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

[rie'smom]

Yup, as of March, dinner is now a Signature or 2 TS credit meal.

I just read somewhere that Le Cellier is advertising a new dinner menu coming - they better do something, as we hardly thought that it was worth 1 credit the last time we were on the DP a few years ago.

It'll be interesting to see...but, since it's so popular, Disney will more than likely cheapen out on the food product, as people will go anyway.

Tiger

I agree. While reading here, there were so many raves for Le Cellier that I made ADRs. What a disappointment! Outback has better steaks. I couldn't eat mine and the soup was so salty that I couldn't eat that either. 2 credits? Signature? Now unless something changes that is frickin' hysterical.

 

[brunette8706]

But does the food still make me happy? Does it still light my kids eyes up and make them giggle and squeal in a way that makes me happy that I was able to bring them there? If it does then I probably would not complain.

I've been going every year (September makes trip 5 this year) and do things change? Yeah of course they change. Do I always like the changes? Of course not.

But does it mean that the experience is less magical for me? No. For me. Not less magical. Yeah, for me.

Yeah ~ we have had some craptastic meals in the last few trips...(Garden Grill anyone?) but we just won't go back there ~ and if we do then it will be for the character interaction.

For the most part we know what we are paying for going in.

Maybe I just have my rose colored glasses on while at the World.... but then that's okay with me. [/QUOTE]

*
Hi! I say that's great if things do not bother you. As a matter of fact it's awesome. I'm glad you don't seem to be affected by this. I see what you are saying that a child's eyes lights up while walking around Magic Kingdom, no doubt about that. But, I think as adults here most are concerned with the services that have been going downhill or slipping in the last few years. As I said earlier WDW is still a very magical place, I we will still go. But what me and a lot of other poster (heck you can even read about the complaints on the resort board (last one was at the Wilderness Lodge), is that Disney's services and products have been declining. I have been going to WDW since 1972 as a small child. I have seen things decline and loose some of it's magic such as this:

Over flowing trash cans
Disney clothing (cheap, cheap, cheap)
Food prices soaring to over 20 percent
Seasonal sur-charges
CM's that are not as friendly
Disney nickel and diming the guests for everything
The lack of Holiday decorations
Smaller parades
Smaller Mickey Christmas and Halloween parties (while price increases)
Turkey legs at $4.99 in 2007 now they are close to $8.00
Theme park tickets being increased
Too much construction within one park (MK)
Resorts that are in need of repair (Polynesian for one)
Maid service lacking (cleaning rooms after 4 pm, rooms not very clean)
Odyessy building should be painted (looks like an eyesore)
Green tin like roofing (bus stop?) at Magic Kingdom near the castle is in desperate need of paint.
Hotdogs - $8.00! Please!

The list goes on.

I will reiterate that Disney does a lot of things right and as a whole it is still magical! But the above problems are issues that people have, who invest thousands of dollars while visiting the parks. That's all.

Brunette

 

[Suellen]

1. 1. Over flowing trash cans
   2. Disney clothing (cheap, cheap, cheap)
   3. Food prices soaring to over 20 percent
   4. Seasonal sur-charges
   5. CM's that are not as friendly
   6. Disney nickel and diming the guests for everything
   7. The lack of Holiday decorations
   8. Smaller parades
   9. Smaller Mickey Christmas and Halloween parties (while price increases)
   10. Turkey legs at $4.99 in 2007 now they are close to $8.00
   11. Theme park tickets being increased
   12. Too much construction within one park (MK)
   13. Resorts that are in need of repair (Polynesian for one)
   14. Maid service lacking (cleaning rooms after 4 pm, rooms not very clean)
   15. Odyessy building should be painted (looks like an eyesore)
   16. Green tin like roofing (bus stop?) at Magic Kingdom near the castle is in desperate need of paint.
   17. Hotdogs - $8.00! Please!

   
   [*]Brunette

2. Haven't seen even one and we have spent 41 days in the park in the last 12 months.
3. We don't buy much clothes ~ I did buy a fleece jacket that I love that doesn't appear to be cheap quality ~ but that is the only thing I have bought I think... um... ever as far as clothes.
4. Food prices are going up everywhere. We usually do dining and I find that very affordable.
5. Seasonal SurCharge ~ again I assume you are talking about for food? Or Resorts?
6. CM haven't seen a rude one and have had several go above and beyond to enhance our magic
7. Nickel and diming for everything? I would need an example of that. I don't recall having to pay for anything that I didn't always pay for in the past.
8. Holiday decorations... we have only been once at Christmas and that was 2009 ~ so I have no opinion there.
9. Smaller Parades ~ didn't they just bring back the OLD parade? Did they shorten it? I thought they had added new floats?
10. Smaller parties ~ they seem to have been the same since we started going to hard ticket events in 2007. We haven't noticed a change.
11. Turkey Legs ~ never eaten one and probably never will ~ so the price is not something I've ever noticed.
12. Theme park ticket increases ~ yeah? Does one expect 1979 price tickets in 2010? I don't get the complaint.
13. Too much construction at one time ~ this doesn't bother me ~ they need to add something new to the park and how else will they do that? I don't get that people want new rides/attractions but no construction or closures?
14. Resorts in need of repair ~ I haven't seen this but we stay at Pop, AKV, BCV, WLV, BLT ~ those seem to be in great repair. But again ~ even at BCV in May they were painting the outside of the building and people were complaining about that how they didn't want to see painting going on.
15. Maid Service ~ we don't get maid service so I can't say on this.
16. Buildings/Roofs need paint ~ again ~ hadn't noticed. But I am sure while they are being painted some people will be complaining about it.
17. Hot Dogs price ~ again ~ never eaten a hot dog at disney that I remember... so I can't comment on this. Also I am not sure where you are paying this? I just checked the menu prices for Caseys and it is 6.79 for hot dogs with french fries.

Prices are going to increase. They increase at the grocery store, clothing for my girls, school supplies etc. Last year I paid .09 for a box of crayons that this year cost me .25 that is over 100% increase. Just a small ticket item but gives an example of price increases in every day life.

I guess not every item effects every person.

FOR ME I don't see it. That doesn't mean it doesn't effect someone else.

 

[Donut23]

But does the food still make me happy? Does it still light my kids eyes up and make them giggle and squeal in a way that makes me happy that I was able to bring them there? If it does then I probably would not complain.

I've been going every year (September makes trip 5 this year) and do things change? Yeah of course they change. Do I always like the changes? Of course not.

But does it mean that the experience is less magical for me? No. For me. Not less magical. Yeah, for me.

Yeah ~ we have had some craptastic meals in the last few trips...(Garden Grill anyone?) but we just won't go back there ~ and if we do then it will be for the character interaction.

For the most part we know what we are paying for going in.

Maybe I just have my rose colored glasses on while at the World.... but then that's okay with me. [/QUOTE]

*
Hi! I say that's great if things do not bother you. As a matter of fact it's awesome. I'm glad you don't seem to be affected by this. I see what you are saying that a child's eyes lights up while walking around Magic Kingdom, no doubt about that. But, I think as adults here most are concerned with the services that have been going downhill or slipping in the last few years. As I said earlier WDW is still a very magical place, I we will still go. But what me and a lot of other poster (heck you can even read about the complaints on the resort board (last one was at the Wilderness Lodge), is that Disney's services and products have been declining. I have been going to WDW since 1972 as a small child. I have seen things decline and loose some of it's magic such as this:

Over flowing trash cans
Disney clothing (cheap, cheap, cheap)
Food prices soaring to over 20 percent
Seasonal sur-charges
CM's that are not as friendly
Disney nickel and diming the guests for everything
The lack of Holiday decorations
Smaller parades
Smaller Mickey Christmas and Halloween parties (while price increases)
Turkey legs at $4.99 in 2007 now they are close to $8.00
Theme park tickets being increased
Too much construction within one park (MK)
Resorts that are in need of repair (Polynesian for one)
Maid service lacking (cleaning rooms after 4 pm, rooms not very clean)
Odyessy building should be painted (looks like an eyesore)
Green tin like roofing (bus stop?) at Magic Kingdom near the castle is in desperate need of paint.
Hotdogs - $8.00! Please!

The list goes on.

I will reiterate that Disney does a lot of things right and as a whole it is still magical! But the above problems are issues that people have, who invest thousands of dollars while visiting the parks. That's all.

Brunette

First, let me say how proud I am of everyone here. A year ago this conversation would have disolved into ugliness and the thread closed long ago. Thumbs up everyone.

Sadly, however, with this 65 pages comes a long list of facts that cannot be disputed. Put whatever spin you want on it (it's election season after all).....but there is little question that things are just not like they used to be. Brunette's post alone has a list far too long and that's only ONE of us commenting!!

I've said it before....I actually ENVY guests who choose to not face the obvious....or the ones who make their decisions of quality based on their 2 year old.

In a "former life" in the 80's and early 90's I was actually the Captain of a luxury sailing yacht - privately owned but chartered on very rare occasions to special guests. Relatively small at 60 feet, I was lucky enough to sail many places people just dream of.

The owner of this beautiful yacht didn't care what it cost...she was to look like she was just unwrapped on Christmas morning. I remember when we went to Bloomy's in NYC to buy.....everything for her. We had the highest $$$ one time purchase in their ..... homewares department (linens, china, crystal, etc.) This owner NEW luxury and expected LUXURY......even shortly after arrival on a tough passage from New England to St. Thomas.

During these 12 years I learned to notice the smallest detail. Hopefully, to enjoy how FABULOUS the yacht looked....but also watched to make sure the slightest flaw was corrected immediately. Perfection will NEVER happen, but alarm bells would begin to ring if the trouble list grew too fast.

I think that is what I see with WDW and to a lesser degree DL. Sure, my eyes fill with tears when I see the castle lights at Christmas and when I watch Illuminations at Christmas I think of my girlfriend who asked to watch Illuminations the last day of her trip with me......when she was in remission. (She still watches fireworks with me at WDW...she just has a better seat now).

But I also see the "trouble list" growing and that sets off a few alarm bells. It those bells are ringing for me and so many others now....it should be for Disney as well.

Oops, I forgot my chant of earlier posts.

Give 'em less......Charge 'em more.

 

[d1gitman]

...who invest thousands of dollars while visiting the parks. That's all.

Brunette

Minor technicality, but I spend thousands while visiting the parks. Investing is an entirely different thing.

 

[GadgetRick]

Did you even read my original post? My guess is no. There is no validity to the complaints I hear all around the park.

No offense but there are an awful lot of people complaining about the exact same things. Not sure how there is no validity to these complaints...

 

[BigGreen73]

Again, most of the things that folks are saying are going downhill I have never experienced. (IE rude CM, over-flowing trash, etc.) But I think a lot of it comes down to the nature of a lot of people focusing on the negatives vs the positives. IE negative threads on even these boards explode with posts very very quickly. It's just more fun and interesting to talk about negative experiences etc vs good. Don't remember if it was these boards or not, but I remember one woman stating here room was filthy etc, and from her post all she mentioned was a piece of paper on the floor by a trash can and a piece of paper under the bed. Really?

Anyway, I don't got out of my way to critique the paint job of a bus stop roof on my WDW vacation. I have better things to do. Maybe if it was falling apart or half the foof was gone, I might have a problem with that. And many times a rude CM is a result of an overbearing, rude guest. This I have witnessed many, many times. I give props to all CM's for what they have to deal with.

Oh well, can't please everyone anyway. I will keep going to WDW for as long I can and can afford to. A WDW is expensive and I know that, but all my vacations have been wonderful so far, and WDW is a great escape from the real world that can't be beat IMO..

 

[Suellen]

Anyway, I don't got out of my way to critique the paint job of a bus stop roof on my WDW vacation. I have better things to do. Maybe if it was falling apart or half the foof was gone, I might have a problem with that. And many times a rude CM is a result of an overbearing, rude guest. This I have witnessed many, many times. I give props to all CM's for what they have to deal with.

Thank you. This is what I am TRYING to say.

BTW ~ it looks like we will be in WDW at the same time!

 

[GadgetRick]

1. 
   
2. Haven't seen even one and we have spent 41 days in the park in the last 12 months.
3. We don't buy much clothes ~ I did buy a fleece jacket that I love that doesn't appear to be cheap quality ~ but that is the only thing I have bought I think... um... ever as far as clothes.
4. Food prices are going up everywhere. We usually do dining and I find that very affordable.
5. Seasonal SurCharge ~ again I assume you are talking about for food? Or Resorts?
6. CM haven't seen a rude one and have had several go above and beyond to enhance our magic
7. Nickel and diming for everything? I would need an example of that. I don't recall having to pay for anything that I didn't always pay for in the past.
8. Holiday decorations... we have only been once at Christmas and that was 2009 ~ so I have no opinion there.
9. Smaller Parades ~ didn't they just bring back the OLD parade? Did they shorten it? I thought they had added new floats?
10. Smaller parties ~ they seem to have been the same since we started going to hard ticket events in 2007. We haven't noticed a change.
11. Turkey Legs ~ never eaten one and probably never will ~ so the price is not something I've ever noticed.
12. Theme park ticket increases ~ yeah? Does one expect 1979 price tickets in 2010? I don't get the complaint.
13. Too much construction at one time ~ this doesn't bother me ~ they need to add something new to the park and how else will they do that? I don't get that people want new rides/attractions but no construction or closures?
14. Resorts in need of repair ~ I haven't seen this but we stay at Pop, AKV, BCV, WLV, BLT ~ those seem to be in great repair. But again ~ even at BCV in May they were painting the outside of the building and people were complaining about that how they didn't want to see painting going on.
15. Maid Service ~ we don't get maid service so I can't say on this.
16. Buildings/Roofs need paint ~ again ~ hadn't noticed. But I am sure while they are being painted some people will be complaining about it.
17. Hot Dogs price ~ again ~ never eaten a hot dog at disney that I remember... so I can't comment on this. Also I am not sure where you are paying this? I just checked the menu prices for Caseys and it is 6.79 for hot dogs with french fries.

Prices are going to increase. They increase at the grocery store, clothing for my girls, school supplies etc. Last year I paid .09 for a box of crayons that this year cost me .25 that is over 100% increase. Just a small ticket item but gives an example of price increases in every day life.

I guess not every item effects every person.

FOR ME I don't see it. That doesn't mean it doesn't effect someone else.

Again, no offense intended but there is a major difference between these kinds of things not affecting you and you not noticing them. I'm always quite surprised when someone says something like they've never seen ANY of the things people are complaining about if they've gone (at least) somewhat frequently. I realize you may have never seen an over flowing trash can or a dirty bathroom but that doesn't mean the rest of us have not seen these things.

Sure, your box of crayons cost a lot more but did you get the same amount of crayons in the box? Same brand as before?

You are 100% correct in saying each thing affects each person differently. I'm not questioning whether these complaints bother you or anyone else who has said these things don't bother them. So I'm not sure why people who feel things are just fine insist on telling the rest of us who have seen these things are crazy for noticing these things. That's the part I really don't understand.

Perfect example of what's happening here. My father-in-law loves a certain pizza place here in town. Personally, I feel it's the worst pizza ever (and others I know agree with it). I'm not going to try and convince him how bad the pizza is. He isn't going to try and convince me how good the pizza is.

There are certainly things which have changed (for the worst). Some of these things can be attributed to a bad economy, cost of living increases, etc. However, all of this combined is a lot more than what can be just brushed off with these excuses. Whether it bothers you or not is a totally different discussion. It bothers many of us and doesn't bother many others. Nothing wrong with that.

 

[GadgetRick]

Again, most of the things that folks are saying are going downhill I have never experienced. (IE rude CM, over-flowing trash, etc.) But I think a lot of it comes down to the nature of a lot of people focusing on the negatives vs the positives. IE negative threads on even these boards explode with posts very very quickly. It's just more fun and interesting to talk about negative experiences etc vs good. Don't remember if it was these boards or not, but I remember one woman stating here room was filthy etc, and from her post all she mentioned was a piece of paper on the floor by a trash can and a piece of paper under the bed. Really?

Anyway, I don't got out of my way to critique the paint job of a bus stop roof on my WDW vacation. I have better things to do. Maybe if it was falling apart or half the foof was gone, I might have a problem with that. And many times a rude CM is a result of an overbearing, rude guest. This I have witnessed many, many times. I give props to all CM's for what they have to deal with.

Oh well, can't please everyone anyway. I will keep going to WDW for as long I can and can afford to. A WDW is expensive and I know that, but all my vacations have been wonderful so far, and WDW is a great escape from the real world that can't be beat IMO..

This is another thing I just don't understand. Many of us have mentioned CM issues but I'm not reading posts about people complaining about rude CMs. I know I never did. I think the bigger complaint regarding CMs is there doesn't seem to be as much pride in their jobs as there once was. I think we can attribute this to the staff cuts.

I don't go out of my way to critique a paint job either. However, when it's so many things all at once, I am forced to notice the issues.

Again, these things bother some people but don't bother others. Not a problem. However, if those of us it bothers don't complain, how is it going to get better?

 

[Suellen]

I'm starting to get the feeling people only want replies from people who agree with them.

Since I disagree with the title of this thread I will unsubscribe.

 

[brunette8706]

Again, most of the things that folks are saying are going downhill I have never experienced. (IE rude CM, over-flowing trash, etc.) But I think a lot of it comes down to the nature of a lot of people focusing on the negatives vs the positives. IE negative threads on even these boards explode with posts very very quickly. It's just more fun and interesting to talk about negative experiences etc vs good. Don't remember if it was these boards or not, but I remember one woman stating here room was filthy etc, and from her post all she mentioned was a piece of paper on the floor by a trash can and a piece of paper under the bed. Really?

Anyway, I don't got out of my way to critique the paint job of a bus stop roof on my WDW vacation.

Well, when I have been going to WDW since 1972 you would never, EVER have seen buildings in "DESPERATE" need of a paint job. Remember this is Walt Disney World, not Six Flags. These are just one of the 100's of things that have been in dismay if I may suggest.
I have better things to do. Maybe if it was falling apart or half the foof was gone, I might have a problem with that. And many times a rude CM is a result of an overbearing, rude guest. This I have witnessed many, many times. I give props to all CM's for what they have to deal with.

Not from my experience. When I changed resorts (from WL to YC) after only one night stay, no one at the resort asked why I was leaving. They never he said how could I make your stay more to your liking, or better yet, they could have asked why I'm switching resorts. None of that was mentioned. Yes, there are plenty of GREAT CM's that I have encountered, but there are some that just do NOT want to be there. We went to the GF to ask to see a Concierge level room. After we asked the CM he politely got another CM to show us the room. She didn't crack one smile, she didn't talk. It was like "pulling teeth" to get any information out of her. She had a pin on stating she was from Wisconsin, my DH said that was where he was from, and she couldn't care less. Personally, I have never seen such a sterile, smug CM in my life! But, yes like I said before there are plenty of good ones.
Oh well, can't please everyone anyway. I will keep going to WDW for as long I can and can afford to. A WDW is expensive and I know that, but all my vacations have been wonderful so far, and WDW is a great escape from the real world that can't be beat IMO..

Yes, it sure is a great escape from reality. We still go but we do not frequent the restaurants at all. And as a whole WDW is great, but as I have said and others have said there are plenty of things that need to be addressed. With prices skyrocketing people are not going to the theme parks as much. Now you don't have to believe me, but it is a known fact that Theme park attendance is down 8 percent per the NY Times. I posted a link about it a few pages back.
Brunette

 

[brunette8706]

I'm starting to get the feeling people only want replies from people who agree with them.

Since I disagree with the title of this thread I will unsubscribe.

*
No, that's not true. I'm sorry you feel that way. This is just a discussion of why Disney has gone down hill. If you disagree that is fine, and you have every right to your opinion. I would like if you stayed awhile, though. It's always nice to see things/issues/problems discussed in a friendly manner.


Brunette

 

[d1gitman]

 

[KellyNY]

Again, most of the things that folks are saying are going downhill I have never experienced. (IE rude CM, over-flowing trash, etc.) But I think a lot of it comes down to the nature of a lot of people focusing on the negatives vs the positives. IE negative threads on even these boards explode with posts very very quickly. It's just more fun and interesting to talk about negative experiences etc vs good. Don't remember if it was these boards or not, but I remember one woman stating here room was filthy etc, and from her post all she mentioned was a piece of paper on the floor by a trash can and a piece of paper under the bed. Really?

Anyway, I don't got out of my way to critique the paint job of a bus stop roof on my WDW vacation. I have better things to do. Maybe if it was falling apart or half the foof was gone, I might have a problem with that. And many times a rude CM is a result of an overbearing, rude guest. This I have witnessed many, many times. I give props to all CM's for what they have to deal with.

Oh well, can't please everyone anyway. I will keep going to WDW for as long I can and can afford to. A WDW is expensive and I know that, but all my vacations have been wonderful so far, and WDW is a great escape from the real world that can't be beat IMO..

There are plenty of empty complains on board, some people complain for someone simply did not smile to them or mousekeeping did not go out of the way, yet it was clean. I do not pay attention to little things on my vacation and yes I have a lot of fun.

Yes there plenty of high expectations and negativity on board, however I do not think that problems discussed on this thread belong to this category.

High prices and food quality affect all of us. I do not want spend about $60 a person at signature place to find reduced meals in quality and portions.

Some cleaniness issues affect all of us. I do not want to pass DSA area and smell nestiness while nobody smokes there, just because they do not clean ashtrays as they get full and I am a smoker.

I do not want cut options from my tickets because they increase prices every year while other parks keep their price for years.

I do not want to hear how great it is for Disney to cut people and save money while it will directly affect me and I do not save money, I spend more and more every trip even with so called discounts.

So yes, I still have lots of fun and do not pay attention to little things while some issues are so big, it is very difficult not to notice them.

 

[rmom50]

Lots of us are going to DW between now and Christmas. Maybe we should start a photo thread. Seems some people won't believe it until they see it - so hey... document it for them.......

 

[rmom50]

and now they took my ticker too?

 

[luckyprincess]

and now they took my ticker too?

I don't believe you ever had a ticker. Do you have photos of the ticker? Not having a ticker doesn't affect me or my family, so I don't think you should be affected.....Just kidding!

 

[rmom50]

I don't believe you ever had a ticker. Do you have photos of the ticker? Not having a ticker doesn't affect me or my family, so I don't think you should be affected.....Just kidding!

AAAAAAAAHAHAHHAHAH - EXCELLENT...

 

[Suellen]

Yeah that wasnt snarky at ALL.

FTR - saying you didn't see something doesn't mean you don't believe it ever happens.

I've never personally seen a lot of things it doesn't mean I doubt they ever happened.

These kinds of snide remarks are really uncalled for.