So, where were we? Oh yes. We were back at the Contemporary where Shrek and A settled in for their nap. MeeMaw said she might read or go over to the MK to do some shopping. Im telling you, she never tires.
E and I wanted to explore. I was ready to get on the boat to WL, where I knew we could rent some bikes. For some reason (maybe extra help???) I stopped at the Concierge desk to double-check bike rental locations and prices. The concierge knew nothing, but offered to call. I could have done that. Can you tell Im a bit bitter? Anyway, he said wed have to get our bikes at Ft. Wilderness and they closed at 4:00. It was about 2:15 so we were fine. I asked him if he was SURE we couldnt rent at WL and he said No.
I assumed they were the victims of cutbacks or consolidation and took his word for it. I WANTED to go back to the room and check the internet, but couldnt risk waking Shrek.
Not.
We waited (important word) for the boat then boarded for Fort Wilderness. Wilderness Lodge was the first stop, but of course (thanks, CM!!) we stayed on. We finally arrived at FW by about 2:45.
Self-portrait skills courtesy of Grammyof2.
I asked about the bike rentals at the marina just as we exited. I scanned the area for bikes. That nice CM informed us we would need to take the INTERNAL (infernal?) bus to stop #Orange/Goofy/17 or something like that.
Blood may have been boiling out of my ears as I thanked him and asked how to get to the
Internal Bus stop. He was so SO nice and apologized as he explained that the WL DOES indeed rent bikes. He was honestly embarrassed for his fellow CM (a concierge, no less) and the phone CM who misinformed him.
By this point I was determined to get us on bikes so I patiently waited for all the directions, grabbed Es hand, and started marching the ½ mile to the Internal Bus Stop.
Those buses are slower than the boats. At 3:20 our bus picked us up and began the s-l-o-w loop around FW.
E is so patient, always, by the way. He was happy to be out and on an adventure and shared my goal of finding the bikes. My A would not have waited so well. At all.
The nice bus driver pointed out our stop and the path (still traveling) to the Bike Depot. It was
3:35 as we approached the window but I expected 25-30 minutes of biking would suffice. THAT nice CM smiled and told us we should come back tomorrow as all bikes needed to be returned by 3:45. He also cheerfully informed us that most CR guests find it easier to rent bikes at the Wilderness Lodge.
I felt the tears welling up in me. Evan walked over to the water to look at the ducks, head hanging. I spilled our story to this poor guy, who, though sympathetic, wouldnt rent us bikes. I understood and didnt blame him a bit. I thanked him, hung my head, and walked away thinking about our return trip (Internal Bus, walk, boat).
My son, showing a better attitude than mine.
My only impetus was informing that Concierge of his errors. I admit it.
About that time, as I called Evan away from the pond with the sad news, a CM named David rode up on a golf cart. The CM behind the bike desk told him our story and asked David if we would drive us back to the boat.
I could have kissed him. Did I?
David, my new love, asked us if we had seen all the Christmas decorations. I explained that the Campground, RVs and decorations were the reason we wanted to bike in the first place. Well, as luck (God, of course) would have it, David was a huge RV fan who delighted in touring us around the campground! He pointed out his favorite inflatables and lights displays. He told us stories about campers who stay all winter. We met a woman who apologized for having only half her displays set then explained her DH was driving from Pennsylvania with the rest of them. We took a few pictures:
DAVID!!!!
We were happy. My patient E told me we had a great story to share with the rest of the family. He said he had fun and that he never wanted to ride bikes in the first place.
Oh yes he did.
I suppose I was glad he wasnt disappointed. Isnt that what we try to prevent in our kids?
Looks miserable, doesn't he?
Back side of Bay Lake Tower:
I confess to finding great joy in pointing out the Concierges error. In fact, I was so determined to Fix the information that I stopped by the CR front desk and spoke to the Concierge manager. He was not amused and deeply apologized. He also promised to speak to the Club Concierge, which he did. I did, too. I feel certain he wont make that mistake again, but it still irks me that he had to make a phone call (I could have done that!) to answer a relatively simple question for a guest. He should have known about the bike rentals (I did, but trusted HIM!) and double-checked when I questioned him in the first place.
Please please know I am
not into bashing Disney CMs. I dont really want to discuss the merits of their Disney knowledge or whether some guests know more. I get it. I still love Disney and appreciate what CMs are expected to know. I told the story to relate my familys day, not throw that concierge under the bus. CM interaction is one of the bonuses of a Disney vacation. That said, I cannot say enough about David, our FW golf cart chauffeur! He was covered in pixie dust!
Up next: Chef Mickeys and that wonderful surprise! The next chapter is almost finished. Thanks for hanging with me!