Just returned today... quite a few complaints

[udsweetpea]

I've been to Disney World more times than I can count, and this is the first time I'm coming back with complaints.

First, I was sad to see that all of the resorts have the same mug now. I liked having a special mug from my resort with the year on it from prior vacations. I'm still surprised to see people using Dixie Landings mugs... and getting away with it!

We stayed at All Star Sports, which was not my choice. We were trying to save money this time, but I think it's the last time I'll stay there. Two out of the three vending machines in my building were broken, and when I went to the front desk to get my money back, I felt like I was getting the third degree. The food court food has significantly gone down the tubes there since they first opened. I wanted some healthy options, but they're much more pricey and very bland.

Our neighbors next door were kids with no adult supervision. The kids would run up and down the corridor at all times of the day beginning at 6:30am. They would stomp all the way down the hall and then bang loudly on the door. Then the door would slam shut. We called front desk several times for a solution, but nothing was ever resolved.

We even helped put out a fire near the pool (leaves on a light fixture had gotten hot and started a flame), and we didn't even get a "thank you".

We utilized the new online check-in option and selected 2 options that were important to us- close to food court and on the ground floor. We were far away from the food court and on the third floor.

I went to WDW this time wanting only one thing to take home... a 2009 ornament. Could not find ONE ornament with the year on it. They had junky 2010 ornaments, but who would be buying one of those NOW? Now you have to buy a plain ornament and pay $3 to have someone paint the year on it.

I really enjoyed MVMCP the last time we went in 2007, but it was just too crowded this time. I doubt I'll do it again.

Cast members seemed more miserable. I found the merchandise to look a lot cheaper now as well.

Oh, and could the quick service restaurants find anything remotely healthy to serve?

I'm sad to say it, but I really didn't enjoy this trip at all.

 

[RMulieri]

I've been to Disney World more times than I can count, and this is the first time I'm coming back with complaints.

First, I was sad to see that all of the resorts have the same mug now. I liked having a special mug from my resort with the year on it from prior vacations. I'm still surprised to see people using Dixie Landings mugs... and getting away with it!

We stayed at All Star Sports, which was not my choice. We were trying to save money this time, but I think it's the last time I'll stay there. Two out of the three vending machines in my building were broken, and when I went to the front desk to get my money back, I felt like I was getting the third degree. The food court food has significantly gone down the tubes there since they first opened. I wanted some healthy options, but they're much more pricey and very bland.

Our neighbors next door were kids with no adult supervision. The kids would run up and down the corridor at all times of the day beginning at 6:30am. They would stomp all the way down the hall and then bang loudly on the door. Then the door would slam shut. We called front desk several times for a solution, but nothing was ever resolved.

We even helped put out a fire near the pool (leaves on a light fixture had gotten hot and started a flame), and we didn't even get a "thank you".

We utilized the new online check-in option and selected 2 options that were important to us- close to food court and on the ground floor. We were far away from the food court and on the third floor.

I went to WDW this time wanting only one thing to take home... a 2009 ornament. Could not find ONE ornament with the year on it. They had junky 2010 ornaments, but who would be buying one of those NOW? Now you have to buy a plain ornament and pay $3 to have someone paint the year on it.

I really enjoyed MVMCP the last time we went in 2007, but it was just too crowded this time. I doubt I'll do it again.

Cast members seemed more miserable. I found the merchandise to look a lot cheaper now as well.

Oh, and could the quick service restaurants find anything remotely healthy to serve?

I'm sad to say it, but I really didn't enjoy this trip at all.

We just got back too and had an awful time finding a 2009 ornament.Found one finally in the Xmas shop at the MK.Albeit not a nice one..Had great Cms never an issue anywhere

 

[BfloChick]

I'm sorry to hear that your trip was disappointing.

 

[Disneyfan18951]

I know what you mean about service being down. I had one of my worst trips 09/09. Very few nice CMs most were surly and some almost mean. The food quality was way down over previous trips.

I guess Disney figures people will keep coming back no matter what I hope things improve. I travel at off times so it is not like it is super crowded.

One thing: some mugs from a LONG time ago were sold as LIFETIME use not just trip use so the Dixie landing mugs most likely fall under that catagory.

 

[kinggoofy]

I think the main reason why you could not find any 2009 ornaments is because sometime after Thanksgiving, (we were there 11-26 to 12-6) ALL 2009 stuff was put on a 50% discount. Shirts, backpacks, ornaments.,etc.

I want to say the 50% off discount started everywhere on Mon Nov 30th or Tues Dec 1st. By the time we left on Dec 6th....all the "good" stuff was gone.

 

[udsweetpea]

I think the main reason why you could not find any 2009 ornaments is because sometime after Thanksgiving, (we were there 11-26 to 12-6) ALL 2009 stuff was put on a 50% discount. Shirts, backpacks, ornaments.,etc.

I want to say the 50% off discount started everywhere on Mon Nov 30th or Tues Dec 1st. By the time we left on Dec 6th....all the "good" stuff was gone.

That's really odd that they do that since the busiest week of the year is Christmas, so why not have enough ornaments for those who visit during the busiest time?

 

[kinggoofy]

That's really odd that they do that since the busiest week of the year is Christmas, so why not have enough ornaments for those who visit during the busiest time?

They basically have already made their money on the 2009 items. Plus, their fiscal year ended i think end of September beginning of October. I would think by them putting 09 stuff at a 50% discount they think they would sell more of it off fast. It worked for us. 2009 blue sweatshirts reg. 35.00 on sale for 17.50.

 

[daisyduck123]

I got my 2009 ornaments when I was there this summer.

Guess I'll be sure to get the 2010 ones when we are there next summer.

 

[2boys1girl]

I also just returned from Disney a little disappointed.

My main disappointments:

All the bathrooms in the parks were filthy.

Went to Planet Hollywood Dec. 10(last day or two of Pop Warner) and the 2 top floors had cheerleaders. They were literally screaming cheers at the top of their lungs. The problem was the dj was encouraging them. It was horrible!

Could not find any Disney photo takers(whatever they are called). Usually they are everywhere not this trip.

 

[tinkbyday]

We just returned yesterday.

We were able to find 2009 ornaments at several locations.

As for the CMs - we found just about every one we encountered to be pleasant and helpful. I'm sorry you did not have the same impression.

I agree that the MVMCP was very crowded - we attended the 12/13 one and were surprised at just how many people were there.

 

[Native NYer]

Sorry to hear your trip was less than magical.

 

[scanne]

I've been to Disney World more times than I can count, and this is the first time I'm coming back with complaints.

First, I was sad to see that all of the resorts have the same mug now. I liked having a special mug from my resort with the year on it from prior vacations. I'm still surprised to see people using Dixie Landings mugs... and getting away with it!
This is something that was implemented two years ago (approx.) to cut cost for Disney. It's cheaper for them to mass produce one style. With so many resorts now, this is understandable. I usually buy a magnet from the resort we stay at and put it on my fridge.

We stayed at All Star Sports, which was not my choice. We were trying to save money this time, but I think it's the last time I'll stay there. Two out of the three vending machines in my building were broken, and when I went to the front desk to get my money back, I felt like I was getting the third degree. The food court food has significantly gone down the tubes there since they first opened. I wanted some healthy options, but they're much more pricey and very bland.
If you felt that you were being treated rudely by a CM at the front desk, you should have asked for a manager. It's unfortunate that the vending machines were not working, but I'll bet most guests don't use them a lot. The food courts at the All Stars (in my opinion) are there to make large quantities of food for large numbers of guests quickly. Unfortunately, fried, greasy food = quick food. I do recall seeing fruit cups, yogurts and whole pieces of fruit at Pop's food court....I can't believe All Star Sports didn't have any of that.

Our neighbors next door were kids with no adult supervision. The kids would run up and down the corridor at all times of the day beginning at 6:30am. They would stomp all the way down the hall and then bang loudly on the door. Then the door would slam shut. We called front desk several times for a solution, but nothing was ever resolved.

Unruly kids are a result of no/poor parental supervision. A security guard may have warned them, but if no one was supervising the kids, then they're bound to misbehave.

We even helped put out a fire near the pool (leaves on a light fixture had gotten hot and started a flame), and we didn't even get a "thank you".
Isn't it nice, though, that you did a good deed? Just knowing you helped should be 'thanks' enough.

We utilized the new online check-in option and selected 2 options that were important to us- close to food court and on the ground floor. We were far away from the food court and on the third floor.
Being close to the food court is now a room category - preferred - and has to be booked with your initial reservation. If you were unhappy with your room location, you could have asked to be relocated if something else was available.

I went to WDW this time wanting only one thing to take home... a 2009 ornament. Could not find ONE ornament with the year on it. They had junky 2010 ornaments, but who would be buying one of those NOW? Now you have to buy a plain ornament and pay $3 to have someone paint the year on it.
Disney is a business - plain and simple. Paying another $3.00 for 2009 may be worth it to some people to commemorate their trip.

I really enjoyed MVMCP the last time we went in 2007, but it was just too crowded this time. I doubt I'll do it again.
I found MVMCP to be ok compared to MNSSHP. I won't be rushing back to either. For the $$$ spent, those parties get very crowded and are lacking the perks I found to be at parties in 2003 and 2004.

Cast members seemed more miserable. I found the merchandise to look a lot cheaper now as well.
CM's are understaffed and tired. Not saying it's an excuse, but with cutbacks, that's what you'll get. I have always found that if I approach a situation in a positive way, I'll get a positive result. I'm sorry you didn't encounter more magical CM's.

Oh, and could the quick service restaurants find anything remotely healthy to serve? There are a lot of QS places that offer salads, wraps, roasted chicken, fresh veggies, etc. It's not all burgers and hot dogs.

I'm sad to say it, but I really didn't enjoy this trip at all.
Sorry to hear that. Hopefully your next WDW trip will be more magical and more memorable.

 

[frostymom]

Glad we picked up our ornament in the summer too. Maybe if you look online, they do offer park merchandise on the website.

 

[TagsMissy]

That's really odd that they do that since the busiest week of the year is Christmas, so why not have enough ornaments for those who visit during the busiest time?

Being a buyer for a nation wide retail store the plan *is* to not have much stock left by this time of year from 2009. Personally the fact that they are gone by now makes he tap the back of those responsible for a job well done.

 

[PhillipA82]

Ah, I am sorry to hear that...

 

[TagsMissy]

I also just returned from Disney a little disappointed.

My main disappointments:

All the bathrooms in the parks were filthy.

Went to Planet Hollywood Dec. 10(last day or two of Pop Warner) and the 2 top floors had cheerleaders. They were literally screaming cheers at the top of their lungs. The problem was the dj was encouraging them. It was horrible!

Could not find any Disney photo takers(whatever they are called). Usually they are everywhere not this trip.

I have to agree that I noticed a major decline in bathroom cleanliness from my trip this past August to the year previous. I found the bathrooms this year to be quite dirty in comparison.

 

[udsweetpea]

I've been to Disney World more times than I can count, and this is the first time I'm coming back with complaints.

First, I was sad to see that all of the resorts have the same mug now. I liked having a special mug from my resort with the year on it from prior vacations. I'm still surprised to see people using Dixie Landings mugs... and getting away with it!
This is something that was implemented two years ago (approx.) to cut cost for Disney. It's cheaper for them to mass produce one style. With so many resorts now, this is understandable. I usually buy a magnet from the resort we stay at and put it on my fridge.
I understand Disney is a business, but I thought they were at least putting the year on the mugs so people don't use them for future visits. I usually buy the mug and a resort ornament, but All Star didn't have resort ornaments either.

We stayed at All Star Sports, which was not my choice. We were trying to save money this time, but I think it's the last time I'll stay there. Two out of the three vending machines in my building were broken, and when I went to the front desk to get my money back, I felt like I was getting the third degree. The food court food has significantly gone down the tubes there since they first opened. I wanted some healthy options, but they're much more pricey and very bland.
If you felt that you were being treated rudely by a CM at the front desk, you should have asked for a manager. It's unfortunate that the vending machines were not working, but I'll bet most guests don't use them a lot. The food courts at the All Stars (in my opinion) are there to make large quantities of food for large numbers of guests quickly. Unfortunately, fried, greasy food = quick food. I do recall seeing fruit cups, yogurts and whole pieces of fruit at Pop's food court....I can't believe All Star Sports didn't have any of that.
Oh, they did have fruit and yogurt options, but I believe the yogurt was $5. I chose to bring food from home to eat instead. But All Star used to have pre-made sandwiches and subs, and they were sooo good! Oh, and they took away the Cherry Coke in the soda fountains (something I used to splurge on there).

We even helped put out a fire near the pool (leaves on a light fixture had gotten hot and started a flame), and we didn't even get a "thank you".
Isn't it nice, though, that you did a good deed? Just knowing you helped should be 'thanks' enough.
Knowing the Disney I used to know, a "thank you" should have been given. But yes, we do feel good we did a good deed.

We utilized the new online check-in option and selected 2 options that were important to us- close to food court and on the ground floor. We were far away from the food court and on the third floor.
Being close to the food court is now a room category - preferred - and has to be booked with your initial reservation. If you were unhappy with your room location, you could have asked to be relocated if something else was available.
If it's a room category, why is it an option to choose for online check-in? We didn't know where our rooms were until later in the day after a day in the parks. We just wanted to get showers and head to bed, not go to front desk and complain.

I went to WDW this time wanting only one thing to take home... a 2009 ornament. Could not find ONE ornament with the year on it. They had junky 2010 ornaments, but who would be buying one of those NOW? Now you have to buy a plain ornament and pay $3 to have someone paint the year on it.
Disney is a business - plain and simple. Paying another $3.00 for 2009 may be worth it to some people to commemorate their trip.
Paying $3.00 on top of a $14.95 ornament just didn't seem justifiable to me. I know $3 isn't a lot, but knowing that Disney had ornaments before with the year on it just made it too transparent that they were searching for new ways to make an extra buck.

Cast members seemed more miserable. I found the merchandise to look a lot cheaper now as well.
CM's are understaffed and tired. Not saying it's an excuse, but with cutbacks, that's what you'll get. I have always found that if I approach a situation in a positive way, I'll get a positive result. I'm sorry you didn't encounter more magical CM's.

CMs have always been overworked, poorly paid, and tired, but this is the first time they've acted more like employees than cast members. I was a cast member, and even on my worst days, I still tried to make the guests smile.

Oh, and could the quick service restaurants find anything remotely healthy to serve? There are a lot of QS places that offer salads, wraps, roasted chicken, fresh veggies, etc. It's not all burgers and hot dogs.
I did try a grilled chicken sandwich, and I only ended up eating the bun because the chicken was so dry and bland.

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

We were there Dec 10-15
I also had a hard time finding a 2009 ornament and never did find one!!! I had worked in WDW till May and decided I wanted a 2009 tshirt, either the green or pink one and unless you were a size S you were not getting one! I wanted a 2009 photo album, no such luck and ended up with a Celebrate Today one and I will get sharpie and write the year on it. I think it's kind of them to put the merchandise on sale but perhaps should have done it in steps by week and deeply discount it 50% by Xmas week.

Although it was nice to have the 2010 merchandise out for those who might it want it in 2009, I'm going to buy merchandise with the year on it that I'm there. Oh well...

 

[Planogirl]

We didn't care for the Allstars when we tried them either but people keep praising Pop Century. Maybe that's a better option?

I'm sorry that you had a bad trip. I think that those seem to happen to most everyone from time to time.

 

[LindyN]

The week of Nov 15-20 there pretty much was NO ONE in the parks. MVMCP was a ghost town on Nov 19 and we didn't even have to get off Splash. weather was nice and no rain either. The CMs at Aladdin were begging us to ride so they would have something to do. Restrooms were spotless with plenty of supplies; no trash anywhere.

On Sat, Nov 21, the parks got really busy and even Epcot was packed. Line for Space Mountain in the afternoon was every bit of the 75 minutes advertised. Been pretty busy since then.

Much of the current year merchandise is sent to the outlet stores, so unless you have a way to get there you won't find any in the parks.

I don't seen to have problems finding healthier QS food, and rarely if ever eat a burger and fries at Disney. Sorry to hear the OP was not able to find options. In the Value resorts I will often have them modify what I purchase to cut down on some of the junk. Its pretty easy to have them make a dinner salad (caesar) with no dressing, or to put it on the side--but you have to ask and wait for them to fix it.

FWIW.