Some little things at the MK

[Jon81uk]

2. Instead of wasting that valuable cast member time that someone mentioned, just have water faucets scattered about in the park and have more drinking fountains. Many locations have water built in to the condiment stations, some locations are near drinking fountains already, and some will need it installed. But if that time it takes for a cast member to fill up a cup of water is so valuable, then those extra faucets must be worth it.

Maybe they could sell refillable water bottles at a small charge and offer drinking fountains with filtered chilled water?
Something like this http://www.hydrachill.com/index.html but smaller and better themed?

 

[The Visionary Soul]

Maybe they could sell refillable water bottles at a small charge and offer drinking fountains with filtered chilled water?
Something like this http://www.hydrachill.com/index.html but smaller and better themed?

No need, Universal already did it with freestyle machines, and they also sell refillable water bottles that come with water when you buy them.

 

[WDWVolFan]

So, I was in the Magic Kingdom this last week. Besides basically not riding any major attractions (Though I did get on Seven Dwarfs' Mine Train since it only had a 20min wait around 12:50am), I did notice some new details that haven't been brought up on here.

First, the main middle railing is back in the Magic Kingdom Monorail station down ramp. It's brand new, with that new brass top to minimize the paint wearing off. Nice touch there.

On Main Street, I attempted to see the completed bypass area, but alas, it's not nearly done. The area that is complete looks decent, but there are some absolutely horrendous sight lines that have been created, even when the bypass isn't open. I really hope they correct that. It looks incredibly awful seeing what looks like scaffolding (or maybe just metal walkways, at least that's what they look like on Google Maps?) on top of the Main Street buildings. I'll hold off judging until they are done completely, but I have low expectations.

In the hub area, I see that they have almost completed the west side pathways. That is going to be wonderful when they are done. In no way, shape, or form will it look like the Gardens of Versailles, but it is still going to be a much welcome improvement. The new lighting looks nice, though moving everything from green to brown will take some getting used to. I'll miss the green look on all the railings, but I understand why it's being done. The biggest change for me is the walkway... no more red! Kodak photo studies be damned! (Though, those were based on Kodachrome Gold back in the 70s, so they probably don't apply to today's digital cameras anyway)

I was not impressed with the apparent lack of progress in converting the Adventureland Veranda back into a restaurant. So far, the entire area in front of the restaurant just acts as an extended queue for those buying Dole Whips. What a complete waste. This area of the park needs major re-working, especially since it's right at the entrance to Adventureland. What on earth are they thinking?

Further in, I peered into the new Sunglass Hut. It actually looks like they are keeping the same floor in the store that was there before, just new racks for sunglasses and new lighting. Nothing really amazing going on there. So don't get your hopes up when that store opens for anything breathtaking.

The Jingle Cruise was something I actually rode, though the jokes were pretty bad, I think I enjoyed the experience, it just needed more... perhaps they should put Santa hats on all the animals or something? I don't know. I do wish they would go back to Chief Namé again. Trader Sam lives in California, and they certainly don't look like one another.

Pirates was a complete disaster. Someone approve a massive budget to fix this ride. I could make a thread with all the things broken in that ride.

The mountains had too far long of waits, so I skipped them, as did I the Haunted Mansion. Though, I'm quite curious why they haven't re-worked the queue at the Mansion yet. The entrance to the attraction is in a different place now, so why are they still using the old keel boat dock and Fastpass area as a queue? And why is the old gift shop a closet?

In Fantasyland, I noticed that they have converted the old Seven Dwarf's Gem Store into a seating area for the food next door. Nice change there. They need more covered seating in the park.

The turkey sandwich at Cosmic Ray's tastes like ham. Worst Turkey Sandwich I've ever had in my life.

I spent some time in the Tomorrowland Arcade. Wow, that's a space that needs some TLC. The carpet is shot, the games are old, there was a weird smell in there, and I constantly heard people complaining that they god rid of the cell phone charging lockers that used to be there. (In fact, I was in there for 20 min charging my phone on the wall with my own wall-charger, but I agree, I miss the lockers. I know they were just a 3rd party test, but they worked brilliantly.)

Love the fact that all the lighting on Rocket Tower Plaza was working. Not loving that the planets weren't spinning. Anyone know if they will ever spin again after the fire they had?

The color changing lights on the PeopleMover still don't work. I asked someone about it and was given a BS excuse that Reedy Creek insisted that they didn't provide enough lighting so they had to keep them on white all the time. (No way that can be true at all, the old lights were much dimmer than what they have now, and they were colored as well in the main plaza area.) This is just lazy maintenance work and engineers who don't know how to fix the lights. Who knows, knowing Disney, the company that made the original programming for the lights probably went out of business now. Also, when the ride goes into Space Mountain, you see those signs that have large chips in them that say Starport 75. That really bothers me.

Inside the mountain dome, it's obvious that 70% of the stars were out inside. I think that's because they are finally digitizing the inside of the dome. Imagine what it would look like if you did projection mapping inside Space Mountain. I'm excited to see what comes of this.

Finally, I went to Starbucks. Holy hell, talk about abysmal service. It took me about 20 minutes to get a latte. 20 minutes isn't acceptable, ever. This was 20 minutes after I paid, by the way. Starbucks Corporate needs to come in and re-train every single person, including the management, in that Disney-run incompetent store. This is the second time this has happened, the first being at the Epcot location, where for some insane reason they had half the entire store closed. Disney should not be running these stores without proper training and guidelines. I also had the managers argue with me about the size of water they were allowed to serve.

Now, outside the MK...

Because I love to see the resorts, I also took a trip on the resort monorail to see the new Polynesian. The lobby has some flaws right now... For example, they did beautiful rock work around the new front desk, but somehow managed to forget to do the rock work in the entire doorway. HOW DO YOU MAKE SUCH A GAPING MISTAKE?! Sorry for the caps, but that single detail was the most insane thing in the entire lobby. I actually don't mind the wider space in the lobby, I just wish they would have made the new fountain about 20% larger, and two sided. There is room for it and the new fountain is just too small for such a large space, and the fountain is only on one side. Maybe it will look better after they put the little Tiki man on top. (They are still doing that, right?)

They also have these two little tiny paintings on a wall that is gargantuan. (The wall opposite the gift shop) Come on guys, spring for a bigger painting on this wall. It's begging for something beautiful and made specifically for the resort. I also noticed that the temporary construction walls they put up everywhere must have had metal bottoms, as the expensive stone floor was scratched and damaged around where the construction walls were almost continually all the way around the lobby.

I also stopped at, and was impressed at the Grand Floridian, because except for a broken monorail gate, the lobby looked almost flawless. (There were some major rips in the carpet that needed attention) Still gotta love that band that plays in the lobby.

Well, that's my update. Thoughts?

So in summary, lots of bad things and what was good was not good enough.

I understand the frustration with how the parks are ran and nothing against the OP but it came across as you were miserable the entire time.
Look will I be disappointed when I see some thing that don't look great on my next trip in May? Absolutely.

But I will not allow that to ruin my trip.

 

[HRHPrincessAriel]

I'm asking for a popcorn bucket for my water next time.

 

[Hakunamatata]

I'm asking for a popcorn bucket for my water next time.

Rightly so. Food, just as water, is a necessity in life. Can't have people collapsing from starvation while in the park.

 

[WDWVolFan]

I'm planning on bringing water bottles in May and just refill them.
While we're at it...hey Tennesseans, us Georgians want your water. Let's just throw gasoline into the fire!

 

[NearTheEars]

No, they are not. However… My criticism is that if Disney is going to argue about the size of cop they're going to give a guest to enjoy water, that's just incredulous.

The mere idea that we are even having to have this conversation is mind blowing for a company that used to pride itself on being the gold standard for guest service in themed entertainment and's family entertainment.

The only thing this entire conversation has done is to reinforce that that at the Walt Disney World resort it is no longer about the guests, it's about the numbers.

I totally agree that the actions of that manager were crazy. Maybe if I get really, terribly, awfully bored one day, I'll walk around and ask for water at various locations and post the results.

I might need a big cup of water after all that walking, though.

 

[Figment2005]

Wow has the water debate been sparked!


4. Disney does not "count" cups or anything like that.

Departments do count cups, you are inaccurate with your statement. In ODF at Epcot, when a cart is stocked first thing in the morning, it is the vendors responsibility to count the stock, including individual cups, to make sure it is at PAR for the day. If it is short, they fix the count and send the cart out. Then, at the end of the day, the numbers of cups, and other items, are then counted with the stock that was delivered throughout the day. Then, any GSR's or spoils are taken into account, and finally the numbers are compared to the count that the General Teller has for sales, and the count that base has for the deliveries. If the numbers are off and it was not due to a clerical error, the vendor is held accountable and may receive disciplinary action. This is because each and every item at that cart, including cups, has a cash value attached to it. Missing cups, mean missing sales. This process accounts for everything EXCEPT the small water cups that are given out with water. That is why resistance may be encounters when a guest does not simply thank the vendor for the free water, and continues to badger them about the cup being too small.

 

[Sage of Time]

I've never had a problem getting 'free water' at Disney. This thread is amazing.

 

[prberk]

Departments do count cups, you are inaccurate with your statement. In ODF at Epcot, when a cart is stocked first thing in the morning, it is the vendors responsibility to count the stock, including individual cups, to make sure it is at PAR for the day. If it is short, they fix the count and send the cart out. Then, at the end of the day, the numbers of cups, and other items, are then counted with the stock that was delivered throughout the day. Then, any GSR's or spoils are taken into account, and finally the numbers are compared to the count that the General Teller has for sales, and the count that base has for the deliveries. If the numbers are off and it was not due to a clerical error, the vendor is held accountable and may receive disciplinary action. This is because each and every item at that cart, including cups, has a cash value attached to it. Missing cups, mean missing sales. This process accounts for everything EXCEPT the small water cups that are given out with water. That is why resistance may be encounters when a guest does not simply thank the vendor for the free water, and continues to badger them about the cup being too small.

Even that could be rectified by a report or "ice water" cash register "free" item that would allow the clerk or vendor to note when ice water is given in an inventoried cup. That would allow them to account for the larger cups and still use them for water (or for replacing a dropped beverage or other reason for use without a new cola sale).

There are ways to accommodate customer service. Disney just needs to have the will.

 

[ford91exploder]

Departments do count cups, you are inaccurate with your statement. In ODF at Epcot, when a cart is stocked first thing in the morning, it is the vendors responsibility to count the stock, including individual cups, to make sure it is at PAR for the day. If it is short, they fix the count and send the cart out. Then, at the end of the day, the numbers of cups, and other items, are then counted with the stock that was delivered throughout the day. Then, any GSR's or spoils are taken into account, and finally the numbers are compared to the count that the General Teller has for sales, and the count that base has for the deliveries. If the numbers are off and it was not due to a clerical error, the vendor is held accountable and may receive disciplinary action. This is because each and every item at that cart, including cups, has a cash value attached to it. Missing cups, mean missing sales. This process accounts for everything EXCEPT the small water cups that are given out with water. That is why resistance may be encounters when a guest does not simply thank the vendor for the free water, and continues to badger them about the cup being too small.

With the exception of systems like 'Rapid-Fill' or as I prefer to call it 'Rabid Fill' places that sell soft drinks in paper cups account for drink sales by the number of cups used so that is why the 'water' cups are different/smaller than the soft drink cup.

That being said I would gladly PAY for a system which allowed me to buy a water bottle and refill it at filtered stations in the park. Many colleges have a similar system where you insert your ID and it fills a standard water bottle with chilled filtered water for a small fee on the order of 10-50 cents per fill. (many college ID's have campus purchasing associated)

 

[ford91exploder]

Even that could be rectified by a report or "ice water" cash register "free" item that would allow the clerk or vendor to note when ice water is given in an inventoried cup. That would allow them to account for the larger cups and still use them for water (or for replacing a dropped beverage or other reason for use without a new cola sale).

There are ways to accommodate customer service. Disney just needs to have the will.

True but that then slows down an already slow line because a register transaction needs to take place.

 

[Kman101]

With the exception of systems like 'Rapid-Fill' or as I prefer to call it 'Rabid Fill' places that sell soft drinks in paper cups account for drink sales by the number of cups used so that is why the 'water' cups are different/smaller than the soft drink cup.

That being said I would gladly PAY for a system which allowed me to buy a water bottle and refill it at filtered stations in the park. Many colleges have a similar system where you insert your ID and it fills a standard water bottle with chilled filtered water for a small fee on the order of 10-50 cents per fill. (many college ID's have campus purchasing associated)

I could get behind this idea. They should really consider something like that, but they won't.

I understand cups are money but they just seem ... ridiculous counting cups. I do get it but it seems so over the top to me in a place like WDW to be that specific about cups. Yes, I know, it's a business.

 

[Figment2005]

Even that could be rectified by a report or "ice water" cash register "free" item that would allow the clerk or vendor to note when ice water is given in an inventoried cup. That would allow them to account for the larger cups and still use them for water (or for replacing a dropped beverage or other reason for use without a new cola sale).

There are ways to accommodate customer service. Disney just needs to have the will.

That is what a G.S.R is, Guest Service Recovery. When an item is replaced due to poor quality, or being dropped, etc. The items is replaced and counted as a G.S.R. At the end of the night if missing cups and G.S.R items equal out, there is no problem. However, if a cart comes back with 45 large cups G.S.R'd, then management is going to get extremely suspicious.

 

[Figment2005]

I could get behind this idea. They should really consider something like that, but they won't.

I understand cups are money but they just seem ... ridiculous counting cups. I do get it but it seems so over the top to me in a place like WDW to be that specific about cups. Yes, I know, it's a business.

It isn't a matter of counting for stock cost, its a matter of the possible loss in revenue. I know, Disney is all about the money, and it is true. A business that does not aim for profit does not get where Disney is now. Think about it, yes that cup may only have cost Disney a few cents, but if it is given away with water, Disney then loses 3.00 in a possible sale it could have made with that same cup.

 

[Kman101]

It isn't a matter of counting for stock cost, its a matter of the possible loss in revenue. I know, Disney is all about the money, and it is true. A business that does not aim for profit does not get where Disney is now. Think about it, yes that cup may only have cost Disney a few cents, but if it is given away with water, Disney then loses 3.00 in a possible sale it could have made with that same cup.

Oh, I totally understand. I do. If it were my business of course I'd have that mind frame. So I'm kind of a hypocrite in that regard. I don't know, for some reason I just find it interesting that they're THAT strict on a cup (discipilinary action? Really?). That's what I mean by I'm surprised they're THAT strict. But again, I get that it's a business and that $3.00 can absolutely add up to a lot of money lost, but many of us are looking at it from the perspective of they can eat that loss. Not saying it's a smart business decision. It's a fine line between business and just handing over the darn cup to the person. If that customer went to higher up, corporate, etc. I bet they'd give out that large cup. To me, it just wouldn't be worth arguing about.

 

[Figment2005]

Oh, I totally understand. I do. If it were my business of course I'd have that mind frame. So I'm kind of a hypocrite in that regard. I don't know, for some reason I just find it interesting that they're THAT strict on a cup (discipilinary action? Really?). That's what I mean by I'm surprised they're THAT strict. But again, I get that it's a business and that $3.00 can absolutely add up to a lot of money lost, but many of us are looking at it from the perspective of they can eat that loss. Not saying it's a smart business decision. It's a fine line between business and just handing over the darn cup to the person. If that customer went to higher up, corporate, etc. I bet they'd give out that large cup. To me, it just wouldn't be worth arguing about.

You're right, it is a very fine line, but if that line is crossed then all hell could break loose. If a guest looks like they are about to pass out from dehydration, the obviously we will make the extra step, G.S.R a large cup, and fill it with water, but if they are just trying to skip out on buying a beverage, then why should Disney give out a large cup, when the small cup will do just fine? Also, don't take "disciplinary action" as an immediate release of service. There are tiers of what a cart can be short or over, and it actually takes a bit to reach the bad tier. However, it happen very quickly if a vendor is not careful with how they handle the cart.

 

[ford91exploder]

I could get behind this idea. They should really consider something like that, but they won't.

I understand cups are money but they just seem ... ridiculous counting cups. I do get it but it seems so over the top to me in a place like WDW to be that specific about cups. Yes, I know, it's a business.

It's not just Disney, Friends own a restaurant on the seacoast and they need to account for cups as syrup is billed according to cups used, It's how the soft drink industry works in most cases.

 

[Kman101]

You're right, it is a very fine line, but if that line is crossed then all hell could break loose. If a guest looks like they are about to pass out from dehydration, the obviously we will make the extra step, G.S.R a large cup, and fill it with water, but if they are just trying to skip out on buying a beverage, then why should Disney give out a large cup, when the small cup will do just fine? Also, don't take "disciplinary action" as an immediate release of service. There are tiers of what a cart can be short or over, and it actually takes a bit to reach the bad tier. However, it happen very quickly if a vendor is not careful with how they handle the cart.

I really do appreciate your explanations. I understand how it would look if say, half the cups are gone and not accounted for.

 

[Figment2005]

I really do appreciate your explanations. I understand how it would look if say, half the cups are gone and not accounted for.

I appreciate that, and that is the only thing I am trying to get across. Disney is not trying to dehydrate guests, and will supply whatever they need... within reason of course.