Disney not what it used to be

[vacationwoman]

Well it's 6/12/01, we have been here since 6/8 (leaving 6/18. Staying at Dixie (now Port Orleans,Riverside)Things are not what they used to be. Staff cutbacks are quite noticable. The hotel and parks are very crowded as they always are this time of year. Hotel has entire area that was guest services closed, and took out 3 registration windows and substituted guest services there, not enough help. Meal times in the food court often finds only one employee working each counter. The parks are the same way, many turnstiles are not open, sales people in the shops are not as abundant. I had read on these pages before I left that some people found quite a few of the employees were not very nice. I couldn't imagine this because I had never experienced that and we go every summer. Well I have to say I have seen a lot a miserable employees here both in the hotel and park and the bus drivers. Very short tempered and not willing to help you with anything they don't have to. Many of them have an "attitude". What is Disney doing to the employees there? The buses have been so-so, longer waits then ever and because there are less buses they are much more crowded. Too many cutbacks everywhere when you consider what your paying. For the first time I'm considering not coming back next year (I can't believe I said that)
Now I depressed myself. Going to MGM now hope things improve.:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[snuggles]

I'm sorry you arent having a good trip. Hopefully things will improve tomorrow!!!

[dinah]

Oh, you have just posted my worst WDW nightmare! I am already disappointed by the shortened hours this month and the news about the refurbishment/temporary closing of my favorite Dancing Fountains. Add crowded busses, limited personnel, and surly CM's and our trip next week doesn't sound like the one we have been longing for. I like to think of myself as the kind of person who sees the cup half full but it seems that the way things are going, the "bottom line" is making things look a little sad and empty in the WDW cup. dinah

[BetsyAnn]

Hope it gets better for you and your family! Any really good things happen?

[Vinnie The Pooh]

Cutting back in the hours steadily over the last few years and charging more money for E-nights. they keep giving less for more$$. Its think its time for many of us Die Hards to start cutting back on every year trips to Disney.:(

[vacationwoman]

Just got back from MGM. Had PS at 50's Prime Time, 20 minutes after our time I asked how much longer it would be, was told (in a not nice voice) that when a table was available we would be seated. (it wasn't that crowded) I politely (really) noted that several parties had come in and I noticed they did not have a PS but were seated before us, the reply was "do you want to cancel". GUESS WHAT, YES.
Everytime something like this happens I think it's just an unusual situation and won't happen again, but this kind of stuff is happening over and over, it's unbelievable. Oh did I mention that the washers and dryers are now $2.00 each up from a $1.00 (only 30 minutes dry time). I did bring a folding cooler with me to avoid the $10.00 a day refrigerator. charge. Disney is the only hotel that I've ever stayed in to charge me for a refrigerator.
Even with all the unexpected disappointments with some stuff we are not having a totally bad time. We went on all our favorite attractions. Went to the millionaire show and it was great, but I didn't have the fastest finger. Spending more time at the pool and trying to relax more. Not going to the parks as much. Will be here till 6/18 so I hope it gets better.

[Beanie]

Sorry that you are not having a good time...I hope things improve for you over the next week!!

[luvmy2sams]

I'm sorry that your trip isn't living up to expectations. Here's hoping that the coming days will bring some pixie dust your way.:D

[BethC1952]

I'm sorry you're not having a good experience.

Just a comment to offset some of this.

We were at PO Riverside 5/23 - 5/27, and experienced none of the above. Every cast member we encountered was pleasant, both at the resorts and in the parks.

The facilities were clean, the service was good. We didn't make any PS--I don't really care about eating in "status restaurants" and didn't want the bother of having to be in a certain place and a certain time. I do enough of that all year; I don't need to do it on vacation! We never went hungry, however, and I think we had some very good meals.

While the parks were quite crowded, we didn't have to wait long for buses or other transportation (boats, monorails).

I prefer to think that the bad experiences are the "out of the ordinary ones" and not the good experiences.

Beth

[Une Amie]

Hmmm....Our trip this May had it's problems but non of them included rude CM's. All were polite and helpful to us.

However, I do think that some of Disney's policies are slowly eating away at the "magic". For instance, most deluxe hotels include "make-up mirrors", bath robes, wet bars, and coffee makers...without having to request it. The prices you pay for a Disney Deluxe is more than most outside "deluxe hotels". I think Disney needs to start adding more "magic" and stop taking it away.

[glo]

Hope things turn around and get better for you and your family! Hopefully things improved.

[RugratsMom]

vacationwoman, I am in wonderment concerning your post. We also arrived on 6/8 and left on 6/13. We were plesantly surprised that yes the crowds are bigger than last month but not bad by any means of the imagination. We visited MK, Epcot and MGM and were able to do everything that we wanted without any trouble at all. We also found the CMs to be both plentyful and very upbeat and helpful. This trip was truly magical for our family. I hate that you are having such a horrible time. We almost extended our stay as it was so great but DH got a call of a computer problem with one of his customers so he had to come home to work the problem out. But we will be back in the next few weeks as we can't stand to be away very long. We stayed at AKL but we had friends staying over the same time period at PO and they had nothing but praise for the hotel and all the CMs. Are you sure you were at Disney in ORLANDO??

[Wishydoo]

I have been learning all I can about WDW so that I can make a pleasant and carefree vacation for my hubby and 2 kids in August. I want 1 week of no complaining.
If hubby wants to pay rack rate for a parking lot view at the Contemp.....so be it. Kids prefer hamburgers?...okay, I will not dine at my restaurant of choice on my anniversary.....fine....as long as THEY are happy. They all want to lay on the beds in the room and watch TV for 6 days? (while I dream of Cirque Du Soliel and Illuminations).........grrrrreat. If these things will make everything nice nice for them...I'll do it, with a smile.
BUT....<sigh>...if I come across CMs who treat me rudely (make me feel stupid or humiliated) or give me attitude...I may just reach my breaking point :( That would really make me feel bad. Maybe I sound petty...but it would. And the worst part is that I would have to hide my sadness and disappointment at being treated that way, so as not to spoil anyone else's good time:rolleyes: I'm really counting on the happy CMs:D

Vacationwoman, I hope things will be on the upswing for the rest of your trip, and the good will outway the bad in the long run.
Sorry I vented.

[disneyann]

We were at Disney in May of this year and had a great trip! I hated to leave, as usuall. We stayed at CSR and I found that this year it was even better than last year. Never had a grumpy bus driver, or anyone for that matter. Must be the hot temperature there at this time is not helping the CMs and the lack of employees. Hope all you that do have a trip planned have a great time. Ann



CS-March 98
CB-Oct.98
DL-Apr/May 99
YC-July 99
PO-Oct. 99
CS-May 00
CS-May 01
:smooth: :)

[DISLOVE]

I'm sorry that your vacation has not been as wonderful as you had hoped. I have a few thoughts...
I noticed that some people tend to expect greatness from the CM's even if they talk rudely or curtly towards
them. They are Disney CMs but they are still humans. Be sure to approach each one expecting greatness and
being super friendly.

Also, when we traveled with a large group a couple years back we noticed that once one of the people in our
party got a bad attitude it spread like wildfire. Could this be happening to you? I believe that there has to be
a reason, other than a coincidence, why some people go to Disney and report rude CMs and others, many
others, come back singing their praises. I think it is important to remember that guests are 50% responsible
for their interactions with the CMs.

Just my thoughts..... getting down off my soap box now.

Kristy

[Wishydoo]

Well, when I speak of rude behavior, I mean when it comes out of the blue, without being provoked, not when one is reacting defensively, which I might expect if they were being hassled or something. For example, if part of a person's job is to give directions, I consider it rude if they act annoyed and bothered, and roll their eyes when I ask: "Hi, excuse me, could you kindly direct me to the nearest (fill in the blank)?" If they consider that being hassled, either they are in the wrong line of work, or I'm not as nice as I think I am, lol :sunny:

But, there is a way to rectify this. A simple, "I'm sorry, I'm being edgy, I'm not feeling well today, and that's not your fault...I apologize." To which I would reply, "Aww, I'm sorry, don't worry about it, I hope you feel better soon...take care." See...no hard feelings!

The roles could be reversed, and my line could be, "I'm sorry, I'm stressed, my kids are driving me nutz today, and that's not your fault, I apologize". LOL;)

[lemur2400]

I was at WDW over Memorial Day weekend, and yes it was crowded but to be expected. BUT I do agree that the magic is a bit tarnished. This was my eighth trip, and I brought my 2 DD with as a special "girls trip" before the eldest DD gets married this fall. I noticed that there was GARBAGE floating in the lagoon? area in epcot near the seldom open Odessey Rest. and Mexico, near the flamingos. The walls in Buzz Lightyear were really beat up with large areas of wall damage and paint off. The entire place looked a little threadbare and in need of some TLC. We had a very RUDE CM hostess at the California Grill who informed me that my PS would never be in time for the fireworks in a very loud voice. When in fact I had made these PS 3 months earlier and had asked for the specific timing for the fireworks and was assured that this was it. So the girls and I wandered out from the perch we had taken in the bar area after the fireworks and cancelled our ressies and proceeded on to Pleasure Island and had a fabulous meal at Portobello Yacht Club! I would not run back to WDW for awhile, it needs some new STUFF, Epcot is getting boring! Isn't it time for a new movie in China, France and Canada? How about a new country? I would love to Australia added, a new ride in Germany or Japan? Come on WDW do something to wow us.

[macymichelle]

WE ARE SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER 22-28. NOW I AM WORRIED. I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR SOME POSITIVE FEEDBACK. THANKS:smooth:

[Hollymom1229]

I'm starting to get really upset now, I leave in little over a month for an all girls trip to DW and I've been looking forward to this for six months now. But my parents just got back and reported that things seemed a little too worn, that no CMs were particularly nice, and that it seems the food quality even in the sit downs has dropped significantly. I work 60 hour weeks in a high stress environment, so when I take a vacation I want to have the most fun possible. Come on Disney don't forget the dream that made you.

[KAMLEM]

We just went in May and had a FABULOUS time. We could not have asked for a better time. The
CM's were great. One day we had lunch at the Prime Time Cafe and had the most enjoyable meal ever. This was my 7th trip to WDW and my best yet. The bus drivers were all fabulous, one even played trivia with us. By the way, does anyone know Cinderella's maiden name? He wouldn't give us the answer! We are scheduled to go back next May, but I think I'll need a fix before that!

I hope this positive feedback helps!

[Kala]

We were there in October of 2000, then again in February of this year. We did find alot of worn areas on both trips...paint chipped and peeling on the hand rails leading up to the entrance of the castle (of all places!) and in Minnie's house seemed to be the worst. We also noticed trash in the water and on the ground everywhere. I know that Disney does not throw trash or make things dirty, but we pay alot more to go to WDW for that touch of magic that makes things seem better than anywhere else. I have always believed that Disney CM's should make more money than other service people because of the level of service they provide. Does anyone else find it ironic that Mr. Eisner finds it necessary to cut back on CM's and hours at the same time it is announced on the news page of this site that he has such a surplus of cash that he will be "shopping" for new acquisitions. My vote is to reinvest in what has made you so rich, so that we continue to want to spend every vacation there...not diversify into things that have nothing to do with the "Magic of WDW". I wonder how clean, well maintained and well staffed Universal is these days?

[Wishydoo]

It started with a mouse...it could end with a donkey.

Ooops, did I say that out loud? :o

[Pixeldust]

We were there the last week of April with our two oldest granddaughters (9 and 5). We stayed at the Contemporary.

As a long time visitor, I notice the little changes, the little differences, trip to trip. For the most part, our trip was wonderful, but we did experience some of the things that the original poster mentioned...CMs who are less than friendly, shops with fewer CMs working...longer lines to make purchases (this is a bad move on Disney's part...take our money before we change our minds!! ). We waited in line TWENTY minutes to purchase fudge in the candy shop on Main Street. One poor CM was trying to do everything and it was slow going. If the kids didn't want the fudge and a marshmallow thingy so bad, we never would have waited. BTW -- this long wait happened again, two days later. And we were there during a "slow" week.

However, the CMs in the hotel were fabulous; the problems seem to be in the parks and seemed worse at MGM than the MK. In fact, some of the MGM CMs just didn't seem like Disney employees. The attitude seemed to be one of indifference. Food stands were running out of their specialty food items at 5:00 -- and didn't bother to tell the folks waiting in line until they got to the front and were told to come back in 20 minutes, etc. I would say this was an isolated incident, but it happened to us, on two different days, in two different areas of MGM. We started laughing the second time and looking for the hidden Candid Camera. ;)

The saddest thing for us is seeing the decline in upkeep at the Magic Kingdom. Perhaps it's because we've made som many trips since 1972 and remember how it was in the 70s and 80s. It was remarkable how clean and neat the MK was back then. Since I remember it then, I notice very well how much it has changed. This last trip, we noticed things more and more...dirty walls, chipped paint, mildew on the buildings, trash on the grounds. First time visitors, or people new to Disney in the past 10 years or so, probably wonder what in the world I'm talking about...they probably don't notice the things I notice, because they didn't see how it use to be.

But it's still the best place to be, and I'll be there every chance I get (and lucky me...I'm 2.5 hours away!!).

[LAWalz23]

Just adding my 2 cents. My family was at WDW this past May and we had a wonderful time. The CMs at the Poly were great and most at the parks were great. My biggest problems was that we could not find Jesse (from ToyStory2) in 8 days for my 3 1/2 year old niece. She still talks about how she brought her Jesse doll all the way from home to meet the "real Jesse" and we could not find her. We were even told several times that she might appear and rushed to MGM only to be told that she would not appear that day. Once I was told by a CM that she and Bullseye were at a rodeo, I know I was at Disney, but I am an obvious adult and I was insulted to be told a fairytale. We also noticed long lines at the stores but figured it was par for the course. That aside we really did have a great trip and nobody wanted to come home after 8 days.
You are probably right about oldtimers and newcomers, Pixeldust. It was my first visit onsite, and first time in 10 years and to me everything looked fine. Of course, my family and I did not expect perfection and did not have any problems with rude CMs.

[Tiger Fan]

I am very sorry to the original poster that your vacation is not as you expected. I hope things did get better. To ease some others who are worried, we too were at WDW during the poster's stay (June 2-14). We stayed at All Star Sports and The Yacht Club and only encountered wonderful and knowledgeable CM's at each resort. I also felt that while the crowds were HUGE this year, Disney was doing a good job working through this. We dined at many restaurants, both sit down and counter service as well as foodcourts and felt like the service was average or above at all times. I encourage everyone to be positive about your vacation and have a great time.

Lisa