Getting Bummed by reports

[aviva5675]

I will hopefully be planning our third family trip soon, for 2010. I am a little disheartened from reading posts lately. Does it seem like Disney is really cutting back on the things that make the World so special? Fewer decorations, no Coral Reef diver stuff, just the little things that make it so nice. I understand about the economy and I know Disney is out to make a profit, but still...cutting back on all the things that make people want to return over and over---just seems depressing. Food posts too make it seem like the food is the same everywhere, and of a lesser quality. Anyone else get this feeling?

 

[kapoof]

yes, and i have a feeling it will only get worse. i bet alot of people who booked for the 4 get 3 free deal will cancel due to job cuts, bad economy etc.

 

[ilandrazdsw]

Totally getting that feeling by what is being posted...granted I think we have a tendency to complain more than point out the good aspects. This is my first tim back to WDW in 13 years, My DH first trip to E, DS, MK, & my childrens first trip to WDW ever!!!! WOO HOO!!!
I remember as a kid/teen Disney was all about customer service. If trash dropped on the ground it was picked-up immediately by a cm, Rides were spik' n span, guests were put first (not the worry of a lawsuit), etc. I really hope I can still find a sense of the "original" WDW vision.
We are going over Christmas so it will be the littlt things (along with funds) that will determine how quickly we return. I expect CROWDS (obviously), so my family will be enjoying the sights, decorations, food...you know the stuff OP are knocking. At least not going every year I do not have the expectations from recent previous years.

 

[Disneyadore]

I will hopefully be planning our third family trip soon, for 2010. I am a little disheartened from reading posts lately. Does it seem like Disney is really cutting back on the things that make the World so special? Fewer decorations, no Coral Reef diver stuff, just the little things that make it so nice. I understand about the economy and I know Disney is out to make a profit, but still...cutting back on all the things that make people want to return over and over---just seems depressing. Food posts too make it seem like the food is the same everywhere, and of a lesser quality. Anyone else get this feeling?

Ore....................
People are just getting to spoiled and demand everything for free and just won't see how special Disney treats his guests.

I read so many complains and moaning here lately that I think if I wasn't a Disneynut I would be scared to death.

( Not meaning you Aviva,just speaking in general)

 

[Mississippianna]

I had started to let some of these reports start to get me down, but you know what? It's still Disney World!

 

[PatriciaH]

They are trying to avoid job cuts by cutting back where they can Things are pretty bad here in Orlando.

 

[Traveliz]

You know what - I am a frequent visitor of Disney and sure sometimes I miss something of past years BUT I always see something new and different.

And honestly if you didn't read these boards and just went you would be blown away.

Its the same with the mug police, parking police and all other self appointed Disney police...to read these boards you would think Disney is a police state but if you frequently go you see just how go with the flow they really are.

Liz

 

[RMulieri]

Ore....................
People are just getting to spoiled and demand everything for free and just won't see how special Disney treats his guests.

I read so many complains and moaning here lately that I think if I wasn't a Disneynut I would be scared to death.

( Not meaning you Aviva,just speaking in general)

Exactly....some things are being cut due to cost saving measures.I would rather they cut a few things than jack up park ticket or resort prices.As for things like the Coral Reef diver being cut,i can understand that. the issues with that were never ending, that poor reservations woman was inundated with requests, and complaints.While it was a cute little free perk, too many people requesting and or demanding it and getting angry when it could not be accomdated brought the whole thing down.

 

[RMulieri]

Things are definitely not the same as 20 yrs ago, but then again NOTHING STAYS the same.I miss certain aspects of Wdw, but it is still a magical, wonderful time when I do go.I have never received a pincode discount, a free resort upgrade, a small gift for wearing the free pin they gave me.But I still go.I have had awful trips,so so trips, and wonderful trips, and yet I choose to go back and remember each fondly..Why?, because I am fortunate enough to be able to go.There are lots of people that have never been and can not afford to.They could probably care less that the Christmas decor this year isn't as great, that Epcot shortened its hours by 1 hour, or that they can't get a free diver at the coral reef.They are just happy to be there, and so am I. I have gone on other trips, but it is not the same.yeah entertaining, but not like disney.I can complain about disney when things go sour,and i do but I still go back.I give praise where it is due.Disney is still magical.A buisness in trying times...absolutely.But Disney is still the best bang for your buck, and the magic is what you make of it.

 

[mmcguire]

I'm getting bummed, too.

My brother & his family are FINALLY going to join us next year, and I'm afraid with all the cut-backs, it is going to come no where NEAR how we've talked it up over the years.

DB is VERY nit-picky, and will definitely notice poor service, low food quality, shabby maintenence, etc., and it will put a huge damper on his good time (and ours too, if he's complaining the whole time).

He's not big on crowds or theme parks, and is only taking this trip for his wife & kids' enjoyment. I just hate that they saved their pennies for what appears to be shaping up as a poor representation of what WDW used to be. If things are truly as bad as they sound, I'm tempted to tell them we should go another time.

 

[Traveliz]

I'm getting bummed, too.

My brother & his family are FINALLY going to join us next year, and I'm afraid with all the cut-backs, it is going to come no where NEAR how we've talked it up over the years.

DB is VERY nit-picky, and will definitely notice poor service, low food quality, shabby maintenence, etc., and it will put a huge damper on his good time (and ours too, if he's complaining the whole time).

He's not big on crowds or theme parks, and is only taking this trip for his wife & kids' enjoyment. I just hate that they saved their pennies for what appears to be shaping up as a poor representation of what WDW used to be. If things are truly as bad as they sound, I'm tempted to tell them we should go another time.

I have not noticed that in cut backs - the things I have noticed are Donald Ducks Christmas tree farm isn't as fancy, there are no longer red and green lights on the Contemporary for the holidays - that sort of thing.

I have traveled with several large groups in the past year and except for the occasional problem (which happens when they are not in a period of down turn as well) the trips have been awesome.

Liz

 

[SnowWtch]

I've noticed cutbacks during our last trip but there are CM's out there who try to make it magical for everyone. Our server didn't have to bring us a special cupcake and leis for our anniversary since we had dessert with the meal at O'Hana but she did. She wanted to make up for the slow service we had. Our server at Cape May Clam Bake made us feel special. He kept our glasses filled and our table clean while making us feel at home. He made small talk and was the easiest server to get along with. I felt like he was just a good friend hanging out with us. It was great. The head of housekeeping at POFQ made sure I had a room ready if I needed it when they took DH to the ER with what turned out to be food poisoning. She worked out what the front desk told me was impossible. Luckily, I didn't need it but she made sure it was there. So, there is magic out there even if it's not in the decorations and frills we're used to.

 

[Matt'sMom]

We are just back from a WDW trip over the first week of December... and for us the Disney Magic and Pixie Dust was alive and well. The CMs really went above and beyond in many cases, to insure that our needs were accomidated and that we had a wonderful time. We had no issues with CMs or service. Our resort (Poly) was lovely and had well maintained grounds as always. And the food at the restaurants where we dined was absolutely fantastic (especially the new Kona Sushi Bar). No repeats/overlaps of menus--but then we select our ADRs & CS locations with that in mind.

I think that the forums frequently offer a rather slanted view, because more people are likely to come back and post about what went wrong during their trip, than about all of the positive experiences that they had. Sometimes there is definitely a lack of balance. And on occassion, posts about a random act of 'pixie dust' from CMs will result in future guests going in with an expectation that they are entitled to and should receive the same. When by chance they do not, then the grumbling starts (think of all those threads about 'towel animals' & 'free B-day cupcakes', for example).

Have there been cuts here and there at WDW? Sure there have. The economy is feeling the pinch everywhere, not just at Disney. But the over-all experience is still Magical... and there is still more to see and do at WDW than can be taken in during any single vacation. The attention to details, and special little things to experience, are still present at WDW (although they do indeed change over time), if you take the time to slow down and notice them. I for one still enjoy vacationing there, and am looking forward to planning our next return trip.

 

[glo]

I think that Disney has always prided itself on better service, better food, better entertainment, and that is why we pay more to go to Disney, and not less to go to Universal or other parks. I think that many of us have felt or are about to feel the affects of our lousey economy on Disney. I think there is absolutely nothing wrong in people lamenting that they are going to pay the same amount of money but getting less bang for the buck. I do not see anyone saying they hate Disney, and are never going back, they are saying they feel like they are missing out. It is what I had said on a previous post. I didn't say I wasn't going even though it was suggested I not go...I said I hate the changes.

You know Disney is all about making you feel like you are escaping reality. They are all about making magic, and it is them who have set the standard we have come to expect. The service we have gotten in the past, the things we have come to expect that make Disney stand out, were never things we demanded, it was things Disney did to draw us into coming to their park over and over. When it changes people will feel they are missing out, bad economy or not. Some people will choose not to go...some will go and love it and some will go and hate the changes, and whatever they feel is perfectly fine for them. No one should tell them that they aren't entitled to how they feel.

I think people are nervous about their jobs, and security, and if they are going to spend the money to go...they want it to be special so they can forget reality right now. I know I will...

In the long run...you can voice your concerns here and take what is posted with a grain of salt. Disney will be what you make of it. I know that I will, and have a blast with my best friend and my three daughters.

 

[OB1]

I remember as a kid/teen Disney was all about customer service. If trash dropped on the ground it was picked-up immediately by a cm, Rides were ***** n span, guests were put first (not the worry of a lawsuit), etc.

It is still mighty clean at Disney. I guarantee you people today are much more likely to just drop anything in the middle of the walkways than they would do 20 years ago.

AND . . . . everyone is so concerned about crowds. People want small crowds so they won't wait, but guess what small crowds do for the bottom line. It is definately a catch 22. I'm leaving tomorrow for 4 days, so I'll give my state of the union upon returning. I tend to see the good and enjoy all the magic, so it will have to be bad. I felt things did drop about 3 years ago, but Bob Eiger has helped pull Disney back to where it belongs.

 

[monsterfan_99]

I may be new here but I have something to say on this.

It seems like people want things to be one of two ways A) the old days or B) always perfect. I get A somewhat, as my favorite rides at Magic Kingdom were 20,000 Leagues and Mr. Toad Wild Ride, but people must realize times change. You may loose some original rides at all four parks, but get fantastic ones such as Toy Story Mania and Test Track.

The second one seems to be new to me. I live 10 minutes from Six flags Great America and if you have ever been there, you know perfection is not an option. However, I have yet to have a bad trip there. Why? Because the good is way better then the bad. This is the same way I look at Disney. Something might be bad (a number ride refurbs when you are there, a bad CM, food takes too long) but look where you are. How can someone not be happy at WDW. You have Mickey making children's days every single day, some of the best rides in the entire industry and absolutely beautiful scenery. While you may have had a better trip before, just remember where you are. You are at the happiest place on earth, where even on it's worst day, is better then 99% of anywhere else.

 

[Mississippianna]

While you may have had a better trip before, just remember where you are. You are at the happiest place on earth, where even on it's worst day, is better then 99% of anywhere else.

Amen to that!

 

[happybratpack]

I directed a friend to the DIS because they're planning their first big Disney trip for 2009. He was completely put off and worried about spending the money to go because he said he felt that things were completely falling apart after he went through all the complaint threads. He wouldn't have even missed this stuff if he had just gone and not ready all the negative reports.

I really think a lot of these small cut backs are just that, small. I'm not going to jump off a Contemporary balcony because my buffet didn't have Prime Rib. If it is such a big issue I'd go somewhere I could order it from the menu. Somehow my kid is going to grow up to be a functioning adult without a free diver holding up a sign at lunch. An hour shorter at Epcot? I'm still at Epcot so I'll deal with it.

Nobody wants resort and ticket prices to go up. These small cutbacks add up on such a scale and help prevent the big price hikes as long as possible. If it's going to ruin a trip for someone then I think they should plan a different vacation. That said, you're going to be seeing cuts across the board and not just at WDW so compare apples to apples.

I used to be an avid trip report reader, I read all of them good or bad. A few years ago I found myself walking around the resort nit-picking every little thing. I wouldn't have ever noticed the corner of wallpaper peeling in the hallway if I hadn't been focused on it because of what I had read. I stopped obsessing, stopped focusing on the negative little things that really didn't make an impact and I enjoy better trips because of it.

Great comments...

Ore....................
People are just getting to spoiled and demand everything for free and just won't see how special Disney treats his guests.

I read so many complains and moaning here lately that I think if I wasn't a Disneynut I would be scared to death.

( Not meaning you Aviva,just speaking in general)

They are trying to avoid job cuts by cutting back where they can Things are pretty bad here in Orlando.

Exactly....some things are being cut due to cost saving measures.I would rather they cut a few things than jack up park ticket or resort prices.As for things like the Coral Reef diver being cut,i can understand that. the issues with that were never ending, that poor reservations woman was inundated with requests, and complaints.While it was a cute little free perk, too many people requesting and or demanding it and getting angry when it could not be accomdated brought the whole thing down.

Things are definitely not the same as 20 yrs ago, but then again NOTHING STAYS the same.I miss certain aspects of Wdw, but it is still a magical, wonderful time when I do go.I have never received a pincode discount, a free resort upgrade, a small gift for wearing the free pin they gave me.But I still go.I have had awful trips,so so trips, and wonderful trips, and yet I choose to go back and remember each fondly..Why?, because I am fortunate enough to be able to go.There are lots of people that have never been and can not afford to.They could probably care less that the Christmas decor this year isn't as great, that Epcot shortened its hours by 1 hour, or that they can't get a free diver at the coral reef.They are just happy to be there, and so am I. I have gone on other trips, but it is not the same.yeah entertaining, but not like disney.I can complain about disney when things go sour,and i do but I still go back.I give praise where it is due.Disney is still magical.A buisness in trying times...absolutely.But Disney is still the best bang for your buck, and the magic is what you make of it.

 

[bytheblood]

You are correct, Disney is cutting back a lot. However, this is the entire globe, not just WDW.

The cut-back are very disappointing seeing how the cost to go is more than ever, but I feel VERY blessed to be able to take vacation and I will not take any of it for granted.

 

[mdoc]

I posted that I thought there were fewer decorations this Thanksgiving than there were last Thanksgiving, and that I was bummed that Osborne Lights went up much earlier in November last year than this year. I also do not think that WDW table service is worth the money - we used to do just CS, but the last couple trips tried TS and now we've decided to go back to CS for the most part. My current gripe is about the hours in late March/early April 2009 - I think the hours are shorter and the shows fewer. All of that said - I'm still planning to go to WDW at least once a year. Sure, there are things I don't like, and things that I think have been cut back, but the overall experience is still great and we always have a wonderful time at Disney. And in between trips, I guess I'll just keep complaining as I plan to the next trip!