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

[WDSearcher]

I honestly don't think some understand why these comments are being made.Alot of minor details in some peoples eyes are being let go.There are some facts that can't be ignored such as a lesser number of attractions being built recently, attractions setting empty(body wars),less decorations certain times of the year,cut backs in show frequency,and the biggy the price increases, whether it is for food ,lodging,theme park tickets,stroller,parking,special events and so on. Now when you add one to the other, it needs addressed.I really don't think you can argue that.

The facts are the facts ... that is true. The difference is how much that bothers you.

For some people, all of the things you listed bother them quite a lot. For others, it doesn't bother them at all, or bothers them a lot less. THAT's the argument. At least, that's what the argument appears to be.

 

[jimmymac]

And those are just as wrong as the posts that assume that anyone who doesn't see the piles of trash and filthy bathrooms are somehow naive or overly pixie-dusted. I never said that one side was more "right" than the other. Just that both of them quite possibly could be correct, each from their own POV.


2 people walk into a bathroom. The floor is wet. 1 person says, "The floor is wet." The other person says "The floor isn't wet." Both are correct?????

 

[Pat329]

This thread has gone in an entirely different direction from missing attractions to poop on the walls. But it did make me think of one thing and please tell me if I'm wrong in thinking this (which I'm sure you will). We are all getting older and there's a new generation of people going to Disney these days. I'm in my 50's and would never and have never thought of spreading anything on the walls of Disney because it's such a special place to me. So I have to wonder who would actually do something like this??? I can't imagine anyone my age needed to do something so disgusting so I have to ask is it an age thing or maybe nationallity thing??? I'm not defending Disney for not cleaning up these things quickly enough but I still would like to know who would do this???

 

[Donut23]

However, there have been posts to the effect implying those of us who have legitimate complaints are whining for free things or for upgrades.
In another post you asked how many dirty bathrooms out of the hundreds were dirty. In our case, on one trip I reached for the tp and almost touched poop smeared onto the paper dispenser in 3 bathrooms in 3 different parks- MK,AK,and DHS. What are the odds that out of all those hundreds of bathrooms I managed to hit 3? Pretty big odds which tells me that Mousekeeping had slipped big time.

On our last trip, I didn't have that happen but the used paper bins were overflowing to the point that after washing my hands, I held onto my paper and threw it away in a garbage can outside the bathroom. Also in one of the bathrooms there was dried poop smeared across the wall in a stall.

I'd make a smarty comment about the poop but the tag fairy might get me.

Sometimes people simply don't listen.

Sometimes people disagree for reasons nobody understands, maybe even themselves. Try saying the sun will come up tomorrow - they will jump in and say we are wrong. hahaha

But in the long run, they are just not "HEARING" what we are saying. Trends are trends. Believe what we say, or don't but don't tell me I DIDNT experience it - you people were not there. Everything I have written here has happened. Everything others have said, has happened. Funny thing....more and more people are saying the same thing. Oh yes, that T R E N D thing we were talking about.

I WILL continue to go and as I said, if you don't like being at the parks with those of us who actually see things a different way....stay home (See, that answer works for NO ONE so you can stop it! ).

Oh yes, by the way,....the sun is going to come up tomorrow!!

 

[TinkBride]

WOW - this thread has become an obvious situation that people have to agree to disagree.

That being said - I completely see both sides of this. I have noticed things lately that have made me question what is going on (mainly food quality and options - it seems like every restaurant QS and TS has the same menu with slight variations.). I blame a lot of this on guest expectations and the free dining. If you offer the dining plan, obviously more TS restaurants will become more accessible. Therefore Disney is going to change the menus to satisfy a wider range of guests. So, in my mind how much of this is Disney problems and how much is Disney trying to meet a larger percentage of guest demands? I tend to not blame Disney 100% in this. Sure, there are us "old-schoolers" that notice these differences. But - the discounts and dining plans have also made Disney more affordable for many families that otherwise may have not had the opportunity. (EX - a co-worker of mine took advantage of free dining and room discounts - without she never would have been able to swing it financially.) And a lot of those "newcomers" leave like we used to leave years ago - satisfied.

I am a HUGE believer that everybody should experience Disney once. So, part of me is okay with a little decline because I view it as a greater opporunity for more people to be able to partake.

All of this is strictly related to dining.

On the other hand, fecal matter on toliet paper dispensers is disgusting no matter who you are. But, was it just a bad day? Maybe they were understaffed that day? I don't know. But, until Disney is (in my opinion) consistently letting things go in a major way - I am just going to enjoy the time I do have there and choose to accept the rest. Of course, I have noticed things (overflowing trash cans, dirty restrooms, etc.) But, I also remember that Disney is not what it used to be - demand wise. Park attendance has increased since 1987 when I started going. And with more people - there is more chance for things to happen before a CM can be there to clean it up.

I am not trying to make excuses for understaffing, decline in cleanliness, etc. I am just trying to think that maybe, just maybe, these were bad days. I know Disney is supposed to be 100% all the time - but how realistic is that? Everybody has a bad day at work, everybody has an "off" day. So, I forgive them for it and try to move on.

For the record - even though I have noticed things....it is rare occurences not consistent. That's not to say that others may not have had consistent occurences. When I start noticing it more regularly - I will diplomatically take it up with Disney via comment cards, letters, etc. My only issue is with the food.

Can't we all just get along? That's what Walt would have liked.

 

[Suellen]

Believe what we say, or don't but don't tell me I DIDNT experience it - you people were not there.

I don't think anyone has said YOU didn't experience it. I believe (at least from what I am reading and saying myself) that we are saying WE haven't experienced it.

And the retort to that is ~ well you did experience it you just didn't notice it cuz you drank too much koolaid.

That is my problem here. The people who see a problem don't seem to believe the people who say they haven't SEEN the problem. No one is denying what you saw.

 

[Suellen]

Suellen, I love your princess picture! That is a classic!

Thank you it truly was a magical day for the girls and I. Unexpected since she was "under 3"

 

[WDSearcher]

And those are just as wrong as the posts that assume that anyone who doesn't see the piles of trash and filthy bathrooms are somehow naive or overly pixie-dusted. I never said that one side was more "right" than the other. Just that both of them quite possibly could be correct, each from their own POV.


2 people walk into a bathroom. The floor is wet. 1 person says, "The floor is wet." The other person says "The floor isn't wet." Both are correct?????

That's not quite the same as my example. Either the floor is wet or the floor is not wet. You're both there at exactly the same time, standing on the same wet floor, so it's pretty easy to prove.

HOWEVER, try this ...

2 people walk into a bathroom. The floor is wet. Both people use the bathroom and walk back out to their families. Someone asks, "Was the floor wet?" Person 1 says, "Yes!" Person 2 says, "I didn't notice."

Another example ...

2 people walk into a bathroom. Person 1 walks into a stall that is dirty. Toilet paper on the floor, unflushed toilet, no seat liners ... a mess. Person 2 walks into a stall that is clean. Neat toilet paper, plenty of seat liners, flushed toilet. Same bathroom, different stalls.

Both people leave the bathroom and return to their families. Person 1 looks disgusted and says to her family, "The bathroom was filthy!" Person 2 smiles at her family and says, "The bathrooms are always so clean."

Who's right?

 

[flicx]

There are some facts that can't be ignored such as a lesser number of attractions being built recently, attractions setting empty(body wars),less decorations certain times of the year,cut backs in show frequency,and the biggy the price increases, whether it is for food ,lodging,theme park tickets,stroller,parking,special events and so on.

Suellen I wonder how you can refute the facts above?These aren't opinion they are fact.If you truly don't see these as issues I personally think you are trying to ignore obvious flaws!Please don't take it personally ,I am not flaming you just curious!

 

[Mickeyistheman]

I have read the past several pages and I also read what others had posted and my main point being that I have been in the travel industry and have traveled all over the world not just "The World" I have seen filthy rooms, broken chairs, horrendous service or no service at all.

I have been to Disney World over 25 times, I lose count sometimes.

But my thoughts are that the GUESTS are the ones that have changed more than Disney itself. Now I am not saying that they didn't experience those things but when my customers came back and said they didn't get an upgrade, and the service was terrible. My question was "Why was it terrible because you didn't get a free upgrade?" That isn't terrible service, you got what you paid for. If you wanted that higher category room you should have paid for it so that way it was guaranteed.

I have read many times on this board of people complaining that they didn't get that "Disney Pixie Dust" I took that as well I wanted something for free so since I didn't get it I am going to complain and then I will get something because of it.

I see it everyday as I sit here at my desk and work with people and I am not just talking Disney here either.

Now I can understand that if a chair is broken or rug ripped up, bed sheets dirty etc. Those are important things but I would have called down right away and had it taken care of. About 5 years ago staying at Coronado Springs there was a lizard that had crawled into our room and our bed and on my leg!! So not fun, this happened at about 12:30am, they had someone come in within 20 mins and take care of everything. He was very nice and they also did not kill the lizard, he got a sticky pad thing and caught it and he let it go outside.

Have there been times when I didn't get the room I had REQUESTED, yes but again it wasn't poor service I just didn't get something that I REQUESTED.

Many of my customers forget about that. I of course do whatever I can to make their trip magical, but certain things are on a request basis only, unless you want to pay for it.

I did not mean to offend anyone, I think this conversation is important and EVERYONE is allowed to have their own thoughts, we all don't have to agree.

I was also trying to point out some of the positives that Disney still does not charge for, that other theme parks do, they are more of an added value.

I am not saying Disney is perfect, because it is not, but I guess I don't see it when I travel there. I don't look for the negative when I go there. Do I sometimes run into someone who is not as friendly well yes, but isn't everyone allowed to have an off day? I know I have them haha!

I am a huge people person and enjoying talking with the CM's but sometimes they aren't in the mood to do that, they have a job to do as well, they are on the clock working.

 

[Suellen]

Quote:
Originally Posted by flicx

1. There are some facts that can't be ignored such as a lesser number of attractions being built recently
2. attractions setting empty(body wars)
3. less decorations certain times of the year
4. cut backs in show frequency
5. and the biggy the price increases, whether it is for food ,lodging,theme park tickets,stroller,parking,special events and so on.

Suellen I wonder how you can refute the facts above?These aren't opinion they are fact.If you truly don't see these as issues I personally think you are trying to ignore obvious flaws!Please don't take it personally ,I am not flaming you just curious!

By the by I appreciate the personal call out. I'll address these one by one as I did before.

I guess as far as less attractions being built ~ what about the Fantasy Land Expansion? Toy Story Mania? Of course to me Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios are still new as they were NOT there for so long of my Disney going career.

Attractions setting empty are a real bummer. Body Wars though.... not a big missing piece of my puzzle. There are certainly things that I do miss more. I just look at those as technology and demands of guests. I miss Horizons, If I Had Wings, Mission to Mars, World of Motion, Skyway to FantasyLand just to name a few. I understand that times have changed and crowds are looking for more thrill rides and less attractions. Times do change and I accept that. I would say I *think* I remember body wars... was Martin Short in it? Obviously not something that made a huge impression.

Less decortations... I think I addressed this early but last year was our first visit at Christmas time and to me it was absolutely wonderful. So if there are less than before ~ I can't answer to that. We usually travel in March, April, May and September.

Cut back in show frequency ~ I can't honestly say I have noticed. Does that mean it hasn't happened? Absolutely not. All I do know is that we don't miss any shows while there ~ I don't actually pay much attention to how many times it runs ~ I pick a time that meets our needs and we go.

Price increases, again I have addressed this one too, sure prices go up. They are going up all around me though and I don't see WDW that out of line with everything else going on. It may be that we have a certain percentage of our income set aside to spend on vacations and that percentage has not changed for us. DH is fortunate enough to be in an industry that is still thriving and we haven't hurt financially over the last 10 years. We have also done deluxe dining several trips, have annual passes and are DVC members ~ so ..... deluxe dining cost hasn't gone up, we pay the same DVC monthly payments and I don't notice AP costs. I couldn't even tell you how much I paid for DD's AP that I bought in January. I know. Twice we have done QS dining and I found it to be a fantastic deal. If money were more of a "deal" for us I would probably notice more.

HOWEVER ~ price increases I believe are the result of all the "free" giveaways. Nothing is free. The cost is just being spread out to all guests. YOU are helping to pay for someones free dining. Stop all the gimmicks and let people pay for what they get.

I don't see these things as "going down hill". But that is my opinion. If OP didn't want real honest opinions ( and I don't think it is OP that is the problem in this thread) she should have titled it "Post here if you think Disney is going down hill"

For what it is worth ~ I would probably consider most of you "new comers" to disney. I've been making at least yearly trips since 1974. So judging my experience and telling me I don't see it because I don't go enough or don't know what it "used" to be is just unfounded.

 

[Donut23]

I have read the past several pages and I also read what others had posted and my main point being that I have been in the travel industry and have traveled all over the world not just "The World" I have seen filthy rooms, broken chairs, horrendous service or no service at all.

I have been to Disney World over 25 times, I lose count sometimes.

But my thoughts are that the GUESTS are the ones that have changed more than Disney itself. Now I am not saying that they didn't experience those things but when my customers came back and said they didn't get an upgrade, and the service was terrible. My question was "Why was it terrible because you didn't get a free upgrade?" That isn't terrible service, you got what you paid for. If you wanted that higher category room you should have paid for it so that way it was guaranteed.

I have read many times on this board of people complaining that they didn't get that "Disney Pixie Dust" I took that as well I wanted something for free so since I didn't get it I am going to complain and then I will get something because of it.

I see it everyday as I sit here at my desk and work with people and I am not just talking Disney here either.

Now I can understand that if a chair is broken or rug ripped up, bed sheets dirty etc. Those are important things but I would have called down right away and had it taken care of. About 5 years ago staying at Coronado Springs there was a lizard that had crawled into our room and our bed and on my leg!! So not fun, this happened at about 12:30am, they had someone come in within 20 mins and take care of everything. He was very nice and they also did not kill the lizard, he got a sticky pad thing and caught it and he let it go outside.

Have there been times when I didn't get the room I had REQUESTED, yes but again it wasn't poor service I just didn't get something that I REQUESTED.

Many of my customers forget about that. I of course do whatever I can to make their trip magical, but certain things are on a request basis only, unless you want to pay for it.

I did not mean to offend anyone, I think this conversation is important and EVERYONE is allowed to have their own thoughts, we all don't have to agree.

I was also trying to point out some of the positives that Disney still does not charge for, that other theme parks do, they are more of an added value.

I am not saying Disney is perfect, because it is not, but I guess I don't see it when I travel there. I don't look for the negative when I go there. Do I sometimes run into someone who is not as friendly well yes, but isn't everyone allowed to have an off day? I know I have them haha!

I am a huge people person and enjoying talking with the CM's but sometimes they aren't in the mood to do that, they have a job to do as well, they are on the clock working.

What? Disney didn't charge for your "lizard experience"?


As you know the most successful agents are basically very talented....yenta's (matchmakers). If you make a mistake and book a Carnival guest on the Queen Mary ll.....you probably will not have a happy guest.

To that end, a travel professionals RESPONSIBILTY is to look at every experience with a critical eye....make sure you know all the good AND especially the bad. WHY, so you are completely aware of potential problems and suggest other options. How else can your offer the best experience for your guests.

That includes every aspect of a WDW trip. For example, if you send a group of experienced foodies to Disney and tell them to expect exceptional cuisine,they are going to be pretty frustrated. Tell them it's banquet food sometimes prepared in centralized kitchens.....experienced foodies will get it. Your an agent....you know how to get the point across without destroying the advanced magic. <---Yenta stuff! They will LOVE you because you warned them.

Thorough site inspections are a good agent's best friend.

 

[flicx]

By the by I appreciate the personal call out. I'll address these one by one as I did before.

I guess as far as less attractions being built ~ what about the Fantasy Land Expansion? Toy Story Mania? Of course to me Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios are still new as they were NOT there for so long of my Disney going career.

Attractions setting empty are a real bummer. Body Wars though.... not a big missing piece of my puzzle. There are certainly things that I do miss more. I just look at those as technology and demands of guests. I miss Horizons, If I Had Wings, Mission to Mars, World of Motion, Skyway to FantasyLand just to name a few. I understand that times have changed and crowds are looking for more thrill rides and less attractions. Times do change and I accept that. I would say I *think* I remember body wars... was Martin Short in it? Obviously not something that made a huge impression.

Less decortations... I think I addressed this early but last year was our first visit at Christmas time and to me it was absolutely wonderful. So if there are less than before ~ I can't answer to that. We usually travel in March, April, May and September.

Cut back in show frequency ~ I can't honestly say I have noticed. Does that mean it hasn't happened? Absolutely not. All I do know is that we don't miss any shows while there ~ I don't actually pay much attention to how many times it runs ~ I pick a time that meets our needs and we go.

Price increases, again I have addressed this one too, sure prices go up. They are going up all around me though and I don't see WDW that out of line with everything else going on. It may be that we have a certain percentage of our income set aside to spend on vacations and that percentage has not changed for us. DH is fortunate enough to be in an industry that is still thriving and we haven't hurt financially over the last 10 years. We have also done deluxe dining several trips, have annual passes and are DVC members ~ so ..... deluxe dining cost hasn't gone up, we pay the same DVC monthly payments and I don't notice AP costs. I couldn't even tell you how much I paid for DD's AP that I bought in January. I know. Twice we have done QS dining and I found it to be a fantastic deal. If money were more of a "deal" for us I would probably notice more.

HOWEVER ~ price increases I believe are the result of all the "free" giveaways. Nothing is free. The cost is just being spread out to all guests. YOU are helping to pay for someones free dining. Stop all the gimmicks and let people pay for what they get.

I don't see these things as "going down hill". But that is my opinion. If OP didn't want real honest opinions ( and I don't think it is OP that is the problem in this thread) she should have titled it "Post here if you think Disney is going down hill"

For what it is worth ~ I would probably consider most of you "new comers" to disney. I've been making at least yearly trips since 1974. So judging my experience and telling me I don't see it because I don't go enough or don't know what it "used" to be is just unfounded.

Suellen I am hardly a newby myself,went on my honeymoon there in 1985 and my wife went about the same year you started going.

I'll agree with you on the free dining, don't care for it, never have used it and quite frankly never saw the value in it.We always go on a tighter budget and on trips when it is my wife and myself we generally eat for less than what they charge for one person on the dining plan. Now when I hear what some on here are saying about the dining plan it bothers me. Also funny you should mention the skyway,here's another attraction shut down for no apparent reason.I'll also add 20,000 leagues to the list.How long did that attraction sit empty?Unlike you that bothers me alot.The less attractions thing is a solid fact I will guarantee it.Heck look at all the parks the built since 1974,seems to me animal kingdom has been there quite a while now.The price thing we will just have to agree to disagree I will continue to say they have gone to gouging or nickel and diming what ever the spin you wish to put on it. I'm glad to see you are still enjoying it.I guess you just have a thicker skin than I do.Nice chatting with you and thanks for the civil response. Flicx

 

[jimmymac]

That's not quite the same as my example. Either the floor is wet or the floor is not wet. You're both there at exactly the same time, standing on the same wet floor, so it's pretty easy to prove.

HOWEVER, try this ...

2 people walk into a bathroom. The floor is wet. Both people use the bathroom and walk back out to their families. Someone asks, "Was the floor wet?" Person 1 says, "Yes!" Person 2 says, "I didn't notice."

Another example ...

2 people walk into a bathroom. Person 1 walks into a stall that is dirty. Toilet paper on the floor, unflushed toilet, no seat liners ... a mess. Person 2 walks into a stall that is clean. Neat toilet paper, plenty of seat liners, flushed toilet. Same bathroom, different stalls.

Both people leave the bathroom and return to their families. Person 1 looks disgusted and says to her family, "The bathroom was filthy!" Person 2 smiles at her family and says, "The bathrooms are always so clean."

Who's right?

I'll give you another hypothetical. 8 people walk into a bathroom. They start talking when they get out. 7 of them say the floor was wet; 1 says he didn't notice. Are they all still right?

 

[si-am]

I think MVMCP is a prime example of what some of us are talking about.

Years ago, they cleared the park of day guests at 6pm, opened it up to partygoers at 7pm. You got a free MVMCP pin at the gates. They offered free family photos which they would mail to your home within a week or two.

Now.... not only have prices gone UP, but they have increased the number of tickets sold so that it is MORE crowded. Free family pictures and pin are GONE. Day guests don't leave until the party starts, so you don't stroll into an empty Main Street with snow. Popular Christmas shows (Mickeys Night Before Christmas) are discontinued.

To me, this is just price gouging with a DEcrease in services (or magic) offered. Same with "holiday" surcharge at buffets.

 

[WDSearcher]

Also funny you should mention the skyway,here's another attraction shut down for no apparent reason.

Wasn't the reason related to several issues? A CM death (and some other lingering safety issues) and repeated guest complaints about people spitting and dropping water on others from up in the Skyway buckets among them?

I'll also add 20,000 leagues to the list.How long did that attraction sit empty?

Ten years at WDW. Less at DL.

Unlike you that bothers me alot.The less attractions thing is a solid fact I will guarantee it.

Could you show the numbers, please? I'm curious as to how you're comparing year to year. For example, if Disney removes an attraction, but opens a new show, is that a one-for-one or are you only talking rides? I'd love to see your numbers on how many attractions. I think some of us may be defining "attractions" differently when we think about this. Thanks!

Heck look at all the parks the built since 1974,seems to me animal kingdom has been there quite a while now.

Yeah ... but I think many of us will agree that both DAK and DCA (and quite possibly DHS) need to be a little more "finished" before they start building something new. But to be fair ... since DAK opened, Disney has also opened DCA, Disney Studios Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland and two cruise ships. So it's not like they haven't opened anything new since then. They haven't opened a new park in Florida. But the company is more than just Florida.

 

[Mickeyistheman]

What? Disney didn't charge for your "lizard experience"?


As you know the most successful agents are basically very talented....yenta's (matchmakers). If you make a mistake and book a Carnival guest on the Queen Mary ll.....you probably will not have a happy guest.

To that end, a travel professionals RESPONSIBILTY is to look at every experience with a critical eye....make sure you know all the good AND especially the bad. WHY, so you are completely aware of potential problems and suggest other options. How else can your offer the best experience for your guests.

That includes every aspect of a WDW trip. For example, if you send a group of experienced foodies to Disney and tell them to expect exceptional cuisine,they are going to be pretty frustrated. Tell them it's banquet food sometimes prepared in centralized kitchens.....experienced foodies will get it. Your an agent....you know how to get the point across without destroying the advanced magic. <---Yenta stuff! They will LOVE you because you warned them.

Thorough site inspections are a good agent's best friend.

I understand what you are saying but in today's travel world, people want "A Deal" they want to pay for Pop and stay at Grand Floridian. That is what I am getting at. I know how to qualify a customer very well.

I have to disagree with my responsibility for every aspect of their trip. That is not my job, I give them reccommendations based on my experience and my other customers. They may hate Coronado Springs, but love Fort Wilderness, which I don't happen to enjoy. But if they go and have a "bad time" that is not my fault. If it rains everyday, again not my fault. However, I am held responsible now that is not fair. I think today's customers expect alot for nothing. I have no problem taking care of their reservations and I also send them Park Maps because I pick up TONS whenever I go down and also ask my customers to bring me back some. I think it is a nice gesture and its gets everyone excited!

 

[Suellen]

I'll give you another hypothetical. 8 people walk into a bathroom. They start talking when they get out. 7 of them say the floor was wet; 1 says he didn't notice. Are they all still right?

Yup. If 1 didn't notice 1 didn't notice. It doesn't make that person wrong.

 

[MaleficentandGoons]

I'm not rabid for Disney. I love it though. I will say that i believe that tings went down hill once free dining entered the picture. It draws in a certain crowd IMHO. SOME of the people are rude and entitled.

 

[Pirate Jeff]

(Pirate Jeff omitted words not relevant to the response)

Attractions setting empty are a real bummer. Body Wars though.... not a big missing piece of my puzzle. There are certainly things that I do miss more. I just look at those as technology and demands of guests. I miss Horizons, If I Had Wings, Mission to Mars, World of Motion, Skyway to FantasyLand just to name a few. I understand that times have changed and crowds are looking for more thrill rides and less attractions. Times do change and I accept that. I would say I *think* I remember body wars... was Martin Short in it? Obviously not something that made a huge impression.

Wow!! -the "closed" attractions you mention, are the same ones I miss the most... I have gone to the extent of using Wikipedia which has a break-down of each attraction and on Youtube, you can actually find videos of some of these! Also, I hated Body Wars - it was the Epcot Center version of: "Star Tours" -another shake and toss ride I don't care for!

Less decortations... I think I addressed this early but last year was our first visit at Christmas time and to me it was absolutely wonderful. So if there are less than before ~ I can't answer to that. We usually travel in March, April, May and September.

You then missed the decorations between Future World and The World Showcase. It was stunning (IMO). It didn't even have to "dance" for me, just the light covered arbors which really set a wonderful "mood" - for lack of a better word. The parks still are quite beautiful but this one missing decoration, is truly missed by me. There is no specific value that can be placed on "feelings". Same as I cannot prove a negative when I (or anyone else) speak of the impact these changes make. Best analogy, they make me sad to see them go.

Price increases, again I have addressed this one too, sure prices go up. They are going up all around me though and I don't see WDW that out of line with everything else going on. It may be that we have a certain percentage of our income set aside to spend on vacations and that percentage has not changed for us. DH is fortunate enough to be in an industry that is still thriving and we haven't hurt financially over the last 10 years. We have also done deluxe dining several trips, have annual passes and are DVC members ~ so ..... deluxe dining cost hasn't gone up, we pay the same DVC monthly payments and I don't notice AP costs. I couldn't even tell you how much I paid for DD's AP that I bought in January. I know. Twice we have done QS dining and I found it to be a fantastic deal. If money were more of a "deal" for us I would probably notice more.

DW and I also are not "hurting". Though we have felt the changes in "things". However, I cannot agree with the idea that the prices are similar (and that is what I believe you implied) to other increases. We own a vacation home near the parks. To avoid breaking any board rules, let me say simply, that we have "guests" in our home. For these guests, we compiled a book of Disney "values". We made the book when we built the house in 2006. It lists buffet prices for Boma at: $24.95 It is now: $35.95 (link: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/boma-flavors-of-africa/ ). That is not a made up number. It is excessive. A CM on our last visit told us that they have upwards of 1400 guests/evening on an average night. Now I cannot qualify those numbers but the prices I can. That is an increase of just under 50% over 4 years. That Suellen, is excessive by my perception. We have many other prices in that book and I assure you, the increases are all similar. This is the one major issue I have with Disney. I feel most of the other things are still wonderful but their business model in my opinion, is changing more towards a focus on profit than the quality of the product they provide.

HOWEVER ~ price increases I believe are the result of all the "free" giveaways. Nothing is free. The cost is just being spread out to all guests. YOU are helping to pay for someones free dining. Stop all the gimmicks and let people pay for what they get.

On this point, you and I are in 100% agreement! (I believe, with most others on this thread as well!)

I don't see these things as "going down hill". But that is my opinion. If OP didn't want real honest opinions ( and I don't think it is OP that is the problem in this thread) she should have titled it "Post here if you think Disney is going down hill"

As I know the OP very well (LOL!) I would say you are correct! Though I do hope that it is not "I" that you feel is the "problem"!!

Also, I hope you don't mind my answering your post, I know it wasn't intended for me but when I read of your missing "Horizons", I had to respond. It was a great attraction.