[Bigjon010]

Don't know how many of you guys/gals remember this post:

http://www.disneycentral.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=10351

but I put almost the same message in a review of the Boardwilk Inn at www.tripadvisor.com

I got an email today from a guy who is a freelance travel writer for the NY Times. He said he read my review and wanted to interview me about our experience. I spoke to him on the phone and he seemed to get a kick out of our story. I think its pretty interesting.

Another good note though, in addition to Disney Customer Service sending us the framed Micky and Minny photo, and two ultimate park hopper tickets (with no expiration date), we got a package from Linda ( the excellent front desk CM who helped us). It came about a month or month and a half later. Inside the package were two Honeymoon Lanyards!! She included a message saying she had a really hard time finding them because they were no longer made. She should replace the management! haha

[Dana]

I do remember that report. I am so happy to see that WDW tried to make up for the experience by giving your some freebies. I know it's not going to fix the damage of the trip, but I love that they tried to do it. If you do the interview and share your experience, please also tell them how they tried to mae it up to you.

[gcbdad]

I had not read your original report before I saw this post. I am so sorry to hear about your experience. We have never stayed at Conceirge level before so I was not sure what you got for your dollar. I think you handled it in a calmer manner than I would have. I am glad to hear that you did get some kind of reponse from Disney.

Linda sounds like a real gem. We have experienced nice CM's the past but she was a real winner.

[EmpressJenny]

If you want my opinion, I'd ask to see this person's credentials. How can you be freelance FOR the NY Times? That's an oxymoron.

[DisneyTeacher]

I think I have seen posts about this on other boards, it sounds like the same reporter. The person is only looking for people who have had negative experiences at WDW resorts.

[EmpressJenny]

That doesn't sound like very responsible journalism to me.

[bali]

You can absolutely be freelance for the NY Times. In fact, quite a bit of their travel section is done freelance, as is the NY Times Sunday Magazine.

I'm not saying that this guy is for real, I'm just saying that that part of his story is legit. :)

[Bigjon010]

I spoke with him via telephone. I gave him the bad then told him about their limited peace offerings, and Linda's great help.

As far as his Creds, he sent me a couple of his articles to read.

Apparently, he is Florida resident, with an annual pass, who loves Disney. He said that they frequently attend the parks and stay on property. He told me the last time or two they were in the parks he had several problems. It seems the main focus of his questions were Disney central reservations making promises that the actual resorts wouldn't complete. He was also interested in the other problems, but not as much as the reservations. In other words, he asked more specific questions about reservations v/s resort results than anything else.

He didn't sound like he was out to flame Disney, more like a concern about the decline in the "magic" and former exceptional service, which I have seen many people here discuss before.

[roxie]

Originally Posted by Bigjon010

He didn't sound like he was out to flame Disney, more like a concern about the decline in the "magic" and former exceptional service, which I have seen many people here discuss before.

If that's what his article is about, I think that would be great. I still think Disney has the nicest CM's around, but I always seem to run into a few more each trip that are just plain grumpy and lazy. It always takes me by surprise.

[Cavey]

Well, I have mixed feelings.

On the one hand, it's always good to give WDW a friendly kick in the pants to remind them that people expect more from Disney.

On the other hand, I don't generally trust reporters. Some 18 years ago, I had a reporter follow me around for a day in my work in Chicago's Cabrini Green. The story was suppose to highlight the positive work my group was doing with these poor kids. The story that came out was full of misquotes and statements taken out of context, and the emphasis was very negative (not towards me or my group, but towards trying to help urban youth in general).

For example, I flippantly mentioned about one kid, "If I could let him live with me, I would." The article read that I was seriously considering adopting this child (His mom wasn't too happy with that "quote."). I've never done reporter interviews since.

I am suspect that the NY Times writer will be fair and balanced in their reporting. But maybe even an unfair article would prompt WDW to stay on it's toes.

[Bigjon010]

Well, I don't really care how negative it is. From the service I received, they earned it from me. Maybe Disney will feel bad and refund all the extra money I spent on Concierge service that I didn't receive. (yeah right)

[Dana]

They ALL don't deserve it from you and that was my point. Think of the CM's who were great and tried to help and conpensate you. You referred to her efforts of finding those laynards as "limited peace offerings". It sounds like she went to a lot of trouble to try and correct a wrong. The point is, her good will go unnoticed and be overshadowed by the negative.

[hiner]

I also remember your report and couldn't believe what had happened. Atleast they tried to make up for it, as did Linda. But, I would do what you feel is right. WDW gets negative publicity at times, but the positive usually always outways the negative.

[Bigjon010]

I did make sure he knew about how nice the Customer Service person was when they called, and made sure he knew how much Linda helped.

When I refered to their response as "limited," 4 tickets doesn't make up for the approximate $1500 I spent extra for the concierge rooms over a standard room for 7 nights.

As far as me not caring, I was referring to the Concierge Staff, I have no regard for any negativity they receive. I hope Linda gets promoted to front desk management.

[Erin]

I understand what you're saying completely. When you pay for a service, you should receive that service. You didn't. You should be refunded your money.

I'm impressed Disney did give you the parkhoppers - and the picture. I know that doesn't make up for it, but I'm glad they tried.

Let us know how it goes!