Here now at Boardwalk

[mommyrosa2]

We are wrapping up a stay at Boardwalk. The resort was fine only little complaints on the room loud refridge, broken corkscrew, housekeeping was hit or miss and missed us a few days. Nothing that would make or break a vacation. However, we noticed several things that just illustrate the lower level of service. We noted a room service tray (not ours but down the hall) outside a door for 3 solid days untouched. Finally we picked it up and put it on a housekeeping cart. An hour later the same tray was across the hall on the floor. We gave up on it.

The AK bus didn't show for us, was over 30 minute wait and the expected time kept ticking up, and we finally took our car. Upon return, we were told we could not park in the lot we had been in due to a wedding. Were able to find 1 spot way in the back. I suspect this was due to people parking at Boardwalk and walking to food and wine but really there should be enough reasonable spaces for resort guests. Overall it's been fine but we feel this year and last like this is similar to any other resort stay anywhere. It's lacking the specialness we expected at Disney. I get now what people have been saying its a little sad but I think we are ready for a break while Disney figures out their direction. And I know for many people the more people that feel like we do, the better for them. That's fine too. I'm just sharing our experience. I think if we come back it will be to an off site resort ir Universal with a 1-2 day Disney visit

I'm sorry your experience at the BWI was not up to par but after our stay in August, I'm not surprised. We found a lot of inconsistencies with customer service throughout the resort. You had some who appeared to care and would help and then you had many others, including many members at the front desk, that had the "oh well" attitude. Our stay was so miserable, that after one night, we asked to be moved to another resort. I really wanted to like BWI, but sadly none of us did and I highly doubt we will ever go back.

It is not the number of parking spots that is the problem. The problem is that they allow non resorts guests to park at the BW and then go to Epcot that is the issue.

Yes, and that IS the problem! Other resorts seem to be able to enforce their parking situation so there's really no reason whatsoever why the BWI security at the gate isn't doing the same.

 

[Marionnette]

It is not the number of parking spots that is the problem. The problem is that they allow non resorts guests to park at the BW and then go to Epcot that is the issue.

And it's not just a BWI problem. Last year, I stayed at YC and had to park in an overflow lot because there was a convention with attendees' cars which occupied the resort guest lot. I was told that I could pay to valet park my car or I could catch a ride back to the YC lobby on one of the golf carts patrolling the remote lot.

IMO, if a guest paying to stay at the resort cannot park in the guest parking lot due to Disney allowing offsite guests to occupy those spaces, then complimentary valet parking should be offered as a alternative.

 

[mommyrosa2]

And it's not just a BWI problem. Last year, I stayed at YC and had to park in an overflow lot because there was a convention with attendees' cars which occupied the resort guest lot. I was told that I could pay to valet park my car or I could catch a ride back to the YC lobby on one of the golf carts patrolling the remote lot.

IMO, if a guest paying to stay at the resort cannot park in the guest parking lot due to Disney allowing offsite guests to occupy those spaces, then complimentary valet parking should be offered as a alternative.

Absolutely!!

When staying at the GF last month, we had one night where we couldn't find a parking spot. After driving around with no luck, we returned back to the guard to ask where we could park and his first response was to pay for valet. When we told him that wasn't going to be an option after paying so much $$ to stay at the resort, he finally had us park in the DVC parking lot and I can tell you we weren't the only ones directed to do so as there were about 3 other cars behind us with the same issue.

 

[focusondisney]

Seeing dirty trays is a "pet peeve" of mine in resort hallways. If I see them in the halls for a long period of time, I will call down to housekeeping and advise them.

Except that really, that is a room service issue, not housekeeping. Service items delivered by room service are to be picked up by room service, not housekeeping.
Room service knows where they have delivered to. They should be making rounds of those areas periodically to pick up dirty trays. Especially if they aren't answering the phones.

 

[lsyorke]

I'm sorry your experience at the BWI was not up to par but after our stay in August, I'm not surprised. We found a lot of inconsistencies with customer service throughout the resort. You had some who appeared to care and would help and then you had many others, including many members at the front desk, that had the "oh well" attitude. Our stay was so miserable, that after one night, we asked to be moved to another resort. I really wanted to like BWI, but sadly none of us did and I highly doubt we will ever go back.

We gave up on BW years ago after a visit that ended up with us switching resorts(no help from BW staff, but thanks to a great travel agent). The front desk could have cared less that we weren't happy about a pull out sofa that remained at a strange angle, that made it impossible to use. We were told to call housekeeping, who told us they couldn't do anything about it, and to go to the front desk(which we had already done). We haven't been back to Disney since that visit, despite ended up in a wonderful villa at OKW(again not due to any effort on Disney's part).
If I'm going to pay the prices that they want, I want at least a usable room.

 

[TJA]

Except that really, that is a room service issue, not housekeeping. Service items delivered by room service are to be picked up by room service, not housekeeping.
Room service knows where they have delivered to. They should be making rounds of those areas periodically to pick up dirty trays. Especially if they aren't answering the phones.

Yes we have experienced this our last 2 trips. A few months ago at poly, we ordered the Ohana feast. Twice while we were still eating, a room service CM came to our door to see if we were done with our tray and dishes yet. At first I was a little annoyed because we really wanted to relax and take our time, but in the end I could see the CM was just doing his job and trying to prevent a big mess out in the hallway (though we personally leave our dirty dishes on the top of the tall dresser right next to the door, but the CM wouldn't know that....). The second time he came to our door, we were ready for him and gladly gave him our tray and dishes.

Our other recent experience was with a room service birthday cake/dishes/tray. That time, we did not give the CM anything when he/she knocked at our door because we were saving the cake for later and preferred to have the tray to hold everything.

 

[wilkeliza]

And it's not just a BWI problem. Last year, I stayed at YC and had to park in an overflow lot because there was a convention with attendees' cars which occupied the resort guest lot. I was told that I could pay to valet park my car or I could catch a ride back to the YC lobby on one of the golf carts patrolling the remote lot.

IMO, if a guest paying to stay at the resort cannot park in the guest parking lot due to Disney allowing offsite guests to occupy those spaces, then complimentary valet parking should be offered as a alternative.

They should make the convention people use the overflow parking not the paying guests. It is getting ridiculous over there again.

 

[bloomjes]

I'll definitely share on the survey if I get one, haven't seen one yet. Sadly though, I think this is all illustrative of a bigger issue. It doesn't seem that Disney really cares that much any more - or at this time. I have always been willing to pay more because after all the planning, when you arrived, the vacation was effortless and magical. Last year, this year - it was not. I believe now that Disney isn't concerned with my opinion, there are millions of people thrilled to see me get out of the reservation line so that they can get in.