Christmas Decorations This Year

[oilheadbob]

Interesting to hear everyone's take on the reduction in decorations at WDW. I think that sometimes we look for what is not as good instead of how wonderful things can be. Enjoy you time with your family or friends, look for the magic that is within each of us. Cherish those moments, Happy Holidays to All!

 

[WolfpackFan]

Interesting to hear everyone's take on the reduction in decorations at WDW. I think that sometimes we look for what is not as good instead of how wonderful things can be. Enjoy you time with your family or friends, look for the magic that is within each of us. Cherish those moments, Happy Holidays to All!

I didn't start this thread to tarnish anyone's enjoyment of WDW. Rather as an owner of property at WDW, I think it is a valid question as to whether our investment in DVC is going to maintain it's value long term and I certainly see any cutbacks at WDW effecting our investments. If WDW were to close a park or even make a major change to a park, I think that would have a direct affect on what we could sell our contracts for if/when we sell. Sorry if this doesn't leave folks with that warm and fuzzy feeling they like to have. Over on the Theme Park boards, folks who complain about the decorations are being called whiners and complainers.

 

[Sammie]

I didn't start this thread to tarnish anyone's enjoyment of WDW. Rather as an owner of property at WDW, I think it is a valid question as to whether our investment in DVC is going to maintain it's value long term and I certainly see any cutbacks at WDW effecting our investments. If WDW were to close a park or even make a major change to a park, I think that would have a direct affect on what we could sell our contracts for if/when we sell. Sorry if this doesn't leave folks with that warm and fuzzy feeling they like to have. Over on the Theme Park boards, folks who complain about the decorations are being called whiners and complainers.

I appreciate the question and I don't feel being honest with an opinion on this subject means any of us don't appreciate being able to go or spend time with our family or friends.

But the decline in the decorations did make me rethink the use of my points. I specifically saved points in order to be able to go during this time, if Disney is not going to provide what I feel is an experience worthy of the expense it cost me I will rethink my booking of my future trips so I can get more bang for my buck.

The decorations were good, but there is an obvious decline from previous years, yet the parks and resorts were packed.

After getting chewed out by bellmen and valet at the BWV, I will say that I will go during a less stressful time in the future.

 

[manning]

The concern is that the quality of decorations have been declining over the years and looks like it will continue.

 

[BroganMc]

I blame the canceling of Lights of Winter. Ever since Disney announced that people have been full of complaints online. It's very noticeable.

For me, yeah EPCOT is on the underwhelming side. Magic Kingdom was a bit up in the air this past weekend with the parade taping. They had to take the street garland down for all the production equipment and the tree was replaced with presents to allow a full castle shot.

I did hear Christmas music everywhere, including the rest room. I don't think it's been scrimped.

The gospel choir at EPCOT and their blue/white Christmas display is definitely not my thing.

 

[Lildalejrfan]

After reading all the posts I'm really disapointed now. We leave on Monday morning & this will be our first time @ WDW @ Christmas time. Everyone I know who's a DVC member has always said what beautiful displays Disney had this time of year & how the parks were never crowded. Plus, I was watching the Disney special last week on the Travel Channel about the behind the scenes of how they decorate the parks. I was soooo excited just watching it. Now, it's seems my bubble has burst Even though this will be our 6th trip home this year I just don't seem to have the oomph I've had on previous trips. Guess all I need is a little & once I get there it will be great as usual

 

[WolfpackFan]

Well we've got one more day of our trip left. We have been to WDW for the last three years at Christmas and I can say this has been the most disappointing. I'm not sure how to describe it. Yes there are less decorations (mainly at Epcot IMO), but there are lots of other things. For example it seems like there have been less busses running and they have been very crowded. There have been less monorails running. This afternoon evidently there was only one resort monorail running and it was having some kind of mechanical problems. We've never had to wait for monorails as long as we have today.

On the positive side, we've spent a lot less on food. Mainly because everytime I've wanted to buy something to eat or drink, there have been long lines at the food stands. Everytime we've been by Mainstreet Bakery this week the line has been out the door. I'm not going to wait in line for 20 minutes just to get a cup of coffee and a sweet roll. Today MK wasn't so crowded until the MVMCP folks started arriving. We were very disappointed Wishes was only being done once while we were here. That was Monday night and it was packed with people of course. It seems like we've spent a lot more time in the room.

Anyway, we won't be coming back for Christmas any time soon. In fact we only will be doing one WDW trip in the next 2 years (compared to four times over the last year). And we're planning to split our time next September between WDW, Universal and Seaworld.

Coming to WDW used to be something really special, but not anymore.

 

[disneynutz]

We hope that Disney sees the error of their ways before it's too late.

Transportation has been a problem. After the DVC Owners meeting last night, the monorail was out of service. Instead of posting a Cast Member by the escalator to stop Guests and redirect them, they let everyone get all the way to loading platform with their families and strollers in tow where they were given the bad news.

Pop Warner is talking about not renewing their contract with Disney next year due to the high prices charged by Disney.

Disney has announced that they will be reducing the discounts and booking incentives next year. Lets hope that they put any additional profit back into the business.

 

[manning]

WDW, the new Six Flags minus the coasters.

 

[Sammie]

After reading all the posts I'm really disapointed now. We leave on Monday morning & this will be our first time @ WDW @ Christmas time. Everyone I know who's a DVC member has always said what beautiful displays Disney had this time of year & how the parks were never crowded. Plus, I was watching the Disney special last week on the Travel Channel about the behind the scenes of how they decorate the parks. I was soooo excited just watching it. Now, it's seems my bubble has burst Even though this will be our 6th trip home this year I just don't seem to have the oomph I've had on previous trips. Guess all I need is a little & once I get there it will be great as usual

Since you have not been before I don't think you will be disappointed in the decorations, they are still beautiful, just a noticeable decline for us that have been before.

As to crowds I think you will have to accept that one.

Have a fun time. Not sure where you are staying but be sure to check out the Beach Club, I feel their decorations were some of the best this year.

And for the first time ever, I did not eat one single meal at Disney. We ate in the villa or off property and I can honestly say I did not miss any of it, the high prices, the lack luster food or crowded conditions. I ate locally around Lake Buena Vista where crowds were less and everyone was pleasant and appreciated my business.

I took the money I saved, went over to Gaylord Palms to see Ice and have a great meal. I will continue to use my DVC at the resorts but I will be spending more of my money out of Disney.

 

[Lildalejrfan]

Sammie-I guess I've kinda of built it up over the years of hearing DSIL talking about them. I'm sure I'll still love them

We'll be staying @ Kidani since I was able to get a GV . My neighbors who are coming with us stayed at the BC last year & were telling us about the decorations plus she said a must see is the Grand Floridian.

As far as meals go we usually only eat breakfast in the rooms. We usually eat off site instead of over paying for Disney meals. I'm sure the crowds can't be any worse than the 4th of July crowds