BLT- The Naked Truth

[helloconnie]

BTW, you all are making me a little less excited about going to the BLT for the first time in November. It has been a dream of mine for decades to stay at the Contemporary and just hope the magic is not ruined. I hope my expectations have been lowered enough so we are not disappointed.

Ohhh no! I just returned to from my 1st trip to BLT and I had read all the threads before hand. My expectations were not lowered. I was very happy with my trip and my accomodations. For the most part, I think the issues are minor and some of these should be expected in any new development. I remember when I bought my first new construction home. After I moved in, the punch list for the builder grew quite big! Some of these maintenance issues could also be found in any resort. I read on some other thread where a couple got clobbered by wet ceiling tiles that fell.

There are no sheers on the windows. Quite frankly, unless you are in one of the rooms right off the walkway to the CR, I don't think it's an issue. You would need a pretty good telepscope to see into the rooms from the MK. Unless you stand right up next to the window in your birthday suit, then someone might get the surprise of their life when they look up!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

There are no sheers on the windows. Quite frankly, unless you are in one of the rooms right off the walkway to the CR, I don't think it's an issue. You would need a pretty good telepscope to see into the rooms from the MK. Unless you stand right up next to the window in your birthday suit, then someone might get the surprise of their life when they look up!

Have you ever ridden the monorail - especially in the evening and been looking towards BLT? It's many more rooms that need the sheers. Also, Standard views on the 1st floor. Overall - it's a ridiculous oversight or an even more ridiculous conscious decision to not have them.

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

I am in WI too and have to agree - 73 degrees for the AC in the summer sounds pretty darn cold to me. But then again, everyone does have a different idea of what feels good when coming out of that extreme heat.

You have to set the AC lower in the high humidity South.

My husband returned home to Alabama after spending a week on business in Denver. He stepped in our house and said OMG!! Its over 80 degrees in here! He was shocked to find out that I was completely comfortable, and that the AC was set on 72 degrees as usual.

There is a big difference between 8% humidity and 80% humidity.

BTW, I have no idea whether or not Wisconsin is humid.

 

[Greysword]

I truly find this a sad comment, is this what we have come to accept for DVC, lower our expectations as to not be disappointed.

In my opinion, I think this is accurate. The reality does not meet the expectations set by Disney marketing nor the Disney vacation development sales pitch.

I think DVC should rise to the expectations of its members. I know some members expectations are unreasonable but I don't think that is the norm.

I do believe Disney tries, and one of the explanations I give when others ask me why I go to Disney so much is that Disney customer service is phenominal. That said, I do expect to see a higher degree of wear, dirty items, and misplaced items than if I rented a room in a regular Disney hotel. I do keep my expectations low (for Disney) and I am rarely disappointed.

EDIT: I wanted to clarify, that I thnk Disney has higher service levels and quality than a standard hotel chain. That said, I was trying to compare my expectations now to those I had with Disney int he past.

 

[disneynutz]

I do believe Disney tries, and one of the explanations I give when others ask me why I go to Disney so much is that Disney customer service is phenominal. That said, I do expect to see a higher degree of wear, dirty items, and misplaced items than if I rented a room in a regular hotel. I do keep my expectations low (for Disney) and I am rarely disappointed.

Unfortunately there's a new Disney in town. Maintenance and services have been reduced across property. Ten years ago if you saw a burned out light bulb, it would usually be replaced by the next day. I have seen the same burned out bulbs get ignored for months.

Some items seem to be on a regular schedule, like pool rehabs, while other items get minimal attention.

Bill

 

[Sammie]

They used to do things the right way because it was Disney and they cared about their brand image, I am not so sure anymore.

 

[leane]

There is a big difference between 8% humidity and 80% humidity.

BTW, I have no idea whether or not Wisconsin is humid.

It does get humid in WI

Our weather this month has been about the same at Orlando. I just looked up current weather and Orlando is 73% humidity 83 degrees Milwaukee is 69% and 81 degrees.

Just my 2 cents...

I hope I have issues in Oct with the room being too hot When I was there in March I was wishing I packed my thermies I was not ready for the 40-50 degree temps we experienced

 

[ems_mom]

I've got everyone beat with heat and humidity. At 1:30am the temp was 85 degrees and the humidity 65%; with a "feels like" temp of 87. At 1:30 in the morning! I've lived my whole life without cental air (in houses approaching the century mark, not uncommon in east coast cities); but my DH decided we need ac now. Our temporary solution is a window unit for the bedroom. But its so cold in there now I can't sleep!

 

[LouisianaDisneyFan]

Ah... there's too many of us South Louisiana folks here on the Dis for you to have us *all* beat for the discomfort factor! ;-)

The current temp here is actually pretty cool tonight at only 77 degrees (1:00 AM reading), with a humidity level of 90% and no breeze. Our wind comes in two speeds... non-existent and blow-the-house-away. Ah, home sweaty home!

 

[ems_mom]

Of course you're right...I was only referring to the previous posters. It does get awfully hot and humid in the mid-atlantic region though...I did point out to my sister in Atlanta that it's cooler there than here!

Just want to add I've read your anniversary trip report - congratulations! What a wonderful experience. Last year we traded our DVC points to spend our 25th in Hawaii. It was awesome, but there were no friends or family around. So I'm jealous...maybe the 30th will have to be at WDW...

 

[Mai Ku Tiki]

I truly wish you were right, but the 2010 Disney is not the Disney of the past when everything was truly impecable. The cut backs through the years have taken their toll, and while they are still superior to the competition, they are not the sterling company they once were.

MG

Sadly, as a WDW pilgrim annually since 1972, I agree.

 

[smjj]

I truly wish you were right, but the 2010 Disney is not the Disney of the past when everything was truly impecable. The cut backs through the years have taken their toll, and while they are still superior to the competition, they are not the sterling company they once were.

MG

How true a statement and one my wife and I have made many times. Having been going now for 25+ years we in the last 6 or 7 years now have seen a marked decrease in all that made Disney what it was and is sadly no more. The really sad thing about this is people just beginning their Disney journey have no idea how Disney once was. We still are big fans but have seen the steady decline in the far superior service, food, customer care , etc,etc.. I still am mad as h#$% about how the DDP has ruined the signature restaurants like Olivias at our home resort at OKW. I just hope that sooner than later the management team resverses this troubling trend but somehow I doubt it. The newer gen I think has lower expectations than past and they think this is the way it is and always has been and Disney is still making money. As long as this is true this trend will continue...smjj

 

[LouisianaDisneyFan]

How true a statement and one my wife and I have made many times. Having been going now for 25+ years we in the last 6 or 7 years now have seen a marked decrease in all that made Disney what it was and is sadly no more. The really sad thing about this is people just beginning their Disney journey have no idea how Disney once was. We still are big fans but have seen the steady decline in the far superior service, food, customer care , etc,etc.. I still am mad as h#$% about how the DDP has ruined the signature restaurants like Olivias at our home resort at OKW. I just hope that sooner than later the management team resverses this troubling trend but somehow I doubt it. The newer gen I think has lower expectations than past and they think this is the way it is and always has been and Disney is still making money. As long as this is true this trend will continue...smjj

I believe there is another factor at work here too. When I think back to our early trips, we were always surrounded by first timers. These folks looked at everything with awe and wonder. There were oohs and ahhs at unexpected twists, there was genuine laughter at jokes, and there was even applause when rides ended. The appreciation was evident and it was contagious! Other than the early days of Soarin', it's been a very long time since I've witnessed these events at Disney... not because Disney is no longer wondrous, but because the crowd is predominantly seasoned veterans who have lost that feeling of awe. The contagious enthusiasm is gone because the first timers are the exception rather than the rule... and that enthusiasm was part of what made Disney so ridiculously fun! Not only was the crowd enthusiasm contagious, but I believe that the obvious appreciation of guests did wonders to motivate the Disney cast members to reach for even higher levels of performance. It wasn't the current guest attitude of "Okay, what can you do now to entertain me?" but of "OMG!!!! THIS IS THE BEST PLACE IN THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!" As a worker, which would motivate you more? If you go on a low-attendance day with a first timer in tow, you will see what I mean. The joy and spontaneity return. It seems much more like the Disney of old.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

The really sad thing about this is people just beginning their Disney journey have no idea how Disney once was.

-------------------

The newer gen I think has lower expectations than past and they think this is the way it is and always has been and Disney is still making money. As long as this is true this trend will continue...smjj

Exactly right. If only the new generation could go back in time to compare...

MG

 

[Greysword]

I believe there is another factor at work here too. When I think back to our early trips, we were always surrounded by first timers. These folks looked at everything with awe and wonder... If you go on a low-attendance day with a first timer in tow, you will see what I mean. The joy and spontaneity return.

This is an interesting premise. Although I beleive a majority of the visitors to WDW are first-timers or people which have not been in a long time, I wonder if this may be a bi-product of the information age. New people visiting can order travel videos, surf the internet, and read books that may be reducing the suprise for them. Yes, they get an awesome park planner that maximizes the number of rides and events seen and they learn the tricks to wake Tinker Bell or find all the hidden Mickeys, but this may take away from the spontaneity you mention. Kids have it, but do the adults? As DVC owners, DISers and frequent visitors, do we?

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

I believe there is another factor at work here too. When I think back to our early trips, we were always surrounded by first timers. These folks looked at everything with awe and wonder. There were oohs and ahhs at unexpected twists, there was genuine laughter at jokes, and there was even applause when rides ended. The appreciation was evident and it was contagious! Other than the early days of Soarin', it's been a very long time since I've witnessed these events at Disney... not because Disney is no longer wondrous, but because the crowd is predominantly seasoned veterans who have lost that feeling of awe. The contagious enthusiasm is gone because the first timers are the exception rather than the rule... and that enthusiasm was part of what made Disney so ridiculously fun! Not only was the crowd enthusiasm contagious, but I believe that the obvious appreciation of guests did wonders to motivate the Disney cast members to reach for even higher levels of performance. It wasn't the current guest attitude of "Okay, what can you do now to entertain me?" but of "OMG!!!! THIS IS THE BEST PLACE IN THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!" As a worker, which would motivate you more? If you go on a low-attendance day with a first timer in tow, you will see what I mean. The joy and spontaneity return. It seems much more like the Disney of old.

I think Disney has made it more difficult for the first timer to enjoy themselves. How happy are you if you've spent a fortune to go to Disney, bought the dining plan, and learn that you should have made your reservations 6 months ago???

I'm just saying there is a lot to it, its expensive, it can be complicated, and requires advanced planning. My sister admits that she needed us to "show them the ropes."

My other thought is that people as a whole are just not as courteous as they were 30 years ago. For instance, I was in line for the Nemo show behind a young thin non-English speaking woman eating nachos. Well, after eating 1/3 of her nachos...she intentiontionally dropped the messy dish on the ground for everyone else to dodge. It wasn't for the lack of a trash can either. It was strictly, I'm through with this, boom onto the ground.

There was another thread on here about BLT recently. The poster was upset at Disney that there were massive Coke stains all over the sofa and on the carpet. Yes, it should be cleaned, but did people have to have a frat party in there???

It doesn't matter how many employees you have, its harder to keep things clean when you have idiots who just don't care messing things up for everyone else. I told the next CM what had happened with the nachos. I'm sure it really made their day! NOT! That CM spent less time making someone's day magical, and more time just making the park tolerable.

 

[Greysword]

This is an interesting premise. Although I beleive a majority of the visitors to WDW are first-timers or people which have not been in a long time, I wonder if this may be a bi-product of the information age. New people visiting can order travel videos, surf the internet, and read books that may be reducing the suprise for them. Yes, they get an awesome park planner that maximizes the number of rides and events seen and they learn the tricks to wake Tinker Bell or find all the hidden Mickeys, but this may take away from the spontaneity you mention. Kids have it, but do the adults? As DVC owners, DISers and frequent visitors, do we?

For what it's worth, my family has experienced some unexpected magic on our last trip. We were looking for Tiana at MK last February, and went into the Christmas Shoppe to look around while waiting, and our daughter was selected to decorate the store's tree for the day. Both DD and DW were thrilled (as was I). She received a certificate, an ornament, and one cast member gave her a pin from her lanyard. It was great! On that same trip, I finally was able to enjoy the CR after all these years. This was aeasome, too!

 

[Mai Ku Tiki]

Kids have it, but do the adults? As DVC owners, DISers and frequent visitors, do we?

Last summer (35th visit) I was at MK Opening Ceremony. As the train pulled in & Mickey began the countdown I looked around & observed at least 3 grown men in the crowd teary-eyed, grinning & shaking their heads in awe. That doesn't include the ladies & kids who were gob-smacked! Next to me was a CM in a suit & as I choked back tears (4th MK Opening for me)... I told him I still find it amazing how WDW manages to create magic EVERY DAY & thanked him! He smiled & said, "We believe that EVERY DAY is a new day at WDW & present our show as if everyone is seeing it for the first time."

Many things are NOT as perfect as the old days at WDW, but yes, it is still magical for my family.

 

[helloconnie]

I agree with the PP. Things may not be like they were in the 'good ole' days' but Disney still way exceeds on providing a axcellent experience for a family vacation. Nothing is ever perfect. And sure, cut-backs may have changed things a bit, but has anyone taken any other vacations lately? I went to NYC earlier this year and stayed in a high end hotel which touts service and excellence (the one President's stay in), in a suite, and I will tell you I was shocked! It looked like it had seen two too many prom night parties. We then went to New Orleans for a long weekend and again, I found myself disappointed in the accomodations.

I am a fairly new DVC member, life-long Disney fan, and I have been to WDW early year for the last 4 years, and too many times to count over my life. Although BLT is not perfect, I still find it much better than the high end hotels I have stayed in this year. My DH actually commented how he is even starting to compare other vacations/accomodations to Disney. We all have our expectations set at a very high level. I am not suggesting that you lower your expectations, just maybe do a sanity check to see if your expectations are realistic.

WDW still excites me. I still tear up when I walk through the train station tunnel and into Town Square. I still scream when I ride BTMRR or SM. I still clap with I ride an exciting ride. And I still get the goofy grin on my face when I see fun things through-out the parks.

Just my 2 cents...

 

[edk35]

I bought a watermelon a couple of years ago when we were staying at OKW. It got put on the dining area table in the morning and since we didn't need the table until the next day did not get moved. The following morning I noticed a smell and then saw liquid on the table and unfortunately on the carpet. When I picked up the watermelon I found it had apparently exploded enough to let the liquid out. I called mousekeeping and explained the situation and asked if they had some type of rug cleaner as it was starting to smell really bad. They thanked me for calling and while we were out for the day they came and cleaned that section of carpet . I think they would rather deal with something like that when it happens rather than have a mess dry and then try to clean it.

Thank you!!!