Zummi Gummi
Pioneering the Universe Within!
I agree completely. I'm in favor of whatever speeds along the check-in process. If it's podiums or checkout counter-type desks, then so be it.
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New Check-in test Art Animation
- Thread starter lt94
- Start date
I agree completely. I'm in favor of whatever speeds along the check-in process. If it's podiums or checkout counter-type desks, then so be it.
flynnibus
Premium Member
Winning! :sohappy:
WDW1974
Well-Known Member
Lots of hotels, especially the newer boutique chains from the major corps are doing away with the 'traditional' check-in desk ... this really isn't anything shocking.
But I don't see myself staying here so it's a non-issue to me. Even for those staying, it should be the same.
But I don't see myself staying here so it's a non-issue to me. Even for those staying, it should be the same.
dreamscometrue
Well-Known Member
Thanks for posting.
edwardtc started a thread about his AoA tour recently, and I posted a link to a video (post #37) on there if anyone's interested.
http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?t=834614
edwardtc started a thread about his AoA tour recently, and I posted a link to a video (post #37) on there if anyone's interested.
http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?t=834614
surfsupdon
Well-Known Member
They kep making such a big deal about this new food at the food court, and the Mongolian Station.
Years ago, in the 80s and early 90s, Caribbean Beach's food court had Caribbean Inspired food and lots of "Oriental" food at the Kingston Wok Shop. Because of it not being busy, the Wok Shop was transformed into another generic pizza/burger/ fried crap stand....in addition to the Royale Pizza and Pasta Shop and Burger Shop.
Wonder if AoA can keep its unique food.....or if it will take a turn for the generic.
Years ago, in the 80s and early 90s, Caribbean Beach's food court had Caribbean Inspired food and lots of "Oriental" food at the Kingston Wok Shop. Because of it not being busy, the Wok Shop was transformed into another generic pizza/burger/ fried crap stand....in addition to the Royale Pizza and Pasta Shop and Burger Shop.
Wonder if AoA can keep its unique food.....or if it will take a turn for the generic.
Tom
Beta Return
Yeah, I saw the new podiums. They're 2 stations wide each. CM will still have to do their computer work and print KttW from behind.
they're also the first resort to offer indoor airline check-in.
Tonphanan
New Member
Did anyone consider that easy access around the podium and the ability to interact more with a guest will be extremely useful with disabled guest? At best there is one spot on the long traditional counter where someone in a wheelchair can see over the counter. This new setup could make that any CM at any time can help someone that can't see over the traditional counter.
I am not one for chit chat. I too would like to get in and get out, but I am also on a vacation at Disney World. If one of their CM wants to have a short "How do you do?" That's fine by me. I'm not pouring out my life story to this person.
Treat others as you would want to be treated. After all they are just doing their job, just as you were before your vacation.
I am not one for chit chat. I too would like to get in and get out, but I am also on a vacation at Disney World. If one of their CM wants to have a short "How do you do?" That's fine by me. I'm not pouring out my life story to this person.
Treat others as you would want to be treated. After all they are just doing their job, just as you were before your vacation.
durangojim
Well-Known Member
Back in 2004-6 the beach club had indoor airline check in by the gift shop but I think it caused too much congestion so it was moved outside.
Tom
Beta Return
Oddly, if I remember correctly, all the podiums were standard height. I don't even remember seeing a low one. Good point though.
We stayed club this one night (last night) at Wilderness, and the check-in process took forever because he wanted to be best friends. I just wanted my room and to to eat lunch. Hopefully they don't cram "personal" down our throats.
I should have said "first resort with a dedicated and intentional indoor airline check-in desk. Its in a room just off the lobby, inside the front door.
RunnerEd
Well-Known Member
I was reading a lot of the posts in this thread and kept hearing Dori say, "What's a matter Mr. Grumpy Gills." Seriously, y'all. People being nice to each other is quite cool in my books. When interacting with an employee who is nice, hospitable, and caring, after dealing with Wal Mart types is quite welcome. A company that goes out of its way to encourage and facilitate such behavior gets a gold star from me.
MarkTwain
Well-Known Member
So... like a Walmart?
:zipit:
A new hotel has recently opened near my job that does not have a front desk, instead they have reservationists standing in the lobby with tablets. Not too sure I like that idea. I kinda like the idea of a counter whether small or large. Maybe I’m old school
Nope, I agree completely. To me the whole idea of the long check in desk has a certain feeling grand, old-fashioned hospitality... the distinctly Disney feeling of "you've arrived, and we're glad to have you". Kind of a shame they're doing away with that, if you ask me.
Rob562
Well-Known Member
Another aspect of this "pod" design and that the CMs will be able to easily walk around the desk means that the next available CM can leave their desk, walk to the front of the Guest line and retrieve the Guest and bring them to their desk, just like the Guest Relations CMs typically do at the Studios. They can walk up to the Guest with a "Hi there. How are you? I can help you right down here." and personally walk them down.
Now *that* is Disney hospitality.
It's much more personalized and service-oriented than the CMs at the far reaches of the Pop Century front desk waving signs on sticks to get the Guest's attention who's at the front of the line and get them to realize that they're open and available to help, because that CM is stuck behind the counter and can't get out there easily.
-Rob
Now *that* is Disney hospitality.
It's much more personalized and service-oriented than the CMs at the far reaches of the Pop Century front desk waving signs on sticks to get the Guest's attention who's at the front of the line and get them to realize that they're open and available to help, because that CM is stuck behind the counter and can't get out there easily.
-Rob
But not everyone wants to interact with people. Not everyone is the kind of person who just enjoys striking up a conversation with a stranger. It doesn't mean that person isn't nice, they just don't like doing that. I know I don't. I'm still a nice person, I just don't want to make small talk with someone I don't know. It makes me uncomfortable. Why would I be ok with taking that extra three minutes when it makes me uncomfortable? Not only am I losing those three minutes, but I'm left with a negative feeling about it.
And one person's hospitable is another person's annoyance. I don't have to interact with strangers at my home, so how does adding MORE interaction with strangers make me feel more at home???
dcibrando
Well-Known Member
in some ways I agree with this... although I love Disney's personable aspect on certain things... in today's world we text, email, or IM rather than even talk on the phone as much. In my office... I have IM'ed the guy sitting in the next office over rather than walk over there and talk. lol ok so that's lazy...but you get my point.
I never want to be the one called out during a show to come on stage or anything like that either. Those kind of shows make me a little uncomfortable.
I am a frequent visitor so when I check in I just want my parking pass, my room key, and my room #. Other than that I know what to do, where to go, etc. etc. but I usually get the spiel about this is the resort, here is where you are located, here is where you park, etc, etc. when I'm just ready to go so they can help the next person. I know many need that, but not all.
I will be at AoA in October so I look forward to trying it out. One thing though about Online Check-In, doesn't that take even the previous method of personal interaction out of it as well...and how will Online Check-in work for this resort?
I never want to be the one called out during a show to come on stage or anything like that either. Those kind of shows make me a little uncomfortable.
I am a frequent visitor so when I check in I just want my parking pass, my room key, and my room #. Other than that I know what to do, where to go, etc. etc. but I usually get the spiel about this is the resort, here is where you are located, here is where you park, etc, etc. when I'm just ready to go so they can help the next person. I know many need that, but not all.
I will be at AoA in October so I look forward to trying it out. One thing though about Online Check-In, doesn't that take even the previous method of personal interaction out of it as well...and how will Online Check-in work for this resort?
hpyhnt 1000
Well-Known Member
Its not about being a "Mr. Grumpy Gills" at all. I agree with others on here that this whole focus on a "personal experience" is really reaching a tipping point and, in many cases, has become an annoyance. And its popping up everywhere, from hotels to banks to the supermarket. How was my day? Fine, I can deal with that. But asking what I am studying in college (after you've already asked me what I do for a living and where I go to school) is unnecessary. Just give me my bank statement and we can both go about our lives.
Its not about being grumpy or impersonal. Its about wanting an experience that is professional, competent and courteous as opposed to one that is personal.
Agree completely. You know that idea that trying too hard makes you look desperate? It applies here.
And consider how that 2 to 3 minutes of "personal" time per guest can easily result in an extra 10 to 15 minutes of waiting in line. Speaking for myself, I would much rather get through the check-in line faster than wait an extra 15 minutes so I can have a mindless 2 minute "personal" experience with someone I will never again see.
CndleontheWater
Member
I'm all for CM being nice and personable, and I love talking with them- but NOT while I'm checking in. I'm usually so anxious to get to a park that I'd be happier if they just threw my KTTWC at me while I'm sprinting from the ME bus to the parks bus! :ROFLOL:
After I get in the parks and have a few rides under my belt, I'd be more than happy to engage in pleasantries! :animwink:
After I get in the parks and have a few rides under my belt, I'd be more than happy to engage in pleasantries! :animwink:
Tom
Beta Return
Same here!
Check-in is already a major cog in Disney's system. Even with online check-in, you're going to be in line for some time. And this is after you've either driven 15 hours to get here....or you sat in airports and on planes and then on a DME bus (or rental car) for another 45 minutes. You're exhausted. You're cranky. And you just want your dang room.
I can check in at any Quality Inn (or whatever) in a matter of minutes. Tell them who I am, get my room key, go. Disney turns the check-in process into an ordeal.
And they have completely ruined the speed of Online Check-In by allowing guests to "address other issues" while at those counters. NO - get out of line and go to the concierge or another window in the standby line if you can't just take your packet and go! That's the whole point - walk up, show ID, get your packet, and get lost. No chatting. No adding tickets. No requesting different rooms. If you want that, go to the regular line or concierge.
Anywhere else on property, I'm MOOOORRREEE than happy to engage in pleasant conversations with CMs. Heck, I initiate them on some occasions, if it looks like they're not busy or that it would take their attention away from something important.
Just not at check-in.