Has Disney World lost it's magic?

[Kickapoo Joie Juice]

DH has been going to WDW since 1971, usually twice a year. He and I have been going since 1989 (when we married). We go twice a year, for 3 weeks each time. He used to tell me he wanted to retire near WDW and work there. It was his dream. Now, he wouldn't think of doing that. His primary reason? The guests. We have seen an big increase in bad behavior by the guests. He now says he wouldn't like having to deal with them as a CM. The magic is still at WDW for us...you'll find it in the CMs. We make sure to "see" them...they are not invisible! We talk to them and thank them every chance we get. We strike up conversations with them. That is where you find the magic. Not with the woman, who, obviously too important to stand in a line at a WDW store, called everyone in line "dare I say it? Trash." Her words. We're still going to retire near WDW. We will spend a lot of time there, take our family and friends there, and we'll love every minute of the magic. Thank you, CMs.

Yeah, I just want to reiterate that I also think it's the guests-we've been going 2-4 times a year for the past twenty years, and the ability for guests to be physically destructive, verbally abusive, and simply slovenly has skyrocketed, IMO.

I don't know whether it's because people are simply being raised without manners or consideration for others, or that those kind of people now have access to credit and are appearing at the parks (which is why we call the GF the "Redneck Ritz).

There has also been a large increase in foreign tour groups, who culturally hold very different (but still valid) ideas of what polite is. This can exacerbate tensions in the park when they rub up against "American" ideals of politeness and behavior.

The solution? I, for one, would pay more if Disney wanted to institute a "Social Fast Pass", where those guests who don't trash their rooms, don't treat CM's like crap, don't make a ton of ADR's and then bail on them, any good behavior that's trackable, get their own special lines and the best tables. Sort of like a merit system

If anything, it would at least encourage the obnoxious guests to behave better to get what they want.

 

[Disneyadore]

The solution? I, for one, would pay more if Disney wanted to institute a "Social Fast Pass", where those guests who don't trash their rooms, don't treat CM's like crap, don't make a ton of ADR's and then bail on them, any good behavior that's trackable, get their own special lines and the best tables. Sort of like a merit system

If anything, it would at least encourage the obnoxious guests to behave better to get what they want.

Please could you mail this great idea to WDW?
We would gladly pay an extra fee for this.
Thank god there are more people with common sense

 

[tgropp]

Since I only go to WDW during the Christmas season, the magic is always there for me. I love staying at the resorts as that is a holiday in itself. There have been some decline in some areas but there has also been improvements in other areas. The free dining promos have really killed the dining expeirences from years gone by and so have all the special promotions. It seemed that I would save like no tomorrow to be able to go every two years at Christmas time and I felt like it was a privelige to go to WDW as a vacation there was out of the realm for most families. Now that Disney is struggling to fill the parks and some people are getting the deal of a lifetime to go there, they sometimes are very demanding and expect more. I would love to be able to see every family expeirence a WDW vacation, but remember, the cast members are stretched to the limit and sometimes can not make that special magic happen all the time. Just enjoy, be patient and the magic will happen.

 

[bnstiles@telus.net]

This thread has done one thing for me - when we go to WDW in September (1st time in 25 years to WDW) we will take the time to thank the CM's when we see them being nice, compliment the management when we can. We live in a world that is quick to complain (and sometimes we need to) but we are very slow to say "Thank You" or "You did a great job". We are in too much of a hurry to get to the next "experience" that will make us happy. The magic of Disney (been to DL twice in the past 5 years) is in the choices we make. Chuck Swindoll wrote something like this - "Live is 5% what happens to us and 95% how we react." Things may be declined - but let us do our part to encourage (not berate) those who are actually trying as often those who are actually trying get fed up with ignorant guests who fail to show any appreciation. Here's hoping I live up to my plan to show appreciation.

 

[Cookie Princess]

This thread has done one thing for me - when we go to WDW in September (1st time in 25 years to WDW) we will take the time to thank the CM's when we see them being nice, compliment the management when we can. We live in a world that is quick to complain (and sometimes we need to) but we are very slow to say "Thank You" or "You did a great job". We are in too much of a hurry to get to the next "experience" that will make us happy. The magic of Disney (been to DL twice in the past 5 years) is in the choices we make. Chuck Swindoll wrote something like this - "Live is 5% what happens to us and 95% how we react." Things may be declined - but let us do our part to encourage (not berate) those who are actually trying as often those who are actually trying get fed up with ignorant guests who fail to show any appreciation. Here's hoping I live up to my plan to show appreciation.

Very nice! I am going to take your thoughts with me on our trip next month. I do think the many of the CMs are being stretched due to budget cuts but are still expected to deliver the same level of magic as in year's past. They work very hard!

 

[dstevens]

I really tried to keep off this post but unfortunately I must get a few things off my chest. I work in the reservations department. I listen to guests for 11hours per day yell at me for not giving them a complimentary upgrade and screaming at me because their children will have to wait in line for rides. We can not control the weather, lines, wait times, availability for Cinderella's castle or the amount of children in the resorts. We as cast members know that this is your vacation and we WANT you to have the most magical experience that we can possibly give you, but we are not magicians. We are not cartoon characters. We are humans. We should all try and remember that sometimes we can't always be as magical as we should. This applies to both cast members and guests alike.

Thank you for your post. It's nice to read responses from those on the front line. So, why are people so obnoxious nowadays versus 5 or 10 years ago? Another new thread?

 

[dstevens]

OP, I don't know if you'll find the responses you're looking for because you're preaching to the wrong choir.

Honestly, I remember seeing a lot of maintenance and upkeep happening... it was actually slightly annoying because I continually had to duck around painters, landscapers and pressure washers at Pop Century for our last trip. It was a good thing though because they were making it pretty.

I also remember seeing a lot of painters around the Epcot resort area.

Have I ever found a dirty bathroom or hotel room? No. Does that mean there aren't any, of course not.

Has it declined for me? Nope, if anything the magic is only growing bigger and bigger.

No preaching on the dis-boards.
I was expressing several experiences and was curious about other peoples thoughts. I don't think anybody (including myself) is going to quit WDW because of anything posted here. There is still magic in them there hills.

 

[lugnut33]

You know, it's not just the Disney castmembers that can create "the magic", but also the guests. Some guests need to clean up after themselves and throw trash in the proper recepticles. Don't get upset when there are no towel animals in your room. Don't ask cast members for stupid requests. No line jumping. Be courteous, afterall we are all there to have a good time.

I'm sure there are tons of things that we as guests can do that would make it easier for the cast members as well as other guests. It's a two way street here people, not just Disney creating "the magic".

 

[dstevens]

This thread has done one thing for me - when we go to WDW in September (1st time in 25 years to WDW) we will take the time to thank the CM's when we see them being nice, compliment the management when we can. We live in a world that is quick to complain (and sometimes we need to) but we are very slow to say "Thank You" or "You did a great job". We are in too much of a hurry to get to the next "experience" that will make us happy. The magic of Disney (been to DL twice in the past 5 years) is in the choices we make. Chuck Swindoll wrote something like this - "Live is 5% what happens to us and 95% how we react." Things may be declined - but let us do our part to encourage (not berate) those who are actually trying as often those who are actually trying get fed up with ignorant guests who fail to show any appreciation. Here's hoping I live up to my plan to show appreciation.

Great post

 

[Kickapoo Joie Juice]

The one thing I will blame Disney for is their disastrous Year of A Million Dreams campaign.

Why do I think it was so bad? Because while it was going on I walked into the park hoping something special would happen to me, and at the end of the day when nothing did I felt disappointed.

Then, the third day in I was like, what is wrong with me that I feel disappointed in disney, that's NUTS!

But think about it, you get all these people to come to Disney with the idea that they're giving out ONE MILLION gifts, but the reality is, statistically, you're not going to get one and you're going to be disappointed.

If I felt gypped, and I like to think of myself as somewhat socially enlightened and zen, then how will those people react who are USED to special treatment and then don't get one on the million dreams? Probabably really, really poorly.

The What Are You Celebrating theme is almost as bad, IMO. Why? Because when I'm making the ADR's online for our upcoming 16th anniversary trip, it asks me as I'm booking the Bistro in Paris if I'm celebrating. And I hesitate, because if I put in that we're celebrating our anniversary dinner, then I'm going to *expect* them to do something special. And I don't want to feel disappointed. I almost didn't put it in because I'd rather just go and have a wonderful dinner with DH and just tell the waiter that it's our 16th so he can contratulate us and leave it at that.

So, I'd say it's 90% ill-behaved guests and 10% Disney creating unreasonable expectations from people prone to being unreasonable from the get-go.

I think Disney's next theme should be You're Not Special, So Behave Yourself And We'll All Have A Good Time.

 

[d-r]

DH has been going to WDW since 1971, usually twice a year. He and I have been going since 1989 (when we married). We go twice a year, for 3 weeks each time. He used to tell me he wanted to retire near WDW and work there. It was his dream. Now, he wouldn't think of doing that. His primary reason? The guests. We have seen an big increase in bad behavior by the guests. He now says he wouldn't like having to deal with them as a CM. The magic is still at WDW for us...you'll find it in the CMs. We make sure to "see" them...they are not invisible! We talk to them and thank them every chance we get. We strike up conversations with them. That is where you find the magic. Not with the woman, who, obviously too important to stand in a line at a WDW store, called everyone in line "dare I say it? Trash." Her words. We're still going to retire near WDW. We will spend a lot of time there, take our family and friends there, and we'll love every minute of the magic. Thank you, CMs.

I sometimes joke to my wife that "Disney world would be great if it wasn't for all the tourists." I had an experience where a guy wouldn't let a pregnant woman sit down because he was saving the seat for someone.

Also, it is much better to be a guest than a cast.

 

[PRaffen]

I think Disney's next theme should be You're Not Special, So Behave Yourself And We'll All Have A Good Time.

I LOVE this!

I totally agree that disney's "what are you celebrating" just sets guests up to expect "something" and most times the "celebration" is probably gonna pass without any notice.

 

[wendylovesdisney]

I love Disney.

However, I agree that the parks are dirtier, and shabby in some places. I never noticed this 5 years ago or so. My hubby and I used to joke that it almost seemed like a cm was almost "waiting" for trash to pick up or to fall to the ground. Disney World was oh, so clean.
Now, I notice trash I can pass by hours, even DAYS later and have it still be there. Now that is ridiculous.

 

[wendylovesdisney]

I think Disney's next theme should be You're Not Special, So Behave Yourself And We'll All Have A Good Time.

Is it bad of me to love this quote?!

 

[dawgsgirl]

I don't think the question should be has Disney lost it's magic? All of us Disney freaks still find plenty of magic. And I know how some of the guests can be. Rather, I think the question should be "has Disney gone downhill" or something like that. And the answer to that is a definite yes. Those of us who visit frequently can tell the difference. But our numbers are small in comparison to all the people who visit. I've felt for a long time that Disney is not interested in repeat business. They want the first or second time visitor that will spend money like mad and never know how much better things used to be.

 

[AKL_Megs]

There are a few things that came to mind when I read this thread...

I don't remember a time during our last THREE times at POP that we weren't woken to the sounds of powerwashing... that is, the corridors, sidewalks, etc. There hasn't been a time that I didn't see CM's spraying for bugs in the early AM. I ALWAYS see some poor guy/girl cleaning up the foodcourt after some lazy guest who left EVERY piece of garbage on the table. (All of these things, to me, are pros, not cons.)

As for customer service, on my last AKL trip, as I walked to my room with three refillable mugs in my hands, balancing books and magazines and towels under my arms, a concierge CM came down the hall, stopped me dead in my tracks, miraculously pulled out a laundry bag from his pocket, filled it with my towels and reading materials, and stuck about 10 "turndown" chocolates in my pocket. Now THAT is customer service.

I've seen BAD CM's, I have seen WONDERFUL CM's. I have seen things in need of repair, I have seen things BEING repaired.

Lost its magic? No way.

 

[kmk1180]

this is a common complaint the comes around every so often
(this and cost of tickets going up and crowds)

people have been saying this almost since the parks opened.

today it's...oh in 2000 when I came it was cleaner and tickets were cheaper, disney is losing it's magic touch.

in 2000 it was it was cleaner and tickets were cheaper back in 1990
disney is losing it's magic touch

in 1990 oh back in the 1985 it was cleaner tickets were cheaper in 1979.
disney is losing it's magic touch

Anyone can go anywhere and find something to complain about.

Yet disney is consistantly rated as the top in the industry year after year.

So you can complain and think it's losing it's touch...fine, go somewhere else if you think it's better...heck go to Six Flags and stay a hotel and see what you get....better for me.... I'll go to Disney and have a great time.

 

[kimbo0569]

Still magical for me!!

I do, however, think the guests have changed over the years. Of course, people have changed everywhere over the years, too. We're less patient and often rude. My "less magical" moments over the past few years have had nothing to do with Disney but with the guests.

That being said, Disney is not perfect and I don't think they ever have been. The food has always been overpriced, and yes, they try to pawn off 3 star hotels as luxury 5 star hotels. And, I am personally not a fan of the current park ticket structure. But, none of this makes my experience less magical when I'm there!

I agree with this....

Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a perfect anything. I guess I've been lucky in that I've had very good experiences at DW. Out of all the times I've been there, I've only had two meals that were less than stellar, (that I can recall). I've stayed at the resort numerous times and really have only encountered one CM that wasn't helpful to me (but I was frustrated with a situation and at the time I realized what had happened, it was too early to do anything about it) But when I returned a while later, the situation was rectified and quite quickly.

Compared to alot of amusement parks that I've been to near my area, DW is one of the cleanest that I've seen.

I don't feel like the magic is lacking for me or my family - albeit at the high price, we cannot go down as often as we used to but we still enjoy it while we're there and have some great memories to speak of and share with our kids.

 

[lugnut33]

Could you imagine how many people said Disney was going to lose it's magic during 1969-1971 when they were building WDW?

 

[djm99]

Although Disney adds to the magic, one must BELIEVE in the magic in order to see it. IMO, Disboard members has a higher expectation of Disney and expects the magic to knock at their feet (ala: knock, knock - who is it, "its Disney magic"). IMO that is simply unrealistic. We make big deals about burger and fries meals. One year a family goes to a Disney eatery and loves it - well next year that same said family goes back to that eatery and for whatever reason the place is having an off day. Maybe you didn't get as many fries or your salmon was smaller, or the sandwich didn't have that special sauce like last year - OR in general it just didn't taste as good as you remember. Disboard members are some of Disney's harshest critics.

IMO, Disney brings just as much magic and WE bring with our family. If we believe it, and bring it, we will see it EVERYWHERE - if the funky attitude of a CM breaks that mood, then anything could. When I'm happy - NOTHING - can bring me emotionally down. Even the visit of snake in my room would be an adventure to tell about - but the bed bugs would be damper - but I'll look for those as soon as I walk in the room (both snakes and bed bugs!) – My point – Disney IMO has not lost its magic, but WE are NOT bringing that magical attitude to WDW with us. Many of us feel this magical entitlement to the place. Just look at the complaints that don't get animal towels. All my opinion of course. Have a magical day!!!

ETA: I say this because as a child and teen my family visited by both DL and WDW several times. I just didn't 'get' the magic. It was a big theme park to me. It wouldn't be until I was a mother that I 'got' it. I brought the magic with me as a mother and the magic met me at the door.