Has Disney dropped the magic ball?

[Disney_1derland]

I think you you have to find ways to create your own magic, look a little deeper to find the little things that feel special to you and your family. The bathroom situation is a little unavoidable, nothing we can really do there, but when walking through the parks take a few moments to people watch or notice some of the architectural details in the buildings and it'll start to feel special again (I hope)...and look, there goes Belle walking over to her meet and greet

I think this is a really valuable statement. We practice Random Acts of Kindness in our daily lives. We don't stop when we are at Disney. Each of my kids carries a few lollipops and small (party favor sized) toys and glow bracelets with them(bonus if they are disney themed!) When they see kids who are having a rough patch, they will stop and ask the parents if its okay to share them. They've stopped a number of meltdowns with a smile and a lollipop. They have such a great time doing this and making new friends, it's great. We create magic, it comes back to us tenfold. We've been so fortunate a few times when cast members have noticed my children sharing and turned around and done something special for them. Sometimes those are just kind words, but my children have learned that spreading the kindness multiplies it.

 

[Magpie]

Then you are far more zen than I. And anyone else I know, frankly. But if that's the case, you're on the winning end of that, and congrats to you. Zen is something I aspire to, but fall short of most often.

Well, you can add me to the "zen" list. And both my kids. My husband's a bit more prone to get upset, bur Disney's taught him to always give people a chance to make things right. And almost every time, they do!

It took him awhile to get to a chiller state of mind, but I think he's finding the effort worth it. Probably good for his blood pressure, too.

For the record, I've never noticed a dirty bathroom. Awesome cms outnumber the grumpy ones by a bazillion to one (not a precise ratio). Magic moments happen to us every trip. I think if I ever found myself the way the op seems to feel, I'd know it was time to vacation somewhere else.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

For the record, it isn't right for certain others to tell us they have all the answers and we should not post our thoughts on this board. Who are they to tell anyone this??? This is a discussion board, right? I think that means that we post things to discuss, whether certain ones don't like what is posted. We all have the right to discuss the issues and our valid experiences/feelings on this board. Even the ones who think that "just do it how I do it and don't post about it" on these boards. The point is: Everyone should be able to post their feelings and experiences without being bombarded by certain others who feel that their comments are the only valid ones. This happens over and over, and that is why I don't understand why they just don't let everyone have their say, even if they don't agree. I don't agree with a lot of posts on the board, but don't tell the posters they don't need to post as , in essence, They are in the wrong. just wondering?

No one will argue the right of a person to post their feelings, but the same thought process applies to those who wish to express differing thoughts or feelings in that thread. Free flow of ideas means that those of us who wish to engage understand that a lot of what we see or read will simply not appeal to us.

 

[itchin2go]

No one will argue the right of a person to post their feelings, but the same thought process applies to those who wish to express differing thoughts or feelings in that thread. Free flow of ideas means that those of us who wish to engage understand that a lot of what we see or read will simply not appeal to us.

Yes, but there's this response (fictional): "I've actually marveled at how clean Disney restrooms are and the CMs I encountered were really friendly on my last trip. We still find our trips magical, but I'm sorry you're having a bad trip".

And this one (also fictional): "You're at Disney and you're complaining? We make our own magic. It's all in your attitude. You expected _____? Well, that was the problem. In my family, we don't let little things get us down".

I feel like the first one is debating the merits of what OP brought up, and the second is all about tearing the OP down - they're ungrateful, have a bad attitude, should lower their expectations, are "glass half empty" people. And those responses also don't give me (as a reader) much useful information.

That was the point I've been trying to make.

 

[socrateze]

Yeah, the make your own magic thing gets a little old. If you make your own magic then why bother going to WDW?

 

[disneyseniors]

No one will argue the right of a person to post their feelings, but the same thought process applies to those who wish to express differing thoughts or feelings in that thread. Free flow of ideas means that those of us who wish to engage understand that a lot of what we see or read will simply not appeal to us.

uh, yea, that's what I was saying! Everyone, even the ones "some others" don't feel have that right, should be able to post without being bombarded with posts of "how wrong they are", they aren't thinking right with the right attitude, etc etc. The OP has the right to vent her feelings, even if others don't think so. That's my point!

 

[BuckeyeBama]

Yes, but there's this response (fictional): I've actually marveled at how clean Disney restrooms are and the CMs I encountered were really friendly on my last trip. We still find our trips magical, but I'm sorry you're having a bad trip.

And this one: You're at Disney and you're complaining? We make our own magic. It's all in your attitude. You expected _____? Well, that was the problem. In my family, we don't let little things get us down.

I feel like the first one is debating the merits of what OP brought up, and the second is all about tearing the OP down - they're ungrateful, have a bad attitude, should lower their expectations, are "glass half empty" people. And those responses also don't give me (as a reader) much useful information.

That was the point I've been trying to make.

You are right - it is unfortunate, but I feel that way after reading some posts on the Dis so I understand how a person can react that way if a post strikes a chord. Not saying that I am right when I react that way - just saying that it happens. With the number of posters on the Dis, it is going to happen a lot. It is part of the internet "experience". At least the moderators limit the type and degree of vitriol to some degree. Most boards that I frequent are full of trolls whose only purpose in life seems to be to ridicule others, using the worst language that they can think of in the process.

 

[2kidsForMe]

I was one of those who mentioned the less than magical cast members and restrooms this week. Just to put it in perspectice, we are still having a great time and don't come to the World to nit pick. We come often, 2 or 3 times a year and are blessed to do so. The only point I was trying to make is that we have noticed a difference this trip. There are still fabulous cast members and the place is still magical but we have come across more than one grumpy Gus this trip. I think the PP who made the comment about the college program kids who are just "done" might be a valid one. Who knows. I don't plan on discussing it with guest services. And I didn't come to the Dis to vent. Just to chat while the kids are in the pool.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

uh, yea, that's what I was saying! Everyone, even the ones "some others" don't feel have that right, should be able to post without being bombarded with posts of "how wrong they are", they aren't thinking right with the right attitude, etc etc. The OP has the right to vent her feelings, even if others don't think so. That's my point!

There is no right to post something with impunity. Everything put out there is subject to debate. I just wish the debate didn't include ridicule.

 

[DoingDisney]

Yes, but there's this response (fictional): "I've actually marveled at how clean Disney restrooms are and the CMs I encountered were really friendly on my last trip. We still find our trips magical, but I'm sorry you're having a bad trip".

And this one (also fictional): "You're at Disney and you're complaining? We make our own magic. It's all in your attitude. You expected _____? Well, that was the problem. In my family, we don't let little things get us down".

I feel like the first one is debating the merits of what OP brought up, and the second is all about tearing the OP down - they're ungrateful, have a bad attitude, should lower their expectations, are "glass half empty" people. And those responses also don't give me (as a reader) much useful information.

That was the point I've been trying to make.

And its an important point to make, these drive me batty !

Yeah, the make your own magic thing gets a little old. If you make your own magic then why bother going to WDW?

This is what I think in response all the time ! If things are "what you make of them" then, I will just stay home and make that as good as a WDW trip !?

This also applies when people complain and someone responds "you should just be enjoying time with your friends and family" ... again, I can do that for free at home

Or - "Lines aren't bad, they let you spend time with loved ones" - I'd rather spend time with them over a bottle of wine at home instead of paying $500/day to stand in line

Or perhaps my favourite "You should just be happy you are at Disney/First world problems" - that would be true if the vacation was free, but when I have worked hard and paid thousands of dollars to go there, I shouldn't "just be happy" to be there, Disney should be happy I am there, I should be getting what I paid for.

 

[3DisneyFanz]

The point was focusing on the positives, not ignoring the negatives. You seem to believe that by doing the former you must also do the later, and that is just not the case. We all see the world differently.

If these items were for a single trip I wouldn't care but they're not. Disney used to claim that what separated them from others was show and attention to detail. When you start to ignore those aspects in things then what sets you apart? Does a jumping fish, backwards paperboy, non moving Yeti, non moving apliances in CoP change the fact that the attractions are still fun? No but it is an erosion of the show and the details. the Paperboy was supposed to be selling papers to the passengers as it reflects a by gone era of communication. The jumping fish is supposed to be a sight gag with the lazy bird kicked back with a hole in his net, the icebox is supposed to open to show what an icebox is and help people understand where the term came from. The Yeti was a widely advertised aspect of the ride and yet the fact it doesn't work has now become a comical item even among the Disney executives. Tigger not bouncing and targets not moving at Buzz though are major parts of the attraction and do impact the experience and they've been like that for a long time. I realize people don't like when rides close for refurbishment but they don't like it when they get on one that doesn't work completely either. What bothers me most is outside of the Yeti these aren't major fixes yet they still have put no effort into fixing them.

 

[mjallemand]

I feel like the big issue is occupancy has increased probably tenfold since the 90s and they staff and manhours to keep on top of a lot of the common issues is probably bigger than we all think.

 

[3DisneyFanz]

Correct, since "every single thing at WDW will be working 100% of the time" is an expectation that pretty much will never be met.

Agreed but expecting things not to be broken for years isn't unreasonable. It's been at least 6 trips and 3 years since the fish jumped through the net on Splash, probably longer than 2 years since they just turned the paperboy around rather than making sure his mouth moved, 1 year since we saw Tigger actually bounce but I'm proud to say I am one of the few that actually saw the Yeti move.

 

[DoingDisney]

I feel like the big issue is occupancy has increased probably tenfold since the 90s and they staff and manhours to keep on top of a lot of the common issues is probably bigger than we all think.

It is actually almost flat since the 1990s. Literally. Attendance at MK is about the same it was in 1991.

 

[fairy oma]

I think we always create our own magic. Disney just gives us a place for it to come out.

I absolutely agree with your statement. I try very hard to create the magic for my family on our WDW vacations with special surprises, Tinkerbell gifts for DGs and even the big kids. Any little bit of pixie dust is greatly appreciated but not expected. Perhaps the various boards we visit in planning our WDW vacations raise our expectations too high, expect less and you will pleasantly surprised if you are blessed with pixie dust.

Regarding the irritable CMs... How many people expect the CMs to treat them in a stellar manner but do not smile at the CMs and say a polite "Thank you"? We do not know if that CM was treated rudely by park goers just a few minutes ago; so many people have a feeling of entitlement today and it is unfortunate. If CMs are truly rude make a note of his name tag and his location as well as the time and on your way out of the park stop by GS and let them know. Let's face it...we all need an attitude adjustment once in a while and dealing with that many people a day, especially in the heat and humidity can be taxing. I am definitely not making excuses for the CMs but can definitely give them a bit of leeway under those circumstances.

Addressing the dirty bathroom issue should be done at WDW GS first. Did you know that out of 1000 people only 1 will take the time to report an issue to have it addressed? If the bathrooms are truly that dirty I would definitely report it to GS or at the very least to a CM as they may not be aware of the issue.

Even with all of the issues at WDW that are pointed out on these boards you will have to admit....it is still a great vacation and beats any day you spend at work.

 

[DoingDisney]

Even with all of the issues at WDW that are pointed out on these boards you will have to admit....it is still a great vacation and beats any day you spend at work.

Staying home beats a day at work too, but its free.

 

[ArwenMarie]

I've never had a bad experience at guest services.

It would depend on what the complaint was. An apology and their assurances that whatever it was will be taken care might be all there is. In the case where it actually cost us something- they've always done what they could to make it right.

Just because I suggest that anytime you have an encounter with a rude CM or you find the bathrooms to be "disgusting" or "filthy" you should report it doesn't mean I live at guest services. We rarely have an issue, but when we do, I don't let slide and gripe here.

I agree, the people at GS are very good at their jobs. What do they do to make it right? Assuming we are talking about the parks. Like a refund or something?

 

[BuckeyeBama]

If these items were for a single trip I wouldn't care but they're not. Disney used to claim that what separated them from others was show and attention to detail. When you start to ignore those aspects in things then what sets you apart? Does a jumping fish, backwards paperboy, non moving Yeti, non moving apliances in CoP change the fact that the attractions are still fun? No but it is an erosion of the show and the details. the Paperboy was supposed to be selling papers to the passengers as it reflects a by gone era of communication. The jumping fish is supposed to be a sight gag with the lazy bird kicked back with a hole in his net, the icebox is supposed to open to show what an icebox is and help people understand where the term came from. The Yeti was a widely advertised aspect of the ride and yet the fact it doesn't work has now become a comical item even among the Disney executives. Tigger not bouncing and targets not moving at Buzz though are major parts of the attraction and do impact the experience and they've been like that for a long time. I realize people don't like when rides close for refurbishment but they don't like it when they get on one that doesn't work completely either. What bothers me most is outside of the Yeti these aren't major fixes yet they still have put no effort into fixing them.

I am aware of all of these things, but for some reason none of them bothers me. I consider myself lucky that the things at WDW that I really value and would notice are just fine. But my not noticing or caring about these things doesn't mean that I am accepting anything less from WDW. What it probably means is they weren't a huge part of my enjoyment of WDW in the past. So, as far as I am concerned, I am not accepting less. I am still getting all of the things that I have come to love at WDW (less FP-).

 

[Mickey28]

We are halfway through our 10 day trip and I'm disappointed in the Little details that are missing in the parks and the cast members, I.e., no towel animals in our room (at a deluxe resort), we've encountered more than one rude castmember in the parks, the bathrooms are filthy.... It just seems the little things are missing.... I realize it's hot and crowded here so I expect other guests to be rude but so far in this trip the Disney "magic" is missing. Has anyone else noticed this or am i expecting too much based on previous vacations here?

Off the parks shortly, maybe today will have a little bit of magic....

We had towel animals our last stay in July at the Poly(Hint: Tipping the housekeeping staff helps, but towel animals shouldn't be expected). Bring your own stuffed Disney animals and the staff will arrange them in funny/comical or cute ways in your room. As far as the Magic goes it is only stolen if you let it. If you let rude guests or a castmember steal your fun then you are letting it happen. Take a breath and look around at where you are. There are little touches of Magic everywhere. When the park is at capacity for the summer the bathrooms are going to be a little less tidy, but I doubt they are filthy as you describe it. I have never experienced that at the parks even in the summer. So to answer your question in a single word, NOPE.

 

[Misfit]

We just got back from our First Visit on Saturday.....I was soo worried about rude CMs and guests because of what I had been reading...Here is how it turned out for us...AMAZING!

Did we have any rude CMs? Well we had one, although I wouldn't say rude to us, you could tell he was irritated though, at Pinocchio's Village Haus. A little boy about 9 was ordering about $25 in food..I don't think he had a accurate understanding of american dollars. He pulled out a 10 and then started pulling out 2 one dollar bills..The CM was like "NO YOU NEED MORE" And started grabbing the money out of the boys hand before the poor boy even had it out of his wallet yet.The CM grabbed the money over and over til he had enough..Then he was short tempered with us but that was all...

I did see a lot of CMs getting yelled at..One example was a couple went up the monorail exit ramp when trying to enter..The CM explained they went the wrong way so the couple left pissed all while making snarky comments ~ only to come back up the exit and the guy starting yelling at the CM he made a huge scene..Guess what a few minutes later a lady and her small son did the same thing only she laughed about it and joked with the CM..So the CM opened the chain and led her around a different way..IT ALL ABOUT YOUR ATTITUDE

I asked one CM where the FP entrance was for Wishes (the streets were packed as the 1st electrical parade was just ending)at the same time another man asked the same question the CM grabbed his light up wand put it over his head and was like "Follow me I'll get you there this is now the Wishes FP people train" A couple more families hopped aboard

I made sure to say a lot of Thank You's along the way.

As far as rude guests to us~ only one lady trying to shove hard through the crowds with a stroller ~ but she was the only one I encountered..I did have one lady telling her son everything that was coming up next VERY LOUDLY on the Great Movie Ride..I didn't appreciate it having never been on it..I said something to my daughter and well she heard me and stopped

All the guest we directly encountered were lovely.Met some amazing people..And when my 18 yr old daughter met Ariel and, cried and cried she was so happy, Ariel took her right in her arms and spent at least 5 minutes with her.She left my daughter with amazing memories

But then again we aren't used to whats missing