DISers View of WDW

[BeerMe]

Although we started visiting WDW in 1974 (1968 for Disneyland) I consider our Disney adventure started in 1995 when we first stayed onsite at SOG. Since then we have made over 50 trips and have immensely enjoyed the Disney experience. We are reaching a milestone in June when we travel with the last of the grandchildren on their first visit to WDW, again at SOG. I am really looking forward to that.

I did not start using the DIS until 2006 when we attended a wedding and coincidentally used the dining plan for the first time - FREE DINING. I learned a lot from people on the DIS. Since then I have been on and off several times - but I keep coming back.

I was just thinking that for first timers, what would they learn from reading posts here?

Disney is over crowded?
Disney is a mere shadow of what it used to be?
Disney is cutting service?
Disney is cutting quality?
Disney is no longer worth visiting?

I see so many negative posts it is depressing, but I don't buy it. Not by a long shot. We have invested a huge amount of time and money in Disney World and I still see incredible value here. It is my happy place and it always will be, especially with what is being added. My only complaint is that they waited too long to add the experiences that will be added in the next few years,.

My advice is to go to Disney, enjoy yourself and take all these posts with a huge grain of salt. Just my opinion, but I'm guessing a lot of people feel this way

 

[GillianP1301]

The answer to all of your questions for first timers to these boards is probably yes.

I enjoy the DIS, it really helps satisfy my obsession with planning my next trip while I wait and wait... But, I will say this, after I first joined (which was 4ish years ago before the first time taking my son, I learned very quickly to take almost every opinion with a grain of salt. I found that most of what I experienced on that trip was inconsistent with opinions on this board, or if not inconsistent, at least not to the extreme they were presented. I think the key is that a very extreme opinion (other positive or negative) is usually 1 or a handful of people of the bazillions that go to Disney, so they don't represent the majority at all.

So for me the DIS is entertaining, I have picked up some great tips here and there that help with my touring plans, but opinions on best/worst food or best/worst resorts, or things like that, I don't take as gospel.

 

[IhrkeFamily]

Thanks for still viewing WDW as the most magical place on earth! I'll join in that chorus!! We love Disney and each trip is a new experience mixed with wonderful favorites. Things change as all things do, but there are so many new things that excite me. Price increases are part of life and since I'm still getting an amazing experience, our family will still keep going.

 

[GPC0321]

I got frustrated with this board just before my trip and kind of acted childish, said my "goodbye" and went away in a huff. The constant negativity does get exhausting. Especially to those of us who are so excited that we get to go to WDW, and want somewhere to talk about that excitement and read other people's excitement. I come here to get pumped up about WDW and help pass the time until I go again. Unlike many of the people here, I haven't gotten to go one or more times per year for most of my life. I've been, five times, I think? And there was a 17-year gap before my last visit over Easter. Lord willing, I'll go again in December 2017 to see it at Christmastime, something I've never done and always wanted to do. I don't have a lot of money to spend on vacations, and there are other circumstances that kind of make it difficult for me to get away. Yet, when I *can* make a vacation happen, I can thin of no other place I'd rather go than WDW. To me, it's the quintessential vacation. I just love it.

I wish people who no longer find it worth the money or effort could simply go find somewhere else to vacation and not feel the need to come here and vent their frustrations day in and day out, but it is what it is. Find a message board about anything in the world that a lot of people love, and there will always be negative posts and threads ripping it to shreds.

I sometimes think people come online to complain and argue about things like Disney because that's a distraction from the real problems they might otherwise have to think about if they weren't so engrossed in the outrageous prices of MVMCP tickets.

 

[PCFriar80]

Although we started visiting WDW in 1974 (1968 for Disneyland) I consider our Disney adventure started in 1995 when we first stayed onsite at SOG. Since then we have made over 50 trips and have immensely enjoyed the Disney experience. We are reaching a milestone in June when we travel with the last of the grandchildren on their first visit to WDW, again at SOG. I am really looking forward to that.

I did not start using the DIS until 2006 when we attended a wedding and coincidentally used the dining plan for the first time - FREE DINING. I learned a lot from people on the DIS. Since then I have been on and off several times - but I keep coming back.

I was just thinking that for first timers, what would they learn from reading posts here?

Disney is over crowded?
Disney is a mere shadow of what it used to be?
Disney is cutting service?
Disney is cutting quality?
Disney is no longer worth visiting?

I see so many negative posts it is depressing, but I don't buy it. Not by a long shot. We have invested a huge amount of time and money in Disney World and I still see incredible value here. It is my happy place and it always will be, especially with what is being added. My only complaint is that they waited too long to add the experiences that will be added in the next few years,.

My advice is to go to Disney, enjoy yourself and take all these posts with a huge grain of salt. Just my opinion, but I'm guessing a lot of people feel this way

I've been on the DIS since 2004 and when I first joined used the board for Q&A about upcoming trips since we were relative newbies to WDW and our adventures and visits were growing. We're DVC and have had probably 30 or so visits since joining in DVC in 2002. I try to laugh off the negative posts, recognizing that there is negativity expressed about almost everything in this world, from politics, to sports, to weather, to jobs,
to the economy, to entertainment, etc. Disney is a large bulls-eye for negative reactions due to it's expansive reach and diversity is businesses.
Just look at the latest quarterly earnings!

I myself continue planning our twice annual trips for F&W and The Marathon! Each year it's a different experience even though it's the "same" events. I like to offer tips and advice for those on this board who need it and want it. I shy away from reacting [responding] to negative posts even though I may want to, but realize that electronic debates are an exercise in futility! Just my 2 cents but thanks for the thread!

 

[ArwenMarie]

I think some of the points are well-known to newcomers even without visiting a board like this. WDW is expensive. It is hot for much of the year. It is crowded. Now, it requires a lot of advanced planning as well with FP+. So I'm not sure if boards like this would be a downer to a newcomer, or if the board is a reflection of reality, if that makes sense? On the bright side, I think people are really helpful here when it comes to questions from first-timers and others. And a quick glance would tell you what are the tricky things that are going on right now.

 

[ellie05]

I find it a little funny that people think a few threads is what is going to shock a first timer. What is going to shock a first timer is that they need to make ADRs 180 days in adavnace and sometimes even wake in the middle of the night to get them. This place is to discuss ALL aspects of Disney including the not so magical ones.

I don't think message boards are for the faint of heart or that the dis is a good place for first timers. Too much information, out of order it is overwhelming.

 

[Accident]

Most of the negative threads I just ignore. The trip reports is where you get the good information on what happens and what it currently looks like. Everything else is just a way to get educated on things happening at disney that you may or may not want to do.

If your new for disney, they are still going, paying and enjoying it. Many of us go a lot and have been for a long time. We know what it once was, currently is and currently changing too. It's a rather exciting time in my opinion and will be for the next few years..

but yes, it's crowded but we only know this because we're in the crowd enjoying ourselves

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

Although we started visiting WDW in 1974 (1968 for Disneyland) I consider our Disney adventure started in 1995 when we first stayed onsite at SOG. Since then we have made over 50 trips and have immensely enjoyed the Disney experience. We are reaching a milestone in June when we travel with the last of the grandchildren on their first visit to WDW, again at SOG. I am really looking forward to that.

I did not start using the DIS until 2006 when we attended a wedding and coincidentally used the dining plan for the first time - FREE DINING. I learned a lot from people on the DIS. Since then I have been on and off several times - but I keep coming back.

I was just thinking that for first timers, what would they learn from reading posts here?

Disney is over crowded?
Disney is a mere shadow of what it used to be?
Disney is cutting service?
Disney is cutting quality?
Disney is no longer worth visiting?

I see so many negative posts it is depressing, but I don't buy it. Not by a long shot. We have invested a huge amount of time and money in Disney World and I still see incredible value here. It is my happy place and it always will be, especially with what is being added. My only complaint is that they waited too long to add the experiences that will be added in the next few years,.

My advice is to go to Disney, enjoy yourself and take all these posts with a huge grain of salt. Just my opinion, but I'm guessing a lot of people feel this way

I agree with you. However, I think that in this particular way (a lot of negativity), DIS is like EVERY OTHER social media outlet... especially those that allow anonymity!!

I learned A TON from the DIS early on, and I still come here to get some info before it'll be "officially" available.

There are also some REALLY AWESOME people on here!! Truly!! I think for instance of @yulilin3's awesome Star Wars Threads!! The "RoL and talk about nothing" super-fun thread started by @ArielSRL! The many supportive threads over on the runDisney Board!! There actually IS positivity on here... it just sometimes feels harder to find.

And even a lot of the negativity sometimes comes from people who love the parks, but don't love some of what management is doing with them. I get that.

I admit to sometimes getting drawn into semi-contentious debates... I think they are MOSTLY respectful disagreements... with some exceptions. And honestly, that's when the "ignore" feature can come in handy. Then I also sometimes take breaks from the Boards when the negativity gets to me. At other times I just look at my "watched" threads and stop looking at new stuff.

All in all, I am definitely glad that DIS is around!! Do I wish there was more positivity overall? Yes. I'll still take it as it is rather than leave it altogether.

 

[tlmadden73]

1) People are more willing to complain than praise .. (just life in general, not just here)

2) Some people ENJOY complaining

3) For people who go EVERY year for days at a time, every little change WILL be bad because it is not like you 'remember it'.

I wish 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea was still there and not the Little Mermaid, I wish prices were cheaper, I wish crowds were like I remember when I was much younger ..

That being said .. I've had a magical time the past two times I've gone and able to experience new things that I couldn't in the past.

 

[xipotec]

I think some people are passionate about something they feel might be getting spoiled. Venting, complaining and whining can all be seen as ways to see if others feel the same, and perhaps justify what they feel is changing about their favorite vacation spot.

I think we all still really enjoy the parks, why else would we be willing to spend the money and post about the experiences we have?

I think its much more interesting being critical of changes that may be curtailing your enjoyment of the parks, then be a blind fanboy and accept everything management does as progress or necessary.

I have seen many changes for the good over the past few years, and many for the bad.....this trip is a very important one for me. After traveling to Japan this fall, I want to see if the dollars spent at WDW equal the value when compared to a trip like that.

In the past it has, due to my love of WDW. If they are pushing capacity as much as its been said, and food is turning into a negative experience, I may change my mind and spend my vacation dollars elsewhere.....well...at least shorten my stay .....I doubt it will every be a total no go.....

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

If they are pushing capacity as much as its been said, and food is turning into a negative experience, I may change my mind and spend my vacation dollars elsewhere.....well...at least shorten my stay .....I doubt it will every be a total no go.....

Just my two cents as someone who has gone to WDW about 1-3 times per year since 2005, gets a TIW card, and eats at 2 TS restaurants every day of our trips... I don't think the bold part is true in our experience.

 

[cornflkgrl]

I actually think these boards make my trips better for two reasons. One: I am a more informed traveler. Two: I expect the worst (disaster of epic proportions) because my mind takes all the things I read on here on various threads and I catastrophize prior to the trip and I end up feeling like the mere ability to get on a single ride without waiting 6 hours at MK, not having a filthy room, not being run over by a stroller, not getting food poisoning or the fact that I somehow received a darn towel animal ...is some sort of amazing fantastical burst of pixie dust.

 

[Sevey13]

I find it a little funny that people think a few threads is what is going to shock a first timer. What is going to shock a first timer is that they need to make ADRs 180 days in adavnace and sometimes even wake in the middle of the night to get them. This place is to discuss ALL aspects of Disney including the not so magical ones.

I don't think message boards are for the faint of heart or that the dis is a good place for first timers. Too much information, out of order it is overwhelming.

Thing is, you really don't need to wake up at midnight 180 days in advance to get perfectly good reservations. There are maybe 3 specific restaurants out of the hundreds on property that you need to be on it to get and maybe a dozen that you should have locked in three months ahead of time if you really want to experience them. I'm only two days out, and people on this board had me all nervous that I wouldn't get into any Table Service if I didn't plan, plan, plan and get everything done ahead of time. Wouldn't you know it, though, when I decided to change an ADR even a few days ago there were still so many options available for reservations that it's not even funny. Heck, I just scored Be Our Guest reservations for two over the weekend, seven days out thanks to the helpful tips on this forum about the Touring Plans feature for finding reservations. I think the OPs point has a lot to do with the stress that a first timer might feel when planning a trip and stumbling on this site. As a first-timer (I made an account a few years ago to try to find a Wishes cruise, and did nothing else on here until about six months ago) boy did I start getting really sad when I logged back on because everyone was being all negative and I started to doubt if I should return to WDW. A lot of the folks on here are very Type A, and like to advocate for their point at the expense of others. Because of that, a new user can really get wound up when they see so many people who really are knowledgeable about the parks and the planning and all that talking endlessly about how stressful the vacation experience is, when for so many others it is just as enjoyable as it has always been.

P.S. I love your avatar

 

[ellie05]

Thing is, you really don't need to wake up at midnight 180 days in advance to get perfectly good reservations. There are maybe 3 specific restaurants out of the hundreds on property that you need to be on it to get and maybe a dozen that you should have locked in three months ahead of time if you really want to experience them. I'm only two days out, and people on this board had me all nervous that I wouldn't get into any Table Service if I didn't plan, plan, plan and get everything done ahead of time. Wouldn't you know it, though, when I decided to change an ADR even a few days ago there were still so many options available for reservations that it's not even funny. Heck, I just scored Be Our Guest reservations for two over the weekend, seven days out thanks to the helpful tips on this forum about the Touring Plans feature for finding reservations. I think the OPs point has a lot to do with the stress that a first timer might feel when planning a trip and stumbling on this site. As a first-timer (I made an account a few years ago to try to find a Wishes cruise, and did nothing else on here until about six months ago) boy did I start getting really sad when I logged back on because everyone was being all negative and I started to doubt if I should return to WDW. A lot of the folks on here are very Type A, and like to advocate for their point at the expense of others. Because of that, a new user can really get wound up when they see so many people who really are knowledgeable about the parks and the planning and all that talking endlessly about how stressful the vacation experience is, when for so many others it is just as enjoyable as it has always been.

P.S. I love your avatar

The thing is it actually depends what time a year you are going to make ADR and still get good reservations at the less than 180 days. Most of the fall has free dinning and for some first timers dinning at CRT is a must. As I said before this is not a place for a faint of heart or the first timer. There is a sub thread about doing the happy dance. So perhaps people need to go to that board and not expect people to only talk about positive aspects. This boards encompass ALL aspects of Disney and that include positive and negatives. I think for first timers or newbies a touring guide is the best investment.

I don't see the negative threads being any more harmful that the extra pixie dust threads and when people go to Disney expecting all this magic and when they don't get chosen or get that expirience they are extremely disappointed.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

BTW... when people come to me for advice planning their first trip, I only tell them about DIS if they are the type of person who I know won't be deterred but the negativity. I tell them that it's a great place to get a quick answer to a question, but to be forewarned that some people are sometimes... ornery? cranky?

 

[North of Mouse]

Although we started visiting WDW in 1974 (1968 for Disneyland) I consider our Disney adventure started in 1995 when we first stayed onsite at SOG. Since then we have made over 50 trips and have immensely enjoyed the Disney experience. We are reaching a milestone in June when we travel with the last of the grandchildren on their first visit to WDW, again at SOG. I am really looking forward to that.

I did not start using the DIS until 2006 when we attended a wedding and coincidentally used the dining plan for the first time - FREE DINING. I learned a lot from people on the DIS. Since then I have been on and off several times - but I keep coming back.

I was just thinking that for first timers, what would they learn from reading posts here?

Disney is over crowded?
Disney is a mere shadow of what it used to be?
Disney is cutting service?
Disney is cutting quality?
Disney is no longer worth visiting?

I see so many negative posts it is depressing, but I don't buy it. Not by a long shot. We have invested a huge amount of time and money in Disney World and I still see incredible value here. It is my happy place and it always will be, especially with what is being added. My only complaint is that they waited too long to add the experiences that will be added in the next few years,.

My advice is to go to Disney, enjoy yourself and take all these posts with a huge grain of salt. Just my opinion, but I'm guessing a lot of people feel this way

We started going to WDW in 1972, so have been there through all the additions and changes. Some (changes) have been great, others have been terrible, but that is just the reality of life.

Yes, to all your above questions. I am not blind to the faults of Disney and have been quite vocal, at times, about them. But, there is still much to enjoy in a Disney vacation. We are not, personally, as enthused as we were in days gone by, and have no desire to go near as frequently, but there still are many things that we do enjoy.

Reading the Dis is not required to visit Disney, but there can be many helpful things for 'newbies'. As with any discussion board, everyone has their own opinions and voice them. Most readers can take things with a 'grain of salt' and let their own experiences influence them - also 'newbies' don't realize what they may have missed in the past, so they will thoroughly enjoy their 'first' visit - or more!

The Dis is not intended to discourage anyone from visiting, just an honest (from their 'personal' viewpoint/experiences) discussion on what we have seen/experienced.

Just one of 'my own' personal peeves is the loss of 'Mainstreet Bakery' - if you never saw/liked the 'feel' of what it was, then you'll never miss it! There are many changes that will not be missed or noticed except by the regulars or 'old timers'!!

Enjoy your precious time with your GD!!

 

[tj6285]

I fell upon the DIS site by accident while I was looking for ways to decorate magic bands. I've only been a member for a couple of months. I totally got sucked in! There really is great information on here and some very helpful people.

What I find hard to swallow is the negativity and the argumentative nature of some people on these posts. If you are really a Disney fan, I would think exuding "magic" would come natural. Those people who bash CMs for being rude or dismissive, or how dirty the bathrooms are, how expensive things have gotten (have you gone to the market lately?), food quality has gone down hill, Disney hasn't done enough, etc. are the one's who should take pause. Most of us have learned that people in glass houses should not throw stones or if you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all. I understand the occasional bad meal, or rude CM or long wait or whatever and venting is always a healing process but it happens EVERYWHERE - not just Disney. The "magic" of Disney is what makes most of us giddy like a child. Maybe people have lost that "magic" feeling and should step back to re-assess their own choices.

I wasn't fortunate enough to experience Disney as a child. I didn't get to go the first time until my honeymoon (1st marriage) because I wanted to enjoy it before I had children. I've only been a handful of times. My children are 20 and 10. I've experienced the wonder of Disney thru both of their eyes as a young child and it is amazing. I am taking my youngest next month because when we went Christmas of 2011 I was not prepared to deal with the crowds. I had never "planned" my Disney vacation - I only flew by the seat of my pants but that Christmas experience opened my eyes! Was I bitter for not seeing and doing everything I wanted to do on my youngest's 1st trip, no, but I was grateful for what we DID do. My profile pic is proof that magic still exists because I can't look at it without getting emotional - my youngest meeting Tink for the first time was amazing! I can't wait to experience Disney again with her next month.

So, for all of you DIS posters who are "veterans", thank you for taking the time to educate people like me.

For all of your DIS posters who need to vent, have at it - I'm sure we all can relate on some level. For all of you DIS posters who exude negativity, are quick to judge, or are dismissive and argumentative, please do not sour this experience for us "newbies" because some of us who love Disney (probably just as much as any of you) still tap into our 7 year old selves and we are very impressionable.

Peace, Love, Disney

 

[Nancyg56]

I think that this board is diverse, just the people who frequent it. I see negativity, I see enth=usiasm, I se frustration, and I see a lot of thoughtful posts. WHat I cannto understand is why, on a message board with this many people, we need to all dead sunshine and flowers day in and day out to be considered helpful.

I know that there are a few threads that are pretty intense, and I know that I try to steer new folks to scroll sat them for now. The threads that I am thinking of have a lot of information that many of us like to talk about, so should we stop? They are not for the faint of heart, and they ae not for folks who think that opinions that they read on a message board must be the holy grail. They have a place here though, and people need to determine if they want to participate or not.

Disney is changing and not always for the better. Does this mean those of us who want to discuss the changes, ponder on the reasons, and speculate how the outcome will affect us stop talking? I think that here is plenty of opportunity for those new to the boards to jump in and participate without curtailing thoe of us who like to talk about some of the darker sides of our favorite vacation destination.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

The Dis is not intended to discourage anyone from visiting, just an honest (from their 'personal' viewpoint/experiences) discussion on what we have seen/experienced.

It's not INTENDED for that, but I take OP's point that it certainly CAN do that... can get people anxious that they've invested all this money in a trip that they are hearing every day on here will be a disaster!! Because of FP+... because of budget cuts... because of a stinky new lumberjack show in Canada...