Help! Our Pixie Dust Dreams are fading!

[Nancyg56]

When I was a kid (the 80s) there were a few families that went to Florida every year or every 2 years and most went once in their lives. It was an expensive and special trip. It appears as though more can afford it and attendance seems to demonstrate this. I would guess that the attendance at WDW has greatly outpaced NA population growth (we can discuss the rest of the world another day, yes I know that other countries attend more than they used to).

Real inflation aside, WDW seems to be riding actual or perceived vacation inflation quite well.

Having said that: we know from 9/11 that it takes one block to really knock down the rest and cripple the parks. They know this so all of these expensive 'extras' can be rolled back and offered as free 'extras' offered to resort guests if things get bad again (ie: E-nights to EMH).

When the clover is in, milk the cow, when the winter comes then hold back.

I agree. When I was a kid (I am no kid now! LOL!) there were a few kids who when to Florida but they were visiting families. I always dreamed of going to "Disney" but my parents could never afford that trip to CA and then the park. Way outside of our means.
Once I was an adult with babies of my own I wanted to take them to WDW. My IL's went yearly, and with their camper Disney was not an issue. However...for me, a widow with three little ones, this was outside of my reach. You see they would let us sleep in the camper, but that was it. I was responsible for getting the 4 of us there and for all of our expenses. I did not have the money so we stayed in our area for vacations. Then DH came along and he saved and saved and saved....and we went! YAY! Bu that was our only family WDW vacation until the family was adults.

As individuals we all determine our means and we then make decisions. If one place is out of reach, we should choose another. In the event a vacation destination such as WDW loses attendance they will adjust costs. But there will not be a time when everyone can go. WDW is not a right.

 

[Hikergirl]

So your inability to refrain from spending extra money is the fault of corporate greed? I think you might be misplacing that blame.

Absolutely not.
However it makes me feel I am the lemon that they are squeezing every last drop outof and I choose to not be squeezed anymore. I help many of my co workers plan their first trip to Disney. Now I find myself saying more about what to avoid ( not pay extra)and NOT do because it isn't necessary or adds very little value or should I say magic. Where before I could be fairly confident saying MK will be open until 10pm during a cetain time of year now I hesitate thinking they may close at 7pm so they can do their upcharged EMH. Many of you say it doesn't effect you if your not going to pay for the EMH add ons, but it does. It changes what park you will go to early and what park you will be at until close. Even if they don't close early, they are adding more guests in at 7pm.

You can't be squeezed in these situations unless you allow it. You say right there that you tell people to not pay extra because it isn't necessary or adds very little value or magic. If they aren't necessary and add little magic, and you still decide to pay the extra fees then its on you, its not on Disney, why blame them? They aren't making you do anything, you can have a magical vacation without those things but that doesn't mean they shouldn't offer extras to people who want and are willing to go the extra mile for some more magic.
I will give you that the people who have already had plans when this was announced will be effected, but in the future it just becomes something you work around. Nothing ever was a guarantee at WDW so when you book your ADR's 6 months out and plan to be in X park on X day you were always running the risk of something changing.
If I was planning my vacation these events wouldn't make an difference to me, but I'm not a type A planner where everything has to be just so. The parks are so crowded anyway during the times we go, a couple thousand extra people aren't going to make much difference to me.

 

[Big Pappa]

I think bottom line is we all love DISNEY!!!!!!!!!! No doubt and like anything else you love when it hurts you, you get upset. In this case raising prices, extra costs for created events etc. We can all sit here and figure out ways in which we could "try" and fix it but ultimately its not up to us. We all know as someone above said I am sure there is no way Disney will EVER be without attendance so prices will be what they are. I guess if you love it enough which in our case we do we will pay what it costs to attend. Who knows the CEO may read these forums one day and hear our concerns over prices etc. but I doubt it. !! See you at HOME!!!

 

[Laz]

I haven't read the entire thread, so excuse me if this was suggested. Have you considered going to Disneyland? That is what my family did and has continued to do. Their is something specialabout DLR (esp. DL)! If you spend a week at the resort, you will discover that you will have plenty of time to explore the area (the beach, Hollywood, Universal Studios, San Diego zoo, etc.). For my family, the magic still exists at the DLR.

 

[Angel Ariel]

I haven't read the entire thread, so excuse me if this was suggested. Have you considered going to Disneyland? That is what my family did and has continued to do. Their is something specialabout DLR (esp. DL)! If you spend a week at the resort, you will discover that you will have plenty of time to explore the area (the beach, Hollywood, Universal Studios, San Diego zoo, etc.). For my family, the magic still exists at the DLR.

This is the route we have gone as well, and , tbh, we feel DLR is better for young children in general. Similar # of overall rides, smaller in size (less walking), more rides in FL for the young ones especially, park hopping is so much essier, as is getting back to your hotel - offsite ir onsite - plus a bunch of new nighttime shows!

 

[SpaceMtnGirl]

I haven't read the entire thread, so excuse me if this was suggested. Have you considered going to Disneyland? That is what my family did and has continued to do. Their is something specialabout DLR (esp. DL)! If you spend a week at the resort, you will discover that you will have plenty of time to explore the area (the beach, Hollywood, Universal Studios, San Diego zoo, etc.). For my family, the magic still exists at the DLR.

SOOOOO agree! We defected to Disneyland for the first time in July 2015. It was like old school WDW.. paper Fast Pass, ability to walk up to most any restaurant and get seated! and also the ability to stay "off site" yet be right across the street from the parks (NO BUSES!). Park hopping is a cinch, they're right next to each other! Plus Radiator Springs Racers, one of the best rides in any Disney park (imho). POTC is wayyyy better at DL! The weather is amazing, the high most days during our trip was 70! (Can't get that in July in WDW!) I could go on... We still love WDW but there is something magical about Walt's park! The only downside is the max amount of ticket days you can purchase is 5 days. But, there is lots to do in the area, as another poster mentioned.

 

[monorailrabbit]

SOOOOO agree! We defected to Disneyland for the first time in July 2015. It was like old school WDW.. paper Fast Pass, ability to walk up to most any restaurant and get seated! and also the ability to stay "off site" yet be right across the street from the parks (NO BUSES!). Park hopping is a cinch, they're right next to each other! Plus Radiator Springs Racers, one of the best rides in any Disney park (imho). POTC is wayyyy better at DL! The weather is amazing, the high most days during our trip was 70! (Can't get that in July in WDW!) I could go on... We still love WDW but there is something magical about Walt's park! The only downside is the max amount of ticket days you can purchase is 5 days. But, there is lots to do in the area, as another poster mentioned.

This is our plan as well! We are going for the first time this August and I just can't wait! Everything I've read and heard on here and elsewhere has me beyond excited! Although Epcot is my favorite, so we will be missing Spaceship Earth for sure, it will be nice to have a change!

 

[disneyseniors]

We do travel often. We fly around to different cities to watch UFC fights, we go to the mountains, and we take trips to the beach (Fort Walton, Gulf Shores) so we know what different experiences are like. But our first true love is Disney and like I said it's changing and by the way this thread looks only me and one or to more seem to be affected. Where do I go to Fast Pass our restroom breaks?

You are not alone, ha1264!! I feel the same way as you and also agree with the sentiments expressed so well by 3dizneyfans!
A lot of people automatically jump on anyone who feels that Disney is less than, so don't let that get to you.
There is a silent majority out there who feels exactly like you do, without thinking they should tell you to go somewhere else(my,my I guess you didn't think of that??), quit going so much(no one else's business how often anyone goes anywhere), you get the drift. Please take all that with a grain of "Disney pixie dust salt".
You are entitled to express your opinion, but get ready for the discussions to follow.
As I said, I agree with you

 

[Big Pappa]

We have checked Disneyland out as well but with Flight for family etc it would exceed the costs I pay to visit the World so Im staying with Disney World just hope at some point they relax and let Disney be Disney.

 

[Angel Ariel]

We have checked Disneyland out as well but with Flight for family etc it would exceed the costs I pay to visit the World so Im staying with Disney World just hope at some point they relax and let Disney be Disney.

I don't doubt you at all, just want to say that anyone interested really should price it all out (I'm sure the person I quoted did!).
Yes, our flights are more expensive (coming from east coast), but our hotel and food costs are so much less at dlr that we actually come pretty close to equaling what we'd spend to go to wdw.

 

[SpaceMtnGirl]

I don't doubt you at all, just want to say that anyone interested really should price it all out (I'm sure the person I quoted did!).
Yes, our flights are more expensive (coming from east coast), but our hotel and food costs are so much less at dlr that we actually come pretty close to equaling what we'd spend to go to wdw.

Yes, agree! All told, we spend at DLR equal to what we spend at WDW, even though our flights are more expensive to DLR (we fly from the Southeastern US). (Typically around $260 RT/PP to MCO, and about $410 RT/PP to LAX or SNA).

 

[TAK]

You are not alone, ha1264!! I feel the same way as you and also agree with the sentiments expressed so well by 3dizneyfans!
A lot of people automatically jump on anyone who feels that Disney is less than, so don't let that get to you.
There is a silent majority out there who feels exactly like you do, without thinking they should tell you to go somewhere else(my,my I guess you didn't think of that??), quit going so much(no one else's business how often anyone goes anywhere), you get the drift. Please take all that with a grain of "Disney pixie dust salt".
You are entitled to express your opinion, but get ready for the discussions to follow.
As I said, I agree with you

Truly asking out of curiosity, though -- I mean that, no agenda here -- what *should* the response be one someone says, "help! I'm not enjoying Disney World as much as I used to!" I mean, venting is one thing -- and a lot of that happens here on the DIS in various threads, no problem -- but the title of the thread specifically asks for help. What else can we suggest, other than, going somewhere else or changing your WDW plans or not letting changes ruin your fun or so on?

There's nothing else anyone here on the DIS can offer -- we can't wave a wand and change things, we don't have a secret way to make Disney change the things someone doesn't like. People are making suggestions because the OP asked, so it's not fair to say "it's no one's business" or to say that anyone making them is "jumping on" someone else. Just my $0.02.

 

[DisneyLovingPreacher]

It all comes down to this. I have said this a lot lately but it is true. Disney is doing this because they know they can get away with it. As park attendance grows and hotels start filling up, Disney will start adding more things like this. Things like ticket prices and parking will continue to go up. These things will not stop until we see multiple quarters of losing attendance. I'm sorry to say this is how it works. We will not see this stop until attendance goes down and hotel vacancy goes up.

 

[disneyseniors]

Truly asking out of curiosity, though -- I mean that, no agenda here -- what *should* the response be one someone says, "help! I'm not enjoying Disney World as much as I used to!" I mean, venting is one thing -- and a lot of that happens here on the DIS in various threads, no problem -- but the title of the thread specifically asks for help. What else can we suggest, other than, going somewhere else or changing your WDW plans or not letting changes ruin your fun or so on?

There's nothing else anyone here on the DIS can offer -- we can't wave a wand and change things, we don't have a secret way to make Disney change the things someone doesn't like. People are making suggestions because the OP asked, so it's not fair to say "it's no one's business" or to say that anyone making them is "jumping on" someone else. Just my $0.02.

The dis has been and continues to be an excellent source of help for all things Disney!
I think the OP was expressing her frustrations and disappointments, that's all!
Like you say, it's her 2 cents worth
But sometimes (a lot of times) when someone on this site voices concerns, frustrations, etc, they do indeed get "jumped on" by certain posters, sometimes not very nicely. I just feel she should be able to express her opinions, discuss these with others of like mind or not, and not get the usual" then don't go", etc. You can read these every time.
So, I don't feel she was hoping to get suggestions (many of which she has probably thought of). I just think she wanted to vent, share Her opinions, and hear what others who have felt this way have to say.
That's all!
Have a good day

 

[DisOrBust]

It all comes down to this. I have said this a lot lately but it is true. Disney is doing this because they know they can get away with it. As park attendance grows and hotels start filling up, Disney will start adding more things like this. Things like ticket prices and parking will continue to go up. These things will not stop until we see multiple quarters of losing attendance. I'm sorry to say this is how it works. We will not see this stop until attendance goes down and hotel vacancy goes up.

I don't think they are getting away with it. It is posted that they gave away for free the EMH to DVC members and there are rumors that 200ish tickets were actually sold. So if I had bought tickets and during the event found out all these DVC member got in for free I would feel completely taken. Everyone knows a WDW vacation is not cheap but to us it was worth its value but this waters down its value and its brand. Attendance may not go down, but guest spending has trended down. Their record profits are propped up by increased ticket prices and other uncharges.

I also vote for Disneyland! Three years ago over spring break I was unable to get a decent price on a WDW vacation for the first time ever. I priced out a DL trip and it was cheaper then going to WDW. Spent 4 days there, loved it then drove up HWY 1 to Monterray.

 

[TAK]

The dis has been and continues to be an excellent source of help for all things Disney!
I think the OP was expressing her frustrations and disappointments, that's all!
Like you say, it's her 2 cents worth
But sometimes (a lot of times) when someone on this site voices concerns, frustrations, etc, they do indeed get "jumped on" by certain posters, sometimes not very nicely. I just feel she should be able to express her opinions, discuss these with others of like mind or not, and not get the usual" then don't go", etc. You can read these every time.
So, I don't feel she was hoping to get suggestions (many of which she has probably thought of). I just think she wanted to vent, share Her opinions, and hear what others who have felt this way have to say.
That's all!
Have a good day

The venting part of it I get -- but not to put too fine a point on it, but when you title your thread "Help!", it looks like you're asking for help, not just venting. Not a huge deal, but in this instance, it's not the fault of everyone who responded -- I wasn't one of them fwiw, that's why I said I'm just saying this as a matter of clearing up confusion -- who was just trying to help, as asked.

 

[ElaineB55]

I haven't read the entire thread, so excuse me if this was suggested. Have you considered going to Disneyland? That is what my family did and has continued to do. Their is something specialabout DLR (esp. DL)! If you spend a week at the resort, you will discover that you will have plenty of time to explore the area (the beach, Hollywood, Universal Studios, San Diego zoo, etc.). For my family, the magic still exists at the DLR.

I went to DL about 5 years ago and did not like it all. It does not feel magical when there is a strip of cheap hotels at the entrance. WDW in Florida sucks you in - all the streets with the Disney signs, etc. You truly feel that you are in a special kingdom. The DL park was small and dated and very, very crowded. The streets are narrow in the park and the castle was underwhelming. I did like California Adventure - it was a mixture of some EPCOT rides and HS rides, and some original. I loved the nighttime show "World of Colors" - it was beautiful, however, there were not many vantage points where you could actually see it very well. Again, went to Universal and didn't like that in CA either. It was very, very crowded and the park is on 2 levels. I have been at WDW in Florida in summer, but did not experience the crowds we had in August in CA. I would like to go back to check out San Diego, but will not waste my time going back to DL.

 

[NotTheBatesMotel]

I understand where you're coming from, OP. It's not so much the extras that get me as it is the increased cost in on-site hotels (something that makes a trip so much easier for us because my son gets overstimulated in the parks and needs down time), increased parking fees, and increased ticket prices. We are still going on our upcoming trip because we purchased the tickets awhile ago. We will stay offsite because I can't justify that $370/night cost of a cabin at FW after we spent $250/night on one a year ago. After this trip, we are taking a break for at least a few years. The cost just isn't worth it to me at this point. Will we still have a great time on the upcoming trip? Sure. Would I rather spend that much money somewhere else? Yes.

 

[Angel Ariel]

I went to DL about 5 years ago and did not like it all. It does not feel magical when there is a strip of cheap hotels at the entrance. WDW in Florida sucks you in - all the streets with the Disney signs, etc. You truly feel that you are in a special kingdom. The DL park was small and dated and very, very crowded. The streets are narrow in the park and the castle was underwhelming. I did like California Adventure - it was a mixture of some EPCOT rides and HS rides, and some original. I loved the nighttime show "World of Colors" - it was beautiful, however, there were not many vantage points where you could actually see it very well. Again, went to Universal and didn't like that in CA either. It was very, very crowded and the park is on 2 levels. I have been at WDW in Florida in summer, but did not experience the crowds we had in August in CA. I would like to go back to check out San Diego, but will not waste my time going back to DL.

If you go to DLR expecting it to be like WDW, it will definitely be disappointing. There's a great thread on the DLR board by HydroGuy called a DLR Guide for WDW Vets. It's a great resource for anyone who goes to DLR as a WDW vet. Visiting DLR requires looking at things a different way. The castle isn't meant to be the weenie for the park the way that Cinderella Castle is...that's the Matterhorn's job in DLR. Walt didn't want Sleeping Beauty Castle to be visible outside the park, which is why it's smaller. There is lots of magic to be found at DLR if one can see past the differences between it and MK.

 

[Nancyg56]

If you go to DLR expecting it to be like WDW, it will definitely be disappointing. There's a great thread on the DLR board by HydroGuy called a DLR Guide for WDW Vets. It's a great resource for anyone who goes to DLR as a WDW vet. Visiting DLR requires looking at things a different way. The castle isn't meant to be the weenie for the park the way that Cinderella Castle is...that's the Matterhorn's job in DLR. Walt didn't want Sleeping Beauty Castle to be visible outside the park, which is why it's smaller. There is lots of magic to be found at DLR if one can see past the differences between it and MK.

Yes, DLR and WDW are two different animals and as such, looked at differently. I think that one of the most difficult things to do is to avoid comparing the two as if they are the same set of parks but just on opposite sides of the Country.

My DDIL is joining us in December as part of an "advanced" scouting trip for her sister and family when they plan a WDW trip for their DGD. They are all DLR vets, and after listening to me for years, they know there will be a huge change in strategy and planning. Will WDW be the magical place that they are used to? I don't know.

But DLR? For me, it was the most magical pristine place. Once I got inside that is. Sleeping Beauty Castle was the Castle I grew up seeing on Wonderful World of Disney, always dreaming of the day my parents would take us. I was transported back to when I was a little girl, and I never saw that coming! I was used to WDW, and thought I would be visiting the same place, different State! LOL! Nope.

For those who choose to visit DLR as a change from the sometime hectic pace WDW can be, I agree with Angel Ariel. Do not go in expecting that you will be visiting a miniature version of WDW, and then compare the two like apples and apples. They are not meant to be the same, and each offers a different experience. Look for what is unique and capture that magic.