Getting Bummed by reports

[monsterfan_99]

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!

I have noticed that the hours have been cut in the last 2 weeks. The dates I was checking was March 28th-April 4th.

 

[Camno's Mama]

I have noticed a lot of bad reports as well. And it does make me nervous because we have never stayed onsite before. It has always been highly recommended on here, and now the same people act like everything kind of stinks!

I have always enjoyed my time staying offsite at Disney, and hope that I will feel the same way about staying onsite. If not, oh well. I'm sure we'll still have a good time.

I think the parks are great, and have noticed very few CM's acting badly. In fact, I think they are rather patient given what they have to deal with sometimes.

So...don't let it get to you! It's all in your perception...some people just have extremely high standards.

 

[happybratpack]

I think the parks are great, and have noticed very few CM's acting badly. In fact, I think they are rather patient given what they have to deal with sometimes.

No joke!!! I can't tell you how many times I've watched a guest/CM interaction and thought to myself I'd be in jail if I were that CM.

It's AMAZING how mean/nasty/rude some guests are to the Cast Members. It's embarrassing to watch.

 

[Princess MaryPoppins]

I think people are being a bit OTT about this. EVERY company in the world are making cutbacks because of the current economy in order to even survive this wave. If Disney were to keep everything as it were before, they'd be losing a lot of money, which means they cannot build/refurb new rides, create new parades, hotels etc because they have no extra money. Im sure everyone would be a lot more annoyed if hotels, parks (a bit dramatic) or other aspects of Disney had to close because they are not drawing the crowds and money.

Disney's unique selling point has almost been their undoing here, because they have created this perfect paradise and external factors are affecting this, and people are coming down on them like a tonne of bricks because its not 'practically perfect in every way'. People expect flawless service and experience, and rightly so, but people need to think beyond why there are fewer decorations, why the family fun day parade is being cancelled etc..its not just to save money, but its to allow them to carry on with the developments for the future of Walt Disney World.

Disney can't help that the crowds were down nearly 50% in the summer, and now fewer Brits will book holidays there now as the exchange rate for us has plummited. Some people have never been there before, and Disney IS a million times better than anything similar. A lot of money goes into what they produce, with so much behind the scenes action, which people cannot begin to imagine unless they see it with their eyes.

Now i'm not totally defending Disney, because I think Ohana at the Polynesian was pretty awful this summer, but I think people need to reevaluate WHY these things are happening, and its not because Disney are slacking. Disney are so so passionate about about preserving Walt's dream, and so are 99% of cast members like myself. This is why they stopped that corporate guy getting on the board of directors (or whatever it was), which would have ruined Disney!

 

[aristocats_lover]

Just got back from WDW and frankly I think everyone is being extremely overdramatic about these so called "cut backs." So they don't have a tree lighting at Epcot...that wouldn't have anything to do with the stage show and castle lighting at Magic Kingdom would it? No prime rib at a buffet...did you actually eat the rib at the buffet? It was gross! And they are having a brand new stage show, parade, decor etc for the new celebration starting in 20 days. When they take something away, they add something new. If Disney was the same as it was when it opened it would be OUT OF BUSINESS! Times change and they have to change with them.

As for maintainence, yes things need to be refurbished. But when they are, all we hear is whine whine whine about something being closed or wet paint or workers or hammer pounding and the list goes on and on. HELLO! The fairy godmother cannot wave a wand and fix this stuff. It takes people and it takes time. Perfect example, the person who mentioned a corner with peeling paper. What's worse, the peeling corner that is barely noticable, or having that room not be available for you?

People seem to have incredibly high standards at Disney. But one thing that hasn't been mentioned is all the people who want compensation for every little thing. That is taking a huge toll on the bottom line. The money they lose on compensation is one more thing that needs to be made up for with ticket prices, resort prices, food prices/quality.

Everyone needs to chill out and remember to smell the roses and feel the magic. Disney is just as magical as it ever was, it's just a different kind of magic. But it has to be. We have different kids these days...video games, CGI movies with crazy special effects, etc. Not all the stuff that worked 30 years ago would work today.

So if anyone is ever having a bad moment at Disney, look at a child around you, and try to remember the wonder and joy that Disney really has when it's not being overcluttered with criticizing adult thoughts.

 

[Disneyadore]

Just got back from WDW and frankly I think everyone is being extremely overdramatic about these so called "cut backs." So they don't have a tree lighting at Epcot...that wouldn't have anything to do with the stage show and castle lighting at Magic Kingdom would it? No prime rib at a buffet...did you actually eat the rib at the buffet? It was gross! And they are having a brand new stage show, parade, decor etc for the new celebration starting in 20 days. When they take something away, they add something new. If Disney was the same as it was when it opened it would be OUT OF BUSINESS! Times change and they have to change with them.

As for maintainence, yes things need to be refurbished. But when they are, all we hear is whine whine whine about something being closed or wet paint or workers or hammer pounding and the list goes on and on. HELLO! The fairy godmother cannot wave a wand and fix this stuff. It takes people and it takes time. Perfect example, the person who mentioned a corner with peeling paper. What's worse, the peeling corner that is barely noticable, or having that room not be available for you?

People seem to have incredibly high standards at Disney. But one thing that hasn't been mentioned is all the people who want compensation for every little thing. That is taking a huge toll on the bottom line. The money they lose on compensation is one more thing that needs to be made up for with ticket prices, resort prices, food prices/quality.

Everyone needs to chill out and remember to smell the roses and feel the magic. Disney is just as magical as it ever was, it's just a different kind of magic. But it has to be. We have different kids these days...video games, CGI movies with crazy special effects, etc. Not all the stuff that worked 30 years ago would work today.

So if anyone is ever having a bad moment at Disney, look at a child around you, and try to remember the wonder and joy that Disney really has when it's not being overcluttered with criticizing adult thoughts.

Thank you for these wonderful words. You wrote what I think.

 

[Finkelstein's Hubby]

We were there in November and frankly there had been so many complaints posted on DIS before we went that I fully expected to encounter mountains of rubbish, brawling drunks everywhere, people blocking Main Street with stroller armadas and CM's assaulting you..........perhaps I exaggerate but it did seem that many people were going out their way to find faults. Anyway unsurprisingly none of these disasters came to pass and we had a simply wonderful time, Disney looked as great as ever, the CM's were as helpful as always, we had great meals and service everywhere and really enjoyed the treatment we had on our Anniversary, amazing how there is always room for just one more piece of chocolate cake .

I think without doubt Disney is the best at treating their guests with respect and endeavoring to always meet your needs and expectations. Even a Disney that has made cutbacks and changes will still exceed what is available at any other park or indeed resort.

I for one cannot wait to go back and have no doubt that yet again I will have the time of my life

 

[dburg30]

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

I know if I was working there I'd rather have my hours cut by 25% as to having my wages cut by 100% and have to go on unemployment

So if anyone is ever having a bad moment at Disney, look at a child around you, and try to remember the wonder and joy that Disney really has when it's not being overcluttered with criticizing adult thoughts.

Exactly. Young kids will bring tears to my eyes (and I'm a 40 year old male) when they are at disney and enjoying the magic. Sorry, but there is NOTHING that will warm your heart more then hearing 'MOMMY, MOMMY there's MICKEY MOUSE!!!!!' or 'THERE'S A PRINCESS!!!'


edit: Also, to those that read these boards, and the PP poster, dont let yourself get the mindset that all these problems exist. If you do, you have a tendency to look for problems that arent there. (obviously the PP didnt fall prey to these and realized they were way overblown on the boards).

And to those they really DO have an issue, for goodness sakes, MAKE SURE TO TELL SOMEONE! Dont yell and scream at the CM, dont go ranting and raving thru the parks. Goto guest relations and talk to someone, even ask for a manager if you need to. Be accurate and honest in the issue and why you feel it affected you. Dont go in demanding stuff, plead your case and express what you think would be nice to be done to try to help make it right.

 

[FlyingPegasus]

A bad day at Disney is better than a good day at Work!!!

 

[happybratpack]

Perfect example, the person who mentioned a corner with peeling paper. What's worse, the peeling corner that is barely noticable, or having that room not be available for you?

That was me...and I was saying it to the effect of how ridiculous it is to be looking for/complaining about piddly stuff like this.

 

[CarolA]

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?

Rule one of message boards.

People only post when they want to complain or when something REALLY outstanding happens.

So thousands go to Disney every day. Most either have thier expections met or exceeded. One comes on here and posts. The thousands of others don't bother. So what you have is that message boards tend to have more "complaints" then the real world. On these boards you also have more "room upgrades" then you get in the real world, leading to posts of disappointment when folks get what they paid for.
Rule two of message boards

Take everything with a grain of salt.

That "horrid" experience.... we don't know what really happened. We don't know that the poster got up that morning, had a knock down drag out fight with his/her spouse and went storming out of there to breakfast... where the food was bad and service was horrid. (Of course the service staff was cowering in the back because they thougth they were going to witness a murder between that couple fighting at Table X )


Or I can't tell you how many complaints I read that begin something like "I didn't expect anything special, but I was there for my birthday.... and the room was dirty and xyx and no one did anything for my birthday" Hmm... If they had I bet the "room was great etc" Attitude is everything LOL!


Rule 3 of message boards

Some folks go looking for things to complain about.

I used to have a coworker who would crawl around on the floor of her hotel looking for dirt! Of course she found it

So if you find the "negative" DIS posts effect you.. take a step back. I cruise a lot of other boards. This one tends to have the most negativity for some reason.

 

[donaldsgal]

I have enjoyed reading the responses on this thread, mostly because they generally seem to support the notion that Disney is as great as ever - just a different kind of great. We are passholders, DVC members, and are now going about every 6-8 months. I work too hard for too little money (and I love my job) to spend my money on a mediocre vacation. I'd rather have cutbacks than no Disney at all, as others have said. The DIS tends to overflow with complaints, so I chose to navigate to the threads that talk about Disney the way I feel about Disney - like a kid on Christmas morning. I go back because Disney continues to cause my feel-good cup to runneth over. I have encountered more "immersed in the magic" CMs than grumpy ones (maybe one grumpy one ever in the past 7 years). The parks look clean, the rides run great, the food tastes good, and I come away so very glad I went again. Sometimes I wonder how I'm able to have such amazing trips and other posters have such lousy ones. Believe me - I'm not saint, and I can complain with the best of 'em. However, at Disney, I just seem to let it go. I get irritated, but by the time we're home, I've forgotten the little irritations. It's a matter of perspective - enjoying the atmosphere rather than critiquing the joint. Again, I'm no saint, but I love Disney, and my love tends to compensate greatly for the imperfections that exist. I think that the same attitude that makes relationships work is what makes going to Disney work too - you chose to overlook the nuisances (as best you can) and treasure what makes it work and what makes it special. I guess I'm in a vacation relationship with Disney! I loved our trip 2 months ago and am excited to go back in 5 months!

 

[catne]

I have enjoyed reading the responses on this thread, mostly because they generally seem to support the notion that Disney is as great as ever - just a different kind of great. We are passholders, DVC members, and are now going about every 6-8 months. I work too hard for too little money (and I love my job) to spend my money on a mediocre vacation. I'd rather have cutbacks than no Disney at all, as others have said. The DIS tends to overflow with complaints, so I chose to navigate to the threads that talk about Disney the way I feel about Disney - like a kid on Christmas morning. I go back because Disney continues to cause my feel-good cup to runneth over. I have encountered more "immersed in the magic" CMs than grumpy ones (maybe one grumpy one ever in the past 7 years). The parks look clean, the rides run great, the food tastes good, and I come away so very glad I went again. Sometimes I wonder how I'm able to have such amazing trips and other posters have such lousy ones. Believe me - I'm not saint, and I can complain with the best of 'em. However, at Disney, I just seem to let it go. I get irritated, but by the time we're home, I've forgotten the little irritations. It's a matter of perspective - enjoying the atmosphere rather than critiquing the joint. Again, I'm no saint, but I love Disney, and my love tends to compensate greatly for the imperfections that exist. I think that the same attitude that makes relationships work is what makes going to Disney work too - you chose to overlook the nuisances (as best you can) and treasure what makes it work and what makes it special. I guess I'm in a vacation relationship with Disney! I loved our trip 2 months ago and am excited to go back in 5 months!

Well said...especially agree with I go back because Disney continues to cause my feel-good cup to runneth over.

It is so much easier to "don't sweat the small stuff" when the feel-good cup is brim-full. (especially when it's a glo-tini )

 

[Bill From PA]

Rule one of message boards.

People only post when they want to complain or when something REALLY outstanding happens.

I agree 100% on that, but the topic at hand is not the odd candy wrapper on Main St. or a CM who didn't smile as broadly as expected. There's no denying that major cutbacks have, and are,taking place, and they started before the spit hit the fan for the economy. The closing of PI, with the CW and AC included, was announce in what, June? Therefore it was debated and decided on well before that. Pam Brody, gone, along with the gent that played at the R&C. Fantasmic and Spectro in March, a 'Peak Season' with peak resort rates, cut to Value Season levels and less. Disney, I think, is taking a short sighted view of this. If a family is on the fence about going in the next 6 months because of budget concerns, these cuts make it easier to say, 'Let's skip this year, we'll wait until they restore what they took away'. If Disney doesn't return to 'normal', such a family might never or rarely return, having found something else to do in 2009.

We're going to have a fine 8 days at the BW next March, primarily because our daughter, SIL and 3 grandkids will be there the first 4 days. But I, too, am concerned that the Disney experience, the 'feel' of the place may not be there, especially as it applies to adult entertainment. It ain't the kids who decide to go to WDW, it the grownups. The economy is bad and it will get worse, but I think Disney would be wise to forfeit profits and even take a loss for a while to preserve their brand. The dollars they save over the next year may cause huge losses over the long haul if they lose their loyal repeat customers.

Bill From PA

 

[savvy?71]

Reading boards like this can be a double-edged sword; you get invaluable experience and information, but you also can get a hefty dose of negativity.

Since everyone's experiences are personal, the 'good ' and the 'bad' have pretty lengthy ranges of interpretation.

Overall, things do change. Progess, after all, comes with change. Progress also comes with risks. Some pay off, some don't. It's still WDW/DL, right? It's still where little ones can 'believe' and things feel 'magical' for those brief times in life.

This is a post I made recently; I quote it to show how I 'worked through' some negatives and how perceptions are 'reality'. Obviously it's a trip report specific to a single time, but take it for what it's worth~



We were in WDW from Nov 29-Dec 6

Crowds: More so than I expected, but manageable. The free 30 day crowd predictor was about perfect (the afternoon rain storm messed that up a bit).
Wait times were reasonable, nothing more than 30 minutes (I did get the Fairy meet and greet which was quite tame, ringing in at @ 30 min). We had the front of the MR a few times, no mad dashes/rushes, except one night at MK was tight; we jetted out after the castle lighting (I think it was MVMCP night?) We did FP for TSM, and walked right in after a couple other attractions first. I did hear it broke down a few times, causing moderate madness.

Weather: definitely all over the place, as predicted. Ranged from 40 to nearly 80. One or two swim ops, mornings and evenings quite chilly. That said, there is something a tad more festive about a nip to the air during holiday Disney! My group prefers the mid 60's...but I definitely prefer mid 70 + and it was about 60/40, favoring the cooler side. The wild card was the rain storm. Luckily we hit the parks at opening that day and by the time it hit (we were finishing up with the Fairies in Toon Town), around 3pm or so, we were tired anyway. It did seem to last the night, but the next morning was clear, dry, and a warm day.

ADRS: We had a handful, and most were met on time. 1900 PF was running a good half hour behind, and a couple men ahead of us caused quite a ruckus. But it wasn't rushed INside, which made up for it. Chef Mickey, otoh, was VERY rushed, and I was severely disappointed (our last CM was so wonderful for interaction, too). We managed a walk in at CP, which was one of the best eating experiences, breakfast, facing the castle of all views. Superb service, food, and quality time. Akershus was also a perfect experience. First in seating, first with princesses, a perfect Epcot day. And of all things, against all reviews, heh, H&V was excellent! Top notch food in both quality and variety, super character interaction, very postive all around.

Decorations: I thought there would be more, yes, but what I saw was certainly lovely. There is just nothing like that castle! Maybe there is more decor as December gets closer to Christmas?

Hotels:We were at Wyndham Bonnet Creek, which seemed quite full, yet never cramped. Very roomy, and the staff was wonderfully attentive, especially during activity time (rain storm). Free face painting, snacks, etc...Kids were thrilled. Pool areas are great, with a lazy 'river' as well.

I give the trip a 7.5 , hmmm, an 8 out of 10. We had a few truly magical moments that trumped disappointments. And that is what Disney does.

 

[seadd67]

Lets all take a deep breath ,we go to Disney to enjoy and recapture our youth to enjoy the exciment In our kids eyes to step away from the realty even if its for a few days or a couple of weeks. Disney adds and takes away what the econmey dictates,thats the realty of It,lets cut them a bit of a break lets not look down on what there not doing but enjoy the whats there. We would all like them to keep everything what makes WDW special but In these times Its just not possiple,lets all be greatfull that we are able togo to WDW.

 

[savvy?71]

There's no denying that major cutbacks have, and are,taking place, and they started before the spit hit the fan for the economy.

Pixie dust and magic aside, this is true; I don't mean to dismiss the hardcore reality of the economy.

To address that further, I do hope to see more give from Disney, perhaps over time reasonable time. I am a relatively new Disney fan, so my views probably aren't as jaded as long-timers.

Despite the cuts/glitches/whatever, I have felt far more 'magic' than grim disappointment. I guess if that balance tips out of favor for Disney, I'll be complaining more vocally. I hold out that they will redeem over time any quality loss, or at least make more attempts.

It's not just Disney, of course; every big business is suffering in some way, passing on some effects to consumers. It's just that Disney is THE theme park, THE 'happiest place on earth', and therefore going to take a heavy reaming when shifts occur.

But yes, we shouldn't pretend there aren't cuts as that trivializes what everyone is going through, both business and consumer.

 

[wishing upon a star]

Hi. I just wanted to say that in September 2009 it will mine, my Mom's, and my Aunt's first trip to Disney World. I will be 19 when we go and my Mom and Aunt will be 53 and 69. We are planning to go for my Mom's birthday. I've ALWAYS wanted to go. Watching those Disney commercials on TV or a Disney VHS tape when I was little, they always made me say "I want to go!", they just looked so magical and made it seem like going would be so much fun. I still get that happy feeling when I watch those VHS tapes and see that commercial.

I've have always seen my friends and their family going to Disney World, Sea World, just on any vacation, year after year. Sure, I would be given Disney World T-shirts or a Shamu bookmark when they returned, I appreciate that they thought of me, but somehow, it wasn't enough. I longed to go where they always go, I longed for, craved my first-ever vacation with my Mom, and not just going to Delaware for a week with my Aunt to visit my cousins. Now, hopefully, in September 2009 my desire for a vacation with my Mom will finally come true.

Going on vacation was never really an option when I was younger, my Mom couldn't afford it, so that's why I'd always go visit family with my Aunt. Honestly, I don't think we can really afford it now either, at least not if we had to pay the full price right now, but we plan on saving change [haha, I love counting and rolling it] and maybe book our vacation package after the new year and just try to pay a bit every month.

Anyway, what I wanted to say when I first deciding to post a reply is this;

When I found this website and many others in September of this year, I stated planning my trip and all of the things that I may want to do to make my Mom's birthday, and my Aunt's first visit, extra special. I saw the scuba diver and the personalized menus that the Coral Reef makes/made. I loved the idea of a personalized Happy Birthday [First Visit?] menu for my Mom and a First Visit menu for my Aunt with our pictures on them. It seems like it has made people's trips extra magical and special. It would have been nice to get them made, but I totally understand Disney's position. I plan on making my own magic. I'm planning on making shirts and loads of treats thanks to the lovely DISigners on the Creative DISigns board, and there is still the idea of ordering a cake through Disney.

No matter what Disney can or can't do, no matter what they cut or don't cut. me and my family will have a magical first trip to Disney World, I'm sure. And even if something doesn't turn out how I expected it to, it doesn't matter, all I care about is being there with my Mom and Aunt because, really, I don't know if I'll ever get to go on a vacation like that with them again.

 

[Hook's Girl]

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.

You will be delighted when you find the parks extremely clean and that Cast Members STILL put the guests first! Amazing!

 

[aviva5675]

Thanks to everyone who has replied to this thread. I do realize that really only a fraction of people who go to Disney are on these boards (the smart ones ), and alot of the posts are extreme opinions one way or another.

To the girl going with her mom and aunt for a first visit: you will have a great time! Read these boards with a grain of salt and let them help you prepare for a great time. It was invaluable to my planning, especially my first trip.

Since we have not been too many times, we are still overall newbies when it comes to parks visits. And, me being the only one of my family of 3 who read the boards, has really an idea of things that might have changed or be less 'magical'. So the thought that my 16 yo DD still wants to go to Disney for our next, infrequent, family trip, makes me smile and look forward to it, changes or no.