What in the world is happening with all the fridge swaps???

[tlbwriter]

True. But as long as the owner of the disboards and the webmasters allow the fridge swaps, who are we to condemn the people who take advantage of them?

I'm not condemning anybody. I'm saying it's wrong to basically condemn those who don't like them and to say those people are wrong to have an opinion against them since they are reading a "budget" board.

 

[Marionnette]

We are still allowed to have opinions about the swaps, even if they're allowed on the Dis.

Opinions expressed without being nasty. Once you start getting personal or calling people names, you've overstepped the boundaries of polite conversation.

 

[csharpwv]

Now, Now, Now - let's tone down the rhetoric we are using such as "Condemn" and the like.

For people who have not observed this - there is no voice inflection or non verbal communication to interpret in electronic communication. It's very easy to get caught up in something that you may read as offensive - when in reality it isn't offensive and wasn't intended to be offensive, and yet so many people choose to be offended.

Never make the CHOICE to be offended - it is very off putting and just created more hassle, anger, and turmoil that should have been left at the door.

Always think to yourself - is this something that I would say to this individual if the communication/conversation were happened face to face? If you wouldn't say it face to face - then don't post it on Disboards.

Everyone is on the Budget Board because they like to save money, they like to budget, or they HAVE to save money or they HAVE to budget.

There are certain times when things have been said on the Budget Boards that I just have to shake my head over and wonder what the person was thinking when they were posting.

There is such a thing as being budget saavy - and then there is such a thing as just being downright CHEAP. What the budget saavy people haven't discovered is that the downright CHEAP folks mind their pennies - and what the downright CHEAP folks haven't discovered yet is that the Budget Saavy folks mind their dollars.

Based on my experience, the Downright CHEAP folks work hard for their money and really don't have a penny to waste. The Budget Saavy folks don't waste their time on pennies.

I have learned that time IS indeed more valuable than money in a lot of circumstances. People that would rather spend 3 extra hours to save $3.00 dollars haven't figured out that minimum wage is $7.00+ an hour.

I drive my wife crazy with shopping - I consider ALL of my options before taking the leap to purchase something. She would rather buy what she wants than spend a ton of time shopping. I go with my 'gut' feeling, and if I don't feel like it's time to buy - I don't. But that drives my wife crazy. She doesn't even want to shop if I'm not ready to buy. When it comes to buying - patience isn't her strong suite. She doesn't like it when I take the time to bargain/negotiate when appropriate. Negotiation makes her uncomfortable - I understand that - but it gives me a natural high!

So PLEASE - be civil - and remember that everyone is different - some people on the Budget Board are minding their pennies - others are minding their Dollars - and if you don't have something productive to add to the conversation in a friendly and civil manner - MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS!

Don't CHOOSE to offend someone - and don't CHOOSE to be offended.

I enjoy the Disboards too much to read through the petty crap and arguments that surface over things that are very simple.

This is the conclusion of my Public Service Announcement. Thank You!

 

[HoltDisney07]

Honestly I don't see how saying a swap is tacky or calling the participants cheap is proving their point about being upset over the extra work it is causing for CMs....maybe a more tactful approach should have been considered.

There are a lot of ways to save money that don't make extra work for the hotel staff. It's the lack of consideration for the CMs that people are taking issue with -- not the desire to save money.

 

[HoltDisney07]

Thank you and very well said.

Opinions expressed without being nasty. Once you start getting personal or calling people names, you've overstepped the boundaries of polite conversation.

 

[HoltDisney07]

Thanks for your post. I wish you would have come along prior to my posting, as your post would have handled what I was feeling/thinking in a much better manner.

Enjoy.

Now, Now, Now - let's tone down the rhetoric we are using such as "Condemn" and the like.

For people who have not observed this - there is no voice inflection or non verbal communication to interpret in electronic communication. It's very easy to get caught up in something that you may read as offensive - when in reality it isn't offensive and wasn't intended to be offensive, and yet so many people choose to be offended.

Never make the CHOICE to be offended - it is very off putting and just created more hassle, anger, and turmoil that should have been left at the door.

Always think to yourself - is this something that I would say to this individual if the communication/conversation were happened face to face? If you wouldn't say it face to face - then don't post it on Disboards.

Everyone is on the Budget Board because they like to save money, they like to budget, or they HAVE to save money or they HAVE to budget.

There are certain times when things have been said on the Budget Boards that I just have to shake my head over and wonder what the person was thinking when they were posting.

There is such a thing as being budget saavy - and then there is such a thing as just being downright CHEAP. What the budget saavy people haven't discovered is that the downright CHEAP folks mind their pennies - and what the downright CHEAP folks haven't discovered yet is that the Budget Saavy folks mind their dollars.

Based on my experience, the Downright CHEAP folks work hard for their money and really don't have a penny to waste. The Budget Saavy folks don't waste their time on pennies.

I have learned that time IS indeed more valuable than money in a lot of circumstances. People that would rather spend 3 extra hours to save $3.00 dollars haven't figured out that minimum wage is $7.00+ an hour.

I drive my wife crazy with shopping - I consider ALL of my options before taking the leap to purchase something. She would rather buy what she wants than spend a ton of time shopping. I go with my 'gut' feeling, and if I don't feel like it's time to buy - I don't. But that drives my wife crazy. She doesn't even want to shop if I'm not ready to buy. When it comes to buying - patience isn't her strong suite. She doesn't like it when I take the time to bargain/negotiate when appropriate. Negotiation makes her uncomfortable - I understand that - but it gives me a natural high!

So PLEASE - be civil - and remember that everyone is different - some people on the Budget Board are minding their pennies - others are minding their Dollars - and if you don't have something productive to add to the conversation in a friendly and civil manner - MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS!

Don't CHOOSE to offend someone - and don't CHOOSE to be offended.

I enjoy the Disboards too much to read through the petty crap and arguments that surface over things that are very simple.

This is the conclusion of my Public Service Announcement. Thank You!

 

[csharpwv]

Thanks for your post. I wish you would have come along prior to my posting, as your post would have handled what I was feeling/thinking in a much better manner.

Enjoy.

Thanks!

 

[kelcoppens]

Okay so it breaks down like this: This budget board is for the frugal, but fridge swaps are for the cheap-os! If you are desperately struggling *which you probably arent if you are taking a Disney vacation*, then save your dignity and dont do a fridge swap

 

[csharpwv]

I think the problem that some people have with fridge swaps would be totally eliminated if fridge swaps were entirely guest-to-guest.

One person is leaving at Noon on Friday - one person is coming at 11:30am on Friday - the Fridge is moved from one room to another - by the guests themselves - and it didn't have to be dealt with at Bell Services - Stored by Bell Services - etc etc etc.

I personally don't see a single thing wrong with swaps - strollers, fridges, Christmas trees, etc etc etc as long as it doesn't place an undue burden on Bell Services.

It goes without saying that 20+ mini-fridges take up a considerable amount of space in Bell Services - and especially if the resort is taking in a large number of guests with group travel etc that will be arriving early and in need to luggage storage for 100 people = 100+ bags - then the fridges would be the first thing to go.

 

[si-am]

I think the problem that some people have with fridge swaps would be totally eliminated if fridge swaps were entirely guest-to-guest.

One person is leaving at Noon on Friday - one person is coming at 11:30am on Friday - the Fridge is moved from one room to another - by the guests themselves - and it didn't have to be dealt with at Bell Services - Stored by Bell Services - etc etc etc.

I personally don't see a single thing wrong with swaps - strollers, fridges, Christmas trees, etc etc etc as long as it doesn't place an undue burden on Bell Services.

It goes without saying that 20+ mini-fridges take up a considerable amount of space in Bell Services - and especially if the resort is taking in a large number of guests with group travel etc that will be arriving early and in need to luggage storage for 100 people = 100+ bags - then the fridges would be the first thing to go.

Totally agree!

 

[allison443]

Because "you" are talking smack about how "you" think it is tacky for someone to save a few dollars by doing a fridge swap, or that all people that do swaps are too cheap to offer good tips... but here "you" are "yourself" on a budget board that is known for trying to offer ways to save Disers a buck or two. I didn't realize budget friendly ideas had a class associated to them. I find it ironic that anyone who is coming to the budget board would have the gall to come out and call someones idea of savings tacky when they themselves are on a budget board. Saving is savings and if you are going to knock it in this day in age than why in the heck are you even on a budget board to begin with? I am not intending to come off like I smart mouth, I just don't get what a persons intentions are who comes on here to bad mouth the swaps, being that it is on a budget board. It just doesn't add up in my mind.

"you" was not directly towards you, I didn't check to see if you were one of the ones that posted this prior to me responding.

I wasn't, I didn't call you tacky or anything like that but I do understand your explanation.

 

[disneyjunkie]

I find it kinda funny that all of you talking smack about the fridge swaps are on the Budget Board. You all are entitled to your own opinions, but it's just ironic.[/QU I come to the budget board to get money saving tips. (heads up about preordering photopass for $89) I'm not here looking for ways to beat the system. (join my photopass group for $5). When I plan a trip, I make a list of all of the things we want to do. Then I try to get all of the things we want without breaking the bank or cheating the system.

 

[Free4Life11]

I personally don't see a single thing wrong with swaps - strollers, fridges, Christmas trees, etc etc etc as long as it doesn't place an undue burden on Bell Services.

If something is truly causing an "undue burden" then the hotel can simply put a stop to it. Simple enough. Actually it sounds like an ingenious way to save money.

Personally, I'd just ask for a fridge for medical reasons.

 

[HoltDisney07]

Just wondering do you also consider people who take their own drinks into the parks or bring their own snacks or foods to their hotel room are also cheating the system?

I come to the budget board to get money saving tips. (heads up about preordering photopass for $89) I'm not here looking for ways to beat the system. (join my photopass group for $5). When I plan a trip, I make a list of all of the things we want to do. Then I try to get all of the things we want without breaking the bank or cheating the system.

 

[csharpwv]

If something is truly causing an "undue burden" then the hotel can simply put a stop to it. Simple enough. Actually it sounds like an ingenious way to save money.

Personally, I'd just ask for a fridge for medical reasons.

HAHA That's kinda the point of this thread - Disney has put a stop to it. Almost all the fridges that were once in Swap circulation are now 'Missing'.

I'm pretty sure that's a clear message from Disney that it was getting to be a little too much.

I would imagine most people would agree - but it's pretty hard to "Lose" a Mini-Fridge.
They aren't like a black Mickey Mouse shaped pin-back.

They are large - typically dealing in cubic feet. Not something that can be dropped or misplaced and easily lost.

Only time will tell if the fridge swaps start up again and gain as much popularity as they had - and if the fridges stay 'found' or disappear again.

 

[csharpwv]

Just wondering do you also consider people who take their own drinks into the parks or bring their own snacks or foods to their hotel room are also cheating the system?

The rules - Park Rules - Hotel Rules etc clearly state that is is totally OK to bring your own food with you. So in no way shape or form could that be 'cheating' the system.

It's like another thread about tipping mouse keeping at that is active right now.
Someone tried to say that Mouse Keeping jobs are 100% paid jobs and should not be tipped. That person drew the correlation to cashiers at gift shops wanting to be tipped then since mouse keeping employees are getting tips.
The two jobs are unrelated and completely different in their scope of responsibility and type of work they do. So therefore the two ideas are totally dissimilar and cannot be compared on a equal basis.

Just like fridge-swaps and bringing your own food in the parks - the two topics are totally dissimilar and therefore cannot be compared on an equal basis. The two are completely unrelated as one is clearly allowed by the rules, while the other is excluded from the rules - it does not necessarily mean that it is or isn't against the rules.

So...... for the sake of clear and civil communication - the two should not be compared - as one is clearly in compliance with the rules (taking food into the parks)- and the other is neither in compliance nor out of compliance with the rules - because a rule doesn't exist about leaving behind a mini-fridge for someone else to pick up the same day - or a week from that day - or two weeks from that day.

On that basis - the two cannot be compared.

 

[Metsfan520]

I think the problem that some people have with fridge swaps would be totally eliminated if fridge swaps were entirely guest-to-guest.

One person is leaving at Noon on Friday - one person is coming at 11:30am on Friday - the Fridge is moved from one room to another - by the guests themselves - and it didn't have to be dealt with at Bell Services - Stored by Bell Services - etc etc etc.

I personally don't see a single thing wrong with swaps - strollers, fridges, Christmas trees, etc etc etc as long as it doesn't place an undue burden on Bell Services.

It goes without saying that 20+ mini-fridges take up a considerable amount of space in Bell Services - and especially if the resort is taking in a large number of guests with group travel etc that will be arriving early and in need to luggage storage for 100 people = 100+ bags - then the fridges would be the first thing to go.

This is how they started--face to face. But somehow, they morphed into involving Bell Services & things got a little out of hand.

 

[Metsfan520]

The rules - Park Rules - Hotel Rules etc clearly state that is is totally OK to bring your own food with you. So in no way shape or form could that be 'cheating' the system.

It's like another thread about tipping mouse keeping at that is active right now.
Someone tried to say that Mouse Keeping jobs are 100% paid jobs and should not be tipped. That person drew the correlation to cashiers at gift shops wanting to be tipped then since mouse keeping employees are getting tips.
The two jobs are unrelated and completely different in their scope of responsibility and type of work they do. So therefore the two ideas are totally dissimilar and cannot be compared on a equal basis.

Just like fridge-swaps and bringing your own food in the parks - the two topics are totally dissimilar and therefore cannot be compared on an equal basis. The two are completely unrelated as one is clearly allowed by the rules, while the other is excluded from the rules - it does not necessarily mean that it is or isn't against the rules.

So...... for the sake of clear and civil communication - the two should not be compared - as one is clearly in compliance with the rules (taking food into the parks)- and the other is neither in compliance nor out of compliance with the rules - because a rule doesn't exist about leaving behind a mini-fridge for someone else to pick up the same day - or a week from that day - or two weeks from that day.

On that basis - the two cannot be compared.

Technically, I believe that park rules state you cannot bring outside food in. They have been looking the other way for years. (I know we brought in sandwiches & snacks on a trip in 1999).

 

[peyjax]

Okay so it breaks down like this: This budget board is for the frugal, but fridge swaps are for the cheap-os! If you are desperately struggling *which you probably arent if you are taking a Disney vacation*, then save your dignity and dont do a fridge swap

I must say I laughed hard when I read this. I will admit I did feel a little bit of my dignity fly out the door when I hauled that fridge box with massive stickers on it around the resort!

I have done 2 swaps both times with little ones. In the end I would not do one again. Not really worth it. The first time was not too bad but the look from my dh when the smells of a nasty fridge lingered in the room for hours was a tad embarrasing. I cleaned it and all was well by afternoon. The second time I got one at a different resort and it was very funny. The box was just not a small fridge but a tv like box from uhaul! It had everyones junk in it. My dh was like what do I want with other peoples garbage? There was enough boxes of creamers to last a good year! It had clothes hangers, baskets, food, toys, and the list went on. We recieved it as a face to face but had to put it in the bell hop area when we left. I will say I felt bad when I dropped it off. Even when tipping a box that size did not seem right. We both said we would not do one of those again.

I will say that people who usually are on swaps are some of the nicest people but I do think some tend to get carried away.

ETA- I am one of those people that comes on these boards to get money saving tips or a list of stores having sales. In reality the budget board usually costs me money! Just remember everyones idea of budget is different.

 

[blue fairy]

You're joking, right?

These are the same people that won't pay for a room with a fridge...I doubt they're going to tip the poor guy that has to deliver it.

I don't blame Disney one bit for making the fridges "disappear". You want a fridge in your room, pay for one or bring a cooler.

I resent that. I am from the UK and we usually stay at an All Stars Resort for 3 weeks. We have already paid over £8000 ($13500) for our hotel , flights and park tickets for 4 people. To save an extra $300+ means a lot to us. We cannot buy a fridge for $79 from Walmart - how would we get it home? and to live out of polystyrene coolers for 3 weeks in hot temps in July/Aug is asking a lot. I have used a fridge swap for the 4 times I have been lucky enough to be able to visit Orlando and have always given Bell Services a hefty tip for their help with the fridge. Thank you Disney for letting us do this.