Just back and not happy

[GadgetRick]

Yeah, it's one of those posts...

Been going to DW for about 20 years now. Have seen lots of changes. Haven't liked the direction they've been headed for the last 10 (or so) years. I may have finally reached my breaking point. Unfortunately, we had just renewed our APs.

Anyway, first of all I must say, I'm incredibly-disappointed in the new 7 Dwarfs Mine Train attraction. Really? That's it? After all that time and all that hype? Even my 11 and 8 year old kids were like, "That's it?" Sure, the 11 year old is liking bigger rides but the 8 year old still likes some of the tamer rides. But it really was disappointing. I'm sure there are people here talking about how awesome it is. Well, nobody in our party (7 in all) thought it was worthwhile at all and we've all been Disney fans for many years.

We used to love Star Wars Weekends but, this year, they really took all of the fun out of it. Not nearly as many SW characters out and about in the various areas for photo ops. The new Darth's Mall is ridiculous. Had to wait on line to get in even though it wasn't terribly crowded inside. Apparently, it was so people could take photos in front of a couple of backdrops using an app, which adds things to the photo and has some video stuff. Why do we ALL need to wait on line? Does Disney just want EVERYONE to wait on a line while on property?

Once into the shopping area I was like, "Where is all of the cool stuff they've had in past years?" The merchandise was lame (at best) and they didn't have all of the art they used to have on display/for sale. Big fail.

Food still sucks although we did dine at Be Our Guest and I was impressed. Food choices were better and, as long as you didn't get the standard fare (e.g. hamburger/hot dog/french fries) it wasn't half bad. Rooms were also very cool although I'm not a Beauty and the Beast fan but I can appreciate what they did there. So that was nice although it was RIDICULOUSLY expensive ($60+ for 2 adult choices and 2 kid meals).

We had gotten the postcard in the mail months ago about getting the bracelets. My kids and wife wanted them so I tried to order them online. Couldn't get it to work. Called customer service, they walked me through ordering it. Ok, order placed about a month before this trip. Well, they never showed up.

So we stopped by Guest Services to inquire. They just went in and placed another order. Not sure exactly why they can't just give them out there. I mean, they actually SELL them in the parks. I know, what about personalization? Who cares if my name is on the darn thing? We all chose different colors. Another thing which makes no sense.

And, most of all, Fast Pass Plus SUCKS!!!!!!! I thought it sucked when they first rolled it out but I was hoping they'd correct some things. Well, they didn't. Still impossible to get the popular attractions unless you book very far in advance. Like most people, I don't know what I'm doing in 2 hours much less 30 days from now. A vacation shouldn't have to be planned out to the minute.

If you miss your FP+ time, well, that also sucks. I didn't realize I could correct it on the app and went to the attraction to ask how to have it corrected. They directed me to a kiosk. Huh!!?? Why couldn't they have either told me I could use the app or, better yet, why can they not do it themselves at the attraction? That's just plain stupid, but, then again, the whole system is stupid.

I actually said to my family after this trip I'm thinking of doing Universal once these APs are done. I got not push back, which I didn't expect as we've been a Disney family forever. It's really a shame they've taken something which was so great and turned it into the money machine it is now. They seem to only want to get that family coming for that, "once in a lifetime," visit so they can squeeze a bunch of money out of them and they know they won't get the complaints from them because, well, they just don't know any better. It's obvious they couldn't care less about regular customers.

I waited a few days before writing this to think more about it. Wanted to make sure it wasn't a knee-jerk reaction. Well, it's not. Again, it's a shame but I'm very disappointed in Disney and what they've become.

 

[nkereina]

Well, Disney is a for-profit corporation. So is Universal. At Universal, you're forced to stay at a Universal resort or pay an exorbitant price for access to the equivalent of their "fast pass". If you want to ride the Hogwarts Express in the new Diagon Alley, you're required to have the park-to-park ticket. So they all have their pros and cons. Sorry you were so disappointed.

 

[Cais]

Objectively, your comment about less Star Wars characters out and less photo opportunities is incorrect. There are actually more of both than there has ever been.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[mesaboy2]

Yeah, it's one of those posts...

Been going to DW for about 20 years now. Have seen lots of changes. Haven't liked the direction they've been headed for the last 10 (or so) years. I may have finally reached my breaking point. Unfortunately, we had just renewed our APs.

Anyway, first of all I must say, I'm incredibly-disappointed in the new 7 Dwarfs Mine Train attraction. Really? That's it? After all that time and all that hype? Even my 11 and 8 year old kids were like, "That's it?" Sure, the 11 year old is liking bigger rides but the 8 year old still likes some of the tamer rides. But it really was disappointing. I'm sure there are people here talking about how awesome it is. Well, nobody in our party (7 in all) thought it was worthwhile at all and we've all been Disney fans for many years.

We used to love Star Wars Weekends but, this year, they really took all of the fun out of it. Not nearly as many SW characters out and about in the various areas for photo ops. The new Darth's Mall is ridiculous. Had to wait on line to get in even though it wasn't terribly crowded inside. Apparently, it was so people could take photos in front of a couple of backdrops using an app, which adds things to the photo and has some video stuff. Why do we ALL need to wait on line? Does Disney just want EVERYONE to wait on a line while on property?

Once into the shopping area I was like, "Where is all of the cool stuff they've had in past years?" The merchandise was lame (at best) and they didn't have all of the art they used to have on display/for sale. Big fail.

Food still sucks although we did dine at Be Our Guest and I was impressed. Food choices were better and, as long as you didn't get the standard fare (e.g. hamburger/hot dog/french fries) it wasn't half bad. Rooms were also very cool although I'm not a Beauty and the Beast fan but I can appreciate what they did there. So that was nice although it was RIDICULOUSLY expensive ($60+ for 2 adult choices and 2 kid meals).

We had gotten the postcard in the mail months ago about getting the bracelets. My kids and wife wanted them so I tried to order them online. Couldn't get it to work. Called customer service, they walked me through ordering it. Ok, order placed about a month before this trip. Well, they never showed up.

So we stopped by Guest Services to inquire. They just went in and placed another order. Not sure exactly why they can't just give them out there. I mean, they actually SELL them in the parks. I know, what about personalization? Who cares if my name is on the darn thing? We all chose different colors. Another thing which makes no sense.

And, most of all, Fast Pass Plus SUCKS!!!!!!! I thought it sucked when they first rolled it out but I was hoping they'd correct some things. Well, they didn't. Still impossible to get the popular attractions unless you book very far in advance. Like most people, I don't know what I'm doing in 2 hours much less 30 days from now. A vacation shouldn't have to be planned out to the minute.

If you miss your FP+ time, well, that also sucks. I didn't realize I could correct it on the app and went to the attraction to ask how to have it corrected. They directed me to a kiosk. Huh!!?? Why couldn't they have either told me I could use the app or, better yet, why can they not do it themselves at the attraction? That's just plain stupid, but, then again, the whole system is stupid.

I actually said to my family after this trip I'm thinking of doing Universal once these APs are done. I got not push back, which I didn't expect as we've been a Disney family forever. It's really a shame they've taken something which was so great and turned it into the money machine it is now. They seem to only want to get that family coming for that, "once in a lifetime," visit so they can squeeze a bunch of money out of them and they know they won't get the complaints from them because, well, they just don't know any better. It's obvious they couldn't care less about regular customers.

I waited a few days before writing this to think more about it. Wanted to make sure it wasn't a knee-jerk reaction. Well, it's not. Again, it's a shame but I'm very disappointed in Disney and what they've become.

The mass disappointment of 7DMT is a hot topic thread the last few days. It was exactly what I expected, as I knew not to trust the hype and impatience of fansites like this one. In my opinion, Disney itself has not hyped it.

I am not aware of any burgers or hot dogs available at BOG, even for kids.

Links like the green one in my signature were written to help anyone interested in learning all about FP+ before going. Your statement that it is "impossible to get the popular attractions unless you book very far in advance" is incorrect.

 

[Peepster]

Yeah, we'll get flamed here but I agree. We have over 50 trips under our belts and we were annual passholders, DVC'ers and D23 members for a long, long time. No more. Have used FP+ and cannot complain about how it works as most of our glitches have been small ones (except for the first trip when I spent hours and hours on the phone with tech support and they can't seem to connect my spouse to our MDE yet but still not major snafus).
We are just people who like to be spontaneous and and not keep our noses glued to our phones during our vacation and you CANNOT have a good time in the parks anymore without waiting in outrageous standby lines. We are going down for Harambe Nights event but not planning on spending much time in the parks.
Glad they are increasing profits (although I find it offensive to have a company rub it in my face) but I do not like being held prisoner in the parks.
Expressed our concerns once and they gave us a number to call but...no one ever answered. Dropped AP's, dropped D23 membership and will be selling DVC next spring. Again, just our choice. There are many other places to spend our vacation dollars.
There is always someone in our place who is drinking the kool-aid. Christmas resesrvations have already been made elsewhere.

 

[GadgetRick]

Objectively, your comment about less Star Wars characters out and less photo opportunities is incorrect. There are actually more of both than there has ever been.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

Well then, your comment about there being more out this year is incorrect.

I was there all day Saturday and I assure there were were FAR less out than ever before.

 

[GadgetRick]

Well, Disney is a for-profit corporation. So is Universal. At Universal, you're forced to stay at a Universal resort or pay an exorbitant price for access to the equivalent of their "fast pass". If you want to ride the Hogwarts Express in the new Diagon Alley, you're required to have the park-to-park ticket. So they all have their pros and cons. Sorry you were so disappointed.

I understand the profit thing. My point is, they've ALWAYS been for profit and it's been (relatively) lately they've been moving in the direction they've been going. So, it doesn't HAVE to be that way. You can still make money and provide a great product.

 

[CAS239]

Didn't have the art they used to have for sale/display? As in actual art pieces? There's plenty throughout every park.

Sucks you had a bad trip. Our party enjoyed the 7 dwarfs mine ride and we all love the magic bands and FP's. I haven't had any trouble with the Magic Bands and haven't had an issue booking any FP's we want a few days out to 2 weeks out

I'm also going to be getting Universal AP's as well, but not because Disney sucks. Mainly to have the free HHN tickets and to go check out the new Harry Potter stuff

 

[GadgetRick]

The mass disappointment of 7DMT is a hot topic thread the last few days. It was exactly what I expected, as I knew not to trust the hype and impatience of fansites like this one. In my opinion, Disney itself has not hyped it.

I am not aware of any burgers or hot dogs available at BOG, even for kids.

Links like the green one in my signature were written to help anyone interested in learning all about FP+ before going. Your statement that it is "impossible to get the popular attractions unless you book very far in advance" is incorrect.

I never said there were hotdogs/burgers. I said normal fare like that sort of thing.

And yeah, it's impossible to get a FP for the more popular attractions. Try getting one for the mine train or for Toy Story Mania. There are none available when you get there. Again, you shouldn't have to plan out such details so far in advance to enjoy a vacation. What about someone who just says, "What the heck, let's go to Disney this weekend!" We've done that MANY times (we live 2 hoursish away as do MILLIONS of other people).

FP+ sucks.

 

[Karbase8]

Well, Disney is a for-profit corporation. So is Universal. At Universal, you're forced to stay at a Universal resort or pay an exorbitant price for access to the equivalent of their "fast pass". If you want to ride the Hogwarts Express in the new Diagon Alley, you're required to have the park-to-park ticket. So they all have their pros and cons. Sorry you were so disappointed.

I hear ya! Me and my son are doing a split trip to Universal and I couldn't believe the prices! I thought Disney was expensive, we are spending 3 days in US, had to stay at the Royal Pacific and the 2 day pass with hop option is so much money! My US trip is the same price as going to Disney for 5 days. Disney looks reasonable to me now!

 

[GadgetRick]

Didn't have the art they used to have for sale/display? As in actual art pieces? There's plenty throughout every park.

Sucks you had a bad trip. Our party enjoyed the 7 dwarfs mine ride and we all love the magic bands and FP's. I haven't had any trouble with the Magic Bands and haven't had an issue booking any FP's we want a few days out to 2 weeks out

I'm also going to be getting Universal AP's as well, but not because Disney sucks. Mainly to have the free HHN tickets and to go check out the new Harry Potter stuff

The past few years (that's how long we've been doing SWWs) they've had the art for sale and on display in Darth's Mall. They didn't do it this year and I'm not sure what art you're talking about being on display throughout the park. I've not seen any.

 

[mesaboy2]

I never said there were hotdogs/burgers. I said normal fare like that sort of thing.

And yeah, it's impossible to get a FP for the more popular attractions. Try getting one for the mine train or for Toy Story Mania. There are none available when you get there. Again, you shouldn't have to plan out such details so far in advance to enjoy a vacation. What about someone who just says, "What the heck, let's go to Disney this weekend!" We've done that MANY times (we live 2 hoursish away as do MILLIONS of other people).

FP+ sucks.

If you've read any of my stuff before you might get the gist of my stance on FP+. That said, I had the option of scheduling RnRC last Thursday at 3:00p for later that day. So no, it's not impossible to get a FP for the more popular attractions.

 

[GadgetRick]

If you've read any of my stuff before you might get the gist of my stance on FP+. That said, I had the option of scheduling RnRC last Thursday at 3:00p for later that day. So no, it's not impossible to get a FP for the more popular attractions.

So everyone has to read what you've read in order to figure out how to use the system? Yeah that makes sense.

Again, FP+ sucks.

 

[mesaboy2]

So everyone has to read what you've read in order to figure out how to use the system? Yeah that makes sense.

Again, FP+ sucks.

I agree the system is overly complicated. I wrote a post to help folks with that. So sue me.

I was specifically countering your incorrect, or should I say hyperbolized, statement regarding availability of FPs for popular attactions with my own real-world experience 6 days ago.

 

[jade1]

At least you know not to go back, too bad on the AP's but you will be way way ahead going forward.

 

[Disfan1968]

My impression is that hardcore DIS people who used to like the FP system as it allowed ambitious people to get their hands on tons of them do not really like the new system.

As for me? Well I'll have 30 passes over my ten day trip. Easily double what I would have chased down on the old system. Works for me. Sorry it doesn't make everyone happy.

As for some other comments. You say food still sucks? Well, that implies you have had plenty of food that "sucks" on previous trips. My suggestion is to stop paying money for something you expect will suck based on previous experience.

As for me. I am easy to please. I like the food. I expect to pay too much for it. So I do.

 

[drquest]

The past few years (that's how long we've been doing SWWs) they've had the art for sale and on display in Darth's Mall. They didn't do it this year and I'm not sure what art you're talking about being on display throughout the park. I've not seen any.

We were in Darth's Mall over the weekend of the 23rd and there was plenty of artwork there. Far right corner near Ackbar's Snackbar.

 

[BaxterSaysMeoww]

I was just there about 3 weeks ago and it was my first time using FP+, I was really worried I would hate it and just feel like I have to stick to this schedule constantly, but I actually loved it. FP+ finally gave me the chance to ride things I could never get a regular FP to ride before like Toy Story and Soarin'. We changed our times around constantly throughout the day and never had an issue doing it. And also there were a couple of times we didn't want to wait inbetween FP times and we would go to the ride and ask the CM if we could scan through early, and never once did one of them no, which have us the opportunity to use our initial 3 earlier then we thought so then we could start grabbing new ones from the kiosk. Even when no good FP's were left we would usually close out whatever park was opened latest which made it very easy to go through the standby line with hardly any wait. This was my first time being there during Star Wars Weekends but I saw a lot of characters around the park all day. And I was there before the mine train opened so I never got to ride it so I have no opinion on that.

 

[GadgetRick]

I agree the system is overly complicated. I wrote a post to help folks with that. So sue me.

I was specifically countering your incorrect, or should I say hyperbolized, statement regarding availability of FPs for popular attactions with my own real-world experience 6 days ago.

Honestly, I didn't mean to come off so harsh towards you, sorry about that. My point is, it shouldn't be so complicated that guest should have to research it in order to figure out how to work the system.

And I'm sorry but I've been there 3x since FP+ came out. Each time I had the same problem getting a FP for the more popular attractions. Sure, if you don't mind staying at the park until it closes you may be able to get one but not everyone plans to be there all night. And some of the attractions have NONE available (mine train is an example).

I will say one thing positive about FP+ the wait for someone with a FP is much shorter. Then again, that may be because they are giving out less FPs? I think there may be a happy medium somewhere.

 

[sethschroeder]

Yeah, we'll get flamed here but I agree. We have over 50 trips under our belts and we were annual passholders, DVC'ers and D23 members for a long, long time. No more. Have used FP+ and cannot complain about how it works as most of our glitches have been small ones (except for the first trip when I spent hours and hours on the phone with tech support and they can't seem to connect my spouse to our MDE yet but still not major snafus).
We are just people who like to be spontaneous and and not keep our noses glued to our phones during our vacation and you CANNOT have a good time in the parks anymore without waiting in outrageous standby lines. We are going down for Harambe Nights event but not planning on spending much time in the parks.
Glad they are increasing profits (although I find it offensive to have a company rub it in my face) but I do not like being held prisoner in the parks.
Expressed our concerns once and they gave us a number to call but...no one ever answered. Dropped AP's, dropped D23 membership and will be selling DVC next spring. Again, just our choice. There are many other places to spend our vacation dollars.
There is always someone in our place who is drinking the kool-aid. Christmas resesrvations have already been made elsewhere.

What question? About the long lines and glitches in the app? What are they supposed to answer?