Anyone disappointed with their trip to WDW?

[lpbm4]

Don't really know where this belongs... We just got back last week and I'm really quite disappointed in our trip. I honestly wish we chose another trip and spent that $3000 on something else or somewhere else. I was just completely disappointed in the trip. This is the 1st time since I've been since 1980 when I was 4yrs old. I guess I was expecting more "magic". I mean, we did have fun, but with all the research and such I did on here, I was expecting more. I honestly have no idea how people can go back year after year, or so frequently throught a single year. Anyone else feel this way? I may be shot down b/c of all the WDW lovers on here. Just hoping I'm not the only one....

 

[Mrs.Reese]

I'm sorry you didn't have a great time. What exactly was so disappointing?

 

[cruiserkaren]

No I can't say that I have. Our last trip was a little less magical than the previous two but it had nothing to do with WDW. We weren't crazy about our resort and dd was whiney a lot.

Any specific reasons why you were disappointed?

 

[trypnotic]

Things never seem as fun as an adult as they were as a kid so I generally try to avoid them - with the exception of WDW of course

Now that you've been there recently - try to take a long weekend trip if possible. So now that you probably know what you'd like to do the most - hit only those attractions again. My wife and I like to take extended weekend trips which we usually make happen when we get a great deal on airfare, then save a few $$ by staying off-site.

If you went with kids, next time leave them with grandma or someone that would take them - explore WDW as an adult

There are many, many ways to experience WDW. If one doesn't work, try it another way!

 

[maddhatir]

Don't really know where this belongs... We just got back last week and I'm really quite disappointed in our trip. I honestly wish we chose another trip and spent that $3000 on something else or somewhere else. I was just completely disappointed in the trip. This is the 1st time since I've been since 1980 when I was 4yrs old. I guess I was expecting more "magic". I mean, we did have fun, but with all the research and such I did on here, I was expecting more. I honestly have no idea how people can go back year after year, or so frequently throught a single year. Anyone else feel this way? I may be shot down b/c of all the WDW lovers on here. Just hoping I'm not the only one....

I always say-- you either LOVE Disney and cant live without it......or NOT!

Everytime I go- I want to cry I am so happy to be there, I am so happy planning, happy thinking about it, happy talking about it- but not everyone feels that way--

Maybe try one more time and if you feel the same way-- Dont waste your money in Disney if you can be enjoying yourself somewhere else

What did you do when you were there- who did you go with?- where did you stay?

We need details of there is going to be an intervention!

 

[scrump]

I think it's probably just not your thing, depending on what was so disappointing. Nothing wrong with that.

 

[skier_pete]

I am sorry to hear that you did not have that good a time. Hanging out on these boards can be dangerous for a first-timer, because the folks here will give you the impression that nothing in the world is better than Disney World, and the truth is, it's just not everyone's thing. I personally cannot see spending every vacation there.

That being said, there is almost no way that I could ever or will ever be disappointed in a trip to Disney World. Every visit, I find more things to amaze and astound my senses. This year, going with a three y.o. versus just my DW and I, it was a whole new perspective. We never would have previously gone to see Festival of the Lion King, or stopped to watch one of the parades, and they just floor me everytime. I can't speak for others, but Disney hits me on two levels, the child-like wonder of the specticle itself, and my analytical engineering mind that's agog at the details that have to be co-ordinated just to pull it off. (Example: Think of the complexity of scheduling required to ensure that employees are in place to play each of the characters at the required times, but that they can't have the same character in the same park at the same time...etc, and then it all runs like clockwork.)

Anyways, I am truly sorry to hear that you did not feel it was worth it. Perhaps if you look at it from the point of view of your kids, I'm sure they enjoyed it...right?

SkierPete

P.S. Of course my devil side says....well that's good, one less family taking up valuable park space in the future...yes I am evil.

 

[SnwflkCts]

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH .... stone her!

Just teasing. I, too, am sorry your trip was less than magical. How did your kids feel? Were you just too overwhelmed? Did you worry too much about the cost? I did not go until I was grown so WDW was magical to me in an adult sort of way. Don't have "buyers remorse" though. Try to think about the things you thought were the most fun.

 

[ReallyFunMom]

This is the spot to build up unrealistic expectations. It's not for everyone and thats ok. You picked a pretty decent week, a little more crowded than previous years but not hot and with young kids that get up early, hitting the parks early should have been easy. You couldn't have done much different, you were prepared, etc. A more relaxing vacation might just be your thing. Was the rest of the family also disappointed? You may look back at pics and hear your kids talking about it and decide that it was worth it but, not again ever or not for another 5-7 years. Thats ok, its more "normal" than the group here I sometimes refer to in a loving manner as "Disney Freaks". (Of course, everyone else calls ME that in the real world! I'm actually more of an Orlando Fan but the clarification is lost on most.) All vacations, except camping, are fairly expensive (try skiing or a cruise for a week). I enjoy it but also don't find it all that "magical" like the ads and some of the talk here would lead you to expect. Worst case, figure you got the obligatory wdw vacation over with. You've got pictures, kids can't say you never took them!

 

[Wish I lived in Fl]

Happiness = Expectation/reality as a rule of thumb.

Dh didn't think our first trip was worth it. $2500 and we could have gotten a computer instead.

I do like travel with plenty of activities. He would prefer a week in a cabin fishing. We are going fishing this year. I will bring plenty of books.


What did the kids think?

 

[maddhatir]

This year, going with a three y.o. versus just my DW and I, it was a whole new perspective.
SkierPete

ohhh SkierPete- 3 yo-- DH and I dont have kids and have been to Disney 10 times before bringing our 4yo niece last year (just ourselves) and both her and her 2yo brother this year (with BIL and SIL)

OH sure you see Disney in a whole other way-- the crazy way! The stroller- the (sometimes) crying, the diaper changing etc. I give parents tons of credit to go to Disney with kids.... I have done it both ways- and no amount of magic I see in their eyes can get me to say it was enjoyable!

I cant wait until our next trip when it is just DH and I again- I will KISS Disney ground when we stroll in the parks... hand in hand......alone!

but....thats just selfish ol' me- I like the magic in MY eyes!...no flames please!

 

[maddhatir]

Thats ok, its more "normal" than the group here I sometimes refer to in a loving manner as "Disney Freaks". (Of course, everyone else calls ME that in the real world! I'm actually more of an Orlando Fan but the clarification is lost on most.)

I KNOW the feeling- But I am PROUD to be a freak!

 

[cleo]

I'm going to come right out and say it (blasphemy!): If you find an internet fan site once you're already a fan, I think it feeds on the 'fanaticism' and it's a great way to connect with like-minded people. But I also think if you find the fan site before you take the first trip, it's entirely possible to think 'What they heck are they all wound up about'?

I'm sure not everyone feels that way, but I can see how after reading glowing report after glowing report about the 'Magic' it would be a bit of a downer when you go in with such sky-high expectations that, frankly, are pretty hard to achieve in 'real life'.

A lot of what you read on the boards is about perception. The Cindy's craze, the Dole Whip craze, the I-Can't-Live-Without-One-More-Trip-To-Disney craze. It takes on a life of its own and it can be far beyond the actual experience. I sometimes wonder if it's beyond the actual experience of the people who HAD the experience. Everything is kicked-up a notch (or 20) for the benefit of the readers. Sort of a mob mentality.

I love the Orlando theme parks. So much so I made them my job. But it's the simple things that make it so magical for me, not the WOW factor that runs rampant on fan sites. Not to say that isn't there, too, but since that wasn't your experience I just wanted to say I don't think you're alone and I can see where you're coming from.

Maybe a little distance from it will dispell some of the 'hype' you may have gone in with and your actual memories will look pretty magical in hindsight. Maybe not. Maybe giving it a second try in a year or two, without the heightened expectations, might result in a more realistic experience which, in the end, could prove as magical as we all think it is.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Don't really know where this belongs... We just got back last week and I'm really quite disappointed in our trip. I honestly wish we chose another trip and spent that $3000 on something else or somewhere else. I was just completely disappointed in the trip. This is the 1st time since I've been since 1980 when I was 4yrs old. I guess I was expecting more "magic". I mean, we did have fun, but with all the research and such I did on here, I was expecting more. I honestly have no idea how people can go back year after year, or so frequently throught a single year. Anyone else feel this way? I may be shot down b/c of all the WDW lovers on here. Just hoping I'm not the only one....

Wait 6 months or a year and see how you feel. Our first trip was in 1987, and I was just "OK, been there now, go on somewhere else" about it. Then about 6-12 months later, I was helping someone else who was going to go, and I started thinking back and it got more and more fun! Every trip I've been on has gotten more enjoyable. But that very first one (well, first for you since 1980) really left me cold.
BTW, we have family in Lake Villa, Illinois.

 

[MomtoGKC]

I'm so worried this is how my husband is going to feel. He doesn't love Disney to start with and this trip I planned is way more expensive than he imagined. I'm hoping he'll like it more since we're going for the first time with our kids. Once he sees it through their eyes he's going to love it as much as I do - right??!!

 

[Kimberly815]

Sorry you didn't have a great time!

Lucky for me I didn't know about this site before my first trip. I did a little research and made sure to plan specific things for my fiance (boyfriend then) and we just took it easy.
We did what we wanted to do, when we wanted to. I know that we got lucky to have such a great trip with little planning. . .but I think that was the key to enjoying the magic the first time and wanting to come back.
I have a feeling if I knew of the disboards before my first trip, I would have been dissappointed!

 

[dgaston]

For me standout magical moments are things like my DD then 5 quivering with excitement as she met Mickey at the Empress Lily character breakfast (dating myself to 88!), my youngest DS then 15 "screaming like a girl" on Crush n Gusher, my husband's pleased expression after every ride on Mission:Space, and his endless "conducting" the music for Illuminations, my oldest DS walking on air after driving at Richard Petty, getting to ride in the front of RnR, etc.

What specifically left you feeling "eh?" Your resorts and MVMCP, and sleigh ride sound like excellent planning.

 

[maddhatir]

.
We did what we wanted to do, when we wanted to. I know that we got lucky to have such a great trip with little planning. . .but I think that was the key to enjoying the magic the first time and wanting to come back.
I have a feeling if I knew of the disboards before my first trip, I would have been dissappointed!

I agree- DH HATES when I plan our trips- we pretty much used to wing it and have a great time- but I try and tell him with the ADRs etc, it kind of takes the winging it-- out of it!! It is a sad thing that you have to plan so many things in advance.

Our last trip (this past Sept) we took by ourselves was very relaxing- low crowds- we took a break in the middle of the day from the parks and went to the pool or just back to the room- We went to the parks that TGM suggested each day-

but then we had the DP which you had to make ADRs for- I didnt like having to be somehwere else while I was at the park- or even taking 2 hours out of my park time just sitting down and eating. DH insists on using the DP TS for dinner- I would be happy just doing a CS and a snack once a day- way too much food on the DP--- but it was free so I cant complain about it!

 

[bopper]

Like others have said, you have to be careful when reading the disboards...Just because one (or many people) think something is the greatest, doesn't mean you will.
But sometimes it tells me some things to try...like I never had a Dole WHip, but now I have tried them and think they are pretty good. I don't plan my trip around them or anything. Turkey legs? Gross! Hoop-de-doo? Too corny. Tower of Terror? Love it! So over time we have found which things we like and which we don't.

Sometimes I think you can get sucked into feeling like something is wrong with you if you are not into something like others are. The problem is, you are reading the disboards and you can read about so many things that people are fanatical about. However, generally it is not EVERYBODY who is fanatical about EVERYTHING. So don't feel bad that you are not into things as much as everybody else.

Also, you have to know what you and your family like to do. Do you generally hate crowds? Do you like more outdoor activities? Maybe WDW is not for you. Or maybe you may not have planned the way that is best for your family. I know other families like to park hop and will tell you how great that flexibility is...but to me park hopping is a waste of time! However, we find that too many days of all day at the parks gets everybody cranky, so we have learned to only do two park days and then have a sleep in /pool day.
But either way you go, it is good to know your families "style" to ensure a more optimal experience.

So what was disappointing about your trip?

 

[Praying Colonel]

A famous gambler, Nick the Greek Dandalos, once said "The next best thing to gambling and winning is gambling and losing." IMHO the next best thing to a great trip to WDW is a not-so-great trip to WDW. Either way, you're at WDW, and there's no place I'd rather be (he says as he counts the 14 months until his next WDW trip ).