Is there still a Disney Difference?

[brunette8706]

Hey Disers!!

With the downgrade of the Disney Dining Plan, not opening another 5th park, attractions that are in need of repair, Attractions, especially in the Hollywood Studios, that are dated. Tickets and restaurant prices that are skyrocketing. The monorail system that is consistently failing and more frequently if I may add, do you still feel that Disney continues to set the standard for the "Disney Difference"?

Feel free to give examples of recent visits to support your point of view!

I personally think Disney needs to re-evaluate the attractions, the monorail, and the dining experience.

What do you think?

Brunette

 

[DLB]

Have you been to another theme park recently? We went to six flags last week and it was HORRIBLE!!!! If you have been to Disney - noting else compares.
- long boring ride waits with nothing nice to look at.
- a long walk from the parking lot
- food service was awful! There was only cafeteria style food. The same thing offered at every station. No place to sit
- food Was not edible, at all. It was served cold and it was nasty. Took forever to get our order. No one knew what they were doing.
- it was very expensive for gross food
- bees everywhere attacking you when you tried to throw out anything
- DIRTY!!!!! A noticeable difference of cleanliness

I am sure that there was more things that drove me insane, but wanted to weigh in on how different the experience was from Disney.

 

[sydneysmom]

Personally, I think you can find the negative in pretty much anything, if you look hard enough. When we went, most of main street was covered in tarps. We hardly noticed at all.

This is just my opinion, but in the state the economy is in, businesses have to make sound business decisions in order to stay afloat. I think if you love Disney, you still choose to go. I don't think it's falling into disrepair or anything, and it seems as though they are doing major construction w/ the DVC and FLE. For people that go frequently, they'll never build fast enough for people to be happy.

For us, the magic is there. I choose to go not looking for what is wrong, but what truly makes Disney so magical. I think if you feel that way about Disney, maybe a break from going would help bring that magic back.

 

[FloridaDreaming]

I don't see an immediate need for a 5th park. I didn't see a need for a 4th but, was pleasantly surprised when they did open Animal Kingdom. And I don't think that because they are telling us there's no plans for a 5th, that there isn't. When there's a brilliant idea that they think would work, I'm sure they'd go for it. That being said, I'd rather they didn't open a 5th park until other areas are updated. But, Fantasyland is just about there and I'm sure there's a next project in the waiting.

There's all sorts of buzz around one of the Cars Land imagineers being transferred to Florida. I'm sure that wasn't for nothing. Rumors of doing away with Lights Motors Action and possibly the Backlot Tour (okay, I'm not positive I heard that about the tour but, since they gutted a lot of it for the stunt show, I could do without it now) to make way for better things. Something is going to happen at DHS.

I'm not a fan of the high prices of the Dining Plan. But, after a few free dining trips, I'm not sure I'd purchase it anyway anymore. Only because I'm sometimes happiest when I'm just snacking my way around the parks one day instead of sit down meals or even counter service.

I can't speak for the monorail system because we don't stay at monorail resorts. But, if you're paying a lot of money to stay at one of them then yes, I absolutely think they need to get some mechanical attention.

I believe in the Disney Difference because I still feel it when we are there. When I walk down Main Street and smell popcorn. When I'm getting ready to ride Pirates of the Caribbean. When I hear the entrance music at Epcot. When I'm doing the wave during the Fantasmic preshow. And when I'm wiping away tear during Illuminations or Wishes. So, in my own personal opinion, as long as I'm still giddy as a little kid when I'm there, I'll continue to happily give them my money. And because I think that they are working on new ideas. Sure, they'll take time. But that's okay because I still plan on being a Disney addict for many years to come.

 

[Melodious]

Hey Disers!!

With the downgrade of the Disney Dining Plan, not opening another 5th park, attractions that are in need of repair, Attractions, especially in the Hollywood Studios, that are dated. Tickets and restaurant prices that are skyrocketing. The monorail system that is consistently failing and more frequently if I may add, do you still feel that Disney continues to set the standard for the "Disney Difference"?

Feel free to give examples of recent visits to support your point of view!

I personally think Disney needs to re-evaluate the attractions, the monorail, and the dining experience.

What do you think?

Brunette

It sounds like you've already made up your mind. But for me and my family, the Disney difference isn't a ride or the monorail, and we don't do the dining plan. The Disney difference is the feeling that we get when we walk on property, and that certainly still exists for us, in the theming, the cast members, and classic and new rides. I certainly don't get that feeling when I go to Carowinds, Six Flags, Sea World, or Universal. At those places, I feel a step up from the state fair where I am simply moving from ride to ride with only cafeteria food in between.

 

[marshallsmommy]

I went on my first Disney Vacation last January as a 29 year old mother of a 9 month old (he stayed home) for me it was the most amazing vacation ever! I've been a lot of places Mexico, Hawaii, Maine, everywhere in the midwest and no where can even come close to the feeling u get when you go under that archway. I had no childhood ties to the place, no fuzzy memories of me to hold on to and I am still obsessed! I already have 2 more trips back planned for Jan 2013 and Dec 2013. For me its worth the money and hey even if I end up getting stuck on a monorail I will be in Disney World!

 

[mattsdragon]

If you seem to think everything is so negative and not worth it anymore, than don't go. That'll just be one less person in line in front of me and my family.

 

[LockShockBarrel]

Aren't there umpteen threads about this already? The 5th park has been discussed ad nauseum, and really I doubt anyone who truly truly feels the parks aren't worth it anymore would continue to bother with boards like this.

 

[jamelynn24]

I still love Disney and it will always be our magical family vacation!
That being said, I've noticed far more rides breaking down over the past 2 years. I've also seen more CM's walking to their jobs with backpacks than ever before. It doesn't ruin the magic, just makes me think they are getting sloppy with what Walt created. I hope it's just a small downfall and will get better in time. So, OP, I understand what you are saying.
These are just small things that I've seen and my kids obviously have no idea. We will, however, continue to spend our life fortune at WDW

 

[disneysteve]

If you seem to think everything is so negative and not worth it anymore, than don't go. That'll just be one less person in line in front of me and my family.

Me too. Disney always has been and still remains a magical place, unmatched in our experience. Is it perfect? No, but what is?

We couldn't care less about the dining plan. Never had it. Don't expect we ever will.

Things break, sometimes faster than they can keep up with repairs. In case you haven't noticed, they're busy with the largest park expansion in their 40-year history. We can't wait to go back next year and enjoy the new Fantasyland.

We are actually on the final day of our visit right now. We leave for home in the morning. We arrived on 8/10 and have had a fantastic time, just as I've had on my 29 previous trips. I see no reason to stop coming. I do think there are some things that could use some extra attention but overall, Disney still blows away the competition.

 

[LoverDisney]

I have been to several amusement parks and they do not compare to Disney! We live near Hershey Park and my kids have no desire to go there after visiting Disney.

 

[brunette8706]

Aren't there umpteen threads about this already? The 5th park has been discussed ad nauseum, and really I doubt anyone who truly truly feels the parks aren't worth it anymore would continue to bother with boards like this.

*
uM NO. I haven't seen any threads about a 5th park. What I see is that there are more and more negative threads in the past 2 years with the decline in:

A. Monorail Maintenance
B. Attraction Maintenance
C. New and Improved Attractions
D. Monorail operating times
E. Disney Dining Plans -- priciing
F. Dining that has declined
G. Lack of another park
H. Upkeep of Parks (paint, maintenance etc.)
I. Bathrooms that need improvements
J. Lack of Holiday Decorations
K. Increase of Party pricing plus lack of treats and decorations
on and on.

We still love Disney but we have definitely seen a decline in the Disney Difference.

 

[rachel09985]

Hey Disers!!

With the downgrade of the Disney Dining Plan, not opening another 5th park, attractions that are in need of repair, Attractions, especially in the Hollywood Studios, that are dated. Tickets and restaurant prices that are skyrocketing. The monorail system that is consistently failing and more frequently if I may add, do you still feel that Disney continues to set the standard for the "Disney Difference"?

Feel free to give examples of recent visits to support your point of view!

I personally think Disney needs to re-evaluate the attractions, the monorail, and the dining experience.

What do you think?

Brunette

What do you mean downgrade of the dining plan?

 

[brunette8706]

What do you mean downgrade of the dining plan?

hey there!

I mean pricing going up and disappearing of menu items on the, well menu's. It used to cost approximately $35 and change back in 2005 which included an appetizer and tip now it costs over $50 withOUT tip and does not include appetizer plus they took alot of the more expensive items off the menus.

Brunette

 

[Phatoomch]

It sounds like you've already made up your mind. But for me and my family, the Disney difference isn't a ride or the monorail, and we don't do the dining plan. The Disney difference is the feeling that we get when we walk on property, and that certainly still exists for us, in the theming, the cast members, and classic and new rides. I certainly don't get that feeling when I go to Carowinds, Six Flags, Sea World, or Universal. At those places, I feel a step up from the state fair where I am simply moving from ride to ride with only cafeteria food in between.

Snap!

 

[rachel09985]

Do you even enjoy yourself when you go to the parks anymore? Or is all you do is look around for things to complain about? If so, that is sad. And I am not talking about you specifically, i am talking about people in general. I feel like there are lots of complaints now and that is sad!


Yeah it sucks when prices go up, and I do think that the dining plan prices are at the break even point, but i still don't go around and find things to complain about, unless its horrendous and we were treated horribly!

 

[vicki_c]

Brunette - you have started and participated in enough similar threads to predict how this will go. Some will agree, some will not. Everyone will argue eventually and maybe the thread will get closed. What's the point?

The famous 4000 post thread that I recall that you started:
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2523790

 

[FloridaDreaming]

G. Lack of another park

I think this would qualify as 5th park complaint. With 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, golf courses, water sports, a ranch, a shopping district, and whatever else I'm sure I'm missing... Disney seems to have a good amount of entertainment real estate. Now, if some people are complaining about there not being enough to do there, it's probably time to take a WDW break. Truth is, in my 20+ trips, I've yet to see or do it all. I'm usually too busy running around the parks.

 

[rachel09985]

I realized my post sounded a little harsh. I don't have children so it is just me and my boyfriend but here is my Disney Difference!

Having 100s of CMs tell you Happy Birthday when you are wearing a birthday pin
Bringing out special desserts for your birthday, anniversary, anything
Seeing children's eyes light up when they finally get to meet the princesses
Watching my little cousin getting revealed after her make over at BBB
Just being in the environment! There could be half as many rides and I would still just love being there.
Acting like a child even though I am 27 before I meet a character
Snow on Main Street in December in Florida!!
Being able to eat dessert with my every meal!

 

[brunette8706]

Brunette - you have started and participated in enough similar threads to predict how this will go. Some will agree, some will not. Everyone will argue eventually and maybe the thread will get closed. What's the point?

The famous 4000 post thread that I recall that you started:
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2523790

*
Hey Vicki C!

Yes I know. My bad. LOL! It just seems within the last 3 - 5 years there has even been more of a decline based on the threads on this very forum! LOL! We love Disney and we still go. We have annual passes. We do think that Disney is in a major need of renovation and is lacking in a real Disney Difference. I have been reading this board since 2004 and I have never seen so many complaints in the last 2 years on this board! I'm just trying to get a so called survey or input from people on this board regarding their input in regards to the Disney Diffierence or lack of. But as I said earlier we still love Disney! Thank goodness for the annual passes!