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

[Donut23]

Yup, I totally agree. Guests have become way more rude, slobbish and totally selfish, as far as I'm concerned. The amount of food I see wasted in the restaurants has turned us off so much, that we aren't even eating in TS resaturants anymore. We are guests who actually help bus tables, clean up after our kids as soon as they mess up, and keep our DVC villa looking as if we've just checked in. Of course, not all guests are like this, but so many guests are just in their own worlds in regards to how they go about the parks, resorts and restaurants. I have seen it become worse over the past 2-3 years - worse than I've ever seen it. And, it's way more adults than kids with this attitude. I think it has to do with the amount of money they are paying to come to Disney, as I've heard this frequently in the parks/resorts as well.



Has gotten worse over the past several years, for sure. So, Disney would conceivably have to have hundreds more housekeeping CMs on staff to keep up, as guests require more maintenance. So, there is a correlation, but I really don't want Disney adding hundreds of more CMs, as this adds to the cost. You really have to step back and look at this from a financial perspective, as this will cost a ton more money. How about place more trash cans and active hand sanitizers in the parks? Maybe signs reminding people to pick up their trash? People seem to have the attitude these days that there is always someone else behind them to pick up their messes, and this is where the problem lies...Honestly though, the parks are still pretty darn clean, and I am there during high peak seasons, so they still are in pretty good shape. Sure, some garbage cans are overflowing once in awhile, and a few bathrooms here and there need attention, but if you point it out, they got on it right away. Not saying you should have to do this, but with so many guests, it's bound to happen.



Yup, some are getting tired. The old building you are speaking about at Epcot, does look yucky, but at this point, why waste maintenance on painting it, if they are going to tear it down or refurbish it? This kind of stuff doesn't really bother me as much, I have to admit. And, I will admit that for the volumes of people who enter each park, especially during peak seasons, when we go, the parks are pretty immaculate, and landscaping looks pretty darn good too.



Chipping paint and bulbs don't bother me at all, but the standardization of merchandise and dining, and changing attitudes are big ones for us. As regulars, these are major problem areas, and they cost Disney money, plain aned simple.



I am obviously the lone voice on this, but burned out lightbulbs are not important to us at all. It's just aesthetics. Attitudes and quality of food is far more important to us. There are all kinds of retailers who turn out sections of lights in order to conserve energy, so I don't mind burned out bulbs at Disney. I don't feel they do enough for energy conservation, so this is fine for us. I know it speaks to upkeep for many of you, but not for us. Maintenance issues such as ride/attraction/monorail safety are far more important to us as guests. I will say though, that the resort letters need to be changed though, as people are relying on those to find their way around the complex, so those should be changed as soon as possible.I am a highly observant person, and I must admit I don't see the lightbulb issues that much at Disney. I'm not looking for them, but they don't jump out at me either.

I feel there are other more pressing areas that Disney needs attention to, and lightbulbs just aren't it for me.

Tiger

Got plenty more from that trip - but the post would be pages long. This was just an example - and if you noticed, there were other responses about lights.

Perhaps if Disney decided to maintain it's parks at a lower standard, it could give us a BREAK in the ticket costs!

Oh well.......I'm just saying!

I understand there are some who are willing to continue to pay more and at the same time accept a drop in quality......but I think a hotel which costs over $500 a night could find someone with a ladder and a few spare bulbs!!!!!! well, now in the Grand Floridian's case....a few HUNDRED spare bulbs.

.............................I'm just sayin!

 

[Andtototoo]

How bad is this problem? I was planning on going to Disney sooner, rather than later and I'd only be able to do this at a Value. I've never stayed on Disney World property (I have at DL and DLRP though). I'm not very fussy, but last time I went to the theme parks in Orlando tour groups were the one thing that really annoyed me (theme parks should have rule saying large groups shouldn't be allowed in single rider lines)! Should I be put off? Do they clog up buses to and from resorts or would I be unlucky for that to happen?

Ruby: We have been to WDW several times and not once encountered the Brazilian groups.

HOWEVER... a coworker of mine went to WDW last September for her honeymoon. It was her first trip ever to WDW. When she came back, she was nearly in tears (and she's not a tearful type and is a native New Yorker) describing the Brazilian groups' behavior. She said she would never go back to WDW after that experience. She said she can encounter rude, obnoxious, scary teens at a local amusement park and spend far less money and be far less disappointed.

So I do agree with the poster above who said that Disney does need to find a way to deal with these jerks because they are turning "good" guests off. And the more an environment allows jerk behavior to go unscathed, the worse the place becomes because other jerks who were held in check for fear of reprisals will realize they can get away with it and the percentage of good to bad guests will change as good guests decide to stay away.

 

[bytheblood]

OMG OMG OMG - you are toally right!

Our first night in early December we wandered over to the Poly for dinner at Kona. It was a beautiful evening so we decided to do a little walkabout before returning to the Beach Club.

We were shocked and saddened when we made it to the beach and looked at the Grand Floridian - the Flagship of Disney resorts. We estiated 90% of the bulbs on the side of the building facing the water - which trim the rooves - were out - and I'm being generous actually. It was SOOOO bad it would have been better to turn them ALL off rather than look this shabby.

It was to be something which was so widespread, you just couldn't ignor it.

When we got back to the room.....sure enough, lights out on the Beach Club rooves, Yacht CLub rooves and BW rooves - actual LETTER out on the Boardwalk sign (which was never fixed in the 8 days we were there - nor were the burned out bulbs).

It was in all the parks, resorts, even the ferries....everywhere.

That is one of the reasons I said Disney was looking a little "long in the tooth". When you let standards slip, it takes far more effort to bring them back......and we are just talking about LIGHT BULBS.

If they have dropped standards for light bulbs, what other maintenance has been cutback?

Okay - this is is ridiculous - because I assure you with the money they are raking in and the MASSIVELY HUGE bonuses that execs are getting, they can surely replace some darn light-bulbs.

 

[bigdisz]

my disney is fine........

 

[LIDisneyFan]

So....LET'S GO CRUISING!

 

[Tiger926]

Ruby: We have been to WDW several times and not once encountered the Brazilian groups.

HOWEVER... a coworker of mine went to WDW last September for her honeymoon. It was her first trip ever to WDW. When she came back, she was nearly in tears (and she's not a tearful type and is a native New Yorker) describing the Brazilian groups' behavior. She said she would never go back to WDW after that experience. She said she can encounter rude, obnoxious, scary teens at a local amusement park and spend far less money and be far less disappointed.

So I do agree with the poster above who said that Disney does need to find a way to deal with these jerks because they are turning "good" guests off. And the more an environment allows jerk behavior to go unscathed, the worse the place becomes because other jerks who were held in check for fear of reprisals will realize they can get away with it and the percentage of good to bad guests will change as good guests decide to stay away.

Always go for 2 weeks each July when the Brazilian tour groups are there, as I'm a teacher (I think they are also there in Feb too?).

I usually don't comment on any tour group discussions, as I really have not had a problem - have been in the thick of the groups, and no issues, but I am also a special education teacher of at-risk kids, so nothing much really bothers me, as I deal with crises at school all of the time. My only tip is that a lot of it has to do with expectations - there are a lot of threads about some of the cultural aspects to the groups, and I find most of those rude and discriminatory, but for first timers, it probably will make first time guests nervous and set them up to have a horrible time.

Whenever we see a big group, whether it be Brazilian students, or the Smith Family reunion, we head the other way, and we don't have any problems, but if you don't like masses of teens, and big crowds, then don't go in July, as the parks are busy with regular tourists, as well as large student groups. And, since I deal with teens all day long, they are another species of animal, so I will admit they can get out of hand.

Got plenty more from that trip - but the post would be pages long. This was just an example - and if you noticed, there were other responses about lights.

Perhaps if Disney decided to maintain it's parks at a lower standard, it could give us a BREAK in the ticket costs!

Oh well.......I'm just saying!

I understand there are some who are willing to continue to pay more and at the same time accept a drop in quality......but I think a hotel which costs over $500 a night could find someone with a ladder and a few spare bulbs!!!!!! well, now in the Grand Floridian's case....a few HUNDRED spare bulbs.

.............................I'm just sayin!

I totally get what you are saying, but for us, the lightbulbs aren't as big of an issue as food quality, safety and attitudes. One could make a case that all lightbulbs should be changed, whether it's a Value or Deluxe resort, IMHO.

The lightbulbs do seem to be a big issue for many on here though, and of course I noticed that, so for those of you for whom it's a major issue, it would then speak to the maintenance and upkeep of the resort...I do get that.

I think it is part of the new Disney which cuts corners where it can, in order to maximize profits. They probably have less staff to keep up on maintenance, and they also probably have a lower overall maintenance budget with which to deal with bulbs, paint, etc.

There will have to be a breaking point though for Disney though in terms of lost profits, as that is all they seem to recognize anymore. I don't think we are anywhere close to that, since the parks/resorts saw big profits last quarter, and continue to maintain good occupancy rates all year long.

Tiger

 

[jackal]

Is this thread still open, because I would like to add my two cents. We just got back from a 7 day trip. We have gone the last 5 years, once or twice a year and YES, absolutely I think Disney has gone done the last few years. Too many groups, the cattling after Wishes is terrible, housekeeping, restaurants, losing magic. So many issues we had this trip. I thought I would always love Disney, but we won't be going back for quite sometime. The parks are being taken over by rude guests and groups of dancers, school aged classes, etc. I know everyone who pays for a ticket can get in, but when you are in groups of 20+ kids, it's just unbearable to deal with.

 

[d1gitman]

Okay - this is is ridiculous - because I assure you with the money they are raking in and the MASSIVELY HUGE bonuses that execs are getting, they can surely replace some darn light-bulbs.

they do! i'm sure Mr. Iger doesn't have any light bulbs out in his home.

 

[Andtototoo]

My only tip is that a lot of it has to do with expectations - there are a lot of threads about some of the cultural aspects to the groups, and I find most of those rude and discriminatory, but for first timers, it probably will make first time guests nervous and set them up to have a horrible time.

Well, as has been discussed many times before, Disney is the one setting guests up to have HUGE expectations of a perfect, magical, once in a lifetime experience. All of their promotion is designed to make potential customers believe that they will have a magical, hassle-free experience where they will be treated like royalty.

If a customer then arrives and find it takes 90 minutes to check in, that their room is HOT, that they are in the middle of a group of teens pushing and shoving and obviously swearing/laughing at them, is it any wonder they are disappointed? Heck, I'd be disappointed if I were checking into Motel 6 and it took 90 minutes or that my room was 80 or that teens were behaving like animals. But Motel 6 costs a lot less and doesn't advertise that it's magical.

Disney can't have it both ways. It can't advertise that it's a magical experience and then essentially tell guests, "Oops, not for you." It's a bait and switch.

I'll also add that I for one am tired of being told that while when Americans are abroad we have conform to other cultural norms and blend in to be a "good" visitor, but that somehow visitors to this country don't have to do the same when they visit here.

And I somehow doubt that even in Brazil, pushing people around is considered good behavior.

 

[KellyNY]

The lightbulbs do seem to be a big issue for many on here though, and of course I noticed that, so for those of you for whom it's a major issue, it would then speak to the maintenance and upkeep of the resort...I do get that.

I think it is part of the new Disney which cuts corners where it can, in order to maximize profits. They probably have less staff to keep up on maintenance, and they also probably have a lower overall maintenance budget with which to deal with bulbs, paint, etc.

It is not about just lightbulbs or food, it is about overall new attitude that people will still go, so why to keep up with standarts. Disney is not anywhere close to get out of business. Economy went down and Disney prices went up. So when we get illusive deal we actually pay what they want and there is no need to cut here and there unless they are simply greedy. If they have more guests then they used to or place needs more maintenance, they should hire more people, this is how business works and I am not afraid of prices to go up, they do anyway, every single year, so maybe they should do something useful with this money instead of giving out crazy bonuses. There are so many amazing places besides Disney, places that did not exist before like Atlantis or even Universal with WWOHP,Disney is not the only player on a block anymore and as business people they should see it.

 

[Donut23]

they do! i'm sure Mr. Iger doesn't have any light bulbs out in his home.

THAT's where all the extra light bulbs are!!!!!

 

[smidgy]

Always go for 2 weeks each July when the Brazilian tour groups are there, as I'm a teacher (I think they are also there in Feb too?).

I usually don't comment on any tour group discussions, as I really have not had a problem - have been in the thick of the groups, and no issues, but I am also a special education teacher of at-risk kids, so nothing much really bothers me, as I deal with crises at school all of the time. My only tip is that a lot of it has to do with expectations - there are a lot of threads about some of the cultural aspects to the groups, and I find most of those rude and discriminatory, but for first timers, it probably will make first time guests nervous and set them up to have a horrible time.

Whenever we see a big group, whether it be Brazilian students, or the Smith Family reunion, we head the other way, and we don't have any problems, but if you don't like masses of teens, and big crowds, then don't go in July, as the parks are busy with regular tourists, as well as large student groups. And, since I deal with teens all day long, they are another species of animal, so I will admit they can get out of hand.

we went once in July. never again. it wasn't the heat, it was the Brazilian tour groups. (not racist, just stating facts). 2 would be in line, then 15 more would jump ahead of us to "join their group" . you would get in line for fast passes, not knowing that the person ahead of you was getting 30 fast passes. they would chant, very loudly , in shows, in lines, on rides.

we stayed at one of the same resorts as they, and they took over the buses, chanting all the way.. atually yelling.. took ovwer the resort, the food court, the pool, took our chairs, the ADULT chaperone yelled and SWORE at us for smoking in the DSA. they were yelling by the pool at 1 AM, kicking soccer balls around, hit our window with one. would not move offe the walkway if you wanted to pass. etc etc etc too much to mention.

I'll also add that I for one am tired of being told that while when Americans are abroad we have conform to other cultural norms and blend in to be a "good" visitor, but that somehow visitors to this country don't have to do the same when they visit here.

And I somehow doubt that even in Brazil, pushing people around is considered good behavior.

a CM told us that July is "Latin" month at WDW and THEY are OUR guests!! as if WE (huuby and I) were the hosts. nope!!! WE are guests, too! WDW is the host.

I heard Brazil might be a new country at Epcot. oy vey!!

 

[kaabost]

Things change because the market will bear it. Disney has always been out to make a buck. They're a business - the first goal is to turn a profit. I don't understand why people are so surprised when they figure that out.

Excellent point! Furthermore, I personally hope that Disney continues to turn a profit so that we can all keep going there. No profit=no more WDW

 

[Sammy Cat]

Things change because the market will bear it. Disney has always been out to make a buck. They're a business - the first goal is to turn a profit. I don't understand why people are so surprised when they figure that out.

I don't think that's at all what Walt Disney was after when he opened his first theme park. He put a lot of heart into creating Disneyland / World. For him it was about making people happy - allowing them to experience/ride the adventure of the Disney movies, and that is why he was so successful. He gave his customers a GREAT experience! Unfortunately Walt is gone now and we can only hope and pray that the business people who are running Disney these days never forget how it all got started and why it succeeded so well. When any business starts making decisions merely to turn a profit or to make shareholders happy, THATS when things start to go down hill - for everybody.

Cutting corners just isn't Walt's style.

 

[Tiger926]

It is not about just lightbulbs or food, it is about overall new attitude that people will still go, so why to keep up with standarts. Disney is not anywhere close to get out of business. Economy went down and Disney prices went up. So when we get illusive deal we actually pay what they want and there is no need to cut here and there unless they are simply greedy. If they have more guests then they used to or place needs more maintenance, they should hire more people, this is how business works and I am not afraid of prices to go up, they do anyway, every single year, so maybe they should do something useful with this money instead of giving out crazy bonuses. There are so many amazing places besides Disney, places that did not exist before like Atlantis or even Universal with WWOHP,Disney is not the only player on a block anymore and as business people they should see it.

Yup, there are definitely other places to go, but for families, Disney is still #1. As has been mentioned many times, first timers don't have anything to compare to, so for them, Disney is mostly great. It's us regulars who notice a downturn, as it should be, as we have many experiences to compare to.

Like I said, I've logged thousands of park hours, and go during peak seasons, and the biggest downhill area I see is food and attitudes. I don't notice that Disney looks shabby, and I'm there several weeks per year, so first timers and only timers are not going to notice it either, IMHO.

Doesn't make it right, it's just that Disney knows this, and they will stretch things until they affect their pocketbooks, and right now, that's not happening.

So, I agree that for housekeeping/maintenance, they could hire a few extra CMs per hour/per park, and this would be pennies, in the grand scheme of things. That would be a low cost change, that might go along way in tidying up in certain high traffic areas, as guests have become more rude and slobbish. Dining is another whole ballgame though, as this involves many, many people, and the costs would be high. The Dining Dept. functions just fine for Disney, as the restaurants are full, and that is all that matters from a business perspective. Free Dining is filling resorts, and so the Resort Dept. is happy. In this respect, I don't think much will change here, as again, first timers and only timers are getting a decent dining experience, and for many, it's actually outstanding, and that is all that matters.

Us regulars are a different group, a picky group perhaps, and right now, we aren't Disney's focus...

we went once in July. never again. it wasn't the heat, it was the Brazilian tour groups. (not racist, just stating facts). 2 would be in line, then 15 more would jump ahead of us to "join their group" . you would get in line for fast passes, not knowing that the person ahead of you was getting 30 fast passes. they would chant, very loudly , in shows, in lines, on rides.

we stayed at one of the same resorts as they, and they took over the buses, chanting all the way.. atually yelling.. took ovwer the resort, the food court, the pool, took our chairs, the ADULT chaperone yelled and SWORE at us for smoking in the DSA. they were yelling by the pool at 1 AM, kicking soccer balls around, hit our window with one. would not move offe the walkway if you wanted to pass. etc etc etc too much to mention.


a CM told us that July is "Latin" month at WDW and THEY are OUR guests!! as if WE (huuby and I) were the hosts. nope!!! WE are guests, too! WDW is the host.

I heard Brazil might be a new country at Epcot. oy vey!!

We stay in DVC villas, so we never have to deal with any student groups of any kind, so this would be very difficult. The Brazilian groups are not there for the entire month of July though, the first 2 weeks are heavy, and then it starts to thin out.

Sorry you experienced that, as not being able to sleep or swim for instance, would be problematic. As mentioned on these boards many times before though, the Brazilian tour groups bring in huge bucks for Disney - it's actually a rite of passage there (like Quinciara), so there is no way that Disney would ever turn this business away.

I don't think that's at all what Walt Disney was after when he opened his first theme park. He put a lot of heart into creating Disneyland / World. For him it was about making people happy - allowing them to experience/ride the adventure of the Disney movies, and that is why he was so successful. He gave his customers a GREAT experience! Unfortunately Walt is gone now and we can only hope and pray that the business people who are running Disney these days never forget how it all got started and why it succeeded so well. When any business starts making decisions merely to turn a profit or to make shareholders happy, THATS when things start to go down hill - for everybody.

Cutting corners just isn't Walt's style.

Unfortunately, it's 2011, and Walt's style is outdated and bad from a financial perspective. I still see heart in Disney World though, but I also see realism from a business perspective too.

We still have pretty great experiences for the most part, but we just see a change over the years in quality and attitudes, and I must say, I see this wherever I go, even in small businesses which notoriously give great customer service. Disney still has pretty good customer service, as far as I'm concerned. Can they improve in areas? Sure, just like we all can.

As mentioned on this thread, us regulars are all about nostalgia, but unfortunately, it sometimes doesn't mesh with the practical business side. That is the hardest transition, IMHO.

Tiger

 

[nicoleakr]

I understand that somethings may have changed but I still think disney world is awesome. What makes my trip is not the food or the prices but the look on my kid's faces when they see the world! I really excited this year because we are taking my nephew and he has no ideas he is going!! I will say in this economy Disney needs to save money just like anybody else. I do agree about the brazilian groups but not sure what they could do about them.

 

[JLS]

I don't think that increased stroller rental and ticket prices are proof that Disney is going "downhill." Increased prices by any business reflects the free market. If people will pay the increased prices, why not charge them? I cannot understand why anyone would pay those prices to rent a stroller. Any parents of a young child must own a stroller, why not bring your own? Increased ticket prices are to be expected. Other industries like the travel and ski industries, frequently raise ticket prices as well. If everyone stopped coming they would lower the prices or offer big discounts.

I am not sure what Disney is supposed to do about rowdy tour groups from any country. Ban them? The loud behavior in the hotels late a night should be controlled by hotel management.

 

[sdeut]

I guess what it comes down to is do you like Disney? Do you want to spend your $ there. If not then don't. $ is what speaks in todays society. I like Disney and I choose to spend my $ there. That is all that should matter.

 

[sfbank]

sduet-Couldn't agree more. Of course Disney will still be getting our money!

 

[sewer]

I guess what it comes down to is do you like Disney? Do you want to spend your $ there. If not then don't. $ is what speaks in todays society. I like Disney and I choose to spend my $ there. That is all that should matter.