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

[KellyNY]

As to the original OP question:

I feel like many others on this thread, that in some ways Disney has lost their way, yet, in other areas, excelled.

The constant increases in prices top my list of grievances. The "hidden" costs that continue adding up. As a long-time AP holder I have witnessed these changes on every visit. I have also noticed that the discounts offered for rooms on property, usually include park admission (which we obviously don't need). I feel as a continued customer, my importance is minimized a bit too much. I don't expect a red carpet to be rolled out for me, there is a basic expectation of respect owed which I feel, is at times lacking.

:

Not sure what you call a hidden cost, do not remember any additional cost I was not aware of.
While some discounts require booking a package, they usually have room only discounts during the same period so you can definitely use them and as far as I know AP holders have a better discount(or I heard wrong). Anyway when I counted which offer to take, I noticed that saving from package or room only is pretty much the same, it distributed differently but you will spend same or almost same money on your trip. Personally I prefer room only, eliminates need for travel insurance, lets me pay when I am actually there and lets me go last minute, packages usually have deadlines that does not work for me.

 

[Tiger926]

As to the original OP question:

I feel like many others on this thread, that in some ways Disney has lost their way, yet, in other areas, excelled.

The constant increases in prices top my list of grievances. The "hidden" costs that continue adding up. As a long-time AP holder I have witnessed these changes on every visit. I have also noticed that the discounts offered for rooms on property, usually include park admission (which we obviously don't need). I feel as a continued customer, my importance is minimized a bit too much. I don't expect a red carpet to be rolled out for me, there is a basic expectation of respect owed which I feel, is at times lacking.

Where I don't share many negatives here, is in service.

I find the overall service at Disney to be second to none. While yes, I have met up with some poor CM's (very few and far between), it never ceases to amaze me the patience and passion of the overwhelming majority of CM's. Some of these people should be considered for Sainthood (no disrespect intended..) as I have never seen so many folks with such a pleasant disposition. I can only speak for the Deluxe Resorts but the service at all of them is exceptional.

I have been going to Disney World every year for many years. I remember Horizons at Epcot and when looking past Spaceship Earth, you could see the entire World Showcase as the trees were so small, you could see over and through most of them.

I have never grown tired of the magic and continue to visit time and again. The only drawback, is the ever increasing prices which are making many of the most special experiences, prohibitive. Some of them, are also disappearing.

To sum up, I feel Disney is becoming too focused on the bottom line but for now, I still love visiting there. The only other unrelated down side, is the attitude of some other guests but that is out of Disney's control. Overall, I am disappointed with some things and things have gone down hill in some regards but overall, I think it is still the happiest place on earth overall and I will continue to be a happy customer!

Tiger

 

[luckyprincess]

I think you're being silly here. Don't be so thin skinned, it's not personal.

Oh Pirate Jeff, won't you join me in using the fabulous ignore function on this community board? It's not worth it, I promise. Clearly a troll that likes to rile people. The name is perfect.

Nothing is wrong with Disney. It's our fault. We should either continue to pay higher and higher for less and less or we aren't loyal. Rinse. Lather. Repeat.

 

[brunette8706]

Sounds like you had a great time! We've been to Yacht Club - Concierge (2 years ago). It was in need of reburbishment, IMHO, but we love the location as we've been staying at Boardwalk the last few trips, so we spend lots of time in the Yacht Club/Beach Club resorts.

We love watching Illumincations from our balcony at Boardwalk too - that is the life!

Have a great day today, Tiger

*
I wonder if the rooms were refurbished 2 years ago? If you go on Allears dot com and look under accomodations for the YC it does show the new rooms. If I may ask, what needed to be refurbished? Was it the CL area or the accomodations? I know that they did renovate but I'm not sure when. Don't you just love their pool? The place was great. We walked through the Beach Club too, it's very nice!

 

[Tiger926]

*
I wonder if the rooms were refurbished 2 years ago? If you go on Allears dot com and look under accomodations for the YC it does show the new rooms. If I may ask, what needed to be refurbished? Was it the CL area or the accomodations? I know that they did renovate but I'm not sure when. Don't you just love their pool? The place was great. We walked through the Beach Club too, it's very nice!

We stayed in May 2008, so not sure about when rooms were refurbed? We found scratched furniture, stains on carpet, shabby looking Concierge Lounge and constantly running out of food/beverages. We had just come from Contemporary - Concierge, and it was a totally different experience than at Yacht Club. We found the decor really needed to be updated too, but perhaps they've done that since then?

We do love Stormalong Bay, but my kids are loving Luna Park Pool at Boardwalk even more! We asked if they wanted to stay at Beach Club or Boardwalk this trip, and they both said Boardwalk!

On topic with this thread, is the fact that I feel Disney does a great job in different resort choices and theming of resorts! Hopefully, they continue to upgrade and reburbish rooms as needed, as we've stayed almost everywhere for both Disney (only GF left), and DVC (only Hilton Head and Bay Lake - but stayed at Contemporary 2x and loved it!), and really love how we get a uniquely somewhat different vacation at each resort!

Have an awesome day, Tiger

 

[Pirate Jeff]

Tiger

Thanks Tiger!

Oh Pirate Jeff, won't you join me in using the fabulous ignore function on this community board? It's not worth it, I promise. Clearly a troll that likes to rile people. The name is perfect.

Nothing is wrong with Disney. It's our fault. We should either continue to pay higher and higher for less and less or we aren't loyal. Rinse. Lather. Repeat.

LOL!!

 

[Tiger926]

Oh Pirate Jeff, won't you join me in using the fabulous ignore function on this community board? It's not worth it, I promise. Clearly a troll that likes to rile people. The name is perfect.

Nothing is wrong with Disney. It's our fault. We should either continue to pay higher and higher for less and less or we aren't loyal. Rinse. Lather. Repeat.

I like your rinse, lather and repeat line! Tiger

 

[KellyNY]

Hi Brunette,
Hope you enjoyed your trip. I have a question, could you please compare experience, food and cost of Kimonos and Sushi at Epcot(do not remember name of TS place upstairs). I eat sushi every time we at Epcot but wanted to know if I would like Kimonos better. Thank you.

 

[Tiger926]

Hi Brunette,
Hope you enjoyed your trip. I have a question, could you please compare experience, food and cost of Kimonos and Sushi at Epcot(do not remember name of TS place upstairs). I eat sushi every time we at Epcot but wanted to know if I would like Kimonos better. Thank you.

Do you mean Tokyo Dining? We don't eat sushi, but love Tokyo Dining too!

Tiger

 

[brunette8706]

We stayed in May 2008, so not sure about when rooms were refurbed? We found scratched furniture, stains on carpet, shabby looking Concierge Lounge and constantly running out of food/beverages. We had just come from Contemporary - Concierge, and it was a totally different experience than at Yacht Club. We found the decor really needed to be updated too, but perhaps they've done that since then?

We do love Stormalong Bay, but my kids are loving Luna Park Pool at Boardwalk even more! We asked if they wanted to stay at Beach Club or Boardwalk this trip, and they both said Boardwalk!

On topic with this thread, is the fact that I feel Disney does a great job in different resort choices and theming of resorts! Hopefully, they continue to upgrade and reburbish rooms as needed, as we've stayed almost everywhere for both Disney (only GF left), and DVC (only Hilton Head and Bay Lake - but stayed at Contemporary 2x and loved it!), and really love how we get a uniquely somewhat different vacation at each resort!

Have an awesome day, Tiger

**
Agreed! That's the reason we left WL. The accomodations were less than par. The accomodations needed a desparate makeover/refurbishment.

Brunette

 

[brunette8706]

Hi Brunette,
Hope you enjoyed your trip. I have a question, could you please compare experience, food and cost of Kimonos and Sushi at Epcot(do not remember name of TS place upstairs). I eat sushi every time we at Epcot but wanted to know if I would like Kimonos better. Thank you.

**
Hi Kelly!

I LOVE SUSHI! Go to Kimono's at the Swan. It's a short walk from the yacht club were we stayed. The atmosphere is very chic in my opinion, dark furnishing , low lights beautifully decorated. The prices were very reasonable also! The rolls (6 pieces) start at $5.50 and go up to about $10.50 for the seafood ones. I would definitely try Kimono's Kelli. If you have any other questions please let me know.

Also, go to RESTAURANT dot com and get yourself a $25.00 coupon for $2.00! It's well worth it! Alot of times they (restuarant dot com) run specials for coupons. Check them out first! it's a great discount for some great dining at Shulas Steak house, Garden Grove and Kimono's.

Brunette

 

[Tiger926]

**
Agreed! That's the reason we left WL. The accomodations were less than par. The accomodations needed a desparate makeover/refurbishment.

Brunette

I have to admit, that on our last stay at WL (last July), we noticed that it is looking tired as well, and we got the worst view we have ever gotten at any Disney resort, but they were full, and we had already been moved 1x already (gave us a handicapped room), so we stayed, as it was only for a few days at the end of our 2 week trip.

Tiger

 

[Pirate Jeff]

Not sure what you call a hidden cost, do not remember any additional cost I was not aware of.
While some discounts require booking a package, they usually have room only discounts during the same period so you can definitely use them and as far as I know AP holders have a better discount(or I heard wrong). Anyway when I counted which offer to take, I noticed that saving from package or room only is pretty much the same, it distributed differently but you will spend same or almost same money on your trip. Personally I prefer room only, eliminates need for travel insurance, lets me pay when I am actually there and lets me go last minute, packages usually have deadlines that does not work for me.

The booking process can be daunting..... DW is an expert at finding the best deals but it is a workout! We've always wanted to take advantage of the "free dining" but it is never convenient for AP holders (they probably know we'd pick the most costly venues!!).

Some examples of the "hidden costs" I'm talking about are: the holiday pricing at the buffets (an additional $5.00 or so..), the "free dining" which you brought up includes a two day park admission, the missing "tip" from the free dining (it used to be included but now is not), the changes in the buffet offerings (Boma used to have prime rib but has now switched to a tough sirloin roast).

So unfortunately, we too do the "room only". It would really be nice to once in a while get a bargain on the Dining Plan!!

 

[Tiger926]

The booking process can be daunting..... DW is an expert at finding the best deals but it is a workout! We've always wanted to take advantage of the "free dining" but it is never convenient for AP holders (they probably know we'd pick the most costly venues!!).

Some examples of the "hidden costs" I'm talking about are: the holiday pricing at the buffets (an additional $5.00 or so..), the "free dining" which you brought up includes a two day park admission, the missing "tip" from the free dining (it used to be included but now is not), the changes in the buffet offerings (Boma used to have prime rib but has now switched to a tough sirloin roast).

So unfortunately, we too do the "room only". It would really be nice to once in a while get a bargain on the Dining Plan!!

I'm not sure when you travel, but Disney just announced this morning, for the first time ever, Free Dining for the next year! There are blackout dates, but they are listed on Disney's website, and other travel websites, so maybe you can work this promo to your advantage?

Good luck, Tiger

 

[KellyNY]

Do you mean Tokyo Dining? We don't eat sushi, but love Tokyo Dining too!

Tiger

Yes, that is the one. We absolutely love this place. That is the only place we do every time and more then once, while in Disney.

 

[KellyNY]

**
Hi Kelly!

I LOVE SUSHI! Go to Kimono's at the Swan. It's a short walk from the yacht club were we stayed. The atmosphere is very chic in my opinion, dark furnishing , low lights beautifully decorated. The prices were very reasonable also! The rolls (6 pieces) start at $5.50 and go up to about $10.50 for the seafood ones. I would definitely try Kimono's Kelli. If you have any other questions please let me know.

Also, go to RESTAURANT dot com and get yourself a $25.00 coupon for $2.00! It's well worth it! Alot of times they (restuarant dot com) run specials for coupons. Check them out first! it's a great discount for some great dining at Shulas Steak house, Garden Grove and Kimono's.

Brunette

Thanks, I'll try it. We love Sushi so much I even started to do it myself, not that I can brag of results so far but I try. Kimonos sound very reasonable and if I get coupon, even better. I love idea that I can simply take a boat there while still in Epcot area. Other places you mentioned, are they also in Swan/Dolphins?

 

[flicx]

No, I'm not. Clearly, the consumer-biased perspective is well-represented - no - grossly over-represented in this thread, so there is no need for me to chime in that side of things in great detail, since that would just make the over-representation even worse.

Beyond that, what I'm presenting is actually three different perspectives that are lacking from the consumer-biased perspective that so many others are providing: (1) Disney's perspective; (2) the perspective of people who invest their savings in 401ks and other investments, to save for their retirement; (3) the perspective of people who rely on healthy and balanced economic activity for their employment. Most folks should see themselves in #2 or #3, and that's one thing I really find troubling, how so many people are so focused on getting what they want right now that they don't see how such a consumption-based attitude works against them with regard to other aspects of their life.

That's not a disagreement. It is propaganda on your part. A fair price for non-essentials is, specifically, what the market is willing to pay. A consumer doesn't get to unilaterally define "fair" as being what the consumer wants to pay.

Clearly, Disney factors that in. So that's non-sequitur to what we're talking about. Again, Disney's prices are fair, and they do encourage an ideal amount of repeat business and fosters an ideal amount of solid relationships with the customers. It seems, rather, that you want them to be more generous to customers than any of the principles you're outlining would call for.

There is "making sure that you get every last dime out of a person." That's gross hyperbole and has nothing to do with anything anyone has said, nor anything that Disney routinely does. Effectively, it is just a throw-away phrase to try to make Disney look bad, when in reality is has no relevance.

Sorry my friend we will never agree.The fact is disney is increasing what they charge at a rate way higher than inflation!That is not a good business model!Also saying that disney prices are fair is an opinion that I could just as easily call propaganda on your part!If you take a long look at disney history( which I highly doubt you have) you would see what alot of people are talking about.I have an opinion that you either own a ton of disney stock or are just blinded by pixie dust.One more thing, I sure hope the rest of the world never conducts business the way you have suggested.Because something is non essential doesn't mean you should try to charge as much as possible.(aka greed)

 

[brunette8706]

Thanks, I'll try it. We love Sushi so much I even started to do it myself, not that I can brag of results so far but I try. Kimonos sound very reasonable and if I get coupon, even better. I love idea that I can simply take a boat there while still in Epcot area. Other places you mentioned, are they also in Swan/Dolphins?

*
Hi! Yes, Shula's steak house (somewhat expensive) 32 oz PRIME RIB is $38.99 and everything is ala cart. You pay for extra's such as side items etc. Side items of creamed spinach for instance was $9.99. But we did have the $25.00 coupon so it did help alot. Yes, a lot of these restaurants are in the SWAN and DOLPHIN.

 

[KellyNY]

*
Hi! Yes, Shula's steak house (somewhat expensive) 32 oz PRIME RIB is $38.99 and everything is ala cart. You pay for extra's such as side items etc. Side items of creamed spinach for instance was $9.99. But we did have the $25.00 coupon so it did help alot. Yes, a lot of these restaurants are in the SWAN and DOLPHIN.

Thanks. One more question, do you have to have ADRs, we are not ADR people, we like to eat as we get hungry, do you think there are chances to hit any of those places without ADRs?

 

[brunette8706]

Thanks. One more question, do you have to have ADRs, we are not ADR people, we like to eat as we get hungry, do you think there are chances to hit any of those places without ADRs?

*
Actually that is a GREAT QUESTION! No, we did not have ADR's. We decided to go to Shula's, Kimono's and Garden Grove various days on our trip. We simply made the reservation that evening. Garden Grove was NEVER crowded. You do not (at least I don't think you do) need to make ADR's 3 months in advance for these restaurants. I'm like you, when I feel llike eating something that particular day I just like to call and make the reservation. HTH.

Brunette