Resort Observation

[Hillbeans]

Just thinking out loud here pondering my upcoming trip to AKL...I see a lot of people stay at the same Disney resort during the same time period and sometimes the variation in trip reporting is remarkable. I just wonder, say for example, two different families are staying at the CBR the same week, what would make one family have a horrible trip as opposed to the family having their most *magical* trip ever. Is it a general expectation, the attitude of the individuals traveling, or how much magic they expect out of the CM's and amenities.

 

[SuiteDisney]

I think the kind of vacation you have depends on your attitude and expectations.

People usually find what they're looking for; if they look for the negative then that's what they'll see, and the same goes for the positive.

 

[lmhall2000]

I think most of it may be attributed to the half empty/half full idea. Meaning- some may run into rude CM's or guests and repay them with kindness and actually get some back every now and then and they won't give the incident another thought- while others make a point to rehash how unpleasant such an experience was. Now that's much to general a picture because there are instances where even those who view the cup as half full will hit a brick wall of injustice and have to deal with it.

And a lot has to deal with your state of mind on the trip- was it a stressful trip to begin with- was work on your mind everyday- was someone ill during the trip messing up "plans"- oh it could be anything....here's an example....

We had bought into a week stay at a non-Disney resort with a 90 minute presentation- UGH NEVER DO THAT!! I had been promised a non-smoking- after 8 hours of our first day's vacation and trying out 10 different rooms- (it took this long because when we finally found one and moved all our stuff the airconditioning broke)- it was 10 pm at night and we had to move- ds was already headed for an asthma attack. Also this was 2 weeks after 9/11 and everyone was a little tense. We called on our cell phone as we drove over to Disney to see if the resorts had any specials. The CRO said she had a rate for $129 at the AKL- and could hear through my tears that it had been a tough day- we ended up losing the $600 from that resort company- they refused to refund our money- another long story!! But the CRO was soo very kind and said sometimes the registration desk at the hotel will offer an even lower rate- it was worth trying she said- so we drove up (it's now 10:30 and son needs another breathing tx- we had arrived at the airport at 10am so this is one LONG day!!) and related the story of our day and what the CRO had said- and he stared no GLARED at me without an ounce of sympathy and said, "Mam, there isn't even a $129 a night rate- I don't know who you think you spoke with but our rates are $199 a night." I told him I had just spoken with her 5 minutes ago and could I use his phone to call her- our cell phone needed recharging and the car was well into the middle of the parking lot- a hike after a long day. HE REFUSED and said- "if you want a room you'll pay $199 a night". Now please this is 2 weeks after 9/11 and the parking lot is not anywhere near full. So I had to hike it back out to the car to make the call and make the reservation. I returned and he glared at me again- in disbelief that I got the $129 rate- and said it could take up to an hour for the reservation to get into their system. WHAT???? I needed a plug to give my child a breathing tx! He wouldn't even believe I had the reservation or give us a room to give my son a treatment! Luckily on one of my returns to the counter another lady had come to work and had overheard his comments and apologized profusely- what a breath of fresh air- she got our reservation up in seconds- he just didn't want to help at all.

Now this could have really put a damper on our trip- what it did do was make me ever so grateful for any smile or act of kindness we received and I gave as much back as I got. And I know we ran into some "rude" guests/CM's through our stay but their actions never affected us and we'd try to be as kind as we could- I always feel those with that rude tendency must lead miserable existences and that's their worst punishment.

Tara

 

[Hillbeans]

Thanks LMHall and Suite disney. I agree with both of you. Being an optomistic person myself, i'd have to have a real big issue (ie, rude CM like LM, dirty unkept rooms, unsafe conditions) rather than not getting any towel animals or what kind of free milk is on the breakfast buffet. Everyone has a right to their opinion, and I know some people save for this trip for a lifetime and expect maybe more than they should. Sometimes the time of the visit is the biggest factor in enjoyment (ie, long lines vs short lines, better weather, etc).

 

[>>^..^<<]

Wow Imhall2000...

What a jerk at the front desk!!! I bet you would have liked to rub his nose in your $129.00per night confirmation!!! I can't believe he treated you so poorly!

>>^..^<<

 

[Mrs. Snowgod]

I think the saying goes, "whether you think you can, or whether you think you can't, you're right"! Yes, sometimes bad things happen to good people, but attitude makes a major difference.

 

[epcotfan]

Believe me I went with a positive attitude. I've never experienced the behaviour I encountered last week elsewhere. I go to Disney once or twice a year and always manage to have a good time. I wasn't looking for anything negative. Perhaps I'm just in shock that this is the first time I've been less than pleased with a resort experience.