Will Bell Services Hold Luggage without a Stay?

[Dave006]

Being allowed to use the parking lot is a better point.

Great example, and having a ADR is the key way to enjoy the parking lot.

Dave

 

[NYCgrrl]

The Boardwalk resort has many shops and dining locations with CBS being one of them.
Since the OP would be a guest of CBS they are therefore a guest of the Boardwalk resort as well.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/boardwalk/

The link you provided is not for the hotel but for the Boardwalk, a semi-public area within the resort. I suspect the name similarity is confusing people. Hotel guests are entitled to many more benefits than others.

 

[lanejudy]

Bell Services is designed as an amenity for guests of that hotel so the basic answer is no. Whenever we've used them, we've been asked if we're guests of the resort. You might get lucky and no one checks your room number when you drop them off, we don't really know what they do once they take them. This also feels like a security issue for me. If just anyone can drop off a bag, that's not good.

I've often traveled for business meetings or conferences, sometimes staying at a different hotel than the meeting/conference. On my departure day I check out of my hotel and use Bell Services at the location where I will be for meetings that morning. I've done this in several different cities at several different hotel chains, never do they care if I am a registered guest of the hotel.

So while you may feel it's a security issue, it is a common practice in the industry.

 

[eticketplease]

The link you provided is not for the hotel but for the Boardwalk, a semi-public area within the resort. I suspect the name similarity is confusing people. Hotel guests are entitled to many more benefits than others.

That is correct it is for the boardwalk resort not the boardwalk inn and lists the CBS.

Bell services is located at the resort not just for the Inn guests.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Great example, and having a ADR is the key way to enjoy the parking lot.

Dave

Now I'm ready for Secret Disney Hack blogger posts on how to maximize your enjoyment of parking lots after your ADR.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Just thinking…Some of this may have to do with how you approach Bell Services. Are you coming in from outside, all sweaty, dragging your suitcases, maybe a little stressed and out of breath? Or are you waltzing off the elevator all relaxed, refreshed and smelling nice, effortlessly sliding your suitcases over to their desk?

Perception can be reality.

 

[Lewisc]

Just thinking…Some of this may have to do with how you approach Bell Services. Are you coming in from outside, all sweaty, dragging your suitcases, maybe a little stressed and out of breath? Or are you waltzing off the elevator all relaxed, refreshed and smelling nice, effortlessly sliding your suitcases over to their desk?

Perception can be reality.

Approach bell services with a $20 tip in your hand.

 

[Dave006]

This also feels like a security issue for me. If just anyone can drop off a bag, that's not good.

So guests checking in or checking out and asking BS to hold their bags are not a security issue based on your comment but someone that will be at the resort for an ADR in a restaurant that may be located off the lobby area are somehow a danger or present a security issue.

Again BS does not ask for your room number at any time unless they are meeting you there to delivery your bags, and you heading to your room. Now days they will not even offer to do that but suggest you call for delivery once you are in your room.

Dave

 

[Dave006]

Just thinking…Some of this may have to do with how you approach Bell Services. Are you coming in from outside, all sweaty, dragging your suitcases, maybe a little stressed and out of breath?

Not really they will take the bags directly out of the guest's rideshare, personal vehicle or any other transportation option. I am fairly certain that BS is not judging guests on appearance, dress code or even smell factor before offering assistance.



Dave

 

[Memorymakerfor4]

I've often traveled for business meetings or conferences, sometimes staying at a different hotel than the meeting/conference. On my departure day I check out of my hotel and use Bell Services at the location where I will be for meetings that morning. I've done this in several different cities at several different hotel chains, never do they care if I am a registered guest of the hotel.

So while you may feel it's a security issue, it is a common practice in the industry.

You were a guest of those hotels by using them for meetings and conferences. Somebody paid for the rental of those rooms. At Disney, part of bell service pay comes from an hourly wage, part from tips. If it were strictly gratuity based, I feel like it would be less of an issue, but those hourly wages are coming from hotel budget.

If someone wants to eat in a restaurant and they let you drop you bags off, it's not going to ruin my day, I'd consider it a nice gesture and after all you are helping generate income there. But if asked the question I'd still advise not to do it. Disney's own website states "Bell Services Cast Members are available to help make your check-in and check-out experiences easier by assisting with your luggage."

About the security issue, I can give you that. It's more something I've just thought about over the years. Some of the other security theater we go through seems silly when bags can just come and go.

 

[Memorymakerfor4]

This thread has made me think it would be nice if Disney had luggage storage like Bounce. I googled it and Bounce does have a location not far away, but it would be a lot more convenient on property, maybe at Disney Springs.

I know a lot of people in Vancouver use them at the port when disembarking from the Wonder.

 

[Genie+]

https://plandisney.disney.go.com/question/check-plan-head-resort-dining-check-bags-hotel-not-590750/

PlanDisney says yes, but they won’t guarantee it as the space is prioritized for guests staying at that resort. Chances are it shouldn’t be a problem at all. It’s a longshot to be turned away, and I bet a reasonable tip would help space ‘appear’ if things happened to be very tight that day.

 

[lanejudy]

You were a guest of those hotels by using them for meetings and conferences.

Not always. Sometimes it's just a breakfast (or lunch) meeting with someone.

But the point is -- they don't ask. Not for a room number, reservation number, where you'll be (conference, restaurant).

 

[chiburple]

https://plandisney.disney.go.com/question/check-plan-head-resort-dining-check-bags-hotel-not-590750/

PlanDisney says yes, but they won’t guarantee it as the space is prioritized for guests staying at that resort. Chances are it shouldn’t be a problem at all. It’s a longshot to be turned away, and I bet a reasonable tip would help space ‘appear’ if things happened to be very tight that day.

Thank you! This is very helpful.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

There is always an occasional thread topic around here that makes me chuckle at the wide variety of often conflicting very confident responses. This would be one of them.

 

[Dave006]

PlanDisney says yes, but they won’t guarantee it as the space is prioritized for guests staying at that resort.

Yet another reminder that Plan Disney "Answers" are equal to our posts here on DIS.

Plan Disney is also not an Official source of information. See the following disclaimer on every Plan Disney Post.

"These views are not intended to reflect the opinions of Disney Destinations, its affiliates, its management, its agents or its employees and have not been reviewed or approved by Disney Destinations prior to posting"

Advice is not official: The views and advice expressed by panelists on planDisney.com are their own and should not be interpreted as the official opinions of Disney Destinations, its affiliates, or employees.

Panelists are independent contractors: The panelists are independent contractors, not Disney Cast Members. They receive a reward trip for their participation.

Dave

 

[Genie+]

Yet another reminder that Plan Disney "Answers" are equal to our posts here on DIS.

Plan Disney is also not an Official source of information. See the following disclaimer on every Plan Disney Post.

"These views are not intended to reflect the opinions of Disney Destinations, its affiliates, its management, its agents or its employees and have not been reviewed or approved by Disney Destinations prior to posting"

Advice is not official: The views and advice expressed by panelists on planDisney.com are their own and should not be interpreted as the official opinions of Disney Destinations, its affiliates, or employees.

Panelists are independent contractors: The panelists are independent contractors, not Disney Cast Members. They receive a reward trip for their participation.

Dave

I get what you mean. Generally planDisney is not 100% reliable.

In this case they did try to cut through the grey area though, and that is WDW does not guarantee holding bags at guest services unless you’re staying there. In all likelihood they will hold it but if someone needs absolute certainty, they’re advising to speak with your own front desk or bell services that morning to give options in real time with real facts.

IMHO that is the best answer you’re gonna get here.

 

[Dave006]

I get what you mean. Generally planDisney is not 100% reliable.

They are only reliable about 10% of the time based on the answers their bribed (free WDW trip) Panelists post that I have checked based on questions from other DIS members.

IMHO that is the best answer you’re gonna get here.

IMHO the best answer is from someone that has been to the resorts recently, and actually used the services like Bell Services within the last year. BS does not care or have the time to triage the baggage space, and prioritize guests checking in or out as that Plan Disney Answer stated.

Dave

 

[_19disnA]

Too funny, I read the posted answer from that "Plan Disney" area and it sounded like double-talk...........well maybe yes, but maybe not.............LOL.

 

[Genie+]

They are only reliable about 10% of the time based on the answers their bribed (free WDW trip) Panelists post that I have checked based on questions from other DIS members.


IMHO the best answer is from someone that has been to the resorts recently, and actually used the services like Bell Services within the last year. BS does not care or have the time to triage the baggage space, and prioritize guests checking in or out as that Plan Disney Answer stated.

Dave

I’m not sure why this needs to come off like an argument?

Very clearly everybody on this board is saying should be fine - In everybody’s experience it has been fine. That is clear.

It is worth mentioning it is not actually policy though. Try getting someone at WDW to guarantee it x days into the future. They won’t. However, they will guarantee for those resort guests staying there. There is a distinction one might want to be aware of.

For whatever reason(s) WDW wants to retain the ability to decline. In practice they don’t; that’s not the same thing as can’t.