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

[GailT]

Life changes and like everything else Disney isn't ay different. I have been going to DW since I was 17 1/ and now in my 50s I can't pick on change that would upset me, it's still the most magical place on earth. Thanks Walt for the memories from the past and my new memories

 

[kaligal]

Enough is enough. You guys win.

My comment was not directed toward you. I have no problem quoting people and addressing them directly if I have something to say. I can also use the PM function.

It's just true that some DISers see no wrong when it comes to WDW. It is always the fault of the customer who complained about WDW.

There are also a bunch of DISers who would rather die and go to the Poly than to Heaven because, in their opinion, heaven just couldn't compare to that special Poly feel.

And if they do go to Heaven heaven, there had better be a Pearly Gate FP line and St. Peter will be handing out bowls of cheese soup from Le Cellier to the folks waiting in that line if he knows what is good for him.

It's just the DIS. Nobody's mind will be changed and there's little reason to bother trying.

 

[Michelle and crew]

just as there are people who would find something to complain about in Heaven.

 

[rutgers1]

Ever since I first went to Disney with my parents in 1981, my father has been saying that Disney is declining. If you were to believe him, and if it was truly declining, the place would be an abandoned wasteland right now. Yet he still keeps going.....The funny thing is that his comments always stem from isolated incidents, such as seeing a single piece of trash on the floor, a wall in need of painting, or even having to wait for a seat at a restaurant.

Since he first said that the place was declining, we have a bunch of new rides, entire new parks, DVC, new hotels, new restaurants, and more. From my seat, things keep IMPROVING. Yes, there are things that could use further improvement, such as food. However, it is pretty hard to take a step back and say that, overall, the parks are in decline. I would much rather take a trip to Disney 2010 than Disney 1980.

I have been going to Disney regularly since 1981 and haven't had a disappointing trip yet.

 

[tony67]

I simply have not experienced the decline over the years. You may call me any name you want. You may dismiss me however you decide is best. My experiences are valid and they are mine. I respect yours and your opinion. I am happy to discuss the shortcomings and suggestions for improvement. I disagree with you and you disagree with me. I suspect we will get over it.

I guess you missed the point of the previous post and I have not called you any names.

The issue is when people go onto thread to just say attack a poster who had a bad experiance. That is the problem.
If a person had a bad experiance there is no need to pile on them and attack them.
Attcking them is not a discussion.


One of my pet peeves.
People who did not eat at Epcot on a regular basis before the DDP should really not be stating it’s just as good as it was before or better.
If they did not eat there how do they know?

People should not show up on a thread about San Angel Inn and tell me I do not know anything about Mexican food and that is why I do not like it.
How do they know what I know about Mexican food?
Last October I had a hour log discussion with someone who is high up at San Angel Inn and they told me yes it was bad but they were fixing it.

I had a similar discussion with the Manager of Alfredo’s a few weeks before it closed as well.

I had a really bad meal in Chef’s De France and discussed it with the manager and he basically said yes it is awful, but we have to operate within the constraints of the DDP.

If you are happy with the quality of the food that is fine, but why is that I am attacked all the time when I am not happy with it?

 

[tony67]

People eating at Fridays or Golden Corral: this is what (unfortunately) people are getting used to, and accepting as :normal". I work at an independantly owned restaurant,, are soups are home made, our beeif is certified Angus, we grind our own meat for burgers, our cabbage rolls and meatloaf are home made, etc. I could go on and on. people don't care as much about "quality" anymore. what a shame.

I have to agree and have said this many times over the years.
As I have stated before I have been to places in the country where Pizza Hut is listed as Fine Dining.
If you do not have better options than the food at Disney will be amazing

All you have to do is look at NYC and you can see the problem.
People travel to NYC and then want to eat at the Hard Rock or Planet Hollywood.
So many quality places to eat in NYC and you go to a chain.

I was recently in Niagara Falls and the only food options seemed to be the American Chains…they had taken over completely.
Applebee’s wanted $17 for Nachos and the place was packed with American tourists.
The small little places we used to eat at were gone.

I have seen quality Mexican family run restaurants who serve great food not last a year because people would rather go to Chills across the street.

People rave about the steak at Le Cellier, but it is the same steak I can get at Outback for 9.99 IMO.
(I really like the Mushroom risotto though)

I cannot Imagine paying OOP for Le Cellier or Yatchman when they can go to Shula’s for a few dollars more.

I would rather Red Lobster take over and run Coral Reef than the fish they serve there now.

Not to say there are not a few bright spots.
I give a lot of credit to Kouzzinna for serving an entire fish with the head on and it is very good.
The quality of the QS locations is actually quite good if you know where to eat.

And for those that say I am just a complainer and never happy 82% of my 200+ reviews on Yelp are 3 stars or better.

As for the parks I really do not have an issue with them.
My issues are the food and the overpriced resorts that do not provide the level of service they charge for.

 

[Tiger926]

If I may...

What people may be failing to realize is that it doesn't matter if there are 1 million posts on here about Disney's decline as of late, it still may not matter if you yourself did not see evidence of this decline.

Expecting people to agree with you is one thing, but expecting people to blindly follow you because you have said so, is something entirely. This goes for both sides of this debate.

I deal with at-risk teens all day, and if I ran my classroom or department based on because I said so, or because someone else saw it, I would be in trouble.

It bothers me that people are still insulting each other on this thread...it doesn't matter to me if someone doesn't agree that Disney is going downhill. I know I have seen evidence of it, and that is all that is pertinent to me. If I didn't see evidence of it myself, I would take another's view into consideration, and that is as far as I would go until I saw evidence myself. This is the responsible thing to do, and until such time as I see it myself, I won't ever try convincing others of the same thing.

I know it's hard when people are passionate about something, but some of you really need to just accept the fact that your opinions or perception of the situation may be different, and there are myriad reasons for these differences. All of which are valid.

So, for me, Disney has been going downhill in many areas, as I've already discussed, and I base this on years of going to Disney and staying and eating pretty much everywhere. I am comparing to my past experiences, and no one else's experiences. I know there are many who disagree with me, and that is fine as well.

Tiger

 

[d1gitman]

... I suspect we will get over it.

oh, you suspect wrong some people feel their opinion is the only correct one and will be like a dog on a bone until the other side concedes.

 

[d1gitman]

...Last October I had a hour log discussion with someone who is high up at San Angel Inn and they told me yes it was bad but they were fixing it.

I had a similar discussion with the Manager of Alfredo’s a few weeks before it closed as well.

I had a really bad meal in Chef’s De France and discussed it with the manager and he basically said yes it is awful, but we have to operate within the constraints of the DDP.

If you are happy with the quality of the food that is fine, but why is that I am attacked all the time when I am not happy with it?

how cool would it be for Chef Ramsay to show up at WDW and do his 'kitchen nightmares' show...

 

[brunette8706]

I simply have not experienced the decline over the years. You may call me any name you want. You may dismiss me however you decide is best. My experiences are valid and they are mine. I respect yours and your opinion. I am happy to discuss the shortcomings and suggestions for improvement. I disagree with you and you disagree with me. I suspect we will get over it.

Hi Pjiimmeyer!

I don't believe Tony was talking about you. This is just a discussion about what has gone downhill over the years. Particularly, in my case the food, the prices, housekeeping in some of the resorts, some tour groups (that are out of control) etc. etc. We can always agree to disagree.

Now, I just saw on the Disney Restaurant thread, talking about the Trails End Lunch menu that is now ala cart. This is fine. But once again prices have gone up. Some posted a link to the Disney website/Trail End prices. Trail End dinner buffet is now $36.99!!! WHAT?????????? It used to be $22.99 less than 3 or 4 years ago. But this is the stuff that really irritates me! How can they charge this price to match Boma??? Boma, in my opinion has a spectacular buffet 5 times bigger than Trails End but they're the same exact price! UGHHHH!

My .02cents.

Brunette

 

[brunette8706]

If I may...

What people may be failing to realize is that it doesn't matter if there are 1 million posts on here about Disney's decline as of late, it still may not matter if you yourself did not see evidence of this decline.

Expecting people to agree with you is one thing, but expecting people to blindly follow you because you have said so, is something entirely. This goes for both sides of this debate.

I deal with at-risk teens all day, and if I ran my classroom or department based on because I said so, or because someone else saw it, I would be in trouble.

It bothers me that people are still insulting each other on this thread...it doesn't matter to me if someone doesn't agree that Disney is going downhill. I know I have seen evidence of it, and that is all that is pertinent to me. If I didn't see evidence of it myself, I would take another's view into consideration, and that is as far as I would go until I saw evidence myself. This is the responsible thing to do, and until such time as I see it myself, I won't ever try convincing others of the same thing.
I know it's hard when people are passionate about something, but some of you really need to just accept the fact that your opinions or perception of the situation may be different, and there are myriad reasons for these differences. All of which are valid.

So, for me, Disney has been going downhill in many areas, as I've already discussed, and I base this on years of going to Disney and staying and eating pretty much everywhere. I am comparing to my past experiences, and no one else's experiences. I know there are many who disagree with me, and that is fine as well.

Tiger

*
As always great post!

You've been MIA! We missed ya.

Brunette

 

[tony67]

Now, I just saw on the Disney Restaurant thread, talking about the Trails End Lunch menu that is now al cart. This is fine. But once again prices have gone up. Some posted a link to the Disney website/Trail End prices. Trail End dinner buffet is now $36.99!!! WHAT?????????? It used to be $22.99 less than 3 or 4 years ago. But this is the stuff that really irritates me! How can they charge this price to match Boma??? Boma, in my opinion has a spectacular buffet 5 times bigger than Trails End but they're the same exact price! UGHHHH!

First just to be fair, food costs have gone up a lot in the last 4-5 years for reason I won't go into.

Anyway, this is one of the things that really annoys me about the DDP.
Since so many are on the DDP they can just make up prices.
I feel (IMO) prices are raised to make the DDP look like a better value.
This generates lots of good PR for the DDP. Lots of posts where I got $1700 in food for free.

In addition I feel these higher prices subsidies the DDP for the restaurant.
The restaurant only gets a small portion of the money from the DDP.
I do think they are doing the best they can with what they have.

I spoke with someone that said that the restaurant got $15 for the dinner plate (last October). They also get a few dollars for the drink and dessert.

If I pay for it out of pocket they get 24.99 for the meal.
So I am getting a meal for 24.99 that is designed to sell for $15 IMO.

 

[michelleiada]

In my opinion, people that go frequently are going to see changes at WDW both good and bad. First timers will not notice these things. Disney is not perfect but they do strive to be. Of course, it is a business and obviously profit driven. However, I still believe that it is in their best interest to keep visitors happy and I believe that Disney tries really hard to satisfy all who visit. If you complain to them, they will do what they can to make up for a bad experience. I think that you get a lot for your money when visiting WDW. Nothing will ever be perfect....ever! The overall experience is always magical in my opinion...and I will continue to return to the happiest place on earth.

 

[flicx]

Some posted a link to the Disney website/Trail End prices. Trail End dinner buffet is now $36.99!!! WHAT?????????? It used to be $22.99 less than 3 or 4 years ago. But this is the stuff that really irritates me!

This is the kind of thing I think can't be easily dismissed.Are you kidding me a50%+ increase in that short of time.What happens when this pay rack rate and get food program ends? You are gonna be left with outrageously high food prices.I will never ever pay 36.99 for a buffet and lets not forget 18% tip.I simply think as I have stated before the average family will soon look at a disney trip as to overpriced to do! IMO

 

[brunette8706]

First just to be fair, food costs have gone up a lot in the last 4-5 years for reason I won't go into.

Anyway, this is one of the things that really annoys me about the DDP.
Since so many are on the DDP they can just make up prices.
I feel (IMO) prices are raised to make the DDP look like a better value.
This generates lots of good PR for the DDP. Lots of posts where I got $1700 in food for free.

In addition I feel these higher prices subsidies the DDP for the restaurant.
The restaurant only gets a small portion of the money from the DDP.
I do think they are doing the best they can with what they have.

I spoke with someone that said that the restaurant got $15 for the dinner plate (last October). They also get a few dollars for the drink and dessert.

If I pay for it out of pocket they get 24.99 for the meal.
So I am getting a meal for 24.99 that is designed to sell for $15 IMO.

^
Hi Tony! Well, I agree food prices have gone up. But when you buy in "bulk" which any restaurant does, I doubt it would go up to nearly 50 percent. How can they charge the same price for a restaurant such as BOMA vs. Trails End? There just isn't a comparison.

But you are right, the DDP is causing a lot of this frustration, and I'm "FRUSTRATED" LOL! If this keeps happening like it did in August, we just eat off site. We did this at Shulas's, the Garden Grove, and Kimono's all with a $25.00 coupon that I had for which cost me $2.00 each! I'm not going to pay $36.00 at Trails End for Chicken and Macaroni and peel and eat shrimp!

Okay, off my soapbox!

Thanks
Brunette

 

[brunette8706]

Here's the link!

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/trails-end-restaurant/

Hi Flcx!

I totally agree! It's at the point we go offsite to eat per my earlier post.

Brunette

 

[flicx]

Here's the link!

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/trails-end-restaurant/

Hi Flcx!

I totally agree! It's at the point we go offsite to eat per my earlier post.

Brunette

Hi Brunette,I just am wondering how sobering it will be when the free dining deal ends? I highly doubt once the prices go up they will come back down.I think it is a bad road we are going down!

 

[tony67]

^
Hi Tony! Well, I agree food prices have gone up. But when you buy in "bulk" which any restaurant does, I doubt it would go up to nearly 50 percent. How can they charge the same price for a restaurant such as BOMA vs. Trails End? There just isn't a comparison.

But you are right, the DDP is causing a lot of this frustration, and I'm "FRUSTRATED" LOL! If this keeps happening like it did in August, we just eat off site. We did this at Shulas's, the Garden Grove, and Kimono's all with a $25.00 coupon that I had for which cost me $2.00 each! I'm not going to pay $36.00 at Trails End for Chicken and Macaroni and peel and eat shrimp!

Okay, off my soapbox!

Thanks
Brunette

Totally agree, I was just trying to be very fair.

Personally, I am so frustrated I am really not sure I am going to go next month.
This will be the first F&W festival I will have missed in a long time.
Food was half the reason I went in the past and even the F&W festival has become the same thing every year.

Unfortunately Disney could care less if I go or not, they have told me this many times, and as long as people go and accept it it will not change.

 

[Carrie772]

The quality of the QS locations is actually quite good if you know where to eat.

Horning in folks. Sorry, but I can't PM you Tony. Can you name a few of these QS locales that you are fond of? There are a few that I adore, but I am always open for suggestions!

 

[Planogirl]

^
Hi Tony! Well, I agree food prices have gone up. But when you buy in "bulk" which any restaurant does, I doubt it would go up to nearly 50 percent. How can they charge the same price for a restaurant such as BOMA vs. Trails End? There just isn't a comparison.

But you are right, the DDP is causing a lot of this frustration, and I'm "FRUSTRATED" LOL! If this keeps happening like it did in August, we just eat off site. We did this at Shulas's, the Garden Grove, and Kimono's all with a $25.00 coupon that I had for which cost me $2.00 each! I'm not going to pay $36.00 at Trails End for Chicken and Macaroni and peel and eat shrimp!

Okay, off my soapbox!

Thanks
Brunette

Trail's End used to be one of WDW's rare bargains and we loved going over there. At this price we won't be going back.

Price is what a lot of people don't think about. The DDP doesn't work for us financially so we pay out of pocket. Buffet prices are particularly outrageous and so not worth the cost. Eating offsite really saves us big bucks and is often tastier too.