He Didn't Like Stay in Cindy's Castle

[Tink<3Mickey<3Cinderella]

I guess I'm in the minority here but I didn't find his article that offensive. I have lots of friends who are not Disneyphiles like me, and the writer's take was not all that negative (IMHO, at least) and his comments were typical for someone who's not "into" Disney. In all, I found him a lot less jaded than the authors of the Unofficial Guide.

I have to agree, although he did complain a little and give the prespective of a younger, single, male, non-Disney lover, I don't believe it was all that bad. I actually felt that he actually did enjoy himself a little bit. He hated the Mickey Ears, smiling and waving at the parade, and the fact that he couldn't drink, but his only other gripes were the spelling of small world and the morning wake up call. All and all I think it was an interesting and informative article from a different point of view. Sorry to disagree with everyone.

[Grace]

Ah well, the article was a typical "glass is half empty" that I have come to expect from the AP.

[joonyer]

First of all, Let me say I absolutely love WDW, but even though this piece wasn't a raving review, I didn't think it deserved anger, just because it wasn't a glowing, gushing, puff piece written by Disney's own PR people. So I went back and re-read the entire article and posted my comments (in red) about the author's comments. You might find it interesting:

" . . .I'm sitting next to Daisy Duck and wearing mouse ears embroidered with my name, waving like an idiot and smiling like I just won a toaster. (Notice he doesn’t say he hated it, and I doubt that if he did, he would have been waving and smiling in the first place)

"That's the first place they put you when you've won an overnight stay in the three-room suite inside the Cinderella Castle. It's the crown jewel in Walt Disney Co.'s "Year of a Million Dreams" sweepstakes, the squeal-inducing fantasy of millions of little girls — and my home for the next 17 hours. (nothing negative in this paragraph, except he wasn't squealing, too.)

". . .I am a tattooed 27-year-old guy with Buddy Holly glasses and no children. But I'm just not that into princesses. So to enhance my appreciation, I've adopted a family with two little girls (ages 5 and 2) to stay with me. (he actually makes an effort to enhance his experience, knowing that he is not Disney’s target demographic for this experience. I have to give him a positive score for this move)

"I am tired of smiling and waving when the parade ends, (Again, he did not say he hated smiling and waving; simply that he was tired of doing it continuously for the length of the parade; I’ve been in parades at home with my kids and it does get tiring)

" . . . Besides that, what will become of all those pictures when they make it back to Iowa or Idaho or Kalamazoo? (He doesn’t have his own family so maybe he doesn’t understand the concept of photo albums. On the other hand I probably have thousands of Disney photos in boxes in my closets and on my computer that we hardly ever pull out.)

"There are golden flecks in the floor and ornate squares on the ceiling, making the whole room feel gilded. (he goes on to describe the interior of the suite in factual terms, but we fault him for not describing how this made him “feel”)

"I get wild ideas about that last part (free phone calls) until I remember I don't know anyone in Paris or Tokyo anyway. (uh oh, look out he’s expressing his feelings)

"Perhaps most impressive is the bathroom, which features a 4-foot square Jacuzzi jet tub with a waterfall faucet, a separate shower that could comfortably fit three and a square toilet. Over the tub are three sparkling mosaics made of hand-cut Italian glass. (He’s actually impressed; another positive score)

"All of these things I like — especially the mirror that turns into a TV. (Hey, he likes everything in the room . .except . . ) But I am disappointed in the minibar. It has juice boxes but no Jack Daniels. (Here’s his big mistake, he’s actually thinking about having a drink in the castle, how dare him. Never mind that he’s a twenty seven year old single guy. As if a parent of 2 small girls in Cinderella’s castle wouldn’t ever wish for a drink at the end of the day. And he doesn’t berate Disney for this, he simply says he is disappointed. God forbid, you know every single one of you has expressed disappointment at something at WDW before, many of you on these boards.)

"Much of the royal family's day — like the parade and dinner reservations — is preset, so there isn't a lot of time for rides. (Is this his fault?)

"Emily isn't tall enough for the roller coasters, which basically leaves the other category — the ones where you sit in a car, ride along a track and watch animatronic pirates or fish or jungle people sing and dance. (Oh my gosh, he isn’t thrilled at getting to ride Peter Pan’s flight etc.. Neither are my 13 and 10 year old boys, and they absolutely love the MK and WDW. But they do think some attractions are lame, and so do I (Tomorrowland Speedway))

"But because we're staying inside the park and Disney provides us a front-of-the-line escort, we've got to ride something. We end up on Peter Pan's Flight and then the ride whose name Disney refuses to capitalize, it's a small world. (how is this a negative comment? I viewed it a simply a reference to the catchy way of writing the name)

"When it's over, the girls' father and I are yawning. It's only 5:30 p.m. but we've been on the go nonstop since the parade at 2 p.m. (Tired at the MK? How dare him. Thank god that never happens to us)(I agree this does seem wimpy, but that’s not a comment on the MK)

"Before dinner we finally meet Cinderella. In blond wig, powdered cheeks and lilting voice, she is convincing, and poses for pictures with us. She embraces my arm; I do not tell her I will later be naked in her bathtub. (Notice, he doesn’t tell this to Cinderella, but he does tell us. On the other hand, he’s single, 27 and Cinderella looks pretty cute and well, we won’t go there. Just suffice it to say he apparently did have a “fantasy” experience while visiting the MK.)

"The restaurant serves everything from hot dogs to prime rib, but they also do not have booze. I found out the hard way after asking for a Sam Adams when I thought our waiter said they have "great beer." Root beer, it turns out, but there is no alcohol at the Magic Kingdom. (I agree a little research and he would have know this. It's not much of a positive review of the restaurant, but my own experience at CRT it is the most over-rated dining venue in WDW, given the $$$ and lack of food quality, so I can’t fault him for not gushing over the meal. Obviously the guy likes to have a beer or a drink, but I’d hardly call him a drunk, since he obviously didn’t bring his own.)

"I guess that explains our minibar. (This appears cynical, and should have been left out of the article, he gets a negative score for this comment)

"Later, a woman stops by to ask us where we were when we found out when we won. I feel like a jerk telling her we didn't win anything, it's just that I'm a reporter. (nothing negative here, in fact, I give him a positive score for feeling bad about disappointing someone when he has to tell them his employer bought his way into the castle)

"Our Disney escort is waiting sharply when we're done with dinner, which is starting to become a pattern. It almost feels like we're being watched. The pretty girl dressed like a stewardess who guides us around reports into a hand radio whenever "The Royal Family" is on the move. Who is she talking to? I have no idea but it's kind of creepy. (I wouldn’t like this either)

"Disney has left princess wands, crowns and Minnie Mouse dolls for the girls back at the suite. They have also turned back the covers on our beds, put out a tray of cookies and traded our barely used bathroom soap for an unopened bar. All of those are hotel luxuries I have never before experienced. (even though every comment in this paragraph is positive, we fault him for not gushing over how wonderful all this is)

". . .everyone tries out the Jacuzzi. Separately. (just letting us perverts know what not to think)

"I haven't taken a bath since my mother was holding the wash rag, but I can't resist this thing. I turn on the jets for 20 minutes, thinking there's no way I'll be there longer than 10. They have all kinds of fancy soaps lining the side, and I use some shampoo that smells like weird plants and expensive salons. I finally pry myself out after 16 minutes, feeling like I'm hogging the bathroom. (Look out, He's actually gushing about something)

"I do literally have the park to myself, but there's not much to do in it because the rides are closed. Everything remains lit up as if it were packed, and piped-in Disney music fills the air. Most striking is the number of trash cans I see — dozens within a few feet of one another — that I never recognized before. They blend in seamlessly when the whole place is cluttered with people. (just interesting facts)

"Back at the suite, Hannah has fallen asleep clutching her Minnie doll but little Emily somehow outlasts her usual 8 p.m. bedtime. She's wearing her tiara upside-down, spinning and banging her wand on the ground in between pleas for more cookies. (Now’s when Dad wishes he had a drink)

"She finally crashes at 10:30 in her parents' bed, and the grown-ups follow shortly thereafter. The bed and comforter are soft and thick, and I don't stay up long. (looks like he really was tired)

"I'm awakened by a 7:35 a.m. call I didn't ask for, to prepare for 9 a.m. breakfast reservations Disney made for us. I spend the next hour trying futilely to go back to sleep as dad plays with the girls in the sitting room. (do we think he’s a jerk for not being so excited he can’t possibly sleep in the castle?)

"They don't want to leave the suite, and frankly neither do I. (So what if he wants to sleep in? I’d want to do the same thing if I was there. I’ve been to breakfast at CRT before and frankly I’d rather stay in bed, even if I wasn’t in the castle)

"I already dread the lines I'll be waiting in. The mouse ears I can do without " (I don’t like the long lines either, but I endure them, looks like he will too. And I don’t wear mouse ears either.)

[Altair]

Perhaps it would have been more favorable and less biased if Mickey himself had stayed in the room and written about it.

I just love Disney "Dog and Pony" shows.

[DISFREAKS]

Typical cynical mainstream media elitist!

[jillluvsdisney]

I did not have a problem with the article. To me, it was informative and I learned a few things also. He presented the facets of his stay that he liked and disliked. If AP had sent a "disney" lover perhaps the article would have been more sanatized. If I want that, I'll read the official guides.

The bathtub comment actually made me laugh out loud.

[King Triton]

A lot of you seem to be jumping all over this guy. I don't think the article was all that negative. For a "single 27 year old guy with tattoos", I thought the article was fairly objective. He did a nice job of describing what its like to be there and I don't think I'd disagree that much.

And I agree with some of the other posters...unless you are a family with little girls that are into the princess thing, this is not that big a prize. I certainly would not give up body parts for it, as someone described. The best part to me would be the ability to get out into the park during off-hours and wander around, and I'm not sure they let you do that. If the Dream Team came up to me with this prize, I would might consider looking around me to see if there's a family with a little girl or two that might enjoy it more.

Bring on the DVC contract!!

[luvkatiebug]

I don't understand why the AP didn't choose a reporter with a family that would actually appreciate the suite, as it is families who are actually CHOSEN to stay there.

I agree. I was bummed at this article too. I don't think he was that drastic in his opinion, but it was obvious that he didn't 'appreciate' it as much as we Disney purists would.

[jclightchasr]

I guess I'm in the minority here but I didn't find his article that offensive. I have lots of friends who are not Disneyphiles like me, and the writer's take was not all that negative (IMHO, at least) and his comments were typical for someone who's not "into" Disney. In all, I found him a lot less jaded than the authors of the Unofficial Guide.

Yes I think his article could have been far worse. However I do feel bad for the family he was with since they seemed to have obviously enjoyed themselves. He probably put on a good face for them too as he mentioned he did for the cameras. For their sakes I would hope so. Negative news sells in the media and unfortunately what sells is what the majority of the population has bought thus producing the selling trends. I for one would like to see a positive article written by someone who actually knew the size of the gift they received. This guy strikes me as a spoiled Child trying to impress somebody, non appreciative, or at least not wanting anyone to know that he is.

[EZMERELDA CRATCHETBOTTOM]

Fairs fair playmates, I thought it was hysterical, not only did this chap give his honest opinion, and a pretty good discription of his surroundings, he gave me a good belly laugh, picture this fellow feeling like a complete nincompoop, and probably looking like one, I know I've had that feeling, now I'm older and have learned to go with the flow, but most of all to ENJOY !!!!

[mobettah]

Hi there.

Just weighing in as a member of the "liberal media" who criticizes all things wholesome.

I am definitely left of center and a reporter for a paper in small city...and my family loves our Disney vacations.

However, I found absolutely nothing offensive in this guy's report. It was funny, honest and insightful. Not everyone has the same tastes...and there are definitely far more people who are NOT blindly in love with Disney that those that are.

The article wasn't meant to be a PR piece for the Magic Kingdom....Disney has that angle covered.

I can kind of understand people disagreeing with his point of view...or at least having a different perspective. But IMO the story didn't really invite blanket demonization of liberals or the media.

Opinion pieces/travelogues like this are meant to entertain and enlighten people to alternative points of views. Why do people get so offended by views that are different than theirs?

He's entitled to his own view of things...

It's a small world after all...isn't it?

[pox24]

What an idiot. Maybe we can take up a collection and send him to Gatorland for night with a 12 footer.... chomp, chomp.

[mabd]

My family was chosed to be Castle Suite guests for a night! It was fabulous! Everyone is entitled to his own opinion. . .

[tinklvr]

I thought it was quite humerous and I am the biggest defender of Disney at all times!

[cgriff]

It all reads like what I imagine Stephen Colbert would say about staying in Cinderella's Castle Suite if he were to get the chance...

Basically the author seems to be trying waaaaay too hard to be funny-cool.

My only gripe about the piece is that he never asks the family that stayed with him what they thought of the place.

Ho-hum. At least I didn't pay the newspaper to read the article.

cgriff

[piratemom]

all I know is...pick me! pick me! I won't complain about anything!

[KAJUNKING]

To sum up my anger on this post, it comes down to this: I can think of nothing greater than for my family to be CHOSEN to stay a night in the castle. My last trip to WDW, I was selected for nothing, didn't win a fastpass or ears, didn't get to sit in a parade. Not that it ruined the trip, but I wanted that upper-class magic to be mine. Instead, it's given to some drunk "kid" because of his "job". That's what gets my blood boiling.

couldnt agree more! and isnt it sad our media today, it would be tough to have someone in the press go out and point out the good things in any situation! if you cant find good in wdw good luck finding it at all!

[chasgooses]

couldnt agree more! and isnt it sad our media today, it would be tough to have someone in the press go out and point out the good things in any situation! if you cant find good in wdw good luck finding it at all!

Yeah, but his job was to write a review the Suite and as such, he is supposed to point out all the bad things in the room. It's not some media conspiracy to always look at things from a negative perspective (not to say that doesn't exist to an extent, although a lot of the fault falls on the viewers and consumers of media), it's just the nature of the genre of the article. No hotel review is ever going to be perfect, and oftentimes it is the reviews of the more expensive places that are the most negative because they should be perfect.

From the perspective of a hotel reviewer, a $587 room (aside: that seems surprisingly cheap for the Cinderella Suite. Poly LVC is about that much during the value season!) that does not have a minibar stocked with some alcoholic beverages is a problem (yes, its Disney, but that doesn't mean they don't have to be held up to everyone else's standards). Also, most of his negative comments about his stay were based upon the total loss of freedom that comes with the "prize." When I go to Disney we generally can only stay 5 or 6 days and I am the sort of person that plans out those days fairly obsessively. To lose one of those days to partake in the activities that come with the Suite don't sound worth it to me (I see the parades as great times to get in line for rides and like the character breakfasts at Chef Mickey's or Ohana's better than Cinderella's Royal Table). I am not saying that for some people that would be great, but the reviewer is totally right to point out the incredible loss of freedom that comes with the random prize. Not to mention that he was paying almost $600 for a room that he couldn't even leave without asking permission. I think the writer did his job pretty well.

[MissT]

How about giving this misguided, alcohol seeking 27yo a ride on Everest, except let the Yeti give him a 'love tap' on the head!?

[lightyearfan]

i have 2 words for this CLUELESS LOSER!! and they are you <snip> !! i dont want to spell it out , but you know what i mean. me and my dw would kill to get this to happen to us on our upcoming trip in June, it seems like this clueless reporter just plain hates WDW, he also talks about the money that the AP put out, it's not like it came out of his pocket, articles like this are the exact reason why i don't read newspapers

Victor