A ‘Wacky’ WDW Resort Check-In Experience!

Wacky Wednesday's With New England Disney Diva, Julie!!!

Today I’m talking about a subject that isn’t mentioned all too often @ WDW (bad or unplanned check-in experiences) but nonetheless happens just the same. First, let me make it clear that I love WDW! I do place them on a ‘higher standard’ than other resorts, vacation destinations, etc, just because, let’s face it ‘it’s Disney’!  I think a lot of us would agree with this.

Having come from an extensive background in the hospitality industry, I know firsthand how mishaps can occur. I will admit to being a bit of a ‘hotel snob’ though, having worked in the industry for so long. I guess that just comes with the territory?

With that being said, I, myself have had one of those ‘wacky’ unexpected check-ins that I’d love to share with you! It took place, ironically, at my very favorite WDW Hotels, The Polynesian Resort!

My family (myself, husband & 2 little girls) were set off on a road trip from Pennsylvania to Florida (with my husband’s driving it was about a 13-hour drive-nonstop) & with ‘minimal’ breaks! Apparently he’s also in a rush to get to the magic.

We always make the drive down at night because the girls are asleep for the duration of the trip.  By the time they wake up, we are just about in Florida & everyone is happy!

As much as we enjoy driving there, we are always ready to ‘jump’ out of the car once we get on Disney property.  Excited to be at the resort, get situated in the room & hit the pool/beach area!!

Check-In Time!

We’re finally ‘home’ & I make my way to the check-in area, aaaahhh!! After a warm ‘Aloha’, having received our flowery lei’s, guest info in tow-we head to our room! We had requested a standard room (Garden view, top floor, same request every time we’re here.)

Well, the first room we went into was most definitely ‘occupied’ by a horrified family that seemed just as shocked as we were. I think I gave those two little girls that came to the door the shock of their lives!  All I heard was ‘Mommy, It’s a stranger!’ I was mortified! I bet they still talk about it to this day ‘remember that one time at Disney!’

I forgot which building we were in at the time, but it was quite a walking distance from the Great Ceremonial House. At this point, even thought was a tad upset, I totally understood that these things happen.

The Cm apologized & gave me a new room key. Again, the room was a hike from the main building. We were really anxious at this point, to just get into the room & cool off for a spell! This time around, we walked into an obviously ‘VD’ room-hotel terminology for ‘vacant & dirty’!  By this time, I had lost my ‘princess like’ cool. We had to trudge back (tired kids & disheveled lei’s by this time) to the front desk. Again the Cm apologized & I could tell she knew I was not a happy camper by now. I did let her know that this problem had to be resolved & that I was not happy! I was not feeling the ‘Disney spirit’ at this point, so unlike me!

Happy at last

She quickly fixed the problem, only to have ‘quietly’ upgraded us to a water-view room. We had the best room, overlooking the private stretch of beach, right past the marina area.  Needless to say, I was thoroughly impressed with the great guest-service I received! So even though our vacation was off to a ‘rocky’ start, it was turned around in a positive way by Disney!

I do think that the Cm had the last laugh though. My parents were coming down & staying at the same resort-about a day after us. When my husband went out to the balcony to enjoy a drink one evening, he was greeted by his ‘father-in-law’ on the balcony right next door to ours. The look on his face was priceless & I’m still living that one down! I honestly had no idea. More Disney ‘wackiness’ I guess!!

I’d love to hear if any of you had had any ‘Wacky check-In’ experiences or funny resort adventures of your own!!

Thanks for sharing your Wednesday with me… we’ll chat soon!!

Julie can be reached @ nedisneydiva@hotmail.com be sure to “like” Julie’s Facebook Page…New England Disney Diva’s!!