live at OKW and after 15 yrs I HAVE HAD IT!

[ILoveMyDVC]

Well, after 15 years of absolutely loving my DVC membership, I have had it.

Let's recap:
1. 4 days of waiting for someone to trim the palm trees that are hanging over the balcony ( I have a real fear and was promised everyday that it would be taken care of) Don't need a truck - just someone with Fiskars. I realize they can't cater to everyone's whims but they shouldn't have said they'd fix it if they didn't intend to get to it.

2. Dinner at Cape May Cafe (always on our arrival night). ADRs were 45 minutes behind. Food sucked. Servers working the buffet were miserable and snipping at each other. At one point, there was only one women back there and she was doing all of the carving. There were no steamers (looked like the oven was going to blow any minute), mac & cheese, corn on the cob, terriyaki salmon or potatoes. They got rid of the lemonade (now, it's lite crystal garbage) Cost was 76 dollars for two without alcohol. We ate at Paula Deen's restaurant in Savannah the night before for 66 dollars with wine and beer and the servers were super nice and the food was very good. At Cape May, AP and DVC discounts gone and 'premium' charge added.

3. Quality of things I look forward to has dropped considerably. No more cupcakes with real frosting. It's fake pumped non dairy lard. Cupcake is thawed dry flavorless frozen cake. Candy apple was 6 dollars and awful - had to be thrown away. Oddly, we were approached to take a survey about our food experiences in HS. Peanut butter cups were 6 dollars and when opened (immediately in store) were one massive melted and re-melted ball. Popcorn in MK and HS was cold and soggy.

4. In HS, refused the one and only water we have ever requested - told they could no longer give water to their guests for health reasons. But they could sell us Powerade for 3 dollars a piece.

5. BUGS in Caesar salad at the Land - several bugs and nobody cared. manager and cashier just looked at them, shrugged, threw it in the garbage and refunded my money.

6. Witnessed a cast member give a guest grief because she wanted a small size t-shirt. The store was empty and he wasn't doing anything but he sure gave her attitude.

7. Three phone calls and a visit to concierge to get an answer as to where to purchase TIW card. Had to go to one of the 4 parks to get it. What a PIA.
1st cast member (desk at OKW via phone) didn't know what it was - had to explain twice. 2nd. member said DTD only. 3rd. said parks only. 4th. said EPCOT only.

8. Last night, late in HS - we were at the board that lists the wait times. THREE Disney MANAGERS were standing there. We asked about the accuracy of the time for Toy Story Mania. We were told that it is 'the hottest thing in Orlando right now' followed by one of the MANAGERS saying until "(blah blah) opens in Universal. He then asked if we'd been to that park. I said, no, we always just go to Disney. His response...."oh you should go to blah blah, it's much better than here" A DISNEY MANAGER WITH TWO OTHER DISNEY MANAGERS. When I looked at him oddly, he said, "my partner works there so my mortgage gets paid either way". Good for him. Maybe Disney should open an institute and run business seminars on arrogant customer service. Reminds me of the airlines.

9. 285 dollar check for 6 people with 3 drinks at O'Hana. Price was outrageous but 22 minute wait for waiter to stop at table to bring skewers (or refills on the appetizers) was even crazier Finally, a server came over and apologized - he said he worked on the other side of the dining room but came over to help out because they were so far behind. (the tables next to us were in the same boat) The mandatory 41 dollar tip was OUTRAGEOUS. Really, how many people do you think make 41/hr plus their salary and benefits in the real world? And that's just one table and he sucked!

10. Knob broken off cabinet (screw is stripped so it can't be fixed); three shelves in cabinets broken, stains on couch, rug worn out in some areas; balcony loaded with wasp nests. Knives are dime store quality. Blender completely worthless couldn't move air.

11. First ever bus ride at WDW- AK to OKW or so I thought. Had to go to Blizzard Beach in between (???). No air conditioning on the bus and I am always cold. My DH and friends left at the same time from the AK lot, they had to go to the tram, go the car (end of row in Dinosaur 31) and go to Publix. We went to the bus top and boarded the waiting bus. We got back barely two minutes before they did.

12. Nobody checked IDs at EMH at HS. Only TOT looked. RRC, Move Ride, and Muppet Vision did not and the lines were enormous. At 11:30, RRC was 85 minutes.

13. Arrogant, miserable cast members in every park. (exception was Louis at check-in, he was very nice) It's as if they are doing you a favor just by being there. Lots of sighing and shrugging and eye rolling and it seems to be consistent with all guests. There's a chip on the shoulder and a make-fun-of-the-guests attitude that is pervasive. Even the roof guy working at OKW outside of our room was snotty and arrogant. Disney has made some very poor decisions in its hiring choices for a few years and it is really showing now at the management level.

14. Last few years, I haven't felt valued as a DVC member. It was more a feeling of being trapped but I loved OKW and WDW. Now I don't feel valued as a guest at OKW or WDW. I can get better treatment and more knowledgeable staff that like and want their jobs at my local mall. And this includes my guide, who I have spoken to 4 times in 15 years (the first 3 before I signed the contract). He is never available and he never returns calls.

Gosh, that was really long but thanks for letting me say it all. We have another 8 days here. Hopefully, it gets better but I don't think it will.:sad2:

[Deb & Bill]

I hope it does get better for you. We had a great trip end of May/first of June and stayed at the BCV. It was very nice. OKW is our favorite and where we will be staying next.

[ILoveMyDVC]

I hope it does get better for you. We had a great trip end of May/first of June and stayed at the BCV. It was very nice. OKW is our favorite and where we will be staying next.

Your signature is exactly how I feel - always makes me smile to read it :). MY BEDROOM - don't care who else comes or what their arrangements are. It's MY bedroom. Mattress is comfortable for us but we sleep on 95% sleep select at home. Pillows are cotton balls - I brought my own foam one.

[rentayenta]

:goodvibes Vent away. I hope things begin to look up.

[AKV707]

Wow, I am sorry to hear that you are having this experience. We just got back from a week at Kidani and it was great. The vast majority of the CMs we encountered were very pleasant. That story you tell about the manager at DHS demonstrates completely unacceptable behavior by a WDW manager.

We are thinking of booking OKW for a short 4 night stay. Should we not? Our last OKW stay was fantastic.

[Deb & Bill]

Your signature is exactly how I feel - always makes me smile to read it :). MY BEDROOM - don't care who else comes or what their arrangements are. It's MY bedroom. Mattress is comfortable for us but we sleep on 95% sleep select at home. Pillows are cotton balls - I brought my own foam one.

What I wouldn't give for DVC to put real king sized pillows on the king sized beds. Wouldn't that be heaven???

[ToddyLu]

:guilty: I think I need to take a break from the DIS for a while. We haven't even closed on our first DVC purchase and this bums me out too much. I want to look forward to my October trip . I am so sorry things have not worked out for you and do hope that your trip improves.:)

[superpug]

:guilty: I think I need to take a break from the DIS for a while. We haven't even closed on our first DVC purchase and this bums me out too much. I want to look forward to my October trip . I am so sorry things have not worked out for you and do hope that your trip improves.:)

I'm brand new to this board and :eek: to all the dirty room bad service comments. We also just purchased.

[princessbride6205]

DH and I have been researching DVC for a long time and have been sooo close to purchasing for a few weeks now. Threads like this are a good wake up call for us, actually. Helps me cool down my rush to buy. We'll keep looking at resales and saving up money in the meantime so hopefully we don't have to finance. Anywho, I'm really discouraged that conditions have deteriorated with DVC and WDW in general.
To the OP, hope things improve for your vacation!

[Maistre Gracey]

Write a letter.

MG

[AnimalPrincess]

I am SO sorry that you are having such a horrible time, what bad luck. PLEASE write a letter or tell any 'good' manager that you can. Having been a cast memeber and now being a manager I know that if you really want things to change you have to tell the people that can change things! Plus I don't want Disney to go down the toilet. ;)

[El&Asmom]

:guilty: I think I need to take a break from the DIS for a while. We haven't even closed on our first DVC purchase and this bums me out too much. I want to look forward to my October trip . I am so sorry things have not worked out for you and do hope that your trip improves.:)


Different experiences for different people. I'm sorry to the OP for a terrible week, but we have been to the world 6 times in the last 4 years and have had amazing trips each time. Only one was a bummer and that was due to a crabby 3 yo.
I do agree about the dining however. It is just so expensive compared to even fine dining outside the world. Now when we eat out, I compare costs to Disney and am always shocked at where we can dine for much less than what it costs for a meal at Disney. Thankfully that's not a huge part of the experience for us. We would actually prefer a couple of meals out, and the rest in the villa where we can eat more healthfully and eat foods that the kids are used to. We may eventually even start venturing out into Orlando when we start renting a car as the kids get older. Plus we live in Chicago where there are many great restaurants so we don't feel the need to eat at a "great steakhouse" like Le Cellier when we have many much nicer ones here.

Sorry about your trip, hopefully the Disney employee lurkers will see this post.

[toesmom]

Well, after 15 years of absolutely loving my DVC membership, I have had it.

Let's recap:
1. 4 days of waiting for someone to trim the palm trees that are hanging over the balcony ( I have a real fear and was promised everyday that it would be taken care of) Don't need a truck - just someone with Fiskars. I realize they can't cater to everyone's whims but they shouldn't have said they'd fix it if they didn't intend to get to it.

2. Dinner at Cape May Cafe (always on our arrival night). ADRs were 45 minutes behind. Food sucked. Servers working the buffet were miserable and snipping at each other. At one point, there was only one women back there and she was doing all of the carving. There were no steamers (looked like the oven was going to blow any minute), mac & cheese, corn on the cob, terriyaki salmon or potatoes. They got rid of the lemonade (now, it's lite crystal garbage) Cost was 76 dollars for two without alcohol. We ate at Paula Deen's restaurant in Savannah the night before for 66 dollars with wine and beer and the servers were super nice and the food was very good. At Cape May, AP and DVC discounts gone and 'premium' charge added.

3. Quality of things I look forward to has dropped considerably. No more cupcakes with real frosting. It's fake pumped non dairy lard. Cupcake is thawed dry flavorless frozen cake. Candy apple was 6 dollars and awful - had to be thrown away. Oddly, we were approached to take a survey about our food experiences in HS. Peanut butter cups were 6 dollars and when opened (immediately in store) were one massive melted and re-melted ball. Popcorn in MK and HS was cold and soggy.

4. In HS, refused the one and only water we have ever requested - told they could no longer give water to their guests for health reasons. But they could sell us Powerade for 3 dollars a piece.

5. BUGS in Caesar salad at the Land - several bugs and nobody cared. manager and cashier just looked at them, shrugged, threw it in the garbage and refunded my money.

6. Witnessed a cast member give a guest grief because she wanted a small size t-shirt. The store was empty and he wasn't doing anything but he sure gave her attitude.

7. Three phone calls and a visit to concierge to get an answer as to where to purchase TIW card. Had to go to one of the 4 parks to get it. What a PIA.
1st cast member (desk at OKW via phone) didn't know what it was - had to explain twice. 2nd. member said DTD only. 3rd. said parks only. 4th. said EPCOT only.

8. Last night, late in HS - we were at the board that lists the wait times. THREE Disney MANAGERS were standing there. We asked about the accuracy of the time for Toy Story Mania. We were told that it is 'the hottest thing in Orlando right now' followed by one of the MANAGERS saying until "(blah blah) opens in Universal. He then asked if we'd been to that park. I said, no, we always just go to Disney. His response...."oh you should go to blah blah, it's much better than here" A DISNEY MANAGER WITH TWO OTHER DISNEY MANAGERS. When I looked at him oddly, he said, "my partner works there so my mortgage gets paid either way". Good for him. Maybe Disney should open an institute and run business seminars on arrogant customer service. Reminds me of the airlines.

9. 285 dollar check for 6 people with 3 drinks at O'Hana. Price was outrageous but 22 minute wait for waiter to stop at table to bring skewers (or refills on the appetizers) was even crazier Finally, a server came over and apologized - he said he worked on the other side of the dining room but came over to help out because they were so far behind. (the tables next to us were in the same boat) The mandatory 41 dollar tip was OUTRAGEOUS. Really, how many people do you think make 41/hr plus their salary and benefits in the real world? And that's just one table and he sucked!

10. Knob broken off cabinet (screw is stripped so it can't be fixed); three shelves in cabinets broken, stains on couch, rug worn out in some areas; balcony loaded with wasp nests. Knives are dime store quality. Blender completely worthless couldn't move air.

11. First ever bus ride at WDW- AK to OKW or so I thought. Had to go to Blizzard Beach in between (???). No air conditioning on the bus and I am always cold. My DH and friends left at the same time from the AK lot, they had to go to the tram, go the car (end of row in Dinosaur 31) and go to Publix. We went to the bus top and boarded the waiting bus. We got back barely two minutes before they did.

12. Nobody checked IDs at EMH at HS. Only TOT looked. RRC, Move Ride, and Muppet Vision did not and the lines were enormous. At 11:30, RRC was 85 minutes.

13. Arrogant, miserable cast members in every park. (exception was Louis at check-in, he was very nice) It's as if they are doing you a favor just by being there. Lots of sighing and shrugging and eye rolling and it seems to be consistent with all guests. There's a chip on the shoulder and a make-fun-of-the-guests attitude that is pervasive. Even the roof guy working at OKW outside of our room was snotty and arrogant. Disney has made some very poor decisions in its hiring choices for a few years and it is really showing now at the management level.

14. Last few years, I haven't felt valued as a DVC member. It was more a feeling of being trapped but I loved OKW and WDW. Now I don't feel valued as a guest at OKW or WDW. I can get better treatment and more knowledgeable staff that like and want their jobs at my local mall. And this includes my guide, who I have spoken to 4 times in 15 years (the first 3 before I signed the contract). He is never available and he never returns calls.

Gosh, that was really long but thanks for letting me say it all. We have another 8 days here. Hopefully, it gets better but I don't think it will.:sad2:


Don't spend your time writing a letter. Just print out what you've written here, and drop it off in the next day or two at one of the DVC offices to be delivered to a manager. Leave your room number and I bet you'll get some response.

I hope your trip gets better.

[DVC Mike]

Sorry you had such a bad stay.

I guess we've been lucky.

[n2mm]

Wow, did you have any fun?

We have never had a really bad trip. Yes things don't always go as planned, favorite menus change. Sometimes things don't work right in the rooms. I've never seen dirty rooms, but I do see rooms made up and clean so quickly that I doubt they are really cleaned, but that's in DVC and regular WDW rooms, so no real difference there for us. I find things are hit or miss. My worse trips have always been in June or July. Don't know why. Maybe because the crowd level is high, the temps are high and people all over are crankie. You had some very valid points and some not so valid (TiW--with a little reserach prior, you would've know that it could only be purchased at guest relations just like your AP). As for EMH, we don't use it because it's no longer a perk as far as we're concerned and hasn't been since e-ticket nights. We use EMH to know which park to avoid. I'm guessing they didn't think the palm limbs removal were medically necessary -- that's too bad (maybe talking to the manager about your fear would've helped there). We had had air cleaners put in our rooms several times for the smells and it's never been a problem. I think you need to take a break. I'm not sure if you dissatisfaction is all DVC related or just Disney in a whole. Hopefully some pixie dust will fall on your before your trip is over...pixiedust:

[daisyduck123]

:guilty: I think I need to take a break from the DIS for a while. We haven't even closed on our first DVC purchase and this bums me out too much. I want to look forward to my October trip . I am so sorry things have not worked out for you and do hope that your trip improves.:)

Please don't let one DISer's bad trip report spoil your trip planning. There are many wonderful trip reports here on the DIS to read as well!!

During the past year, my family has spent about 20 nights in DVC resorts and I can't think of any negative events that occurred. My family leaves again in less than a month and we are all super-excited!!:dance3:

[BEASLYBOO]

These Disboards are made up of people's experiences and opinions good & bad. When someone like the OP vents about things not being up to par or rather not up to a standard commonly expected through 15 years of past experience, it's just that, a vent. Imagine how many wonderful trips have been taken in that 15 years of DVC ownership and unfortunately, this trip culminated in several things making the beginning of this trip a disapointment, it happens. These things shouldn't affect someone else's vacation or decision on ownership, IMO.

I do know from friends who are original owners at OKW much like the OP that DVC ownership/perks/service etc. has changed over the years, it's no longer the best kept secret. These resorts are utilized and beat up and the refurbishements never come fast enough but this happens in each resort, even Kidani will show wear and tear just like OKW. I've owned since 2000, used a friends DVC even before that, and I've had 30+ stays, 98% of which were beyond fabulous. Most of the wonderful stays were at OKW, my favorite resort and even though I think mousekkeeping is a problem right now at OKW, it's still my favorite resort and I would not hesitate staying there again, in Aug as a matter a fact.

Disney's perks like free dining and the like has made me change my dining options to go outside of the parks, into Orlando, as Disney has changed I've had to make changes to maximize my vacation using DVC/WDW. I no longer give all my money to WDW.

In the end, as another poster said, "I guess I've been lucky", for me that many stays, isn't luck, but just like the OP it's made me aware of a standard that I've come to expect with DVC/WDW and I hold them to it.

OP, you have another 8 days, as an optimist, I say it can only get better and I hope it does. pixiedust:

[Nikisha421]

so its seems to me that this is more of an overall disney problem not only DVC?

[DisneyFreaks]

so its seems to me that this is more of an overall disney problem not only DVC?

I got that impression as well. I am so sorry OP for the horrible experience you are having. I know all too well what it's like to plan for so many months and then have a trip go sour. Most of our trips have been absolutely wonderful though and with any luck we will still have many more to come. I hope this will be an isolated experience for you and your next trip will be as magical as you deserve. And pixiedust: to you that the rest of this vacation will be the total opposite of what it's been so far.

[Crystal_27]

I'm so sorry to read about your horrific trip experiences. Here's hoping that today (and the remainder of your trip) is wonderful!! :grouphug:

[gkrykewy]

9. 285 dollar check for 6 people with 3 drinks at O'Hana. Price was outrageous but 22 minute wait for waiter to stop at table to bring skewers (or refills on the appetizers) was even crazier Finally, a server came over and apologized - he said he worked on the other side of the dining room but came over to help out because they were so far behind. (the tables next to us were in the same boat) The mandatory 41 dollar tip was OUTRAGEOUS. Really, how many people do you think make 41/hr plus their salary and benefits in the real world? And that's just one table and he sucked!

I can sympathize with most of your comments, but I don't get this one. The standard tip in the United States is 15-20%. I'm not sure what you're getting at - would you rather tip something like $10 all the time, regardless of what the bill was?

[bcrook]

These Disboards are made up of people's experiences and opinions good & bad. When someone like the OP vents about things not being up to par or rather not up to a standard commonly expected through 15 years of past experience, it's just that, a vent. Imagine how many wonderful trips have been taken in that 15 years of DVC ownership and unfortunately, this trip culminated in several things making the beginning of this trip a disapointment, it happens. These things shouldn't affect someone else's vacation or decision on ownership, IMO.

I do know from friends who are original owners at OKW much like the OP that DVC ownership/perks/service etc. has changed over the years, it's no longer the best kept secret. These resorts are utilized and beat up and the refurbishements never come fast enough but this happens in each resort, even Kidani will show wear and tear just like OKW. I've owned since 2000, used a friends DVC even before that, and I've had 30+ stays, 98% of which were beyond fabulous. Most of the wonderful stays were at OKW, my favorite resort and even though I think mousekkeeping is a problem right now at OKW, it's still my favorite resort and I would not hesitate staying there again, in Aug as a matter a fact.

Disney's perks like free dining and the like has made me change my dining options to go outside of the parks, into Orlando, as Disney has changed I've had to make changes to maximize my vacation using DVC/WDW. I no longer give all my money to WDW.

In the end, as another poster said, "I guess I've been lucky", for me that many stays, isn't luck, but just like the OP it's made me aware of a standard that I've come to expect with DVC/WDW and I hold them to it.

OP, you have another 8 days, as an optimist, I say it can only get better and I hope it does. pixiedust:


I hope the trip turns around too!

But we are paying a LOT of money in maintenance fees and paid a premium for our points, and we should demand knowledgeable CMs, maintained rooms, and NO EYE Rolling. Managers need to read these types of reports. Bad service shouldn't be excused because we are on vacation.

[bobbiwoz]

pixiedust:For you to have better experiences.

I would not be on the internet complaining about things at WDW while I am at WDW.

Bobbi:goodvibes

[DebbieB]

Wow, I am sorry to hear that you are having this experience. We just got back from a week at Kidani and it was great. The vast majority of the CMs we encountered were very pleasant. That story you tell about the manager at DHS demonstrates completely unacceptable behavior by a WDW manager.

We are thinking of booking OKW for a short 4 night stay. Should we not? Our last OKW stay was fantastic.

I also just got back from a week at Kidani and thought they were great. The cm that checked me in was wonderful, explaining the features of the resort. CM's I saw at the resort were all friendly.

I can't say I encountered any miserable cm's in the parks or resorts, maybe I just didn't pay attention.

I don't want to sound like a "Stepford Wife" but I was thinking during the trip that I love DVC more than ever. When I bought it was just OKW and BWV, now we have all these other options. Who would have thought we would have a resort with animals!

[POS]

Just my opinion obviously but if this was my vacation, this is what I would do:

1. I would just ask for the fiskars myself.
2. I show up 20 minutes early as they suggest, it is also fairly well known that Cape May is notorious for being a bit late so I show up even a bit earlier, 30 minutes. So 15 minutes late at one seating wouldn't necessarily cause me too much concern. By the way, I have always LOVED the food there.
3. Was there last week (AKV) and I didn't notice much quality issues besides just being WOWed during our visit. It was GREAT.
4. I bring my own water. If I didn't, I would buy a bottle and when it was empty, fill it up at a water fawcet. I don't have an expectation when I go there that water is free. Everytime I have ever ordered water, I have had to pay for it.
5. I have had meals where something was wrong. I told them about it and they fixed the situation. Seems as if the same was done for you. What else would you like them to do besides offer a replacement or give you a refund?!?!
6. I have one or so things I see where someone is a little less cordial than they should be. I see it ALL THE TIME everywhere else...a little in WDW..tough to say I have had it with WDW considering....I usually believe I have had it with outside the world since it happens all the time.
7. TIW cards have always had to be purchased at the parks...or over the phone.
8. Not sure what the problem is here. Someone has a high opinion of a ride at Universal. I can't see how I would let that hinder my vacation.
9. You didn't see or know the price of the food before you ordered? Shame on Disney. Did you complain about the service so that you could see what the options were on the TIW tip?
10. Sounds like OKW needs some TLC. I would complain about this.
11. Yep, some routes are shared. OKW has some advantages and some disadvantages. Busses may be chalked up as a disadvantage.
12. I was there last Wednesday, checked mine each time. Yep, it was June and lines were long.
13. Didn't notice this at all. Had wonderful experiences with all CMs. Sometimes we don't but that is the exception to the rule. Have a hard time believing someone else could have the exact opposite experience.
14. I was VERY well treated as a DVC guest last week. So after you called your guid three times and he NEVER returned your call, you called a 4th? I probably would have called Member Services after a week went by after call 1myself.

From your description, it did seem as if you had at least 3 legitimate complaint issues...I don't know if it would make me throw in the towel though.

[lugnut33]

Staying at THV this August during free dining and will be eating every meal outside WDW. I refuse to overpay so much for the food. And the quality of that food is not as good as it used to be.

[AKV707]

Staying at THV this August during free dining and will be eating every meal outside WDW. I refuse to overpay so much for the food. And the quality of that food is not as good as it used to be.

Fortunately for us, that has not been our experience. We just came back, and had no negative dining experiences Jiko, Flying Fish, San Angel, Chef's, Rose & Crown, Columbia Harbor House, The Cantna, The Land, Rosie's at DHS were all great. 9 Dragons was a little disappointing. Sure, everything was a little more expensive than at home, but that happens on vacation. And with the TIW card it was even better.

[DisneyMama27]

Disney's perks like free dining and the like has made me change my dining options to go outside of the parks, into Orlando, as Disney has changed I've had to make changes to maximize my vacation using DVC/WDW. I no longer give all my money to WDW.

We have enjoyed the free dining in the past, and since have paid for it, since we enjoy eating in the parks and resorts. We did notice last week that some of the tips are extremely high - when the only thing the server did was bring us drinks - and never come back to refill them until he brought the check. The buffets are where this tip seems unnecessarily high. We are very good tippers, and usually don't balk at this. Our solution - next year we will not do DDP. We may still eat at a couple of select places, but otherwise will do food in our room, etc. We usually have a car and have been around Orlando. Nothing there that really calls me to leave Disney, but I also don't feel like giving DIsney all my money when it is not always worth it.

We have had a few CMs not give us their Disney-best, but the rest have more than made up for it. We stayed in Kidani for 2 weeks this month, and the CMs were extremely helpful, polite, friendly. Even when a massive storm drove everyone into the small gift shop at 10pm to check out videos, etc. the CMs were not frazzled or stressed. Just took care of everyone's needs with a smile - and since they closed at 11, I know they had to be ready to go home! We did have a couple CMs make comments late at night about being ready to go home, but it was said in a friendly way - they ARE human, and would like to be treated that way. I think too often guests expect them to be super-human and abuse them as if they are not real people. We try to always smile and talk to them like the kids that they are, hoping that a little kindness will balance out the rudeness they get from so many. I could go on and on with examples of how CMs have gone out of their way to help me out or make my day better!:goodvibes

We have had similar experiences with our guide. He used to call us each time we came to visit. This last time DH called him about a question and he never did get back to us. I think DH will probably at this point make a complaint, but we don't want to get him "in trouble." Just want our question answered!

Our overall experience has been so wonderful with WDW and DVC. It's not a perfect world even at the World, but it's better than the "real world"!;)

By the way, I still do not know what TiW card is, and I thought I knew almost everything!!

[rentayenta]

:guilty: I think I need to take a break from the DIS for a while. We haven't even closed on our first DVC purchase and this bums me out too much. I want to look forward to my October trip . I am so sorry things have not worked out for you and do hope that your trip improves.:)

I'm brand new to this board and :eek: to all the dirty room bad service comments. We also just purchased.




:goodvibes We just purchased too while having an amazing DVC stay at both OKW and AKV. :thumbsup2 Disney is not perfect, bad visits will happen that's for sure. I would say they are by no means the majority though. Our villas were clean and service was outstanding. We spent the last 2 nights at the POR, got a free upgrade, and an email from the manager once we returned home asking how our stay was. We found the CMs to be helpful and kind. This is in no way a reflection on the OP as I truly understand that service is not perfect and feel bad that their trip is beginning with such disappointments but I do find that sometimes you get what you give; not always but sometimes especially in the customer service industry.

Signed a former server/bartendar/retail associate. ;) :laughing:

[lugnut33]

By the way, I still do not know what TiW card is, and I thought I knew almost everything!!
Tables in Wonderland (used to be Disney Dining Experience)
It's a card you can purchase for $100 (if you have an annual pass, which not everybody does) that gives you a 20% discount on all food and beverages.


If you'd like ot read all about it:
http://allears.net/din/dde.htm

[AKV707]

Tables in Wonderland (used to be Disney Dining Experience)
It's a card you can purchase for $100 (if you have an annual pass, which not everybody does) that gives you a 20% discount on all food and beverages.


If you'd like ot read all about it:
http://allears.net/din/dde.htm

The cost of the TIW card is $75 for AP holders.

[nunzia]

btw...we have never had a problem getting free tap water with ice at CS places in Disneyland and thought it was the same in WDW?

[Meriweather]

I'm sorry you experienced all that. It would be discouraging all in one trip.

We have taken 3 trips since Nov....all at OKW.
Have eaten at a lot of TS spots......never experienced any of that.
We love it and are looking forward to our next trip in Sept.

[DisneyMama27]

Tables in Wonderland (used to be Disney Dining Experience)
It's a card you can purchase for $100 (if you have an annual pass, which not everybody does) that gives you a 20% discount on all food and beverages.

Thanks! We have purchased the DDE card before, but did not realize it had changed names. We loved having it, but found it sometimes redundant since often the AP or DVC would give us the same discount. It was great for drinks, though!:thumbsup2

I did the research on the DDE card when we bought them and when I called to purchase was given very specific, very helpful info on how to pick them up, use them, etc. That's been the case any time we have had a question about something - call Disney and ask. The concierge, front desk, restaurant itself, etc. As they say, "It never hurts to ask!"

BTW, we were allowed to purchase the DDP after checking in recently. I know this is a big No-No, and they did tell DH no at first. Then the CM checked with her manager (DH asked very nicely, and was not insistent at all) and they let him do it after all! Of course, since I am the planner I was having a conniption fit trying to make last minute TS ressies! The concierge patiently navigated through their new system to make 12 nights of ressies for us, made suggestions (which turned out to be fabulous) and made it so much easier for me than having to sit on the phone to make them. Thanks, Jill! Just goes to show, It never hurts to ask!

[Lynn5700]

I'm brand new to this board and :eek: to all the dirty room bad service comments. We also just purchased.

Not all the rooms are like that. At SSR and AKV, our rooms were spotless. We have never had an issue. Also people are more likely to complain about things, rather than praise things. I think if you just go with a positive attitude it will be a pleasant experience, if you go with a negative attitude, you will be surrounded by negativity.

OP I hope your trip gets better.

[JasonDVC]

I guess we've been lucky.

I don't think so. I think the OP has been unlucky.

There are so many people at WDW at any given time that it is impossible for everything/everyone to be 100% perfect everytime. I think cases like the OP's are fewer than what it may seem.




(I hope I'm right)

[smjj]

I often feel they are taking advantage of the fact that so many people use ME now and they have us captive. Where else are you going to eat? The place is so big its not like you can leave the peoperty unless you have a car and want to take the time to leave. We to have noticed the last few years just how expensive it has become to eat at Disney. Even more is the fact that most of the food is now pre-prepared at that massive kitchen facility near DTD. Many of our favorites from OKW have been dropped in favor of the more factory prepared food and they just don't taste as good. There was a thread here a several months ago about the food being tailored this way due to DDE to make the food similar wherever you go. Oh well, we are still going and we still like it very much, I just wish they would stop all the cost cutting that has such a impact on the very people they at one time valued so much...smjj

[Sammie]

The arrogant workers sadly do not just work for Disney they are everywhere.

We all just got spoiled over the years of having outstanding CMs in every area but as Disney has to hire what is available and what is available is sometimes not that great anymore, they are getting more and more rotten ones.

But please do complain not sure if anyone is listening anymore.

[reedycreek]

OP - we just got back and I had similar complaints that you can read in the similar thread that I started. We have never complained about anything in our 7 years of visiting WDW. This trip was different. I feel that budget cuts and layoffs really showed their mark. Unfortunately, it has even affected DVC to the point where I am ready to sell.

Write a letter and complain! Speak to someone while you are there. Things are not what they used to be at WDW, and especially DVC, and management needs to know about it.

[eliza61]

Op,

I think you and I are suffering from the same problems. "Looking Back" ites. Unfortuantely I really believe the "magical" days of Disney are behind us. My problem is I always compare it to 5 years ago.
I visited 3 times in the last 16 months, I stayed in Deluxe resorts under some of the deals Disney was promoted and like you things were "less" than magical.
Unfortunately what I see is that it is small stuff that is just adding up. nothing big enough for me to complain about.

-Food arriving lukewarm. 45 minute waits with an ADR (which makes me ask, why have them) and for me these haven't been once in a while occurances. they've been quite a number of times.
-Front Desk CM's that know next to nothing. I mean seriously, some times I've known more than the CM's
-rooms that are dusty and stuff left over. Not filthy but just enough to let me know the mousekeeping did a rush job of it.
-Poor service. I was at the Grand floridian last year and it took 30 minutes to get my car from valet. The couple we were waiting with, got so fed up they simply went and got their own car.

a little here, a little there. Never any thing that ruins a vacation (that would take a lot) but just enough to make me wish I went some where else.

People have accused me of having too "high expectations". Maybe I do, but I'm sorry a company as big as WD should not continuously have "system down" problems when you call. Hire a 'freakin IT department.

When you use the words magical and luxurious on your website. I expect that you deliver.
I'm tired of making excuses for them. I'm not selling my dvc but I am taking a break from disney after this August. I'll re-evaluate in 2 or 3 years.

Like I said, my problem is that I remember when me & DH would come back from a vacation literally "gushing' about Disney. people couldn't shut us up. Now we come back and we say "it was ok"

[kim532]

2. Dinner at Cape May Cafe (always on our arrival night). ADRs were 45 minutes behind.

We had the same experience last week also. Our ADR was an hour behind. I regret not complaining to management, but I figured they knew they were behind.

Sorry your trip was so regretable.

[WDWCNY]

I hope you have a better half to your vacation.

[ILoveMyDVC]

I can sympathize with most of your comments, but I don't get this one. The standard tip in the United States is 15-20%. I'm not sure what you're getting at - would you rather tip something like $10 all the time, regardless of what the bill was?

No, we are 3-4 times a week restaurant eaters and 20% of total bill is our standard. It was just an illustration of the outrageous prices and the fact that we had no choice in the matter.

[ILoveMyDVC]

pixiedust:For you to have better experiences.

I would not be on the internet complaining about things at WDW while I am at WDW.

Bobbi:goodvibes

Due to a surprise circumstance change, we are spending a lot of time back in the room - way more than we usually do and I'm not a TV watcher.

[ILoveMyDVC]

I don't think so. I think the OP has been unlucky.

There are so many people at WDW at any given time that it is impossible for everything/everyone to be 100% perfect everytime. I think cases like the OP's are fewer than what it may seem.




(I hope I'm right)

very unlucky - bee sting in Liberty Square this morning!

[ILoveMyDVC]

Op,

I think you and I are suffering from the same problems. "Looking Back" ites. Unfortuantely I really believe the "magical" days of Disney are behind us. My problem is I always compare it to 5 years ago.
I visited 3 times in the last 16 months, I stayed in Deluxe resorts under some of the deals Disney was promoted and like you things were "less" than magical.
Unfortunately what I see is that it is small stuff that is just adding up. nothing big enough for me to complain about.

-Food arriving lukewarm. 45 minute waits with an ADR (which makes me ask, why have them) and for me these haven't been once in a while occurances. they've been quite a number of times.
-Front Desk CM's that know next to nothing. I mean seriously, some times I've known more than the CM's
-rooms that are dusty and stuff left over. Not filthy but just enough to let me know the mousekeeping did a rush job of it.
-Poor service. I was at the Grand floridian last year and it took 30 minutes to get my car from valet. The couple we were waiting with, got so fed up they simply went and got their own car.

a little here, a little there. Never any thing that ruins a vacation (that would take a lot) but just enough to make me wish I went some where else.

People have accused me of having too "high expectations". Maybe I do, but I'm sorry a company as big as WD should not continuously have "system down" problems when you call. Hire a 'freakin IT department.

When you use the words magical and luxurious on your website. I expect that you deliver.
I'm tired of making excuses for them. I'm not selling my dvc but I am taking a break from disney after this August. I'll re-evaluate in 2 or 3 years.

Like I said, my problem is that I remember when me & DH would come back from a vacation literally "gushing' about Disney. people couldn't shut us up. Now we come back and we say "it was ok"

That's about right....

[Disneypirate85]

I would recomend a delegation be put together for the annual meeting in Dec. DEMAND some answers/actions start writing down names of CM's and locations where issues occur. Room numbers in resorts or managers that will not or refuse to act to complaints.
We arrive on 12/20 so will miss this years meeting but will be more then happy to assist in anyway I can....Shawnpirate:

[eliza61]

pixiedust:For you to have better experiences.

I would not be on the internet complaining about things at WDW while I am at WDW.

Bobbi:goodvibes

Hey Neighbor,
I know one problem I have is that it's more "little" things that sort of add up.

Like I said. Luke warm food where you say "do I want to send" it back or just kinda of suck it up.
Dusty rooms where the garbage was not emptied from last visit. Enough to notice but not enough to go downstairs to complain.
Getting to your adr and still having to wait for 1 hour. (I did complain about that)
booking a fantasmic dinner show where there is not separate entrance, just dumps you back in the que. paying for the package was a way to guarantee not having to wait 2 hours in the mob.
One of the other posters said it best with the frog analogy where the frog is in the water and the heat is turned up little by little.

[Deb & Bill]

I would recomend a delegation be put together for the annual meeting in Dec. DEMAND some answers/actions start writing down names of CM's and locations where issues occur. Room numbers in resorts or managers that will not or refuse to act to complaints.
We arrive on 12/20 so will miss this years meeting but will be more then happy to assist in anyway I can....Shawnpirate:

Members get no opportunity to speak at the annual meeting. The honchos make a few speeches and that's about it.

[DebbieB]

Members get no opportunity to speak at the annual meeting. The honchos make a few speeches and that's about it.

Members do get to speak at the Q & A session after the official meeting, at least they did the 2 times I went.

[edk35]

Don't spend your time writing a letter. Just print out what you've written here, and drop it off in the next day or two at one of the DVC offices to be delivered to a manager. Leave your room number and I bet you'll get some response.

I hope your trip gets better.



I totally agree. I would go directly to the DVC offices at SSR and let my voice be heard. :thumbsup2 It does help to let the "right people know" We have had minor issues on our stays and they have always been addressed, but you have to let people know. We have gone to WDW on 5 DVC trips since buying in Jan. 07 and have had wonderful visits. However....I do feel that the quality of a lot of the restaurants have gone down in the past several years. We tend to do less and less table service meals for this reason. It isn't enough though for us to want to not go we just change things up a bit. If we are unhappy with something or it bothers us enough I guess I should say.....then we let the proper people know. Disney is great about making things right. :)

[edk35]

I often feel they are taking advantage of the fact that so many people use ME now and they have us captive. Where else are you going to eat? The place is so big its not like you can leave the peoperty unless you have a car and want to take the time to leave. We to have noticed the last few years just how expensive it has become to eat at Disney. Even more is the fact that most of the food is now pre-prepared at that massive kitchen facility near DTD. Many of our favorites from OKW have been dropped in favor of the more factory prepared food and they just don't taste as good. There was a thread here a several months ago about the food being tailored this way due to DDE to make the food similar wherever you go. Oh well, we are still going and we still like it very much, I just wish they would stop all the cost cutting that has such a impact on the very people they at one time valued so much...smjj


We have some friends that just got back from WDW on Tuesday. They stayed at the Yacht and Beach Club on a package. They loved the resort but they only mentioned a couple of STAND OUT meals. They kept saying that the felt like all the CS places had mainly the same things and that only a couple of their TS meals were really good.
I think it is hit or miss anymore where dining is concerned. Maybe it is because we are DVC members and we go more often that we notice the quality going down some. :confused3

[edk35]

very unlucky - bee sting in Liberty Square this morning!


:hug: WOW you are having a rough patch. Well maybe it is time to try Vero or HHI....or use your points for an exchange somewhere. Maybe your next trip to the world will be more magical. :flower3:

[SunnieRN]

OP I hope the second week of your vacation improves and you can enjoy your stay!!! I sometimes believe strongly that the expression "The squeaky wheel gets more grease" coupled with "You can catch more flies with honey, than you can with vinegar" can accomplish a lot!!
If you go down to the concierge desk, request a managers presence and calmly lay out your grievances I would hope that at least some things can be resolved.

I hope your change in circumstances and spending more time in the room is resolved and that you get some disney magic back in your vacation!!

[alldiz]

OP......I hope your trip gets better.....Please go speak to a manager that has a smile on his face;)

I have one question.....Did you say that they DON'T give out free ice water anymore at WDW.....or was this a streeet cart?
Thanks
kerri

[photobob]

Sometimes when things start with a negative experience they tend to continue. I think once things get on a negative slant it is hard to kick things back on track. If you are in a negative frame of mind you look at everything from a negative point of view, looking for negatives.

When at WDW I don't allow negatives to enter my train of thought, it is such a reality escape that I choose to look at things as positively as I can.

[ILoveMyDVC]

OP......I hope your trip gets better.....Please go speak to a manager that has a smile on his face;)

I have one question.....Did you say that they DON'T give out free ice water anymore at WDW.....or was this a streeet cart?
Thanks
kerri

It was at HS - the 'book' store. They brew coffee and serve other stuff.

[Chuck S]

It was at HS - the 'book' store. They brew coffee and serve other stuff.

I can kind of understand it there, as I don't think there is a commercial icemaker at that location, they'd have to haul ice in, probably from the Sci-Fi or Commissary. The actual counter service areas should still give ice water.

[mouseketeer70]

I can kind of understand it there, as I don't think there is a commercial icemaker at that location, they'd have to haul ice in, probably from the Sci-Fi or Commissary. The actual counter service areas should still give ice water.
We were just there a couple of weeks ago and we were served ice water with meals with no problem (quick service and table service). At snack locations we had to buy bottled water. I agree that it may be an equipment issue. No matter the reason, we are used to having to buy bottled water at most places, when not at Disney, nowadays.
So sorry that the OP is having a terrible time. We loved our recent DVC stay and really had no complaints, other than the heat, but that really isn't Disney's fault;)
Hoping things get better!:hug:

[dianeschlicht]

Sorry your trip has been such a downer this time. We love OKW, but if your only complaint there was the hanging palm tree, I'm not sure it would ruin my vacation. None of the other complaints were OKW related other than the CM's lack of knowledge about the TIW card. Did you speak to the concierge specialist or just a check in person about that? The concierge people are pretty good with that kind of info.

Gosh, that was really long but thanks for letting me say it all. We have another 8 days here. Hopefully, it gets better but I don't think it will.
This statement seems to say more to me than the rest of your issues. I have no doubt the issues you spoke of were annoying and a downer, but stating you aren't expecting an improvement says to me you have a negative attitude. I'm usually a "cup half full' type of person, so I never assume EVERYTHING is going to be bad from here on in.:confused3

[Tiger926]

I'm sorry the OP has experienced lots of problems. I see common denominators within the post too - many issues with DHS (the Studios is not one of our fav parks for many reasons), and like others, it seems that many of the issues are with Disney in general. Food issues, service, attitudes and general knowledge, are all areas that are common to Disney in general.

I hope the OP is able to put these issues aside, and go on with the rest of vacation. If not, that list is going to grow, and that won't be good at all.

Best of luck to OP in writing to Disney or DVC (make sure you are writing to the proper department) and with the rest of vacation - take care of that bee sting! Ouch!

Tiger

[SLM]

Hope the rest of the vacation gets better for you! We've only been members since 2003, but have not had any major issues at any of the WDW resorts, VB or HHI. (The villas at HH are beautiful, and I love the large balcony). As regards to restaurant prices-we have a place at the shore and find their prices are often higher than WDW and few are worth it. We rarely eat out when there-not to mention prices on the Boardwalk! We plan on eating at Jiko one night this August-maybe Boma, and our DD and her husband will go to the California Grill for their anniversary. Other than that, we'll fix things in the villa and go to the CS places where we've had good experiences in the past.
OP, I hope things improve and you have a great week ahead of you!

[lugnut33]

I wonder what would happen if you set up a meeting with a manager since you're going to be there for several more days. That way he's not getting blindsided and you could really explaine what the issues have been.

[dianeschlicht]

I wonder what would happen if you set up a meeting with a manager since you're going to be there for several more days. That way he's not getting blindsided and you could really explaine what the issues have been.

We actually did this on our May trip. I had no real "issues", but I wanted to express my concern about how I have seen housekeeping deteriorate the past couple of years. I also wanted to ask some specifics about how things are done...like requests, first come first serve, etc. I had a smile on my face the whold conversation, and the manager had no reason to be defensive or offended. I did find him being a bit defensive anyway, so that leads me to believe that he has had more than a few complaints recently.

I think if a bunch of people expressed the same concerns at the annual meeting, DVC would try to gloss over it at the meeting itself (this is what we have seen in the past), but if there was a LOT of complaining, I think something MIGHT be done about it. This slip shod housekeeping that has gone recently has GOT to stop.

[kikiq]

I hope the rest of your stay is happier.

I did notice that only 3 of your original concerns had to do with DVC specifically. The rest had to do with the parks and CMs. Maybe it's time to step away for awhile. BTW, I asked my DD who is in the WDW CP right now and working at DAK counter service, and they are instructed to give ice water to anyone that ask. They cannot however fill your own cup, they have to give you their cup filled with ice water and you can pour the water into your container.

[MickeyCrazed]

A few years ago, we had a trip (with a stay at the Boardwalk) which soured my opinion of Disney and DVC for awhile. I got happy again, and except for the Disney Dining Plan ruining the quality of food at the restaurants, I'm pretty satisfied, and still glad I'm a DVC member.

[d-r]

They had such a big round of layoffs. I've heard a rumor that another one is coming next month. They are also outsourcing a lot more than they used to (like the valets and bell service). I think that is the reason for things like the groundskeeping. I was noticing in May that the bcv was looking like it needed groundskeeping, then one day a whole big crew came and did it.

We were at kidani a couple of weeks ago and the cast was great there, obviously the facilities are new.

I blame the dining plan on a lot of the dining problems. There has been a lot of cutbacks on menus and so on. The "seasonal pricing" you enjoyed is a matter of making more money during the busiest times of the year to pay for the free dining during one of the least busy times of year.

The studios managers, I don't know what they were thinking.

[smjj]

I hope Disney has cast members reading boards and reads this thread. Alas, they probably outsourced this function too and it will not make it to the people who care(they were probably let go anyway)...smjj

[plymouthmom]

I am a new owner who is looking into buying more points and does alot of research on these boards, which I have found very very helpful. I have a couple of things to add to this thread.

Obviously the OP is having a rough vacation. It happens and it happens everywhere. I have friends who are non DVC members and are DVC members who both recently came back from the world, they both had a great time but both had issues with housekeeping. The NON dvc'ers were at Port Orleans and the DVC'ers at Beach Club.

I also have friends that recently returned from Atlantis and another friend from Universal. Both complained of crabby customer service people and all around unfriendlyness.

I know Disney has some work to do on the service front. BUT this is a problem all over. If it were me , and I am in the customer service industry, I would write as many people as you possibly can. Make yourself heard, it can't hurt :confused3

[movie77]

I can sympathize with most of your comments, but I don't get this one. The standard tip in the United States is 15-20%. I'm not sure what you're getting at - would you rather tip something like $10 all the time, regardless of what the bill was?

Well I kind of understand that thinking. Disney is sort of an artifical closed off world so the price are way inflated. The average dish there that is $24 is probably $14-16 back home and I live in DC not a cheap city. So the wait staff certainly benefits from those inflated prices.

[movie77]

I hope the rest of your stay is happier.

. Maybe it's time to step away for awhile. .

Why is the answer for people who receive terrible service to go away for awhile? Is there like a reeducation camp for those that have pointed out the obvious? How about we all back these people up and Disney starts living up to what they sold us all?

[kikiq]

Why is the answer for people who receive terrible service to go away for awhile? Is there like a reeducation camp for those that have pointed out the obvious? How about we all back these people up and Disney starts living up to what they sold us all?

If you read the original post, only 3 items had to do with DVC. I agree that one should not have to put up with unacceptable room conditions. Personally, I haven't experienced what the OP has, so my only suggestion was to step away and regroup and enjoy the rest of their vacation. Gosh, I've drunk the kool aid but I would definitely speak up if my DVC resort stay was not up to snuff.

[logan115]

Why is the answer for people who receive terrible service to go away for awhile? Is there like a reeducation camp for those that have pointed out the obvious? How about we all back these people up and Disney starts living up to what they sold us all?

I don't think that people are advising anyone to look past this and just accept it, I've actually seen many posts with folks encouraging others to make DVC aware of these types of issues. If we don't let them know how will it get fixed ?

I believe the "go away for a while" message is more about taking some time and letting the dust clear :lmao: before making any decisions that you might regret in the future. Not many people (myself included) make the best decisions when they are highly emotional, the advice is just meant to take a step back, weigh the pros and cons, and then make a decision.

Don't think anyone is going to give anyone else a hard time if they decide that DVC isn't right for them (or not right for them anymore), but it's much easier to take a few weeks off and then decide than it is to sell you DVC because you had one bad experience, only to regret it later on.

Chris

[nhdisnut]

:guilty: I think I need to take a break from the DIS for a while. We haven't even closed on our first DVC purchase and this bums me out too much. I want to look forward to my October trip . I am so sorry things have not worked out for you and do hope that your trip improves.:)

Now while I sympathize with the OP, I want to let it be known that we have never had a trip like the one that is described - rooms at all of the resorts were just about perfect, wonderful cast members, excellent service, delicious food, and free ice water:)......We have stayed both at DVC and non-DVC resorts and had fantastic experiences. So, don't let one experience or one post bum you out as you plan for your trip. If I had listened to the "downer" posts about SSR just after I purchased in '05 I would have predicted a terrible resort experience.....turns out SSR is one of our favorites!:goodvibes

OP - here's hoping your vacation improves. :)

[JenSop]

I'm sorry the OP is having such a rough vacation.

We just returned from the World (there June 20-26.) We had a great time overall! (I'll be putting together a TR soon!)

Our only real BIG negative was the service (or lack thereof) at Ohana for dinner last Monday night. We were basically ignored the entire time. However, our previous visits to Ohana were always great.

Otherwise, we had a wonderful time! We received EXEMPLARY service at Sanaa and Olivia's. Our servers at those restaurants were some of the best severs I've EVER had - in the World or outside. Overall, we were treated well by every CM we came into contact with.

We were able to get free ice water at any CS place we stopped at.

Our rooms (one night at CBR and 5 nights at AKV Jambo) were neat and clean.

We had a great time at MK evening EMH - stayed until 2:30 am - hardly any crowds after 1am - and the CM's checked room cards at EVERY ride.

Besides the excessive heat and the bad service at Ohana, our trip was quite nice! But I am a bit of an optimist and go knowing that some things might not be perfect, but I won't let it ruin my stay! I've been visiting the World since 1984 (I was just 8 then!) We've been DVC since 2007. None of the magic has worn off for me!

I hope the OP's trip gets better - think happy thoughts - you're at Disney!:flower3:

[minnierealtor]

I'm sorry the OP is having some bad experiences on vacation. We just returned from a longer than normal (6/14-6/24) vacation at WDW and Vero. When we checked in on the 14th I thought we were going to have an issue but I tried to keep smiling when the SSR CM looked unhappy with my requests. It quickly turned around. The entire vacation was filled with great CMs everywhere. It was so hot that I found myself getting irritable so I can imagine how the CMs feel on a daily basis. Not an excuse but I could see how it could happen. We had the dining plan on the last leg of our trip and had some great meals except at the Germany buffet. Our meals at Raglan Road and Yak and Yeti where excellent. I have to agree that sometimes a break from Disney is not a bad thing. When you have an outstanding vacation you expect it everytime but that may not be the case. Hopefully the remainder of the OP's vacation will be better.

[toniosmom]

I agree that the dining experience can be less than stellar. We did the dining plan in spring 2008 and I was less than impressed. It almost became stressful to get our food every day, between the ADRs, the crowds, etc. This past spring, I was traveling alone with my 4 year old son, so I brought in groceries and cooked. No, I didn't make any stellar meals -- I never felt like I was COOKING on vacation. It worked out GREAT. I didn't realize how much time we spent last year going out for meals (even the quick ones). On this go-around, we had so much more time to go to the parks, swim, and relax, relax, relax! It was the first time in my entire life that I felt like I really HAD a vacation at WDW.

To the original poster -- I hope that you are able to get someone's attention while you are there. It appears that your experience is not unusual and someone needs to do something about it. I hope you can enjoy your remaining time there.

[twinklebug]

Wow - that's a long list ILoveMyDVC. I can see why you're upset.

Most of your issues sound like CM-troubles. Please shoot an email off to Disney guest relations, just so they're aware of where the troubles lie. For now, It might help to list the little things you do love about Disney/DVC.

for me:

#1 : the area music.
#2 : the smells.
#3 : no allergies :lmao:
#4 : no work ;)

[allshookup]

Sorry OP things are not going well at all. We've certainly never had a "perfect" vacation at any DVC resort, but luckily any problems we encountered were handled when we called. One recent visit at I think BCVs, they had just installed the new sleeper sofas recently, but our sofa bed was literally broken in two. We could not even open it all the way & when DH looked underneath you could see where the metal was completely snapped in two on both sides. DH got it open enough to sleep on, except the front part was a little higher than the back. We called maintenance next morning & they came right away to replace the whole bed. :thumbsup2

While they were standing there I asked them to check the dryer, because it didn't seem to be getting hot enough & at the same time I was filling the coffee maker & it sprung this huge leak & was spurting out everywhere so we got a new coffee maker too. It was almost comical, but I was glad maintenance was there when all this happened or they might've thought we were wrecking the joint. I think they did wonder about the bed! :scared:

That being said, we are still happy with our DVC & going to WDW, but I have to agree that we almost always find hairs on the bathroom floor when we check in. I will admit I'm very picky about bathroom cleanliness, but it doesn't happen at the Mills Falls Inn in NH which we also visit about once a year so I'm not sure why mousekeeping can't get all the hair picked up? :confused3 DH & I have also commented on the drop in food quality over the last few years & we are definitely not fans of those dry wheat buns they started using. Blech! More reason for us to make our own sandwiches & eat in the villa for lunch. ;)

[Anal Annie]

Just to chime in a bit....our very first DVC stay was at OKW and it went much the same way as the OP's. Dirty, worn unit, slow buses...had a terrible time getting to ADR's & the parks etc. We were just miserable souls all week. We hated that trip. BUT ALL OTHER trips since have been FABULOUS tho. LOVED VWL, AKV and SSR. Last trip was to celebrate DS's birthday...he wore his birthday button and every CM we passed wished him a Happy Birthday by name...without fail. It was a wonderful touch and we were tickled with the whole trip. It was our first trip "home" to SSR and we liked it a lot.:thumbsup2 NOT afraid to go back!:rotfl:

Trying out BCV and VB in August....hoping we love them the same way we did our past 3 trips...but are aware not all trips are created equal and now the free dining is set to start when we go so I dread mealtimes. Our meals that we had on our May trip were all OK - did mostly CS. We dined at T-Rex and Wolfgang Puck Cafe in DTD which are not Disney owned and they were both good experiences...ressies ran right on time actually. I don't really have an expectation that our ressies will be PROMPTLY on time at any restaurant tho. I would expect a 15 min. wait at a peak period. The worst waits we've ever had at WDW have always been Hollywood & Vine. They really don't know how to schedule. Trying out 4 new restaurants in August that we have never done before, all Disney owned so we shall see how it goes. Since they're all new to us we don't have any history to compare them to. Decided to steer clear of places like Yak & Yeti that tend to get mixed reviews. I think one of our best meal experiences at WDW has been the little CS place in Morocco (Tangerine Cafe I think it is). Always good. Oh, and I got a free cup of ice from a cart stand of some sort in Epcot...not quite WATER, but there was no flack from the CM and she was about 8 months pregnant & it was pretty hot out...she could've been pretty hormonal to me but she wasn't.

RE: Toy Story Mania...that line is ridiculous. It is still considered a new attraction and the Fast passes run out EARLY. Therefore the Standby line is always a nightmare from the get-go. WORST is when the Brazilian Tour Groups are there and they all show up with their Fast Passes while you are already in the Standby line. That can jack up the wait time by 30-45 min. if a large group comes back. It's a cute ride but not worth trying to do twice in any one trip. I don't think any ride is worth more than a 90 min. wait. We will do just a few rides with long stand-by times (and only if we're already holding Fast Passes for something else...gotta pick the worst of the 2 evils when you go at a busy time).

Sorry the OP is having a miserable trip. Been there. Done that. Hope not to repeat it too often but know it's a possibility at any time.

[BEASLYBOO]

RE: Toy Story Mania...that line is ridiculous. It is still considered a new attraction and the Fast passes run out EARLY. that. Hope not to repeat it too often but know it's a possibility at any time.
I heard that the plan in the next few years was to add 5 "rides" to DHS to make it more of a full day park, Toy Mania being the first, and Disney needs to do it because there isn't much to do there. With EMH we can do DHS in a 1/2 day, same with AK (even with all that walking).

This June, because of Star Wars week-end, Toy Mania, at 11am had a 60 minute wait w/ fast pass return time of 5pm, you're right it's ridiculous! We left, went to MK where everything was walk on or 10-15 min wait.

[cpdwiz]

Different experiences for different people. I'm sorry to the OP for a terrible week, but we have been to the world 6 times in the last 4 years and have had amazing trips each time. Only one was a bummer and that was due to a crabby 3 yo.
I do agree about the dining however. It is just so expensive compared to even fine dining outside the world. Now when we eat out, I compare costs to Disney and am always shocked at where we can dine for much less than what it costs for a meal at Disney. Thankfully that's not a huge part of the experience for us. We would actually prefer a couple of meals out, and the rest in the villa where we can eat more healthfully and eat foods that the kids are used to. We may eventually even start venturing out into Orlando when we start renting a car as the kids get older. Plus we live in Chicago where there are many great restaurants so we don't feel the need to eat at a "great steakhouse" like Le Cellier when we have many much nicer ones here.

Sorry about your trip, hopefully the Disney employee lurkers will see this post.


We have been 3 times in the past year, and NOTHING like this has even come close to happening...Our rooms were great...Service, except for Ohana in December was great...CM's went above and beyond for us...I feel for the OP about the experience they are having and can only say it has not been the norm for us, and that their experience is a HUGE exception.....Hope it gets better!

[spiceycat]

sorry ILoveDVC - but not surprised.

OKW has problems - bad ones from my point of view.

Sold it to buy BLT - will tell you in Aug if this is a good move.

plus with Disney laying off workers (which makes the CM who are left - very depressed) the atmosphere will not get better - until Disney stops during this.

the training program that Disney does now has not worked for years.

so you get untrained CM who don't care about Disney or you. but what does Disney expect when they cut back on training years ago.

[nunzia]

I heard that the plan in the next few years was to add 5 "rides" to DHS to make it more of a full day park, Toy Mania being the first, and Disney needs to do it because there isn't much to do there. With EMH we can do DHS in a 1/2 day, same with AK (even with all that walking).

This June, because of Star Wars week-end, Toy Mania, at 11am had a 60 minute wait w/ fast pass return time of 5pm, you're right it's ridiculous! We left, went to MK where everything was walk on or 10-15 min wait.

ahh..at least you have fast passes at WDW..at DLR there are no fast passes for Toy Story Mania..Our longest wait was about 40 minutes..the line moved steadily though, and it was worth it.

[dianeschlicht]

The key to doing Toy Story Midway Mania multiple times a trip is to be at DHS at rope drop. One person in the party gets in the fast pass line while the other goes to the regular line. When the fast pass person gets out of that line, they join the person in the regular line. That first ride of the day will usually be 15 minutes or less wait. You also have an early fast pass time, and can often get right back on after exiting. The other good time to do TSMM is right after the last fass pass of the day or during EMH. We rode it multiple times during evening EMH without much wait.

[px57chevy]

We have some friends that just got back from WDW on Tuesday. They stayed at the Yacht and Beach Club on a package. They loved the resort but they only mentioned a couple of STAND OUT meals. They kept saying that the felt like all the CS places had mainly the same things and that only a couple of their TS meals were really good.
I think it is hit or miss anymore where dining is concerned. Maybe it is because we are DVC members and we go more often that we notice the quality going down some. :confused3

The free dining and the dining plans have ruined the TS experience...

From a business standpoint they would lose too much money if the kept the quality of food that high and be able to give you free dining. Also, with the increased number of guests, i don't think that they can make it that fast to keep up with the packed restaurants....