What no mini-bar? BC concierge let down

[snowbunny]

One time a few years ago when we stayed at GF RPC, we had a $30+ unknown charge on our bill one day - when I questioned it, I was told it was for purchases from the mini bar in the room. Since we had never taken anything out of there (and had not even opened the door to see what was in there!) I contested the charge and they reversed it.

This is one of the reasons mini bars have disappeared from hotel rooms...the hassle and time involved in taking inventory and charging guests correctly. I've had this same thing happen and figured the staff forgot to take inventory before I checked in. Most people don't use the in-room minibar at hotels because the prices are so inflated.

 

[mom2aandj]

The Villas are not always included in the discount promos.I don'
t think they are in the 4/3.I know with the current 40% only the studios were allowed at the BCv.So it may be they are not allowed with the promo, or they are simply not available.BCv are EXTREMELY popular with the DVC members so in peak times there is often no regular CRO cash reservation rooms available.

they are very popular, we had one heck of a time getting a 1 bedroom at full price! But if you are able to get one, I think with 5 people in your party you would be very happy at the BC Villas. We love having the kitchen to make breakfast before we go to the parks and having it available for snacks and drinks.

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

From what I read, the OP had a misunderstanding with CRO that is now straightened out. And she has realized that, so I don't think anyone needs to harp on the original post anymore.

I agree with this as well. Haganfam5 I hope you and your family have a wonderful stay. I guess you found out early how people can be but take it with a grain of salt. Don't let a couple of comments steer you away from the DIS. There is a lot of great advice and tips and great people here as well. Enjoy your vacation.

 

[fla4fun]

Although the OP says they are done with this thread, I hope they will read this. In the room service menu, there are several different options listed for stocking the refrigerator, with different combinations of snacks and drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic). For anyone (not just club level) who misses the convenience of the mini bar, or for someone doesn't want to have to bring snacks back and forth from the club room, it's available. That is probably what CRO was trying to explain, but they didn't know quite how to describe it. When I stayed at YC last month (regular room) there was also a listing on the back of the door of the refrigerator cabinet about this service. It's still pricey, and I still stock up either in the gift shop or what I brought from home, but it's there if you need it.

Hope the OP has a great trip!

 

[LoraJ]

I have to say I have stayed in many hotels with actual "mini-bars" in the room, and they are never FREE. Disney told you they would stock it for you if you wished, but you would be charged, which is customary no matter where you stay. Even at all inclusives, liquor is never free. So I believe by offering to stock it for you, they were being accommodating to you.

While nothing is technically free at an all-inclusive, there are different types. Where we stayed in Mexico for our honeymoon, all drinks were included. We had a fully stocked fridge with sodas, water, beer and liquor that they would refill every day.

But there are some all-inclusive resorts that charge for alcoholic drinks, or set a limit to them.

 

[Booyakasha]

Thank you Deb & Bill. I cannot believe how negative these people are being-almost snobbish. I did mention that I never stayed club level before. I have also said that I was over-reacting and you are right it is a big mis-understanding. I wish I could delete all of this because these people are making me feel so small. Thanks again for your support!

You posted on a public forum wanting peoples opinions on a situation that you were having. You stated yourself that you were overreacting. I don't know what you were expecting especially when you were bad mouthing Disney for something that wasn't there fault. You will notice on this board if somehting is justified, that the majority of the board will be right behind you. However, if it is not and your are trying to fault Disney, which is dearly loved by most people here, you will get some, or sometimes lot of negativity. Always a risk on any post.

Booyakasha

 

[Luv2Roam]

I have never been in a room with a free mini-bar. (Disney or not) Does such a thing even exist?
At one resort (don't recall which) there was a stocked mini bar and no price list anywhere.
I called the front desk and found out a can of Coke was $3.50.
Needless to say I passed. But I did leave a note for the housekeeper to keep a price list at the frig, least anyone thought it was free.
Personally I never liked a mini bar in case I was charged for anything. Then it would just be a hassle to argue to have a fee removed.
I have never seen a mini bar where the prices were not outrageous.

 

[kaytieeldr]

back to op. you asked to be downgraded, they called your bluff and you decided not to?

I don't think anyone "called her bluff". The CM simply agreed, without trying to negotiate - which no reservations CM has the authority to do - to grant her request to downgrade.

 

[Luv2Roam]

Agree. I would not expect anyone to try and talk her (or anyone) out of downgrading a res. Then it would just appear pushy and money grubbing. Not to mention the guest would probably just call back and downgrade with another CM. They try to provide the what the guest requests, within reason.

 

[Deb & Bill]

You posted on a public forum wanting peoples opinions on a situation that you were having. You stated yourself that you were overreacting. I don't know what you were expecting especially when you were bad mouthing Disney for something that wasn't there fault. You will notice on this board if somehting is justified, that the majority of the board will be right behind you. However, if it is not and your are trying to fault Disney, which is dearly loved by most people here, you will get some, or sometimes lot of negativity. Always a risk on any post.

Booyakasha

You probably should have read all the posts made before responding. Hagenfam5 responded later on that she had made a mistake and misunderstood. No need to keep rubbing that wound raw.

 

[RMulieri]

they are very popular, we had one heck of a time getting a 1 bedroom at full price! But if you are able to get one, I think with 5 people in your party you would be very happy at the BC Villas. We love having the kitchen to make breakfast before we go to the parks and having it available for snacks and drinks.

I know I managed to score one last Sept and this Sept..We love them but can't quite commit to DVC yet.

 

[jakeybake]

I have never heard of a mini bar being free. You are always charged for what you use.

We stayed at BC Club level in August '07 and loved it. We very rarely sat down in the club room. Mostly I, being the dad, would go down each morning and afternoon and bring food and drinks back to the room. It was super convenient to be able to do so. The club room itself is actually quite small so it really couldn't accomodate the amount of folks staying on the 5th floor from what I could see.

I found the club level to be totally worth the price.

Jay

 

[toodycat]

I have stayed on the CL level at the GF in WDW and the GC in Disneyland. The mini-bar was never free. The only time I have ever encountered a complimentary mini-bar was at Couples Swept Away in Jamaica, but that is an all inclusive hotel which the Beach Club, of course, is not. However, at both the GF and GC, concierge staff were more than happy to provide us with beverages to take to our rooms. They even filled my husband's Camelbak with spring water to take to the parks! In general, I felt that the CMs in the concierge lounge had a great "your wish is my command" attitude. They made plane arrangements for us and found places for my son and husband to practice for a karate tournament. However, Haganfam5, if you are out there, I don't think there would be anything wrong with checking in at the Beach Club and saying, "I reserved this room believing it had a mini-bar and I have since found out it doesn't. What are my options for beverage service?" At worst, the CM will tell you what is available. At best, maybe they will comp you with some beverages in your room or a bottle of champagne or who knows? On the Disney Magic, they messed up our room service order and sent a huge platter of fruit the next day to apologize. One of the reasons we all vacation at WDW is the generally gracious service, so I would inform them of the misunderstanding. If nothing else, it might expedite the correction on the Disney web page.

 

[TammiMcMan]

IOP is the way to go, IMO. Plus your resort's IPO has its own phone number and someone answers it every time, you're not put on hold when you call IPO.

Wow, which IPO department was this? I will say in all honesty, that I have never had IPO answer the phone with a live person any time that I called. I've always had to leave a message and wait for someone to call back.