Griping about the cutbacks

[Fabinva]

Sadly I have to agree with the food quality...it is not as good as it used to be. We took advantage of the kids free promotion so I still feel we got our money's worth but unless they offer another big sale I do not see us sailing anytime soon again with DCL. Another let down was the kids club, they were crowded and this time the kids did not enjoy them a bit...last time they did not want to leave and this time they were so ready to leave after a short time. The last night the kids were unhappy because it was movie time and they were not allowed to play anywhere...why could they not have a second CM on the back where the computers are?

 

[disneylove69]

Sorry, but this is the way things are going to be for quite some time in our country. I work retail and the days of not having to wait in lines, liberal return policies, and finding help when you need it are over. Companies all over are cutting back service and quality. Many retailers will make you wait longer in line to return something because you are costing them money. The rule of 3's a crowd call another cashier, bye-bye.

Economy is taking a tole on every one.

 

[mmackeymouse]

This is also a by-product of all the discounting on DCL and the parks.

For every person who begs for a Pin Code for "free kids" or "50% off" or "free dining" - Disney will raise prices on someone else's trip, and cut back wherever possible to make a profit - which is what business is all about.

Exactly......their promotions do not count as them lowering prices, as this is something that does not benefit the whole.

This is why I have advocated shipwide price cuts. The reasons for this are many. Now bear in mind, I am not saying bargain basement pricing. Just......$125 a passenger. For a family of four, of ANY age, that amounts to $500. For a couple, $250. DCL could afford it, and the benefits far outweigh the sacrifice.

a) Fairness- rather than offering targeted promotions, a blanket discount that benefits the whole is going to create more goodwill among passengers. Let's face it, special discounts for some passengers that are not qualified by others, could lead to at least a bit of resentment. A fair cruise breeds a happy cruise. And happy cruisers equal repeat cruisers and referring cruisers.

b) Cutbacks- Now, we all know in an ideal world, that prices would follow services. Premium prices would lead to premium quality. Cutbacks in quality, in theory, should lead to lower prices. In my mind, it makes no sense to charge more, and give less. BUT, since it seems this is the way it is going to be for a while, people are much more likely to allow some slack, and a lot less likely to complain about cutbacks if they know they got a refund or discount of some sort.

c) Beneficial to DCL- For two kids to sail free, that is a loss of $1500 or so to DCL. OR they could offer $125 per passenger of all ages. Of that $1500, DCL is not going to get much back. $125 per person they have a very good chance of seeing every dime of it back. I know they are targeting families, and that is their base.....and good for them, I totally understand that. But a shipwide price slashing could lead to more older kids, more all adults rooms. Adults spend money, much more revenue than they would generate from the kids free. They are going to buy more souvenirs, more alcohol, spa treatments, Palo ressies, more shore excursions. From a strictly business standpoint, I think a blanket discount of $500 per cabin is going to generate more money for them than kids sailing free.

 

[tvguy]

I actually think it is smart for DCL to only give 2 fingers on each plate now. So many times I have seen food thrown away. People's eyes are bigger than their stomachs.
MJ

One trip to any school cafeteria or Home Town buffet will confirm that.

 

[Subi WRX]

The Pubmaster is also another victim of the economy. That position is no longer.

What causes me concern is: when the economy improves, will they bring the pub master back? Or will we just "get used to it" and accept that there is no longer one, and yet we will continue to pay these prices?

Will the bandanas come back on the Wonder once the economy improves? Or will we just accept it when they don't?

One thing that some cruise lines are doing is eliminating trays in the Lido-type restaurants. I guess the feeling is that you can't carry as much food without a tray and helps to eliminate waste. I wonder if this will spread to DCL?

 

[knewton64]

This is also a by-product of all the discounting on DCL and the parks.

For every person who begs for a Pin Code for "free kids" or "50% off" or "free dining" - Disney will raise prices on someone else's trip, and cut back wherever possible to make a profit - which is what business is all about.

....recently raising prices (approx May 9th forward) on a sit down meal in the WDW parks; from approx $27 to approx $31 - a lot of WDW park people are upset over this and are pointing fingers at the "Buy 4 get 3 free" promo.

Me? Shoot....I am just "plain" happy that my body temperature ain't 'room temperature'.......yet.

 

[DMMarla07860]

The Pubmaster is also another victim of the economy. That position is no longer.

I know in February they had a pubmaster on the Wonder, not on the Magic though has that changed since then?

 

[Subi WRX]

I know in February they had a pubmaster on the Wonder, not on the Magic though has that changed since then?

That has changed since April on the Wonder, according to a friend of mine. No more pub master. A CM told them that it was a cut back.

 

[DMMarla07860]

That has changed since April on the Wonder, according to a friend of mine. No more pub master. A CM told them that it was a cut back.

oh ok, just was wondering when that changed, thanks for that info

 

[♥sassy♥tink♥]

We went to WDW in March and are cruising in July. We all have to remember that EVERYBODY is cutting back... even at home. If Disney is cutting back, you better believe Universal is cutting back. If DCL is cutting back, so is RC and Carnival. Disney sets the standard, they are the Premium. It's easy to point fingers, say they have done this or that, but "MAGIC" and "PIXIE DUST" are a state of mind. Disney will always be Disney.... Disney will always be the standard for which most companies aspire and Disney will always be the industry leader in service. I read about portions... please, we are the most overweight country in the world! I read about long lines... please, we are the most impatient country in the world! I read about discounts for everbody.... please, we are the most selfish country in the world! We have all chosen Disney for a reason... lets not lose sight of that. It sounds like some are "blaming" Disney for the economy, the recession and making business decisions. We didn't skip Fantasmic in March because it was only offered 2X, we just planned accordingly. It didn't change our impression or experience, just our schedule of night time shows! For my family.... Disney IS the HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH... Happy vacationing everybody....

 

[adedward]

I just got off the ship: excellent food, selections equal to and quality better than many high end restaurants, amazing customer service (I never entered a public restroom on the ship that had not just been cleaned), and I got on board with a really good deal offered this past winter. I saw very competitive prices and top of the line service and amenities. Eye of the beholder, I guess.

 

[♥disneygirl♥]

yep, what ♥sassy♥tink♥ and adedward said

 

[Poohbug]

While I have not cruised for a few years, I was always very happy with the service, food and entertainment on DCL. I have looked at other family friendly cruise lines and have never come up with the incredible savings that other people seem to find. Are they cheaper? Yes. Are you comparing apples to apples? No.

I did just take a trip to WDW. $1600 for a family of five for a week including more food than we could eat. That is not any more expensive than any other vacation destination. Is the food the best? No. US food was much better, but WDW food is not bad.

I guess if the OP is really bothered by lack of value, I would let Disney know and look into other places to vacation. There is a whole world out there-not just Disney.

 

[lbgraves]

Right now you can't really compare the Wonder and the Magic. The menus are the obvious difference and until they are switched on the Magic to match what the Wonder is currently serving it just isn't an even match. The Magic is still serving the higher quality cuts of meat, unlike the Wonder. We haven't been to the parks since February and Magic since August so do not have any experience with the new sized Mickey bars. That would irk me more in the parks since you can just order two on the ship. I can understand conserving with portions if they havce experienced a great deal of waste. DS has ordered a double order of chicken tenders in the past because that's what he eats for lunch and dinner and noone has blinked an eye at his request. I have read and understand logistically why there are fewer character experiences/interactions on the Wonder because there are fewer days to cram everything else in.

 

[TiaMaria]

Exactly......their promotions do not count as them lowering prices, as this is something that does not benefit the whole.

This is why I have advocated shipwide price cuts. The reasons for this are many. Now bear in mind, I am not saying bargain basement pricing. Just......$125 a passenger. For a family of four, of ANY age, that amounts to $500. For a couple, $250. DCL could afford it, and the benefits far outweigh the sacrifice.

a) Fairness- rather than offering targeted promotions, a blanket discount that benefits the whole is going to create more goodwill among passengers. Let's face it, special discounts for some passengers that are not qualified by others, could lead to at least a bit of resentment. A fair cruise breeds a happy cruise. And happy cruisers equal repeat cruisers and referring cruisers.

b) Cutbacks- Now, we all know in an ideal world, that prices would follow services. Premium prices would lead to premium quality. Cutbacks in quality, in theory, should lead to lower prices. In my mind, it makes no sense to charge more, and give less. BUT, since it seems this is the way it is going to be for a while, people are much more likely to allow some slack, and a lot less likely to complain about cutbacks if they know they got a refund or discount of some sort.

c) Beneficial to DCL- For two kids to sail free, that is a loss of $1500 or so to DCL. OR they could offer $125 per passenger of all ages. Of that $1500, DCL is not going to get much back. $125 per person they have a very good chance of seeing every dime of it back. I know they are targeting families, and that is their base.....and good for them, I totally understand that. But a shipwide price slashing could lead to more older kids, more all adults rooms. Adults spend money, much more revenue than they would generate from the kids free. They are going to buy more souvenirs, more alcohol, spa treatments, Palo ressies, more shore excursions. From a strictly business standpoint, I think a blanket discount of $500 per cabin is going to generate more money for them than kids sailing free.

I agree with you 100% - I just wish Disney (or their advertising agency) did also.

Unfortunately the "average" traveler/cruiser is going to pay a lot more attention if they see/hear "Free dining", "Free kids", "50% Off", than if they hear "This will save you $250.00". They think they are getting more bang for their buck - and maybe in some instances - some people are.

The parks are full and the ships, while maybe selling slower and closer to the sail dates, are sailing at or almost at capacity. Disney's so-called promotions seem to be working.

 

[lg3]

Right now you can't really compare the Wonder and the Magic. The menus are the obvious difference and until they are switched on the Magic to match what the Wonder is currently serving it just isn't an even match. The Magic is still serving the higher quality cuts of meat, unlike the Wonder. We haven't been to the parks since February and Magic since August so do not have any experience with the new sized Mickey bars. That would irk me more in the parks since you can just order two on the ship. I can understand conserving with portions if they havce experienced a great deal of waste. DS has ordered a double order of chicken tenders in the past because that's what he eats for lunch and dinner and noone has blinked an eye at his request. I have read and understand logistically why there are fewer character experiences/interactions on the Wonder because there are fewer days to cram everything else in.

Is that a done deal? Is the Magic definitely going to switch? Any time period known? Please say it isn't so!

 

[ronunc]

I've been a Disney park fan since the opening of DW and WDW. The "magic" has been dwindling at an alarming rate since the mid-Eisner years. There have been so many small and large "magic touches" lost that my DW and I have stopped going to WDW and I'm thinking seriously of canceling our next scheduled cruise on the Magic. The situation makes me sad.

To Walt, money wasn't everything.. just ask Roy. I am a Disney stockholder, but I would much prefer more MAGIC than the stock value to go up.

 

[jilljill]

Is that a done deal? Is the Magic definitely going to switch? Any time period known? Please say it isn't so!

Several people have reported that the Magic will be switching menus sometime in June.

 

[lbgraves]

Is that a done deal? Is the Magic definitely going to switch? Any time period known? Please say it isn't so!

Sorry but the switch is supposed to happen in June according to the servers/managers on the Magic. Hopefully it won't be as bad of a transition as it was on the Wonder since they have already received tons of comments on the selections and have started granting requests for no sauce and the like.

 

[goofysgirl]

DD had a Mickey bar this afternoon at MK...no change in size, but it did cost a little more

We were on the Wonder in August and I have to admit it is not the Magic, but I think that is due to the length of the cruise and your mindset. While I found it more laid back and casual than the Magic, I still enjoyed it

My oldest is a cast memeber for DVC and I do get my feathers ruffled when someone says the Magic is waning....can't speak for all but I can for her and all that she trains...they infuse Magic into all that they do. I agree you pay a premium for Disney, but I am a stock holder, a DVC owner, and annual pass holder and I will probably continue to be for sometime. For my family Disney represents quality and I still can find lots of Magic and Pixie Dust in both the world and DVC. I am just hoping that the economy will turn itself around sooner than later, DH is currently unemployed and trying to get a job with Disney