Disney is just not the same anymore!!!

[PetePanMan]

and thank goodness...

I find there is so much negativity on the boards these days, even about small changes. I think hard core Disney fans seem to have difficulty accepting change - perhaps because of the many good past memories, nostalgia involved.

I do get it - I don't like every change either but I personally am glad to see Disney is trying to do some things which likely are in response to guest feedback:
- Avatarland - bring it, it might be incredible (and yes, star wars would be even better);
- backlot tour is gone - about time don't you think?;
- Axe the hat at Disney studios - well done I know I never have said I can't wait to see the hat;
- FP+ - nice option for those who don't want to get to parks so early (which isn't me btw);
- Starbucks - life changing, thank goodness, the coffee sucked before;
- Malestrom being Frozen - great, updating a boring ride with something for the kids
- DTD expansion - yes to more restaurants, shopping, entertainment

 

[Planogirl]

I respect your opinion. I don't agree with it though, particularly the Frozen in Norway thing. I don't care what they put there - I will never like it and don't intend to see it.

I do like Starbucks however.

 

[minnie mum]

While I respect your opinion, I neither agree that all of the things you have listed are necessarily a good thing or that they compensate for all of the negative changes that have occurred in recent years. However, I will not criticize your opinion or have the nerve to assume that I know how you react to change.

 

[Donald - my hero]

While i'm not happy about things changing (not just at Disney World but just in general) I remember that Walt said when referring to Disneyland "It will never be complete. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world" (i Googled that to get his words correct) I can surmise that he would have the same feelings for Disney World. If things didn't ever change there would be no exciting new things to explore and experience. I agree that not all of the things that have faded from memory (either with a whimper or a bang) nor the new things that have popped up are all good things but I simply accept them. Sure it might get my goat that certain vivid memories from my childhood can't be relived but every visit lets me add new memories to those

 

[cuchu2005]

I have yet to experience FP+ (which I'll do in a month), but I really don't think that all these changes were introduced because of guest feedback.

I'm not only saying thst because of the latest negative reviews here in the DIS (which I understand it may be a small portion of the public attending Disney parks), but because Disney ultimately seeks profit and that won't necessarily take people's opinion into account.

I'm trying not to judge FP+ in advance, but the booking window has been stressful for me so far.

On the other hand, I agree that it is up to everyone to make up for those things we don't entirely agree with, and still have the greatest time of our lives (which I'm planning to do).

Mx

 

[tony67]

I have no issue with change - change was needed in many cases - but the issues are all in execution

There is too much change at once - so there are construction walls everywhere - some people will make their only trip ever to Disney so they can see a bunch of plywood

Some things are just gone and others are replaced by inferior options - like Off Kilter (who I don't even like but would choose over the lumberjack show any time)

Too many cuts to save money while reducing quality and raising prices over and over again

Food quality drops as prices go up. The worst thing Disney ever did was centralize all the food - not they have a bunch of line cooks who call themselves Chefs.

Too many hard ticketed events (within hard ticketed events) that are not all the great, but they are popular

The dumbing down of Epcot - it started with the DDP and the big drop in food quality and continues with the reduction of entertainment options and the addition of Frozen.

DHS - there is almost nothing there

FP+ - a good idea poorly implemented IMO

New fantasy land - underwhelming to say the least considering how much it cost.

 

[Cee]

Change is good. We will always have our memories.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[GAN]

Yes ..... Off Kilter replaced with "S"lumberjack show ....."due to guest feedback". Damn that guest feedback!

 

[OB1]

While I miss plenty of things, I understand updating and changing attractions. World of Motion becomes Test Track, Horizons becomes Missions Space, Food Rocks becomes Soarin, Mr Toad's Wild Ride becomes Winnie the Pooh - and on & on & on. My big miss is the entertainment. It seems a lot has just been removed. No longer do we hear 4 for a Dollar before Beauty & the Beast. EPCOT had entertainment everywhere, and it is slowly being cut down.

Lets hope the pieces that make a trip special do not all disappear. Those are the layers that the veteran enjoys and the newbie will miss. It seems that a lot of the changes are for the new traveler at the expense to the vet.

 

[Doug7856]

I don't have a problem with change, but I do have a problem with the current management at Disney. They have extracted higher and higher prices for the sake of profit without increased value. They are burning through the good will of their best visitors and giving less value in return. From the high gate prices, insane room and food costs, they have lost the Disney imagination in exchange for spreadsheets and that shows in the park experience.

Management has a fiduciary responsibility to it's stockholders and in my opinion the current Disney management is failing the long term interests and value for the stockholders.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I agree with you In spirit.

When Harry Potter craze happened at iOA--the disillusioned complained that Disney needs to get with it.

All signs point to them doing something big and it is teeth gnashing and indignation of now dare they eliminate _______. I don't get it.

And they would like Disney to do it faster. While I have no idea why they go as slow as they do, at least they are getting the ball rolling.

In the meantime, I remember the complaints on the lackluster DTD--something is being done and complain, complain, complain.


And of all the complaints about ticket prices--single day admission is virtually identical across the 3 big theme park giants in central Florida. And I find Sea world mind numbingly boring and if doesn't get a fraction of the hate that EPCOT does. (Admittedly a huge uptick in hate after a trainer's death and controversial documentary. But unrelated to how unexciting the place is and more about safety of employees and animals. )

 

[tony67]

Yes ..... Off Kilter replaced with "S"lumberjack show ....."due to guest feedback". Damn that guest feedback!

Guest feedback is pretty useless, for the most part people only contact them to complain.
That's one reason they made the Jungle Cruise so generic..and made POC more plitically correct.

Also probably why they are selling smaller beers at Epcot - too many drunks in Epcot having a good time

Probably why we have no choice on hamburger and hot dog rolls - just healthy sawdust rolls. Why not offer both - I'm on vacation - I eat healthy all year long - give me a choice.

My thought is that they have seen a reduction in repeat business, but first time visits are going up.

No one wants to admit that the reason repeat business is down is because they have made bad choices.

Some of these include:
Much more limited choice on menus - everyplace seems to have lamb shanks and salmon for example. I no longer eat at any TS restaurants in Disney - they are on par (or worse than) Chilli's

Lower quality - the hotdogs at Casey's are not the same ones they had a few years ago - they are now some sort of Chicken Frankenfooter

The steaks in the park are now much lower quality - but they charge as if they are top quality.

The Escargot in France is no longer served in the shell - are they using cheap canned ones and charging top dollar?

Removing the little things that made Disney different - all the little things that people say are no big deal all add up. remove one character here - another here - all of them there - reduce the portions - buy a cheaper piece of meat - put more foam in the beer - charge for the seminars that used to be free - lets charge extra to meet fairy godmother...the list goes on and on and on

Instead of looking at the mistakes it's easy for management to say - we need to change everything so people come back.

Guest feedback says it's the same thing every year, so lets change it and save money at the same time. The rubes won't know the difference anyway - they will love the chainsaw act and they did not get those fools in the UK.

 

[EvilQueenLiz]

and thank goodness...

- Avatarland - bring it, it might be incredible (and yes, star wars would be even better);
- backlot tour is gone - about time don't you think?;
- Axe the hat at Disney studios - well done I know I never have said I can't wait to see the hat;
- FP+ - nice option for those who don't want to get to parks so early (which isn't me btw);
- Starbucks - life changing, thank goodness, the coffee sucked before;
- Malestrom being Frozen - great, updating a boring ride with something for the kids
- DTD expansion - yes to more restaurants, shopping, entertainment

I don't mind most of the changes you mentioned either. I do dislike FP+ as it is being utilized currently. As far as closing and changing rides, my take is that if that ride was being well utilized it wouldn't be closed.

I feel that people have a right to complain. The Mouse isn't perfect. You also have the right to not read it or respond to it.

 

[6loversofdisney]

I agree with the OP. I know that it is hard to sometimes embrace change. We all have opinions which is why this board exists.

I just think it's like anything else in life, sometimes change is good and sometimes change is not good.

Alas, we have to embrace it or pout about it. I don't see many other options because changes will occur.

I for one do not care for the Stitch 'ride' but we simply don't go on it and spend our time on alllll of the other options

 

[Suvadoo]

I love change. I really loved the changes WDW made in the NFL, the resort room refurbishments, the changes to Test Track. I don't think it's fair to say we don't like change.

I do not ,however, like changes that diminish my experiences. A lot of the changes you list haven't even happened yet: Avatarland, DTD refurb, and Maelstrom. So, how do you know you will even like them?

 

[mmafan]

Change is good. We will always have our memories.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

couldn't have said it better myself.......

 

[KimBean]

and thank goodness...

I find there is so much negativity on the boards these days, even about small changes. I think hard core Disney fans seem to have difficulty accepting change - perhaps because of the many good past memories, nostalgia involved.

I do get it - I don't like every change either but I personally am glad to see Disney is trying to do some things which likely are in response to guest feedback:
- Avatarland - bring it, it might be incredible (and yes, star wars would be even better);
- backlot tour is gone - about time don't you think?;
- Axe the hat at Disney studios - well done I know I never have said I can't wait to see the hat;
- FP+ - nice option for those who don't want to get to parks so early (which isn't me btw);
- Starbucks - life changing, thank goodness, the coffee sucked before;
- Malestrom being Frozen - great, updating a boring ride with something for the kids
- DTD expansion - yes to more restaurants, shopping, entertainment

I love your attitude. I used to be a person who hated change. I mean hated it! For the last 5 years nothing has been in my control and a lot of bad stuff has happened around me. I've learned slowly, to let go. I now find myself excited about new possibilities because change is not really that big a deal.

I find this attitude creeping into my Disney obsession (which is a lot more like my DH has always been.) I am excited about the new stuff that is coming. I certainly can't say I hate it without even seeing it yet. I certainly would not say "I won't even go there" without seeing it yet. Do you ever try new foods? You might not like it but how would you know if you haven't tried it?

How can you look at rumors and rough concepts and already decide you won't like it? Maybe it will be your favorite show/ride ever.

 

[KimBean]

While i'm not happy about things changing (not just at Disney World but just in general) I remember that Walt said when referring to Disneyland "It will never be complete. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world" (i Googled that to get his words correct) I can surmise that he would have the same feelings for Disney World. If things didn't ever change there would be no exciting new things to explore and experience. I agree that not all of the things that have faded from memory (either with a whimper or a bang) nor the new things that have popped up are all good things but I simply accept them. Sure it might get my goat that certain vivid memories from my childhood can't be relived but every visit lets me add new memories to those

Yes! Yes! A million times YES!

 

[Suvadoo]

I love your attitude. I used to be a person who hated change. I mean hated it! For the last 5 years nothing has been in my control and a lot of bad stuff has happened around me. I've learned slowly, to let go. I now find myself excited about new possibilities because change is not really that big a deal.

I find this attitude creeping into my Disney obsession (which is a lot more like my DH has always been.) I am excited about the new stuff that is coming. I certainly can't say I hate it without even seeing it yet. I certainly would not say "I won't even go there" without seeing it yet. Do you ever try new foods? You might not like it but how would you know if you haven't tried it?

How can you look at rumors and rough concepts and already decide you won't like it? Maybe it will be your favorite show/ride ever.

I'll ask you the same question. Based on the rumors and rough concepts how can you decide you will like it?

 

[BuzzinDownToDisney]

If the anti-Disney crowd would just take off their Disney hate glasses long enough to acknowledge that there are clearly major overhauls coming for DHS and Epcot, they would see that this is an exciting time, as things may be bleak at those parks now, but a complete park overhaul by some of the greatest Imagineers is cause for celebration.