Five Years On...

[OKW Lover]

Very amusing thread. I'm of the opinion that things change regularly and not everything mentioned so far is a result of the pandemic rather than just normal ebb & flow of the parks and resorts.

I'm surprised that some people seem to believe that these changes are made by the CEO or even the Board.

 

[mom2rtk]

Princess tea party at the Grand Floridian.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Lunch with an Animal Keeper at Sanaa. I loved that-did it 3 times. Two years ago, I was told that it's coming back, just "not yet" but I've given up.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

That reminds me of another one - the Wanyama Safari with dinner at Jiko experience never came back.

 

[Genie+]

In Feb 2020 we booked a Jan 2021 trip. 8 nights DVC with plans to finally try Victoria & Albert’s.

It reopened mid 2022 with 40% price increase.

5 years on and without Covid cracking open the opportunity for that change, we would not have changed our mind Maybe some other decade!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

For the handful of resorts that have them, pre-Covid you could book cabanas/patios for half day rentals. Since reopening it has been full day bookings only.

 

[BrianL]

This is more subjective but decline in guest behavior. The vibe of other guests is so drastically different before and after Covid. And yes I know this is not unique to Disney parks.

Oh yeah - society was definitely broken in several ways, and it doesn't seem to be going back.

 

[Smugpugmug]

Oh yeah - society was definitely broken in several ways, and it doesn't seem to be going back.

I just did some days at the parks while visiting my sister and the amount of times I was physically shoved out of the way by other guests was shocking. Also don't get me started on the line cutting. Not talking about a parent taking a kid to the bathroom and returning but groups of 6+ people pushing past people to get to the front of the line.

 

[Gabby01]

Were mobile ordering at restaurants and direct-to-room checkin things that started with COVID?

 

[Genie+]

Were mobile ordering at restaurants and direct-to-room checkin things that started with COVID?

Both started prior but nowhere near as widespread. Mobile Order was available at only a few select quick services. There’s probably 20 times the options today.

And now there’s even Mobile Checkout at a few shops that didn’t exist 5 years ago.

Direct to room checkin has been made much more reliable post covid. It existed prior but was rife with hiccups, like notifications not getting sent, MBs not working, etc. Our phones have worked pretty flawlessly the last 6 trips/4yrs. Before that issues were common that necessitated front desk visits.

Park Security is another big one in this category. Covid seemed to push WDW to more quickly roll out better technology.

 

[ahcupcake]

The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra was sent to HS to play at the Beauty and the Beast theater and then gotten rid of a few months later.

 

[Narcoossee11]

WDW ( like other companies ) had an opportunity to look at operations. What should they eliminate. What was costing more than it should.
What was not profitable and never begin it again.
You can be sure that if Magic Express, package delivery to front if park and resorts, housekeeping
etc. hurt the bottom line, they would have restarted.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Jedi Training Academy.

Damn, I keep coming up with more things. :-(

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Re mobile ordering, select Table Service To Go mobile ordering was new post Covid and is generally a positive amenity for guests if at a resort that has a restaurant that offers it. It’s not a perfect substitute for room service (which as noted in a prior post only returned to GF), but is a passable one.

 

[DCJ]

Disney was dying to make cut backs and covid gave them the opportunity to reset and start fresh with park reservations, magical express, fast pass+, cut backs and add ons, housekeeping, price hikes, etc.

 

[Cfabar1]

The elimination of room service is a trend happening industry wide that began before COVID, and has certainly increased...

https://www.nbcnews.com/business/bu...ggest-hotel-quits-room-service-flna6C10169797

I'm amazed we still get it at GF, and am very pleased it is available.

I really appreciated @tjkraz commentary which pointed to all the inclusions that are happening...

 

[teach22180]

Garden View Tea still shut down.

I really miss this, but I am convinced it's because of renovations being done at the grand floridian, and hopefully it will return!

 

[team bradfield]

I traveled extensively for business, always thought room service a rip off, almost always cold soggy food. At least at most major chains, never stayed at a disney hotel, love my motorhome, good room service always available!

 

[Juliet25]

The prices and the crowds. I've been going to Disney World since 2001 and while it was always expensive, I could find a way to make it work and keep going back. Now, there's so much sticker shock when I price out a vacation and the nickel and diming, while a bit better (looking at you, resort parking), is still there. And the crowds, just WOW.

 

[OKW Lover]

I price out a vacation and the nickel and diming, while a bit better (looking at you, resort parking), is still there.

The charge for resort parking ended quite a while ago