Just back- random thoughts

Bimmy56

<font color=CC66CC>Didn't know the DIS Boards were
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Nov 12, 2001
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We just returned from 6 days at WDW - it rained every single afternoon, but then it cooled off nicely at night - much cooler than Chicago is now. A few thoughts

Epcot: Soarin was really great. long lines, but Fast Passes were available in the morning. A bit of a feeling that you might fall out, but you are belted in. I'm pooh-sized, but I still fit comfortably. Mission Space was a walk-on, or a 5 minute wait at the longest. No one wanted to ride it. My 21 year old son would not ride it either. So all the fast passes went for Soarin and Test Track and those ran out by noon. Seasons food court at the Land was almost unrecognizable from what it was. It really makes sense to change it to a court where there is one central check out. I know that had been a problem for us in the past, when everyone wanted something from different stations.
The down side is that most things are not priced, especially side and bakery items. My DD bought a plain yogurt, which turned out to be $2.59. She said that she would not have bought it if she had known how much it was. We were there in the morning when not many people were eating yet, and for some reason the tables were covered with flies. Every single table around us had flies on it. Very unappetizing. We are guessing that the reason is that the doors upstairs are constantly open with people streaming in for Soarin.

Pop Century: Had a marvelous stay. Last time we stayed there we had trouble with partying neighbors late at night, but this time everyone was quiet, we never heard a thing. I guess it's all luck.

Magical Express: Everything went smoothly for us. Our driver on the way back announced over the loudspeaker that she did not work for Disney, but Mears, and she would appreciate tips. Then she got out at the airport and stood at the bus door for her tips. I had thought that they were not supposed to accept tips. Our driver to the hotel did not.

MK: Rode Small World - every thing is so bright and vivid now. And the water is so clear! Much better. Stitch was o.k. A few neat special effects, but I would not rank it as a favorite. I'm still mourning the passing of the cheesesteak sandwich at Cosmic Ray's . Almost every counter service at MK is now hamburgers, hot dogs and fries. EMH late night did not really clear out until about 12:30. Before that, lines were every bit as long as before.

More ramblings later - I can't remember everything that I wanted to say now.
 
We just got back as well. I agree with everything you said. We too noticed a lot of flies at the Sunshine Food Court. We usually go in June, and never have had that much rain. ON the plus side, the temperatures were much cooler than previous trips. It was downright comfortable some nights. We found it to be crowded, but manageable with some careful planning and use of fast passes.
 
I tip my Mousekeepers even though I have been assured that they are not tipped positons. I tip others that deserve it and sometimes those that do not, figuring that they might have circumstances but I fear I would not tip someone who asked so rudely. (did I read it wrong?) Same way with my grandkids, if they ask nicely I will do ALMOST anything but if they are rude about it I will do nothing, even if they want seconds of veggies. :rotfl:

Slightly Goofy
 
puffkin said:
We just got back as well. I agree with everything you said. We too noticed a lot of flies at the Sunshine Food Court. We usually go in June, and never have had that much rain. ON the plus side, the temperatures were much cooler than previous trips. It was downright comfortable some nights. We found it to be crowded, but manageable with some careful planning and use of fast passes.

I just had to say I love your photo! That is beyond precious!
 

Bimmy56 said:
Magical Express: Everything went smoothly for us. Our driver on the way back announced over the loudspeaker that she did not work for Disney, but Mears, and she would appreciate tips. Then she got out at the airport and stood at the bus door for her tips. I had thought that they were not supposed to accept tips. Our driver to the hotel did not.


I thought they were not supposed to ask for tips? :confused3
 
Bimmy56 said:
Magical Express: Everything went smoothly for us. Our driver on the way back announced over the loudspeaker that she did not work for Disney, but Mears, and she would appreciate tips. Then she got out at the airport and stood at the bus door for her tips. I had thought that they were not supposed to accept tips. Our driver to the hotel did not.

This makes me nuts! I can not stand it when people let you know they expect a tip. That is the very time I do not tip. Sometimes I feel like saying, "You want a tip? Well here's your tip: Don't ask for one and you may get one next time"! :flower:
 
Both on the way to the resort and back to the airport our drivers asked for tips. I had posted about this before, but I didnt get any replies. Here is what I wrote on the subject.

There is one thing that was bugging me about the ME service. I know that the drivers are Mears employees. On the way to our resort, our driver mentioned that 4 times and she kept saying "My children and I thank you for any gratuity you may want to leave." It just seemed like she was begging or trying to make us feel like we HAD to tip her. Which we did since she loaded and unloaded our suitcase. Then on the way back we got the same thing. Only this guy was flat out rude about Disney. It wasnt a very good way to end our trip. All in all, we would use this service again, I thought it was great.
 
I wonder if Disney ever has those "secret shoppers"?? :confused3 Disney has always been "different" and "magical" to have someone holding out and asking is 'different'...

I agree with all the reasons why to tip someone and all the reasons NOT to tip someone... I also wonder how the Skycaps at the airports began getting tips to where its now expected, or not questoned... it does make sense to tip someone who helps... but the thing it seems its such a "shock" to hear it, cute idea about saying my kids and I would appreciate gratuities...

oh, thanks for the trip report!! :goodvibes
 
Ok, tipping out of the kindess of your heart and for good service are two things ... asking/hinting for tips is a whole different ball game.

I don't see anyone at Disney asking straight out for tips. Not one waiter tells you that "on behalf of their children, they appreciate your generousity". Not one cleaning person says "oh, by the way, you need to tip me". The CM handing me my coke from Pinnochio Haus doesn't have a tip cup out. Nobody ever asks for a tip at WDW!!!! The resort baggage handlers don't demand tips. Sorry that you're not working for WDW ... but you're being paid, I'm sure.
 
I wonder if Disney knows they're asking? I would bet probably not....maybe someone should tell them. If anyone is asked to do a survey of your recent trip, I would be sure to point it out.
 
Actually, we did not tip her, she was very rude. While she was driving, she told everyone to listen to her, because people will get off at the wrong stop if they don't listen to her. Then she called for the United stop, we got off and found ourselves at the Hyatt Hotel - had to walk to the other end of the airport to get to our terminal. We also had no baggage for her to handle. It was obvious that she did NOT work for Disney!!
 


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