I am so upset.

[NicholeB630]

This is actually a very good point. We have to be able to talk about plans here, and sometimes those plans change, and sometimes we get disappointed. Even though I think those are more newbie experiences (nothing wrong with being a newbie.) But, those of us who have a few trips under our belt know that change is gonna happen. Things open unexpectedly (NFL in 2012 put my crowd 2 week to a 10++++), things close unexpectedly, times change, characters get sick, FIRES start... Stuff happens. I think that is pretty much why I am on here everyday for 6 months ahead of time before a trip. Because nothing at WDW is stagnant and I rather know about the changes and plan around them then get surprised once I'm there. That being said, OP if you look back at your original post I think you will see why people took offense. You really were kind of throwing a tantrum. On the other hand if I started discussing my MIL dying of cancer and hospice in our home and the details of that people would say it is too much information and not appropriate for the Dis. So, we can't really discuss the stuff that matters here. All we talk about is trip planning. Just playing devils advocate.

I totally agree my original post was prob dramatic and like I said afterwards I'm a spaz and get upset and vent. I'm some what of a newbie I'm still learning. I don't think I deserve to be attacked. Thank you for your input

 

[kathy884]

OP -- I totally understand your initial frustration. You've put so much time and effort into picking ADRs and FPs and you want to hit rope drop for the short line (it makes a huge difference). // I'm glad that you've found some of the posts helpful and are feeling better.

If I were you when I was well rested, I'd probably change those early ADRs to something later if I could and be at the parks for rope drop. I'd personally try to change the reservations because rope drop is important to me because of the short lines (just makes the whole day more enjoyable to get that early time in the park -- ahead of the game and crowds it seems.) // What a pain to have those great reservations and then find that you'd miss rope drop because of them. I wouldn't be happy either.

============================================
Not to OP, but to those who belittled OPs frustration and said put things in perspective. Of course there are bigger problems in the world. Vacations are frivolous, fun, and a luxury. But as many have said this is a vacation planning board. I appreciated hearing so many people say that. // Those little annoyances of modern day life can really pile up, though, and be extremely frustrating. It's easy to reach a breaking point sometimes, at least for me. Sometimes I need a good night's sleep and a few days off before I can deal with some of those things again. I'd put changing the Disney reservations that I worked so hard on in that category.

And I don't get the criticisms about trying to make the vacation so perfect. OMG --all OP is trying to do is avoid some of the crowds, a very worthwhile thing to try at Disney. I think it's a really good strategy and why not. I'm going down this year just because my son finishes finals before most schools are out and will head down Dec. 13 and back on the 18th. I wouldn't have even gone if we could only go the following week. And even during this moderate crowd week, I'll be there ahead of rope drop for every park day (just makes a day at the park so much better). And I'll use a touring plan too and optimization software to keep my line waits at a minimum. // For crowded popular places a little planning goes along way.

 

[KimBean]

I totally agree my original post was prob dramatic and like I said afterwards I'm a spaz and get upset and vent. I'm some what of a newbie I'm still learning. I don't think I deserve to be attacked. Thank you for your input

Nope. You don't deserve to be attacked. Everyone overreacts.

 

[EPCOTatNight]

Nope. You don't deserve to be attacked. Everyone overreacts.

Calling opposing viewpoints (attacks) is an overreaction.

 

[MrInfinity]

Thanks Schmeck. The upcoming holiday was what really sparked my comment. I was not trying to make anyone feel guilty but these boards have become a moan and groan board, which isn't helpful to anyone. I've been on these boards for years and have been going to WDW for over 25 years. Recently, the boards have been so full of negativity when we should all be happy that we can and do go to WDW. Yes, things are happening (e.g.., FP+, closing down rides and shows, etc.) that many don't like, but that doesn't mean everyone has to be so negative all the time.

I agree, I thought your post was reasonable. Naturally internet forums will tend towards discussing the discontent, because of human nature. Everyone on here is a die-hard Disney fan, yet I hear griping about pretty much everything from Disney changing hours (which they clearly state may happen) to there being too long of lines, to Disney trying to make a profit and not caring personally about individuals getting on a lot of rides... to well... just everything.

And if you're positive, then you're accused of wearing rose colored glasses, thinking Disney can do no wrong, or drinking Kool-Aid. (?).

OP will deal. She's just venting because a pretty well thought out plan is now slightly less than awesome. It would have been a great morning, in early, 0 crowd, and done with BBB while hubby and son camp at SDMT to ride twice at rope drop with no wait. Now that's all scrapped and it's a crowd, still BBB, but then no free rides. It'll still be good, but she does have some reason to be disappointed that her plan was not 100% and a weakness in it surfaced. (not that Disney hosed her, cuz Disney only did something that they were clear could be done at any time).

But then really, she'll still get in pre-open and hubby will get to camp at the mine train. It's not that bad. Still pretty awesome actually so I can't relate to being so mad about what is really a minor agenda change that doesn't even put her out much at all.

 

[Minnie17]

Hope your trip is magical (even with the changes). Wishing you happiness!

 

[MrInfinity]

I don't think people start out with the expectation that Disney won't do something to set them off. Quite the contrary. I think people are legitimately surprised to find Disney treat their plans in such a cavalier fashion.

What are you talking about... Disney is a company. The company does not treat anyone's plans in any way, not nicely, not cavalier. An exec in charge of scheduling saw higher demand for this day so they opened the park earlier. That is common sense. This is opening up an extra hour of ridings and therefore shortening waits for everyone. One person is disadvantaged because they cannot get bonus rides that were never promised, nor a ticket to BBB guarantees, and Disney is treating their plans in a cavalier fashion? What plans are those? The plan where someone was going to use a BBB res to get their family on rides before the crowd which is certainly not in writing in any plan Disney agreed to!

Her BBB is in tact, she'll still be in early, hubby will still be first to the ride of his choice, and lines will be shorter all day due to an exec deciding to create more supply (which we all chide Disney for not doing enough of).

So we'll complain at Disney for not having enough rides and if they open them earlier creating more supply, we'll complain at that too. That's great.

 

[mrobsch]

Op--the same thing happened to us two years ago, on our first trip, and I was really, really upset at the time, like you. I sadly cancelled our prepark CP ADR.

And then we had an amazing trip.

And the exact same thing happened this year! Ah well. I should have learned my lesson, I guess. No 8am CP is in the cards for us, for a December trip But I'm honestly just a tiny bit bummed. This time, I just have more perspective. I'm sure we will both have great trips, either way.

 

[SharonLowe]

And I have the right to say how I feel. And I think it's mean to insinuate that people who complain about their planning getting messed up need to get some perspective on true suffering.

You of course chose to ignore my question about why you have not called out the people who brought up the the people dying in a car crash on the way to WDW. You can say what you want on these boards but don't expect me to stand by and put up with it and not react to your mean comments.

The OP acted like her entire visit to WDW was completely ruined because they changed the hours and are opening an hour earlier than she expected based on park hours posted months in advance. From what I read, it was one morning yet she made it seem like it was the end of the world. I don't see how her post does anything to help people with "Theme Park Attractions and Strategies" so I reacted to it and posted as I felt. I am always happy that my family can go to WDW and we deal with anything thrown at us. You can feel otherwise and I hope that you never experience anything more difficult than having WDW change the hours on you. I'm speaking as a breast cancer survivor who was diagnosed when my DD was 2 and the DD of a parent who fortunately is a 17 year pancreatic cancer survivor, when most die within months of being diagnosed. Life is all about perspective and I've learned to embody the glass is half full perspective on life due to things thrown my way. You don't like what I have to say, keep your negativity to yourself. You aren't helping anyone with your snide comments.

 

[Angel Ariel]

What are you talking about... Disney is a company. The company does not treat anyone's plans in any way, not nicely, not cavalier. An exec in charge of scheduling saw higher demand for this day so they opened the park earlier. That is common sense.

In all seriousness, the above isn't common sense or fact. It's assumption, because that's why Disney has opened early in the past. But they're in "testing" and this is the first holiday season with FP+ in full effect for *all* guests. For all we know, they're choosing to open an hour earlier because they're doing some kind of data collection for FP+ to try and predict how things will go over Christmas week.

I'm truly not trying to blame all things on FP+ here, I just don't think the reasons Disney is changing operating hours is necessarily set in stone or can be automatically assumed the way it is above. We'll never know, of course, so there's no real debate to be had there.

 

[DebbieB]

What are you talking about... Disney is a company. The company does not treat anyone's plans in any way, not nicely, not cavalier. An exec in charge of scheduling saw higher demand for this day so they opened the park earlier. That is common sense. This is opening up an extra hour of ridings and therefore shortening waits for everyone. One person is disadvantaged because they cannot get bonus rides that were never promised, nor a ticket to BBB guarantees, and Disney is treating their plans in a cavalier fashion? What plans are those? The plan where someone was going to use a BBB res to get their family on rides before the crowd which is certainly not in writing in any plan Disney agreed to!

Her BBB is in tact, she'll still be in early, hubby will still be first to the ride of his choice, and lines will be shorter all day due to an exec deciding to create more supply (which we all chide Disney for not doing enough of).

So we'll complain at Disney for not having enough rides and if they open them earlier creating more supply, we'll complain at that too. That's great.

I agree. I don't understand the complaints (not just the OP, there have been many complaints posted). All Disney reserved is a certain time for breakfast or a hair appointment. There was no promise of early park entry included or an empty Main Street for pictures. That's as bad as someone who booked a trip at a time they thought was less crowded and then Disney offered free dining and ruined it, how dare they.

 

[KimBean]

Calling opposing viewpoints (attacks) is an overreaction.

If you saw my quoting, I was using her verbiage. Therefore acknowledging her feelings. It is sometimes what people do when they are trying to find common ground and come to a mutual understanding.

 

[Gillyrose779]

I didn't read the whole thread as I feel no need to read all the "friendly" banter. I will say I'm glad I decided to go on disboards tonight and read this. We had a before park breakfast for CP scheduled in a couple weeks. B/c of the time change I cancelled. I like getting in before the masses and watching from the castle as the crowd comes it. It kind of ruins it for me to come out to a full park. I'd rather save my money and get quick service at resort.

 

[Katgoesonholiday]

No I know that were not paying more for those things I just meant paying for things that def are not cheap. But I get it, I just thought we were in the clear when they posted the other time changes earlier. I still dont get why they do this I mean I guess I do but at the same time like I said I think its crappy regardless or ADR or whatever. People plan these trips so far in advance then to just be slapped in the face with something new right before your trip sucks when you're dropping thousands on a vacation.

I imagine this is no consolation, however we are dropping tens of thousands on our vacation and are tickled pink at the change. More hours means more fun and more value for money. I'm not at all put out at having to reorganize my daily plans - I got time - and with us travelling all the way from New Zealand it's awesome to be able to have some more hours at either end of the day!

Big thumbs up Disney!

 

[Belle5]

It may sound crazy, but I am pretty happy about the earlier mornings. My FP+s begin at 9, so I am happy to show up earlier (maybe even by 8) and do completely non-scheduled things (taking time to smell the roses, enjoying a less crowded, though not empty, park). I am following my plan from 9 am on through the day, but the extra hour in the morning is going to be GREAT!

Sorry Op for your disappointment. I wish you wouldn't stress so much and just breathe and enjoy it all! You're going to be in DISNEY!

 

[Lynne M]

People plan these trips so far in advance then to just be slapped in the face with something new right before your trip sucks when you're dropping thousands on a vacation.

A friendly word of advice, for the OP and all those who are trying to craft the perfect plan.

You know that famous old quote, "No battle plan ever survives contact with the enemy?" Well, no touring plan survives contact with WDW.

This might be the first unforeseen change of plans you've had to deal with, but I guarantee, it won't be the last. Rides will break down. Buses will be late. Kids need to go potty just when you finally get to the front of the ride queue that you've been standing in for 45 minutes. Or will refuse to get on half the rides because they look scary. Or will break down crying at the MK entrance because they want to go back to the hotel and swim. That actually happened to relatives of mine, and I had thought the story in the Unofficial Guide was an exaggeration.

Anyway, my point is, it's pretty much a sure thing that you're not going to get to do all the things you've planned. But you are going to get to do loads of wonderful, fun, amazing things, and you'll make memories with your family that your kids will still be talking about when they've got kids. Don't get so caught up in the things you're not doing, that you don't enjoy the things you are doing. In the big picture, that missed picture in the 'empty' MK will mean nothing. You'll come home with a camera full of amazing photos.

 

[Belle5]

A friendly word of advice, for the OP and all those who are trying to craft the perfect plan.

You know that famous old quote, "No battle plan ever survives contact with the enemy?" Well, no touring plan survives contact with WDW.

This might be the first unforeseen change of plans you've had to deal with, but I guarantee, it won't be the last. Rides will break down. Buses will be late. Kids need to go potty just when you finally get to the front of the ride queue that you've been standing in for 45 minutes. Or will refuse to get on half the rides because they look scary. Or will break down crying at the MK entrance because they want to go back to the hotel and swim. That actually happened to relatives of mine, and I had thought the story in the Unofficial Guide was an exaggeration.

Anyway, my point is, it's pretty much a sure thing that you're not going to get to do all the things you've planned. But you are going to get to do loads of wonderful, fun, amazing things, and you'll make memories with your family that your kids will still be talking about when they've got kids. Don't get so caught up in the things you're not doing, that you don't enjoy the things you are doing. In the big picture, that missed picture in the 'empty' MK will mean nothing. You'll come home with a camera full of amazing photos.

Soooooooooooo true! Good advice for all of us!

 

[Shaden]

A friendly word of advice, for the OP and all those who are trying to craft the perfect plan.

You know that famous old quote, "No battle plan ever survives contact with the enemy?" Well, no touring plan survives contact with WDW.

This might be the first unforeseen change of plans you've had to deal with, but I guarantee, it won't be the last. Rides will break down. Buses will be late. Kids need to go potty just when you finally get to the front of the ride queue that you've been standing in for 45 minutes. Or will refuse to get on half the rides because they look scary. Or will break down crying at the MK entrance because they want to go back to the hotel and swim. That actually happened to relatives of mine, and I had thought the story in the Unofficial Guide was an exaggeration.

Anyway, my point is, it's pretty much a sure thing that you're not going to get to do all the things you've planned. But you are going to get to do loads of wonderful, fun, amazing things, and you'll make memories with your family that your kids will still be talking about when they've got kids. Don't get so caught up in the things you're not doing, that you don't enjoy the things you are doing. In the big picture, that missed picture in the 'empty' MK will mean nothing. You'll come home with a camera full of amazing photos.

"The battle plan only lasts until the first arrow flies" is my favourite iteration of that.

Very very true, though that is what complicates the drive on Disney's part to have us more and more locked in to our plans.

 

[Mambo Junkie]

Just....wow

 

[Dallas_Lady]

Wow. Just wow.