Turn Down Service at Poly

[blissventure]

The best thing you can do is if turn down (or any other similar amenity) is very important to you is make sure you book the rate/level that includes it.
It's probably a waste of time to worry about industry "standards". There are none. Hotels are rated lots of different ways. The level of service you will receive varies widely from hotel to hotel, location to location, even in the US. When you include hotels worldwide, there is an even great variation.
A request is exactly that. No guarantees.
I do understand it's frustrating to think something is included, and then find out it's not.

 

[moxie99]

Daughter and I are used to being totally pampered when we vacation. Typically we do 2-3 cruise vacations each year. We thought we would change things up a little and try Disney. I was thrilled when I heard about the towel animals as that is something we love on our cruises - it's always fun to get to your stateroom and see what "surprise" is waiting for you. Now after reading these boards I'm finding it's hit or miss, the same with the turndown service - that is one of the things I expect in Deluxe accomodations. I showed hubby these boards, his comment was fantastic - honey - money talks - "I'll just find our mousekeeper and make it worth her while to insure my girls are happy!" I know our Disney experience will be as great as our cruises thanks to hubby!

 

[TiggerCat]

Me&3 I think your expectations for a Disney resort are where the problem is. At WDW you are paying for location and themeing. And that you get!!!. This is different than any other resort I know. And I am willing to pay deluxe resort prices for these things only at Disney.
We have stayed in a suite at a resort on the beach in Aruba for less than what we pay per night for a Disney deluxe room. That is truly beautiful and deluxe in every sense.
However, I do not expect that level of service from my Disney resort. I understand what I am getting for my money and I am generally satisfied.
Have a Great Trip.

Hi Hopefully. I think I understand what you are saying but I can't see every guest being as generous when it comes to sub-standard service. Disney makes a point of advertising the exceptional services at their Deluxe Resorts. If you go to their website, they make the claim that, at their Deluxe Resorts, you can "experience the ultimate in Disney luxury, style and service". This would build up the expectations of most individuals. Unfortunately, like CarolA has accurately stated, Disney does not need to concern themselves with the level of service offered since the have a very low vacancy rate at their Resorts. This allows them to keep their labour costs lower with little or no impact. I for one would never pay rack rates at any of their Resorts because of this.

TC.

 

[Allison]

I am one of those that are spoiled by cruise vacations in suites and balconies and I just assumed we would have turn down service. I booked a deluxe room so we would have the little extras. What about the washcloth animals I have been reading about - do we need to request those as well?

Those are not requested. Sometimes the housekeepers will make them, many times they do not. It's a luck of the draw kind of thing.

 

[cdrn1]

I was thrilled when I heard about the towel animals as that is something we love on our cruises - it's always fun to get to your stateroom and see what "surprise" is waiting for you.

Just a funny little aside...my boss lost her glasses on a cruise and had to do without them for several days until she realized her towel monkey was wearing them.

 

[kaffinito]

I also totally understand the OP's curiosity. I am surprised that we pay virtually the same as the GF, yet they get turn down, 2 robes to use in the room and last I knew, USA today went to all the rooms. I don't require all of the above, but for $500+/night? Why don't they? (I know, because people like us will stay regardless). But it does seem a bit unfair. Still love the Poly, but the luxury level isn't there.

THEY GET ROBES?!?! How come you can't get robes at the Poly? That doesn't seem at all fair to me.

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

Just a funny little aside...my boss lost her glasses on a cruise and had to do without them for several days until she realized her towel monkey was wearing them.

This reminds me of the time my mother said she couldn't find her glasses and yes they were on her face. My sister and I let her go for about 20 minutes until she passed a mirror. At least your boss had an excuse. What was my moms?

 

[pixie921]

I guess I'm another one who doesn't "get" the appeal of turndown service or the huge desire to have washcloths rubberbanded into animals with stickers stuck on for eyes. In fact, when we stay club level, we put in a request for no turndown. We like our privacy, I guess.

I'm sorry for those who feel they're missing out somehow, and I do agree with the posters who said that the Poly (and I'll add CR) can be as expensive as the Grand (and in some cases more, depending on room type) and the same amenities should be offered there as well. I don't understand why it's not, unless it's to try to continue to convey that the Grand is somehow "more exclusive" than all the rest.

 

[Luvamouse]

THEY GET ROBES?!?! How come you can't get robes at the Poly? That doesn't seem at all fair to me.

Yeah...(sigh)...it is still in the list of amenities that the GF provides. Since we love the Poly atmosphere, I'm certainly not going to switch resorts for a couple of chocolates, the use of two robes for our stay--oh, just call down to request child sized, and a USA Today. I don't know if I really want to know what is going on in the USA "today". However, I do not think it is equitable. Whether or not it is the standard for the industry anymore isn't my issue either. Do it in one deluxe, the others at the same price should get it too. That's all.

From the updated section on the GF on Allears...

Hey! Someone's been in my room! Who turned down my bed?

That's the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa Nightly Turndown Service. Each evening between 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., housekeeping will turn down your beds and leave chocolates and a Disney-themed "goodnight" note. If this service is not convenient, you may request turndown at a specific time.
Someone left some nice robes in the closet! What's up?

Two very nice robes are left in each room for your use. Some people wear them down to the pool, or just use them inside their room. If you have children in your party, you can request children's sizes. A very polite note reminds you not to take the robes home, but they do invite you to visit the Sandy Cove Gift Shop, where you can purchase them.

I don't see the newspaper mentioned anymore...

 

[4Dreams]

We stayed at the Poly in 07 and 05. Both times at arrival I requested the turn down service. It was no problem and a little extra magic at the end of the day. We were in bed most night by 9:30 and they had already come and done their thing. As far as towel animals the last time we were there, down in the lobby they have an area that they entertain the kids with some old Disney movies and coloring pages. At the desk there was a women making these animals and giving them to the kids. She had a lot made and if you wanted one she did not have she made ones on request. I do not know if this is still going on, but it was a highlight of my kids trip. They still play with the animals and remember the magic!! Good luck and have fun!!

 

[Tiffany]

Hi I stayed at Poly. in Oct. with DH for our 10th Anniversary . We are annual passholders and Fl. Residents we go to Disney almost every month or every other month alot . This was our first time at the Poly. we love to go there every vist for dinner or just to have a drink we love it there. But when we stayed for our Anniversary we were very disapointed . For the money you don't get a thing not even turn down service or a mint on your pillow . I think they could do better. Disney has always been a big part of our lives. I was born and raised in Fl. so I have been going since I was 2 I am now 38. DH proposed to me at the Grand Floridian . We have 2 DS that think this is our second home . Is turn down service extra? Please can anyone tell me the answer!

This is just one reason why we do not stay at Disney deluxe resorts unless we are able to get a deep discount. Disney like to refer to their resorts as deluxe and charge deluxe prices but you do you get deluxe services.

 

[kaffinito]

Yeah...(sigh)...it is still in the list of amenities that the GF provides. Since we love the Poly atmosphere, I'm certainly not going to switch resorts for a couple of chocolates, the use of two robes for our stay-
From the updated section on the GF on Allears...


Two very nice robes are left in each room for your use. Some people wear them down to the pool, or just use them inside their room. If you have children in your party, you can request children's sizes. A very polite note reminds you not to take the robes home, but they do invite you to visit the Sandy Cove Gift Shop, where you can purchase them.

I don't see the newspaper mentioned anymore...

I'm with you on the newspaper. We get them staying DVC too, and I really have to make sure to tell them we don't want a paper. I'm going to check out that Sandy Cove shop at GF to see if the robes are as nice as the ones for sale at AKL.

However I think I can live without the robes and paper in favor of staying at Poly, and I can definitely live without turn down service. But I might do it our first night to give the boys a thrill. I remember having that at some Hotels when I was a kid - the chocolates on the pillow certainly make an impression when you're young!

 

[Carrie772]

So, do you brush your teeth and then eat the chocolate and get in bed? Or do you eat the chocolate and then brush your teeth?

How does this work? I can just see me telling the kids not to eat that stuff because they just brushed!!! What's the proper procedure for this highly coveted event?



I am also interested in why the turn down thing makes or breaks people's trips.

 

[maxiesmom]

I am also interested in why the turn down thing makes or breaks people's trips.

Me either. And I can't understand why anyone would stomp their feet and have a fit over the lack of it. And a few chocolates thrown on your pillow. To me, those things are not indicative of great service.

 

[TiggerCat]

Me either. And I can't understand why anyone would stomp their feet and have a fit over the lack of it. And a few chocolates thrown on your pillow. To me, those things are not indicative of great service.

So I guess you wouldn't mind if you didn't get your room cleaned for a couple of days? No big deal right? Cause hey, you're at Disney!

 

[praline3001]

I love turn down service!!!
It is so nice to come to your room after dinner and have the lights dimmed, the blankets all turned down and ready to jump in, the pull out couch is already pulled out for us (FYI they also put it back into a couch for us in the morning)
They place my DD little stuffed animals in cute poses, the chocolates are fun and the kids get a kick out of them.
Any trash is picked up and fresh towels are left (in case you use them for a mid afternoon shower or the pool)
The curtains are drawn and it just looks so peaceful! Such a huge treat after being in the parks! I have a few pics I took of turndown on our last trip~ you can see what it is but what you can't see is the lighting and the peaceful way everything is left!
Does it make or break my trip? noooo but walking into a freshly picked up room with nice neat bed and everything ready for bed does lift my spirits. Also if your family goes back to the room for a midday break~ the beds will be messy but like little magical pixie dust~ when you return everything is perfect!

 

[kaffinito]

So I guess you wouldn't mind if you didn't get your room cleaned for a couple of days? No big deal right? Cause hey, you're at Disney!

It's not the same thing. You can't very well equate an extra "perk" with normal housekeeping service at a resort. Having your room cleaned daily is part of your resort stay. You only skip a daily cleaning if you stay on DVC points. Having your bed turned down is not a normal daily activity and is considered a "perk."

And yes, not having my bed turned down at Disney will not make my vacation less magical. Who do you think turns down my bed at my house? The magic happens outside the room, not in it. As I said, I might request it once for the kids, but having grown up with that, I could really give a hoot.

 

[Me&3]

Well I'm glad to see some of us get it even though there are still some that don't . Its not that it makes or breaks the trip. Its just nice to get something for your money. Unless you have one of those great money trees at home were giving your money away for nothing is no BIG DEAL . But for the rest of us we still would like some kind of deluxe service for the deluxe price.

 

[praline3001]

It's not the same thing. You can't very well equate an extra "perk" with normal housekeeping service at a resort. Having your room cleaned daily is part of your resort stay. You only skip a daily cleaning if you stay on DVC points. Having your bed turned down is not a normal daily activity and is considered a "perk."

And yes, not having my bed turned down at Disney will not make my vacation less magical. Who do you think turns down my bed at my house? The magic happens outside the room, not in it. As I said, I might request it once for the kids, but having grown up with that, I could really give a hoot.

At the GF it is a normal daily activity so yes I would be a little disappointed if i didn't get turn down service. Its fun~ its sweet~ it lifts your spirtis~ you don't have to pull out the couch and make it up into a day bed~ nice fresh towels the lights dimmed down low to give a real spa relaxation feel to the room ~ think candle light mood setting =) its NICE.

 

[praline3001]

Well I'm glad to see some of us get it even though there are still some that don't . Its not that it makes or breaks the trip. Its just nice to get something for your money. Unless you have one of those great money trees at home were giving your money away for nothing is no BIG DEAL . But for the rest of us we still would like some kind of deluxe service for the deluxe price.

I hear you. I would call and request it. It stinks that all deluxe resorts don't offer it but you can still request it.

At the same time I really hope you were not referring to me when you mention how some people just like to throw money away?
We all have our favorite resorts and the choice is ours to make ~ personal and budget wise.