WL Magic is disappearing

[JadeTiger]

Off topic ^ ^^one post up^^^^^^ so that is what the tag fairy lools like

 

[frazzled one]

We fell in love with the WL during our stay last month - it was our first visit there, so we can only say it was a complete NON-disappointment. Having read some of the OP's specific observations in other posts on the DIS, we went in with fairly realistic expectations and tried to plan around what some might see as the disadvantages of the WL.

For example, we requested a king bed since we'd heard the rooms could seem small with 2 queens (and there were just 2 of us). We also knew we wouldn't get the same kind of transportation as if we were at a monorail resort or BC/YC/BWI, so we tried to be ahead of the crowd most days and found the boats and even the buses to be adequate or better. We usually took the blue flag boat to the CR and walked to the MK - we're fast walkers and found that the most efficient way of getting there.

As to the CMs - we had marvelous luck and had a gem of a mousekeeper, Norma (what an amazing job she did each day). The Mercantile and Whispering Canyon CMs seemed more into the magic than those at the front desk, but it was Jersey week and the Lodge was stuffed. Even so, all were pleasant and professional. In our 4 trips to WDW (I realize I'm hardly an expert!), I've found the snack bar CMs to be the least enthused about their jobs, so Roaring Forks wasn't all that magical (though we really liked the decor).

I'd say that luck plays a significant role in any trip - and we certainly felt lucky to be at WL. Looking forward to going again after 3 college educations are paid for

fraz

 

[GasMan65]

I think some of you fellow WL fans are missing the point of my original post: WL is still a nice place, but over the course of the five years (time between my visits) I noticed some changes (as listed in original post) that have taken away from the magic.

If you've never been to WL before, you will probably like it because you do not have a previous visit to compare it to.

It is amazing at how defensive folks get here on these boards when someone brings up a negative about anything Disney.

Just my thoughts.

 

[susy]

I understand, but the sad face next to the thread title is a bit much, don't you think?

 

[Geoff_M]

GasMan65,

I understand, it's just that to me the things you are negative about are very minor with regard to the whole WL experience. We've stayed at 4 different deluxe resorts and WL is still our favorite... even without the free pastries and coffee, free valet parking (though DVC fixed that problem), or the lack of real wood in the fireplace.

 

[beatnik]

I personally found GasMan's post to be helpful. I too would prefer a real wood burning fire to a gas fire. I too would prefer the previously complimentary valet parking to the current valet parking which you have to pay for. I too would prefer an in-room coffee maker which is in my room rather than one I have to call and specifically request (and which likely will not come with coffee, sugar packets, sweetener, mugs, etc). The point of the post was that the CHANGES are a disappointment to the OP. This is worth my knowing about. Thanks for passing on the info. If these changes seem minor to others, more power to them...

Beatnik

PS And if the changes make the OP sad, then I see nothing strange about the sad face next to the thread title.

 

[Geoff_M]

beatnik,

You can be assured that you'll get everything you need for a freshly brewed cup of coffee (plus sweetener) when you make the request. I too would prefer all of the missing items that sent GasMan65 into a state of mourning. The difference is that I think that the magic at WL is still far from "disappearing".

 

[CBRorBust]

This thread is getting a little bit ridiculous.

I understand that there is a huge fan base of the WL which it rightfully deserves one, but I think that it has gotten to the point with some that it is unacceptable to have a negative opinion about a resort.

Give me a break. Just because there were a few people who didn't have a stellar experience with the resort doesn't mean that there should be anyone freaking out about it.

So what! Everyone on this board is entitled to their own opinion as are they entitled to sharing their experience whether good or bad without people judging them for it. Whether WL is loosing its magic is up to the guest at the resort. But please don't judge the people who come on this board to say their 2 cents just because it may not agree with your past experiences. I don't think it's fair for anyone to decide that the posters were "expecting perfection" or "being too picky" or getting upset about a frown face on the title.

Just let it be and move on. It's not life or death! It is just one's opinion about their stay.

 

[Luv2Roam]

I was surprised to read the negative comments about WL. But every resort can have off times/moments. (I have very little good to say about POR, and many LOVE that resort.) And I cannot compare to what it once was, as this was our only WL visit.
We stayed at WL last week in August this year.
All the WL CM's were very friendly, yet professional. I can't think of a bad thing to say in that area at all. They were all great.
The boats were constantly coming and going. Rarely did we have to wait. And if we did, it certainly wasn't long.
We had a GREAT WL stay and would never hesitate to stay there again!
I even ordered a coffeemaker to be delivered to the room and they were prompt and included more packets of everything athat we needed.
Great towel animals. I even sent photos of them to Lee Cockerell.
The ONLY downside was the bakery items were very limited -- which surprised us for a deluxe resort. But if that is the ONLY thing -- that's pretty darn good.

 

[Tigger Woods]

What's the old line about not 'shooting the messenger'? The fact is, things have been changing at Disney Parks and hotels over the last few years. (You should read Roy Disney's resignation letter). I hope some of the older Disney hotels take a cue from the Swan/Dolphin and do a little renovating. A few touches here and there can make a big difference..

 

[jann1033]

Originally posted by beatnik
. I too would prefer a real wood burning fire to a gas fire. I too would prefer the previously complimentary valet parking to the current valet parking which you have to pay for. I too would prefer an in-room coffee maker which is in my room rather than one I have to call and specifically request (and which likely will not come with coffee, sugar packets, sweetener, mugs, etc).

.

you can keep all these and just give me my *preference.*..a free room...that ain't gonna happen either ! just kidding but I think it's just everything has been cut back a little and if it is something you particulary enjoyed it is something you notice and miss, if not you walk right past the fake fireplace and go on...not a good or bad/right or wrong just the facts of life under the past few years' economy. I guess we just have to adapt and still enjoy what is left of the magic.

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by Gary M
In general, I think all of WDW has lost some magic. Maybe it's the cutbacks or maybe I have burned myself out by going so many times.

....You BRING the MAGIC WITH YOU, INSIDE OF YOU....remember?

Nothing at WDW is ever truly "less-magical", as it's mostly "perspective" which changes. The LESS you "expect" out of Life...the MORE you are "surprised" (by EVERY little thing...). Through the eyes of children, with wonderment and glee through and through...this is the true manner the world should be viewed. I sincerely hope the OP has a chance to return to WDW and enjoy all the things which were once *Magical*.

Happy Holidays to one and all!

TTFN...always, DF99

*REO SW..."Roll with the changes..."

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

df99, you are SO RIGHT!

 

[Kaycee]

You are so right. As usual, you took all the things I was feeling as I read the other posts in this thread and worded my thoughts better than I ever could've. Thank you!

Our entire family loved every minute of our stay at WL. I actually stood in the lobby and cried when we had to leave. I don't know when we'll be able to stay there again, but I do know that we'll stay there again someday, and we'll be looking forward to it until that day comes.

 

[Hayley]

I just have to say that I don't think we need to give point by point arguments about how someone's personal feelings were "wrong". I'd like to thank the OP for sharing an experience -- I spend an arm and a leg to stay on-site and sorry, but I have some expectations! I expect for that kind of money, it better be pretty darned magical!!!!!

 

[Sammie]

Basically for many that go each year and have for many years as we do; this is what I have seen over the years.

Has the magic changed, Yes.
Is the magic still there, Yes.
Do the changes bother some and not bother others: Yes
Does that make one wrong and one right: No

 

[Efastpitch]

Originally posted by GasMan65
Our family of 5 (children's ages 5,7,11) just returned from 6 days at WDW staying at WL. This was our first visit in over 5 years and the magic is less than before.......some examples:

1. A FAKE fire in the WL fireplace. There used to be real wood with a hint of smoke in the air throughout the lodge. Today the halls smell of lysol.

2. Hard to find CM's who speak English well. We have nothing against foreign workers, but command of the language should be a mandatory requirement.

3. Vetran CM's seem to have a lousy attitude about their jobs. After speaking with several, the common theme was cutbacks from HQ.

4. No more coffee and cordials available in the lobby in the evenings or coffee and pastries in the mornings. (Probably not a big deal since not many people enjoy sitting in front of a FAKE fire)

5. Valet Parking now costs $6 - used to be free!

6. Actually had a CM request a tip when parking the car one evening at valet.

7. Boat service to MK was spotty and very unpredictable.

I could go on, but the bottom line is this: Disney WL is still a great place, however, the the little things that made it magical are slowly disappearing under pressure from Disney leadership to cut costs. I understand about costs, in fact I'd be willing to pay more money for more magic. Perhaps the great package deals Disney has been offering over the past year are finally beginning to take their toll on the magic.

Rather than address all of your statements about the WL, I will just say that I disagree with everything you said. The lodge was absolutely wonderful. No complaints on anything. I will be going back next year. Everything was just perfect.

 

[Efastpitch]

Originally posted by GasMan65
I think some of you fellow WL fans are missing the point of my original post: WL is still a nice place, but over the course of the five years (time between my visits) I noticed some changes (as listed in original post) that have taken away from the magic.

If you've never been to WL before, you will probably like it because you do not have a previous visit to compare it to.

It is amazing at how defensive folks get here on these boards when someone brings up a negative about anything Disney.

Just my thoughts.

Let's turn that frown over and make it a smile!

 

[n2mm]

Changes happen all of the time. I just read on the Allears email that the WL will NO longer accept room request faxes. So ya better make those requests when you make you room ressies. We have a ressie there for our January and July trips. We stay there in 1995 and it was fantastic, then again in 1990 and noticed the little extra touches that made it so wonderful 5 years earlier. It's still a beautiful resort, but there has been changes or should I say cutbacks.

 

[Sammie]

Originally posted by n2mm
Changes happen all of the time. I just read on the Allears email that the WL will NO longer accept room request faxes. So ya better make those requests when you make you room ressies. We have a ressie there for our January and July trips. We stay there in 1995 and it was fantastic, then again in 1990 and noticed the little extra touches that made it so wonderful 5 years earlier. It's still a beautiful resort, but there has been changes or should I say cutbacks.

And some of those changes are due to the abuse of something by the guests. It was never a problem to fax a request until it was shared to millions on internet forums such as these.

That would also include the cost of valet parking and the many questions you get now when you call CRO.

Sometime the enemy is us.