restaurant, because the parking is so far away, my husband hates it, and says if the valet takes off and gets hit on the road or something, we would still be responsible? Anyone know how that works?

 

[ddave]

Well, we just got back from a week at the VWL and had a great time!
Thanks in advance for your replies.

Glad you enjoyed your stay! We also have 100 points at VWL, but have only stayed there once in 5 years and absolutely love it there! The next time we go, were going to have to try to stay there. It's hard turn down OKW with the lower points.

Guidelines are good ) As you find that you can go more, you won't be inclined to do commando style vacationing. This is when you start to enjoy what you bought in DVC. Doing WDW commando style is exhausting.

Sorry about your car. I too am a stickler for scratches I would like to know the answer on that also. If it was damaged on their watch while valet parked, they are the only ones allowed in those lots. Hmmmmm.

 

[Muushka]

Sounds like it was an (almost ) successful first stay at VWL.
That is our home resort and we love it also.

I hope you get peaceful resolution for the car boo boo. I guess those things happen, but we just don't expect them to happen to us or fellow DVCers.

 

[twotoohappy]

Thanks for the report! VWL/BCV are my homes and it's always nice to hear reports.
As far as renting, here's my 2cents worth. Always have a contract. I tried it and the person backed out. There wasn't a problem with returning the money, but then I had to try to rerent the points. It was a pain and instead we took the trip ourselves. Also, my concern is that if the "renters" do damage to the room. When we check in if we don't want to charge to the room then no credit card number is taken. So if they damage the room then it will be the DVC member that gets charged. I know you can sue the renter, but what happens if they live in another state?
Just my thoughts.
Did you get a chance to eat at WC? We eat there every trip to see
M. T. Wallet, she's a hoot

 

[goofy4dvc]

When you valet, are they responsible for any damage done to your car? I have always wondered that, I like to valet park our car at a local restaurant, because the parking is so far away, my husband hates it, and says if the valet takes off and gets hit on the road or something, we would still be responsible? Anyone know how that works?

Several years ago, we had a dinner party at GF's Victoria & Alberts. Someone in our party had left their rental car with the valet service. The valet ran the car into one of the large flower pots, causing some damage to the rental car. When our friends came to pick up their car, the valet manager explained to him about the accident and also said that they had called their insurance company and the car rental to report it and that their insurance would pay for the damages. Our friends didn't have to do a thing but return the car to the rental company at the airport. We were all impressed with Disney arranging all that while we were enjoying dinner.

 

[Cinderella]

If your car was damaged in the car park, and you used valet service, I would definitely be calling them and asking them to pay up. This happened to me once before in Edinburgh, and I insisted that the hotel paid, as I had left my car with them in trust.

 

[ErinC]

Thanks for the VWL report. Glad you enjoyed your stay!

In regard to your car. First of all, get an estimate! Our family is in the collision repair industry. If paint work has to be done, the estimate may be more than you think. People are always surprised at what a small fender bender can cost them. Since you don't know exactlly what happened to the vehicle, just make sure that there isn't any other damage underneath, that you may not be seeing.(I don't mean to sound like an alarmist) Probably won't be, but just make sure. Once you have an estimate, then you can decide what to do about it. I think that Disney should assume some sort of responsibility since it was in the care of the valets. Not sure what the official policy is on this, I would really like to know.

Glad your family had a great vacation! Hopefully it won't be too long before your next!