For the first time in 20 years, I am not excited to return to Disney World.

[imbelle]

Quote: And just FYI, they WILL let you in line without using Mobile ordering at the QS places, I was pretty insistent several times during my recent trip when they told me I had to use it (I told them I don't have a smart phone.) and they let me in without using it. I also always asked for a paper menu when dining at a sit down restaurant, as I prefer that to staring at my phone even more, and it was never an issue.

Yes, you can insist and they will generally cave but I hate having to be seen as a "Karen" problem guest just to score a QS meal or a paper menu.

 

[Imkarlawithak2005]

Satuli Canteen had 3 cast members out front and tried to turn me away saying it would be a 30 minute wait and were quite rude and insistent. I told them I didn’t care. I really don’t enjoy thinking about having another meal when I have just finished eating. I get staffing and supply chain issues. Then maybe limit park attendance a bit more…

We just returned and I thought the crowds, especially at Epcot World Showcase, were insane.

 

[mrs. magoo]

We just returned from Disney last night. It was a quick weekend trip with my husband so no kids in tow. Even though my kids are all young adults now. I had one day left from an old non expiring pass so we did 1 day in the parks. We choose Hollywood Studios and then park hopped at 2 to Magic Kingdom and then to Epcot. We did not purchase Genie plus but I did purchase Lighting Lane for Rise of the Resistance. We made sure we got to the park for the 30 minutes of early entry and that was key. We were able to ride Rockin Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror and Star Tours by 9:10. We then headed to Smugglers and did single rider. By this time the park was starting to fill up and my Rise return time was 10:45. We stood in line for 35 minutes for Toy Story Mania. We then headed over for our Rise return time and the ride was down so we did Muppets and then got lunch returned for our Rise time and then headed out of the park for Magic Kingdom. We were allowed to enter Magic Kingdom at 1:47 - very random time but when we entered we were hit with a wall of people. It was crazy busy like Spring Break busy. We waited 25 minutes for Pirates and then an hour for Splash Mountain and when I checked the app everything was crazy with wait times. We love the people mover and that was 40 minutes so we went to Carousal of Progress and then did the Laugh Floor and headed out. There were way too many people for me. We hopped over to Epcot and did Test Track single rider and then got food from Mexico quick service. We did Donald's boat ride in Mexico and then walked around World Showcase. Headed back to ride Soarin and Living with the Land and then headed out. We were going to stay for the extended hours but we were just too tired and we did what we wanted. So long story short but we accomplished what we wanted but I did pay for Rise of the Resistance.

In terms of Mobile Dining I was able to do it no problem except in Epcot when no times would come up.
We had one dining reservation on Sunday at Whispering Canyons and they were running an hour behind since people were not moving from their tables. It was no big deal for us but others were quite upset. We watched the fireworks from the Polynesian very nice.

So this trip was to celebrate my 50th birthday at the end of month and we had DVC points we had to use or lose but the new genie is not to my liking. People are glued to their phones. In the Pirates line we were behind a family with 4 kids all pretty close in age. I am a mom to 4 kids all very close in age as well. The parents were both on their phones and the kids literally ran away from them 3 times. I had to tell them that there one child had run away and at another point they could not find one of the kids. My husband and I both were questioning why both parents were on the phones at the same time. Repeatedly we were saying what can they be doing. Just ride the ride and then check the app. My husband said that the parents are probably addicted to their phones and it is a different time since we did not grow up the phones. I must be old and I must have been that strict parent.

 

[CBMom01]

We just returned from Disney last night. It was a quick weekend trip with my husband so no kids in tow. Even though my kids are all young adults now. I had one day left from an old non expiring pass so we did 1 day in the parks. We choose Hollywood Studios and then park hopped at 2 to Magic Kingdom and then to Epcot. We did not purchase Genie plus but I did purchase Lighting Lane for Rise of the Resistance. We made sure we got to the park for the 30 minutes of early entry and that was key. We were able to ride Rockin Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror and Star Tours by 9:10. We then headed to Smugglers and did single rider. By this time the park was starting to fill up and my Rise return time was 10:45. We stood in line for 35 minutes for Toy Story Mania. We then headed over for our Rise return time and the ride was down so we did Muppets and then got lunch returned for our Rise time and then headed out of the park for Magic Kingdom. We were allowed to enter Magic Kingdom at 1:47 - very random time but when we entered we were hit with a wall of people. It was crazy busy like Spring Break busy. We waited 25 minutes for Pirates and then an hour for Splash Mountain and when I checked the app everything was crazy with wait times. We love the people mover and that was 40 minutes so we went to Carousal of Progress and then did the Laugh Floor and headed out. There were way too many people for me. We hopped over to Epcot and did Test Track single rider and then got food from Mexico quick service. We did Donald's boat ride in Mexico and then walked around World Showcase. Headed back to ride Soarin and Living with the Land and then headed out. We were going to stay for the extended hours but we were just too tired and we did what we wanted. So long story short but we accomplished what we wanted but I did pay for Rise of the Resistance.

In terms of Mobile Dining I was able to do it no problem except in Epcot when no times would come up.
We had one dining reservation on Sunday at Whispering Canyons and they were running an hour behind since people were not moving from their tables. It was no big deal for us but others were quite upset. We watched the fireworks from the Polynesian very nice.

So this trip was to celebrate my 50th birthday at the end of month and we had DVC points we had to use or lose but the new genie is not to my liking. People are glued to their phones. In the Pirates line we were behind a family with 4 kids all pretty close in age. I am a mom to 4 kids all very close in age as well. The parents were both on their phones and the kids literally ran away from them 3 times. I had to tell them that there one child had run away and at another point they could not find one of the kids. My husband and I both were questioning why both parents were on the phones at the same time. Repeatedly we were saying what can they be doing. Just ride the ride and then check the app. My husband said that the parents are probably addicted to their phones and it is a different time since we did not grow up the phones. I must be old and I must have been that strict parent.

So you did everything you wanted except People Mover and had a lovely time. That’s great to hear, though I’m with you. I love PM and so does my son. He makes me stand in the long line on busy days!!

 

[mrs. magoo]

So you did everything you wanted except People Mover and had a lovely time. That’s great to hear, though I’m with you. I love PM and so does my son. He makes me stand in the long line on busy days!!

Just to clarify we did not do everything we wanted. We just bailed on the Magic Kingdom. I was not prepared for the Spring Break crowd numbers. We just decided that we were not going to wait in anymore 40 minute plus lines. It was not a big deal for us but if I had others in tow it might have been a bigger issue.

 

[SandyinMonterey]

I'm here now. I'm not one of the people who lives on a cell phone. I'm finding it really frustrating. Mobile order is a mess on my phone. For the first 2 days I couldn't use it at all- no pick up times would come up, closed app, tried again got pick up times but no menu; closed the app tried again, got times and menu then it said you don't have an internet connection. Each time I wanted to buy food, I had to prove this to CMs. One of whom (at Flame Tree) told me point blank that is the only way to buy food. Most unhelpful. I left Flame Tree and spoke (okay well, complained) to a CM on the pathway who told me they have a register and said go back and speak to another CM. I did this, and that CM directed me to a register to place my order. Finally on 3rd day was successful in placing an order, but when I arrived at Columbia Harbour House, tried to notify that I'm here, and got a message saying "something went wrong"; tried again, got the same message. Went to a cast member who requested on her tablet, that my food be prepared. I fail to see how this adds to the "magical" experience.
Add this to my frustration that it's insanely hot this week, when I expected temperatures in the low 20s (I know they can't help that), and insanely long line ups which I think are due to not using genie+. I also had a day when 3 rides broke down just as I was getting close to the front of the line. I was able to purchase an IAS for Rise of the Resistance though.
I think that perhaps Disney should have improved their on site internet access before demanding that everyone use it to do almost everything. Thanks for letting me rant.

We were there in October. I didn't use mobile ordering once. I think it's encouraged to use and believe they want you to use mobile ordering but, at least in my experience, there's always a walk up to order at with a register. And I found that doing walk up ordering went a lot faster than those who mobile ordered., I had ordered our food, found a table, finished eating and saw people still waiting for their food and this was at Casey's. Same thing happened at Aloha Isle. I don't know if things have changed since October, but I'm glad I didn't have to mobile order.

 

[lions1995]

I definitely think Disney is aware of the complaints and I think they will make some changes to make improvements. However, as long as people are spending money and they are not seeing any drop in demand, I doubt there will be major changes.

 

[Cindy Mae]

We cancelled for this week. First time ever that we've cancelled a Disney trip!

 

[cgattis]

I will say, I think how we prepare ourselves for any trip will ultimately set us up for how we will react

Our expectations set up how we allow the little things, both good and bad, to influence our overall experiences. Being adaptable and flexible is important now more than ever. We create our own magic

Sometimes that’s true. Other times it’s not.

I went in completely stoked—first trip in five years!! I wasn’t intimidated at all by the app use. And yet the lines, lack of app functionality, lack of offerings, and lack of customer service just made it terrible. We bailed after day 3 of 7 and came home. I’ve never left any vacation early (save one year we left the beach one day early) and certainly never entertained leaving Disney except with a tear in my eye. Had one this time too, but for NONE of the usual reasons. Sorry for all like me who are going now and being the “Genie-pigs” (as one DIS’er says) at top end pricing and getting the “oh well” customer treatment

 

[parasail_of_congress]

N/A

 

[mrs. magoo]

Early entry is just a joke. That 30 minutes does nothing and the way they hold people back just makes for more crowds and longer lines. I truly wish they would change it to how it was during COVID, where they opened the parks early and let people roam, so crowds wouldn’t build.

I disagree with this statement. I made sure we were on a bus at 7:30 so that we could be in line at Hollywood Studios by 8:10. In that first half an hour we rode RnRC, TOT and Star Tours - well worth me getting up and getting to the bus station. Also the extended hours for deluxe guests was well worth staying in the parks.

 

[jade1]

I expected temperatures in the low 20s (I know they can't help that),

Was that forecast? I would be kinda happy "they couldn't help that" happen.

Otherwise the rest of what your going through I can see unfortunately.

 

[Mai Ku Tiki]

I think it might depend on your expectations and how you handle it. I'm here now, solo trip and I'm having a great time. I arrived yesterday afternoon and went to Epcot. Ate at some booths, rode a few rides with no longer wait that 15 min. for the longest one (Soarin, Figment, SSE and Living with the Land). Had the best morning at AK this morning than I've had in a long time. Arrived with about 2 min. left in the early morning hours for hotel guests so walked right on Safari. All the animals were out and about, the lion was walking around and roaring, the spring boks springing. Grabbed some breakfast and sat and ate it while enjoying people watching. Walked on both the trails again the animals were all active, both tigers were out walking around and talking. Rode the train and went to the petting zoo and saw a bird getting a MRI. Only waited about 10 min. for Dinosaur and about 20 for Navi. Had lunch at Nomad Lounge. Walked around the tree of life trails. Watched the puppets at the beginning of the park for a while. It's crowded but considering the time of year it is, not bad. The days are warm and the nights cool to cold (I'm from Georgia 64 is cold). Every CM I've encountered has been pleasant (much more pleasant than some of the guests). I don't plan on buying Genie + because I don't mind waiting in line and since I'm here all week and have an AP so can park hop I'll eventually ride everything I want to. I'm just taking my time and enjoying the sites and season. The only time I've had my phone out is to take pictures. I rarely eat QS so the mobile order thing is not an issue for me.

Impossible to compare an AP solo trip w/average guest traveling w/families.
I've done both annually since '72.
Being a frequent AP/DVC solo guest catering to only my own wishes & not trying to accommodate everyone else is really really nice.

But it's not about me.
Disney has created much more unreasonable stress for families, who are the great majority in attendance every day. The dependence upon technology changes the "Disney experience" to one of phone-obsession, just as many must do in their everyday lives. A Disney vacation was meant to be the ultimate family escape from that. (And there is NO excuse for the horrid tech service that adds to the frustration & disappointment.)

Combined with the new pricing & reduced services, the Disney Company should be ashamed of itself.

Covid HAS forced some changes. But there is a difference between increasing some prices bc of a few bad years and PRICE GAUGING during challenging times.

Those who seem to think all of these changes are no different from past changes are wrong. I've been a fan for 6 decades, an annual guest since '72, a DVC owner & shareholder for 30 yrs...Even retired to WDW area for a few yrs & was there several times a month.

I've lived thru every change in management & seen it all.

And I'm not giving up!

These decisions are not made in a vacuum. They are made by human beings. In this case, one person is largely responsible.

I've proudly signed the petition to fire Chapek & hope everyone else does too.

"It's Time To Remember The Magic"

 

[TB'sWidow]

Chiming in about mobile ordering we went Thanksgiving week. I took my friend who’s 70 yrs young and my college age Dd an her Bf thank goodness for them helping us with the mobile ordering and other tech stuff with the app

 

[disneydreamer781]

We cancelled for this week. First time ever that we've cancelled a Disney trip!

I wish I had done the same but then my points would have become restricted. Should have done it earlier. This may have been the first WDW trip that I actually couldn't wait to end. The crowds were absolutely insane! We always go the second week in December and I've never seen it like this. I had one woman who literally turned around to yell at someone behind her and it was right in my face.

 

[disneydreamer781]

I’ve been visiting WDW since I was barely old enough to walk. I’ve gone every year since, I’ve planned multiple trips, had so many wonderful experiences.

I just returned from a trip early December and it is the first time I’ve been truly sad and disappointed. I kind of saw this coming, but I was hoping that I would go on the trip and I would be pleasantly surprised.

But the magic was just…gone. Disney World has always been my bright spot, it has gotten me through serious depression, abusive situations, terrible loss. And I’m so sad that it is no longer the place I know and love.

I know a lot of people won’t agree with this, but some people might feel the same. This is just my personal experience, so please don’t dog me for that. I hope WDW sees these complaints and maybe changes something. Who knows.

I’m hoping to use this time to travel to other locations and explore more. And maybe one day I will be back. Till then, thank you for the memories, WDW.

No, you're not the only one to feel this way. We just returned tonight from a week-long trip and have been going mostly every year since 1972. This was the worst trip I've ever experienced. Lots of things factor into this, crowds, Genie+, crowds, Covid, crowds, drunks, crowds, prices, etc., etc., etc. The magic is just gone for me too. So much so that I'm even contemplating reselling the DVC contract that I've had since 1992. I also have a tentative May B'day trip planned and I'm either canceling it or just primarily doing a resort staycation. It's a GDT CL and I really enjoyed that last time we did it.

 

[MermaidsMom]

Someone said earlier that you have to make your own magic to have a good trip. That’s not the Disney that I remember, They promised to supply the magic and that’s what brought us back.

 

[Dakota731]

I think I could enjoy a solo trip in the current conditions (that's never going to happen) and enjoy, but I think it's next to impossible to plan a trip for 6. Even when it was fast passes, it was difficult to find anything day of at the same time for 6 people so the thought of paying extra for less than before is disheartening. We also don't live on our phones, so that aspect is very exasperating. The good news is that Disney is always evolving and changing so we may just wait it out a few years to the next new thing!

Sorry that your trip was less than expected!

I just finished our seven day trip with nine people and it was great. I didn’t use Genie or lightening lane, and we still rode every ride in each park without difficulty. It didn’t seem any different to us except mobile ordering which I didn’t think I’d like, but it was a nice time saver

 

[disneydreamer781]

Sometimes that’s true. Other times it’s not.

I went in completely stoked—first trip in five years!! I wasn’t intimidated at all by the app use. And yet the lines, lack of app functionality, lack of offerings, and lack of customer service just made it terrible. We bailed after day 3 of 7 and came home. I’ve never left any vacation early (save one year we left the beach one day early) and certainly never entertained leaving Disney except with a tear in my eye. Had one this time too, but for NONE of the usual reasons. Sorry for all like me who are going now and being the “Genie-pigs” (as one DIS’er says) at top end pricing and getting the “oh well” customer treatment

I have to say that for the first time, I was thinking most of the time, I'd really rather have spent my money somewhere else and I really regretted purchasing multi-day passes. Needless to say, I was not unhappy when our day of departure arrived. Will I rush back? Probably not, although I am contemplating a CL stay without all the parks next Spring. That decision is very tentative at this juncture.

 

[ajollyholidaywithjo]

So there were a number of things. Before I even went on the trip, I had a ton of issues with Disney just regarding planned. I spent about 8 collective hours on the phone with them, something that has never happened to me. They had screwed up my reservation and gave me the runaround when I tried to get it fixed.

The tip I've heard before is to call first thing in the morning, when they open, if you want to have a shorter phone wait.

When we arrived, the rooms were not correct, and then they gave me the run around again.

In this context, what does "run around" mean exactly? Did you request rooms and just weren't given those rooms? As far as I know, there isn't a guarantee on room requests.

Two different days members of my party could not get into the park, because of a mistake made by the ticketing agents.

This one seems odd - were the tickets invalid or the park reservations incorrect or both?

The lines were just outrageous. I have never seen them so bad at this time of year. I contribute that to people maybe not wanting to buy Genie +.

I guess this is mostly dependent on the days you went, and which parks you visited, but the lines have been steadily climbing, and they generally do around the holidays.

I tried Genie, and it was not worth it at all. Fastpass was so much better. I felt like my park tickets were wasted because there was so much I could not get done.

Are you saying you tried Genie or Genie+? If Genie, I don't believe that's meant to be a replacement for FastPass. It seems to me that you went on a crowded day, and you weren't expecting the crowds.

The app was a mess, I experienced a similar issue with Mobile ordering as an above poster. I used to love that function but it just didn’t work as well this time around.

What was the issue? Assuming you did mobile ordering multiple times, did you have an issue only once?

I’ve never seen merchandise so sparse. We get Christmas ornaments every year, and they had zero, due to supply issues. I saw several stores closed because of the merchandise shortage.

It seems hard to believe that there were zero Christmas ornaments in all of Disney World. Was there something specific you were trying to find? Is there something online that would work instead?

Early entry is just a joke. That 30 minutes does nothing and the way they hold people back just makes for more crowds and longer lines. I truly wish they would change it to how it was during COVID, where they opened the parks early and let people roam, so crowds wouldn’t build.

I guess I'm not entirely familiar with every park's opening - how early did they let people in before? From my perspective, 30 minutes is better than 0 minutes and does do at least some of what you said with respect to getting people in the park. IMO, 30 minutes can get you on a headliner ride and possibly one other before others are even in the park.

Just all of these things, and others, combined just did not make it feel worth it for me. Yes, I may be over critical, but we pay a lot for these trips and the value should reflect that. And for me, right now, it doesn’t.

Everyone certainly has a right to determine whether they received the value they thought. How did your trip in 2020 differ from this one? I guess it would likely depend on when you took the 2020 trip.

I don’t know if you’re intentionally trying to come off condescending in this reply, but I feel you’re trying to make everything seem like *my* fault.

I’m not going to go into explicit detail, if you want to defend Disney till you’re blue in the face, be my guest. I have no reason to make any of this up, as I’ve been to my entire life and I’m not trying to vilify them.

I shared my experience and you can take it however you’d like.