Just back and not happy

[leebee]

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

They have the MAGIC of being in the BUBBLE

 

[ameliahyde]

See JimmyV's post.

I get that, but rape is properly used in the context, always, of an action towards the unwilling. Further, it implies a victim in every sense. Planning a vacation where you know what you are up for in advance cannot lead to a rape in any way, shape or form. Likewise, rape in the modern day is often thought to mean sexual assault in some shape. T o use that term on this message board can easily be construed as offensive towards most.

 

[luisov]

It's not like you didn't have to do research about FP- in order to take advantage of it, when tons of WDW's visitors didn't even know FP- was included in the entrance ticket. FP+ assures equality for everyone. MK's crowds keep growing year after year, and Disney has to find some form to make things more equal.

The system works great for some people, and it works badly for others. Though I wouldn't qualify it as a total failure when the sentiment toward FP+ is divided 50/50.

 

[mesaboy2]

Won't be long now.

 

[chewysmom]

I can see why people have given up on this board. Someone that has a history with Disney made a comment on their experience and then had everything picked apart. I don't see anything wrong with the OP comments. If I ran the park, I'd want to hear if something didn't meet realistic expectations.

I agree that there have been changes to the park experience over the past 10 years. I'll find out for myself how FP+ and the new rides are when I go in July. But reading everyone's flame-o-grams makes me wonder if it isn't better to keep an opinion to yourself, even it is constructive. It must be tough sitting up on those high pedestals and being right all the time.


Maybe some of us have gotten to the point where we need to do something else. For the rest of you, keep going and enjoying.

I Disney, don't get me wrong-but it's certainly not perfect. Nothing is. It's just a shame that you (generic "you" )can't post how you feel w/o getting ripped to shreds. It's rare I'll post an opinion here-I lurk on this board for the info b/c lets face it, there's a TON of info here. But for opinion sharing, getting to know people, nah. I've seen too many people be crucified here. (total figure of speech there. )

OP-sorry you had a stinky vacation.

 

[txnana]

Sorry this is going to be a rant! Every time I come across one of these threads, when I read between the lines this is what I hear:

• I went to the parks for the 50th time in 2 years and I didn't get to be in front of every line in the parks!
  
• I made poor restaurant choices without doing simple menu research and hated the food choices which were expensive. (Note: comparatively speaking, amusement park vacation food has always been expensive! My first Disney trip was as a child in 1957 at Disneyland and my parents were alarmed at the cost of food!)
  
• A new ride in the kiddie area of fantasy land was built for children and my preteen kids thought it would be a thrill ride.
  
• Without checking all the available information including available maps for locations on a very popular event that we attended, I was surprised and angry that I didn't bump into all the major characters just walking down the street

As for myself, I read everything I can about any vacation location. Make my plans ahead of time, monitor and adjust my expectations based on crowds, weather, energy level and know that I may have to stand in line - gasp. I remember standing in really crazy, long lines in 1957 as well - guess what? No fast pass, front of the line access at all.

 

[TooExcitedCantSleep]

Ok, I know I said I wouldn't post in this thread again but I have to.

Maybe you should just take a break from Disney for a few years or just stop going.

 

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

As you can see by my other posts, this OP is totally validated, with one point of disgreeament. Evidently if you want good food, go GF, because we ate UNBELIEVABLY! And our meal at the Brown Derby is THE SINGLE BEST MEAL I HAVE EVER HAD. Even EPCOT had wonderful Urban Farm organic GF food and even GF beer. Otherwise, I agree with their disatisfaction. I had a HORRIBLE family fight over the tier of FP and I never ever thought that would have ever occurred, I was completely stunned. I think I cried for days. It's all Disney FPs fault. They have definitely stolen some of the Magic, but its totally fixable. Remove the tiers, and if you don't get both, you don't get both, oh well. Remove the 3 per day cuz that's ridiculous. Maybe there is a possibility it can be saved. Best news is that DLR doesn't have the new system and I can't wait to go there. We can ride almost all our faves (like TSMM) with less line, old FPs that aren't even linked, we can do it all walking back in forth to two parks and not have to exhaust oursevles for 4. I am really looking forward to it. I hope it brings the magic back.

EP was nice (except it took 3 attempts over 2+ hrs for their photo system to download my Chase Visa photo, and I had to keep going back and hoping it was there, but when it find did upload, the photos were GREAT and some of my fave memories, but just another example of poor technology function and no option but to wait for it to work...

 

[vtownpatty]

I am sorry you had such a terrible experience OP. I think a lot of it comes from a person's attitude though. I am pretty optimistic so even if I am disappointed with something I am not phased. I personally have low expectations for the mine train and have from the beginning. It's an extra attraction which was not there before so I am at least happy to see something new. When we go in September the only thing I have high expectations for is Diagon Alley and I am sure I won't be disappointed. I have been to Disney 10 times and I am still a fanatic. Some things have changed but that does happen, but I still feel Disney is a very magical place. I could spend the day in a park and go on no attractions and be happy. I personally love most of the food at Disney as does DH as well as a friend I travel with from time to time. We constantly talk about one of the things we are most looking forward to being the Disney food. I have certain places I HAVE to eat every trip because I crave them when I am home. With that said there is also a lot of places I don't like so maybe it depends where you are eating. I do always have a hard time finding anything I want to eat in HS so I usually just get fries somewhere. In Epcot we LOVE Yorkshire. I don't mind BOG and yes it can be overpriced so we normally go to Peco's Bills several times during our trip. And I am prob the pickiest eater you will ever meet...My food choices are very limited. FP+ seems to get mixed reviews and I think Mesaboy created a great guide for it! It can be a bit confusing but I think that's just because it's new and of course there are still bugs to work out. I used FP+ back in Oct and I loved it and couldn't stop raving about how great it was. Mind you I am a planner (I already have my planners created for our trips in Sept and over Christmas/NYE in Disney), so for me it just helps me plan better. It allowed us to have more relax time back at the resort and we didn't need to get there for rope drop for popular attractions like TSM. It made such an impact on our vacation for the better. I do hope you are able to find the magic for yourself again some day. It seems maybe Disney just is no longer the option that suits you.

Thank you, you summed up what I have been thinking while reading this post!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[ConnieB]

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.

Ok, I agree with you, 7 Dwarfs was pretty disappointing. We walked past it for 2 weeks hoping it would be soft open, got FP+ for the first and second "official" days, then actually got to ride it 5 days earlier at the 24hour day....and were glad that we only waited 20 minutes (even though it was posted as an hour wait). I cancelled both the FP+ for me because as a little pooh it was rather uncomfortable, the girls rode it again hoping it would be better somehow, and we cancelled the second FP+ day because it wasn't any better. We then watched the time app seldom go above an hour, peak occasionally at 90 minutes......and had to keep reminding ourselves that this was a BRAND NEW ride....and longer waits were to be had for Space Mountain, lol.

I also agree that BOG lunch is really good, but I disagree on it being expensive....at least by Disney standards. We each got the pork and it was under $40 for us (we drink water while in the parks to stay hydrated, so no drink). That's about $10 more than we would have paid for so-so food at Columbia House or Village Haus nearby. Still ridiculous for lunch, but for Disney the cost for that quality was good.

This was our first Star Wars weekend so can't really compare it to anything personally, but reading about the previous years it did seem like there wasn't as much as I'd hoped....we were there for 3 weekends.....and met 2 "stars" each week, saw all the shows offered, the parade and fireworks several times, did the dinner, did the breakfast and generally had a great time! Darth Mall we entered with a couple hundred bucks in our pocket.....and walked out with a commemorative coin and a $5 gift card as souvenirs. The Tshirt design was ugly, the pins (which we collect) were not appealing, and most of the rest was junk and overpriced at that. There were these darth vader and R2D2 lunchboxes were for sale for about $15 MORE than you could order them online BEFORE the weekends.....and quite a few other non-SWW logo items that you could get online for same or cheaper.

We used our FP+ on the weekends to get the SWW shows, but then it really didn't help us get in faster or better seats, so pretty much a waste of a Tier 1 FP. now....for this coming weekend with Mark Hamil's show.....yeah that one might be the only way to get in. I'd like to see some serious changes to FP, but doubt it will happen. We normally go in lower crowd times so even the old FP was seldom used, so while it was nice to not have to stand in line for an hour to do some of the big rides.....even the rides we couldn't do FP for weren't really that bad of lines. I can't imagine however actually enjoying it for the next few months as the summer crowds swell.

 

[k5thbeatle]

...A vacation shouldn't have to be planned out to the minute...

This one line pretty much says it all. Disney seems to be clearly heading down the path where everything must be planned in advance and that I fear will be the straw that breaks the back of most vacationers.

 

[Sammie]

I do not understand why anyone thinks you get flamed over sharing an opinion about something you don't like.

Disney is a tourist attraction, one among thousands in the world. If you don't like it anymore, go somewhere you do like and have a great time.

The world would be a very boring place if we all liked the same things.

I am looking forward to our next Disney trip and I hope you find a place you can enjoy too.

 

[vcgirl925]

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

Yes! Even if I didn't agree with you I wouldn't attack you. Your opinion is your opinion based on your experience. People are being ridiculous. They are reacting as if someone just told them a "Yo Mama" joke and they have to fight for her honor. It's a theme park people...breathe.

 

[maryj11]

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.

Well for what it is worth we liked the Mine Train and loved fastpass + Then again I like to plan months ahead of time and I guess it would be frustrating for people who do not plan things out. We came across a family when we were there last week who must of been at their wits end. The mother and children cussing each other out with the mother walking off saying blank this vacation

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

This is a little nitpicky of my original post. Of course you're not forced to do either in order to go, but if you want to use the equivalent of what they offer as a fast pass, then you ARE forced to stay at their resort or pay a hefty fee. If you don't want to use express pass, then this is irrelevant. But at Disney, the equivalent (FP+) available to anyone at no extra charge. That was my point.

And I know that Express Pass is not the same as FP, but it's the same concept which I why I said equivalent. The main objective of both systems is to get you to bypass the line, thus spending more time in the actual park, so it certainly is the equivalent. How they function is different.

We will have to agree to disagree that FP+ is equivalent to Express Pass. I am guessing you have never been to Universal and used their Express Pass (either as a guest of an onsite resort or by purchasing the perk a la carte). Equivalent by definition means to be equal in value, amount, function, meaning, etc. FP+ is definitely NOT equal in value, amount or function to Express Pass. You may not like the fact that its given as a perk to onsite guests, you may not like the fact that it can be purchased by those who want it, but it most definitely does a better job at getting those guests with EP onto rides quicker than those in the standby lines, and it does that job in a far different manner than FP+. It doesnt have to be prebooked. Your are not limited to a certain number per day. Timed entry is not an issue. Its not tiered. Its easy.

Express Pass much more resembles SeaWorlds Quick Queue than it does Disneys FP+. And yes, I have personally used all three systems, so I speak from personal experience.

 

[shepd]

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

If they can't get people to stay because of the location, cleanliness, quality, and value then I guess you've given me a darned good reason to stay offsite!

I've never booked into a hotel because they offer gimmicks. I book at a hotel because I want a clean place to sleep.

I suppose offering these bonuses does up the value, I will give Disney that. But it does nothing to prove the first three to me, and for my destination, they're the most important! The location is good, of course. Then again... I'm staying off site literally 1 mile away from World Dr. I don't think being any closer would change my mind.

Now, I'm not assuming Disney's hotel offerings aren't mecca, I just figured I'd explain how I choose a hotel.

 

[JimmyV]

I get that, but rape is properly used in the context, always, of an action towards the unwilling. Further, it implies a victim in every sense.

No, no, no. When one says "a rape of the countryside", the countryside is inanimate. It can be neither willing nor unwilling. It cannot be a victim. When one uses the common phrase: "My wallet was raped", one does not intend to imply that they were a victim of theft or unwilling larceny. Nor do they intend to imply sexual assault. Wallet rape almost always implies that the person was charged an unconscionable amount of money for the value received. Without agreeing or disagreeing that WDW does this, the OP's use of the phrase clearly fits within that common usage. At worst, the OP exaggerated to make a point. Not the first time on the Dis.

 

[itchin2go]

Yes! Even if I didn't agree with you I wouldn't attack you. Your opinion is your opinion based on your experience. People are being ridiculous. They are reacting as if someone just told them a "Yo Mama" joke and they have to fight for her honor. It's a theme park people...breathe.

I guess I was surprised at some of the OP's statements because some of the gripes were foreseeable (BOG prices) or could have been mitigated by doing a bit of research before the trip (FP+).

As I sit here, I also realize that perhaps this was a more spontaneous trip than I'm used to taking. I don't live close enough to just drop in for the weekend. Every trip we take to WDW is an EVENT. Given my frame of reference (which is the only one I know), it baffles me that someone would not look into some of these things. For me, it's a once a year or once every 2 or 3 year thing. In my own mind, I cannot afford to wing it.

Perhaps if I were to be in a position to take spur of the moment trips, I would be less ... worried about the outcome ... less controlling, and maybe do less research. It also seems as though OP was driven at least in part by some additional guests/family members? THAT is something I have never had to deal with, so who knows how I would handle that.

All this is to say that sometimes we look through our own glasses, and maybe the situation is not as simple as it seems.

 

[pjhootch]

How many people actually use it in that context, though? I just think there are many other ways he could have expressed his frustration.

Lots of people use the word "rape" in context.

 

[JoeA]

I've always found Disney to be clean so that isn't a factor. But it's not cheap. Location, theme, and "perks" are all meant to justify the higher price of rooms. Not to get you to the park but to get you to spend $100's or $1000's more on accommodations.

So if you don't want to stay on-site then why would you expect the same benefits as those guests who spend the extra $$'s with Disney?

I tend to believe on-site folks spend a LOT more on "Disney" then off-site so it's all part of the game (or business).