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

[klmall]

I'm one of those people who while I haven't been to WDW every year I have been enough to get a feel for what has changed. One comment I want to make is that some things at Disney are always in need of paint or replacement or whatever; it's a matter of what you notice! For those who don't think so, here's a picture of someone I traveled with in 1979 sitting on a fountain in the MK that obviously is cracked and peeling and needs painting:

And yes, prices have gone up quite a bit for resort rooms; from straight seasonal room pricing structure to weekday versus weekend day and promotional prices carrying over into another season to not doing so and so on. Disney has closed almost all loopholes for getting a discount room; almost all! And yes, free dining is not a good deal for most people who want a deluxe resort room; a discount is better and we never could eat the way the dining plans work! But, Disney is a company and companies are businesses and they obviously still do something well or we wouldn't keep coming back!

Do I, the consumer, vacation only at Disney (like some on these boards)? Absolutely NOT! I make an educated choice and vacation only at Disney when I can get discounts and feel that the trade-off of $$$ and experience is worthwhile. Other vacations are spent at beautiful beaches, national parks and historical places. Consequently, I do not obsess over what or what not Disney does from day to day other than to determine how it might affect my trip planning. I control my vacations; not Disney!

 

[mommycrawford]

Since the only downhill that I can not respond in a way as to avoid is: less then helpful/kind CMs...If I don't like a restaurant, or think prices are inflated, I don't have to go to them. When I need help or have questions, I do expect the staff to be nice about stuff....I know it is hot, and that they have dealt with cranky people over the course of the day, but I want to be treated with the same courtesy that I show them...more importantly, I want them to be kind to children who approach them about something!

NOT Disney controlled downhill: thoughtless guests! This immediate gratification (read SELFISH,) texting while walking (read SOCIALLY SELFINTERESTED,) culture that is proliferating everything, makes enjoying the parks harder! Everyone loves a short line, to get somewhere quickly, a seat on the busses, meeting characters, but it is horrible (TO ME) to see how detatched guests can be about other guests....line cutting and pushing, snarky comments about people in wheelchairs, being rude to parade watchers who have waited for a long time for their view, families letting their children attack your table when characters approach. uh...turns?

This seems very venty, but really, I just want EVERYONE to have a great trip!

 

[Planogirl]

Hi Pirate Jeff!

I've noticed the same comments and it's interesting to watch the discussions. None of the latest really affects us but I can imagine why some of it could be annoying. It still blows my mind when I think about how we use to stay at the Polynesian Resort. It's so expensive!

 

[cdgrill]

The main issue I've had ever since we last went to WDW 2 years ago was the customer service from cast members. We stayed at the Polynesian and were less than impressed with them. After that experience we'll never stay at deluxe accommodations again. This year we're trying Ft. Wilderness cabins for the very first time. I'm hoping for a better experience for us this time.

 

[SRM1981]

Do you know who “ruined” Disney? It was us, we the same people who pledge allegiance to the Mouse every year.

So the food sucks? Let me ask this, what is the current population of people with allergies? I would be willing to bet that the number has more than doubled from even 10 years ago. Years ago, if you couldn’t eat something on the menu you simply didn’t eat at that restaurant. Now we DEMAND the Chef come to our table to prepare a special meal for us. And if it is not to our standards – we complain. Tell me how you can run a restaurant if Timmy won’t eat steak, Mary can’t have her plate near nuts and little Billy is allergic to dairy but really wants a pizza. The result is dumbed down, bland food. Food so spiceless that it couldn’t possibly offended or “kill” anyone.

Dirty parks can be related directly to dirty people. If I destroyed a toilet, I would be mortified. You better believe I would clean it. I would also get smacked if I dropped something on the ground. How can Disney keep up with 10,000 slobs every day? And if a CM called out a special snowflake – you guessed it the parents would complain.

My main difference is that I never believed Disney to be this magical place. It is a Corporation designed to relieve you of your money.

 

[StitchSpawn]

Since the only downhill that I can not respond in a way as to avoid is: less then helpful/kind CMs...If I don't like a restaurant, or think prices are inflated, I don't have to go to them. When I need help or have questions, I do expect the staff to be nice about stuff....I know it is hot, and that they have dealt with cranky people over the course of the day, but I want to be treated with the same courtesy that I show them...more importantly, I want them to be kind to children who approach them about something!

NOT Disney controlled downhill: thoughtless guests! This immediate gratification (read SELFISH,) texting while walking (read SOCIALLY SELFINTERESTED,) culture that is proliferating everything, makes enjoying the parks harder! Everyone loves a short line, to get somewhere quickly, a seat on the busses, meeting characters, but it is horrible (TO ME) to see how detatched guests can be about other guests....line cutting and pushing, snarky comments about people in wheelchairs, being rude to parade watchers who have waited for a long time for their view, families letting their children attack your table when characters approach. uh...turns?

This seems very venty, but really, I just want EVERYONE to have a great trip!

I totally agree. It's a combination of a self-interested society and not being taught manners. Not thinking about the CM's view (I have had a few bad CM experiences, but the great ones make up for it, and I'm always kind to them, they have tough jobs and don't get paid much.) or the other guests.

It's also that MOST guests still don't do much planning, they show up at 11am, don't know the show or parade schedules, don't make any ADR's or know which places are better to eat than others, don't know how to tour the 'World' and end up in hour long wait lines. Then they complain...

I was there in May and I was SO surprised how many people didn't even know Toontown was closed. I just kept thinking, "your paying thousands of dollars to be here and you didn't even do any research....REALLY o.0" They didn't understand FP or know there was a restaurant in the castle. Oh, and my favorite was the giant crowds after fireworks, everyone thought in would be a smooth QUICK transition out of the park....LOLOLOLOL...ya, 1000's of ppl in one area all trying to get to their hotel b/c the park was closing....SURE...I watched via Casey's Corner.

 

[crashbb]

Fourth, the Disney Refillable mug issue. Let me just preface and say these mugs used to be the size of a large BIG GULP, now they're, what, 8 - 12 ounces. So, now Disney wants to put restrictions on the mugs?

My mug (from January 2011) holds 500mL of water - so about 16.9oz.

 

[brunette8706]

My mug (from January 2011) holds 500mL of water - so about 16.9oz.

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Hmmmm. I remember getting a mug that was at least 32 ounces. So, essentially the mug container has been cut in half.

Hi Pirate Jeff. Hope things are doing well for you. I can't believe the monorail cutback either. That would really get me p'od, to pay top premium for a monorail resort, only knowing that I have to take a bus or boat back to my hotel. It is ridiculous.

 

[brunette8706]

In my experience when staying Club Level that's not true. The foods they put out for breakfast and in the evening has always been replaced when it's almost out right until the time it's to be taken away. For example in December 2010 when staying Club Level at the Boardwalk Inn they replaced some of their dessert items at 9:50 PM, when they are to be taken away at 10:00 PM since that's when the lounge closes for the evening. So I was surprised they replaced they did that given what the time was.

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Hi CR Resort Fan 4 Life!

Thanks for posting about this. I have read on other theads that they have reduced food offerings. I believe this was at the Polynesian and Grand Floridian (I THINK).

Anyway, it's good to know this about the Boardwalk Inn. I know you stay at the Contemporary Resort a lot also. Have you seen any cut backs there?

Thank you!
Brunette

 

[kdawg8762]

I agree with the OP on this one. Disney trys to squeeze you for every last cent.Yeah they need to make money,but don't gouge.Disney world is a very profitable business!What drives the most crazy is to hear people on here defend alot of these ridiculous price increases.I often wonder if these same people defended the oil companies when gas was over $4.00 a gallon and BP and others had record profits? Hey after all they need to make a profit too!I personally think disney needs a little more in the way of business ethics and integrity.I don't hold alot of hope for it though,seeing the new housing development going up for the mega wealthy right on disney property. I think disney has slipped alot recently and hope someone in upper management soon rights the ship!!

So many problems here.....

1) You have a choice, so in and of itself, WDW can't price gouge.
2) Do you know anything about the difference between profit and profit margin?
3) Problems with business ethics? How, because you want more for your money? I understand not liking a place and thinking it has gone down hill, but to call it a ethical problem is a bit far.
4) Finally, we boil down to it, the problem with the housing development for those who have more wealth....wealth envy...i get it. Forget the fact that they have resort properties, clean and well maintained, that cater to all levels of income (to some extent) lets get mad because they are doing something for people who have a large disposable income.

 

[Tiger926]

Hey Friends!

Wow, I have been reading the posts lately here on the board, and I just had to chime in here again. First let me say I hope everyone is having a great summer, and everyone is having fun on their vacation(s).

Second, I just read about the monorail cutting back after the EMHs. This just floors me especially for the people that are staying on the monorail resorts. Isn't that what you guys are paying for? GEEZ.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2755740


Third, it looks like the Brazilian tour groups are back in action. I just read on the board that they are being disruptive with their arm in arm link, chanting, and being noisey at 2 a.m. in their hotel room. Shouldn't these type of behaviors be addressed?

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2760166


Fourth, the Disney Refillable mug issue. Let me just preface and say these mugs used to be the size of a large BIG GULP, now they're, what, 8 - 12 ounces. So, now Disney wants to put restrictions on the mugs?

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2759321


To me this is becoming ridiculous. Disney is now trying to nickel and dime people.

Lastly, we all love Disney, but it just seems year after year they cut back more and more!

What are your thoughts??

1. Monorail - I am not going to go crazy about this - why assume it's because Disney wants to save money? Why not assume that it is for safety reasons?

2. Brazilian tour groups - I will not comment on this. I have been to Disney in July for the past 10 years for 2 weeks straight. They, just like all other large groups (tons of family reunions in the summer too), have every right to be there. I have never had any major problems with them at the parks at all. We are DVC, so we don't stay at Value Resorts, so I don't have experience with that. It's just like Pop Warner and Cheerleaders - when you have large groups of kids together, watch out! I'm a highschool teacher, so I experience with overnight field trips and stuff. It does take good leaders and chaperones, but if indeed there are issues, than I would hope Disney handles them properly, just as they should with any guest who is disrupting or causing chaos for others.

3. Mugs - It's about time they did this. I have seen people fill up items besides mugs. People have this mentality that they have paid a mint for their vacation, so it's ok to rip off Disney, and number two, that because Disney makes billions of dollars (who cares if they get the syrup for free?), they can rip them off. These kinds of programs seek to make things more fair and it's a way for the company not to pass on those savings to the rest of us. So, once the pilot is over, I am interested in reading if it was positive or not.

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Hi CR Resort Fan 4 Life!

Thanks for posting about this. I have read on other theads that they have reduced food offerings. I believe this was at the Polynesian and Grand Floridian (I THINK).

Anyway, it's good to know this about the Boardwalk Inn. I know you stay at the Contemporary Resort a lot also. Have you seen any cut backs there?

Thank you!
Brunette

Hey, Brunette!

I just wanted to say it depends where you stay - the concierge department at Contemporary is phenomenal, whereas we found at Yacht Club not so great at all. The lounge was in need of refurbishment (scratches, broken chairs), and nothing was replenished properly at all. They only put out a few things, and said that was it! They also wouldn't let hubby come down to take some water back to our room. We had just come back from swimming at Stormalong Bay, so I took kids to our room, and hubby made a quick stop at lounge, but they wouldn't let him take any to room. We had to dry off kids and all make an appearance down there. We would never stay concierge there again, but wouldn't not hesitate to at Contemporary.

Tiger

 

[penguinmickdis1]

I don't think it has gone down hill. But I think it has been homogenized.

 

[kdawg8762]

Do you know who “ruined” Disney? It was us, we the same people who pledge allegiance to the Mouse every year.

So the food sucks? Let me ask this, what is the current population of people with allergies? I would be willing to bet that the number has more than doubled from even 10 years ago. Years ago, if you couldn’t eat something on the menu you simply didn’t eat at that restaurant. Now we DEMAND the Chef come to our table to prepare a special meal for us. And if it is not to our standards – we complain. Tell me how you can run a restaurant if Timmy won’t eat steak, Mary can’t have her plate near nuts and little Billy is allergic to dairy but really wants a pizza. The result is dumbed down, bland food. Food so spiceless that it couldn’t possibly offended or “kill” anyone.

Dirty parks can be related directly to dirty people. If I destroyed a toilet, I would be mortified. You better believe I would clean it. I would also get smacked if I dropped something on the ground. How can Disney keep up with 10,000 slobs every day? And if a CM called out a special snowflake – you guessed it the parents would complain.

My main difference is that I never believed Disney to be this magical place. It is a Corporation designed to relieve you of your money.

Disagree and agree. I think Disney can be magical and relieve people of money, thats what it does, it fosters a transaction.

I do agree with the whole food thing though. People with so many "allergies" and wanting special accomodations for their kids. Saw in another thread someone was complaing because their kid will only eat specific cut (not toppings, the way the thing is cut) pizza. When i was young, and i ain't that old, if we didn't like the food mom and pop made or the restaurant made, mom and pop told us to suck it up and not eat then.

 

[brunette8706]

Hey, Brunette!

I just wanted to say it depends where you stay - the concierge department at Contemporary is phenomenal, whereas we found at Yacht Club not so great at all. The lounge was in need of refurbishment (scratches, broken chairs), and nothing was replenished properly at all. They only put out a few things, and said that was it! They also wouldn't let hubby come down to take some water back to our room. We had just come back from swimming at Stormalong Bay, so I took kids to our room, and hubby made a quick stop at lounge, but they wouldn't let him take any to room. We had to dry off kids and all make an appearance down there. We would never stay concierge there again, but wouldn't not hesitate to at Contemporary.

Tiger

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Hi Tiger!
I was reading a post of yours somewhere. It was something to the affect of cut backs on food portions or something. Anyway, I did agree with what you said on that thread, I just didn't chime in.

This is good to know about the Yacht Club. We stayed there last August and the hotel and room were FANTASTIC!!! My husband and I wanted to check out the concierge level there, but I'm glad you piped in and gave us some insight.

Hope your summer is going GREAT! Miss talking with you.

Brunette

 

[Tiger926]

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Hi Tiger!
I was reading a post of yours somewhere. It was something to the affect of cut backs on food portions or something. Anyway, I did agree with what you said on that thread, I just didn't chime in.

This is good to know about the Yacht Club. We stayed there last August and the hotel and room were FANTASTIC!!! My husband and I wanted to check out the concierge level there, but I'm glad you piped in and gave us some insight.

Hope your summer is going GREAT! Miss talking with you.

Brunette

Hey! I am currently getting ready to leave for Disney at end of week, but hubby is at hospital getting medical tests. A bit worried about him and our trip, so I'm on here trying to take my mind off of that...

I should have said we haven't stayed at Yacht Club in a few years, so perhaps it's better? We just found their policies and maintenance to be very different than Contemporary, but perhaps it's better now?

Summer is going ok, just waiting on those test results for hubby. Please send us pixie dust that we can leave for our trip without any worries about his health!

Tiger

 

[udsweetpea]

I came on here a few years ago and complained a little about how apparent it had become that Disney was just about the money. I always knew, obviously, that Disney was a business, but in the past few years, it's so obvious.

I was a server at Disney, and nothing Disney did was ever right in the eyes of the Guest. For example, people wanted healthier kids items on the buffet, so they took away chicken nuggets. You would not believe the amount of children who could only eat chicken nuggets for every meal of the day every day.

They just can't win.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

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Hi CR Resort Fan 4 Life!

Thanks for posting about this. I have read on other theads that they have reduced food offerings. I believe this was at the Polynesian and Grand Floridian (I THINK).

Anyway, it's good to know this about the Boardwalk Inn. I know you stay at the Contemporary Resort a lot also. Have you seen any cut backs there?

Thank you!
Brunette

In my recent Club Level stays ay the Contemporary I have not seen any cut backs over there. For example last August they added a fridge in their lounge for their drinks and bottles of Beer, so why would they spend the $ on one and adding the Contemporary logo on the fridge door if they were having cut backs.

 

[brunette8706]

In my recent Club Level stays ay the Contemporary I have not seen any cut backs over there. For example last August they added a fridge in their lounge for their drinks and bottles of Beer, so why would they spend the $ on one and adding the Contemporary logo on the fridge door if they were having cut backs.

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I don't understand your last question.

 

[brunette8706]

Hey! I am currently getting ready to leave for Disney at end of week, but hubby is at hospital getting medical tests. A bit worried about him and our trip, so I'm on here trying to take my mind off of that...

I should have said we haven't stayed at Yacht Club in a few years, so perhaps it's better? We just found their policies and maintenance to be very different than Contemporary, but perhaps it's better now?

Summer is going ok, just waiting on those test results for hubby. Please send us pixie dust that we can leave for our trip without any worries about his health!

Tiger

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OH geez, I certainly hope you husband gets better. Sending good thoughts and prayers your way. Let me know how your trip was, I'll be waiting to here about your report.

Good to know about the CR. The only thing I did not like at the CR was we thought the hotel itself was a bit "sterile". The rooms were great and the view was really nice, over looking MK.

Thanks for your input.

Brunette

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

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I don't understand your last question.

What I meant was why would the Contemporary spend the $ to add a fridge into the Atrium Club Level lounge, if they were supposed to having cut backs of the food offerings and etc which isn't true.

I also forgot to mention I personally know someone that works in the Bakery of the Contemporary that makes foods for their Club Level floor and he told me personally there was never any plans to reduce the amount of foods which get served up there.