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Disneyland (California) Complaint - The Crappiest Place On Earth - Customer Service
Customer Service - Complaint
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA -- Recently I wanted to take my family to the happiest place on earth...but instead we spent three days at Disneyland. Don't get me wrong, I had purchased SoCal city passes and all other attractions were well worth the money (SD Zoo, Sea World, Universal Studios). Let's start with Thursday, June 19...after waiting in the 100+ degree heat to get my daughter autographs of three princesses for over an hour at the "Princess Faire", they change out characters to Minnie Mouse (who's signature she already had), Mulan (who cares) and some other forgotten Disney character (none of the family knew who this was...we thought it might have been a homeless woman they found sitting outside the park but we soon realized Disney Inc wouldn't let the President or the Pope in without charging a $100.00 admission, much less the needy). I'm a little angry, but nothing a good ride wouldn't solve. Since we were near death with the heat, the family voted to go on "SPLASH MOUNTAIN"...yeahhhhhh!!!
After sitting in line for one hour twenty minutes, we get to the front of the line and over the loud speakers we hear..."The ride is broke down for a indefinite period of time"...which means "screw you! haha" in Disney terms. Fine, the family wants to go to Tomorrow Land on the other side of the park. Why not get there by Disney Railroad...I'll tell you why not!!! Because the railroad is broken down too.
At this stage, I am PO'd. We decide to leave the park to get dinner (by the way, the Fairfield Inn across the street is a very nice hotel and treats customers great) and return around 8:30pm since the park is open till midnight according to their website. So we cool off and return at 8:30pm to find the fireworks show is already in progress...I find this annoying since the I was told earlier that morning that I begins between 9:00-9:30pm and have now missed most of the fireworks show but I won't let this get me down. Following the show, everyone is practically thrown out of the park by the jerks who wear Disney uniforms. Getting further annoyed by this my wife asks one of the jerks what is going on..."Tonight is GRAD NIGHT", which means "Should have asked for a kiss because the just got screwed again!!! haha".
I then proceeded to Disney's City Hall were I wished to complain and thought that strangling Mickey Mouse or one of those damn little dwarves might make me feel better. After pushing my way through HUNDREDS of angry people from Germany, China and across the globe (and not able to find that mouse anywhere) I had heated words with another jerk behind the counter who actually said "We do not control the Disney website" and "That's too bad". I now know why they check bags when entering the park, to make sure you do not have any weapons to kill the employees with because you will want to...trust me. Went back the following day (Friday, June 20) only because the SoCal city pass includes three glorious days in hell. Gates open at 8:00am Disney time...which is 9:30am California time. Which put me in a better mood because my wife & I were able to complain about Disneyland with 13 other couples we ran across in the shops who we over heard talking about the typical customer service we all received from Disney Inc. (they only let you down Mainstreet USA in the morning...you know the street with all the overpriced merchandise...not actually into the park which you already paid admission for).
To make a long story short, splash mountain was broken every time we walked past it the remaining two days, the train broke down once more, we decided to ride space mountain one last time before we left the park early on the last day(blood pressure was too high to stay there any longer and my 8 yr old daughter (who loves...sorry, lovED Disney movies and stuff) chose to swim in pool at hotel rather than spend another six hours at Disneyland)and that ride broke 4 times while we waited in line, but finally rode and ran out of the park as fast as we could, might have set a land speed record. Once again, my family enjoyed every park on the SoCal city pass with one exception...Disneyland - The Crappiest Place on Earth.
Nobody at Disneyland would inform me as to how to file a complaint with Disneyland and resolve this directly, I have recently tried to log on to the Disneyland website, what a surprise it's not working right now. It is sad that this may be the only way to file a complaint since nobody at Disney seems to care about your experience once you purchase your tickets.
After sitting in line for one hour twenty minutes, we get to the front of the line and over the loud speakers we hear..."The ride is broke down for a indefinite period of time"...which means "screw you! haha" in Disney terms. Fine, the family wants to go to Tomorrow Land on the other side of the park. Why not get there by Disney Railroad...I'll tell you why not!!! Because the railroad is broken down too.
At this stage, I am PO'd. We decide to leave the park to get dinner (by the way, the Fairfield Inn across the street is a very nice hotel and treats customers great) and return around 8:30pm since the park is open till midnight according to their website. So we cool off and return at 8:30pm to find the fireworks show is already in progress...I find this annoying since the I was told earlier that morning that I begins between 9:00-9:30pm and have now missed most of the fireworks show but I won't let this get me down. Following the show, everyone is practically thrown out of the park by the jerks who wear Disney uniforms. Getting further annoyed by this my wife asks one of the jerks what is going on..."Tonight is GRAD NIGHT", which means "Should have asked for a kiss because the just got screwed again!!! haha".
I then proceeded to Disney's City Hall were I wished to complain and thought that strangling Mickey Mouse or one of those damn little dwarves might make me feel better. After pushing my way through HUNDREDS of angry people from Germany, China and across the globe (and not able to find that mouse anywhere) I had heated words with another jerk behind the counter who actually said "We do not control the Disney website" and "That's too bad". I now know why they check bags when entering the park, to make sure you do not have any weapons to kill the employees with because you will want to...trust me. Went back the following day (Friday, June 20) only because the SoCal city pass includes three glorious days in hell. Gates open at 8:00am Disney time...which is 9:30am California time. Which put me in a better mood because my wife & I were able to complain about Disneyland with 13 other couples we ran across in the shops who we over heard talking about the typical customer service we all received from Disney Inc. (they only let you down Mainstreet USA in the morning...you know the street with all the overpriced merchandise...not actually into the park which you already paid admission for).
To make a long story short, splash mountain was broken every time we walked past it the remaining two days, the train broke down once more, we decided to ride space mountain one last time before we left the park early on the last day(blood pressure was too high to stay there any longer and my 8 yr old daughter (who loves...sorry, lovED Disney movies and stuff) chose to swim in pool at hotel rather than spend another six hours at Disneyland)and that ride broke 4 times while we waited in line, but finally rode and ran out of the park as fast as we could, might have set a land speed record. Once again, my family enjoyed every park on the SoCal city pass with one exception...Disneyland - The Crappiest Place on Earth.
Nobody at Disneyland would inform me as to how to file a complaint with Disneyland and resolve this directly, I have recently tried to log on to the Disneyland website, what a surprise it's not working right now. It is sad that this may be the only way to file a complaint since nobody at Disney seems to care about your experience once you purchase your tickets.
Comments:
Posted by PassingBy on 2008-06-26:
The web page is working just fine. Go to http://disneyland.disney.go.com/ then at the bottom of the page click on CONTACT US. I've used this before, although it was for the Florida park, and got a response from an executive with her phone number. I was sent a nice letter of apology plus new tickets.
Posted by Hugh_Jorgen on 2008-06-26:
So you went in the summertime, while the kids were all out of school and not only was it crowded, but it was hot? Boy, I would have never seen that coming.
As PassingBy suggested, contact Disney and let them know of your experience. Most of my Disney experience has been with Florida, but they take guest satisfaction very seriously. If you let them know about your disappointment with the early closing and the large number of broken rides during your visit I am pretty sure they will try to make it up to you.
As PassingBy suggested, contact Disney and let them know of your experience. Most of my Disney experience has been with Florida, but they take guest satisfaction very seriously. If you let them know about your disappointment with the early closing and the large number of broken rides during your visit I am pretty sure they will try to make it up to you.
Posted by PassingBy on 2008-06-26:
BTW when they have early closings there are clearly posted signs at the park entrance to let 'guests' know about it. I'd like to hear if the OP has similar complaints about long lines and the heat at the other parks.
Posted by Slimjim on 2008-06-26:
Broken rides fall under the stuff happens rule. They didn't bust it on purpose to "screw you". I can see how the instances listed can be aomewhat frustrating, but with a place the size of Disneyland, I can't see how they were not offset by some positive experiences. The heat is all about the time of year you chose to visit.
Posted by LoisMustDie on 2008-06-26:
Say what you will about the validity of this complaint but you gotta give it up to that great opening line ---
"Recently I wanted to take my family to the happiest place on earth...but instead we spent three days at Disneyland"
That alone was worth the price of admission to this review.
"Recently I wanted to take my family to the happiest place on earth...but instead we spent three days at Disneyland"
That alone was worth the price of admission to this review.
Posted by TGT101 on 2008-06-26:
You should have went on the rides anyway and when they crashed you could have complained about that too. Rides break.
Posted by happyASAclam on 2008-06-26:
Anyone who wants to throttle Mickey AND a dwarf is A-OK in my book!
Posted by superbowl on 2008-06-26:
Disneyland is hot and crowded in the Summer. Rides brake and have to be repaired. Disneyland is sitting in the middle of what used to be California desert scrub land. Summer temp's can reach over 100' on some days. The bulk of Disneyland's visitors show up once school is out so the place get's crowded. The rides at Disneyland and Disneyworld are mechanical in nature so yes mechanical things break from time to time.
"Although the faltered economy has slowed the influx of visitors to both Anaheim and Orlando in recent years, Mickey Mouse still attracts sizable crowds. About 37.6 million visitors pumped $4.5 billion into Anaheim's economy, according to the Anaheim Visitor and Convention Bureau. 13.1 million flood Orlando".
I would have to say a few upset families out of 34 million are not bad odd's. Think I'll keep buying my season pass and avoid the crowds when possible.
"Although the faltered economy has slowed the influx of visitors to both Anaheim and Orlando in recent years, Mickey Mouse still attracts sizable crowds. About 37.6 million visitors pumped $4.5 billion into Anaheim's economy, according to the Anaheim Visitor and Convention Bureau. 13.1 million flood Orlando".
I would have to say a few upset families out of 34 million are not bad odd's. Think I'll keep buying my season pass and avoid the crowds when possible.
Posted by SoCalSteve on 2008-06-26:
another happy tourist..blahhhhh!!
Posted by DebtorBasher on 2008-06-26:
LOL Steve.
Posted by superbowl on 2008-06-26:
Steve, think we got over 100 million tourists last year. A few less won't break the bank. Next time the guy should take the family to Houston Texas during the Summer. Anaheim will look like heaven.
Posted by SoCalSteve on 2008-06-26:
I hate when tourists complain,expecially when Im have a good time.
Gee i wonder why your daughter didn't want to go back? Whine Much?
Gee i wonder why your daughter didn't want to go back? Whine Much?
Posted by DebtorBasher on 2008-06-26:
Or they can go to Saginaw...have the ride of their life as they drive through dodging bullets and not have to worry about crowds. What more of a thrill is there?
Posted by DebtorBasher on 2008-06-26:
Yeah..that 100+ degree weather in CALIFORNIA IN JUNE was unexpected, I'm sure.
Posted by SoCalSteve on 2008-06-26:
My daughter is stoked about the new Toy Story ride.They are going to re-do California Adventure,their going to make a "cars" themed world.
We usualy go in Sept.Less tourists complaining about the lovely So Cal weather.The lines are shorter as well.
We usualy go in Sept.Less tourists complaining about the lovely So Cal weather.The lines are shorter as well.
Posted by superbowl on 2008-06-26:
We finally just got our June Gloom now that it's almost July (watch The girl who silenced the world for 5 minutes video), DB you would love today, the heat has left for now:
High: 72°
Low: 57°
High: 72°
Low: 57°
Posted by SoCalSteve on 2008-06-26:
the Op must be from Ohio.LOL
Posted by DebtorBasher on 2008-06-26:
HEY!
Posted by DebtorBasher on 2008-06-26:
It's 78 here right now...we had rain lastnight...expecting rain this evening...not bad.
Posted by DebtorBasher on 2008-06-26:
Oh...and what's with this ad on the side for the "Magic Bullet" weight loss...that woman having those body spasms is freaking me out...The "Magic Bullet" that I know of that causes spasms, has nothing to do with weight loss!
Posted by SoCalSteve on 2008-06-26:
we could use some rain to help fight the 800,000 fires that are surrounding us
Posted by superbowl on 2008-06-26:
Probably wears Bermuda shorts with black socks and black leather shoes with a polyester stripped shirt. That is the uniform of choice for most Ohio tourists here in Summer.
Posted by DebtorBasher on 2008-06-26:
They're just trying to blend in.
Posted by superbowl on 2008-06-26:
No, the locals wear baggy swim trunks, flip flops and a Jack's Surf Shop T-Shirt.
Posted by SoCalSteve on 2008-06-26:
thats what Im wearing now!! except I have a "Hurley" shirt on.
Posted by superbowl on 2008-06-26:
See!
Posted by SoCalSteve on 2008-06-26:
On a serious note,sorry you didnt have a great experience at the "happiest place on earth",was it your first time?I guess being a local,and going to Disneyland for 30 + years I know what to expect.I dont mind waiting in lines(good place to scam on chicks),and I dont mind the heat.My daughter has a great time,and thats what its all about,am i right?
Posted by DebtorBasher on 2008-06-26:
30+ years? Wow! You ARE older than me!
Posted by SoCalSteve on 2008-06-26:
I'll be 37 next month,but mentally i'll be 17
Posted by Cindyf on 2008-07-20:
Reasons we don't use our Walt Disney World Florida Resident Annual Passes between May and September:
1) Crowds of rude tourists
2) Crowds of whiny tourists
3) Crowds of pushy tourists
4) Crowds of tourists complaining about the heat
5) Crowds of tourists complaining about the heat
6) Crowds of tourists complaining about the heat
7) The heat
Here are a few tips for those of you visiting Disneyland or Disney World:
1) News flash: Orlando and Anaheim is hot in the summer.
2) News flash: Disneyland and Disney World are crowded in the summer.
3) Mechanical things break and/or have to be serviced.
4) You don't have to push and run to every ride, they're not going to pack them up and put them away.
5) When someone has staked out their parade spot and has been sitting there for over an hour on their blanket, don't come up 5 minutes before the parade and step all over them pushing to try and get a better viewing spot-it's rude and it just adds to the growing list of "Rude Things That Tourists Do".
6) Yes, we ALL know Disney is expensive so there's no need for you to keep yammering on about it. Next time stay home and take your kids to Chuck E Cheese instead.
7) It's Disney, not a magic wand that can make your life perfect for 5-6 days.
8) Happiness is a choice, choose it or stay home.
1) Crowds of rude tourists
2) Crowds of whiny tourists
3) Crowds of pushy tourists
4) Crowds of tourists complaining about the heat
5) Crowds of tourists complaining about the heat
6) Crowds of tourists complaining about the heat
7) The heat
Here are a few tips for those of you visiting Disneyland or Disney World:
1) News flash: Orlando and Anaheim is hot in the summer.
2) News flash: Disneyland and Disney World are crowded in the summer.
3) Mechanical things break and/or have to be serviced.
4) You don't have to push and run to every ride, they're not going to pack them up and put them away.
5) When someone has staked out their parade spot and has been sitting there for over an hour on their blanket, don't come up 5 minutes before the parade and step all over them pushing to try and get a better viewing spot-it's rude and it just adds to the growing list of "Rude Things That Tourists Do".
6) Yes, we ALL know Disney is expensive so there's no need for you to keep yammering on about it. Next time stay home and take your kids to Chuck E Cheese instead.
7) It's Disney, not a magic wand that can make your life perfect for 5-6 days.
8) Happiness is a choice, choose it or stay home.
Posted by Jaybee68 on 2008-09-12:
First, I love you cindyf. Be my bff?
Second, ditto all.
Third, look: if you can only visit Disneyland in the summer, then it is what it is. If I can only go to Colorado in January, I'm not going to complain about how cold and snowy it is and the fact that every car in front of me has a ski rack on it. Knowing the score is your OWN responsiblity. Furthermore, park hours are alwasy CLEARLY posted at all entrances.
You sound bitter because you made several tactical errors and had some bad luck. I would suggest that next time you visit, you educate yourself, but it's clear that won't happen since you've obviously even embittered your child against Disney. Good on ya - it just makes me space as an annual passholder a little wider.
Second, ditto all.
Third, look: if you can only visit Disneyland in the summer, then it is what it is. If I can only go to Colorado in January, I'm not going to complain about how cold and snowy it is and the fact that every car in front of me has a ski rack on it. Knowing the score is your OWN responsiblity. Furthermore, park hours are alwasy CLEARLY posted at all entrances.
You sound bitter because you made several tactical errors and had some bad luck. I would suggest that next time you visit, you educate yourself, but it's clear that won't happen since you've obviously even embittered your child against Disney. Good on ya - it just makes me space as an annual passholder a little wider.
Posted by GiveMeABreak on 2009-07-27:
These posts are hilarious! I worked at Disneyland (Anaheim) for five years while I was in college. All I have to say is...ALL of you should get a job in customer service or tourism just once in your life and you would find out how ridiculous the everyday guest can be. Me and my friends can sit around for hours and tell you stories that would change your mind about who is in the right and who is in the wrong in most of these posts. Do some homework before you take a trip somewhere or at least act like you have some common sense. Disney doesn't control the weather (come on a cooler day). Disney doesn't control how many people decide to come to the park each day (come during off-peak or use the fast-pass system). Disney DOES allow you to bring outside food and water into the park as long as you follow the rules (so why are you whining about the price of water & churros?). Bring a Arrowhead bottle of water from the grocery store and a big bag of Lay's potato chips!! So stop complaining about the temperature, attendance and optional food prices!! Trust me, if you treat any employees from any company rudely then you are not going to get the best results.
Posted by falconizer on 2009-11-06:
the OP should consider giving Disneyland one more chance and go to Hong Kong Disneyland next summer! Went there this summer, had a wonderful time there--friendly staffs, very lively characters (Alice, Pooh, Quasimodo, Cruella de Ville, Cinderella, Aurora, Aladdin and Jasmine... should I even continue?), great weather... and a lot cheaper too. Only took less than 6 minutes wait for Space Mountain--rode it three times. Great weather, great firework show (we know Chinese do fireworks best!) and best live shows! Their Lion King live show took 30 mins, with stunning performance... oh, and they have free water, too. Just bring your bottle and the staffs will refill them in no time.
Posted by OV1 on 2010-06-27:
Heck, if you think the temperature is bad at Disneyland in the summer, go to Legoland and die of the heat. Summer is the worst time to visit Disneyland unless you know to go early, leave during the heat of the day and come back at about 6:00 and stay until midnight.
Posted by ript on 2010-06-27:
Winter break is a good time to go to disneyland. No long lines, it's cooler, less crowded, and you can actually get through both parks in the same day. Better package deals in the winter too. Too bad you grew up and lost all the wonder and enchantment of your youth.
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