Am I The Only One With SIMPLE Expectations?

[stepdisney]

I can usually tell when someone has overly high expectations. Sometimes if they say that they "have to" stay deluxe concierge and then they complain about the level of service, I move on to the next post. Some people are more concerned with having the absolute best not realizing that most of the time it involves "who" you are with more than "where" you are. (This applies if you are on a solo trip also). If I have my family, good friend, or am happy with myself, how can I project my good/bad time on someone who is a complete stranger like a CM? I remember crying when I finally reached the front desk at Pop century in 2005. My parents couldn't afford to take us to Disney or anywhere near Disney. I saw the looks on my sons' faces, gratitude and excitement. We are in no way struggling financially but we know that if our children are grateful just to be with family at Disney, this is priceless. Pop Century was a wonderful trip. Have we ever had to deal with issues at Disney, of course, does it wreck our trip? Never!!

 

[Buzz2001]

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?

I also agree.

 

[PamNC]

Add me to the list of people who agree with the OP. I do expect for CM's to speak back to me, Aloha hello or whatever, if I speak to them first. But, I would expect that here in my home town. We are having way too much fun on our trips to pick apart every little detail of a resort. However, we did have a not-so-stellar stay at the WL. I think part of that was the current state of mind that we were in....in other words, I think if you're going through stuff in your personal life and something "just isn't right" it will cloud your trip.

We went to the Campfire Singalong once and the CM running the show, Sundee, said something that comes to mind. She said, "C'mon now folks. You're at Disney on vacation. The worst day here has to be better than a any day at work!"

What do I expect from the resort? Clean room, great amenities, friendly CM's (but not PERFECT ALL THE TIME), the usual stuff I would expect anywhere. But, I'll tell you...without the CM's the Disney experience would be nothing. They are what makes it special.

PamNC

 

[DJ Disney Kid]

Disney should hire and place a magician in each room of every resort. This way everyone is guaranteed some magic. He could even sleep in the bed with you, maybe wake ya up in the middle of the night, pull a quarter from your ear.

 

[stepdisney]

Disney should hire and place a magician in each room of every resort. This way everyone is guaranteed some magic. He could even sleep in the bed with you, maybe wake ya up in the middle of the night, pull a quarter from your ear.

I had orange juice coming out of my nose on that one!!

 

[Terk-1]

I go to WDW to relax & have fun. I've lucked out and have had great service at Port Orleans French Quarter, which is why I'm staying there again on this trip. All I want in a resort is that it is clean and one that I feel comfortable staying at. I do expect, however, that the CM's are polite & courteous. I have run into some pretty unhappy (or downright rude) CM's. I don't let it ruin my trip, but it does make me think twice about staying at that resort again. It costs a pretty penny to go to WDW. I don't expect a "perfect" CM, and I very rarely complain, as it's not worth ruining a vacation over. However, if a employee is rude, then it does not matter if I'm staying at a WDW Resort or a hotel anywhere else in the country, I will discuss this with a manager. Everyone has a bad day, and I completely understand that, but to take it out on a guest, is just not acceptable in my eyes. Again, I have been very fortunate that this has only happened to me twice in the 17 visits to WDW. I did not let it spoil my vacation, but did make note of the situation and let management know. I don't nitpick about little things and I sure don't expect things like towel animals. As long as the room & grounds are cleaned well, and the CM's are polite, I'm happy.

I have also notified the resort management about CM's who do a great job and should be commended for it. For instance, I was told that buses ran to EPCOT for the early Segway tours when I booked the tour. The day before, I stopped by POFQ guest services to confirm what time we should be at the bus stop for this bus and was told that the information I was given by the tour department was wrong and there were no buses that early. We did not have a rental car. The CM got on the phone and started making phone calls to confirm this. He then booked us a cab for the next morning and wrote down how much the cab would costs, the exact directions to EPCOT, as he informed us that some cab drivers will take the long way around EPCOT to increase their fares. He then told me to hold on to the receipt and see the manager when we returned back from EPCOT for a full refund of the cab ride. I felt this CM did an excellent job fixing WDW Tours mistake and made sure to make note of his name. When I met with the manager the next day, I gave this CM a glowing review, then wrote a letter to both the manager & GM of the resorts complimenting this CM again.

 

[mskayjay]

I agree with the intent of the OP but I also give a nod to those who mention that WDW sets itself up as the vacation magician and is in its own way setting itself up for some discontent on the part of *some* of their guests. The extras like towel animals and such are lovely but I would prefer a really clean clean room! People (all people including guests!) should be polite to each other and at least acknowledge when someone speaks to you.

We had flowers sent to us while on a previous trip for our anniversary and they were from WDW! Not a friend...WDW! now that may seem like no big deal to most but I promise you that of all the times we have gone to our special hotel up in Lake Placid for these types of life events, the hotel never sent us flowers, they never bought us dinner or dessert or even had a special dessert made up for us (!!!!!), or anything! I pay far far more for my room there too btw! lol

If you go with no expectations other than the simple, proper, happy ones the OP mentions, perhaps we all would have a much better time and the surprises that come along would be just that rather than an expectation. If you want to be guaranteed something, pay for it and order it ahead of time!

 

[webray]

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.

Am I the only one who feels this way?

Thank you, I couldn't have said it better myself!

 

[mskayjay]

I have also notified the resort management about CM's who do a great job and should be commended for it. For instance, I was told that buses ran to EPCOT for the early Segway tours when I booked the tour. The day before, I stopped by POFQ guest services to confirm what time we should be at the bus stop for this bus and was told that the information I was given by the tour department was wrong and there were no buses that early. We did not have a rental car. The CM got on the phone and started making phone calls to confirm this. He then booked us a cab for the next morning and wrote down how much the cab would costs, the exact directions to EPCOT, as he informed us that some cab drivers will take the long way around EPCOT to increase their fares. He then told me to hold on to the receipt and see the manager when we returned back from EPCOT for a full refund of the cab ride. I felt this CM did an excellent job fixing WDW Tours mistake and made sure to make note of his name. When I met with the manager the next day, I gave this CM a glowing review, then wrote a letter to both the manager & GM of the resorts complimenting this CM again.

See this to me is key in life. You let the smallest things roll off or we have even tried to make a CM smile when they look down (heck they do it for us, why not return the favor!!!!). But this going out of the way to compliment people, that is huge and I'm betting it made you feel great, it made the CM feel great, it helped the managers day be brighter, etc. Now I realize we are not at WDW to make the staff feel good about themselves, but it doesn't hurt to do it either!

We have a 2 for 1 rule.....for every one person you are upset enough to complain about, make a point of going out of your way to give management compliments about 2 people who went out of their way for you. If you look for it, you'll be amazed at how much more good stuff goes on rather than the other way around.

 

[Terk-1]

See this to me is key in life. You let the smallest things roll off or we have even tried to make a CM smile when they look down (heck they do it for us, why not return the favor!!!!). But this going out of the way to compliment people, that is huge and I'm betting it made you feel great, it made the CM feel great, it helped the managers day be brighter, etc. Now I realize we are not at WDW to make the staff feel good about themselves, but it doesn't hurt to do it either!

We have a 2 for 1 rule.....for every one person you are upset enough to complain about, make a point of going out of your way to give management compliments about 2 people who went out of their way for you. If you look for it, you'll be amazed at how much more good stuff goes on rather than the other way around.

It did make me feel great. He did not have to do any of that and could have just said "oh well. Figure it out for yourself", but he didn't and I wanted to make sure he, his manager and those higher up knew how great of a job he was doing, especially going above & beyond like that. When I go the extra mile at work, it's noticed and my manager (and others) have thanked me and told me that my work is appreciated. I feel great and want to make sure others feel the same way.

When I go to WDW solo and see families (or couples) trying to take group photos, I'll approach and ask if the family member wants to be in the photo too and take the picture for them. 99% of the time, people are grateful and I'm happy to do it. Brings a smile to their face and it makes my trip that much better.

 

[mskayjay]

It did make me feel great. He did not have to do any of that and could have just said "oh well. Figure it out for yourself", but he didn't and I wanted to make sure he, his manager and those higher up knew how great of a job he was doing, especially going above & beyond like that. When I go the extra mile at work, it's noticed and my manager (and others) have thanked me and told me that my work is appreciated. I feel great and want to make sure others feel the same way.

When I go to WDW solo and see families (or couples) trying to take group photos, I'll approach and ask if the family member wants to be in the photo too and take the picture for them. 99% of the time, people are grateful and I'm happy to do it. Brings a smile to their face and it makes my trip that much better.

I'd love to just be a roaming CM at WDW and troubleshoot. Help people with photos, intercede to provide that moment of levity when someone is having a meltdown (adult or child....usually someone from the outside can break the moment), just be a general goof with everyone to provide those little things! Don't know quite how to quantify it. But what you did....I love it! When we do this at restaurants its so much fun because we'll tell the server we'd like to speak to the manager, they will ask if there is something wrong and we just repeat to please get the manager, he/she comes over and the server is trying so hard to not look too obvious in trying to hear what we say, and then when they see us laughing and joking with the manager they relax. Managers love hearing it too because all they usually hear is *itch and complain so a nice upbeat comment....makes everybody feel good!!!

 

[mskayjay]

Disney should hire and place a magician in each room of every resort. This way everyone is guaranteed some magic. He could even sleep in the bed with you, maybe wake ya up in the middle of the night, pull a quarter from your ear.

ROFLMAO!!!!!!!

 

[disneybridetobe]

I agree with you completely! Just being there is magic in itself!

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?

 

[catbertdave99]

Me too!

 

[disneybridetobe]

SO true!

Reminds me of my trip with a complainer. When I was 13, my mom and I took a Mother-Daughter trip, stayed at Port Orleans in the mid-Summer. She complained the whole time about the heat, her legs being sore, the bugs, the "rides", this that and the other thing, and all she wanted to do was stay at the pool all day. (Folks, this is a 39 year old woman in good health!)
It really tainted my view of Disney until DH and I got married there in 2006. It was the happiest week of my life!
It's all in how you look at it!

we keep the expectation bar low ourselves...

a clean room, free of bugs, roaches and rodents - we're happy.

don't need any towel animals, fake greetings or upgrades.

just change the towels, wipe down the toilet and don't steal our crap.

and for that, i'll leave you $5 in an envelope.

 

[WildernessCouple]

Excellent post, agree 100%.

 

[Shmily1]

I too am with you on this one!! I do expect clean sheets on the bed when I arrive and an air conditioner that works. Oh, and a shower and toilet... yep, that would be about it... the rest is up to me!! If I don't like the resort, there are well over a dozen others I should have picked.

 

[chickenskin]

Have no expectations and you won't be disappointed. In all the years going to Disney starting in '72 we have yet to experience anything less than wonderful, often reaching spectacular. We go with no expectations. I agree 100% with the OP. Now where's my stinkin' towel animal??

 

[HoneyPooh]

we keep the expectation bar low ourselves...

a clean room, free of bugs, roaches and rodents - we're happy.

don't need any towel animals, fake greetings or upgrades.

just change the towels, wipe down the toilet and don't steal our crap.

and for that, i'll leave you $5 in an envelope.

Must be something about NJ, I could have written this! Anything above and beyond this is great but those are all we really expect.

 

[bestla]

Haven't finished the thread yet..but wanted to comment!

I totally agree with the OP. I understand when people complain about certain aspects of the resorts...but I also take everything with a grain of salt. Everything is relative. Things that would bother one person could be great for another!

For example..big resorts and sometimes slow transportation. I can totally see how this would be a hassle for families with a bunch of little kids..or even anyone that has the "go go go" attitude. But for me, knowing how much go-go-going is in store for me at the parks, I cherish the extra 10 minutes of sitting and waiting at the bus stop! I think it's also knowing that if I don't catch something this time around, I'll get it next time. But I also realize not everyone can have this attitude...not everyone can go 1+ times a year. For a lot of families..it may be a one shot deal....so I can definitely see how slow transportation could have negatively altered their trip.

Given all that...I've been to WDW 12 times now, and I've never been unhappy with any of the resorts or service. At any other hotel/theme park/restaurant, I would be THRILLED to get "bad Disney" service!