Best Strategy for a trip in 2022? Lower Your Expectations

[scrappinginontario]

I am curious what the average feedback is for Genie +, not just maximizers like us on the DISBoards. Like it or not, it might just not be made for us, but more for the average consumer. I think the biggest disappointment I have heard of is the paid options not displaying the time until after you pay, but is the average consumer paying for ILL?

We have friends there this week who went to Disney often in the past but haven't been for a few days. They chose to try G+ without guidance on their own and it didn't work out for them. They chose Bug's Life first (which they ended up not needing as there wasn't a line) and then tried for Na'vi but their return time was too late in the evening by the time it booked a time for them to use it so they paid $75 for 1 LL they didn't need.

They're going to the MK tomorrow and she's asked a lot of questions today and we've set up a plan of action for them tomorrow.

She's an 'average' guest and her experience so far is that she's not happy with G+ at all.

 

[Ikaikalani]

I am curious what the average feedback is for Genie +, not just maximizers like us on the DISBoards. Like it or not, it might just not be made for us, but more for the average consumer. I think the biggest disappointment I have heard of is the paid options not displaying the time until after you pay, but is the average consumer paying for ILL?

It seems to me that the debate between G+ being successful or not will go on and on as it is intrinsically tied to how crowded the park is the day you're there. If the parks are crowded, LL's are gone early in the day, where if the park is only half full, then the LL's will stay available much longer throughout the day.

 

[cedricandsophie]

We go to DW every March for 2 weeks. But mainly for the DVC resorts. We have typically got a park hopper and done 3 or even all 4 parks in one day hitting the big rides. It was impossible this year. We got to AK early for those staying in resorts. Went immediately to avatar and waited 45 min for flight and another 30 min for the River. Then we hustled over to the safari. It was over an hour that early. And when we were almost through we saw why. The attendant literally let 150 people in the line formerly known as the fast pass line ie they paid extra for it. When my husband complained about when were the rest of us going to go the attendant said her orders are to let all these people go because they had paid for it. It was crazy.
Then we went to MK and got on 2 right des and then to Epcot to do soarin, test track which of course broke down and then waited until 858 to get in the ratatouille line to have that break down too.
It felt like a wasted day.

 

[luvthatmouseinohio]

I just returned from a 5-night stay which ended March 12. I rented points at the Boardwalk from a DVC member specifically for the proximity of being near Epcot for Flower and Garden. I didn’t do G+, thinking I could rope drop at the International Gateway and hit Remy first thing. Guess what? Remy was down, with no idea when it would be up and running. Big disappointment right from the get-go. I’ve heard it’s really not “all that” anyway, but I sure wanted to see for myself.

I too have been a long time Disney fan, but I really wasn’t as pumped for this trip as I usually was. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit several times over the years, so I didn’t feel the urgency to hit every attraction. Therefore, no G+. I was not about to spend my time glued to my phone and decided to just wing it. And to be honest, it turned out to be a fabulous trip. There was no pressure to race from one place to the next. If a line was longer than I wanted to wait, I moved on. But … I couldn’t help but notice the cast members weren’t as informed as they used to be. A few times I asked questions and they just didn’t know the answers.

If I were a newer guest to the parks or was there with young children, I would have been sorely disappointed. But as I get older my expectations have changed and I take more time to look around me and experience Disney in a new way. Somehow I don’t think Walt ever intended a visit to his theme parks to be so overwhelming for his guests.

 

[BridgetBordeaux]

This thread is now 33 pages long and might be intimating for someone to read from start to finish about our discussions.

I updated the first post with places where I made comments about the trip I made after post 1.

I did not touch the contents of the original post.

I added locations of some other posts I made that I felt were important if someone was trying to read a "Cliff Notes" version of our recent experiences.

 

[mom2rtk]

We have friends there this week who went to Disney often in the past but haven't been for a few days. They chose to try G+ without guidance on their own and it didn't work out for them. They chose Bug's Life first (which they ended up not needing as there wasn't a line) and then tried for Na'vi but their return time was too late in the evening by the time it booked a time for them to use it so they paid $75 for 1 LL they didn't need.

They're going to the MK tomorrow and she's asked a lot of questions today and we've set up a plan of action for them tomorrow.

She's an 'average' guest and her experience so far is that she's not happy with G+ at all.

I do suspect that is a typical experience for the non-DIS reading guest.

Unfortunately I think Chapek is assuming the numbers of people buying G+ right now are an indication that people like the system. I have a hunch large numbers won't buy it on a return trip. I know we won't.

 

[jlundeen]

I think this is a Goose and the Golden Egg type of thing.... people that are not on top of the planning strategies may be buying it now, and Disney sees a great profit from their latest and greatest strategy. But the future may be different once they run out of first-time users....

On the other hand, many just love the Disney experience so much they may just give in and learn the ways of the Genie.... and minimize paying for what previous trips have taught them doesn't work, and only pay for what is absolutely needed for their trip enjoyment.

Others may choose to spend their money elsewhere.

Either way, I wonder if profits will continue to soar once folks that had to postpone trips because of Covid have come and gone.

 

[lowlight]

I do suspect that is a typical experience for the non-DIS reading guest.

Unfortunately I think Chapek is assuming the numbers of people buying G+ right now are an indication that people like the system. I have a hunch large numbers won't buy it on a return trip. I know we won't.

Those are my feelings also, but as bad as it was, I shudder to think of the parks without it as it negatively affects standby times by existing.

 

[Scalemaster34]

I do suspect that is a typical experience for the non-DIS reading guest.

Unfortunately I think Chapek is assuming the numbers of people buying G+ right now are an indication that people like the system. I have a hunch large numbers won't buy it on a return trip. I know we won't.

That's if there is a return trip... I'd get flak from some people who came away unhappy, before COVID and all these changes. If you didn't read up an understand about dining reservations and Fast Passes... you were behind the curve already. But we have gone from needed some cliff notes and minor information, to needed to attend classes to get a PHD in Disney Vacationing.

I'm not happy, but I'm not walking away either - just renewed my AP (while I can still get them). But Universal isn't really the same thing in my book. Now I might do a trip to Mountains to visit Gatlinburg and Dollywood along with all the natural sites in the Smoky Mountains, more often than I have.

 

[RoseGold]

But we have gone from needed some cliff notes and minor information, to needed to attend classes to get a PHD in Disney Vacationing.

You needed a PhD before Covid too, and you needed to get that PhD six months before your trip. Difference now is that even that PhD doesn't help you if crowd levels are too high. My G+ experience in January was a complete bust, and I'm not an average user. Crowd levels were just too high. And I was NOT happy about competing for slots at 7AM.

 

[Disneytam]

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.

Just reading this today. This is in part why we are happy to be giving more and more money to Universal and less to Disney. Example: I had booked a Universal trip for my Son and his Girlfriend and when the tickets that I ordered arrived I noticed that somehow I had accidently purchased 2 children's tickets instead of adult tickets. I called Universal (less than a 5 minute wait) and explained what I had done fully expecting to pay the difference and more than a little embarrassed. The wonderful person I spoke with said no problem and fixed it for me instantly and refused to charge me the extra, and this wasn't a one day ticket either. It was to close to their trip for them to physically change the ticket but she said that they would have the correct ones waiting for them when they checked in. They did with no issue at all. Disney could have done something similar.

 

[ScarletFire]

I'm not interested in other theme parks. I fell in love with Disney in 1971. My parents took me to the Poly and CR back in the day. Over the years, my family has stayed at most all the resorts. It's more than just the attractions at the parks. I have no desire to see Universal. But that's me. Maybe I don't know what I'm missing but that's fine.

In the past, friends traveled to WDW with my family because I knew the system. Everyone had the best trips ever! As recently as September 2021, we had a perfect trip. My friends had their 13-year old daughter with them and no problems riding the headliners. It was so much fun! We stayed at the campground and had two resort days. It was September and no FP. Not overly crowded and everyone used SB. At the time, the Delta variant was raging and we almost postponed to May 2022. I am so thankful we stuck with our original plans!

I can't be that person in charge of the trip anymore. DH and I were there beginning of March. We only rode 3 attractions! Rise, MMRR and LWTL, that's it. No Genie+. We had a good time, attractions are not a priority for us but they are a priority for most people. I get this! I do not suggest a trip to WDW to any friends nowadays.

We have a Fort Wilderness trip planned with my DD24 and her two BFFs, 4/29-5/5. They've already pre-purchased Genie+. She's excited and says Genie+ is like a game. I'll be interested in her take on the "new and improved" WDW. She'll be completely informed before she leaves. I'll be on my phone helping her. If she can't make this work, it'll be a sad day. I've tried to tell her to "lower her expectations" but she won't hear it. She loves Disney and I hope this trip is not a let down for her.

 

[Darcy03231]

My children grew up going to WDW at least once a year, and most of their friends did too. They're now in their late 20's early 30's, most are married, and some have children of their own now. One friend just got back from a rescheduled trip with her husband and two children (they were booked to go soon after everything shut down in 2020). They're in the one and done category. According to my daughter they spent a lot of money and did not have a magical time. The husband wasn't super on board to begin with because of the cost, but went along with it since his wife really wanted to go. Wife thought once he experienced it, he would be on board with going back. Now, neither one of them want to go back.

 

[Summer2018]

I'm not interested in other theme parks. I fell in love with Disney in 1971. My parents took me to the Poly and CR back in the day. Over the years, my family has stayed at most all the resorts. It's more than just the attractions at the parks. I have no desire to see Universal. But that's me. Maybe I don't know what I'm missing but that's fine.

In the past, friends traveled to WDW with my family because I knew the system. Everyone had the best trips ever! As recently as September 2021, we had a perfect trip. My friends had their 13-year old daughter with them and no problems riding the headliners. It was so much fun! We stayed at the campground and had two resort days. It was September and no FP. Not overly crowded and everyone used SB. At the time, the Delta variant was raging and we almost postponed to May 2022. I am so thankful we stuck with our original plans!

I can't be that person in charge of the trip anymore. DH and I were there beginning of March. We only rode 3 attractions! Rise, MMRR and LWTL, that's it. No Genie+. We had a good time, attractions are not a priority for us but they are a priority for most people. I get this! I do not suggest a trip to WDW to any friends nowadays.

We have a Fort Wilderness trip planned with my DD24 and her two BFFs, 4/29-5/5. They've already pre-purchased Genie+. She's excited and says Genie+ is like a game. I'll be interested in her take on the "new and improved" WDW. She'll be completely informed before she leaves. I'll be on my phone helping her. If she can't make this work, it'll be a sad day. I've tried to tell her to "lower her expectations" but she won't hear it. She loves Disney and I hope this trip is not a let down for her.

I’m with you. Many years ago when DD was a huge Harry Potter fan, we spent two days at Universal after a wonderful week at WDW. Unfortunately, we didn’t stay onsite. Had I known that staying onsite would have gotten us in one hour earlier, we would have stayed there. We didn’t know so HP was body to body crowded first thing in the morning. Nothing went as planned. I enjoyed Dr. Seuss because I am a teacher, but otherwise, Universal was a complete disappointment…a total bust. We really didn’t like the vibe, especially after being in the WDW bubble. None of us ever had any desire to return to Universal after that trip.

I really hope that over time, the powers that be at Disney will come to their senses and fix what is currently ruining WDW.

 

[Orion Nebula]

especially after being in the WDW bubble.

We haven't been to Universal, although Harry Potter looks really cool (it's the only draw for us). I always felt like going and being SO CLOSE to WDW would've made me fairly regretful as that bubble was amazing.

 

[MikeandReneePlus5]

Maybe it's already been said in these 33 pages but I wonder how much of all this disillusionment in post-Covid hangover? Let's face it folks, the world (see what I did there?) is a different place now.

Guests feel it, kids feel it and you can be sure CMs feel it.

I've been on the boards 12 years now and seen angst come and go with each Disney change...but this feels different.

We were there in Feb 2022 and we did have a great time. We really did. But it was expensive. And it felt....not as great as prior trips honestly. Still...I'll go back. I do enjoy it.

 

[MikeandReneePlus5]

We used to :

• look for hidden mickey's
• call the Epcot phone booth and surprise guests
• find the key under the mat at muppets
• look for paint brushes on tom sawyer island
• engage in the goofiness and yelling at Whispering Canyon cafe
• play along with the "mom makes you eat vegetables" schtick at 50s Prime Time
• find "hidden paths" in MK and AK
• learn to illustrate a character at DHS from an actual illustrator with maybe 50 other people "in the know" about the opportunity
• other stuff I am forgetting

Each of these is more or less gone.

 

[jecarnl]

The DW and I have been going twice a year since 2006 but we haven't been since Dec 2019. We are wanting to go so bad but the changes made don't fit how we like to do WDW. We like to come and go as we please to the parks. We like to sleep in. We don't like carrying a phone with us to the parks. We were ok with planning 3 FP before we got there and we used those and maybe did a couple of other rides. So basically our way of doing Disney and enjoying it gone, at least for now.
With regard to FP, we would have rather seen the Universal type system. I'm ok with paying if it makes my vacation better and I'm not sure Genie in any form does that.

 

[Prince John Robin Hood]

With regard to FP, we would have rather seen the Universal type system. I'm ok with paying if it makes my vacation better and I'm not sure Genie in any form does that.

Universals setup is better for sure. Staying onsite is a massive advantage there with express pass included. We prefer WDW parks but Universal is so much easier. Hopefully things will improve at WDW soon.

 

[Magicbeans]

Just thinking when Epic opens at Universal, they really are going to have an amazing all encompassing place for anyone to enjoy themselves. From the speculation and leaks that have come out so far, a lot of family areas and attractions are being added, which in turn will really make it a much tougher sell to those who think Disney is the be all end all. I love both parks, but Universal is making smart decisions right now and Disney is not in my opinion. Epic Universe is a game changer in my mind when added to what is already available at Universal.