Do You think DISNEY has gone down hlll the last few years?

[Planogirl]

Okay, well here we go.....

Just got back from my 1st Sept WDW vacation. My vacation was 09/17-0/26 staying at POFQ w/ Free DDP. Did MNSSHP twice. Overall a great trip with great weather, things couldn't have gone any better. for DW and I. Now to address "Disney Going Downhill" and what I experenced.

CM's: Ever CM from my resort to the parks to servers in the restaurants were wonderful except for one. At Chef Mickey's we got a waitress that was below average at best. Needed to ask others for refills and for our check etc. She just wasn't with it. But the one sub-par CM does not overshadow the dozens that were so good. All said hi, greeted us with smile, went above and beyond to take care of us etc regardless what we asked or needed.

Resort: POFQ was spotless as was our room. No complaints. Mousekeeping had our room clean and made everyday, trash changed, new towels etc. The only thing I could see was one light above the mirrors was out which didn't bother me because the lights were so bright without it I didn't even notice until 4-5 days into vacation.

Parks: Parks were very clean. No overflowing trash and I always saw multiple CM's on top of park cleanliness and changing trash. Even CM's just wandering the park would clean and pick up trash as they went.

Parks part 2: I did notice more wear on some of the rides and attractions than I noticed in the past. Chipped paint, wear and tear, small broken pieces etc. But these things were in high traffic areas or areas that would receive a lot of guest abuse. But these things do need to be touched up. All the construction etc was a little distracting but not too bad. Except for the giant crane that was right behind the castle.

Restaurants: Again, all were clean and service was top notch except for the one server I noted above. No complaints.

Food: Used free DDP and we ate more and visted more restaurants than usual. All the food was hot, fresh, and very good from the snacks to the table service meals. The prices of all the food has gone up across the board, if I was not on the DDP, I probably would not have visited some of the restaurants that I did. The food was very good, but the prices for most are a bit high. With the higher food prices, that makes the DDP a better seller for WDW, just like higher one day ticket prices makes annual pass and multi-day tickets a better seller.

Merchandise: Again the prices have climbed here too and a lot of the merchandise is not worth the price tag. I did not buy as much as I did in the past because of the prices and the variety of merchandise did not change much since my last trip in May 09.

Overall, I had another magical trip that was worth the cost. I had a vacation that was an excape from reality that was trully appreciated. They are still providing vacations that are worth the $$$. I understand that they are also not perfect and less than "magical" experiences can occur and I hope that when that happens to someone they address it with the folks at WDW.

I do not believe that WDW is going downhill at all but more trending with the current economy. They have to make cut backs to offer ongoing discounts and promotions to get guests into the resorts and parks. Now with the MK expantion, other this may suffer for the time being, but who knows. I do not think that WDW will ever be able to recover and get back to the level they once were because the masses are expecting discounts and free DDP etc when they go. I would love to see a lot of things return, but unless WDW can go back to limiting discounts, it's not going to happen. We can't have it both ways. The bottom line is that WDW is a business that wants to be successful and make a profit while providing a top of the line, magical experience.

Well, that's about it.. A little longer than I expected.

Thanks for posting. I think that your report is very upbeat.

I think that you're right about what you said about the economy and so on. It's a shame but understandable.

 

[brunette8706]

Whoops...forgot a couple

Disney Transportation: Used Disney Transprotation the entire trip. Everything ran smoothly, no breakdowns. Uses buses, monorail, and boats from POFQ to DTD. This is GREAT TO KNOW! Thanks for the heads up!

Attractions: Test Track, Spaceship Earth, and Mission Space were all down on Monday 09/20 at Epcot. They were down all morning. Now, in my opinion that is alot of major E Rides that were down all at once. I don't think that's a good thing. No problem as the crowds were so low, we rode Soarin 3 times, Nemo twice, took in the Living Seas etc. These were the only breakdowns that I experienced the entire trip.

This is good to know also, I'm guessing because of the low crowd level you could ride Soarin 3 times! Love it!

 

[Donut23]

*
Hi! You're always so nice! Good to see you also. Boston, was great! The people were nice the city was very CLEAN!!! We also stopped over at the CHeers place ( remember the tv sitcom years back?) My DH bought a Cheers shirt! LOL. The only I didn't like was how people drive!!! WOW!!!!!!!!!!

All very wise observatons of Boston. When I traveled in Boston for work....it was during the Big Dig years and beyond. My preference.....to drive with my eyes closed!

Boston is a nice city.....not too big to be overwhelming and if you are a fan of history....you can spend lots of time up there discovering.

I loved my summers in Newport and Manchester. People up there...at least in boating circles.....accept you easily as long as you are not a "pretty-boy" captain. I have wonderful memories of that part of the world.......lobster included!

Yes, yes.....well old enough to remember Cheers!

So glad Boston treated you well.

 

[Suellen]

Whoops...forgot a couple

Disney Transportation: Used Disney Transprotation the entire trip. Everything ran smoothly, no breakdowns. Uses buses, monorail, and boats from POFQ to DTD.

Attractions: Test Track, Spaceship Earth, and Mission Space were all down on Monday 09/20 at Epcot. They were down all morning. No problem as the crowds were so low, we rode Soarin 3 times, Nemo twice, took in the Living Seas etc. These were the only breakdowns that I experienced the entire trip.

Funny we were there on 9/20 and rode Test Track and SpaceShip Earth. We did NOT get there until lunch time though ~ and a lady approached us and gave us FP's for TT ~ could be because it had been down for the morning and they didn't get a chance to ride.

I have to share one of my favorite pictures of the trip!!

She looks a little sad because she thought it was going to be a no to riding! She was so happy it was a yes she hugged every CM she could find.

ETA: This one too... only a kid of mine could be BORED at Disney World.

 

[KellyNY]

Funny we were there on 9/20 and rode Test Track and SpaceShip Earth. We did NOT get there until lunch time though ~ and a lady approached us and gave us FP's for TT ~ could be because it had been down for the morning and they didn't get a chance to ride.

I have to share one of my favorite pictures of the trip!!

She looks a little sad because she thought it was going to be a no to riding! She was so happy it was a yes she hugged every CM she could find.

ETA: This one too... only a kid of mine could be BORED at Disney World.

OMG, she is so cute.

 

[Suellen]

OMG, she is so cute.

Thank you! I swear she had fun! LOL!

 

[Tiger926]

Okay, well here we go.....

Just got back from my 1st Sept WDW vacation. My vacation was 09/17-0/26 staying at POFQ w/ Free DDP. Did MNSSHP twice. Overall a great trip with great weather, things couldn't have gone any better. for DW and I. Now to address "Disney Going Downhill" and what I experenced.

CM's: Ever CM from my resort to the parks to servers in the restaurants were wonderful except for one. At Chef Mickey's we got a waitress that was below average at best. Needed to ask others for refills and for our check etc. She just wasn't with it. But the one sub-par CM does not overshadow the dozens that were so good. All said hi, greeted us with smile, went above and beyond to take care of us etc regardless what we asked or needed.

Resort: POFQ was spotless as was our room. No complaints. Mousekeeping had our room clean and made everyday, trash changed, new towels etc. The only thing I could see was one light above the mirrors was out which didn't bother me because the lights were so bright without it I didn't even notice until 4-5 days into vacation.

Parks: Parks were very clean. No overflowing trash and I always saw multiple CM's on top of park cleanliness and changing trash. Even CM's just wandering the park would clean and pick up trash as they went.

Parks part 2: I did notice more wear on some of the rides and attractions than I noticed in the past. Chipped paint, wear and tear, small broken pieces etc. But these things were in high traffic areas or areas that would receive a lot of guest abuse. But these things do need to be touched up. All the construction etc was a little distracting but not too bad. Except for the giant crane that was right behind the castle.

Restaurants: Again, all were clean and service was top notch except for the one server I noted above. No complaints.

Food: Used free DDP and we ate more and visted more restaurants than usual. All the food was hot, fresh, and very good from the snacks to the table service meals. The prices of all the food has gone up across the board, if I was not on the DDP, I probably would not have visited some of the restaurants that I did. The food was very good, but the prices for most are a bit high. With the higher food prices, that makes the DDP a better seller for WDW, just like higher one day ticket prices makes annual pass and multi-day tickets a better seller.

Merchandise: Again the prices have climbed here too and a lot of the merchandise is not worth the price tag. I did not buy as much as I did in the past because of the prices and the variety of merchandise did not change much since my last trip in May 09.

Overall, I had another magical trip that was worth the cost. I had a vacation that was an excape from reality that was trully appreciated. They are still providing vacations that are worth the $$$. I understand that they are also not perfect and less than "magical" experiences can occur and I hope that when that happens to someone they address it with the folks at WDW.

I do not believe that WDW is going downhill at all but more trending with the current economy. They have to make cut backs to offer ongoing discounts and promotions to get guests into the resorts and parks. Now with the MK expantion, other this may suffer for the time being, but who knows. I do not think that WDW will ever be able to recover and get back to the level they once were because the masses are expecting discounts and free DDP etc when they go. I would love to see a lot of things return, but unless WDW can go back to limiting discounts, it's not going to happen. We can't have it both ways. The bottom line is that WDW is a business that wants to be successful and make a profit while providing a top of the line, magical experience.

Well, that's about it.. A little longer than I expected.

Whoops...forgot a couple

Disney Transportation: Used Disney Transprotation the entire trip. Everything ran smoothly, no breakdowns. Uses buses, monorail, and boats from POFQ to DTD.

Attractions: Test Track, Spaceship Earth, and Mission Space were all down on Monday 09/20 at Epcot. They were down all morning. No problem as the crowds were so low, we rode Soarin 3 times, Nemo twice, took in the Living Seas etc. These were the only breakdowns that I experienced the entire trip.

Good review! Thanks for sharing. Glad you had a great trip!

The biggest thing here is the low crowd levels. With low crowd levels you will get cleaner parks, happier CMs, pleasant guests, less breakdowns and an overall more magical experience, for the most part. I have deduced this from all of the people I have spoken with, or, in trip reports that I've read. It's just the nature of the beast...when people or things aren't stressed to the max, like they are in summer or during Christmas, you can truly see the beauty and wonder that is Disney, IMHO.

I have only ever been when it's super busy as I'm a teacher, so I am envious of those who get to go during quiet times. I think it makes for a different travelling experience, and I'm glad that you and your family had a fab time!

Glad you had a wonderful experience! Tiger

 

[BigGreen73]

*
Wow! Great report! What I love is the unbiased opinion of your trip! Sounds like you had a really great time. What happened regarding the CM at ChefM's? Was she just not paying attention or what? That's wierd, because she is working for tips right? Sheesh. I'm glad the other CM's got you what you needed.

Never stayed at Port Orleans. Glad to hear it's in good condition.

Where did you go eat, if you don't mind me asking?

If they would lower the price on merchandise, it would seem to me that more people would buy them! I'm not sure of their strategy in this department, because if the merchandise just sits there they aren't making money! Sheesh.

Glad you had a good time.

Brunette

The CM at Chef Mickey's just wasn't with it. A different CM took our drip order and our CM server brought them to the table. Didn't say a word to us. Then we saw her again 15-20mins later to pick up our plates and that was pretty much all we saw of her. We had to ask other CM's for refills and for our check.

OH, get this, the CM that was supposed to be our server brought our check and I gave her my room card ASAP to pay via DDP. She took it and brought back the receipts etc. I signed it took the receipts I needed and gave a tip, not the best tip, but yes I left one. She comes back and takes the black check wallet and says are you all set, is your card in there? I am like Huh, why do you need my card? Oh, did I already run it through? Yes, you did...Okay. sorry. It was less than a few minutes and she forgot that she ran my card.

For Breakfast TS we ate at:

Tusker House
Akershus in Norway
1900 PF
Ohana

For Dinner TS we ate at:

Cape May Cafe
Sci-Fi
Chef Mickey's
1900 PF
Garden Grill

We had ADR's at 50's and Crystal Palace but decided to skip those. We do mostly buffets as my wife has colitis and they are just easier for her to eat at, better variety.

The store in the parks and DTD were pretty empty except for Fri and Sat nights. I just didn't see guests spending the $$$ like I used to. I even spent less this trip. I usually buy pins, T-shirts etc, but along with the price increases the sytles etc really hadn't changed much since my last trip. Nothing really struck me as oh wow, I want that...

 

[BigGreen73]

This is good to know also, I'm guessing because of the low crowd level you could ride Soarin 3 times! Love it!

It was great. I thought with 3 being down the land area was going to be a mob scene, but nope. Soarin was 15-20min stand by and it didn't even take that long. Rode twice, got FP, went to the living seas, oh forgot, saw Captain EO, used FP, got lunch, then headed back to Test Track later in the afternoon.

 

[BigGreen73]

Funny we were there on 9/20 and rode Test Track and SpaceShip Earth. We did NOT get there until lunch time though ~ and a lady approached us and gave us FP's for TT ~ could be because it had been down for the morning and they didn't get a chance to ride.

I don't think that they were up and running until after 11:00am-11:30am I think. We went after lunch and everything was going again. Walked on TT and used our fast pass I got at 9:30am:

 

[BigGreen73]

Good review! Thanks for sharing. Glad you had a great trip!

The biggest thing here is the low crowd levels. With low crowd levels you will get cleaner parks, happier CMs, pleasant guests, less breakdowns and an overall more magical experience, for the most part. I have deduced this from all of the people I have spoken with, or, in trip reports that I've read. It's just the nature of the beast...when people or things aren't stressed to the max, like they are in summer or during Christmas, you can truly see the beauty and wonder that is Disney, IMHO.

I have only ever been when it's super busy as I'm a teacher, so I am envious of those who get to go during quiet times. I think it makes for a different travelling experience, and I'm glad that you and your family had a fab time!

Glad you had a wonderful experience! Tiger

The other thing that can contribute is the quality of quests. I read some many reports of aweful guests that are rude, cut, make scenes etc...This can also have an affect on CM attitude etc. We did not see any of this either during our trip. Or we only had a couple very minor ones..

At the Villains Mix and Mingle. One waited in line for Maleficiant and 5-6 other joined her after the show was over. And at one of the small food places at DHS we were checking the menu because DW wanted a frozen lemonade. The CM called us over and there was no one in front of us. Off in the distance a woman yelled hey, I was in line!! She was off to the side fumbling in her purse and no where in line. We moved aside so she could go before us. Note there was two lines and we were the only ones in our line and one person in the other. Anyway, she never moved and said fine ,go ahead. That was all we saw that would negative guest experiences.

 

[Ress76]

I had this thread in mind while on my recent trip. Just got back Sunday.

I do have to say, and a semi-consistent yearly visitor for the last 5 or so years, yes, Disney has gone down hill. Previously immaculate landscaping isn't, lights burned out/off that should have been on, fewer (and therefore, more overworked and less pleasant) cast members, less creative, unique merchandise in the stores, sun-faded items (umbrellas, signage, statuary etc) that just looked dingy.

That said...I still met fantastic cast members, I still bought some souvenirs, I still took pictures of some landscaping and statuary type things. It didn't ruin my trip, but it was definitely something I noticed. I went with 3 other ladies...one went last December, one went 2 Decembers ago, and the 3rd hadn't been in 10+ years. I was the only one who noticed certain things lacking, and I don't doubt that it was partially because I was kind of on the look-out for them.

My final conclusion is that if you are looking for problems, you will find them. If you are comparing Disney to your local-theme park/amusement park, Disney will probably blow them away. If you are comparing 2010 Disney to 2000 Disney, you will probably notice some changes. But if you are looking at Disney with awe-struck eyes for the first time, or first time in awhile...you will probably still be blown away. A lady I work with took ehr first trip with her family to Disney in August and is STILL awe-struck by the restaurant/menu choices, by the rides, the costumes, the merchandise, the Disney transportation, Magical Express...she can't stop gushing about how fantastic everything is. And they were planning their second trip before the plan landed on the way home, and that's what Disney want$.


Ress

 

[Donut23]

Ok, I'm back with a new thought and I guess I'll stir up a new topic......holidays. DH and I were talking about our next trip - week after Thanksgiving. DH has been traveling with me on this annual pilgrimage for 5 years.....for me, about 12 years this particular week.


Downhill? We miss what they have taken away.

Lights of Winter. This one is a biggie for DH....so big, that last year we opted for DL this week because he couldn't face the missing LOW.

We miss the stage and tree lighting show with characters at EPCOT.

I remember the first time I took DH our holiday week.....I RAVED about the decorations. We were staying at the Beach Club. We arrived, half of them were gone. They DO have a brilliant manager, however. The new decorations were not as extensive as the former. They have kept some of the older decorations - out of the way places - but adds the festive feeling to the resort. (You can tell the difference....the older decorations...and there were lots more.......we brilliant red. New ones a lovely sea green).

Since I enjoy DL at the holidays (Small World Holiday, Haunted Mansion Holidays).....I also enjoyed the Country Bears holiday show...long gone.

We are skipping the Christmas Party this year. It's just too expensive for what is left......another problem created because we have traveled to WDW so many times...the same time of year. I can remember Christmas Parties.....photos to send home, great shows now just a memory, decorations beyond main street and the camera angle for Regis and Kelly. I also remember the parties were not nearly as crowded as they are now. Last visit it was impossible for me to move (first year I was stuck in a scooter).


The changes have been gradual.....and have been going on for years now. Still sad.

So sad when you compare to photo albums from 5 or 6 years ago. We have a photo of the tree in the courtyard at Boardwalk. It was a GIANT....DH was impressed. That was 5 years ago...it's in the album. The next year, the tree was reduced to maybe 8 feet. Have a photo in that year's album too. Sigh.

Truly seems like they are following their rule....

"Give 'em less......charge 'em more".

 

[BigGreen73]

And to Donut23's post above, people will never stop going so I doubt things will ever return. Most don't care or realize that anything is different year to year. And the majority of guests probably don't care because they feel like they are getting discounts. Most can only afford 1 or 2 WDW vacations in a lifetime and those that really see the "decline" in offering etc are those that have made multiple trips. I have been 8 times since 2004 and I notice things that have "disappeared", but it's not enough to make me want to stop going. At least not yet.

I got to see all the lights and shows for X-mas in 2007 and I am glad I did. The lights and show at Epcot were great and I would miss those if I went again.

I miss Fantasmic ever night. DHS is ridiculous now on days that have Fantasmic at night. I avoid Fantasmic days at DHS studios, too crazy.

I went to MNSSHP for the 1st time last week and loved it, but I bet a lot of folks could tell me that things have changed in one form or another and some things have been removed. But I wouldn't know any different because it was my 1st time.

But WDW will have to continue to offer discounts to "fill the seats" going forward because the masses have become used to them now. Discounts bring the guests. If the discounts stopped but WDW decided to bring back some stuff, would it bring more guests or would it negatively affect their bottom line? I think most would take free DDP or 30% off their rooms instead of Fantasmic showing every night or extra lights at Epcot or their resorts.

 

[KellyNY]

And to Donut23's post above, people will never stop going so I doubt things will ever return. Most don't care or realize that anything is different year to year. And the majority of guests probably don't care because they feel like they are getting discounts. Most can only afford 1 or 2 WDW vacations in a lifetime and those that really see the "decline" in offering etc are those that have made multiple trips. I have been 8 times since 2004 and I notice things that have "disappeared", but it's not enough to make me want to stop going. At least not yet.

I got to see all the lights and shows for X-mas in 2007 and I am glad I did. The lights and show at Epcot were great and I would miss those if I went again.

I miss Fantasmic ever night. DHS is ridiculous now on days that have Fantasmic at night. I avoid Fantasmic days at DHS studios, too crazy.

I went to MNSSHP for the 1st time last week and loved it, but I bet a lot of folks could tell me that things have changed in one form or another and some things have been removed. But I wouldn't know any different because it was my 1st time.

But WDW will have to continue to offer discounts to "fill the seats" going forward because the masses have become used to them now. Discounts bring the guests. If the discounts stopped but WDW decided to bring back some stuff, would it bring more guests or would it negatively affect their bottom line? I think most would take free DDP or 30% off their rooms instead of Fantasmic showing every night or extra lights at Epcot or their resorts.

I agree that new visitors know no difference. However, question is when quality is not on a level, not just lower, but simply not good, can those people see it as well, would those people ever return for the second time. Would they suggest others to give Disney a try. It is all about feel, Disney magic, when people do not see it, what can make them spend thousands of $$ and choose over other destinations. Disney best advertisement is a good word of its customers. It is easy to fill the parks with discounts, esp. DP, but poor quality of food and high prices may never bring those people back. Last year, people reported huge crowds during free DP. This year, I saw practically empty parks 3 weeks ago, my hotel was half empty. Many of those who came last year, did it, saw it and moved on. So, supply of one timers will never end but supply of repeated visitors may decrease.

 

[Donut23]

I realize there is the "I didn't see it so it doesn't count" crowd. This thread, I believe, is about the possibility of changes, over time.

For DH - the loss of LOW is enough for him to give up WDW and turn to DL. (Ok, add in all the other things lost)....LOW was his Waterloo. We are trying one more time this year. After this, the Grand Californian may be our new choice for post-Thanksgiving.


Now I WILL say.......we have seen less "loss" at DL. Haunted Mansion and Small World Holiday are still going strong - few cutbacks overall. Having said that, DL's attendance has been strong. Sure, sure, the food took a nosedive when WDW's did.....but overall the park is in sooooo much better shape.

I will also say the castle lights are "disney magic from years past". Imagine, disney offering something new that doesn't have corresponding gifts to purchase. They gave us something to enjoy without expecting us to drop $$$$$ in the gift store for Tshirts. Castle lights ROCK!


We realize we are VERY lucky and if we didn't have access to castmember benefits, we would be at WDW far less often.

Having said that....we DO travel in December each year because we love it. We have collected our favorite holiday happenings over time. Little by little these are being chipped away and eliminated. That's "downhill" in our webster's dictionary.

 

[BigGreen73]

I agree that new visitors know no difference. However, question is when quality is not on a level, not just lower, but simply not good, can those people see it as well, would those people ever return for the second time. Would they suggest others to give Disney a try. It is all about feel, Disney magic, when people do not see it, what can make them spend thousands of $$ and choose over other destinations. Disney best advertisement is a good word of its customers. It is easy to fill the parks with discounts, esp. DP, but poor quality of food and high prices may never bring those people back. Last year, people reported huge crowds during free DP. This year, I saw practically empty parks 3 weeks ago, my hotel was half empty. Many of those who came last year, did it, saw it and moved on. So, supply of one timers will never end but supply of repeated visitors may decrease.

I too witnessed very low crowds and a quiet resort when we were there 09/17-09/26. And yes the restaurants were quiet as well even with free DDP. We got in early for EVERY ADR we had and guests were easily getting walk up tables. The food that we experienced was great across the board. The think the lower crowds this year for Free DDP is more due to the fact that WDW extended the Free DDP through next year so everyone doesn't need to come Sept/Oct timeframe to get the free DDP this time.

 

[KellyNY]

I too witnessed very low crowds and a quiet resort when we were there 09/17-09/26. And yes the restaurants were quiet as well even with free DDP. We got in early for EVERY ADR we had and guests were easily getting walk up tables. The food that we experienced was great across the board. The think the lower crowds this year for Free DDP is more due to the fact that WDW extended the Free DDP through next year so everyone doesn't need to come Sept/Oct timeframe to get the free DDP this time.

Maybe, maybe not. They did not have free DP offer for the whole year right away. Those who booked for August-October did it earlier in a year, knowing nothing of promotion being extended later. What I mean, people did not jump on offer like last year.

 

[BigGreen73]

Maybe, maybe not. They did not have free DP offer for the whole year right away. Those who booked for August-October did it earlier in a year, knowing nothing of promotion being extended later. What I mean, people did not jump on offer like last year.

Very true...I agree with you there.... So either people just don't have the money this year to do a WDW vacation due to the economy or whatever, or they just feel it wasn't worth it. I also think that more people aren't going to WDW as often anymore either. Instead of a trip once a year, maybe they are opting for ever 2-5 years due to cost, getting less for the $$$ etc. Who knows?

 

[KellyNY]

Very true...I agree with you there.... So either people just don't have the money this year to do a WDW vacation due to the economy or whatever, or they just feel it wasn't worth it. I also think that more people aren't going to WDW as often anymore either. Instead of a trip once a year, maybe they are opting for ever 2-5 years due to cost, getting less for the $$$ etc. Who knows?

True, esp. when nothing new is added, people feel it can be less often. Believe it or not, this trip we spend only some days at parks and mostly were in hotel and DTD, nothing new. My original plan for this year vacation was Universal only but then I got scared I will not be able to fill 7 days with only 2 parks and how I will be able to skip Disney, so we went with usual plan and skipped Universal, again, big mistake.