Let's Keep Each Other Updated On Fridge Replacements...

[JerseyDad]

No. None of have been replaced (see my post above). Whatever fridge is in any room would be one that had been fairly recently replaced, that they had deemed "safe." It's also possible it was overlooked. Fridges are still in every room on property. They've just been unplugged with a sign put on them explaining why they aren't to be used. I suppose one other possibility is a guest removed the sign and plugged it back in and housekeeping missed that.

...and I'll echo the above. My oldest daughter has a few friends that work at WDW in various capacities ...and they told her yesterday that the old "fridges" have, so far, only been unplugged ...and a sign placed upon them indicating that they are not working. (I would hope the signs would also warn the guests to not plug them in?)


....I've already picked out a cooler to bring (from one of many I have) that will fit nicely in the back of my wife's mini-van. I did a 'test-fit' to see which would be the best .....and which I could pack stuff into during our drive. It's got wheels and a handle ....so it'll be easy to get to the room from the car. It's sort of like having an 'insulated suitcase'.

[AvonleaCF]

I was just gonna say, what's going to stop someone from plugging it right back in and using it?

I keep going back-and-forth between trying to have a zen attitude towards it and dealing with not having one, and being really ticked off about the entire thing, especially since a fridge is supposed to come standard in a room and one can plan meals around having it to save money. It may just be a "convenience," but fridges are now fairly standard in most hotel chains. It really puts a bummer on the vacation. And I don't really want to go out and buy a soft-sided cooler just for one vacation (flying down and using ME so won't have a car).

It's just really frustrating and a let down.

[Hammer]

I was just gonna say, what's going to stop someone from plugging it right back in and using it?

I keep going back-and-forth between trying to have a zen attitude towards it and dealing with not having one, and being really ticked off about the entire thing, especially since a fridge is supposed to come standard in a room and one can plan meals around having it to save money. It may just be a "convenience," but fridges are now fairly standard in most hotel chains. It really puts a bummer on the vacation. And I don't really want to go out and buy a soft-sided cooler just for one vacation (flying down and using ME so won't have a car).

It's just really frustrating and a let down.

Cindy, I notice you are staying at the Beach Club. The Hess station at the Boardwalk isn't too far from you. Maybe you can pick up a foam cooler there? You can just leave it in the room when you check out. I know that isn't ideal, but it is an option.

I think you were planning to order from a grocery delivery service before this issue was reported. Can you order a foam cooler from them?

[LarryBoy]

an actual fridge and not that cooler type..hm could they have replaced some already.

It's on and it is actual. It's plugged in and it seems cool. Sadly I have nothing to put in it. We flew down, and since I didn't think there would be a fridge I didn't order any water or groceries.

[smallworld]

I was just gonna say, what's going to stop someone from plugging it right back in and using it?

I keep going back-and-forth between trying to have a zen attitude towards it and dealing with not having one, and being really ticked off about the entire thing, especially since a fridge is supposed to come standard in a room and one can plan meals around having it to save money. It may just be a "convenience," but fridges are now fairly standard in most hotel chains. It really puts a bummer on the vacation. And I don't really want to go out and buy a soft-sided cooler just for one vacation (flying down and using ME so won't have a car).

It's just really frustrating and a let down.

Cindy, I agree and felt the same. I also was alternating between going with the flow and getting steamed. The rooms are advertised as having a fridge, and people make plans based on having that amenity.

On the other hand, Disney didn't expect this to happen and I'm certain they aren't happy about it either.

In the scheme of things, this isn't a catastrophe; it's just a bummer -- but a bummer that guests had nothing to do with, and I think there should be some kind of compensation offered. It's pretty crummy that their plan all along was just to let guests know via a photocopied note in the room.

As for the soft-sided, packable cooler... my thought is that it's strictly a cost-benefit analysis kind of thing. Will you recoup the cost of the cooler in savings from meals you didn't have to buy because you had the cooler? (fwiw, back in the days when moderates didn't have fridges, we would always get a styrofoam one, but man did those things leak. We would always end up keeping it in the tub.)

[AvonleaCF]

If I bring a cooler, I'd also bring a bunch of zip-lock bags and keep the ice in those, and then keep those in the cooler. Just a pain to replace the ice a few times a day.

I'm not sure what the cost savings are. In past trips, I pick up a bag of bagels from the resort gift shop, as well as some OJ and cream cheese. I've also stored left overs in the fridge (I'm the type that will happily eat a cold leftover burger for breakfast). Or I use the snack credit to get a fruit bowl on my way back to the room and store it in the fridge to have with breakfast.

I like having breakfast in the room without first having to go to the lobby/resort eatery and dealing with the crowds there.

Plus cold water and soda is a plus.

It won't ruin the vacation - of course not - but it is really disappointing and frustrating. Especially since I read the news here and from my travel agent; if I had booked the trip myself through Disney I wouldn't even know about it. I think that's bad on their part; they should inform guests if a promised amenity isn't there. People pack based on what's promised: shampoo, soap, hair dryer, etc.

[mickeys_princess_mom]

If I bring a cooler, I'd also bring a bunch of zip-lock bags and keep the ice in those, and then keep those in the cooler.

I'm not sure what the cost savings are. In past trips, I pick up a bag of bagels from the resort gift shop, as well as some OJ and cream cheese. I've also stored left overs in the fridge (I'm the type that will happily eat a cold leftover burger for breakfast). Or I use the snack credit to get a fruit bowl on my way back to the room and store it in the fridge to have with breakfast.

Plus cold water and soda is a plus.

Good idea about the baggies! Might make it a little easier to fool with. We don't use the fridge for lots of things, but do grab some dessert goodies to bring back to the room sometimes, too. And we plan to bring water this time since we're driving and it'll be a wee bit warm.
My DD suggested bringing the disposable cooler bags from the dollar store--I'm not sure exactly what they're called. Good for beach trips, etc. You can put the ice and items in them without having to actually have an ice chest, them throw them away when you're done. Might be helpful for some of you flying folks to throw these in your suitcase!

[CuteAsMinnie]

Sounds like a good idea.

We'll be at the WL in a little under a month. I'll report back when I'm there.

All WL fridges that needed to be have been replaced as of the 3rd week of July.

[BrerGnat]

All WL fridges that needed to be have been replaced as of the 3rd week of July.

Whew! Great to know! Thanks!

[dwiller1]

I can confirm that fridge is not replaced and is still in the room (unplugged with a note on it) at Port Orleans Riverside. At least for a garden view room in building 38.

[baldburke]

It's like people preparing for a snow storm! You'd think they'd never be able to get a cold drink at Disney again!

[JerseyDad]

It's like people preparing for a snow storm! You'd think they'd never be able to get a cold drink at Disney again!

.....not quite sure it's the "can't get a cold drink" factor that has so many concerned. (the trusty ice machines are always available).

.....in general, a WDW vacation is not cheap ...for lack of a better term. And, as such, I think what plays a larger role in triggering concerns, is that many people have their WDW travel budget figured out to the last penny ...with food being a big chunk of that bottom line. The plan to bring food, or have it delivered to their rooms as part of minimizing the outlay of $$ could amount to a savings of +$100/day ....which is nothing to shrug off.

....I can tell you that this year's WDW trip (at the end of this month) is one in which we will be more budget conscious than in earlier years. And although we don't bring / or need food items such as milk, cereal, etc., ...we do usually have lots of 'snacks' to have in the room. (though none need refrigeration ...since I drive from NJ). Of course, I do bring an assorted case of beer with me ...and it's nice to have a cold brew at the ready ...and have it cost me about $1.50/each ....rather than the $5/beer at the bar.

....on the other end of the spectrum is the "hospitality factor" ...where, a certain grouping of amenities is advertised as part of the 'package' ....and one of them is missing. There's a large amount of planning involved for a vacation ....and then to have to make alternate plans to make up for a missing amenity ....can add to the stress.

[spoiledraf]

This dilemma actually gives me a good idea. I have a soft side cooler that I may just bring as a carry on. It'll be my "Man Purse"! It's a decent size and zips shut. I'll just throw some extra socks or sandals or whatever into it for the flight down and use it as a cooler when we get there. We are going to try and avoid anything but carry-ons for convenience and to eliminate the baggage fee. I'll have to see if it's soft enough to put under a seat.
We don't go til Christmas so they may have some things worked out by then. We don't really need a fridge anyway so no biggee.

[mydisneygirls]

All WL fridges that needed to be have been replaced as of the 3rd week of July.

Good to know, thanks! We'll be there before we know it.

[barnaby]

A friend of mine is at Pop now, and has no fridge.
I had down on Saturday to stay at AS Music and will check in

[BugeyedMuggy]

My SIL just checked into YC and she has a frig.

[JerseyDad]

A friend of mine is at Pop now, and has no fridge.
I had down on Saturday to stay at AS Music and will check in

...thanks for the update ....I head south on the great trek to the land of mouse ....and POP ....in about 11 hours

[Disney5+2]

We had a split stay at POR and YC last week. Unplugged refrigerators in all 5 rooms at POR and working refrigerators in all 5 at YC.

[BrerGnat]

We indeed had a working fridge (and looked to be brand new...it was larger than the old ones and had different temp control knob than I remember) at the WL 2 weeks ago.

Interestingly, I noted that the WL Mercantile ALSO sold foam coolers along with the groceries. So, other gift shops may also have them in stock.

Our fridge worked very well (almost too well...froze my son's GoGo squeeze pouches). It was very loud though. As loud as the full sized refrigerator in my kitchen. Just a fair warning. I thought our A/C unit was broken, but the noise was from the new fridge.

[IloveJack]

I've still got 99 days, but does anyone know about ASMovies, yet? I'll need somewhere to stash my insulin. We are driving, so we can bring a cooler if necessary, but with 5 of us, I'd rather not take up space in both the car and the room.