Disney: Out of Order

[JDUCKY]

Richard Attenborough: "All theme parks have delays. When Disneyland opened in 1952, nothing worked."

Jeff Goldblum: "Yeah, but when Pirates of the Caribbean breaks down, the pirates don't eat the tourists."

Just made me think of that.

That eagle that was on top of Everest? I think it's completely gone, not just broken.

sadness....

 

[khertz]

Pretty much the entire list of things in the OP might make me pause and say, "Oh that stinks" and then I forget about it entirely. Seriously, we are talking about a park that operates 365 days a year! It's not like the local amusement parks with an off-season to refurb everything that needs it. And with the long hours they keep for most of the parks, that doesn't leave a lot of time between closing and opening sometimes for the maintenance crews to come in and fix everything that isn't working, though I don't doubt that they try to do their best to have everything in working order for the guests coming in the next day.

I have to wonder...one of the complaints was an element of IASW not working, while others are for rides being shut down during the day. Well, what exactly do you want? It appears you don't like seeing things not working inside of an attraction, but also don't like that they are sometimes shut down to work on issues that may not be functioning properly? You can't have it both ways. Maybe someone in the morning was complaining about an animatronic on Splash not working, then you come along and are complaining that it is shut down while they are trying to fix it!

If you go in expecting perfection, yes, you are going to be disappointed. Especially when you notice these things and let them bother you enough to even remember them after your trip. I wouldn't remember things like that by the end of the day. It's just not that big of a deal.

And yeah, I don't see Walt staying awake all night performing maintenance on an attraction. Even he was realistic. You can strive for perfection, but this is reality, and absolute perfection in a resort as vast as WDW is near impossible. Something will always be going wrong somewhere. Sorry that you let it bother you so much.

 

[spacemountainmom]

I'd like to share my experience with broken stuff. I have a soft spot for IASW after hearing my entire life how exited I was by it when my parents took me on it as a one year old.

I had been on it several more times during my life, but it had been almost 10 years since we'd been to WDW when we went in 2008. My mom wanted the first ride to be IASW since it was the first time three of her four grandkids had been to Disney.

We drag everyone on the ride and are laughing at my poor ds8 who thinks the song and the ride are just lame. He claims it is the worst experience of his entire life. We noticed in the Hawaiian display that one of the dolls has a twitch and laughed about it.

The following year we again travel to Disney. We again ride IASW and we again see the Hawaiian doll with the twitch. However the twitch had gotten worse.

The third year we again go to Disney and by this time my son is eagerly anticipating IASW to see how the Hawaiian doll was. Well, the poor girl just stood still this trip.

The fourth year we go to Disney and my ds just can't wait to see the Hawaiian doll. We were all excited to see her happily dancing once again.

We didn't get to go this year so I don't know how the poor dear is doing. Hopefully she's still working!

It really was kind of sad to watch and see something that took four years to fix. Honestly, I really have no idea how long she was broken before we noticed her. I guess it could have been much longer.

I am not a nit-pickey person nor is anyone in my family. It was something we noticed and became somewhat of a family joke.

I would like to think that Disney could do better.

 

[BigGreen73]

I'd like to share my experience with broken stuff. I have a soft spot for IASW after hearing my entire life how exited I was by it when my parents took me on it as a one year old.

I had been on it several more times during my life, but it had been almost 10 years since we'd been to WDW when we went in 2008. My mom wanted the first ride to be IASW since it was the first time three of her four grandkids had been to Disney.

We drag everyone on the ride and are laughing at my poor ds8 who thinks the song and the ride are just lame. He claims it is the worst experience of his entire life. We noticed in the Hawaiian display that one of the dolls has a twitch and laughed about it.

The following year we again travel to Disney. We again ride IASW and we again see the Hawaiian doll with the twitch. However the twitch had gotten worse.

The third year we again go to Disney and by this time my son is eagerly anticipating IASW to see how the Hawaiian doll was. Well, the poor girl just stood still this trip.

The fourth year we go to Disney and my ds just can't wait to see the Hawaiian doll. We were all excited to see her happily dancing once again.

We didn't get to go this year so I don't know how the poor dear is doing. Hopefully she's still working!

It really was kind of sad to watch and see something that took four years to fix. Honestly, I really have no idea how long she was broken before we noticed her. I guess it could have been much longer.

I am not a nit-pickey person nor is anyone in my family. It was something we noticed and became somewhat of a family joke.

I would like to think that Disney could do better.

This made me laugh. Reminded me of a few trips where some of the dolls on IASW were doing some very "interesting" things.

 

[mefordis]

What is there to lose with having high expectations of WDW? They charge enough for the tickets. The worst that could happen is you will have a better experience when they see the customers expect value in exchange for the high prices.

Continue apologizing for them and accepting the low quality and you will get an even worse experience in the future.

 

[Nancyg56]

What is there to lose with having high expectations of WDW? They charge enough for the tickets. The worst that could happen is you will have a better experience when they see the customers expect value in exchange for the high prices.

Continue apologizing for them and accepting the low quality and you will get an even worse experience in the future.

There is nothing wrong with setting a high bar for a Disney vacation. What I find troubling is that some folks have such a high expectation that they see all of the flaws and feel a big let-down. For me the tossing in "perfection" is a dead bang red flag that the OP may have set her bar too high.There is no such thing as "perfection" in a theme park.

I look at it like I look at some people who make themselves crazy planning their Christmas Holiday. Everything has got to be perfect. The decorations just so. The gifts wrapped in coordinating paper and bows. The table pristine and not a fork out of place. The food cooked and served to an excel spread sheet. And then the guests arrive. And the whole thing blows up. Christmas Vacation but in your own home Disney can do that to people too.

 

[webshark3]

5. Many arcade games 'out of order" in the Space Mountain arcade.

That just the Disney Magic of making you feel like you were in a real arcade back home.

 

[larryz]

Listen, you guys have the idea that we went down there looking for this stuff. However, that is not what happened at all. We enjoyed our trip, and didn't sweat the small stuff. When we saw these things, we just went on with our day and had fun and enjoyed ourselves. We also had some 'magical moments' Like Buzz Lightyear signing our Disney shirts we got made to wear the last day, with a pen instead of his stamp. OR the CM in Space Mountain talking my sister through the ride because she was crying.

I understand nothing, and no one is perfect, by all means. I understand the days of old are gone. I understand everything is about money these days. However, all I'm saying this park was started by a man who would've stayed up all night himself to make sure that ferris wheel was working for the morning, or to make sure that water was shooting in Splash Mountain. I understand rides breaking down (by the way it wasn't refurbishments, as there are virtually none in the summer, besides rare occasions.) However, I see no excuse for animatronics being broken in Disney...Walt wouldn't either.

to the boards!

You've picked a rough way to introduce yourself, but you have every right to point out that you were not happy with the pervasive nature of breakdowns and "out-of-orders" you encountered. Don't let the others convince you there's something wrong with you -- there isn't.

Contrary to some of the other opinions expressed here, I remember a time when the rides ran without interruption, dead light bulbs were not left in place overnight, arcade games -- even 40 or 50 year old arcade games -- worked, paint chips were touched up before the next day's guests arrived, and scrims were in the dark rides, not on Main Street USA.

 

[webshark3]

Contrary to some of the other opinions expressed here, I remember a time when the rides ran without interruption, dead light bulbs were not left in place overnight, arcade games -- even 40 or 50 year old arcade games -- worked, paint chips were touched up before the next day's guests arrived, and scrims were in the dark rides, not on Main Street USA.

The only thing I can say is that compared to a Six Flags, Disney is light years ahead in keeping their parks clean and up to date. That isn't to dispute any claims of quality slips, but I'll take a bit of chipped paint and a broken Ferris wheel in Small World over, "holy $#@! is it safe to ride that thing?"

I would assume they're just trying to compete in a recessed economy just like all the order parks.

 

[eliza61]

I agree with this too! I have yet to see the Yeti in action and although it would be cool if we could see this effect at least once, it's not going to ruin the trip for us nor will we give it more than a seconds thought. I think the bigger WDW gets, the more the fixing of these little glitches will be delayed. It is what it is!!! Don't sweat the small stuff!

Little glitch!! Yeti has RARELY worked. Sorry imo that says a lot about disney's decreasing in service. We are not talking about a mom and pop operation, we are not talking about some one new to animontronics.

We are taking about a company that manages multi theme parks in various countries. What are they the only ones who have never heard of engineers, mechanics and planners?

Yes, I wouldn't be so critical if it was a once in a while occurance but disney is now getting the reputation of some thing being broke ALL THE TIME.

Disney is now getting the reputation of having mediocre food. There is now a thread where disney just annouced the decrease in another service (all the while raising the prices)

Sorry you may say it's small stuff but IMO, mediocre food, broken rides and lousy housekeeping is starting to add up.

All I can say is this new fantasy land better be darn good.

Op, I totally agree with you, me myself I don't think it's asking too much for me to go to disney and EXPECT the rides to work.

 

[eliza61]

The only thing I can say is that compared to a Six Flags, Disney is light years ahead in keeping their parks clean and up to date. That isn't to dispute any claims of quality slips, but I'll take a bit of chipped paint and a broken Ferris wheel in Small World over, "holy $#@! is it safe to ride that thing?"

I would assume they're just trying to compete in a recessed economy just like all the order parks.

Disneyworld is not supposed to be compared to six flags. anyone go to six flags for a week at a time? Plan on where they are going to eat 6 months ahead?

That's like comparing a fishing dingy to the queen Elizabeth. You can't

 

[DisneyDunn20]

To set things straight...I am a he not a she. Second off, I think you guys are getting the wrong vibe from my posts. I clearly stated that I was not out to ruin or discourage anyone's future vacation. I was just up for a discussion. For those of you who say I am a negative person along with my family, you are very mistaken. We are very positive, upbeat people...which is where the title of my post comes from. We were joking around that someone should write a book called "Disney: Out of Order" I wasn't being a scrooge on Disney. Nor did we go there expecting perfection. I went a little of course with my choice of words in first post. I understand Disney will never be perfect. However, I believe it is very, very, very possible to do much, much better than what they are doing now. I alos understand things do break, I understand to fix those things you need to shut the ride down. However, I believe there should be maintainence overnight.

For those of you saying Walt this Walt that...Disneyland this Disneyland that. I know all about Disney's past and Walt's past. I know what happened opening day at Disneyland. However, Walt & Disney learned, and improved from that day on. Disney has stopped improving, they're letting their signature rides go. The details that Disney prides itself on no longer exist in some of those rides. I bet ya the big shots in the office know the details of every dollar that comes through the system though.

I love Disney and I always will...My family and I have a wonderful time, everytime. However, from our first trip to now..things have gotten worse, noticeably worse. Disney is indeed better than almost any amusement park in the world, but they are slipping.

 

[crostorfer]

Little glitch!! Yeti has RARELY worked. Sorry imo that says a lot about disney's decreasing in service. We are not talking about a mom and pop operation, we are not talking about some one new to animontronics.

We are taking about a company that manages multi theme parks in various countries. What are they the only ones who have never heard of engineers, mechanics and planners?

Yes, I wouldn't be so critical if it was a once in a while occurance but disney is now getting the reputation of some thing being broke ALL THE TIME.

Disney is now getting the reputation of having mediocre food. There is now a thread where disney just annouced the decrease in another service (all the while raising the prices)

Sorry you may say it's small stuff but IMO, mediocre food, broken rides and lousy housekeeping is starting to add up.

All I can say is this new fantasy land better be darn good.

Op, I totally agree with you, me myself I don't think it's asking too much for me to go to disney and EXPECT the rides to work.

In order to properly fix the Yeti and bring it back to its original glory, part of the mountain itself has to be taken apart. The ride would be down for months. Seeing as its the number one attraction at DAK, if it was down it would financially cripple that park. People, myself included, would skip it entirely. Disney execs know this, they aren't stupid. They aren't going to cut off their nose to spite their face. I'd rather have a working EE with a stationary Yeti than a lengthy extended refurb.

 

[stashbin]

To set things straight...I am a he not a she. Second off, I think you guys are getting the wrong vibe from my posts. I clearly stated that I was not out to ruin or discourage anyone's future vacation. I was just up for a discussion. For those of you who say I am a negative person along with my family, you are very mistaken. We are very positive, upbeat people...which is where the title of my post comes from. We were joking around that someone should write a book called "Disney: Out of Order" I wasn't being a scrooge on Disney. Nor did we go there expecting perfection. I went a little of course with my choice of words in first post. I understand Disney will never be perfect. However, I believe it is very, very, very possible to do much, much better than what they are doing now. I alos understand things do break, I understand to fix those things you need to shut the ride down. However, I believe there should be maintainence overnight.

For those of you saying Walt this Walt that...Disneyland this Disneyland that. I know all about Disney's past and Walt's past. I know what happened opening day at Disneyland. However, Walt & Disney learned, and improved from that day on. Disney has stopped improving, they're letting their signature rides go. The details that Disney prides itself on no longer exist in some of those rides. I bet ya the big shots in the office know the details of every dollar that comes through the system though.

I love Disney and I always will...My family and I have a wonderful time, everytime. However, from our first trip to now..things have gotten worse, noticeably worse. Disney is indeed better than almost any amusement park in the world, but they are slipping.

First of all...I knew you were male from the first post.
Second, I get what you are saying...and I agree. I can remember our first trip back in 2007 and how magical it was. Free dining included an appetizer, entree, dessert, and tip; every cast member treated us like GOLD; mousekeeping left us towel animals; every ride was working; you get the point. But what I have noticed as we visit more frequently (we go at least once a year but have gone twice in a year since 2007) is that I notice more of the flaws because I am there more than most people. If you are a frequent visitor (and someone like me who goes at least once per year) you are more likely going to notice the little things that someone who doesn't go that often would. Does that make sense?
But I do know what you are saying....quality has declined from what it used to be. I hope it doesn't continue because flaws or not, it is our favorite vacation spot.

 

[bytheblood]

I don't want to minimize your disappointment but I would suggest that there is no such thing as perfection. Not in WDW, not anywhere. If you set the bar so high that you let a missing character or a closed attraction detract from your trip you will always be searching for a better experience.

I agree.

Seeing that the OP has created an account on the Dis to list all of the things wrong with heis trip and then said he would come back later to list more complaints pretty much sums it up. Some people look for the negative and have expectations set way too high.

It is true that Disney has slipped, cut-back, lost some magic and is not as wonderful as it once was, but they are still top-notch as far as theme parks go.

 

[Disney Dreams]

To set things straight...I am a he not a she. Second off, I think you guys are getting the wrong vibe from my posts. I clearly stated that I was not out to ruin or discourage anyone's future vacation. I was just up for a discussion. For those of you who say I am a negative person along with my family, you are very mistaken. We are very positive, upbeat people...which is where the title of my post comes from. We were joking around that someone should write a book called "Disney: Out of Order" I wasn't being a scrooge on Disney. Nor did we go there expecting perfection. I went a little of course with my choice of words in first post. I understand Disney will never be perfect. However, I believe it is very, very, very possible to do much, much better than what they are doing now. I alos understand things do break, I understand to fix those things you need to shut the ride down. However, I believe there should be maintainence overnight.

For those of you saying Walt this Walt that...Disneyland this Disneyland that. I know all about Disney's past and Walt's past. I know what happened opening day at Disneyland. However, Walt & Disney learned, and improved from that day on. Disney has stopped improving, they're letting their signature rides go. The details that Disney prides itself on no longer exist in some of those rides. I bet ya the big shots in the office know the details of every dollar that comes through the system though.

I love Disney and I always will...My family and I have a wonderful time, everytime. However, from our first trip to now..things have gotten worse, noticeably worse. Disney is indeed better than almost any amusement park in the world, but they are slipping.

...I am 19 years old my DB is 15, and my DS is 12....of course there's my DD & DM. We had a blast on our trip, however we picked out a few things that got our minds stirring. Throughout our trip my DD, DB and I picked out many, many things that were not working or not how they should be.

...So what I'm getting at is a list of things that we found wrong on our trip...things that were "out of order." Hopefully some people join in and discuss this topic and share some things. Here's my list:

Magic Kingdom:
1. Ate at the fireworks desert party with our reservations. DS was ecstatic to see Tink fly right over us. She had three different cameras to make sure we got pictures. Only to get to the end of the show without a Tink appearance. (That was our main reason for the reservations)

I think this was the perfect opportunity for you to explain to your sister that sometimes it can be a little too windy for Tink to fly safely and that Disney wants to make sure that Tink stays safe so that she can continue to spread pixie dust throughout the world and Disney is worried about her safety.

As for you understanding, really!?!?! It's dangerous up there. The wind up high can be very different than the wind lower down. When Tink goes flying through the sky, if the circumstances aren't just right, it can be extremely dangerous. Disney does everything to have Tink fly. If there was no Tink, it was almost assuredly for safety reasons.

I will finish this list tomorrow...as it is getting late, and I need to ask my DB and DD about some other things that weren't "magical"..Thanks

How about a different list of the things that were incredibly "magical" and you will never forget? I'd love to see that list.

- Dreams

 

[bytheblood]

In order to properly fix the Yeti and bring it back to its original glory, part of the mountain itself has to be taken apart. The ride would be down for months. Seeing as its the number one attraction at DAK, if it was down it would financially cripple that park. People, myself included, would skip it entirely. Disney execs know this, they aren't stupid. They aren't going to cut off their nose to spite their face. I'd rather have a working EE with a stationary Yeti than a lengthy extended refurb.

This is the very reason why the Yeti has not been repaired.

 

[DisneyDunn20]

Listen buddy I've had an account for a over a year now, just never posted anything...I've been following DIS for 3-4 years now. SO if you want to think I created an account just to complain, you're wrong. I only started this topic because I thought it would be a good discussion, not to complain. I'm far from negative, these things did not effect my mood, or our overall trip experience at all. I am positive in every sense of the word. And like I said earlier our trip was WONDERFUL, MAGICAL, & ENJOYABLE. I just wish Disney execs running the whole show cared a little more than how much money the new Fantasyland will make them. So before you go throwing digs at me, read the whole thread.

 

[nansmama]

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[larryz]

The only thing I can say is that compared to a Six Flags, Disney is light years ahead in keeping their parks clean and up to date. That isn't to dispute any claims of quality slips, but I'll take a bit of chipped paint and a broken Ferris wheel in Small World over, "holy $#@! is it safe to ride that thing?"

I would assume they're just trying to compete in a recessed economy just like all the order parks.

Ah, but I don't compare Disney to Sucks Flags. I compare Disney to, sadly, Disney...

If they can afford to pay Iger a $22 million bonus, they can afford to fix up the parks. It's the little things that make Disney great, and they're letting the little things drop thru the moneychanger's floor...