Instead of one big trip report - I guess I am giving snip its. Our trip consisted of:
OKW for 2 days (1 Bdrm)
BCV for 2 days (1 Bdrm)
VB for 2 days (Ocean Inn Room)
I have noticed for years that the Cast Members at WDW just do not care they way they used to. The "can do" attitude is just gone. Many of our experiences were not bad - but - I cannot say I found service that delighted.
Little thinks like:
1) Waiting one hour for extra pillows to be delivered. (after making 2 phone calls).
2) Calling the valet parking folks to have our car brought up and finding that someone else's car was delivered. And then having the CM apologize by telling me me how such and so is such a bonehead.
3) Waiting 35 minutes for a table for dinner (45 if you factor in we showed up 10 minutes before our Priority seating window).
We had 4 bad experiences with CM's that I will not bore you with. Luckily, 3 of the 4 experiences were not at DVC properties. I also must add that we found some great experiences as well with CM's - but the bad ones always stand out. All the good and bad experiences will be sent to WDW guest services).
I will tell you one very (very, very, very) minor event. After driving 440 miles to WDW we always look forward to our first "Welcome Home". The guard at the security kiosk must not understand this beloved catch phrase and decided that "Go Have Some Fun" is the new DVC motto.
My son and I decided this would make a great Seinfeld episode: "Did you see that Jerry? She said Welcome Home to you but all I get is a "Go Have Some Fun!".
But, my faith was restored at Vero Beach. We probably had contact with 15 or 20 CM's and each one was nicer then the one before!
Some experiences:
1) Steve who checked us in was extremely nice. Since a room was not ready at our 4:00 check-in got us a preferred room when it became availalbe.
2) Bartender (cannot remember name) who gave us a free round of drinks because she got busy and it took her a few extra minutes to get us our drinks.
3) The wait staff at Shutters who are so attentive. We expecially like Lloyd who joked with our 14 year old son throughout dinner. (Lloyd would not seat us until my son admitted he was hungry - then - Lloyd checked back throughout dinner to make sure DS was making progress on his meal).
Another story on the wait staff. On our last day my daughter and I went to the character breakfast. We asked our server for a box for our 4 uneaten muffins for our drive home. When she returned she had stuffed the box with pastries and muffins so we could snack on our way home.
The CM's at Vero Beach "GET IT". Actually, they treat guests the way the folks at WDW used to. And, I plan to suggest to WDW management that all CM's should be required to go to Vero for training!
This story sums up the difference:
One morning the kids and I decided to take a swim at the Boardwalk. I left my cash in our swim bag and wandered up to the breakfast bar to get some coffee. The room card reader was not working - thus - I could not get my coffee. I suggested to the CM that she hold my room key and I would return with cash. This was not possible in her mind - in a snobby voice she finally said - look "just take the coffee". I didnt want to make this a major incident - I just wanted coffee.
One morning at VB I mistakenly took a "not valid for charging" room key down to the lobby. The hostess at VB said - "dont worry about it - I will be here all day. Come back at any time and you can pay for the coffee." I gave her the same alternative - "why dont you hold my room key until I can get you some money?" She responded - "Not necesarry. Go enjoy your coffee and come back later"
If you have not stayed at VB - make it a priority. The resort is lovely and you will be treated like royalty.
OKW for 2 days (1 Bdrm)
BCV for 2 days (1 Bdrm)
VB for 2 days (Ocean Inn Room)
I have noticed for years that the Cast Members at WDW just do not care they way they used to. The "can do" attitude is just gone. Many of our experiences were not bad - but - I cannot say I found service that delighted.
Little thinks like:
1) Waiting one hour for extra pillows to be delivered. (after making 2 phone calls).
2) Calling the valet parking folks to have our car brought up and finding that someone else's car was delivered. And then having the CM apologize by telling me me how such and so is such a bonehead.
3) Waiting 35 minutes for a table for dinner (45 if you factor in we showed up 10 minutes before our Priority seating window).
We had 4 bad experiences with CM's that I will not bore you with. Luckily, 3 of the 4 experiences were not at DVC properties. I also must add that we found some great experiences as well with CM's - but the bad ones always stand out. All the good and bad experiences will be sent to WDW guest services).
I will tell you one very (very, very, very) minor event. After driving 440 miles to WDW we always look forward to our first "Welcome Home". The guard at the security kiosk must not understand this beloved catch phrase and decided that "Go Have Some Fun" is the new DVC motto.
My son and I decided this would make a great Seinfeld episode: "Did you see that Jerry? She said Welcome Home to you but all I get is a "Go Have Some Fun!".
But, my faith was restored at Vero Beach. We probably had contact with 15 or 20 CM's and each one was nicer then the one before!
Some experiences:
1) Steve who checked us in was extremely nice. Since a room was not ready at our 4:00 check-in got us a preferred room when it became availalbe.
2) Bartender (cannot remember name) who gave us a free round of drinks because she got busy and it took her a few extra minutes to get us our drinks.
3) The wait staff at Shutters who are so attentive. We expecially like Lloyd who joked with our 14 year old son throughout dinner. (Lloyd would not seat us until my son admitted he was hungry - then - Lloyd checked back throughout dinner to make sure DS was making progress on his meal).
Another story on the wait staff. On our last day my daughter and I went to the character breakfast. We asked our server for a box for our 4 uneaten muffins for our drive home. When she returned she had stuffed the box with pastries and muffins so we could snack on our way home.
The CM's at Vero Beach "GET IT". Actually, they treat guests the way the folks at WDW used to. And, I plan to suggest to WDW management that all CM's should be required to go to Vero for training!
This story sums up the difference:
One morning the kids and I decided to take a swim at the Boardwalk. I left my cash in our swim bag and wandered up to the breakfast bar to get some coffee. The room card reader was not working - thus - I could not get my coffee. I suggested to the CM that she hold my room key and I would return with cash. This was not possible in her mind - in a snobby voice she finally said - look "just take the coffee". I didnt want to make this a major incident - I just wanted coffee.
One morning at VB I mistakenly took a "not valid for charging" room key down to the lobby. The hostess at VB said - "dont worry about it - I will be here all day. Come back at any time and you can pay for the coffee." I gave her the same alternative - "why dont you hold my room key until I can get you some money?" She responded - "Not necesarry. Go enjoy your coffee and come back later"
If you have not stayed at VB - make it a priority. The resort is lovely and you will be treated like royalty.
Was it a nicer car? Maybe BCV was trying to upgrade you. 
