Is anyone getting as turned off as I am?

[Praying Colonel]

But you keep coming back. That proverbial first timer family probably won't.

Nah, I think we've reached a point of diminishing returns, at least for a good while. We're not renewing our APs, and I'm not sure when we'll be back. We're going to see some other stuff for a year or 2, and then if we do go to a Disney park, it's likely to be DLR--which will be fine for Disney, since it's going in the same big pot of $ at some level. Clear out some room for the newbies who don't know what they're missing.

Why do I keep coming around here, if that's the case? I guess I love WDW in spite of all this and hope things change. Going back to my Shawshank Redemption thing, "hope is a good thing--maybe the best of things. And no good thing ever dies."

 

[Davey Jones II]

What new attractions would you build (specifics matter), where would you build them, what would you replace, and how many current and potential guests agree?

Rhetorical, of course, because Disney spends millions on this thought process annually.

I'm just not interested in armchair Imagineering. It's a big waste of time because Disney would never take specific suggestions from us about a new project. They think we would use that as an excuse to sue them (and, in some cases, they're right).

Disney knows what's unpopular and needs to be replaced.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Yep. To paraphrase Red from the "Shawshank Redemption," I doubt Disney will throw up any roadblocks to stop me from leaving. They'd rather my offsite-staying, meal-splitting, Tables-in-Wonderland-using, FP+ power-user-trick-knowing, no-souvenir-buying behind get on down the road and make room for some unsuspecting family on their 1st visit who'll be satisfied with what Disney trots out these days as a magical experience.

Maybe you don't have and Disney souvenirs, but our house is full of Disney crap..I mean "treasures".

Some 10 years ago, I went to WDW Paris. What struck me most at the time, was how few people were wearing Disney gear/shirts. At the time, grown men wearing Goofy hats were ubiquitous at WDW. Lots of families wore Disney matching Disney shorts. I actually brought a shirt that had a small Mickey on it, and felt almost silly wearing it, even in the parks.

On my most recent trip, the $30 price tag for a Anna or Elsa shirt got my attention. I looked around, and noticed that there has been a HUGE drop off in merchandise wearing at Disney.

The repercussions go beyond just immediate profit. Disney wearing folks represent a subculture of sorts...like being in a club. It's disappearing in a hurry.

 

[maxiesmom]

Yep. To paraphrase Red from the "Shawshank Redemption," I doubt Disney will throw up any roadblocks to stop me from leaving. They'd rather my offsite-staying, meal-splitting, Tables-in-Wonderland-using, FP+ power-user-trick-knowing, no-souvenir-buying behind get on down the road and make room for some unsuspecting family on their 1st visit who'll be satisfied with what Disney trots out these days as a magical experience.

Many of us think that what Disney trots out these days is still pretty darn magical. Maybe you don't, and that is fine. But there comes a time when people complaining about change and saying how great everything was back in the day start to sound like Grandpa in his rocking chair remember the days before tv. Not everything was perfect back then either. Memories usually tend to have a fuzzy glow to them, even the not so great moments.

 

[flicx]

Maybe you don't have and Disney souvenirs, but our house is full of Disney crap..I mean "treasures".

Some 10 years ago, I went to WDW Paris. What struck me most at the time, was how few people were wearing Disney gear/shirts. At the time, grown men wearing Goofy hats were ubiquitous at WDW. Lots of families wore Disney matching Disney shorts. I actually brought a shirt that had a small Mickey on it, and felt almost silly wearing it, even in the parks.

On my most recent trip, the $30 price tag for a Anna or Elsa shirt got my attention. I looked around, and noticed that there has been a HUGE drop off in merchandise wearing at Disney.

The repercussions go beyond just immediate profit. Disney wearing folks represent a subculture of sorts...like being in a club. It's disappearing in a hurry.

With the cost at 30 bucks for a tshirt the club will disappear at a faster rate!!

 

[cakebaker]

If they choose to tune us out, that would be a huge mistake. That's all I'm saying. And the reaction to FP+ should tell them a lot about what we want, i.e. excellent new attractions and the replacement of old, outdated, unpopular ones.

If they fast track Star Wars Land, that probably means that they listened.

Disney could lose every person on this board who complains about the new system or supposed lack of new attractions and I doubt they'd even feel it. It really is such a small minority that it's insignificant. Disney does studies and research all the time and while I'm not blinded by pixie dust enough to think they're just out to make me happy, I know they're out to make money.

They won't intentionally do anything they think will hurt their bottom line in the long run. They've been around a while, I don't suspect they've gotten stupid and don't know what a majority of people want from them. Their studies show that a majority of people who are actually going to the park like the changes and are happy with the parks as they currently are.

Will they lose a few due to nothing but fp+ or some other complaint I read on these boards? Maybe, but while there may be a lot of complaints, the vast majority of the complainers are still shucking out their money to Disney. You'll hear- "taking a break for a year or 2" , but those who say, "I'm done, we're never ever going back", are few and far between.

There's a fine line between loyal and fanatacism- some people are over the line and think that they know better than Disney how to run their business. I'm not sure Disney wants that guest anyway.

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

I'm just not interested in armchair Imagineering. It's a big waste of time because Disney would never take specific suggestions from us about a new project. They think we would use that as an excuse to sue them (and, in some cases, they're right).

Disney knows what's unpopular and needs to be replaced.

I've shared plenty of ideas through the years on this site about what I would like to see happen. Hey Disney, if you want to use my ideas, please feel free. I won't sue you.

Maybe you don't have and Disney souvenirs, but our house is full of Disney crap..I mean "treasures".

Some 10 years ago, I went to WDW Paris. What struck me most at the time, was how few people were wearing Disney gear/shirts. At the time, grown men wearing Goofy hats were ubiquitous at WDW. Lots of families wore Disney matching Disney shorts. I actually brought a shirt that had a small Mickey on it, and felt almost silly wearing it, even in the parks.

On my most recent trip, the $30 price tag for a Anna or Elsa shirt got my attention. I looked around, and noticed that there has been a HUGE drop off in merchandise wearing at Disney.

The repercussions go beyond just immediate profit. Disney wearing folks represent a subculture of sorts...like being in a club. It's disappearing in a hurry.

I've noticed an increase in the number of people who Disneybound. I wonder if that makes a difference in the number of people wearing Disney gear, as well. Instead of a Snow White shirt, a woman might wear a yellow skirt, red top, blue cardigan, and a red headband. Still shows her Disney side, but she is also able to wear that stuff in the real world (though maybe not all together).

 

[dwheaton]

Disney could lose every person on this board who complains about the new system or supposed lack of new attractions and I doubt they'd even feel it. It really is such a small minority that it's insignificant. Disney does studies and research all the time and while I'm not blinded by pixie dust enough to think they're just out to make me happy, I know they're out to make money.

They won't intentionally do anything they think will hurt their bottom line in the long run. They've been around a while, I don't suspect they've gotten stupid and don't know what a majority of people want from them. Their studies show that a majority of people who are actually going to the park like the changes and are happy with the parks as they currently are.

Here's the thing, though. It isn't just about who goes to the parks. People may still go to Disney, but they could go for fewer days. They may decide not to buy that extra merchandise, or eat a nicer meal, or even stay on site.

Another thing that shouldn't be underestimated is word of mouth. They could lose all of us, but we're also the people that give them free advertising by telling friends, writing blogs, and selling the idea of the magic of Disney. I know that I've done it with friends who thought about going.

Any company risks losing their prophets at their own peril. They will still survive and do big numbers, but it hurts them somewhere even if they don't realize it.

 

[OtherScott]

I'm just not interested in armchair Imagineering. It's a big waste of time because Disney would never take specific suggestions from us about a new project. They think we would use that as an excuse to sue them (and, in some cases, they're right).

Disney knows what's unpopular and needs to be replaced.

Disney's judgment sufficient on what to change but not on whether to change?

 

[OtherScott]

Here's the thing, though. It isn't just about who goes to the parks. People may still go to Disney, but they could go for fewer days. They may decide not to buy that extra merchandise, or eat a nicer meal, or even stay on site.

Another thing that shouldn't be underestimated is word of mouth. They could lose all of us, but we're also the people that give them free advertising by telling friends, writing blogs, and selling the idea of the magic of Disney. I know that I've done it with friends who thought about going.

Any company risks losing their prophets at their own peril. They will still survive and do big numbers, but it hurts them somewhere even if they don't realize it.

Disney has to satisfy their guests to turn them into evangelists. I listened to a complete stranger tell my friend about how nice it was to go to park with FPs. I watched my friend nod affirmatively with interest.

Anecdotes abound. Guests will always tell others what they think.

 

[tim123]

Just for some background....
I live in Florida and have been going to Disney for over 40 years.
Recently, though, I've noticed changes that are turning me off to want to visit, or spend my money there.
For example: * the fastpass+ thing and having to plan before you go.
* ending the American Adventure Fife and Drum Corp. (and not replacing it with any other patriotic program)
* people reserving throwaway campsites at Fort Wilderness just to get their magic bands
*......and don't get me started on those!
* and now we're gonna have to start paying between 10 and 20 dollars just to park at Downtown Disney.
* oh, and Starbucks

The list goes on, but these are just a few at the tip of my fingers.
Sorry. Had to vent.

NO.
Here's why.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCDjdbRcEHU&feature=em-upload_owner

 

[Ellwood970]

Maybe you don't have and Disney souvenirs, but our house is full of Disney crap..I mean "treasures". Some 10 years ago, I went to WDW Paris. What struck me most at the time, was how few people were wearing Disney gear/shirts. At the time, grown men wearing Goofy hats were ubiquitous at WDW. Lots of families wore Disney matching Disney shorts. I actually brought a shirt that had a small Mickey on it, and felt almost silly wearing it, even in the parks. On my most recent trip, the $30 price tag for a Anna or Elsa shirt got my attention. I looked around, and noticed that there has been a HUGE drop off in merchandise wearing at Disney. The repercussions go beyond just immediate profit. Disney wearing folks represent a subculture of sorts...like being in a club. It's disappearing in a hurry.

I have noticed this too. There is a change in the wind.

 

[flicx]

Their studies show that a majority of people who are actually going to the park like the changes and are happy with the parks as they currently are.

Really I haven't seen this. From the sources I have read it has been a mixed bag at best. Not to mention the glitchy rollout has had quite a few issues with customers that still to this day are happening. There is a fine line between a study and hype or maybe better put propaganda.

 

[MouseClubMama]

Maybe you don't have and Disney souvenirs, but our house is full of Disney crap..I mean "treasures".

Some 10 years ago, I went to WDW Paris. What struck me most at the time, was how few people were wearing Disney gear/shirts. At the time, grown men wearing Goofy hats were ubiquitous at WDW. Lots of families wore Disney matching Disney shorts. I actually brought a shirt that had a small Mickey on it, and felt almost silly wearing it, even in the parks.

On my most recent trip, the $30 price tag for a Anna or Elsa shirt got my attention. I looked around, and noticed that there has been a HUGE drop off in merchandise wearing at Disney.

The repercussions go beyond just immediate profit. Disney wearing folks represent a subculture of sorts...like being in a club. It's disappearing in a hurry.

So true. When I saw the prices on the Disney T shirts, I thought about what we could do with that money. A couple of family members purchased non Disney T shirts at DTD, but not one of us came home with Disney logo clothing. As a family who really loved those Disney treasures, our souvenir shopping has also suffered significantly since the merchandise in the gift shops has become so generic. I cannot wrap my mind around Disney's repetitive merchandise strategy, since even the infrequent Disney guest would be bored silly in the 'cloned 'gift shops. IMHO more of the same old is not the best business plan.

 

[crostorfer]

Read my post above. There's no way in hell they can afford to lose the 20%. They've just been taking us for granted, assuming with great arrogance that we will always keep coming back at the same rate. I don't think it ever occurred to them that FP+ would cost them some repeat business. Why should they? They're Disney, sitting on top of a multi-billion dollar media empire. When you're on top, it's hard to imagine ending up anywhere else.



Indeed.

Oh yes they can, if they can get the 80% to spend more and stay longer.

WDW seems to have shifted to the same principle Vegas adopted a few years ago after the economic downturn. They don't need 80 average, budget-minded guests if they have 20 "whales". The price to stay on site is already out of the average American's reach, the cost of the park passes continues to rise, the price of merchandise continues to rise, and these mysterious upsell events keep cropping up during regularly scheduled events, offering more, exclusive opportunities to those who are willing to pay more.

 

[MataHari22]

NO.
Here's why.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCDjdbRcEHU&feature=em-upload_owner

I accidentally clicked on this thread, instead of the one below it, and I'm glad I did. I watched the whole thing. Thank you for the smile.

 

[Peachkins]

So true. When I saw the prices on the Disney T shirts, I thought about what we could do with that money. A couple of family members purchased non Disney T shirts at DTD, but not one of us came home with Disney logo clothing. As a family who really loved those Disney treasures, our souvenir shopping has also suffered significantly since the merchandise in the gift shops has become so generic. I cannot wrap my mind around Disney's repetitive merchandise strategy, since even the infrequent Disney guest would be bored silly in the 'cloned 'gift shops. IMHO more of the same old is not the best business plan.

I agree. Our last trip I didn't buy any Disney clothing- I don't think I really bought anything in the normal gift shops. I tend to look for more unusual things- not those that I can find in my local Disney store or online. Almost all of my purchases that trip came from the little stores in Downtown Disney. My favorite souvenir was actually a small watercolor painting I got at the art store there. The only thing I bought in any of the parks was a pair of leopard-print Mickey ears at AK.

 

[dawgsgirl]

I am another loyal guest who is turned off by WDW. Don't plan to renew the AP's. I have no illusions that Disney cares even a little bit about my discontent!! I am a nightmare customer. I do stay on site and buy my AP. But, I never eat a sit down meal and only counter service when I have to in the parks. Off-site eating is not bad at all!! I buy my Disney stuff at the Outlet Store. I don't participate in the upsell events. Never stay at Disney without a discount. I don't use my MB to charge anything to the room. The list goes on. I have gotten to be an expert on giving them as little of my money as possible. It did not used to be this way. My attitude has changed over the years. I am sure Disney will be glad to see me go!! LOL!!

 

[cakebaker]

Really I haven't seen this. From the sources I have read it has been a mixed bag at best. Not to mention the glitchy rollout has had quite a few issues with customers that still to this day are happening. There is a fine line between a study and hype or maybe better put propaganda.

Who knows for sure what the real story is on guest satisfaction- but Disney parks are packed. It doesn't look like they're suffering any backlash yet.

As I said before, even on this forum where complaining is the norm, how many posts do you see from people who say I'm never going back.

Even those that claim they're done- really? Why are you on a Disney forum if you're done? If I was so unhappy with Disney that I was never going back, I wouldn't frequent forums that were Disney related.

 

[mom2rtk]

Even those that claim they're done- really? Why are you on a Disney forum if you're done? If I was so unhappy with Disney that I was never going back, I wouldn't frequent forums that were Disney related.

Most aren't saying they are done. Many of the unhappy ones are taking a break, traveling elsewhere for now, and keeping plugged into a Disney forum to see if things get better.

Makes complete sense to me.