Am I The Only One With SIMPLE Expectations?

[UConnLovesDisney]

I also completely agree with the OP. I'm new to these boards but I have already seen multiple complaints about lack of towel animals! I just don't understand, you're in the most magical place in the world and you're upset about towel animals?

 

[disyady]

Thank you for this thread.

 

[RMulieri]

I go to disney often, and though I never recevied anything special( I.e upgrades,towel animals, even room requests) I have never walked away unhappy or griping about my trip .It is what it is, you deal with it or be miserable, and life is way too short to be miserable.I am alive and well and fortunate enough to be there.

 

[maxiesmom]

It seems as though more and more posts for resort reviews are a long list of grievances spawned by high expectations. Everyone expects so much "magic" for their dollar that it clouds their everyday judgement...because its Disney..they are supposed to make my dreams come true.

I understand (BOY do I understand) how expensive a Disney vacation can be and we all want to get our moneys worth. Everyone wants to experience the magic of Disney.

I can't help but think this disappointment being experienced by many is nothing more than unrealistic high expectations.

My expectations are simple.

I expect to get a themed hotel of my choosing based on my budget and personal taste balanced with unique pros and cons that I am WELL aware of prior to my arrival. For Example, I understand that the CSR is a large, spread out resort and it will require more walking. If I choose this hotel and get tired of extra walking, then I understand its my fault for making such a choice and move on.

I expect my room rates are based on hotel location and amenities. Just like any piece of real estate...location, location, location. The closer you are to the Castle, the higher the price. That price gets me convenience, bigger rooms, bigger beds, nicer furniture, more food options, more entertainment options, more available services.

I expect a clean room, friendly service, reasonable safety, hot water, and the typical consumables and info materials found in most any hotel room.

I do not EXPECT towel animals. I do not expect every CM to say "hello" or "aloha" even if I initiate. They are busy doing their job. How can they expect to keep their "train of thought" if they have to stop and respond to every guest that passes by? I would rather have them quickly be on their way to...fix a toilet or deliver bed rails or check on pool chemicals or whatever. I do not expect to get special birthday wishes. I do not expect an upgrade. I APPRECIATE being on the receiving end of ANY of these but expecting all of this only sets one up for disappointment.

Being at Disney, seeing and experiencing the wonder of it all through the eyes of a child or "being a child"..reliving your childhood is what the magic is all about.

Am I the only one who feels this way?

Oh my gosh, it is like you are reading my mind! I as SO tired of people complaining about not receiving towel animals, or about the tone of voice the CM had when they said hello! Or complaining about not receiving a dream, and stalking the Dream Teams.

I just go to Disney expecting to have a good time with my family. If anything else happens, it is gravy. But being their with my nieces and nephew, and even my sis, that is the meat!

 

[eliza61]

Last week I was at Pecos Bill in the MK. I was on a girls only trip so I didn't have any kids to watch. I struck up a conversation with a "grandpa" who was visiting wdw with 3 generations of family. He said the trip was really disappointing because they had not met "mickey" yet. Evidently, he had seen those commercials where the little boy runs into mickeys arms in front of the Castle and since that had not happened to his grandson, their trip was "ruined"

I said to him, "You are here with your entire family including 2 nephews just returned from Iraq alive and whole and your vacation is ruined because you haven't seen a character?" If you knew me, this is so out of character for me. I'm more the "smile graciously and call you crazy in my head"' type of gal
but I was just so floored...

 

[maxiesmom]

Last week I was at Pecos Bill in the MK. I was on a girls only trip so I didn't have any kids to watch. I struck up a conversation with a "grandpa" who was visiting wdw with 3 generations of family. He said the trip was really disappointing because they had not met "mickey" yet. Evidently, he had seen those commercials where the little boy runs into mickeys arms in front of the Castle and since that had not happened to his grandson, their trip was "ruined"

I said to him, "You are here with your entire family including 2 nephews just returned from Iraq alive and whole and your vacation is ruined because you haven't seen a character?" If you knew me, this is so out of character for me. I'm more the "smile graciously and call you crazy in my head"' type of gal
but I was just so floored...

And what was his reply to that?

 

[eliza61]

And what was his reply to that?

He just said that his grandson was so excited from watching that planning dvd and he was really looking forward to seeing the characters. I never saw it but I'm sure it has all the usual "happy shots". I did tell him that I remember when my kids were little, they would sort of feed off of me. Even if I wasn't the happiest camper in town if I would pretend and act really silly they would generally be happy. He did say his daughter had a character meal lined up.

I guess I just try to remember just because I love the place doesn't mean every one else will enjoy the magic.
Or maybe he was a grouchy grandpa and everyone decided to ditch him and meet up at Pecos bill.

 

[joanng]

I totally agree!!!!!!!! My basic wish for all of my Disney vacations is that we are all enjoying ourselves and each others company.I feel very privileged to have gone as often as I have and don't take a single Disney moment for granted. Just being there is the greatest and if you get a little more than expected thats icing on the cake!!!!

Thanks for posting this thread- The most positive thing I have read

 

[MickeyNicki]

I expect clean rooms, fresh towels every day and pleasant service....and I am happy to say that I am never disappointed no matter what resort I stay at.

At restaurants I expect pleasant servers and so far we are pleased with that.

If there was ever anything wrong or I was unhappy in anyway I would report that to housekeeping, front desk or whoever I needed too...after all if you are paying good money for a resort and something is amiss it should be taken care of and that WILL NOT HAPPEN if you dont mention the problem in the first place.

 

[4luvofthemouse]

I have the same thoughts running through my head.
I like all info that I can find on these boards and it has helped me in so many ways with our planning, but sometimes it's like - really people! One of the main reasons I don't post that often is because sometimes I feel like I'm a complete outsider because I seem to have a different view - a positive one.
Everyday at Disney is "magical" for me. I did have a little bit of an oops in Dec. but we talked to the CM's and everything worked out in the end.
It wasn't about not having a towel animal or having to wait to sit down for dinner or anything else like that. It had to do with an item from our wedding ceremony being broken. I didn't come running back to the boards complaining, in fact this is the first time I've mentioned it. It was taken care of so I didn't see any reason to post about it.
There are far too many things in life that are more important than complaining about little things.
Take time to stop and think about were you are and who you are with. Being able to spend family time at Disney world is enough "Magic" to last a life time.

Oh and as long as me and my DD have a bag full of quarters and shiny pennies it's all good!

 

[audisight]

Another AMEN SISTER
Magic happens when you least expect it so just enjoy your trip and relax!

 

[Mr. Pig]

I just have to add my agreement with the OP. I have always felt that Disney keeps up their end in providing what was paid for. There may have been times when things weren't perfect but what is ever perfect. I feel that the "extras" that you sometimes get are part of the magic. If they are expected then it is not magic. Towel animals were cute when you get your first one but when they become expected they become a commodity and just not magical any more.

 

[disyady]

I have the same thoughts running through my head.
I like all info that I can find on these boards and it has helped me in so many ways with our planning, but sometimes it's like - really people! One of the main reasons I don't post that often is because sometimes I feel like I'm a complete outsider because I seem to have a different view - a positive one.
Everyday at Disney is "magical" for me. I did have a little bit of an oops in Dec. but we talked to the CM's and everything worked out in the end.
It wasn't about not having a towel animal or having to wait to sit down for dinner or anything else like that. It had to do with an item from our wedding ceremony being broken. I didn't come running back to the boards complaining, in fact this is the first time I've mentioned it. It was taken care of so I didn't see any reason to post about it.
There are far too many things in life that are more important than complaining about little things.
Take time to stop and think about were you are and who you are with. Being able to spend family time at Disney world is enough "Magic" to last a life time.

Oh and as long as me and my DD have a bag full of quarters and shiny pennies it's all good!

Well said fellow Ontarian! (is that a word?!).

 

[Mrs. Toaster]

Hallelujah for these posts!

I remember the first time I went to the AKL I was a little nervous, because I kept reading on these boards how we would be so disappointed if we didn't pay for a savannah view room. Well, guess what? We weren't disappointed at all! We knew exactly what we were paying for, and we just walked outside and enjoyed the animals on the savannah anyway! I'm thrilled to be vacationing anywhere, especially Disney, so no complaints from me!

 

[mickeymousemom]

I vote this post as "POST OF THE YEAR!" Very well said.

Ditto! I haven't read past the above post but you said it all! I get so tired of the griping and bickering and complaining, blah...blah...blah! I watched that stroller thread for days over in "Theme Parks" before I finally responded with a similar post to the OP's here. They're STILL bickering and griping over there.

Like I said there, WDW is my happy place. My family looks forward to going every year and there's barely a day goes by that we don't talk about Disney in some way, shape or form. We do our research, we've learned things over the years, we KNOW what to expect and the expectations are reasonable in today's society and economy.

When we get a CM that goes above and beyond, then its just extra for us. When we have a day without encountering rude people then its another extra. We are in control of our vacation and we know how to make our OWN magic.

Truth be told, WDW just naturally seems to have the magic floating around. Its like invisible pixie dust. Its not always something you see...its something you FEEL. We know the difference between Universal and WDW. One is a place to go and enjoy some rides and attractions...there is no more of a "feeling" there than there is at my local zoo. The other is simply not the same. There is something in the air that's been there since Disneyland opened and it carried over to WDW. I can't explain it. I only know I'm one of the thousands upon thousands that really do FEEL it. Its just there.


I won't let rude guests or high expectations ruin my happy place. Its not my problem that others choose to be rude and demanding and have no consideration for others. I won't let them control how much pixie dust is in my bubble. If I have to voice my opinion out loud then so be it. I'll say it and then go on, with a smile on my face.

Amen and thank God for Walter Elias Disney. He was not perfect by any means...but. He not only wanted a place that would take him out of his own reality for awhile but he wanted that for others as well. Its very apparent when you visit his parks. I feel what he left behind and I am truly sorry for those that can't.

If you have a gripe, put it on the table to the powers that be. If it doesn't get fixed and you don't like it, then go elsewhere. If you don't, you'll get no sympathy from me.

 

[eliza61]

I also think alot of people suffer from information overload.

1) They read all the wonderful things that have happen to others here on the dis and if they don't experience it then they are disappointed. i.e. room upgrades. How many post do we see asking how to get a free room upgrade?
or worst yet, How many post do we see asking "It's my birthday, annniversary, graduation what will disney do for me?

2) Advertisement. I think we all are guilty of buying into the "pixie dust" especially when we see all the commericials of half empty parks with shining happy people. Notice that the kids never cry on the planning dvd. then guest arrive and the parks are crowded, major meltdowns are going on, parents may be grumpy and a few cm's are less than magical. I'm always surprised that we expect "mary poppins" at the resorts. When I go to Washington DC or any other vacation destination, I never expect the front desk clerk to be perky & sunshining but when we get to disney we're upset if all the cm's aren't singing 'zippa dee do da" all the day long.

3) We forget that people will be people. I'm always amazed at the post that blame disney for guest behaving badly. Unfortunately,yes some guest will break the rules and smoke in the room. There is really a limited amount of things disney can do. Some guest will not be polite with their strollers on a bus and some folks are going to let their kids run amok. Remember if they are big boors at home, it's not really likely they are going to have manners at the world

 

[dananbethany]

The OP has a great post - we go in expecting a clean room and hot water and we're rarely disappointed. Anything else is considered a bonus

 

[KELLY]

I agree 100%. I'm 33 years of age and been to Disney Word around 25 times and I have never had a complaint.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I also think alot of people suffer from information overload.

1) They read all the wonderful things that have happen to others here on the dis and if they don't experience it then they are disappointed. i.e. room upgrades. How many post do we see asking how to get a free room upgrade?
or worst yet, How many post do we see asking "It's my birthday, annniversary, graduation what will disney do for me?

2) Advertisement. I think we all are guilty of buying into the "pixie dust" especially when we see all the commericials of half empty parks with shining happy people. Notice that the kids never cry on the planning dvd. then guest arrive and the parks are crowded, major meltdowns are going on, parents may be grumpy and a few cm's are less than magical. I'm always surprised that we expect "mary poppins" at the resorts. When I go to Washington DC or any other vacation destination, I never expect the front desk clerk to be perky & sunshining but when we get to disney we're upset if all the cm's aren't singing 'zippa dee do da" all the day long.

3) We forget that people will be people. I'm always amazed at the post that blame disney for guest behaving badly. Unfortunately,yes some guest will break the rules and smoke in the room. There is really a limited amount of things disney can do. Some guest will not be polite with their strollers on a bus and some folks are going to let their kids run amok. Remember if they are big boors at home, it's not really likely they are going to have manners at the world

That was very well said and I agree with you 100%.

 

[dananbethany]

Last week I was at Pecos Bill in the MK. I was on a girls only trip so I didn't have any kids to watch. I struck up a conversation with a "grandpa" who was visiting wdw with 3 generations of family. He said the trip was really disappointing because they had not met "mickey" yet. Evidently, he had seen those commercials where the little boy runs into mickeys arms in front of the Castle and since that had not happened to his grandson, their trip was "ruined"

I said to him, "You are here with your entire family including 2 nephews just returned from Iraq alive and whole and your vacation is ruined because you haven't seen a character?" If you knew me, this is so out of character for me. I'm more the "smile graciously and call you crazy in my head"' type of gal
but I was just so floored...

Reminds me of something I read on another Disney board. The woman said that her trip was "totally ruined" because she couldn't get over a rude remark someone made to her in the bathroom at Animal Kingdom. The whole thread turned into a conversation about rude things and rude people. I finally asked her, "Forget the fact that someone said something rude to you - I'm more disturbed by the fact that you let one remark 'totally ruin' your entire trip!" She never answered my post...and I don't go to that board much anymore.