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

[dbramer]

Ya know...I have been reading these posts for some time about how the "new programs screw up our tried and true touring strategies" and realized that these "strategies" have been posted on every disney-related web site and every disney guidebook, so guess what....every person that visits has seen the same touring plans and does the same things....so guess what...it is going to be more crowded at the "slow" times of the year because everyone has been told that is the time to go....the FP's gone at rd because everyone has a runner to go get one...the race to the headliners at rd...all these things are sooooo common that we can no longer complain about them because they aren't your individual plans anymore....they have become public domain yet people are complaining because everyone is doing the same things they have always done....and now saying they aren't going back to disney because they can't see everything in one day anymore by "working the system" and taking advantage of loopholes and inconsistencies....no sympathy here....I get to disney about once every five years because I have to plan my vacations that far in advance...I want my DD (4) to see WDW and we will go no matter what the final verdict is on FP+ and MB and DAS and CC'ed ADR's....because we get to spend time as a family there.....I used to consider myself a type-A theme park commando, but there is no fun in that....it becomes an exercise in futility and exasperates everyone due to the pace you have to set....vacation is a time to stop and smell the roses...not a continuation of the rat-race you are leaving behind...we plan what park we are going to on what day and where we want to eat that day....other than that....we wing it....we will use FP+ if it is still available when we go....use it on the headliners and standby the rest of the day.....no big....new touring plans will be devised to make the most out of the new systems and everyone will be happy again....stop crying, please....I know a lot of my students can't afford to ever see disney...and may never get the chance....be thankful you have the money to shell out for a top-shelf vacay every year....

 

[rachel09985]

I really don't care for planning my rides out but people need to remember this is still a test. You should withhold any judgment until awhile after the testing ends.

 

[Fantaluminishes]

I think people really like to create drama on these boards. If all the people who complain here about FP+, ADR's, EMH, MB's, PP, etc. actually stopped going to WDW, we'd see about 100 less people in the parks. You'd think the people on these boards make-up the bulk of Disney guests. They don't even amount to a blip on Disney's radar.

The whiners and crybabies are even a smaller lot. But if it wasn't for the complainers, this website wouldn't exist. It's funny. Disney is supposed to be a happy place. But all these miserable people here make it seem like the worst vacation destination in the world. I'd love to see the moderators do something about all the negativity on this board. This is supposed to be about trip planning. Not a constant b#tchfest about trips that haven't even occurred yet.

Meanwhile the 99.5% of us who appreciate WDW will keep enjoying our vacations.

 

[conandrob240]

While not a travel deal breaker, those terrible wheat buns made me never order another hot dog or burger at WDW ever again.

 

[Planogirl]

I think people really like to create drama on these boards. If all the people who complain here about FP+, ADR's, EMH, MB's, PP, etc. actually stopped going to WDW, we'd see about 100 less people in the parks. You'd think the people on these boards make-up the bulk of Disney guests. They don't even amount to a blip on Disney's radar.

The whiners and crybabies are even a smaller lot. But if it wasn't for the complainers, this website wouldn't exist. It's funny. Disney is supposed to be a happy place. But all these miserable people here make it seem like the worst vacation destination in the world. I'd love to see the moderators do something about all the negativity on this board. This is supposed to be about trip planning. Not a constant b#tchfest about trips that haven't even occurred yet.

Meanwhile the 99.5% of us who appreciate WDW will keep enjoying our vacations.

It might not be that simple:

A study by the Technical Assistance Research Programs Institute pinpoints three findings about customer complaints:

"1) The average customer with an unresolved complaint will tell nine to 10 people; 13 percent tell more than 20 people.
"2) Up to 70 percent of complainers will return to your business if the complaint is resolved. Up to 95 percent return if the problem is resolved quickly.
"3) For every complaint received, the average company has 26 unhappy customers it never hears from; six of these customers have problems that are considered serious.

Consider this: For every customer who complains, 26 remain silent. Five complaints a week means there are 130 dissatisfied, disgruntled ex-customers out there that you never hear from.

Number three is particularly interesting. I've always heard that most people say nothing whether they're happy or unhappy. How much of this applies to a themepark is a good question IMO.

 

[tinkrbell1437]

At Stormalong bay, we watched the same large band-aid and empty water bottle sit along the pool area for DAYS.

And it never occurred to you to pick it up?

I can sort of understand the band-aid, but a plastic bag over the hand and you could have picked it up...

Yes, Disney should be more on top of the litter, but if everyone picked up just one piece of easy to chuck litter (like a popcorn box or a water bottle - not talking dirty diapers or anything like that) the park would be improved

 

[Sammie]

nope, We loved Fastpass+ and the magic bands and could care less if they end the old Fastpass system, as it never worked for us.

The CC hold does not bother me, so we are happy DVC customers.

 

[MickDisney]

One day my family will enjoy the World all by ourselves!

 

[larryz]

And it never occurred to you to pick it up?

I can sort of understand the band-aid, but a plastic bag over the hand and you could have picked it up...

Yes, Disney should be more on top of the litter, but if everyone picked up just one piece of easy to chuck litter (like a popcorn box or a water bottle - not talking dirty diapers or anything like that) the park would be improved

I'm all for cleaning up after myself, but last time I checked, WDW was paying CMs to do regular grounds-keeping and trash runs to clean up after those who don't, and I was paying a HUGE premium to stay in their resorts and visit their theme parks to help pay for that staff.

What's next -- bring a paint brush, a couple of C-7 light bulbs, and a few rolls of toilet paper?

 

[kim_o]

Be honest..... It's the lack of purple magic bands.... isn't it...

I really wanted a purple MB! I stared at that customization screen for a good 10 minutes hoping it would magically appear

 

[PlutoFan10]

I'm at WDW now. I know from these boards that some have had trouble that interfered with their trip, but we have really enjoyed everything about the MBs. Only issues have been park entrances a few times and honestly never got in quickly with the finger scanner and my AP in the past, either. Being told Annual Pass entries are intermittent, but it delayed us a whole 20 seconds until someone scanned the MB manually and let us through. Used MB flawlessly for room entry, payment of various purchases, photo pass, and FP+. We were never big FP users... Didn't rush in at RD and by the time we wandered over to an attraction, the passes were either gone or for a time so much later that we knew we would have left the park. With FP+, I picked convenient times for us around our ADRs. Hitting the MB at the reader and having no wait at Toy Story Mania, Soarin', Spaceship Earth, And Test Track has been fantastic. Just letting you know it can really be a GOOD experience. FYI to those with split resort stays. We were told to go to the front desk when leaving resort 1 and make sure we are physically checked out to prevent issues with our MB at resort 2.

 

[Mad Hattered]

I think people really like to create drama on these boards. If all the people who complain here about FP+, ADR's, EMH, MB's, PP, etc. actually stopped going to WDW, we'd see about 100 less people in the parks. You'd think the people on these boards make-up the bulk of Disney guests. They don't even amount to a blip on Disney's radar.

The whiners and crybabies are even a smaller lot. But if it wasn't for the complainers, this website wouldn't exist. It's funny. Disney is supposed to be a happy place. But all these miserable people here make it seem like the worst vacation destination in the world. I'd love to see the moderators do something about all the negativity on this board. This is supposed to be about trip planning. Not a constant b#tchfest about trips that haven't even occurred yet.

Meanwhile the 99.5% of us who appreciate WDW will keep enjoying our vacations.

Uhhhhhhh....the title of this section is Theme Park Attractions and Strategies. I don't see Trip Planning in the title. Disney has forced us to use way more "strategery" than we used to (not that there wasn't a decent amount already required) so MM+ is how you plan your trip now. It is only going to get worse as the non-captured statistic comes into play.

Personally, I will get a better feel for this new vision (ok....maybe just can't wait to see it happen) after the International Tourist Groups show up to play with the new toy in town. That could cause some issues in way more than one way. Or maybe the Cheerleaders happen to be building really short skyscrapers out of themselves. I can't imagine them playing with a phone or apps at all.

Sorry....didn't mean to be negative. Until they prove me wrong and earn my trust again as a paying customer, I will continue to voice concerns.

I also believe that Prince has a patent on purple Magic Bands....hence the other major dilemma on this trip planning section.

And just to be clear.....99.5% of the people can't be considered "appreciative" just yet. Disney's growth for the last quarter (on both coasts) was 3%. Their International growth was up 7% in that same time. They make up 18-22% of their total attendance in a year. So there is your bottom line. I'm not even sure Disney has this set up for all of those guests yet....maybe someone can correct me. Yeah, I have some concerns about planning a trip.

To quote a wise Scholar.....60% of the time it works every time.

 

[MickDisney]

I hope this is true! It would be great to go and only have to contend with the happy Disney folks!

 

[GrumpyDad1974]

See ya. One less person in the crowd I'll have to deal with.

If THESE are the reasons that you won't visit Disney World, then I think your have your vacationing priorities wrong to being with.

Pointless thread.

Ethan

Thank You...

 

[lodge]

Actually, that's not quote correct. Here is the definition on Disney's ADR: Advance Reservations is a system Walt Disney World uses to manage their restaurant seating flow. In essence, unlike a true reservation where a table is saved for your party at a particular time, the advance reservation guarantees your party the next available table. Ergo, you don't show up, your table goes to the next group inline. Kind of like a FP at a ride, they don't save a seat for you in case you show up. If you do, you're next in line, if not, then the person behind you fills the seat. It's an excellent system really - they do not HOLD a table for you so they have no empty tables if you don't show up. Requiring a credit card to hold the table does likely make for less "double dipping ADRs" but Disney wasn't loosing any money if you didn't show up. Now, they make money !!

it may be the FP+ and dining length ( how long they want you in there) are tied too. I noticed that they put "conflicting" choices (with dining reservations) that are the most sought rides, that allow one hour of eating and just enough time to get to the ride before your FP+ time slot is up. Sure, there was also choices A, B, C, and D but many of them gave alternate ride choices, not your initial pick.

With population increase (which is what Disney need to continue to grow), managing time is becoming important. Ride on an LA freeway and you'll see how preplanning can save future frustration. I'll go with it, but I enjoy massive amount of planning. I can see where it can overwhelm others easily and I empathize with the difficulty this causes. Some people just can't manage this level of disarray.

 

[BradleyB]

My wife is a Disney fanatic. She grew up as a season pass holder in SoCal and (at great expense) has taken the kids for a magical trip in Feb 2009. I took her and the DMIL (at great expense) on a truly magical trip in April 2013. We had so much fun, we got APs and a TIW!

Now we were planning on going again in Feb 2014 before the passes and TIW expired. Between the expense, the hassle with FP (we got them as much as we could and when we didn't use them, we gave them away - you should have seen the families that got our TSMM FP!!!) and the crowd reports, we are rethinking our trip. None of the kids or myself want to go if we have to hassle getting on rides, eat meals, etc ( and we are RD, ADR folks.)

The only person still interested is my wife and that is because she drank the kool-aid. But even she does not see the value anymore of going solo. We are looking at adventure alternatives seeing as we are pretty adventurous. It turns out for the same $$ as a WDW vacay, we can have some pretty incredible experiences in exotic places.

Now it is a matter of me convincing my wife to go alternative or her convincing the family to go Disney. Who will prevail???????????

 

[monty]

I have purposely avoided commenting on all the 'not fair', 'never going again' threads as I did not want to get drawn into all the negativity & arguments before my December trip, but I can no longer resist so here is my 2 cents worth.

Disney doesn't 'force' anyone to strategise more than what they want to. People from all over the world arrive to WDW every day, with no ADR's, no FP+, no plans. Some will probably be over whelmed & not enjoy themselves, most will more than likely, have a great time. People should be excited at the prospect of going on vacation. If you feel WDW is no longer worth doing because you don't want to do any extra planning and yet you feel you must do extra planning in order to have a good time, then I think you are bound to have a miserable time and it really defeats the purpose of a vacation.

To all those who have been to WDW countless times, some of you multiple times a year…..why not try somewhere new for a vacation spot. The world is a big place. There are so many beautiful sights in Italy, England, Australia and in your own country….you have the most wonderful, beautiful National Parks. I know you love Disney and amusement parks, but maybe see this as an opportunity to try some new experiences.

FP+ is it fair??? When I get to WDW & maybe FP- may no longer be available on the KTTW cards if you have FP+, will that be unfair because for months some people have been getting both or is it a perk for those who happened to be there during the testing? Can't we just be happy, albeit it maybe a bit envious , for them? It's interesting that something that can be seen as a perk if you are a recipient is the same thing as seen as unfair to those missing out. As far as being 'fair' goes there are many things that can be deemed 'unfair'. The person before me gets a room upgrade, I've paid the same amount for my room…but no upgrade for me. Is that 'fair'? I get an empty seat next to me on an international flight. You are stuck in-between two snorers. Fair?. I prefer to be happy for others and maybe I too will be lucky enough to next time get a free upgrade!

Upset at being unable to order purple bands? Definitely a first world problem. You should count your blessings that this is something worth griping about in your life.

As far a credit card holds for ADR's, it's no different for booking hotels. It stops people from not turning up without taking the necessary steps to cancel their booking and making the table or room available for someone else. Bad for both parties. The business loses money and the customer doesn't have anywhere to eat or sleep. If people were always courteous and could be trusted to the 'right thing' then it wouldn't be necessary. Sad fact, people not always are.

 

[Planogirl]

monty, I agree with most of what you posted except for one thing. I never agree with taking something away from people. I think that there will always be hard feelings when that happens. I can easily feel happy for someone who is fortunate but still feel unhappy when I think that I've lost something.

Of course people will adjust to whatever happens given time but it's still too new and there are too many unknown elements to just shrug and let it go. I was pretty upset too for a while but I did let it go because there isn't anything I can do about it. I don't like it but it is what it is.

I appreciate that you posted in a nice way. I can't say that everyone is doing so.

 

[Surfinpiratee]

Be honest..... It's the lack of purple magic bands.... isn't it...

There's no purple?!? That's my favorite color. Grrrr.....(hahahaha)

Anyway, my first trip is in Jan. I wasn't even planning on using fast passes..I was just gonna go with the flow..

 

[omurice]

To OP: Take a deep breath, and ask yourself, "Is my #1 vacation destination the #1 problem in my life?". If the answer is YES, you are the most fortunate person I know! #realitydose