What to do with laptop?

[Charleyann]

I just wanted to add our experience, and preface it by saying that I am sure it is not the norm, but it obviously can happen and has changed how we do things.

This past spring we did a split stay CR/BWV. When we checked into the Contemporary, they asked if we had a laptop, we said yes, and they put it in their special room for computers and valuables. Everything went fine and it came to the room with the rest of our luggage once our room was ready. When we went to have our luggage transfered to BWV, we again told them about the laptop bag so it would be stored in the appropriate location until it was time for them to do their transfers (we checked out early morning, and they do transfers early afternoon). We never saw that bag again. In addition to the laptop, we had camera equipment, our keys to our minivan that was parked at an airport 3 hours from our home, and several other items, adding up to around $2500. We will never leave anything of value with bell services again. Nearly every afternoon that week was spent trying to track down that bag, dealing with WDW security and filing police reports and claims, and trying to figure out how we would get home once we reached the airport. It was all a huge hassle, and certainly put a damper on our vacation.

Just wanted to give you a heads up. Like I said, I'm sure that what happened to us doesn't happen often, but it does happen, despite how many times the manager at the BWV told us it doesn't.

How horrible for you. I hope your stuff was found!

Charleyann

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) Go to the Front Desk.
2) Place it in a Safe-Deposit box.
3) Most laptops should fit.

NOTE: "Leaving it" with Front Desk or Bell Services does not guarantee the laptop will be safe. They legally have little responsibility when you just ask them to keep it for you (but they usually cover a meager $500). They have only a "bailment" for the goods, and ordinary care does not assure its safekeeping. The only safe way is to put it into the Safe-Deposit box, where you have a key. Unless the Front Desk or Bellmen were "grossly negligent", they cannot be held responsible for the goods - and grossly negligent is really tough to prove, even if they lost or broke the goods or it was stolen.

 

[my2princessgirls]

How horrible for you. I hope your stuff was found!

Charleyann

No, none of our stuff was ever found. Thankfully my husband remembered that we had a valet key in the van, so when we got to the airport we had to call a locksmith and have them break into it for us. What I am most thankful for is that our passports were not in that bag - we went on a Disney cruise the week after WDW - now that would have been an even bigger disaster!! We ended up taking a trip to Target to try to replace what we could for the remainder of our vacation. In the end Disney gave us $1000 (which is $500 more than their standard), and our insurance company covered the remaining $1500. Unfortunately there was no way to repay us the MANY, MANY hours spent during the week searching and calling, etc., etc - though they did send a nice fruit basket

 

[safetymom]

Knox, I wouldn't take the lens off any more than you have to. I know the beauty of an SLR is changing lenses but then you have to worry about dust on the sensor.

 

[Allegro]

Knox, I wouldn't take the lens off any more than you have to. I know the beauty of an SLR is changing lenses but then you have to worry about dust on the sensor.

Ditto. I have a D-80 and that was the one thing the camera tech who sold me the camera suggested - removing the lens as little as possible. Aside from the cost it takes a ridiculously long period of time to get Nikon to clean the sensor for you once its dirty (and getting anyone else to clean it voids the warrenty).

 

[Charleyann]

No, none of our stuff was ever found. Thankfully my husband remembered that we had a valet key in the van, so when we got to the airport we had to call a locksmith and have them break into it for us. What I am most thankful for is that our passports were not in that bag - we went on a Disney cruise the week after WDW - now that would have been an even bigger disaster!! We ended up taking a trip to Target to try to replace what we could for the remainder of our vacation. In the end Disney gave us $1000 (which is $500 more than their standard), and our insurance company covered the remaining $1500. Unfortunately there was no way to repay us the MANY, MANY hours spent during the week searching and calling, etc., etc - though they did send a nice fruit basket

No matter how much compensation received, it can't erase the worry during your vacation. I am sure your entire time was overshadowed by this needless incident. Especially since it is " The Happiest Place on Earth". Hope your next vacation is filled with fun, relaxation and laughter!

Charleyann

 

[CanadianGuy]

Knox, I wouldn't take the lens off any more than you have to. I know the beauty of an SLR is changing lenses but then you have to worry about dust on the sensor.

Oh gosh that's right, I forgot about that. Even with a bodycap, dust can get in there during the switch.

I haven't bought the unit yet. Maybe I *will* go with the Canon unit that has the ultrasound dust remover thingy..

Hmm...

Decisions Decisions.

Thanks for the tip!

Knox

 

[my2princessgirls]

No matter how much compensation received, it can't erase the worry during your vacation. I am sure your entire time was overshadowed by this needless incident. Especially since it is " The Happiest Place on Earth". Hope your next vacation is filled with fun, relaxation and laughter!

Charleyann

Thanks so much for your sweet comments! We are hoping that our next trip is a sttress-free, worry-free one as it should be!