Do the parks still have the same feeling?

[meeko_33785]

Thanks everyone. I'm so glad to hear that the corperate battle going on at the Walt Disney Company is not effecting the "magic" in WDW.

Also, I have always thought that the magic is not in the maintnance, but in the CMs themselves and in the memories of the past. I have said it many times, but I'll say it again: a piece of chipped paint, a burned-out light bulb, or a spidderweb would not ruin my vacation. As long as the CMs are as friendly, helpful and poliet as I have always seen them in the past, the magic will still be there for me.

 

[TreeOfLife]

Things were never perfect. We were just younger

An absolute fact. And now it is those memories what is keeping Disney's magic alive.

Many of us are supremely insulted by the notion that we don't contribute to, or have any control over the quality or magic of the experience. Most of us go out every day and do our darndest to provide the most fantastic service available. Things could always be better, but WDW is still full of great people and fun times to be had by all. Don't be the guy who seems determined to ruin everyone's day... nobody likes that guy.

You need to take a chill pill, Safari Steve, and remember that each person has the right to express his/her experiences freely, without intending to go around "ruining people's days". In fact, actions and experiences onsite ruin guests' days more than a post on a message board...

As for the cloting expenses and such, I "don't make the weather, just report it". It was what was told to me by a CM at the AK, actually, in a little ice cream cart in front of Dinosaur! back in 2001. But I know for a fact that CMs at the stores have to buy their costumes, as was informed to me by a local manager.. Anyhow, fiddle di doo...

So, overall, has Disney lost something? I personally believe that in the last decade a lot of things have made a negative impact. Is it a reason for me not to ever return? No, not really.. I still like the rides and the atmosphere. But if the trend continues, it will not be surprising to see more than the stocks unable to rise up to guests' expectations.

Fanaticism aside...

 

[greggoda]

I don't think the corporate battle is affecting the parks but management is. The economy is not helping. All CM's that we encountered during last week were top notch but there were fewer there than trips in the past. This was our first trip the week after Thanksgiving and there was alot of training going on for new CM's, much more than I've ever noticed in the past. I think that was probably due to the time of the year as many students are probably leaving the parks and/or they are adding staff for the Christmas season.

The parks were not as pristine as I have seen them in the past but they were still by far the cleanest park we've ever been in.

I do agree with Roy Disney in many ways. There are huge signs of trying to make the quick buck that Walt just wouldn't have gone along with. The Epcot "Leave a Legacy" project totally ruins the entrance...It's horrible and obviously a short term cash infusion. The entry to any park after you walk in the gate is a special moment. I want to cry when I walk in Epcot. I would understand those that would want their picture there but it just ruins the mood for me. I don't feel like I'm making an entrance until I hit the bridge.

The parks don't have the same feeling. It's still a great feeling but it's not the same. Things change, we move on, but we still long for the "perfect" times of the past. The Disney company is not in the same financial shape it was in the past. Hopefully they will be financially successful in the future and they won't have to milk the parks and our ICONS like they have recently.