Originally Posted By danyoung >WDW never has yet has higher rates than the GCH.< Are you sure about that, dave? The only WDW hotel with comparable rates would be the Grand Floridian. Have you stayed there and found it lacking?
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo I found GCH to be in line with AKL and WL price wise last time I looked. I have stayed in the GF, AKL, WL, Contemp and Poly over the years, and I have had better experiences at GCH (although I have heard of bad service there too). I recognise that all disney hotels across the globe have their issues. But it would be so easy to bring WDW's hotels back up to standard - reintroduce 24 hr room service - return to thorough cleaning of the room - increase the number of buses or at least have a publicised schedule - improve QA of cast member standards, performance management, and training - extend the hours of the shops These do cost, but they are easy things to put in place to improve the resorts greatly.
Originally Posted By NikkiLOVESMickey <<reintroduce 24 hr room service>> This is a non-issue for me. We never used room service when I was little because my parents said it was too expensive. I've only used it twice in my life and mom and dad were right - it is too expensive. <<return to thorough cleaning of the room>> This is a problem I have had issues with at POR. When I wrote Disney to complain I received a personal phone call and $50 worth of Disney Dollars, which paid for a table service meal on our next trip. Since that trip (it was about 4 years ago) we haven't had any issues with housekeeping. <<increase the number of buses or at least have a publicised schedule>> I've had small waits for buses, but only once or twice have I had ridiculous issues (a 40 minute wait to leave Animal Kingdom) particularly sticks out in my mind). I don't see the need for a set schedule because the buses run continuously, and instances of loading wheelchair-bound guests onto the bus could easily put them off the schedule, which would lead to more problems - you know there would be that jerky guest that would be in a CMs face wondering why the bus was 5 minutes late. <<improve QA of cast member standards, performance management, and training>> I've never had a serious issue with this, either. I've had the odd CM who didn't acknowledge me or speak to me (except to hand me the drink I purchased and take my money - other than that I didn't exist), but the vast majority of CMs have been extremely accommodating and very "Disney". <<extend the hours of the shops>> I can't say that I understand the need for this. Most, if not all, of the shops in the parks are open past closing time, and the shops in the hotels are open until midnight (and will open for a single guest if an emergency arises). What's next -should they remain open 24 hours?
Originally Posted By NikkiLOVESMickey vbdad, a very good friend of mine took her daughter to WDW for a day while they were in central Florida last week. They visit sporadically, and their last visit was about 3 years ago. She told me she didn't understand how we go back every year, and it was hard to explain to her. It is definitely an emotional and sentimental attachment, and one that cannot easily be put into words.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo 24 hr roomservice is an issue when travelling with a significan time zone change and a family. AKL Deluxe Savannah view needed the carpet vaccumming properly, and we had to complain about the trash cans not getting emptied. Buses, I think we must of had a really freaky trip - most times we waited 30 mins minimum, in the end we opted for cabs. Guest service at AKL felt more McD's than good customer service in our experience. the exception were in the restaurants - they were fab! but the lead in the store was rude when we were trying to exchange a faulty Pal Mickey for the 4th time.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo As for the store, I was referring to the one at AKL. It opened often after we left for the parks and was closed by the time we got back. If we wanted some food or drink after 11 or before 7, forget it unless you used the vending machines. When one is spending $400 a night and staying in the middle of nowhere, I expect better.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 <I can say that we always ditch the car when we go to DL. It is not necessary at all unless you want to explore other areas.< I love DLbu tmy vacations to WDW consist of 8-10 days at WDW and 4-5 days at Vero Beach. Without a car in LA what would I do for anywhere near that period of time. ( reminded of the fact I lived in So Cal for 2 years so I am very familiar with it as well as places to go /see. DL is not an 8-10 day park even with Cali Adventure. WDW offers 2 days @ EPCOT ( IMHO ) - and because we go when it's crowded 2 days at MK, 1 @ the Studios and another 1 @ AK - then 1-2 days @ the water parks - and 1 for me to golf while the family shops DTD. The Vero Beach resort is much more reasonable than any resort I can stay at from San Diego to Monterey ( and the water is warmer - ) without any question. For me the emotion is that my kids grew up at WDW. They know the drill on the drive ( it is 18-19 hours) - it is their home resort like DL is yours ( and was mine ) - The heat and humidity aren't really all that different than in Chicago believe it or not in summer...yes there are some days that cross the line,but they are rare. The weather in So Cal is unbeatable though - no argument there.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 <vbdad, a very good friend of mine took her daughter to WDW for a day while they were in central Florida last week. They visit sporadically, and their last visit was about 3 years ago. She told me she didn't understand how we go back every year, and it was hard to explain to her. It is definitely an emotional and sentimental attachment, and one that cannot easily be put into words.< my guess is , based on going to WDW for a day, they were totally overwhelmed,had no idea what to do, and likely did very little -- I know people who have gone for 5 day trips and miss 3/4 of the attractions. Some of the attachment I am sure revolves around how one grew up. I had Disney in my life from day 1 - so there is a huge emotional attachment. I think a lot of people my age also feel that way. Then we pass it on to our kids - and so on.... Today, the world is quite a different place than the 1950's I hail from as a cmall child - not for the better in my opinion, but my vote only counts for 1
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Oh boy, I never realised the humidity in chicago could be as bad as Fla. Wow. I don't do well in humidity, I sometime find Europe a little too humid in the summer (except South Spain or Italy). I'm more an arid kind of guy. Fair point on the days. We are wierd I guess. We went to DL for 6 days earlier this year and still did not feel like it was long enough, but after 10 days at WDW last time, I could not wait to leave. Next time, if I go, a car, a DVC/MVCI or Poly stay is in order, and we will concentrate on Epcot and DAK only. Staying 10 days at AKL took a lot of shine off of DAK sadly, and although we love Epcot (spent part of 5 days there), it is a once every 5-10 years sort of place for us (living in Europe does that I think). whereas I cannot get enough of PotC, HM et al, and when FLA has the lesser versions (have not been on refurbed HM yet), well I think I know my preferences. I think personal attachments has a lot to do with this debate too. Though DL was my wife's 3rd Disney resort and is her favorite (though my giddyness at DL may have an impact too).
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo And living on a island, I am not that bothered by beaches. I always preferred mountains, yet another Ca bias.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 <Oh boy, I never realised the humidity in chicago could be as bad as Fla. Wow. I don't do well in humidity< yep- we are truly the weather city for all people. 100+ degree days in the summer with 90% humidity happen as do 15-20 degrees below zero in winter with -80 wind chills. Blizzards and tornados. We're you're one stop shop for weather anomalies.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 Chicago today - forecast high of 95 degreeswith 60% chance of scattered thunderstorms ( sound familiar ? ) at 8:56 AM humidity is 83%
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Oh wow. Hmmm, now besides great blues and killer pizza and steaks, why do people like the Windy City? ;-)
Originally Posted By dshyates When we went to DLR we stayed at the Grand and the service was fantastic. We loved it. We followed it with a stay at the poly. The towels were so thin you could see through them. The mattresses were stained, the room dirty, the wallpaper mildewed, and the service slack to say the least. We too would have used 24hr room service. Since then I have stayed at the Ritz at Grande Lakes (on business), what a fantastic experience. We will never stay on WDW property again. And the room at the Ritz cost over $140 a night cheaper at $199/night. I'm glad I had to go to Otown without WDW being the focus so I could discover the place. I used to be a "you have to stay on prop to get the full impact of the magic" kinda guy. Now in my 40s I like going to WDW, but I also enjoy a respite from the "Happy, Happy, joy, joy" vibe. Like Dave I have become a big fan of the Marriott properties around the country. They have really kicked it up in the past 6-7 years. As has Hyatt and Starwood. Hilton, not so much. But since we drive down we always have a car, and I used to live in Orlando, so I know how to get around the area. 2 weeks ago I accidentally found Roy's of Hawaii. I heard about the one coming to Anaheim GardenWalk so I thought I would give it a try. I really enjoyed it. Yeah, so its a chain. A chain that isn't even close to West Virgina (Philly or Atlanta). We also popped over to Pat O'Brians (free parking after 6pm at CityWalk) for a Hurricane and Beignets (yeah, Nikki its not the French Quarter), but still a lot of fun for a hillbilly like me. So if its between The All Stars/Pop Century or Comfort Inn on US 192 I'd go with the all stars. But if I'm paying more than bottom dollar I would stay off property.
Originally Posted By bayrr326 Off topic: dshyates-Any news on the job at CFN13? I wish I had known you were applying there. I work for Bay News 9 I coulda put a word in. Well, good luck. back on topic: I have been going to WDW for almost 25 years and I get really tired of people(especially on certain other magical sites) making excuses for the company. It is a business, I understand that but the nickel and diming, price increases, cuts in entertainment and maintenance have not totally soured me on WDW but it definitely has cut into the magic. However, I still see it occasionally and I love bringing people there for the first time. I first went to DL in 2001 and I love it. DL just has a magic about it that the MK totally lacks. The first time I walked underneath those train tracks it was like I was a kid again. I miss DL and can't wait to go back. I guess the closing of PI is really hitting the hardest. My gf and I have had so many amazing times at the Adventurer's Club and it really won't be the same again without. When it comes to staying on property that may be the thing that lost its magic a long time ago. It just isn't worth the money. After the last time my parents stayed at the Beach Club they were just so disappointed(dirty room and hallways, poor customer service) they have no interest in staying on property again. I think it is just disappointing for those of us who have been going for a long time to see what has become of WDW and the sad thing is that it could be easily fixed.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 <Oh wow. Hmmm, now besides great blues and killer pizza and steaks, why do people like the Windy City? ;-) < we're the city of big shoulders --we're tough ( translation - we're nuts ) - great museums, the Cubs, Michigan Avenue, great schools ( colleges) in the area ( Univ of Chicago / Northwestern and many others)
Originally Posted By dshyates "dshyates-Any news on the job at CFN13? I wish I had known you were applying there. I work for Bay News 9 I coulda put a word in. Well, good luck." I should hear something by tomorrow, I did my face to face interview with Fletcher Christian 3 weeks ago, but then everybody there went on vacation for a week. Then last Tuesday I had my over the phone HR interview, and Charlotte said that she would let me know in a week or so. That would be tomorrow or so. The waiting is killing me. But thanks for the good thoughts.
Originally Posted By kennect OK, I can pick a twenty four dollar day at my local six flags or a seventy five dollar day at the MK...I will choose the MK or any other WDW park...Not perfect but still a pretty good bargain for a full days worth of enterntaiment and fun...When I think about the cost of local attractions here versus a days cost at WDW I feel that WDW comes out the winner...But I am saying this based on local attractions that I can easily attend...Then again WDW is a short six hour drive from here...
Originally Posted By NikkiLOVESMickey >>I did my face to face interview with Fletcher Christian 3 weeks ago<< Fletcher Christian? Were you interviewing for a position in the next "Mutiny"? Seriously, best of luck to you dshyates. I do hope you get some good news very soon.
Originally Posted By dshyates Yeah, what an interesting name he has. And thanks for the good thoughts. I could really use some good news right now. Its ben a rough couple of years, and only gotten worse the last six months. Sooner or later something goods gotta happen. "Just keep swimming".
