Do You think DISNEY has gone down hlll the last few years?

[BlueIrish]

I don't think its been going downhill. But I agree with the food. I've never went to Disney with the idea that I would be getting good food but for what it cost, I would like to see the food improved.

Disney has great attraction and hotels, so why not work on the food? Even the good sit down meals imo are just OK.

 

[brunette8706]

They will still add the 18% (which can be adjusted I believe) but the server won't take the tip for granted. Also to remember with TIW, the sales tax is figured on the discounted amount so there is a savings there as well.

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Thank you!

 

[TDC Nala]

I always thought it was strange that Disney maintained the West Side but still closed PI. The last time we were over there it was right after it closed and was quite the eye sore.

It's a little more lively at this point (West Side, not the former PI part - that's pretty much dead except for Raglan Road) but since then, Virgin Megastore has pulled out and a couple more of the smaller shops closed. A new Vinylmation store (operated by Disney and decorated with stuff pulled out of the Adventurers Club ) has opened there but everything else they've brought in has been temporary (Princess Diana exhibit, a make your own toy car store I think is still operating out of the former Virgin Megastore) but I think the eventual plan is still to pull in enough third-party lessees to fill the area. The going has been extremely slow though.

 

[MusiqChic99]

Before last Oct, I hadn't been to Disney World in 10 years. We went every year growing up but after college and such we never went until last year.

Honestly, I still felt the same magic I've always felt while being there.

I'm guessing the "downhill" feel is much easier felt to those to frequently go. After 10 years I was just so happy to be there, I didn't care!

As for the prices, I expect them to go up just like everything else that costs money goes up. It's a vacation...a privalege. Money that doesn't have to be spent. However my parents took a week's vacation to TN and spent just under what they would have spent a week at Disney. It's expensive everywhere these days!

I think Disney is a great family vacation spot and will continue to be so. Disney knows this too because no matter how many changes...so many people go and come back year after year.

 

[brunette8706]

You still have to pay the 18%. However, the concern mentioned was that because the server knows you are a TIW member and are going to be paying 18% tip automatically there would be no incentive for good service. If the server does not know you have TIW until you pay the check, that problem doesn't arise (unless you are a party of six or more, which would pay the 18% anyway). If you then get bad service, speak to a manager or don't use the TIW.

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Just saw this. Thanks TDC Nala!

 

[Mary T in PA]

We are also repeat guests and this year is a lucky one as we are making 2 trips down to the world... we were there 2 weeks ago and are going in late Nov.

I am basing my comments on my own experiences of our July 2010 trip against our late June 2009 trip (during the record breaking heat wave).

In June 2009, I would have pretty much agreed with the OP's comments- we saw trash in alot of the attractions, in both the ride and queues. Very rude people - both CMs and other guests. In general what was to be one of our best trips was one of our least favorite.

When I booked this July 2010 trip, it was because we had one of the worst blizzards on record here in PA and I wanted to "fry".... so I cancelled out of a convention I was to attend and decided a family trip to Disney would be better... we knew we would encounter the heat, humidity, tour groups and more increased crowds in general. So my expectations were low - I was just grateful we could work in this extra trip this year - and I was just happy to be in Disney sweating vs sweating on my back patio.

What we got 2 weeks ago was one of the BEST trips ever. I encountered wonderful CMs for the most part, I did have a run in with a staff person/manager about a resort issue that was rectified during our stay. Minor issues.

We had several instances of Pixie Dust and magical moments bestowed upon us.

I did notice that at 1 place the food seemed blah, but then it was a character dining meal my youngest loves so it's more for her experience than a dining experience.

As for the tour groups, they were out in full force, it is what it is. I ignore them and I did see MANY CMs who were doing their absolute best at doing their job and not letting these groups get away with their shenanigans.

I saw alot of CMs picking up trash and specifically checking rides when they were over. It seemed like last summer no one cared and I saw several rides literally trashed but yet they kept operating. I also saw alot of clothed Disney security in their uniforms strolling the parks 2 weeks ago.

I will be the first to admit I wasn't thrilled with the MK expansion.. but after I got there and saw the walls and also had some of the changes explained to me by a CM, I am excited for it.

Is there room for improvement? Absolutely. But DIsney is a huge multinational corporation and there is so much that goes into a decision for the parks.... I feel sure that there are designs on the drawing board now, but it takes forever to go up and down the various levels of management before it even gets to the bigger management people...and it's so slow.

I am sure people will say I have rose colored glasses, and that's fine. Each of us has had different experiences and I think it's safe to say there is always good and bad in every trip.

 

[Gary M]

We have gone to WDW over 50 times since 1992. Each time we have stayed at WDW resorts, our average stay is about a week. That means we have spent about 1 year out of the last 18 years at WDW. DW is burned out and won't go back to the world. I have a solo trip this December. The magic isn't what it used to be for me, but I still very much enjoy going. We have gone during the winter months when the weather is cooler and the crowds smaller. Except of course the 9/11 period, the crowds have gotten larger than during our earlier trips. Even though many people say the crowds, during most of the winter are manageable, it just isn't as pleasant for me, with what I see as larger crowds.

I feel like the maintenance at WDW has slipped over the years, but it's still cleaner than other parks and most other places that are open to the public. Maybe some of the magic has gone for me, because I have been so many times and I'm getting old. As long as I can, I will go to WDW at least once a year, even though it will be solo.
I believe in capitalism and don't fault Disney making a profit. If the government would take-over WDW, it would really go down hill.

 

[JB2K]

But I'm getting alot of bad vibes as to what is really going on in the world and it's really starting to get me to wonder. Is Disney turning into a money machine, that is only interested in making a buck and forgetting about all it's fine customers/guests?

Disney dining - They have increased all buffets services and lowered the quality of food, i.e. took off prime rib at Boma and a few other restaurants.

That could be blamed on the economy and that the average guest could care less about fine dining.

Disney CL Service - I've been reading that the food isn't what it used to be. Yet people pay a large premium for this. Food runs out and is not replenished etc.

In many venues, all Disney food is now of similar quality of an off-site equivalent. Heard it's even moreso at Disneyland.

Christmas attractions - Took away the lights at Epcot. It was just beautiful. It totally ruined the whole effect last Christmas season.

Never did the holidays at the world - but again, it doesn't surprise me.

Nickel and Diming the guest - Holiday surcharges for buffets. Okay, I can understand Thanksgiving and Christmas. But Memorial Day through 4th of July too! It's just plain wrong.

Agreed.

Doubling the price of a stroller- Double stroller 1 1/2 years ago was $18.00 now it is over $30.00. If you multiply that by 7 days it's the price of a rent a car!

That doesn't seem to be a "fair" increase - a couple of bucks I can understand, but $12.00-plus ??

Ticket increases - Every August there is a ticket increase!

Again, inflation plays a role - this year's increases seemed "middling" compared to the stroller (maybe that's why they raised stroller rental prices?).

Brazilian groups- Extremely disruptive, rude, crass, and down right hazardous (blocking pathways), making loud noises outside of value hotel rooms in the early morning hours. There are 2-3 threads about this outrageous behavior, with hundreds of complaints from our DIS friends. Yet, Disney refuses to do anything about this.

Disney refuses to do anything about this because tourists from Brazil equals big money. Can't alienate a whole group of people...

With the economy in the tank, people out of jobs, it would seem that Disney shouldn't be this greedy, for a lack of a better word. I'm just starting to notice some of these ill effects taking place. This is just my observation.

Any thoughts?

Yes, as with all international tourist desitinations, if WDW isn't "drawing 'em in" from here in North America, it's time for the marketing gurus to look towards other countries with the intent of bringing their tourist dollars to the property.

Secondly, everyone on the board tends to forget a simple fact when it comes to all things Disney - The Walt Disney Company is a conglomerate (a word, more often that not, used to describe big outfits like Walmart and GE) - in Disney's case, The WDC's speciality is media/entertainment. Like other big business conglomerates, their primary businesses are in place to make money and return some of those profits to their shareholders.

And when times get tough, Disney, like others, has to work extra hard (cut a few corners) to keep the money flowing...

 

[bicker]

Everything changes. It is a basic rule of life. And a corollary seems to be that many people practice nostalgia, remembering the past more fondly than they originally experienced it. Individual things may improve or degrade, but the nostalgic will not really notice the improvements, and will perceive the degradations magnified.

 

[labattblue]

I don't think its been going downhill. But I agree with the food. I've never went to Disney with the idea that I would be getting good food but for what it cost, I would like to see the food improved.

captive target audience who need to eat + packed restaurants = regular price increases + lower quality + smaller portions

I wouldn't expect much to change in this regard.

 

[Mamu]

I don't think it has.

I think Disney tried to please everyone, visitors, workers and stockholders.

As far as restaurants go, the QS offer more healithier choices then did a few years ago, TS some are good, some fair. Some of the TS I love years ago have been put on my "Do Not Return List" over the years chefs change, menus change. Some for the better some for the worst.

Disney does a wonderful job on the upkeep of the parks. Some of the QS areas can become very messy during the day, but I can't blame Disney for guest who just leave their messes and walk away.

Disney is also always upgrading their resorts.

Disney does change there rides and shows every so often, some for the better, some for the worst. (yet that is my opinion) Other may love the changes.

My one concern is some of the complaints going on about CL. This is a level you pay extra for, the service you are paying for should never be comprised, as to making ADR, or drinks and food being available as advertised. Because someone before you took all the drinks, food or desserts should not mean that you should do without. I find this totally unacceptable, my family do not abuse this service, and because someone before us did we should not be punished.

 

[KYCruiseCrazy]

You still have to pay the 18%. However, the concern mentioned was that because the server knows you are a TIW member and are going to be paying 18% tip automatically there would be no incentive for good service. If the server does not know you have TIW until you pay the check, that problem doesn't arise (unless you are a party of six or more, which would pay the 18% anyway). If you then get bad service, speak to a manager or don't use the TIW.

Unless the service is great I don't tip. A tip is a way to say "Thanks for the great service". If the service sux, then should I have to give you have tip?? I think now. We saw this many times back in 2005 when they paid the tip as part of DDP. The quality of service started going down noticeably during the "Hurricane" free dinning. We went to WDW twice in 2005, that year and our 2nd trip in Dec was noticeable of who/what the CM's were not wanting to "earn" their tip when they got it automatically.(part of the reason WDW stopped paying the tip)

It seems since the ONLY was WDW can get the masses to show up at parks that charge $14 to park. $79(now $82) to enter a park and expect the same level of service that has made WDW what it is!! WDW price increases are going to cause the "other" Orlando" parks to jack up their prices too.

It's amazing to see how many company's out there that has "large" profit margins, yet they keep holding back from adding on more staff. It seems like they are more interested in what the shareholders want, then the quality of service.

 

[Purseval]

It seems since the ONLY was WDW can get the masses to show up at parks that charge $14 to park. $79(now $82) to enter a park and expect the same level of service that has made WDW what it is!! WDW price increases are going to cause the "other" Orlando" parks to jack up their prices too.

I think you are forgetting about inflation. In 1971 dollars that $82 would be $14.95. A full day at MK back then would have cost about $10 for an adult. So it would be higher but not outrageously higher and there is also a lot more to choose from.

Note: One can only estimate how much a day at MK would be because the pricing structure was actually pretty complicated back then. It was $3.50 to get in the gate, $5.75 with an 11-ride package then you also bought ticket books with rides from A to E class.

 

[flicx]

I think you are forgetting about inflation. In 1971 dollars that $82 would be $14.95. A full day at MK back then would have cost about $10 for an adult. So it would be higher but not outrageously higher and there is also a lot more to choose from.

How is that not outrageously higher.If it cost 49.5% higher?($10.00 vs.$14.95) So if you go to buy a new car and it cost $10,000 and the salesman said hey I got one that isn't too much higher only $14,950 you would think there isn't that much difference?

 

[Purseval]

How is that not outrageously higher.If it cost 49.5% higher?($10.00 vs.$14.95) So if you go to buy a new car and it cost $10,000 and the salesman said hey I got one that isn't too much higher only $14,950 you would think there isn't that much difference?

Because the first car would be nice but have a standard transmission, no air conditioning and 1971 technology while the other would be loaded and comply with all the government regulations that have been put into place since the first model came out. If WDW had been as big in 1971 as it was today I doubt it still would have been $10 to get in.

BTW, speaking of cars -- a sampling:

1971 Dodge Charger $3,579
2011 Dodge Charger $25,000-$41,000 base price depending on engine/suspension

1972 Corvette $5472
2011 Corvette $49,900 - $112,050

1972 Cadillac coupe De Ville $6168
2011 Cadillac CTS-V $69,785

 

[JLTraveling]

There is a subtle decline in quality, but downhill isn't the word, I think surviving is. I noticed the decline after 2001. This area was hit very hard by a knock in tourism, brought about by obvious events, hurricanes, etc... Frankly, the time frame between 2001 and this year, vacations were the last thing on many people's minds.

This. If you think back to the period immediately after 9/11, all of the Orlando-area parks had to implement sudden and drastic changes to try to avoid layoffs--cutting park hours, placing a large number of rides, shops and restaurants into "seasonal closures," letting go of some of the maintenance and cleanliness standards. It was a desperate time for everyone, and acceptance of massive changes in all areas of life was the new reality, and even considered our patriotic duty. Incidentally, that's also when bag checks were implemented--something that Disney had said they would never do because it sets an adversarial tone for the day, but it had to be done for safety, so we accepted it.

IMO, the problem developed when tourism rebounded, but standards didn't. We had all been trained to accept a new normal, one that didn't include pristine bathrooms and gourmet food and jugglers and an utter lack of burned-out light bulbs. Why should Disney have returned to pre-9/11 standards if we the visiting public had come to accept lesser quality? This gave them a golden opportunity to increase profit margins. Not that it's solely Disney, it's a general attitude throughout the tourist sector...and don't even get me started on the security theater at airports...full body scans? Really? But that's a different topic.

Of course quality has gone downhill. We've learned to accept this messed up "new normal" throughout our lives, and Disney would be stupid not to take advantage of it. Until we collectively wake up, that's how things are going to be everywhere.

 

[bicker]

This. If you think back to the period immediately after 9/11 ... IMO, the problem developed when tourism rebounded, but standards didn't. We had all been trained to accept a new normal, one that didn't include pristine bathrooms and gourmet food and jugglers and an utter lack of burned-out light bulbs.

Sorry, but I think folks blame 9/11 too often for things. I'm glad you mentioned "burned-out light bulbs" specifically, because I remember discussing that specific issue in discussion threads on radp in 1997-1998. Things have never been perfect at the parks. And conditions vary up and down over the decades. Is today the best or worst is has ever been? Probably neither, but even with cyclical characteristics, there must have been a point when the extremes on both ends are reached, after which things head back in the other direction.

"IMO, the problem" is that people try to compare things in time that are most properly compared in space. By that I mean that the meaningful comparison to apply to WDW is the comparison to Universal, to Paramount parks, to Six Flags, to Las Vegas, etc., since we travel by car, train or airplane from home to destination, instead of traveling from "now" to "the past".

 

[justice4all77]

I feel that disney hasn't really added anything that great in recent years. I feel that the parks are still stuck in 1998-2002 mode. Universal added a huge new themed land that has literally brought them back to life. Disney must be planning something to compete because that is what they need. Sure they have added small attractions but none of them compare to classics such as splash mountain, pirates, etc. Hands down Disney needs more attractions. No more new hotels and restaurants. Don't get me wrong those are great! but a brand new themed land would be amazing. Maybe another giant attraction like a roller coaster. I know Disney is not a coaster park like a six flags but having one sure wouldn't hurt and would be good for change.

I do agree with the poster who says Disney is going downhill but I do have faith that the imaginneers are planning bigger, greater new things for the years ahead. I hope they are not focusing all attention to the expansion of fantasyland to meet the needs of larger guests. Disney needs to pick it up and come up with that wow factor that they delieverd with Tower of Terror and Mission Space and Soarin. More Rides!! Bigger Attractions!! Let's go Disney! There is a great big BEAUTIFUL tomorrow!!

 

[bicker]

Universal's "huge new themed land" ends up seeming rather anemic from what I've read. It's not insignificant, but I think (1) you're giving it way too much credit given what it is, and (2) they just added it - when one park just adds something it becomes the park that just added something. Someone has to be last. In reality, Universal was just playing "catch up" with Disney, having greatly expanded Asia.

 

[Planogirl]

The point is that Universal spent a lot of money giving people something new. I think that many are hoping that Disney will do the same.

There is also nothing wrong with being nostalgic. Some things were better at one time and some things are better now. That's just simple logic. Whether WDW was better at one time or not definitely depends on who is looking at the then and now and what it is that they're looking for.