Victoria Falls and DDE

[webray]

Yesterday the bartender told us Victoria Falls at AKL is no longer accepting the DDE card.

Just for your info!

 

[UKDEB]

I wonder why? I hope the other bars around WDW don't follow suit.

 

[D&R love Disney]

I think I'd want confirmation from DDE on that. The bartender at Narcoossee's didn't want to give it to us until we had him check with someone else.

 

[GDUL]

I think I'd want confirmation from DDE on that. The bartender at Narcoossee's didn't want to give it to us until we had him check with someone else.

I agree with this - when we were at the AKL in February, all of the bartenders except one had no problems with the DDE. This male bartender (can't remember his name) seemed like he didn't want to be bothered with the DDE. He would say that "he was the only person there" and "he would have to get his managers approval." I'm sure that he was following policy but it was more of his attitude that bothered me. I finally told him that when he was able to get his manager's approval and apply the DDE discount, then he could wave me back to the bar and I would pay the bill at that time. I did get the discount a short time later.

 

[kathylovesdisneyworl]

I agree with this - when we were at the AKL in February, all of the bartenders except one had no problems with the DDE. This male bartender (can't remember his name) seemed like he didn't want to be bothered with the DDE. He would say that "he was the only person there" and "he would have to get his managers approval." I'm sure that he was following policy but it was more of his attitude that bothered me. I finally told him that when he was able to get his manager's approval and apply the DDE discount, then he could wave me back to the bar and I would pay the bill at that time. I did get the discount a short time later.

What a great way to handle it. You get what you are entitled to without a big scene.

 

[Alice Sr.]

You could also just pay the exact amount and tell him to keep the disc as his tip, that way if he truly didn't want to hassle with it he would be the one affected by his decision.

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

Webray---I really, really, really hope that is not true! I will be so disappointed. We love VF as well as TL at the WL...I am planning to go to several lounges during my upcoming trip with DH in May.

I also think that is unfair that you BUY the card with certain perks and then they take those perks away? Just not right.

I was afraid something like this might happen now that the DDE is open for passholders to buy. When I first got it, it was only available to FL residents.

Thanks for the post, I am going to look into it.

Oh, and Alice...that is very smart!

 

[mmluvr]

I agree with this - when we were at the AKL in February, all of the bartenders except one had no problems with the DDE. This male bartender (can't remember his name) seemed like he didn't want to be bothered with the DDE. He would say that "he was the only person there" and "he would have to get his managers approval." I'm sure that he was following policy but it was more of his attitude that bothered me. I finally told him that when he was able to get his manager's approval and apply the DDE discount, then he could wave me back to the bar and I would pay the bill at that time. I did get the discount a short time later.

We had a similiar experience in December at Victoria Falls. In our case, the bartender told my husband the same thing regarding the DDE discount. DH asked the bartender to "wave us over" after the DDE discount was applied and we would settle the bill. The bartender agreed. The bar was very very busy and we patiently waited. After waiting 20 minutes DH asked if the check was ready and the bartender shrugged and said something like, "Oh its been ready for a while." We respected the fact that this fellow was very busy but his overall attitude was not good, especially after DH presented the DDE card.

Too bad, we really do like Victoria Falls and will continue to frequent it even if the DDE is not honored there.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

About 2 years ago I was told at the All Star Cafe that we couldn't use the discount on Alcoholic Beverages, I had to get the manager to prove that we could. I think some of the CM's must relate this discount to thier dining discount. CM's get 20% off food but not alhoholic beverages, so they must not stop to think that we do... I wouldn't be surprised if Disney does cut it out though..

 

[webray]

Hmm..it was the male bartender at Victoria Falls that told me this. He was busy, and didn't really want to be there I don't think. We had just used it a month ago..the lady bartender..no problems. Guess I will call DDE in the morning..and I guess disney can send me a check.

I am getting so tired of these castmembers who don't want to be there..go work somewhere else! Ugh.

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

Let us know what you find out, Webray!

 

[TDC Nala]

This male bartender (can't remember his name) seemed like he didn't want to be bothered with the DDE. He would say that "he was the only person there" and "he would have to get his managers approval." I'm sure that he was following policy but it was more of his attitude that bothered me.

I believe I had the same bartender, although his excuse was that the discount didn't come up on his screen. I asked him if he didn't have to get a manager to approve and he said the managers weren't available at the moment. I paid him full price but I think I will drink at the bar in Jiko from now on.

 

[DVCconvert]

but it was more of his attitude that bothered me.

There is a culture proablem at Victoria Falls. The CM's there either need to be fired or re-trained. The last time I was there was shortly after the last contract negoiations. All I heard from them while seated at the bar was negative griping about the walt disney company. Even if they believed that, I didn't need to hear it, I was on vacation.

I spoke to another (non-management) CM in Food & beverage who told me that that was not the first time they'd heard that - it seems that Victoria Falls is staffed by only 2 or 3 CM's, and their off in their own little world.

 

[GDUL]

I spoke to another (non-management) CM in Food & beverage who told me that that was not the first time they'd heard that - it seems that Victoria Falls is staffed by only 2 or 3 CM's, and their off in their own little world.

In the week that we stayed at the AKL, I noticed that the same ~4 bartenders were always there when we stopped in. I never had a problem with the other 3 - especially the lady from Scotland - what a sweetheart! We enjoyed talking with them and we stopped by for a drink every night.

 

[Forever42]

I know this is an old thread, just wanted to bump it up saying that Victoria Falls is STILL not taking DDE. We checked on Saturday.

FH had called DDE regarding this in March, and they said that there were going to be more CMs hired to staff Victoria Falls. When we tried to use it in March, we were told some story about "the ratio of alcohol sales vs food sales." Right.

Anyway, we're also hoping the other bars don't follow suit. At least the Pub at Epcot is still accepting it. We're just very disappointed because we loved to sit at Victoria Falls before Boma or Jiko and enjoy a drink before dinner. We'll try the bar inside Jiko tomorrow when we go.

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

Forever-That is very disappointing. I am shocked, because what makes VF different from, say, the Territory Lounge at WL?

I mean, I could argue that when I PURCHASED my DDE card (I paid $75 for mine) that the reason I purchased it was because I like to frequent the lounges listed.

I was kind of afraid that when they made the DDE available to AP holders, things were gonna change. If anyone hears any other news regarding VF or any other place listed on the DDE list that is now no longer accepting DDE, please psot about it!

 

[Forever42]

Forever-That is very disappointing. I am shocked, because what makes VF different from, say, the Territory Lounge at WL?

I mean, I could argue that when I PURCHASED my DDE card (I paid $75 for mine) that the reason I purchased it was because I like to frequent the lounges listed.

I was kind of afraid that when they made the DDE available to AP holders, things were gonna change. If anyone hears any other news regarding VF or any other place listed on the DDE list that is now no longer accepting DDE, please psot about it!

That's what FH and I are worried about, as well. We worry that Disney's going to consider DDE too much of a big "to do" now and that profit margins are going to go down...and they wouldn't roll it back just to Florida residents, they'd cancel it outright.

Anyway, we'll be asking at different lounges when we pass by them, if we have a chance. Like I said, we're happy the Rose and Crown Pub is still taking it, since we stop there for a half yard refill nearly every time we go to Epcot.

 

[BCV23]

Has anyone that has been denied ask to speak to a manager? Perhaps it is still that one bartender?

If any DISer happens to call Disney Dining, could you please do us all a favor and ask about Victoria Falls? Not that I'm planning on going to VF but I am very curious about this.

 

[26555]

If I were headed to VF, I'd probably call but its not worth the hold time for me. But, I wonder how you tell between a lazy bartender or if they have dropped participation. DDE does say "participation may change". If I'd called before my trip and DDE people say VF is still on their list, I'd bring enough cash to pay my bill in full and then let the bartender know that if he figures out how to apply discount, he'll get his 20% tip.

 

[BCV23]

If I were headed to VF, I'd probably call but its not worth the hold time for me. But, I wonder how you tell between a lazy bartender or if they have dropped participation. DDE does say "participation may change". If I'd called before my trip and DDE people say VF is still on their list, I'd bring enough cash to pay my bill in full and then let the bartender know that if he figures out how to apply discount, he'll get his 20% tip.

I wasn't asking anyone to call just to ask about VF.....I just meant if someone was calling anyway to buy DDE or whatever. But I'm with you, I would call if I was planning on going to VF or staying at AKL soon.

But if anyone does call and is told it is still on the list today, I would feel pretty confident that it will stay on the list. It is a lounge in a Disney owned hotel and if all the other deluxe hotel lounges are on the list, it would seem VF would be too. I think the disclaimer is more for non Disney owned spots that may opt out or in.