Intermediate trip report: SSR 6/10-6/17 and now at BWV

Val

<font color=purple>If a doggie offers to share his
Joined
Aug 17, 1999
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We just moved from SSR to BWV (our home resort) yesterday. Had an absolutely terrific stay at SSR. Spent the night in a studio in the Springs on AP discount, then moved to a 2-bedroom. Had requested CP or Springs, but ended up in Paddock. Was disappointed at first (especially after the first night in the Springs- very close to everything), BUT...ended up enjoying the peacefulness of the Paddocks. We checked in at 9:30 AM and our room was ready (told no springs or CP even if we waited). We were 1 minute away from the quiet pool- spent many an after the parks night there. Also 1-min away from bus stop, which was very convenient. Only an 8-9 min walk to Artist's Palette and the main pool. Kids swam at main pool and had a great time (watched the poor life guard haul three kids out of the bottom of the slide in 15 minutes! The guard was exasperated, but obviously the guards were VERY vigilant). Artist's Palette was very, very good. Parks were crowded but manageable, and the heat wasn't too bad.

Move to BWV yesterday, again, our home resort; this move wasn't so smooth. We checked in at 10:30 AM (though we could get in the cue for "room ready" early), but couldn't get into our first room until 6 (check in is at 4). We were on the dining plan at both SSR and BWV. This became a real problem- we ate at Rose and Crown at noon (one DD was leaving that day, so we ate TS early). We used up last 2 TS on the SSR plan- no problem. BWV plan cards wouldn't read. We left Rose and Crown at 2:45 (yep, 2 hours and 45 minutes after we sat down)....took that long to clear the card situation up. Dining kept blaming BWV, BWV claimed it was dinings problem, then was because we were using SSR, etc. Turns out BWs computers went down several times and wiped out anything that had been done since the backup....Had to go back to the BW and get new cards issued (second set). But then, their computer system went down AGAIN and we had to go back a third time for a THIRD set of cards- discovered this when we couldn't charge anything to the second set of BW cards (were told we had to go back as our room keys wouldn't work either).

Later we found that their "solution" to the original dining plan dilemma was to clear out the SSR plan- even though we had 13 snack credits good until midnight. BW manager's solution to that was to pay for it, and then come to the front desk between 10:30 and 11:30 pm and they would fix it. Finally did get it straightened out.

Then...went to our preferred view room- 3019. We had a "view" of a wall and into the neighboring room. Our first "view" was the current guests walking around in their underwear....as my DS11 said- a great room for perverts! If we stood out on the deck and craned our necks we could see the roofs of the Swan. Oh, the chair in the living room was broken and unusable, the kitchen was dirty, and the bathrooms were too. But- there were towel animals.....so another trip to the front desk. I just couldn't handle the underwear view!!!

By this time we had enough. It was now 7 pm. Found a manager....we got a new room on the first floor right off the quiet pool. Was formally smoking room with ever so slight hint of cigarette smell, but much, much better. Still, the room has some maintenance issues- the boards around the front of the sink are rotted and the insulation is hanging out. No light bulbs in three lamps. Lots of chipped paint on mirrors, woodwork, etc., mostly in the bathrooms- looks like humidity damage. The wood is soft if poked, too, suggesting more rot. The cupboard doors were lose and hanging off- so I took my trusty screwdriver I carry (we drive) and tightened them- only took a few seconds. Finally, there was a broken glass put BACK into the cupboard. When my DH reached in to get a cup he slightly cut his hand on it. Thank goodness it wasn't one of the kids. No crisis with that- but it could have been.

In general, BWV looks worn out. We have been members since 1998 and have only had ONE other problem at the BWVs in 10 years of visits. This time is most disappointing, especially after being at SSR where we had such an unexpectedly lovely time. Will be leaving note for the manager and writing a letter when we get back.

Good news...parks are manageable, heat isn't overwhelming and the kids are having a great time swimming and bothering the CMs at the community room. We aren't in park commando mode- just kicking back and relaxing. BWV issues aren't a deal breaker- but boy oh boy, does BWV need to get their act together!
 
Finally, there was a broken glass put BACK into the cupboard. When my DH reached in to get a cup he slightly cut his hand on it. Thank goodness it wasn't one of the kids. No crisis with that- but it could have been.

I'm not one to complain, but THAT right there would have really bothered me. Sure, it was a slight cut but the point is it COULD HAVE been much worse... who in their right mind puts a broken glass BACK into a cupboard?! I really hope this was a one time incident even though it never should have happened. :headache:
 
Val, are you staying at a 2bdrm at BWV as well? That is just so sad about the problems you have had.....Deb
 
Yes, we are staying in a 2 bed at BWV....as an update, the DDP is STILL screwed up. My DH spent an hour last night trying to get our TS credits straightened out. Things happen, but it was the attitude of the CM that even irked my DH (and he is pretty easy going). Made it out like it was OUR mistake. Finally fixed the adult credits, but didn't fix the child credits. The CM actually rolled his eyes at DH and whined that he was just too tired to go and fix the child credits- that we should just trust him to do it in the morning (it was 10 pm- we had just returned from the studios).

We have also found that the french door off the living area doesn't lock correctly, and the dryer was malfunctioning- has bad bearings. We have called these in and will see if anyone ever comes.

We are broken hearted at seeing the BWV in this state of disrepair in combination with a general lack of service. Again, we are 10 year members. This is our 11th trip to BWVs. I really doubted people's complaints, but now that I have experienced it first hand I think that the staff at BWV have a real problem on their hands. I know it is a popular resort, but at some point the quality will start affecting the occupancy numbers.

Good news is the parks are still fun. I have noticed a change in CM attitude- more business-like than Disney happy. The CMs seem to just be doing their jobs rather than having the over-the-top-trying-to-please attitude. Not surly by any means, just business like. Parks show more wear and tear, too. I think that the Disney "edge" that characterized the parks 10 years ago is gone. BUT, the theming still trumps any other park we have been to, and there are occassional special CMs that keep you happy and coming back. Still the best theme parks around!
 

I`m so sorry to hear of your problems, I think I would be tempted to hand over the whole situation re the room and DDP to the manager and let him sort it all out!
We have a few days at BWV coming up this Dec and I`ll be very upset if we experience the same hassles.
:wizard: Hope you get things sorted.
 
Very sorry to hear about your issues. Didn't the BWV change managers recently??? I thought that the previous guy (can't remember his name) was very well liked and kept the service top notch.
 
This is bad news for BWV....

It sounds like they need a rehab...inside and out....

I'll be there for 1 night in Aug...before BC....

I'm still looking forward to it....I hope it is not as bad as your
experience....

Please definately write that letter to management....
thanks
kerri
 
we stayed at BW last year and got the same impression.. First it is a nice resort but the rooms seemed to be in poor condition our Patio door was bent period and hard to open and close as well as seeing light and feeling the hot air and we had a bird living in the awnig on the balcony and few other minor things. We did not report this and it is not a big issue it is what it is but certianly does have an effect on our impression of the resort location great rooms not so great.....
 
We were also huge fans of the BW. We had stayed there many times and last stood there this past April. We had the same complaints of the rooms needed a rehab. We left there wishing we had stayed at SSR. Next trip we will. I hate to say that we will not go back to the BW until they make some changes. It was our favorite and the location is so great, it's ashame.
 











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