Has Disney World lost it's magic?

[eliza61]

I will (wrongly?) interpret your comment to actually mean:

If you criticize or are disappointed in anything at WDW - don't complain.

If you are pleased with the status quo - then you may continue to post.

Nope, you've got it right. This is the Dis board after all, if you in any way don't follow TGM, don't do Rope drop, don't follow Dave Ramsey or don't believe Disney can do no wrong you should not bother to give your opinion.

 

[jrc-elpaso]

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.

Absolutely correct. The only person who can ruin my vacation is ME. I always try to say thanks, etc. but at WDW in September I'm going to try harder than usual. Our first trip to the World and I can't wait.

 

[NeverlandClub23]

I think there's people thinking that because some of us feel the "magic" has declined that makes us angry the whole time we're at Disney, that we don't feel like they do anything right, or it ruins our vacation. It's ok to be disappointed but still love, and continue to go, to a place. My bf disappoints me every now and then but I don't love him any less (and I spend far more on him than I do at WDW ). I will always love WDW and every vacation I have there.

 

[exit30]

I will (wrongly?) interpret your comment to actually mean:

If you criticize or are disappointed in anything at WDW - don't complain.

If you are pleased with the status quo - then you may continue to post.

I guess you didn't take notice to , it appears I've made a futile attempt at injecting a little humor amongst a group of people without a sense of humor.

What was intended was simply, if you don't think it's worth the $$$ then go somewhere else, if you do then go and enjoy your trip. I have criticized a number of issues with Disney, but I still think it's the greatest place and I will continue to go.

However, I think it's time for me to take a very long overdue break from this forum. I bid you all a fond farewell.

 

[Mouseaholic!!!]

I think there's people thinking that because some of us feel the "magic" has declined that makes us angry the whole time we're at Disney, that we don't feel like they do anything right, or it ruins our vacation. It's ok to be disappointed but still love, and continue to go, to a place. My bf disappoints me every now and then but I don't love him any less (and I spend far more on him than I do at WDW ). I will always love WDW and every vacation I have there.

I could not agree more.

On our recent trip to NYC for fireworks on July 4th by DH was not feeling well. It was a disappointment, things were not perfect. I still love him more than anything!

I admit a touch of envy for those who INSIST UNTIL DEATH that Disney can do no wrong and magic and perfection continues.

I choose to admit the truth. I do it because I LOVE Disney as much as the INSIST UNTIL DEATH people do....and miss the fact that they CAN do things right, they just choose to take the cheep way to make sure those year-end bonus' continue.

Does this mean I am not allowed to go? Does this mean I am not allowed to express my ideas? Don't we live in a country which is built on Freedom of Speech?

The truly sad thing.....if the deterioration continues.....more people will be taking off those blinders. We all reach that point - DH and I had it slammed in our face about 3 years ago.

Bottom line - DH and I LOVE our Disney trips. We now walk away from the overflowing trash cans and filty bathrooms, standardized food choices, when we stumble onto them and hope for the day Disney returns to ... Disney standards.

 

[catherines_mama]

...to join a very, VERY, secret society comprised of visitors to the Walt Disney World Resort. (bear with me)!

As many PPs have stated, and I paraphrase : The magic you get is equal to the magic you GIVE.

So, if you desire, you can join the secret society of Magic Givers (OK, we can work on the name).

As a Magic Giver, you promise to spend at least one hour of your day (or vacation, your choice) spreading the magic of WDW to other guests and CMs. You can do this in any number of ways or degrees:

1. Compliment at least 10 CMs on doing a great job. Really compliment them with very specific details.
2. Buy an extra souvenir (doesn't have to be expensive) and give it to someone else...explain to the parents a bit about what you are doing so not to be thought of as a member of another secret society: The Weirdos of the World. (we'll work on this one, too.)
3. Give your fast passes to Soarin' to a family waiting on that 120 minute stand-by line. Yea, pick them up knowing they are going to someone else.
4. Pick up the piece of garbage you see on the ground. I bet a CM will eventually see you do this and the magic WILL spread.
5. Any place you see the lack of magic, give YOUR magic until it feels good!

This is just a start, and I am sure there are others on this board who have a lot better ideas.

Well, because this is a secret society, and we will never, EVER, have a meeting, please do not feel the need to tell anyone you are joining. Just GIVE the MAGIC!

Count me in already.

On our vacation a few weeks ago, I gave away FastPasses to Test Track when standby was 90 min.

One morning in HS, I had run ahead to get my family's TSM Fastpasses and on my way back to meet up with them, stopped to take pictures for 3 different families so they could all be in the shot. Did that a lot all week, but that morning I went out of my way a bit. I had succeeded in getting FPs and wanted to share some good with others.

 

[djm99]

...to join a very, VERY, secret society comprised of visitors to the Walt Disney World Resort. (bear with me)!

As many PPs have stated, and I paraphrase : The magic you get is equal to the magic you GIVE.

So, if you desire, you can join the secret society of Magic Givers (OK, we can work on the name).

As a Magic Giver, you promise to spend at least one hour of your day (or vacation, your choice) spreading the magic of WDW to other guests and CMs. You can do this in any number of ways or degrees:

1. Compliment at least 10 CMs on doing a great job. Really compliment them with very specific details.
2. Buy an extra souvenir (doesn't have to be expensive) and give it to someone else...explain to the parents a bit about what you are doing so not to be thought of as a member of another secret society: The Weirdos of the World. (we'll work on this one, too.)
3. Give your fast passes to Soarin' to a family waiting on that 120 minute stand-by line. Yea, pick them up knowing they are going to someone else.
4. Pick up the piece of garbage you see on the ground. I bet a CM will eventually see you do this and the magic WILL spread.
5. Any place you see the lack of magic, give YOUR magic until it feels good!

This is just a start, and I am sure there are others on this board who have a lot better ideas.

Well, because this is a secret society, and we will never, EVER, have a meeting, please do not feel the need to tell anyone you are joining. Just GIVE the MAGIC!

I couldn't of said this any better. As I stated very early in this thread so many of us feel this entitlement to Disney - we think we can bring our issues to Disney and the CM's are surposed to remain magically fun and great all day everyday. If you bring that magic with you - magic will follow you everywhere.

 

[Doc CW]

Not at all. It hasnt lost any magic or any of its quality WDW is still the same great place I remember it being.

 

[Mouseaholic!!!]

Nope, you've got it right. This is the Dis board after all, if you in any way don't follow TGM, don't do Rope drop, don't follow Dave Ramsey or don't believe Disney can do no wrong you should not bother to give your opinion.

Ok, your note caused the biggest laugh in the building today!!!



The sad thing....some people with think you were NOT joking!!

 

[DisneyBride'03]

This should end this discussion once and for all: If you think Disney has lost its magic, don't go. If you think it still has its magic, go. Ok admin., you can lock it now.

I think for those who think Disney has lost its magic, we should all plan more trips and go and help them find it... I just booked a little trip in December with a pin and got POP for 49 a night, now thats magic!
them....meaning Disney

 

[ppony]

I think for those who think Disney has lost its magic, we should all plan more trips and go and help them find it... I just booked a little trip in December with a pin and got POP for 49 a night, now thats magic!
them....meaning Disney

And we are looking into buying into the DVC!

Maybe we are hogging too much of it.

 

[DisneyBride'03]

And we are looking into buying into the DVC!

Maybe we are hogging too much of it.

We love our DVC!! So much so we are out of points...lol

I always say, to each their own...and also...everyone's opinions are usually based on their own personal experiences...I have had a few minor issues the last couple of years, it was always handled very well and to my benefit

 

[eliza61]

I couldn't of said this any better. As I stated very early in this thread so many of us feel this entitlement to Disney - we think we can bring our issues to Disney and the CM's are surposed to remain magically fun and great all day everyday. If you bring that magic with you - magic will follow you everywhere.

See Djm, I don't think of it as entitlement. If I pay for a clean room, why shouldn't I feel entitled to it? If I park my car at valet why shouldn't I expect to get it in a reasonable amount of time (45 mins is not reasonable to me). If you advertise on your website "Luxurous" & "world class" how is it ok to deliver motel 6 quality.
When you go to a $100 plate dinner, do you feel "entitled" to a great meal or can I run down to Mcdonalds and get you a mac and fries?

We always have a great time when we go but yeah, you can call me a diva because if I check into any hotel and the toilet won't stop running, that's not quality and I guess I am one of the "entitlement" people. Disney feels "entitled" to payment so I feel "entitled" to the product they contracted for.

All of these things have happen at the Grand Floridian, the so called flagship of the resorts.

 

[WDWKOOK]

See Djm, I don't think of it as entitlement. If I pay for a clean room, why shouldn't I feel entitled to it? If I park my car at valet why shouldn't I expect to get it in a reasonable amount of time (45 mins is not reasonable to me). If you advertise on your website "Luxurous" & "world class" how is it ok to deliver motel 6 quality.
When you go to a $100 plate dinner, do you feel "entitled" to a great meal or can I run down to Mcdonalds and get you a mac and fries?

!

 

[jettyspagetti]

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. [/QUOTE]

I love it! I was reading this thread and nodding along to your previous post but this one is great!

As a former retail manager I was sent to Disney in 2005 for a conference- bath and Body Works sent there entire store management team-1600 managers for four days at disney to soak up the Disney customer service model and have our seminars. It was a great trip and educational. With years of dealing with the public its amazing to me how ill behaved some people are when they are in public. I think the feeling of Shame has gone out the window. When you lose the ability to feel ashamed, you also lose your inhibitions on how you interact with people.
On our last visit we had a great experience and we always have a great attitude dealing with CM, they have a really tough job and do not get enough credit for it. I find if you have a fantastic attitude you will get one back. Its how I raise my kids and how I present myself.

As far as creating magic, my sister and her husband went to Disney with their family last year. My borther in law is the least magical, least friendly, least outgoing person I've ever met. But he befreinded a yound couple vacationing with their kids. It was the young couples first trip to WDW and they stated that they weren't as prepared for the costs of food and extras so they were having to scale back the kids expectations a little. My brother in law found out there names and which resort they were at and sent them a $500 gift card to treat the kids. That's magic!!

 

[djm99]

See Djm, I don't think of it as entitlement. If I pay for a clean room, why shouldn't I feel entitled to it? If I park my car at valet why shouldn't I expect to get it in a reasonable amount of time (45 mins is not reasonable to me). If you advertise on your website "Luxurous" & "world class" how is it ok to deliver motel 6 quality.
When you go to a $100 plate dinner, do you feel "entitled" to a great meal or can I run down to Mcdonalds and get you a mac and fries?

We always have a great time when we go but yeah, you can call me a diva because if I check into any hotel and the toilet won't stop running, that's not quality and I guess I am one of the "entitlement" people. Disney feels "entitled" to payment so I feel "entitled" to the product they contracted for.

All of these things have happen at the Grand Floridian, the so called flagship of the resorts.

The difference between you and I is simple. If I walk into an unclean room (either at the All Stars or the Floridian) I would simply ask for another room - it’s inconvenient but I wouldn't claim that Disney has lost its magic. If I wait 45 minutes for Valet (and I have) I would call it a busy night - not Disney has lost its magic. If the toilet will not stop running - again an irritating inconvenient - not Disney loosing its magic. And finally if I pay for a $100 meal - I will expect great service if I don't get it (I will complain with manager) and count it again as a bad night NOT Disney loosing its magic. For every complaint at a hotel/resort and restaurant/eatery there are countless positive reviews. Hence good days and bad days at Disney. During my first visit to Disney I had to return to the front desk 3 times to get my room opened (wrong key code). Now I'm realistic Disney has faults (humans with many faults) run this operation, but to blame it on the magic is 'silly' to me (not calling you silly). To expect perfection after many visits is unrealistic. When I travel to Cancun my husband and I stay at the same resort. We have had SEVERAL Wonderful vacations and two not so wonderful. But we will return. I would hope your 45 minute valet wait and running toilet would not prevent you from returning to Disney.

 

[DisneyBride'03]

As far as creating magic, my sister and her husband went to Disney with their family last year. My borther in law is the least magical, least friendly, least outgoing person I've ever met. But he befreinded a yound couple vacationing with their kids. It was the young couples first trip to WDW and they stated that they weren't as prepared for the costs of food and extras so they were having to scale back the kids expectations a little. My brother in law found out there names and which resort they were at and sent them a $500 gift card to treat the kids. That's magic!!

first, love your dis name...my last name rhymes with it

Thank you so much for this post....reading about your BIL and what he did was wonderful..he definately was a Magic Giver!!

 

[vacation4me]

I think the reason for the "downgrade" in guests is really that Disney is just so big now and there are so many apples, bound to be bad ones. I keep going back as much as we can afford, every year we talk about a vacation, if it ever gets close in price to a Disney trip, we usually just say why not go to Disney. This has happened twice to Cruise planning. So the magic is definately still there and seeing it through my daughters eyes now is really special.

I will say one thing though, I think there was a downgrade in food at Disney once the food plan became a deal. They standerdised every thing so much, it just doesn't seem that great anymore. But that could be just for the restaurants on the plan, we won't be doing it this time mainly because there were few dinners I enjoyed last trip. But I typically chose to eat really well before the plan, so the downgrade is really probably just me. We started doing the plan after I figured we spent $1500 just on food for me and my wife one trip, the food plan looked like a great deal. The first year we did I thought it was fantastic, but this last time I found the restaurant choices lacking and the menus really trimmed down at the ones we liked in the past. Coral Reef is a big offender in that regard, it used to be stupid expensive, but I thought its menu was great. Now it just reminds me of a local mid range restaurant.

Still a ton of magic. I would probably move to Florida to be near Disney if I could give up winter, but I love winter too much.

-DH

 

[Modeltrf]

I think the reason for the "downgrade" in guests is really that Disney is just so big now and there are so many apples, bound to be bad ones. I keep going back as much as we can afford, every year we talk about a vacation, if it ever gets close in price to a Disney trip, we usually just say why not go to Disney. This has happened twice to Cruise planning. So the magic is definately still there and seeing it through my daughters eyes now is really special.

I will say one thing though, I think there was a downgrade in food at Disney once the food plan became a deal. They standerdised every thing so much, it just doesn't seem that great anymore. But that could be just for the restaurants on the plan, we won't be doing it this time mainly because there were few dinners I enjoyed last trip. But I typically chose to eat really well before the plan, so the downgrade is really probably just me. We started doing the plan after I figured we spent $1500 just on food for me and my wife one trip, the food plan looked like a great deal. The first year we did I thought it was fantastic, but this last time I found the restaurant choices lacking and the menus really trimmed down at the ones we liked in the past. Coral Reef is a big offender in that regard, it used to be stupid expensive, but I thought its menu was great. Now it just reminds me of a local mid range restaurant.

Still a ton of magic. I would probably move to Florida to be near Disney if I could give up winter, but I love winter too much.

-DH

I agree with the numbers and the food. Especially the food

I don't look forward to the Disney dining experience the way I use to. The food isn't as good. Even my young children will occasionally ask not to eat at Disney. When others ask me do I like Disney more than other places I always say yes but routinely I will mention I like the food better at non-Disney places.

That being said, there is plenty of magic (other than the food). Every time we go, at least once a year since 1990, we have experienced so much magic we can't wait to get back!

 

[eliza61]

The difference between you and I is simple. If I walk into an unclean room (either at the All Stars or the Floridian) I would simply ask for another room - it’s inconvenient but I wouldn't claim that Disney has lost its magic. If I wait 45 minutes for Valet (and I have) I would call it a busy night - not Disney has lost its magic. If the toilet will not stop running - again an irritating inconvenient - not Disney loosing its magic. And finally if I pay for a $100 meal - I will expect great service if I don't get it (I will complain with manager) and count it again as a bad night NOT Disney loosing its magic. For every complaint at a hotel/resort and restaurant/eatery there are countless positive reviews. Hence good days and bad days at Disney. During my first visit to Disney I had to return to the front desk 3 times to get my room opened (wrong key code). Now I'm realistic Disney has faults (humans with many faults) run this operation, but to blame it on the magic is 'silly' to me (not calling you silly). To expect perfection after many visits is unrealistic. When I travel to Cancun my husband and I stay at the same resort. We have had SEVERAL Wonderful vacations and two not so wonderful. But we will return. I would hope your 45 minute valet wait and running toilet would not prevent you from returning to Disney.

Oh heck no. I'm a dvc member so I'm sort of lock in. My concern is that since I go once or twice a year I see these as becoming more and more common. You're right a bad room once is an inconvience. Having to call mouse keeping on 3 or 4 occasions is a cause for concern because now you don't have isolate instances, now you have a cut back on services. A busy night at the valet? perfectly acceptable. A busy night for 9 nights with at least 3 couples waiting for their cars? That means hire some more ding dang people especially during busy hours. That's not rocket science, thats basic hotel operations.

When you cut back on Fantasmic and illuminations and you don't cut back on the cost, in fact you raise the price of tickets (according to rumors only) that is a problem to me.

We always have magical vacations but more and more it's becoming harder and harder to over look the down grade.
Look at the complaints on the menus. Disney has watered down their menus, does that destroy the magic. No maybe not entirely but it's a little here, a little there.

I don't want to make excuses for Disney or any company. I think companies perform at the level you require of them. Look at the DDP plan, it actually was a good buy when it first began. Tips were included, apps were included. Now it's been downsized.

If we allow disney to cut their mousekeeping back to the motel level, you know what that's what we'll get. If we allow them to cut their menus to the point where they are no better than boston market do you honestly think when the economy turns around they will restore them? nope, they will keep the profits, raise the prices and offer "free dining" to make people think they are getting a bargain.

I intend to keep holding them to the level which actually made them world leaders in customer service.