Do You think DISNEY has gone down hlll the last few years?

[brunette8706]

Bonnet Creek is a beautiful resort but would not work for us, unless we rent a car.

*
Hi Kelly!

I think they do have busses that take you to the parks. When is your trip?

Brunette

 

[WDSearcher]

Plus, do you really think there is the same prestige to being a CM as there used to be? Most of the positions are low paying jobs and it seems to be one that they just hire anyone to do. I remember that it had a certain amount of prestige years ago when I was younger. But I think those days are long gone.

I think there is. There sure are alot of people applying for summer jobs, CP positions and internships. I think there is definite prestige, particularly with future employers. And honestly? I think most entry-level workers who are usure of where their careers are going would much rather have "Disney" on their resume than "7-11" or "Target". I'm not saying a job at 7-11 or Target is a bad thing (I've worked at both), but having Disney on your resume does often give you an edge.

Plus, Disney is a big place. There are a lot of options. I've known people who were certain they were going into Marketing, only to have them change their minds and decide that they wanted something more "environmental". So they transferred out of Special Events Marketing into Wastewater Management and were able to stay in the same company, no loss of benefits or seniority, still a CM. There aren't a lot of companies where you can make that drastic of a change and still be in the same company. I've known dancers who have gone on to be food & beverage executives and characters who have gone on to head up finance. There are lots of possibilities.

I don't know that "most of the positions are low paying jobs" is a fair assessment. Entry level positions are low paying, but that's true anywhere, particularly in the tourism industry. There is no entry level job in Orlando where you're going to make much more than what you're making at WDW, and if you're a Disney fan (or your family is), the free admissions and other park perks (discounts, etc) can make it totally worth it.

I have heard plenty of Disney CM's complain about their jobs, and they always say, "I can make more working at McDonald's!" My response is always, "Then why aren't you at McDonald's?" And they never have an answer. Which leads me to believe that there's a reason they're hanging onto that nametag.

 

[Figment632]

after thinking on it, your year sounds good to me. I really hadn't noticed much difference until our 1995 visit (the one prior was in 1993) so that year sounds pretty good to me!

1994-1998 WDW was at its top.

Especially MK look at TL from then

Space Moutain.
Time Keeper
Alien Encopunter
Buzz
COP

Alos DAK was new.

 

[WDSearcher]

Hmmm....? What does this statement mean then:

"Because when I do go, I appreciate in a way that I think some people on this thread can't."

You started off by saying that you can't go as often, as some of us do, then you made a connection to other people's experiences on this thread, and stated that you appreciate Disney in a way that others cannot?

What exactly does that mean, if not that you appreciate it more, because you don't go as often as some of the rest of us do? Tiger

Sorry Tiger -- I think you're nit-picking here and getting defensive. The PP didn't say she appreciated it MORE or BETTER than you and others, only that she appreciated it DIFFERENTLY. That's valid. Every single one of us appreciates Disney differently, don't we?

Infrequent visitors have more selective memories than people who visit frequently. You don't have the same frame of reference. When you're at WDW every month (or week), you see things that those who visit once every five or six years don't see. There are things that you've seen so often that it sticks out to you when they look different -- whether that difference is a missing light bulb, new paint, scuffed floor or different decor. For someone who doesn't see those things alot, they might miss those details that you see looming large.

I think you're finding a fight here where one was not intended. Although that's only my opinion. Maybe I read it differently than you did.

 

[KellyNY]

*
Hi Kelly!

I think they do have busses that take you to the parks. When is your trip?

Brunette

Hi Brunette!

I am leaving on Thursday. So frustrated with all the packing and buying things. Still hunting for ADRs. With Free DP everything is booked. It is crazy. Still playing with idea of doing Universal one day but not entirely convinced it is worth spending $400 for 1 day. I wanted to buy myself something new for the trip but this time of year only ugly summer clothes left, going in everything old. On the other hand more spending money on a trip, plan to finally buy myself a bag from Japaneese store.

 

[WDSearcher]

First, that was awfully nice of you to tip that girl $20 dollars! WOW! But, I guess that's what you get when Disney makes cuts. They let go 1500 employees recently. Why, I don't know! Stupid move on their part. I guess they are looking for ways to SAVE MONEY, but on the other hand it just backfires, hense the dirty bathrooms and other mishaps.

Brunette

Is a totally filthy bathroom as described by the PP a sign of fewer CMs or a really filthy guest? The PP's point seemed to be that the guests who used the bathroom left it a shambles. Not that there weren't enough people to clean it. If the bathroom had seen "normal" as opposed to "extraordinary" messiness, that poor CM wouldn't have had to spend an inordinate time cleaning out one filthy stall.

Ten more CMs on shift wouldn't have made the guests less messy. It might have made the clean-up quicker. But some CM would still have had to clean out that filthy stall.

I know you have a beef with WDW for the layoffs, but I think you missed the point of this person's post.

 

[brunette8706]

Sorry Tiger -- I think you're nit-picking here and getting defensive. The PP didn't say she appreciated it MORE or BETTER than you and others, only that she appreciated it DIFFERENTLY. That's valid. Every single one of us appreciates Disney differently, don't we?

Infrequent visitors have more selective memories than people who visit frequently. You don't have the same frame of reference. When you're at WDW every month (or week), you see things that those who visit once every five or six years don't see. There are things that you've seen so often that it sticks out to you when they look different -- whether that difference is a missing light bulb, new paint, scuffed floor or different decor. For someone who doesn't see those things alot, they might miss those details that you see looming large.

I think you're finding a fight here where one was not intended. Although that's only my opinion. Maybe I read it differently than you did.

*
Oh for heaven's sake. No one is trying to find a fight. Tiger is one of the most laid back posters on this thread. She doesn't get riled, much. She's just passionate like all of us here, LOL! But's she's not trying to find a fight. I just wanted to add me .02 cents.

Anyway Happy Monday everyone!

Brunette

 

[WDSearcher]

That's VERY TRUE! I got that! Here is my BIG WHAT THE HECK Disney! WIFI! I'm staying at Hilton Garden in for 109 next week in NY Free WIFI! Why can't I have that at Disney. That's where I think things could change, the penny pinching at the hotel levels. I want fresh linens everyday. YES, that is how it is at home. Towels are used once a day in my house and sheets are changed every other day. I don't think it's too much to ask for at a hotel where I'm staying for over a week. Cutting back shows times(ie Fantasmic) .

You CAN ask for fresh linens every day. All you have to do is pick up the phone and request it.

I think park of the "no free WiFi" at Disney was to kind of force all those folks who are always "connected" to "disconnect" for their vacations. I'm sure Disney will rethink that though, considering the number of online park apps they've developed lately. Doesn't make much sense to develop an online app that no one can get to in the parks!

 

[Donut23]

Disney World Yes due to terrible management it has been going down since 1994

Disneyland no

Figment, Thank you so much for saying what DH and I have discovered the last 3 years.

DH and I are die-hard WDW fans....as most know, we met there 6 years ago standing in line at BTMRR....married 3 years ago.

DH had never been to DL and I finally convinced him to try it a few months after we married. He discovered what I already knew. DL is NOT WDW, but it has a magic and charm that WDW probably will never have because it is more intimate.

Now loving the Grand Californian as much as we do doesn't hurt either. What a beautiful hotel artfully squeezed into a teeny footprint. Like the Wildie (same designers), the Grand Cali has it's own resort tour!

In spite of DH thinking it would just be "too small", it was the deterioration of WDW that sparked an interest in checking out DL. When we arrived we found castmembers fabulous, it was before food truly crashed in quality because it HAS changed out there too, the parks were spotless, it was just a far better experience. In fact, last year when LOW disappeared we switched to DL for our post-Thanksgiving pilgrimage.

Interesting rumor was floating around on our first visit........many comments about how "bad" Florida castmembers were......little Disney knowledge and no Pixie dust. Now when you reduce Traditions (training) from 2 weeks to 1/2 day at WDW, that cannot be a good thing.....but we wouldn't want to waste those stockholders $$$ on training, would we?

The target market for DL is a different beast than WDW and it has been quite successful through the recession than WDW has.


If anybody is on the fence about a possible stop at Mickey's first playground.....we say TRY IT OUT.

We are trying to finalize a DL trip in early 2011.....there MUST be a place to squeeze it into our schedule somehow!

 

[brunette8706]

Is a totally filthy bathroom as described by the PP a sign of fewer CMs or a really filthy guest? The PP's point seemed to be that the guests who used the bathroom left it a shambles. Not that there weren't enough people to clean it. If the bathroom had seen "normal" as opposed to "extraordinary" messiness, that poor CM wouldn't have had to spend an inordinate time cleaning out one filthy stall.

Ten more CMs on shift wouldn't have made the guests less messy. I might have made the clean-up quicker. But some CM would still have had to clean out that filthy stall.

I know you have a beef with WDW for the layoffs, but I think you missed the point of this person's post.

HUH? It seems like you are trying to debate what I said to the poster. The bottom line is that the bathroom was filthy? Why? I guess because the crowd ratio vs the CM ratio is out of balance. Bathrooms become filthy dirty (to that extent) when there are too many guests entering the restroom, and the clean up is just not fast enough. I really didn't miss any point here.

brunette

 

[Figment632]

Figment, Thank you so much for saying what DH and I have discovered the last 3 years.

DH and I are die-hard WDW fans....as most know, we met there 6 years ago standing in line at BTMRR....married 3 years ago.

DH had never been to DL and I finally convinced him to try it a few months after we married. He discovered what I already knew. DL is NOT WDW, but it has a magic and charm that WDW probably will never have because it is more intimate.

Now loving the Grand Californian as much as we do doesn't hurt either. What a beautiful hotel artfully squeezed into a teeny footprint. Like the Wildie (same designers), the Grand Cali has it's own resort tour!

In spite of DH thinking it would just be "too small", it was the deterioration of WDW that sparked an interest in checking out DL. When we arrived we found castmembers fabulous, it was before food truly crashed in quality because it HAS changed out there too, the parks were spotless, it was just a far better experience. In fact, last year when LOW disappeared we switched to DL for our post-Thanksgiving pilgrimage.

Interesting rumor was floating around on our first visit........many comments about how "bad" Florida castmembers were......little Disney knowledge and no Pixie dust. Now when you reduce Traditions (training) from 2 weeks to 1/2 day at WDW, that cannot be a good thing.....but we wouldn't want to waste those stockholders $$$ on training, would we?

The target market for DL is a different beast than WDW and it has been quite successful through the recession than WDW has.


If anybody is on the fence about a possible stop at Mickey's first playground.....we say TRY IT OUT.

We are trying to finalize a DL trip in early 2011.....there MUST be a place to squeeze it into our schedule somehow!

I still love WDW but agreed DL is something special the way MK should be. While DCA was a week link when it is redone it will be an amazing park.

 

[Donut23]

You CAN ask for fresh linens every day. All you have to do is pick up the phone and request it.

I think park of the "no free WiFi" at Disney was to kind of force all those folks who are always "connected" to "disconnect" for their vacations. I'm sure Disney will rethink that though, considering the number of online park apps they've developed lately. Doesn't make much sense to develop an online app that no one can get to in the parks!

HAHAHAHA

....and the airlines charge to check luggage because they are worried about us picking up too many pieces of luggage on our holidays.....we may hurt our backs!


A fee, is a fee, is a fee......no matter how you paint it. It's a way to "separate us from our money".....as my friend said after returning from his first WDW trip.

Pure spin!

 

[Donut23]

I still love WDW but agreed DL is something special the way MK should be. While DCA was a week link when it is redone it will be an amazing park.

Agreed!

We didn't even mind all the construction walls on our last trip. Just means it will be even better the next time.

 

[WDSearcher]

Hi Brunette!

I am leaving on Thursday. So frustrated with all the packing and buying things. Still hunting for ADRs. With Free DP everything is booked. It is crazy. Still playing with idea of doing Universal one day but not entirely convinced it is worth spending $400 for 1 day. I wanted to buy myself something new for the trip but this time of year only ugly summer clothes left, going in everything old. On the other hand more spending money on a trip, plan to finally buy myself a bag from Japaneese store.

$400 for one day at Universal? I thought the argument was that Universal was more economical than Disney!

 

[brunette8706]

Hi Brunette!

I am leaving on Thursday. So frustrated with all the packing and buying things. Still hunting for ADRs. With Free DP everything is booked. It is crazy. Still playing with idea of doing Universal one day but not entirely convinced it is worth spending $400 for 1 day. I wanted to buy myself something new for the trip but this time of year only ugly summer clothes left, going in everything old. On the other hand more spending money on a trip, plan to finally buy myself a bag from Japaneese store.

**
WOW! Sounds like fun! We'll miss you here, while you're enjoying yourself at Disney! Just pack any new outfits that your purchased during the beginning of summer. I guess you don't have a car huh? I was going to tell you to run over to the PRIME OUTLET"S across from DTD. They have great deals on Disney merchandise, and reasonable pricing on clothes! Love their coach outlet too!

Sheesh, you can't get any ADR's!? With if you change the times? Keep calling because there could be some cancelations! How long are you going for?

brunette

 

[KellyNY]

You CAN ask for fresh linens every day. All you have to do is pick up the phone and request it.

I think park of the "no free WiFi" at Disney was to kind of force all those folks who are always "connected" to "disconnect" for their vacations. I'm sure Disney will rethink that though, considering the number of online park apps they've developed lately. Doesn't make much sense to develop an online app that no one can get to in the parks!

OMG, so Disney cares about me going out there and not wasting my time online but if I want to do so it charges me, right? C'mon, who is creating arguments after all.

 

[brunette8706]

$400 for one day at Universal? I thought the argument was that Universal was more economical than Disney!

*
I'm sure it's more than one person going. I believe that is what Kelly meant. Universal does have great ticketing deals though.

Brunette

 

[WDSearcher]

*
Oh for heaven's sake. No one is trying to find a fight. Tiger is one of the most laid back posters on this thread. She doesn't get riled, much. She's just passionate like all of us here, LOL! But's she's not trying to find a fight. I just wanted to add me .02 cents.

Anyway Happy Monday everyone!

Brunette

Hey ... I wasn't the only one who thought Tiger was misreading that post. How come I'm the only one you're picking on!

Happy Monday back atcha.

 

[WDSearcher]

HUH? It seems like you are trying to debate what I said to the poster. The bottom line is that the bathroom with filthy? Why? I guess because the crowd ratio vs the CM ratio is out of balance. Bathrooms become filthy dirty (to that extent) when there are too many guests entering the restroom, and the clean up. I really didn't miss any point here.

brunette

Of course you didn't. You're always right. I'm always wrong. Pardon. My mistake.

 

[brunette8706]

Hey ... I wasn't the only one who thought Tiger was misreading that post. How come I'm the only one you're picking on!

Happy Monday back atcha.

**
Not picking on ya. Sorry.