Expectations to high?????

[skiwee1]

I was not referring to you when I posted. Just wanted to let you know that. I was speaking of the extreme ones I've read about here over time. Asking for a non smoking room as a birthday treat is not in anyway IMO bad! Gosh, that is the least they could do for a non smoker. LOL!

 

[epcotfan]

No problem at all Just thought I should have added that above info to clarify and elaborate.

 

[suevee]

Thanks to everyone for their replies.

First I did complain about the room when I was there. Afterall, we had the continous overflowing toilet!

Second with the rude CM's on the monorail. I requested if it were possible could my granddaughter sit up front with the driver. I thought that this was an acceptable request. I didn't push, I wasn't rude, I just asked nicely. He acted like just this was the greatest inconvience in the world and he didn't want to be involved. He made me uncomfortable being there like I was a big imposition on his life. All he had to do was to say no with a smile.

Third, at first I didn't expect any special treatment for my DGD birthday, I was hoping. However when I called the Thursday before I left to check all my ressies, I asked if I could arrange and PAY for a balloon or something to be in our room. I was told not to worry, it would be taken care of. When I first made the ressies, I also asked if I could make definite arrangements for a balloon or something for my granddaughter's Birthday. Again I was told not to worry, they would take care of it. (I didn't want a $30 cake because there was only 3 of us staying for 2 days.) I was just hoping for a balloon, which I would gladly pay for. So I guess I was expecting something...

Fourth, this WAS a very special occassion for us and we were very excited. I KNOW that CM's are inundated with "special occasions" by every guest. However, I thought this is part of thier job description. I mean people don't spend this much money, time, and effort on a vacation that doesn't represent something special. So I feel being polite is a basic requirement for their jobs.

Last I don't want to dwell on this. I don't feel a letter would be effective because the organization is so big. It would just make me upset. Posting on this board has helped a lot. Thanks guys for listening.

BTW my DGD did tell eveyone she saw it was her birthday and she was seeing her mommy. It didn't matter if it was a CM or someone sitting across from us on the monorail. I don't think she was expecting any "freebies", she was just excited and felt very special and wanted to share.

 

[klmall]

When we stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge recently the CM ASKED US about special occasions and I mentioned the 16th birthday being celebrated while we were staying there. She noted it but luckily I didn't mention it to the person involved since it went totally unnoticed, at least by Disney.

Yes, people really build high expectations for their WDW visits, especially if staying at onsite hotels. Add to it the high prices being charged and then less than decent room cleaning etc. and you get miserable guests.

Luckily, after our 5 nights at AKL (and other unhappy experiences there - see my trip report etc.) we had a great stay at the Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Studios for less money which salvaged our trip in our opinion.

We're re-evaluating future trips to WDW and where we might stay. I truly love Disney but am beginning to realize that I can no longer be "blindly devoted".

I hope you do send your comments to Disney! I know I did!

 

[ohiominnie]

No excuse for rude CM, but just wanted to make you aware of a recent shake down in the Monorail department.

We were just there May 5-17 and talked with several Monorail CM. When riding up front once my dh was talking to the driver, who, by chance, was one we've ridden up front with before.

Apparently management in the Monorail dept is pretty bad right now and 9 Monorail CM's had recently quit. The day my dh was riding up front was the first day on the job for 9 new Monorail CM. Apparently things have been pretty bad in the Monorail dept.

Again, no excuse for rudeness.....

 

[pooh6890]

The only times our birthdays were celebrated were at the Deluxe hotels. Been going for years in November. Twin daughters are Nov. 15th

CT - by far the best.....2 (yes 2) chocolate cakes with candles, silverware, table set up, cards and flowers......WOW

GF.....Cake, cards & silver and table set up.....Very nice

Poly.........2 cards and mickey candles with cinnamon scent....also very nice.

WL...........Photo B-day cards.......nice


BWI......nothing

Also, nothing at any mods or value.

Going to YC in November for 5 days....we'll see!


So, the deluxe staffs are definately on the ball if you ask me. And, all of this with just a mention that it was their birthday at check in....but, they are twins and I guess more people remember that......I was very grateful that they went out of their way for them.

 

[nolanzzz]

I wonder if Disney will start telling their Mouse Keepers to stop making them, because it seems that people are expecting them as an entitlement, and are disappointed if they don't get them. On our first stay at Port Orleans, we had something every nite...either towel animals, or my son's stuffed animals would be arranged in the most amazing ways - waiting on our return. I really thought that was what I could expect with every stay. We had some treats like that at CB...one or two at our FW cabin, and then absolutely nothing at CSR. My kids and I were really disappointed when we'd get back to the room each evening and find nothing special.

Anyway, I'm rambling, but I just wanted to put into perspective (for myself, especially - since our trip is coming up soon! ) - anything above and beyond a clean room is icing on the cake.

 

[Sleepy]

I'm waiting for them to start charging people extra if they want them (towel animals).......kinda like when you ask for a fridge or something like that. Hey, wouldn't surprise me.....they charge for everything, why not this?

 

[MELSMICE]

As far as towel animals & having stuffed animals arranged a certain way, I think it all depends on your housekeeper. We had a great one in a FW cabin. We have kept in contact with her & even go visit her when we can't stay in FW. I have even recommended people to stay in her loop when they stay in a cabin.

I think it's just a matter of the "luck of the draw".

 

[Gabrielle]

I agree with you Suevee - I think for all the planning and phone calling you did, Disney could have come through.

 

[suevee]

Thanks Gabrielle.