Just back- had a good time...but...

[bwang123]

Don't get me wrong... We rode everything we wanted and rode them multiple times as well but we still felt the crowds were much heavier this May than in years past...

we went may 2013 and thought the crowds were about the same. we actually did more this trip than that one and that was a trip pre-FP+

 

[CaptainCook]

We felt the same way after our last trip in August 2014. Great trip, had a wonderful time, loved our resorts, the crowds were not too bad (went right before Labour Day), but... as much fun as we had, I just don't think we will be back anytime soon. I am sure we will be back sometime, but it will definitely be a longer break in between than it has for the last few years.

I am having a hard time putting my finger on why we feel this way - is it the cost, the crowds, the fact that we have now seen and done what we want, ?? Not really sure.

 

[tzeitel]

What is Columbia? Is it on or off Disney property?

Columbia Harbor House is a CS near the Haunted Mansion at MK.

 

[pjhootch]

What is Columbia? Is it on or off Disney property?

Columbia is a Cuban american restaurant in Celebration. It is about a 15 minute drive without traffic. It was $130 for a family of four with enormous portions. My husband drank a couple of beers and that amount included tax, but we didn't have dessert. We also didn't order cheaply.

 

[bigcrit]

Columbia is a Cuban american restaurant in Celebration. It is about a 15 minute drive without traffic. It was $130 for a family of four with enormous portions. My husband drank a couple of beers and that amount included tax, but we didn't have dessert. We also didn't order cheaply.

Just checked out their menu, looks GOOD!

 

[itchin2go]

Columbia is a Cuban american restaurant in Celebration. It is about a 15 minute drive without traffic. It was $130 for a family of four with enormous portions. My husband drank a couple of beers and that amount included tax, but we didn't have dessert. We also didn't order cheaply.

Worth the drive offsite?

 

[pjhootch]

Worth the drive offsite?

Yes, completely worth the drive. I would have loved to get back for a 2nd dinner there but our schedule didn't cooperate. If we go back to Orlando we will be eating there again.

 

[Squidgyness]

Firstly, just a post to thank the OP for the review. I'm on my regular 'see if anything has changed for the better' stints right now, and it was very helpful to read an impartial review. Kudos!

I am having a hard time putting my finger on why we feel this way - is it the cost, the crowds, the fact that we have now seen and done what we want, ?? Not really sure.

For us it was all of those, mainly that the cost had just skyrocketed without many new rides or attractions, and we could only just afford offsite! I agree with the shared sentiments on this thread, the last time we went in 2009 I just didn't feel like I usually did during and after the trip. I was overweight and stressed so that didn't help, but there wasn't any immediate urgency to go back, save for a few wistful plans when things got particularly stressful. But, mostly average feelings following that trip as others on this thread have said. Not terrible, not the best. "Meh, that was fun, but I'm ready to do something else next time." Was a unanimous verdict from all of us. I even joined this forum to try and gee up my motivation to get back, but to be honest that just got me a little more burned out on the whole idea of the parks.

Now we are heading to Malta for the second time, after I chose it as our family destination in 2011, and I can't wait! But, it does say something about the pull of WDW that when planning a long, long, looooong time in the future dream trip to Universal to stay onsite, I'm toying with the idea of spending a couple of days in the Disney parks, just wandering and riding what I can, despite my feelings towards fast pass plus. Hopefully they'd have some kind of new rides up and a even (pigs will fly) a much better fastpass system by then!

Absence makes the heart grow fonder, so maybe after my next disneyless trip I'll start to yearn for the parks much more. We shall see!

 

[mrzrich]

My mom and I took our 5th annual Mother's Day trip May1-5th. Yesterday we reflected on the trip and both agreed that next year we are going someplace new. We are both AP holders, they expire this week,and for the first time in 10 years, I am not renewing.

 

[Chitownpeeps91]

Thanks for the post. At some point maybe things will get better but if the crowds keep growing probably no reason for Disney to do anything different.

We have loved Disney but after our last trip in April no reason to go back anytime soon. Fast pass plus really is our reason

If we go it will be Disneyland.

 

[Austintatious]

Our current AP's will expire this coming fall and I now find myself honestly thinking we won't be renewing them. I can't believe I'm even saying that, we've had AP's for as long as I can remember. We are definitely going back again before then, maybe even more than once, but I think it might be time to take a break after this year.

 

[Kingdome8]

Hope more people skip Hollywood studios.
It's my fav park. But we like shows and characters as well as the rides.
Can't wait to go again inJanuary for the 5k.
No kids that trip. Lol.

 

[larryz]

...at times I've wanted to cancel just because of how much I have to save just to eat.

Eating is optional. You'll still need to drink water, but I bet you could go a whole week without eating anything.

 

[pjhootch]

I don't expect Disney to change at all. Their attendance numbers are good and getting better.