Bad experiences

[KellyNY]

People are expecting perfect vacations. They book well in advance, they create touring plans, counting days, day dream and then one tiny something that goes wrong burst their bubble and they feel like vacation is ruined. I think it is the best not to expect a perfection. Yes, room can be dirty, CM can be less then magical, someone may cut in line, expect it, it is life, no different then life in real world. However, expect something may go wrong but do not look for problems. Do not go and count broken light lights or inspect bathrooms as if you plan to perform surgery on a floor, because if you really, really look you will find something.

 

[lilipad]

People are expecting perfect vacations. They book well in advance, they create touring plans, counting days, day dream and then one tiny something that goes wrong burst their bubble and they feel like vacation is ruined. I think it is the best not to expect a perfection. Yes, room can be dirty, CM can be less then magical, someone may cut in line, expect it, it is life, no different then life in real world. However, expect something may go wrong but do not look for problems. Do not go and count broken light lights or inspect bathrooms as if you plan to perform surgery on a floor, because if you really, really look you will find something.

You just reminded me of something.... Before we left, and just about every morning, we made a family pact to have fun no matter what hand the day dealt us. DH & I also swore to each other that would would not get worked up or high strung over things. Kelly's right, things can/may happen. That's life. Sometimes you have to go with the flow and look for the best.

 

[LilyWDW]

I think a lot of it comes down to having realistic expectations. Too many people plan their Disney trips and expect things to be perfect. They expect the pixie dust to happen to them around every corner. But you don't always get a cupcake for your birthday, you don't always get towel animals, and yes rides can break down (they are machines and computers after all.

I remember the Year(s) of a Million Dreams promotion. These boards were FULL of people complaining how they didn't get anything special or didn't get picked. It was really sad to see all these people focusing on the negative instead of the fun and memories that were being made by just being at Disney.

And yes, people are more likely to complain then to compliment. Plus, with technology, people are more likely to complain about things that would not have been mentioned otherwise.

 

[CajunMomof3]

I agree with the idea that it is what you make of it and what you chose to focus on. Are people going to make bad choices at WDW? YES. Are people going to be frustarted about things at WDW? YES. Will there be magical moments at WDW? YES!!

I would suggest searching for a "magic moments" thread and get teary-eyed reading about all the wonderful things that are happening at the Most Magical Place in Earth.

 

[Figment1983]

I had a bad experience at the store at Wilderness lodge while I was there last December. I paid with a 20 and got change, did not count at the time and when I got back to my room realized I was $10 short. I went back down imediately...this was early in the morning...store had only been open a short time. I told the CM at the register (same person who completed the transaction) he responded by telling me I counted the money when I put it in my wallet, I then told him that I did not count it, just organized it and put in wallet. He then argued that he gave it to me. He was very rude/confrontational...he said he could count the drawer but would need to get a manager...I agreed. He came back and just gave me the $10....It was not about the $10, I would have much rather the drawer be counted at that point and find out that I was right. If the drawer was correct I would have appologized and figured I dropped it somehow on my way to the room.

 

[jazz0007]

You just reminded me of something.... Before we left, and just about every morning, we made a family pact to have fun no matter what hand the day dealt us. DH & I also swore to each other that would would not get worked up or high strung over things. Kelly's right, things can/may happen. That's life. Sometimes you have to go with the flow and look for the best.

I love this. And it is exactly what we do before we leave!! People are people. There will always be one in the crowd. Your Disney vacation will be exactly what you make it! Life is too short to sweat the small stuff!!

 

[RabFlmom]

I'm so sick of hearing about how we are turning into a "me first" society. No we aren't. Those people's parents were like that. That's where they got it from. It's no different than it's ever been. You see one family out of ten thousand acting crazy and we have to hear lectures about what is becoming of society.

But there does seem to be more of the families like that visiting Florida than there were years ago. Unfortunately if they push, they sometimes get their way and so they learn to be obnoxious to get their way because businesses don't like others seeing the antics in front of other guests. Scream loud enough about something and you get compensation instead of a walk to the front of the park or the store. A firm no and a walk out without being rewarded for being idiots is what people need to learn they won't get what they want.....even worked this weekend with my house guest who is mentally challenged.. He threw the scene and we reacted differently than he gets at home. He even threatened his twin with fists. He backed off, never complained again, and went with the flow, even if he didn't want to do some things. And guess what.....he had fun and wants to come back. <g>

 

[POOHsie]

I had a bad experience at the store at Wilderness lodge while I was there last December. I paid with a 20 and got change, did not count at the time and when I got back to my room realized I was $10 short. I went back down imediately...this was early in the morning...store had only been open a short time. I told the CM at the register (same person who completed the transaction) he responded by telling me I counted the money when I put it in my wallet, I then told him that I did not count it, just organized it and put in wallet. He then argued that he gave it to me. He was very rude/confrontational...he said he could count the drawer but would need to get a manager...I agreed. He came back and just gave me the $10....It was not about the $10, I would have much rather the drawer be counted at that point and find out that I was right. If the drawer was correct I would have appologized and figured I dropped it somehow on my way to the room.

That happened to me. I just got $20's from an ATM and went to McDonalds drive-thru. Realized at the pick-up window that I got change for a $10. They had me park while they counted the drawer. Not 3 minutes later they brought me a $10. What I do now is fan out the bills, in front of the cashier, and check it. A few times there's $1-$2 missing. Bad cashiering?

 

[Tistal]

Two things: People like to complain than highlight the good. And, while I'm not negating that bad things happen (bad things happen wherever people congregate), things tend to get blown out of proportion on these boards.

 

[GrahamOrlando]

I have to say that bad behavior is extremely rare at any of the Disney parks. It does happen, and when it happens, it always sticks in the minds of those who witness it.

This can sometimes be attributed to the hot weather, tiredness, alcohol consumption, the crowds - They can all test the patience of a saint.

But for the most part, bad behavior is something that we rarely see. Guests can sometimes be inconsiderate of other guests, but such is life.

No one should be wary of visiting WDW due to the behavior of a very small minority of guests. When you consider how many guests come through our gates each year, I think both the Cast Members and Guests alike do an extremely good job of making everyone's day as magical as possible.

 

[rajak73]

People are expecting perfect vacations. They book well in advance, they create touring plans, counting days, day dream and then one tiny something that goes wrong burst their bubble and they feel like vacation is ruined. I think it is the best not to expect a perfection. Yes, room can be dirty, CM can be less then magical, someone may cut in line, expect it, it is life, no different then life in real world. However, expect something may go wrong but do not look for problems. Do not go and count broken light lights or inspect bathrooms as if you plan to perform surgery on a floor, because if you really, really look you will find something.

Our experience the end of Feburary: 6 day passes, Tue: MK Wed: AK Thurs: Epcot Fri: HS Sat: Wherever Sun: Wherever ADR made 6 month advance: Wishes dessert party. Epcot..I tell DW I would like to eat at Germany, DW says, What if we cannot get seated? I say, We will eat someplace else. Not a problem. Didn't check at Dessert party to see if WDW logo was still on napkins, didn't check floor to see if someone had dropped something and not been picked up yet, didn't check out all the bulbs to see if they were on. Had no squirrel on campsite I had to complain about, (although the armadillo scared the **** out of us one night) Had a great trip! After we get home, DW and I start talking about trip, you know, out of ALL the people in ALL the parks and at the campground, we could remember 2. 1. Ladies, please don't wear bright striped underwear with lightweight white pants! and 2. Older gentleman on bus getting off at Wilderness lodge, was coughing, looked pale, looked sick, We think about him at times and hope he recovered. So OP, take the negative on here with a grain of salt, yes rides break down, not everything is magical, but it is what you make it!

 

[andyman8]

They are -- remember, people with negative experiences are far more likely to post than those with positive experiences.

I keep trying to say this and people keep asking me four a "source!" You are now my official source.

Anyways, it's true that people will complain more often than they praise. Disney still is a very magical place and, in my opinion, is just as good, if not better, than it was on October 1, 1971. There are lots of new experiences, attractions, hotels, and such.

Yes, it's expensive but, unfortunately, that won't change.

On the other hand, I've never seen a "drunk" at Epcot, people act rude everywhere, and last time we went, no rides broke down over the course of four days. You are going to have a blast!

Enjoy your trip!

 

[ttintagel]

Unruly guests, attractions closed for days at a time, drunks at Epcot? I'm hoping these are exceptions rather than the norm. I've been to WDW 7 times in the last 14 years and I have never experienced any of these things. I just joined these boards recently in anticipation of our upcoming January trip. I've heard quite a few posters express that Disney isn't what it used to be. It's kind of taking the wind out of my sails for our next visit. Are these experiences really more common than they used to be or do people tend to share negative experiences more often than positive ones?

That's not something anyone else can answer for you. Your experiences are yours, and other peoples' experiences are theirs.

 

[Figment1983]

That happened to me. I just got $20's from an ATM and went to McDonalds drive-thru. Realized at the pick-up window that I got change for a $10. They had me park while they counted the drawer. Not 3 minutes later they brought me a $10. What I do now is fan out the bills, in front of the cashier, and check it. A few times there's $1-$2 missing. Bad cashiering?

Yeah, I make it a point to count my change now. I'm so used to using Debit card for everything I just didn't even think to count it. My problem was not about the wrong change...it happens. It was his attitude...When I told him that I thought he had given me the wrong change the first thing he said was "you counted it when I gave it to you" then argued that he didn't make a mistake. Then offered to count the drawer and when I accepted made a big deal of it.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

Unruly guests, attractions closed for days at a time, drunks at Epcot? I'm hoping these are exceptions rather than the norm. I've been to WDW 7 times in the last 14 years and I have never experienced any of these things. I just joined these boards recently in anticipation of our upcoming January trip. I've heard quite a few posters express that Disney isn't what it used to be. It's kind of taking the wind out of my sails for our next visit. Are these experiences really more common than they used to be or do people tend to share negative experiences more often than positive ones?

IMHO... don't let this stuff bug you. I would posit that rather than these things HAPPENING more, they're being GRIPED ABOUT more because of forums like this. The most vociferous complaints often come from a relatively small group of people as well.

While on the whole I've found The DIS very useful (nowhere else can I ask a quick question and get a seasoned vet's response in 2.3 seconds!!), I take the negative stuff with a HUGE, MASSIVE, GIGANTIC grain of salt.

We've been to WDW about 8 or 9 times in the last 8 years, and all I can say is that the magic is ALWAYS there for us. Is everything perfect? Not quite -- but we find it closer to perfect in WDW than anywhere else we vacation.

Just my take.

HAVE A GREAT TRIP!!!

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

Do not go and count broken light lights or inspect bathrooms as if you plan to perform surgery on a floor, because if you really, really look you will find something.

This is hilarious!!

 

[DisneyMim]

We've been going to WDW forever and have always had magical vacations. Sometimes I read these boards and get myself worried but then I go and realize that Disney is just as magical for me as it always was. I agree with the people who said that we live in a very entitled society and everyone expects "perfect" vacations. There is not such thing as a perfect anything, let alone a vacation. I think you have to read these boards and filter out stuff. Go and enjoy and don't let anyone rain of your parade.

Enjoy The Magic!!

 

[dvc one day]

I have been trying to avoid any negative threads in hopes of not having a pessimistic attitude about our upcoming trip.

I'm glad I decided to read this thread because you guys are making a lot of good points: realistic expectations, not letting other people affect your trip, small sample size of posters on here, etc.

Through many vacations, including a few to WDW, I have observed that expectations are frequently the best indicator of how much people enjoy a trip.

Using WDW as an example: If you expect a great trip spending time enjoying your family, that is most likely what you will experience. If you expect too many people, bad weather, bad food, you will probably not have a great trip (probably because you only notice those things).

Mostly, I hope anyone getting ready for a trip has a great time and if you are not planning now, I hope you get to soon.

 

[Trish.Glenn]

Just read this entire thread and people may have some legtimate complainsts but rides breaking down....I have wished for rides I am on to break down. I have been evac'd off of a few rides and have loved every minute of it. Lights are on, taking pics (if the CM will let you) seeing lots of "backstage stuff"...I guess I am a Disney Nerd

 

[DOREEN1779]

We just got back last week and Splash Mountain was having major issues. The last day we rode it, from the time the bar went down, it took us about 40minutes to end. It kept stopping and we were bumping the people in front of us and getting bumped from behind. My kids thought it was part of the ride.