T
tripben
Guest
Just back from a quick four day stay and I noticed there were a few subtle differences.
Now, this is my seventh tripp in 2 1/2 years, so I think I am on to something here.
We stayed at the ASMu and although we have never been to the world during September when the crowds were low, it seemed that there were not enough staff around at the parks or the resorts. We stayed there in March and did not notice the things we did this time. They were not as clean as usual, out side, and we were always looking for someone to help us. The staff that was there, all through the world, were either very friendly and helpful, or totally indifferent. That is what surprised me the most.
We had more than one incident where we asked for assistance and were told where to go to get help. Maybe it was just me, but every other time we went and asked for help, the staff went out of the way to help us find what we needed. Not as many smiles, and even a few sarcastic remarks about what Disney does not provide for it's staff members. Ouch!
We requested extra towels, a hair dryer and iron and received none of them. Did not complain, just managed without. We called four days ahead of our travel date and asked if two additional reservations (family members) rooms could be located as close to our room as possible and they said no problem. When we arrived they did not have record of our request, but did the best they could.
We were celebrating many birthdays, and my nephew's was on the day of check out. I am not disappointed in anything that was done or not done, wasn't expecting anything. I did ask the front desk as I was checking out if they could give him a photo of Mickey and they had it signed for him, it was real nice. No towel animals, no cute arrangement of stuffed animals. We were happy with the maid service overall though.
I noticed in the Magic Kingdom that the staff was low as well, maybe just the time of year. There were some rides that had acess covers left off and lights burnt out too. That was kind of strange.
On the Baoardwalk, the Flying Fish Cafe must be going through some sort of face lift. There were no signs or evidence of work going on, but there was something going on there, the front looked all torn up.
The bus service was hit or miss. Sometimes we waited for as little as 5 minutes, sometimes over 40. There was some sort of mix up at the Contemporary because of a marathon and some people waited over an hour. The staff busses were coming through regularly and the excuse for the service was that the roads were closed down to one lane and traffic was being delayed. One lady asked why were the Mears busses and Disney employee busses running regularly and not the hotel guest busses, no one knew and no one seems to care. She was one angry lady, and I did not blame her.
Overall we had a great trip, and had no major complaints. I am not sure if the things we noticed were because of the time of year, or because of cutbacks. In the past we have been either during July, March, May, or August.
Sam
Now, this is my seventh tripp in 2 1/2 years, so I think I am on to something here.
We stayed at the ASMu and although we have never been to the world during September when the crowds were low, it seemed that there were not enough staff around at the parks or the resorts. We stayed there in March and did not notice the things we did this time. They were not as clean as usual, out side, and we were always looking for someone to help us. The staff that was there, all through the world, were either very friendly and helpful, or totally indifferent. That is what surprised me the most.
We had more than one incident where we asked for assistance and were told where to go to get help. Maybe it was just me, but every other time we went and asked for help, the staff went out of the way to help us find what we needed. Not as many smiles, and even a few sarcastic remarks about what Disney does not provide for it's staff members. Ouch!
We requested extra towels, a hair dryer and iron and received none of them. Did not complain, just managed without. We called four days ahead of our travel date and asked if two additional reservations (family members) rooms could be located as close to our room as possible and they said no problem. When we arrived they did not have record of our request, but did the best they could.
We were celebrating many birthdays, and my nephew's was on the day of check out. I am not disappointed in anything that was done or not done, wasn't expecting anything. I did ask the front desk as I was checking out if they could give him a photo of Mickey and they had it signed for him, it was real nice. No towel animals, no cute arrangement of stuffed animals. We were happy with the maid service overall though.
I noticed in the Magic Kingdom that the staff was low as well, maybe just the time of year. There were some rides that had acess covers left off and lights burnt out too. That was kind of strange.
On the Baoardwalk, the Flying Fish Cafe must be going through some sort of face lift. There were no signs or evidence of work going on, but there was something going on there, the front looked all torn up.
The bus service was hit or miss. Sometimes we waited for as little as 5 minutes, sometimes over 40. There was some sort of mix up at the Contemporary because of a marathon and some people waited over an hour. The staff busses were coming through regularly and the excuse for the service was that the roads were closed down to one lane and traffic was being delayed. One lady asked why were the Mears busses and Disney employee busses running regularly and not the hotel guest busses, no one knew and no one seems to care. She was one angry lady, and I did not blame her.
Overall we had a great trip, and had no major complaints. I am not sure if the things we noticed were because of the time of year, or because of cutbacks. In the past we have been either during July, March, May, or August.
Sam
