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.
this time round.
) all calls from the rooms go to a single call center where the CMs answer the phone appropriately. Yes, whoever handled your call should have notified management or security, but as far as we know, your call didn't connect inside the resort.
for your next trip.
