Is this normal for AKL bell service? (Long)

[Connor' Dad]

While on this subject I have a question that has been nagging me. When checking in luggage should I tip the person that takes the luggage and also the person that delivers it later? Always wondered.

TIA

 

[ducklite]

While on this subject I have a question that has been nagging me. When checking in luggage should I tip the person that takes the luggage and also the person that delivers it later? Always wondered.

TIA

Yes.

Anne

 

[MinnieSummer]

I've never had the problem at AKL but I have had it at WL and CR. It wasn't a busy time of year and the CM's who finally came out to help weren't "in training" so I'm not sure what to blame it on other than that good ol stand-by "having a bad day".

 

[mkymouse4ever]

We haven't been to AKL yet, but thinking about trying it out it august for a few nites. BUT, in our many trips we unfortunately have had these same experiences twice before (only!). #1 Boardwalk cms standing around in middle of drive, talking and goofing around, would not help anyone. several cars waiting everyone looking at each other, kinda lost? It was very strange. This was when it first opened. Maybe they where all on break? Learning the ropes. Who knows? When they finally went to work, they where rude, and arrogant about it, yeah we saw you, etc... . #2 Grand Floridian the cm's where unloading cars, as people pulled up, I think they just didn't notice us? Then the guy came running over, oh my god, I'm sorry, I didn't see you very apologetic, etc .. .. .

So these things happen Everywhere. Sooner or later. But they should not become a habit. That is your first impression of the lodge cm's. And walt disney was very big on first impressions.

Well, if we stay there we will be checking in about 1am in morning, will be lucky if they even have a valet at that time. Mky

 

[rmontgo892]

I have stayed in AKL concierge and had no idea that someone usually whisks you up to that floor until seeing it elsewhere on another message board. I was like, "No, you just check in normally at the front desk when you are staying in concierge," and the OP said, "uh, no they usually bring you up." LOL I am always brought up the concierge area in other hotels, and this happened at WL CL, but it was funny to hear much later that I wasn't supposed to go to the front desk

I am still learning "stuff!" The concierge thing...it's part of the service and now ya know! My best GF went on her first cruise and waited in the regular line at the terminal. Someone was kind enough to tell her when you book a suite you check in, in THAT line! She was thrilled! If it wasn't for the very nice lady, then she wouldn't have known!

I know when we stay concierge that usually we are either met or escorted up to the lounge check in desk after alerting bell services. What cracks me up is that a select few assume that staying Concierge means no lines!

I mean how much nicer can it get when your seated and relaxing with a beverage waiting your turn to check in!

 

[liznboys]

We stayed in AKL in February, had stayed there previously and loved it, thought service was fantastic. But sadly I thought the service had gone downhill this time -- not a lot but noticeably enough that I think we'll do a different resort next time. Few staff went out of their way to be friendly, requests for services from housekeeping or the front desk had to be repeated. And Bell Services did need some nudging. This was Superbowl week, and at first I thought it was just because the hotel was very busy with people who were combining a Jacksonville superbowl trip with WDW trip, but it wasn't any busier than it would be during spring or summer breaks, so why the sluggish customer service?

That being said, the resort is absolutely beautiful and well worth a visit if you've not been there before.

When were you there? We were there Feb 12-18. This was our first stay at AKL and we were SO excited about it. The very first CM we encountered as we drove up to check-in, was rude and pushy. It didn't start off our stay on a good note...and continued from there. We also encountered several workers at Mara who had a bad attitude with us and other customers, for no reason?!

When my dh was checking us out, he had the "pleasure" of watching one guest completely flip out about the bad things that happened during his stay. And then another woman (with a different party) walked up and started complaining too.

 

[Meezers]

On this subject....

I generally don't use bell service...way too much time in Military Intelligence and Police work to let someone else handle my luggage. Is it expected to use bell service at a deluxe resort? My family will be doing AKL and GF next January and I really don't want to get into an altercation over NOT having my bags carried.

Thanks for any advice!

 

[stingmom]

the same thing happened to us as far as being IGNORED after requesting bell services at the POLY. there was NO ONE else waiting to have their car unloaded and the TWO bell hops at the desk continued their conversation after one of them told me "someone will be with you shortly and NO, you cannot use any of the 5 luggage carts sitting there not being used..." We had to take our bags OURSELVES.

 

[LisaS]

On this subject....

I generally don't use bell service...way too much time in Military Intelligence and Police work to let someone else handle my luggage. Is it expected to use bell service at a deluxe resort? My family will be doing AKL and GF next January and I really don't want to get into an altercation over NOT having my bags carried.

Thanks for any advice!

No one will pressure you to use Bell Services. We generally don't use them and have never been made to feel uncomfortable about it. We prefer to handle our luggage ourselves because then we don't have to hang out in the room waiting for the Bell staff to bring up the bags.

I think Disney could make Bell Services more interesting by having characters there to help you with your bags. Imagine if you pulled up to AKL and Chip and Dale came over to your car to get your bags. I'd use the Bell Service every time! Imagine using valet parking and Mr. Toad comes over to park your car... well, maybe that wouldn't be such a good idea...

 

[sherry8253]

My DH and I have stayed at AKL six times. We always arrive in our Maxima or Monte Carlo and have never been neglected. Someone either immediately opens my door and greets us or signals to to wait because he/she is on their way to help someone in front of us. The wait is never more than 2 or 3 minutes. We usually use our own car when we go to the parks and never have a problem when we get back to AKL either. The CM's always give us a friendly greeting and help us promptly. The last time we were there was Jan '05 so I hope what occurred was a fluke. Did you valet park while you were there and if so did you have any problems when you arrived back at the hotel?

 

[Disney Planner Mama]

liznboys Quote:

When were you there? We were there Feb 12-18. This was our first stay at AKL and we were SO excited about it. The very first CM we encountered as we drove up to check-in, was rude and pushy. It didn't start off our stay on a good note...and continued from there. We also encountered several workers at Mara who had a bad attitude with us and other customers, for no reason?!

When my dh was checking us out, he had the "pleasure" of watching one guest completely flip out about the bad things that happened during his stay. And then another woman (with a different party) walked up and started complaining too.
Today 02:38 PM

We were there Feb 5-14 -- I'm so glad to hear that it wasn't just us, that other people were experiencing the same things we were. As I said, there wasn't any one horrible thing that happened, it just wasn't up to what I've come to expect from a disney deluxe hotel.

 

[rmontgo892]

On this subject....

I generally don't use bell service...way too much time in Military Intelligence and Police work to let someone else handle my luggage. Is it expected to use bell service at a deluxe resort? My family will be doing AKL and GF next January and I really don't want to get into an altercation over NOT having my bags carried.

Thanks for any advice!

No problem. If approached when you arrive just say, "no thank you," and proceed to check in.

 

[Ladyhawke10]

the same thing happened to us as far as being IGNORED after requesting bell services at the POLY. there was NO ONE else waiting to have their car unloaded and the TWO bell hops at the desk continued their conversation after one of them told me "someone will be with you shortly and NO, you cannot use any of the 5 luggage carts sitting there not being used..." We had to take our bags OURSELVES.

Intense! Not too cost effective if employees are hired to take luggage (and tips!) and the guests are doing it themselves, for lack of service. Nobody wins!

 

[AllyBri]

On this subject....

I generally don't use bell service...way too much time in Military Intelligence and Police work to let someone else handle my luggage. Is it expected to use bell service at a deluxe resort? My family will be doing AKL and GF next January and I really don't want to get into an altercation over NOT having my bags carried.



Believe me, Disney won't mind if you carry your own bags.
I trying to picture bell services, fighting with the guests, because they want to carry their own bags.

 

[Selket]

Two years ago when we were at AKL you practically were swarmed by baggage handlers. We didn't wait a second. It was sort of like Hitchcock's "The Birds" you know?

I've read about folks who want to carry their own bags. I"m not sure if they'll give you a cart to do it yourself or you just have to hand carry it all up to the room.