Fort Fans...Disney going downhil?

[Violet Parr]

Hi Fort fans,

So the "Disney is going downhill/service is declining" threads are making the rounds again (as they have been doing since I started going to WDW in 2005.)

Have you felt/seen these purported changes and slips in quality? It seems to be me that the fewest negative reviews come from Disney campers.

What do you think?

VP

 

[becky1960]

I have seen the quality in resturant food decline, there was a discussion on Trails End a while back on the boards. Another thing is lack of bus service has dropping during slower seasons, I have noticed that prices are getting higher and higher. We now seem to be eating offsite most of the time now.

We also skipped the parks last trip and went to Universal, the first time in over 30 years.

 

[Born 2 Fish]

Hi Fort fans,
Have you felt/seen these purported changes and slips in quality? It seems to be me that the fewest negative reviews come from Disney campers.

What do you think?

no

 

[Magicbus]

Don't you just love this type of thread.
VP, I see by your posting record that yesterday was your first post on the Camping Board. You're not trying to stir the pot, are you?

 

[Disneylitch]

Of course prices are going up, They are going up everywhere, not just Disney. Even though I get thoroughly lost in the pixie dust and not a care in the world atmosphere of WDW, I also am realistic to the fact that Disney is a business. If you do a price comparison between WDW and other resorts, I think yo get more bang from your buck at WDW. I can go to WDW for 2 weeks cheaper than going to Ocean City, Maryland. I am including tickets, campsite, and the all important cost of gas. It cost me almost as much in gas as it does the campsite. Is the Disney's fault as well, I don't think so. Maybe the quality of the food has slipped, I don't really know. We usually only eat out once during our stay and the food has always been good where we choose to eat.
As far as the bus service goes. I think it is a drastic improvement. We were at The Fort for the 25th Anniversary and it was not uncommon to wait atleast an hour for a bus. Part of our party walked and we rented a golf cart for my Dad and my nephew that is mentally ********. They just couldn't walk the distances that we did. We were in the cabins at the time. We have been staying at a campsite for the past 11 years and would not want to stay anywhere else..
VP, have you stayed at The Fort? Do you frequent WDW alot? If so, what do you think is declining? I think WDW is a great place to visit and a good value for your money. While at WDW you just need to pick and choose how you want to spend your hard earned cash, but is that really any different from any other place that you would visit???

 

[ftwildernessguy]

Kungaloosh!

 

[Lil' Lisa]

Kungaloosh!

Woo Hoo!!! I second that!

 

[BradyBz12]

Third!!

Honestly - and no flames intended to OP - I've been perusing the boards lately and bemoaning how much I hate the "how much does Disney suck" threads. I really don't want to engage in discussions about how much the place that brings us all to these boards to begin with, isn't "up to snuff."

I come to these boards to share my LOVE of WDW and the Fort. And I'm not idealistic or silly enough to think that everything's going to be sunshine and rainbows all the time, and I'm up for a good rant as much as the next guy, but I just don't want to dwell on these things when there are still so many GOOD things to dwell on.

Times change, businesses makes decisions for good or bad, and you can't please all of the people all of the time. That's the way of the world. Squawking about it on a discussion board isn't likely to change anything.


Now.... please pass the beer!!

 

[Magicbus]

I'm still waiting for my first.

 

[KimIce]

Third!!

Honestly - and no flames intended to OP - I've been perusing the boards lately and bemoaning how much I hate the "how much does Disney suck" threads. I really don't want to engage in discussions about how much the place that brings us all to these boards to begin with, isn't "up to snuff."

I come to these boards to share my LOVE of WDW and the Fort. And I'm not idealistic or silly enough to think that everything's going to be sunshine and rainbows all the time, and I'm up for a good rant as much as the next guy, but I just don't want to dwell on these things when there are still so many GOOD things to dwell on.

Times change, businesses makes decisions for good or bad, and you can't please all of the people all of the time. That's the way of the world. Squawking about it on a discussion board isn't likely to change anything.


Now.... please pass the beer!!

Very well said!!

 

[Disneylitch]

Third!!

Honestly - and no flames intended to OP - I've been perusing the boards lately and bemoaning how much I hate the "how much does Disney suck" threads. I really don't want to engage in discussions about how much the place that brings us all to these boards to begin with, isn't "up to snuff."

I come to these boards to share my LOVE of WDW and the Fort. And I'm not idealistic or silly enough to think that everything's going to be sunshine and rainbows all the time, and I'm up for a good rant as much as the next guy, but I just don't want to dwell on these things when there are still so many GOOD things to dwell on.

Times change, businesses makes decisions for good or bad, and you can't please all of the people all of the time. That's the way of the world. Squawking about it on a discussion board isn't likely to change anything.


Now.... please pass the beer!!

Yup, if you think Disney sucks, than just don't go there. It will leave more room for the rest of us!!!!!

 

[allmydisneydreams]

With the world, and the World, being imperfect places, people can always find something to complain about. Are prices going up? Sure. And I did see a particularly dirty parking lot on our last trip (DHS in April 08), which I found shocking, but the rest of our 8 days at Disney everything was immaculate. I just chalked that one day up to some problem with scheduling or something. We, the adults, do have to remember that it isn't really all pulled off by magic - there are human beings, and yes, a business behind the whole concept. If you dwell on the negatives, you will find stuff to bring you down, anywhere you go.

I don't mean to offend anyone, but I see these threads where people are spending huge amounts of money and then getting mad if everything isn't perfect. I do understand wanting value for your money, but there are choices to be made, and frankly you won't be treated any differently in the restaurants and parks if you are paying $400 a night at the GF then you will if you are camping in a tent for $44 a night at FW. To me that is one of the most wonderful things about WDW, but it seems to tick a lot of people off. WDW guest, day guest, whoever ... everyone is the same and receives the same friendly hellos and top notch attractions once they are through those gates. It seems like some people want to be treated like royalty because they are shelling out the big bucks for their hotel stay. Looking for anything that isn't perfect and then taking it personally.

Its all in your perspective. I like to read travel reviews on tripadvisor and I am always fascinated by the differences in opinions on the very same place. This isn't just Disney. I'll find a budget hotel that I'd like to check out and half the people will say what a great bargain it is, not fancy, but clean and friendly. Then the other half of the people will say what a dive it was and how they feared for their lives. A bit of an exageration, but you see my point.

The truth is that Disney is not perfect all day every day. What Disney accomplishes is an amazing feat of organization, dedication, technology, and yes, magic . And if you are headed there to have a great, clean, entertaining time with your family then you WILL NOT find a better value, IMO. And the options are just about endless. If the hotels are too expensive, stay off-site. Restaurants too pricey? Bring your lunch. You may find an occaional grumpy CM, you may have to wait longer than you thought you would for something. You'll still have a fantastic time. Truth is that all vacations are expensive. Sometimes people get grumpy, even at Disney. Sometimes things get dirty and have to be cleaned up. Its amazing to me that it all goes off as well as it does.

Of course I am a very laid back, budget minded girl. We don't get that many vacations in our family - but brother, when we do get one we make the best of it! And our two trips to Disney have been amazing. Perfect? No, not perfect. But I hardly remember the glitches because I am so busy remembering the fabulousness of it all

That is one reason why I am so excited to have found the Camping Board and learned so much about FW. We can stay onsite again! Now, I know that sleeping in a tent and packing/cooking our own food is just not a vacation to many people. In fact, we are hoping to head down in October and sleep in a tent and do just one GAD park day (gasp!). We'll drive 18 hours to get there, too. And yes, people on the other boards said I was crazy to do it. But you know what? I don't care. Because I still think that Disney is the best place in the world to spend time with my family. I still think that is is absolutely magical. There is something for everyone.

And not to be rude, but to all those people who are complaining on all those threads ... why would you go somewhere that makes you so unhappy? If you don't like a certain restaurant anymore, then skip it. If a line is bugging you, walk away. Whole experience getting you down? Just don't go.

Disney makes me happy. It feels magic to me and to my DH & kiddos. We've not been disappointed even once. Of course we don't expect to be treated like royalty. And we don't expect perfection. We take those little bits of magic as wonderful surprise bonuses rather than expected perks. We are positive because we are in such a happy place with our family Does it really get any better than that? Not to me.

 

[Violet Parr]

Don't you just love this type of thread.
VP, I see by your posting record that yesterday was your first post on the Camping Board. You're not trying to stir the pot, are you?

I was actually pretty active on the camping board years back under another screen name. Not trying to stir the pot. Those threads always get me SO anxious about our next trip. I find that Fort Fiends tend to have a MUCH more upbeat view of things. I guess it was my attempt at getting some reassurance.

VP

(And I have a new screen name due to some security issues.)

 

[Violet Parr]

And yes, we have stayed at the Fort before. 10 amazing days on Cottontail Curl. And I have to say, that trip WAS perfect. Our family came back so connected and happy. That happiness lasted for a long time after! But yes, it was just magical. And things went wrong! But I still felt it was perfect.

These threads just come up ALL the time (there's a big one on the Theme Park strategies board right now) and they just sometimes eat away at my confidence about our coming trips. (I know, I shouldn't read them!)

Feeling better already!

Thanks!

VP

 

[Vaughn4380]

Times change, businesses makes decisions for good or bad, and you can't please all of the people all of the time. That's the way of the world. Squawking about it on a discussion board isn't likely to change anything.

I disagree, constructive discussion among Disney fans can actually result in improvements to the world, like organizing a letter writing campaign (or email campaign) when Disney removes a favored attraction or service. What doesn’t help is constant whining without suggestions for improvement.

I have been going to Disney for over 30 years now. In that time I have seen firsthand how Disney can screw up a good thing. For example, the early to mid eighties were bad for the parks, lots of trash laying around, poor mouse-keeping service and bad attitude from employees. I would constantly notify management at the hotels, and even wrote letters to the corporate office voicing my displeasure. I assume others did the same as the early nineties began a rebirth of the parks and practically everything was improved upon. But it took a few years to come around.

I would have loved to see the results had the internet existed at that time and a site like the DIS been able to organize the fans.

I also like to let the Disney “Noobs” know how things used to be so they can decide for themselves the value of what they are getting while at Disney, as well as keep the memory alive for some of the stuff that is missed by us “old timers”. Most here have no idea that Chef Mickey’s used to be a very nice table service restaurant at the village, further, your soft-drink came in a nice souvenir mug that you got to take with you (at no additional charge). Compared to the current abomination that is called Chef Mickey’s (last time we were there we couldn’t even hold a conversation due to the screaming music and the sales pitch for the $40 picture), the value has gone down. Some things have gotten better too, the old campsites used to be very basic, the improvements over the years have been great. Same with the pools at all of the hotels, the theming has improved and they are much better than the past.

Again, I am talking about reasonable discussion that informs other Disney fans, not incessant whining with no intended objective.

 

[Violet Parr]

With the world, and the World, being imperfect places, people can always find something to complain about. Are prices going up? Sure. And I did see a particularly dirty parking lot on our last trip (DHS in April 08), which I found shocking, but the rest of our 8 days at Disney everything was immaculate. I just chalked that one day up to some problem with scheduling or something. We, the adults, do have to remember that it isn't really all pulled off by magic - there are human beings, and yes, a business behind the whole concept. If you dwell on the negatives, you will find stuff to bring you down, anywhere you go.

I don't mean to offend anyone, but I see these threads where people are spending huge amounts of money and then getting mad if everything isn't perfect. I do understand wanting value for your money, but there are choices to be made, and frankly you won't be treated any differently in the restaurants and parks if you are paying $400 a night at the GF then you will if you are camping in a tent for $44 a night at FW. To me that is one of the most wonderful things about WDW, but it seems to tick a lot of people off. WDW guest, day guest, whoever ... everyone is the same and receives the same friendly hellos and top notch attractions once they are through those gates. It seems like some people want to be treated like royalty because they are shelling out the big bucks for their hotel stay. Looking for anything that isn't perfect and then taking it personally.

Its all in your perspective. I like to read travel reviews on tripadvisor and I am always fascinated by the differences in opinions on the very same place. This isn't just Disney. I'll find a budget hotel that I'd like to check out and half the people will say what a great bargain it is, not fancy, but clean and friendly. Then the other half of the people will say what a dive it was and how they feared for their lives. A bit of an exageration, but you see my point.

The truth is that Disney is not perfect all day every day. What Disney accomplishes is an amazing feat of organization, dedication, technology, and yes, magic . And if you are headed there to have a great, clean, entertaining time with your family then you WILL NOT find a better value, IMO. And the options are just about endless. If the hotels are too expensive, stay off-site. Restaurants too pricey? Bring your lunch. You may find an occaional grumpy CM, you may have to wait longer than you thought you would for something. You'll still have a fantastic time. Truth is that all vacations are expensive. Sometimes people get grumpy, even at Disney. Sometimes things get dirty and have to be cleaned up. Its amazing to me that it all goes off as well as it does.

Of course I am a very laid back, budget minded girl. We don't get that many vacations in our family - but brother, when we do get one we make the best of it! And our two trips to Disney have been amazing. Perfect? No, not perfect. But I hardly remember the glitches because I am so busy remembering the fabulousness of it all

That is one reason why I am so excited to have found the Camping Board and learned so much about FW. We can stay onsite again! Now, I know that sleeping in a tent and packing/cooking our own food is just not a vacation to many people. In fact, we are hoping to head down in October and sleep in a tent and do just one GAD park day (gasp!). We'll drive 18 hours to get there, too. And yes, people on the other boards said I was crazy to do it. But you know what? I don't care. Because I still think that Disney is the best place in the world to spend time with my family. I still think that is is absolutely magical. There is something for everyone.

And not to be rude, but to all those people who are complaining on all those threads ... why would you go somewhere that makes you so unhappy? If you don't like a certain restaurant anymore, then skip it. If a line is bugging you, walk away. Whole experience getting you down? Just don't go.

Disney makes me happy. It feels magic to me and to my DH & kiddos. We've not been disappointed even once. Of course we don't expect to be treated like royalty. And we don't expect perfection. We take those little bits of magic as wonderful surprise bonuses rather than expected perks. We are positive because we are in such a happy place with our family Does it really get any better than that? Not to me.

Thank you! This is exactly how I feel! On our last trip, our luggage was lost when we moved from Coronado Springs to FW (after one night, so we could set up camp in daylight. We flew with all of our tent gear!) It took 4 hours to find our luggage (maybe 5?) and we lost daylight anyway and had to set up camp in the dark (so the whole point of flying in a day early and staying at Coronado was lost.)

But we STILL think of that as a perfect vacation. It was the time we spent together as a family (and some really cool magic to boot) that made the trip so perfect.

It's the reason we are thinking of switching from 12 nights in a 2 bedroom DVC villa to 13 nights in tents in December!

VP, who knows all about Kungaloosh!

 

[Tri-circle-D]

With the world, and the World, being imperfect places, people can always find something to complain about. Are prices going up? Sure. And I did see a particularly dirty parking lot on our last trip (DHS in April 08), which I found shocking, but the rest of our 8 days at Disney everything was immaculate. I just chalked that one day up to some problem with scheduling or something. We, the adults, do have to remember that it isn't really all pulled off by magic - there are human beings, and yes, a business behind the whole concept. If you dwell on the negatives, you will find stuff to bring you down, anywhere you go.

I don't mean to offend anyone, but I see these threads where people are spending huge amounts of money and then getting mad if everything isn't perfect. I do understand wanting value for your money, but there are choices to be made, and frankly you won't be treated any differently in the restaurants and parks if you are paying $400 a night at the GF then you will if you are camping in a tent for $44 a night at FW. To me that is one of the most wonderful things about WDW, but it seems to tick a lot of people off. WDW guest, day guest, whoever ... everyone is the same and receives the same friendly hellos and top notch attractions once they are through those gates. It seems like some people want to be treated like royalty because they are shelling out the big bucks for their hotel stay. Looking for anything that isn't perfect and then taking it personally.

Its all in your perspective. I like to read travel reviews on tripadvisor and I am always fascinated by the differences in opinions on the very same place. This isn't just Disney. I'll find a budget hotel that I'd like to check out and half the people will say what a great bargain it is, not fancy, but clean and friendly. Then the other half of the people will say what a dive it was and how they feared for their lives. A bit of an exageration, but you see my point.

The truth is that Disney is not perfect all day every day. What Disney accomplishes is an amazing feat of organization, dedication, technology, and yes, magic . And if you are headed there to have a great, clean, entertaining time with your family then you WILL NOT find a better value, IMO. And the options are just about endless. If the hotels are too expensive, stay off-site. Restaurants too pricey? Bring your lunch. You may find an occaional grumpy CM, you may have to wait longer than you thought you would for something. You'll still have a fantastic time. Truth is that all vacations are expensive. Sometimes people get grumpy, even at Disney. Sometimes things get dirty and have to be cleaned up. Its amazing to me that it all goes off as well as it does.

Of course I am a very laid back, budget minded girl. We don't get that many vacations in our family - but brother, when we do get one we make the best of it! And our two trips to Disney have been amazing. Perfect? No, not perfect. But I hardly remember the glitches because I am so busy remembering the fabulousness of it all

That is one reason why I am so excited to have found the Camping Board and learned so much about FW. We can stay onsite again! Now, I know that sleeping in a tent and packing/cooking our own food is just not a vacation to many people. In fact, we are hoping to head down in October and sleep in a tent and do just one GAD park day (gasp!). We'll drive 18 hours to get there, too. And yes, people on the other boards said I was crazy to do it. But you know what? I don't care. Because I still think that Disney is the best place in the world to spend time with my family. I still think that is is absolutely magical. There is something for everyone.

And not to be rude, but to all those people who are complaining on all those threads ... why would you go somewhere that makes you so unhappy? If you don't like a certain restaurant anymore, then skip it. If a line is bugging you, walk away. Whole experience getting you down? Just don't go.

Disney makes me happy. It feels magic to me and to my DH & kiddos. We've not been disappointed even once. Of course we don't expect to be treated like royalty. And we don't expect perfection. We take those little bits of magic as wonderful surprise bonuses rather than expected perks. We are positive because we are in such a happy place with our family Does it really get any better than that? Not to me.

Wow!

That is the best post that I have read in a long time!

Thank you!

I started reading this thread, and saw where it was going, and was about to stop reading, but then I read your post.

There are a lot of things that bug me about recent changes at Fort Wilderness, but your post really does put things in perspective!

Good job!

TCD

 

[Vaughn4380]

To answer the OP's question:

Some things have gone downhill, the restaurants and food quality are pathetic compared to what Disney offered 15 years ago (Anyone remember the hand sliced prime rib at your table in the Castle?). But some things have been vastly improved, the hotel renovations, the new hotels, pools, better water parks (even though I miss RC), better technology on the newer rides (TSM especially), I could go on.

I will always be a huge Disney fan and will always go to the parks, at the same time I will miss some of the original magic that has been replaced.

 

[Violet Parr]

There are a lot of things that bug me about recent changes at Fort Wilderness, but your post really does put things in perspective!


TCD

TCD, I haven't been around for 3 years or so. What are some of the recent changes? I did see the new pool slide. Our kids will be thrilled!

VP

 

[ftwildernessrick]

People, myself included, tend to dwell and gripe more about any bad change that occurs, rather than praise the good changes, including goings on at the Fort. But the Fort has done some great changes over the past years.

The most obvious & recent is the pool rehab. The premium sites makeover to help accomodate larger rigs. Having pet friendly loops. Even the bus system is great. The original trains were neat & classic, but they were hot in the summer, cold in the winter & wet when it rained hard. And, if you were staying close to one of the tracks, you definately would get your morning wake up call and that afternoon nap was difficult. How nice is it to get on that nice cool bus when it is in the upper 90's.

Not to mention, you still have the friendly neighbors and great CM's to assist you and who try to ensure a memorable stay.