How did you feel about your 2014 WDW Vacation?

[DaisyNY]

I was a better than vote for our March '14 visit...first visit in a two bedroom villa, we are DVC members now. Knowing we will be back often there was no stress of trying to do everything and was able to enjoy WDW as a resort not just a collection of theme parks! Can't wait for our Dec. trip!

 

[hopemax]

Numbers are an interesting thing. In sports, if a baseball player hit .700 he would be the best player of all time, by a huge margin. If it was anything was related to safety, 70% would be an unmitigated disaster. Airplanes don't shoot for a 70% success rate, they have to go for 99.999999999%.

So what does it mean if 30% of people find it "more disappointing" for a business like Disney? Those are the people most at risk of not returning, or encouraging other people not to visit. So if the yearly attendance and revenue reports came out that they were down 30% that would be HUGE news, wouldn't it? Of course, it won't be down 30% because some people will be able to be replaced with first-timers, and some people will return anyway. But what number would be acceptable to hear in the earnings report, and not be a disaster? IMO, we're talking about numbers as small as 3% or less. Maybe 5% or less, if there is some outside factor like recession.

So minority or not, if I were a business and 30% of my customers had a worse visit than previous, I would be concerned. Was it something I could fix, or was it unrelated (weather, sickness, etc). Take something a lot less expensive than a theme park vacation, if you went to Rotten Tomatoes and saw a 70% fresh, 30% rotten, I'd bet that would be in the range to get people thinking, "do I really want to spend the money, or wait for DVD."

Frankly, the almost 30% is higher than I would have expected.

 

[dkrauss]

I would think that 325 responses (at the time I'm writing this) to this question is far from scientific/statistically valid sample given the number of trips taken to WDW. I don't know that you can draw any definitive conclusions from this information. Other than roughly 30% of respondents at a fan site (containing very opinionated and experienced Disney travelers) didn't enjoy their last WDW trip for one reason or another.

Nothing in that number that would frighten any business as large as Disney.

Doug

 

[Order66]

I voted "disappointing compared to".....but it's not really the word I would have chosen. I would consider it more "not as good as previous trips", but I can't say I was disappointed either.

Here are my "not as good as" reasons......

Our last 3 trips we stayed at moderates. Last year we didn't go at all as we bought a new home and needed money for other things. This year I decided we could go, but we'd keep costs down and stayed at Pop. We'd been to all star sports before, so I was not disappointed in staying value. In fact I liked Pop. The resort was a nice mix of in your face disney/value themed and relaxing pretty near the lake. What I did not like was that the pools closed at 10pm sharp. We go in the early summer and the parks are open late and it's well.....hot. A quick swim late at night is one of our favorite parts of the trip. Can't do that at Pop anymore. In fact, in 9 nights at Pop we got to the pool exactly once. The other days we either had FP's we couldn't reschedule or it rained....or it threatened to rain or there was thunder and they didn't reopen the pools. And, I paid extra for a pool view room. If they didn't close the pools so early (including the quiet pools which used to be open at your own risk all night) I'd stay there again. As it stands now that is a deal breaker for my family.

FP+ has it's good and bad sides. I did like that I could book rides for later morning and not have to do a rope drop run to hope to ride TSMM before 10 pm. We are so NOT morning people. I get up early nearly every day of my life for work and/or school, so doing it on vacation is not really my idea of fun. So that part worked for us.

I did not really like that you really now have to micro-manage your trip for all the good rides (insert your own importance on rides here). My kids love WDW for the rides. And if they weren't going to get on everything they loved, we might as well not go. Cedar Point is an hour away. Easier and cheaper to go there. It used to be hard enough to pick parks based on where we wanted to eat, now I have to pick rides and meals and move things around to fit them in. That I could do without.

We went in early June just as the ability to get more FP's after your 3 were used began. The lines for the kiosks were terrible! 20 minutes or more at times. When asked by one of the CM's taking opinions I told them that more FP's stations were really necessary. There was no reason they didn't have at least 1 in each "land". Trekking all the way across the park to get another FP was super annoying. Or add the ability to your MDE like the first 3 are.

MDE had some major glitches. I nearly had a toddler like melt down when I lost our Space Mt. FPs. I was checking the wait time of POC, touched my stupid thumb on something and *whoosh* my FP's changed from Space MT to POC. Then of course Space Mt was down so I was unable to get them back. I was really mad and let a CM know that there really needed to be a conformation of some sort before changing FPs so easily and in my case, by mistake. Nothing they could do about it they said. I was able to rebook it once the ride was operating again, but at a much later time than I originally had.

And finally, I felt paying for hoppers was a nearly a waste of money. We always park hopped in the previous trips. This time it felt like a waste to leave a park we could book FP's in rather than leave to one we may or may not get any. I hopped twice in 7 park days. Once because I booked the SWW breakfast on a day I had originally made plans for Epcot. We had breakfast at HS, then hopped over to Epcot. And on our last HS day Fantasmic rained out. We then hopped over on our last day just to catch that. Other than that, unless you can book more than one park....we will save the money and not add them anymore.

regards

 

[Jennasis]

We had a great trip, but it was way more stressful than previous trips (2012 is still our gold standard for trips). All enjoyment we had was of our own making and very much despite the changes made to the parks not because of the changes (including FP+ and MDE).

 

[mullysisters]

I went in May. Stayed at AoA LM for the first time. I have stayed at Values before and then three trips at Mods. It was a solo trip due to family needs.
I loved the LM and AoA, I just don't like it that there are no discounts there (oh well) The food was great for me. The distance to LM from the buses could be an issue for smaller children for sure. As with a previous poster I hated that the pool closed at 10. When I stayed at POR and CSR having a late night swim was one of the highlights of my trip. I went swimming twice.
As for the FP+/MB, I have no complaints. Everything worked perfectly for my touring style. I am an early riser and was at the EMH park 30 mins early. I made every ropedrop. I rode everything I wanted many, many times. I would start to shop and tour other resorts when the parks became crowded (usually around 11-12) Lunch at other resorts then back to LM for a rest(first time for this). I enjoy staying up very late and closed the park most nights. Love being there at night.
I realize that families can't always tour this way.
A complaint about my May'14 trip: some of the CM were very pushy, rude, bossy - whatever you would say. I've never noticed this before. Of course, with all of the MB/FP+ confusion I'm sure they take a lot of hassle from the crowds. They are probably as frustrated as many visitors.
Overall though, a very memorable trip.

 

[brockash]

We went in July of 2014.

I've been to WDW a dozen times.

In the past, I was always sorry to leave.
Not this time.

I didn't have a bad time.
But unlike the past, I just don't have that bug to return.

Not really sure why. Might be a combination:
- my kids are teenagers now
- FP+ destroys spontenaity
- prices
- Fantasyland was supposed to be the big change. Big disappointment.

This was our experience as well. We were just there about 2 weeks ago for our annual 9 day trip of extended family of 10. This is the first time that everyone was really just kind of ready to leave. It wasn't horrible, I mean heck we were on vacation, not at work/school and getting to spend time with ppl we don't see every day, but it was just pretty average (not Disney average, but just average in general) for us. While I know at some point in our lives, most of us will be back, I really don't think it'll be anytime soon. For the first time in almost a decade we did not book the bounce back and have no current plans to return. It was fine, but not special and I think we're just ready to try new things and places.

 

[minnie-apple-mouse]

Voted better for DD, says FP+ has been a huge improvement, and all have been reserved either the night before, or the morning of.

Keep in mind she has been working mornings down there, so being able to schedule FP+ has been great. She was not a morning guest the past years anyway so its a similar situation-just much better results.

Interestingly highlights have been FP+, Frozen Fireworks, Frozen sing-a-long and 7DMT.

 

[fancifull]

I said as good as. The only thing that kinda brought me down was the weather. It did not stop us from DOING anything we wanted by any means (except Festival of Fantasy :'c) but it did hinder us a bit in taking the time to enjoy the atmosphere. Still had a really great trip but afterwards I realized how much time was spent with my poncho covering my face, my glasses covered in rain water, etc. I took a lot less pictures because my phone was hidden in my bag away from the rain and I definitely took a lot less time to look around & enjoy where I was!
Just means I have to go back, right?

 

[granmanh603]

Two trips so far in 1914 10 March, 7 days July and upcoming next week(and have not even got there and unhappy) much less fun do not like the planning before hand at all. So far have 3 days planned if you can call it that, for 18 trip and am aggrivated... you get 3 rides a day and then what is left is things you do not want to do or you could walk on anyway. Lately been going in morning and leaving after lunch going back to room or pool. In July after used 3 FP+ had to wait over 45 min to do POC which in the past 13 years was a quick walk on.... not going to do that again. Did find on March trip if you go late at night after everyone leaves you can get on some things but we really do not want to do that Oh and MB did not work spent 35 min originally getting the AP put on bands and then next morning early did not work to get in at RD, time wasted. At lunch time had to go to GS and spent another hours trying to figure out why not working and almost missed FP with rest of family and one still worked on and off on rest of trip... so will have to deal with that also when we get there next week.
Just not for us.... so glad everyone else seems happy.

 

[skipfierce]

I'll let you know when we get back. We will be there in 4 days!!!!

 

[Moonwolf]

I voted for just as good.

I went on a mini solo trip since I was already in FL for a conference and couldn't be that close and not go. I ended up doing MNSSHP on a Friday (got into the park at 4 so used FP for 3 hours before the party started) and EPCOT on Sat afternoon (after spending a morning in Universal). I prepicked my FP for Fri but didn't buy my EPCOT ticket until the day of.

At MK in the 3 hours before the party I did 6 rides (two using FP - Space & Jungle Cruise), 1 Mickey MG using FP, took a rain break to have a dole whip and took several MM pictures.

At EPCOT I was there mainly for F&W but I got there early and decided to hit a few rides first. I spent the first 1/2 trying to figure out how I would get FP+ (I wanted to try out the kiosk). Eventually I ended up just using my phone. By using my phone to pull my next FP after I finished the previous I did 3 rides (Land, Sea, Spaceship Earth) using FP and wandered around the aquarium within an hour. In the next hour I just did two rides (MS - Orange & TT single rider).

Since I like to estimate/average 30 mins to get through each ride (line and the ride itself) I consider my trip to be successful. I think my one issue is the lack of kiosks or clear labels on where they are (found one but they were just 3 people holding iPads). I didn't have to use them but I would have like to try them out and I could see frustration happening for those that don't have smartphones trying to find one.

 

[CTDisneyfan816]

In recent years, my trips to Disney/Universal were commando. This year a friend of mine moved down there and I stayed with them. I did go a few days by myself but most of the time it was with him and his family. I like it both solo and with people.

 

[pharaoh]

I chose better. I've had two trips this year, 4 days in January, and a super short 2 days in May (for 24 hours at MK).

My January trip was just perfect, wouldn't change a thing. Crowds were low which is super high priority to me, weather was beautiful although a bit colder than I can comfortably handle. I had the best time.

May was pretty good, but waaaaaay too hot. And in the evening it was too crowded for me to enjoy myself, but that was the nature of the event so I didn't really mind, I just left when it got to be too much.

Planning on making my January trio an annual thing.

 

[SpringSprite]

I voted better... But this was my first trip with my children, how could it not be better!?!?! The DISBoards helped me tremendously over the zero planning I did for my short trip with my husband, right after our marriage, also...

 

[Dallas_Lady]

I would think that 325 responses (at the time I'm writing this) to this question is far from scientific/statistically valid sample given the number of trips taken to WDW. I don't know that you can draw any definitive conclusions from this information. Other than roughly 30% of respondents at a fan site (containing very opinionated and experienced Disney travelers) didn't enjoy their last WDW trip for one reason or another.

Nothing in that number that would frighten any business as large as Disney.

Doug

I agree with your initial point, and when I made this poll I wasn't really concerned with Disney visitors as a whole, but with DISBoards members. As you stated, we are a fansite and many of us have invested lots of time and money into our WDW trips. So my question was how do people who have a higher than average interest in Disney feel about their most recent experiences there.

And I do think it says something when 30% of the die-hard fans and repeat visitors are no longer happy. The question is whether or not there are enough new people to replace them if they indeed stop visiting. And judging by the crowds it looks like the answer is yes.

 

[Dallas_Lady]

Bumping

 

[Shaden]

I agree with your initial point, and when I made this poll I wasn't really concerned with Disney visitors as a whole, but with DISBoards members. As you stated, we are a fansite and many of us have invested lots of time and money into our WDW trips. So my question was how do people who have a higher than average interest in Disney feel about their most recent experiences there.

And I do think it says something when 30% of the die-hard fans and repeat visitors are no longer happy. The question is whether or not there are enough new people to replace them if they indeed stop visiting. And judging by the crowds it looks like the answer is yes.

I tend to agree with this. Despite the fact that people want to point to negative bias reporting, that principle only applies to unsolicited responses from a general population of potential respondents.

This is not such a pool. This is a pool of fans, or people who love WDW.

I can't even count the number of people who have said things to the effect of "XXXXX total sucks and I can't believe they did that. But its still Disney world, so I will have an awesome time and love it" or often direct to complainers "You are (going to/at) WDW, who cares ??? Have an awesome time and enjoy the magic" ... Are there also going to be people here who are sensitive to changes in the place they love, sure there are, but the general bias here is going to be toward loving WDW.

Not to mention, there is also the positive self selection bias which absolutely applies here. People are far more likely to rate positively something they have chosen to do, or paid for among competing interests. This actually increases the more money people spend on something. So if I spend a ton of money on a trip (Hello WDW) I am going to defend that choice, because I can not allow myself to think it was a poor use of that money, or it was not worth it.

 

[RnbwSktles]

I said this trip was my best yet, but it was a first in many ways, so I'm not sure my vote should really count!

1) This was the first "full" trip I planned on my own.
2) First time staying on property
3) First time going in Jan/off-peak season

Pretty much redoing this trip in Jan 2015 so we will see how that one compares!

 

[bookgirl]

Hasn't sucked for me.

I have had to adjust my style slightly, but maybe it's just me personality but I didn't feel like it ruined my vacation or made it 'worse'.

I tend to make multiple plans for trips so that I can adjust on the fly anywhay so I haven't had any great disappointments or letdowns.

But I'm an adult, I have no kids who do have a list of 'must sees/dos' and honestly I've figured out that life's too short to base my happiness on 1st world problems.

I'm just thrilled to be on vacation.