Disney Boardwalk Villas ?

[cindi]

I have a one bedroom unit booked at Boardwalk Villas for Jan. and have come up with a few questions. I haven't stayed here before.

I have never used valet parking before. I know the parking is free if you own there (we do) but how do you handle this? Do you have to constantly show your disney ID card?

Do you tip for both ways? I mean do you tip if you drop off your car and again if you have them pick up your car? How much?

How do you handle this when you arrive with a bunch of groceries for the week? As in too many to carry in one trip and you are alone?

Any other bits of information and suggestions are most appreciated as well.

 

[Dizholic]

I have a one bedroom unit booked at Boardwalk Villas for Jan. and have come up with a few questions. I haven't stayed here before.

I have never used valet parking before. I know the parking is free if you own there (we do) but how do you handle this? Do you have to constantly show your disney ID card?
That is a good question. We have never been charged, so they must make a note on you account when you check in.

Do you tip for both ways? I mean do you tip if you drop off your car and again if you have them pick up your car? How much?
We do tip both ways. Usually $1.00 to $2.00, depends on the person We get.

How do you handle this when you arrive with a bunch of groceries for the week? As in too many to carry in one trip and you are alone?
They do have luggage racks, although I don't know if they are for Guest use. I suppose if you have that many bags you could have the bell hop bring them to your room, and tip him.

Any other bits of information and suggestions are most appreciated as well.

I am still figuring out using quotes. My answers are in the quotes. Sorry!
Hope that helps.

 

[Carl D]

I have a one bedroom unit booked at Boardwalk Villas for Jan. and have come up with a few questions. I haven't stayed here before.

First I would like to say congratulations on your purchase and DVC Membership!

I have never used valet parking before. I know the parking is free if you own there (we do) but how do you handle this? Do you have to constantly show your disney ID card?

Yes, just flash your blue card and you're set!
I have been accidentally charged, but at the end of my stay a simple phone call has corrected it.

FYI- Valet is free at all DVC Resorts, but not at other resorts. For example, if you go to The Grand Floridian for dinner, valet will not be free (unless you have a DDE card- whole 'nother story).
You will receive a different valet tag than regular valet parking.

Do you tip for both ways? I mean do you tip if you drop off your car and again if you have them pick up your car? How much?

Proper etiquette is to tip only when you receive your car.
***With that said, at least 90% of the people, including myself, tip BOTH ways.
I over tip. I like that, because by day three they know me, and take great care of me when they see me pull up. Just before I leave the room I call down for the car, and they know me by name.
With that said, I give them $5 each direction. The average seems to be somewhere around $2 each direction.

How do you handle this when you arrive with a bunch of groceries for the week? As in too many to carry in one trip and you are alone?

The bellman will help you. He will have a cart, and can store everthing for you if your villa is not ready yet. They also have refrigerated storage for groceries.

Of course, tipping a bellman is different than a valet.
Many foks go $1 - $2 per bag, with a max of around $20.
Now you may get into tipping two bellman, one from the car to storage, and one from storage to your villa.

Any other bits of information and suggestions are most appreciated as well.

I will add as I think of stuff, but don't be afraid to ask!

 

[Dean]

Carl has done an excellent job. The other thoughts as an exchanger who is a member are these. You still have to pay the extra $95 resort services fee and it must be paid at least 48 hours in advance. You can make reservations, add the Dining Plan, make requests and even add other members to the reservation all through MS. There are other perks that are member specific but not stay specific and some where you must be staying on points or cash through MS to get and these include restaurant and tour discounts. You will likely need the DVC reservation number when you call, you can find it on your confirmation. Ask MS if they will change it to reflect the stay as being a member stay and not an exchange so that you won't be charged for the higher phone call charge, movie rental and the like. Regardless, make sure that they know at the front desk on check in that you are a member and they will give you the full members packet.

 

[ripleysmom]

I love Valet Parking and bellmen who bring my groceries.

I also tip both ways for valet.

 

[spiceycat]

I also like this place.

there are only elevators in one place. So if you need to be close to an elevator say so.

It can be a long walk to the elevators from other rooms.

there are steps - so if you use the steps (after you check in) you don't need the elevators.

sometimes the door near the staircases won't let you in even with a room key - some others will..... some will let you in without a key.... I know very confusing....one of my big complaints about this resort.