Just saying. BCV

[Dean]

I rarely make room requests anymore, as through experience (and reading on DIS) I have very little faith they are actually really considered. Instead, I try to get to the resort for check-in as early as possible, see what they have assigned for me, then if I don't like it, ask them very politely what else might be available and give them some preferences. Usually they will come up with a few options, and I will choose one. Or sometimes I will take a room that is not in the best location or with the best view because it is available ASAP. I never get upset, and never act entitled, and the CMs almost always do what they can to find a good room. I haven't always gotten exactly what I wanted of course, but I have ended up with some very good rooms on several occasions.

I know this probably angers some people, as the CM may have decided to put us into a room that could have gone to someone who put in a specific request for it. But as a previous poster said, their request system is broken (or never worked in the first place), and if this is the only way to get a room preference, I see no problem with it. So long as you don't act like an entitled jerk and throw a temper tantrum if you don't get exactly what you want.

That approach doesn't bother me as long as the response that "we've assigned all our rooms today based on our best efforts and the requests present and it is what it is" doesn't bother you.

 

[castleri]

If I make any requests it is usually, upper floor and /or near a pool. The time I got some pixie dust was when we were at OKW for a couple of nights and then were coming back a week later. I mentioned to the CM when we checked in the first time that we would be back and I really hoped we might get Bldg 55 since that is where my deed says we own. She said to wait and minute and went in the back and came back with another CM who was the room assigner. She very politely explained that requests were just that but she would see what she could do. When we checked in a week later it was to the second floor of bldg. 55. I figure that one trip used up about 10 years of requests so whatever I get I say thank you and enjoy my stay. As a PP said if I was checking in early enough and they said I had a first floor room I might ask if there was anything available on an upper floor even if I had to wait for it as I really don't care for the ground floor. If they say no; so be it.

 

[Tamar]

We've had great luck at BWV with our requests, which are upper floor, away from elevator. Only once have we been on the first floor, and we've never been close to the elevator.

We kept that first floor room, and I still kick myself that we didn't just pay to change it. I much prefer a balcony to a patio!!

 

[Melynny]

Laughing.. We have a note that says "Give these people a HA room, they don't need one, don't want one and really hate them, but give them one anyway!"

 

[bobbiwoz]

Laughing.. We have a note that says "Give these people a HA room, they don't need one, don't want one and really hate them, but give them one anyway!"

And if these people are not here, give it to bobbiwoz.

 

[photobob]

I don't always make requests, but when I have they have been met. I stayed at SSR this past June and did online check-in. When we arrived I did notice that there was a large note on the envelope to alert whomever we had requests. Both requests were met. The previous year we had requests at Vero Beach and got exactly what we had asked for. May be I've just been fortunate.

 

[UConnJack]

That approach doesn't bother me as long as the response that "we've assigned all our rooms today based on our best efforts and the requests present and it is what it is" doesn't bother you.

No, it wouldn't bother me, on occasion they have said what we have been assigned is all they have. I say fine, check-in, and start having fun without giving it a second thought. But I rarely get that ansewer.

If I do start hearing that consistently, I would have to assume it means that they are actually taking room assignments seriously, and I will resume making room requests at booking.

 

[UConnJack]

Wow! You must have read my mind. This is exactly what we do. To be honest, when I put no request down we normally get a great room without doing anything at all. But if they show me one that we aren't too keen on, I normally ask what is currently open. It does make getting there early a huge benefit. We even shortened our next stay by a day because we couldn't get an early enough flight for the day before. We debated delaying the trip day or staying in a studio for one night and moving the next day. I hate moving, so going a day later won.

If we can't get a morning flight that gets us to WDW by noon, we will fly in late the night before and crash in a cheap hotel, just so we can get there early. Same when we drive (straight through), we leave around noon so we get to WDW by 10AM or so the next morning. Even beyond checking in early, I just like to start my vacation early in the day.

Ironically, I have gotten some of my worst intial room assignments when I made a request. Almost like someone saw what I really want, and went out of their way to give me just the opposite. So I don't even bother anymore. I seem to get my best rooms with no requests (go figure), or by making a request at check-in.

 

[Dean]

No, it wouldn't bother me, on occasion they have said what we have been assigned is all they have. I say fine, check-in, and start having fun without giving it a second thought. But I rarely get that ansewer.

If I do start hearing that consistently, I would have to assume it means that they are actually taking room assignments seriously, and I will resume making room requests at booking.

I'm with you, I rarely make requests since it's all non smoking. The only exception is if we have multiple rooms.

 

[dclfun]

The only rooms I really don't like are the first-floor locations. We've been in them before and at BWV had people knocking on our patio door thinking it was their room, several times late at night, and at BCV's this past month people could walk right by our room on the pathway to Epcot and look in, so I could never enjoy just leaving the curtains open to let in light and to have a view. I remember years ago putting in a request to be in any location at OKW EXCEPT Turtle Pond and we were put in the trash and traffic view at Turtle Pond in what I consider the worst building- the furthest one from a bus stop. The CM had misread my request and thought that was the only location where I wanted to be. Unfortunately it was a week-long trip and it really did spoil things for us. Looking at empty plastic gallon milk jugs and garbage plus seeing the traffic pass by was not nearly as enjoyable as seeing the golf course or water. I should've paid to be moved but we'd already hauled up luggage and groceries for 6 people to the third floor. Never again, hopefully!---Kathy

 

[WelcomeHome]

Let me begin by saying I love DVC and my precious BCV - it's my wife's FAVORITE resort - we like so much we own points there.

That said, I don't understand why anybody would request the "Woods view" at BCV. First of all, why would you want to view woods at a "beach themed" resort? Wouldn't you prefer to view something with a "beach theme???" Isn't the "pool/lake" view a much more appropriate choice? I've even requested AND RECEIVED a "courtyard view" many times - it's beautiful.

And secondly, IMO the "woods view" at BCV isn't really a "woods view" at all! If you want a real "woods view," you can find an abundance of magnificent, pristine "wood views" throughout Wilderness Lodge (which I also love).

Conversely, the "woods view" at BCV should much more correctly be called the "trees infested and overgrown by years of out of control weeds" view. Don't you think something like "Passive Aggressive Congested Forest" view would be a much more accurate description; or at least sugar coat the truth a bit with a more Disney themed name like the "Enchanted Jungle" view.

Doesn't anyone else realize this abandoned area of prickly thorns, clinging vines and suffocating weeds is being patronizingly sold to us as a "woods view." We BCV owners must be pretty gullable to let DVC management expect us to swallow that unmaintained & overgrown landscaper's nightmare as a "woods view." Who the they kidding - our annual maintainance dues pays for that completely un-attended excuse for poor management and zero maintence - DVC is really pulling the wool over our "Have a Magical Day" eyes on this one!

Shields up - flame suit on!
Just saying.

Best wishes,
David

 

[DebbieB]

Doesn't anyone else realize this abandoned area of prickly thorns, clinging vines and suffocating weeds is being patronizingly sold to us as a "woods view." We BCV owners must be pretty gullable to let DVC management expect us to swallow that unmaintained & overgrown landscaper's nightmare as a "woods view." Who the they kidding - our annual maintainance dues pays for that completely un-attended excuse for poor management and zero maintence - DVC is really pulling the wool over our "Have a Magical Day" eyes on this one!

Shields up - flame suit on!
Just saying.

Best wishes,
David

I think the reason they did not clear the woods is the backstage area of Epcot would be in view. I don't think there would be any dues going to that area.

 

[DisneyDudet]

If I make any requests it is usually, upper floor and /or near a pool. The time I got some pixie dust was when we were at OKW for a couple of nights and then were coming back a week later. I mentioned to the CM when we checked in the first time that we would be back and I really hoped we might get Bldg 55 since that is where my deed says we own. She said to wait and minute and went in the back and came back with another CM who was the room assigner. She very politely explained that requests were just that but she would see what she could do. When we checked in a week later it was to the second floor of bldg. 55. I figure that one trip used up about 10 years of requests so whatever I get I say thank you and enjoy my stay. As a PP said if I was checking in early enough and they said I had a first floor room I might ask if there was anything available on an upper floor even if I had to wait for it as I really don't care for the ground floor. If they say no; so be it.

We love building 55 as well! We were spoiled with it on our first stay there! Building 22 isn't bad either. Our only requests are at OKW and they are a building not on a bus route and a top floor room. Last time at OKW they moved us to 22 because our original room was on the bus route. We had to wait for it, but that's ok!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Let me begin by saying I love DVC and my precious BCV - it's my wife's FAVORITE resort - we like so much we own points there.

That said, I don't understand why anybody would request the "Woods view" at BCV. First of all, why would you want to view woods at a "beach themed" resort? Wouldn't you prefer to view something with a "beach theme???" Isn't the "pool/lake" view a much more appropriate choice? I've even requested AND RECEIVED a "courtyard view" many times - it's beautiful.

And secondly, IMO the "woods view" at BCV isn't really a "woods view" at all! If you want a real "woods view," you can find an abundance of magnificent, pristine "wood views" throughout Wilderness Lodge (which I also love).

Conversely, the "woods view" at BCV should much more correctly be called the "trees infested and overgrown by years of out of control weeds" view. Don't you think something like "Passive Aggressive Congested Forest" view would be a much more accurate description; or at least sugar coat the truth a bit with a more Disney themed name like the "Enchanted Jungle" view.

Doesn't anyone else realize this abandoned area of prickly thorns, clinging vines and suffocating weeds is being patronizingly sold to us as a "woods view." We BCV owners must be pretty gullable to let DVC management expect us to swallow that unmaintained & overgrown landscaper's nightmare as a "woods view." Who the they kidding - our annual maintainance dues pays for that completely un-attended excuse for poor management and zero maintence - DVC is really pulling the wool over our "Have a Magical Day" eyes on this one!

Shields up - flame suit on!
Just saying.

Best wishes,
David

Birds love the thickets and I love watching the birds. Mockingbirds and Cardinals were amusing me on my last stay, earlier last month.

Bobbi

 

[Deb & Bill]

Let me begin by saying I love DVC and my precious BCV - it's my wife's FAVORITE resort - we like so much we own points there.

That said, I don't understand why anybody would request the "Woods view" at BCV. First of all, why would you want to view woods at a "beach themed" resort? Wouldn't you prefer to view something with a "beach theme???" Isn't the "pool/lake" view a much more appropriate choice? I've even requested AND RECEIVED a "courtyard view" many times - it's beautiful.

And secondly, IMO the "woods view" at BCV isn't really a "woods view" at all! If you want a real "woods view," you can find an abundance of magnificent, pristine "wood views" throughout Wilderness Lodge (which I also love).

Conversely, the "woods view" at BCV should much more correctly be called the "trees infested and overgrown by years of out of control weeds" view. Don't you think something like "Passive Aggressive Congested Forest" view would be a much more accurate description; or at least sugar coat the truth a bit with a more Disney themed name like the "Enchanted Jungle" view.

Doesn't anyone else realize this abandoned area of prickly thorns, clinging vines and suffocating weeds is being patronizingly sold to us as a "woods view." We BCV owners must be pretty gullable to let DVC management expect us to swallow that unmaintained & overgrown landscaper's nightmare as a "woods view." Who the they kidding - our annual maintainance dues pays for that completely un-attended excuse for poor management and zero maintence - DVC is really pulling the wool over our "Have a Magical Day" eyes on this one!

Shields up - flame suit on!
Just saying.

Best wishes,
David

People who request "woods" view aren't interested in looking at the woods. They want to be able to see Illuminations at night from their balcony. Since DVC doesn't have an "Epcot" view category - because sometimes you don't see Illuminations, they use the all encompassing "woods" view.

 

[TDC Nala]

People who request "woods" view aren't interested in looking at the woods. They want to be able to see Illuminations at night from their balcony.

Some, like the OP, want them because they believe woods view is quieter. However, there's no more Epcot view, so the part that is adjacent to the service road and has that view of Spaceship
Earth is now also "woods view" and they don't have a category for "woods view facing France."

The best way to try this may be to find out the block of room numbers that faces France and request that, keeping in mind that the narrower you make your request, the lower the odds that you'll get it.

 

[TisBit]

I don't think booking rooms directly would require a major amount of IT but it would be some mostly because it's a change, not because it's harder. All they really need to do is make it part of the online booking when that comes about. That doesn't mean they'll tell you the room number or guarantee it though. Many systems do this already plus that saves costs/work on the back end because you have almost no room assignment issues other than when a room goes out. If someone wants to stay, you simply give them the option of moving if that room is booked going forward.

Assigning priorities and putting effort into room assignments requires some cost and work but not that much and it saves time and work in other areas. The easiest and likely best way is what they had before, based on when the reservation was made. The other option would be to do it based on date of reservation AND ownership (owners at that resort first, etc). The problem they had before is that they were allowing unreasonable requests like specific rooms, etc and they were not being consistent leading to confrontations at the front desk and complaints in general. It was simply unworkable and they took the easy way out, simply gave up. All they have to do is formulate and publish a policy as to what are acceptable requests. Given most options are a booking category, it really doesn't leave a lot of room otherwise anyway. Things like dedicated vs not where applicable, floor, general location (near elevator, turtle pond, Grandstand, etc) and that's about it. They simply refuse to take requests that don't fit into this framework and say so. "I'm sorry, but this is not a request we can accept, here's what I can list for you based on what you've told me" becomes a very appropriate and professional response to a too specific or unreasonable request.

Dean, you have much more confidence in Disney IT than I do There are a number of common sense things that are long overdue and would go far to helping both MS and Owners alike that seem to beyond Disney IT's abilities to implement, without a full system shut down/reprogram. Things such as automated watilist fulfillment, ability to "hold" inventory for booking, online availability and even the online booking that is coming is long overdue and isn't anything new to IT professionals.

As for request, like others I make my request at check in and am ok if they don't get fulfilled, but I do add them at time of booking (just so I can say that I did request something). I have been served well by front desk CM's and have been ok with not getting what I want, but it never hurts to ask.

 

[Coach81]

Just think.. maybe next year!!!

 

[eliza61]

Maybe the trick is to not put in a request and the pixie gods will smile down. dunno.
I never put in for view request. BC isn't like BLT where there are specific points assigned to a view. I

 

[BEASLYBOO]

To some the view is unimportant, some people spend very little time in the villa much less use the porch/balcony. For me it's the opposite, I really enjoy a nice view and I use the balconies. I've never made requests at OKW and I've never had issue with the view, nor at any other resort for that matter other than SSR.

I know it's only a request, there are no guarantees, and if the request is not met it's not the end of the world, we'll still enjoy our vacation. It's understandable that not everyones requests can and will be met, so disneyfanbvc I think you're allowed a rant or two once in while without being judged! Here's some , maybe better luck is around the corner for you!