The TR that shouldn't have happened - June 2012 - TR and Decision Complete!
- Thread starter LuvLuvLuv
- Start date
LuvLuvLuv
DIS Veteran
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- Sep 24, 2009
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- 4,032
I can't wait to tell you
Some names were great... some were not, lol.
Oh lordy, coming from your FB update I know how this is going to shape up! I can't wait to follow along on this journey! I hope there is some good news to all of this!!!
Lol--Disbrides and Resort Changers already have spoilers, lol. I can't wait to elaborate
Hi!May I join in??
Yes ma'am!! All are welcome here!
Well... I am a creature of habit and still print out yahoo maps, lol. I knew it would be too hard this time and it was time to learn technology
Yay!
Joining in on the fun! Can't wait to hear about your adventure!
Hi Hannah!! I'm here too! Going to back to catcxh up - cannot wait to read as it all unfolds!
Oh dear me...cliffhanger about the hotel....
Hi
Glad you're here!Woo Hoo!
Deena!!
I'm in!!
Yay!!
Welcome!!
Hi
Hello Hello!!
Yay you're here!! It's gonna be fun!!
Next installment in the works!!!
LuvLuvLuv
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 24, 2009
- Messages
- 4,032
Another Deena TR.. 2 at the same time!
I can't wait to hear all about this trip! At least you found potential places, and that's all that matters!!
You snuck in while I was multi-quoting!! There were times I wished you were with me while apartment hunting. I feel like you would have provided the comedic relief that I needed, lol. I'm too nice when I see something I don't like--I feel like you would have told it like it was
LuvLuvLuv
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 24, 2009
- Messages
- 4,032
Arriving at Mystic Dunes
I pull into the resort, and let the gentleman at the gate know that I'm checking in. From what I see, the resort looks nice--but it is huge! I assumed that check in would be at the front of the resort, but I had to drive further than expected until I found it.
I park and go in the building. The line was intense. There were 3 ladies working check in, and I was 11 families back in line. Two of the three people who were checking in were obviously having troubles after I tuned in and eavesdropped. I was bored in line. I couldn't play with my phone because the battery was almost dead. I watched the timeshare guy heckle a few guests into signing up for the tour, and just tried to take in my surroundings. The employees weren't very friendly, and it was clear....
Toto, we're not in Disney anymore.
Fast forward to my turn. Hi, I'm here to check in, my name is Deena (insert last name here). My girl was nice--not friendly, but nice. I gave her my license, and she was looking in the computer. I asked if I would be in a refurbished room. She said that she saw the request, but would have to look because I wasn't assigned one.
The reason the refurb was so important to me was because after a million bad reviews I read (after booking
), they all said that they would never return unless it was refurbished. Since everyone on the phone said I would have a refurbed room... I hadn't really worried about it.
The girl told me there wasn't any available, and I mentioned my conversations on the phone along with the info I had been given. She said she would get her manager to check availability and see what she could do.
The manager came out, I spoke with her, and she told me to have a seat while she checked. So I sat for 20 minutes before she returned to me. She said she had me taken care of, and I would have to re-stand-in-line to check in. I was 4 families back. This agitated me.
I know it may have been a bratty and petty situation--but I am very intolerant of paying for something and not getting what you are told.
So when I checked in, they gave me my room key and told me which building I was in. I asked about how to pay for internet, and the girl gave me the password and said she would comp it for my troubles. Awesome!!
So I drive up to the building and remember that I wanted to buy milk and bread at the shop--dangit, I'll get it later.
I park, grab my purse, and my giant suitcase from the trunk. I got up the elevator to the second floor, and made my way toward the room. There were some men out side of their rooms drinking in a cluster. They watched what I was doing, and where I was going--and I didn't love that.
I got into my room and took a look around. Kitchen--nicely refurbished... nice. Tile floors, with cracks and dirty grout---ewwwwwww. Okay, into the living room. The dusty fake flowers and the couch that looked like plastic were enough to know that I wouldn't be spending time in there. In to the bathroom. I wish I would have taken a picture of the amount of soap scum on the shower door--that's when I started to get really antsy. Again--gross tile floors.
From the time I entered, I could vividly hear the conversation of the people next to me, along with the screaming child. The adults were mearly talking and I could hear them--but boy, that child had a strong set of lungs.
On to the bedroom. The lampshade was almost knocked off, the jacuzzi tub was questionable at best, and the furniture was either extremely rustic--or extremely filthy. I was trying to imagine myself watching the giant tube TV there for the next 5 nights. I have never checked for bed bugs in any Disney hotel, but I tore this bed up, lol, like a psycho. So after about 7 minutes of inspection, listening to the neighbors and the child, and a few seconds of deliberation--I came to a conclusion. I'm not staying here.
I used the phone in the bedroom to call the front desk, and they told me that they were too busy to take calls and I needed to come to the front desk to talk to them.
So I took my suitcase and purse back to the car, while being watched by the loitering bunch, and drove back to the main building. I again--waited in line to talk to the front desk. This was getting excessive. I told her that I am sorry, that it was far too noisy, too dirty, and I felt a little unsafe there. I knew it was a pre-paid/non-refundable room, but was there anything she could do, or could I talk to the manager? She said--no problem, I'll send it back to your card ending in XXXX. Simple as that? Yep. Okay, wow, I can't believe it was that easy to get my money back. Alrighty then.
I find myself back at my car, with my cell phone at 9%. Then it hits me--I'm homeless, not quite sure where I am, and my phone is gonna die. Oh my.
Well my lovlies... it's dinner time. I'm gonna leave you hanging--only because it's fun
I pull into the resort, and let the gentleman at the gate know that I'm checking in. From what I see, the resort looks nice--but it is huge! I assumed that check in would be at the front of the resort, but I had to drive further than expected until I found it.
I park and go in the building. The line was intense. There were 3 ladies working check in, and I was 11 families back in line. Two of the three people who were checking in were obviously having troubles after I tuned in and eavesdropped. I was bored in line. I couldn't play with my phone because the battery was almost dead. I watched the timeshare guy heckle a few guests into signing up for the tour, and just tried to take in my surroundings. The employees weren't very friendly, and it was clear....
Toto, we're not in Disney anymore.
Fast forward to my turn. Hi, I'm here to check in, my name is Deena (insert last name here). My girl was nice--not friendly, but nice. I gave her my license, and she was looking in the computer. I asked if I would be in a refurbished room. She said that she saw the request, but would have to look because I wasn't assigned one.
The reason the refurb was so important to me was because after a million bad reviews I read (after booking
), they all said that they would never return unless it was refurbished. Since everyone on the phone said I would have a refurbed room... I hadn't really worried about it. The girl told me there wasn't any available, and I mentioned my conversations on the phone along with the info I had been given. She said she would get her manager to check availability and see what she could do.
The manager came out, I spoke with her, and she told me to have a seat while she checked. So I sat for 20 minutes before she returned to me. She said she had me taken care of, and I would have to re-stand-in-line to check in. I was 4 families back. This agitated me.
I know it may have been a bratty and petty situation--but I am very intolerant of paying for something and not getting what you are told.
So when I checked in, they gave me my room key and told me which building I was in. I asked about how to pay for internet, and the girl gave me the password and said she would comp it for my troubles. Awesome!!
So I drive up to the building and remember that I wanted to buy milk and bread at the shop--dangit, I'll get it later.
I park, grab my purse, and my giant suitcase from the trunk. I got up the elevator to the second floor, and made my way toward the room. There were some men out side of their rooms drinking in a cluster. They watched what I was doing, and where I was going--and I didn't love that.
I got into my room and took a look around. Kitchen--nicely refurbished... nice. Tile floors, with cracks and dirty grout---ewwwwwww. Okay, into the living room. The dusty fake flowers and the couch that looked like plastic were enough to know that I wouldn't be spending time in there. In to the bathroom. I wish I would have taken a picture of the amount of soap scum on the shower door--that's when I started to get really antsy. Again--gross tile floors.
From the time I entered, I could vividly hear the conversation of the people next to me, along with the screaming child. The adults were mearly talking and I could hear them--but boy, that child had a strong set of lungs.
On to the bedroom. The lampshade was almost knocked off, the jacuzzi tub was questionable at best, and the furniture was either extremely rustic--or extremely filthy. I was trying to imagine myself watching the giant tube TV there for the next 5 nights. I have never checked for bed bugs in any Disney hotel, but I tore this bed up, lol, like a psycho. So after about 7 minutes of inspection, listening to the neighbors and the child, and a few seconds of deliberation--I came to a conclusion. I'm not staying here.
I used the phone in the bedroom to call the front desk, and they told me that they were too busy to take calls and I needed to come to the front desk to talk to them.
So I took my suitcase and purse back to the car, while being watched by the loitering bunch, and drove back to the main building. I again--waited in line to talk to the front desk. This was getting excessive. I told her that I am sorry, that it was far too noisy, too dirty, and I felt a little unsafe there. I knew it was a pre-paid/non-refundable room, but was there anything she could do, or could I talk to the manager? She said--no problem, I'll send it back to your card ending in XXXX. Simple as that? Yep. Okay, wow, I can't believe it was that easy to get my money back. Alrighty then.I find myself back at my car, with my cell phone at 9%. Then it hits me--I'm homeless, not quite sure where I am, and my phone is gonna die. Oh my.
Well my lovlies... it's dinner time. I'm gonna leave you hanging--only because it's fun
jennyjinx3
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Nov 28, 2011
- Messages
- 4,763
Oh Lordy!! You have me feeling eewww gross just reading that!
Good for you girl high tailing it out of that place!
Yes, not a good thing to be watched by a cluster of strange, random, drinking men when you are alone...EVER! Okay, so I kind of know where you went, but can't wait for more details!!
Good for you girl high tailing it out of that place!Yes, not a good thing to be watched by a cluster of strange, random, drinking men when you are alone...EVER! Okay, so I kind of know where you went, but can't wait for more details!!
monica23535
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 23, 2009
- Messages
- 606
Hi Deena,
Loving the cliffhanger
Please come back and tell us where you decided to stay in the end!!
Loving the cliffhanger
Please come back and tell us where you decided to stay in the end!!
catherines_mama
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 3, 2003
- Messages
- 1,950
and you just leave us.... wondering if you'll sleep in your car? I can't believe you!
Loving your report and love that it's a Life Report AND a Trip Report.
Congrats on your move, it will be so exciting! We just moved FROM FL to NC, but when we did, we bought DVC so we have a 'home' there still. Can't wait to hear your adventures.
Loving your report and love that it's a Life Report AND a Trip Report.
Congrats on your move, it will be so exciting! We just moved FROM FL to NC, but when we did, we bought DVC so we have a 'home' there still. Can't wait to hear your adventures.
Minnie&Nana
Dreams do come true!
- Joined
- Feb 20, 2004
- Messages
- 15,831
Holy cow.... I'd have been outta that place just as fast!! Digusting! Amazing they just credited your card!
(p.s. All Disney resorts have had bedbugs so might want to give those beds a good check too...rooms have even been found to be infested...no idea how housekeeping misses that!)
(p.s. All Disney resorts have had bedbugs so might want to give those beds a good check too...rooms have even been found to be infested...no idea how housekeeping misses that!
)
LuvLuvLuv
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 24, 2009
- Messages
- 4,032
Yay!
Oh Lordy!! You have me feeling eewww gross just reading that!
Yes, not a good thing to be watched by a cluster of strange, random, drinking men when you are alone...EVER! Okay, so I kind of know where you went, but can't wait for more details!!
Ever have that feeling that something "just" isn't right? Yeah--I felt it there.
Hi Deena,
Loving the cliffhanger
Please come back and tell us where you decided to stay in the end!!
Coming right up!
and you just leave us.... wondering if you'll sleep in your car? I can't believe you!
Loving your report and love that it's a Life Report AND a Trip Report.
Congrats on your move, it will be so exciting! We just moved FROM FL to NC, but when we did, we bought DVC so we have a 'home' there still. Can't wait to hear your adventures.
Lol... my car served me well in camping days in my early 20s
I was far more brave then than I am now. DVC is still in the back of our minds for GCV.Holy cow.... I'd have been outta that place just as fast!! Digusting! Amazing they just credited your card!
(p.s. All Disney resorts have had bedbugs so might want to give those beds a good check too...rooms have even been found to be infested...no idea how housekeeping misses that!
Lol... Christine--you would have ran quicker than me out of there, lol. I know they all have had them--but for some reason, after looking around, I was certain they had to
They didn't, but I still felt creepy and crawly 
Minnie&Nana
Dreams do come true!
- Joined
- Feb 20, 2004
- Messages
- 15,831
Lol... Christine--you would have ran quicker than me out of there, lol. I know they all have had them--but for some reason, after looking around, I was certain they had to
I think it was very courageous to even try an offsite hotel!! We did once in 1992, when traveling with friends who had booked a pkg with a TA - one of those basic off site kind of pkgs....oh.my.gosh!! Roaches crawling on the walls!!!
(we've stayed at the Dophin and waaay back when DTD Disney resorts had Disney bus service and it was Disney Village we tried a couple of those...only 2 Disney resorts back in the dark ages!
)
LuvLuvLuv
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 24, 2009
- Messages
- 4,032
So I pull out of the resort, give the gentleman my room key at the gate, and he was confused. I just looked at him and said, "I'm sorry--I can't stay here." He asked why in his flirty voice, and I let him know in a nice and assertive way that I wasn't so interested in elaborating--I had to go.
Okay, you have about 200 ft to the exit to decide left or right, and not enough battery on GPS. I know what was left--and it wasn't great--so I'll go right. My heart and my mind knew what I had to do. It's what I should have done from the beginning. I reached for my phone and dialed by heart: 407-939-7675. Yes, I have it on speed dial too--but I pride myself in memorizing Disney's reservation number by heart.
I bypassed the prompts by hitting zero a few times. I continue to drive in uncharted territory. At this point--I have shed a few tears and was almost sobbing. It was more because I was aggrevated and tired than anything.
I lovely CM came on the phone and I blurted thru tears, "My battery is almost dead and I need a room with an AP discount for tonight--is that possible??" Was it possible
Could you reserve a room on the phone if you were planning on showing up in the next 30 minutes (depending on where I was--because I had no clue). She assured me yes--I would be fine. I felt a little relief. She asked, "Where do you want to stay." Now that is a loaded question to ask a member of the Resort Changers group. I literally told her, "I don't know." Within seconds I tried to get it together because my battery was dying and I didn't have time for my willy nilly RC games. I was able to say... "I need a value resort--I've never stayed value can you price them for me?" Disney on summer break was never my idea of a good time--let alone a value resort during summer break--but I was certain no matter where I would stay, would give me more peace of mind than that cess pool I just came from.
She priced POP, it was kind of high--it was in the $800s because all they had was Preferred, Sports was 650ish and Music wasn't available, and Movies was $750ish. Okay-quick-think. Sports = cheap/but unappealing. POP = could see AoA, but expensive. Movies = Refurb. Movies... I choose Movies! Okay, is this on your Disney Visa? Oh piss. My big paycheck that I reserved for spending nonsense didn't come till Friday morning, I only had $450 in my checking, didn't have the card that goes to my savings, didn't deposit my emergency money because I didn't think I'd need it, my credit card was pretty much taken up by the rental car and the hold they put on it, and it was going to take days for my Mystic Dunes credit to come back. Think quick Deena. Okay... lets reserve 2 nights, tomorrow morning when the paycheck hits, I'll call for the other 3 nights and set up a continuing reservation. So I paid in full for 2 nights, she assured me all would be fine and just as she transferred me to the survey--my phone died.
Okay, next order of business. Where am I? I kept driving as I felt like I had to be getting somewhere, and within a minute of getting off the phone with her... I saw the Expedition Everest Mountain!! I had to be close!! Just follow the mountain. The tears started to calm and I just made it into Disney territory. I was so embarrassed that I didn't have the money to pay for a value room. The lady is looking at my account and sees that I stayed YC CL, Poly CL, and POR just last month--and I don't even have $750 to spare. I was still a little mortified, and ashamed at myself for not planning better. At least my survival skills kicked in--it would all be okay.
I start to wonder if I booked standard or preferred. I didn't ask, or maybe she told me and I didn't hear her. The layout of the resort is going thru my head as I drive on Disney property. I'm suddenly very happy. If preferred--I'd like the Dalmation buildings, and if standard--I'm a Mighty Ducks girl all the way! Growing up, I was obsessed with all 3 MD movies. I watched them almost everyday and had some major crushing action going on with Joshua Jackson. I can also use my TIW card at the food court--which has cherry coke in the fountain!! For someone who's never stay there--I've done my research.
I make my way to the All Star Resorts gate, then all the way back to Movies, park, take a biggggggggg sigh of relief, and head towards check in.
Time to go to work--be back later tonight!! Have a great day everyone!
Okay, you have about 200 ft to the exit to decide left or right, and not enough battery on GPS. I know what was left--and it wasn't great--so I'll go right. My heart and my mind knew what I had to do. It's what I should have done from the beginning. I reached for my phone and dialed by heart: 407-939-7675. Yes, I have it on speed dial too--but I pride myself in memorizing Disney's reservation number by heart.
I bypassed the prompts by hitting zero a few times. I continue to drive in uncharted territory. At this point--I have shed a few tears and was almost sobbing. It was more because I was aggrevated and tired than anything.
I lovely CM came on the phone and I blurted thru tears, "My battery is almost dead and I need a room with an AP discount for tonight--is that possible??" Was it possible
Could you reserve a room on the phone if you were planning on showing up in the next 30 minutes (depending on where I was--because I had no clue). She assured me yes--I would be fine. I felt a little relief. She asked, "Where do you want to stay." Now that is a loaded question to ask a member of the Resort Changers group. I literally told her, "I don't know." Within seconds I tried to get it together because my battery was dying and I didn't have time for my willy nilly RC games. I was able to say... "I need a value resort--I've never stayed value can you price them for me?" Disney on summer break was never my idea of a good time--let alone a value resort during summer break--but I was certain no matter where I would stay, would give me more peace of mind than that cess pool I just came from.She priced POP, it was kind of high--it was in the $800s because all they had was Preferred, Sports was 650ish and Music wasn't available, and Movies was $750ish. Okay-quick-think. Sports = cheap/but unappealing. POP = could see AoA, but expensive. Movies = Refurb. Movies... I choose Movies! Okay, is this on your Disney Visa? Oh piss. My big paycheck that I reserved for spending nonsense didn't come till Friday morning, I only had $450 in my checking, didn't have the card that goes to my savings, didn't deposit my emergency money because I didn't think I'd need it, my credit card was pretty much taken up by the rental car and the hold they put on it, and it was going to take days for my Mystic Dunes credit to come back. Think quick Deena. Okay... lets reserve 2 nights, tomorrow morning when the paycheck hits, I'll call for the other 3 nights and set up a continuing reservation. So I paid in full for 2 nights, she assured me all would be fine and just as she transferred me to the survey--my phone died.
Okay, next order of business. Where am I? I kept driving as I felt like I had to be getting somewhere, and within a minute of getting off the phone with her... I saw the Expedition Everest Mountain!!
I had to be close!! Just follow the mountain. The tears started to calm and I just made it into Disney territory. I was so embarrassed that I didn't have the money to pay for a value room. The lady is looking at my account and sees that I stayed YC CL, Poly CL, and POR just last month--and I don't even have $750 to spare. I was still a little mortified, and ashamed at myself for not planning better. At least my survival skills kicked in--it would all be okay.I start to wonder if I booked standard or preferred. I didn't ask, or maybe she told me and I didn't hear her. The layout of the resort is going thru my head as I drive on Disney property. I'm suddenly very happy. If preferred--I'd like the Dalmation buildings, and if standard--I'm a Mighty Ducks girl all the way! Growing up, I was obsessed with all 3 MD movies. I watched them almost everyday and had some major crushing action going on with Joshua Jackson. I can also use my TIW card at the food court--which has cherry coke in the fountain!! For someone who's never stay there--I've done my research.
I make my way to the All Star Resorts gate, then all the way back to Movies, park, take a biggggggggg sigh of relief, and head towards check in.
Time to go to work--be back later tonight!! Have a great day everyone!
OnSpaceshipEarth
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 27, 2010
- Messages
- 1,727
Oh my gosh...I just happened upon this TR!!!
This is quite the "cliffhanger", indeed. I love the way you convey the feeling of safety when you finally get in sight of Disney property!
This is quite the "cliffhanger", indeed. I love the way you convey the feeling of safety when you finally get in sight of Disney property!
Grumpy Grandma
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Dec 27, 2005
- Messages
- 3,336
Well .... even if you end up not liking All Stars at least you'll be safe!
WDWKOOK
NOW WITH LESS TAG!
- Joined
- Mar 10, 2009
- Messages
- 18,106
Maybe, but... will ASMu be safe from Deena? The poor girl's been through a flight with a gassy girl with the jimmy legs, a brief stay at the Bates Dunes Motel and she thinks she's lost in Orlando and somehow might not be able to find WDW in all that Orange County mess. 'Watch out ASMu - Deena's in the house and she's had a really bad day!' CHERRY COKE IN A REFILLABLE MUG, STAT!Well .... even if you end up not liking All Stars at least you'll be safe!
Grumpy Grandma
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Dec 27, 2005
- Messages
- 3,336
MEK
DIS Legend
- Joined
- May 8, 2005
- Messages
- 20,088
I have to say I am pretty entertained by your not Disney trip report. See what happens when you venture outside of the Disney bubble. 
I spent one night outside of the bubble this June and that was enough. I couldn't wait to get back in!
Very cool that you are looking to move to Orlando. Curious to see how that all plays out.
See what happens when you venture outside of the Disney bubble. I spent one night outside of the bubble this June and that was enough. I couldn't wait to get back in!Very cool that you are looking to move to Orlando. Curious to see how that all plays out.
Reberella
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Feb 27, 2012
- Messages
- 229
Grumpy's Wife
Dollar Tree gal here
- Joined
- Jan 28, 2005
- Messages
- 26,988
I know how frustrating things can get. You handled it well. I'm sure you got a nice clean room once you got to Disney. Hopefully in the section you wanted too.
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