More results of cutbacks at WDW

[manning]

This would be too large to copy. Go the the following for a comment from an unhappy guest. Scroll down to the paragraph starting with "Steve also writes on the topic of cutbacks at WDW

http://www.mouseplanet.com/dtp/archive/notes_from_the_world/bb_questions78.htm

[PKS44]

I think it is easier to just copy it here....

Steve also writes on the topic of cutbacks at WDW: Hi Brian, just to respond to the ongoing discussion about upkeep and cutbacks at WDW. We just got back from two weeks at WDW. We spent six nights at the Wilderness Lodge (our first and last time there), and eight nights at Old Key West Resort (our home resort). We have been doing a two week trip in the summer every year for over ten years, and this was overall, the worst experience we have had.Steve also writes on the topic of cutbacks at WDW: Hi Brian, just to respond to the ongoing discussion about upkeep and cutbacks at WDW. We just got back from two weeks at WDW. We spent six nights at the Wilderness Lodge (our first and last time there), and eight nights at Old Key West Resort (our home resort). We have been doing a two week trip in the summer every year for over ten years, and this was overall, the worst experience we have had.

The biggest complaints from our group of six was that all the thermostats on the property are turned up. We used to be able to go into any shop, restaurant, or ride to cool off from the intense summer heat. Many of the shops and restaurants, especially World Showcase, were not much cooler than the humid outdoors. Some felt like they had no air conditioning at all! I first noticed this trend last year, but this year seemed even worse. How short sighted is it not to keep a store air conditioned in the summer! We definitely spent less time in the shops this year (and as a result spent less money). Canada, Germany, and Italy were the worst.

Another complaint was that so many of the stores now offer the same merchandise as everywhere else. This is especially noticeable in the resort shops (with the exception of Animal Kingdom Lodge). Even the World of Disney store carries the same things you can find everywhere else. We couldn't even find a decent variety of postcards like we have in the past. We also felt that many of the World Showcase shops had less of the unique merchandise that they have had in the past. We also noticed a few more closed shops (the carpet store in Morocco, and the wine shop in France.) The shop at American Adventure used to have unique things as well and now is mainly a T-shirt shop. I was disappointed to see much of the flavor of World Showcase diluted by making the shops carry less unique items. It's not like there are a lot of rides there to keep you occupied. It is supposed to be a shopping and dining park, but now with no air conditioning and less interesting shops, why bother?

Another problem we had was transportation. Wilderness Lodge was a joke. Every bus had to also service the campground. We often were shoved on a bus with people paying $40 a night, while some of us were paying a few hundred. I don't mean this as negative to the campers (I also enjoy camping), but a deluxe hotel as remote as Wilderness Lodge should not have to go out of their way to a campground to get to the parks. Some buses go to the Pioneer Hall area, while other buses go to the main campground bus stop near the Bonnet Creek Golf Club.

Old Key West Resort buses were better, definitely not as crowded, but we often had 30 minute waits for a bus. Never have had that experience before during all of our trips to Old Key West Resort.

Other cutbacks we noticed were less people staffing attractions (Country Bears, Circle of Life, Food Rocks, etc. all used to have someone inside the auditorium with you, giving directions. Now you hear a voice over the loudspeaker). No big deal, but definitely a cutback in customer relations.

Bathroom maintenance was hit and miss. Some were spotless as in the past, others were filthy. Urine splatters around urinals, and overflowing trash cans used to be unheard of at WDW. We had two rooms at the Wilderness Lodge and both rooms had battered furniture that needed refinishing. We also noticed battered doors in the lobby rest room and the largest cobwebs I have ever seen on the ceiling rafters. All these things are normal wear and tear, but used to be taken care of sooner.

Last, but not least, is the replacement of butter with "butterine" and margarine. How penny pinching is that? We asked for butter instead of margarine or "butterine" and were told there wasn't any. When we explained how we don't eat margarine, we were told that it was better for us and that is why Disney replaced butter with "butterine"! Not only don't I need Disney telling me what is healthy, but they seem to forget that they have served butter for 30 years. Also, butter is a natural fat, while margarine is chemically altered oil. The main reason we don't use margarine is due to allergies. Fortunately, some of the table service places still serve butter, but not all of them.

We had a good trip, but it was definitely not the same level of service we are used to at WDW. We all had the feeling of being nickeled and dimed by Disney. I am writing a similar letter to Disney and enclosing a few nickels and dimes to make that point.

Thanks for letting me share, Brian. I apologize for being so long winded.

[manning]

Thanks, didn't think of that.

[Luv2Roam]

We stayed at ASMo in January, POR in late May. And even to us the cutbacks were very apparent. (First time we ever had a monorail breakdown too. Well ours didn't -- but we had to wait a half hour for the next one to appear to take those guests! Which made most on the monorail we were on miss Illuminations.)
The POR bus service was Terrible. I could chaulk it up to bad timing on our part. But I can't imagine we timed it bad all week long.
We went to the TTC to get a bus to the resort, as we did in January. That service was no longer offered. The TTC bus only would take us back to a park! :mad:
No fireworks every night. This was even Memorial Day week, and MK was packed with guests the day after Mem Day and the Friday after.
And even with the packed MK, that taco place across from Pirates was closed. :rolleyes:
Not that I was dying to eat there. But it made Pecos Bills and absolute madhouse.
We ended up leaving MK. This May trip made us very thankful for our January trips.
I too noticed bathrooms weren't as clean. But even the public restrooms were far cleaner than the room bathroom we had at POR. Glad so many others like that resort. Then I have a better chance at ASMo, where I have had the best luck of any WDW resort! :)
DH and I both said that had May been our first WDW trip, we certainly would not be in a hurry to return.

[Josiah Harper]

...the cutbacks with air-conditioning. During my late May-early June trip, I, too, noticed the higher-than-normal temperatures in shops, restaurants, and attractions. Talk about a sure-fire way to turn guests off! I've come to expect essentially no air-conditioning in DAK, but in the other parks, I could always count on nice respites from the heat.

Joe
***MAKING MEMORIES*** (http://www.arondaparks.com)

[mrtoadslastride]

I am glad someone else noticed the air conditioning. My wife thought I was crazy in May when I complained about it!!

[raidermatt]

I gotta go with the Scoop man on this one...

This is one person's account, and the anecdotal nature of Brian Bennett's columns is the main reason I rarely read his stuff.

We were there 5/25 through 6/8, and didn't notice any problems with the air conditioning. It didn't stand out to us as being any different than in Sept 2000. So that's the opinion of 6 other people for whatever that's worth (would be 7, but our 3-year old didn't take adequate notes on his first trip...).

I do think butter should be an option...

I have no idea how often Disney cleans its bathrooms, and how that compares to past years. However, I do know that it would have to be every 15 minutes or so if they are going to keep Men's bathrooms "sparkling". There seems to be a lot of people who feel manners have slipped in our society, and when it comes to bathrooms use, I have to agree. For whatever reason, many people find urinating on floors and walls fun. Flushing seems to have become an optional activity.

High use public bathrooms get very nasty, VERY quick.

I'm not saying there haven't been cuts, I just don't see a need to grasp at straws when there are so many other clearly legitimate cuts to focus on.

[DVC-Landbaron]

We were there 5/25 through 6/8, and didn't notice any problems with the air conditioning. It didn't stand out to us as being any different than in Sept 2000. Matt!!! I thought you only agreed with me?!?!? ;)

Anyway, You really have to go back some to understand the A/C problem. I wish we could still retrieve posts from two different sites ago, because one of my favorites was the post I made about the air conditioning specifically in Mexico and Splash mountain, but in WDW in general. At that time I pasted a response from another board by a maintenance CM (AV like, but lower on the food chain) and he let us in on a little secret, newly installed by your friend and mine… That’s right… Let’s give a warm welcome to….PAAAAAAUUUULLLLL Pre$$ler!!!

Engineering was told raise the ambient temperature within ALL buildings and to cut the A/C at night. No big deal, right? WRONG!!! As the engineer described, quite eloquently, it took almost the entire day to adequately lower the temperature in most large buildings. And by not maintaining a cooler temperature, humidity levels were inherently high, thus giving the guest a further “feeling” of NOT being cool enough. This was exactly what the three CMs told us when we complained about the high temperatures we experienced in Mexico. And it was really kind of sad listening to them. They kept looking over their shoulders as they told us (all the while imploring that we complain). It looked like a bad spy movie!!!

Anyway, he went on to explain that the reasoning behind it was that when it’s 90 outside, with extremely high humidity, 80 feels GREAT!!! At first. Until you live it for a few minutes and you realize that it ain’t that so cool after all.

I have no idea how often Disney cleans its bathrooms, and how that compares to past years.Look over my “State of the Parks Address”. It is almost word for word. And really one of my only maintenance complaints. It was really hit or miss, but the misses were REALLY BAD!!!
I'm not saying there haven't been cuts, I just don't see a need to grasp at straws when there are so many other clearly legitimate cuts to focus on.Funny. I think those two issue are extremely crucial to the conversation and one of those areas where a “feeling” is the only quantifiable measure there is. Easily discounted. Easy for management to hide the cuts. But TRUE nonetheless!!

[raidermatt]

Funny. I think those two issue are extremely crucial to the conversation and one of those areas where a “feeling” is the only quantifiable measure there is. Easily discounted. Easy for management to hide the cuts. But TRUE nonetheless!!

Points taken.

I wasn't aware that CMs had admitted to the practice.

I guess my main problem with posts/reports like the one that started this thread is comments like this:

Some felt like they had no air conditioning at all! I first noticed this trend last year, but this year seemed even worse. How short sighted is it not to keep a store air conditioned in the summer! We definitely spent less time in the shops this year (and as a result spent less money).

This doesn't seem to jive with your comments, timing wise, but maybe this guy just didn't notice it before. Or PERHAPS, the decrease in A/C has continued to change gradually. I can only say that as far as the last couple of years go, we didn't feel it.

But beyond this, its clear the author is exaggerating the truth in order to make a point that Disney lost his money.

The buildings may not be the optimal temperature anymore, but they sure as heck aren't 90+ degrees either. But the author had to make that claim in order to legitimize his logic about not spending time in stores due to the heat. Even in your example, 80 is a lot more comfortable than 90.

That's not to say 80 isn't a problem. However, don't "embellish" the truth in order to make a point. For those of us who can see through this, it costs the author credibility.

So I should have been more specific in my dismissal of anecdotal information. Its just that I have to be able to trust the source in order for me to give the comments weight.

When there is only one set of comments from the source, like in this case, that's all I have to go on, and I simply can't trust this particular author.

When it comes to your comments, Baron, I generally trust their sincerity and accuracy. We don't always agree about whether a specific "thing" is bad or good, but I haven't known you to stretch the truth in order to convince anyone of your point. So, if you say something "feels" different, I can trust that to you, it truly does, and by the same amount that you say it does.


With regard to the bathrooms, I trust that the condition is not as consistent as in year's past. My only real point here is that if it took 100 hours per day to keep the bathrooms consistently clean 20 years ago, it probably would take more like 150 or 200 today.

That's not to say Disney shouldn't make this change, only that this maybe a little different than raising the thermostats, even though the bottom line remains the same...less clean bathrooms.

[DVC-Landbaron]

When it comes to your comments, Baron, I generally trust their sincerity and accuracy. [/quote]Thank you!!! I do try to be as honest as possible. But even I am given to hyperbole once in a while if it’s an easy target. But I really do assure, this time I AM NOT!!!We don't always agree about whether a specific "thing" is bad or good, Yes we do!!! Remember, you’re riding shotgun!!! You just don’t know it yet!!! ;)My only real point here is that if it took 100 hours per day to keep the bathrooms consistently clean 20 years ago, it probably would take more like 150 or 200 today.WHY!?!?!

You sound like the old man that complained and complained about the younger generation having no respect for their elders. How the mistreated and abused their fellow man. How they had no regard for higher education!!! He predicted that on their present course the human race wouldn’t last another generation or so!!

That man was Plato!!! Talking about Aristotle’s generation!!!! It takes the same time to clean a bathroom today as it did ‘back in the day’!!

And, when I talked about it being easy for Disney to ‘hide’ this type of cut-back I meant exactly what your assessment said, but I don’t place the blame on the times.

Suppose you are exactly correct. It takes 100 hours to keep the bathrooms clean. (and now the important bit) With 50 employees!!

Now suppose you cut that work force by 10%. You now have 40 employees, doing the exact same job as before, taking those same 100 hours to clean the bathrooms. But now it takes longer for the cycle to turn. The bathrooms, by and large, are still clean. But not as often as before!!! Kind of like bumping (over the years) the temperature from 74 to 78 degrees!! That blast of cold air still feels great, until you hang around for a minute or two and realize you’re still sweating!!! Just not as much!!!

[wdw4us2]

I have to agree with the comments about the air-conditioning.

Let me preface this by saying I am a Florida semi-native -- been here for 30 years this month.

While we were at WDW last week, my friend and I both commented about missing that "Arctic Freeze" feeling when you entered the stores and attractions. I'm glad to see that I'm not completely losing my mind!

Lisa:cool:

[minnie56]

During a recent visit in June I noticed that the food area in Port Orleans/FQ no longer had real cream only 'creamers'. I asked for real cream and was told it's no longer provided. Well, I don't like 'edible oil' in my coffee...so I asked for milk. I was told well, we have milk...but can't give it to you!!! I asked another staff member and was told the same thing! I find this really tacky and right 'up' there with bargain basement hotels found on International Drive.
I have another New Years Eve experience too. I won't bore you with all the details..but after spending last NYE at MGM....we were crammed....I mean crammed....onto a bus destined for our resort (Contemporary) which was shared with people heading to the TTC.There was a traffic snarl up in the parking lot complicated with volume of traffic and lane pylons having been 'moved'. The bus driver kept insisting we let more and more people on until there were people even standing on the steps.A major no-no!
We moved no-where. In 45 minutes approximately 5 bus lengths.The heat inside the vehicle was oppressive to say the least with heating blasting (Driver couldn't turn it down and a passenger hurt his hand trying to pry open a stiff ceiling vent.)Babies were crying and I swear heat exhaustion was setting in to most on the bus. Anyway (Did I say I would keep this short??)my husband..had to be mine...passed out. Now, he's 6'4" and approx 230 lbs..so that was a lot of body hitting (or trying to....no floor space!) the deck!! Well, suddenly after everyone screaming for help..(Iwasn't close to him..he was further back) the bus driver said despite it being "against procedure" she would pull over a bit and open the doors to allow air flow inside. Well, this same driver who had been radioing endlessly for help...suddenly asked and got a 'team' of disney people to remove all passengers from bus and transferred to another (as someone pointed out later...they were witnesses?) while we waited for paramedics.Anyway, Disney questioned me relentlessly with regard to previous health conditions (none) and we spent 2 days in Celebration Hospital undergoing endless tests...all of which resulted in negative findings.Thank god..the ultimate diagnosis..was heat prostation? (sp)
Of course, we foolishly had no travel insurance (Canadian..oops) but that's another story.Not one person called for two days to see if my husband was allright.Definetly not much customer service apparant there!! Happy New Years to us.....it was not a fun time and all because of a overheated..overloaded bus.Disney really let us down that night.
:(

[Mr D]

My family is just one single drop in the bucket moneywise to Disney but we are boycotting any future visit to any American Disney park (to make up for the money I have lost on DIS stock).
It would be in the better interests of the DisCo to get someone new as a CEO, time for some new blood and leadership. Just my two cents worth.

[SnackyStacky]

I have to chime in here.

All of these things that people are mentioning are exactly the reasons that I cancelled my reservations. If I want butter, I should be able to get butter. If I want cream for my coffee, or even milk, I should be able to get it. It really bothers me that Disney has to have such a class distinction within their resorts.

Fpr value rack rates, I can stay off-property, or at an on-property, non-Disney owned hotel that provide the same amenities as the deluxes.

Not to mention that I am paying the same admission price as those who go in the summer. I am only able to go in the off-season, which means I get the 6:00 MK hours. I can understand that it costs money to keep the parks open late without enough of a demand (I find it hard to believe there's no demand, but that's another thread) but there's not a single E-Ride Night. SO, for the same amount of money, I'm getting cheated out of one of the best parts of the Magic Kingdom? I don't care if I can do the same amount of rides and shows. If everybody was about rides and attractions, there wouldn't be people that are of the opinion that Animal Kingdom is a full day park. Some people love to just FEEL the ambience, and see the magic, and dammit there's absolutely NOTHING wrong with that!!!

So, I voted with my wallet. I also wrote them an E-Mail to let them know WHY I did it.

[DVC-Landbaron]

SnackyStackyI should be able to get it. It really bothers me that Disney has to have such a class distinction within their resorts.WOW!!! It’s too bad you’re in car four (or at least it sounds that way)!! Cause you seem to be one of the very few who understands just what the “Ei$ner Caste System of Resorts” really is!!!

Keep posting, my friend!! I may need your help one day explaining it to Mr. Kidds!! ;)

[seashoreCM]

"It isn't the heat, it is the humidity."

Air conditioning not only cools the air, it also makes it less humid. If the air is humid enough, all air conditioners "wring" water out of the air and drip it onto the ground under the air conditioner itself (or pipe the water down a drain).

All air has some water in the form of water vapor mixed with it. When air is cooled, its relative humidity increases. If the relative humidity wants to go above 100% water will condense onto surfaces such as inside the air ducts, and drip.

The lower the temperature the air is brought to inside the air conditioner, the more water will be wrung out. So by setting the air conditioner to a higher temperature, more moisture will remain in the conditioned air and also the room atmosphere will be more humid and take longer to evaporate sweat off of the people inside.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

[Fantasia Girl]

We often were shoved on a bus with people paying $40 a night, while some of us were paying a few hundred. I don't mean this as negative to the campers (I also enjoy camping), but a deluxe hotel as remote as Wilderness Lodge should not have to go out of their way to a campground to get to the parks.

UGHHHH!!! I really hate comments like this! You know, some people are paying about 250.00 a night for the cabins....and some of us have motorhomes that probably cost more than this guy's house!!!!!!:rolleyes: :mad:

You know what I say...if it's so bad at WDW why do you go?!? there are plenty of other parks (Six Flags, Cedar Point, Kings Island....to name a few) GO THERE!:rolleyes:

[raidermatt]

You sound like the old man that complained and complained about the younger generation having no respect for their elders. How the mistreated and abused their fellow man. How they had no regard for higher education!!! He predicted that on their present course the human race wouldn’t last another generation or so!!
Yeah, maybe I'm wrong. Its just been my perception that folks are not as respectful of public places in general. But you could be right, maybe I've just got "back in the good 'ole days" syndrome when it comes to this...

It takes the same time to clean a bathroom today as it did ‘back in the day’!!
True. My point was that IF my above perception were reality, bathrooms would get dirtier quicker. In other words, the average "rate of mis-use" has increased, so that a bathroom gets dirtier in an hour today than it did 20 years ago. So it maybe cleaned just as frequently, but the average condition has still dropped.

But that is a completely hypothetical explanation for the situation, and the only way it holds water is if you accept my perception of increased public mis-use of restrooms.

Not knowing for sure how the cleaning schedules have changed over the years, I have to admit that given the other documented cuts we know of, you are proabably correct about the increased time between cleanings.

[SnackyStacky]

Originally posted by DVC-Landbaron
WOW!!! It’s too bad you’re in car four (or at least it sounds that way)!! Cause you seem to be one of the very few who understands just what the “Ei$ner Caste System of Resorts” really is!!!


I've been lurking on these boards for a while, and have NO idea what this car system is of which everyone else speaks!

But, I do understand that caste system. And I don't like it. The cheapest room that you can get at Disney is $77. This is a Value resort in value season, and quite frankly, I see nothing of "value". You pay $77 and get nothing. For $77 off-property, I can get a continental breakfast, turndown service, ROOM SERVICE, coffee makers, hairdryers, ironing boards, irons, etc... For $77 rack rate on property, you get a bed and a roof and pizza delivery. WOO HOO...feel the value.

But then Disney says, that they'll give you more services and amenities. You just have to pay between $56 and $653 more. There is no magic in this world that is worth that much money.

Even with all the codes and such that are available, you can get the same deluxe amenities for value rates off-property.

Stick me in whichever "car" you'd like, that's my opinion! :)

[betterlatethannever]

SnackyStacky

I too have been "lurking" on this board for a while. It gets very interesting. If you look at one of the "Important" threads at the top of this forum, you will see one titled "Carpools Defined".

BTW, IMO some posters take liberties with the definitions of each car. Some who say they are in car #1 and complain about problems sounds like they should really be in car #2 according to "Carpools Defined".

Ed

[SnackyStacky]

I get it now!

But I don't know if I'm really car 4. I suppose I'm more car 3.

But then again this whole car system is rather like bi-partisan politics; nobody really fits completely into any of those molds either.

[betterlatethannever]

I don't think anybody who reads/posts on these boards are really in car #4.

Why would they waste their time unless they are looking for some ray of hope, some golden nugget to renew their faith in Disney.

[wdwendyd]

When I was reading about the cuts in air-conditioning, I was reminded of a cut I noticed on our trip last November. I am a member of DVC and enjoyed the pool at OKW even swimming at night. We also stayed at the Boardwalk and pool-hopped to the Polyand Beach Club and the water was noticibly colder, to the point where I had to inch my way in. (I hate that!) :(

[DVC-Landbaron]

BTW, IMO some posters take liberties with the definitions of each car. Some who say they are in car #1 and complain about problems sounds like they should really be in car #2 according to "Carpools Defined". And some that claim the #2 mode of transportation are really riding shotgun with the Baron!!!

MR. MATT!! You listening!! ;)

[SnackyStacky]

Originally posted by DVC-Landbaron
And some that claim the #2 mode of transportation are really riding shotgun with the Baron!!!

You seem to have a lot of problems with Michael Eisner (or Ei$ner, as you call him). How can you be within the definition of the first car if you have such problems with him?

I'm not questioning your stance, I'm just seriously trying to understand these cars!!!!! :)

My personal belief is that Disney is still magic. The items they produce have some fragment of the "magic" that they used to have, but it will not be to the level it was once upon a time until Eisner resigns or is ousted. If you'd care to "car" me from that, please feel free to do so! :D

[DVC-Landbaron]

MY FAULT!!! :eek:

You seem to have a lot of problems with Michael Eisner (or Ei$ner, as you call him). How can you be within the definition of the first car if you have such problems with him?I thought it was pretty common knowledge that I built Car # 3!!! And by the leave of other car three-ers, I am the designated driver!!

And you can join my car anytime!!!! :crazy:

[raidermatt]

And some that claim the #2 mode of transportation are really riding shotgun with the Baron!!!
MR. MATT!! You listening!!

Well, before the frozen one clarified the definitions, I claimed 1, and various increments between 1 and 2. That was mainly based on my belief that the Magic at WDW hasn't faded that much, even though it is going in the wrong direction. So I realized that if things stayed on the current course, my trip would be one of increasing car numbers...

However, with the Head's clarified definitions being taken as gospel (they must be, it says "important" in front of them!;) ), I find that I am somewhere between 2 and 3.

If I knew current management wasn't going anywhere within the next, say 2-3 years, I'd be riding along in #3, hanging out the window like a dog on his first car ride...

What makes me more positive about the outlook for the parks is I don't think current management will last that long.

Then again, I am prone to prolonged periods of extreme delusion... :crazy: :crazy: :crazy:

[nats]

As I mentioned before. The only way Disney will pay attention to our complaints is not to go there. I used to go every year or two but now I go to Universal. It is not as big but the service and quality is great. The only complaint I have with Universal hotels is that food is very expensive.
Abandon the place for a couple of years and at the same time write to them.

[SnackyStacky]

Originally posted by DVC-Landbaron

I thought it was pretty common knowledge that I built Car # 3!!!

I just misread one of your posts. I got it now, and I think I'm in Car 3 also. Consider yourself joined.

[PKS44]

Originally posted by nats
As I mentioned before. The only way Disney will pay attention to our complaints is not to go there. I used to go every year or two but now I go to Universal. It is not as big but the service and quality is great. The only complaint I have with Universal hotels is that food is very expensive.
Abandon the place for a couple of years and at the same time write to them.

There are two ways to respond to a downturn in revenue (guests)--try to attract the guests back OR cut expenses by reducing service....there is little evidence from recent management behaviour that any "boycott" or whatever you want to call it will do anything but prompt further cuts in the Magic.

Paul

[DVC-Landbaron]

I just misread one of your posts. I got it now, and I think I'm in Car 3 also. Consider yourself joined. Why!! Was I falling apart!! :crazy:

But seriously folk!!


WELCOME!!!

Ladies and gentlemen of the Rumors and News Board.

May I introduce you to my new best friend!!!

SnackyStacky

[The Duchess]

I'm in shock over the butter/cream issue. I guess I better bring my own. I hate that fake stuff.
Is that little butter Mickey Mouse at Cinderella's Royal Table made out of margerine now.???..YUCK!:mad:

[The Duchess]

We only visit Disney every two or three years so we can do Deluxe. Sure, we could go every year and stay at the value or moderate but we choose not to. If you're going to go to Disney and b**** the whole time, what's the point? For Disney to attract people in the higher income levels they need to have Deluxe Resorts and lots of perks. That's just a fact of life. Face it, you get what you pay for, even at Disney. I have no illusions about that. If I'm at the YC maybe I'm not as pampered as I might be at GF. If I'm at PO I'm not as indulged as I might be at YC.
Good Lord, if the AC isn't high enough, don't go to Disney in July. I never would!
If you don't like the bus service, hire a Town Car...only kidding!!

[DVC-Landbaron]

Good Lord, if the AC isn't high enough, don't go to Disney in July. I never would!And how would you suugest I do Disney with five kids and three different school schedules?

[airlarry!]

...then, m'lord, let them eat cake!

[DisneyKidds]

However, with the Head's clarified definitions being taken as gospel (they must be, it says "important" in front of them! ), I find that I am somewhere between 2 and 3.

That damned popsicle seems to have had an effect on a lot of people, if we are to believe the gospel. However, I find that we might be communicating just a little bit better since he shook things up. So time for me to come out of the garage - and admit that under the chilly definitions I might be more prone to the second vehicle. However, I don't see how anyone with eyes could be unwavering car #1 under the clarified definitions. (Whew, feels good to get that off my chest)

Now for this whole thread. Probably a dozen posts dealing with complaints about AC. Puh-leeeze. Since I have outed the mini me to the Baron I guess I have to now refer to the Baron as 'Dr. Baron von Evil'. And as Dr. Evil should say............

'It's frickin' Florider in the summer Scott, don't bother me now. Shus, shhh, talk to the hand' ;)

[DVC-Landbaron]

'It's frickin' Florider in the summer Scott, don't bother me now.And if I had never enjoyed the magic Disney could spin with simple A/C in the summer, I might have agreed with you. But even during those crazy Carter years, when the USA was frozen with fear about the energy crisis, Disney still kept pumping out the A/C! It is different now. And that is the truth! How many testimonials will it take to convince you?

[manning]

Nats, that just might be what is happening right now. Disney attendance is down and Universal is going up. It is tne most logical thing you have said.

[DisneyKidds]

It is different now. And that is the truth! How many testimonials will it take to convince you?

What was it some pretty wise dude told a fellow Disneyite making a trip to the mother ship...........?

oh, something about not letting anything little bother him ;).

[DVC-Landbaron]

oh, something about not letting anything little bother him And what did some equally wise man say in reply? Something about, "Not unitl you get home!!"

And that is exactly what happens. When I am there, I am very happy, very vacation-like and very... well... DISNEY!!!

But when I get home I remember all these little things and ask - Why? And the answers lead me to the philosophy of the company and where current management has taken it.

AND THAT'S WHEN I GET MAD!!! :mad:

[SnackyStacky]

Originally posted by DVC-Landbaron
And that is exactly what happens. When I am there, I am very happy, very vacation-like and very... well... DISNEY!!!

But when I get home I remember all these little things and ask - Why? And the answers lead me to the philosophy of the company and where current management has taken it.

AND THAT'S WHEN I GET MAD!!! :mad:

Hahaha! Baron, I guess I really am riding shotgun with you! That's exactly my behavior in regards to Walt Disney World!

[DisneyKidds]

How about the ridiculous, shortsighted, profit motivated (or at least cost savings) plan regarding CBR, the change in hours, elimination of EE, the capricious and almost random cancellation of various E-ticket nights, the utter lack of imaginative forms of transportation, the reduction of “magical” air conditioning, the early closings of specific rides and attractions, the elimination of attractions with no replacements, and even those damned vacuum cleaners

Ok, sir Baron - no need for CAPS, bold, exclamation !!! and a flaming head :mad: ;). Its just that if there is one thing in this laundry list that I feel doesn't belong it is the fact that Disney turned the thermostat from 78 to 80.

1. Safety
2. Courtesy
3. Efficiency
4. Show

I may have missed it, but where does AC fit in here? Perhaps removing the cool from Ice Staion Cool, or cold air from the Matterhorn if it is part of the Show, but AC in a store? If there no cost saving measure that can be instituted that you feel doesn't violate Walts ideals? I guess my only point is that sometimes we obsess over certain things :p .

BTW - I did not know that 78 represents "magical" air and 80 represents "Ei$ner" air. You learn something new every day ;).

I'll give you MHB, most of the list above, and many other things - but I don't believe AC has anything to do with 'getting it'.

[raidermatt]

Alright then, let's move the A/C to 81.

Problem yet? No?

How about 82?

83?

88?

OFF!?!?

Pick a setting...

Unless moving it up is making it more Magical for more people than its irritating, its hard to defend the move...

[PKS44]

Originally posted by DisneyKidds



1. Safety
2. Courtesy
3. Efficiency
4. Show

I may have missed it, but where does AC fit in here

#2-Courtesy

I believe if you had "GUESTS" in your home who were uncomfortable in the heat and you kept the temperature hotter than it had to be with your air-conditioning to save yourself money at the expense of their discomfort-- you would be less than courteous. If you would not do that to your "GUESTS," Disney should not do it to theirs.

[mrtoadslastride]

Originally posted by DisneyKidds
1. Safety
2. Courtesy
3. Efficiency
4. Show

I may have missed it, but where does AC fit in here?

I have no idea what temp they used to set the thermostat, nor what temp it is now set. However, the change in the AC definately detracts from #4. I shouldn't be thinking while sitting in the Muppets 4D, "it is hot in here, what happened to the a/c,"

I love WDW because of the little things that you don't get anywhere else. The a/c may be a little thing, but when added to all of the other little things they have cut in recent years it causes me to question if I should spend that much money on a vacation to WDW.

[DisneyKidds]

#2-Courtesy

Can you say S-T-R-E-T-C-H?

Unless moving it up is making it more Magical for more people than its irritating, its hard to defend the move...

I bet there are 1,000x the people who do not have their WDW vacation effected by the AC than there are those who obsess over Disney stealing their "magical air". By this logic Disney will never be able to institute any savings measures for any reason - even if it has nothing to do with the Show.

Matt, have you actually fessed up to riding shotgun? What a 'typical' response. Yes - Disney is testing us and will continue to creep the thermostat up until they see bookings decline as a result - but their ultimate hope is that we won't notice or care and they can eliminate the AC all together :rolleyes:. Did Disney have anything to do with JFK?

[SnackyStacky]

Originally posted by DisneyKidds
I bet there are 1,000x the people who do not have their WDW vacation effected by the AC than there are those who obsess over Disney stealing their "magical air". By this logic Disney will never be able to institute any savings measures for any reason - even if it has nothing to do with the Show.


I haven't chimed in on the AC issue, but I do have a little something to say here, and speak only for myself.

When you build a theme park in Florida where temperatures are over 90 degrees in the summer, and the humidity is astronomical, you absolutely MUST factor in air conditioning as a major expense. If cost cutting factors are needed, then turning down the air conditioner should be the LAST ditch effort to cut costs. The air conditioning has absolutely nothing to do with magic. It has to do with comfort. And an uncomfortable guest is an unhappy guest. And an unhappy guest is one who LEAVES, and does not spend money!

[BRERALEX]

i have fond memories of jumping into the shops over the last 20 or so years that i can remeber and feeling that really COOOOL air and if i go back in two weeks and its not as cool ( i will be able to tell) then heck yeah that detracts from my vaca experience. once again ill log something else that disney used to be "cool"


ive been going since about 1980 every year till present and its the little things lol

im with raidermatt whens the problem 84? or when they finally just shut it off and use fans or shut them off as a motive to sell "new" DISNEY FANS TO KEEP YOU COOL IN THIS HOTT WEATHER

[raidermatt]

What a 'typical' response. Yes - Disney is testing us and will continue to creep the thermostat up until they see bookings decline as a result - but their ultimate hope is that we won't notice or care and they can eliminate the AC all together . Did Disney have anything to do with JFK?

Sorry I wasn't clear. I did not mean that Disney was going to bump it up a degree every year (though it's possible...).

I was pointing out that if bumping the air up 3 or 4 degrees doesn't mean anything to you, maybe bumping it up 6 or 7 would.

I bet there are 1,000x the people who do not have their WDW vacation effected by the AC than there are those who obsess over Disney stealing their "magical air".

Are you sure its that low? That's .1%. Maybe if the change was only one degree.

Even so, MK's annual attendance is about 15 million. That means 15000 attendees are "obsessed". How many others are not obsessed, but are simply less comfortable than they would have otherwise been? Every negative tick mark on an individual's personal vacation ledger makes them less likely to come back and spend money.

The A/C change may not be enough to drive thousands of guests away, but it does make thousands of guests more likely to stay away. Maybe its the combination of less hours and A/C that does it. Maybe it takes A/C, hours, EE, and Mickey Butter....

From the guest experience point of view, its a no-brainer. Cutting A/C helps nobody, and hurts at least some guests.

From an efficiency point of view (#4 on the priority list), if you're going to cut it in Florida, you'd better be VERY sure you aren't losing very many guests as a result.

Another side-note... do you think they checked into the effect the higher humidity has on the interiors of the buildings? Would be a hidden cost, easy to miss when thinking short term savings...

[BRERALEX]

well the way ive ben feeling is

nothing to go where 20000 leaugues was ok i can live

no mickey butter ok i can lve

no EE well i dont like waking up early

6pm closing? well these are troubled times.

what will it be next year and what will be that final straw!!!!!

ont thing that kills me is when people say well i just started going so i never had that experince-so they basically dont care but realize how much even cooler the parks were once. "who wants to be in the parks at midnight?" ME!!!!!!!

[PKS44]

Originally posted by DisneyKidds
#2-Courtesy

Can you say S-T-R-E-T-C-H?



the meaning of the word courtesy-
"consideration, cooperation, and generosity in providing "

Cutting a/c expenses to save money is the opposite of that... therefore violates rule #2.
I repeat my question- how would you describe treating guests in you home the same way? That is not a stretch at all... Disney has made a point of calling their customers "guests" for a reason...you treat guests courteously, you care deeply about making them comfortable and happy. This is all part of the high standard for which the name Disney became famous in business. They tout the "Disney service." Actually, whether it is being the host in your own home or a business in the hospitality industry, caring about guests' comfort is best described as courtesy. It is also good business.

[manning]

We noticed the difference in March. Didn't like it.

[DVC-Landbaron]

Originally posted by DisneyKidds
1. Safety
2. Courtesy
3. Efficiency
4. Show

I may have missed it, but where does AC fit in here? OK!! WHOA!!!! What we’ve got here is a failure to communicate!!! And We gotta fix it!!! PRONTO!!!! You picked up the wrong quote!! I was giving an example of how Ei$ner has changed the order!! The real order, and the one that is currently being taight at Traditions is:

1. Safety
2. Courtesy
3. SHOW
4. Efficiency

Notice the difference!!!??

Lowering the temperature fits within “SHOW” and “Courtesy”. Raising the temperature fits within “Efficiency”. Which would be fine, we all want Disney to save a few pennies when it can. EXCEPT when it goes against one of the previous. And raising the temperature interferes with both the SHOW and Courtesy. SO YOU DON’T DO IT!!!! PERIOD!!!

It’s the same thing regarding the vacuum cleaners. It will certainly cost a pretty penny keeping those employees hanging around until the last guest leaves or worse, putting on an entire extra shift!!! But that’s the ballgame in Disney!! Just hold up the plan to the big four and see if vacuum cleaners should be running for several hours after closing!!

Same thing. Same BAD SHOW!!!

[Peter Pirate]

It's the same thing regarding the vacum cleaners.
Oh, I don't know...I'll bet there are a lot people in the vacum cleaner business who get a tingly, warm, fuzzy feeling everytime they see the 'Azteck 4251 Sucking Bandit' rolled out onto Mainstreet!;)
:cool: :cool: :bounce: :cool: :cool:

[raidermatt]

'Azteck 4251 Sucking Bandit'

Now THAT'S funny....