things I wish Disney World hotels have

[maxiesmom]

[QUOTE="sbd78, post: 59110312, member: 462971"" I still say I wish they had more affordable suite options because I feel they are not "value" priced. My opinion. You feel they are priced right, and you have a right to your opinion.

I suspect I'm not the only one who feels this way though, because they seem to always have availability and they are almost always included in discounts.[/QUOTE]


The thing is, "affordable" is such a subjective word. I think maybe you mean value priced, not affordable.

 

[Spencer Wright]

...

If ever you are staying at one of Universal's deluxes, consider looking into their CL. Their CL is still usually a pretty good deal, and the food at Portofino and Royal Pacific is very good!

While $100 extra per night sounds like a lot, and for 1 perons that would be too much - CL is a flat rate. If you have 4 people per room, that's only $25 per person. When I compare CL to food court prices, then CL can absolutely be a better deal sometimes.

As I said though, non WDW is better. One hotel we like only adds $20 per day for CL, but charges $4 per cup of coffee in the lobby!

I'm looking into a first Universal trip for next year, and will absolutely consider CL for our Universal stay. When I looked at it for this year, I could not believe how much cheaper it was than Disney! I was most interested in Portofino Bay. Thanks for the tip!!

 

[ShelbyWagon]

Bookable king beds at the deluxe resorts without having to do club level (GF and BWI). We like to eat at the restaurants so club level is just not worth it for us. But at $300+/night, we should be able to get a king bed.

 

[goofynut41]

be more affordable

 

[Deb & Bill]

be more affordable

Disney isn't affordable. It's a luxury. You save your money if you want to go to Disney. As long as it is in the business to make money, they will make money.

 

[maxiesmom]

Again, "affordable" is a subjective word. If you mean cheaper, say cheaper. I don't find a trip to WDW cheap, but I afford it because I don't go on any other expensive trips during the year. My car is 15 years old. I pack lunch to work most every day, I'm also in part affording an awesome 10 day trip in the fall because of doing research and finding great deals on Hotwire and Priceline.

 

[rstevens333]

It'd be nice if you could keep spare snack credits for 6-12 months. Or even if there was just a little snack package you could get for 2-3 leftover credits when you check out.

 

[rstevens333]

I wish they would bring back the express transportation option. I loved only going through security once and bypassing it with the bus- and going through the backstage areas was cool!

YES PLEASE.

Even if it was just during slow periods or certain weekdays. Absolutely loved the express bus. Would plan a trip around its availability.

 

[leebee]

2. You can usually order kids meals if you just ask. Or share one and add an app. There are options!

I know I can eat a kids meal. Yum. Instead of some lovely, creative dish I can have a chicken leg or some nuggets. Yes indeed, that's an option I look forward to!! We do share meals. It's always a toss up as to who gets to order dinner and who has to eat whatever's being served. It's just like mealtime at home, only without the cooking and cleaning!

OK, I know I'm being sarcastic, but this is something that Disney USED to offer, now they don't, and I wish they'd bring it back. You could get a half-portion of any entree on the menu for half-price plus $1. It was a perfect solution for seniors, those who have smaller appetites, have had bariatric surgery, etc. In fact, IIRC, this was back in the days before a "kids menu" was offered (or they were very limited) and DD and my nieces loved ordering real food instead of the limited, unimaginative kids meals that are now offered so many places.

 

[ScubaCat]

OK, I know I'm being sarcastic, but this is something that Disney USED to offer, now they don't, and I wish they'd bring it back. You could get a half-portion of any entree on the menu for half-price plus $1. It was a perfect solution for seniors, those who have smaller appetites, have had bariatric surgery, etc. In fact, IIRC, this was back in the days before a "kids menu" was offered (or they were very limited) and DD and my nieces loved ordering real food instead of the limited, unimaginative kids meals that are now offered so many places.

Are you *sure* they don't have kids versions of the adult entrees? I'm pretty sure at least some places still have that available even if it's not on the menu. Even if it's not a universal (no pun intended) policy, I'd still ask.

Volume is all about profit, unfortunately. I remember the good old days of Crystal Palace, Hollywood & Vine, Le Cellier, etc. being cafeteria-style. Now they charge triple and make it "all you can eat" as if anyone needs all that food!!

 

[Simba's Mom]

I completely agree with room selection. At every Hampton Inn (and some others) I've stayed at over the last several years, I've gotten an Email the day beforehand showing me which rooms will be available when I check in and I can select one. As soon as I do, that room gets taken out of the "availability inventory" and the person who gets the same Email a few minutes later doesn't have that room on their list. I wish Disney did that-I've been in rooms that I've seen others rave about how wonderful the room was, but I was disappointed. Conversely, I've had rooms I loved, only to see others complain about that room view. So let us choose!
Also I'd love to be calling the real front desk. Frankly, I think it's almost false advertising that when you push the button on your phone that says "front desk", that's not really where you're calling.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I completely agree with room selection. At every Hampton Inn (and some others) I've stayed at over the last several years, I've gotten an Email the day beforehand showing me which rooms will be available when I check in and I can select one. As soon as I do, that room gets taken out of the "availability inventory" and the person who gets the same Email a few minutes later doesn't have that room on their list. I wish Disney did that-I've been in rooms that I've seen others rave about how wonderful the room was, but I was disappointed. Conversely, I've had rooms I loved, only to see others complain about that room view. So let us choose!
Also I'd love to be calling the real front desk. Frankly, I think it's almost false advertising that when you push the button on your phone that says "front desk", that's not really where you're calling.

It's probably a lot easier when you only have a few guests checking in that way instead of hundreds. Disney IT isn't the best. As for Front Desk, it's all about the show. That's why they are all called Cast Members instead of employees.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I know I can eat a kids meal. Yum. Instead of some lovely, creative dish I can have a chicken leg or some nuggets. Yes indeed, that's an option I look forward to!! We do share meals. It's always a toss up as to who gets to order dinner and who has to eat whatever's being served. It's just like mealtime at home, only without the cooking and cleaning!

OK, I know I'm being sarcastic, but this is something that Disney USED to offer, now they don't, and I wish they'd bring it back. You could get a half-portion of any entree on the menu for half-price plus $1. It was a perfect solution for seniors, those who have smaller appetites, have had bariatric surgery, etc. In fact, IIRC, this was back in the days before a "kids menu" was offered (or they were very limited) and DD and my nieces loved ordering real food instead of the limited, unimaginative kids meals that are now offered so many places.

I don't remember this. Do you recall when they used to do this?

 

[goofynut41]

Disney isn't affordable. It's a luxury. You save your money if you want to go to Disney. As long as it is in the business to make money, they will make money.

Affordable, Cheaper whatever I just think if the prices was lower more people would come or could come... just my opinion.. I know I have to save my money to go every two or three years when I would love to go every year.

 

[Upatnoon]

I'd like to see those awful, noisy beepers on the buses turned off of at least turned down. The worst is when they are lowering the wheelchair ramp. The bus driver is right there, does it have to beep like its the end of the world?

I'd also like to have the ability to book fastpasses in different parks. Why can't I book two in the morning at MK and one in afternoon at AK?

 

[Bostonbeans99]

I'd like to see those awful, noisy beepers on the buses turned off of at least turned down. The worst is when they are lowering the wheelchair ramp. The bus driver is right there, does it have to beep like its the end of the world?

I'd also like to have the ability to book fast passes in different parks. Why can't I book two in the morning at MK and one in afternoon at AK?

I too dislike that you can't fastpass at different parks same day. Especially if it is proven you have a park hopper pass.

If I am eating at the Rainforest at 11 and want to fastpass Expedition Everest at 1:00......why can't I have Mine Train scheduled for 3 and Splash at 4:15?

Yeah yeah yeah..I know the answer is probably because so many fast passes would be reserved and not used if the person didn't really hop or plan their time accordingly.

 

[Monykalyn]

I wish they did a rewards program like other hotel chains. I would have so many points I could stay for free

Especially now that they have lowered themselves to "industry standard" of parking fees!! Even AP rates are a joke.
And we usually have Holiday inn points we can use, and now I am banking Hilton points.

Just did a search of my dates in late May. I amend my earlier statement that I can stay deluxe for $10 more than an AoA suite. It is actually $15 more. For that $15, I could stay at Yacht Club, have 2 queens and a daybed (vs. 1 real bed at AoA,) full balcony, access to Stormalong Bay, and walk to Epcot. That's crazy to me. AoA is nice and all, but its definately not the Yacht Club! As I said earlier though, we chose the lower priced option and went with POR.

Yeah-you really wanna be upset? Doubletree suites, Disney promo (free parking and internet) for a 2 queen, sofa bed suite pool side is $902 for a week late May. Sleeps 6. That is 2 days at a Disney resort!!!!!! 60 day FP, EMH-heck an uber from airport and maybe a couple times to/from park isn't gonna equal the cost of staying on Disney property. AND the room has a microwave. And no intrusive "room checks"

Only time I have seen that was a couple years ago when a hurricane closed the parks for a day and a half. People were confined to their resorts. At CBR there were several characters in the food court area entertaining kids that day

I think CBR is doing characters at pool more regularly due to construction. My DD was CM there in Custodial last fall, and when she was assigned around pool her leaders encouraged them to join the pool party dances with the characters if they had time.

I'm looking into a first Universal trip for next year, and will absolutely consider CL for our Universal stay. When I looked at it for this year, I could not believe how much cheaper it was than Disney

We've only stayed RPR club level but OMG was amazing. For only ~$100 more a night for our family of 5-breakfast and mid day snacks more than made up the difference in cost.


I just wish Disney was industry leading again instead of being "standard". The parking fees just really bring that home. Didn't even consider staying onsite for our May quick trip-for less than 1/2 the cost of ONE night onsite I got a 2 bedroom condo at an offsite resort for 3 nights, washer and dryer in room, full kitchen etc. AP holder so parking non-issue.

 

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

Affordable, Cheaper whatever I just think if the prices was lower more people would come or could come... just my opinion.. I know I have to save my money to go every two or three years when I would love to go every year.

They are already booked, the last thing that they need right now is to bring in even more customers.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I know I can eat a kids meal. Yum. Instead of some lovely, creative dish I can have a chicken leg or some nuggets. Yes indeed, that's an option I look forward to!! We do share meals. It's always a toss up as to who gets to order dinner and who has to eat whatever's being served.

We're often enough in the same boat of wanting smaller portions, but I have to disagree with you on this point.

I was just at WDW, and we were excited to see a VERY WIDE range of smaller portion items in AK. Among the quick serve offerings we saw:

Harambe- fruits, pastries, corn-on-the-cob, grape tomatoes, Greek yogurt, even pickles!
Tamu tamu - ice cream, dole whips
Mahindi - cinnamon glazed nuts
Caravan Rd - edamame, Asain noodle salad
Mr. Kamal's - hummus, falafel, tzatzki-topped fries
Yak Yeti - egg rolls, fried rice (a favorite), we also got a tasty ginger chicken salad and mini-mango pie!
Pizzafari - tomato basil soup
Terra- buffalo wings, hummus w/veggies, bag of rice chips
Satuli - the bowls offer tons of choices for $11.50 (beef, chicken, tofu, steamed veggies) or $13 (fish). In addition to choosing your protein, you also get to choose your base: salad, rice, or potato hash. Plus veggie slaw with all of the above. (see below)


Some kid meal options:
turkey wrap (Restaurantosaurus)
Eight spoon café- Mac N cheese plain, with pulled pork, or with shrimp
Flame Tree- chicken sandwich
Pizzafari - pizza or pasta = BOTH w/ choice of broccoli, grapes, or carrots
Satuli - cheese quesadilla, or a smaller portion bowl for $7.50-$8.50

I'm guessing you haven't been to Satuli yet, because the food options are very creative and completely custom to your tastes.

When we want something small, but meal like, we often look for items in the snack category, and many places now offer soup and yogurt.

In Epcot:
Japan has: individual sushi rolls, edamame, and miso soup.
Italy's Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar has: individual pizza slices, panini (5 options/$8 each/$14 for two),
small plates like: Arancini (lobster stuffed rice), meatballs
Plus assorted healthy daily side items like: awesome olives, white asparagus (w/basil), tomato salad, marinated artichoke hearts, caponata (= Sicilian eggplant salad)
Morocco now has an outdoor restaurant with abunch of small plate options! Among the small menu items: calamari, lamb sausage, Garlic shrimp, grape leaves, Brie fondue, fish Croquettes, hummus, and olives. There's also still the Tangierine Café next door with interesting side items like Tabouleh, Lentil Salad, and Coucous salad


Since you specifically mentioned half portions of adult entrees, then I've got a great restaurant for you! the next time you are at the Orlando airport, be sure to try McCoy's. It is part of the Hyatt. Just after you exit security, find the glass elevators/escalators in the big atrium and go up to the Hyatt's lobby level. They have all kinds of interesting small plates, half portions of entrees, soups, sandwiches, sushi, steaks, and EVEN interesting KID options! I'll warn you though, if you do order the 4ounce steak, it really is a 4 ounce portion!

 

[maxiesmom]

I'd like to see those awful, noisy beepers on the buses turned off of at least turned down. The worst is when they are lowering the wheelchair ramp. The bus driver is right there, does it have to beep like its the end of the world?

They have to be so loud because so many people are idiots. I saw one guy almost get his feet smushed, the ramp was beeping like crazy but he wasn't paying any attention to where he was putting his feel. I don't know how you can not hear that noise and look to see why that noise is occurring.