How many of you think Disney is perfect?

[cinderkeli]

Perfect no, but then again I dont sweat the small stuff...

 

[North of Mouse]

We love WDW in our family. For us, it's the only place we can all go to together, where everyone has a good time...even dh. He may leave earlier than dd and I, but he is there for at least part of the stay...and enjoys it. We have tried many other types of vacation, but they just don't work for all three of us.
BUT..there are always going to be those people that want to use their expensive refillable mugs anywhere they want, those that want to swim in any pool they choose, to be able to hold onto 27 FPs with no time limit on them, to get 10 day park hoppers (non-expiring to boot) for $200, and have every park open until midnight. They want buses that get them to their destination directly, with no other stops. They want the monorail for just themselves and others at that particular resort. They want DME to take under an hour, go wherever they want to be dropped off and they want their luggage delivered by the time they get to the resort. They want their room ready now!!! They want towel animals every day.
The list goes on and on. So no, WDW isn't perfect, not by a long shot. BUT...for many of us, it works better than anything else.
Do I wish it were less expensive? Sure I do. I also wish flying there was less expensive as well. Disney is a business..plain and simple. The powers that be make decisions for the cooperation...not for the guests. We all know, going in, what it's going to be like. We choose to go there..no one is forcing anyone to go to WDW.

Great Post!

 

[Capt_Jack_Sparrow]

Yep Exactly, North of Mouse. Negative people are everywhere with their complaining negative attitudes. You have a choice to be a Negative Nancy or be positive and enjoy your vactaion. I choose to enjoy mine and look at all the great things Disney has done, and is doing.

Almost all the complaints in that thread/on this board are one of two categories. Price or entitlement.

As Pete says, if you continue to pay the price, then it is not to high and can not complain about it. If it is too high stop going. Disney is for profit and needs to show justification to its board of directors that spending all the money on refurbs, new attractions, and the general awesomeness of the parks turns a profit. Im willing to pay the price Disney charges because I know that is the price that will keep them keeping the parks great and adding lots of new stuff. If they didn't charge as much as they did, Disney would look rundown and not have any expansion.

The other group thinks they are entitled to everything. They think Disney should have no ADRs, and then they can walk in and eat at exactly the time they want to at the resteraunt they want. Think about how hard it is to feed the amount of people that are at the parks, if they didn't have a reservation system, it would be total chaos. The system works just like reservations systems at all the most popular resteraunts. The people willing to plan and make reservations get them. The people that think they can just walk in and eat whenever they feel like it, end up at Mcdonalds. You have a choice, plan ahead and get a reservation, or just hope that there is an opening for you. THis same entitlement seams to go for fast passes, bus seats, and so many more things people complain about at Disney.

Is Disney perfect? No, no one is. Is Disney trying its best to please thousands upon thousands of people every day. Yes. If they didn't no one would come back and they wouldn't make any money. Does everything they do work right, the first time? No, but they are trying and will do their best to fix it. Everyone knows how hard it is to please one person. Disney is trying to please thousands of thousands of people. And they do a very good job of it. Thats why I go back. Its your money, if all you can do is complain and complain, why go back?

 

[Granny square]

I don't think they are perfect. But I also believe there are two sides to everything. Pointing out the other side doesn't mean I think they are perfect or on the other side I don't think they suck. It just means that I think the other side has some merit also.

I think some people see themselves as professional critics, and believe that theirs ks the only possible correct opinion. It is like arguing with my 16 year old...if I only listened I would understand...and agree!

 

[khertz]

I definitely don't think Disney is perfect, but it is the perfect family destination for us. We always have an amazing time, and while I know there are things that happen that make me thing, "Well that's annoying," I struggle to remember those things once the trip is over. Nothing has been so overwhelmingly bad to stick out in my mind, so I remember instead all of the amazing and magical memories we made there. We have definitely changed the way we do our trips, and it has made those price increases over the years not so terrible for us as to price us out yet. We will continue to go and have a great time!

 

[sydsmom1997]

There is no such thing as perfect. I, like many PP have said, choose not to sweat the small stuff, but what is small stuff to me might be a bigger deal to someone else. Disney is my happy place so of course I seem to cut them a bit more slack, but I truly believe the experiences that they provide are leaps and bounds ahead of any other vacation destination that I have experienced. There will always be some rule or policy that doesn't make sense to all, but I just try to keep in mind that Disney has made these policies for a reason. They are a business after all and need to do what is best for their interests as well. When I read the negative posts, I take them with a grain of salt. Sometimes they seem valid and other times, maybe a bit nit picky. To each his own.

 

[reiella]

The other group thinks they are entitled to everything. They think Disney should have no ADRs, and then they can walk in and eat at exactly the time they want to at the resteraunt they want. Think about how hard it is to feed the amount of people that are at the parks, if they didn't have a reservation system, it would be total chaos. The system works just like reservations systems at all the most popular resteraunts. The people willing to plan and make reservations get them. The people that think they can just walk in and eat whenever they feel like it, end up at Mcdonalds. You have a choice, plan ahead and get a reservation, or just hope that there is an opening for you. THis same entitlement seams to go for fast passes, bus seats, and so many more things people complain about at Disney.

While I do generally agree with your post, I just want to point out that the dining situation at Disney didn't use to be this 'crowded'/bad. Disney implemented an effective method of increasing the usage/traffic in the restaurants. This is mostly a good thing, but efficiency has a cost that is felt by the consumer. It sucks to have to plan out your dining schedule 6 months in advance.

But that said, Disney is doing stuff to address that as well [adding more restaurants and seating capacity].

Although in general, a lot of the 'entitled' group are remembering how things used to be at Disney [either honestly or through rose-tint] and lamenting the changes, which happen, as you say, so that the Parks are profitable. There is a balance to be had, especially with a vacation that a lot of people feel is expensive.

 

[Nancyg56]

So, off we go to the elevator. And who do we ride up with?? Yep, that yappy couple. And to add insult to injury??? The guy is going on about how if you complain long enough and loudly enough, you get a free meal at Flying Fish!! Seems the manager comped them dinner that night. I was sooo beyond peeved.

So.....what one guest finds to be an awful issue, and wants compensation for enduring it, another finds to be a mere glitch in the day. It all depends on your perspective I guess. What I find to be a minor bump along the way, someone else may feel it's a trip destroyer!!!

This! I think that thee is a difference between understanding that Disney is a for profit business that services a multitude of guests throughout the year and thinking that the Sun rises and sets on anything Disney.

I look at what I get for my vacation dollar in Disney and then compare that value to other vacation destinations. I also then look at what is my own responsibility when I make vacation plans, what I can control, what teh company can control and what is unforeseen. And then if there is an issue I look at what the company does to rectify that issue. I put it all in perspective and I generally don't let those glitches interfere with my own vacation enjoyment.

I do not believe that any vacation is perfect. I do think that Disney has done such a great job of marketing and servicing their resorts that there are some folks who believe that the magic happens well. magically. No work or research on their part. Spontaneous from the moment they arrive. That is not reality anywhere. Things break down in theme parks, restaurants are crowded and reservations are required in most resort areas, rooms are sometimes not spotless in any hotel, (just ask me about this weekend in Hyannis ) hotel guest over indulge in alcohol (again, ask about this weekends little jaunt) restaurants and lounges sometimes leave patrons grossed out ( you want to know about this hotel yet ). And we ll have paid a lot of money. I believe that the difference is how a company handles those issues.

I do not believe that any corporation is responsible for creating a perfect vacation experience. I do believe that the company is responsible for making he best effort to provide the customer with the tools to make a great experience. I believe that Disney does that. There is a lot of information on their site to enable their guests to plan. People are responsible for using that information.

Mistakes happen and a corporation is responsible for rectifying that mistake but also for balancing how far to go in order to stop rampages from guests looking for a freebie. I witnessed a guest on ME discussing how to get new luggage by accusing the ME driver of breaking her suitcase. Yup- her plan was to create a scene and get new luggage even though she knew she had broken her own piece. She saw my family glaring at her and shaking our heads and got the message. We would repeat her conversation if need be. Did she do this when she got out of our site? Probably. How many folks do this?

No- Disney is not perfect but is sure is darn good for my family.

 

[Capt_Jack_Sparrow]

While I do generally agree with your post, I just want to point out that the dining situation at Disney didn't use to be this 'crowded'/bad. Disney implemented an effective method of increasing the usage/traffic in the restaurants. This is mostly a good thing, but efficiency has a cost that is felt by the consumer. It sucks to have to plan out your dining schedule 6 months in advance.

But that said, Disney is doing stuff to address that as well [adding more restaurants and seating capacity].

Although in general, a lot of the 'entitled' group are remembering how things used to be at Disney [either honestly or through rose-tint] and lamenting the changes, which happen, as you say, so that the Parks are profitable. There is a balance to be had, especially with a vacation that a lot of people feel is expensive.

Yeah I see your point. It does suck to plan it out that far ahead of time. But, I think that is the way Disney needs to do it to feed that many people in nice resteraunts. I guess my point is more that if you want to eat at those places you have to plan. You make the decision if it is worth it to you. Our next trip is our first with our son, who will be 2.5. We dont think it is worth it to be tied down to certain parks and times. So we didn't make any ADRs. If we want to eat somewhere, we will inquire and decide if it is worth the wait, if its not we will goto a CS. Were not going to complain about how unfair it is that all these people who got reservations are getting to eat and were not. I guess thats the way I look at it. The ADRs are what they are, decide if you want to use them, and if you dont choose to use them, dont complain.

 

[CrabbyPatty]

Perfect no, but then again I dont sweat the small stuff...

THIS! And definitely THIS ....

I do not believe that any corporation is responsible for creating a perfect vacation experience. I do believe that the company is responsible for making he best effort to provide the customer with the tools to make a great experience. I believe that Disney does that. There is a lot of information on their site to enable their guests to plan. People are responsible for using that information.

I think Disney is pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty good (channeling Larry David here), and I enjoy my time there.

But then again, I don't spend time in July worrying about what time I'm going to eat a corn muffin at AK in April, and I can sleep at night not worrying about the earlier glories of the DDP (appetizers included, tip included!) or just how great Mr. Toad's Wild Ride was back in the day. Life goes on, I enjoy life, and trips to WDW or DL will continue to be a part of it all.

 

[Minnesota!]

Nothing is perfect...but Disney is pretty darn close.

I agree. Going on my 15th trip here in 2 weeks. I can think of only 2 times I wasn't blissfully happy in WDW. After dinner at The Wave and my first stay at Pop...checked out after 2 days and hit CSR. Thank Goodness we gave Pop another chance about 2.5 years later b/c it's now our fave.

Disney is as close to perfection as I have ever been. Perfection to me = a place where my family and I are free to do nothing but be happy and enjoy our downtime together. As long as my room is clean, food is hot, and CM's are nice to me....everything is golden.

 

[LazyDaisy]

I do not believe that any corporation is responsible for creating a perfect vacation experience. I do believe that the company is responsible for making he best effort to provide the customer with the tools to make a great experience.

 

[dvc at last !]

Disney is Perfect for Us !

 

[North of Mouse]

Read from a pp that a CM had told them they were paid so little, Disney was so expensive, that she couldn't afford to bring her own children there.
That's right opposite of what I've been told by CM's. Not commenting on the salary, but on the perks. A few work there JUST for the perks (from their own mouths).

They receive a certain amount of passes - so yes, that CM CAN afford to take her children there. In our early days going, we only could afford our tickets, and did not spend 1 cent in the parks - brought a light lunch, snacks, then went off site to our camper and ate dinner.

Did it affect our wonderful time there to not spend any money? No way! We had some wonderful family times and made great memories - no complaining from any of us - just thankful to be there and enjoy

 

[Nancyg56]

Read from a pp that a CM had told them they were paid so little, Disney was so expensive, that she couldn't afford to bring her own children there.
That's right opposite of what I've been told by CM's. Not commenting on the salary, but on the perks. A few work there JUST for the perks (from their own mouths).

They receive a certain amount of passes - so yes, that CM CAN afford to take her children there. In our early days going, we only could afford our tickets, and did not spend 1 cent in the parks - brought a light lunch, snacks, then went off site to our camper and ate dinner.

Did it affect our wonderful time there to not spend any money? No way! We had some wonderful family times and made great memories - no complaining from any of us - just thankful to be there and enjoy

My niece was a CM in DLR. Her paycheck was a disgrace IMO. Does this mean that I fail to appreciate my own vacation in WDW? No. I do feel we should at least acknowledge that the pay scale for most CM's is not great. Perks are nice but they do not pay bills. While I do understand what you are saying I think that an employee discount equals wages.

 

[Cherinva]

Perfect? That depends on your own perspective. I don't think anything is perfect...but for us, Disney is real close. It's my choice for vacation and to make it clear, I've been there 6 times since 2007 and I'm going again next month. It is costly, I'll give ya that, but that's why I save money from every paycheck and go when I can...I try to go when there's free dining. I even stayed off property once in 2010 (got use of my sister's condo for free)...but I prefer to stay on property, so I stay at the Value resorts (love them)

I don't like how the prices are going up, I don't like that this year I paid more for airline tickets that I have ever before....but, it is what it is.

Little things happen from time to time, but I can honestly say, that nothing has happened that has been Disney's fault....the little things that have happened have been because of other guests (being rude to me or CM, knocking over my grand daughter...etc.)

But, I'm not one that "looks" for bad things....once when we checked into our room, the table had not been wiped off...no biggie...I cleaned it myself...it was nothing to be concerned about.

Maybe we have been lucky...each time we go, we have wonderful CMs...and other than the weather (which no one can predict) we've had a great time, and start planning the next trip on the plane ride home.

 

[North of Mouse]

My niece was a CM in DLR. Her paycheck was a disgrace IMO. Does this mean that I fail to appreciate my own vacation in WDW? No. I do feel we should at least acknowledge that the pay scale for most CM's is not great. Perks are nice but they do not pay bills. While I do understand what you are saying I think that an employee discount equals wages.

I agree that there are better paying jobs out there, but when a CM takes the job at Disney they know the salary. I was just commenting on the poster that said they (the CM) couldn't afford to take their children to Disney (not paying the bills - two separate issues). If your tickets are "free" anyone, especially close by, can "afford" to go to Disney. We did

 

[eliza61]

Nice yes, perfect? not even close.

 

[LilyWDW]

Bottom line: I think they do a great job making "magic" with the resources they have. But they're not superhuman.

I think this line pretty much says it all. They do the best they can, but they are working within constraints. The CMs are human, not machines or computers. They have limited resources. They have to stay within multiple laws and regulations. Running a business is not easy... running a business the size and scope of the Walt Disney Company comes with its own set of headaches.

I often will "stick up" for Disney on threads because I want people to realize that there is often so much more going on then their perceived issue. I want to educate people as to how it works, what could be the reason, and what can be done in the future. Often I see that the issues presented are based off of a misunderstanding of policy, lack of research, or just a basic human mistake. I have explained fire codes, ADA requirements, accounting issues, capitol expenditures, economics, and many other things to people in order to open their eyes to the WHOLE of the story. Most people are willing to look at that information when presented and understand... but you will always have those that will be peeved off no matter what.

 

[eliza61]

Also I do think that disney bears some of the responsibility.

Disney markets it's products using words like "magical", "once in a life time" "perfect" etc etc. So when they fail to deliver people get upset. Case in point.
Last summer, a friend of mines was very disappointed in how the characters were set up. All the advertisements show characters randomly strolling the park and that's not how it's done. Now everyone here makes the excuse "well if they had researched" they would have known.
IMO, a customer shouldn't have to research that. It's not a big leap to think that if you see characters in the street on tv that's what you'll get in the parks.
Stuff like that.