What time to call Bell Services?

[dvcdisney]

On our last vacation (March), we had a late flight so we decided to have Bell Services store our luggage. We slept in and we were done packing by 10:30am and we promptly called Bell Services to come and pick up the luggage. We were told that they were very busy and there would be a bit of wait. Around 10:50am, I was getting a little nervous because check out is at 11am. So we called to check on how much longer, we were told that bell services is on their way and a second after that there was a knock on the door. Needless to say, we were not out until 11:05am. He apologized for the long wait and said that it is always busy during this time.

On our way to the elevator, we notice another bell service CM going to another door and by this time it was about 11:15am, and I just happen to comment on the probability that they feel worse than we do about going past the check out time. Our CM smiled and as soon as he did, I heard the woman at the door say, quite loudly, that they are not close to finishing the packing?!!!! Why did they call Bell Services then.? I can hear from the CM that he was quite busy and said that he will come back later since he had to pick up other luggage. She didn't even sound like she felt bad about going past the check out. My husband commented to me that I shouldn't be so nervous about it since some people do it. And the CM again smiled and commented that they get calls at exactly 11am so that the guest can stay later, with no intention of being ready. He's had quite a few of those calls. No wonder it took them so long, they were busy going to rooms that were not even close to being ready.

Anyways, sorry for the long preamble. So, I was just wondering if anyone knew how early we would have to call to avoid this mess?

 

[5forDiz]

Earlier is always better, it does seem that once it's beyond 10 am it's a longer wait for bell services. It's nice that you make the effort to observe 11am checkout time (hopefully most do same) I understand what you're saying re those that call at the last minute that there's little hope they can be out by 11 ( which then delays mousekeeping & ultimately future villa occupants) ....wonder if these could be the same folks who will then complain when they don't get their villa until after 4pm on check-in day ?

 

[rpk1951]

We usually pack the night before and then call that night for the next morning. We like to get out to a park the last day, so sooner is better for us.

 

[dvcdisney]

Earlier is always better, it does seem that once it's beyond 10 am it's a longer wait for bell services. It's nice that you make the effort to observe 11am checkout time (hopefully most do same) I understand what you're saying re those that call at the last minute that there's little hope they can be out by 11 ( which then delays mousekeeping & ultimately future villa occupants) ....wonder if these could be the same folks who will then complain when they don't get their villa until after 4pm on check-in day ?

In the past, our flights have been early afternoon and so, we usually have to be at the ME bus stop by around 10am and we usually call Bell services around 9:15am and they are there within 10 minutes. However, during times of late flights, I was hoping to take our time (but still be out by 11am).

I suppose the best thing to do (for later flights) is to pack everything and call Bell services by 9:30am. Hopefully, that'll beat the rush and we can just relax in the room for a bit before we leave.

We have gone to Disney many times and this was the first time I realized that there are people who go past the checkout time. I do hope these were never intentional. But I now suspect that they are. I cannot fathom why someone would call Bell Services before their luggage are all packed and at the door. And I do recall that when my husband calls for Bell services, they always ask if the luggage is ready. He was always joking about why he would even call if it wasn't. Now we know why. Sad really.

And your last comment really gets me thinking. I do hope that these people who intentionally stay past the check out time never complain. Because, they, of all the people, would know why they are waiting for their rooms past check in time.

 

[dvcdisney]

We usually pack the night before and then call that night for the next morning. We like to get out to a park the last day, so sooner is better for us.

Never thought of doing that. Do you give them a specific time to come by in the morning?

I wouldn't be able to pack everything the night before, but I could do most of it. I'm just wondering if it makes any difference if I call the night before and ask them to come at 9:45am versus calling around 9:30am.

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

We had a story similar to yours, except we had the further worry of trying to get to a DME bus on time. Ever since, I've started calling the night before to arrange the luggage pick-up appointment. We haven't had a problem since.

 

[dvcdisney]

We had a story similar to yours, except we had the further worry of trying to get to a DME bus on time. Ever since, I've started calling the night before to arrange the luggage pick-up appointment. We haven't had a problem since.

A few years ago, we had to be at ME around 9:50am and we called Bell Services around 9am. They said that it would only be a few minutes, we waited until 9:30am and called to cancel Bell services and took the luggage down ourselves. Apparently there were 3 Bell Service CMs needed to help one family. And so they were backed up.

I think we will try to call the night before to set up the time. But I think I'll still set it up early enough so if they don't show up we have time to drag it down ourselves.

Now, I can't help but wonder (and be a little annoyed) that the reason why they are delayed is because people are not ready by the time CMs show up. I know that it's their job but why do these people think it's okay to waste the CMs time? I guess these people don't realize (or care) that there are other guests who could use the CM's services.

(Sorry for the rant, I think I made myself more upset than when I originally posted.)