For those who say Disney has gone downhill

[tim123]

I don't get why it's so hard for some people to accept that people experience things differently.

Some people might have really truly had something crappy happen to them at WDW that you (general you) didn't. That doesn't mean you just have a better outlook than they do, it means nobody's experience is the exact same as someone else's.

I had a good trip last trip. That doesn't mean someone who went at the same time as me couldn't have possibly experienced something that made their trip less than awesome. As great as Disney is, it is not immune from being a less than perfect place sometimes. Some people are unlucky and experience that. I don't know why people have to be so condescending about that. A person's attitude only determines so much.

I think the roll out of the new system is a perfect example of what you say..
my friends just returned and said the system was flawless for all five of them five days at FW cabins! That aside there are different ideas about what constitutes 'down hill' to different people.

 

[dancermommy1]

Thanks everybody for quoting my post. Im glad I touched some people with it.
Wanted to add, dont get me wrong, Ive had some HORRIBLE experiences there!
I'll never go Christmas week again , thats for sure! I rent a car every year for a reason, Ive had some horrible bus rides. They dont play my favorite cartoon reel in ASMo rooms anymore, which we found incredibly sad.
They took the popcorn lights out of the roms in ASMo when they refurbed, which was my daughters favorite thing(fortunately I scored one on ebay so it hangs above her bed in her room) Ive had rude CM's, horrible meals, been stuck on attractions( a 45 minute adventure in mission space comes to mind). I've waited in lines that were prepostrous. I despise The Main Street Electrical Parade, I'd give anything to get Spectro back. They destroyed Alien Encounter and put in Stitch. The Wonders of Life pavillion sits empty. You could go on and on.
Yet in the end, thats not what I take away with me.
I take away the CM working in the gift shop next to Snow White's Scary Adventure, whom after I told her I was looking for a place to buy some plastic gems, because the one I usually pull out of the air in Philharmagic had fallen out of my pocket, said hold on a minute, and went four gift shops away , and came back with a handful. "We dont sell these anymore, but I found some out back"
What do I owe you ?
"Dont be silly sir, have a magical day"

I take away the CM who called me "that guy" for the rest of the day every time we walked past Buzz. Made my daughter very happy

All the CM's who called her princess, gave her free cake on her birthday at counter service. The cast of Hoop DE DOO who always say hi to her every time we go. (not cause they know her, its just what they do.)

I take away the smile she wears from the moment we get there. I also take away the thrill she gets planning now, talking about what we are going to do for six months leading up to the trip. Talking about past trips, where to make FP+,the thrill of scoring a SCi-Fi ADR after trying unsuccesfully 5 times a day for a week.

Im a mushy guy, I know. I dont begrudge anyone their opinion, and Id never say that you arent entitled to your opinion. I read everyone's posts, keep my mouth shut, and try like He** not to flame anyone. I just really really like the place.
I've been told that my daughter is looking forward to having me take her kids when she has them. Gotta say I'm looking forward to that too

I love your posts about this

My first trip to Disney was with my family when I was maybe 10 or so. I'm going to be honest, I didn't care for it then. I was actually almost too old to enjoy MK that trip, and I barely remember epcot, although I loved the Figment ride and I STILL have my stuffed Figment from that trip, 26 or so years later. At the time, we went to Busch Gardens almost every year so I was totally unprepared for the lines at WDW. Plus, I was such an animal lover and AK didn't exist then, so I just didn't really get it. What I remember from that trip is my mom getting sun poisoning in the hot sun, and having to sit for ever on the pavement with ice on her legs to cool off. Not fun.

Fast forward a couple decades and I went with hubby to all 4 parks in 2 days about 5 years ago--my second ever trip. We only went because we were there for a conference for work. I LOVED IT. I couldn't believe it. I couldn't believe I didn't love it before, lol. And, my mom and dad had gone back for a senior olympics game several years before that and THEY loved it for the first time ever, lol.

Honestly, for me it has gotten better every year, not worse. Each visit with our son has been better than the year before. I'm really looking forward to this year's visit, more than ever, even with the FP+ system and so forth.

I'd like to add... while of course I don't want to wait more than 30 minutes for a ride (and really, I just won't...I'll choose to do something else in the park), part of our feeling of discontent I think is that we are so used to not waiting for anything. I mean, we can order something on amazon and have it at our doorstep the next day. We can wonder something and have it up on google in 2 seconds. Virtually anything is ours instantly. The instant gratification we get in our digital age is training our brains that waiting is a bad thing. Last year, my son actually got UPSET (I know, crazy) because the SB line at Pooh was TOO fast and he couldn't play long enough in the line. Same thing at Dumbo. We finally gave up on riding and just played in the circus tent. Same thing with me at the Buzz ride looking for hidden mickeys--I needed more time to find them!! I kept thinking "dang it slow down!!"

 

[gailinroch]

Sheesh, linskypens, both of your posts made me cry.

My first time at Disney was in 1974 on our honeymoon and we've been back 30 times (never had kids). Of course there have been tons of changes over the years and some trips, we've said 'it's not what it used to be'. When Disney Dining became the thing, we noticed a huge drop in quality at the restaurants, but on our last few trips, seems like that has past and we've had some really great meals. We miss little things like the almond rings at Norway, strolling through an almost empty World Showcase before 11am, the original Fountainview Espresso Bar, the unique shops at the parks and resorts which now mostly carry the same generic merchandise, Discovery Island....and I'm anticipating missing a lot at our home away from home, the Poly, once the massive changes are done.

But there are cool changes as well - they sell Micky bars outside of the parks, FP + or - still beats no FP, Tonga Toast at Poly cs, new rides like Soarin, roasting marshmallows on resort beach.....I bet I'll come up with more on our next visit.

There is a whole other factor that keeps us coming back and even if it is sort of missing on one trip, it's back the next. It's that feeling of peace and joy that comes as we walk up to the entrance of the Poly......or the moment at Epcot in the morning where you are all of a sudden aware that you are happy and just feel good.....or the sweetness of some cast members that's hard to describe. I'll never forget - we stayed at Poly Club Level a few times in the 90's and got to know some of the cm's. To change things up we booked BWI but when we got there we were disappointed. Next day we visited the Poly and as we were walking by the Hawaii bldg, our cm friends motioned for us to come in. We told them we missed being there, the BWI just wasn't the same and they actually invited us to switch hotels, arranged it all, put us in the Hawaii bldg for the rest of our stay and didn't charge the CL price. Even after 2 of those cm's moved on to other jobs, we met them for lunch at Kona on our next few trips. Of course we've encountered cm's who were lacking in pixie dust, but imo, there are more that go out of their way to make your experience special than not.

We've traveled to and enjoyed many places over the years but always return to Disney. So next month we're spending our 40th anniversary where we spent our honeymoon and I can't wait for that familiar, magical feeling to come over DH and me. We have never not had a wonderful time there.

 

[tim123]

Sheesh, linskypens, both of your posts made me cry.

My first time at Disney was in 1974 on our honeymoon and we've been back 30 times (never had kids). Of course there have been tons of changes over the years and some trips, we've said 'it's not what it used to be'. When Disney Dining became the thing, we noticed a huge drop in quality at the restaurants, but on our last few trips, seems like that has past and we've had some really great meals. We miss little things like the almond rings at Norway, strolling through an almost empty World Showcase before 11am, the original Fountainview Espresso Bar, the unique shops at the parks and resorts which now mostly carry the same generic merchandise, Discovery Island....and I'm anticipating missing a lot at our home away from home, the Poly, once the massive changes are done.

But there are cool changes as well - they sell Micky bars outside of the parks, FP + or - still beats no FP, Tonga Toast at Poly cs, new rides like Soarin, roasting marshmallows on resort beach.....I bet I'll come up with more on our next visit.

There is a whole other factor that keeps us coming back and even if it is sort of missing on one trip, it's back the next. It's that feeling of peace and joy that comes as we walk up to the entrance of the Poly......or the moment at Epcot in the morning where you are all of a sudden aware that you are happy and just feel good.....or the sweetness of some cast members that's hard to describe. I'll never forget - we stayed at Poly Club Level a few times in the 90's and got to know some of the cm's. To change things up we booked BWI but when we got there we were disappointed. Next day we visited the Poly and as we were walking by the Hawaii bldg, our cm friends motioned for us to come in. We told them we missed being there, the BWI just wasn't the same and they actually invited us to switch hotels, arranged it all, put us in the Hawaii bldg for the rest of our stay and didn't charge the CL price. Even after 2 of those cm's moved on to other jobs, we met them for lunch at Kona on our next few trips. Of course we've encountered cm's who were lacking in pixie dust, but imo, there are more that go out of their way to make your experience special than not.

We've traveled to and enjoyed many places over the years but always return to Disney. So next month we're spending our 40th anniversary where we spent our honeymoon and I can't wait for that familiar, magical feeling to come over DH and me. We have never not had a wonderful time there.

And as long as you bring that attitude it will always be that way!
You are very lucky to visit the Poly so many times.

 

[dbramer]

My trip in May will be my 20th give or take.
Ive waited in long lines, learned to deal with FP- (became an expert in beating the system) dealt with time window enforcement last year, with kids, without kids, onsite, off site, with car, without car.
Im 52 now, and will be taking my daughter on our last Daddy Daughter Disney trip in May, before she's off to college in August.. Ive taken her every year since she was 5, just the two of us.
Its been special time. Is Disney the same as it was when we started?
Nope.but that's not to say its better or worse.
Let's all slow down and take into account what I would hope is the reason we all go in the first place.
Ive made memories with her that I wouldn't get anywhere else. Plucking a gem out of the air in Philharmagic...Being "That Guy" in the laugh floor. Playing the game at the end of mission space for hours on end. Watching her run down Main Street at 11 years old, to be the first at a fast pass machine(wont see that again)
Our first Dole Whip together. The thrill we get just passing under the sign as we drive in from the airport(she'll be driving this year!!)
Taking her picture on the toy horse as you enter HS every year. Too many to count really. But the best of it is the time we spend together. Im taking her this time with no expectation of anything but doing what we can do, and i'll be happy with that, because it is precious time I get to spend with her. For me, that's what its all about. Ill deal with the food, and the FP+ baloney, and the increasing prices, because time stands still there, its magical, and has been since that first time I walked through the train station in 1975.
So go to Six Flags, or Universal, and complain all you want. I'm going back, and I wont stop

My family would be going in August for my DD's (4) first trip and my DS (10) first trip that he probably remembers. We are now going in 2015 instead due to some issues that have arisen. It is about making the memories and cherishing them. Being able to spend time with the family, not about how many times we can ride TSMM or ToT or _____________ (whatever your favorite ride is). I know that is blasphemy for the ubertourers out there, but for me it is about the experience and time with my kids that I will lose all too soon.

 

[Rapunzel<3]

My trip in May will be my 20th give or take.
Ive waited in long lines, learned to deal with FP- (became an expert in beating the system) dealt with time window enforcement last year, with kids, without kids, onsite, off site, with car, without car.
Im 52 now, and will be taking my daughter on our last Daddy Daughter Disney trip in May, before she's off to college in August.. Ive taken her every year since she was 5, just the two of us.
Its been special time. Is Disney the same as it was when we started?
Nope.but that's not to say its better or worse.
Let's all slow down and take into account what I would hope is the reason we all go in the first place.
Ive made memories with her that I wouldn't get anywhere else. Plucking a gem out of the air in Philharmagic...Being "That Guy" in the laugh floor. Playing the game at the end of mission space for hours on end. Watching her run down Main Street at 11 years old, to be the first at a fast pass machine(wont see that again)
Our first Dole Whip together. The thrill we get just passing under the sign as we drive in from the airport(she'll be driving this year!!)
Taking her picture on the toy horse as you enter HS every year. Too many to count really. But the best of it is the time we spend together. Im taking her this time with no expectation of anything but doing what we can do, and i'll be happy with that, because it is precious time I get to spend with her. For me, that's what its all about. Ill deal with the food, and the FP+ baloney, and the increasing prices, because time stands still there, its magical, and has been since that first time I walked through the train station in 1975.
So go to Six Flags, or Universal, and complain all you want. I'm going back, and I wont stop

I'm taking my daughter to the World in 2 weeks for the first time. I can't wait to experience all of her firsts. For us, we will never stop going!

 

[hookedonears]

What's that old saying? ..."Familiarity breeds contempt"?

After going to Disney four years in a row, I noticed that I was spotting little negative things that I didn't the first year. The more familiar you are with something, the more you notice all the nuances, and I think that's part of why people think it goes downhill. Not all of it, but partly.

I also think people tend to remember the best memories of previous trips, so when they go back, they are comparing their current experience to many of their "best of Disney" memories. Makes it tough for their current trip to live up to those in the past.

I don't know, but I think these two things explain some of the reason for the "downhill" mindset.

Dan

Would have to agree here. The first year or two, we were like deer in the head lights. We walked by looking at everything, and I'm sure we walked by a piece of trash on the ground, or cigarette butt, and didn't even notice it, because our heads were probably too busy spinning and looking at maps. Because WDW is two steps above any other amusement parks, people are at first astounded by the COMPARITIVE cleanliness, themeing, and overall appearance of the parks, restaurants and resorts. There's no doubt that the minor issues are overlooked.

 

[flicx]

agreed. its called greed. and it is pervasive in todays corporate culture including and it seems more and more at WDW.. but we look the other way or we are used to this climate or we are too young to remember when things were not this way..or we turn a blind eye because we love the product OR we have so much $$$$ that we pay for special treatment!

 

[linskypens]

I wanted to let everyone know that I appreciate the fact that you have taken the time to read through my amazingly long diatribes.
We have never stayed above a Moderate. And frankly I like ASMo better than CSR.
At some point I'd like to stay at a deluxe, although until I win the lottery I cant imagine spending that much for a room. especially a room im in only to sleep in.
I wanted to also add that after years of dreaming about it, we actually went to Cedar Point in Ohio in 2012. We love coasters, and the place was amazing. But its not Disney. I followed that 3 days with a surprise trip for DD to Disney for three days. She was actually upset with me that it was a surprise, as she told me one of the great parts about going is the planning we do together.
And its not all about the parks for us either. Its sitting under Wizard Mickey in the pool at ASMo, getting splashed in the head by the fountain. Its a rousing game of golf at Winter Summerland. Its Hoop De Doo, which we would not go a trip without attending. Its crying every night at Wishes, holding her tight while the finale fireworks go off. Its the bench at DTD, where we eat popcorn from Giardelli, and talk about her next year coming up. Its a frozen banana at the cart in Dinoland, its a hot dog from Caseys, its a half chicken from Cosmic Rays, its a dole whip, its that horrible chocolate covered marshmallow thing smothered in MnM's (see the signature photo) that she gets every year. Its listening to hear say "Please Stand Clear of the Doors: in Spanish. Its her refusing to eat a turkey leg from Tomorrowland because the "ones from the cart across from Country Bears are just better" Its watching her slide to the far side of the library in ToT, or the left side of the audio booth in RnR, or the second door from the fireplace in HM, or the far side of the intro room at Dinosaur, just for the satisfaction she gets from knowing these little secrets to be ahead of everyone else.
As stated before I could go on and on and on, and I promise this is the last one...
I just wanted to let everyone know that I feel fortunate to go to a place every year, that people save their whole lives to go to once. Ive helped a dozen of my friends plan, devising itineraries, sending them to this and other sites, lending my copy of the Unofficial Guide, explaining the intricacies of Fastpass, and how to make the most of it. I've applied (unsuccessfully )to be on the Mom's Panel, although after having read the stock answers they give to everything, Im kinda glad I'm not on it.
Enjoy your trips, enjoy your family, roll with the punches, and remember how lucky you are to have your families, and time together...
OK I'm done.

 

[tim123]

I wanted to let everyone know that I appreciate the fact that you have taken the time to read through my amazingly long diatribes.
We have never stayed above a Moderate. And frankly I like ASMo better than CSR.
At some point I'd like to stay at a deluxe, although until I win the lottery I cant imagine spending that much for a room. especially a room im in only to sleep in.
I wanted to also add that after years of dreaming about it, we actually went to Cedar Point in Ohio in 2012. We love coasters, and the place was amazing. But its not Disney. I followed that 3 days with a surprise trip for DD to Disney for three days. She was actually upset with me that it was a surprise, as she told me one of the great parts about going is the planning we do together.
And its not all about the parks for us either. Its sitting under Wizard Mickey in the pool at ASMo, getting splashed in the head by the fountain. Its a rousing game of golf at Winter Summerland. Its Hoop De Doo, which we would not go a trip without attending. Its crying every night at Wishes, holding her tight while the finale fireworks go off. Its the bench at DTD, where we eat popcorn from Giardelli, and talk about her next year coming up. Its a frozen banana at the cart in Dinoland, its a hot dog from Caseys, its a half chicken from Cosmic Rays, its a dole whip, its that horrible chocolate covered marshmallow thing smothered in MnM's (see the signature photo) that she gets every year. Its listening to hear say "Please Stand Clear of the Doors: in Spanish. Its her refusing to eat a turkey leg from Tomorrowland because the "ones from the cart across from Country Bears are just better" Its watching her slide to the far side of the library in ToT, or the left side of the audio booth in RnR, or the second door from the fireplace in HM, or the far side of the intro room at Dinosaur, just for the satisfaction she gets from knowing these little secrets to be ahead of everyone else.
As stated before I could go on and on and on, and I promise this is the last one...
I just wanted to let everyone know that I feel fortunate to go to a place every year, that people save their whole lives to go to once. Ive helped a dozen of my friends plan, devising itineraries, sending them to this and other sites, lending my copy of the Unofficial Guide, explaining the intricacies of Fastpass, and how to make the most of it. I've applied (unsuccessfully )to be on the Mom's Panel, although after having read the stock answers they give to everything, Im kinda glad I'm not on it.
Enjoy your trips, enjoy your family, roll with the punches, and remember how lucky you are to have your families, and time together...
OK I'm done.

Amen

 

[flicx]

Enjoy your trips, enjoy your family, roll with the punches, and remember how lucky you are to have your families, and time together...
OK I'm done.

I agree with your sentiment. You should enjoy everything you do with your family whether it is a picnic or a trip to chucky cheeses or what ever your family does for fun. Rolling with the punches is a great way to do things. However these things quite frankly aren't a barometer on whether Disney has or has not gone down hill. I truly think you should try to enjoy your vacation but if there are flaws and things that have gone downhill, smiling and just bearing it is not the way some choose to go. After all Disney is very expensive and twice a year price increases are now the norm. If this goes along with many service reductions I totally understand why people say it is going downhill!

 

[Mousemommy1]

I wanted to let everyone know that I appreciate the fact that you have taken the time to read through my amazingly long diatribes.
We have never stayed above a Moderate. And frankly I like ASMo better than CSR.
At some point I'd like to stay at a deluxe, although until I win the lottery I cant imagine spending that much for a room. especially a room im in only to sleep in.
I wanted to also add that after years of dreaming about it, we actually went to Cedar Point in Ohio in 2012. We love coasters, and the place was amazing. But its not Disney. I followed that 3 days with a surprise trip for DD to Disney for three days. She was actually upset with me that it was a surprise, as she told me one of the great parts about going is the planning we do together.
And its not all about the parks for us either. Its sitting under Wizard Mickey in the pool at ASMo, getting splashed in the head by the fountain. Its a rousing game of golf at Winter Summerland. Its Hoop De Doo, which we would not go a trip without attending. Its crying every night at Wishes, holding her tight while the finale fireworks go off. Its the bench at DTD, where we eat popcorn from Giardelli, and talk about her next year coming up. Its a frozen banana at the cart in Dinoland, its a hot dog from Caseys, its a half chicken from Cosmic Rays, its a dole whip, its that horrible chocolate covered marshmallow thing smothered in MnM's (see the signature photo) that she gets every year. Its listening to hear say "Please Stand Clear of the Doors: in Spanish. Its her refusing to eat a turkey leg from Tomorrowland because the "ones from the cart across from Country Bears are just better" Its watching her slide to the far side of the library in ToT, or the left side of the audio booth in RnR, or the second door from the fireplace in HM, or the far side of the intro room at Dinosaur, just for the satisfaction she gets from knowing these little secrets to be ahead of everyone else.
As stated before I could go on and on and on, and I promise this is the last one...
I just wanted to let everyone know that I feel fortunate to go to a place every year, that people save their whole lives to go to once. Ive helped a dozen of my friends plan, devising itineraries, sending them to this and other sites, lending my copy of the Unofficial Guide, explaining the intricacies of Fastpass, and how to make the most of it. I've applied (unsuccessfully )to be on the Mom's Panel, although after having read the stock answers they give to everything, Im kinda glad I'm not on it.
Enjoy your trips, enjoy your family, roll with the punches, and remember how lucky you are to have your families, and time together...
OK I'm done.

All of the above. 100% all of the above. That's what it's all about for our family. Absolutely.

 

[DisneyFive]

Love this thread, especially linskypens's comments. Thanks for sharing.

Whether WDW is going downhill or not, I still get major pangs to go back. We're taking this year off after four in a row and doing a (non Disney) cruise instead. Not really a downhill Disney thing, but more of a "lets try something else fun for a year, and refresh our love and excitement for WDW" Hopefully it will make it that much more special for a 2015 trip.

Dan

 

[JimmyV]

Sorry but I got to disagree. I have just returned from my 6th trip after last visiting 2011 and for me, it is still great as ever.

To be fair, I think that most people who are describing a decline over time are using a wider timeframe than three or four years as their sample size. I have been going steadily since 1972 and I could tell you many, many areas where WDW has improved beyond description. I can also tell you many, many areas where WDW has "gone downhill" and these areas wouldn't even count as "opinions". They would be universal truths. Have I noticed measurable changes since 2011? Not really. Have I noticed measurable changes (both for the better and the worse in some areas) since 1980? Absolutely.

 

[redsbe]

To be fair, I think that most people who are describing a decline over time are using a wider timeframe than three or four years as their sample size. I have been going steadily since 1972 and I could tell you many, many areas where WDW has improved beyond description. I can also tell you many, many areas where WDW has "gone downhill" and these areas wouldn't even count as "opinions". They would be universal truths. Have I noticed measurable changes since 2011? Not really. Have I noticed measurable changes (both for the better and the worse in some areas) since 1980? Absolutely.

And a lot has changed with our society, culture, economy and many other factors since 1972, 1980 and even 2011, those have all impacted WDW and over time WDW has changed in response to those but other forces, needs and priorities. Technology, economic forces, and crowds just three major forces of change impacting WDW.

I doubt anyone could go back in their lives, places, homes etc... and not experience or notice plenty of changes. Just like the old saying "you can never go home" change is part of our lives and society, some good, some bad, other indifferent - and WDW is no different. Hard to hold any place, institution or company static, change is going to occur, some will like, some others will dislike. Impossible to think of WDW as always staying in one form as much as we may desire.