ASMu

[SqueakyMouse]

Our family of 5 just returned early, early this morning from our first stay at ASMu (4 nights). I worried that the kids would be spoiled from their earlier stays at deluxes. Fortunately, they enjoyed this last minute surprise "budget" trip as much (if not more) than their earlier vacations. Upon arrival around 11 am on Wednesday, the kids and I left dh in one of the two lengthy check-in lines while we went exploring with the camera. We hadn't gotten as far as the piano pool (less than 5 minutes even with numerous photo stops) when dh called and said our room was ready. Both of us were pleasantly surprised with how empty the resort felt. There weren't more than 6 people in both of the pools!! Ds was hoping for a room in the Rock section, and he got his wish. Personally, I'd rather not have the long hike to the buses; but it was very quiet and peaceful. Our room on the 3rd floor had a view of the old car and courtyard. The room was quite clean. The only disappointment for us at ASMu was our housekeeping service throughout our stay. When dh check us in, the CM helping him asked if we still needed a fridge. Dh told him yes. The CM said it would be delivered in just a few minutes. Hours later, it still had not been delivered. That evening, when dh called to check on it, housekeeping stated in a very unfriendly manner that we had NOT requested a fridge. Hmmm...not very Disney-like. Also on that first evening, one our little ones spilled chocolate milk on the bedspread. The next morning, I left a note appologizing for the need for a fresh bedspread along with a hefty tip. I also pulled off the bedspread and turned it over to the white side so the housekeeper couldn't miss the chocolate spot on it. When we returned to the room later that evening, the same chocolate-y smelling bedspread had been returned to the bed. Yuck! On the next afternoon, our other little one spilled a bottle of water on the other bed. My dh called housekeeping, was put on hold forever then passed around to several different people, before being able to request fresh sheets and blankets to be delivered. When we returned from the parks much later that night, 2 sets of sheets had been dropped inside the door. We only needed one set plus a blanket. On our last full day, housekeeping did not arrive to "do" our room until after 4. Dh was asleep on the bed when the housekeeper came in. She asked if he wanted his room "done." When he replied yes, she immediately set to work. Now, let me add that dh was in his boxer shorts and not very comfortable with the whole situation. I do think the problems we experienced with housekeeping at ASMu were widespread. Several times we either talked with other guests or overheard others commenting on how wonderful their experiences were. All-in-all, it wasn't so bad that it would keep us from returning. We found the rest of the resort to be spotlessly clean (with the exception of the caterpillars that kept getting smushed on the pavements -- couldn't be helped), the bus service to be outstanding (although I didn't like the long walks from the stops at the major parks), and the majority of the staff very friendly. Guests also were well-behaved and friendly (no student groups in evidence).