Ok, we just got back from DW last night. This was our third Disney trip in as many years (2 to DW & 1 cruise), and most likely our last. Before I get into it, know this, my wife grew up going to Disney every year (she's been 30 times total) and I've been there about 5 times. We have two children who love all things Disney. So we are not negative people who went there looking to have a bad time. Quite the opposite, I REALLY needed and was looking forward to this vacation for a long time.
We stayed at the WL so I'll start with our experience there. I was amazed at check in to be treated like I was a homeless man trying to get a room at the Ritz . Every question I asked was answered with a smirk and one or two words max. I thought, "oh well, shake it off you're on vacation" and that's what I tried to do. But every CM at the WL I came into contact with for the entire week we stayed there was rude. And I don't mean rude by Disney standards, I mean rude. My last conversation with a CM at the WL came on the morning of our departure. The night before we (12 of us) went to the character dinner at the CP. Two of the children ate Mac and cheese and both were up all night vomiting and pooping. I approached the concierge and asked her what their policy was when a situation like this came up. I wasn't looking for something for nothing, I just wasn't thrilled about paying $100 for the privilege of cleaning up puke and poop all night. The concierge says "No Dr. note, no refund." I responded with "That's some fantastic customer service right there (referring to the attitude more than the policy)." She says "Yeah, well I'm real sorry you feel that way." I told her "Yes, I can see by the look on your face that you are very concerned with the feelings of your customers." She grinned that now familiar WL staff grin.
The parks were mobbed and it was hot. I obviously don't blame Disney for the weather and crowds, but they could have done a better job dealing with the crowds. I mean if you're willing to take all these people's money and let them into your parks billed as the most wonderful place on earth, at least come up with some kind of plan to ensure they have a good time. And if you don't, you shouldn't be surprised when they find another place to spend their vacation money. The lines were insane (2 hours to ride SM), and only being able to pull one fast pass at a time really doesn't help. Hungry? Lines for the overpriced, unhealthy counter service meals were at least 30-45 minutes.
I could on for hours about how incredibly let down I feel about spending $5K on what turned out to be a pretty miserable week, citing very specific reasons why I feel that way, but what's the point. I consider it a lesson learned. Next year we'll be vacationing somewhere else.
We stayed at the WL so I'll start with our experience there. I was amazed at check in to be treated like I was a homeless man trying to get a room at the Ritz . Every question I asked was answered with a smirk and one or two words max. I thought, "oh well, shake it off you're on vacation" and that's what I tried to do. But every CM at the WL I came into contact with for the entire week we stayed there was rude. And I don't mean rude by Disney standards, I mean rude. My last conversation with a CM at the WL came on the morning of our departure. The night before we (12 of us) went to the character dinner at the CP. Two of the children ate Mac and cheese and both were up all night vomiting and pooping. I approached the concierge and asked her what their policy was when a situation like this came up. I wasn't looking for something for nothing, I just wasn't thrilled about paying $100 for the privilege of cleaning up puke and poop all night. The concierge says "No Dr. note, no refund." I responded with "That's some fantastic customer service right there (referring to the attitude more than the policy)." She says "Yeah, well I'm real sorry you feel that way." I told her "Yes, I can see by the look on your face that you are very concerned with the feelings of your customers." She grinned that now familiar WL staff grin.
The parks were mobbed and it was hot. I obviously don't blame Disney for the weather and crowds, but they could have done a better job dealing with the crowds. I mean if you're willing to take all these people's money and let them into your parks billed as the most wonderful place on earth, at least come up with some kind of plan to ensure they have a good time. And if you don't, you shouldn't be surprised when they find another place to spend their vacation money. The lines were insane (2 hours to ride SM), and only being able to pull one fast pass at a time really doesn't help. Hungry? Lines for the overpriced, unhealthy counter service meals were at least 30-45 minutes.
I could on for hours about how incredibly let down I feel about spending $5K on what turned out to be a pretty miserable week, citing very specific reasons why I feel that way, but what's the point. I consider it a lesson learned. Next year we'll be vacationing somewhere else.
Glad you had a good time. 
