Am I the only one that had a bad time in Disney????

[candylover]

Boy, I feel a little scared writing about my trip.
I know Disney is for the HAPPY. I was happy when I arrived.
That was before I was told I was not staying in the room that
I confirmed already 2 times with no problems.
The front desk cast member was even a little snipy with me.
I stayed at All Star Movies.
OK... got to our room and it was nice... I was happy.
The 3 kids were still fighting over who would take the soap but
I was happy.
Then I found the parks were closing early... MK at 6:00!
I wasnt happy.
What no fireworks??? Kids werent happy.
Tried to get a reservation for special breakfast show or lunch or dinner.....
ALL BOOKED!
Ok so I havent been there in 9 years so to be honest I didnt have a clue
you needed to book so far ahead. Ok maybe a clue but now I know for sure.
I even told the cast members it was my daughters birthday...
there was silence and a huff on the phone..........you should have planned
for that a long time ago....boy this cast member had to be Grumphys mom.
I wasnt happy.mad:
The best part of the trip????? My husband getting on the inner tube at
Blizzard Beach. He feel backwards out of the tube in the water.D
I LOL all day. I am still laughing about it as I type. HE, HE!!!
I made the best of it.
The resort was nice and the parks were nice. Lines werent bad at all.
But, I fond many of the Disney Cast members to be ....well not so happy.
Sorry everyone. I know I may get some grief for this but that is
my take on Disney.

I do have to say, I just love reading everyones posts. I look forward to sitting
down everyday to visit.


candylover:

 

[jeank74]

candylover,

i am very sorry to hear what happened at your trip. i guess the same situation must has happened to someone else on one of their trips, since Disney is just like all other companies, that would make stupid mistakes. in addition with the heavy cut backs, less CMs to serve the same amount of visitors..... that is probably the reason why they were not happy campers.

but at least the trip gave you happy memories, one or two. if there is anything that you think Disney should improve upon, you need to let Disney hear your voice so that you won't get the same problem again on your next visit.

 

[Mr D]

I sometimes wonder how many of the "pixie dust posters" there really are here at these boards, like as employees of Disney to quell and calm folks continuosly.

Face it folks there REALLY is a problem at WDW, like why would a CM commit suicide at the Contemporary by jumping off the 14th floor, onto the monorail tracks of all things? What kind of depression could he have had at the happiest place on earth? Also on the same day another death, another possiible suicide or a careless drowning? Why or how could somebody drown at WDW?
The cast members don't care thats why. I've been there last dec. I talked to many and its the same impression I get every time, WDW is like a third world dictator run country. They work in fear, low paid and have low esteem. They see no enchancement to their passion of working at the "happiest place on earth" least ways the most of them, but there is a larger amount of foreign workers that are used to that working environment of not asking questions.

For two weeks I interviewed many CMs, some openly wished for another corporation to buy out Disney, and one even jokingly said it might be a good thing if WDW was attacked by terrorists, because it would force Disney to build something new.

Want real disney quality?

Go to Japan.

 

[jeank74]

Mr D

When did you interview these CMs? Would CM's fears be related to the world economic recession?

I have always had a rosey picture about WD, and really want to become part of it. Nevertheless, after reading what you have found, I am very surprised!! Do you mind share more on what you have found from your interview?

Thanks.

 

[PKS44]

When a company makes its main goal increasing the bottom line instead of improving what they do this is the inevitable result. No company can be about making money and expect employees to be happy and satisfied. Disney employees used to work to fulfill the mission of Disney- create Disney magic with unparalled Disney service. This was the goal and the happy end result was huge profits...then the goal became profits and for a while profits have come and will come but satisfaction at any other level will not. The investors will never be satisfied, always will want more. same for the execs and the accountants-- increase the profits, it is never enough...as for the employees (used to be called Cast Members)if their job is about making money they will never feel satisfied either...money is great, but people need to feel like they are doing a good job-not making money...It is time for management to change the focus back to putting on a good show, or it is time for me to dump my stock...I believe the latter is much more likely.

 

[pumba]

I am sorry that you had a rough time on your disney visit.....I am open minded and I know that after seeing the thousands of people at the parks on any given day.....can't find everyone that sees the same thing the same way.....We were at Disney the 16th thru the 23rd.....our family of eight had a relatively good time........I did see a few testy people .....but not bad for all we saw and all we did....I am not trying to cover up for people who are not 100% nice to customers.....it should not have happened....BUT it happens.....I didn't know that you could confirm a room at the Movies.....we enjoyed that resort a couple of times......Hope that you continue your love of Disney and visit often to our boards

 

[Ballybunion3]

Well, having returned 3 weeks ago (we were there for the week after
Easter), and having time to reflect some more, I will give my 2 cents:

There definitely were some grumpy/nasty CMs. However, there were
far and away more good ones than bad ones. That being said,
it doesn't take too many nasty comments or rude attitudes by CMs
to make you feel pretty "unmagical".

Examples of poor CM behavior: we had some Fastpasses from the
DVC tour. We went on Peter Pan on a very crowded night, and when we
went to give our FPs to the CM, she said in a very nasty tone,
"where did you get these?" I was taken aback by her tone, as if
we were trying to cheat our way on the ride.

Another CM (cashier) comented on my T-Shirt (a shirt supporting an
environmental group). She started ranting about how George Bush is
ruining this country and why can't we have Bill Clinton back and blah blah
blah. Now, I regret wearing that t-shirt, because the
last thing I want to hear on my vacation is an employee of the resort
rail against MY president. I respect her right to have her views, but spare
me the wacko politics on my vacation! Let's have a nice
conversation about our vacation, not a political commentary.

Come to think of it, the ticket teller at the TTC was even rude (what a way to start the
vacation!) She was just very testy, can't get much more specific.

I always try to give the benefit of the doubt, and after spending so
much money, I want to concentrate on the good and the fun.
But I have to admit, things have slipped, and the Disney management
had better listen to what their guests/customers are saying.

 

[candylover]

Thank you for all that sent a reply.
Thank Goodness I am not alone.
I love Disney and the idea of it. This is why we spent so much money to
visit.
I thought my family could use a little magic.
To be honest its just that.... "This is what I paid for".
Disney advertises and this is what they are selling...
AM I right????
I didnt pay for someone to be rude or nasty. I can get that treatment
by going to my local store on any given day.
I can understand why some are that way. All of the post give great reasons.
But when you come right down to it I am on vacation.........I want to believe that
Disney is a magical place and everyone is happy. I know I will have to go home
and the pretending will be over.
But while I am in Disney......I paid for the magic.. I want the magic.
Boy, I know I might sound a little grumpy but I'm not. I even want to go back.
But its this way. .. If I wanted to experience great adventure I would most likely
go on a safari in Africa... If I wanted to experience the great winterlands I would
go to the North Pole....
I wanted to experience "The Wonderful World of Disney Magic" I went to
Disney....maybe thats all there is.

Have a nice day.
candylover

 

[Geri2001]

that wrote a paper about the summer that he worked at WDW. He stated that the managers were mean to the employees. And that they never had anything good to say about their job performance, that it was only negative. Employees cannot work under conditions like this without it affecting them. When management only sees what they do wrong or what the management wants the employee to do that he or she doesn't do the moral of the employees are definitely dropped to an ultimate low. Maybe the answer is to hire new managers. When managers are yelling at employees at their evening pep talks, they definitely have a problem.

 

[Disney1]

I too was disappointed with the service we received during our last trip. Our best magical moment came from a "temp" who was hired just two weeks prior to our trip. Ten years ago Disney was the country's leader in customer relationships. Now they are sinking to the bottom.

 

[suevee]

In 1986 we had the greatest experience in the world. Everyone was great. But we couldn't afford to go back till June 2000.

In June 2000 our trip was ok. I felt done it, don't need to do it again. But......

Went again in June 2001. This time took all my adult children, spouses, grand children, and some extra friends along for the ride. We had a BLAST!!!!!!

Now am planning a shorty (two days) next week and a longer trip with friends in Feb.2003. Also contemplating getting an AP in Feb so we can go back in June 2003. BUT........I am scared that the subsequent trips won't live up to the trip we took in June 2001.

Conclusion--- I am hoping that the magic is inside of the individual and outside with friends and family and not dependant on happy CMs. Though they do enhance. I have found that if I approach with a smile I usually get one back. And if not, then I try to be empathetic. Then I usuallly get a smile AND a good feeling that I have made some magic for someone else.

I do remember having a lot of angst about spending the money in June 2000. Since then I have figured out that for us going to WDW doesn't cost much more than going to the beach each summer. Also we live in a very high cost of living state and the restaurants etc just aren't that expensive when compared to the ones in this area. So the money angst wasn't there on our last trip. My rationalizing is if I get APs in Feb and go again in June then my trips will even be cheaper. Also planning subsequent trips takes the stress of a "once in a lifetime --gotta have fun" feeling. So if my rationalizations are on target then ALL my WDW trips will be great!!!! Wish me luck. Hope this helps someone else too!!

 

[DisTwix]

Sue Vee.... I am with you!

I have been on a bunch of different vacations, and done a bunch of travelling, and ALSO live in a high-cost place, so Disney isn't that outrageous in price to me. I also get Annual passes and try to make a bunch of little trips, using my annual pass rates on lodging and getting cheap airfare. We have also learned ways to save money on food and the other parts of traveling.

Also - when I have gone on these other vacations, I am just as likely, if not MORE likely to encounter the rude, the unhappy and the generally miserable.

When I go to Disney, it isn't necessarily with the expectation that Disney is going to create something magical for me, but that it is an opportunity to have a great time, in a place where there is almost unlimited entertainment for everyone. The people that I go with make my trip great and fun.

Yes, I am sure the CM's are underpaid. There aren't too many people working in service jobs in the country that can say they are treated well and fairly paid - it's part of the sucky nature of service jobs. Go through any drive-through to experience that phenomenon. I have had good luck at Disney overall in my dealings with CM's, but there have been some off moments for sure. I wasn't fortunate enough to experience the Disney of 20 years ago - well I did, but it was for one day, and believe me, the CM's AREN't what I remember from that trip!

I look foward to each trip I take with kid-like glee and try to absorb every moment of the time I get with my friends. They aren't folks I see all that often, so it's the extra bonus of Disney and friends.

Also, I am with Sue-Vee in that the little trips take the pressure off to have each trip be some unbelievable great adventure. I know I will eventually see and do most everything!

There is my take - I am sure there are those who don't agree - but I love Disney and everything it is supposed to represent.

 

[candylover]

Hello All,

Best of Luck on your trip. I am sure it will be wonderful.
Dont get me wrong guys.... I do love Disney.
I smile everytime I see Mickey Mouse.. I want to go back.

Just..well..I wasnt so happy with this past trip...

candylover

 

[robinb]

candylover,

I'm glad that you found us because I think that you will have a better time at WDW after hanging out with us for a while. There are so many tips and tricks available here to make your next visit absolutely magical.

FWIW, my step-father detests WDW. He calls it "A shopping mall that they charge you to get into." He never does any of the rides or attractions. He wanders from one smoking area to another ... his cigarettes are the highlight of his day. My mother, however, loves WDW. It's getting harder and harder for her to go since she is disabled and "Mr Grumpy" makes it unpleasant for anyone to be around him .

 

[susy]

HI! I'm sorry your trip was disappointing!
We leave in 2 days and I'm trying to keep things in perspective. We also take short trips, but we are only 3 hrs away and there is no airfare involved. Living in south Florida (not cheap to live ) I have to say that WDW is a very expensive vacation for Floridians. Even though there are plenty of discounts, you can still do something else cheaper .There is so much else to do (also within driving distance) and cruises (with no airfare). I live 10 minutes from the beach ($1 an hour in parking change)- you can't get cheaper than that.

I really sympathize with you, but I think you can learn from your trip and make the next one even better!

I'm going to try to take it easy this weekend and try to enjoy myself.

2 days till CBR!

 

[Disneypal]

Alright here I go! First of all I hadn't heard anything about a cast Member Killing themselves. I did however read that there was a death in the Contemporary from a falling. Are you sure about this? I also read that the second death was over finances between a husband and a wife and he had stormed off (still can't believe all you read). Maybe you have another source?

Every business has it's problems and face it Disney is a business with employees, customers, investors and a bottomline. If they don't make money they won't stay open! Another thing to think about is how massive Disney has become in the last 10-15 years. It is because of the wonderful ideas and imaginations of their employee and the great leadership which brings in all of the customers.

Is it the happiest place on Earth? I think so but that is only my opinion. have I ever had a bad experience? You bet I have(Corronado Springs 3 years ago)! Did I give them a second chance? You bet I did and it was well worth it! Our next trip we went to the yacht Club and everything that was wrong at Corronado was perfect her. Does that mena that I think one is better than the other? NO! I think we had a string of bad luck, some employees that were less than sarisfactory and some bad weather.

Last of all I think talking about terror in any form, joking or not, at this time is in extreme bad tatse!!! I was not clear on how or why you were interviewing Cast Members either?

Another thing I noticed on the original posting was that there were 2 adults and 3 children and you only said you had 1 room at the All Stars. These rooms are for 4 people only. Maybe your cast member was unfriendly because they knew you were not following the rules. Your other complaint was the fact that you couldn't get PS. That is not cast Members fault you didn't plan ahead, I would say that was your mistake. As for the fireworks. they always have them at Epcot and on weekends except during the summer when crowds are highest (this info is posted on Disneys web site). I am sorry you and your family didn't have a good time but I would say plan ahead in the future and give them another chance!!!

 

[FINFAN]

I, too feel bad your trip had some negatives happen, and am glad your over-all opinion is to return. We had a rough visit in 1995, but did not plan ahead and did not have this fantastic board to help us out! I completely agree w/robinb that if you stick with these boards you will enjoy your next trip more. I tend to describe a WDW trip(when staying on-site...love it) as a LAND-CRUISE. everything you want or need is available to you...everyone is there for the same reason...to enjoy themselves. I can't wait to go back...but we will do some other travels in -between..national parks etc, beaches. I sure hope nothing happens to WDW! I would be heartbroken! Our trip last summer was the best family time we have ever had. The kids were completely entertained there-for happy so we were happy! We didn't expect too much since we had a bad experience years b4 and were unbeilievably surprised and pleased. We also loved the enjoyment our kids were having. They have never been so excited and happy at any other trip we have taken, and some have cost MORE than WDW!

 

[candylover]

Dear DISNEYPAL,

Take a deep breath...You seem very upset but about what???

Let me make myself perfectly clear.. I NEVER stated in the original post
that we had 1 room. WE HAD 2 ROOMS!!!SO I NEVER BROKE ANY RULES!
As for the fireworks... I wasnt clear. I was referring to Tuesday and Wednesday
at MK> THEY CLOSED AT 6:00!

I think it is wonderful you have had a wonderful time in Disney.
I think its great you were able to overlook problems in the past.

I was however stating MY opinion. I thought that is what this board was for.

I stated I did want to go back and I still do. I hope and expect to have a great
time.

And the most upsetting part of your post......I have read all post over agian..
What exactly are you referring to when you say "terrior".

I can not see where you got the idea anyone was joking about any terrior?????

If someone mentioned the falling/jumping at the Contemp..... It was not in
a joking way at all. I did not take it as a joke.

Every business has ups and downs this is true. Here in the USA we can express
our opinions... I feel Disney is lacking in its hospitality at times. I dont feel I am
the only one that has ever felt this.
I am sorry Disneypal is you were offended by my comments but I still feel the
same way.

I did plan for MK before I left my home. MK changed the closing times while we were there.


candylover

 

[pumba]

 

[Mickey1928]

Originally posted by Mr D
Face it folks there REALLY is a problem at WDW, like why would a CM commit suicide at the Contemporary by jumping off the 14th floor, onto the monorail tracks of all things? What kind of depression could he have had at the happiest place on earth? Also on the same day another death, another possiible suicide or a careless drowning? Why or how could somebody drown at WDW?

What does a CM's suicide have to do with how Disney is being run? Who says any of this CM's emotional problems are a result of Disney employment? Do you really think it's not possible to be depressed at the "happiest place on earth" or that depressed people don't go on vacation or have jobs? Come on! And if you think that if someone is depressed enough to commit suicide that other people would HAVE to be aware of it, guess again. People do commit suicide, leaving many friends and family members stunned because they just didn't know.

And I don't know all the facts about the man who drowned, but from what I understand he was drinking. Is that a new concept too...that someone could drown as a result of being in water DRUNK?



**** happens.