Help! Our Pixie Dust Dreams are fading!

[yulilin3]

Some good points. Maybe it is a little burn out.

Also I just re-read your first post, you came in 2006, consider that crowds were low because of the impact of September 11th. Basically all theme parks were dead for many years, that's why Disney introduced Year of a Million Dreams, and free dinning and all the other programs, to entice people to come. Now we are seeing record breaking attendance all over.

 

[MainMom]

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?

It's not just Disney that changes, it's 'us' as well. I used to swear I would never go in the summer because of all of the reasons people don't want to go then. Well, I now either Have to go during the summer or during a school holiday which means I pay more regardless of price increases or extras. I no longer feel comfortable pulling my oldest from school and she also has sports seasons (practice starts the beginning of August.)

Kids grow up and want to sleep in, want more pool/resort time, want late nights. We gown-ups get stuck in our ways resistant to change. If you don't want to give up Disney, mix it up! Don't do what you always do.

Also, reading these boards can make you jaded. I kept reading how horrible FP+ was last summer. How awful traveling with a large group is. Bathrooms are dirty, food is terrible, etc. None of those things were true. Now my Saturday at MK is going to be ruined by EMM in June. I highly doubt it.

Go with the flow. It will be ok.

 

[DJinPA]

For every family that thinks Star Wars is taking over, there is another family that is frequenting Disney more due to the new Star Wars attractions. Personally I'm happy to see something geared toward boys instead of the constant barrage on Princess items. Our son is now 17 and was cooling of the idea of Disney visits, now he practically wants to live there.

As for costs, park in a regular lot and don't partake in the extra items.

I agree, it is a nice balance to Frozen!

 

[mikepizzo]

Go with the flow. It will be ok.

This, this, this...a million times this.

 

[loves to dive]

OP I can sorta kinda see your point but like others I think maybe you are just a tad tired of the place. I go twice a year and have been going at least every other year since 1982. I've seen a lot of changes through the years and while I might not like all of them (Journey Through Imagination and Nemo I'm looking at you) I know change is necessary or it will just get stale. As far a extras go, I won't pay for some, some I might. I don't do the parties at MK, I won't pay for the early mornings or the late evenings but since I go so often I don't HAVE to ride anything. Another advantage of having gone for so many years I remember before there was any fast pass system and you just stood in line. Yes it was less crowded but trust me, it was not unusual to stand in line for a hour and there were no interactive lines and I had a 3 year old. I've paid for tours, I've dived in the living seas, I even did that silly dessert party once. I've also been without nary an extra and enjoyed the heck out of it. As far as being forced to plan in advance or uber plan, nope not necessary. I don't make ADRs until the day of, didn't back in the day and don't now. We like the fact that we get to find new places. I don't do FP more than a week in advance and frankly, most of the time it's the night before and I'm switching them around and cancelling while in the parks.

 

[Hikergirl]

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?

I can relate, we haven't been in a couple years and I don't plan on going back any time soon. For me the magic faded because of all the planning I'd have to do and the heavy crowds. It was never a relaxing vacation but I could always go at my own pace and feel we accomplished alot and had a great time. When I started having to plan 6 months out for dining we kind of stopped doing all TS places, but eventually the CS places or waiting for a table got old. When I was going to have to start planning rides 2 months out, I thought this is crazy..... Then of course the price increases, and the airfare to get there is expensive for 5. I truly don't have any problems with extras, we can choose to do them and if we don't I don't feel it takes away from a WDW vacation at all. Sure they can add to it, but they don't subtract any of the magic if you don't do them.
When I'm paying 6K or more I have expectations and WDW just stopped meeting them for us.
I still love it, but it will be awhile before I go back.
I totally understand you OP, and you aren't alone.

 

[NoCutsies]

Bummer dude.

 

[Jennasis]

I get it. We have NO intention of buying into ANY of the add-ons they've been pushing lately. In fact, the very idea of these add-ons annoys me. Enough already. I know I don't have to partake, yet I can't help feeling as I do. But I still love my Disney trips and so far I haven't had to stop taking them the way I like to take them.

As for the Star Wars stuff, if you're burned out on it te way I'm burned out on Frozen, I empathize! I love Star Wars, but Frozen-mania is enough to make me want to vomit.

Time away may help. It may not. Whatever you decide to do, I wish many happy vacations wherever you and your family go!

 

[TLSnell1981]

I know Disney's main objective is to make money because in the end it is a Business. I just feel we are being nickeled and dimed for every last cent. Charges for premium parking, extra evening hours, extra morning hours, special viewing areas and so on. We have adapted to the lack of spontaneity. You really have to plan out every minute. Food dictates your trip if you want to eat at sit down restaurants. It's getting harder with families with little ones due to larger crowds. We aren't big Star Wars fans and I think it may be taking over. We Have been to Disney World 15 times since 2006 and 1 Disney cruise. We are huge fans. I know they have to adapt to stay relevant. I remember walking through Mickey and Minnie's house on our first trip and felt like a kid again. It was awesome! Things are a changing and for our family it's not for the best. I guess in the end they will keep testing the ceiling of how high they can go. As they raise prices attendance keeps growing.

You are preaching to the choir!

 

[redsbe]

Not a big fan of the added cost special events, but with 15+ visits to WDW/DL, including several with my kids, and planning for June trip with my daughter, we only pay for what we want to experience. Stay at value resorts, quick service meals, no ADRs and will not take advantage of the optional add on extra hours and other paid experiences. And we end up with a trip we can afford and still enjoy, get value, and have the kind of experience we are looking for, while not worrying about or paying for the add-ons. In the past we have done the special event holiday parties, but just once to experience. My point is that you do not need ADRs or paid extra hour events to have a great WDW experience and events, nor the expensive pre-booked meals. Also we do plan park days to the extent of avoiding EMHs, using FP+ mid day, and planning around crowds via use of RD. So no need to plan every minute of everyday, still plenty of flexibility to enjoy a park (we no do park hop, again another cost savings) or take mid day resort pool break if needed. A pixie dust vacation is still possible, without extensive added costs or planning, if you plan for it.

 

[SgtTibbs]

Walt Disney World has a popularity problem. Not only has world population almost doubled since it opened (3.7 to 7.1 billion) more foreign travelers than ever can afford "the dream vacation". The parks are choked most of the year. The simple solution would be to raise prices until a comfortable balance of People and profits occurs but that would result in an elitist park. The wealthy get to go whenever they choose and the average family would perhaps get a "once in a lifetime trip".

Disney for the most part seems to not be taking this route. They are tying as best they can to manage the crowds while keeping it family affordable if only just. For example, FastPass+ more evenly divides attraction time among guests vs the old system which strongly favored the early riser but the cost is less spontaneity. MagicBands save time, and that helps everyone (but I still don't like them!). Swipe/pay/go. Three new "lands" are under development to help soak up crowds, along with extended hours and new shows like Rivers of Light at AK. It's a balancing act and for the moment with Disney Studios being basically a dead zone the weight is on the crowded end of the scale. Hopefully in a few years the balance will adjust.

 

[K_Jordan]

I really understand both sides. Yes, Disney wants to make $$$ and none of these add-ons are necessary. But, a lot of people either don't have the time or money to go on vacation often. Of course they will want to do an upgrade or 2! Not many people go to a car dealership and want the base model, or buy a house without upgrades. It is part of our culture. Of course, I think Disney should offer some upgrades, but they should be reasonable. If young kids want to meet villians, it isn't fair their family has to pay $100/pp for a dinner show (I am not sure that price is right!) and if people want to stay after park close, it shouldn't cost more than the entire day ticket for 3 hours!

For me, the frustration lies in what some other people have said: attendance and ticket prices are at an all time high, but what is included in a regular ticket has stayed the same (but there are upgrades galore for show viewings, character experiences, park hours, etc), there are a ton of closures going on now, plus staff and experiences are being cut. These ideas are good for quick money making, but bad for customer loyalty.

 

[Hikergirl]

I really understand both sides. Yes, Disney wants to make $$$ and none of these add-ons are necessary. But, a lot of people either don't have the time or money to go on vacation often. Of course they will want to do an upgrade or 2! Not many people go to a car dealership and want the base model, or buy a house without upgrades. It is part of our culture. Of course, I think Disney should offer some upgrades, but they should be reasonable. If young kids want to meet villians, it isn't fair their family has to pay $100/pp for a dinner show (I am not sure that price is right!) and if people want to stay after park close, it shouldn't cost more than the entire day ticket for 3 hours!

I don't get why people think a business should make things fair for everyone.
The more money you have, the more you can buy, the more you can do. That is the world we live in, and if people can (and will) pay a certain amount for that stuff then that is exactly how much a business should charge.

 

[K_Jordan]

I don't get why people think a business should make things fair for everyone.
The more money you have, the more you can buy, the more you can do. That is the world we live in, and if people can (and will) pay a certain amount for that stuff then that is exactly how much a business should charge.

I never said businesses should make everything fair for everyone (Of course, I think Disney should offer some upgrades). I understand how money works, and clearly so does Disney. The point I was making was more about reasonability and customer loyalty.

 

[Hikergirl]

I never said businesses should make everything fair for everyone (Of course, I think Disney should offer some upgrades). I understand how money works, and clearly so does Disney. The point I was making was more about reasonability and customer loyalty.

But customers are paying for it, so there are some that do think its a reasonable cost for what they get. Maybe they are current loyal customers or they will become loyal customers.

 

[DisOrBust]

Have been going since 1999, after all the repeated price hikes, hour cuts and add ons I said enough and with a heavy heart cancelled our trip. Disney does not get old for us. Its where my kids grew up, It where we spent some of our happiest times with family who are no longer alive, and so it became a pilgramage of sorts. However, to us, this just seems like an out of control money grab and they can do it without me. The Fantasyland EMH did it for me as I see it as a complete rip off to the young families that we were 18 years ago. Even my DD, who is a past CP and hopes to have a career at Disney said she just can't justify it this year. I feel if we go we are just endorsing this business practice and saying "thank you sir may I have another!". I know its an emotional responce and I total get where the OP is coming from I tried to justify it but I can't lie tomelf any more.

For the first time in ten years we are looking at Universal Studiod.

 

[Oswin]

Disney has been greedy for a really really long time. They just used to hide it better because they were putting forward promotions with low prices and the promise of dream fulfillment for everyone meant to get people in the parks when the economy was tanked. Now they don't have to hide behind those things any longer, and the effects of not needing to are definitely being shown. They don't need to offer dream fulfillment for everyone when they can sell the idea that just being there and getting things like FP+ and complementary transportation are "magical". When the next economic crash hits and the economy goes under once again, the cycle will begin anew and they'll be back to scrambling to get those repeat guests back.

OP, I hope you guys find a great place to enjoy your vacation that you guys will love. I'm sorry Disney isn't making you happy anymore, but hope that you guys are able to find somewhere that does!

 

[Sevey13]

Have been going since 1999, after all the repeated price hikes, hour cuts and add ons I said enough and with a heavy heart cancelled our trip. Disney does not get old for us. Its where my kids grew up, It where we spent some of our happiest times with family who are no longer alive, and so it became a pilgramage of sorts. However, to us, this just seems like an out of control money grab and they can do it without me. The Fantasyland EMH did it for me as I see it as a complete rip off to the young families that we were 18 years ago. Even my DD, who is a past CP and hopes to have a career at Disney said she just can't justify it this year. I feel if we go we are just endorsing this business practice and saying "thank you sir may I have another!". I know its an emotional responce and I total get where the OP is coming from I tried to justify it but I can't lie tomelf any more.

For the first time in ten years we are looking at Universal Studiod.

I want to understand your point of view, so can you help me? How would going to the MK but not purchasing the Fantasyland EMH be endorsing the practice of Disney having the event? How does other people buying a ticket that you weren't planning on buying anyway affect you?

 

[ITALIANNYC]

Have been going since 1999, after all the repeated price hikes, hour cuts and add ons I said enough and with a heavy heart cancelled our trip. Disney does not get old for us. Its where my kids grew up, It where we spent some of our happiest times with family who are no longer alive, and so it became a pilgramage of sorts. However, to us, this just seems like an out of control money grab and they can do it without me. The Fantasyland EMH did it for me as I see it as a complete rip off to the young families that we were 18 years ago. Even my DD, who is a past CP and hopes to have a career at Disney said she just can't justify it this year. I feel if we go we are just endorsing this business practice and saying "thank you sir may I have another!". I know its an emotional responce and I total get where the OP is coming from I tried to justify it but I can't lie tomelf any more.

For the first time in ten years we are looking at Universal Studiod.

Canceling your trip because of these things seem outrageous in my opinion. You not going will have zero affect on Disneys practice.

 

[Bete]

Not a Star Wars Hater just not a fan. I was just trying to make the point that the magic that made us love Disney is fading.

Disney World will keep on changing. We've gone from the beginning in 1971 and we have 50 trips under our belt and we live in the Midwest.

Now, we are older and we can't really enjoy roller coasters for various reasons like it upsets our stomachs and causes back issues for us now. So, we see more shows, now and do more tours and so forth. We don't expect to do it all. We use to spend 12 hour days at the parks by park hopping. Now, we are satisfied with a 6 to 8 hour day. The magic is still there for us, but in a different way.

To some degree you have to make your own magic. Maybe, go during a special event like Food and Wine Festival or Halloween or Christmastime.

If you have had enough then choose a different vacation. You will either desire to go back to Disney or you will find new adventures that may suit you more, now.