DH's coworker's negative WDW comments (vent)

[Lyn5]

First, as a background, I have been to WDW twice and my DH, DS(5) and DD(3) have never been. We are leaving in 14 days and are very excited . If we have fun and I am able to find a deal on airfare, we may go back in May as our family vacation for next year and I want to take my dad with us.

About three weeks ago, DH’s finds out his coworker is going to Orlando for a conference and she wants info on WDW. So, he tells her to call me, the Disney fanatic in the family. I think coworker is a nice person deep down, but sometimes she is just too much. I speak with her on the phone and get an idea on when she is going and her interests and then e-mail her a bunch of ideas and links to great sites. I also give her three vacation books she can use/have.

Well, last night DH comes home and says: “Coworker came back and she had a wonderful time. She said the books were great and thanks.”
“That’s nice, I am glad she had fun.”
DH “But, she said that EPCOT is only for adults, there’s nothing for the kids.”
“Well, EPCOT isn’t going to be like MK, but she was an adult solo traveler. I have researched and there are some activities for the kids I want to do...plus, our kids enjoy riding in the stroller. They will have fun looking at the building and performers while we look around too.”
DH “And she said that we should not take the kids to EPCOT at night, there are too many drunks at all the restaurants.”
“She went during the Food and Wine Festival...of course there are going to be people having a few and having a good time. We are going during the Christmas activities so I would think nighttime will be much more family orientated than a wine festival”
Then, DH looks at me like I am trying to cover up for WDW and says, “And she said the food was horrible.”

 

[PneumaticTransit]

I try not to get upset by people who want to rain on my Disney parade. I love it, that's all that matters. Some people will never *get* it. That just makes one less person in line!

Besides... I have thousands of Dis'rs on my side.

 

[gigglesnort]

She doesn't like EPCOT for kids, so what? I hated it when I was a kid. We went the first year it opened.

I hope this isn't the only reason you said you think she's a nice person "deep down"!!

 

[trappednabox]

I think the kids will have fun, we took my sis 8 and nephew 5 & they both loved it there, taking pictures in the countrys and just seeing all the different style bulidings

 

[Tigger_Magic]

Everything at WDW is not going to please everyone... that's why there are different parks, including 2 different water parks and all kinds of resorts. The co-worker is entitled to her opinion (just like she's entitled to be "wrong" ).

 

[llij]

Just wanted to jump in here and say how much my kids have loved Epcot. We've been going to WDW for years and they always rank Epcot right up there with MK. There is so much for the kids to do there. Of course, all kids are different and some might not like it but I don't see how your DH's co-worker thinks it is for adults only.

Have a great time when you go on your trip! Your kids are a great age to experience the magic of WDW!

BTW, we love the food there too!

 

[tinaluis]

Honestly, DH and I didn't get EPCOT when we visited the first time either (1993 Honeymoon -- no kids yet). We thought the food was way overpriced and there weren't enough "rides" to justify the cost of admission. It's only happened recently that we've come to enjoy it and, in fact, it's now one of our favorite parks. We were able to sample many of the counter-service establishments thanks to the Q&C Vouchers (we're really going to miss them) and a trip to WDW wouldn't be complete without a stop at EPCOT. I hope your family enjoys your trip and I hope the "get" EPCOT too!

 

[punkin]

My youngest DD loves Epcot. It is her favorite park. She loves the kidcot stations, imagination ride, HISTA, test track (first time she went on it she was 3 and had to wear HUGE platform sandals for height.) and everything else.

 

[ChristmasElf]

Well, simply put, your husbands co worker must be an idiot.

There are a lot of things in EPCOT for children.
Most kids LOVE the Living Seas.
KIDSPOT all around the park for them to draw and collect the attachments for their project.
Soarin'. Best attraction period IMO.
The boat ride through the Land.
Figment.
Ellens Energy Adventure.
Test Track is fun for the older one.
Spaceship Earth.
Even the countries have things for kids.
Mexico and Norway both have rides.
China has the acrobats.
Japan has the candy maker.
Since you will be going close to the Holidays, there will be the different versions of Santa Claus in the countries. Great phot ops here.

As far as food, if your kids only eat cheeseburgers, hotdogs, fries, etc. then the American PAvillion in the countries will work fine for you.
China isn't too bad either (although a tad expensive for what you get)
LeCellier (Canada Pavillion) has great food.
My kids love the French Bakery and soft serve (Creme-Glacee)

By the way, Disney has zero tolerance for guests that behave badly and I find it hard to believe the co worker ran into a bunch of drunks!


Take the kids to EPCOT and ignore the negative comments from someone who has only been there 1 time!

Have fun!!!

 

[indigoxtreme]

Take the kids to Epcot before MK. They will realize what a great place it is on its own and not try to compare it to the amusement park feeling of MK. My 4 yr old DGD loved it. She did the kidcot stations and had a great time. And they are free.... She loved the music in the different countries and the ativities in each one. Her eyes were wide with all she was taking in. It will be beautiful during that time and they will have the various St nicks from each country there too. They should love that.....

 

[Lyn5]

She doesn't like EPCOT for kids, so what? I hated it when I was a kid. We went the first year it opened.

I hope this isn't the only reason you said you think she's a nice person "deep down"!!

No, this isn't the only thing that has happened. I do think she is a nice person...but sometimes doesn't know how to interact with people. As an example, we went to her wedding (she is also married to DH's friend) and she had assigned tables...which would have been o.k. except that she separated some husbands from their wives and had a separate table for kids, near the exit, and some of the kids were 5 and under...it was very odd and many people were uncomfortable.

I know we will have fun...I have logged in many hours researching all the fun stuff to do. I was just a little upset that she was so negative about it when I didn't feel she really understood. But, I will show my DH a wonderful time.....thousands of people go each day, there must be a magic there

 

[Laura]

When I first went to WDW as a kid, there was only MK. It was 1982 and EPCOT was almost finished. So we took a ride on the monorail to the nearly complete park and saw a video on the new attractions and everything. My brother and sister and I all thought EPCOT would suck and be soooo boooring. Then the next year we went to WDW again and visited the new park. We all LOVED it. I chuckle at the idea there's nothing for kids there.

And of course there's horrible food in WDW. Those in the know just avoid the nasty places!

 

[Mysteria]

Epcot at Christmas is beautiful. There are extra things the kids may enjoy like the story tellers in the countries. Food being good or bad can depend on where you go and what you were expecting I guess. I have never had bad food anywhere in the world. It has ranged from average to exceptional! I say have your DH read this thread when it is done to see the many positive responses from many experienced WDW travellers.

Myst

 

[Lyn5]

Thank you all for the wonderful replies....you are making me even more excited to go

 

[simba928]

All I can say is at least she listened to you and tried what you said to do. A friend of mine went to WDW since she was like 4, so she doesn't really remember it. I told her to make sure she does certain rides and do this and that. It wasn't even that much, just stuff that I thought she would like. When she got back I asked her if she ate at 50s prime time. No, she didnt eat there, they ate somewhere else. I asked if she rode a certain ride. No, she didn't ride it. EVerything that I told her to do she totally ignored. Fine, if thats how she wants to be, I wasted my time, but whatever.
And another thing. I find it hard to believe that she saw drunks walking around. I am pretty sure Disney would not put up with such behavior.
Also, there are a ton of interesting things at EPCOT. Do not let her discourage you and your husband from going there. I am sure your family will enjoy it.
Have a great trip and say hi to the mouse for me!!!

 

[Oh Kay!]

Then, DH looks at me like I am trying to cover up for WDW and says, “And she said the food was horrible.”

Calll me sensitive, but if my DH acted that way, I would have given him a "look", and asked, "Do you mean to say you value your co-worker's opinion more than mine?" Then I would watch him trying to dig himself out. I know, I'm mean.

 

[Mysteria]

All I can say is at least she listened to you and tried what you said to do. A friend of mine went to WDW since she was like 4, so she doesn't really remember it. I told her to make sure she does certain rides and do this and that. It wasn't even that much, just stuff that I thought she would like. When she got back I asked her if she ate at 50s prime time. No, she didnt eat there, they ate somewhere else. I asked if she rode a certain ride. No, she didn't ride it. EVerything that I told her to do she totally ignored. Fine, if thats how she wants to be, I wasted my time, but whatever.
And another thing. I find it hard to believe that she saw drunks walking around. I am pretty sure Disney would not put up with such behavior.
Also, there are a ton of interesting things at EPCOT. Do not let her discourage you and your husband from going there. I am sure your family will enjoy it.
Have a great trip and say hi to the mouse for me!!!

At the food and wine festival there will inevitably be a few drunks walking around. I've been during this time and it was no big deal to me (oh wait maybe I was one of them! ) As long as they aren't making idiots of themsleves by being rude or obnoxious to other guests then security doesn't get too involved. I think people's reactions to said drunks are what differs and gives people differing opinions on what happens at the F&W festival.

Myst

 

[simba928]

I've been during this time and it was no big deal to me (oh wait maybe I was one of them! )

LOL.

At the food and wine festival there will inevitably be a few drunks walking around.

Well, obviously there will be some people that are a little drunk, but I meant that I don't think Disney would not put up with them if their behavior was inappropriate for a family park. If they are the type that mind their own business when they are drunk, then I don't care if they are there.

 

[Lyn5]

Calll me sensitive, but if my DH acted that way, I would have given him a "look", and asked, "Do you mean to say you value your co-worker's opinion more than mine?" Then I would watch him trying to dig himself out. I know, I'm mean.

DH knows I am more knowledgeable on the subject than coworker, but I think his point (or look) to me was that not everything will be as wonderful as I expect it to be...but I know it will be I have faith ....and I know my DH and I know he will have fun. I researched the resturants by their type of food and the comments other people gave and I think I chose dining that my family will really enjoy and be pleasantly suprised with. Besides, tough cookies on coworkers negativity...she doesn't have children and doesn't understand that sometimes the oddest things are what children enjoy the most. We are having fun...only 14 more days and I get to tell hello from simba928 .

 

[Chicago526]

My brothers and I loved Epcot as kids, we were 7, 11, and 13 and went in '83. We even liked the few rides they had! I was 7 and loved WS, I thought all the differant countries were cool and interesting.

Then again, I'm also a geek.

My only complaint about Epcot is that it's too freakin' BIG, I get exhausted walking so far all day! I don't have that problem in other parks, but Epcot just wipes me out!