First and foremost I must state that I am a WDW fan. However, I must say that I was truly disappointed with the service level of the RPC. As my dh said in another post this was the whole point of our staying there for my 40th birthday this past May. To say that the FLAGSHIP of the Disney resorts is not supposed to represent the ULTIMATE in the whole disney credo which WDW represents is a distortion of the facts. Disney prides itself on being Disney friendly and attentive to every detail and every CM has always been that way in all our encounters except for the Grand Floridian.
It is not that we expect to be treated differently, but rather, because of their supposed Disney training, be assured to receive a certain level of service throughout Disney. We have just stayed at two Four Season resorts(standard room/not a superior or suite level) and received the same excellent (similar, or I hate to even admit it, above the Disney service hallmark) where they treated everyone like royalty with their service (e.g. spelling my dd's name in sponge letters across the bathtub wall along with kid's shampoo and conditioner). From the concierge, to food and room services, and to the bell services, each person was the nicest, and most attentive hotel personnel that we have met other than at Disney. Was this expected no, but it is representative of the service one comes to expect when going to and paying for a resort of that level and quality. Just like remembering someone's birthday, special requests, illnesses, etc. Could people be stating to CRO erroneously that is their birthday. Again, the answer is perhaps yes. But, and it is here is where the big but is, isn't it worth it for Disney to provide a relatively low cost and effort I might add (note, balloon, disney towel animal) in the grand (floridian- lol) scheme of things, for the amount of priceless PR and return visits it will receive for those (albeit insignificant to some) tokens of service. Is it necessary, no, but it is and now to some extent was those differences that had made staying on-site special during a trip to Disney. There is no denying that Disney is cutting back, but I hope it is not going to spread to its hiring practices. I believe it is the training and corporate philosophies (again relatively low cost, but cost effective long term) that drive each business to a certain standard. Disney prides itself on hiring and training the best (many corporations in fact send their employees to learn the Disney difference at their corporate university) and also going the extra mile for their visitors. Therefore, when you stay at a Flagship resort you expect and pay to receive those services. It was mentioned to me at another concierge resort on WDW that they submit the requests for PS's the night before the 60 day time frame for breakfast at the castle, etc. Is that fair? No, but it is when it is assumed that you are PAYING for that level of service. Is it a guarantee? No, nothing is a guarantee but death and taxes. But let's not be naive about what Disney infers when it offers concierge service. A Priority Seating is nothing more than just that a priority seating, they always tell you that when you book any reservation, it is not for a guaranteed time. We were not asking for the moon, the Chef's table at V&A or some other thing which obviously has a limited number per night for reservations, but rather just that a priority seating to a buffet which we all know has cancellations, no shows, partial parties, etc. Do not tell me if a celebrity came through the GF concierge they would not be able to secure a BOMA ps! Not that we are celebrities, but resort guests. The way we were treated I would not treat one of my guests at my home. We did not want a specific time for dinner, but rather a foot in the door for a PS. Would we have waited? - sure! That's all we wanted and finally obtained with a persistence that should not have been necessary. It was more the attitude of the CM's that were the most disturbing. Not given package deliveries for a birthday, and not caring and/or following up on things. These are STANDARD concierge services, not unmanageable expectations. We were not demanding, but perhaps this was just the stray that broke the camel's back for us. Their golden jewel of a WDW resort will always be a little tarnished for us. Do I still love Disney? Of course I do, I think the GF is a beautiful resort but beauty is only skin deep, and it is the character that shines through and leaves a lasting impression. Unfortunately, to me the Disney character is more representative - and many I might add agree with me judging from the postings on these boards - that it is the Y/B, WL, AKL, and Poly (looking its years but none the less great) concierges which truly show and glow in the Disney magic tradition that the GF has lost.
This is IMHO what has always made WDW special for me.
Melissa
25 plus stays all around the "world"
next stay BCV in 10 days!
No, staying in *any* concierge room in *any* of the hotels does not *entitle* a guest to PS at the last minute. It CAN be one of the perks, but in no way, shape or form is it *guaranteed*, or advertised or promoted by Disney as a benefit.
I REALLY hope this doesn't come across as sounding too harsh, because I don't mean it that way, but ... I just do not understand why people get SO upset, and downright indignent, when they don't "get things for free". IMHO, yes, of course it would be nice to have gotten a gift/card for a birthday, or anniversary, or whatever, from the concierge ... but if you don't, you don't. Would you expect the concierge of any other hotel, in a big city, in a foreign country, to do that? Probably not!
I realize that Disney is supposed to be "magical", and to me, it IS magical, still, even after all these years! But being magical doesn't necessarily make one a magician~ able to pull non existant ressies out of a hat for dinner at the last minute that's booked on a holiday (should another guest have been bumped for you?? how fair is that?) ~ able to remember to send cards/greetings/gifts to every single guest who *says* it's their bday, anniversary, etc. (not saying YOU lied about that, but I am sure people do) ... I think you get the gist of what I'm saying here. It's not a grant of *entitlement* - you ARE getting what you paid for -- that being a very nice room, food & beverages from 6 am - 10 pm at no cost, and the services of the RPC cm's to do what they can when they can, to make your stay better.... [/B][/QUOTE]
THey've made a guest for life!
