How am I supposed to get excited about our trip...

[themcive4]

Last year we took our 1st family trip with our kids DD3 and DS7 and it was absolutely perfect so we planned another trip to go down there this year. Trip is coming up in less than a month now and so we have been getting on the boards to get some tips, see what's new and basically just read Disney stuff to get excited.

but now every time we get on here everything is negative. Have things changed that much in a year? When I scroll down the list every thread is "Im never going back" "Disney going down hill" "Magic Bands are the worst" "Disney is Broken" and so on.

I want to get on and read things to get us excited, get good idea or read about that cant miss attraction not sad about how much of a disappointment the trip will be...

 

[Robo]

Have a great trip!

 

[Imhere]

When you look at some of the threads on this board it looks like EVERYONE is complaining.

A closer look at the threads would tell you something different.

One negative FP thread has over 600 posts, but over 300 of those posts are by 14 people.

Another thread with many posts shows over 100 of the posts are by 4 people.

Another large thread has fully 1/3rd of the posts by 8 people.

Rather than "Everything" being negative, a few people are extremely negative and they are posting the same thing over and over again as if we didn't hear them the first time.

 

[mukorasirish]

I completely agree with you about the tone of the boards. Prior to reading your post I was scrolling through and thought to myself - how sad it's so negative. That being said - ignore them.

We go to Disney at least once per year. We were there in June and again in November and are going back this June for a big trip with extended family. We love Disney and we look on with amusement at those that are miserable about the changes. But I think we enjoy it for different reasons than most. We are not commando style Disney people. We do not expect to ride the big rides multiple times in one day. We very rarely make rope drop and we never dash around collecting fastpasses. For us it's about being in a fun place with family. We are away from the stresses of home. For the time we are there I don't cook or clean. I don't have to worry about what I"m going to do to entertain the kids. We spend a few hours in the parks each morning, head back to the hotel around 1 or 2 and sit by the pool relaxing until dinner.

Embrace it for what it is to you and to your kids. Disregard the negativity of others and make your own magic and memories.

 

[Karbase8]

I tested the Magic Bands in August 2013. I really liked them and had no problems. There was some glitches with switching fast pass times or we had a flight delay which caused issues. But the ages of your children, you will have a great time! It's hard to have a bad time in WDW. Nothing is perfect but as long as your informed and have a strategy you should be ok. Your kids will love it no matter what! Yes there are a lot of changes but I really had no problems with the MB, they have made changes since then but just enjoy it!!!!!! WDW is so massive you can't possilby see everything every trip, take time to smell the roses and it's quality over quantity.

 

[Kleinhdr]

When you look at some of the threads on this board it looks like EVERYONE is complaining.

A closer look at the threads would tell you something different.

One negative FP thread has over 600 posts, but over 300 of those posts are by 14 people.

Another thread with many posts shows over 100 of the posts are by 4 people.

Another large thread has fully 1/3rd of the posts by 8 people.

Rather than "Everything" being negative, a few people are extremely negative and they are posting the same thing over and over again as if we didn't hear them the first time.

Wow! You really captured what I have been thinking for a while!! The snarky, negative, brow beating and repetitive comments from the handful of usual suspects really does get old. I am glad you took the time to actually count and post the numbers as you did. Thank you!

 

[DisneyDetective]

Ignore the negative threads and have the best holiday ever!

 

[matt1979]

Last year we took our 1st family trip with our kids DD3 and DS7 and it was absolutely perfect so we planned another trip to go down there this year. Trip is coming up in less than a month now and so we have been getting on the boards to get some tips, see what's new and basically just read Disney stuff to get excited.

but now every time we get on here everything is negative. Have things changed that much in a year? When I scroll down the list every thread is "Im never going back" "Disney going down hill" "Magic Bands are the worst" "Disney is Broken" and so on.

I want to get on and read things to get us excited, get good idea or read about that cant miss attraction not sad about how much of a disappointment the trip will be...

I hear you. I'm a newbie and have just been following the boards for a few weeks...but much of the negativity has made me nervous for our trip. We're leaving tomorrow. But at the end of the day I think it's all about being mentally prepared and knowing what to expect. For me, I haven't been to DW in 16 years...before legacy FP...so I honestly don't have much to compare my experience with FP+ and MB to...so I really am not expecting that part of the experience to drag us down at all. Obviously...for those who go annually and are used to things being a certain way, all the change is a bit more difficult to swallow. But at the end of the day...it's DW...and it's better than sitting at your stuffy office job all day or having to brave the cold and snow everytime you step outside. Relax and enjoy your trip! I know I plan to enjoy ours!

 

[DizFanSLD]

I am headed down in two weeks, and I can't wait! Don't worry about the doom & gloomers - a day at Walt Disney World is ALWAYS a good day! There are a few helpful threads about how to make the most effective use of the new systems. Check those out so you will know how to utilize the new tools, and then don't stress about the rest. You're gonna have a GREAT trip!

 

[crazymomof4]

WE are going in Sept and I am in the same boat, OP. In years past, coming to disboards has been a BIG part of the excitement that builds up prior to a trip and a BIG part of learning what's new, some new tips and recommendations. This is the 1st time I'm totally "NOT FEELING IT"

Last night I started reading the new thread entitled something like... "its the little things" That was a big lift! It helped bring my mind around. I'm resolved to learn about how FP+ evolves between now and Sept, BUT..... I'm NOT going to read page after page of debates and drama anymore. Just going to stop reading. It is what it is and I can't change it, so I'm going to hope for the best and just roll with it.

*edited to say.... I totally realize that it's easier for me to take a casual approach to the changes FP+ brings. We are going during a low crowd season and staying onsite. I completely understand how FP+ has a far greater impact on off-site guests and those who can only visit during busy seasons.

 

[nugov2]

I think it is a shame you feel that way, but there are many who feel the new system is very limiting to their style of touring the park. If you only pulled a couple of FP, it most likely won't change your trip. Yes, there are technical problems but I wouldn't worry about that happening. Are you staying on site? If not, I'd book a room at a value for a night so you don't have to wait in line at the kiosks(that does seem to be a widely reported problem). It is probably worth the $100 for you entire trip to be able to prebook all days. I'm sure it is not what you wanted to read, but the reality is, WDW made a huge change and many rightfully so don't like it. It doesn't mean that you won't though. It may be a perfect system for your family and their style of touring. Unless it is something you would be willing to cancel your trip over and reschedule until the system is fully up an running and no longer a test, I would avoid the threads other than the ones that explain how it works. I think the people who go and are miserable are not the majority, but they do consist of people who either had bad luck and the technology failed, the ones who pulled multiple FP or experienced long lines in the FP return. I do think the trip is part what you make of it, so if you plan on going after what you read, then I'd go with a great attitude that it will be another amazing time and I'm sure it will be

 

[andrencau]

Make the most of it. Sounds like you may be here for slow season. Other than toy story midway mania our FP+ have been fairly useless. Almost everything is walk on or up to 15 minute wait. Now if you were coming during peak times, it would be a totally different story. We have done just as much or more with a little creative planning. We have yet to use all 3 of our FP+ in a day. It will be great. Do I like FP+. Not at all. We tour differently than others and have a group of adults and young children. We have had a great time without old fastpass system but the parks are not crowded at all.

 

[cruisekat]

You took the words right out of my mouth! We haven't been in 4 years...we are going now in just under 3 weeks and I came back here to get tips,plan, and just..well...get excited!! But wow! Negativity abounds! My 10 year old wanted to read along with me and see all the exciting reports and updates etc and I had to shut it down so she wasn't reading over my shoulder because I didn't want it to ruin her outlook on the trip!!

 

[Belle5]

We were never people who collected FPs that much anyway. Certainly never more than three a day. I was very nervous a couple of months ago because of all the negative posts. I canceled a planned trip with the idea of just waiting until some of the wrinkles were ironed out of the new system. Yesterday, I ended up booking a trip for my parents who are senior citizens. I am in charge of their FP+ and MBs as they don't understand it or want to mess with it. I must tell you...I AM SO EXCITED NOW FOR OUR NEXT TRIP! I really think I am beginning to understand this new system and I think it will work really well for our family and the way we like to vacation at WDW!! If your trip is coming up that soon, be excited! I think if you go in with the right attitude (not looking for it to be horrible) than you should be able to really enjoy your vacation as a whole.

 

[themcive4]

Ignore the negative threads and have the best holiday ever!

Oh we will have a wonderful trip I have no doubt. For this being the happiest place on earth I was just surprised by the amount of negativity.

If the haters have such a problem with Disney take your next vacation somewhere else and leave Disney to all of the happy Disney loving families!

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Recognize an opportunity when you see one. The negativity come from having to change strategies that folks have used for years. You have the chance here to learn what's different and plan ahead of time how you will address the changes

 

[Laz]

I am one of those grumpy old people constantly complaining. I watched my now adult DD spend some of the happiest times of her life at WDW. You will too. Look into your children's eyes when you talk about going to "Mickey's Place" and trust me, you will know you are going to have a good time. Maybe I am so negative because I don't want things to change from the wonderful times we had with my family. The most wonderful memory I will always have is carrying my DD around WDW on my shoulders. . You will make those memories too!

My perception is that a WDW vacation has lost value, but that is my perception. It does not mean it is yours or anyone elses. Plan, Play, and enjoy. Then, have everlasting memories.

PS: I bet the magic returns for me sometime in the future.

 

[JimmyV]

Look at it this way. You went last year and loved it. Certain things at WDW have changed since then. But if you are aware of the changes and adjust to them, you should have a great time as well. There is a lot of fun stuff at WDW in and out of the parks. Some of the changes that have been implemented are either designed to, or will have the collateral effect of getting you to enjoy those other things. Two of the biggest "complaints" that have surfaced in the past couple of weeks are the inability to ride headliner rides over and over again, and the resulting shift of people over to other attractions lengthening the lines there. So a ride that used to have a 5 minute line now has a 20 minute line. I hardly think that is going to make or break a vacation. So you can't go on Toy Story Mania 5 times in a day. Maybe you will finish the park earlier in the day and leave, and find other great things to do. There is way, way more to do at WDW that does not involve waiting in 75 minute lines. Seek out those opportunities. Your upcoming trip will be magical. Perhaps you will experience different magic, but it will be magic nonetheless.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

I had a great trip in January using FP+. Ignore the negative posts and have a great time!

 

[mommyrosa2]

Last year we took our 1st family trip with our kids DD3 and DS7 and it was absolutely perfect so we planned another trip to go down there this year. Trip is coming up in less than a month now and so we have been getting on the boards to get some tips, see what's new and basically just read Disney stuff to get excited.

but now every time we get on here everything is negative. Have things changed that much in a year? When I scroll down the list every thread is "Im never going back" "Disney going down hill" "Magic Bands are the worst" "Disney is Broken" and so on.

I want to get on and read things to get us excited, get good idea or read about that cant miss attraction not sad about how much of a disappointment the trip will be...

1. stop reading the negative threads
2. find the ones that actually add real value

3 and most importantly..... Have a wonderful trip with your family!!!