RESORTS
(1) The first thing that comes to mind is the check-in process at the resorts, even a small line (4-5 people) can mean up to 30 minute wait. Hopefully, With the new online check-in process coming very soon this will make things quicker, although I see some downfalls to that with room requests not being met or any specific questions a resort guest has.
(2) Absolutely, A clean room is a must as other guests have already commented. This goes from all the bed sheets, rugs, bathtub, sink and so on. I remember seeing a television show like 60 minutes where they secretly recorded some mousekeeping (contemporary resort) and other hotels housekeeping, and to say the least the video was disturbing. I have had some great mousekeepers, but have also had my share of not so great rooms. One resort room was completely overun by sugar ants, and the front desk left the decision to myself whether to have spray and stayed, or transfer to another room. The transfer was a must, and there where crumbs all over in both rooms I went to!
(3) Although, The carpeting is a cheaper alternative and great for the theming I think it should just be removed from all rooms. Too many issues with cleaning, dust, food stains, etc.
(4) Friendly staff, Although I cannot remember a time that I have not had staff say hello|Aloha|etc I have seen some posts where staff are not so friendly. My recent Polynesian trip I had so many staff (mousekeeping, horticulturists, restaurant staff, etc say Aloha|Hello. We all have bad days, but sometimes you have to leave your attitude at home, just like some people have to leave their bad mood at the office when coming home to family.
(5) Training, Training, Training...For many years Disney Resorts where known for their service, and that leads to the great training they have had. I have seen too many staff (Resorts, Parks, Etc) over they years that have been trained too quickly and put into a position they should not be in. Either the staff wasn't trained appropriately before being placed in a position, or the staff member should have never been put in a position where they would not succeed/enjoy, or a specific product was not ready to be pushed out to the staff (For example, Just look at the new ADR booking system and the 3 hour wait).
(6) I agree that some sort of fastpass for resort guests would be great for the parks. For some reason, Some time ago when FP first started I thought this was a perk for staying onsite, but I could be wrong maybe it was always open to all park guests.
PARKS
(1) Many times I have seen too much wear and tear on many of the rides, theming, etc around the parks. A family member commented on it a few years ago where they saw so much paint chipped all over railings, and mentioned that years ago everything was truly spotless.
(2) The amount of foot traffic going through fast food locations is enormous, but I would love to see those areas more spotless. Sometimes you go over there and there is ketchup, mustard, mayonaisse, etc all over the place. If you lean against something by accident its all over you, or on the bottom of your tray.
(3) "Take Pride In Your Job" - Seeing staff members who just don't do their hair in the morning, wear their pants down low like a rapper, shirt half tucked/untucked, etc is probably one of my biggest pet peeves. Is this everybody? No, but I have definitely seen this on a few trips! I know the hourly pay for employees isn't that great, but money shouldn't be deciding factor to have pride in your work. I had a great parent and family that always showed me to do things the right way, even when I had my paper route when I was 12-16 years old I would always climb those 20 stairs to place the paper inside someones storm door (Rain, Snow, Heat, etc). This carried on when I was making $6.25/hour working at a nursing home as a dietary aide for 8 years through college. Including my internships later in college, all the way through to my previous employer where the money definitely got better. It drives me crazy when people wave a red flag and have the excuse of who cares I am not getting paid that much to do a job attitude. Sorry this one went to long, but its up to each individual to do their job to the best of their abilities.
CUSTOMERS/GUESTS
Oh yeah, Its not only disney that needs to create a better environment, but also the customers/guests attending these parks.
(2) I have seen guests who leave their trash all over the place, do you do this at home? If so, I would hate to live in your house!!! Help out, and do the right thing by putting your trash into the appropriate barrels. Don't leave your cups, bottles, napkins anywhere you please.
(3) Courteousy, Kindness and Respect - Its something that is more like a coin flip with other guests. My family member had a person in an ECV vehicle drive right up their ankles without apologizing, and to top it off there was no crowd and they where just sitting there. I have seen people cut in front of others like there is nothing wrong with that for rides, food, etc. I have specifically had to tap a person on the shoulder and ask them to go to the back of the line please. The staff member then communicated that it was the person's fifth time up at the register for playing games in AK. Unbelievable! Oh, and a post I saw the other day regarding the person where a cast member was rude and they basically said kiss their butt, there is class for you. Two wrongs don't make a right!
(4) Smoking - This one really kills me as I have never been a smoker, but grew up with many in my household until they all quit when I was still young. Go to designated areas please!
(5) This goes along with the trash above, but my recent resort (polynesian) it looked like a bomb went off at night in the hallways. People eating their food on the way to their rooms would drop crumbs all over the place in the hallways. It was kind of nasty when going back to the rooms, but this could be a mousekeeping topic and a guest topic.
(6) I know WDW can be awe inspiring, but something that can drive me nuts is when people are walking and stop short. Pull off to the side like you would in a car! I think this has already been mentioned. At the polynesian everybody crowding into the main lobby for the luau so others cannot get by is another example. Excuse me worked well with most, but others just looked at you like you had three heads.
(7) When riding rides, I have no problems with someone taking pictures but please turn off your flash. Turning around to look at a part of the ride, and having someone flash their camera right in your face isn't always fun. They ask you before the ride "No flash photography", but yet people don't care about other guests. I would like to say it would be mostly foreigners but the majority of time I have been on rides they have spoken perfect english. Get a good camera that has the ability to take those shots in dark areas! I have taken pictures on rides with flash, but I have (A) Asked the other guest behind me if it is ok (B) Made sure there is nobody on the ride in front of me for a few boats or behind me for a few boats. Yeah, This was during halloween on pirates and I made sure I wouldn't disturb any other guests first and had the courtesy to ask. They snapped pictures as well!
(8) During crowded times, Move all the way down in shows like they ask you too. Sitting in the middle isn't fair to other guests who want to get in and see a show. Cast definitely will have you move and ask you to move down further, but I have seen people who refuse to move. If its a light crowd feel free to do the middle of row thing.
(9) When cast members ask you to do something, please do it like you would in your own work environment. I have seen during the flag retreat ceremony where guests refuse to listen to staff and cut right through the rotary. Have had staff say they don't pay me enough for this! This type of thing happens with guests quite a bit throughout the parks, if a cast member asks you to do somethng just do it without creating a huge hassle/scene because there is probably a reason for it.
), I would appreciate speaking with someone who can help me give Disney more of my money!
We don't have that much wiggle room on our leave time, and it keeps us away even though a lot of us have seasonal or annual passes and would love to come by more often for the weekend!
