Anyone else lost the "magic"?

[Disneyliscious]

My last trip was in 2015. I have been 7 times prior to that. Certainly not a "regular" but by no means a "once in a lifetimer" either.

Over the past few years I have been slowly losing the feeling of "disney magic" due to various things. We did enjoy ourselves in 2015 and I yearned to go back but then came the big ticket price increases (tiered ticketing), an increase in parking fees, changes in dining plans that made them even less useless than they already were for us, a sizable increase in event tickets. All of these things I could stomach one by one, maybe a few years apart but they came on so quickly, so suddenly, and were significant.

Now comes the changes in POTC (removing the auction/wenches). I am just so fed up of liberal views and Disney is a very liberal company. I try not to think about it but when they do things like this, its right in my face on my favorite ride. I realize its not about "ME" but I'm sure Im not alone in feeling this way. If removing the auction would prevent every child from seeing such 'horror' then I might could understand. But there are references to that kind of thing all over the place. In books, movies, commercials, the internet, school, peers talking about it....like, you can't ever stop your kids from seeing it. Given that, I just don't understand why it had to become an issue at Disney after nearly 50 years. Its not so much that this one ride is being affected, its the "whats next?" feeling as I know the liberal disease will keep attacking.

The past 2 years we have vacationed elsewhere, spent a TON less money, and had just as good of a time. I want to take my granddaughter to Disney her first time but its hard justifying the cost anymore, especially when I can't share my memories of Disney with her because they are being changed or removed.

I expect the Disney Defenders to come out in full force with their "well if you don't like it don't go!" mentality, and rock on, because I won't be responding to your post. For those of you who have had the feelings Im having currently, did it go away? Did you stop going? What changed your outlook? I don't *want* to leave Disney but I really am having a hard time finding reasons to go back.

 

[ShellieMimi]

I have a feeling that this thread will be something else that goes away due to how you chose to phrase your complaints.

 

[Disneylover99]

My last trip was in 2015. I have been 7 times prior to that. Certainly not a "regular" but by no means a "once in a lifetimer" either.

Over the past few years I have been slowly losing the feeling of "disney magic" due to various things. We did enjoy ourselves in 2015 and I yearned to go back but then came the big ticket price increases (tiered ticketing), an increase in parking fees, changes in dining plans that made them even less useless than they already were for us, a sizable increase in event tickets. All of these things I could stomach one by one, maybe a few years apart but they came on so quickly, so suddenly, and were significant.

Now comes the changes in POTC (removing the auction/wenches). I am just so fed up of liberal views and Disney is a very liberal company. I try not to think about it but when they do things like this, its right in my face on my favorite ride. I realize its not about "ME" but I'm sure Im not alone in feeling this way. If removing the auction would prevent every child from seeing such 'horror' then I might could understand. But there are references to that kind of thing all over the place. In books, movies, commercials, the internet, school, peers talking about it....like, you can't ever stop your kids from seeing it. Given that, I just don't understand why it had to become an issue at Disney after nearly 50 years. Its not so much that this one ride is being affected, its the "whats next?" feeling as I know the liberal disease will keep attacking.

The past 2 years we have vacationed elsewhere, spent a TON less money, and had just as good of a time. I want to take my granddaughter to Disney her first time but its hard justifying the cost anymore, especially when I can't share my memories of Disney with her because they are being changed or removed.

I expect the Disney Defenders to come out in full force with their "well if you don't like it don't go!" mentality, and rock on, because I won't be responding to your post. For those of you who have had the feelings Im having currently, did it go away? Did you stop going? What changed your outlook? I don't *want* to leave Disney but I really am having a hard time finding reasons to go back.

For me, there are many changes that I read about on these boards (daily) that I don't like or I'm not happy about. Very few changes made are actually positive IMO.

But, when I go, I find the changes I'm not happy about, really don't impact me to the extent I think they will (in the grand scheme of things), and it ends up being the same Disney I know and love.

 

[DizDaD7]

It is what it is.... Do I like all the changes no....I'm sure everyone doesn't. Some like the new ideas & some don't. I personally don't like the increases in pricing and stuff, but still find it an amazing value....You just have to continue doing your homework....There's lots of ways to trim the fat...

 

[DizDaD7]

My last trip was in 2015. I have been 7 times prior to that. Certainly not a "regular" but by no means a "once in a lifetimer" either.

Over the past few years I have been slowly losing the feeling of "disney magic" due to various things. We did enjoy ourselves in 2015 and I yearned to go back but then came the big ticket price increases (tiered ticketing), an increase in parking fees, changes in dining plans that made them even less useless than they already were for us, a sizable increase in event tickets. All of these things I could stomach one by one, maybe a few years apart but they came on so quickly, so suddenly, and were significant.

Now comes the changes in POTC (removing the auction/wenches). I am just so fed up of liberal views and Disney is a very liberal company. I try not to think about it but when they do things like this, its right in my face on my favorite ride. I realize its not about "ME" but I'm sure Im not alone in feeling this way. If removing the auction would prevent every child from seeing such 'horror' then I might could understand. But there are references to that kind of thing all over the place. In books, movies, commercials, the internet, school, peers talking about it....like, you can't ever stop your kids from seeing it. Given that, I just don't understand why it had to become an issue at Disney after nearly 50 years. Its not so much that this one ride is being affected, its the "whats next?" feeling as I know the liberal disease will keep attacking.

The past 2 years we have vacationed elsewhere, spent a TON less money, and had just as good of a time. I want to take my granddaughter to Disney her first time but its hard justifying the cost anymore, especially when I can't share my memories of Disney with her because they are being changed or removed.

I expect the Disney Defenders to come out in full force with their "well if you don't like it don't go!" mentality, and rock on, because I won't be responding to your post. For those of you who have had the feelings Im having currently, did it go away? Did you stop going? What changed your outlook? I don't *want* to leave Disney but I really am having a hard time finding reasons to go back.

And also..BTW....If you don't like it....DON't go.......LoL I'm j/k of course.... Either route, the longer you go in between trips, the more desire you'll build up...Keep the faith!

 

[Disney_and_Wine]

But there are references to that kind of thing all over the place. In books, movies, commercials, the internet, school, peers talking about it....like, you can't ever stop your kids from seeing it.

Yes, I agree that there are stories and exposès done on the sex slave trade in many facets of the media. But they typically depict this heinous, underground practice in a negative light. You don't usually see it presented in a yo-ho lighthearted, way. Of all the books and commercials that you can recall, in what way is selling girls and women into sexual slavery depicted as a funny thing? And while I assume that the practice occupies some internet space, clicking on those sites is likely to result in the FBI opening a file on you. But sure. Because those internet sites exist, Disney should make light of the practice.

 

[Amelia :)]

I just don't understand these threads. I know it's expensive, but I pay the price because I really really really want to go. If you don't want to go and have as much fun elsewhere what exactly is the problem? Don't spend all of your money just for the sake of it. Why even stress over it?
As for the "liberal disease" and and all your memories of Disney being changed or removed... well... times change... things have to be improved and updated, there are still a lot of classic attractions still operating.

 

[Tissa]

It happens. I try and not read too much into the changes. Reading other peoples negative comments can feed your own. There were a few changes in the past I was sure would end my love of WDW. Remember the uproar about fastpass plus? I got used to it and moved on with life. We did reach burn out a few years ago, so we went to other places. Now we are super excited about our trip next week. If you truly feel that the magic is gone, then maybe it is time to move on. Nothing is forever. Love comes and goes sometimes.

 

[randumb0]

If you knew all about the local laws and ordinances that Disney lobbies for, you would not think that Disney was a liberal company. Heck they even lobbied against sick pay when we tried to get it on the local ballot

 

[lovethattink]

Since this isn't about Disney planning, I'm moving this thread to the TPAS community subforum.

Also, I want to remind everyone to adhere to DIS guidelines. Please keep this from getting political or argumentative.

Personally, I have not lost the Disney magic. While I don't like some changes, there are other changes I do like.

Years ago, my oldest son stopped vacationing with us when we went to Disney. He prefers serious thrill rides and Disney doesn't have as many as Busch Gardens or Universal. Now that he's older and on his own, he is back to loving Disney. And even works at Disney.

We have changed how we "do Disney". I can't remember the last character meal we've done, too expensive for our budget. 2015 was the last MNSSHP.

We eat CS or offsite.

This week we are staying at Disney and opted for the $20/ night gift card instead of mousekeeping.

We are enjoying our vacation! But we have had to scale back on the $. Thankfully, that has not scaled back the fun!

 

[Karin1984]

Maybe instead of focussing on changes you don't agree with, keep an eye on why you like Disney. And judge how they rank. Is the change in the one scene in Pirates severe enough to outweigh enjoying other shows, rides, characters etc. If it bothers you enough, then yes, the advice is not to go. To me there is still enough I do like and enjoy. The changes I do not like are a footnote in my vacation.

People change, companies change. The company will not change back into what you want it to be. If you still want to go to Disney, you will have to accept and overlook that what you don't like.

 

[Planogirl]

It has changed for us. Now it's just one part of our travels and after all of the changes I find it easier to deal with by it not being the end-all like it once was.

I hope that you find your balance.

 

[Shanti]

My last trip was in 2015. I have been 7 times prior to that. Certainly not a "regular" but by no means a "once in a lifetimer" either.

Over the past few years I have been slowly losing the feeling of "disney magic" due to various things. We did enjoy ourselves in 2015 and I yearned to go back but then came the big ticket price increases (tiered ticketing), an increase in parking fees, changes in dining plans that made them even less useless than they already were for us, a sizable increase in event tickets. All of these things I could stomach one by one, maybe a few years apart but they came on so quickly, so suddenly, and were significant.

Now comes the changes in POTC (removing the auction/wenches). I am just so fed up of liberal views and Disney is a very liberal company. I try not to think about it but when they do things like this, its right in my face on my favorite ride. I realize its not about "ME" but I'm sure Im not alone in feeling this way. If removing the auction would prevent every child from seeing such 'horror' then I might could understand. But there are references to that kind of thing all over the place. In books, movies, commercials, the internet, school, peers talking about it....like, you can't ever stop your kids from seeing it. Given that, I just don't understand why it had to become an issue at Disney after nearly 50 years. Its not so much that this one ride is being affected, its the "whats next?" feeling as I know the liberal disease will keep attacking.

The past 2 years we have vacationed elsewhere, spent a TON less money, and had just as good of a time. I want to take my granddaughter to Disney her first time but its hard justifying the cost anymore, especially when I can't share my memories of Disney with her because they are being changed or removed.

I expect the Disney Defenders to come out in full force with their "well if you don't like it don't go!" mentality, and rock on, because I won't be responding to your post. For those of you who have had the feelings Im having currently, did it go away? Did you stop going? What changed your outlook? I don't *want* to leave Disney but I really am having a hard time finding reasons to go back.

There is no need for political attacks. Liberalism is not the cause of the things you dislike about Disney, and conservatism was not the cause of the creation of the classic Disney. WDW has, like everything else in America, been influenced by politics from both the left and the right from its very inception up until now.

 

[bettybooplove]

My last trip was in 2015. I have been 7 times prior to that. Certainly not a "regular" but by no means a "once in a lifetimer" either.

Over the past few years I have been slowly losing the feeling of "disney magic" due to various things. We did enjoy ourselves in 2015 and I yearned to go back but then came the big ticket price increases (tiered ticketing), an increase in parking fees, changes in dining plans that made them even less useless than they already were for us, a sizable increase in event tickets. All of these things I could stomach one by one, maybe a few years apart but they came on so quickly, so suddenly, and were significant.

Now comes the changes in POTC (removing the auction/wenches). I am just so fed up of liberal views and Disney is a very liberal company. I try not to think about it but when they do things like this, its right in my face on my favorite ride. I realize its not about "ME" but I'm sure Im not alone in feeling this way. If removing the auction would prevent every child from seeing such 'horror' then I might could understand. But there are references to that kind of thing all over the place. In books, movies, commercials, the internet, school, peers talking about it....like, you can't ever stop your kids from seeing it. Given that, I just don't understand why it had to become an issue at Disney after nearly 50 years. Its not so much that this one ride is being affected, its the "whats next?" feeling as I know the liberal disease will keep attacking.

The past 2 years we have vacationed elsewhere, spent a TON less money, and had just as good of a time. I want to take my granddaughter to Disney her first time but its hard justifying the cost anymore, especially when I can't share my memories of Disney with her because they are being changed or removed.

I expect the Disney Defenders to come out in full force with their "well if you don't like it don't go!" mentality, and rock on, because I won't be responding to your post. For those of you who have had the feelings Im having currently, did it go away? Did you stop going? What changed your outlook? I don't *want* to leave Disney but I really am having a hard time finding reasons to go back.

Liberal disease? Is that like tuberculosis?

Why are posts like these allowed when they're clearly political?

 

[Party.Of.4-NY>>>FL]

Reading other peoples negative comments can feed your own.

Love this^! Wise words right there. Pessimism is most certainly contagious.

In my opinion this all goes back to Charles Swindoll's famous words:

"The longer I love, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company...a church....a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past...we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude...I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you...we are in charge of our attitudes."
Charles R. Swindoll

 

[Disneyliscious]

But, when I go, I find the changes I'm not happy about, really don't impact me to the extent I think they will

You know, reading that made me remember that before our trip in 2015 I grumbled about...something. Don't even know what it was now. We very much enjoyed ourselves in 2015. I guess things really do "seem worse" sitting here at my computer versus being "in" Disney.

I personally don't like the increases in pricing and stuff, but still find it an amazing value

I will agree with this. Even though I loathe the huge price increases, there is still value in what is gotten for the money (provided one does their research to maximize their dollar).

Either route, the longer you go in between trips, the more desire you'll build up...Keep the faith!

That is an excellent point. Maybe I just need to wait another year or two.

in what way is selling girls and women into sexual slavery depicted as a funny thing?

Funny story.....my first time at Disney I was 15. Went back at 16, then 23 and so on. It wasn't until I was over 30 years old that I even knew what that scene was about. I realized they were being sold but there was nothing negative about it to me because I saw it as a time of 'what use to be'. I was thinking "HA! They're gonna have to do housework." The word "slavery" never occurred to me to associate with it at all until I read the news story a few days ago about the change. Sometimes the only reason people associate things to one another is because someone else makes a big deal about it. I find it ironic that those who found the scene offensive do not find the lyrics to the song "We kidnap and ravage and don't give a hoot," offensive as well. I mean, they are referring to kidnapping and ravaging women (as pirates did). I would imagine to just give it time and a few lines will be removed from the song. Just have to give someone time to realize it hasn't been complained about yet. And that probably sounds a little harsh but its rather silly to me that people want to remove a scene of women being auctioned off but no one says a peep about the song lol

We have changed how we "do Disney".

I think you hit the nail on the head and I believe thats exactly what I'm going to do next time.

Maybe instead of focussing on changes you don't agree with, keep an eye on why you like Disney.

Excellent advice.

Now it's just one part of our travels and after all of the changes I find it easier to deal with by it not being the end-all like it once was.

Another good suggestion. No reason we cant do Disney sometimes, and other places other times. Its weird how we sometimes are made to feel guilty if we choose to go somewhere else. Like we're cheating on Disney or something lol

 

[marcyleecorgan]

Most of the price increases are due to Disney's popularity. There sure weren't any South American tour groups in the 1990's. Or maybe there were... I'm not totally familiar with the history of WDW tourism overall. but they gotta keep making money while cutting costs... it's a reality.

The second part of your complaint is understandable but I do think that there has to be some transition period. Maybe we'll get a great new scene out of the refurb. Maybe it will be complimented by all of us wackos shouting and hooting like the Pirates on the ride... LOL

Stuff at Disney changes, but I don't think that they go into the Vaults and decide to radically move away from an iconic brand without some serious thought on the matter. This is NOT the first time that POTC has changed either! maybe this is another way of inserting more movie franchise into the ride? If I was to try and get inside an Imagineer's head, that's where I'm taking this... they have what, 5 POTC movies now and only part of Movie 1 actually in the ride? If the Redhead is changing, perhaps this is a way of giving one of the female Pirates in Movies 1-5 an AA presence? M & G opportunity here...

But try to wait and see happens, along with the rest of us! Maybe you'll find a way to make Disney *magic* again for you!

 

[disneyseniors]

My husband is going through this "loss of the magic" right now. I mentioned how the new Pandora was open in HS, and he said he didn't know if he wanted to go back again (for a while I hope)! I know that he is caught up in the price increases and new events with upcharges coming into view every week, it seems The closing of some things and the adding of others, just changes that seem all at once.
I felt that way a while ago, but I found my "Disney magic" again I started concentrating on all the things I love about WDW, all the wonderful memories we have had with family over the years, and the good experiences. It all changed when my granddaughter and I looked at our old WDW vacation photo albums the other day. I remembered all the great times spent with family, and realized that the "rides" don't make the vacation at WDW, the people you share it with do.
So, for me, my magic has returned.
Now I just have to work on my husband to restore his!

 

[DizDaD7]

Most of the price increases are due to Disney's popularity. There sure weren't any South American tour groups in the 1990's. Or maybe there were... I'm not totally familiar with the history of WDW tourism overall. but they gotta keep making money while cutting costs... it's a reality.

The second part of your complaint is understandable but I do think that there has to be some transition period. Maybe we'll get a great new scene out of the refurb. Maybe it will be complimented by all of us wackos shouting and hooting like the Pirates on the ride... LOL

Stuff at Disney changes, but I don't think that they go into the Vaults and decide to radically move away from an iconic brand without some serious thought on the matter. This is NOT the first time that POTC has changed either! maybe this is another way of inserting more movie franchise into the ride? If I was to try and get inside an Imagineer's head, that's where I'm taking this... they have what, 5 POTC movies now and only part of Movie 1 actually in the ride? If the Redhead is changing, perhaps this is a way of giving one of the female Pirates in Movies 1-5 an AA presence? M & G opportunity here...

But try to wait and see happens, along with the rest of us! Maybe you'll find a way to make Disney *magic* again for you!

Oh trust me they were there.

 

[DizDaD7]

TBH...Some of our best days (now since we've been DVC members) have been at the resorts we stay in. Not necessarily going to a park, or a show/parade etc... It might just be playing golf in the a.m. & then meeting the kids and DW by the pool. Lounging about and staying at the resort for a nice meal at one of the TS.......and topping it off with a movie perhaps.... Just saying