a four day trip report.. some grievances.. is Disney losing its Magic?

[zurgswife]

Originally posted by ggarriso
All --

Please dont get me wrong, its not that we dont have the magic how would we have 30 trips between us if we dont love the magic.. But just in our opinion quality of service / experience is declining a little the last few years.. I think its pretty hard to debate that fact..

The service/experience that I have experienced during the last 9 years has always been better each trip....While we have experience a few problems...they have always been dealt with professionally....

As far as parks go...they continue to in really good shape when I look...haven't experienced any problems with poor up keep....

 

[SoCalKDG]

Thanks for clarifying that Sammy! Just wanted to mention that we didn't even get to the "scary" parts, the 3D effects just immediately freaked him out

I'm surprised you didn't see that this wasn't a good ride for the young ones. Both Birnbaum and Unofficial guide say to stay off.

Next -- whats the deal with Fastpass on rides that dont need it.. they turn a 10 minute wait for anyone into 10 for fastpass users and 40 for anyone else.. Fastpass on living with the land?? give me a break! Im starting to go back to my old position that fastpass blows you know what..

I agree some rides don't need fastpass, and Disney does modify their system(just made major changes at Disneyland). The numbers you list though are out of whack. If a line would normally be 10 minutes long without fastpass, then the addition of fast pass would make the fastpass line approx. 3-5 minutes, and the regular line approx. 20-30 minutes, depending on if they were going with a 70-30 or 80-20 ratio.

 

[exnortherner]

DW and I have been coming to WDW since 1972, first as parents with young kids, later with teens and now with married kids and grandkids. I must say, it just keeps getting better. Over the years we have experienced crowded parks and near empty parks. We have roasted in the sun of July and been heavily rained on in August and froze in the early mornings of February.
We have experienced some disappointments but mostly we still feel like WDW is the place to feel young and be happy.

Now that DW and I live in Florida, we get to WDW several times a year...once with the whole family...several times just the two of us.

We were just at WDW in April and May. We said we would probably not go back for awhile. Then they announced discounted tickets and rooms for Florida residents....we are going back again twice in September.

We just can't get enough.

 

[momxx5]

As lovers of WDW who have been over 30+ times in our lifetime, I cannot imagine all those grievnaces ruining a trip.

To me, there seems to be an underlying personal problem that would make all these negatives outweigh the absolute joy that comes from being at one of the most magical places on earth. Maybe one has to look inside to find the "joy" of it all, or find somewhere else to vacation.

 

[meandtheguys2]

Originally posted by momxx5
As lovers of WDW who have been over 30+ times in our lifetime, I cannot imagine all those grievnaces ruining a trip.

To me, there seems to be an underlying personal problem that would make all these negatives outweigh the absolute joy that comes from being at one of the most magical places on earth. Maybe one has to look inside to find the "joy" of it all, or find somewhere else to vacation.

A PERSONAL PROBLEM because they thought some things were outta whack while they were there? Give me a break! I believe it has been documented that DW is spending less on some services in the park. Some people notice them. some don't. Did the OP state that DW has become a dive, and they are never going to return? No. They merely had a less than magical visit. Geesh!

I can't believe anyone would state such a thing!

 

[SoCalKDG]

A PERSONAL PROBLEM because they thought some things were outta whack while they were there? Give me a break! I believe it has been documented that DW is spending less on some services in the park. Some people notice them. some don't. Did the OP state that DW has become a dive, and they are never going to return? No. They merely had a less than magical visit. Geesh!

OK, lets see if the problem is Disney or personal by looking at the list.

First -- Disney seems to be skimming us on the AC.. Sad sad..

The level of coolness is a personal issue. I like it 74 in my office, my coworker likes it 71, and my wife would want it at 77.

Next -- is it just us or are they not hiding refurbs much anymore and they seem to be more rampant.. It felt like a good portion of the parks were under rehab.

Personal once again. For some people 5% of the park under rehab would be a pain, while others, 20%

Next -- the cast members.. there was ALOT of horsing around and out of character instances.. we saw a girl from Germany eating subway, and at one point at the starlight cafe, we saw 5 cast members pile into a janitor closet and start horsing around.. not good..

Disney, but exactly how does this effect a persons vacation. Does that subway sandwich make a person forget they are at Epcot? I hope not.

Next -- why are they trying to force me to take pictures on the way into the park?? I expect that from Six Flags not Disney.

I enjoy picture oppurtunities. If my family looks really good in that photo, maybe I buy it. This is personal all the way, not the end of Disney.

Next -- we were specifically told that the Pop century food court closed at midnight.. well I go down at 1130 and all of it is closed but the pizza place.. I didnt want pizza!!!. Closing 5 minutes early is one thing.. 30 is another..

Mostly Disney, some personal. The court was still open, but with limited food. CM should have been more specific.

Also the crowds were pretty hectic !! I was surprised by how crowded it was..

Disney must be going downhill, they have crowds.......

Also what was all the hype on Mission Space motion sickness. You all had me scared sick, as I get motion sick EASY.. but i had no problem.. however there was one lady on the way out that was completely blown up, laying down in the fetile position with a towel over her head..

Negative, positive, who knows. Personal opinion all the way though.