Are WDW resorts slippng?.........Not

[10drum]

I've read post on this board over the years, about how wdw resorts in general aren't as good as they use to be. We visit WDW annually and I must say I'm sometimes looking for flaws.

I just returned for a Sheraton resort in the Colorado rockies, and while it was very nice, I must say WDW has spoiled me rotten.

Compared to every where I travel, WDW resorts are the finest anywhere, and if there are any better, please let know cause I'd like to see em.

 

[ReneeDisney]

I don't feel the resorts are slipping. I just returned from my second trip this year to the BWI and we had a wonderful time.

1. Check-In: Cast member was very nice- (paid for water view- Boardwalk) and had a lovely room overlooking the MGM/EPCOT boat dock- we could see the YC/BC as well.
2. Room was clean, except for 2 crayons left on the floor of the closet.
3. Bell staff and valet car attendants were excelletn and very courteous.
4. All cast members at the resort were exceptionally friendly- even the lifeguards at the pools.

 

[ReneeDisney]

Just back from the BWI and was impressed with my service. this was our second stay at the BWI this year and we had a wonderful time.

1. Check-In: Cast member was very nice- (paid for water view- Boardwalk) and had a lovely room overlooking the MGM/EPCOT boat dock- we could see the YC/BC as well. Room was ready for us (checked in @ 12noon)
2. Room was clean, except for 2 crayons left on the floor of the closet. Requested extra towels once and got them every day thereafter. No towel animals- but didn't really notice.
3. Bell staff and valet car attendants were excellent and very courteous. Gave us direction several times and always with a smile.
4. All cast members at the BWI were exceptionally friendly- even the lifeguards at the pools (were we spent alot of time).
5. We never met a cast member that wasn't friendly (even at 90+ degrees)

I sometimes feel that many times, there are people who are looking for everything for FREE: room upgrades, desserts and anything free and if they do not receive it - they don't enjoy their trip and complain. I believe that you get what you pay for. I have been to WDW at least 2 times a year in the past 10 years and have found that although there is no more surprise morning and we have to go through security at the park entrance -- we love coming back to WDW b/c we know we are guarunteed a great experience.

These boards are filled with lots of wonderful people who share such great information, that I would concentrate more on all the insider tips you get and not focus on the negative.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[DawnCt]

I have to agree that they are slipping when one compares them to what they were several years ago. There have been subtle and gradual changes over the years that have impacted the quality of the deluxe resorts. Turn down service was done for every guest in every room with mints on the pillow. This was done without it having to be requested. Coffee was always available in the lobbies, free of charge early in the morning. This was available through out the breakfast hour so if you were waiting to be seated at the adjacent restaurants, you could have a cup of coffee or you could go to the lobby early in the morning and return with your coffee while you read the paper.
All of the hotels that we have stayed in in Hawaii, The Hilton Waikaloa Village, the Marriott, the Outrigger had superior service and more amenities than those that are offered in the Disney hotels. These include complimentary coffee with the coffee maker in the room, turn down service and a welcome basket and for a lot less than the rates we have paid at the Disney deluxe hotels.

 

[lindamg]

Funny you posted this 10drum, my fiancee and I were just having the same conversation. Perhaps the service has slipped a little over the years, but it is still head and shoulders above other choices.

We just returned from a wedding and didn't have a choice in hotels. Now my fiancee normally only cares that he has a bed with reasonably clean sheets, and a mildly clean toilet. I can't say that this room wasn't clean, but it just wasn't Disney clean. Since this was the weekend I met ALL my future in-laws, I kept my mouth shut. But at the end of the weekend my fiancee started saying that this place left a lot to be desired. He figured Disney must have spoiled him. You think????

 

[miko]

Some things have changed at WDW in general. Do to staff reductions some things have changed but still are at least up to almost every other Hotel chains quality. Remember that Disney has several types of accomodations so expectations can't be compared among each price range nor directly to very chic niche type providers. The changes are sometimes very subtle, others like check-in are more obvious (less staff means more lines).
Another problem, more serious in my mind, is that posters will talk about absolutely exceptional experiences that included upgrades and numerous perks. In general I think we then look forward to similar experiences and then are quite disapointed when they don't happen. Also people who actually have a bad experience may embelish it and cause us to actually seek out minor faults and grow them to "degraded" performance.
And a few of us don't remember some inconveniences from past trips if the vacation was basically a success, so the good old times were not always as good as we think.
Bottom line to me is that Disney provides services apportionate to the price paid, is very consistant and like any service company can't please everyone everytime.

 

[GeorgeG]

I have to agree that there have been subtle changes over the years. I don't no if I'd call it "slipping," but in both the resorts and parks, there have been subtle "cutbacks" going on for about ten years. Nothing to keep us from going, though.

 

[the Legend]

Over the four years I have been travelling to WDW, I have noticed no detectable 'slipping' in service and courteousy. Only the Guests demanding more and giving less. Having returned this week from a whirlwind tour staying at the WL, AKL and Grand Californian at Disneyland, my first-time to WDW Brother noted how spoilt Disney Guests were. We believe the Magic is still very much alive!

 

[10drum]

Dawnct, We stayed at the bc last May and they had free coffee near the entrance to I think it's called cape may. I know alot of complaints come from check-in service and we have never been there during peak season, so maybe fewer staff would make a differance then. We'll find out next April.

 

[barbeml]

We just got back from 8 days at the Polynesian. We had previously stayed three times at Port Orleans (French Quarter). After reading some negative posts, I was concerned about lousy service. Nothing could be further from the truth. The fellow who checked us in, Lynn, was charming, funny and welcoming. He got us the perfect room in Tokelau before I even made requests other than non-smoking--quiet, balcony, view of the quiet pool. We experienced six different servers and several hosts at Kona Cafe--all delightful. Our room was immaculate for length of stay--we even chatted with our charming housekeeper Rhonda a few times. I noticed no reduction in staff and we received excellent service everywhere. One day when we came in from the parks, we were offered fresh-baked cookies in the lobby.

I have also stayed in Hawaii at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Except for the view of Diamond Head, Disney's Poly far surpassed it.

As a former convention and event planner, I do have certain expectations about hotels and services. I have never experienced anything that beats Disney on a consistent basis.

However, as wonderful as the Polynesian and its Monorail access are, I would not pay full price at a Deluxe Resort. (We got a really awesome upgrade deal when our Carribean Beach reservations were cancelled due to renovations). We will be happy to return to Port Orleans or try another Moderate next time.

 

[Disneydenise]

barbeml,
I bet I know what area you were in in Tokelau. 391? by the exit to the beach? We seem to have gotten that area every time we have been to the Poly in the last 6 years. Rhonda is the best. She sent up a cake and balloons for my DD for her 17th Birthday when we were there. I just happen to mention tha t we were going to be in the room a bit longer because we were going to a late breakfast because of her B-Day. When we got back in the afternoon there was a cake. and balloons. DD was so happy. We are now going on Thursday to celebrate DS 17th. I hope he gets the same treat.
As far as the OP I can agree that Disney resorts are better than most but, they aren't what they were 10 years ago. I still love them and I have a great time everytime we go but I am not the same as I was 10 years ago and neither are the resorts . I have had several very nice stays in NYC and other areas along the East coast. I will be branching out with my travel now that my children are going to college so I think I will be able to make a better comparison then.

 

[10drum]

disneydenise, If you'll let the resort know about birthdays they'll bend over backwards to make things special. Our dd turned 14 last may when we were there, and they had something special in the room daily the whole time we were there.

 

[Captain Crook]

I believe the quality of the Disney Resorts is (basically) the same as it was 10 years ago but WE have changed. Disney now faces an internet saavy guest armed with requests & demands and expecting 'pixie dust' (we're celebrating a big anniversery...next month, can we get upgraded?).

The entitlement mentality is running rampant. It's so often a selfish experience that Disney has to deal with day in and day out that the innocence of the true Disney surprise is now long gone. I also think that for the most part we American's are much more used to travel than we were 10-15 years ago and coupled with the 'class worship' we are full of, the simplistic pleasures once offered by a Disney Resort will no longer be adequate...

 

[barbeml]

Captain Crook--AMEN!

Disneydenise--we were in 3907. Rhonda is getting married this week...she was very excited.

 

[10drum]

Captain Crook, you nailed it.

I was struck with the disney surprise(some call it magic) 5 years ago, when my dw finally talked me into a trip to wdw. We've gone every year since, and though each year will never be quite like the first, every trip is better than any trip we take elsewere. Thanks for your reply.