Disney World is a little "weird" right now

[morethananyonex]

I think I realized years before NextGen testing started that if Disney started gouging out their guest's eyes in their sleep there would be a line of loyal fans here ready to defend the practice.

"All Disney guarantees you is a place to sleep, you should have researched better if you didn't want your eyes gouged!"

 

[mom2rtk]

"All Disney guarantees you is a place to sleep, you should have researched better if you didn't want your eyes gouged!"

Remember, they also didn't guarantee that your MB would actually open the door to let you in for your eye gouging.

 

[antmaril]

I was there last week and went with an open mind about the Magic Bands and FP+. I have been going to WDW regularly since 1991 when our son was little and I have been there approximately 16 times. I have spent many thousands of dollars at WDW over the years.

I think I am done for a while. The parks felt very crowded to me and I am getting bored by the rides. I loved the Magic Bands, but FP+ wasn't my favorite since it required a bit too much advanced planning for me.

I think I am going to take a break for a while. It was fine, but I felt kind of meh about the whole thing.

I know - one less person in line for the rest of you

 

[OnSpaceshipEarth]

@antmaril

Which rides are starting to bore you the most?

 

[mommykds]

AP holders here. We have "tested" FP+ & the MB last August, November, & will do so again this spring. MB itself is fine however the FP+ is not (IMHO). We let Disney know out thoughts & if you want to as well here is the info (Which I am sure a lot of folks have done already by now). After our AP expires we will be taking a break from WDW for awhile as the value has gone down significantly for our family. Maybe time for DL?


wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com


Robert A. Iger
Chief Executive Officer
The Walt Disney Company
500 South Buena Vista Street
Burbank, CA 91521-4873

Thomas O. Staggs
Chairman
Walt Disney Parks & Resorts
500 South Buena Vista Street
Burbank, CA 91521-4873

 

[blondietink]

Well, we are DVC, too and are also expanding our horizons. We spent a lot of points in September and went to Aulani .... WOW! This is what CM's at WDW should strive to be like.

Went on a cruise in January (not Disney) out of Miami and decided to try Universal Studios since we haven't been there in a long time. We were really impressed. Of course, it was a slow time of year, but the price was right ($149.95 for 3 days park to park tickets each) when compared to the outrageous price for Disney tickets. The technology in the Universal rides was way beyond the Disney rides. Now WDW has raised ticket prices yet again! I don't know when we will even want to go back to WDW because of the price of tickets. Now also limited on FP's with the Magic Bands. UGH. A vacation should be carefree and relaxing, not full of stress.

 

[Planogirl]

I don't agree that DVC owners are necessarily the most loyal guests. There are people who have been countless times but don't own DVC. If those people aren't loyal then I don't know who is.

That aside, many think that Disney isn't interested in the loyal guests because they don't make as much money off of them. That type of thinking is bizarre to me. That feeling of loyalty causes these people to spend money again and again. The one time visitor might spent a lot but then they go onto something else.

 

[luvthemouse71]

IMO, CMs don't give magic. They might enhance it from time to time. But, I am not going to even notice a CMs every mood unless they are rude to me. In December, there was one rude CM in HS. Had nothing to do with FP+ or MB. I simply told guest services on my way out of the park. That was the first time in over 10 trips that I had to do that, BTW.

and this is for Magicbob...." if you don't like it, don't spend your money there. Disney won't even notice you're gone."

I also don't think Universal will turn out to be the Mecca some think it will be...

 

[surferdave]

It's not about defending "the practice." The real question is why are y'all just complaining about this now....when it has been going on forever. Why didn't all of you address this back then????? This is why your argument doesn't hold any water and why Disney is ignoring the mess out of you. Heck, you're not even really addressing Disney...all I see is posters attacking and name calling the posters who like FastPass+....that kind of ugly cattiness is why no one will take you seriously. Your problem lies with Disney not with the people who like the new FastPass+ system. Start there.

Back when? Who says we haven't? They got my feedback when I returned from my October trip. I told them the fastpass lines were going to back up like crazy when it became all fastpass+......at a time when most of their feedback was omigod I luv FP+ between it and FP- I got to ride Toy Story three times!!!!

 

[EMode]

Heck, you're not even really addressing Disney...all I see is posters attacking and name calling the posters who like FastPass+....that kind of ugly cattiness is why no one will take you seriously. Your problem lies with Disney not with the people who like the new FastPass+ system. Start there.

Actually I have seen the exact opposite happening. The ones who don't like FP+ are the ones being attacked for their views and opinions. They are being told to shut up and stop complaining regularly on this board. The ugliness and cattiness is coming from the supporters of FP+ much more than its is coming from the ones who don't like it. I think supporters take it as a personal insult when someone dare has a negative opinion about anything Disney does. At least that is my observation in the countless FP+ threads I have read here.

 

[JanaDee]

It's not about defending "the practice." The real question is why are y'all just complaining about this now....when it has been going on forever. Why didn't all of you address this back then????? This is why your argument doesn't hold any water and why Disney is ignoring the mess out of you. Heck, you're not even really addressing Disney...all I see is posters attacking and name calling the posters who like FastPass+....that kind of ugly cattiness is why no one will take you seriously. Your problem lies with Disney not with the people who like the new FastPass+ system. Start there.

What has been going on forever? Address what back when? FTR, I did contact Disney about the FP+ system after I experienced it, as have numerous other people.

Who's attacking and name calling?

 

[antmaril]

@antmaril

Which rides are starting to bore you the most?

I would say Haunted Mansion, The Great Movie Ride and It's a Small World have really gotten old for me. Now, you have to understand that I am older and have a heart condition, so I can't ride the roller coasters like I used to (sadly). I still enjoyed Soarin' and Test Track. I also rode Toy Story Mania for the first time and thought it was big fun.

 

[kbelle8995]

That aside, many think that Disney isn't interested in the loyal guests because they don't make as much money off of them. That type of thinking is bizarre to me. That feeling of loyalty causes these people to spend money again and again. The one time visitor might spent a lot but then they go onto something else.

Yeah that confuses me too. Most businesses seem to want customers who come back. Why do we have Loyality programs in the world? Because most businesses want return customers.

 

[flicx]

All the other amusement parks have to build rides to survive....Disney just has to build timeshares.

We'll see how a business plan like this works out. I'm gonna go out on a limb and say it ends terribly!

 

[morethananyonex]

I think people are mistaken when they claim Disney doesn't want loyal visitors. People have taken that sentiment and ran with it around here, but I don't believe it to be true.

Disney needs loyal customers. Disney needs people to keep coming back and buying tickets, food, staying in the resorts, etc. It's not all about getting people there for their first time so they buy a few more souvenirs.

I think the issue here is Disney has to work hard to lose those loyal customers, as portrayed here. It really does take a lot to lose a loyal Disney guest, and at the opposite end they really don't have to work to hard to get us to come back. Sometimes it may feel like Disney isn't marketing towards us, but that's only because they don't have to. They absolutely do need the repeat guests though, there aren't enough first timers to keep the parks and hotels packed like they like them.

 

[MickeyChix]

I think people are mistaken when they claim Disney doesn't want loyal visitors. People have taken that sentiment and ran with it around here, but I don't believe it to be true.

Disney needs loyal customers. Disney needs people to keep coming back and buying tickets, food, staying in the resorts, etc. It's not all about getting people there for their first time so they buy a few more souvenirs.

I think the issue here is Disney has to work hard to lose those loyal customers, as portrayed here. It really does take a lot to lose a loyal Disney guest, and at the opposite end they really don't have to work to hard to get us to come back. Sometimes it may feel like Disney isn't marketing towards us, but that's only because they don't have to. They absolutely do need the repeat guests though, there aren't enough first timers to keep the parks and hotels packed like they like them.

 

[Planogirl]

I think people are mistaken when they claim Disney doesn't want loyal visitors. People have taken that sentiment and ran with it around here, but I don't believe it to be true.

Disney needs loyal customers. Disney needs people to keep coming back and buying tickets, food, staying in the resorts, etc. It's not all about getting people there for their first time so they buy a few more souvenirs.

I think the issue here is Disney has to work hard to lose those loyal customers, as portrayed here. It really does take a lot to lose a loyal Disney guest, and at the opposite end they really don't have to work to hard to get us to come back. Sometimes it may feel like Disney isn't marketing towards us, but that's only because they don't have to. They absolutely do need the repeat guests though, there aren't enough first timers to keep the parks and hotels packed like they like them.

Good points. I think that the true loyalists won't ever quit going or at least it will be very difficult to get them to stop. I've found other ways to enjoy my vacations for now but I'm already thinking that I should plan a return trip to WDW. I'm trying to hold firm but still....

 

[kbelle8995]

I think people are mistaken when they claim Disney doesn't want loyal visitors. People have taken that sentiment and ran with it around here, but I don't believe it to be true.

Disney needs loyal customers. Disney needs people to keep coming back and buying tickets, food, staying in the resorts, etc. It's not all about getting people there for their first time so they buy a few more souvenirs.

I think the issue here is Disney has to work hard to lose those loyal customers, as portrayed here. It really does take a lot to lose a loyal Disney guest, and at the opposite end they really don't have to work to hard to get us to come back. Sometimes it may feel like Disney isn't marketing towards us, but that's only because they don't have to. They absolutely do need the repeat guests though, there aren't enough first timers to keep the parks and hotels packed like they like them.

If you are a passholder there are a lot less nights available due to parties. I think giving passholders a deeper discount than what they are giving on the parties would be greatly appreciated. I think they were better at showing their appreciation but now not so much.

You do raise some excellent points but

I just disagree with you on that one.

 

[TooExcitedCantSleep]

Back when? Who says we haven't? They got my feedback when I returned from my October trip. I told them the fastpass lines were going to back up like crazy when it became all fastpass+......at a time when most of their feedback was omigod I luv FP+ between it and FP- I got to ride Toy Story three times!!!!

I just saw some really positive feedback from people who just came back from Disney. You may not like the system but many others do. Disney has not built a new rollercoaster in 8 years. But....you were thrilled to go in October with no new rides expect for the recent LTM ride. Did you travel to Disney anytime between 2006 and NFL....if so there was nothing "new" for you to see at all. It's not clear to me if you are upset with the lack of new rides at Disney or just FastPass+. If it's because of the lack of new attractions well that has been going on for next to a decade.

Actually I have seen the exact opposite happening. The ones who don't like FP+ are the ones being attacked for their views and opinions. They are being told to shut up and stop complaining regularly on this board. The ugliness and cattiness is coming from the supporters of FP+ much more than its is coming from the ones who don't like it. I think supporters take it as a personal insult when someone dare has a negative opinion about anything Disney does. At least that is my observation in the countless FP+ threads I have read here.

Well- you are seeing one thing and I am noticing the complete opposite. People who love FastPass+ are being called dumb and clueless by other posters. It's completely not called for-----we all can spend our money and like whatever we want.....just like you can choose to not to spend your money on Disney and dislike whatever you want. There is no right or wrong here..just people's personal tastes.

Your issues are with Disney and only Disney not with the people who enjoy FastPass+.

 

[EMode]

I think people are mistaken when they claim Disney doesn't want loyal visitors. People have taken that sentiment and ran with it around here, but I don't believe it to be true.

Disney needs loyal customers. Disney needs people to keep coming back and buying tickets, food, staying in the resorts, etc. It's not all about getting people there for their first time so they buy a few more souvenirs.

I think the issue here is Disney has to work hard to lose those loyal customers, as portrayed here. It really does take a lot to lose a loyal Disney guest, and at the opposite end they really don't have to work to hard to get us to come back. Sometimes it may feel like Disney isn't marketing towards us, but that's only because they don't have to. They absolutely do need the repeat guests though, there aren't enough first timers to keep the parks and hotels packed like they like them.

We are re-thinking what makes us loyal customers. As much as I love Disney in my heart, I also have to think with my wallet and the value of a Disney vacation for our family has diminished through the years. FP+ is really the tipping point, I feel the cost goes up, service goes down and now things that were once given are being taken away. I know Disney doesn't owe me anything, they are a business and they are free to do what they want in order to make money. I have to evaluate how those decisions will effect my vacation, and sadly right now its not making it more magical and we are not planning on returning for awhile.