Poor Customer Service experience at Jambo...need advice on action to take

msabol01

DIS Veteran
Joined
Jan 21, 2008
Messages
597
Just returned from a two night stay at AKL Jambo prior to going on a 7 day cruise. Below is a recap of our experience and I would really like advice on what courses of action any of you would suggest I take beyond what I have already intend to take.

We checked into a 1 bedroom in the Jambo house with a family of four (2 kids ages 6 and 10). After putting the kids to sleep in the living room and cleaning up prior to going to bed we discovered the bed in the master bedroom was not level because the frame was broken and one corner was resting on the floor.

We immediately called the front desk to report the issue and mentioned the kids were asleep so we would rough it and maintenance could fix it in the morning.

The next day we leave to tour the various resorts and check out Christmas decorations and have lunch returning to the room at 3 pm. Upon inspection we discovered no action has been taken. My wife calls the front desk to inquire about the status of repair and was met with a rude and dismissive cast member who basically said,"we've had a lot of things come up and haven't gotten to it...have a magical day" and hung up.

This prompted me to call the front desk and request to speak with the manager about the status of the bed repair. I was told the manager was paged and would call shortly. The CM on the phone had no updates or knowledge of our maintenance issue. After an hour and no call, I called DVC Member services and asked them what can be done since the bed condition was unacceptable and sleep was less than optimal on the bed.

The CM with MS spend about 20 minutes on the phone relaying messages to his manager who in turn was talking to the resort manager (who still hasn't called me). By now it was 4:30 and the CM from MS informed me that they were working on a resolution and I would hear from someone shortly.

At 5 pm, I receive a call from the housekeeping manager who apologizes for the situation and tells me this is the first he is hearing of an issue. He was forthright in saying that the bed probably wouldn't be fixed but he would see to us getting a new room and to pack our items and he would have our luggage moved while we are at dinner. he said to simply check with the front desk about our new room assignment. We had 5:30 dinner reservations at the Beach Club so we quickly packed prior to leaving for dinner.

Right as we were leaving, a person from maintenance came to the door to check out the bed, and confirmed that the frame was broken beyond repair and he would see if he could get a new bed from the furniture department. I informed him about my phone conversation with the housekeeping manager and the move that we were offered. He looked puzzled and said that wasnt the plan he was told about but it made more sense since it wasn't likely the bed would be fixed. By the way, I still haven't received a call from any manager.

So fast forward to 8:30, we return from dinner and I go to the front desk and was greeted with blank stares and no knowledge of any arranged move. So I asked to speak immediately with the manager on duty and explain the whole situation to him. He was the first person to seem somewhat apologetic and said he would resolve the issue. After another 30 minutes, he informs me that there are no 1 bedrooms available, but he will "upgrade" me to a two bedroom over in Kidani Village. So, I tell him I appreciate his taking some action since there was a complete breakdown in communication. This was very subpar customer service for an organization like Disney and as a business traveler who frequently stays in hotels (avg 100+ nights a year) I have experienced better response and compensation from the likes of Marriott and Starwood. I also commented that moving us to another room is a quick fix that is a given but I have wasted several hours to get resolution and have started from scratch with each new follow up call.

I asked him for the GM's contact information (which he failed to provide). At this point I just wanted to get to the room since I had two overly tired kids and it was approaching 10pm.

The next morning, I spoke with the manager over at Kidani about who to contact etc. He gave me a guest services card with an email address and the name of AKL's GM.

My plan is to write both that customer service address I was given as well as DVC customer service. My questions is there any other action I should take? Is it reasonable to ask for a refund of my DVC points?

I understand things break. My disappointment and frustration lies with how unresponsive the resort was in addressing the problem, and the poor internal communication at the resort. Had the issue been resolved or we were moved by mid-day of our second day I would have been ok with it all. Having to speak with at least five separate people with no resolution is a bit extreme.

I appreciate any feedback....I hate to rant but am at my wit's end on this. On a plus side, this was at the beginning of our vacation and DCL was able to eclipse this poor experience!
 
To start off, never call when you have a problem, go to the Front Desk. Your calls went to a call center in Tampa who acted like the Front Desk, that's why no one knew what you were talking about.

At this point your only contact should be the DVC Member Satisfaction Team at dvcmembersatisfactionteam@disneyvacationclub.com.

They are also who you should have contacted instead of MS. They have move pull and better resources since they work under the DVC VP.

:earsboy: Bill
 
I agree - never call - go to the front desk! I have learned that, although it may seem to be a hassle at the time, going to the front desk, and staying put until you feel resolution is assured, is the only clear cut way of getting what is needed in the shortest amount of time.
 
I will third that, in person works much better and I always ask for the persons card so I can reference it in future.

Please let the GM know since the day manager clearly did not do the job.

bookwormde
 

You are totally correct in complaining to them, their service was not acceptable.
We stayed in the WL villas last year and all the dishes etc were dirty and various areas of the room, I complained and got the room recleaned and had the manager come up to see it for herself, I was given a good amount of points returned to my account and I was happy with the outcome, if we don't complain then nothing will be done anywhere.

I would send emails to all relevant people involved and put it all down in bullet points where they failed you.
They wasted your holiday by not dealing with this sharply.
And the inconvenience it has caused by staff not communicating with each other. Tell them you had planned to go to a park or elsewhere on the night after your meal and that the room change had cancelled this, this shows that their incompetence has directly impaled your enjoyment of your holiday.

Good luck. 
 
I was just wondering about those bed frames. In checking out of Jambo, I glanced under the bed to make sure I did not leave anything and saw a dangling 1x3 "support". I would think a hotel bed would need a minimum of a 4x4 with cross-bracing.
 
To start off, never call when you have a problem, go to the Front Desk. Your calls went to a call center in Tampa who acted like the Front Desk, that's why no one knew what you were talking about.

At this point your only contact should be the DVC Member Satisfaction Team at dvcmembersatisfactionteam@disneyvacationclub.com.

They are also who you should have contacted instead of MS. They have move pull and better resources since they work under the DVC VP.

:earsboy: Bill

Thanks Bill. This was something the last manager shared with me as well and is a learning point for me walk to the front desk next time. Surprisingly none of the others have shared that bit of information about the off site call center posing as the front desk.

Thanks for the email as well since I couldn't find that anywhere.

I really hope the management reviews this as it is so un-Disney.
 
/
We had a similar problem at Jambo house earlier this year only the issue was the A/C and not the bed. Basically we got the run around for days. I spoke to three different managers at the front desk with no results. It got to the point the managers wouldn't even speak to me. Long story short it was the worst customer service we have ever received from any hotel let alone Disney hotels. When we got home I email the guest services email and sent an actual letter to the GM at Jambo House. Never heard anything from the GM but I did get a call from Guest Services. My letter just explained what happened and I never asked for anything. The Guest Services person actually refunded me two nights as we were staying on cash.

We will never stay at AKL again because of this. I overheard managers yelling at other guests. Accusing people of keeping Mickey ears with other kids names on them that ended up in the wrong room, etc. It was clear that the managers clearly did not care at all about their desks. I had written all of their names down and included them in my letter. The person at Guest Services said that they would report them but I am guessing that didn't really happen.

Good luck!
 
Agree on contacting DVC Member Services. I had a noise issue with our recent BWV stay (from Jellyrolls/Atlantic Dance) which we didn't report to anyone on-site, because we didn't want to deal with the hassle of a move. Emailed DVC-MS after the fact just so hopefully it won't bother other guests (or us next year if we get a room in the same area!), and they called to apologize, and (I didn't ask for anything at all) since we didn't make any on-site complaints, it would be hard to get "compensation" from the resort manager (such as a refund of points), but I had some expiring banked points from our original resale purchase that I had no way to use, and they moved those points to the current use year so I could now use them, which I am way happy with. Your situation was much worse, and I'm sure they will refund at least one night, if not both.
 
Your situation was poorly handled by all, you should have been given a new room or a new bed ASAP. I think it quite reasonable to ask for compensation of points and/or $'s. I've had very few incidents and actually over the last 10 years, only one where I went to the resort manager in person. A complaint, face to face with a MGr. I think will always garner you a better outcome.
 
The times we have had any maintenance issues I have dialed the maintenance or housekeeping number directly using the number shown on the phone and always got a prompt response. That as well as walking down to the desk should get most problems resolved. Fortunately I only had one issue at AKV jambo and I think that was related to a segmented reservation ( back when that was allowed for DDP purposes) and we didn't get T&T day services. I think they had us checked out and in 2 or 3 times over our 5 night stay. I had to call housekeeping to get the clean towels brought up. We had left the others in a pile in the tub so really needed the clean ones or I wouldn't have bothered.

Do let MS know about your issues so it may prevent it from happening again to someone else.
 
The times we have had any maintenance issues I have dialed the maintenance or housekeeping number directly using the number shown on the phone and always got a prompt response. That as well as walking down to the desk should get most problems resolved. Fortunately I only had one issue at AKV jambo and I think that was related to a segmented reservation ( back when that was allowed for DDP purposes) and we didn't get T&T day services. I think they had us checked out and in 2 or 3 times over our 5 night stay. I had to call housekeeping to get the clean towels brought up. We had left the others in a pile in the tub so really needed the clean ones or I wouldn't have bothered.

Do let MS know about your issues so it may prevent it from happening again to someone else.

This is a great suggestion. OP - as you have found out; the other calls are handles by a central call center. If I want something done; there is nothing like face to face. For two nights, depending on how unlevel the bed was I probably would have just lived with it rather than use my time during vacation to deal with it.
 
Be sure to check your points statement as well. It has been seen in the past that if the resort "upgrades" you the additional points have been taken.
 
Omgosh what a horrible ordeal. Personally, I would write to the call center manager or director in Tampa as well because the ball dropped there as well. Obviously, there is a communication issue between Tampa and AKL because the bed issue was not communicated. I don't understand why other posters feel it is the customers responsibility to know that if they dial "0" from their room that they are getting a call center. I don't care who I call from my phone that person better know how to fix the issue or why bother. What a waste of money in dues for us? We are paying them to handle issues and the employees time is not being efficiently utilized. That is very poor management skills if you ask me. I'd want my points back.
 
I think I am the only one to think this, but to me you got a free upgrade to a two bedroom the next day. Sounds like eventually you got a great deal.

Yes the ordeal and the 1st night was not optimal and you should be compensated for the 1 night of your stay.

I could understand if you wanted to send an email/letter to DVC management or AKL management about the situation. This should be used for training purposes and hopefully not to fire someone. Jobs are difficult to find these days and I hate to see anyone get fired for possible mis-communication.
 
Omgosh what a horrible ordeal. Personally, I would write to the call center manager or director in Tampa as well because the ball dropped there as well. Obviously, there is a communication issue between Tampa and AKL because the bed issue was not communicated. I don't understand why other posters feel it is the customers responsibility to know that if they dial "0" from their room that they are getting a call center. I don't care who I call from my phone that person better know how to fix the issue or why bother. What a waste of money in dues for us? We are paying them to handle issues and the employees time is not being efficiently utilized. That is very poor management skills if you ask me. I'd want my points back.

Either way you would not call "0" the phone has buttons labeled to the department you need. It's also a waste of dues shuffeling and forwarding calls if it can be done directly.

The ball was dropped but you have to wonder if it would have if they called the appropriate person.

Denise in MI
 
Sadly the Call Center situation is horrible, simply horrible.

Be sure to let Member Services know that it is the cause of much headache for guests and staff.

Guests get upset with the staff because they do not respond and due to the Call Center they are not even aware of a problem.

As to refund of points, I doubt it. We spent one night at the BWV searching for over 2 hours between midnight and 2am, for a bed that was not broken. I was finally given a bed that was not broke, and nothing else.

# 1 reason the beds are broke down, Kids Jumping On Them. Shame, shame on the adults that let this happen.

Also I am pretty sure the address you were given is Disney Guest Communications. You will not be sending your comments to the GM and you will not hear back from him or her. Just an FYI.
 
Thanks again for all the suggestions. I missed a call today from member services and will update everyone after I speak with them.


I don't want to belabor the issues further. As horrible as it was, it is behind us and fortunately we had a great week long cruise to offset the experience. My only mission now is to ensure the resort management is aware and to avoid similar issues for others.
 
Sorry if this response is long....
We had a situation that happened to us at Jambo house on our trip in October. This was for our 25th wedding anniversary so our expectations were very high. First was a disappointing cruise on the Dream, we were not able to dock on Castaway Cay due to bad weather, and Nassau was a bust because our Blue Lagoon beach day was terrible ( that's a whole other story) we arrived on Sunday to check in to our 1 br club level room, i had to go into the lobby and wait on the check in line until they found out we were checking in to the club level then they had a CL CM come down and take us upstairs at ( about 10:30 am) We sat in the lounge until nearly 5pm when they called me over to tell me that a pipe burst in the room we were assigned so they had to put me downstairs on the 5 the floor!? When i looked like I was about to cry explaining to them I booked this 11 months ago and it is my silver anniversary, we came off a terrible cruise on the Dream ( our first time cruising on D C L) they found us a 1 br on the sixth floor. We went in the room and it was a handicap room ( the one request I asked was NO Handicap room as I wanted the soaker tub. I know requests are not guaranteed but after waiting till nearly 7 pm to get in our room I was upset and a little angry... My two daughters flew down on Sunday and when there luggage did not show up I went over to the Cl cm's and they had to have someone from ME go back to the airport and retrieve their bags. I was not happy about this room, my daughter took a shower in the roll in shower and water leaked out into the bathroom, she stepped out and slipped nearly breaking a leg. That was it! My husband went out to the CL CM's and asked to speak to the manager, I have no idea what he said to him ( but as a general manager of a New car dealer he is very good at talking to managers) he knew how much time it took me to plan this trip and how upset I was. The manager (his name is Chris) told him he would arrange to move us the next day and put $200 on our account to make up for our dinner reservations we missed that night. The next day I had to call by 10 am to confirm we agreed to our room change which I did. I was told we would have to pack up our bags and store them in bell services till our room was ready. We brought everything downstairs I gave the CL cm my cell phone number to call when the room was ready and we went to the park. No one called, we went back to the resort at 5pm and they said our room was ready and they apologized that they didn't call they saw a note with a cell phone number on it but they didn't know what it was for?? Now there computer system was down and they couldn't transfer our park hoppers so a CM took us to our room and let us in and said he would bring our new KTW cards when they were ready. The room was just past the room we were in last night, another handicap room!!!! OMG I could not believe this I was so angry, now we checked in on Sunday lost a whole day there, now it's Monday at 6pm so we have been virtually homeless for 2 days. I don't know about anyone else but I like to unpack put away my clothes and then I feel like I can relax, but I was living out of a suitcase for 2 days. I went to hang my dress up and it laid on the floor of the closet?! ( handicap room) why would you make us move only to put us in the same kind of room?? Wouldn't you check the room before you make us move? The manager claimed it was not flagged as a handicap room. I was so mad now I went to the CL CM's again and asked to see the manager. He offered us a room on the 5th floor. I was so tired I said ok as long as I was near the elevator so I would have a quick trip up to the CL lounge and he assured me it was. After having bell services coming to get our bags again.. This time he took care of the tip. He walked us Down to our new room, yes it was by the elevators BUT the elevator did not go to the sixth floor! We had to walk all the way to the lobby to go up to the sixth floor. And our new KTW cards were now BLUE instead of the gold ones ( I know it sound silly but I was looking forward to those gold cards) I was so disappointed I had used all these points for Club level and my expectations were so high for this trip I just wanted to get on with our vacation I just said ok with the room and unpacked. It took me a while after walking every day to the CL lounge to stop being upset and just enjoy our trip. In the end, the manager Chris was able to get us the$200.00 credit to our acct for dinner, 2 day hopper passes for each of us 8 day total that expire in 30 years, and 160 points put back into my 2011 use year. I am satisfied with this. Would I have liked my trip to be as magical as I had imagined it? Yes. I don't know if I will ever book CL again, unless it's just my DH and I and I just get a studio. It's not the 25th anniversary trip I had planned for but we ended up having a good time despite the rough start and I will look ahead to my 30th where we will hope to be going to Hawaii. I believe that there is a problem with how they book the DVC CL rooms and that they overbook. If they cannot put you on the same level as the lounge then it should be less points or they should tell you you may be on the 5th floor at the time of booking. Just IMHO. While sitting in the lounge we heard many people that were checking in complaining about this. But I am happy to have some points back into my account to use for another trip.
We were not going to leave the resort with out the manager giving us some compensation for all the trouble we had, I am not so sure we would have received what we got had we attempted to complain when we were already home. I think face to face helped us. I hope they do something for you, and I would not let it rest until you are satisfied with the outcome. I would like to think that they really dont want people to leave unhappy and tell others about it.
 
Either way you would not call "0" the phone has buttons labeled to the department you need. It's also a waste of dues shuffeling and forwarding calls if it can be done directly.

The ball was dropped but you have to wonder if it would have if they called the appropriate person.

Denise in MI
Maybe but really a person might mistakely dial the wrong extention and instead of the CM saying they will help why don't they just re-direct the call to the appropriate department. The OP just might not have known that to call housekeeping or maintenance or didn't look at the phone super close to figure who to call. I think, it is more frustrating for consumer. All CMs that answer calls should just have a handy list that tells them where to redirect the call. It really isn't that hard. It should never be left up to the customer to figure out the "right" department. I think in general most customer services reps aren't too helpful when they pass the buck. They say they will help you just to get you off the phone so they meet their quota and then, do nothing to follow up. I think, managers focus so much on call quotas that they don't look at whether the customer was helped during that call. JMHO....
 















DIS Facebook DIS youtube DIS Instagram DIS Pinterest DIS Tiktok DIS Twitter

Back
Top