ehagerty
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 16, 2001
- Messages
- 2,099
I had reserved a room at the hotel this year (as opposed to the villas) at the Annual Passholder's rate of $139/night. I had requested bunk beds as my sons are 15 and 17. I normally book our weekend nights at a moderate hotel, but this reservation was in deference to my need for a WL fix (it is my favorite resort) and the fact that I had given up our reserved 5 nights WLV studio stay to facilitate plans with our travel guests.
We arrived around 1:00 pm. I left the family in the car with the luggage, on the off chance that we might be able to check in early. Didn't have to wait long before approaching the counter (I was to only one in line at the time). The cast member looked at my reservation and called the supervisor over. They spoke in low tones and then asked if I would mind a different accommodation, as the hotel was sold out and they particularly needed bunk bed rooms. I initially thought they were going to suggest POR or something, but no - they wondered if I would be willing to stay in a one bedroom at the WLV, which, BTW, was available immediately for check in, at no additional cost.
Poor woman started in to describe all of the pluses of why I might want to consider such an alternative. I don't think she got 6 words out of her mouth before I said "SOLD!!" She looked at me like she wasn't sure what she heard - like how could I have made such a decision so quickly - and with so little information. I said "I am DVC member. I'd be happy to have a one bedroom villa, even with the relative 'bed shortage' that a bunk bed request would seem to suggest would be a problem."
Moments later, we were off to room #3524 - overlooking the entryway roof from the balconey; overlooking the atrium from the front door. This room was slightly different in shape from the standard one bedroom, but in a positive way. Although I hadn't planned to have laundry or kitchen facilities, I put them to good use.
It was our plan to decompress from work, school, etc for the first few days at this very restful resort, before initiating our annual passes. We swam and took advantage of the location to try Artists Point and the California Grill (separate thread), as well as watching Wishes from the CR balconey (all new experiences for us).
On our last evening, we made time to walk through each floor of the hotel around the lobby, appreciating the decorative details and the sense of discovery when you find yet another nook or cranny to read, write postcards, etc.
Ahhh, The Lodge.......
We arrived around 1:00 pm. I left the family in the car with the luggage, on the off chance that we might be able to check in early. Didn't have to wait long before approaching the counter (I was to only one in line at the time). The cast member looked at my reservation and called the supervisor over. They spoke in low tones and then asked if I would mind a different accommodation, as the hotel was sold out and they particularly needed bunk bed rooms. I initially thought they were going to suggest POR or something, but no - they wondered if I would be willing to stay in a one bedroom at the WLV, which, BTW, was available immediately for check in, at no additional cost.
Poor woman started in to describe all of the pluses of why I might want to consider such an alternative. I don't think she got 6 words out of her mouth before I said "SOLD!!" She looked at me like she wasn't sure what she heard - like how could I have made such a decision so quickly - and with so little information. I said "I am DVC member. I'd be happy to have a one bedroom villa, even with the relative 'bed shortage' that a bunk bed request would seem to suggest would be a problem."
Moments later, we were off to room #3524 - overlooking the entryway roof from the balconey; overlooking the atrium from the front door. This room was slightly different in shape from the standard one bedroom, but in a positive way. Although I hadn't planned to have laundry or kitchen facilities, I put them to good use.
It was our plan to decompress from work, school, etc for the first few days at this very restful resort, before initiating our annual passes. We swam and took advantage of the location to try Artists Point and the California Grill (separate thread), as well as watching Wishes from the CR balconey (all new experiences for us).
On our last evening, we made time to walk through each floor of the hotel around the lobby, appreciating the decorative details and the sense of discovery when you find yet another nook or cranny to read, write postcards, etc.
Ahhh, The Lodge.......
