Just came back from a trip that included my 33rd wedding anniversary and it was fantastic. It dawned on me while there just how remarkable it is that the Portofino Bay has kept up the high level of service we experienced on our first visit in 2000 until now - and for the 180-ish nights we've stayed there almost every year in between. That kind of consistent management - probably through multiple management changes - is unheard of. I'm so appreciative to have a vacation destination that eliminates any worry of getting my money's worth and removes any anxiety about trying to select the best accommodations for my next trip. But I'm most appreciative that the PBH now carries the same nostalgia for my kids that the Magic Kingdom used to have for me - and now my kids are able to share that experience with their kids.
Rides can change, or be removed. Rides that were impressive as a child can lose their luster as an adult. However, when your memories are tied primarily to the home base of your hotel - the rides, parks and restaurants simply become amenities that don't diminish from the nostalgia when they change from what they were in the past. Without that consistent superb service, we would have never had the opportunity to now have something that special - because I don't tolerate bad experiences very well and would have likely hopped to a different resort by now.
Anyone working there needs to know that all those many little things they do don't go unnoticed and are greatly appreciated.