Did I expect too much? CBR disappointing...

[year2late]

Originally posted by Poly Pal
To tell you the truth, these boards are full of information that raise our expectations and tips (faxing room assigners, calls to resorts, e-mails to concierges, etc.) that do serve to heighten our anticipation and expectations for our requests to be met. But, all of this information comes at a cost, usually in disappointment or a lessening of the "magic."

I wholeheartedly agree. A little information can open up a door. Too much information may cloud your perception.

 

[Kim&Chris]

Hi Mooneybeams,

I can understand your disappointment regarding the room....for my honeymoon, I requested Jamaica. I requested it when I made my original reservations AND faxed it over three days prior to arrival. I noted that it was our honeymoon also. Guess what? We got Aruba, and nothing for our honeymoon. Like a previous poster stated, I was disappointed for about 20 seconds. Then, when I saw how great our room was (clean, great location, great mousekeepers), I realized that it was really not a big deal at all.

As far as the "gay" issue goes, I think kids hear so much stuff nowadays that it's definitely impossible to shield them from comments like that. Unless the girl described graphic gay issues, then I'd brush it off. Yes, the girl was out of line by stating that her friend was gay when talking to a 7 year old, but I wouldn't make a big deal of it.

I, like the other posters, would not let this stuff ruin my entire vacation. Did you enjoy the parks? The pools? The food? The characters?

It's tough to go to Disney with high expectations & have none of them met. That's why they tell you that requests are noted but never guaranteed. Dont' be disappointed & don't cancel your next trip.....just go with no high expectations and have a wonderful time!

 

[Tinkbell]

I agree that we (disers and internet group users) are VERY informed on what makes a great room location and what doesn't. We have tons of threads with the subject line asking, "Which building?", or "What floor? Many of us have our requests right down to specific room numbers. That's fine, just as long as you are prepared in the event that your requests are not granted.
Same goes for "special occasions". The hotel might do something special for you, but chances are that they won't. I would not complain about it because I did not pay for anything extra.
If the bird poop was that bad then you have a legitimate complaint but I don't think that a letter after the fact would do much good. The front desk should have been made aware of it. If it was reported and they STILL failed to keep the area clean, then I'd resort to letter writing.
I don't know all the details involved with your daughter hearing the term "gay". If it upset you and made an uncomfortable situation for your daughter, then I'd report it.

 

[bellsonmytoes]

I totally agree that alot of the information on this board causes very high expectations..... although alot of the information can make planning better, in effect allowing a better trip, but it also causes you to expect someone else to make your magic..... for that very reason, since I have been the one to plan our trips I divulge very little info to my family so that every thing is a surprise, and they don't really know what to expect.... I'm taking my DD (17) next week and it will be her first trip to WDW, she has been to DL many times, but not to the WORLD... We will be stay at WL, and eating at Whispering Canyon Cafe... and doing Hoop Dee Doo, she doesn't have a clue what happens in these places, so her expectations will be low... allowing her to enjoy what ever happens. When I went last year with my DH and DD (6) neither of them knew what to expect.... but when the vacation was over my DH told me "I don't know how much it cost, but it was worth every penny" made me feel really good.

Next week for my DD, I have ordered some flowers and birthday balloon from the Disney Florist, and I did some shoping at the Disney store... to have little Disney surprises every day.... just to help the magic along....


Mooneybeams... I'm really sorry your expectations weren't met... but I think they were too high, and you were a victim of too much information... I don't think you should cancel your next trip unless something much worse than what you wrote about happened.... I think much of DISNEY is what YOU make it.....




I'm going to Disney World NEXT week..... YeeeeeeeeeHaaaaaaa

 

[PamOKW]

Just to clarify on the bird situation since I've experienced it and it isn't pleasant. However, it really is beyond Disney's scope to do anything about it since they cannot kill the birds. I had a similar experience when they had Discovery Island. In the hot, humid weather the smell from the bird nesting areas can be quite unpleasant. However, it's like the Canadian geese that have invaded every park, cemetary and golf course in my area with their droppings....the problem can't really be solved unless the birds are killed. The bird smell is not always there at CBR. Certain times of the year it is stronger and certainly on hot, humid days it is most noticeable. It's not just droppings on the ground that can be cleaned. It is hundreds of birds who nest at night in the surrounding trees and it is in the leaves, etc. I'm sure if there was a solution, Disney would have done it by now. However, it doesn't hurt to continue to remind them it is unpleasant and maybe they can come up with a solution.

The parrots are not an advertised feature. There is a part of the island that juts out in a semi-circle and there are several cages where they have parrots. Actually, I thought they had done away with the parrots about 2-3 years ago. I could be wrong. There are times when the birds are not out. If it was particularly hot and humid this would be one reason why the parrots were not in these cages. Too stifling for the birds.

It's funny how some people have magical trips to CBR and others have horror stories. I feel bad when people experience the "parralel" CBR that is so unpleasant. I've always loved CBR and considered it to be an excellent value.

 

[CarolA]

All I am going to say is that I have written complaint letters in the past (Not to Disney, to American Airlines) and actually went out and researched how to write the most effective letters.

The points I remember were:

1. Try not to get emotional.
2. State the major issue that you want them to fix.
3. State the compensation you want (if any).
4. Stick to the facts.

Now, the reason I point that out is that purely from a letter writing complaint I would move Bird Poop up and ask if they at least rinse the sidewalks down daily. If you belive the front desk was not helpful, move that up.

Also, I have found that if you did talk to someone and got an inadequate response that it helps to include that information.

Now, for my information I was under the impression that some of the conor rooms had only king size beds. Is that true? If so, it could explain why you did not get your request.

 

[vickyBaby]

Did you expect too much? Yes.

Time to find a new vacation destination.

 

[CuteKatCar]

I, too, think you have expected too much.

Our family has been to WDW 4 times and my kids are only 6 and 9. Twice we got the room we requested - maybe because it was May and not as busy as summer. Never, not once, have I ever seen a towel animal (except in pictures on these boards). So, yes, these boards offer lots of info. You do have to take it in stride.

As to the gay issue - I know I would have been appalled to hear that from an employee, so I would have handled that right there and then, with that person and with Disney personnel. Shouldn't have happened.

Please don't give up on WDW. I know I view it with rose-colored glasses, I just love the place so much. Maybe try POR; everyone here seems to like it.

Good luck,

Anna

 

[epcotfan]

Yes your expectations were too high - especially with regard to the room request. As other posters have said, they are just that, requests and cannot be guaranteed.

You say you mentioned your anniversary and knew they might not do anything but then you are dissapointed that nothing was done. Why is this a problem if you knew they might not do anything?

I don't know the context of the conversation but
if you were that offended by the hairwrapper talking to your daughter about the "gay friend" why didn't you stop her if it bothered you that much?

The only valid complaint I see is in regard to the bird droppings - which should have been mentioned during your stay. Mentioning it after the fact doesn't do much good when it could have been handled while you were there.

As for the check out person saying "You're welcome" after you said "thank you" well it seems like an appropriate response to me. I haven't had anyone ask me how my stay was upon check out. If you wanted to make your feelings known about your stay to the front desk you could have spoken up then. Cast members aren't mind readers.

I don't see how the purchase of annual passes fits into the picture. None of your complaints have to do with the theme parks. If you don't care to stay onsite then there are plenty of other hotels to choose from.

I certainly wouldn't cancel my next trip over any of these things.

Best of luck with whatever you decide to do.

 

[hulabird]

We just returned from CBR this morning and had a fantastic trip as we always do when we go there. It was our anniversary as well, and while we did not get anything special for it, we didn't expect it either...but our CM's were super and made our stay a great one. We did not get our request of building 45 in Jamaica, because we paid for a king bed and there was not a king in that building, however Disney gave us the next best thing, building 46 and in a spot that was right next to where I requested, so I felt they made an effort to please me. I love the resort and the CM's were great, but lets face it, these are human beings that work for a living, and though some go out of their way to accomodate guests, there are still some that look at it as just another job...it all really depends on what type of person you get serving you. I truly love CBR and plan to return there again next year if I don't let hubby talk me into OKW instead....

 

[Lover_of_Disney]

Mooneybeams,

I agree that your expectations may have been a little high but I understand you may expect them to work as hard as you did to get there. CBR is a major convention hotel so it could have seemed empty since a lot of folks could have been in meetings.

I have been to Disney several times this year with stays ranging from All Stars to BWI and YCR including stays at POR. We didn't recieve that much extra attention for our honeymoon however, recieved lots of extra attention on our other stays.

In closing, a Disney vacation is only what you make of it. Keep in mind most of your complaints were directed towards your resort which should not keep your from enjoying all of Walt Disney World. I am sorry you will not be going back for Thanksgiving. POR is one of my favorite resorts including the deluxe resorts.

Thanks for sharing.


Alicia

 

[Mackey Mouse]

I have had wonderful experiences at moderates and not so wonderful experiences.. I have also had the same thing at deluxe's... I expect what I pay for and if you fall short, you will hear about it.. I do not expect any extras but do expect cleanliness.. I stayed at the BC one time.. we arrived late for check-in.. they put us in a room on the first floor.. smelled like smoke, I had requested non-smoking..early the next morning, and I am talking early, they were outside trimming and mowing the gardens.. You had better believe my room was changed. My husband had gone to the quiet pool to relax.. there were dirty dishes on one table, towels thrown everywhere, place was a mess.. I marched myself back in and spoke with the front desk.. I will not forget Sandy for her prompt handling of the matter and she got the Manager of the BC/YC properties to come to speak to me.. He did upgrade us to Concierge status after he saw what the pool area looked like.. He actually had the woman who is in charge of the grounds come in and apologize to us.. Did I let it ruin my trip, NO, do I continue to go, YES...

I guess it is like anything else, when it is done correctly, it is incredible and when they fall short, it upsets us.. Next time, something like this happens, do not let it fester till you get home.. Handle it immediately.. and put it behind you... that way you will not feel that your vacation was not worth the money you spent.. I hope you will give Disney a try again... Have a great day..

 

[Dallas_Lady]

Originally posted by Lover_of_Disney
CBR is a major convention hotel so it could have seemed empty since a lot of folks could have been in meetings.

FYI... CSR not CBR is the convention hotel

 

[goofy4tink]

Don't give up on wdw yet. Give PO-R a try. We have always stayed there and had good times. Sometimes, when we expect nothing, that is when the 'magic' hits. We have had times when something 'special' happens. But, mostly not. I would tend to agree that it should be your choice as to when you discuss 'sex' with your child. My brother and step-sister are both gay. To my knowledge my almost 9 y/o dd has no clue that they are 'different' . It is getting to be time to discuss it, but is will be when I wish it. But, you can look on the cm's bringing it up as an opportunity to talk later. Please don't give up on wdw. Expect nothing more than what is usual and you'll have a great time. ANd, do try PO. I don't think you'll be sorry.

 

[markshaw]

I, too, would not let this one bad experience ruin my future trips. I've never stayed on site but have always wanted to. If this would have been my first experience I would have been greatly disappointed, but since you have been more than once you know in your heart this was not a typical stay.

I agree with Mackey Mouse. If I get bad service then I voice my disappointment on the spot. Mackey waited a little bit longer than I would have with the smoke smelling room but it turned out for the best in the end. On the same token, if I get good or really good service I am just as quick to let management and staff know. It would have truly been better if you would have addressed these problems while you were there and they were fresh on everyones mind.

If it would make you feel better letting CBR management know about the incident with the hair wrap personnel and the soiled sidewalk, then write the letter. I would not, however, mention the disappointment about not getting the room I requested (unless the room was below reasonable standards) or the fact that there was no mention of your 10th anniversary. These were your expectations and were not guaranteed, it would only make you look bad for mentioning them.

I hate that you had such a bad experience with the hotel. I hope you had a better time at the parks.

 

[AmyA]

Mooneybeams,
I, too am sorry that you stay was not all you'd hoped for. Like the other posters, I am also in agreement that your expectations may have been a little too high, except for the soiled sidewalks.

Now, as for the gay comment, I would really, really like to know in what context it was made. As another poster stated, unless she was describing sex acts, I don't think it was offensive. My seven year old knows all about drugs (through the D.A.R.E. program), all about kidnappings (through the "stranger danger" and Sgt. McGruff programs and the media), and some about domestic violence (via kids in her class). Yes, she has asked us what "gay" means and we answered, "Sometimes girls fall in love with girls or boys fall in love with boys." She said, "Oh, well I think I'll fall in love with boys, " and that was the end of it. It was a heck of a lot easier conversation than the one we had about why Jimmy was covered with burns and couldn't live with his mom anymore.

I do realize that you wanted to broach the topic of homosexuality with your daughter, but in today's society I think kids are exposed to all kinds of things before we (as parents) think they are ready.

I hope you don't give up on WDW. You may have a better time staying offsite and just hitting the parks next time. Again, I am sorry your vacation wasn't as magical as you had hoped.

 

[NHBelle]

First of all I didn't read through ALL of the reply's for this thread, and second PLEASE don't cancel any further trips based on this one bad experience. We recently ahd ressie's at CBR and upon checking in we were extremely dissapointed. The same thing happended to us as far as room location, birds etc. We just were not feeling that Disney magic at this resort. That does not mean that there is anything wrong with this reosrt, it is just a matter of opinion. Every Dis resort is very unique and each resort brings a different experience for everyone. We ended up moving (I wish you had done so as well) to the AKL and we absaolutely loved it there, but we have friends who like CBR way better, so again it is all about personal tastes and opinions. We were dissapointed as well, but we changed resorts and all was forgotten. Please try another reosrt and if you can try checking some others out while you are there. I visited several and now feel that I have a good idea about which resort I would personally enjoy and which ones I can definately rule out. Good luck!

 

[LisaNJ25]

I just got back from CBR and had a great time. We stayed 4 nights from 8/26-8/30.

The only requests I had was Jamaica 45 and a 1st floor room since I have my daughter in the stroller. I ended up in Jamaica 44, room 4414 to be exact. It was a great 1st floor room very close to the ice and it also had its own little courtyard of 4 table and chairs. We loved it. It was a very short walk to the quiet pool and laundry and I didn't mind the walk over the bridge to the food court. I also didn't see any Parrots but than again I did not see any otters in otter pound during out 3 night stay at WL. I loved being in Jamaica because most of the time the bus stopped their first and we were the first ones one. By the time it got all the way around it was standing room only.

I hope you give another Disney resort a try.

 

[kimmar067]

...I can understand your disappointment. You can read all about my recent experiences through the link below:

DAY ONE

When I returned home, I immediately sent an email to WDW stating my specific concerns, to which they called me via phone. They assured me that they would address the problems that I had experienced. Was my stay less than pleasant at CBR? Yes. Did it affect the rest of our vacation(the 2nd part of our trip was spent at WL)? Heck, no! I would not give up on WDW ~ anyone can have a less-than-desirable experience. While I do agree with many of the other DIS'ers, what really should matter is how this experience affected YOU and YOUR FAMILY. Then, only YOU can decide the best course of action to take.....good luck!

 

[3reds]

I'm sorry but I agree that you were way too sensitive about fairly insignificant things. If those things upset you that much, I can't imagine how you handle real "trip adversity" like lost luggage, bad weather, etc. I really hope that you just meant that your trip lacked the "Disney magic" you were hoping for -- not that your entire trip was literally ruined!!

About the gay thing, though -- I don't blame you for being upset about that employee. I don't defend her in the least -- however, I have two words of advice about that: 1) it will only be a big deal to your daughter if you make a big deal out of it. You could have offhandedly said, "gay people are people with a different lifestyle" or something like that and your daughter probably would have forgotten the whole thing in 2 minutes. It will only be a bad "Disney memory" if you freaked out over it. 2) Realistically, if your daughter is 7 she is going to hear the word "gay" at school, on TV, etc. -- she won't be sheltered from it forever. In fact, it would be surprising if this was the first time she's ever heard the word. So even though I don't think Disney employees should talk about anyone's sexual orientation with 7-year-olds, I don't think they ruined her life or anything.