For the First Time in Forever... I Did Not Enjoy My Vacation to Disney World

[minnie-apple-mouse]

I never agreed that I hope it happens that we have a recession...however you want to read my post. That doesn't even make any sense. .

Sorry-I guess you meant to write "I agree completely.......except for the recession part".

Or meant to remove the first line of the 3 lines you quoted, and completely agreed with.

Since you did neither-hopefully you can see where the confusion would be.

 

[minnie-apple-mouse]

Aside from the economy issues and other topics we've already discussed, I think there's something else, more of a cultural issue, that we haven't really touched on. Years ago, going to Disney World wasn't really a thing. It wasn't on most people's radar. For us, it was an amusement park 1,000 miles from home. We had a slew of places we could go within a couple of hours drive. Why would we pack up and go that distance?

Today, however, many people see a family trip to Disney as a must-do, a rite of passage as parents. And even long before parenthood. High school senior trips are routinely to Disney World. When I was a senior, we went to Washington, D.C. for the day. Mention that today and you'd get laughed at.

It has become routine for nearly everyone, almost regardless of socioeconomic status, to travel to Disney World. I work in a very poor area and I frequently have patients tell me that they are going to or have recently returned from Disney World. It has just become standard practice. Of course some of us can afford multiple trips each year and others can only afford a once in a lifetime trip, but the end result is that many, many more people are visiting WDW.

Many on here say its fake, the rides are loaded slow and using half the cars, the bags are checked a long time, the wait times are inflated etc.

But I agree with you, and in a good way for all.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Without dissecting the cherry picking/hatchet attempt at "gotcha" for my thoughts...let me clear them up:

1. Do I think the complex in Florida is being run with a short sighted focus on stock price...yes, I do.
2. Do i think that the consumer is perhaps his own worst enemy these last few years...yeah, probably.
3. Did I propose an unorthodox way of looking at the greater context of economics and the history of travel/wdw to highlight what I perceive to be an "inconvenient truth"? Yes...I have.
4. Does that mean I "hate" somebody because of it? No. Be ashamed...it's an embarassing "conclusion" to draw.

There...that's all the things I've never hidden...out there...again.

But here's where I will defend just a little:

1. Have I gotten a lot of smiles from Disney? Sure. Have I paid for them? Absolutely.

So...do I "deserve" it more than others. No. Do you (ambiguous) deserve it more than me if you speak about it with a different tone? Of course not. Silly.

2. What fantasy world believes that somehow the current "good times" make the place open to everyone? It was never designed or run that way...not one bit. So ultimately you are defending what can be accurarely described as a population of relative means/privileges. Including ME!
So how noble you are...bemoaning the anti-cheerleader demon so that all those starving in west Africa can continue to go to Epcot.
How noble... Truly defending the "magic".

What a ridiculous exercise this has been. It can be avoided without bad editing in quotations. Call
Me nuts...ill own that...not mean.

Ultimately...I expressed my theory and opinions based on experience.

Some people think the food at chef mickeys is good...to each their own.

 

[Planogirl]

I'm a bit floored by a previous post that says that trips to DC have been replaced by trips to WDW. I see people doing both in my area but just the idea that one replaces the other makes me wonder about people. I think that one should be a rite of passage while the other is just to have fun and escape reality for a while. Both important but not the same.

However as lockedoutlogic says, to each their own.

 

[disneysteve]

I'm a bit floored by a previous post that says that trips to DC have been replaced by trips to WDW. I see people doing both in my area but just the idea that one replaces the other makes me wonder about people.

My post may not have been clear. I was specifically referring to high school senior class trips. When I was a senior (1982), our class trip was to D.C. for the day. I don't think any school in our area was going to Disney World back then. Today, every school I know of does their class trip to Disney for 3-4 days. I think it's nuts myself.

I definitely wasn't suggesting that a trip to Disney is a replacement for a trip to D.C. We love Washington and have been there many times.

 

[Planogirl]

My post may not have been clear. I was specifically referring to high school senior class trips. When I was a senior (1982), our class trip was to D.C. for the day. I don't think any school in our area was going to Disney World back then. Today, every school I know of does their class trip to Disney for 3-4 days. I think it's nuts myself.

I definitely wasn't suggesting that a trip to Disney is a replacement for a trip to D.C. We love Washington and have been there many times.

I understood that you weren't suggesting it but schools choosing WDW over D.C. is disappointing to me. Our schools don't go to either so I had no complaints but I would have.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

The "ease" of traveling to wdw is definitely a prime reason why the attendance is way up...and part of the issues moving forward.

That is Mostly because of the Eisner strategy of the 90's.

It has become almost simple to get there...if you can afford it in the first place.

I went twice before age 18...

My kids have averaged about 3 times per year.

It's a gift...and a curse.

Why a curse? Because I think Iger and his "managers" have not kept the pace to keep it great.

Everyone is wowed about "all this stuff" going on now...while having amnesia as to how almost nothing was done for long stretches prior.

 

[minnie-apple-mouse]

Without dissecting the cherry picking/hatchet attempt at "gotcha" for my thoughts...let me clear them up:

1. Do I think the complex in Florida is being run with a short sighted focus on stock price...yes, I do.
2. Do i think that the consumer is perhaps his own worst enemy these last few years...yeah, probably.
3. Did I propose an unorthodox way of looking at the greater context of economics and the history of travel/wdw to highlight what I perceive to be an "inconvenient truth"? Yes...I have.
4. Does that mean I "hate" somebody because of it? No. Be ashamed...it's an embarassing "conclusion" to draw.

There...that's all the things I've never hidden...out there...again.

But here's where I will defend just a little:

1. Have I gotten a lot of smiles from Disney? Sure. Have I paid for them? Absolutely.

So...do I "deserve" it more than others. No. Do you (ambiguous) deserve it more than me if you speak about it with a different tone? Of course not. Silly.

2. What fantasy world believes that somehow the current "good times" make the place open to everyone? It was never designed or run that way...not one bit. So ultimately you are defending what can be accurarely described as a population of relative means/privileges. Including ME!
So how noble you are...bemoaning the anti-cheerleader demon so that all those starving in west Africa can continue to go to Epcot.
How noble... Truly defending the "magic".

What a ridiculous exercise this has been. It can be avoided without bad editing in quotations. Call
Me nuts...ill own that...not mean.

Ultimately...I expressed my theory and opinions based on experience.

Some people think the food at chef mickeys is good...to each their own.

Oh we know exactly where you are coming from, and what the suggested solution would mean for you, WDW, its workers and the rest of America.

It makes complete sense in your world. I have no problem with you suggesting/wanting it.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Oh we know exactly where you are coming from, and what the suggested solution would mean for you, WDW, its workers and the rest of America.

It makes complete sense in your world. I have no problem with you suggesting/wanting it.

You would have to have a clue as to what planet my "world" is to comment on it.

Frankly, and with due respect because I don't always disagree with you...there would be no way for you to know that. I'm from the planet Xerxcon. All our power is derived form the marshmallow in rice Krispy treats.

And please...the "America, it's workers"?

Is that like "the key to America is small
Business and a flat tax code"?

Honestly...have you ever been to the rust belt? Were you raised in it?

I'm much more grounded than I would bet many who venture this way...
And we do not have to agree...but what seems apparent for the majority of my lifetime is that the battle/war is over and was won by a much more powerful army long ago.

It's like a civil war reenactment at this point.

Just because you disagree/aren't as pessimistic...doesn't mean I don't have a valid point.
I may even be right...but there's no way to know so it's just opinion then.


Who's we? By the way?
There's only one person typing on this end.

 

[minnie-apple-mouse]

You would have to have a clue as to what planet my "world" is to comment on it. Frankly, and with due respect because I don't always disagree with you...there would be no way for you to know that. I'm from the planet Xerxcon. All out power is derived form the marshmallow in rice Krispy treats.

Really, I cant comment on a message board?

If you can say you want a Hard Recession to make things better for you at WDW-I can comment that a Hard Recession would indeed make things better for you-if that's not your world your thinking about-then I apologize.

And please...the "America, it's workers"?

"It's workers"-meaning WDW's that will be laid off and construction workers with the expansion halt that would follow.

I may even be right...but there's no way to know so it's just opinion then.

Oh I think you are right.

A hard recession will bring far fewer visitors so you will have more room to move around, not wait so long all at a cheaper price. Not sure you have thought through the expansion part but the rest would work well for you.

Who's we? By the way?
There's only one person typing on this end.

Anybody on here that has read over and over about the exact things you point/ed out. All of which would be cured with a hard recession other than expanding.

 

[Oh Bother]

I'm about to go on my 3rd post magic band trip next week. I've certainly enjoyed myself each time.

Us too, going on #3 in January. Love the bands

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Really, I cant comment on a message board?

If you can say you want a Hard Recession to make things better for you at WDW-I can comment that a Hard Recession would indeed make things better for you-if that's not your world your thinking about-then I apologize.



"It's workers"-meaning WDW's that will be laid off and construction workers with the expansion halt that would follow.



Oh I think you are right.

A hard recession will bring far fewer visitors so you will have more room to move around, not wait so long all at a cheaper price. Not sure you have thought through the expansion part but the rest would work well for you.



Anybody on here that has read over and over about the exact things you point/ed out. All of which would be cured with a hard recession other than expanding.

Of course you can comment...feel free. Don't know about the holier than thou though...

I have a point about recessions and the effect on travel. You just have to tolerate it. Those have not been "bad" for the consumer in the aggregate as it pertains to specifically management's responses.

Wdw workers are more insulated from recessions than you think...because they have struggled to increase there staff for along time. It's warped but isn't as bad for them as you would think.

And speak for "you" not "we"...and that can't be argued. I have full confidence that there are people who hate everything I say, couldn't care less, agree with a lot of it...and every tick in between.

But I don't speak for any of them.

 

[manning]

You're still swallowing a large price increase backed up on 6 years of unrelenting price increases...

At the end of the day, all the Adam smith/"capitalism"/ "free market" defenses - which never really were correct in Disney's bubble in the swamp - can't change this fact.

The consumers are just guzzling it down to easily/without thought. There is no legitimate reason to swallow increases right now with the state of the parks...but to suggest such a thing is more shouting at the wind than not...

So I guess I'll have to turn east, huh?

P T Barnum is still alive and well.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

P T Barnum is still alive and well.

Amen, brother

 

[manning]

With FP+, the evenings are way better as there is no reason to rush or wonder if any FP will still be available. We waited in all of those lines while the FP line rolled by.


That is worth way more IMO.

I enjoyed it more when EVERYBODY waited in line.

 

[minnie-apple-mouse]

Of course you can comment...feel free. Don't know about the holier than thou though...

I have a point about recessions and the effect on travel. You just have to tolerate it. Those have not been "bad" for the consumer in the aggregate as it pertains to specifically management's responses.

Wdw workers are more insulated from recessions than you think...because they have struggled to increase there staff for along time. It's warped but isn't as bad for them as you would think.

And speak for "you" not "we"...and that can't be argued. I have full confidence that there are people who hate everything I say, couldn't care less, agree with a lot of it...and every tick in between.

But I don't speak for any of them.

I have no problem with you wanting a hard recession to improve your WDW stays.

Conclusions from that can be drawn by individuals on their own.

 

[disneysteve]

I enjoyed it more when EVERYBODY waited in line.

I understand where you're coming from with this comment as I've been going to WDW since the 1970s, long before FP came along. That said, it simply wouldn't work today because there are 3-4 times as many guests in the park on any given day. Would you still enjoy it without FP if lines for every attraction were in the 2-3 hour range? Look at what happened when they opened the Anna and Elsa meet and greet. Lines were routinely running 4-5 hours. I don't know about you but I wouldn't wait in line for 5 hours to see/ride/do anything or anyone.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I have no problem with you wanting a hard recession to improve your WDW stays.

Conclusions from that can be drawn by individuals on their own.

When you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains - however unlikely - must be the truth.

 

[minnie-apple-mouse]

I don't wish hardship on anyone...and tho I am trapped in jersey I was raised to give someone my last dollar and never think to ask for it back...

Honestly...have you ever been to the rust belt? Were you raised in it?

So how noble you are...bemoaning the anti-cheerleader demon so that all those starving in west Africa can continue to go to Epcot.
How noble.

Don't know about the holier than thou though...

So I'm accused of being "holier than thou", when you are the one saying the above? Simply because I questioned/reiterated you wanting a hard recession to make your trips to WDW better?

And since you were "raised" to give away all of your money in the rust belt-you have a green light to want a hard recession on the rest of us so your WDW trips will be better, and we should not even question/respond to that because we don't fly kids from west Africa over to EPCOT.

Its becoming clearer.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

So I'm accused of being "holier than thou", when you are the one saying the above? Simply because I questioned/reiterated you wanting a hard recession to make your trips to WDW better?

And since you were "raised" to give away all of your money in the rust belt-you have a green light to want a hard recession on the rest of us so your WDW trips will be better, and we should not even question/respond to that because we don't fly kids from west Africa over to EPCOT.

Its becoming clearer.

Lol...has it become clear yet?

I don't mean me...I mean that what I was talking about - Disney travel - is a complete luxury and not indicative of struggles on any level?

Maybe I won't be able to afford to go for awhile? Would I weep?

Not if they don't build a really cool Star Wars land