Sept 4-8 2005 Wonder S.S. Member Cruise! Part 4

[WDWLVR]

Cindy - sorry to hear you had some less than magical moments.


Sounds like you made lots of other ones for you and Cameron with the help of Amy and her family. Isn't PUSH fun?

 

[ohiominnie]

Cindy - sorry to hear you had some less than magical moments.

After the cruise, we checked into VWL. The kids were running around while we unpacked a bit. Nick complained that something had cut his foot and he was "bleeding to death." Well, it was a minor scratch and we didn't think much of it.

Until we went into the kitchen and there was a chunk of brown glass. Looked like someone had dropped a beer bottle. Not a big deal. Pick it up, throw it out. Then there was another one, and another and another....some very small, some about as big as a lima bean!! And they were in the kitchen, living room AND the master CLOSET!! I think what happened is the vacuum picked them up, whirred them around a lot and then dropped them here or there around the room.

We took them to the front desk (we had collected about 10 of them) and said these were in the room (we knew the room had just been cleaned b/c we had to wait 10 minutes for the housekeepers to finish even though our room was "ready") We just explained that our son had cut his foot and that upon closer inspection we found all these around the room, and could housekeeping PLEASE go and sweep the room all over again? They were MORTIFIED! They said they'd call housekeeping right away. We thanked them and they apologized profusely. We explained that it was ok and that we appreciate them calling housekeeping. We were smiling the whole time.

The lady at the desk was STUNNED. She even said "you're being so nice about this." Guess it wouldn't do us any good to yell and scream. We just wanted the glass vacuumed up and that's what was going to happen.

I thought of asking for free AP's after my son's devestating, life-altering injury, but I forgot!

 

[cgcw]

I would have been upset about broken glass. Like you, though, I never would have expected anything.

The lady at the desk was STUNNED. She even said "you're being so nice about this." Guess it wouldn't do us any good to yell and scream. We just wanted the glass vacuumed up and that's what was going to happen.

I think where the problem is these days is a lot of people expect things. They have heard or read about those magical moments that happen and think, WOW!, that's all that's going to happen. Then when they are not chosen to be in a parade or open one of the parks, their expectations are not met. In some cases, it ruins their stay which is really, really sad.

I'm sure what the CM at the desk in your story was expecting was that you were going to rant and rave and demand some type of compensation for your troubles and your son's injury. I'm sure some would even threaten a lawsuit.

With Cameron's smelly meat experience at Ohana's, I'm pretty certain that if I had asked, they would have given us some type of compensation for what happened. But, the truth of the matter is, it was towards the end of our meal, Cameron was not harmed by what he ate and we really were pretty much full. Why would I have bothered to ask for something above and beyond what I got and we paid for. A meal that we planned on and expected to pay for anyway. I was more concerned about the other diners eating something that would make them sick.

We were once at Whispering Canyon and a man ordered a steak. A big steak. When it came to his table, he asked where the meat came from. The server didn't know so she went to ask the Chef. The Chef came out of the back and told the man where their meat came from. The man was horrified and refused to eat any of it, ordering the Chef to take it back. I was so embarressed by his actions when the Chef came over to our table the other night, that's what it reminded me of.

 

[Diana Lyn]

I'm just popping in for a second.....LOVE the pictures guys! But Amy, I can see that picture coming back to haunt you over and over again!

And Cindy, I would have definitely asked the manager at BC for compensation....priority for booking the next Member Cruise probably would have been the only thing I would have taken in order to be satisfied!

 

[ohiominnie]

I would have been upset about broken glass. Like you, though, I never would have expected anything.



I think where the problem is these days is a lot of people expect things.

I think you're right. Expectations are so high. Plus when you have a board with 78,000 ppl and *someone* got something, everyone expects it.

There was a time last year I was truly appaled at a CM. We looked at a special pin at Downtown Disney (may have been annual passholder) There was only ONE left. We wanted it, but asked the lady to hold it for us at the desk. I was thinking that since it was a special, behind the desk item, that we wouldn't be allowed to carry it around the store. She said she'd hold it for us. We looked around for 10 more minutes and came back to buy it. The lady, of course, was gone. The man there (who happened to be a manager) had NO idea where she put our pin!! He hunted her down and asked her and she said someone else had come up, asked to see it, and she sold it to them!!!!! Right out from under us!!!!! Well, I was a bit peeved. We had just said "hold it for us while we look around." And she showed no remorse. Just giggled and said "they thought it was really cute and wanted it."

So the manager ended up taking our name and address and shipped us a pin free of charge (when he hunted one down) He also included a special CM only pin that CM's give to "special" people.

That just didn't seem like an "oh, it's ok, not a big deal" situation to me. This was just irresponsibility and included no apology.

 

[cgcw]

And Cindy, I would have definitely asked the manager at BC for compensation....priority for booking the next Member Cruise probably would have been the only thing I would have taken in order to be satisfied!

That's it!!!! Exactly!!!! What an awesome idea!!! In fact, I think I'll call Disney right now, demand to speak to a manager and ask for rooms for all of us!!

What do you think??

 

[Diana Lyn]

That's it!!!! Exactly!!!! What an awesome idea!!! In fact, I think I'll call Disney right now, demand to speak to a manager and ask for rooms for all of us!!

What do you think??

Just make sure you reserve an inside room for me, the person who gave you the great idea !

 

[cgcw]

I think you're right. Expectations are so high. Plus when you have a board with 78,000 ppl and *someone* got something, everyone expects it.

There was a time last year I was truly appaled at a CM. We looked at a special pin at Downtown Disney (may have been annual passholder) There was only ONE left. We wanted it, but asked the lady to hold it for us at the desk. I was thinking that since it was a special, behind the desk item, that we wouldn't be allowed to carry it around the store. She said she'd hold it for us. We looked around for 10 more minutes and came back to buy it. The lady, of course, was gone. The man there (who happened to be a manager) had NO idea where she put our pin!! He hunted her down and asked her and she said someone else had come up, asked to see it, and she sold it to them!!!!! Right out from under us!!!!! Well, I was a bit peeved. We had just said "hold it for us while we look around." And she showed no remorse. Just giggled and said "they thought it was really cute and wanted it."

So the manager ended up taking our name and address and shipped us a pin free of charge (when he hunted one down) He also included a special CM only pin that CM's give to "special" people.

That just didn't seem like an "oh, it's ok, not a big deal" situation to me. This was just irresponsibility and included no apology.

Did I share my gatorade story and Walker? I forget. So, bear with me if I did already.

After the cruise, we were leaving Mission Space, heading over to Soarin. Walker wanted Gatorade and there were a couple of people in line. So, I told him, there will be another stand on the other side and we'd get it there. Then we headed to Soarin, finding no gatorade on the way. We decided to go into the Land for lunch, sat down at a table, the CM comes along asking what we wanted to drink. Of course, Walker says "Gatorade". No luck, they don't have Gatorade there. Over and over and over again, he whined about the Gatorade. I say, rootbeer will be fine, he'll have that. Still whining about Gatorade, Walker is. The CM disappears, comes back a couple minutes later, and says, "It's not Gatorade, but will Power Aid do?". Walker's eyes lit up like it was his birthday. I have no idea where she found it, but she certainly made our experience and lunch much more pleasant.

That's something you can't expect --- it just happened.

You can bet I've already sent a letter off to WDW praising the CM for her extra effort. That's what Disney is all about and you have to love it when it happens and live with it when it doesn't.

Listen to me, I'll get off my soap box now. I'm off to dinner with a friend who moved to Arizona and is in for a visit. Ladies night out around here.

 

[cgcw]

Just make sure you reserve an inside room for me, the person who gave you the great idea !

No problem, when I said ALL of us, I was thinking ALL of us. I'd never leave my friends out!

Then we could all sleep a bit later on 12/3!

 

[MarkRG]

After the cruise, we checked into VWL. The kids were running around while we unpacked a bit. Nick complained that something had cut his foot and he was "bleeding to death." Well, it was a minor scratch and we didn't think much of it.

Until we went into the kitchen and there was a chunk of brown glass. Looked like someone had dropped a beer bottle. Not a big deal. Pick it up, throw it out. Then there was another one, and another and another....some very small, some about as big as a lima bean!! And they were in the kitchen, living room AND the master CLOSET!! I think what happened is the vacuum picked them up, whirred them around a lot and then dropped them here or there around the room.

We took them to the front desk (we had collected about 10 of them) and said these were in the room (we knew the room had just been cleaned b/c we had to wait 10 minutes for the housekeepers to finish even though our room was "ready") We just explained that our son had cut his foot and that upon closer inspection we found all these around the room, and could housekeeping PLEASE go and sweep the room all over again? They were MORTIFIED! They said they'd call housekeeping right away. We thanked them and they apologized profusely. We explained that it was ok and that we appreciate them calling housekeeping. We were smiling the whole time.

The lady at the desk was STUNNED. She even said "you're being so nice about this." Guess it wouldn't do us any good to yell and scream. We just wanted the glass vacuumed up and that's what was going to happen.

I thought of asking for free AP's after my son's devestating, life-altering injury, but I forgot!

Geez! Glad noone was hurt any worse than a scratch.

The surprise of the CM might be attributed to them being used to getting yelled at over the Villas there. Nearly every time I read a report about VWL it has something bad to say. Not horribly bad, but something. I still maintain at some level VWL is treated as the redheaded stepchild of Wilderness Lodge by the staff there. I have no idea why, as it is in the same configuration as BCV and don't read the same kind of problems happening over there. We had issues with our stay at VWL too and it is at the bottom of the list for choices, even after Wilderness Lodge itself.

 

[BCVOwner2002]

Did I share my gatorade story and Walker? I forget. So, bear with me if I did already.

After the cruise, we were leaving Mission Space, heading over to Soarin. Walker wanted Gatorade and there were a couple of people in line. So, I told him, there will be another stand on the other side and we'd get it there. Then we headed to Soarin, finding no gatorade on the way. We decided to go into the Land for lunch, sat down at a table, the CM comes along asking what we wanted to drink. Of course, Walker says "Gatorade". No luck, they don't have Gatorade there. Over and over and over again, he whined about the Gatorade. I say, rootbeer will be fine, he'll have that. Still whining about Gatorade, Walker is. The CM disappears, comes back a couple minutes later, and says, "It's not Gatorade, but will Power Aid do?". Walker's eyes lit up like it was his birthday. I have no idea where she found it, but she certainly made our experience and lunch much more pleasant.

That's something you can't expect --- it just happened.

You can bet I've already sent a letter off to WDW praising the CM for her extra effort. That's what Disney is all about and you have to love it when it happens and live with it when it doesn't.

Listen to me, I'll get off my soap box now. I'm off to dinner with a friend who moved to Arizona and is in for a visit. Ladies night out around here.

I don't think I shared this either. We were at the bon voyage party at PI when it started pouring. Unfortunately, I didn't bring a pocketbook or bag and didn't want my cardboard Mickey hand to get ruined. Everyone was running into one of the clubs. I spotted a CM and asked if he knew where I could get a plastic bag for the hand. He said wait right here and ran off into the pouring rain. He came back a few minutes later and said the stores weren't open yet but please continue to wait there. I told him it wasn't a big deal and didn't want him to run off in the rain again but off he went. He came back with a box of plastic bags and handed me two of them. I couldn't believe he went out of his way for me and as it turned out for many others too. His name was Ivan and I have since sent a nice note about him but wanted to share here as well. Annmarie

 

[Stitch#1]

Nick looks so little in this picture. The other one has him about 8, but this one looks like maybe he was 5 or so.

There is no way I could talk Cameron into getting his hair cut here. But, now I see these pictures and wish I would have used the "do it for me" card. Oh well, maybe next time.

Cameron & I decided we're going to try and get Walker & Gary to have their hair cut next trip. But, now that I see Gary's been posting on this thread again, I guess the secrets out of the bag. There's still hope of surprising Walker though. And, we'll have to see if Gary's up to the extras they add in!

Believe it or not the picture of the top of Nick's head is from the same day and he was still 8 years old.

 

[Stitch#1]

Ok I'm all caught up now!

Cindy - I LOVE the pictures. Especially the one of Emily drinking her slushy, how cute! I'm sorry to hear Cameron's birthday trip wasn't as Magical as it could have been. When we did Nick's birthday it was better then I could imagine.
Let Cameron know Nick sent him something in the mail and there is something for Walker too.

Amy - Emily looks so cute drinking her slushy in Cindy's picture. It looks like something I would do!!

 

[HookdonWDW]

Oh, by the way, we received Karen & Julie's CDs today. The only one that I'm waiting on is seaulater. She said that she wanted to be included, but I've sent her PMs and she hasn't answered. Hopefully, she will get her CD here by the deadline of 10/15, if she still wants to be included.

Amy,

I need your address! I have a CD for you that I will pop in the mail tomorrow morning... I know, know... running behind again!!!

Lisa

 

[HookdonWDW]

Hey Lisa, there was a time when Cameron asked me about something flying above us. I didn't see what it was but Cameron commented that he thought WDW was a no fly zone. Wouldn't that be cool! I'll have to ask him when he gets home if he saw what it was flying above us.

Getting Cameron off to school this AM was another story. It was tough getting him up and out the door. I hope he takes a nap when he gets home. I'm glad I'm not the only one dragging today!

Ugh!!! I feel for you! It's such a pain to have to get them out the door after a weekend trip - especially one that sounds as action-packed as the one the two of you experienced!

Sam's out of school this week, but he's been taking it easy. He crashed his bicycle this weekend, and ended up with a sprained knee, as well as assorted cuts and scratches. Of course, he waited until about 30 minutes after Damon left on Sunday to do it.

It would be cool if Cameron had ended up seeing Damon, although I'm still a little bitter that Sam and I didn't get to come down and help you two celebrate Cameron's birthday. I just couldn't justify it with the December trip coming up. Anyone else going to WDW for Christmas???

Hmmm...

Cindy-
Stacy-

Have either of you given any thoughts to sending the boys to Space Camp/Aviation Challenge next summer???? You could always hang out here for a few days...

On a more serious note, it would be great if we could get the boys together again!

 

[cgcw]

Sam's out of school this week, but he's been taking it easy. He crashed his bicycle this weekend, and ended up with a sprained knee, as well as assorted cuts and scratches. Of course, he waited until about 30 minutes after Damon left on Sunday to do it.

Gosh, I hope Sam's knee heals quickly. I guess that will teach him -- probably not! Seriously, I hope he's okay.

It would be cool if Cameron had ended up seeing Damon...

I did ask Cameron what it was that he saw and he sort of thought it might have been a small plane but maybe it was a helicopter. Anyway, we'll leave it as it must have been Damon because that's a really cool thing.

I just couldn't justify it with the December trip coming up. Anyone else going to WDW for Christmas???

Not us. Maybe another Christmas but we will be there Spring Break!

Hmmm...

Cindy-
Stacy-

Have either of you given any thoughts to sending the boys to Space Camp/Aviation Challenge next summer???? You could always hang out here for a few days...

I know we talked about this idea. It's still in the back of my mind.

On a more serious note, it would be great if we could get the boys together again!

Lisa, we just need to convince you! Cameron & Nick will hopefully, cross your fingers, be sailing together on the next Member Cruise. Aren't you ready to join us yet?!?

 

[HookdonWDW]

Lisa, we just need to convince you! Cameron & Nick will hopefully, cross your fingers, be sailing together on the next Member Cruise. Aren't you ready to join us yet?!?

ROFL... we're actually looking at doing a 7 day next year. Maybe we could all meet for one of those... Sam says he doesn't want to miss school again next year. He had a lot of school work to do on vacation, and it took him a couple of weeks to get back into the groove after we got back home.

 

[Jenny0725]

Cindy,
Love the pictures! Sounds like you had a great trip even though there were a few bumps along the way.
Jen

 

[alikat99]

Hey everyone! Chris has compiled all but Lisa's pictures and it has come to either 1 DVD or 4 CDs. What does everyone prefer? If you have a DVD player in your computer, it would probably be easier to just have one DVD. Because the CDs are cheaper, but there are more of them to ship, Chris thinks that the actual cost between the 2 options will be about the same. He's thinking somewhere in the $5-6 range. We'll know more once we get all the supplies (envelopes, CDs, DVDs) and then figure out the postage.

PM me with whether you prefer a DVD or the CDs.

 

[chipscinderelly]

Whew caught up again!

Cindy - sounds like you guys had fun but I am so sorry to hear about the management problem! I've recently heard through some CM friends that the convention center resorts have lost a great deal of managers recently and it's horrible it affected your stay!

Amy - DVD or CD either one is fine for me as long as we can pick off individual photos from the DVD (is Chris giving lessons?)

Well - we have a new home and close on it today - this weekend is moving day! Would you believe we haven't even unpacked all of our DVC Cruise treasures due to the move? I cannot wait to get into the bags and see again what all we came home with.