That certain "snobby " feeling

[skiwee1]

We've only stayed at the CBR, WL, and Poly. None of them came across as snobby. If anything the WL was the most laid back unassuming of them all.

 

[palmtreegirl]

If you're more comfortable at the All-stars then stay there, problem solved.

 

[BambiTamby]

Originally posted by GEM
I guess I just don't understand how a resort can be "snobby" when there is a restaurant in the lobby that has yodeling contests and stick horse races . . .

My thoughts exactly!

Gosh! I stay at alot of the deluxes and other nice hotels/resorts when I'm traveling for my business!
Hope I'm not being labeled for liking the WL, CR, Poly, AKL, BC, YC.......

I'm the type of gal that would give you the shirt off her back!
IOW.....I remember where I come from.
Lots of people with money are NOT snobby, but... some are!
On the other hand, lots of people like to ACT like they are more important and think they are better than others.....
money or no money.

But, you will find these people all over this wonderful world which we all share...not just WDW.

Go where you want and be happy.
That's what life is all about!

 

[Planogirl]

I've never stayed at WL but I'm not familiar with the snobby atmosphere that you mentioned. Actually, none of the resorts seem fancy enough to have that atmosphere not even the Grand Floridian but then maybe I'm just oblivious.

I agree though, just stay at the Allstars if you feel the best there. I keep tending to gravitate back to Port Orleans and the Polynesian because I feel the most comfortable at those.

 

[TDC Nala]

While visiting the Wilderness Lodge once our group of scraggly tourists wound up taking a photo in the lobby for a couple dressed in obviously expensive clothing (and she was wearing a diamond the size of Vermont).

They were also terribly nice and there wasn't anything snobby about them except that their attire screamed money.

Some might find that in itself intimidating, I suppose.

 

[vhoffman]

I have a friend who's so intimidated by "fancy" hotels that she would rather sleep in her car than stay at one (and she has done so on many ocassions). She's only comfortable at Motel 6 type hotels. She was finally forced to stay at an upscale hotel when she attended a conference held in an upscale hotel in Las Vegas ( I believe it was Mandalay Bay). She called me from the hotel to ask how to get ice--does one order it from room service and if so, how much to tip?! Well, I guess its a matter of comfort and if one is going to feel uncomfortable in a certain type of hotel then just don't stay there. A vacation is meant to be fun and you can't enjoy yourself if your feel akward. For myself, I've stayed in everything from $20 a night budget types to $600 a night luxury hotels and feel equally comfortable in any type. I feel I'm as good as anyone and no one outclasses me! If getting all dressed up in expensive clothes and jewelry is someone's thing, then do it. I tend to sport the WalMart look myself. I feel if someone else doesn't like the way I look they can find something else to look at! How much do you think those "snobby" people are thinking about you?

 

[Mitla96]

Funny story from my childhood-I think I know what Nadinenurse means.

My dad was a football coach and was selected to coach a North/South game in Hershey PA in the 1960's. Our family was put up at the Hershey Lodge, an extremely fancy hotel. Unlike Nadine's children, my sisters and I were NOT well behaved, and proceeded to slide down the huge banisters while my parents were attempting to check in. Marbles may have also been deployed. I remember even at age six the expressions on the faces of the staff and my poor parents. It wasn't so much something that was said-it was a stiffness and eyerolling-more of an affect. The whole lobby silently screamed, "No laughing and horseplay!".

After ONE day, to my mom's abject humilation, the manager asked my dad if we might not be "happier" (!) at the Hershey Motel! So, we left, and darned if we WEREN'T happier there. We all felt....relieved. My parents always laughed when they told the story of how our family got kicked out of the Hershey Lodge-they weren't angry-it just wasn't a good fit. So, to this day, I avoid hotels with the word "Lodge" in their title!

Janet in East Lansing

Swan 03
Riverside 02
Off Site 96

 

[Daisy64]

When we stayed at WL we had a great time. I never felt like it was worth the $$ spent though and couldn't figure out why until we stayed at PC this past January. For $54.00 a night my children had a blast, it's noisy, chaotic and fun. They loved hanging around the resort and the giant icons, playing twister along the paths and the arcade. WL didn't have that same feeling to me, yes it's gorgeous, yes we'll go back but when the kids are older. While they are little we'll stick to the noisy fun resorts. WL is more of a relaxed atmosphere, call me crazy but this doesn't suite our family, we're relaxed enough at home!!
So in a way I agree with OP, although I didn't find it snobby I found it quieter and more serene. My kids didn't appreciate it but
I know when they are older we'll definitly go back and give it another try! (after we try all the others of course )

Daisy

 

[spiceycat]

have you ever consider staying at OKW?

You family might like it - (you might not - there are kitchennett even in the studio - the 1-bedroom and up have a full kitchen)

if they don't just stay at the value resorts - your kids will grow out of this stage - just give them time - or they will leave home and then you get to discover the wonders of deluxe resort at WDW.....

 

[DisneyMomx7]

It's funny, my kids were 3, 4 and 5 when we went to WDW last August. We had to get a deluxe because we're a family of five now. We chose the GF because the monorail. My kids are pretty good kids but they're little so I was a little nervous if it would be too "stuffy". It wasn't at all. Even at night there were lots of little kids swimming at the "quiet pool" and lots of kids at Gasparilla's eating ice cream and watching the fireworks. And of course GF is the hotel that offers the Pirate Cruise and Wonderland Tea Party. I think people have a certain idea about hotels and that might give them a false impression. That being said when my kids look at the Disney books they always wish we could go to All Stars because of the Toy Story and Dalmation themes! Of course dh is too spoiled by the monorail convenience to change but I know that my kids would be happy no matter which hotel we stayed at (as long as it was on-site for Disney Magic). So I would say go wherever you think you and your kids will be the happiest and don't worry about what anyone else thinks.


l982-Grosvenors
l988-Polynesian
2003-GF
2004-GF & HRH (7/15-7/24) Surprise trip for kids
2005-13 days at GF Lagoon view (already booked!)

 

[BoyLovesBuzz]

This is simply ludicrous. I was just thinking that it’s been a while since a thread really pi** me off, and here we go.

Nadine, if you or your children felt uncomfortable at WL, then that’s the way it is. That’s the way you felt, end of story. You should not be made to feel bad, because you felt that way, nor should you have defend yourself or your children. It’s the same thing if a person encountered a comment or act that they found morally, racially or sexually offensive. The fact that if 10, or 100 or 10,000 other people were in the same situation and didn’t feel the same way is irrelevant. That’s the way you felt, and people should respect that.

Your question really is a compare and contrast of the atmosphere at AKL vs WL. Its not about life-guards and its not about money, or decorum, or personality. Hopefully you got your answer amongst the assault. Hope you have a great trip.

 

[clutter]

Totally agree with BoyLovesBuzz.

Anyway, Nadine, I can understand, and maybe can help. Last October, we stayed at the Hotel Roanoke (an old, elegant hotel) for a wedding. When we got to the entrance, my dd, then 6, said "Mom, this is WAY too fancy for us!!!" Two weeks later, we were at AKL, and it wasn't too fancy for her! There are some similarities, but you get over it. I'd imagine that your kids, like mine, are more comfortable not having to walk through a lobby to get to their room. (Too bad for my dd, next trip is the Dolphin!)

 

[YankeeFan51]

Mitla--I loved your story When we were small my brother had a similar unfortunate experience involving marbles, a large grand staircase, and shiny hardwood floors (similar to the HL)--it's still one of my favorite stories.

I've found, over several trips, that the first impression that you get when you are checking in to a resort really can make a difference. When we checked into the GF, the CM's enthusiasm when she excitedly told us what a great room she had for us (she was right--it had a perfect view of the castle) was absolutely contagious. It was our first WDW trip and she told us all of the things we should make sure we didn't miss, told us about e-nights, fun things to do at the resort, and by the time we were on our way to the room, I had a positively warm and fuzzy feeling that remains to this day whenever I think of the GF. Our next stay at BWV, the CM was distant, blase, unapologetic when he made a large mistake on my account, and on the way to the room, I wondered if I had made a mistake.

Of couse, I hadn't. And the next few days of a wonderully short walk to Epcot, surrey bikes, those awesome crepes on a stick and the many other wonders of the BW made that dour CM seem like a distant memory. The point is, the people around you (be it a CM or other guests) are, for sure, going to have an impact on your experiences (people who are full of themselves will continue to behave that way no matter where they are--and they are everywhere). How much impact they are allowed is up to you. The trick is to shake off a negative impression (and I know it can be hard--especially if it's the first one you have of a resort after you've probably been eagerly anticipating the vacation for months) and remember to experience all the great things that made you want to stay there in the first place.

I think you should try the AKL--it sounds like an amazing place, though I haven't been there yet. Another place you might consider is the Contemporary, as it is lively and vibrant (plenty of kids being kids), unbelievably convenient, and has an awesome arcade (if your kids are into that). We loved it there (though my heart still remains with the GF.

In any event, wherever you decide, I hope you have a GREAT time--and don't let ANYBODY steal the magic.

 

[BambiTamby]

Originally posted by YankeeFan51

In any event, wherever you decide, I hope you have a GREAT time--and don't let ANYBODY steal the magic.

You hit it on the head, YankeeFan51~!

 

[lindajo]

I empathize with that "not worthy" feeling. My husband and I used to visit WDW by camping (tent-hard ground) in nearby Kissimee to save money. Only in the last few years have we begun to stay in hotels. The nicer the hotel, the more unworthy I felt. But that was just because I wasn't used to it. Since we have been bringing our kids here, we have been staying on site, and I have EASILY gotten used to it, but still try to keep the expenses low. (In fact, now I am downright spoiled because of Disney!) Disney has made sure that from the Value to the Deluxe, you always feel that you are a first class guest and I have never felt snubbed in any way, even though I am prone to feeling like I don't belong there. In April of 2003, we had to move our reservation from POFQ because of the pending renovations, and through Disney's regrets of having to change the reservation and my inquiries, I managed to get a room at the WL for a rediculous $105/night. I was worried that I might feel out of place once we got there, or that my kids might not feel it was "magical", but we never felt that way, not once. I have since gotten over my "hotel inferiority complex" and will stay in the nicer places if I feel like spending the money, and feel and act like I totally belong there. Like anything else, it just takes practice! We stayed in ASMo, too, and found it enchanting. So when you weigh the price. atmosphere, and comfort level, you should go with what makes you feel at home. I am looking forward to trying AK in the future, too. Please let us know how that goes for you. In fact, I am looking forward to trying out each and every WDW resort, if I live that long!!

 

[Lexxiefern]

Wow, I can't believe what some people have posted

I just got back from the AKL yesterday. It was myself, my DD3, my sister and her DD2. We were very comfortable there. I am sure you will have a wonderful time. We all really loved the resort - definately one of our favorites. Have a great time!

 

[steveanddonna]

I can see both sides of this issue - if you felt awkward or out of place, it doesn't matter if this came from the surroundings, the CMs, other guests, or from inside yourself - it still makes for an uncomfortable vacation. I quit going to the hair salon I had patronized for 6 years because the receptionists seemed to think that flashing attitude made the salon classier or more desirable. We always stay at the Poly because it feels like "home."
The Poly might be a better choice than AKL if you want to try another deluxe, because it's about as laid back as you can get, and full of families.
DH and I have stayed in accommodations of all levels from a super-luxury resorts (Amandari in Bali), to camping in a rural village in Thailand, to the Japanese version of a bed-and-breakfast. We have had a fantastic time in each case because we always start our adventures assuming we will fit in and have a great time. I think sometimes expectations can make you so tense & uncomfortable that your perceptions get colored by your own nervousness. I'm not saying that this is what happened to you at WL, but do consider the possibility if you decide to try AKL, and don't let preconceived notions ruin your stay. Just relax & have fun & rest assured that EVERYONE belongs at Disney!
Check out another thread on this board, "Have y'all been bitten by the concierge bug." This thread is populated by people who usually (or always) stay concierge, so you might think you'd find some attitude there, but these people are sweet, supportive, friendly, helpful - all the same qualities I usually find in the CMs and other guests at WDW. This is what we love about Disney!

 

[Pembo]

I agree 100% with Boylovesbuzz - if it made you and your children feel uncomfortable then it did. End of story.

What we've learned from this thread is that others haven't felt that way. I hope your stay at AKL is a pleasant one.



As for the lifeguards ~ I'll take the whistle over the guard at POR that kept yelling "Sweetie, Sweeeetieeeee, Sweeeeetieee" to any child who was misbehaving. That was annoying, use the whistle!

 

[Rafikifan]

I tried to stay out of this subject but here goes. I've stayed at the All Stars, POR, WL, and BC on property and offsite at the Wyndham Palace once. I can honestly say that in OUR experience the WL's staff was the most helpful and friendly. I'm not disputing that it depends on personnel working etc. but I don't think being "snobby" is something they promote. Also sometimes guests at resorts or even those you run into at your local grocery store may seem "snobby" based on their appearance but maybe they got those Polo shorts on sale, and maybe they're just shy. I know lots of people that I got the "snobby" impression of when we first met that turned out to be great people. The original poster has her right to how she felt and her family felt, but then again I don't think a child or adult should make a judgement of a place based on the check in experience nor the whistles at the pool. Whistles at the pool aren't snobby, they're necessary.

 

[drdelsol]

How can you get an opinion on someone without having a one on one conversation? By being observant, watching and listening. The couple standing near you spending their time pointing and making disparaging remarks about others; the gentleman who doesn't think he should have to wait in line because he is a busy man(Don't you know who I am?); the lady insisting she be given a room upgrade because the view she got wasn't good enough for her children. The same as you can get an impression of someone from a distance picking up something someone dropped and running to give in back to them.

It is a superficial observation and definitely not 100% true, but we all make personal cursory impressions of people without ever talking to them. That starts in grade school or before. Granted it's not the best behaviour we have. That's how we get a lot of stereotypes. I have been called a bogeyman by a child because I have a beard. Have you never noticed a couple at the park obviously fighting without having to go ask them?

This is definitely not meant as a flame or insult to anyone, it's just a brief explaination of how I can get that feeling from someone.

Nadinenurse, have fun take lots of pictures. Life is too short to not concentrate on the fun.