I'm Done!!! Too Many Changes We Don't Like

[Mad Hattered]

There's absolutely nothing wrong with your priorities. There is a growing chorus of long-time Disney vacationers making the same complaints you are. Personally I don't enjoy feeling moved about as if I'm a cog in a wheel while I'm paying the freight and being told I should be enjoying myself.

It is a tremendous mistake to spend the kind of money that has been expended without increasing capacity or value offered to guests while continuing to raise prices, assuming guests will continue to pay and return for diminished offerings or will be replaced by new guests. I foresee a time in the very near future when the chorus of boos from guests unwilling to return trickles down to potential new visitors. For now Disney can attempt to shore things up with increased Brazilian marketing campaigns. Eventually it will catch up to them. I hope they make a course correction before destroying WDW.

As for us, the next time we look to go to Disney it will be DLR -- or upon serious news of a change in direction at WDW --- one seriously focused on guest satisfaction as opposed to attempting to separate guests from their wallets at all costs.

 

[AmyB2006]

You mean like those that criticize WDW are mocked and chastised? Saying "more room for me" and "your money won't be missed" are somehow supposed to make us feel good?

Oh, I forgot the best one ~ I have delusions Disney will fall apart without my money.

Comments like these come from both sides. Doesn't make it right.

Just because I like the changes and FP+ etc, I'm either "drinking the kool-aid" or "blinded by Disney and think they can do no wrong". There's other ones I just can't remember right now.

 

[AmyB2006]

Eh, I don't think so. As much as they try to convince you otherwise, Disney doesn't give 2 pieces of Mickey Mouse poop what any of us think. They believe they are untouchable. Now, Universal, if you complain to them about something, that's a different story. The levels I have seen them go to to right a wrong is outstanding. They are to customer service what Disney used to be.

I will respectfully disagree with this. Any time I have ever had a problem I felt big enough to complain about, they have bent over backwards to try to help me and make it right. They are constantly sending out surveys and such to get guest feedback. If they didn't care what you think why waste time doing surveys?

 

[tjevans]

But Disney doesn't not care about your money as an individual. They care about money from the masses ( unless your a cute pop star who brings in the bucks from shows and tours) you have no leverage and threatening that disney won't get your money just seems stupid to me. Sorry but that's my very humble opinion.

That is, in my opinion, what is so frustrating. The idea of a consumer boycott that actually changes corporate opinion is a romantic idea, but I'm not sure how based in reality it is. Even if everyone who hates these changes stopped giving Disney their money, Disney would probably not feel it.

But then again, based on this line of thinking, there is no reason to vote, no reason to recycle, no reason to do anything to try to bring about change, because you are only one person, and you individually do not matter.

As the saying goes, no one raindrop thinks they caused the flood.

 

[AmyB2006]

That is, in my opinion, what is so frustrating. The idea of a consumer boycott that actually changes corporate opinion is a romantic idea, but I'm not sure how based in reality it is. Even if everyone who hates these changes stopped giving Disney their money, Disney would probably not feel it.

But then again, based on this line of thinking, there is no reason to vote, no reason to recycle, no reason to do anything to try to bring about change, because you are only one person, and you individually do not matter.

As the saying goes, no one raindrop thinks they caused the flood.

It is frustrating, but I think you hit the nail on the head right there.

 

[tjevans]

It is frustrating, but I think you hit the nail on the head right there.

Because Disney is so special to most of us who visit these boards, we take a sense in ownership in it. However, unless we own a sizable portion of Disney stock, our opinions probably don't mean much.

Those of us who do have that unjustified sense of ownership are the "Walts." Anyone who knows the real Walt Disney story knows that Walt didn't have a lot of business sense and his dreams often had the company headed down the path to bankruptcy (and it did declare bankruptcy once). It is only because of Roy's business leadership the company stayed as successful as it did.

There needs to be a healthy blend of Walts and Roys in the company. It seems that today, there are only Roys.

Don't get me wrong, I understand that the only purpose of a business is to make a profit. This is just probably my nostalgia speaking, but it seems like the company was once willing to give up a little profit to give people a lot of magic. Now it seems they are willing to take a huge profit and give people a little magic.

 

[aubriee]

I don't think anyone is saying that disney will fall apart without their money. We are all very aware that Disney has no problem getting guests to come in. My concern is long term. No matter how big, there is competition and for Disney that is Universal and it's not at all a stretch to believe there is a chance Disney too will fall one day, which is exactly what happens with these "too big to fail" businesses stop listening to their customers.

I agree! We have annual passes for both Universal and WDW and love both, but at the moment feel like we're getting more for our money at Universal. It seems like every time we go there, there is something new. They are expanding by leaps and bounds. Disney has the new Fantasyland that they have been working on forever, but other than the 7 Dwarf's ride, (which still isn't finished) there is nothing there that interests us. As offsiters who go several times a year, this FP+ crap has done nothing but infuriate us. Instead of wasting their money on FP+, they should have added more rides. More rides would draw more people in and a few new headliners would distribute the crowds better, so lines would be shorter for all.

Eh, I don't think so. As much as they try to convince you otherwise, Disney doesn't give 2 pieces of Mickey Mouse poop what any of us think. They believe they are untouchable. Now, Universal, if you complain to them about something, that's a different story. The levels I have seen them go to to right a wrong is outstanding. They are to customer service what Disney used to be.

I agree again. When I was there in Sept and experienced how FP+ negatively affected my trip (as an annual passholder who stayed offsite--longer lines for both standby and fastpass, fewer FPs available, later returns for the fastpasses I was able to get, etc), I went to guest relations and politely and calmly expressed my dissatisfaction. The CM handed me a comment card and basically just tuned me out, as she continued her conversation with her coworker. She didn't even make a pretense of listening and I'm reasonably sure the comment card went in the trash as soon as I walked out. I also spent a night over at Universal that trip. They always bend over backwards over there to make you feel important and valued. Their customer service is second to none and is so much better than what we have experienced at WDW the last few years.

 

[tjevans]

I also spent a night over at Universal that trip. They always bend over backwards over there to make you feel important and valued. Their customer service is second to none and is so much better than what we have experienced at WDW the last few years.

I have been violently anti-Universal, but lately I've heard nothing but positive things about Universal, while even the most pro-Disney people I know are getting more critical about WDW. I know people (not just Harry Potter-philes) that are planning Orlando vacations to go to Universal and not go to WDW.

I don't think Universal can ever beat Disney in pure numbers, with Disney having four parks and Universal only having two, but I hope Universal can challenge them enough to make Disney realize they don't have a pass just because they're the big mouse in town. I also hope Disney will realize it isn't just the better rides, it's the better customer service.

 

[Planogirl]

Comments like these come from both sides. Doesn't make it right.

Just because I like the changes and FP+ etc, I'm either "drinking the kool-aid" or "blinded by Disney and think they can do no wrong". There's other ones I just can't remember right now.

I don't agree with the Kool-Aid comments either (usually... ) but frankly I don't see much of that. I do see long drawn out conversations about how the "negative nellies" complain too much and why they're wrong and so on and so on. Maybe they are but the annoying superiority that I see from some people (not you!) gets to be a bit much.

OK, some people love it all and that's great. Or some haven't been yet but expect great things and that's great too. However, some people have had bad experiences. Others haven't been yet but do have some concerns and how constantly harping on how wrong they are will help is beyond me.

 

[Magpie]

That is, in my opinion, what is so frustrating. The idea of a consumer boycott that actually changes corporate opinion is a romantic idea, but I'm not sure how based in reality it is. Even if everyone who hates these changes stopped giving Disney their money, Disney would probably not feel it.

But then again, based on this line of thinking, there is no reason to vote, no reason to recycle, no reason to do anything to try to bring about change, because you are only one person, and you individually do not matter.

As the saying goes, no one raindrop thinks they caused the flood.

The problem is, there's simply not enough raindrops to cause a flood. Or rather, there IS a flood, and it's sweeping right through Disney's front gates and into their coffers. Too many people are reporting positive experiences. Too many people are either pro-change or neutral towards it. And everyone else just keeps stampeding into the parks, with no idea anything's changed at all.

The only way anyone could bring Disney to its knees and force change, would be to fire up a grassroots boycott and get hundreds of thousands of guests on board.

The religious right tried that, and it didn't work. They were too few.

Besides, even if someone could, would they really want to organize a campaign to damage the entire company over this issue? Because that is exactly what would be required. Damage. Disney would have to take a serious hit to their bottom line, in order to find themselves in a place where they would be forced to consider a complete change of course where FP+ and MDE are concerned.

And that kind of "success" might have consequences far worse than "I can't pull six Soarin' fastpasses in a day!". Consequences such as the company pulling back from investment in the parks. Cancellation of projects. Layoffs. Fewer refurbishments.

Mind you, that won't happen. Because all we have here is a light sprinkling of a few dissatisfied raindrops, and Disney's betting the weather will clear once everything's in place and everyone's had a chance to get used to it.

Based on postings from recent visitors, the longterm forecast already seems headed that way.

 

[sonofanarchy]

I have been violently anti-Universal, but lately I've heard nothing but positive things about Universal, while even the most pro-Disney people I know are getting more critical about WDW. I know people (not just Harry Potter-philes) that are planning Orlando vacations to go to Universal and not go to WDW.

I don't think Universal can ever beat Disney in pure numbers, with Disney having four parks and Universal only having two, but I hope Universal can challenge them enough to make Disney realize they don't have a pass just because they're the big mouse in town. I also hope Disney will realize it isn't just the better rides, it's the better customer service.

If Universal can acquire more land and opens another park, things are going to get interesting. As it is, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios just barely beat out Islands of Adventure in attendance. It's not an all enhancing resort vacation like Disney is, but their parks are just as great, and their hotels and service at least rival Disney's.

 

[nugov2]

Eh, I don't think so. As much as they try to convince you otherwise, Disney doesn't give 2 pieces of Mickey Mouse poop what any of us think. They believe they are untouchable. Now, Universal, if you complain to them about something, that's a different story. The levels I have seen them go to to right a wrong is outstanding. They are to customer service what Disney used to be.

I agree with this. Outside of MK(which is a very amazing park) Disney has nothing really on the other parks anymore and what they do have is slipping. They are getting Disney loyalists to come back and hit all the parks, but now what we will see is what little these parks have to offer with this new system.

We headed to Universal based on word of mouth from all of our friends and Dh's coworkers who had all recently taken a "Disney" vacation, but headed to the dark side. What did they come back telling everyone....skip HWS, AK and Epcot or at best get a hopper and split AK and HWS and skip Epcot all together. Head over to Universal. We heard it so much we switched our plans(as I have posted before) and we were really impressed with what we saw and so happy we did. It may not be as big as WDW, but who says bigger is better....the other WDW parks would be flops if they were stand alones. Some of the biggest reason people go to them is that they don't have a car and so it is convenient and because when you buy a 7 day pass vs 2 or 3 days it is a lot cheaper than the 2-3 days and then adding the other parks for 1 or 2 days. The biggest change will be that hitting the lesser parks was easier and relaxing, but now with this new system it most likely will mean you can only get on 1 of the few big draws they have at these lesser parks. I think they will see lots of people changing their travel plans. We are not WDWC(or Olrando) every year people.

We will always be the family that travels all over. I do plan to go back to the area when my youngest is older, but I am doubtful WDW will be getting even a 1/3 of the money they got from us this trip if this whole thing shakes out the way it appears. I am hopeful that this little peek isn't really a good picture of the end product.

WDW should be careful...word of mouth is powerful and Universal is getting some great word of mouth...at least around here.

 

[Planogirl]

The problem is, there's simply not enough raindrops to cause a flood. Or rather, there IS a flood, and it's sweeping right through Disney's front gates and into their coffers. Too many people are reporting positive experiences. Too many people are either pro-change or neutral towards it. And everyone else just keeps stampeding into the parks, with no idea anything's changed at all.

The only way anyone could bring Disney to its knees and force change, would be to fire up a grassroots boycott and get hundreds of thousands of guests on board.

The religious right tried that, and it didn't work. They were too few.

Besides, even if someone could, would they really want to organize a campaign to damage the entire company over this issue? Because that is exactly what would be required. Damage. Disney would have to take a serious hit to their bottom line, in order to find themselves in a place where they would be forced to consider a complete change of course where FP+ and MDE are concerned.

And that kind of "success" might have consequences far worse than "I can't pull six Soarin' fastpasses in a day!". Consequences such as the company pulling back from investment in the parks. Cancellation of projects. Layoffs. Fewer refurbishments.

Mind you, that won't happen. Because all we have here is a light sprinkling of a few dissatisfied raindrops, and Disney's betting the weather will clear once everything's in place and everyone's had a chance to get used to it.

Based on postings from recent visitors, the longterm forecast already seems headed that way.

I don't think that anyone wants a boycott or thinks that they individually can make a difference. However, some people have expressed concern that some of this could damage Disney in the long term just as any business can be damaged for some stupid decisions. These changes take many, many years though.

I will add that I'm not saying that this new system is a stupid decision. Only time will tell and even it didn't work well Disney would just simply change it a bit to make it fit.

 

[AmyB2006]

I don't agree with the Kool-Aid comments either (usually... ) but frankly I don't see much of that. I do see long drawn out conversations about how the "negative nellies" complain too much and why they're wrong and so on and so on. Maybe they are but the annoying superiority that I see from some people (not you!) gets to be a bit much.

OK, some people love it all and that's great. Or some haven't been yet but expect great things and that's great too. However, some people have had bad experiences. Others haven't been yet but do have some concerns and how constantly harping on how wrong they are will help is beyond me.

Oh ITA. It definitely comes from both sides. I've been the brunt of many kool aid comments myself LOL.

My thing is, if you can afford it and want to, give it a chance. Go in with an open mind. Our trip was great. FP+ worked out great for us. There were a few blips but nothing that negatively impacted my entire trip.

I had a little trepidation because of all the posts on here, but I went in with an open mind, and it went great. I can't wait to go back in a month!!!!!!

ETA... btw, I'm not against Universal either. I actually really like it. I'm one of the "Potterheads". LOL But I know in a few years, my kids would love Universal. They're still too young for some of the thrill rides there.

 

[ShayBells]

That is, in my opinion, what is so frustrating. The idea of a consumer boycott that actually changes corporate opinion is a romantic idea, but I'm not sure how based in reality it is. Even if everyone who hates these changes stopped giving Disney their money, Disney would probably not feel it. But then again, based on this line of thinking, there is no reason to vote, no reason to recycle, no reason to do anything to try to bring about change, because you are only one person, and you individually do not matter. As the saying goes, no one raindrop thinks they caused the flood.

I agree with you. I just can't get words out right.

But voting, recycling, etc are different. With voting your one vote would mean more if you rallied others to vote with you. Same with recycling. It would matter more if you spread the word and got others to recycle as well. That's why I think the idea is different when it comes to business. Because you could rally all you wanted but it doesn't mean the business will change. But it doesn't hurt to try. That's why I think when people take the surveys and they make complaints is a good thing. But giving up and just saying well that vacation sucked guess disney won't get anymore of my money. Isn't helping anyone. If you don't like it tell them than don't go. Or wait to see if it changes in a good way.

Again just my opinion lol

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[Magpie]

I have been violently anti-Universal,

I can't quite wrap my mind about being "violently anti-" any theme park, anywhere.

They don't violate human rights or oppress minorities or slaughter endangered species. They're just a vacation destination. I might as well be "violently anti-Yellowstone" for all the sense that makes.

Was someone trying to drag you to Universal against your will?

Join us... it's bliiiissss...

 

[tjevans]

I can't quite wrap my mind about being "violently anti-" any theme park, anywhere.

They don't violate human rights or oppress minorities or slaughter endangered species. They're just a vacation destination. I might as well be "violently anti-Yellowstone" for all the sense that makes.

Was someone trying to drag you to Universal against your will?

Join us... it's bliiiissss...

Ok, maybe "violently" isn't the right term, how about "solidly." I took the position that "how dare they even challenge the mouse!"

 

[nugov2]

I have been violently anti-Universal, but lately I've heard nothing but positive things about Universal, while even the most pro-Disney people I know are getting more critical about WDW. I know people (not just Harry Potter-philes) that are planning Orlando vacations to go to Universal and not go to WDW.

I don't think Universal can ever beat Disney in pure numbers, with Disney having four parks and Universal only having two, but I hope Universal can challenge them enough to make Disney realize they don't have a pass just because they're the big mouse in town. I also hope Disney will realize it isn't just the better rides, it's the better customer service.

IOA is IMO just as great as MK and far superior than the other WDW parks. Even my dd who isn't a superhero fan was amazed by that part of IOA. The theming was great. You felt immersed just like you do at WDW. The superheroes and villains coming out to interact with guest was so much fun!!

The citywalk area is beautiful!! It was way better than DTD. We wished we didn't end our trip there b/c we would have for sure spent an extra day there. I hope WDW does wake up and realize they are really heading down a road where they will be lacking compared to other places and can no longer rely on just their good name to get people there. I love WDW, but I want to be a valued customer. That doesn't mean I don't expect on site customers to get perks or that I will love everything. I know not everyone will be happy, but I disagree that it is only a small number of unhappy people.

 

[Magpie]

Ok, maybe "violently" isn't the right term, how about "solidly." I took the position that "how dare they even challenge the mouse!"

And now you've come around to realizing that competition is good for companies, eh? It helps them grow.

After meeting and talking to several people who work (or have worked) at both Universal and Disney, I realized there's fundamentally no difference between them. At least, no more difference than you'd see between McDonalds and Burger King. Similar product, slightly different approaches, and one's bigger than the other.

We should be very grateful that there are Burger Kings (and Wendys, etc...), and that it's not just McDonald's coast to coast. Passionate loyalty to a corporation (even if it's your favourite corporation) can definitely be taken too far.

 

[ArwenMarie]

I agree with this. Outside of MK(which is a very amazing park) Disney has nothing really on the other parks anymore and what they do have is slipping. They are getting Disney loyalists to come back and hit all the parks, but now what we will see is what little these parks have to offer with this new system.

I'm not sure they want or care about the Disney loyalists as their main focus? They want every family in America (and other countries!) to come once or twice and see princesses! And blow a ton of cash on hotels and restaurants and stuffed animals. That's what I read out of this new system and also based on where they have been putting their $ into new projects (NFL)