Great BCV trip!

[gwensgoofy]

We checked into BCV last Sunday (7/24). I had used online check-in. We stayed at Swan for the first two days, and my husband walked over with me very early so we could get the check-in part over with. We figured we could pick up our packet, leave our cellphone number and find out what room we had later in the day. Check-in went smoothly. I'm not positive that the resort had processed our online check-in, as in the past our keys and packet were ready when we walked up to the desk. The CM reviewed all of the information, and then asked if I had any preferences for room location. I told him I had requested ground floor, pool view, but understood it was just a request. He showed me where our room would be (2nd floor, just around the corner from the pool) and we were happy. As expected, he said it wasn't ready yet. He was so nice that I felt comfortable asking if he had any 2 bedrooms ready (keep in mind this is 8am on Sunday) he made a call and a room was available. Second floor, at the very end of the hallway. My kids are 13 and 15- they can walk that far! We jumped up and down (ok, only figuratively), thanked him repeatedly and went to check out the room. It was 252, and was in great shape!Housekeeping had done a really, really good job. I'm kind of finicky about the rooms. I don't call them to reclean, but I get my supplies out of the owners locker and go to town. This time, there was no need...spotless!

We had stayed at BCV about 6 or 7 years ago, and it was so much better this time. Not because of any fault of the resort, its just that my boys are now older, and I didn't have to keep up with where they were in the pool, and we stayed in the deeper end of the pool. The bartenders are just amazing-it was hot and everyone seemed to be ordering from the bar. I couldn't believe how quickly, and how diligently they worked!We found a perfect spot, on the very top, under the gazebo. It wasn't crowded, and we had enough space for a few lounge chairs and a table. How often can you say that?

This was an easygoing trip, with only a little time in the parks. The boys and my husband did the SAS side of the shark reef at Typhoon, and rated it one of their favorite things. The extra $20 was really worth it, according to them. The CMs working that section were so nice...much nicer than I would be, dealing with group after group of snorkeling novices, most of whom didn't appear to be listening anyway.

Yes, we saw a lot of tour groups when we were in the parks, but they didn't appear to be acting any differently than my teenage boys would be acting if they got to go away with their friends for a few weeks without their parents. Maybe I'm more tolerant because of my kids' ages, but I didn't see any problems.

The bus system, now that's another thing. Clearly, the number of buses has been cut back, as many arrived for pickup from the resort already close to capacity when we would try to venture out. I'm glad we were in such a great location, as HS and Epcot were so closeby.

 

[daisyduck123]

I'm not positive that the resort had processed our online check-in, as in the past our keys and packet were ready when we walked up to the desk.

Same thing happened to us when we checked in last month. We ended up standing at the counter for 20min. while they got our stuff together. The front desk kept apologizing for the delay & we kept telling them, while smiling, "No problem".

When they were finished & ready to send us on our way, they handed us our room keys & told us our 2BR was ready. And this was 10:30am! It was a fantastic room as well!

Glad you had such a great trip. BCV is our favorite resort!

 

[Mickey527]

are you saying they upgraded yo from a one bedroom to a 2 bedroom?
I was told once by a friend who works at the front desk that they are never allowed to upgrade DVC rooms, you get what you order.

 

[gwensgoofy]

No, we booked a 2 bedroom and received a 2 bedroom. We just were able to get into the room at 830, by politely requesting it, and by accepting a room that I'm sure a number of people wouldn't like -all the way at the end of the hallway. At the very end. The CM seemed shocked that we were willing to take it, but if I'm not at BWV I don't usually sit on the balcony, and my boys are 15 and 13 and know that I won't listen to them complain about the long walk to the room. I guess it just shows that different people want different things...for us, an immediate room was better than a better room location at a later time. For us, this was a serving of pixie dust!