TEMPORARY Refrigerator Removal from Walt Disney World

[DISzy]

This is one of those times I am so thankful for Stacey from Dreams Unlimited. She sent me an email this week about the situation. She really is wonderful!!!

 

[Malibustyle23]

Swaps involve a potential exchange of money, which violates DIS Guidelines. When swaps went bad, participants may have tried to hold the DIS responsible.

Nothing to do with taking money from Disney.

Really? While I had never participated in one I had thought that they were all free. Just like the stroller swaps had been. I had never seen where there was a charge involved.

My assumption was it was taking the money from WDW since they were not getting the rental fee daily.

 

[kaytieeldr]

No. Even then, small refrigerators cost $75 to $125 or more. Some swaps started with a core group pitching in then, after they had all used the refrigerator in their particular swap, continued on at no cost to future participants.

Some swaps, the organizer charged a fee to all users.

Refrigerators got mixed up, or misplaced, or lost. People who paid - either for an original share, or to participate, and never got what they paid for, were (rightfully) upset.

Because the swaps were organized on the Budget Board, I believe people tried to hold the DIS responsible.

Official decision was made to prohibit all swaps.

 

[Malibustyle23]

No. Even then, small refrigerators cost $75 to $125 or more. Some swaps started with a core group pitching in then, after they had all used the refrigerator in their particular swap, continued on at no cost to future participants.

Some swaps, the organizer charged a fee to all users.

Refrigerators got mixed up, or misplaced, or lost. People who paid - either for an original share, or to participate, and never got what they paid for, were (rightfully) upset.

Because the swaps were organized on the Budget Board, I believe people tried to hold the DIS responsible.

Official decision was made to prohibit all swaps.

Interesting

 

[Dani C]

I just picked up an Article Zone Thermal Tote at Wal-Mart on sale today for $9.50 USD. It holds 50 cans plus ice and claims testing showed still ice after 2 days. It is soft and folds flat so it should easily go in checked luggage. Just an idea for those flying out soon that need to keep things cool.

 

[ErinsAuntMimi]

While checking amenities at Coronado on the Disney site for a September stay, I noticed that refrigerators were not listed. I had thought that all resort rooms had them now. SO, I came to the trusty DISBoards to see if there was a problem. Low and behold, the announcement had just been posted the day before. (This indicates to me that Disney had removed "refrigerators" from the room amenities list at the same time as or in the near time frame of the announcement posted.)

Yes, my stay is in the "window" of removal. We had planned on using the fridge to keep water and a few breakfast items cold. But, we can adjust with a cooler. (driving down) Discussed with DH about requesting a fridge (could use one to keep ice packs cold for DH's knees) but since we have an old fashioned ice bag, and we don't need a fridge to keep medication cool, we decided against making a request.

Should Disney have notified us? YES. They should have notified all those with reservations within the 4 month window stated. Why? Simply because it is good customer service to let the customer know of a possible inconvenience. (Especially since Disney knows that many do order groceries to have delivered to the resorts.) From what I've read others post, it may be possible that a number of the rooms will be switched out by the end of August.

If there is no fridge when we get there, will we request compensation? YOU BETCHA! But, I don't feel we will need to get ugly about it. "You catch more flies with honey than vinegar." Do I consider it "part of what I paid for"? So-so. Will I be inconvenienced? Not really. We usually go for ice for the ice bucket every day. Will I get my "money's worth"? It really all depends on my attitude. And I plan on getting my money's worth... a refrigerator isn't part of it, IMHO. We will have free DDP so I'm sure I could do without an in-room breakfast anyway!

I realize others see this situation differently; it is your prerogative. However, there has already been one thread closed due to arguing, insulting, etc. Let's keep this one INFORMATIONAL.... PLEASE?!? We all do need to know how things are going from those who this has already affected or will soon affect. Compensation? Adjustments? etc...

Sorry, for the length. This will be the 6th try in the last 3 years for a couple's only trip for us. The last several we had to cancel a day or two before, or the day of leaving. (Thank goodness for trip insurance!!) I don't intend on letting a little inconvenience spoil a trip that has been in the making for 3 years!

 

[stitchlovestink]

Given that resort rates didn't increase by the rental rate when refrigerators were put in the rooms, no, nobody is "owed" a discount of that amount if their room doesn't have a usable refrigerator.

Well the rates might not have gone up the moment they put them in the rooms at the values, but trust me 'we' are paying for them! They aren't free!! It's now a built in ammenity that is no longer optional!
It used to be an additiional $10 per night for a fridge. Then they put them in every room at every value. The following year, the price increase per night was Way more than $10!! Disney just made even more $$$ because now every room is paying for one whether they use it or not! VERY smart move on their part! VERY smart!!

 

[Minnesota!]

I don't rent a car so how will I get my grumbly behind to Hess? Is the Magic Express gonna stop for me?

I paid for a room that listed this as an amenity....if they cannot provide it, I am due a credit of the cost they used to charge to rent one.

PERIOD

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

We don't rent a car, either. There are ways (free, at that!!) to get to one of the gas stations. Walk from the Boardwalk area, walk from DTD. It really is easy. Or, if budget allows - cab.

I just don't understand getting all up in arms about something so minor and fixable. I would much rather have no fridge then a fridge that has faulty wiring, etc. It's not Disney's fault that the fridge turned out to be a hazard - that would lie on the company that makes them. What is Disney supposed to do? Continue to let the hazard live in the rooms? People would be REALLY upset then.

I cannot fault Disney as a company for this. I would just roll with it and adjust my needs or adjust how I obtain the things to fit my needs.

It sounds, though, that fridges are being replaced as a room is vacated. So maybe not much to get cranky about, anyway.

 

[LaurLaur04]

This place has become a bunch of entitled whiners. Disney owes you NOTHING. Its a dorm refrigerator for crying out loud, they aren't taking your toilet. Yes they should alert people who are staying in that time frame so they can make other arrangements but that's all they are responsible for. SUCK IT UP PEOPLE.

 

[Illinois4]

Maybe someone should suggest or Disney will realize they might want to have Styrofoam coolers available at a reasonable purchase price in their resort gift stores during this time. Just a thought.

 

[chimilady]

This place has become a bunch of entitled whiners. Disney owes you NOTHING. Its a dorm refrigerator for crying out loud, they aren't taking your toilet. Yes they should alert people who are staying in that time frame so they can make other arrangements but that's all they are responsible for. SUCK IT UP PEOPLE.

Many people are on medications that need to be refrigerated. thankfully I read about it and called Disney to make sure we'd have a medical fridge, but yes, if you advertise a fridge and then don't give people notice, you have no idea what the consequences would be. So I should just suck it up if my insulin goes bad and I'm now stuck in Florida on a weekend when my doctor's office is now closed?

 

[MarkC71]

Checked in at Grand Floridian today and on the way into the hotel we passed a big stack of brand new refrigerators on pallets. Our rooms already had the new ones installed.

 

[ErinsAuntMimi]

Checked in at Grand Floridian today and on the way into the hotel we passed a big stack of brand new refrigerators on pallets. Our rooms already had the new ones installed.

That's great news!

 

[MineMail]

No. Even then, small refrigerators cost $75 to $125 or more. Some swaps started with a core group pitching in then, after they had all used the refrigerator in their particular swap, continued on at no cost to future participants.

Some swaps, the organizer charged a fee to all users.

Refrigerators got mixed up, or misplaced, or lost. People who paid - either for an original share, or to participate, and never got what they paid for, were (rightfully) upset.

Because the swaps were organized on the Budget Board, I believe people tried to hold the DIS responsible.

Official decision was made to prohibit all swaps.

The last swaps were eliminated (somewhat) voluntarily by the organizers. All the swaps were free at that time - disboards rules - so no money could change hands.

Most of the swaps ended because (as you pointed out) the fridge/coffee maker/etc. went missing. The final end came when WDW put fridges in the hotel rooms, eliminating the interest in swaps.

The disboards rules were changed and posted publicly because of the complaints you mention, but free swaps were not banned from the forum outright.

Some of those swap threads were nice to read - who brought extra coffee filters, who reinforced the box with duct tape, new labeling to try and keep them on track.

It's pretty much a moot point since the fridges will be swapped out soon. I appreciate the need to refrigerate medications or other necessary items, but for most people today, it's merely a convenient amenity. ITA that it's built into the room price if it's advertised as being present.

 

[stitchlovestink]

No. Even then, small refrigerators cost $75 to $125 or more. Some swaps started with a core group pitching in then, after they had all used the refrigerator in their particular swap, continued on at no cost to future participants.

Some swaps, the organizer charged a fee to all users.

Refrigerators got mixed up, or misplaced, or lost. People who paid - either for an original share, or to participate, and never got what they paid for, were (rightfully) upset.

Because the swaps were organized on the Budget Board, I believe people tried to hold the DIS responsible.

Official decision was made to prohibit all swaps.

Not true!! What was prohibited was the exchange of money!
It was specifically stated such as if someone bought something. (They specifically named but did not limit it to fridges, strollers, coffee makers and photopasses) and then wanted to share it 'free of charge' to other Dis'ers that was totally acceptable BUT they could NOT ask for or accept money. It had to be totally free to future participants. That was the new rule. No $$ or even gift card (they considered that the same as cash) could change hands. They weren't prohibited!

 

[KerryCM]

This place has become a bunch of entitled whiners. Disney owes you NOTHING. Its a dorm refrigerator for crying out loud, they aren't taking your toilet. Yes they should alert people who are staying in that time frame so they can make other arrangements but that's all they are responsible for. SUCK IT UP PEOPLE.

 

[Maleficent53]

FYI - - -

1) Someone brought in a chunk of cheese yesterday morning.
2) They put it behind the Front Desk counter.
3) One of our College Program girls asked if that was for Mickey.
4) The CM said, "No. It's for the no-fridge-folks' whine".

(Only because she knew that there will those who will claim
Disney ruined their vacation for something totally our of
the control of WDW.)

This made me laugh out loud!

I disagree. We have always had positive customer service with Disney and it sounds like they are taking $15 off.

We also have always had good customer service, but I wouldn't count on this to happen! Just because one poster said their travel agent told them they would get a credit, I wouldn't check in expecting this to happen. Travel agents are notorious for stating what they want their clients to hear and not necessarily the facts. duck: Apologies to any TA out there - I work at an airline - just giving my experience from the past 35 years of dealing with TAs). The comment might have been a vague -- if there is no fridge, they will probably give you a little discount....and the client hears ---you will get $15 off your room rate.

I for one never used the fridge. Maybe put a bottle of soda into it if I only drank half. Perhaps I will tell the CM at check-in that I DO NOT want a room with a fridge and then ask for compensation because they can give mine to someone else!

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

This place has become a bunch of entitled whiners. Disney owes you NOTHING. Its a dorm refrigerator for crying out loud, they aren't taking your toilet. Yes they should alert people who are staying in that time frame so they can make other arrangements but that's all they are responsible for. SUCK IT UP PEOPLE.

Once again the "DISNEY CAN DO NO WRONG" outcry occurs.

After all, the room should not have the features they promised you when you booked it... that's unrealistic?

We should all just be gratefuly Disney LETS us overpay for hotel rooms that don't have the features cheaper hotels just outside the "world" have and not expect them to deliver the features they advertise..

It's Disney, expect less and you won't be unhappy!

So is the rule you apply to all hotels or do you just "SUCK IT UP" at Disney?

Seriously, they sold a hotel with features A, B and C. They need to deliver, it's that simple. If they don't deliver they need to consider other options, discounts, no cancellation penalties etc...

But instead we get the"customer is wrong" (The front desk manager at Coronado Springs has that view too!)

 

[LaurLaur04]

Once again the "DISNEY CAN DO NO WRONG" outcry occurs.

After all, the room should not have the features they promised you when you booked it... that's unrealistic?

We should all just be gratefuly Disney LETS us overpay for hotel rooms that don't have the features cheaper hotels just outside the "world" have and not expect them to deliver the features they advertise..

It's Disney, expect less and you won't be unhappy!

So is the rule you apply to all hotels or do you just "SUCK IT UP" at Disney?

Seriously, they sold a hotel with features A, B and C. They need to deliver, it's that simple. If they don't deliver they need to consider other options, discounts, no cancellation penalties etc...

But instead we get the"customer is wrong" (The front desk manager at Coronado Springs has that view too!)

Yes that applies everywhere. It is out of their control. They did not decide "hey lets take the fridges away to piss everyone off!" There is a lot Disney does wrong but fixing faulty fridges is not one of them. I promise if you don't get a fridge your vacation will not be ruined. If it is, you have more serious problems you need to worry about.

 

[kaytieeldr]

This place has become a bunch of entitled whiners. Disney owes you NOTHING. Its a dorm refrigerator for crying out loud, they aren't taking your toilet. Yes they should alert people who are staying in that time frame so they can make other arrangements but that's all they are responsible for. SUCK IT UP PEOPLE.

Well, since you mention it - there's nothing in any literature that promises a toilet in every room...