[PVHNat]

My mom graciously took time off from work to take me to Disney World during my spring break- because I was supposed to go with my best friend, but she and I had quite a little fight in Feb, so we both agreed it would be best she didn't go. Anyways- my mom and I arrived on Saturday (march 13th) around 4pm and we were staying at Pop Century. When we were checking in (we were on my CM discount), the guy checking us in said, "oh, I see this is a cast member room," and I responded, "yes, I work for the college program." And he said, "oh. you're one of them." AS IF BEING A CP is a bad thing???? So that hit me wrong to begin with- who cares who I work for- I'm still paying money to take a vacation- just like EVERYONE else. We ended up staying in the 90s building- first floor. When we walked into the room- we didn't notice anything wrong- and we were just pleased to have a place to sit. We went up to ask the front desk about getting a hair dryer- and the girl was very nice and said it would be in our room within 15 minutes. We were on our way to dinner- so we figured it would be there when we got back. We had dinner at Whispering Canyon Cafe at WL (which I loved!) and went over to Downtown Disney. We finally returned home at about 10pm- just exhausted and ready to hit the bed. When I came in- I started looking for the hairdryer- no where to be found. I called the front desk- and they said they would have one immediately rushed to us and apologized for it taking this long. The hair dryer *FINALLY* arrived at 10:45pm. I was annoyed I just reached out and managed to mumble a thank you while getting the hair dryer.

Day two took off without a hitch (except we figured out during our shower that we only had ONE bar of soap for both the shower and our hands and we also had NO shampoo)- breakfast was great (served by a guy who was from my best friend's hometown (which is crazy cause it's a super small town in rural NC)). My mom and I were off to MK. Even though it was busy- it was still a fun day. It was the first time my mom and I had ever been to Mickey's Philharmagic- and we absolutly loved it!! We went to see it again later- and we sat closer than we did the first time- so in my opinion, try to sit a little back when watching that!! We also had no idea that you got your picture taken on Buzz- so our picture was hilarious because we were sooooo focused on playing the game. We had lunch at Pecos Bills and it was busy- but we were served quickly. Somewhere midday, my mom was kind of tired, so we both decided to go back to the room and take a break. It was about 3:30pm at this point and I went over to the room to get our refill mugs so we could get a soda. When I walked in the room- our beds were unmade and the dirty towels in the tub were still there. When I went back to my mom (who I had left at the bus stop- cause she wanted to rest), I told her the room hadn't been made up. We went right to the front desk- cause we were upset nothing had been touched and we were ready for a nap- and the woman at the front desk informed us that our room had already been cleaned. I said, "well, I was just in the room and the beds are unmade." She apologized and said she would send an urgent message to get the room cleaned as soon as possible. My mom and I got a soda- sat up at the food court for a little bit- then returned to our room. It was clean, except we had no new soap- no new towels- and our beds looked like a five year old had made it. We were annoyed- but tired, so we took our naps anyways. When we were returning to MK for dinner, we called housekeeping for more towels and they said they would be there within half an hour. The rest of the evening was great- Wishes was so beautiful!! When we returned to the hotel- towels were there waiting.

Monday was beautiful. The day started out so well again- we went to AK- and we just had a blast doing the Safari and Dinosaur. It started to cloud up while were there- and so at about noon we decided to go to EPCOT- get fast passes for test track (my mom's fav) and have lunch at the Land. We both had baked potatoes that were most delicious!! After lunch, we decided to return back to our room, cause it was basically naptime- and our fast passes weren't good until 6pm. When we got back to the room- the WHOLE clean up of our room had changed- there were neatly folded towels- we had two things of soap and two things of shampoo- things had been straightened and organized, plus our maid had left us a nice little note. (All we can figure is- this maid doesn't work weekends.) We returned to Epcot at about 6:15- and got straight in line for Test Track. As it ends up- Test Track had closed down for half an hour midday- and so the Fast Pass line ended up being a TWO HOUR wait. I know there was nothing they could really do about it- but it was a long and boring wait. I ate quick service in Japan (Yakatori House, I think??) and had the best quick service meal I think I have ever had. Terriyaki Chicken- MOST DELICIOUS!!! Even though I was annoyed with the fact that I waited two hours in a fast pass line- the meal was making it up. My mom and I decided to go home early- get a drink and some tie dye cheescake from our food court. We got two pieces- my mom and I never like to share- and got in the shortest line we could find (for being 9pm- it was SUPER busy). The young man who checked us out took forever- he was slow and very nervous about what he was doing. When my mom was second in line- I took our mugs to go get drinks and napkins. I walked around the corner- but when I came back, which was two or three minutes later- my mom was still being rung up. I came up to where my mom was standing- and my mom grabbed her Disney Rewards card (which were using for all our meals and snacks) out of the CM's hand. Now, my mom is a very level headed person- at least out of our family- so I was shocked to see her showing any anger. If she can put up with me and my brother (who is married and out of her hair) as well as all the children she teaches- she's an elementary school librarian- she can put up with anyone. I asked her what was wrong- and my mom said, "he's rung me up now three times- I just want him to REFUND my money!!" The CM had no idea what my mother meant by REFUND- for some reason- he rang her up twice- which she thought was because her card didn't go through- and then when she realized he had rung her up twice- she asked him to do a refund and he rang her up for a third time. She tried to explain it to him again- and he started to ring her up again- which is when she took the card out of his hand. Now, while he went to look for his manager- he closed his line- which caused a woman three back from us have a "few choice words" as my mom says- with the both of us. Right there in front of her children- she called my mother and I the b word and told us, "we should go home so we didn't ruin the f*#@ing magic for everyone." Which made me angry- cause I work for DW- and I said, "I don't ruin it- I make it- I'm a CM- you wanna go??" I was soooooooooo angry by this point. The manager came out by then and he had heard the conversation the woman had with me- and he told her she needed to watch her language "because it was inappropriate in front of children." He also told me it was "inappropriate for a CM to raise their voice." Yeah- too bad I wasn't in costume- I was being my own person, so I could say anything I wanted to- just as long as that manager didn't know who I was or who my boss was. But I must admit- I had lost it by that point. He refunded my mother's money- and now- 45 minutes later- we were on our way to our room to eat our cheescake and go to bed.

Tuesday- our last day there- was rainy and cold. I cut myself in the eye with a fast pass (don't ask) and got to visit first aid. What fun, what a good start to the day. We were at the Studios and we went to Who Wants- where I got to be #1 on the list- and I yelled out, "I'm #1! I'm #1!" to which the host replied, "are you #1??" and I replied, "Yes!! Thank you!!" I was immensely excited- but the person in the hot seat was still playing- I missed the next question (as did the girl in the hot seat) and when the screen came up again- I wasn't even on the top ten. :cry: Oh well- I can't be in the hot seat anyways as a CM . We had a most delicious turkey and cheese sandwich at Backlot Express for lunch. Then we went to the store near Muppets (cause I'm a muppets junkie- my car is named "kermie" for God's sake) and then we went back to the hotel to rest. We went to MK that night- as our last hoorah- and it was perfect. Lines were super short so we got to ride everything we wanted to, we ate at Cosmic Ray's (also nicely known by CPs/CMs/my family as Cosmic Heck (except the explicative) (it's the worst quick service to work at)) and honestly- it wasn't busy- and was pretty quiet. Watched Wishes one more time- then headed back to the hotel for our last night at the most magical place on earth.

Now- why would I never stay at Pop Century again?? Cause the entire time I felt second rate- I felt like the lower class on the Titanic. NO one seemed to care. I've stayed at All Stars too- and have never felt that way. The CMs seemed disenchanted- they just didn't really care what they were doing. I also didn't like that food court- didn't matter when we showed up it was always busy. I'm sure lots of other DCers have stayed there and really loved it- honestly- I like the room (though far from most central stuff), but it was the CMs that killed it for me.

But- just a little extra- I'd like to thank my mom for taking the time off and coming to my rescue. If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't have gone to Disney World at all this week- so I guess I can't complain too much!!

[Dana]

Natalie -

Sorry to hear about your experience at Pop. It's sounds as though you were able to bounce back a bit from all the bumps in the road and still enjoy WDW. I'm glad for that. The woman's behavior at the food court and the word she called you was ridiculous. If that was her being over charged, you can bet that word of hers would have been focused on the cashier. It's sounds like that poor CM wasn't trained properly or prepared to ring alone. Glad you got to have your trip to WDW!

[JOANN]

Natalie,
It's like Dana said, seems like you really enjoyed the rest of your trip. I'm sorry you had such a bad experience.
Oh, and just one word of advice about the soap. Never go to DW without bringing your own bar from home. Those little bars drive me crazy...
I can honestly say, we've never had problems like that!!! Hope your next stay wherever it will be is more Magiacal for you, than this last one. JOANN:)

[tinkerbell]

Wow that was so different then our time at P.C. We were in the 90's building too :) second floor (room 8220) . But every CM we came in contact with was so nice .. always saying hello and asking if we were having a good time. In fact we had such a bad time at CBR in August that I didnt expect much from the CP.
I understand why you felt like you did and why you wouldnt stay there again. that feeling of *second class* ..thats how we felt at the CBR in August.. like we didnt matter and we were as annoying as those evil black bugs!
I think you should let them know!!! I agree it doesnt matter if you are in the CP. you still spent money.
Oh dont you just love people like that woman in line behind you!! I dont blame you .. I would have lost it too!

[PVHNat]

Thanks for all the words of encouragement!! I wasn't too concerned by the soap- that was more my mom cause I had my own shower gel- but she didn't like the smell, so she didn't want to use it. I did have fun- just a couple bumps along the way!!

[tinkerbell]

Originally posted by PVHNat
I wasn't too concerned by the soap-

lol my DH takes Mickey Soap very serious .. when we were at the CBR last August and the third day they didnt leave any soap and shampoo ..he was on the phone to mousekeeping.. I wasnt in the room when he called them ..but when I got back to the room ..my granddaughters were rolling around on the floor and beds laughing .. I still do not know what it was he said on the phone ..but the girls sure thought it was funny :)
I bring our own shampoo and soap too ..and we toss all the mickey soap and shampoo in a bag to bring home :) DH wont let me use it at home either ..so you can imagine how much soap and shampoo we have !!

I wish you had had a better time at the PC though.. see I really thought maybe things were improving because our interaction with CM's this trip was sooo much improved at the parks and the resorts. I guess its still a toss up :( I miss the days when having problems during your stay was the exception not the rule.

[PVHNat]

LOL- That's too funny about your DH Tink!! I take most everything seriously at Disney- but the soap is the least of my worries!! Guess I now realize how serious it can be for some people!!!

[dznyfan64]

Why didnt you use your discount to buy your moms food at the food court.You do know we CMs get 20% off food.You should have known they didnt have hair dryers and we always bring our own shampoo.I personally dont get to upset at the maids if they forget something we are staying there very cheep with our cast discounts.

[CaribBeachNut]

Originally posted by tinkerbell
lol my DH takes Mickey Soap very serious ..

Tink, I am like your DH. I too take the Mickey Soap very seriously. During the year, when I am feeling down and not wanting to go to work, I take out a new Mickey soap and off I go. It helps on those dreary days.

[Dana]

Here's what I like to do with my Mickey shampoos and such. wdwig.com makes baskets for sick children with these mementos. Here's the link for anyone who is interested. I love that my mementos bring magic to a sick child.

http://allearsnet.com/acc/soap.htm

[PVHNat]

Originally posted by dznyfan64
Why didnt you use your discount to buy your moms food at the food court.You do know we CMs get 20% off food.You should have known they didnt have hair dryers and we always bring our own shampoo.I personally dont get to upset at the maids if they forget something we are staying there very cheep with our cast discounts.

First of all I don't get discounts on the quick service stuff- so that includes the food court. It wasn't that we were overcharged- it was that the guy had rang up our food THREE times which deducted more money off of our Disney Rewards card. I wasn't upset that it didn't have hair dryers (WHICH THEY DO- You just have to ask for them) it's just that it took them almost 4 hours for them to get it to us. I wasn't upset with the maids forgetting anything- it was the fact the maid hadn't made the room at all by 3:30pm- but had told housekeeping that our room had been done. Which it had not. I didn't expect much- but it is Disney- so you expect a little more considering their cheap end is 100 bucks a night!

[tinkerbell]

Originally posted by PVHNat
it is Disney- so you expect a little more considering their cheap end is 100 bucks a night!

Right.. and what you posted about how they made you feel is important.. because its Disney, they are always telling us we are supose to expect more when you see the specials on the travel channel.
and that sound you hear is a round of applause from Texas !!!!

[PVHNat]

If I really wanted to stay cheap I would have just gone to the Comfort Inn on Palm Parkway, but I didn't- it was Disney! I'm sorry whoever didn't like what I had to say- but that's what happened to me and so I let people know about it. I am a CM- and fact of the matter is- I don't work at DW. I work at my school here in NC- so for me to come down is a big effort. It does take a lot of money- just like it takes everyone else who isn't on a CM discount. I saved my money all semester- I even took up TWO extra part time jobs- just so I could go to Disney. I was expecting a little more and was a little disappointed. I'm sorry. I'm not saying I'll never go back, cause I will. And thanks Tink for sticking up for me :D :)

[dznygrl]

Originally posted by dznyfan64
I personally dont get to upset at the maids if they forget something we are staying there very cheep with our cast discounts.

Yes, but you are still a valid guest and should be treated like one. Just because you get to stay for cheap doesn't mean your service should be cheap. If getting a CP/CM discount means you only get second-rate service during your vacation time, that's not much of an incentive, is it?

Natalie, I'm sorry you had such a hard time with the folks at PC. :( That has got to be extra frustrating when you have worked your rear end off in the shoes of a CM, but don't get the same in return! Like someone else said, I really would let then know how you felt. I hope next time is much better!

[Dana]

Originally posted by PVHNat
If I really wanted to stay cheap I would have just gone to the Comfort Inn on Palm Parkway, but I didn't- it was Disney! I'm sorry whoever didn't like what I had to say- but that's what happened to me and so I let people know about it. I am a CM- and fact of the matter is- I don't work at DW. I work at my school here in NC- so for me to come down is a big effort. It does take a lot of money- just like it takes everyone else who isn't on a CM discount. I saved my money all semester- I even took up TWO extra part time jobs- just so I could go to Disney. I was expecting a little more and was a little disappointed. I'm sorry. I'm not saying I'll never go back, cause I will. And thanks Tink for sticking up for me :D :)

Consider me in your corner. Your treatment wsn't right and I am very sorry for your bad experience. Again, you sounded like you enjoyed your trip anyway like only a true lover of WDW would...bumps in the road and all. I appreciate you telling what you experienced. Believe it or not, bad reviews of a stay help others too. Thanks again for posting your experience.