Garden Suites Closing for Renovations

[whodini]

I leave for WDW in 25 days with a schedule stayed at the BW Garden Suites for a week. I just got a call that the rooms are being renovated and they we've been moved to a 1 Bedroom Boardwalk Villa.

Oh FYI - The stay is because we're getting married at WDW through FTW on Saturday night. Needless to say, we're spending a considerable amount of money with Disney.

This is extremely frustrating as I just don't think the experience is going to be the same at the Villas. In addition, it doesn't come with the Concierge service, although I was told they would look into getting us access. Of course, that means we have to travel over to the Inn, which depending on where in the Villas we are, could be a good walk.

I was also told the same rate would stand from the Garden Suite to the Villa. Looking around it seems the Villa should be considerably cheaper. Of course, the Disney reservation system shows no rooms available, so I can't get an exact quote. However, the price at the OKW Villas are the same price I'm seeing at WDWInfo and AllEars.

This is a partial rant as well as a call for help. Has anyone else heard of this renovation? Can anyone compare the Villas to the Garden Suites? Other thoughts on what we can ask for in return? I'd try and switch to another resort, but we have so much stuff planned around the Boardwalk that it just seems silly. Am I just being petty here?

 

[D&R love Disney]

I'd be so disappointed, the garden suites are so special and very different from a 1 br villa. I'm pretty sure the rate to stay in the BWV is cheaper too and you don't get concierge.

We've stayed in the garden suites 2x, when we got engaged and when we got married and for that special occasion I'd want something special.

Ask about getting a suite on the concierge floor at the BWI instead of a villa or at least getting a boardwalk view villa with concierge access.

 

[GinnyFavers]

I would call back and have this conversation directly with the Boardwalk Inn's general manager or someone right under him.

I agree with you that the Garden Suites would be a more pampering and special experience than the 1 bedroom DVC villas.

You can't rent the Garden Suites for $11 per point, would be my kicker. I can rent DVC points and get a 1 bedroom at Boardwalk for half the rack rate.

If they can't do anything for you at the Boardwalk Inn, I'd consider asking them to move me over to the Beach Club villas DVC. At least there, you aren't twice as far away from Epcot, and there's Stormalong Bay.

I dunno, I'd be really disappointed and po'ed, too. It's a long time dream of my husband's and mine to stay at the Garden Suites at BI. I've done the BWV 1 bedroom. It's nice, but not special like the suites.

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

I would contact WDW and ask to be moved to another deluxe in a category that includes concierge that you feel will be comparable to your suite @ BW. If nothing is available, perhaps you can have the DDP included at no extra charge since it would not be convenient to access the concierge lounge from the villa. If none of these options are available, you should ask for a credit of some kind as it does appear the rates for the Garden Suite are higher than the 1bdrm villa.

 

[Desnik]

BWV 1 bedroom rack rate for your time frame is $480 per night.
BW Garden Suite rack rate for your time frame is $655 per night.
From the mousesavers website:
***Garden Suites are secluded cottage-style units with fenced gardens in front, a downstairs seating area with pull-out sofa and half bath, a small wet bar with mini-fridge, and an upstairs bedroom with King bed and full bath. In terms of space and amenities, they are roughly equivalent to a Studio unit in the Boardwalk Villas, but the layout is different. They sleep 4.

The 1 bedroom will have a full kitchen, washer/dryer, king bed, and jacuzzi.

I have not heard of the garden suits being under construction. I do not think you are being petty. If the 1 bedroom will not suite your needs, then have them switch you to a concierge room at the YC or BC, or even a concierge room at the BWI if concierge is important for you to have. I would not let them charge me the same rate because clearly the 1 bedroom is cheaper. I'd call back and told them it is not acceptable.
Good luck!

 

[Alicnwondrln]

I agree that the villa isnt on the same level and I would be calling back. You booked a suite and should get one. They should move you to one in the main building. None of the villas are gonna be near the concierge lounge I would think. I would call back and asked to be moved to a deluxe concierge room inside. If not a deluxe concierge at a different resort.

good luck

 

[whodini]

Thanks for all the kind words!

I've spoken to my coordinator and sales person 3 times in the past hour. They have reduced the rate staying at the 1 Bedroom Villa. It ends up being $148/night less, which while its some nice savings I was ready to spend the amount needed for the Garden Suite.

I wouldn't have a problem with just going concierge, but we need the extra room for the girls to get ready the day of the wedding as well as for people to come and hang out throughout the week. It sounds like the Villa is acceptable, as long as the view is OK. Any suggestions on that? They offered me regular or pool view, so I told them pool view. Is there a boardwalk view option? Any idea what floors those are on as well? I'd like something high up to take advantage of the 2 balconies to see Illuminations at night.

 

[Desnik]

For specifics on the BWV I would pop over to the DVC boards and ask over there. Even though I am a DVC member who has stayed at the BWV a few times I am not 100% sure on the answers to your questions. I do think the extra room in a 1 bedroom in your situation is perfect. I am glad you got to save some money too! As for the BW view, that is a whole other category. For the villas there is standard view, preferred view(pool or water) and the BW view. If I am not mistaken you can not see the fireworks from most of the villas. You can see the higher up portion of Illuminations from spots in the Epcot resorts area.

 

[allisonswonderland]

UGH - I am really sorry this has happened to you...best wishes on your upcoming wedding. I too am a Disney Bride - I would have been really bummed too. Good luck!

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

You could have rented points from a DVC member and paid $1740 (based on $10/pt) for a week in a 1 bdrm standard view villa @ BWV, or $2140 for a Boardwalk/Preferred view. If you are paying more than that (even with the credit) you should try to negotiate more of a discount, look at other resorts, or possbily get park tickets comp'd.

 

[GinnyFavers]

Thanks for all the kind words!

I've spoken to my coordinator and sales person 3 times in the past hour. They have reduced the rate staying at the 1 Bedroom Villa. It ends up being $148/night less, which while its some nice savings I was ready to spend the amount needed for the Garden Suite.

I wouldn't have a problem with just going concierge, but we need the extra room for the girls to get ready the day of the wedding as well as for people to come and hang out throughout the week. It sounds like the Villa is acceptable, as long as the view is OK. Any suggestions on that? They offered me regular or pool view, so I told them pool view. Is there a boardwalk view option? Any idea what floors those are on as well? I'd like something high up to take advantage of the 2 balconies to see Illuminations at night.

Yes, there's a Preferred View option. The pool view will be nice, but it won't face onto the Boardwalk. You would NOT be facing the right way to see Illuminations. I'm not sure *any* 1 bedroom at the BWV can see Illuminations?

 

[disneyfan55]

Sorry for all the tourmoil just before your wedding. We were just at WDW last week the the area around the Contempory is really an eye sore. They have 2 huge cranes and the one wing was totally demolished. The only advantage in my opinion would be the monorail. Maybe something is available in the Poly or Floridian. Just a thought. Since they are giving such a discount, it might be worth it. Good luck in getting what you would like!!

 

[spiceycat]

the pool views definitely won't see illiuinations.

I can't believe they did that to you. on my first trip there - my neighbors were in a GV because WDW had over booked the GS.

now that is more than fair.

but just a 1-bedroom is not.

the 1-bedroom are nice - you have whirlpool tub just like the GS - and really I think a little more room.

the 1-bedroom comes with a full kitchen. Which Disney should stock for you - considering they are making you move. (okay that is also my opinion). Not as great as conceirge - but you don't have to get dressed to get meals or snacks.

did they even offer anything else?

 

[Minnie&Nana]

The one bedroom on either side of us could not have seen IllumiNations - we had a nice location right down from the elevator on the 4th floor, but not a view for such a special ocassion.

Hope everything works out great for you.
Congratulations!!

 

[jjohnson]

Concierge access from the villa side would be a huge hassle although the garden suites are not ideal either.

There are 1 and 2 bedroom suites on the Inn side. I would ask if they are available for your stay.

 

[Desnik]

You could have rented points from a DVC member and paid $1740 (based on $10/pt) for a week in a 1 bdrm standard view villa @ BWV, or $2140 for a Boardwalk/Preferred view. If you are paying more than that (even with the credit) you should try to negotiate more of a discount, look at other resorts, or possbily get park tickets comp'd.

I do believe that when you book a Disney wedding they give you 2 annual passes. So, maybe OP could just ask for an upgrade at another resort or maybe a bigger discount on the 1 bedroom.

 

[disneyfan55]

I really don't know your preferences, but the WL is very beautiful. While not on the monorail it is closeby. It is a wonderful tranquil place to stay. Just a thought.

 

[whodini]

Unfortunately, there are no 1 or 2 bedroom concierge suites at the Inn side, so we're sticking with Villa for now, with the request that we got places on the Boardwalk side on an upper floor. We've already got a fairly good rate at the Villas, which are technically sold out according to the reservation website. The FTW team also made some concessions for us on wedding related stuff, so we're happy for now.

I know it'll be a haul on over to the concierge, but we'll make the effort a night or two to check it out.

Again, thanks for everyone's thoughts and suggestions.

~ Chad

 

[D&R love Disney]

I'm glad your EM has been able to help you out. I know I would have been very upset not to have been able to stay a garden suite for our wedding/honeymoon.