Originally Posted By MPierce >> For a company that calls their customers "guests", and yet the deluxe hotels have service befitting a Holiday Inn Express, well frankly it haps my hide. << Sorry to disagree with you Dave, but I just stayed in a suite at a Holiday Inn Express. It was far superior in accomadations to most of WDW's offerings. King size beds, counches with hide a beds,a desk, much thicker towels, they actually vacuum, and change the linen everyday. Free internet service, micro-wave oven, refridgerator, better cable offerings and an excellent free breakfast every morning. All for half the price of a courtyard view at Wilderness Lodge during value season. I admitt I didn't have a view of Bay Lake, but I was very surprised with the quality of service. I love staying at the WL but I don't really consider it a Deluxe Resort when it comes to room size, and quality of service. So in reality I guess I really do agree with you when it comes to WDW rooms.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 I recently stayed at a brand new HI Express in Beijing. For less than $65 a night (USD), I got a place that felt more like a 'W' or boutique place ... if that is the direction that brand is taking, they'll be very successful. But as to WDW resorts, can someone explain to me why and how it is possible that they don't vacuum the rooms daily and shampoo the carpets in those rooms monthly? (Oh, I know it is because the consultants told Disney people don't notice cereal under the bed on brochures with a few inches of dust on top of them, but they're wrong!) And how can small-time place offer free high-speed Internet, but Disney can't? And triple sheeting? And taking and replacing glasses? Oh man ... this is one I could on with for a very long time. Disney Resorts would be a hidden camera reporter's wet dream!
Originally Posted By ChiMike ^ As long as Mousekeeping cleans up before they release the room to the next guest.
Originally Posted By dshyates "As long as Mousekeeping cleans up before they release the room to the next guest." Hey the maids wipe the glasses down with one of the dirty wash cloths. What More do you want for $700 a night?
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo I'm not dissing HI Express, it is often my hotel of choice, and all the points built up on business leads to a free room at the HI DLP or Crown Plaza Anaheim. And the HI DLP offers a better experience than almost all of the official DLP hotels.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo But when I can get a HI Express room here in the expensive UK for $100 and then pay $400-$500 a night for a deluxe at WDW, well frankly the crappy bus service does not mean on site is a natural.
Originally Posted By danyoung >They invented the name imageinears.< Well, to be accurate, they invented the term Imagineers (not ears).
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<I'm not dissing HI Express, it is often my hotel of choice, and all the points built up on business leads to a free room at the HI DLP or Crown Plaza Anaheim. And the HI DLP offers a better experience than almost all of the official DLP hotels.>> Well, there are some amazing deals to be had in Orlando IF you're willing to leave the 'Disney magic' behind. The Hyatt Place on I-Drive was dumping rooms to Priceline for $30 a night ... that's for what is a suite and includes things like breakfast and Internet. Gaylord Palms was dumping rooms for $80 a night, if you need a resort experience. Disney is simply over-priced for what you get. It used to be their service and extras more than made up for it, but that's not really the case anymore. I'm in the process of planning a fall getaway and will likely be staying at the J.W. Marriott because I KNOW I'll be getting a top quality experience where with Disney, it is hit or miss now.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Yep, when we go back to Orlando, I suspect we will be guests of Marriott or Gaylord Palms.
Originally Posted By bobbelee9 Dave, glad to see you say "when." Hopefully your memories from the next trip will far out weigh the last trip.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo There will be an eventuality, especially as I have some fantastic friends in Florida I love to see (they all know who they are). also, I do love DAK and Epcot, but not as much as the other Disney parks out there. Also, I want to try the Disney cruise, and the best way will be to go out of Fla.
