Anyone disappointed with their trip to WDW?

[TaraPA]

Ditto for us - last week was our 6th trip in 8 years & I think we're done with Disney for a long time. I can't put my finger one one thing, I'm sure it was a combo of DH not wanting to be there, DS9 being a total whiny brat the whole time, higher than expected crowds, less than enthusiastic CMs, really blech food & long waits for rides & attractions that have just somehow lost their magic for me (if I never see Dumbo, Jungle Cruise or Small World again it will be too soon!) I did however discover Dinosaur & Test Track, Boma & Liberty Tree Tavern, and re-visited old faves like Tom Sawyer Island, Ellen's Universe of Energy (stop laughing I really like this one!), HM & POTC. So I can't say it was all bad!

 

[letterdavidman]

--MGM, wish I had read up more on this park. What a complete waste of my day with the kids. We were there for all of 3hrs and that included sitting down for lunch! I guess I didn't do my research on this one. We were all bored here.

The wife and I agree with you wholeheartedly on this point. We honestly find going to MGM almost a chore. We feel its the most haphazrdly themed (and laid out) of all the Disney parks. But we've also vowed to make MGM our very first park stop on our next trip, thereby allowing us to spend more time in it and (hopefully) find it somewhat more enjoyable. Who knows?

 

[PamNC]

I'm sorry you didn't feel the magic you were expecting. We've been going since our honeymoon in 1994, we typically go 2x a year. Some trips are more magical than others, and that usually has nothing to do with Disney. It has to do with our frame of mind at the time. For instance, is something going on at work or in your personal life? I also agree that over-planning is a mistake. We do make ADRS, although I would rather not, but it would be worse if you had your mouth fashioned to eat at Le Cellier and found out you had to wait 2 hours. So, we make our ADR's and if we change our mind or if we're at a park that is sort of "far away" from where we're scheduled to dine, we simply call and find another place. Most of the time we get what we want.

We don't commando - we take it easy. Go when we want, for how long we want, etc etc. I can't say that I've ever been disappointed in the magic of a Disney vacation. Not to say that we have had perfection 100% on every trip. This past trip though, we were chosen to be grand marshalls of the Magic Kingdom parade and it was indeed the most magic I've ever experienced. The CM's are a big part of the magic to me and they do such a good job.

MGM - it's my least favorite of the four parks, but I wouldn't call it a waste of time. I didn't use to feel this way. I miss the old MGM with SuperStar Theater and the Monster Sound Show. I miss residential street and seeing the osborne lights there instead of in the city setting.

It's a lot of money - no doubt. But to us, it's worth every single penny. Heck, we just got back a few weeks ago and we're already planning a trip for May.

You're not the only one. I know people who just don't like Disney. I don't understand it, but I guess that is what makes the world go 'round. Different strokes for different folks. One guy I know said to me, "I didn't like Epcot, all you do is ride through and look at these exhibits." ???? You have to have the magic in your heart I think.

PamNC

 

[Walter C]

The only trip that was a disappointment for me, was in 1991. I went with my sister, and we met up with my cousin's family. After that, I thought I would never return (but I would 3 years later and have a blast)

As it turned out, the cousin's family had no desire for Disney, and would only go to the Magic Kingdom. So me and my sister were by ourselves at Epcot and MGM. And I can't forget when one of my cousins rode behind me in the Indy Speedway, and crashed into me many times.

The only good things was bumping into people we knew from home, and visiting MGM for the 1st time.

 

[blessedby3]

The only trip I have been (midly) disappointed with was back in 1992 and that is because it was SOOOOO HOT and hard to enjoy (July). We will never do a trip in the summer again. All our other trips have been so wonderful and great memories were made during each one. We are a Disney Freakin Addicted Family and we love it. Got to brain wash the kids starting when they are young

 

[Lucky82061]

How dare you say you are dissapointed with Disney!!!

... Just Kidding!

In all honesty, it's not for everyone. I completely understand what the OP meant by feeling rushed, having ADR's and such... WDW can be a relaxing vacation... but more often than not it turns into a ride every ride, see every show, eat every snack, make it to all ADR's, park hop between all 4 parks in one day sort of commando marathon... especially on your first trip. I enjoyed WDW when I used to go and do that however now that we take longer trips and don't feel the need to see and do everything, we can take time to stop and smell the roses (hooray for cliche's )

WDW is really going to be what you make of it. I know that had I read these boards before taking a trip to WDW I would be so overwhelmed and have felt like I would have to do so many things or I wouldn't be getting the true experience. Realistically, many things on this board are blown way out of proportion and you don't have to do it all to truly "feel the magic".

Over-planning is probably the number one killer of first time wdw vacations... it's really hard to plan that far in advance when you haven't ever been there so you have no idea what will/won't work for your particular family. What one DISer may or may not like or feel is worth doing is going to be completely different from what you may or may not like and feel is worth doing... but on here the things we do like are so blown over the top (with good reason darnit! ) and the things we don't are thrown in the pits of Mr. Toads fiery hell...

In fact, constantly thinking about having to do this or that usually is the reason why many families who take trips don't enjoy themselves and end up feeling like they just wasted their hard earned money. I can't tell you the countless times I have seen families running around trying to hit every ride/show and completely missing the magic that is going on around them.

But some people will not like it.. and will never like it, and that's fine to each their own :

Oh and to tinker-tude: Yeah I have seen some of what you are talking about the past few trips to WDW... well except the CM's, the one's I spoke to were all the same happy go lucky disney-types that I have always seen at WDW. I think they should definetely be made aware of these things that we are noticing.. I would suggest sending that to wdw guest communications so atleast they understand that.. we are watching you.....

 

[kkevcamsmom]

I am sorry you had a bad time.

We are going for the first time in January, and can't wait. We have no expectaions. We all (except for DS's) have picked one show or ride in each park that is a MUST DO. We will let the boys pick theirs on the plane.

We want to just go and have fun.

Lori

 

[Fore2213]

We just got back last night. This was our 14th trip to WDW. We love going there but with each trip, we find more and more to be dissapointed about. Its like WDW loses a little more magic each time we go. Most of it is the small things. Lack of attention to detail. When we went for our first trip in '88 it seemed the entire facility shined, no trash, no dirt, smiles on EVERY CM. We were at the MVMCP tue night and both TM and SM were shut down at the same time for "technical difficuties". There was a raw sewerage smell thoughout most of Fantasyland most of the night. Think i saw 3 CM's the entire evening smile. The woman boarding Snow White says "my god, i hope this ends soon so i can get to bed". The floors in Whinny Poo ride are filthy, why can they clean them up??? Another example....in the desert scene on the "Land" ride in EPCOT, there is a big smudge in the sky that looks like a piece of machinery hit the ceiling. You Cant miss it!! Too many small details to list, but they used to be on top of all this...now many things slip through. I spoke with several guests who felt the same way there. I dont think it would take much to get on top of these things. Best thing about this trip was the lack of crowds.....never waited more than 20 minutes for any ride. Walked on Everest several times. Going back in April...hoping for best!!!!

 

[Minnie0107]

I just got home from my first WDW trip yesterday. It was a 1 year wedding anniversary trip for me and my husband. Laura I totally understand what you are feeling. Our trip was five nights and we had a day for each park. I felt a little disappointed after day one. To me, the hype on the Disney sites makes WDW out to be way better than it actually is. My friends and co workers also added to the madness telling me how much fun I would have. I want everyone to know that there were some really fun moments and wonderful restaurants, but over all I was not blown out of the water. I have been to 5 Six Flags Theme Parks, Busch Gardens, and Sea World. The only thing different about WDW is that it carries a higher price tag. One Major thing that I felt cut down on the magic was the price of everything. I was expecting things to be expensive, not ridiculous. Disney world claims to be the happiest place on earth and great environment but they are totally ripping off all of their guests. I am glad that I experienced WDW, but I do not feel the need to ever go back. I will take my children if they are really into the Disney characters but I will wait until they can fully enjoy it. (People, children under the age of 2 have no business being in WDW) My Suggestion for first timers is to stay away from the boards and do not do any research! Get ADRs and Tickets and let the rest be a pleasant surprise. Also, I think that the Dreams are a bad idea on Disney’s Part b/c I saw a lot of kids get jealous of other people and adults too! Also cast Memebers were not very friendly!

Please don’t think I am the Disney Scrooge! I was just really disappointed. I am going also post on my fav WDW experiences.

 

[WVParkfan]

I know I'll catch heck for this, but...

The one re-occuring theme from the "I was disappointed" group is... the Magic Kingdom. I know that for our first trip to WDW, we went to the MK first. There was no "nostalgia" for us, since we had never been there as children. The POTC, Jungle Cruise, River Boat, Swiss Treehouse, and Tom Sawyer Island were absolutely lame, compared to Kings Island or Cedar Point in Ohio. I was really disappointed, and didn't want to waste the time and money to make another trip.

When we finally did make another trip (a business trip where I could take the family), we spent more time at MGM (loved it). The next trip (which we paid for), we fell in love with the Animal Kingdom. On our last trip, we were at Epcot 3 times!

We still go to the MK for the fireworks or for Splash or HM, but we spend much more time in the other parks. And, ever since we realized that there was SO MUCH MORE out there than just the MK, we've been hooked!

 

[lpbm4]

Thank you for all the posts!!! Faye and Tara...I am sorry for your disappointments as well. I guess I too was expecting less crowds, but have been reading here it was quite crowded when I went.

The main thing that sticks out for me, though, is the ADRs. That was dh's thing too...everyone stressed on here about making ADRs, I really could've done without them and maybe we wouldn't have felt so rushed? Dunno, who's to say. I just know that next year we'll be travelling to another part of the country to experience something new. Thank you again to all of you for your kind words!! And not

Oh, and btw, my dtr this morning was talking about her trip and how much fun she had. That truly is all that matters.

 

[cabanafrau]

So sorry it wasn't all you hoped. It is an expensive vacation to regret.

DH & I had the chance to go to breakfast yesterday & the way part of a wall was painted, it reminded us of the Garden Grill, which got us talking Disney & what a great time we had in August & the next thing I knew, I was all teary-eyed!!

I wish for you a vacation that makes you drift back there the moment you think about it, wherever that may be.

 

[LisaBi]

I really enjoy my trips the most when I have no obligations for dinner or shows. If we go to Fantasmic, we dont try to show up 1 hour early to get the best seat. We'll show up 15 minutes before the show and stand if needed, but we just dont rush ourselves to ANYTHING.

SOOOOO true! I just wish there was a way to not plan and still be able to get in a decent meal or two - or at least a good character b-fast. When I go with DS (just the two of us) there can be no planning - he is too unpredictable. But they turn out to be great trips - get up when we happen to wake up, get to the parks when we are ready to go, eat when we're hungry, leave when we are tired. Maybe even go to whatever park's bus shows up first! Yeah, we end up eating very little except counter service, but we are so much more relaxed!

LisaB