Just back from BLT 2/25-3/4 Housekeeping Horror

My family has been going every year for the past 6 years. We usually stay at the Poly and this was our first stay at BLT. You can't beat the location. We had a 1 BDRM standard view. I used the room finder on touring plans and requested 7512 based on their suggestions. We ended up in 7304. Wasn't the worst but if I couldn't be on 5th floor, I wanted ground. The CM I spoke with said that standard views are floors 1-3 and 5 wasn't an option.
The only problem I had was with housekeeping. As has been previously stated, housekeeping comes every day to get the trash and does a thorough clean on day 4 when you are staying in a DVC. The problem was that I had a baby that naps from 2-4 every day and that is the time they ALWAYS came. I put out the sign when I laid the baby down. They knocked anyway. I went to the door and told her my baby was asleep. She said she needed to get the trash. I told her to come back later. She said she would come in an hour. I told her to come at 4. She said she was off at 4. I said "sorry" so she said she would get it the next day.
SO- the next day same routine- except I was in the bathroom, doing my personal business and my baby was asleep. Not only did I have the sign out, but had the door stop on. They knock again. I ignore. They knock again. I ignore again. Finally, they use their key and BAM the door against the door stop. I YELL "I'm in the bathroom"!! They BAM again. "I'M IN THE BATHROOM"!!! My baby starts crying, then they leave. I am LIVID!!! I immediately call housekeeping and can't get an answer. I call the front desk and complain. She asks if I had the sign out and I told her I did. She said she will take care of it.
The next day I didn't take the baby back to the room for a nap as we went to Animal Kingdom and stayed there the entire day.
However, the following day- back at it again. 3:00. BAM!!!! UGGGGHHHHH!!! I didn't even bother to call.
The following day was a full clean day, so they serviced the room before nap time.
We had a great vaca at a great location. I hope never to repeat this housekeeping horror.
One last thing that was different than our stays at the Poly was there was no bell services. If you wanted it, you had to drive over to the Contemporary entrance to get it. Upon leaving, you had to call Contemporary bell services to come help you again. No carts available for public use.
Also, I had rented a stroller from Kingdom Strollers and had to go over to Contemp to pick it up.

We stayed at BLT for one night last Thursday and then moved to BCV. They lost my owner's locker for over 90 minutes. At first, they were just like, no we don't have it. Sorry. No concern, just, nope it's not here, it must have never gotten delivered. It wasn't until 45 minutes of me in the lobby when the manager got involved, that someone started to actually look for it. It turned out it had been delivered to someone else's room. The location was great, but other than that we were not impressed.
 
Heaven forbid anyone take a leisurely shower with or without the room occupied sign.

This is what worries me about our upcoming stay. My dd21 generally stays in the room and sleeps in then showers while dh and I go for a walk then have breakfast. I feel like we can't do that for fear she'll be barged in on.

I understand that with what's going on in the world, particularly after Las Vegas they feel the need to up security, but this all seems poorly thought out and intrusive to the point of absurdity.

OP if I had been you I would have been livid. You don't mess with a mama and her sleeping baby!
 
This is what worries me about our upcoming stay. My dd21 generally stays in the room and sleeps in then showers while dh and I go for a walk then have breakfast. I feel like we can't do that for fear she'll be barged in on.

I understand that with what's going on in the world, particularly after Las Vegas they feel the need to up security, but this all seems poorly thought out and intrusive to the point of absurdity.

OP if I had been you I would have been livid. You don't mess with a mama and her sleeping baby!

I agree completely! I also have the same concern. Our DD23 will be joining us and sometimes she gets a later start or will head back to the room to get ready for dinner before the rest of us. My first concern was her privacy and safety. The woman I spoke with at Disney told me there would be three knocks before entering. I asked what if she didn't hear because she was showering or sleeping? Honestly, the woman seemed at a loss before she assured me that the room occupied sign would be respected. This is obviously not the case. This ill-conceived security plan definitely requires rules and boundaries that respect the privacy of the guests staying at Disney.

I would much rather have the metal detectors mentioned earlier than this intrusive mess of a policy.
 
We just came back from SSR 3/1 - 3/6 and we didn't even HAVE a room occupied sign to use - only 2 rooms on our floor looked like they had them
 
So from PP's who have contacted Disney with questions about this policy, they seem to be doing just as @mom2rtk says- they are saying what you want to hear and get you off the phone and keep your room booking. They are not, in some cases, honoring the Room Occupied signs. Some aren't even given the signs! But, I think it's still important for those that have been on a trip that had a bad experience contact Disney. Even if they just give a simple apology, they still will have to document the complaint- which is important!
 
So from PP's who have contacted Disney with questions about this policy, they seem to be doing just as @mom2rtk says- they are saying what you want to hear and get you off the phone and keep your room booking. They are not, in some cases, honoring the Room Occupied signs. Some aren't even given the signs! But, I think it's still important for those that have been on a trip that had a bad experience contact Disney. Even if they just give a simple apology, they still will have to document the complaint- which is important!


I agree with this logic. I used my DVC points for my recent stay at a BWV studio, so I decided to send an email to DVC Wednesday evening. A mature lady by the name of Joy from DVC member correspondence called yesterday am to respond to my email. She was attentive and patient. She admitted that this was a new policy and said that member feedback is helpful and appreciated as Disney gauges how the policy is handled. She said the comments are being shared up the ladder to resort management and DVC management. I gave detail of my issue of being surprised by being walked in on after not being able to hear a knock on the door. I also expressed concern for future solo trips or when our 22 year old DD travels with me but remains behind in the room. Her advice:

1. upon check in, ask to talk in person to the "manager on call" at the resort to specify a time frame for scheduling room service/security check. She suggested getting the name of the manager on call that you speak to for the sake of accountability, as this is the way she would do it if she were traveling. She likewise said you can tell the housekeeper who services your room that you want to speak to the housekeeping manager, and inform the housekeeping manager also in person when you want the daily trash removal, so that a) nothing is lost in translation and b) there is continuity when your room is serviced by different housekeepers during your stay.

2. I reported to Joy that I had several observations during my recent trip. Having stayed at 3 different DVC resorts, the handling of the new policy seemed to vary. Her response was that the goal was a uniform policy but that there was additional training is obviously needed and that this is an area where the feedback to DVC is helpful.

3. I inquired whether the new policy was implemented due to heightened concerns after the Vegas shooting. I was told yes, and also as a response to school shootings, etc., and in general to additional security in our current world. I do not think this policy is going away, but that Disney realizes the policy may need tweaking. When I asked, I was told others have contacted DVC about the policy.

4. I told Joy that I observed resort personnel other than housekeepers in the halls (not dressed in suits but obvious CM attire) and inquired if she could verify that personnel other than housekeepers were involved in the security checks. The answer was yes.

5. I inquired how I could avoid resort personnel from walking in on either my daughter or me while showering if we are alone in the room. Joy said if staff enters thinking the unit is unoccupied and hears the shower running, they will quickly leave. She said to make sure my daughter knew to place the room occupied sign up when showering.

I felt good talking to someone and knowing DVC is interested in feedback, and I still was disturbed by number 5 above. I liked Joy and she suggested that I call her directly if I have concerns in the future.

Hope this helps. Please call/email Disney and share the responses.
 
Last edited:
I sent an email to DVC. Misse



I agree with this logic. I used my DVC points for my recent stay at a BWV studio, so I decided to send an email to DVC Wednesday evening. A mature lady by the name of Joy from DVC member correspondence called yesterday am to respond to my email. She was attentive and patient. She admitted that this was a new policy and said that member feedback is helpful and appreciated as Disney gauges how the policy is handled. She said the comments are being shared up the ladder to resort management and DVC management. I gave detail of my issue of being surprised by being walked in on after not being able to hear a knock on the door. I also expressed concern for future solo trips or when our 22 year old DD travels with me but remains behind in the room. Her advice:

1. upon check in, ask to talk in person to the "manager on call" at the resort to specify a time frame for scheduling room service/security check. She suggested getting the name of the manager on call that you speak to for the sake of accountability, as this is the way she would do it if she were traveling. She likewise said you can tell the housekeeper who services your room that you want to speak to the housekeeping manager, and inform the housekeeping manager also in person when you want the daily trash removal, so that a) nothing is lost in translation and b) there is continuity when your room is serviced by different housekeepers during your stay.

2. I reported to Joy that I had several observations during my recent trip. Having stayed at 3 different DVC resorts, the handling of the new policy seemed to vary. Her response was that the goal was a uniform policy but that there was additional training is obviously needed and that this is an area where the feedback to DVC is helpful.

3. I inquired whether the new policy was implemented due to heightened concerns after the Vegas shooting. I was told yes, and also as a response to school shootings, etc., and in general to additional security in our current world. I do not think this policy is going away, but that Disney realizes the policy may need tweaking. When I asked, I was told others have contacted DVC about the policy.

4. I told Joy that I observed resort personnel other than housekeepers in the halls (not dressed in suits but obvious CM attire) and inquired if she could verify that personnel other than housekeepers were involved in the security checks. The answer was yes.

5. I inquired how I could avoid resort personnel from walking in on either my daughter or me while showering if we are alone in the room. Joy said if staff enters thinking the unit is unoccupied and hears the shower running, they will quickly leave. She said to make sure my daughter knew to place the room occupied sign up when showering.

I felt good talking to someone and knowing DVC is interested in feedback, and I still was disturbed by number 5 above. I liked Joy and she suggested that I call her directly if I have concerns in the future.

Hope this helps. Please call/email Disney and share the responses.

I think this should be it's own thread and pinned this is really good information to keep in mind. Thanks for sharing! I'm gonna put this in my notebook.
 
Glad you found it helpful. I had to write notes during the conversation so my senior mind would not forget. It was gratifying to me to get specific concrete suggestions for avoiding disruption of my resort time
 
Last edited:
I sent an email to DVC. Misse



I agree with this logic. I used my DVC points for my recent stay at a BWV studio, so I decided to send an email to DVC Wednesday evening. A mature lady by the name of Joy from DVC member correspondence called yesterday am to respond to my email. She was attentive and patient. She admitted that this was a new policy and said that member feedback is helpful and appreciated as Disney gauges how the policy is handled. She said the comments are being shared up the ladder to resort management and DVC management. I gave detail of my issue of being surprised by being walked in on after not being able to hear a knock on the door. I also expressed concern for future solo trips or when our 22 year old DD travels with me but remains behind in the room. Her advice:

1. upon check in, ask to talk in person to the "manager on call" at the resort to specify a time frame for scheduling room service/security check. She suggested getting the name of the manager on call that you speak to for the sake of accountability, as this is the way she would do it if she were traveling. She likewise said you can tell the housekeeper who services your room that you want to speak to the housekeeping manager, and inform the housekeeping manager also in person when you want the daily trash removal, so that a) nothing is lost in translation and b) there is continuity when your room is serviced by different housekeepers during your stay.

2. I reported to Joy that I had several observations during my recent trip. Having stayed at 3 different DVC resorts, the handling of the new policy seemed to vary. Her response was that the goal was a uniform policy but that there was additional training is obviously needed and that this is an area where the feedback to DVC is helpful.

3. I inquired whether the new policy was implemented due to heightened concerns after the Vegas shooting. I was told yes, and also as a response to school shootings, etc., and in general to additional security in our current world. I do not think this policy is going away, but that Disney realizes the policy may need tweaking. When I asked, I was told others have contacted DVC about the policy.

4. I told Joy that I observed resort personnel other than housekeepers in the halls (not dressed in suits but obvious CM attire) and inquired if she could verify that personnel other than housekeepers were involved in the security checks. The answer was yes.

5. I inquired how I could avoid resort personnel from walking in on either my daughter or me while showering if we are alone in the room. Joy said if staff enters thinking the unit is unoccupied and hears the shower running, they will quickly leave. She said to make sure my daughter knew to place the room occupied sign up when showering.

I felt good talking to someone and knowing DVC is interested in feedback, and I still was disturbed by number 5 above. I liked Joy and she suggested that I call her directly if I have concerns in the future.

Hope this helps. Please call/email Disney and share the responses.


This was all very good information and I'm glad to hear that people are complaining and hopefully Disney will be able to tweak this. Having said that.....

I think it's still incredibly frustrating, on vacation, to have to seek out the manager on call and also the housekeeping manager just to explain what specific time you'd like service. IMO, that is the purpose of a Room Occupied sign! If that sign is on then you're in the room and don't want to have service at that time. I don't really appreciate having to take time out to go out of my way to speak to all the managers, and who knows if that will even help. Not to mention, what if I don't want service at the same time every day? Should I be expected to keep the same schedule daily? I guess I should since Disney seems to want you to pre-plan everything six months out!

I also find Joy's response to your point 5 to be disturbing. It is only my husband and myself traveling, but sometimes my husband will go to the pool, etc. and I might be there alone. I wouldn't mind SO much if I'm in the room just relaxing and someone knocked, but I would be extremely skeeved out if I were in the shower and someone came in. Even if they heard the shower running and left immediately, that is still unacceptable in my mind. If they are going to assume everyone in their hotels has potential to be a "criminal", then I am going to assume that the people doing these security checks are not always on the up-and-up, know what I mean? But if I remember correctly, the bathrooms do have locks on them to right? I guess I will always be locking the bathroom door if I'm alone, and hope not to be disturbed.

I will be bringing my parents with us on a trip in June and I'm thinking about how stupid this is going to sound trying to explain this to them. "Don't worry, but someone might barge in on you even if you have a privacy sign up." To me, that is horrendous for first-time visitors.

They need to fix this fast.
 
same happened to us. You don't have the privacy you used to have when someone can just walk in. I shower with the door open since my little ones sleep in the next room. Not fun to walk out in a towel to find housekeeping there. Another time cooking in the kitchen and they took their sweet time to empty trash. Guests still want privacy and are out of the room enough that it should go around guest schedule.
 
We just came back from SSR 3/1 - 3/6 and we didn't even HAVE a room occupied sign to use - only 2 rooms on our floor looked like they had them
Doesn't matter if you have a sign since they still come in. I want privacy, but also felt bad for staff. One lady kept saying sorry can't come back later I have to come it's the policy. She looked just as miserable and upset as I did. So I tried to roll with it. Hoping Disney figures thinks out before our next trip.
 
I want privacy, but also felt bad for staff. One lady kept saying sorry can't come back later I have to come it's the policy.

THIS! I find it's really hard to be upset with the staff when they are just trying to do their job and not enforcing the policy could result in their termination. I do think it is fair to be upset with corporate Disney who made the policy and didn't completely think through the steps of implementing it...
 
I sent an email to DVC. Misse



I agree with this logic. I used my DVC points for my recent stay at a BWV studio, so I decided to send an email to DVC Wednesday evening. A mature lady by the name of Joy from DVC member correspondence called yesterday am to respond to my email. She was attentive and patient. She admitted that this was a new policy and said that member feedback is helpful and appreciated as Disney gauges how the policy is handled. She said the comments are being shared up the ladder to resort management and DVC management. I gave detail of my issue of being surprised by being walked in on after not being able to hear a knock on the door. I also expressed concern for future solo trips or when our 22 year old DD travels with me but remains behind in the room. Her advice:

1. upon check in, ask to talk in person to the "manager on call" at the resort to specify a time frame for scheduling room service/security check. She suggested getting the name of the manager on call that you speak to for the sake of accountability, as this is the way she would do it if she were traveling. She likewise said you can tell the housekeeper who services your room that you want to speak to the housekeeping manager, and inform the housekeeping manager also in person when you want the daily trash removal, so that a) nothing is lost in translation and b) there is continuity when your room is serviced by different housekeepers during your stay.

2. I reported to Joy that I had several observations during my recent trip. Having stayed at 3 different DVC resorts, the handling of the new policy seemed to vary. Her response was that the goal was a uniform policy but that there was additional training is obviously needed and that this is an area where the feedback to DVC is helpful.

3. I inquired whether the new policy was implemented due to heightened concerns after the Vegas shooting. I was told yes, and also as a response to school shootings, etc., and in general to additional security in our current world. I do not think this policy is going away, but that Disney realizes the policy may need tweaking. When I asked, I was told others have contacted DVC about the policy.

4. I told Joy that I observed resort personnel other than housekeepers in the halls (not dressed in suits but obvious CM attire) and inquired if she could verify that personnel other than housekeepers were involved in the security checks. The answer was yes.

5. I inquired how I could avoid resort personnel from walking in on either my daughter or me while showering if we are alone in the room. Joy said if staff enters thinking the unit is unoccupied and hears the shower running, they will quickly leave. She said to make sure my daughter knew to place the room occupied sign up when showering.

I felt good talking to someone and knowing DVC is interested in feedback, and I still was disturbed by number 5 above. I liked Joy and she suggested that I call her directly if I have concerns in the future.

Hope this helps. Please call/email Disney and share the responses.
I also do not think this policy is going away and I am guessing lawyer or insurance related. best hope is to tweak something for nappers
I sent an email to DVC. Misse



I agree with this logic. I used my DVC points for my recent stay at a BWV studio, so I decided to send an email to DVC Wednesday evening. A mature lady by the name of Joy from DVC member correspondence called yesterday am to respond to my email. She was attentive and patient. She admitted that this was a new policy and said that member feedback is helpful and appreciated as Disney gauges how the policy is handled. She said the comments are being shared up the ladder to resort management and DVC management. I gave detail of my issue of being surprised by being walked in on after not being able to hear a knock on the door. I also expressed concern for future solo trips or when our 22 year old DD travels with me but remains behind in the room. Her advice:

1. upon check in, ask to talk in person to the "manager on call" at the resort to specify a time frame for scheduling room service/security check. She suggested getting the name of the manager on call that you speak to for the sake of accountability, as this is the way she would do it if she were traveling. She likewise said you can tell the housekeeper who services your room that you want to speak to the housekeeping manager, and inform the housekeeping manager also in person when you want the daily trash removal, so that a) nothing is lost in translation and b) there is continuity when your room is serviced by different housekeepers during your stay.

2. I reported to Joy that I had several observations during my recent trip. Having stayed at 3 different DVC resorts, the handling of the new policy seemed to vary. Her response was that the goal was a uniform policy but that there was additional training is obviously needed and that this is an area where the feedback to DVC is helpful.

3. I inquired whether the new policy was implemented due to heightened concerns after the Vegas shooting. I was told yes, and also as a response to school shootings, etc., and in general to additional security in our current world. I do not think this policy is going away, but that Disney realizes the policy may need tweaking. When I asked, I was told others have contacted DVC about the policy.

4. I told Joy that I observed resort personnel other than housekeepers in the halls (not dressed in suits but obvious CM attire) and inquired if she could verify that personnel other than housekeepers were involved in the security checks. The answer was yes.

5. I inquired how I could avoid resort personnel from walking in on either my daughter or me while showering if we are alone in the room. Joy said if staff enters thinking the unit is unoccupied and hears the shower running, they will quickly leave. She said to make sure my daughter knew to place the room occupied sign up when showering.

I felt good talking to someone and knowing DVC is interested in feedback, and I still was disturbed by number 5 above. I liked Joy and she suggested that I call her directly if I have concerns in the future.

Hope this helps. Please call/email Disney and share the responses.
I to do not think this policy is going away and I think it is lawyer or insurance related. hope it gets tweaked for the people napping
 
If you want to hit the parks and leave someone behind, they will have to get up and throw the latch to ensure no one enters the room. They may try to get in and smack the latch a few times though.
 
THIS! I find it's really hard to be upset with the staff when they are just trying to do their job and not enforcing the policy could result in their termination. I do think it is fair to be upset with corporate Disney who made the policy and didn't completely think through the steps of implementing it...
Agree with you. It's a lose situation for both staff and guest until they figure it out
 
I sent an email to DVC. Misse

I agree with this logic. I used my DVC points for my recent stay at a BWV studio, so I decided to send an email to DVC Wednesday evening. A mature lady by the name of Joy from DVC member correspondence called yesterday am to respond to my email. She was attentive and patient. She admitted that this was a new policy and said that member feedback is helpful and appreciated as Disney gauges how the policy is handled. She said the comments are being shared up the ladder to resort management and DVC management. I gave detail of my issue of being surprised by being walked in on after not being able to hear a knock on the door. I also expressed concern for future solo trips or when our 22 year old DD travels with me but remains behind in the room. Her advice:

1. upon check in, ask to talk in person to the "manager on call" at the resort to specify a time frame for scheduling room service/security check. She suggested getting the name of the manager on call that you speak to for the sake of accountability, as this is the way she would do it if she were traveling. She likewise said you can tell the housekeeper who services your room that you want to speak to the housekeeping manager, and inform the housekeeping manager also in person when you want the daily trash removal, so that a) nothing is lost in translation and b) there is continuity when your room is serviced by different housekeepers during your stay.

2. I reported to Joy that I had several observations during my recent trip. Having stayed at 3 different DVC resorts, the handling of the new policy seemed to vary. Her response was that the goal was a uniform policy but that there was additional training is obviously needed and that this is an area where the feedback to DVC is helpful.

3. I inquired whether the new policy was implemented due to heightened concerns after the Vegas shooting. I was told yes, and also as a response to school shootings, etc., and in general to additional security in our current world. I do not think this policy is going away, but that Disney realizes the policy may need tweaking. When I asked, I was told others have contacted DVC about the policy.

4. I told Joy that I observed resort personnel other than housekeepers in the halls (not dressed in suits but obvious CM attire) and inquired if she could verify that personnel other than housekeepers were involved in the security checks. The answer was yes.

5. I inquired how I could avoid resort personnel from walking in on either my daughter or me while showering if we are alone in the room. Joy said if staff enters thinking the unit is unoccupied and hears the shower running, they will quickly leave. She said to make sure my daughter knew to place the room occupied sign up when showering.

I felt good talking to someone and knowing DVC is interested in feedback, and I still was disturbed by number 5 above. I liked Joy and she suggested that I call her directly if I have concerns in the future.

Hope this helps. Please call/email Disney and share the responses.


First of all, Snappy, thank you for taking the time to discuss this with Disney. You did the right thing by doing so and hopefully your efforts will eventually help other guests.

I have been following along with this situation from the beginning and from what I have observed (from reports of guests staying at resorts), this is all lip service. It's important to understand that what Disney is saying and what they are doing are two entirely different things.

It appears to me that the implementation of these security protocols is being managed by people who have absolutely no ability to do so in a way that is effective or proper. Disney is mismanaging this and now their response to guests who report unfortunate violations of their privacy is to lie to them and say that there are things that the guest can do to avoid problems.

None of these things that the CM told you are going to happen because no one is making sure that these problems are fixed. The entire effort put forth by Disney in addressing guest concerns is now this fantasy narrative about what the guest can do to manage these intrusions.

The key thing to understand about these security checks in their current, ineffective form, is that they must be random and spontaneous and never planned. Telling guests that they can control these intrusions runs contrary to their effective administration.

These kind of security checks are ineffective for the most part, and they are sure to violate guest's expectation of privacy and provide a poor experience. There are other things that Disney could do that would be more effective and preserve the guest experience but they would involve greater cost and more of an effort. The Disney of today is primarily concerned with maximizing profits while providing the minimum guest experience, so we are left with housekeepers who are overburdened with providing security in addition to their other duties.

We continue to see a philosophy where the guest is expected to pay ever increasing prices while tolerating a diminished experience. It makes me sad that management at Disney has decided that this is how they will conduct business. They are taking advantage of the reputation for excellence that Disney has built up over years and running it into the ground with decisions like this.

I'd like to make clear that what Disney is telling the guest and what is actually happening are two entirely different things
.

Please don't be fooled into believing that Disney is even the slightest bit interested in fixing this problem.

Disney is telling the guest that THEY must fix Disney's problem
They want the guest to spend vacation time managing this intrusion by running around talking to the front desk, and the housekeeping manager and the housekeeper etc, etc, etc.

This is wrong on so many levels in addition to being completely ineffective.

Also be aware that guests are reporting that CM's performing these security checks are walking all the way into the room and checking when guests are ASLEEP in bed or in the bathroom, so the statement "If staff enters thinking the unit is unoccupied and hears the shower running, they will quickly leave" is also not necessarily happening. This observation is based on guest reports that have been posted on the Dis Boards.

Disney has decided that with the implementation of this security theater procedure, guest's privacy needs will take a back seat.

Please don't be fooled by misinformation from guest services. Watch what is actually happening and not what CM's are told to say.

~NM
 

GET A DISNEY VACATION QUOTE

Dreams Unlimited Travel is committed to providing you with the very best vacation planning experience possible. Our Vacation Planners are experts and will share their honest advice to help you have a magical vacation.

Let us help you with your next Disney Vacation!











facebook twitter
Top