Fort Wilderness Manager Did A Bad Thing (Golf Carts)

[MALE*RN*777]

We were the last group of people up to this point to be allowed rental carts from an outside company. We rented from Golf Cart Enterprises which had great service. When they were being picked up by my brother-in-law prior to the other families getting to the campground he was approached by the Campground Manager and was asked why he was soliciting business on Disney property. When he explained that this was just a drop off (we rented 4 carts) he was told to tell the owner of the carts that if he did any more business on the property he would call the sheriff. My brother-in-law who is a calm person stated that the manager was rude and not willing to listen to what was happening. Again we had already paid and had a drop off time and he was just picking up the carts. I spoke with Disney prior to our arrival and they said there would be no problem. What is the difference between renting a cart from someone else or bringing one you own. You could order a pizza which Disney sells, you could rent a scotter cart from someone else, heck when camping you bring your own food. As we left yesterday I spoke to another manager who stated the matter is being looked into. I would write a letter but from my understanding Disney doesn't respond to things of this manner. Hopefully things will be worked out so that we could all save a little to enjoy the parks and other perks at Disney. Disney cart $400+, Golf Cart Enterprise was a little over $200 for the week. What will they say next, you can't camp in a rental RV because they provide cabins?

 

[DVCajun]

We rented a golf cart for our trip and didn't have any trouble whatsoever with drop off or pick up from our rental company. This was just yesterday. We saw a Disney security car when we were returning the cart, but they didn't do anything but wave.

 

[MALE*RN*777]

Lets hope they got things worked out then. We were a little more obvious with 4 carts. That over $1600 Disney dollars.

 

[DisCamper]

blah

 

[AuburnJen92]

I had something terrible happen during one of my stays before and it involved a manager, and assistants, each telling me one thing and doing another. I called their reservation line and got transferred several times until I found someone who gave me this email...


wdwguestcommunications@disneyworld.com

These people DO listen and will take your experience to the people it needs to be addressed to. I will not go into what happened to me because it is not relevant here, only to say I was not treated fairly during my stay. They will take a couple of weeks to call you back, but if you leave a number in the email where they can reach you during the day, you will get a response from them. They will not hunt you down, but will attempt to get a verbal correspondence from you. I hope this helps.

 

[DisCamper]

We have found that Disney is more than accommodating when it comes to a services that they do not provide. When our A/C went out, they were more than happy to provide us with a list of RV repair companies. Ditto with the detailing Companies.
If we were to go to the Front Desk and ask for a list of golf cart rental companies, I don’t imagine they would be as accommodating. These other golf cart rental companies have every right to do business off property, however, is it really fair to allow them to compete with The Dis in the parking lot of Disney’s OWN property??!!?? Would Disney allow Budget Tickets to open a booth (that would save 50% off park tickets) in the parking lot of the TTC (Ticket and Transportation Center)?????

I think not.

 

[lauraebeth]

We have found that Disney is more than accommodating when it comes to a services that they do not provide. When our A/C went out, they were more than happy to provide us with a list of RV repair companies. Ditto with the detailing Companies.
If we were to go to the Front Desk and ask for a list of golf cart rental companies, I don’t imagine they would be as accommodating. These other golf cart rental companies have every right to do business off property, however, is it really fair to allow them to compete with The Dis in the parking lot of Disney’s OWN property??!!?? Would Disney allow Budget Tickets to open a booth (that would save 50% off park tickets) in the parking lot of the TTC (Ticket and Transportation Center)?????

I think not.

I'm so glad someone else here understands this. I feel like i'm talking to a wall.

 

[RvUsa]

I'm so glad someone else here understands this. I feel like i'm talking to a wall.

I agree as well, I said don't cry on my shoulder that it is costing disney money, or that disney isn't making money with their carts.... I don't think they should allow another business to conduct business in their own lot, but don't think they have a leg to stand on if it is done off property.

 

[starbuc71]

A year ago when my wife and I decided to purchase a golf cart since we frequent the fort often and figured it would pay for itself, we noticed the site next to us had a Yamaha Rhino parked there. I told my wife I would rather get one of those vs. a golf cart. I asked our neighbor if Disney allowed them. He said he called in advance and they said no problem. Low and behold, the next day he was told as of that minute he was not to drive it on disney property anymore. He was very irate calling the manager every name in the book. It just goes to show you that certian CM will turn thier head or they don't know the rules and others have fun over enforcing things. Just like some CM will kick the 15 yo out of the drivers seat and others with 10yo will drive right by.

 

[stacktester]

A year ago when my wife and I decided to purchase a golf cart since we frequent the fort often and figured it would pay for itself, we noticed the site next to us had a Yamaha Rhino parked there. I told my wife I would rather get one of those vs. a golf cart. I asked our neighbor if Disney allowed them. He said he called in advance and they said no problem. Low and behold, the next day he was told as of that minute he was not to drive it on disney property anymore. He was very irate calling the manager every name in the book. It just goes to show you that certian CM will turn thier head or they don't know the rules and others have fun over enforcing things. Just like some CM will kick the 15 yo out of the drivers seat and others with 10yo will drive right by.

Cracks me up to see kids driving carts. There are some lifeguards that will stop you in a heartbeat if you look under 16. Just ask Katie lol.

 

[retired and happy]

Has anyone asked the off-site rental companies if they have been contacted by Disney officials about this problem?

 

[HippieCamper]

I agree as well, I said don't cry on my shoulder that it is costing disney money, or that disney isn't making money with their carts.... I don't think they should allow another business to conduct business in their own lot, but don't think they have a leg to stand on if it is done off property.

100% agree here. We only just found out that we could have gotten a cheaper cart 'off-site'. However, knowing Disney, it makes perfect sense that if it can be gotten elsewhwere, they will keep one from knowing the alternate outlet. Just my 2cents.

 

[stacktester]

You have to admit bringing a cart to their property is a slap in the face. I know they're expensive but if you're going to rent one, I'd suggest meeting them off property.

 

[livndisney]

WDW doesn't seem to have a problem with people renting ECV's off property. Several companies deliver and pick up from Resort bag claim. Disney even allows Buena Vista Scooter to rent ECVS from BW. ALOT more people rent Ecvs than carts so those rentals are costing WDW way more in lost revenue.

To me this sounds like a FW Manager issue and not a "WDW issue".

 

[HippieCamper]

Cracks me up to see kids driving carts. There are some lifeguards that will stop you in a heartbeat if you look under 16. Just ask Katie lol.

Katie looks old enough. . . LOL!!!!

 

[AuburnJen92]

I'm so glad someone else here understands this. I feel like i'm talking to a wall.

You are not talking to a wall. However, you fail to realize that people get tired of being treated like second class citizens while on vacation. Disney does accomodate many things, however, they need to be on the same page with this, which clearly, they are not at this point.

This is what the OP should be complaining about to Disney. They were told one thing by one manager and then another thing by a second manager. This is why I complained and they listened. Maybe I am talking to a wall here....

 

[fla4fun]

WDW doesn't seem to have a problem with people renting ECV's off property. Several companies deliver and pick up from Resort bag claim. Disney even allows Buena Vista Scooter to rent ECVS from BW. ALOT more people rent Ecvs than carts so those rentals are costing WDW way more in lost revenue.

To me this sounds like a FW Manager issue and not a "WDW issue".

The people who rent ECV's off property need them 24 hours per day. Disney doesn't do that - they rent by the day, in the park, IF available. If Disney had 24 hour ECV rentals, I imagine they wouldn't allow deliveries of those on property either. Although, to be honest, it's a lot easier to go off property and pick up a rented ECV than it is to go off property and pick up your rented golf cart (especially if you're staying in a cabin and using ME from the airport).

 

[becky1960]

I can bet that knowing Corporate structure that Managers dont make a move without higher approval. I believe that as long someone breaks the rules letting their small kids drive the carts, private carts too will end someday. When we were leaving FW our last trip we almost hit a cart as some young kids ran a stop sign, its hard to stop quickly pulling a 13000 pound trailer. And entering the Fort that trip a lady was letting her about 8 yr old drive her cart all over the road in front of us, see did finally get him to pull over..

 

[kristler]

Wow this has really opened up a can of worms. I think the real problem here is how a Disney manager approached a quest and basically threatened them! I mean you tell the owner that the sheriff will be called next time? How about if Disney doesn't want outside vendors that they make a written policy with a set start date and post it! No matter what side you fall on in the debate this is bad customer service. I find it interestig that this falls right after the new manager shows up.

I am setting at the Fort with a rental cart from Tee Time right now. When I return it on Friday if any Disney manager gives me trouble I will get the managers name, give him a piece of my mind and then write a nice long letter to Disney about the incedent. I think they also need to be informed of the bad rep they are getting on the Internet about it.

 

[des1954]

We have found that Disney is more than accommodating when it comes to a services that they do not provide. When our A/C went out, they were more than happy to provide us with a list of RV repair companies. Ditto with the detailing Companies.
If we were to go to the Front Desk and ask for a list of golf cart rental companies, I don’t imagine they would be as accommodating. These other golf cart rental companies have every right to do business off property, however, is it really fair to allow them to compete with The Dis in the parking lot of Disney’s OWN property??!!?? Would Disney allow Budget Tickets to open a booth (that would save 50% off park tickets) in the parking lot of the TTC (Ticket and Transportation Center)?????

I think not.

I have to agree with you on this one. I have never understood why FtW doesn't offer a weekly or monthly rental rate on the GCs. Maybe because they don't have to?

I only rented a cart for one weekend back in 1994 and for the charge, I could have bought an AP for a child with what a 4 day GC rental cost us. My DH found a used GC within weeks of that stay and started his upgrade project. We figured for as many times as we went to FtW, it would save us $$$ to own our own cart....and it has.

Before our trip in 1994 - which was a birthday present to my now deceased mother- we never even thought about renting a GC due to the cost. We could see what we wanted on our bikes. Now that we are well into our 50's, the GEM always goes to the Fort when we camp & the bikes more often than not, stay home.