Originally Posted By SuperDry <<< <<Maybe the MiraCosta is just a lot more popular? >> Nope. The reason is that the average length of stay is very short so there is constantly a line for check-in and check-out. >>> In fact, they won't even let you book a stay of more than 5 nights without special permission! But at least some of Hilton's longer-term stays are based on Disney/OLC putting up foreign people on temporary assignment at TDR at the Hilton. <<< As the hotel [Mira Costa] isn't able to handle express check-out (or anything else that is technologically advance like WiFi) I'm not surprised they struggle to do with it. >>> On this point, not only are you wrong, but it's exactly the opposite of reality. The MiraCosta does offer express checkout whereas the Hilton does not. I tried to check out by phone after vacating the Hilton, and they insisted that I come back to the hotel to check out in person even though they had my credit card on file. I complained about this at the time and after when I got the guest survey, and all they did is apologize - I would think that someone would have pointed out some form of express checkout had one been available but I had missed it. <<< I don't like waiting up to an hour for my room keys when I'm there for the weekend. >>> That's a very interesting point, and one I had not considered. You're certainly right about the lines at the MiraCosta, but you're leaving out an important piece of the equation. At the Hilton or the Sheraton, in addition to the check-in line being shorter perhaps, you and I don't even have to wait in that line, as we have hotel status that lets us use the "special" line where there's no wait. Perhaps that's one of the things that's really bugging you about the MiraCosta. And I know exactly how you feel. On my recent trip, I ended up flying one segment on a carrier in coach that I have no status on, and I ended up having to wait 30 minutes in line at the airport to check in. I don't think I've had to wait in line at the airport like that in at least the least 5 years, and it reminded me what the travel experience is like for most people. So when you've stayed at the MiraCosta, already going into it with a negative opinion of the place, and have to wait in a long line, that can only serve to reinforce your opinion.
Originally Posted By SuperDry <<< You had better tell Disney that as they believe that both hotels [GCH and DLPH] sit within the park. >>> When the GCH opened, the manager was quoted as saying that it was the first Disney hotel built inside a park, so that would seem counter to the claim that Disney considers the Paris hotel within the park (unless the claim was based on some overly-literal logic such as DLHP is owned by EuroDisney SCA and not Disney itself). I've been to both DCA and TDS with different sets of first-time visitors, and the reaction is certainly different toward the hotels. At TDS, they at first didn't believe me when I told them that the MiraCosta was an operating hotel - they had thought it was just a big facade. Once convinced that you could actually stay there, they were still confused as they didn't understand how they could make you buy a park ticket in order to get to your hotel room. The effect of the MiraCosta actually being inside the park is totally convincing to the park guest, and the same can also be said about the hotel guest (from most rooms). The GCH has none of this, except for the private entrance. I know the "inside the park" is a great marketing message, but it's more like the GCH is immediately adjacent to the park and with a private entrance. Not that this distracts from the GCH at all. I actually stay there when business takes me to Orange County even if I'm not otherwise going to the parks - I'm just happy being there. But none of this means that "inside the park" isn't an exaggeration.
Originally Posted By TDR_Fan <<When the GCH opened, the manager was quoted as saying that it was the first Disney hotel built inside a park, so that would seem counter to the claim that Disney considers the Paris hotel within the park (unless the claim was based on some overly-literal logic such as DLHP is owned by EuroDisney SCA and not Disney itself).>> That is true. The manager did say that the Grand Californian was the first hotel built inside a Disney park. But the MiraCosta claims that it is the first hotel built inside a Disney park in Japan and it is owned by the OLC. So Disney does not claim the Disneyland Hotel as being inside the park.
Originally Posted By TDR_Fan <<On this point, not only are you wrong, but it's exactly the opposite of reality. The MiraCosta does offer express checkout whereas the Hilton does not. I tried to check out by phone after vacating the Hilton, and they insisted that I come back to the hotel to check out in person even though they had my credit card on file. I complained about this at the time and after when I got the guest survey, and all they did is apologize - I would think that someone would have pointed out some form of express checkout had one been available but I had missed it.>> I had to check out the "normal" way as well at the Hilton Tokyo Bay. Seeing as it was my first trip and all, I didn't really mind. Like I mentioned before, checking-out of the MiraCosta was quick and efficient. I simply phoned them and was done within 30 seconds. So I don't know what leemac is talking about when he says that they don't offer express check-out.
Originally Posted By Mr X Lee gets upset when he isn't treated like the vip he imagines himself to be. Since in Japan things are on very equal footing (all customers are treated equally well, but noone is "special"), Japan is very upsetting for him. That's why he doesn't like MiraCosta (as SuperDry pointed out), hated the opening ceremonies at DisneySea (there was no special reserved seat for him, I guess), and can't stand the New Years festivities.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 All of these interesting posts/tangents on my little thread about my upcoming trip ... which, very sad to say, has been pushed back from it's late winter time frame and back to its original fall dates :-( Oh well, think of all the stuff that will be posted here by then ;-)
Originally Posted By TDLFAN >>Lee gets upset when he isn't treated like the vip he imagines himself to be<< Don't confuse VIP with "freeloading".
Originally Posted By LindsayC I expect better from you TDLFAN. Freeloading is not something that both Lee or myself indulge in. Get your facts correct before making such assumptions.
Originally Posted By The Goddess Mara Jeez, this has gotten downright nasty. TDR_FAN absolutely refuses to give an inch in any discussion, repeatedly coming back with new bits of minutia. ENOUGH, brother! Give it a rest.
Originally Posted By SuperDry <<< Freeloading is not something that both Lee or myself indulge in. Get your facts correct before making such assumptions. >>> I think the point you're missing is that some people consider anyone that participates in a loyalty program (as they currently exist) to be freeloaders.
Originally Posted By The Goddess Mara Really? Does that mean that certain people think those who fly using earned Frequent Flier Miles are freeloaders?
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Agreed, I also go out of my way to retain brand loyalty and refer other colleagues and associates to the companies I use. My freeloading and the loyalty schemes are far cheaper marketing to other channels. This reduces expenditure and actually better supports these companies. Employees who slate these schemes should not bite the hand that feeds. Do they work in market strategy? No, they are in ops. And while they have valid contributions to make to their employers, slating loyal customers is quite the opposite.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN >>Get your facts correct before making such assumptions.<< Lindsay... I like you a lot and do not have problems with you, but you should tell that to Lee as well in regards to my job...and you know why. His comments are typical of you average ignorant frequent flyer. Let's hope neither one of you is ever in a position of need from one of your inflight crew attendants, since he claims we need no skills to perform our duties.
