Just cancelled All 2007 FW Trips

[MBMacs]

Sounds like 9 reservations just became available.......

 

[ynottony99]

I just cancelled all 9 planed trips to FW. After talking to Cheryl and some people I know that work for WDW I think our last trip is starting to be the norm. Disney is starting to get this O well attitude and I’m not going to pay $90 a night to be treated poorly. So there are 9 new reservations just waiting for you.

I have read all the posts here and in the other thread. I still don't get what could have been said by 'some people I know that work for WDW'. Did they say that FW policy is now to treat people badly? I know the service industry has seen a decline in service generaly speaking. However as someone who visits FW several times a year, I have never experienced anything on this level.

 

[tellnotails]

Could be a disgruntled former employee????

 

[stillh2o]

I’ve read other post by Discamper and I don’t find him negative at all most of his post where about getting a new TT or help?’S. So do we need to call him a liar or negative because he chose not to spend his money where he feels the service is not up to his standards?

 

[Donna]

If i went by bad experiences, i would never go back to the Boardwalk Villas. I had a really bad room there and extremely poor guest service, but i've given them more chances and that was the only bad time i had there. I would never deprive myself and family of disney because of one bad time. Sure there are cheaper camping experiences but not in the heart of Walt Disney World!

 

[GreatLakes5]

I just wanted to "throw out there" that the old vs. new cart, while kind of silly if they all work and are up to par, may be an argument regarding paying for something and getting what you paid for. Disney is a business there to make consumers happy - they aren't your friends no matter how friendly they may be - just remember that you have a RIGHT to demand excellence (i.e. your money's worth). Sometimes it's hard to get angry with your favorite family member as I believe Disney becomes to some folks....

No - not worth cancelling reservations over in my opinion but, hey, more for everyone else.

 

[Whosemom]

LOL -
I had two DIS pages open at the same time (its an illness) and posted a reply to the other one here, and don't see how to delete!

 

[disfanRN]

If he doesn't camp at the Fort anymore he will have to change his name from Discamper to tropical palms camper.
If we don't give people a chance to redeem themselves pretty soon we will have to build our own car, grow our own food and open our own restaraunts. I don't see how a couple things that were not all that bad can sour someone who truly loves the magic of Disney.

 

[VAN]

We've camped at the Fort on an annual basis for the past few years. Yes, we have had some things that have not gone our way at check-in. Usually once we are at our site, everything is good.

We arrived a couple of years on a Saturday and requested the 1500 loop, but were put on the 2000 loop ... we then moved the second day (what a pain!). We have since made the adjustment to arriving on Sunday in order to get the 1500 loop as we realized that the local/weekend crowd were the ones taking the spots. Changing our arrival day has really helped to get our desired loop upon arrival.

I also don't like it that the front desk seems unaware when spots are "clean". You would think there would be a more efficient way for the cleaning crew to contact the front desk as soon as cleaning was done.

I also get a bit peeved about individuals/fellow campers not following the rules or being considerate of others, but try to tell myself I'm on vacation ... no stress, be happy. Yes, I'll report the infractions, but Disney doesn't always enforce (e.g. only one vehicle on site, quiet hours, no campfires, etc). Some years they have been good about enforcement and other years not. Locals, don't flame me - but it does "appear" that the culprits are local/Florida folks who camp at the Fort frequently ... Multiple cars on site, multiple friends/family staying (even sleeping in their cars), kids running wild and screaming beginning at 10:00 pm, etc. Fortunately, this has not happened every year -- thank goodness!

At any rate, we don't just go there to camp - if we did we could find other places that are less $$ -- we go for the atmosphere, the fact that there is always something to do without getting the car out and battling the traffic. I love the ferry boats and the fact I can ride the bus and leave the driving to someone else. I don't mind the standard pool - I'll go to one of the water parks if I need a slide/lazy river.

Most of our stress at the Fort deals with check-in and getting the "right" spot for our two-week stay ... once we're set up, though, things run pretty smooth.

 

[auntie]

I think the guy is entitled to his perspective. I haven't stayed at FW in our trailer yet..just in the cabins. Which frankly, I find to be a totally different experience than that of the camping loops. I do bike through on each trip when we've been to the WL. Plan to again in May..as I am trying like crazy to plan a trip for the fall with our new trailer. I am on the camping thread quite often looking for info..and picking the brains of those who have camped. I enjoy hearing good and bad info..not just from those who sing the praises of FW. I figure this way, I can learn what's good..what's bad...what to ask for..when to ask...what to expect. Not having been visiting for 31 years.., and just getting a glimpse into the resort from biking through, reading the good, the bad and the dissapointed is very helpful. You can usually pull out of a thread what is really a problem, and what is someone's perspective..be it negative or positive and how that would effect you. I'm sorry to see that his experiences of late have been less than satisfying. Most of us don't have the opportunity to make 9 trips in a year anyway...we are hoping for that once a year family vaction..or even once in a life time..like me! Still trying to talk my husband into taking the time, and towing from NY. I'm still going...one day..I'm gonna be there..good reviews..bad reviews...I'm determined to write my own review!

 

[Kelly1Mickey]

We actually had the exact same situation, but we are still planning future trips. Our campsite wasn't ready, no big deal...it is guaranteed until 1 anyway. We picked up our cart, but never thought to care if it was old or new. Before we reached the check in area with it, it died right in the street. We PUSHED it off the road (it is easier to push your CAR off the road than it is a cart!). We had a little incident with a security person that we flagged down because she said she couldn't help. But eventually common sense set in and she called someone that could help. They brought us a different cart and we were on our way!

Doesn't change my adoration for Disney though. We will back camping probably in April and then will wait for summer to pass before we camp again. The trip was still relaxing and still magical...everything Disney should be.

I only posted this because I know first time campers will read the negatives and think twice about their trip. (I know this because I work in resort management and deal with negative reviews on the internet.) Future FW campers, remember that things happen and even Disney can't make everyone happy, although I certainly hope that they try. WDW will always be my happiest place on earth no matter what. One or 2 staff members handling things poorly will never be enough to deter me.

 

[Colson39]

Not having been visiting for 31 years.., and just getting a glimpse into the resort from biking through, reading the good, the bad and the dissapointed is very helpful. You can usually pull out of a thread what is really a problem, and what is someone's perspective..be it negative or positive and how that would effect you. I'm sorry to see that his experiences of late have been less than satisfying. Most of us don't have the opportunity to make 9 trips in a year anyway...we are hoping for that once a year family vaction..or even once in a life time..like me!

Hmm, wonder who you're talking about

Hey, some of us are just lucky to live close to Disney, don't blame us!!!

Trust me, there are places us Floridians wish we could go 9 times a year!

 

[auntie]

I don't blame you..I wish I were as fortunate to be able to visit as many times as you have. I figured you know who I was referring to with my statement...as... well..you have mentioned that you've visited that many times. We have a seasonal spot in upstate NY..and pretty much spend most of May through October weekends and several weeks in the summer there. If I lived as near as you do to FW..I'm quite sure I'd love to be there often also.
I do think ...and please don't take this the wrong way..that sometimes you kind of jump on folks for not be quite as enthusiastic about FW as you are. Criticism is not always a bad thing. We can learn from it. I'm assuming that a good many of your trips have also been as a kid vacationing with your family. Again..a wonderful thing....and I'm sure your family had great times and you have created wonderful memories that you carry with you. You're enthusiasm is admirable. However there have been people who visit who were not happy with a particular aspect of their trip..or for what ever reason see fault or even changes in Disney over the years. Some of which are also long time FW visitors. I think those posts also have merit. I've been visiting Disney with my own kids since '91. I definetely see a difference in service from the Disney of the 90's to the Disney of 2000's. I also went as a kid when it first opened..back in ...Ahem...'72 I believe. I was hooked. When I had my own family..I knew that's the place for us. I have kids of various ages...with big age differences and Disney was a place where there has always been something to appeal to everyone. My kids only remember good times..they don't see the change in service as my husband and I do..they were kids when we first started going..they're only supposed to remember the fun. We've stayed in many of the resorts, and even the cabins in FW..back when they were still called "the trailers". So...don't get me wrong, I'm a huge Walt Disney World fan...but I do also see that there have been changes, and frankly not always for the better. It wouldn't stop me from going and there was a time when we went every year. I also respect the fact that maybe it does stop some folks from going. They came to expect a certain type of treatment or vacation..and if they don't feel they are getting what they pay for..so be it. Perhaps it's best to take a break and see what else is out there. I think especially when you camp there are likely to be more variables as to what might go wrong during a vacation as opposed to when you stay at a resort. In any case, I have found the information posted here..even from the disgruntled to be informative. I hope I only have a happy rave review to place on the thread when I finally do visit with our trailer. If I do...most of the credit will be due to the reviews shared here on the boards..be they good or bad.

 

[tellnotails]

 

[Colson39]

I don't blame you..I wish I were as fortunate to be able to visit as many times as you have. I figured you know who I was referring to with my statement...as... well..you have mentioned that you've visited that many times. We have a seasonal spot in upstate NY..and pretty much spend most of May through October weekends and several weeks in the summer there. If I lived as near as you do to FW..I'm quite sure I'd love to be there often also.
I do think ...and please don't take this the wrong way..that sometimes you kind of jump on folks for not be quite as enthusiastic about FW as you are. Criticism is not always a bad thing. We can learn from it. I'm assuming that a good many of your trips have also been as a kid vacationing with your family. Again..a wonderful thing....and I'm sure your family had great times and you have created wonderful memories that you carry with you. You're enthusiasm is admirable. However there have been people who visit who were not happy with a particular aspect of their trip..or for what ever reason see fault or even changes in Disney over the years. Some of which are also long time FW visitors. I think those posts also have merit. I've been visiting Disney with my own kids since '91. I definetely see a difference in service from the Disney of the 90's to the Disney of 2000's. I also went as a kid when it first opened..back in ...Ahem...'72 I believe. I was hooked. When I had my own family..I knew that's the place for us. I have kids of various ages...with big age differences and Disney was a place where there has always been something to appeal to everyone. My kids only remember good times..they don't see the change in service as my husband and I do..they were kids when we first started going..they're only supposed to remember the fun. We've stayed in many of the resorts, and even the cabins in FW..back when they were still called "the trailers". So...don't get me wrong, I'm a huge Walt Disney World fan...but I do also see that there have been changes, and frankly not always for the better. It wouldn't stop me from going and there was a time when we went every year. I also respect the fact that maybe it does stop some folks from going. They came to expect a certain type of treatment or vacation..and if they don't feel they are getting what they pay for..so be it. Perhaps it's best to take a break and see what else is out there. I think especially when you camp there are likely to be more variables as to what might go wrong during a vacation as opposed to when you stay at a resort. In any case, I have found the information posted here..even from the disgruntled to be informative. I hope I only have a happy rave review to place on the thread when I finally do visit with our trailer. If I do...most of the credit will be due to the reviews shared here on the boards..be they good or bad.

Some people choose to be negative, I choose to be positive. To each their own

Certain posters post more than enough negative comments if people are so inclined to read them. Just look at some of the above posters

 

[Tricializ]

in terms of the one I took in January. I had made a reservation and then added a day. First they wouldn't let me pay the balance of the reservation because I made it online. Then they said I could when I called the second time and when we arrived, it wasn't paid for. (good thing I had my CCs with me. LOL). They also couldn't merge the two reservations into one and I had to re-check in the second day. Drive to the front desk, stand in line and go through the whole thing again. Called on my way down to check on that and also to see if they got our loop request and was told that once the reservation goes to the resort, there is nothing they can do. So, I had various trips to the front desk for this and that. Golf carts weren't ready (but it was before they were supposed to be, so how can you get mad? ). Aso, I left my camera by the pool and lost and found is only open certain days. Anyway, I found myself mildly annoyed at the absolute insanity of it all. Like, Why can't they merge the two reservations into 1 when I am checking in or at least let me check in for both at once. So, I think there are some things they could do to improve. Much of it seems to be the computer system just doesn't seem to allow for over-rides. My guess is that it had to be done to stop people from abusing the system. It's too bad but it would never deter me from going. After the mild annoyance, I was able to get back in the golf cart and drive though the beautiful grounds and have a wonderful vacation. So much is what you make of it.
Tricia

 

[Colson39]

Reservations are to me one of the main problems with the Fort, and I have said it many a time (as much as some people might fall over dead at that statement...lol).

I believe one of the main problems is that their operators just aren't trained sufficiently in how the Fort works. It's totally different from booking a standard resort room, and factoring in multiple stays, bookended reservations, camper sizes, etc..., they really should have a seperate and specifically trained reservation crew to handle it.

So much is what you make of it.
Tricia

My philosophy exactly. I wish you could teach that lesson to everyone

 

[pamlet]

I can't comment directly on customer service at the Fort ... we'll be there for the first time next year.

However I will say that we went to Disney in May 2005 - to be honest I had to stop reading the Dis because I kept seeing the dire comments that it wasn't like it used to be... that customer service had gone down the tubes ... and that the Magic was GONE.

My heart kept telling me that people are just WHINERS ... you've got them everywhere ... I'd worked in travel for YEARS and knew what they were like. But my imagination ran WILD ... hahahahaha ... I have pretty high expectations in the customer service department ... for myself and my employees when I had 'em.

Thank goodness my heart knew best. The CM's were as friendly as ever .. we had a marvelous time. My kid's had gotten us one night at the Poly for our anniversary .. and it was great .. though to be honest I don't thing I'd EVER pay the money again unless I had unlimited funds.... afterall it's just a place to rest your head... at least for us..

So I see threads like this and wonder what the purpose is .. as Tricializ said a post or two above .. "It's so much what you make of it" ... gotta agree with you there!

 

[Colson39]

Well you know what they say about the squeaky wheel.....



.....just change the tire already!!! lol

 

[GreatLakes5]

Ah - the magic isn't gone!!

At the same time it's perfectly OKAY to have negative comments as well. If it's all positive - well I want to drink some of that kool aid! Sometimes the negative helps people work things out so they can have a better trip the next time.

But the magic - never - I hadn't been since Epcot opened (yes - that old) - was there for the opening with my parents. Mom died two years ago now and I brought my family. I sobbed when I walked through the gates. I don't think the magic is ever quite gone. (It just needs an occasional tweeking)