Disney World should be ashamed of themselves!!

[Mom2Stitch]

I can see how someone who has been before and knows all of the surprises around every corner might get bored-like noticing dusty wires and ceiling tiles, I've actually done the same things. I also think that to someone who has never been, there is plenty to see and do.

In September we are taking along a first timer and I want to be sure that she gets to experience as much as possible. The only park I found difficult to plan was DHS because I'm only giving it one day. We want to get in TSMM twice(once at RD, once with FP+)RNRC,GMR,ST,she requested ToT(in 14 years none of us have ridden this, should be interesting!),VotLM,BatB, and Indy. Would like to meet Buzz and Woody and maybe get some pics in the HISTK area. In addition to that we have lunch at Mama Melrose Fantasmic! Package, later dinner at HBD, and of course Fantasmic!. If they extend the Frozen activities we would like to squeeze some of that in as well. I'd call that a darn full day and we haven't included LMA, Jedi, or Disney Junior.

Epcot is the same, only we have more days planned there because we love it so much and want to be able to not rush.

 

[Nancyg56]

I think part of the issue is that WDW markets all four parks as ONE destination. Right now, that message is even on the landing page for their main website... they have a picture of each of the four parks "Make it a Dream Disney Vacation, Four WDW Theme Parks."

So it's not out of line for one to expect all four parks to up to somewhat equal in terms of Disney quality. But they're not. They're not equal at all, yet you are paying equal admission for them all. There is one park that is a full two-day-or-more park, and three parks that vary.

I agree with a PP, hoppers help but are not inexpensive.

I think one thing that helps is to let go of the idea that one has to visit all four parks. The other thing that can help is to start seeing all of Orlando's parks as the destination and pick and choose. Maybe add in a Universal Studios day instead of a DHS day, that kind of thing. Mix things up and get out of the idea that all four WDW parks must be visited.

Hoppers are expensive and while we almost always purchase them, this year I regretted the expense. It was weather related for the most part, but looking back, on a relatively short trip with DHS and epcot losing some activities, they are an expensive add on.

WDW is markets as a 4 park experience, and it is....but if one has not been in several years, there can be a let down. As I said upthread, once I started pointing out some of what we used to do, the losses were highlighted. I agree that the parks are not equal any longer, and with the construction that is going to happen, I think something needs to be done to address it. We skipped AK last trip because the wall s make me claustrophobic. There was plenty in the other three parks, but now with DHS starting, AKL still not completed, and reduced activities and entertainment in Epcot, people will begin to question the value.

*puts on a flameproof suit* Maybe I'm missing something since I haven't been to Disney World in a couple of years. HS is definitely in a flux from what it was to what it will be. However, from what I have read, they have only recently closed 2 things, the Animation Building and Backlot Tour, right? Though I believe the Backlot Tour has been closed for a while now. They also have closed the American Idol Experience to move the Frozen thing over to it. I enjoyed all of those things many times but other than the BackLot Tour, I have never really seen a long line/wait for the others and I have been to Disney at all times of the year being a former Florida resident.

Now if you are going to HS to ride rides you are going to be disappointed but it has never been heavy on rides. 2 of the largest thrill rides are there but the other rides are pretty tame. It has always concentrated more on the shows. My thought is if you aren't big on the shows, go at rope drop, ride the rides you want and then leave. There are 3 other parks, 2 water parks and Downtown Disney (Disney Springs) to explore not to mention many wonderful resorts, golf courses, mini golf, and other recreational activities to do. My personal opinion is if you are bored at Disney World, then you are doing something wrong.

For me, it is mostly because I can see the wear and tear that has not been addressed. Little things, but all adding up.

 

[ArwenMarie]

Hoppers are expensive and while we almost always purchase them, this year I regretted the expense. It was weather related for the most part, but looking back, on a relatively short trip with DHS and epcot losing some activities, they are an expensive add on.

WDW is markets as a 4 park experience, and it is....but if one has not been in several years, there can be a let down. As I said upthread, once I started pointing out some of what we used to do, the losses were highlighted. I agree that the parks are not equal any longer, and with the construction that is going to happen, I think something needs to be done to address it. We skipped AK last trip because the wall s make me claustrophobic. There was plenty in the other three parks, but now with DHS starting, AKL still not completed, and reduced activities and entertainment in Epcot, people will begin to question the value.

The only time hoppers made sense for us was when we stayed at Beach Club and went into Epcot almost every night. But yeah, other than that I have generally not gotten the value out of them so I stopped buying them. It adds up!

I agree, with so much construction, value is easily questioned now. Maybe they should throw the hoppers in for free for a while until the work at DHS/DAK is done

 

[MrInfinity]

Epcot and Hollywood studios have nothing to offer their guests except for overpriced souvenirs. Considering the fact that admission is super expensive, you would think they actually had rides and entertainment planned for their guests. This has been the lamest visit ever and believe me i am a Disney addict. I realize that the company has big future plans for the parks but lets face it, they work at a snails pace. Something needs to be done now to constitute their charges. I'm currently sitting in HWS bored out of my mind. Tonight is emh and there is absolutely nothing to do. Thanks Disney, I'm really reconsidering visiting next year-rather spend my money elsewhere where at least i get a little something in return.

End of rant!!

That sucks that you had such an awful time. HS is definitely in a transition state. It needs lots of theming, tree cover, just general fill-in everywhere. They'll get there. In the mean time we'll still go, spend a day. Even in the current state, I disagree w your statement of "Epcot and Hollywood studios have nothing to offer their guests except for overpriced souvenirs" as fact. I get that it's not great right now, but they do have things to offer their guests. Surely there's something you enjoyed? Star Tours? Rockin Rollercoaster? JTA? Frozen? If you're not travelling with little ones, these latter things might be of no value to you but they're huge for us.

We always need some evenings at the hotel, and a HS day is fine for that. We'll go from rope drop till 5 or 6, then go get dinner somewhere. My son could ride RnR all night, but we're usually good after a couple times.

Epcot tho, there's tons of content there for us. We'll spend 2 days. You didn't elaborate on what you were dissatisfied about at Epcot so not much to say on that.

We want to get in TSMM twice(once at RD, once with FP+)RNRC,GMR,ST,she requested ToT(in 14 years none of us have ridden this, should be interesting!),VotLM,BatB, and Indy. Would like to meet Buzz and Woody and maybe get some pics in the HISTK area. In addition to that we have lunch at Mama Melrose Fantasmic! Package, later dinner at HBD, and of course Fantasmic!. If they extend the Frozen activities we would like to squeeze some of that in as well. I'd call that a darn full day and we haven't included LMA, Jedi, or Disney Junior.

That's quite a day!

 

[Kalliope]

Uh oh Yensidrocks. You have dared to criticize a place that as you've noticed some believe is above reproach and there must be something wrong with you for failing to make your own magic.

 

[lugnut33]

To quote my 18 year old daughter after she went to Hollywood Studios this year, "The park sucks now". It's true, the park is just in sorry shape at this time, but it will be better by the year 2021.

 

[hsmamato2]

In the meantime we're going to vacation at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab Utah. Went there last March and can't wait to go back.

not to go OT completely...but how do you vacation here? what is there to see? I am going by there next week and curious....back to your regular scheduled thread now