Is it just me?

[twinsouvenirs]

Not gonna lie, started to feel that way recently especially after the news coming out of Florida and a spate of runDisney trips that are exhausting, but then I worked a bit on some seriously overdue photo books (Shutterfly is how I scrapbook) and I realized how much stinking fun we have there. And yet I also remember the stress and toddler meltdowns (and we do a laid back trip) so I'm totally conflicted. But man are those pictures cute. We'll be back in November & January, then we've got a Disney Cruise next summer. But as the planner I'm a little burned out. Thinking about making my husband plan January to see if that jazzes it up. But if he does it "wrong..."....

 

[EastTNDisneyFan]

Disney's job is to maximize profits. And since the parks are full and the hotels are full, they don't need "magic."

That may cause people to go other places to find their magic. Its a shame for us members who bought in for 50 years.

I agree all the nickel and diming that is taking place has defiantly distorted the Magic somewhat. However they keep raising the price and people keep going so if I were them, why not. Just like a previous post said wonder what Walt would think of how things are today.

 

[EastTNDisneyFan]

Not gonna lie, started to feel that way recently especially after the news coming out of Florida and a spate of runDisney trips that are exhausting, but then I worked a bit on some seriously overdue photo books (Shutterfly is how I scrapbook) and I realized how much stinking fun we have there. And yet I also remember the stress and toddler meltdowns (and we do a laid back trip) so I'm totally conflicted. But man are those pictures cute. We'll be back in November & January, then we've got a Disney Cruise next summer. But as the planner I'm a little burned out. Thinking about making my husband plan January to see if that jazzes it up. But if he does it "wrong..."....

Totally agree but I usually do the planning and my wife is like why you research so much etc. so I thought about letting her plan the next one but if she does it "wrong...."

 

[Cee]

This summer I visited London and Paris for the first time. It was outstanding. On the long flight home I kept thinking, "Okay, this is done. Now I get to go to Disney!" What a nut I am.....

 

[Anthony1971]

We do go other places every year... from Cruises to Universal to Beaches etc.... We also go to Disney every year for around 20 years...I can say the Magic still exists as it always did... can not think of many Disney trips where something way beyond what you would expect happened. Truthfully have not been on a vacation that does not Nickel and dime and cruises being the worst... Get a so called free Drink plan and you still need to pay to upgrade to the better plan if you want to drink anything decent... and they still try to SELL you drinks that are not included on the plan??? much less a huge list of other things... Is Disney expensive and IMO getting to the point where it is what are they thinking.. yes.. Can a decent meal still be had for reasonable price yes.. you just need to know where to go... ADR's never made them never will never had a problem... even 4th of July week 2 years ago... Fast passes we make them 50 days out or about.. only need it for the one ride that has long lines the rest are made to expire as we rarely use them.. and book something else that has a long line if needed. Not in a rude way but trust me those who have been to Disney enough times know where to go and when to avoid lines... My best example was on a spring break day MK was the most crowded I have ever seen.. lines with the way I do the park.. shortest I ever seen... walked on to a lot of things we were amazed ourselves.. The only thing I can figure is everyone was following the rules and made ADR's and FP reservations and was in such a rush to get to them the did not bother to look to see empty ? land...

 

[crisi]

I agree all the nickel and diming that is taking place has defiantly distorted the Magic somewhat. However they keep raising the price and people keep going so if I were them, why not. Just like a previous post said wonder what Walt would think of how things are today.

Don't kid yourself. Walt made himself a rich man by the standards of the era, and he didn't do it by ignoring profits.

 

[shh]

I am not so sure. Have you watched the documentary about Walt during the animator's strike. He was not the benevolent Uncle Walt many portray him to be. He was a hard core business man who did not mind stepping on others to get his way. I think he would love the Disney of today.

http://www.awn.com/animationworld/w...-devil-incarnate-truth-about-some-those-nasty

Also, it was Walt's idea to charge admission into the park, then extract the highest rates for the E ticket rides the kids wanted most and only dole out a few of those in the pack vs an all-inclusive experience where everyone in the park could ride the best stuff as much as they wanted. Parents who couldn't afford to buy extra E tickets must have felt bad to disappoint their kids. Not saying this was right or wrong - just saying WDW was always an expensive proposition for many families and a huge money making biz.

 

[shh]

Truthfully have not been on a vacation that does not Nickel and dime and cruises being the worst...

OMG yes. Just took our first cruise in 2015 - and two more since. It's definitely a "class" system and they don't try to hide it- special dining rooms, pools, facilities for certain cabins or classes. Extra charges for everything. I loved the cruises, but there's definitely a lot of nickel and diming.

As economy has strengthened and more people are vacationing, I don't think there are too many places these days that give generous value for the dollar. You either get a cheap experience for cheap spend or an enjoyable/unique/rewarding experience, but have to fork over the big bucks.

Of course if we plunge into another deep recession, that'll cycle back and the bargains will be everywhere.

 

[crisi]

The UK is on sale right now if you've always wanted to go to England, Scotland, or Wales.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Disney's job is to maximize profits. And since the parks are full and the hotels are full, they don't need "magic."

That may cause people to go other places to find their magic. Its a shame for us members who bought in for 50 years.

Yes, but once the invisible line is crossed and the reputation is scarred, it may take a generation to rebuild.

They lost big dollars from me simply by closing Pleasure Island.
No, not just the money spent on drinks at the Adventurers Club, but the numerous vacations we cancelled or cut short because there was no more adult entertainment. Signature restaurants, 1500 DVC points, and all that goes with it.

All because they cheaped out on the guest experience...
I'm sure there are lots more like me.

MG

 

[SandyinMonterey]

We felt the same way after a Disneyland trip in 2015. It was Spring Break time, we expected the crowds but it was worse than we imagined. We'd get a FP for Cars first thing in the morning and our return time was 9 p.m. No joking! Returned at FP time to see the line...it was over an hour long. To add insult to injury, the ride kept breaking down. Many rides were breaking down. I know it happens and by no means are we done with Disney. We decided on a Disney cruise that we went on for the first time for Spring Break 2016. I know some people really love it, but for us, it was just okay. Probably not doing that again. We won't be going back any time soon because we just did a big move across country and purchased a house that I'm having a love/hate relationship with right now.

 

[Sammie]

Disney will be successful as long as there is someone to take the place of the one that leaves. So far that seems to be the case.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Disney will be successful as long as there is someone to take the place of the one that leaves. So far that seems to be the case.

Disney used to raise the bar and force other Orlando parks to keep up.

Now, although Disney still may be on top, now the bar is pushed up from other parks, and Disney does just enough to stay afloat.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

If only the newbies here were aware of the way it used to be......

MG

 

[crisi]

Yes, but once the invisible line is crossed and the reputation is scarred, it may take a generation to rebuild.

They lost big dollars from me simply by closing Pleasure Island.
No, not just the money spent on drinks at the Adventurers Club, but the numerous vacations we cancelled or cut short because there was no more adult entertainment. Signature restaurants, 1500 DVC points, and all that goes with it.

All because they cheaped out on the guest experience...
I'm sure there are lots more like me.

MG

Unfortunately, the modern market rewards established companies for short term thinking. And for each one of you, there are three families who just had a four year old fall in love with Elsa and Anna yesterday - planning a trip.

 

[chalee94]

Unfortunately, the modern market rewards established companies for short term thinking. And for each one of you, there are three families who just had a four year old fall in love with Elsa and Anna yesterday - planning a trip.

And "the way it used to be" did not include Frozen or Star Wars. (Or Animal Kingdom or Epcot depending on how far one has to go back to get to their personal "golden age. ")

Disney is always changing (and that is part of the risk with a long term timeshare lease). Some is better and some isn't. Some of the good stuff won't seem quite as great as the first time you saw it. That's just how it goes.

 

[Sammie]

If only the newbies here were aware of the way it used to be......

MG

If you are referring to me, certainly not a newbie. We have been going for over 35 years. we have stayed in every resort and experienced pretty much all they offer. We started going when there was only Magic Kingdom and very few resorts. We have had our DVC for almost 20 years.

Sure things have changed but I just do not see the decline in service that some of you do and if I did, I would quit going. In fact many of the changes we love.

 

[disneynutz]

If you are referring to me, certainly not a newbie. We have been going for over 35 years. we have stayed in every resort and experienced pretty much all they offer. We started going when there was only Magic Kingdom and very few resorts. We have had our DVC for almost 20 years.

Sure things have changed but I just do not see the decline in service that some of you do and if I did, I would quit going. In fact many of the changes we love.

Sammie is a newbie at heart.

Bill

 

[sjrec]

We have been members since 2003 and found ourselves alternating our Disney trips with stays at Hilton Head and Veto Beach. We love Hilton Head-the staff is wonderful, day trips to Savannah and Beaufort are easy and if you can travel in the spring or fall easy to book, although we were able to get a week in June at the 7 month mark.
We have a 6 year old grandson now, so have gone to Disney world the last couple years. What a luxury to stay 10 days (we have to go in the summer) and relax. And believe me, when you go with a 6 year old, there is still plenty of magic!

 

[Maistre Gracey]

If you are referring to me, certainly not a newbie. We have been going for over 35 years. we have stayed in every resort and experienced pretty much all they offer. We started going when there was only Magic Kingdom and very few resorts. We have had our DVC for almost 20 years.

Sure things have changed but I just do not see the decline in service that some of you do and if I did, I would quit going. In fact many of the changes we love.

No, I certainly was not referring to you. I do know you go back a way with Disney.
Actually I wasn't referring to anyone. It was meant as a generic statement.

MG