Disney World Orlando is beginning to disappoint me

[hiroMYhero]

I enjoyed your post. I don't quite understand the part I've bolded. Is the parade in DL better acted out than in WDW or is there more ethnicity in DL than WDW?

WDW has a multitude of ethnic performers who are recruited through auditions that WDW holds throughout the country. Little do the ethnic performers know that moving to FL means they will be encased in fur because they don't possess the "WDW look" that you see in WDW parades and shows.

CM friend, GoGo, is a parade, show, and special event entertainment CM. She travels throughout the country as "friends with" the most iconic of Disney characters to spread Disney "Magic." Her skills are apparent but she will always be in fur, yet, in DL, when Paint The Night steps off, the first unit and all the following units include CMs of the same height and/or ethnic background as GoGo. Kudos to DLR!!

This year's MNSSHP's Boo To You parade has a few Asian American male performers. As they passed by, I remarked to GoGo that at least "friends of Hiro" were chosen as parade performers seeing how they moved from locations throughout the country to befriend Hiro in WDW.

I really cannot say anything, this is just....well I am speechless. I am so sorry that you experienced this treatment, and not just once. That is even more appalling for me.

Thank you for your kind words. It is appalling and disheartening and I didn't even include the horrendous Orlando Paint Nite session where the instructor spewed racist "jokes." At least I received a full refund from the national Paint Nite headquarters as they were just as appalled. The Orlando Paint Nite licensee continues to employ that instructor - a sad reflection of Orlando.

BTW, I've always wanted to know: do speech pathologists study dead languages? And if so, who killed Latin

Speech pathologists' focus is on communicative disorders. A linguist would be able to answer regarding the demise of Latin although it is alive within the medical and pharmaceutical fields.

 

[Nancyg56]

WDW has a multitude of ethnic performers who are recruited through auditions that WDW holds throughout the country. Little do the ethnic performers know that moving to FL means they will be encased in fur because they don't possess the "WDW look" that you see in WDW parades and shows.

CM friend, GoGo, is a parade, show, and special event entertainment CM. She travels throughout the country as "friends with" the most iconic of Disney characters to spread Disney "Magic." Her skills are apparent but she will always be in fur, yet, in DL, when Paint The Night steps off, the first unit and all the following units include CMs of the same height and/or ethnic background as GoGo. Kudos to DLR!!

This year's MNSSHP's Boo To You parade has a few Asian American male performers. As they passed by, I remarked to GoGo that at least "friends of Hiro" were chosen as parade performers seeing how they moved from locations throughout the country to befriend Hiro in WDW.


Thank you for your kind words. It is appalling and disheartening and I didn't even include the horrendous Orlando Paint Nite session where the instructor spewed racist "jokes." At least I received a full refund from the national Paint Nite headquarters as they were just as appalled. The Orlando Paint Nite licensee continues to employ that instructor - a sad reflection of Orlando.


Speech pathologists' focus is on communicative disorders. A linguist would be able to answer regarding the demise of Latin although it is alive within the medical and pharmaceutical fields.

I don't have any way of expressing how I feel about any of this. As much as we pride ourselves on our "progress" it is clear we have made nowhere near enough.

And thank you to your profession. When my nephew was very young his language was gibberish. Like he only spoke in vowels, and it was not a fun place for him. My sister took him for speech therapy before he was even 3, and although it took a while, the therapists were able to unravel his words and teach him to communicate. He was so often frustrated because he knew he was the "problem", while there were children who also had learning disorders who were not acting out so much. The therapist also took the time to explain that to my sister, Timmy was very much aware that he was the one who was not able to communicate his thoughts, while some of the other children whose behaviors did not erupt periodically did not know that yet.

 

[GPC0321]

But....I don't understand why people enjoy going frequently. Once I go, i'm good for 3-5 years for sure.

I agree. Part of me thinks it's be amazing to visit WDW yearly, but another part of me thinks it'd ruin the novelty of the experience to do it that often. I'm 41 years old and my upcoming trip will be my 5th time at WDW, my first time being when I was four years old. Now, if I'd had the ability to book a vacation a "bounce back" type deal at the end of my last trip 17 years ago, I probably would've been very tempted. But I cannot afford to visit very often (not Disney's fault, just a fact), so the rare occasions when I do get to go are extremely special.
So I can understand the urge to get back there and experience the "magic", but I think people risk burning out on the place too.

 

[Nancyg56]

I agree. Part of me thinks it's be amazing to visit WDW yearly, but another part of me thinks it'd ruin the novelty of the experience to do it that often. I'm 41 years old and my upcoming trip will be my 5th time at WDW, my first time being when I was four years old. Now, if I'd had the ability to book a vacation a "bounce back" type deal at the end of my last trip 17 years ago, I probably would've been very tempted. But I cannot afford to visit very often (not Disney's fault, just a fact), so the rare occasions when I do get to go are extremely special.
So I can understand the urge to get back there and experience the "magic", but I think people risk burning out on the place too.

My husband is like that, Once every couple of years is enough for him. HE does think we should make sure our Granddaughter gets there often so I go with my DD and her family.

I find WDW restful and I am content to be there at least once a year.

 

[Disneyhappy]

As a multiple times per yesr visitor to WDW who visited DL for the first time this spring, I totally agree with the OP. We can't wait to return to DL and are going to try to visit every other year. WDW continues to disappoint us with their changes. They are marketinng geniuses who know how to attract new guests but our experiences are not what it used to be from a decline in the quality of food and longer wait times/fewer attractions per day with price increases outpacing any enhancements/less value for our family. We still visit but not as frequently. FP+was a close deal breaker for us resulting in downsizing our DVC ownership interest by about 1/3. We do love our DVC and will visit but going to the parks less frequently as the AP prices are at the point where we are crying "uncle". We have added a second trip to Universal annually. I love Orlando and can't wait too move to Florida in about 8 years so I can visit more frequently, just differently!

 

[grnflash]

This thread is so interesting in its replies from worlders compared to 3 years ago. I first found the Dis researching our trip to WDW then, my company was holding its convention at the Marriott. As a lifelong Southern Californian, even living in Anaheim for 4 years as a kid, it had never been a vacation priority to visit WDW. But with my company paying so much of the cost, how could we not go.

So researching the trip I became jealous actually. I'd been to DL hundreds and hundreds of times. I loved it. How could there be an even better park, a far better park actually, across the country. Boy had I been missing out all these years. Because that was certainly the impression I got here. Hardly anyone said a nice thing about DL, it was a sorta nice diversion if you were in CA but really quite the stepchild. People certainly weren't coming on to this board saying DL was fantastic, even better maybe - and then being met with agreement.

Times change I suppose. And it's too bad since there's no reason Disney cannot operate two, while different, still utterly fantastic resorts. Of course it is easier to pour the money into the CA parks, there's no true resort to divert the funds. But it's a shame none-the-less. I can say that I left WDW, after enjoying an awesome on-property week, wondering what the hype was all about. It took me awhile to digest frankly, I love DL so much, how could I not all-out love WDW. But I didn't and if anything, it made me love DL that much more. It's great that park expansions are on the way on both coasts. And in the meantime, it's really fun to read worlder's trip reports on the DL board, it seems like ya'll are coming out West in bigger numbers. I hope ya'll at least give DL a try

 

[bcrook]

OP, a lot of people share your concerns and agree with your observations. To those that don't, I suggest a quick 3-day trip to DL resort. Stay on-site and enjoy.

You'll look at WDW a bit differently afterwards... I guarantee it...

Yes, yes you will.

 

[Deanie1]

I was one of those children, watching World of Disney on the TV, not even sure if Disneyworld was a real place. It was my first vacation I took as an adult. I went to DL three times but then heard of people who went to Disneyworld - a long ways from British Columbia, Canada. I saved for 5 yrs to take our family of 5 to a trip of a lifetime at WDW. We had a wonderful time and my DH said, "why would we go to DL when there is so much to see here?" Our family of 5 went two more times and now only DD goes with me although I think she is done also. I love the water parks and checking out the other resorts. I love World Showcase and AK. My next trip will be a solo trip and WDW just seems easier than DL, even though it is farther away and more costly. I feel "safe" onsite and taking ME is so easy. But, the last time I went was Oct 2013 when Fp+ was just rolling out. I expect that things will never be as good again. My plan is to do one last trip, in 2017, hopefully to see Avatarland. I will also spent 2 days at Universal.

I would love to visit DL again. I have never seen California Adventure. Never ridden Indiana Jones. I don't think I could afford DLH so I would have to stay across the street. Not ideal since I will be going solo. But I would love to go without FP+ or ADR's.

 

[WIcruizer]

I get why many people are disappointed by lack of new attractions. Just remember, for many people (myself included) one of the things we love about WDW is that things DON'T change. As hokey as it is, we look forward to Carousel of Progress for example. I look forward to all the things that don't change more than whatever they're building that's new. WDW will never be the place for the biggest/fastest roller coaster.

I think of it this way. We love going to the zoo, fully knowing a new type of giraffe hasn't been discovered since the last time we were there. Museums may have something new here and there, but most of the exhibits don't change much. That's basically the way I see WDW. I look forward to the simple things like purple signs and a beer in Germany. I realize they need to keep updating for most people, but the reason we go back so often is for all the things that DON'T change.

 

[mom2rtk]

I get why many people are disappointed by lack of new attractions. Just remember, for many people (myself included) one of the things we love about WDW is that things DON'T change. As hokey as it is, we look forward to Carousel of Progress for example. I look forward to all the things that don't change more than whatever they're building that's new. WDW will never be the place for the biggest/fastest roller coaster.

I think of it this way. We love going to the zoo, fully knowing a new type of giraffe hasn't been discovered since the last time we were there. Museums may have something new here and there, but most of the exhibits don't change much. That's basically the way I see WDW. I look forward to the simple things like purple signs and a beer in Germany. I realize they need to keep updating for most people, but the reason we go back so often is for all the things that DON'T change.

Except that things change whether they add attractions or not. Every year more people come through the gates, requiring more things to do.

 

[WIcruizer]

Every year more people come through the gates, requiring more things to do.

Not in my opinion. I already have multiple hotel properties I can visit, dozens of restaurants, DT Disney, Boardwalk, Golf Courses, 4 theme parks, and water parks. I don't need more things to do.

 

[eliza61]

Not in my opinion. I already have multiple hotel properties I can visit, dozens of restaurants, DT Disney, Boardwalk, Golf Courses, 4 theme parks, and water parks. I don't need more things to do.

I think you maybe a small percentage though. as an annual visitor I can tell you for many of us things get "stale". I too have my favorites, I enjoy the atmosphere of sci fi diner. lol but seriously how old is "indiana Jones stunt show"?? and don't get me started with the great movie ride (although they did spiff it up some).

Now, yes I enjoy visiting some of the other resorts but let's be truthful, who pays 5,000 bucks to see a hotel lobby? when you visit how long to do you stay? an hour tops" unless you pool hop.
the things you mention are usually billed as "add ons". the primary focus is and will always be the theme parks and they are getting long in the tooth. And the thing is you don't have to totally change a ride to update it.

The bumper cars in MK. seriously I've been to go kart places that are sooo cool, simply because they are updated. same with the carousel of progress, we went on it, this past August and were laughing hysterically at two things. 1) when the carousel "turns" you can see the group ahead of you from gaps in the walls. 2) the animontronics is old and antiquated. Updating that ride with smooth animontronics and fixing big gaps in the wall would enhance it without drastically changing it.

I think for the majority of people we don't go to wdw to play putt putt golf.

 

[WIcruizer]

I think you maybe a small percentage though.

Or maybe not. Since attendance is at an all time high, there seems to be plenty of people who are still willing to go to WDW.

The bumper cars in MK. seriously I've been to go kart places that are soo cool, simply because they are updated. same with the carousel of progress, we went on them this past August and were laughing hysterically at two things. 1) when the carousel "turns" you can see the group ahead of you from gaps in the walls. 2) the animontronics is old and antiquated.

I don't think MK has bumper cars? And the quirks you mention about CoP is exactly why we love it.

 

[yeheyprincex2]

I have said the same thing you are saying to my husband. I do like the how the parks are closer and they do have replicates of rides. I get the magical feeling at both places. In 2014 I did not want to go to Disney World, I needed a break so we went to Disney land and we had a great time. In 2015 I was ready for Disney world. Next year we are thinking about a trip back to WDW. Then some times I get tired just thinking about all the planning that is involved for our family trip to WDW and how much less planning I need to do for DL I do see the need for a major revamp of FW at EPCOT and do enjoy the WSC the best at EPCOT, its very easy for me to walk around the area and feel like there's nothing to do, same thing goes for HS. We enjoy Disney and will continue visiting the parks. But if I want a more laid back Disney trip its DL for us with a few days of San Diego we consider that a great West coast trip.

 

[larryz]

I don't think MK has bumper cars?

Well, they're not supposed to be -- but I've had my share of cars ramming into me from behind...

 

[agavegirl1]

For me, I keep it special by going to WDW about every 4 years. I do a one day trip to Disneyland/CA occasionally. Also, I don't go to Orlando just for WDW. I just returned from a fall color tour of National Parks and it was great. I enjoyed it every bit as much as Orlando.