What is going on with resort guests?

[CanadianGuy]

Welcome to Human Nature.

I doubt we'll solve it here.

 

[baler31]

I don't think it is limited to asking for upgrades etc. or just a sense of entitlement. It is behavior and consequence based. During our trip last week we saw some of the worst behavior, examples include a guest shaving her legs at a counter service restaurant, a gentleman arriving at who knows what time and forcing his way to the front of the line at rope drop then getting on his phone and saying "well the 8 of you will just have to get up here like I did push people out of the way." A woman using flash photography at an attraction despite the CM repeatedly admonishing her, her comments to her companion "well what are they going to do."

There are of course others but you get my point, there are no consequences to people behaving this way and they have learned that throughout their life. Some people will attempt whatever they know they can do without consequence. I do think Disney needs to control the discounts they are offering, I would pay more for a better experience at the resorts and at the parks and some of the experience is being ruined not by Disney but by other guests.

 

[StacyMarie]

We've been doing WDW since 1977 and that's 43 trips so far and all these gimme's and how do's were created by the computer age. Before computers, guests went to WDW, if they received any magic or pixie dust, up grades they told their immediate family and co workers, that's it. Now with the computer age, all these extras are put out in forums all over the web and everyone wants some. What we received, done or how we do Disney is kept to ourselves, we don't publish what we received, we pass on no tips, let everyone find the magic for themselves. All the secrets, hints and methods for Doing a WDW vacation are right at everyones finger-tips, why search for a hidden mickey when you can look it up on the internet and find out all their locations, the movie on the beach at some resorts was a treat when you got there, now everyone knows, every trick and tip is exposed to everyone.

Guests expect too much now and even demand things that were given as special treatment and I can see CM's getting perturbed with everyone asking for the extras, same with CRO CM's hearing everyone knowing the discount codes before they do and wanting them. Nope, it's the computer age and everything out there that's taking away all the magic.

You are my HERO with 43 trips to Disney!!!!

 

[DisGirl23]

guest shaving her legs at a counter service restaurant

Whaaa?!?!

 

[toodycat]

I think there is a slight difference between people who want to sneak in to pools and concierge lounges they clearly did not pay for and people who ask for upgrades at check-in. My reasoning is as follows: Disney sometimes gives upgrades, but in my memory, I've never encountered a cast member standing at the exit to the Magic Kingdom, inviting everyone to go for a quick dip in the pool at the Polynesian or offering them an after dinner drink at the Contemporary's concierge lounge.

Upgrades are nice and I've benefited from a few, but we enjoyed the visits without upgrades just as much. On our first visit to WDW, we were offered an upgrade to GF Sugarloaf for $50 more per night. (This was when the concierge was run by a separate department. This type of upgrade no longer exists.) We loved it so much that, subsequently, we have paid for multiple club level stays at other WDW and WDL resorts and the GF. Our reservation for this July is club level at AKL. I would say our very first upgrade made good business sense on Disney's part since we would not have thought to book club level during our subsequent vacations if we hadn't experienced it at a reduced rate the first time. All upgrades are pixie dust, but some make good financial sense too.

Last year, we were at the GF in Sugarloaf. About the same time, some guests were upgraded from the Values to the GF. Was that all good will or also good business? WDW could re-sell the now empty rooms at the Values whereas the rooms at the GF would probably have remained unbooked for that week. Therefore, I wouldn't feel as bad about, politely and without any sense of entitlement, inquiring about an upgrade at check-in as I would about using something like a pool or a lounge that I clearly hadn't paid for and that is only intended for the use of a certain number of people. Your request for a fancier room and WDW's desire to re-book a less expensive room might coincide and benefit both parties.

 

[4HOLIDAYS]

I agree with most of all I have read. What a shame. I enjoy WDW every time we go but it is changing and I also feel it is due to the people coming to the parks and resorts now. The last 2 yrs we have seen a lot of differences.

 

[kvogel11202]

I don't have an issue with people asking if room upgrades are available, it's more the reaction when they are denied that gets me. I, like so many others, book what i can pay for. I've been fortunate to have been upgraded several times,, but never once have I asked. But to see someone losing their mind yelling at CM's because they don't get a free upgrade that makes me realize how far we have fallen. Or people who complain because the CM's didn't give their little angel a free dessert when they were clearly wearing their birthday button- I mean really- they should have made a HUGE deal and forced the whole restaurant to notice their child don't you know? Whenever we plan to eat at Le Cellier my son will remeber one particular customer - we had an 11:30 ADR, made dutifully at the 180 day mark. My son and I were travelling with my mother in law the first week of December. My MIL had only been to Disney once- in 1980. Yeah. While we were waiting a couple came in looking for a table for lunch. The CM told them very politely that they were all booked up for the day, they guy starts throwing a nutty! Demanded the manager. Manager comes out- they had to go outside, the man refused to leave, continued screaming at the manager for about 15 minutes. I can only assume at some point security was called. But this man could not believe that since he had money to spend they could not "squeeze him in" . Now I get not everyone makes dining adr's. not everyone is OCD like me, but when you don't you take a chance of being told no. If you accept that, great, but if you can't, that's on you!

 

[wdwfan]

We on this board are not the pool police, the lounge guards and the upgrade controllers![/QUOTE]

So funny, Elizabeth B! And so true!

I don't care that other people get an upgrade or that they hope and pray for one, and even discuss it openly on a public Disney message board. Or they found away around the "system." I just say "Good luck with that!" Because in reality, they probably won't get it, or it won't work out, but there's no real harm done.

Lighten up! Disney is fun! Don't worry about things you can't control (like how other people think) and just enjoy Disney!

 

[momtobrynncess]

Welcome to Human Nature.

I doubt we'll solve it here.

You have a knack of saying the most profound things with the shortest number of words.

I don't think it is limited to asking for upgrades etc. or just a sense of entitlement. It is behavior and consequence based. During our trip last week we saw some of the worst behavior, examples include a guest shaving her legs at a counter service restaurant, a gentleman arriving at who knows what time and forcing his way to the front of the line at rope drop then getting on his phone and saying "well the 8 of you will just have to get up here like I did push people out of the way." A woman using flash photography at an attraction despite the CM repeatedly admonishing her, her comments to her companion "well what are they going to do."

There are of course others but you get my point, there are no consequences to people behaving this way and they have learned that throughout their life. Some people will attempt whatever they know they can do without consequence. I do think Disney needs to control the discounts they are offering, I would pay more for a better experience at the resorts and at the parks and some of the experience is being ruined not by Disney but by other guests.

Well said!!!

I think there is a slight difference between people who want to sneak in to pools and concierge lounges they clearly did not pay for and people who ask for upgrades at check-in. My reasoning is as follows: Disney sometimes gives upgrades, but in my memory, I've never encountered a cast member standing at the exit to the Magic Kingdom, inviting everyone to go for a quick dip in the pool at the Polynesian or offering them an after dinner drink at the Contemporary's concierge lounge.

Upgrades are nice and I've benefited from a few, but we enjoyed the visits without upgrades just as much. On our first visit to WDW, we were offered an upgrade to GF Sugarloaf for $50 more per night. (This was when the concierge was run by a separate department. This type of upgrade no longer exists.) We loved it so much that, subsequently, we have paid for multiple club level stays at other WDW and WDL resorts and the GF. Our reservation for this July is club level at AKL. I would say our very first upgrade made good business sense on Disney's part since we would not have thought to book club level during our subsequent vacations if we hadn't experienced it at a reduced rate the first time. All upgrades are pixie dust, but some make good financial sense too.

Last year, we were at the GF in Sugarloaf. About the same time, some guests were upgraded from the Values to the GF. Was that all good will or also good business? WDW could re-sell the now empty rooms at the Values whereas the rooms at the GF would probably have remained unbooked for that week. Therefore, I wouldn't feel as bad about, politely and without any sense of entitlement, inquiring about an upgrade at check-in as I would about using something like a pool or a lounge that I clearly hadn't paid for and that is only intended for the use of a certain number of people. Your request for a fancier room and WDW's desire to re-book a less expensive room might coincide and benefit both parties.

I never looked at it this way, but what you say makes a lot of sense!

 

[Pooh Bear Hugs]

The posts that annoy me are the people who change their childrens ages to get something they are not entitled to.

 

[MissionMouse]

once they do away with discounts its going to be hard to get back paying full price or just getting discounts off passes, been easy the past 4 years going 3 or 4 times a year with 40% off. i think every trip is last at 40% off hope they keep giving them out

Don't worry. Disney will always have discounts to draw the crowds in, since they have to compete with other vacations options and changes in the economy. Think of it like your large department chain in your area...do you recall ever walking in and not seeing a sale sign?

 

[ML_LovesDisney]

Getting something for nothing is fun!

The first time we stayed at GF, we were upgraded to GF RPC. We really enjoyed it, and have booked CL rooms ever since. So, it was a win/win for Disney. We were also once upgraded to a two-bedroom suite. That was lux! And, great fun! We didn't ask for these upgrades, they just happened.

Having said that, Disney often upgrades people. And, it is Disney's hotel and Disney's right to do so. We can resent it, saying, "I paid for my room, why should those interlopers get an upgrade and be drinking my beer and eating my olives". But, we don't own the CL lounges -- Disney does!!!

If someone wants to ask for an upgrade, I see absolutely nothing wrong with it. What's the harm?

As for using pools at other resorts, if it's not allowed, then fine. Comply with the rules. But, I see no harm in asking if friends staying at another hotel can join us for the afternoon at our pool. Big deal.

And, as I said on another thread, CM's have told us to feel free to have others in our party join us in the lounge. It was only one time, and we didn't actually do it, but again it's Disney's lounge and Disney's CMs.

We on this board are not the pool police, the lounge guards and the upgrade controllers!

I agree with most of this post. Everyone loves a good deal, who wouldn't love a free upgrade? When we were at DW in Feb we were staying at SSR and our friends were staying at BCV and our kids used that pool with their kids and even their towels **gasp**. Granted it was just for an hour or so because it wasn't that warm. I can understand the "era of entitlement" thing, I agree, people are crybabies nowadays but I think its also a trend of being thrifty. This is why I bought DVC, so I can get a good deal on my room ALL the time

 

[SharonZ]

Two of my "favorite" recent posts discussed - "I'm not looking for a free upgrade, but how should I list on my room request that I would like to be upgraded to a room with a balcony." And, "I'm going to start making my reservations based on what hotels are having construction, so I can get an upgrade to a deluxe hotel." Honestly, these boards really do provide hours of entertainment!

 

[wdwfan]

It's funny to chuckle about how people think, and the plans they make to get the most of what they can afford, like "going to a resort that's underconstruction in an effort to get upgraded." Because those of us who go to Disney a lot understand how things are done, and posts such as these are just put into perspective of people who haven't had a whole lot of experience being at Disney World.

But what's most entertaining to me is that so many people on this board can't rise above this type of thinking and keep it in perspective. Why get upset? Chances are there will be no upgrade, no matter how much you smile, schmooze and talk a blue streak. Oh well. To each there own.

 

[Luvmepluto]

Amen...

upgrade??? What is that?? lol.... If it ever happens to me, I will happily take it but it is never expected. I am happy to stay at Pop...I am happy to be able to go.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

I agree with what many have said. I plan my WDW trips on what I can afford, the experience I desire and don't expect anything more. I could afford a mod or better, but for my upcoming trip in 18 days I chose POP. If I get my requested room, I will be ecstatic. I don't need one of the refurbed because they are not in the area I chose to stay. I want to be part of the craziness closest to the Hippy Dippy pool. Now, if for some reason, I would get upgraded to another resort, I would not turn it down. I would be so surprised at the magic of pixie dust, I wouldn't be able to contain myself. I would be very thankful and singing the praises of WDW. On the other hand if there is no offered upgrade, I will be very happy because WDW is my HAPPY PLACE!!

 

[Little Lulu]

AMEN, ROBYN!!!

I tell you what, I see it too! And this last thread about sneaking people into CL when you're staying in a DVC, has my goat. ( little lol ) trying to be in a happy place here.

All of this should be like a reflection of your real life!
Have a heart of a child, filled with love and excitement. This is a journey not a destination! Enjoy each moment as it comes and be grateful for each day we have with each other! And all the extras, well, those are like the butterfly kisses- they only come to those that are peaceful and have happy hearts.

 

[johnsonet]

Entitlement Culture.

I hate it.

 

[Deb & Bill]

...We on this board are not the pool police, the lounge guards and the upgrade controllers!

No, we are not. But when someone asks the question, why not give them the rules as posted at Disney? Why even tell them that "when I was there, we...."? I could save someone from embarrassment because they read about someone doing something completely opposite of the Disney rules and they think it's okay to do it.

Plus I always wondered why someone letting someone who didn't know the rules as posted by Disney was called "this" police or "that" police.

 

[skipperkim]

I don't have an issue with people asking if room upgrades are available, it's more the reaction when they are denied that gets me. I, like so many others, book what i can pay for. I've been fortunate to have been upgraded several times,, but never once have I asked. But to see someone losing their mind yelling at CM's because they don't get a free upgrade that makes me realize how far we have fallen. Or people who complain because the CM's didn't give their little angel a free dessert when they were clearly wearing their birthday button- I mean really- they should have made a HUGE deal and forced the whole restaurant to notice their child don't you know? Whenever we plan to eat at Le Cellier my son will remeber one particular customer - we had an 11:30 ADR, made dutifully at the 180 day mark. My son and I were travelling with my mother in law the first week of December. My MIL had only been to Disney once- in 1980. Yeah. While we were waiting a couple came in looking for a table for lunch. The CM told them very politely that they were all booked up for the day, they guy starts throwing a nutty! Demanded the manager. Manager comes out- they had to go outside, the man refused to leave, continued screaming at the manager for about 15 minutes. I can only assume at some point security was called. But this man could not believe that since he had money to spend they could not "squeeze him in" . Now I get not everyone makes dining adr's. not everyone is OCD like me, but when you don't you take a chance of being told no. If you accept that, great, but if you can't, that's on you!

I'm surprised he didn't do what someone else did that I know and said they had a reservation even though he didn't. I even held my tongue when he told me this story and didn't ask what his ADR # was. Some people just think they should have everything that the rest of us save for given to them even though they are not entitled to it. I just try to keep this in mind when reading some posts here.

But as another PP said, how could towel animals really make or break your stay? Wow, is all I can say.