Has Disney World lost it's magic?

[KAB1]

Is this letter for real or a joke?

This Letter is very real and was sent on Friday.

 

[KAB1]

I just wanted to point out that the monorail is also used by guests who need transportation back to the parking lot, not just resort guests who pay $450 a night to stay at the Grand. So no, you don't have to be a resort guest to use Disney transportation.

I would just like to point out that if you had ever stayed at a monorail resort than you would know that there are 2 monorails that run to the MK. 1 that goes directly to the TTC and 1 that runs from the MK to the CR, GF, poly and TTC. Years back disney would check resort ID's to use the one that goes to the resorts and day guests would have to use the other one. Disney also advertises on every website, brochure, etc. that one of the perks for staying onsite is unlimited use of their transportation. Just thought I would make you aware of that.

 

[djm99]

This Letter is very real and was sent on Friday.

By no means do I want to mock your post, but IMO you really should reread it. Now my two cents may not be worth a hill of beans to you and I'm okay with that, but if I shelled $450 a night on a hotel and place I haven't visited in 10 years I would have done (if just a little) research. Not necessarily reading the disboards, but catching up on changes. Do you know how much has been done (expanded upon) at Disney in the last 10 years? To think that everything is the same is stretching reality - wouldn't you think. Just by popping in Disney's latest free vacation video you would have learned that ADR's were an important part of many high-end restaurants.

Although I can respect that you feel that you are entitled to more amenities than others not paying for deluxe amenities, I have to disagree. I've stayed in Deluxe, moderate and value resorts and to say you deserve more than the room/resort amenities you paid for is borderline narcissistic.

I understand your feeling about room service and waiting for the buses but again to suggest you deserve more is realistic.

I apologize in advance if you find my post offensive, but your entitlement letter really bothers me and I thought it was a joke.

 

[Teacher03]

I would just like to point out that if you had ever stayed at a monorail resort than you would know that there are 2 monorails that run to the MK. 1 that goes directly to the TTC and 1 that runs from the MK to the CR, GF, poly and TTC. Years back disney would check resort ID's to use the one that goes to the resorts and day guests would have to use the other one. Disney also advertises on every website, brochure, etc. that one of the perks for staying onsite is unlimited use of their transportation. Just thought I would make you aware of that.

I am aware of this, but you said you thought Disney transportation was for Disney resorts only. If you were waiting for the resort Monorail to go back, then I guess you can assume that everyone waiting for the resort Monorail was also staying in a Monorail resort, which means they have the same privileges as you. If you leave after fireworks, you are going to have a long wait to leave the Magic Kingdom, no matter where you stay. If you would have done some research before your trip, you would have been aware of this.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Yeah, on that letter--it is inconceivable to me that you couldn't get the ADR's you wanted unless your choices were extremely limited and you only attempted the one call at 180 days out.

We vacation memorial day weekend and achieved all of our desire locations (but perhaps took what was left as we did for Le Cellier) by calling only about 2-3 months out (60-90 days). This took a 20 minute call on my first attempt to place 3 ADRs.

Did you pay for concierge?

If not, your expectations were too high even for the GF. You pay for posh accomodations--not the privilege to be treated like a super star if you are unwilling to provide any effort of real planning.

It stinks to not have a walk-in reservation anymore--but in recent years it is what it has become. You assumed you could get what you want when you arrived, and that was a serious mistake.

BUSSES have always been spaced 20 minutes apart and it peeves me to no end when they bumper up so that it ends up being a hellaciously long wait. This is why we opted a car on our previous trips staying at Deluxe resorts.

I think you would have still been peeved with a 20 minute wait for busses which has been the standard as long as they've had busses.

On the resort monorail--sure they don't check resort id's--but seriously--do you really think that you are the only one out of the Contempoary, Poly, and GF that are attending MK? By sheer numbers alone it is feasible that even without renegade day visitors that the resort rail would still be crowded with actual resort guests.

I do agree that your letter comes across as very...entitled.

But remember, the All Star guest has the same unlimited transportation usage that you do. Your $450 didn't give you....extra.


I stayed Poly Concierge back in 1992 and I remember that we decided it was quicker to get to our room by getting off at TTC and taking the path than it was to disembark at Poly. Not saying everyone is doing this, but even if you carded everyone yourself, you personally would not know who is staying where.

 

[KAB1]

You certainly went straight to the top sending your recent experience to WDW execs. I think it's important that those at the tippy top hear about how disgruntled, saddened and disappointed some long-time customers are becoming. It isn't enough to simply tell an underpaid/overworked CM. Top brass need to be aware of the unacceptable decline that is occurring and that has been discussed now for 16 pages on this thread, and other similar threads that are rapidly emerging. Mangement is ultimately responsible for the quality of the experience. If this is the new status quo, then only those at the top can reverse this and go back to the higher standards of a few years ago and beyond.

Those of us who have been frequent, regular and loyal customers to WDW don't want to see this rapid decline continue. I'm certain that WDW couldn't possibly have a long-term strategic plan which excludes repeat customers, in favor of only hoping to attract new customers who have no prior WDW experience with which to compare their visit.

It's unfortunate that you had to write that letter, however, I think you did the right thing and I hope you will post an update of the response you receive.

At least someone has a brain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[lustergirl]

June 29, 2009
Mr. Robert Iger
Mr. James Rasulo
Ms. Meg Crofton
Mr. Al Weiss

RE: Walt Disney World Vacation, June 21 through June 28, 2009

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing this letter to voice my complaints after just returning from a seven night stay at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. I have traveled to Walt Disney World many times as a child staying at the Contemporary, Polynesian and the Grand and have always voted Disney as my favorite vacation. My last trip to Walt Disney World before this previous trip was in August of 1998. After being away from the magic for 10 years I decided to return with my parents, husband and 3 year old daughter. Being that it was my husband’s and daughters 1st trip to Walt Disney world, I had them so excited about what a wonderful place Walt Disney world is. We checked into the Grand on June 21, 2009 and from there my expectations began to go down. Following is a list of complaints that I incurred during my Eight days there.

1) DISNEY DINING PLAN – Extended list of problems with this.
a) I called 90 Days prior to my trip at 7am to book reservations for restaurants and was put on hold for an hour and 45 minutes. I finally was able to talk to someone and found that most of the places I wanted to eat at were already filled up.
b) The second day of our trip we did not book dining reservations because we went to the magic kingdom for the day and were just planning on staying at the Hotel that night knowing we would be tired. We walked over to the grand Floridian Café at 5:30 PM for dinner and were told that they did not take walk-ins. We asked if we could eat at Narcoosee’s, Citrico’s, 1900 park Fare and were told that none of them take walk-ins either. We were forced to eat at Gasparilla Grill which by the way was HORRIBLE.
c) The last night of my trip was my birthday and we wanted to eat at a signature restaurant (California Grill, Flying Fish, Jiko) and were told that nothing was available and walk-ins were not accepted. We were once again forced to eat at Gasparilla Grill.
**** My issue is this, we are paying $450 a night to stay at Disney’s Flagship Resort and nothing was done to accommodate us. I think that Disney needs to revamp their dining plan and give some accommodation to guests willing to shell out a lot of dollars to stay at the deluxe resorts. It is inexcusable that you are a guest at a resort but cannot eat there because you do not have advance reservations. Disney 10 years ago required no advanced planning to eat dinner. If you were a guest at the Grand, than you were able to eat wherever you wanted to at night. Concierge took care of that for you. I could have paid $90 a night at the All Star Resorts and received the exact same treatment.

2) GRAND FLORIDIAN RESORT AND SPA – Problems with this.
a) Check in Day – Arrived at the room and opened my mini bar for a bottle of water and found an empty refrigerator. Were told that there are no more mini bars and water can be purchased at Gasparilla or the gift shop. INCONVENIENCE. Room was not turned down that night either.
b) Next day – Room was not cleaned until 6 PM. (This happened another day as well)
c) Lobby – Went at night to have a drink in the lobby and listen to the music, but waitress service is no longer available for drinks. Only at Misner’s.
d) Day Bed for my daughter – Was not put back during the day into a couch and was left as a bed all day.
e) Balcony – Could not use for two days because they were washing the buildings.
f) Public Restrooms – FILTHY and no real HANDTOWELS (Only Paper)
g) Valet Staff – RUDE and very undisney (My daughter left her donald duck in the car and was told by valet to walk to the car parked halfway acroos the lot and get it)
h) Gasparilla – Could not sit outside at night and have a Cup of Coffee because it was so crowded with people coming over from the Magic Kingdom to watch the Fireworks.
**** Overall these were issues that were never encountered when used to stay at this hotel years ago. I find it amazing that every year prices get more expensive, but things are being taken away and service is deteriorating.

3) TRANSPORTATION
a) Buses – Waited 45 minutes for a bus to downtown Disney and waited 35 minutes for a bus back to the Grand. Watched three buses arrive bringing guests back to the All Stars (Again why are we paying $450 a night)
b) Monorail – Waited One hour and 15 Minutes to get a monorail back after the magic Kingdom Fireworks because thousands of day guests were boarding the resort monorail. Obviously they no longer check resort ID’s. Don’t you have to be a resort guest to use Disney Transportation?

All in all we had a somewhat decent vacation; however I miss what Walt Disney World was many years ago. I think that the dining plan along with other things is starting to destroy Disney. I find it sad that I can no longer refer to Disney as my favorite vacation destination. I do not know how inclined I will be to visit again in the future.

Maybe next time you should stay at a value resort, cherish the thought!!!

 

[fupresti]

At least someone has a brain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Seeing as by your own admission you had not visited in ten years, I wouldn't call you a repeat customer. I have been 5 times in the last 7 years and yeah, there is a decline in the overall quality. With that decline has also been a reduction in cost. With the Dining Plan, Magic Your Way tickets and Magical Express, a Disney World vacation has become more affordable. With affordability comes reduction in services.

Would I love to see a return to the days before the Dining Plan, OF COURSE! I think the Dining Plan has single handedly ruined one of the best experiences of a Disney vacation, but these changes have made it possible for more people to attend and more often.

Next time, do some research or better yet, stay at the Four Seasons and rent a limo your highness.

 

[avahoneybee]

Seeing as by your own admission you had not visited in ten years, I wouldn't call you a repeat customer. I have been 5 times in the last 7 years and yeah, there is a decline in the overall quality. With that decline has also been a reduction in cost. With the Dining Plan, Magic Your Way tickets and Magical Express, a Disney World vacation has become more affordable. With affordability comes reduction in services.

Would I love to see a return to the days before the Dining Plan, OF COURSE! I think the Dining Plan has single handedly ruined one of the best experiences of a Disney vacation, but these changes have made it possible for more people to attend and more often.

Next time, do some research or better yet, stay at the Four Seasons and rent a limo your highness.

I guarantee Disney will get their heads out of the clouds when the Four Seasons opens because then people will realize what "luxury" really means.

As far as the letter the poster wrote, I don't get why people are all defensive. I think it's ridiculous that guests booking particular hotels can't get reservations for where they are paying to sleep. The Disney Dining Plan has ruined the dining experience in Disney World.

 

[lustergirl]

I don't think the dining plan has ruined anything. People need to be more prepared, that is all. Personally I would love to stay at the Poly but if I am going to pay that rate put me up at the Westin Imagine in Orlando.

 

[Teacher03]

I guarantee Disney will get their heads out of the clouds when the Four Seasons opens because then people will realize what "luxury" really means.

As far as the letter the poster wrote, I don't get why people are all defensive. I think it's ridiculous that guests booking particular hotels can't get reservations for where they are paying to sleep. The Disney Dining Plan has ruined the dining experience in Disney World.

I think it was the sense of entitlement. I can't really comment on the dining plan and how it has changed the dining experience (I've used the dining plan, but not on every trip) but I do remember being able to make reservations that day and not have to wait hours to make an ADR. On our last trip, we really wanted reservations to Le Cellier. I got up early every day with no luck. But I didn't give up and finally got a reservation. Staying deluxe doesn't mean you don't have to plan for your vacation. Imagine if everyone staying deluxe didn't make ADRs and expected to be able to walk into a restaurant and be seated. If you are planning a trip and spending thousands, you should know that trying to get out of the Magic Kingdom after fireworks takes forever. I think the poster had every right to write a letter with her complaints, but she gave a sense that she is more entitled than others because she spent $450 a night. And to be honest, she is insulting.

 

[StreamMaster]

At least someone has a brain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Your not the only one tired of getting $89/night service from a $450/night resort. if other folks are really "HAPPY" with the deluxe resorts and the service for what they are paying. Then I say they can have them ! But like I have said in the past, there is not even one 3 star resort at WDW let alone a 4 star resort ( AAA ). Yet GF is as expensive as many 4 star AAA resorts that offer FAR better service.

Just for reference, Bellagio in Vegas runs about $450/night ( Salone Suites 853 sq. ft.. For that you get robes, housekeeping TWICE a day PLUS turn down service. Free Internet and priority seating at ALL restaurants and shows.

Now remind me what you get at Disney ???

 

[lustergirl]

Your not the only one tired of getting $89/night service from a $450/night resort. if other folks are really "HAPPY" with the deluxe resorts and the service for what they are paying. Then I say they can have them ! But like I have said in the past, there is not even one 3 star resort at WDW let alone a 4 star resort ( AAA ). Yet GF is as expensive as many 4 star AAA resorts that offer FAR better service.

Just for reference, Bellagio in Vegas runs about $450/night ( Salone Suites 853 sq. ft.. For that you get robes, housekeeping TWICE a day PLUS turn down service. Free Internet and priority seating at ALL restaurants and shows.

Now remind me what you get at Disney ???

You can get some great deals in Vegas right now. The Bellagio is probably the best of the best. I have stayed at Mandalay Bay, New York New York, The Rio- they were heaven.

 

[KAB1]

Seeing as by your own admission you had not visited in ten years, I wouldn't call you a repeat customer. I have been 5 times in the last 7 years and yeah, there is a decline in the overall quality. With that decline has also been a reduction in cost. With the Dining Plan, Magic Your Way tickets and Magical Express, a Disney World vacation has become more affordable. With affordability comes reduction in services.

Would I love to see a return to the days before the Dining Plan, OF COURSE! I think the Dining Plan has single handedly ruined one of the best experiences of a Disney vacation, but these changes have made it possible for more people to attend and more often.

Next time, do some research or better yet, stay at the Four Seasons and rent a limo your highness.

This was my 18th visit to WDW (So I am a repeat visitor). As far as Disney making possible for more poeple to attend, THAT IS NOT MY PROBLEM. What I'm concerned about is my vacation. I am not spending alot of money to visit and have service reduced so others can benefit. As far as doing research, C'MON this is Disney World not a Tour through Europe.

 

[Amy&Dan]

I think it was the sense of entitlement. I can't really comment on the dining plan and how it has changed the dining experience (I've used the dining plan, but not on every trip) but I do remember being able to make reservations that day and not have to wait hours to make an ADR. On our last trip, we really wanted reservations to Le Cellier. I got up early every day with no luck. But I didn't give up and finally got a reservation. Staying deluxe doesn't mean you don't have to plan for your vacation. Imagine if everyone staying deluxe didn't make ADRs and expected to be able to walk into a restaurant and be seated. If you are planning a trip and spending thousands, you should know that trying to get out of the Magic Kingdom after fireworks take forever. I think the poster had every right to write a letter with her complaints, but she gave a sense that she is more entitled than others because she spent $450 a night. And to be honest, she is insulting.

I agree. The references to the All Stars just smacked of snobbery imho.

 

[dstevens]

Since when does a WDW room have a mini-bar?

 

[fupresti]

I don't think the dining plan has ruined anything. People need to be more prepared, that is all. Personally I would love to stay at the Poly but if I am going to pay that rate put me up at the Westin Imagine in Orlando.

You don't think the quality of the food and the overall experience has diminished since the dining plan was introduced?

 

[lustergirl]

I am not quoting on the quality of the food. People come on here and complain because they can't get a certain ADR while there are tons of people in the same boat who just suck it up and move on with their lives. I haven't noticed a diminished quality of food. The only time we have the dining plan is when my whole family goes together= my sons are getting older now and don't to go all the time like me-ha!! When it is just hubby and me we don't use the plan because it is way too much food.

 

[lustergirl]

I am so grateful that I never knew about the boards when I first started going to disney because it may have scared me away. There is so much complaint on these boards and it may scare a first time away. Disney is still a wonderful place and truthfully I am amazed to what they accomplish every day. I don't sweat the small stuff and it is still my favorite place in the world. My upcoming trip is a blessing because I have had to cancel a different trip this year because of financial setbacks. My uncle always said "If you have something bad to say, don't say it all." More time is spent in life being skeptical about everything when people should feel blessed that they can even go to disney. People complain so much and that is there right. With all of this complaint you would think that they wouldn't go back to disney but keep going and going, etc.

 

[avahoneybee]

Most of the food at Disney is middle of the road at best and some worse than that and I've seriously had better steaks at local steakhouses. For me, the dining was more atmosphere but even that is severely declining. So yes, I believe the ADR junk of sitting by the phone at 7:00am to guarantee eating potstickers 90 days away has ruined the dining experience.

I personally question why the heck I even book Disney trips some days. Quest for the rat I guess.