Disney has lost another family - do they care?

[robinb]

I live an hour & a half away & have APs & averaged 7 days trips & 5 onsite stays during our AP year. Love the MBs used them in all the trips except those for Flower & Garden. I feel I got my monies worth. All our onsite stays were 2+ days each. Longest was 4.

I'm glad things worked out for you . My question was for David Brent who lives only an hour away and basically told anyone who didn't like FP+ to "get a life".

 

[superdiz]

I tend to agree with the poster who said "get a life". To rule out Disney altogeher because they are "TESTING" something. Nothing is etched in stone yet. I can understand not going until the blips are worked out - but if this is the end of the road, over fastpasses? Yeah, priorites need to be evaluated as the vacation itself, the waiting in lines talking, the time spent with family is what is more valuable to me than being able to ride Space Mountain several times in one day.

I also fly from Boston so it's not like we go daily. I just think people who jump ship altogether are silly.

And to answer OP's original question - NO, Disney does not care. There are plenty of consumers who will take your spot.

 

[Mousemommy1]

I know I will probably regret even responding to this thread, but I am sincerely (and with no snark) wondering why people would expect Disney to care??

They are making money hand over fist, so NO, they don't care if your family (or my family for that matter) doesn't go.

I LOVE Disney...we go annually. We make great memories. Fortunately for us (I guess), we could care less about FP+, just like we could care less about the FP-. So, FP + has no affect on us or our future Disney vacations.

That being said, I completely understand being emotionally attached to this wonderful vacation destination. We certainly are. But, if there were ever changes made that made Disney undesirable, we simply just wouldn't go. No need to make a giant announcement....just a vote with dollars. Disney is a business that offers a product, and if they no longer offer a product that you (or I) like, then you don't consume that product anymore. But, I would never expect Disney to care that I'm not going anymore....not that it doesn't hurt, because I am emotionally attached...but Disney is not. Despite our family visiting annually, being AP holders and shareholders, they don't know us from Adam, and could probably give two flying flips whether we stopped going. It's just reality.

Thankfully, we still very much want to continue to go, and will. I am truly sad for those who have reached there threshold.

 

[TNDisneyNut]

Maybe I'll have a change of mind once we go as our trip is scheduled for September, and we haven't been to WDW since 2008. I admit I'm excited about the MBs and FP+. There are 8 of us going, 3 for the first time. We always schedule WDW trips in the off season, so FP isn't a huge deal for us. We have always used FP, but going in the season we go I have never waited very long for any rides except Soarin and Toy Story Mania, which are long even in off times. FP+ will allow this to be a non-issue for us with these rides. In saying this, it is very easy for me to love the idea of FP+. I can only imagine how much of a pain it would be for people who cannot travel during the off-peak period, and I am sure my opinion may be different if that was the case. I am sure Disney will get all the bugs worked out. I truly believe customer service is a priority for them. I just hate it for people who have to deal with the bugs now.

 

[EMode]

Living an hour away from WDW, I've been to WDW in the best and the worst of crowds. I'm just happy and blessed to be on vacation with my family and getting off of work to do so. The complaints/posts I've read on this MB just amazes me. Some people on here need to sit back and rethink your priorities in life.

Said the guy who lives an hour away
What amazes me is how people confuse a WDW vacation with one's priorities in life My priorities have nothing to do with the dissatisfaction of spending thousands of dollars at WDW and having a horrible time.

 

[TDC Nala]

They will care only if enough guests go elsewhere and tell them it's because they don't like the system. Otherwise, theyll keep going the way they are going.

 

[muushupork]

Just to answer OP's question, no they don't care. Nothing personal though.

 

[AliceandAriel]

I rarely post however I am lying in my bed here at Hilton (never before at 8pm) and I am sad to say this is it! My daughter is 4 and this is her fourth and last trip with me. It's been fun until now - can't stand having to plan around fast pass+ system. Don't waste money on park hopper anymore as by the time you get to another park, lines are far too lengthy and you can't get fast passes. Spontaneity is gone. I don't spend this kind of money to work so hard planning my day's route and strategy.

Bolding is mine.

First, I'd like to say I'm sorry you feel this way, both about Disney and all the things it currently has to offer. What I'm going to say next you most likely will not agree with, as it is purely my own opinion on the matter.

I do have to say, that if it wasn't for a few things, I wouldn't be purchasing park hoppers, either. Specifically, I love Sorcerer's of the Magic Kingdom (SoTMK), so park hoppers right there are worth it to me for the ability to get cards every day and see the fireworks at night with the projection show.

On the subject of FP+, I like it. Love, no. I do think there should be more Fps, and the ability to park hop with them. One of my issues this past trip in February off-season was that I couldn't pick a FP for TSMM in the afternoon, and maybe a spot for say PPF and SM in MK at night. But it definitely helped me a ton, even on RD mornings. RD mornings I would do what I wanted early with low wait times or none at all, and use my FPs in the afternoon. Some days, it would be a MK morning, AK afternoon, and MK night, or something to that effect. If I was without FP+, this wouldn't be possible. I'd have to hit RD and run with the rest of the people to TSMM to ride it. Most of the time, I don't want to do that. FP+ has allowed me to sleep in if I want to or need to, and take my time with things like breakfast at 9AM instead of 6:30-7:00AM. I can't tell you enough how much that means to me.

 

[EMode]

I tend to agree with the poster who said "get a life". To rule out Disney altogeher because they are "TESTING" something. Nothing is etched in stone yet. I can understand not going until the blips are worked out - but if this is the end of the road, over fastpasses? Yeah, priorites need to be evaluated as the vacation itself, the waiting in lines talking, the time spent with family is what is more valuable to me than being able to ride Space Mountain several times in one day.

Then why go to WDW at all, or anywhere for that matter? You can spend all the time you want with your family at home.

This isn't just about FP's, its about the way some families have chosen to enjoy WDW with their families that can't be done anymore because the change of the FP system. Its great that you value all that time spent waiting in line with your family, but for me, I value the time spent riding the rides with mine. I value the memories we have of the rides and the fact that years later we are still talking about our first trip where we got off Space Mountain and ran around and got back on a bunch of times. We aren't sitting here reminiscing about our time spent waiting in line.
We value our time together but we don't want it to be standing in line when we are at WDW.

I just want to add that I have read the threads where people are reporting a great experience with FP+ and I am truly happy for them. I am glad that there are people out there who like this system, it would be a horrible shame if everyone hated it. What I hope is that Disney will make a sytem that everyone loves.

 

[superdiz]

Said the guy who lives an hour away
What amazes me is how people confuse a WDW vacation with one's priorities in life My priorities have nothing to do with the dissatisfaction of spending thousands of dollars at WDW and having a horrible time.

So you would have a horrible time just because you cannot get fastpasses? I think you missed his point entirely.

 

[AmyB2006]

So in that case the new system works better for your family. Nothing wrong for liking that it works for you. What sucks for our family is being there from RD to closing and still only able to get 3 FPs. Disney took our choices (yes I know we could just not go ) away from us (getting a FP for TSM & RnR, Soarin' & TT or more than one for our favorite). Nothing we do will make that better. We already do RD. The way it looks to our family is, we all had the choice, even though some didn't take it. It really sucks to take our choices and limit us to make it easier for those that wish to spend less time in the park. But if you are one of those families, then it not wrong for you to like the system as Disney has set it. But you have to admit that calling the new system more "fair" really isn't true either.

It is like when we go to the beach and want a lounge chairs for our family close to the pool. I know when they open the pool gates, those spots go quickly. I would never expect the resort to tell a family of 6 that was there when the gates were open that they could only have 3 chairs because they were saving 3 for me to show up at lunch. Would I enjoy it if they did, sure, but it isn't something I would expect. Not saying that is what you think either. But being that family that is standing at the gate, looking at the empty chairs and your family of 6, it sucks for the resort to tell them, so sorry, you still can only have 3. Our family just prefers first come first serve. Now that has left me searching for chairs at the pool for our family because I do sleep in when we are at the beach. But that was my choice and no ones fault by my own.

ITA! . And yes it just kind of stinks all the way around. Again new attractions built quicker would be great.

I used to think of the newer system as more fair than the old one. But I don't anymore.

 

[superdiz]

Then why go to WDW at all, or anywhere for that matter? You can spend all the time you want with your family at home.

This isn't just about FP's, its about the way some families have chosen to enjoy WDW with their families that can't be done anymore because the change of the FP system. Its great that you value all that time spent waiting in line with your family, but for me, I value the time spent riding the rides with mine. I value the memories we have of the rides and the fact that years later we are still talking about our first trip where we got off Space Mountain and ran around and got back on a bunch of times. We aren't sitting here reminiscing about our time spent waiting in line.
We value our time together but we don't want it to be standing in line when we are at WDW.

We enjoy the parks, walking the parks, going on rides, the dining, the pools, the overall ambience. Riding space mountain 50 times in a row is not on our agenda. I do value the time spent waiting with my family playing games like "I Spy" and talking about what we've done and what we plan to do for the day. We enjoy people watching as well.

Do I love waiting in lines? No. But it is not going to stop me from taking my family to WDW for vacation. There are other rides and for us it is not all about rides.

 

[EMode]

So you would have a horrible time just because you cannot get fastpasses? I think you missed his point entirely.

Now that really isn't fair, I never said I would have a horrible time because I couldn't get FP's. However if I have to change my touring and it results in more time spent standing in line versus time spent riding rides (especially headliners multiple times) then yes our family would have a horrible time compared to our past trips.
I've been to WDW during non peak times and have managed very well without having to use FPs, so I know its possible for some. Unfortunately I will not take my kids out of school anymore to go during those times so we would be there during peak time, where more than 3 FPS are necessary to enjoy our trip. Not really sure what you can't understand about that, but maybe its better you don't get it that way you won't ever be disappointed in your own trips

 

[EMode]

We enjoy the parks, walking the parks, going on rides, the dining, the pools, the overall ambience. Riding space mountain 50 times in a row is not on our agenda. I do value the time spent waiting with my family playing games like "I Spy" and talking about what we've done and what we plan to do for the day. We enjoy people watching as well.

Do I love waiting in lines? No. But it is not going to stop me from taking my family to WDW for vacation. There are other rides and for us it is not all about rides.

For some families it is about the rides though
I get that some people love Disney so much that they are just happy being there, that is how I feel about the beach. I could be happy sitting in a chair with my feet in the sand all day every day. WDW is not that for some, I wouldn't be happy there standing in line playing Ispy or people watching.

I really think you just can't see how this change effects some people and you are lucky to be one of the ones it won't effect, but why the need to put down those that do feel it would

 

[pieface]

I can't give up my Disney fix so I've explored going to the land instead of the world. It was a big surprise to me that air fare to the land is not a great amount of money more than flying to Florida. I've been to the land once before and stayed at a good neighbor hotel and had a fantastic time. I was really impressed with the land it is smaller of course but many of their attractions are superior to the world.

I plan on giving up my annual pass and just book my trip using my Disney visa card and have 6 months to pay it off instead of getting hit all at once to pay off my annual pass. I won't be able to go as often but will save more money in the long run. I might even go over to the dark side ant try universal. I can always get my Disney fix at that time by visiting the resort's and downtown Disney.

 

[practicallyperfect77]

For some families it is about the rides though
I get that some people love Disney so much that they are just happy being there, that is how I feel about the beach. I could be happy sitting in a chair with my feet in the sand all day every day. WDW is not that for some, I wouldn't be happy there standing in line playing Ispy or people watching.

I really think you just can't see how this change effects some people and you are lucky to be one of the ones it won't effect, but why the need to put down those that do feel it would

Just wanted to say I totally agree with every thing you said. I go to the beach to relax. I go to Disney to experience attractions. The number of attractions I can experience has decreased therefore after I take my niece and nephews on their one and done trip, I'll probably be done with the world for awhile. I'll be happy to venture out west though.

 

[Shaden]

Yes. We get it. Do RD. LOL

Ya know what though? That SUCKS for a family who doesn't like to do RD, Who doesn't like getting up at the crack of dawn, actually earlier, with little kids to try and get everyone out the door to make it to an 8 am RD.

Amy I totally agree, but what is so infuriating is that the constant refrain from pro FP+ people is .... "Well, just RD, and you can still do what you want to with minimum lines, that's what we did..."

So the last system was crappy because they didn't want to RD, but the new system is great because you can still RD !?!?!?

 

[goofy4tink]

Said the guy who lives an hour away
What amazes me is how people confuse a WDW vacation with one's priorities in life My priorities have nothing to do with the dissatisfaction of spending thousands of dollars at WDW and having a horrible time.

And you know the funny thing? There are plenty of reports from people that had horrible stays at WDW for other reasons. It was too hot, it was too cold. They couldn't walk up to the restaurant of their choice and get in. They asked for an upgraded resort room, got nothing. Celebrated a birthday....Disney wasn't magical enough. The list goes on and on. I loved E-nights. Really wish they would bring them back. Not so crazy about EMHs. Used to like the DDP, but Disney raised the cost while taking stuff away from the plan...so, don't use to anymore.
People said that the change in FP return times was having a hugely negative impact on their touring..so they weren't going to WDW anymore.
I truly think the priorities remark was related to expectations at WDW, not in 'real life'.
Nothing is going to be perfect for everyone....not for those that own DVC and use APs and don't spend a boatload of money, or for those that spend thousands per trip. I guess you just have to decide what works for your family and go for it. Changes to FP? Well, it is what it is. I find all this angst almost numerous. Does anyone really think Disney cares if even 1,000 families go elsewhere? They don't. If they see their bottom line dipping, they'll offer room discounts to get people there.

 

[Jake&IzzyLand]

For some families it is about the rides though
I get that some people love Disney so much that they are just happy being there, that is how I feel about the beach. I could be happy sitting in a chair with my feet in the sand all day every day. WDW is not that for some, I wouldn't be happy there standing in line playing Ispy or people watching.

I really think you just can't see how this change effects some people and you are lucky to be one of the ones it won't effect, but why the need to put down those that do feel it would

We go for the rides, if there were no rides, it would not be a destination for my family. We can hang out, play eye spy and have an ice cream anywhere. I would not travel the distance and pay the price to walk around and sit and people watch. I get the atmosphere, I really do, but that is not enough alone.

I am like you, the beach is the place for me to hang out, relax and enjoy family. Disney is more of an entertainment destination. The rides are the major attraction and if I can't ride a sufficient amount, I am not going.

Which is why we have changed our plans from WDW to the beach this spring. I want to know more about the new system before we go. I'm not going to just show up and hope for the best. Plus who knows when the the mine train will be open? It is just better for us to wait. My kids are 8 and 6, they would never be ok with not riding very much and to be honest even manageable lines are hard with kids sometimes.

I know no one is going to be devastated that we are not showing up this year, but either are we. Our family loves the beach too. There is plenty to do; beach time, pool time, mini-golf, ice-cream etc. and I know that we will be able to do all of it.

There is no harm in waiting to go to Disney until you feel confident that you will get the vacation that you want.

 

[TDC Nala]

I should have added to my remark that they will care if enough people go elsewhere, tell them why, and then say they will NEVER return as long as that system is in place no matter what kind of discounts they see....then stick to it. Has to be enough people though. If I say I'm not going anymore, they won't miss me in the least right now, nor would I expect them to.