Bad FW experience

[DisCamper]

Well I debated about telling this forum about my bad FW experience, But there it gos. It started at check in I check in and the CM said our site was not ready that was ok. I when to the bike barn to pickup my cart. So far everything is going well. After doing the cart check in a CM brought out an old cart. So I ask to get one of the new carts. The CM said they had none available. I look over and there was 65 new carts sitting there. After deep conversation with the CM. I was on my way in my old cart. Well this great old cart died just in front of the 1500 loop. So after walking back to the bike barn to get a new cart the CM still told me I can’t have a new cart, but I could pick from the carts in the back. Well I ask to see a supervisor well after waiting 15mins. I got a new cart. Well back to site check in. I called to see which loop we where staying in. The CM told me I can’t give you the site # but it is the 1800 loop. Now with my new cart I drove thought the 1800 I think all but 6 sites where open and clean so I called. They told me still no site available. So waiting until 1:00 I called aging and they gave us our site#. I drove our new RV unit to our site. Well our new unit would not fit on the with the slide out. Called agin they told me that was the only site available. Told them I wanted site 1809 it was open. After waiting for 45mins and talking to a supervisor we got on our site. I worked at FW for two summers and never talk to that may supervisors and if we treated guest that way I would have lost my job. :confused3

[HappyDznyCamper]

Wow! What a bummer of a way to start a vacation, especially a Disney one.
I hope the rest of the trip goes well.

[bigdisneydaddy]

Well I debated about telling this forum about my bad FW experience, But there it gos. It started at check in I check in and the CM said our site was not ready that was ok. I when to the bike barn to pickup my cart. So far everything is going well. After doing the cart check in a CM brought out an old cart. So I ask to get one of the new carts. The CM said they had none available. I look over and there was 65 new carts sitting there. After deep conversation with the CM. I was on my way in my old cart. Well this great old cart died just in front of the 1500 loop. So after walking back to the bike barn to get a new cart the CM still told me I can’t have a new cart, but I could pick from the carts in the back. Well I ask to see a supervisor well after waiting 15mins. I got a new cart. Well back to site check in. I called to see which loop we where staying in. The CM told me I can’t give you the site # but it is the 1800 loop. Now with my new cart I drove thought the 1800 I think all but 6 sites where open and clean so I called. They told me still no site available. So waiting until 1:00 I called aging and they gave us our site#. I drove our new RV unit to our site. Well our new unit would not fit on the with the slide out. Called agin they told me that was the only site available. Told them I wanted site 1809 it was open. After waiting for 45mins and talking to a supervisor we got on our site. I worked at FW for two summers and never talk to that may supervisors and if we treated guest that way I would have lost my job. :confused3

We had a similar problem with a CM (wish I had gotten her name)
during Christmas. There was no way that I could get our truck and trailer into the site they assigned us. When we went back up to the front desk, waited in line and expalined the problem I got a heavy sigh and and "I'll be right back"
after 5 minutes behind the door I got an abrupt explanation of the new site number and nothing else. It was more in line with the service I would anticipate at Wal mart than Disney. Fortunately I didnt let it bother me, it just wasnt up to the Disney standard.

Scott

[akamom]

Oh that's horrible! Not a very nice way to kick off a vacation!

[dopeyprincesses]

Sorry to hear about your experience....didn't sound very Disney to me

[FloridaTeacher]

That really stinks:sad2: , but alas there is hope!

During our Oct. trip we arrived at our assigned site and realized we couldn't back our 37 ft. motorhome into it. We walked around a bit, found a site we could get into, then called the front desk. After explaining our dilemma and telling them we did find a site we could get into, they immediately assigned it to us over the phone.

Don't let one bad experience ruin your opinion - think of all the great experiences the Fort and WDW have to offer. Glad everything FINALLY worked out.:goodvibes

Happy Camping!

[rapriebe]

Occassionally I have experienced similar problems at checkin at FW. It's the luck of the draw with the CMs at the front desk. Most times they are great and will work with ya but sometimes it is very fustrating. I would really be ticked if I went back to my loop and saw lots of sites available and then had to wait until 1:00 to get my site. Nothing worse then just sitting around waiting to get to your site especially when there are vacancies.

[CCIntrigue]

I agree, that's a horrible way to start off your vacation! Ours in December started off with getting lost on the Disney property and encountering a hateful gate person at MGM. Had a great vacation anyway, but will never forget him. In all our years of going to Disney, he's the first unpleasant person we've encountered.

Rapriebe, congratulations on your upcoming retirement! DH and I took early retirement in 03 due to corporate downsizing and have loved every minute of it. Just wish we could afford to winter in FW!

[Colson39]

Well, I hope at least the rest of your trip went super smooth? May I ask what time you arrived? It sounds like you got there pretty early in the day, I've found that if you arrive too early sometimes you don't get the best amenities or have to wait around a while :(

[CottontailCurl]

The CM said they had none available. I look over and there was 65 new carts sitting there...... Now with my new cart I drove thought the 1800 I think all but 6 sites where open and clean so I called. They told me still no site available.

Oh no!! I'm sorry you had a bad check in with your new trailer!! I hope the talk with the supervisor helped make things better. Other than those things, how did you like your new tt?

About the carts, we need to get John Stossel to investigate why this happens. Someone mentioned in the picture of the day thread that they've asked to rent a cart before, was told there were none available but the corral was full. Give me a break!!

And, tell us about working at the Fort - how did you like it?

[DisCamper]

We loved the new TT all the room this unit has and it is much better than our old little MH. We had a great time after the 1st day. Prevost motor coaches were having is annual getaway they took up all the 1600 & 1700 loops and as we were leaving they were going to fill up 1800. There were so many great looking million dollar motor coaches there. Well I hope this bad experience was just a goof and not becoming the norm.

[ftwildernessguy]

Oh no!! I'm sorry you had a bad check in with your new trailer!! I hope the talk with the supervisor helped make things better. Other than those things, how did you like your new tt?

About the carts, we need to get John Stossel to investigate why this happens. Someone mentioned in the picture of the day thread that they've asked to rent a cart before, was told there were none available but the corral was full. Give me a break!!

And, tell us about working at the Fort - how did you like it?

Perhaps in a former life, the CM was a supply officer in the Army. I have seen some that wanted to hold onto everything because they were afraid the stuff would get damaged and they might get into trouble. The logic is, if you keep it locked up, it can't get ruined. :rolleyes1

[HeatherPage]

Same thing happened to us in January, it was our first time to the Fort in our new camper (first one we've ever owned), got there around 11:00 and was told site not available yet but they told us the loop we were in. There looked to be plenty of vacant sites so we called back to check in and was told his records showed they weren't available or people hadn't checked out yet (wt?) We were also told they could not send anyone to the loop to verify if they were vacant so we had to wait until 1:00 p.m. By then EVERYONE was trying to get into their sites (and my husband not being very experienced backing in the trailer yet) made for a very frustrating time. Maybe it's just some old codger up at the check-in post whose a stickler for not checking in until 1:00 whether a site is available or not?

[bigdisneydaddy]

Same thing happened to us in January, it was our first time to the Fort in our new camper (first one we've ever owned), got there around 11:00 and was told site not available yet but they told us the loop we were in. There looked to be plenty of vacant sites so we called back to check in and was told his records showed they weren't available or people hadn't checked out yet (wt?) We were also told they could not send anyone to the loop to verify if they were vacant so we had to wait until 1:00 p.m. By then EVERYONE was trying to get into their sites (and my husband not being very experienced backing in the trailer yet) made for a very frustrating time. Maybe it's just some old codger up at the check-in post whose a stickler for not checking in until 1:00 whether a site is available or not?


I wonder if perhaps the CM is sent out with a group of sites to clean. The work takes several hours and then the computer isnt updated until they get back.
I have also thought that they may delay arrivals until after 1 PM for whatever reason.
lately we have been getting to FW around 2-4 PM and getting right into our site.

Scott

[Disney Campers]

Well the fort has got a less of my money in the past year or two, that waiting til 1pm when sites are vacant must be a new Disney Policy, As far as the bike barn I think all bike barn cast members are required to read a book - "101 Ways to say no" :confused:

The fort fills to capacity very frequently, hence no need to lure or retain customers by providing signature Disney Service. Will I still go to the Fort? yes just not as often

[The Bad Witch]

well this bums me out...I'd better not get any grief when I go in December, I'd hate to start out my Dis vacation opening a can of whoop a$$ on FW LOL!

[CCIntrigue]

In December we arrived at the fort at 8:30 am and were let onto our site immediately. We were pleasantly surprised!

[Vickie46]

I wouldn't let this ruin my trip.. just move on..

[ftwildernessguy]

Technically, check in at the fort is 1pm. While we have gotten our site early, there is no guarantee and I accept that. Instead of getting upset, we make the most of the situation - park the camper in the overflow lot as instructed, take the bus to the Settlement, hop a boat to WL, have lunch, sometimes take a bus to DTD. Until the guy cleaning off the spots informs the front desk that a site has been prepped, as far as the Outpost knows it is still unavailable.

[bigdisneydaddy]

well this bums me out...I'd better not get any grief when I go in December, I'd hate to start out my Dis vacation opening a can of whoop a$$ on FW LOL!



Mom taught me a long time ago that you catch more flies with honey than vinegar, I think the CM's get worn out from listening to surly guests, its amazing how a smile and some politeness can get you what you want.

[ftwildernessguy]

Really. Why ruin a vacation by getting upset over something that is just a bump in the road.

[tellnotails]

Mom taught me a long time ago that you catch more flies with honey than vinegar, I think the CM's get worn out from listening to surly guests, its amazing how a smile and some politeness can get you what you want.


We'll have none of that.....(sense making that is):lmao:

[Flametamr]

Wow I am looking to buy a camper right now and seriously thought about staying at FW but now maybe not. It hardly seems worth the trouble to stay in a small camper just to save a few bucks and then to be treated badly would be unacceptable. I'm very vocal about bad service and usually get my way. I think after reading this thread I'll stick to my previous plan of going back to POFQ.

[mommyseven]

Wow I am looking to buy a camper right now and seriously thought about staying at FW but now maybe not. It hardly seems worth the trouble to stay in a small camper just to save a few bucks and then to be treated badly would be unacceptable. I'm very vocal about bad service and usually get my way. I think after reading this thread I'll stick to my previous plan of going back to POFQ.

I hope that you will reconsider and try FW. While this was a very misfortunate experience and my heart goes out to the original poster, there are more good experiences than bad.

Our stay at FW was excellent, and I wouldn't hesitate to do it again (if we get a larger MH; we outgrew our previous one).

Remember that resort guests have experienced similar situations at the various resorts. Sometimes bad experiences happen. Nothing can be perfect all the time - though we wish it could.

Give it a try and if you are dissatisifed be sure to let them know and give them the opportunity to fix it.

[DisCamper]

As I have said before I’ve worked for Disney at FW and for 3 day at Disney University our instructor said these people are our guest so the guest is always right 5 times a day they said the guest is always right. This is not just a Disney problem I’m finding that all of the service industry has that we do not care attitude. So in these 2 cases I don't feel like the guest was always right.

[JPG]

Sorry, but I ain't buying it. The original poster claims to be a long time fan of Disney and FW, yet he only joined the forums here in December. Since then, he has started to post negative comments about FW. He claims he had 9 more reservations made for this year and is going to cancel them ??? Again sorry, but I anin't buying it.
We were there this past August. We arrived at 6:00 AM. We checked in super fast. We went straight to our site, and set up. We went to the bike barn and got our cart. No problems there either. Everyone was super friendly and helpful. I realixe you can have bad luck, but I just can not believe some of what has been said.

[stacktester]

We're at the fort right now. I got here at 11:00 and checked in and was told no site was available yet. We parked and rode the bikes to the Meadows and got a snack and looked around. Rode to our loop and several sites including the one we requested were clean. I called (CM Tom) answered and he said if it was clean go ahead and occupy it. He was very helpful and nice considering I was still an hour early.

[terri01p]

I think there is an overall decline in customer service these days, not just at WDW but everywhere. It takes a certain type of personality to deal with people day after day and keep a good attitude about everything. Last summer at myrtle beach a security guard blessed us out for our dog barking out of our truck window, we never said a word, but it spoiled our day, by evening we were basically over it. The next day he came to our campsite and said he was wrong and sorry that he was just having personal problems that had got to him. This example is exactly why sometimes it's best just to over look somethings and make your trip as much fun for yourselves as possible. Most times a bad customer service dealing has nothing to do with you personally at all, take that in stride. Also, I think doing the same things over and over causes you to get burnt out, step back take a years break from WDW and do other things and I bet you will look at alot of things with a fresh outlook and be ready to go back. No vacation, no matter how much you want it to be perfect will be because we live in an unperfect world. The main things are your wonderful family ( that always sees eye to eye with you on these matters ), health to be able to go. money to be able to pick and choose what you want to do. And all else is just life as it comes. I won't let anyone or anything spoil me of any place that I love to go too.

[tacoma]

We just returned from 32 nights at FW. We continue to be amazed at how helpful and friendly the CM's are. We had one instance when we did not get excellent service, but even then it was not bad service. We have our reservations for the same time next year and we're not cancelling them. In my view negativism breeds more of the same. If you expect good service, and are respective of those delivering it, there is no better place to stay than FW.

[terri01p]

well this bums me out...I'd better not get any grief when I go in December, I'd hate to start out my Dis vacation opening a can of whoop a$$ on FW LOL!

:lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

[Flametamr]

Excuse my not knowing but what cart is everyone talking about getting at the bike barn ???

[loveDmouse]

Excuse my not knowing but what cart is everyone talking about getting at the bike barn ???

Golf carts. They are very nice for getting around the campground.



We stayed at FW for our first time last December. During our entire stay I never had one bad experience with anyone. For the most part if you are nice to them they will be nice to you. I agree with another poster about getting farther with honey instead of vinegar.
We loved it so much we are going back this year around the same time period.

They do say check in not until 1pm. You are not guaranteed to get in before that.
And about the golf carts, someone has to get the old ones. Not everyone can have a brand new one. They got you a golf cart that worked didn't they? Sometimes things break.
I really think people need to lighten up!

[Flametamr]

Ok so this brings up other questions. Do you rent these golf carts ? Is it per day or per stay ? How much ? Where do you park them when you go off for the day ? How do you keep them charged up ? Just curious.

[loveDmouse]

Ok so this brings up other questions. Do you rent these golf carts ? Is it per day or per stay ? How much ? Where do you park them when you go off for the day ? How do you keep them charged up ? Just curious.


Well I guess most rent them for their whole stay. The rent is per day but they give you a little discount for a week. I forget how much it was I will have to look back at our receipt. Someone here probably knows off the top of their head.
They have parking areas for them all over and most of them have a place to plug it in while you are parked there so you can charge it up. I don't remember a place to plug them in at the bus stop up front but in the back they did and by the marina. Plus you can charge them up back at your site. They are a nice way to get around.

[Flametamr]

Thanks this sounds great if they are not too expensive. I love just cruising around and site seeing.

[dizneydiva2005]

the carts cost around $40?? plus tax or is it $60 plus tax :confused3 sorry, my husband always picks up the carts so I can't remember... but trust me well worth the money! We love riding the cart around!

[Flametamr]

Is that per day or week ?

[JPG]

Is that per day or week ?


The carts are $47.00 per day, and you get a slight discount if you rent one for a whole week. Yes, it's expensive, but they are super fun and convenient for getting around FW.

[The Bad Witch]

Mom taught me a long time ago that you catch more flies with honey than vinegar, I think the CM's get worn out from listening to surly guests, its amazing how a smile and some politeness can get you what you want.

it's called sarcasm, hence the LOL ;)

[Flametamr]

Thats expensive in my opinion. But I guess it depends on why you're actually staying there and what your staying in. I think I'll pass on the camping idea and stick with a nice hotel.

[bigdisneydaddy]

it's called sarcasm, hence the LOL ;)

I actually picked up on the sarcasm.

[SunshineCamper]

When we were leaving Ft. W the Prevost MH were circling our loop. We saw them setting up there booth monday. We left on tues. from 1802.
The only problem we had this go around at the Ft. was my bike was stolen from the bike rack by the Settlement-no it wasn't locked. My dh is a detective with orlando and he was mainly mad at himself for not locking the bikes. He did a report but it was gone.
Other than catching the bus to MGM at the Settlement vs. the Outpost. We've always caught it at the Outpost. We had to ride to the otherside-lesson learned before my bike was stolen.
otherwise we had a great time and we return when the rates are cheaper and it's cooler again in the Fall (or in our case our warm fall, yet cooler weather season).

[capegrenier]

I am not buying it either:sad2: ..... all negative posts. from DisCamper :mad:
I stayed at FW for the first time in Feb 2007 all CM were very helpful and courteous. I of course checked in after 1p.m. and I didnt complain what cart I got..complaining only brings out bad vibes...(pissed off CM.. gave you a bad cart to begin with) My ressie (in computer) didn't have pet loop but, CM found me a site in a over flow loop without any problems.. did show her it was on my ressie. she was very very nice and also gave me nice tips about internet, where to eat, and pool info..I've stayed on property alot and am new to RVing had a great experience and would recommend it to anyone who asks..
Kate

[terri01p]

When we were leaving Ft. W the Prevost MH were circling our loop. We saw them setting up there booth monday. We left on tues. from 1802.
The only problem we had this go around at the Ft. was my bike was stolen from the bike rack by the Settlement-no it wasn't locked. My dh is a detective with orlando and he was mainly mad at himself for not locking the bikes. He did a report but it was gone.
Other than catching the bus to MGM at the Settlement vs. the Outpost. We've always caught it at the Outpost. We had to ride to the otherside-lesson learned before my bike was stolen.
otherwise we had a great time and we return when the rates are cheaper and it's cooler again in the Fall (or in our case our warm fall, yet cooler weather season).

Oh geez, I hate that for you, did you look around the campground and make sure some child didn't " borrow it ";) . My dh came home piping mad the other day because someone stole his lunch from the breakroom.:laughing:
can you imagine how he would be to get something of value stole, of course he is a big boy so that does hurt. :rolleyes1

[tellnotails]

One point I'll let him slide on is he used to be a employed by wdw.....


Just the reason I'll never work for wdw is you run the risk of losing the Magic.....

Just not worth the few $$$......

[SunshineCamper]

Since I didn't have a bike we rented a golf cart for a day and drove it around all the loops. We spotted a bike "like" mine but we were hoping (like the GR suggested) that someone was lazy and grabbed it to ride it back to their site. Then they would ditch it before leaving. GR said people "grab" golf carts all the time when the renters leave the keys in them and then CM find them all over the fort. These things happen everywhere. In our case it just was a reminder. I'm glad it wasn't something I REALLY valued like my children and ok I'll say it my dh too. HA!
The weather was beautiful that weekend and we got to see all those Prevosts-WOW! We met some really nice people from all over. We had more fun meeting people at the campsites vs. the parks because they were comfortable and relaxed by their RV. I did get a new bike when we got home (1 hr. later from the Ft.) All is well.

[4HappyCmprs]

Hello all! I am brand new to this site today but have been lurking for quite a while now while planning our Disney Vacation. We are staying at Ft W, April 20-28th in a cabin and are very much looking forward to it.

I feel like I needed to comment on this Post. I don't think it's fair to post something like this when you arrived prior to the stated check in time of 1 PM and I also do believe that the Golf Cart rentals are also supposed to be picked up at 1 PM. In fact, we are renting one for the first day of our trip to check out the entire campground and get to know where everything is. When I made the reservations, I was told that pick up is 1PM, however you can 'try' to get something earlier, but it's not guaranteed.

Because the original poster was doing all of this prior to 1 PM, I really don't think there is any merit to complain. Maybe if you had waited till 1 PM to go get your cart, you might have gotten one of the 'newer' carts that were waiting to be picked up by people with reservations as well. This is JMO and not fact. If all this occurred after 1 PM, then by all means I see your point.

I've worked in many places where they state the 'Customer is Always Right' but there are certain guidelines (check in/out times) that are written for a reason.

Sorry my first post was so long winded, but I hate to see people complain about something when there really isn't anything to back it up!:confused3

Can't wait for our April trip!!!!!:yay:

[kater2u]

[QUOTE=CottontailCurl;17584200]?

About the carts, we need to get John Stossel to investigate why this happens. Someone mentioned in the picture of the day thread that they've asked to rent a cart before, was told there were none available but the corral was full. Give me a break!!



As a cp that works a couple days a week at the bikebarn, here is how the carts go. They are booked up to a year in advance. The carts are returned at 11am and are guarenteed at 1pm. We try our best to clean the carts, charge them, and get them ready before 1pm (we try to make people happy by giving them the cart early). About 50% of the carts are the "older carts". I have been told that those carts are actually better then the new ones.....the new ones just look better. not sure tho....they all act the same to me....

Even though we may have carts at the bikebarn when we are sold out, we might not have any available for rent. It is because we have guarenteed a reservation for someone and they haven't picked up yet. They have until 11am the next day to pick up the cart (at that time, they are charged a 1 day no show fee and have their reservation canceled). We have to hold the carts for them, because they have a guarenteed reservation and are paying for the cart. I know that the Prevost people that came in rented like 50-60 and didn't pick all of them up (or picked them up days after the reservation started)....but they got charged for the whole thing.

The coordinators and manager do cart counts throughout the day to make sure that we have all carts accounted for and sold out. They also have us go thru the waitlist if we ever do get any freed up (tip...get on the waitlist if you can't get a cart)

As for us at the bikebarn being mean, I don't think we are (again I am biased and only there a couple of days a week). we get yelled at a lot and just sit there and smile and do our best to make people happy. I know I see a lot more people having fun (at the pool, at dodgeball, riding around, playing activities) at the fort then I do at the other places I work. but the fort is a lot different than those places.

[farmman]

I would think that the bike barn would be first come first service. So a customer first in line ask for a new cart and there are 10 available I would think that customer would get a new cart and not be they are holding it for someone like number 26. Why now do people have to jump thought hoops to get good customer service?

[DisCamper]

kater2u to a fellow CP do all your OT at living seas great place to get OT.