Disney is just not the same anymore!!!

[mom2rtk]

I find there is so much negativity on the boards these days, even about small changes.

Yes. I'm sure that's it. A bunch of die-hard Disney-loving fans all got together and all at once decided they hate change.

 

[BuzzinDownToDisney]

I like you....so believe me when I say this comes from a place of affection...Are you talking about posters having never EVER posted anything positive in their entire post history, or just nothing recently? Have you been reading every post everyone makes? Combing the archives and posting histories? Maybe you are...it'd be weird, but it's possible I suppose. I get it. It seems like overwhelming negativity both in general and in the case of a core group (of which I occasionally get in lock-step with), but that negativity also comes from a place of love. They (we?) loved so much what Disney was, and are concerned for both what it is and what it is possibly becoming. I really do love that you have that blind faith in what Disney does. I used to, and sort of wish I still did. I will be among the first to eat crow publicly when something Disney has changed turns out to blow the original out of the water (I fully expect that will happen with Star Wars. Heck I am totally on board with an overhaul of DHS!). But so far the actual changes they've done or announced hasn't impressed me, and in some cases I downright dislike the new offering. That said, still my happy place, still have 3 more trips planned between now and Fall 2016, still happy I bought DVC this year.

Well, I'm still a newbie, as has been pointed out, so I wouldn't claim to know anything about anyone's entire post history, just what I've seen since joining a few months ago.

Fair point that it's easier to dwell on what is gone, when nothing has replaced it yet.

 

[Jennasis]

Well, I'm still a newbie, as has been pointed out, so I wouldn't claim to know anything about anyone's entire post history, just what I've seen since joining a few months ago.

Fair point that it's easier to dwell on what is gone, when nothing has replaced it yet.

True dat.

With all the change (holy cow there's been a lot eh!) over the last year, there is of course going to be a lot of discussion, which will of course bring out a lot of negativity (and positivity even if does seem drown out). Sure some have abandoned hope and jumped ship for other vacation destinations, some cling (blindly )to hope faith and pixie dust, some are loudly voicing displeasure/concern/anger/rage/thoughts of Disney-cide and others are just waiting for the pixie dust to settle. But in the end we're all on the DIS because we are or were Disney fans. Let's just hang on to that?

 

[disneyfantotheend]

- FP+ - nice option for those who don't want to get to parks so early (which isn't me btw);

I agree with most of your post, but I don't see FP+ to be an option. What is the other option? Stand in standby for those things that still have standby? Right now all things have standby except BOG, but one day that may change, so FP+ isn't really an option more of a requirement.

I like old and I like new, so I am okay with MOST change. Once in awhile a change really bothers me. FP+ was one that did, but I got over it quickly. It isn't great, but also not the end of the world.

 

[Tonyz]

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

Great post!! Nice to see a little positive opinions on these boards.

 

[cakebaker]

To your point about the announcement being official about DHS. If you really think they are closing all these attractions with no plan to put something in place then I really can't help you. I feel that announcement is inevitable.

I agree. If Disney shuts all these things down and doesn't do anything with all that space, I'd be amazed. I'm willing to give it some time and see. I've never had a deep love for HS- take out TOT and I don't go there.

I however, don't see much going on over at Epcot outside of the new Frozen ride- I don't cry over that one- I understand that a lot of people just hate it and I can see why- doesn't bother me.

 

[Planogirl]

I can only speak for myself but when it comes to the hating change thing...how can I love Universal so much and be against change? Universal is all about change. I would say that I like smart change and not just change for the sake of change.

 

[flicx]

Do you really think they'd remove the hat, AI, Backlot, rumored closing of Indy, Lights, Action etc. and have no plan to do anything with them? That's a legit question. I am curious about how deep your lack of faith in the runs.

Not to be negative but examples of this kind of thing with Disney already exist. Body wars closed years ago, empty building now, no replacement. Terrace plaza I believe it was called at epcot closed empty building. The imagination section after figment closed no replacement. Tons of entertainment too lately. There are numerous examples from the past I know I missed some too.

 

[flicx]

I can only speak for myself but when it comes to the hating change thing...how can I love Universal so much and be against change? Universal is all about change. I would say that I like smart change and not just change for the sake of change.

It seems with universal they are not only retheming rides, more importantly building new attractions at a fast pace. I wonder what the boards would be like if Disney was building at the same pace?

 

[Planogirl]

It seems with universal they are not only retheming rides, more importantly building new attractions at a fast pace. I wonder what the boards would be like if Disney was building at the same pace?

I know that I would be thrilled but of course I'd want attention to theming too. I wouldn't want to see a princess attraction in a pavilion devoted to a country for example. Oh wait...

(I'm still not done whining. )

 

[PetePanMan]

Yes. I'm sure that's it. A bunch of die-hard Disney-loving fans all got together and all at once decided they hate change.

Don't you think that maybe, just maybe, some concerns are blown just a wee bit out of proportion? Take another read through all the threads. IMO, much of this really is classic resistance to change by hard core fans who have strong attachment to past experiences. To me the test is whether all the positives outweigh all the negatives.

 

[mom2rtk]

Don't you think that maybe, just maybe, some concerns are blown just a wee bit out of proportion? Take another read through all the threads. IMO, much of this really is classic resistance to change by hard core fans who have strong attachment to past experiences. To me the test is whether all the positives outweigh all the negatives.

Trust me, I've read most of them. And any time there is this degree of outcry, it's for a reason.

Many of the same folks complaining about FP+ are the same ones excited to see the hat coming out of DHS. They are the same ones very excited to hear new things are coming to DHS. I went to DLR last year and was thrilled to bits with all the change at DCA since our last visit.

I, like many others here, am not resistant to change. I am resistant to bad change.

 

[cakebaker]

Don't you think that maybe, just maybe, some concerns are blown just a wee bit out of proportion? Take another read through all the threads. IMO, much of this really is classic resistance to change by hard core fans who have strong attachment to past experiences. To me the test is whether all the positives outweigh all the negatives.

That one's going to get you all kinds of grief!

 

[mesaboy2]

1. Don't you think that maybe, just maybe, some concerns are blown just a wee bit out of proportion?

Take another read through all the threads.

2. IMO, much of this really is classic resistance to change by hard core fans who have strong attachment to past experiences.

3. To me the test is whether all the positives outweigh all the negatives.

1. Sure. Conversely, some of the praise of FP+ is overblown. This is especially true of those with mega-positive opinions and never much used Legacy FP.

2. Some of it is, much of it isn't. IMO.

3. Fair enough. For me, the negatives outweigh the positives.

 

[flicx]

Trust me, I've read most of them. And any time there is this degree of outcry, it's for a reason.

Many of the same folks complaining about FP+ are the same ones excited to see the hat coming out of DHS. They are the same ones very excited to hear new things are coming to DHS. I went to DLR last year and was thrilled to bits with all the change at DCA since our last visit.

I, like many others here, am not resistant to change. I am resistant to bad change.

I agree, a few short years ago this kind of negative outcry on disboards was a fraction of what it is now. Not even close. Now you are seeing some of the people who have gone for decades starting to rebel. These are some of Disney's long term customers(decades long). I think there are legitimate issues that don't seem to be getting better. Much of this has come with new management. I believe there in lies the problem!

 

[andyman8]

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.

Couldn't have said it better myself!

I love Disney and think it's wonderful; I'll definitely continue vacationing there, but I have to admit that many of the recent changes have been more profit-motivated than experience-motivated. Disney is a business, but at the same time, I huge part of the business model they've created is guest satisfaction and, right now, that seems to not be as high a priority as it once was. Again, I love the parks, but I'll admit the experience has become a bit more stressful.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

To your first point I will say there are posters who I have never seen post a single positive thing about Disney. Not a single positive.

I am sure there are some, and some of the very prolific posters of late do post much negativity. Even a few who keep making the SAME points over and over. They are the Dandelion posters. Some in the past were even booted. (and a few are reborn after being banned!)

But I also see you are new.

I think Tony67 made some excellent posts. I don't always agree with Minnie Mum, but she's been around a long time. She's had plenty of positive things to say about WDW, as have I.

Many of the folks who have complained about certain changes, have also posted in plenty of "Things I wish Disney WOULD change" threads, I know because all us long timers have posted in many of those threads and dream of seeing Star Tours type revisions to a number of shows. Especially nice would be having an attraction like Muppets with multiple versions instead of one. Keep the old, but add five new Muppets episodes into the mix.

It's funny, because whenever I post about a change I don't like, I get accused of hating all change. Often enough, those threads about changes we want- get debated by folks who happen to like the those same rides/shows. (well, except Stitch, that one pretty universally gets panned.)

Same thing with dining. Every place shows up on BEST place and Worst place to dine threads...and every month on BEST/Worst times of year to visit WDW.

So I go back to Tony67. I had big hopes for FP when it was first announced. I said early, they are likely going towards all FP-all-the-time system. I said it could be pretty neat- if done well- but would mean major rethinking of how we tour.

Well, the rollout hasn't been that smooth.

Another HUGE factor on the DIS is the economy, and general anxiety. When people feel anxious, they post negative. When their lives are good, their outlook on life improves, including attitudes about non-related things like WDW.

 

[over50visits]

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.

I agree on Norway. Changing it to a mythical land is the wrong thing to do in World Showcase, IMHO.

However, I disagree a lot about Starbucks. I love Starbucks coffee, and the stuff they have elsewhere at WDW really is bad. However…..

First, coming to Disney is leaving the real world for a fantasy world. Seeing Starbucks jolts me back to the real world, and doesn't seem right.

Second, Starbucks coffee is an experience, much more than coffee. It is a coffee house, a place to hang out, a place where students, hippies, yuppies, business people, etc hang out and linger over coffee. That's why they get the high prices. There is nothing like that at Disney Starbucks.

I think opening them at WDW was a mistake. We walked into the EPCOT Starbucks, saw the same high prices and the sterile environment, and walked right out.

 

[BuzzinDownToDisney]

Not to be negative but examples of this kind of thing with Disney already exist. Body wars closed years ago, empty building now, no replacement. Terrace plaza I believe it was called at epcot closed empty building. The imagination section after figment closed no replacement. Tons of entertainment too lately. There are numerous examples from the past I know I missed some too.

True and leaving the Epcot space empty is a black eye on Disney, but what happening at DHS feels different. A bunch of closures all at once that if the rumors are true about coming closures, this would leave more than half the park vacant. I can't see them waking up and deciding to wipe out half of DHS with no plan for the future.

Someone else mentioned US. While I hate making the comparison between the two, I am curious if they announce the replacements before deconstructing an older ride. Like when Jaws was nuked did the announce at the time what would replace it?

 

[goofy4tink]

I don't 'fear' change, I have no issue with change. But, if you take something away, and replace it, it would be nice if you replaced it with something at least as good as what use took away! Disney has removed a fair amount of things, with either no replacement, or a lesser replacement. I mean really? The Fife and Drum Corps from the American pavilion? That was quintessential Americana.
I look forward to what is to come in DHS. That park is in dire need of something! Do I like the closure of Maelstrom? Not really. Do I have an issue with putting a Frozen attraction in its place? Sure do. WS is not the place for 'fantasy'. Yes, they put the Three Amigos in Mexico...and I don't particularly like that, but at least it's still representative of the country.
It just seems to me that Disney is taking the less expensive way out. I look forward to seeing what happens with AvatarLand. As I sad, it's not about change, it's more about getting much less than in the past.