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

[Pirate Jeff]

Jeff, how you do IGNORE, I never did it before but I do have "an opening" for that. Wondering how shorter thread is when you have someone on ignore?

Thanks.

Hi Kelly!

It is pretty easy actually. On the top right of the screen right now, you will read: "Welcome KellyNY" and it will be underlined. Just left click on it and you will go to your profile page. Directly below your name on this page, there will be a link at the right end of a blue box that says: Edit profile. Left click on it and the page you go to, will have a menu box down the left side. Part way down there will be a link that says: "Edit Ignore List". Click on it. When you do type in the name of the one you want to ignore and save. You will no longer see that individual's posts.

When you go to a thread, you will see a line that has the person's moniker and says "person is on ignore". You can "unignore" by clicking on the link on the same line.

You will only then see the person's words if you are not logged in or if they are quoted in someone else's text!

Hope that helps!

Love your posts by the way!

 

[bicker]

I think a few of us have made it clear that you do have recourse: Do without their coffee. As long as enough people are willing to pay them $2.50 for doing things the way they're doing thing, that's the best you can do.

Anyway, this horse has been beaten dead. I'm off to find some other interesting threads. Please don't think I'm ignoring you if I don't reply. I'll check back into this thread only if someone asks me to (and I seriously doubt that'll happen ).

 

[Tiger926]

This thread reminds me of my local Dunkin. As a New Englander, I stop by Dunkin every morning on the way to work. Over the last few weeks I have noticed that my medium cup of coffee has been kinda cold and stale. The first time, no biggie, the second time I went in and complained. The nice young lady apologized and made a fresh pot for me. Two days later, stale cold coffee.

Now being the Boston area, I could go to one of the other Dunkins, try Starbucks or go maybe make it at home. But the truth is I like Dunkin coffee and I like that location, it’s local and convenient for my commute. So one morning I ask one of the workers what’s up with the coffee. It turns out they used to make a new pot every 10 minutes but now due to costs they are stretching it to 20-25 minutes.

Now according to some posters logic I have no recourse because they fulfilled their legal obligation. I gave them $2 they gave me coffee. My point is I would be willing to pay $2.50 if it meant that I got a medium, hot, fresh coffee. I'm not willing to pay $2.50 if I get the same cold cup. Disney is the same way. Most people understand that costs go up and most of us are willing to pay it but we are not willing to pay the additional fees for less than the original product.

That's a good analogy. But, do they advertise hot and fresh coffee? If so, they haven't fulfilled the hot part, if it's cold. Not sure about fresh, as 20 mins., might be considered fresh?

I do think your last line is interesting though in relation to Disney - I do feel Disney is still giving me value for my money, or I wouldn't go there. They are actually giving me more than the original Disney World of old, in that there are more parks, more shows, more resorts and more restaurants. Your discussion of additional fees is interesting though - the buffet surcharges/upcharges drive us nuts, as they are pure profit. Despite this, I think it's imperative that we, as loyal guests, discuss these issues. Sure guests are still going, but when Disney has to offer Free Dining for an entire year, how many of these guests are paying full price for food - none! They are paying full price for a room, but not the food, so surely, they have to make that up somewhere else, I would imagine?

Like this story very much and its connection to our topic - so, do you feel Dunkin is going downhill with their new brewing schedule?

Tiger

 

[Pirate Jeff]

This thread reminds me of my local Dunkin. As a New Englander, I stop by Dunkin every morning on the way to work. Over the last few weeks I have noticed that my medium cup of coffee has been kinda cold and stale. The first time, no biggie, the second time I went in and complained. The nice young lady apologized and made a fresh pot for me. Two days later, stale cold coffee.

Now being the Boston area, I could go to one of the other Dunkins, try Starbucks or go maybe make it at home. But the truth is I like Dunkin coffee and I like that location, it’s local and convenient for my commute. So one morning I ask one of the workers what’s up with the coffee. It turns out they used to make a new pot every 10 minutes but now due to costs they are stretching it to 20-25 minutes.

Now according to some posters logic I have no recourse because they fulfilled their legal obligation. I gave them $2 they gave me coffee. My point is I would be willing to pay $2.50 if it meant that I got a medium, hot, fresh coffee. I'm not willing to pay $2.50 if I get the same cold cup. Disney is the same way. Most people understand that costs go up and most of us are willing to pay it but we are not willing to pay the additional fees for less than the original product.

That's interesting. It also reminded me of another interesting cost increase that most folks probably were totally unaware of. Has anyone noticed the size of a can of Tuna lately? About a year ago, Bumble Bee reduced their can size from 6 to 5 ounces. Everything else was the same, including the price. You would never had known until one day I got a can of tuna out of the cupboard and wondered what was different.... I thought I was imagining things until I looked at the back of the shelf and found an older can of Star-Kist. Over the next 12 months, they've all done it. So when you have a recipe that calls for a 6oz. can of tuna, you're only going to find 5. Just a hidden way to increase the price 20% without any fuss.

Disney is doing the very same thing. The buffet at Boma has gone up drastically and they took off the prime rib. The sirloin roast you get looks the same but believe me, it's not. It is however, considerably cheaper than the prime.

Same with the dining plan. They reduced the price $1.00! But with the elimination of the appetizer and tip, they actually raised the price considerably! New folks to the World wouldn't even notice. But I do. That is my gripe.

I may have gone on a bit here Donkey, sorry if I did!

Aaargh!!!

 

[brunette8706]

This thread reminds me of my local Dunkin. As a New Englander, I stop by Dunkin every morning on the way to work. Over the last few weeks I have noticed that my medium cup of coffee has been kinda cold and stale. The first time, no biggie, the second time I went in and complained. The nice young lady apologized and made a fresh pot for me. Two days later, stale cold coffee.

Now being the Boston area, I could go to one of the other Dunkins, try Starbucks or go maybe make it at home. But the truth is I like Dunkin coffee and I like that location, it’s local and convenient for my commute. So one morning I ask one of the workers what’s up with the coffee. It turns out they used to make a new pot every 10 minutes but now due to costs they are stretching it to 20-25 minutes.

Now according to some posters logic I have no recourse because they fulfilled their legal obligation. I gave them $2 they gave me coffee. My point is I would be willing to pay $2.50 if it meant that I got a medium, hot, fresh coffee. I'm not willing to pay $2.50 if I get the same cold cup. Disney is the same way. Most people understand that costs go up and most of us are willing to pay it but we are not willing to pay the additional fees for less than the original product.

*
But, but, but is that your expectation or your want? LOL!

Great Analogy.

 

[TenderDonkey]

I don’t want to do without Dunkin because I’m a loyal customer. I actually really liked their coffee and they employ a lot of local kids. And I’m willing to pay a price to ensure that I get a good cup of coffee. At some price point I am going to decide it’s no longer worth it to me. If the only way my local Dunkin can operate is by charging$30 per cup I will go elsewhere.

I’m in the same mindset with Disney, if they only way they can ensure clean parks and hotels rooms is by charging $2,000 per person per day then I will no longer vacation there.

My opinion is that Disney tries from the get go to ensure a magical experience. When you book a vacation they send an email stating “Your magical vacation begins now…” That builds expectations. I wouldn’t nearly be as excited if the email said “click here to fill out some papers…”

 

[flicx]

Wow, I leave for a hour and I miss alot.First off I would like to address the food gouging issue.I think the majority of people would agree what they have done with the raising of food in busy seasons would fit in that category.Unsavory business practice.Second why is disney building another value resort when they have one partially done? Third this whole thing of what to expect is very simple to people who have been going for 25+ years.It is reasonable especially given the price increases to expect past performance which clearly many long timers have not.I also find it amazing given that disney laid off 1500 people and upped their prices for the 22nd year in a row that doesn't convince alot of people that hey they are more about money than ever!

 

[MichRX7]

People have been saying this since the world opened in 1971! I for one enjoy it every time I go so while there are things I personally would change, my experience is the same now as ever. Or is it the same now for my kids as it was for me when I was that age...

 

[TenderDonkey]

*
But, but, but is that your expectation or your want? LOL!

Great Analogy.

HA! I don't expect the coffee to cure cancer, I just expect it to be at a minimum hot. Same with Disney, I don't expect fireworks to shoot out of my hands, but for $300 a night can I at least get a roll of TP. It doesn't even have to be Charmin!

 

[brunette8706]

HA! I don't expect the coffee to cure cancer, I just expect it to be at a minimum hot. Same with Disney, I don't expect fireworks to shoot out of my hands, but for $300 a night can I at least get a roll of TP. It doesn't even have to be Charmin!

*******

 

[jimmymac]

[
Anyway, this horse has been beaten dead. I'm off to find some other interesting threads. Please don't think I'm ignoring you if I don't reply. I'll check back into this thread only if someone asks me to (and I seriously doubt that'll happen ).[/QUOTE]

That's the best thing that could have happened to this thread

 

[Sassagoula Billy]

Hi Kelly!

It is pretty easy actually. On the top right of the screen right now, you will read: "Welcome KellyNY" and it will be underlined. Just left click on it and you will go to your profile page. Directly below your name on this page, there will be a link at the right end of a blue box that says: Edit profile. Left click on it and the page you go to, will have a menu box down the left side. Part way down there will be a link that says: "Edit Ignore List". Click on it. When you do type in the name of the one you want to ignore and save. You will no longer see that individual's posts.

When you go to a thread, you will see a line that has the person's moniker and says "person is on ignore". You can "unignore" by clicking on the link on the same line.

You will only then see the person's words if you are not logged in or if they are quoted in someone else's text!

Hope that helps!

Love your posts by the way!

I used this feature for the first time last night! Highly recommended for certain dingbats.

 

[Tiger926]

I think a few of us have made it clear that you do have recourse: Do without their coffee. As long as enough people are willing to pay them $2.50 for doing things the way they're doing thing, that's the best you can do.

Anyway, this horse has been beaten dead. I'm off to find some other interesting threads. Please don't think I'm ignoring you if I don't reply. I'll check back into this thread only if someone asks me to (and I seriously doubt that'll happen ).

Tiger

 

[Pirate Jeff]

WDSearcher:

I don't think that consumers want to be "gouged" at buffets either. But I think that if you asked 1000 WDW consumers what they expect when visiting WDW, you're not going to find many of them who specifically call out "no buffet gouging." I think that Brunette perhaps had a bad experience with it and it's something she's angry about and so it's fallen onto this list of "what consumers want." I think that consumers want good value for their dining dollar. That's the broadrange idea. "Buffet gouging" is pretty specific. If you're going to talk about "what consumers want", that's generally more the broadrange ideas.

Yes, understood. I wouldn't suggest that "buffet gouging" will be on a list of concerns from too many guests. I think it is picking nits to isolate that portion of a post and use it against someone. She is using "buffets" as an example, one that she can easily and readily qualify. At the end of the day, it's all semantics. I feel confident speaking for her on that point. However, are you sure she is "angry"? Just because a person has a gripe doesn't imply automatically anger.

Yup ... sorry. I didn't realize that by her use of the word "consumers" Brunette was speaking only of you, Goofy4prez and herself. Based on how the list was set up, she did seem to be making the generalization much broader than just the three of you. But if I misread that, then I apologize.

Well you're forgiven then! (Just kidding) I will however, apologize only for copping out on my response here. It was easier. Yes, I know that the "three" of us (and I used the three as I am positive on the point I made is shared by all three) don't make it a proven fact. I still stand by my assertion that if you polled Disney guests or other travelers, this would be supported.

Of COURSE I could find enough support for these three statements on line. I'll bet you another Dole Whip that I could also find an equal amount of support from folks who think that Disney is doing just fine in those areas. So ... who's right?

So you're on then!!! Our next visit will be in December, then February and probably April! If you happen to plan a visit during those times, you can meet us at the Poly at Capt. Cooks and you can pay up!!

Yes, you probably could. That's not what I'm talking about however. I'm answering your initial response to Brunette of how those things weren't "important". I've stated myself many times, I am very happy with Disney in almost every area! So you could include me in on that! However, these are things that are "important to what consumers want" which is why I addressed your response to those words.

I was being mean? Where? I didn't agree with her and I told her why. Isn't that how you carry on a discussion? Where was I mean?

It was just my impression of your response to her. I apologize if I took your post the wrong way. There are a couple of posts that I felt were a bit uncalled for by someone else addressed to the OP and I may have gotten a bit too defensive on her behalf by your response. No offense intended... but about that Dole Whip!!!!

 

[Pirate Jeff]

Did it just get quiet in here? Or is it my imagination???

 

[brunette8706]

My Trip Report--

Wilderness Lodge and Yacht Club -- August 7th - August 14th.

Wilderness Lodge

Logistics-

Beautiful lobby
Beautiful Grounds
Beautiful Pool
Very Authentic
Very Serene
Over all "Cool Factor" for architecture and landscaping

Accomodations-

Bedding (Bedspread and skirt) tired and faded badly
The blue (color of blue jeans) was nearly white in some areas because of the fading. It looked very tired and worn.
Pillows look very lumpy under spread
Headboard - Very cool looking but chipped and cracked
Not a wow factor for me. In fact it looked like a rundown comfort inn on highway 192 (JUST THE ACCOMODATIONS)


Maid Service- Very poor. Bed were finally made up and kind of clean at 4 p.m.

Chest of drawers - kept opening up
Remote - Did not function, was finally replaced
CMs - Were nice
Roaring Forks - Actually was very expensive. $9.00 for half a sandwich.

If the WL would change their accomodations look and feel this place would be awesome. After the first night we were asked to be moved to the Yacht Club. When I asked the front desk, the CM didn't even bother to ask what was wrong, or I am sorry you are leaving, or how can we make this better. None of that was said to me.

Yacht Club

Logistics

WOW factor. When I opened the door to our accomodations my jaw dropped in AWE! This place is the bomb. Clean white crisp bedding. Very clean, beautiful, french doors over looking EPCOT lake. Huge balcony. I can't say enough good things about the place. Awesome pool. Stormalong Bay is great, along with a slow moving type of river pool, it was so cool. Beachs and Cream restaurant was GREAT! The place is just awesome. It's sister hotel is the Beach Club which I understand gets high reviews.

There was on CM at the bar at the YC (bartender) who would not let my husband get a refillable coke. This is after the FRONT DESK said he could. Well he cracked a joke and started laughing and the other's at the bar started laughing so he felt very uncomfrontable about that. The CM at the Market Place (fast food place) was very sterile. No thanks, goodby, welcome. Just a poker face.

Buffets- We love BOMA. We haven't been there in so long but once we found out the price $37.99 plus tip we decided not to go. Yes, it was SURCHARGE SEASON! This is a real pet peeve of mine. The only reason Disney does this is to get more money in the registers, there is another name for this and it's called "gouging the guest". Not very Disney like. Now if it were for a major Holiday I could understand the surcharge. But they think that the crowds are heavy in the summer, so we can charge them even MORE! Not cool. So we didn't go there. We went to Trails End for lunch. It was a buffet that served macaroni and cheese, pizza, drinks, (fabulous chicken), salad etc. It was good, but not worth the price of $20.99 per person. Again, the surcharge is added to the bill. It's just not right, in my opinion. So it cost us $40.00 plus tax and tip for chicken and macaroni salad. It was good but not worth the price. Went to Kona for breakfast before our big DIS MEET. And that wasn't bad, it was actually pretty good. The Polynesian is such a happy place.

Refillable Mugs- I remember when the refillable mugs used to look like BIG GULPS. Now they are a mere 12 ounces! Of course the price went up too! The cost is $14.95.

CMs- Most were friendly, but as stated above some just were not. Also, it really surprised me that the WL front desk people were not in the least concerned of why we were checking out after 1 nights stay.

Transportation- Boats and monorails were fine. Hardly any wait for the busses either.

Other food- We actually went on Restaurant dot com website to purchase $25.00 coupons for $2.00 each for various restaurants outside of Disney. For instance Shula's at the Swan, Garden Grove at the Dolphin, Il Mulino at the Swan and Kimon's at the Swan. It was such a great value for dinner at those various places. We also went off site to Sweet Tomatos (Great deal for under $10.00) We also went to Ponderosa Breakfast buffet for a mere $4.99 per person. It was great. I refuse to Disney's food prices, especially during the surcharge season! LOL! But that's just me.

Souveniers-

Instead of paying a large amount of money on souveniers, we did go with the purchase with a purchase. Example if you spend $40.00 you get a 2 piece luggage set and a windbreaker for $10.00 each. That, I thought was worth it. Also, there is a Disney outlet at PRIME OUTLETS across highway 4 near Downtown Disney where we got GREAT DEALS! Yacht Club picture frame for a $1.99 and a photo album booklet for a $1.99, Disney Sweatshirts for $9.99 etc.

Over all we had a great experience but there are things that need to be brought to Disney's attention. That is the CM's customer service at the WL and a few CMs at Yacht Club. Also, the food within the parks and buffets. That's my biggest pet peeve. We took our dollars else where.

 

[brunette8706]

That's a good analogy. But, do they advertise hot and fresh coffee? If so, they haven't fulfilled the hot part, if it's cold. Not sure about fresh, as 20 mins., might be considered fresh?

I do think your last line is interesting though in relation to Disney - I do feel Disney is still giving me value for my money, or I wouldn't go there. They are actually giving me more than the original Disney World of old, in that there are more parks, more shows, more resorts and more restaurants. Your discussion of additional fees is interesting though - the buffet surcharges/upcharges drive us nuts, as they are pure profit. Despite this, I think it's imperative that we, as loyal guests, discuss these issues. Sure guests are still going, but when Disney has to offer Free Dining for an entire year, how many of these guests are paying full price for food - none! They are paying full price for a room, but not the food, so surely, they have to make that up somewhere else, I would imagine?

Like this story very much and its connection to our topic - so, do you feel Dunkin is going downhill with their new brewing schedule?

Tiger

Hilarious!

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

So, if the buffet at Boma (sorry you didn't make it, we love Boma!) is $38, the the DP would surely be saving money for the purchaser, right? It doesn't seem the QS at $10 a piece is a good of a deal for the DP.

Sorry the WL was sucky. We stayed at SSR (girls trip for 3) last January, and we found it to be really nice. Hopefully they refurb WL soon.

I can't wait to go to Kimono's next trip. Ponderosa is nasty, imo. We do like Prime Outlets a lot. With this many kids souvenirs are expensive!

 

[Tiger926]

So, if the buffet at Boma (sorry you didn't make it, we love Boma!) is $38, the the DP would surely be saving money for the purchaser, right? It doesn't seem the QS at $10 a piece is a good of a deal for the DP.

Sorry the WL was sucky. We stayed at SSR (girls trip for 3) last January, and we found it to be really nice. Hopefully they refurb WL soon.

I can't wait to go to Kimono's next trip. Ponderosa is nasty, imo. We do like Prime Outlets a lot. With this many kids souvenirs are expensive!

This is the point...Disney keeps raising individual meal prices, in order to over inflate the DP, I'm sure of this. It's a never-ending cycle that they are in charge of. If guests feel that the individual meal prices are too much, Disney convinces them to get the DP at a savings of 20%. As an aside, used to be a savings of 40% using DP.

Disney keeps raising both of those, in order to over inflate value. When will it end?

As this thread proves, regulars like ourselves, who have seen it all, remember prices, service, etc. and know just exactly how far prices have risen, especially for dining.

Tiger

 

[WDSearcher]

Yes, understood. I wouldn't suggest that "buffet gouging" will be on a list of concerns from too many guests. I think it is picking nits to isolate that portion of a post and use it against someone. She is using "buffets" as an example, one that she can easily and readily qualify. At the end of the day, it's all semantics. I feel confident speaking for her on that point. However, are you sure she is "angry"? Just because a person has a gripe doesn't imply automatically anger.

The word "gouging" seems angry to me. Perhaps it wasn't meant that way.
To me, "gouging" implies that Disney was setting out to scam peoples' money with some sort of illegal or unethical intent. As you said, semantics. I never said that someone having a gripe automatically implies anger. Although people with a gripe are rarely happy about it!

It was just my impression of your response to her. I apologize if I took your post the wrong way. There are a couple of posts that I felt were a bit uncalled for by someone else addressed to the OP and I may have gotten a bit too defensive on her behalf by your response. No offense intended... but about that Dole Whip!!!!

I never said they weren't "important." In fact, I'm not sure I even used the word "important" in the post. I did say that those items were matters of opinion and subjective. I don't think that means they're unimportant -- just that it didn't seem like they fit into the conclusion she was trying to make.

There have been a lot of posts on this thread, IMO, that were a bit uncalled for, by all sides. Alas, not all of us have defenders!