Originally Posted By RoadTrip Spirit... I have no problems with your saying something like "Well, most of my experiences recently have not been that good. My friends also report much the same thing." That is great... relating your personal experience as you see it. But statements like: <<And the amount of inconsistency and the amount of very bad guest service has increased to an unacceptable level.>> give a presumed level of certainty and authority to your opinions that is greater than what really exists. <<Please Trippy, come down off your high igloo.>> I don't have an Igloo. I spend my winter outdoor time in the hot tub on our back deck.
Originally Posted By Inspector 57 <<My agenda is simple: to see WDW live up to the amazing Disney Legacy as well as its well-earned reputation for creating true magical visits for its guests.>> And when someone (Mr X) reports that he experienced that true magic, you make slimy challenges to his credibility. And when called on that, you deny it: <<I think you read into my post things that weren't intended.>> <<I never said or insinuated otherwise.>> Own it, Spirit. Take responsibility for your own posts. When X reported a positive WDW experience, you attempted to discredit him. It's cool that you and I have been playing nice. I'm truly sorry that 2007 sucked for you. But neither of those things will keep me from pointing out that you've attempted to discredit a very reputible poster here in an effort to support your own agenda (and then denied doing so). I don't have a personal interest in taking you on. My interest is on behalf of Mr X and the readers of LP. X can fend. I'll let LP readers make their own decisions.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Spirit... I have no problems with your saying something like "Well, most of my experiences recently have not been that good. My friends also report much the same thing.">> Trippy, most of my experiences have been good OVERALL or I wouldn't return. But I will point out when things aren't. <<That is great... relating your personal experience as you see it. But statements like: <<And the amount of inconsistency and the amount of very bad guest service has increased to an unacceptable level.>> give a presumed level of certainty and authority to your opinions that is greater than what really exists.>> I'm not changing my speech and writing style, Trippy, because I come off as someone who knows what he's talking about. People are free to believe whatever they want (at least on LP, in George Bush's America, I think you have a bit less freedom!) I obviously believe what I post to be true when it comes to my opinions or I wouldn't post them. And when I post facts, that'e exactly what they are. I get so tired of going back and forth about my style. If you think WDW is perfect, say it. And be prepared to defend it. If you think WDW is awful, say it. And be prepared to defend it. If you think WDW is pretty darn good although showing some signs of diminished quality over the past 15 years, but that doesn't impact your enjoyment at all (which correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe to be your viewpoint) say it. And be prepared to defend it. It's simple. <<Please Trippy, come down off your high igloo.>> <<I don't have an Igloo. I spend my winter outdoor time in the hot tub on our back deck. >> That sounds very enjoyable, if a bit cold for my tastes.
Originally Posted By Mr X **X can fend.** Been reading my worldevents posts, eh? I won't delve too much into this issue, as I can appreciate aspects of what both of you guys are saying...however the one part I sort of chuckled over was the nostalgia/back home idea. Given how disgusted I have increasingly become with American service standards, and this trip being no exception, I think the fact that I was "back home" would probably have colored my opinion of DisneyWorld more to the negative if anything. In fact, it really did. When I first got into DisneyWorld I was sort of "on the lookout" for poor quality, based partly on LP commentary and partly on the horribly crappy service I'd already endured for 5 weeks in my good old home country before arriving in Orlando...however after many nice experiences I found myself more and more pleased and surprised to find DisneyWorld largely unaffected by the pathetic standards of everywhere else in the U.S.A..
Originally Posted By Mr X ***I don't have an Igloo. I spend my winter outdoor time in the hot tub on our back deck. >> That sounds very enjoyable, if a bit cold for my tastes.*** How do you come up with cold? Dennis-in-CT and I just recently spent an evening frolicking in his lovely hot-tub, and I wasn't the least bit cold!
Originally Posted By Mr X **it disappointed me that he said he was convinced to not visit WDW and then went anyway** I only went for two days, actually, and on free tickets no less. Didn't pay a dime. If not for that, I probably wouldn't have gone at all (I was in Orlando for 8 days, after all, I was hardly chomping at the bit as it were). Since I had a nice time though, obviously I'm glad I didn't listen to the LP curmudgeon crew on this one.
Originally Posted By RoadTrip <<Dennis-in-CT and I just recently spent an evening frolicking in his lovely hot-tub, and I wasn't the least bit cold!>> Yup... being in 100 degree water up to your neck wards off the chill. I figure it is usually good down to about 10 degrees. Colder than that and we usually don't tub. Wind is the make or break thing... a 20 degree temp can be bad if you have a moderate wind. Most of your body is in the water, but your ears aren't and the wind will freeze them quick!!
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 A<<nd when someone (Mr X) reports that he experienced that true magic, you make slimy challenges to his credibility. And when called on that, you deny it:>> I deny it because it's a lie. And it's you, for the umpteenth time playing the martyr/drama queen of the LP while you misrepresent what I said, and ascribe motives that aren't present because you have a low opinion of me. There was nothing slimy about my post. And I have already said I have a great deal of respect for Mr. X. If he feels I abused him and made him cry, he can say so. But I doubt he will. <<Own it, Spirit. Take responsibility for your own posts. When X reported a positive WDW experience, you attempted to discredit him.>> I do, I-57. I did not attempt to discredit him. I pointed out some possible reasons why he could have had such a glowing review of WDW. That isn't discrediting him. Calling him a liar might be. Telling him he is a dumb WalMart-level typical tourist bumpkin might be. Telling him he's fat and has a BO problem might be. Saying that absence makes the heart grow fonder doesn't. I did the same thing when I went seven years without visting DL and had a terrific time in the late 90s when Al Lutz and all of the online folks were talking about how bad DL was decaying. It was. I was just so happy to be there, I focused on all the great things (as I likely will when I visit TDR this spring). Again, that doesn't mean that is what happened with Mr.X and it is in no rational/sane way discrediting what the man said and it isn't slimy either. <<It's cool that you and I have been playing nice. I'm truly sorry that 2007 sucked for you. But neither of those things will keep me from pointing out that you've attempted to discredit a very reputible poster here in an effort to support your own agenda (and then denied doing so).>> You're simply full of bull--it. Period. I don't need to discredit someone I respect to further my evil agenda. I admit I'll never get you. And I probably should ignore you here. But when you decide to call me out as some nasty spirit, it gets under my skin ... but than again, that's probably why you do it. <<I don't have a personal interest in taking you on. My interest is on behalf of Mr X and the readers of LP. X can fend. I'll let LP readers make their own decisions.>> Yeah. Once again. Martyr/drama queen. You show an amazing lack of respect for the LP community when you feel they can't speak for themselves and need to come to their 'defense.' If Mr. X really thinks I meant anything but what was written, I believe he'll tell me. And anyone else can post whatever they like. I'd just like to know who made you the arbiter of what the community thinks. But that's it. I'm done. Until 2008! Happy New Year!
Originally Posted By Mr X +++That video was rated "B," for boring.+++ Obviously you've never seen Dennis half-naked, which was especially noteworthy when he reached over my shoulder to grab another beer (he was pretty wasted) and accidentallyTHISMESSAGEHASBEENREMOVED. Yowza.
Originally Posted By Inspector 57 OMG, Mr X! I'm torn between telling you how much I respect you for being a straight guy who's so comfortable with himself and... begging you to tell me that something dirty happened in the tub! LOL! Just kidding! So glad you guys got to visit. (And wondering why anyone was only "half"-naked.)
Originally Posted By Inspector 57 <<Yeah. Once again. Martyr/drama queen.>> Again, I'm glad to let LP readers make their own decisions.
Originally Posted By mousermerf Ok, i stopped paying attention a few pages ago... But i can prove inconsistency from what happened to me today: 1. My room at the resort had no shampoo or conditioner (housekeeping forgot it). I called, and in turn was given a bag full of everything needed for a room. One screwed up, the other went above and beyond. 2. I got yummy chocolate chip shortbread cookies from the shop on Main Street at 2am. The girl saw me wandering, asked if i wanted to check out, and even reopened a closed register rather then making me wait in the nearby line because she at first thought it was on. It was that register that is right beside the opening to the hat shop. The hat shop was closed, and as she checked me out, they began loudly vaccuming, moving stuff around, generally making a huge cleaning rukus - overnight type cleaning rukus. The CM with me, embarassed, said "I guess they're cleaning - probably dont realize we're open..." *crash-bag-vaccum* Now, i hadn't said a word or even implied i cared they were cleaning - but i do know Main Street isn't really supposed to have that sort of thing going on while the shops are open. One CM knew it, those next door just wanted to get out and go home. Very inconsistent. Some go above and beyond, some go below or just barely.
Originally Posted By Mr X This was at 2am? What time did the park close? I sure don't blame the people next door for wanting to get out and go home at that hour, and considering their shop was already closed and had no customers that's certainly not much of a black mark in my opinion. Same with the missing soaps. That happens from time to time. It's how they go about fixing the error that is important, and apparently they did just fine.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Ok, I think this could be the big difference in some of our experiences. >>>I only went for two days, actually, and on free tickets no less. Didn't pay a dime.<<< I had a couple of awesome days on our trip to WDW last year. But being on property 24/7 for 12 days last year, the overall experience was not magic. And it cost us about $12,000 for the experience. So to not receive consistant service really poisoned my view. I was kind of ok with it because of our high points, but when we went to DLP 6 months later and had a superior experience (at a park that has been reknowned for changeable service), that was the topper. I am not discrediting your experience at all. In fact I am taking a leaf out of it. Sarah and I have vowed our next trip to WDW will probably be a case of spending our time with Marriott off site and spending equal time on and off site. This may well bring me back on side. To be honest, other than the crowds and guest behaviour (not Disney's fault), the cleanliness issues of the MK, it was actually things at the hotel and aweful bus service that really impacted our visit - something you did not have to contend with. I think with our own wheels and some respite away from the crazies, we may have had a better time.
Originally Posted By Mr X Dave, your only problem was being there when I wasn't around. Trust me, where I go the party follows. Just ask SuperDry and WorldDisney (though I probably spoiled his whole Hong Kong trip but hey, I call a spade a spade ). Not spending eternity on-property is important too imo (sorry Nikki)...you need only head just slightly off-property to such establishments as Kitty O'Sheas and the Ale House (both at crossroads just down hotel plaza blvd from "the rat") to increase your enjoyment by mixing in some cool "real world" fun (the fantasy tends to get old when you have nothing to compare it to I think). However, as much time as I've spent at WDW over the years I've only actually stayed on-property a grand total of six nights at only two of the resorts, so I'm hardly an expert on whether or not it's really better or worse (the six nights, all in a row, were tons of fun for me just because I'd never done it before or since).. Er, wait. Scratch that. I actually spent a whole two weeks at the All-Stars on business as well...that sucked.
Originally Posted By Mr X **it was actually things at the hotel and aweful bus service that really impacted our visit - something you did not have to contend with** The Disney bus service is fine for a connection or two, but to rely on it for a week or more as your only means of getting around is a real downer I think. I would recommend renting a car EVEN IF you stay on property and have no intention of leaving (NIKKI), but beyond that having the wheels means you CAN get out and that, too, is a nice thing in MY opinion. Heck, I can't really imagine going to Florida and never hitting the beach! This time we drove to Clearwater Beach and had a wonderful day, most times we go either East or West for one or more days while we're there.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo And being brutally honest, I know we would have enjoyed it more without my MIL! But the LP meet options - with our extended family the UKFAN posse, as well as meeting -em, Doobekah, the Kennesaws were fantastic. However, being very balanced, I found the dining and hotel experience has gone down hill significantly in our experience. And when compared to other hotel and restaurant operators, it is a very sad state indeed. We have had fantastic stays and meals at the Grand Californian, as well as in Paris. And given we went on a budget honeymoon to Dixie Landings in 2000, we actually had the worst experiences of the lot at WDW in 2006. Not horrible - just very disappointing compared to what we know Disney is capable of. Like I say, that was a year ago, so standards may be improving. It sounds like TDLFAN had a great day yesterday, and the negative reviews are diminishing, I am hopeful.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Beaches do little for us, and we live on an island. For us Orlando is good for Theme Parks, Space Travel, and visiting friends. But yep - lesson learnt. It's not even like I am not used to busses. I use public transport all the the time for work. WDW is weak in this department. we hve definately decided to stay off site next time and travel in. I think ironically we would have a better time that way.
