Just back and not happy

[MakiraMarlena]

There's plenty of free water in the parks too...you can get a free cup of ice water anywhere they have fountain beverages.

 

[wendyt_ca]

Maybe the fact I live in Canada prepares me for the shock of food and beverage pricing because here those are standard prices...If me and my husband go to Mcdonalds it's going to cost us $20. If we walk into a grocery store or walmart and buy water or pop in a personal size it's $2.59...

 

[itchin2go]

So now we have to go and check prices of menus everywhere before we go?

You guys really are ridiculous. But you do have me laughing.

Unless you'd rather show up and learn on the spot. But it doesn't sound like that was to your liking either.

 

[GadgetRick]

Not that I'm surprised at all but, apparently, you still can't have a conversation where someone says something negative about Disney around here without being jumped on and ripped to pieces (oh wait, I'm sure someone will take that literally, I don't mean actually ripping me to pieces, it's a figure of speech).

With that said, I'm done with this thread. Those of you who can't admit anything at Disney is bad, have a good time. For those of you who understand what I'm saying, thanks for understanding.

 

[sethschroeder]

You're right. I'm totally wrong because I didn't spend HOURS of my time researching something which shouldn't be so complicated for a long weekend.

For someone with an annual pass thought you would know the golden rule:
DISNEY IS CONFUSING AND COMPLICATED!

Why do they have a whole sections on Disney in the bookstore about the same size as Rhode Island?

Why are there a multitude of businesses who's sole purpose is to plan a Disney vacation?

If you want a simple vacation go somewhere else because its not changing. No complaining is going to make it easier either and people keep coming so its only going to get more crowded.

I know 4 things going into Disney:
1.) Its going to be crowded
2.) Its going to be expensive
3.) I have to plan my must dos ahead of time otherwise we might not get to them
4.) I am still going to have a blast as if I don't get around to something its not the end of the world I have prepared but not everything will go right

 

[FLchick415]

I don't find anything ridiculous about checking menu prices before going anywhere. I do it as often as possible, even locally.

I really am sorry you had such a horrible time at Disney and hope you find a vacation destination that's more to your family's liking.

 

[maxiesmom]

Whether you want to continue to visit Disney World is certainly up to you. However, the outcome of your vacation can't be laid solely at the feet of Disney, since you had the power to better it and you chose not to.

Yup. You can't have your cake and eat it too. Which is true of any vacation I can think of. Don't do any research and the trip will be less than what it could be. Not only true of WDW.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

it's not that the OP said something negative about Disney, it's the vehemence of the negativity. There were no Star Wars characters. We had to wait in line. It was no fun and all the merchandise sucked. We hated the new ride. All the food sucks. It's also too expensive. Fastpass Plus is a horror. We shouldn't have to plan things to that extent.

They should have something set up to assist someone who never received magic bands that they ordered.

Haven't done the new ride yet so I don't know if I'll hate it yet or not, and I'm not that big on planning that far out (haven't had problems with it yet), and some of the food is too expensive but I will say his experiences otherwise are not mine.

 

[BugsDaddy]

I am in the minority here but I think the OP has a point. I don't think he is saying that he didn't know about the decline of most of the things he enjoyed about Disney in previous years. I think he is saying he has had enough and has reached a breaking point. That is his opinion and he is entitled to it as other people are entitled to theirs.

There are a lot of people that think the food is wonderful (I think it's mediocre). There are a lot of people that think FP plus is great and all of Disney is reasonably priced for a theme park.

All that being said, I think a company learns more from its bad reviews than its good reviews and smart companies pay attention to what their long-term customers are saying.

Apple is a great company because they make the very complicated as user friendly as they can for their customers. That has always been one of their focuses and greatest accomplishments. (Minus a few years without Jobs).

If enough of Disney's customer base longs for a simpler product, there will be companies who will step up and fill that gap. To ignore it would be a slippery slope for Disney, I feel.

 

[jeffbear]

So now we have to go and check prices of menus everywhere before we go?

You guys really are ridiculous. But you do have me laughing.

Do you routinely eat at restaurants you've never been to before without looking at a menu and the prices? Because I'm not an especially anal planning nut, but I sure as heck don't.

I mean ... there is a minor level of effort required in daily life. Not trying to be snarky Rick, but I don't understand being surprised by restaurant prices when they're posted on the door. Until you go in and order, you've got a choice.

 

[jeffbear]

I am in the minority here but I think the OP has a point. I don't think he is saying that he didn't know about the decline of most of the things he enjoyed about Disney in previous years. I think he is saying he has had enough and has reached a breaking point. That is his opinion and he is entitled to it as other people are entitled to theirs.

Which is cool, and I especially applaud the OP for sticking around and hashing out his point of view rather than pulling a classic blast and run. I mean, I'm arguing a point with him, but it's because I truly feel he's exhibiting unreasonable expectations. At the end of the day, we all make our own choices based on our experiences and price points, etc.

When you've had enough ... you've had enough.

 

[Cyrano]

Folks time to chill, relax and take a break away from the keyboards.

Please remember to be respectful at all times otherwise posts and/or thread will be shut down.

 

[ashleymrush]

OP - I completely understand and agree that negative comments are sometimes good for people to read. I just didn't think that the negative reactions would be a surprise.

 

[shepd]

Food prices are about what I expect at a theme park, but like another here, I'm from Canada, and those prices are only a little above what you'd see in a restaurant here.

However, one thing the OP is alluding to is how off-siters are treated as second class citizens. I think that's definitely true, and it's getting to the point were Disney isn't even bothering to provide good excuses anymore. Just bought $1800 worth of passes for 4 people. Figured we'd at least get some magic bands when we arrive. LOL no. That's not for the plebs. I won't even get into EMH or 60 days vs 30 days out FP+ booking.

At least the free parking has a good excuse. The rest of it wears pretty thin, however.

It certainly does mean my trip isn't starting off magical. And I'm not staying on site just to get those perks. I'm just not going as often. Make us even lower grade citizens and I may just not return. Not sure if Disney counts on that or not. I think perhaps they don't care considering the high number of park goers already.

 

[DisneyFoodieFan]

You lost me at the food sucks...

But I have to say, while there have been changes that I do not like, we had a great trip a few weeks ago and actually didn't mind FP+. So to each their own. but enjoy Universal and maybe the Disney parks will be less crowded

 

[JoeA]

Food prices are about what I expect at a theme park, but like another here, I'm from Canada, and those prices are only a little above what you'd see in a restaurant here.

However, one thing the OP is alluding to is how off-siters are treated as second class citizens. I think that's definitely true, and it's getting to the point were Disney isn't even bothering to provide good excuses anymore. Just bought $1800 worth of passes for 4 people. Figured we'd at least get some magic bands when we arrive. LOL no. That's not for the plebs. I won't even get into EMH or 60 days vs 30 days out FP+ booking.

At least the free parking has a good excuse. The rest of it wears pretty thin, however.

It certainly does mean my trip isn't starting off magical. And I'm not staying on site just to get those perks. I'm just not going as often. Make us even lower grade citizens and I may just not return. Not sure if Disney counts on that or not. I think perhaps they don't care considering the high number of park goers already.

Take away the incentives and what does Disney have to get butts in beds on-site?

 

[SpringSprite]

It couldnt have anything to do with the manner in which you presented your findings now, could it....naawww...thats just crazy talk.

 

[JimmyV]

I know 4 things going into Disney:
1.) Its going to be crowded
2.) Its going to be expensive
3.) I have to plan my must dos ahead of time otherwise we might not get to them...

These are all great takeaways. The big difference however, which I think many people tend to gloss over here, is that as to point #3, planning your "must-dos" in the past used to mean discussing what you wanted to do and in what order while on the bus ride to the park, or talking it over during dinner the night before, or perhaps at the family dinner table a week before you left for Florida. I think we all get that, and to some extent, we all did that. Heck. In our house, that level of discussion is definitely part of the fun. It gets everyone emotionally invested in the trip. But planning your "must-dos" now has taken on a whole new meaning. It is no longer enough to talk about what you are going to do first when you are on the bus that morning. That discussion now has to be had 61+ days in advance so that the Virtual FP Runner can log on to the computer at midnight on day "T-60". Of course, this isn't exactly true. But more people than not seem to be doing that. Can't criticize the OP for bemoaning the fact that amusement park enjoyment has "evolved" into this. And I am the pot calling out the kettle, because the next time I plan a trip, instead of being an uber planner, I will be an UBER PLANNER. To paraphrase the old smokes ad, I'd rather switch than fight.

 

[mefordis]

Probably not coming back but if you do, take comfort that MANY people agree with you.

Not that I'm surprised at all but, apparently, you still can't have a conversation where someone says something negative about Disney around here without being jumped on and ripped to pieces (oh wait, I'm sure someone will take that literally, I don't mean actually ripping me to pieces, it's a figure of speech).

With that said, I'm done with this thread. Those of you who can't admit anything at Disney is bad, have a good time. For those of you who understand what I'm saying, thanks for understanding.

 

[SingingMom]

These are all great takeaways. The big difference however, which I think many people tend to gloss over here, is that as to point #3, planning your "must-dos" in the past used to mean discussing what you wanted to do and in what order while on the bus ride to the park, or talking it over during dinner the night before, or perhaps at the family dinner table a week before you left for Florida. I think we all get that, and to some extent, we all did that. Heck. In our house, that level of discussion is definitely part of the fun. It gets everyone emotionally invested in the trip. But planning your "must-dos" now has taken on a whole new meaning. It is no longer enough to talk about what you are going to do first when you are on the bus that morning. That discussion now has to be had 61+ days in advance so that the Virtual FP Runner can log on to the computer at midnight on day "T-60". Of course, this isn't exactly true. But more people than not seem to be doing that. Can't criticize the OP for bemoaning the fact that amusement park enjoyment has "evolved" into this. And I am the pot calling out the kettle, because the next time I plan a trip, instead of being an uber planner, I will be an UBER PLANNER. To paraphrase the old smokes ad, I'd rather switch than fight.

Totally understand the need to "plan". But, for ME, this UBER PLANNING way of thinking defeats the purpose of "VACATION ".

As for Disney food, I live in the food capital of the country - the NY/NJ area. Except for our three trips to Europe, no food compares to what we can get in our area. Disney food can't hold a candle to it! ;-)

That being said..... We still love Disney and mother-daughter trip is planned for next month and we'll let hubby join us on our January visit! ;-).

"SingingMom" ....Sent from my iPad using DISBoards