No, sir – not this summer. In the recent weeks fans have heatedly debatted the decision of the management to limit operating hours of certain attractions inside the Disneyland Park, i.e. opening them late and closing them early. While the opinions of fans seem to go apart, whether this is acceptable in the current economic climate or not, general consensus seems to be that the way the operating hours are communicated (with signs at the entrance of the according attractions but not on any leaflet or centralized information board) is extremly problematic. However, cost cutting measures are also affecting the guests of the hotels – at least those that are staying in the Disney Hotels which are fighting decreased occupancy rates despite numerous deep discounts in the past months.
According to several reports we recieved one of these cost cutting measures has hit the pools at least of Disney’s Davy Crockett Ranch and Disney’s Hotel New York which no longer open at 7.00 am (as they used too) but only at 3.00 pm – in other words: one complete shift per day of CMs to operate and supervise the pools has been cut off the schedule. The downside for guests: no chance for a few laps before breakfast to start the morning refreshed. Considering the often criticized pricing of the Disney Hotels cutting back on the amenities of the Disney Hotels seems a risky move not really intended to improve guest experience.
On the other hand it has to be noted that the resort is also trying to add other offerings for guests of the Disney Hotels. Disney’s Davy Crockett Ranch received “Rolling Bulle” (also known as “ZORB”) which guests can venture out in from Wednesday till Sunday from 6 pm to 10 pm during this summer season. These hugh, blown up balls have room for one guest inside which can roll around in the ball - a fun-sport also known as “ZORB”.
UPDATE: we have received word in the meantime, that Disney’s Newport Bay Club has cut back its pool hours as well, so one can assume the same happened at Disney’s Sequoia Lodge.
I have been at the Disneyland Hotel in July. Thanks God, the opening hours of the pool remained at 8.AM! It´s a shame – the other Disney Hotels are expensive enough for that lack in service!
Yep we were in Sequoia Lodge last weekend and we were waiting with 30 people for the pool to open at 15.00. :-(
Wrong way of costs savings in my opinion….