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

[lilmissdisney216]

As a former CM I would like to share my input on this topic.

I couldn't believe how many frowning faces I would say out in the parks and backstage. Some CMs truly looked like they couldn't stand being at work. They would even talk about their woes and issues with the company in complete earshot of guests. Granted I know that not everyone is perfect but still there's some things that should be kept for backstage.

Needless to say I've noticed how much Disney has changed its one of the shocking things to me. When I visited in 1998, it was so much more "magical" to me. It felt more like the CMs were playing into their storylines better and they seemed happy to be there and their happiness was genuine. Its elements like those that you just hope to never forget and you hope to not have those things change.

Now that I've been a CM and heard from those who have been with the company 20+ years and have THEM even say "it never used to be this way". We all understand that economy is rough and lots of buisnesses have to make up for their revenue somewhere but still it shouldn't involve taking away from the guests and especially their employees. Half the time, some of us were so upset because management would turn a blind eye or even a deaf ear towards our feedback. Perfect example, we had an issue with shoes in my location where they were COMPLETELY out of shoes in the most popular size and therefore we were putting jasmine shoes with a sleeping beauty dress. Granted places run out of merchandise but when they run out they usually have a supplemental shoe to offer the guests instead. We had NOTHING. I think what the management and higher ups have realized that unhappy cast members can sometimes make for unhappy guests. That energy is like a telephone wire, its transferred all around and people pick up on that. It was so disappointing to see so many getting away with so much and no one would blink an eye but when someone else would break the same rule, there was repramaind after repramaind for that person.

What I'm really trying to say is that it all starts with us, the cast members. If you do your best to make us happy, in turn it will make the guests more happy. it all starts with us.

*steps off the soapbox* Hope that made sense at least a little bit. Sorry if I may have confused anyone.

Meredith

 

[HadesTX]

From someone from the '70s. Those who did not see the quality of the '70s can't appreciate the huge decline. We are now approaching the same levels of Six Flags and if that's the case why bother to go to WDW when you can go to a Six Flags that is closer.

WDW is not even near the low level of Six Flags Over Texas. Not sure if the other Six Flags parks are much nicer than ours, I would hope so...

DH has been going to WDW since the 70's & I have since the 80's. Maybe we have blinders on, but we had nothing from our last three vacations that made us think it wasn't as good as it always was. Hopefully that won't change for us.

 

[GrillMouster]

I still love WDW and will be visiting for a week later this year.

 

[Tiger926]

Tiger I did not say the fantasyland expansion would be a flop.I said I thought it would do alright.If you look at what I said it basically was a way of saying I hope disney wasn't wasting 500 million dollars,not predicting a flop.I also really don't know how you can determine tone from words on a computer screen.I obviously think you misjudged mine!

Sorry, you said you hoped that the expansion wasn't a flop, so that's not optimistic to me at all. As an optimist, that thought hasn't even crossed my mine...Anyway, wasn't my intention to upset you or anything. I do apologize. By the way, I am a Special Education English teacher, so I can infer tone from a message board, and so I do approach responses a bit differently. Sorry! Sometimes it's not just one message, but an accumulation of messages that speaks about a person's feelings on a particular topic.

Thanks for your thoughts, as it's obvious you really care for Disney.

I feel as thought there has been a shift in the mentality of those running the Disney company. There used to be a sense of mutual respect, where Disney was generous to its guests and the guests returned the favor by being generous back to Disney. Now Disney seems to want everything that it does for the guests to be DIRECTLY tied to money back in Disney's pocket.

Eisner was no angel, but I think he "got it". He understood that Disney should INVEST in giving guests an exceptional experience, and that investment would EVENTUALLY pay dividends through repeat visits, more money spent voluntarily, and word-of-mouth referrals to friends & families. While I give Iger props for making Pixar part of the Disney family, he comes across as just a businessman trying to make as much money for the shareholders as possible. I'm a capitalist, and see nothing wrong with businesses trying to make a buck. However, that stuff should be invisible to the consumer, and, unfortunately, at the moment it's not. It's all too apparent. The veil of Disney as an experience is becoming too transparent, and the machinations are becoming too obvious.

People keep visiting and spending, so the company keeps going along its current path. We Disneyphiles are so in love with what Disney used to be that we keep going back, and I feel like the current Disney is taking advantage of us and our fanatical nature. They don't appreciate me, they appreciate my wallet. Maybe they never appreciated me, but at least they made me feel like they did, and as long as that was the case I was glad to reward them with my money. Now, it's closer to being just a transaction.

These "Is Disney Going Downhill" threads pop up all the time, and I try to avoid them, thinking that they're full of complainers and whiners. However, here I am...sucked into the conversation. I don't want to be completely negative. The fact is, I still enjoy WDW immensely. Most of the company's theme park and travel divisions still put the guest experience at the forefront. I think that Walt, the executives, imagineers, and CMs to date have built something so exceptional that the current management bean-counters can't completely change the overall positive perception of Disney in short time. If Disney had never existed and the current management team were to attempt to build WDW from scratch today, there is NO WAY that they could succeed, as they lack the VISION and UNDERSTANDING that made Disney the indelible institution that it is today.

I will say something in defense of the current Disney management. They're dealing with a different type of marketplace, one that tries hard to turn every product and service into a commodity. Some call it the "Wal-Mart Mentality". People are becoming accustomed to receiving little or no customer service in exchange for a low price or convenience. Disney is trying to capitalize on that commodity mindset, and in the process is in danger of making itself less special.

I don't think Disney has gone downhill. I think it has lost its focus at the top. To a very small degree some of that "lost focus" has trickled down, but overall, Disney is still a great place. The Imagineers and the vast majority of CMs are doing a fantastic job of keeping Disney spirit alive and sharing it with guests.

I like this post!

As a former CM I would like to share my input on this topic.

I couldn't believe how many frowning faces I would say out in the parks and backstage. Some CMs truly looked like they couldn't stand being at work. They would even talk about their woes and issues with the company in complete earshot of guests. Granted I know that not everyone is perfect but still there's some things that should be kept for backstage.

Needless to say I've noticed how much Disney has changed its one of the shocking things to me. When I visited in 1998, it was so much more "magical" to me. It felt more like the CMs were playing into their storylines better and they seemed happy to be there and their happiness was genuine. Its elements like those that you just hope to never forget and you hope to not have those things change.

Now that I've been a CM and heard from those who have been with the company 20+ years and have THEM even say "it never used to be this way". We all understand that economy is rough and lots of buisnesses have to make up for their revenue somewhere but still it shouldn't involve taking away from the guests and especially their employees. Half the time, some of us were so upset because management would turn a blind eye or even a deaf ear towards our feedback. Perfect example, we had an issue with shoes in my location where they were COMPLETELY out of shoes in the most popular size and therefore we were putting jasmine shoes with a sleeping beauty dress. Granted places run out of merchandise but when they run out they usually have a supplemental shoe to offer the guests instead. We had NOTHING. I think what the management and higher ups have realized that unhappy cast members can sometimes make for unhappy guests. That energy is like a telephone wire, its transferred all around and people pick up on that. It was so disappointing to see so many getting away with so much and no one would blink an eye but when someone else would break the same rule, there was repramaind after repramaind for that person.

What I'm really trying to say is that it all starts with us, the cast members. If you do your best to make us happy, in turn it will make the guests more happy. it all starts with us.

*steps off the soapbox* Hope that made sense at least a little bit. Sorry if I may have confused anyone.

Meredith

Thanks for sharing your thoughts as a frontline employee. I know that we do our very best to give out smiles and thanks for all that CMs do for us while at WDW!

Of course FA will not fail, it will bring additional charm to MK but will it bring new customers to Disney as WWOHP did, probably not, because it is extention of what we already have and it oriented on little girls, mostly who already go with their parents anyway.
As for Avatar vs. WWOHP, Avatar got more potential in my opinion IF AND ONLY IF executed Cameron way and not Disney way(Prince of Caspia). While WWOHP brings die hard fans, and if you are not a fan you may find it plain dark and depressing setting, Avatar will not need fans, while it may pick some with new movies. It can have amazing success based strictly on a beauty of Pandora and technology they may use to create area. And again if virtual reality will be used, it will bring younger generation who actually Universal fans. Since project is so far away, I expect Disney will not release any details till much later, they need to make a splash. And I also assume that Universal is getting a heart attack now and probably working on plans for WWOHP expansion as lets be realistic, they only brought 1 new ride.
Anyway, we have to be greatful to Universal as it pushed Disney to new levels, creating areas and not just ride, something they could and should do years ago with Star Wars. And while Disney and Universal try to top each other, we win.


I understand you comparing Disney tickets to sports events and others but this comparison only works for Florida residents, I mean day guests. For anyone else who travels strictly for Disney, we cannot ignore total price. And this is a totally different story from movies and sports events. I am not saying that they have to let us in for free but when they raise prices every year, adding new fees here and there while cutting on service it is what I would call "nickel and diming". Still Disney is a great value, no doubts here but it is less value then it used to be just few years ago.

The comparison is very valid for me, and whether or not one is a Florida resident has no bearing on my comparison. Let me explain...the events or products I mentioned are overpriced and of no value to me; therefore, I find much more value in a Disney ticket, then a 30 mins manicure that costs $35.00 plus tax/tip, or a 2 hour hockey game that costs $85.00 ticket, plus parking, etc. I feel I get much more value at Disney, then those items that I mentioned, that roughly cost the same as a 1 day Disney ticket.

Sure, it would be nice if the tickets cost less, but it would be nice if gas, food and clothing cost less too. Everything goes up in cost, and so everyone has a limit as to when enough is enough. We aren't there yet, so for us, Disney is a pretty good value, considering it's multiple parks with shows/attractions as part of that price. I am only looking at the entertainment costs here. Of course there may be transportation and accommodations, which is why you mentioned day guests. I get that a trip to Disney has additional costs, but so do most other vacations too. I was just speaking about the entertainment aspect to it, but of course families have to consider all costs when travelling to Disney, and I still say for what you get, it's not a bad vacation deal at all. I know people who spend thousands to sit on a beach, walk around New York or skiing in the mountains. I feel I get good value for the activities that Disney provides to my family.

Tiger

 

[lugnut33]

I don't think it's "funny" at all that you CHECKED IN TO A CLEAN ROOM. It's supposed to be clean when you check in!! That doesn't change the fact that we checked in to a room that hadn't been cleaned at all from the previous guest. We're talking "surprises" in the toilet.

Speaking of toilets, the bathrooms in the parks used to be immaculate...no tp on the floors, no over flowing trash pins, no spray on the seats, etc. b/c there was almost always an attendant on top of it. I'm not saying the bathrooms are always nasty all the time, I'm saying they are definitely not as clean as they used to be.

The agrument here is not whether or not you like WDW or enjoy the resorts. I will probably always love both. The discussion here is whether or not things are sliding.

I'd be really curious to know how long people posting here have been WDW visitors. I have a feeling that those of us who were there in the 70's, would say it's declined. For those who have been going from the 90's forward, you may not notice as much.

Sorry, but this has nothing at all to do with entitlement. It's a valid comparison of how the "World" has changed.

If I got a room that wasn't cleaned I would just ask for a new one because they made a mistake. Honestly, in the last 8 years that we have been religiously vacationing at WDW (I went there previous to that also, but wasn't a freak back then) I have NOT had a bad room or a screw-up when it comes to the room. I know, I've been lucky.

I have not run into a bad castmember, though I'm sure they exist. Then again I try to be over the top nice to all of them because they ARE busting their buts out there. I totally appreciate all the cast members. We have even filled out cast member appreciation cards at City Hall.

My point was that as we get older we have a tendancy to look back at the "good ol' days". All older people talk about that, I guess it's just human nature.

And in a sense it is about entitlement. How many threads have you seen here about people wanting to get towel animals in their rooms, and then are upset when they don't? Oh, I remember the good ol' days when everybody got a towel animal. Ummm, no they didn't. Back in the 70's you might see a palmetto bug in your room and you'd be happy.

A Disney vacation is partly what you make it.

 

[flicx]

I feel as though there has been a shift in the mentality of those running the Disney company. There used to be a sense of mutual respect, where Disney was generous to its guests and the guests returned the favor by being generous back to Disney. Now Disney seems to want everything that it does for the guests to be DIRECTLY tied to money back in Disney's pocket.

Eisner was no angel, but I think he "got it". He understood that Disney should INVEST in giving guests an exceptional experience, and that investment would EVENTUALLY pay dividends through repeat visits, more money spent voluntarily, and word-of-mouth referrals to friends & families. While I give Iger props for making Pixar part of the Disney family, he comes across as just a businessman trying to make as much money for the shareholders as possible. I'm a capitalist, and see nothing wrong with businesses trying to make a buck. However, that stuff should be invisible to the consumer, and, unfortunately, at the moment it's not. It's all too apparent. The veil of Disney as an experience is becoming too transparent, and the machinations are becoming too obvious.

People keep visiting and spending, so the company keeps going along its current path. We Disneyphiles are so in love with what Disney used to be that we keep going back, and I feel like the current Disney is taking advantage of us and our fanatical nature. They don't appreciate me, they appreciate my wallet. Maybe they never appreciated me, but at least they made me feel like they did, and as long as that was the case I was glad to reward them with my money. Now, it's closer to being just a transaction.

These "Is Disney Going Downhill" threads pop up all the time, and I try to avoid them, thinking that they're full of complainers and whiners. However, here I am...sucked into the conversation. I don't want to be completely negative. The fact is, I still enjoy WDW immensely. Most of the company's theme park and travel divisions still put the guest experience at the forefront. I think that Walt, the executives, imagineers, and CMs to date have built something so exceptional that the current management bean-counters can't completely change the overall positive perception of Disney in short time. If Disney had never existed and the current management team were to attempt to build WDW from scratch today, there is NO WAY that they could succeed, as they lack the VISION and UNDERSTANDING that made Disney the indelible institution that it is today.

I will say something in defense of the current Disney management. They're dealing with a different type of marketplace, one that tries hard to turn every product and service into a commodity. Some call it the "Wal-Mart Mentality". People are becoming accustomed to receiving little or no customer service in exchange for a low price or convenience. Disney is trying to capitalize on that commodity mindset, and in the process is in danger of making itself less special.

I don't think Disney has gone downhill. I think it has lost its focus at the top. To a very small degree some of that "lost focus" has trickled down, but overall, Disney is still a great place. The Imagineers and the vast majority of CMs are doing a fantastic job of keeping Disney spirit alive and sharing it with guests.

Very well put,nice post!

 

[MikeSF]

Speaking of toilets, the bathrooms in the parks used to be immaculate...no tp on the floors, no over flowing trash pins, no spray on the seats, etc. b/c there was almost always an attendant on top of it. I'm not saying the bathrooms are always nasty all the time, I'm saying they are definitely not as clean as they used to be.

Out of everything to do with any amusement park (or place of work), this is my biggest gripe. To be perfectly honest too, I don't blame the attendants as much as I blame the people who apparently were raised without proper common sense instilled in them. A toilet seat is supposed to be a place to sit upon, it is NOT a challenge of your accuracy! I understand some might be shy about how peeing in public, but for gods sake lift the lid... with your foot if you're a germaphobe (who ironically won't wash your hands afterwards)

I've only been to DW once a LONG time ago, but in my trips to DL I have noticed that every time I've need a "sit down" the toilets have been immaculate.

 

[SevenSeasLagoon5]

If I got a room that wasn't cleaned I would just ask for a new one because they made a mistake. Honestly, in the last 8 years that we have been religiously vacationing at WDW (I went there previous to that also, but wasn't a freak back then) I have NOT had a bad room or a screw-up when it comes to the room. I know, I've been lucky.

I have not run into a bad castmember, though I'm sure they exist. Then again I try to be over the top nice to all of them because they ARE busting their buts out there. I totally appreciate all the cast members. We have even filled out cast member appreciation cards at City Hall.

My point was that as we get older we have a tendancy to look back at the "good ol' days". All older people talk about that, I guess it's just human nature.

And in a sense it is about entitlement. How many threads have you seen here about people wanting to get towel animals in their rooms, and then are upset when they don't? Oh, I remember the good ol' days when everybody got a towel animal. Ummm, no they didn't. Back in the 70's you might see a palmetto bug in your room and you'd be happy.

A Disney vacation is partly what you make it.

Ummmm.....We did ask for a new room, but there weren't any, which is why we were promised a VIP cleaning immediately.

Never said I didn't appreciate CM's. As far as cleaning attendants - if anyone's to blame, it's Disney management regarding that.

Not sure why you're comparing your comments about entitlement related to this thread vs. those on other threads? Nobody here has said anything about towel animals in the 70's. Again, this thread has nothing to do with entitlement. It's about the debate of whether or not WDW is going downhill. A vacation IS what you make it, and as I stated earlier, I will always love WDW and our vacations there. It has nothing to do with "the good 'ol days". It's an observation about how the service isn't at all what it used to be.

 

[SevenSeasLagoon5]

These "Is Disney Going Downhill" threads pop up all the time, and I try to avoid them, thinking that they're full of complainers and whiners. However, here I am...sucked into the conversation. I don't want to be completely negative. The fact is, I still enjoy WDW immensely. Most of the company's theme park and travel divisions still put the guest experience at the forefront. I think that Walt, the executives, imagineers, and CMs to date have built something so exceptional that the current management bean-counters can't completely change the overall positive perception of Disney in short time. If Disney had never existed and the current management team were to attempt to build WDW from scratch today, there is NO WAY that they could succeed, as they lack the VISION and UNDERSTANDING that made Disney the indelible institution that it is today.

I will say something in defense of the current Disney management. They're dealing with a different type of marketplace, one that tries hard to turn every product and service into a commodity. Some call it the "Wal-Mart Mentality". People are becoming accustomed to receiving little or no customer service in exchange for a low price or convenience. Disney is trying to capitalize on that commodity mindset, and in the process is in danger of making itself less special.

.

 

[brunette8706]

I feel as though there has been a shift in the mentality of those running the Disney company. There used to be a sense of mutual respect, where Disney was generous to its guests and the guests returned the favor by being generous back to Disney. Now Disney seems to want everything that it does for the guests to be DIRECTLY tied to money back in Disney's pocket.

Eisner was no angel, but I think he "got it". He understood that Disney should INVEST in giving guests an exceptional experience, and that investment would EVENTUALLY pay dividends through repeat visits, more money spent voluntarily, and word-of-mouth referrals to friends & families. While I give Iger props for making Pixar part of the Disney family, he comes across as just a businessman trying to make as much money for the shareholders as possible. I'm a capitalist, and see nothing wrong with businesses trying to make a buck. However, that stuff should be invisible to the consumer, and, unfortunately, at the moment it's not. It's all too apparent. The veil of Disney as an experience is becoming too transparent, and the machinations are becoming too obvious.

People keep visiting and spending, so the company keeps going along its current path. We Disneyphiles are so in love with what Disney used to be that we keep going back, and I feel like the current Disney is taking advantage of us and our fanatical nature. They don't appreciate me, they appreciate my wallet. Maybe they never appreciated me, but at least they made me feel like they did, and as long as that was the case I was glad to reward them with my money. Now, it's closer to being just a transaction.

These "Is Disney Going Downhill" threads pop up all the time, and I try to avoid them, thinking that they're full of complainers and whiners. However, here I am...sucked into the conversation. I don't want to be completely negative. The fact is, I still enjoy WDW immensely. Most of the company's theme park and travel divisions still put the guest experience at the forefront. I think that Walt, the executives, imagineers, and CMs to date have built something so exceptional that the current management bean-counters can't completely change the overall positive perception of Disney in short time. If Disney had never existed and the current management team were to attempt to build WDW from scratch today, there is NO WAY that they could succeed, as they lack the VISION and UNDERSTANDING that made Disney the indelible institution that it is today.

I will say something in defense of the current Disney management. They're dealing with a different type of marketplace, one that tries hard to turn every product and service into a commodity. Some call it the "Wal-Mart Mentality". People are becoming accustomed to receiving little or no customer service in exchange for a low price or convenience. Disney is trying to capitalize on that commodity mindset, and in the process is in danger of making itself less special.

I don't think Disney has gone downhill. I think it has lost its focus at the top. To a very small degree some of that "lost focus" has trickled down, but overall, Disney is still a great place. The Imagineers and the vast majority of CMs are doing a fantastic job of keeping Disney spirit alive and sharing it with guests.

 

[brunette8706]

Hey, Brunette! Today is Canadian Thanksgiving, so I have a few minutes to respond.

I think that on here the posters that are voicing concern are not representative of the larger guest population. We talk about this on the DVC boards often - we are not representative of the larger Disney population at all, so you can't extrapolate that across the over 50 million people who visit WDW yearly, and ascertain that it means most guests are unhappy. On the contrary, most guests are very happy, and that is exactly why WDW has, and will continue to pull services, offer subpar food/service and less maintenance.

The first/only timers will hardly, if ever, notice any of these as concerns like we all do, as we all have been there multiple times, stayed at many resorts, and eaten at pretty much most food places, so tons of comparison and ability to see a decline over the years.

So it's funny to me when people come on our monster thread here and say, I haven't read the whole thread, but I just returned from my first trip to Disney, and it was great, so you all must be complainers! Or something to that effect...No, when you have basis for comparison, as we've talked about many times on this thread, your perspective on the subject will be different.

Which brings me to your new question - are you going to start a new thread about it?
I will answer it briefly - we have experienced or noticed the Disney difference lots of times in our many, many trips. There are different levels of "difference" in my opinion.

We have been the receipient of amazing Disney customer service and caring, most recently in August when we had to cancel our entire trip due to hubby's illness (which I posted about on the boards). They not only cancelled everything for me, but returned DVC points, and paid to have items that I had shipped ahead returned to me in Canada. They did all of this out of the goodness of their hearts...so the Disney difference is alive in special circumstances, as as we have experienced it over the years.

I won't discuss any longer, should you decide to start a new thread, but I do see the Disney difference in other areas, but I have seen a bit of a decline in other areas though.Happy Monday morning to all. As always, a pleasure to chat with you, Tiger

*
HI Tiger! Sorry, I was in a "fog" yesterday and missed your post (the bolded part). Are you asking me if I'm going to start a new DOWNHILL thread, or a Disney Difference thread?

Thanks!
Brunette

 

[Tiger926]

*
HI Tiger! Sorry, I was in a "fog" yesterday and missed your post (the bolded part). Are you asking me if I'm going to start a new DOWNHILL thread, or a Disney Difference thread?

Thanks!
Brunette

Good morning, Brunette!

No worries! I asked if you were going to start a new thread in regards to your new question about the 'Disney Difference'?

Thought that might be interesting to pursue, but I know there have been others like it, but interesting, nonetheless to hear how, why and what makes visitors notice or appreciate the Disney Difference. And for some, it would be about whether that Disney Difference even exists anymore.

Tiger

 

[sewer]

Good morning, Brunette!

No worries! I asked if you were going to start a new thread in regards to your new question about the 'Disney Difference'?

Thought that might be interesting to pursue, but I know there have been others like it, but interesting, nonetheless to hear how, why and what makes visitors notice or appreciate the Disney Difference. And for some, it would be about whether that Disney Difference even exists anymore.

Tiger

Hey Tiger I like your pragmatic approach with regards to this thread , could you start the new thread "The Disney Difference"?

 

[brunette8706]

Hey Tiger I like your pragmatic approach with regards to this thread , could you start the new thread "The Disney Difference"?

*
I agree, she's a much better writer than I am also.

Tiger-

If you would like to start that thread, I think that would be an interesting topic for discussion.

Brunette

 

[KellyNY]

The comparison is very valid for me, and whether or not one is a Florida resident has no bearing on my comparison. Let me explain...the events or products I mentioned are overpriced and of no value to me; therefore, I find much more value in a Disney ticket, then a 30 mins manicure that costs $35.00 plus tax/tip, or a 2 hour hockey game that costs $85.00 ticket, plus parking, etc. I feel I get much more value at Disney, then those items that I mentioned, that roughly cost the same as a 1 day Disney ticket.

Sure, it would be nice if the tickets cost less, but it would be nice if gas, food and clothing cost less too. Everything goes up in cost, and so everyone has a limit as to when enough is enough. We aren't there yet, so for us, Disney is a pretty good value, considering it's multiple parks with shows/attractions as part of that price. I am only looking at the entertainment costs here. Of course there may be transportation and accommodations, which is why you mentioned day guests. I get that a trip to Disney has additional costs, but so do most other vacations too. I was just speaking about the entertainment aspect to it, but of course families have to consider all costs when travelling to Disney, and I still say for what you get, it's not a bad vacation deal at all. I know people who spend thousands to sit on a beach, walk around New York or skiing in the mountains. I feel I get good value for the activities that Disney provides to my family.

Tiger

I am not arguing that everyone has different levels of tolerance to the price increase just like preferences on what to spend money and what worth for them. I argue price increase itself. Granted food, gas, clothes are more expensive now and people pay for that, maybe drive less, buy less and so on but those are needs, not wants. Vacation is a different story, it is strictly wants and in today economy many destinations offer discounts to get people to go. Disney on the other hand raising prices, why? To cover attendance difference. We pay for those who do not come because Disney does not want to take it, not because they struggle.
As for value, if we count how much time we actually spend on rides, shows, and so it will be only few hours, the rest is waiting in line and walking, so it is not much different time wise from sports event which I believe while overpriced, can be justified by many sports fans. However it is different when we have to travel for that, and spend money on hotel, what we do not do for day events.

 

[flicx]

Very valid points Kelly.I also think people overlook some other things when we talk of disney and price and expierience.Doesn't it take away from a guests expierence when you have to eat off site because the price on sit down meals is outrageous? How about when rooms have shot up at such a fast rate that the old (less than a decade) moderate room price is what a deluxe used to cost? Now combine that with alot of the cut backs and it is really a double edged sword!People will only make adjustments/sacrificies for so long then,I think they will get discouraged and give up!

 

[Tiger926]

Hey Tiger I like your pragmatic approach with regards to this thread , could you start the new thread "The Disney Difference"?

*
I agree, she's a much better writer than I am also.

Tiger-

If you would like to start that thread, I think that would be an interesting topic for discussion.

Brunette

Thank you both for your kind words, and vote of confidence. I'm mulling over whether to start a new thread or not...Stay tuned!

I am not arguing that everyone has different levels of tolerance to the price increase just like preferences on what to spend money and what worth for them. I argue price increase itself. Granted food, gas, clothes are more expensive now and people pay for that, maybe drive less, buy less and so on but those are needs, not wants. Vacation is a different story, it is strictly wants and in today economy many destinations offer discounts to get people to go. Disney on the other hand raising prices, why? To cover attendance difference. We pay for those who do not come because Disney does not want to take it, not because they struggle.
As for value, if we count how much time we actually spend on rides, shows, and so it will be only few hours, the rest is waiting in line and walking, so it is not much different time wise from sports event which I believe while overpriced, can be justified by many sports fans. However it is different when we have to travel for that, and spend money on hotel, what we do not do for day events.

We agree about a few things, but disagree on others. Sure a Disney vacation may be expensive to most people, but expensive is very personal. As I said, I find it expensive to pay thousands of dollars for a family to spend a week on the beach, while others find it very valuable and worth it for their family. Like you said, we all have different ways of valuing our time and money.

Maybe I've misunderstood, but you seem to be counting Disney as a day destination, and I don't think that's correct. It is a total destination, just like Las Vegas or Atlantis Bahamas - transportation and lodging are part of many vacations, and so Disney should be compared to those destinations, IMHO. When you compare to those, Disney is reasonable. We have discussed this on the Budget and Theme Park Boards many times - Disney is more affordable than many other family vacation destinations. Sure, it's expensive for many, and tickets are a huge part of the budget, but I look at what I get for those tickets, and I feel there is a lot of value in the multitude of attractions, shows, fireworks, parades and rides that Disney provides. I will admit I am looking forward to the Fantasyland expansion though, as I think the MK needs refreshing!

I am confused about you mentioning that Disney doesn't offer discounts. They have been offering lots of discounts the past few years. They have also been raising prices, but as we've talked about, this seems to serve a psychological purpose - raise menu prices to justify the Dining Plan. Resorts are different, as most hotels we stay at, raise prices each year too, although Disney seems to raise more than normal. How about places like Great Wolf Lodge? People have no problems paying $300.00/night, yet they complain about paying $175.00/night for a moderate?

To me it's because people take things personally - there are many who feel that Disney makes too much money, and shouldn't raise prices at all. Since they are a corporation, that is not how they are going to do business. They want to maximize profits, which they have been doing, so I'm not sure where their max level is? The parks are packed pretty much all year now, so since it's working for them, I don't see them lowering prices at all anytime soon.

Have areas gone downhill? Absolutely, as this thread has shown, but I don't feel that the areas of concern are of such consequence to my family that we will quit vacationing there. We aren't at that point yet, and aren't even close...there seem to be some on this thread who are close or already there, and I am sad about that, but at this point, I'm not sure what Disney could do to correct that: lower prices, well-trained CMs, better housekeeping, more discounts, etc...

As always, this thread is so interesting! Tiger

 

[Tiger926]

I decided to start The Disney Difference thread afterall!

Thanks for your support! Hopefully it will bring about more interesting and relevant discussions like this one has.

Tiger

 

[brunette8706]

Thank you both for your kind words, and vote of confidence. I'm mulling over whether to start a new thread or not...Stay tuned!



We agree about a few things, but disagree on others. Sure a Disney vacation may be expensive to most people, but expensive is very personal. As I said, I find it expensive to pay thousands of dollars for a family to spend a week on the beach, while others find it very valuable and worth it for their family. Like you said, we all have different ways of valuing our time and money.

Maybe I've misunderstood, but you seem to be counting Disney as a day destination, and I don't think that's correct. It is a total destination, just like Las Vegas or Atlantis Bahamas - transportation and lodging are part of many vacations, and so Disney should be compared to those destinations, IMHO. When you compare to those, Disney is reasonable. We have discussed this on the Budget and Theme Park Boards many times - Disney is more affordable than many other family vacation destinations. Sure, it's expensive for many, and tickets are a huge part of the budget, but I look at what I get for those tickets, and I feel there is a lot of value in the multitude of attractions, shows, fireworks, parades and rides that Disney provides. I will admit I am looking forward to the Fantasyland expansion though, as I think the MK needs refreshing!

I am confused about you mentioning that Disney doesn't offer discounts. They have been offering lots of discounts the past few years. They have also been raising prices, but as we've talked about, this seems to serve a psychological purpose - raise menu prices to justify the Dining Plan. Resorts are different, as most hotels we stay at, raise prices each year too, although Disney seems to raise more than normal. How about places like Great Wolf Lodge? People have no problems paying $300.00/night, yet they complain about paying $175.00/night for a moderate?

To me it's because people take things personally - there are many who feel that Disney makes too much money, and shouldn't raise prices at all. Since they are a corporation, that is not how they are going to do business. They want to maximize profits, which they have been doing, so I'm not sure where their max level is? The parks are packed pretty much all year now, so since it's working for them, I don't see them lowering prices at all anytime soon.
Have areas gone downhill? Absolutely, as this thread has shown, but I don't feel that the areas of concern are of such consequence to my family that we will quit vacationing there. We aren't at that point yet, and aren't even close...there seem to be some on this thread who are close or already there, and I am sad about that, but at this point, I'm not sure what Disney could do to correct that: lower prices, well-trained CMs, better housekeeping, more discounts, etc...

As always, this thread is so interesting! Tiger

*
Hello Tiger and all!

I think I may have to disagree a bit with the bold. It seems to me that the moderate is more like a Quality Inn, Holiday type of motel. The beds are only a double, there isn't an interior walk way. One bathroom, which is very small.

Now, we were interested in staying at the DELUXE Room at the Grand Floridian, the cost for 2011 is a whopping $700.00 a night. Now this is in the concierge level and the room (just a room in the main building) is a little bit bigger. But the cost is very expensive. Of course you are paying for the price because it's a the GF and the main building and the concierge level. To stay there for a week is well over $5,000.00. This and the monorail isn't even running after hours. Not a good business plan.

Now let's take the gorgeous Marriott Grand Lakes which is connected to the Ritz Carlton. The grounds, and hotel are just beautiful. Yes, it is off site, it's probably approximately 12 miles from Disney. But last time I checked their rooms were being offered for a mere $99.00 a night. Same with the Hyatt Grand Cypress, which is minutes from WDW you can now get a great rate at a beautiful resort. Again, both resorts are off property. Now I love the Disney themeing of each hotel. But I really don't think you are getting the value for your money especially those resorts on the monorail.

I wouldn't mind paying a little extra in tickets and restaurants, if I was getting a better value. But I'm not. We have stopped going to Ohana which has been in decline the last few months. And most of their buffet restaurants will charge a $4.00 holiday charge for months on end. This, as you mentioned is because of the FREE DINING that is going on. Another thing I tried the Lobster Roll sandwich for $10.00 and it was horrible it was all mayo and hardly any lobster. BIG DISAPPOINTMENT. I would have much rather have paid $15.00 for the sandwich and get some decent lobster in the sandwich, but that didn't happen. I also, in my opinion think that some of the hotdog prices are way out of control pricewise. I believe they are close to $9.00. Personally, I think the FREE DINING has killed the restaurant experience and food offerings in my opinion.

Now, I will say the BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK is Spirit of Aloha. For approximately $58.00 per adult, you'll get an appetizer, entree, dessert, all the beer and wine, soft drinks, tax, tip and entertainment! You can not go wrong there! We love it!


Also,when guests pay a premium for those parties, you would think they would be TOP NOTCH. Never been to those Mickey parties but there has also been a ton of complaints about them charging more for the tickets and getting less and less.

Disney is still nice as a whole. But we just know how and where to fund certain items on our vacatiion. I guess the consumer has to look at the big picture. With that being said, we usually get annual passes, don't stay on property, and bring our own lunches. Sometimes we will eat at counter services and we may only do 1 or 2 Table Services while visiting. We don't go to the parities either. We will stay at Deluxes when and only when they offer good discounts. Hopefully, the Disney Difference will come back.....As I stated before I think it has been tarnished.

Brunette

 

[Phatoomch]

I first went to Disney in 1980 age 8, I then went in 1988. Life for me changed, got a career, got married, had a baby, emigrated from the UK to the US so Disney never got a look in.

However, I went with hubby and daughter FINALLY this year in September it was the most amazing experience ever! If I picked it apart I could probably find one or two negative things about it, but I don't want to because I am absorbed by the whole Disney Magic.

Yeah, I'm sure things have changed for those of you who have been going regularly for the last 10 -20 years, but thats life - things change. Sometimes they are real changes, sometimes its because something we have been doing for so long doesn't have that same spark anymore, you know the honeymoon period is over.

I come to these boards for the GREAT advice but when I see threads like these it kinda dampens my magic. I've seen a lot of negative threads on here recently, mainly by Disney Vets and I just think, is it because you are no longer "absorbed" by the experience like you used to be so the little things now stand out?

Just an observation