Best Strategy for a trip in 2022? Lower Your Expectations

[susustudios]

This is why I only really hang out in the Universal section anymore. My last Disney trip was May 2019. My May 2020 trip didn’t happen. I was really bummed not to get to see Galaxy’s Edge. For a long time I’d been thinking about when our next trip could be to see it. After FP went away, I stopped really caring. This has coincided with my kids getting older and really enjoying Universal - they all now ride all the rides. So as much as part of me would like to see GE, I’m pretty much over it and Disney for now.


Does Disney care? Only if there are a lot people like us who are canceling or not planning new trips. Or if a lot of people are panning them on social media. It’s too early to know if they’ve actually hit a tipping point.

Yes, Universal seems to be better, especially with Disney's recent decisions. I last went to Disney in December 2019, then went to Universal in September 2021. Might just keep it to Universal and Sea World (been a long time since I've been there but might give it a try again)

 

[randumb0]

The nickel and dining has made things worse which is why I decided to get a Universal AP.

 

[cgattis]

I've gambled a few times in my life when I happened to be at a casino, but I'm by no means a gambler. My perception of all these changes between the ADR hustle and G+ rat race is it arouses a feeling similar to gambling. Perhaps they are purposely triggering that part of our minds to get some people to spend more

Wow, I don’t think I’ve seen it put that way before. With all the new emphasis on sports betting, maybe some of the “gambling profitability” experts have gotten into the park execs ears! Interesting thought.

Unfortunately I feel the same way right now. You spends thousands on a trip and hope G+/ILL$ work, hope a bunch of rides aren’t down, hope they have enough dining open so you’re not standing in a 30 minute line for every snack…..it’s just too much to gamble with right now. I’m one of the “nickel slots” players! I just can’t make the gamble again right now.

 

[Donaldsfans]

My expectations are already lowered way beyond belief.

I have a trip coming up in March and if I hadn't promised my kids this last minute trip I would cancel it.

This will be our last trip.

The final straw for me was over something silly. I had meant to book base tickets and instead bought park hopper tickets. I realized my mistake too late, but I immediately called to fix it. After a few hours on hold I was told "the tickets are non-refundable, no exceptions." I was offered the ability to use the price difference between the two types of tickets to buy something else like PhotoPass on a credit system, but there was nothing that I wanted or needed. I understand that I could possibility call back and get a different response. I also understand I could email guest services and they might be able to help. However, I only have apathy at this point and will just keep the park hoppers.

After I hung up the phone, I changed our resort reservation from a family suite to a value resort standard room because I refuse the give Disney more money than I need to at this point. I would stay off-site except my kids are up early so the early entry is a huge perk to us.

I am mostly a lurker on this board, but if you knew me you would be shocked that I am giving up Disney. I have gone at least once a year since I was a kid myself. If someone like me is over it, then something is very very broken with the Disney parks right now.

I'm sorry to disappoint further, but the deluxe resorts only offer early entry now.

 

[Donaldsfans]

My expectations were low before we went last week, and thankfully so, because I managed to enjoy myself knowing there were problems. I didn't even mess with Genie+, so that probably helped. Everything still felt short-staffed, and I could see the stress on some cast members' faces. But they were trying so hard and kept their composure. And I knew there were supply chain issues with merchandise, and even that was sadly apparent. It's just a weird time to visit. I hate the term "new normal" but it's going to be this way for a long time.

Oh yeah, the one thing I wasn't prepared for was the popularity of kids bubble machines. We couldn't eat or drink anything outside without getting attacked by bubbles. I wish those had gotten stuck on a cargo ship .

 

[Donaldsfans]

What wdw has done is create an elitist environment and here are some examples: If you stay at a deluxe resort, you get early entry. You can pay for parking or pay for preferred parking. This eliminates first come first served. You can use genie plus at 7 AM if you stay in a resort, but must wait until the park opens if you stay off site. They even give preference to Mobile food ordering. There is one long line for those who don't pay in advance with a smart phone. I even experienced a counter service that would only let you in if you had a mobile order order placed. And genie pays is a step up from standby, or you can go premium elite for the "special" attractions. We aren't all at the park having fun anymore. Some of us are in first class while others are in steerage. Not magical.

 

[Westerner]

One correction: Genie+ is open to all guests at 7AM. It's $ILL that is only open to resort guests at 7AM, and others at park open.

 

[Turksmom]

I'm sorry to disappoint further, but the deluxe resorts only offer early entry now.

This is wrong. All Disney resorts plus select partner hotels get early entry.
Deluxe guests also receive extended evening hours twice a week

 

[Donaldsfans]

Since it's your 30th Anniversary (Happy Anniversary!!) may I recommend a special evening at Steakhouse 71 at the Contemporary? It is a little pricey but how often do you have a 30th anniversary!

One correction: Genie+ is open to all guests at 7AM. It's $ILL that is only open to resort guests at 7AM, and others at park open.

I think you are mistaken about 7 AM for off site visitors.

 

[Turksmom]

I think you are mistaken about 7 AM for off site visitors.

Westerner is correct.

 

[Westerner]

I think you are mistaken about 7 AM for off site visitors.

I was there over the holidays, stayed offsite, and booked G+ LL's at 7AM multiple times.

 

[nw6675]

I just read the entire thread. Whew, I have a bit of a headache , but I completely understand how it all feels. I've been visiting since the 70s with our last trip being November 2020 in the lull right before Delta took off. We set the bar low for that trip and had a quiet, decent trip at BLT with low crowds, but with many restaurants and extras closed/paused. It was still the most expensive trip we'd had - even with staying deluxe and CL most trips. We cancelled our 2021 because we just felt the magic would not be there. However, our 10 year old begged us to go to her happy place - "Mama, if you can't be happy at Disney, where can you?" So, we just booked a week CL at BC for November (thank you Disney for not cutting the military discounts yet). But, we've told her this is likely the trip of all trips for us - our Disney days are likely over as we, like many others have stated, are sad to see it change from the days of old.

 

[cgattis]

our group tour 6 nt Yellowstone/Grand Tetons trip last year was $1,100/nt

But I don’t think that’s a very good comparison. They are only able to operate most of those lodges for five months of the year. And there are far fewer rooms total than at Disney. They have to be more expensive to cover the operations cost; that’s always been an expensive trip. And I’m not sure $425/night is average for Disney now.

But on another note, the tulips are on my bucket list, so I’d love to hear about that trip!!

 

[TiggerBouncy]

These simply aren't accurate, though. What you bring to a situation (your views/perspective, etc) DO matter but that's not ALL that matters! Again, there is a logical fallacy (just-world) that suggests that when good things happen to me, it's because I did something to warrant them. And if bad things happen to others, they did something to warrant them. But that's not a concrete truth of the universe. Sometimes, someone with the sunniest disposition and all of the optimism in the world will have a negative experience due to things outside of their control. And yes, having that disposition can affect how you feel about those negative things but people's dissatisfaction isn't simply/only a measure of turning their frown upside down. But I believe it's easy to give this message when you have the worldview that good things happen to "me" (the speaker) because I deserve them. If folks who had this perspective might hold some space for the concept that experiences can be different from their own, maybe you wouldn't feel the need to rant something and say it all the time, etc. (and if people who are unhappy realize that some of their experience may come from their own perspective, maybe they could find more/different/better silver linings). It's never black/white. But just a couple of posts above these was someone saying, "I've always been a huge Disney fan - and I'm dissatisfied" and to put in your $.02 to say (essentially), "Well it's because you didn't bring enough good vibes to the situation" is really missing the mark.

The problem with your assumption on what I was saying is the use of "good things happen". I never SAID good things happen. I said how you PERCEIVE things is different. Re-read what I said. I said the CM is not going the magically be able to make seats at your place to eat. But I did also say that they will still do their best to help you. If you show up with a good attitude, the CM will do their best to find something for you. If you show up snarky and rude, the CM will be apologetic and tell you they are sorry, but they may not go further then that.

Your fallacy in my statement is that you believe I "have the worldview that good things happen to 'me' (the speaker) because I deserve them". Nope. Never said that. Never said good things happen. I said you look around and see rudeness because you expect rudeness. How you PERCEIVE the world is largely influential on what you choose to view in the world.

That my friend is 100% pure bonified attitude.

For example - I just got back from Disney. Our flight was delayed by 5 hours in Orlando Airport. That stunk. It was covid-related (we had no flight crew). So here I am - positive attitude guy - yeah - something negative did happen to me. The world did not surprisingly decide that I should not have a delay because I have a positive attitude. But it didn't ruin my trip, or even my day. Heck, it didn't even ruin those 5 hours for me. A few emails later to make sure my dog sitter could come for another stay, and my ride knew I was arriving late, and we spent had a good time talking to new people at the airport. Met some great people who we had surpringly seen on our way to Disney and we all talked about the great trips we had and the different experiences.

Now, could I hop on the Southwest boards and rant about how horrible the company is because we had a delay and how dissatisfied I am with their service that they did not anticipate they could be without a flight crew? SURE I COULD. Could I blame Southwest and say I am never going to use them again because we were late? Of course I could. Am I going to? Nope. Because at the end of the day, they got us home safely; albeit a few hours late, while dealing with a world pandemic the likes of which we have not seen in 100 years. So I choose to see the amazing flight attendants that we did have on that flight (they were good and really made us laugh) and the great job the pilot did and the gate attendants and all the other hard working people, and I choose to focus on the great friends we made while sitting in the airport and if you ask me how my day was on Saturday, I will tell you I had a great day.

 

[TiggerBouncy]

They say it cost too much and they have had a mediocre time.....and Genie+ has failed them.

They are putting on their game face for the kids right now...but they are not coming back.

I agree. Universal is looking better and better.

Yes, Universal seems to be better, especially with Disney's recent decisions. I last went to Disney in December 2019, then went to Universal in September 2021. Might just keep it to Universal and Sea World (been a long time since I've been there but might give it a try again)

A different data point. We were talking to some people during our flight - fairly big family of 3 generations - first trip to Disney in 20 years for the grandparents. They did both Disney and Universal during their trip. They enjoyed the rides at Universal being rollercoaster people, but had a terrible time. The grandparents - both in ECV's said Universal was NOT handicap friendly. The employees were rude and unhelpful. The parks were terribly dirty and the service was horrid.

In contrast they had an amazing time at Disney, were impressed with how easy it was to maneuver the ECV's in the ride queues and how helpful all the CM's were. They enjoyed their Genie+ subscription. They talked to a number of CM's who treated them very well, and they felt the parks were much cleaner.

The third generation children (dressed as princesses) were much less communicative, but said they loved Disney and just gave me a shrug for Universal.

These are not MY opinions - this was straight from them.

I feel really bad for DVC owners right now. The fact that owning DVC gives you zero extra perks for the parks is very bad business, if you ask me.

Don't feel too bad for us. Disney has always been clear that perks will come and go. We bought a hotel room and nothing else. Any DVC owner who doesn't know that didn't read the contract.

 

[TiggerBouncy]

My relevant experience. We were at Disney Feb 12-19th. I was a bit nervous despite my positivity on these forums based on a lot of the complaints. Last trip had been in Oct just before Genie+ was released.

We had a TERRIFIC time. I won't lie... We had a FEW challenging situations. Our rooms were late being ready which was frustrating, although the CM was very nice and did give us a small compensation. In another case as Oga's cantina, we checked in with our ECV's and said we could transfer, so they put as at a STANDING location. The CM who was supposed to lead us to our seat was rude and it really upset DW. The funny thing about it was (this part is not funny - they were having issues with the computers) and we actually had TWO places reserved - one of them being a table. There was just some confusion. The manager got is sorted out in about 5 minutes. Last situation was at SDD and we never did end up riding slinky. :-(

Those 3 experiences did not taint the trip. We were at HS on the busiest day, and that was a bit of a tough one, but nonetheless, we still did get to see Indiana Jones now back!!! plus Oga's and a few other things. We left early.

The remainder of the trip was in MK which was TERRIFIC and we got to see everything we wanted except BTMR which was under refurbishment. At EPCOT, we managed to snag a Remy which we really enjoyed as well as Soarin' a couple of times and everything else we aimed for (we did not try to get Space 220).

The food was up a notch from October - especially in EPCOT. Hats off to Le Cellier which each time I have been there since the pandemic started has gotten just a little better and was approaching pre-pandemic levels.

With the exception of the things listed at the beginning, every CM was outstanding. I was particularly nervous being in an ECV for the first time (hopefully just temporary), but the CM's were very accommodating and helpful.

Our best thing by far was Drawn to Life and I highly recommend it. Although I did not lower my expectations at all, I WAS prepared for a few challenges, and there were some. However, we still had a great time and are looking forward to our next trip!!!

 

[Belle5]

We are really glad to have read ALL the warnings on what to expect and I think it is a timely caution right now to greatly lower our expectations. However, our family has already decided WE WILL HAVE A GREAT TIME (obviously, barring unforeseen tragedy while vacationing)! How do I know this? We have made the decision ahead of time and adjusted expectations. Just because we have decided we will have a great time doesn't mean we will keep going back to WDW as we have 40+ other times. I seriously doubt that we will based on prices alone! I am grateful to have been forewarned about issues so that we have the chance to mentally prepare for frustration. I don't know that we would have been so determined to have a great time had we been blindsided and unable to prepare for what to expect!! When we vacationed in Disney World December of 2020 we had A GREAT TIME! What if we had shown up not realizing we would have to wear masks constantly (silly, I know, but bear with me), that there wouldn't be any nighttime spectaculars, most table service closed, that all the resorts would be closed to those not staying there, etc., etc... We would have been so very disappointed. But, we did our research and had been forewarned and ended up having a wonderful, wonderful vacation! Are we excited about the stress of the new Genie+ and ILL? NO! But, thanks to all of the reporting here we have set our expectations and made a plan to even adjust our expectations on what we will be able to accomplish using our outrageously expensive tickets and additional Genie+ add-ons! Do I like it? No. I really don't want to spend our vacation dollars at WDW this year but we are already committed (meeting others there) so we are determined to enjoy it even while getting financially scalped.

 

[trvlgirlmq]

Frankly, if I have to be "determined" to have a good time and have to psych myself up for a trip then I should just stay home or spend my money on something that truly incites happiness. No place is worth your loyalty if it comes at such a cost.

 

[scrappinginontario]

We visited Jan 29-Feb 5 for the first time in 2 1/2 years after previously visiting 20+ times in 8 years.

went in with the expectation that things would be different than before and they were.

I find in most situations in life if I go in with high expectations I will be disappointed so over the years have changed my thought process re: vacations to it being a new adventure and let’s see what the adventure holds. Some new things, some repeats and yes, some things we miss from the last.
Were there things we missed? For sure but, not enough to override the good.

The neat thing was there were things I was sure I would miss (luggage transfer, dining plan) and I found for us I didn’t miss either and actually preferred our trip without those.

Our expectations? Have fun and make new memories. Mission accomplished!

 

[T'Lynn]

Frankly, if I have to be "determined" to have a good time and have to psych myself up for a trip then I should just stay home or spend my money on something that truly incites happiness. No place is worth your loyalty if it comes at such a cost.

This.
I would also suspect that if you feel you have to psych yourself up then you’ve already answered the question… you don’t expect to have a great time.