Just back. My thoughts, observations etc.

[cm8]

I just recently sold my DVC contract because of my wife's health. We just didn't feel we could go often enough to warrant keeping the DVC. When we would go we'd try to keep expenses down as well as we could but i must agree Disney is pricing us out of returning. I was looking at the thread about how much people are spending on their WDW vacations this year and it is crazy.

I truly loved my WDW vacations with the kids who are now grown but I think it is time to do something else. I remember in 1999 we stayed at ASMovies for a week, our room, tickets and meals for the four of us cost around $1500. Miss those days in more than one way!

I have loved going to WDW more than anyone I know, but I have to agree with the OP it no longer is a good value for the money.

and I know what you mean OP, thanks for your report

 

[World Showcaser]

What's a better value you ask? I just took a 1 week cruise over New Years for $681 / person. Far less than anything Disney and all the food was included. I spent $400 on alcohol. No flights and did not need to pay for parking . That, IMHO, is a better value.

You are also welcome to think that I am "nitpicking" That's your opinion but when you see quality decline while prices increase you begin to realize that the value is no longer there.

I've been on this board. I know how it works here. Mickey Mouse could set my hotel room on fire and people would still defend Disney

I think you misunderstood what I was trying to say. I have had encountered a few issues here and there at WDW. I've been going since 1982. But the point is, none of these aren't things that happen elsewhere and none of them are big enough to have a fit over.

I don't understand why you would come to a message board filled with WDW lovers and announce that you aren't returning and then argue with people about why it isn't a good value as if trying to get them to agree with you. If you don't want to go back, don't go back. But don't try to burst the pixie dust bubble for the rest of us. I'm not sure what you are hoping to accomplish. Misery loves company?

And I'm not debating that you could find cheaper vacation destinations. But I thought we were talking about value. I'm not seeing how a cruise compares to four theme parks, two water parks, an innumerable amount of restuarants, etc. Maybe for you that is just as magical but suggest that would be true for most people...

 

[rgf207]

I think you misunderstood what I was trying to say. I have had encountered a few issues here and there at WDW. I've been going since 1982. But the point is, none of these aren't things that happen elsewhere and none of them are big enough to have a fit over.

I don't understand why you would come to a message board filled with WDW lovers and announce that you aren't returning and then argue with people about why it isn't a good value as if trying to get them to agree with you. If you don't want to go back, don't go back. But don't try to burst the pixie dust bubble for the rest of us. I'm not sure what you are hoping to accomplish. Misery loves company?

And I'm not debating that you could find cheaper vacation destinations. But I thought we were talking about value. I'm not seeing how a cruise compares to four theme parks, two water parks, an innumerable amount of restuarants, etc. Maybe for you that is just as magical but suggest that would be true for most people...

I think you misunderstood me. I posted my observations and my opinions. I stated that they were my opinions from the start. People responded asking me why I thought those things so I responded. I don't recall ever saying that people were wrong for not agreeing with me. In fact, there are quite a few people on this thread that agree with me. Last I checked, this was a public message board and I am free to post my opinion which is exactly what I did.

If you don't agree with my opinion or views, that's fine with me but that doesn't make me wrong or my feelings unjustified.

I actually said that I would return but not as often because I don't feel the value is there. I also listed a lot of positive aspects of the trip (actually more than the negative) but you chose to only point out the negative and somehow that makes me in "misery". Also, please point out where I had a "fit." I never once complained to anyone at WDW nor had any type of "fit"

Again, if you don't agree with me so be it but you don't have a right to tell me that I should not post what I experienced on a public message board.

 

[SaraJayne]

I think you misunderstood me. I posted my observations and my opinions. I stated that they were my opinions from the start. People responded asking me why I thought those things so I responded. I don't recall ever saying that people were wrong for not agreeing with me. In fact, there are quite a few people on this thread that agree with me. Last I checked, this was a public message board and I am free to post my opinion which is exactly what I did.

If you don't agree with my opinion or views, that's fine with me but that doesn't make me wrong or my feelings unjustified.

I actually said that I would return but not as often because I don't feel the value is there. I also listed a lot of positive aspects of the trip (actually more than the negative) but you chose to only point out the negative and somehow that makes me in "misery". Also, please point out where I had a "fit." I never once complained to anyone at WDW nor had any type of "fit"

Again, if you don't agree with me so be it but you don't have a right to tell me that I should not post what I experienced on a public message board.

It seems you were correct about Mickey setting your room on fire.

 

[rgf207]

It seems you were correct about Mickey setting your room on fire.

Oh I know. I've been here since 2004 or around there. Trust me, I've seen it all. The CM's could punch you in the face as you pass through the turnstyles and some people would tell them to have a magical day and snap a photo with them.

 

[SaraJayne]

Oh I know. I've been here since 2004 or around there. Trust me, I've seen it all. The CM's could punch you in the face as you pass through the turnstyles and some people would tell them to have a magical day and snap a photo with them.

Yeah, I know. There are people that believe Disney can do no wrong, no matter what. The disney cheerleaders, the apologists, etc. This board has them all.

 

[Keepee]

OP, thank you for your well thought out post. I'm not sure why every little thing has to cause an argument- I appreciate seeing the good AND the bad before my disney trips so I can accurately gauge if I too would find the "value" in certain activities- like expensive dining.

 

[North of Mouse]

OK, this is my opinion. As far as my family and I are concerned there is NO place that comes close to the value and enjoyment of our $$'s than Disney. We have been going since just MK with our children and they are doing the same. Our dd has DVC at Boardwalk. What would you pay for a first class show like TFOTLK or Fantasmic alone by themselves? We can go and for one admission see anything in the parks.
We think things look great for such a huge area to maintain. We have no longer gone to any other theme parks, state fairs, etc. because of the cost for chintzy rides, people that run and maintain those rides, and the rundown looks.
This past year, just to be with my ds & her dh, we went with them to Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO. They've never been to Disney. My dh & I were appalled at the lack of maintenance to VERY visible buildings, areas. We said nothing to them, but to each other vowed to not ever nit-pic Disney. The rides were very "so-so", but we did enjoy some of the craft shopping.
Anyway, IMO, we Disney, go often, and have NO issues that cause more than a few moments notice.
The value is there for us, and that is all that matters. We are not trying to change anyone else's minds, and everyone can have their opinions.
We go with great expectations, enjoy our time there to the fullest, and leave very happy and contented with money well spent (and no, we are not rich )
to all.

 

[Violet Parr]

snorted enough pixie dust

 

[flicx]

Oh I know. I've been here since 2004 or around there. Trust me, I've seen it all. The CM's could punch you in the face as you pass through the turnstyles and some people would tell them to have a magical day and snap a photo with them.

I wouldn't let people get you down too much.You were kind to disney in my opinion. My take is a lot more harsh. My family had your dilemma a few years back. We love disney,just can't justify cost anymore!

 

[amylevan]

First off, I am not one of those who feel that Disney can do wrong. (I’m still a little PO’d that there was no Fantasmic or MSEP during our February trip – talk about lacking evening entertainment.) But I am a bit of a realist, and contrary to what a lot of people seem to think, Disney is a business and must answer to shareholders. And it does not cost the same to maintain a park that is 40 years old as it did when it was 10. So, it is possible that WDW is spending the same percentage on maintenance as it used to, but the dollars just aren’t stretching as far.

Having said that, value is in the eye of the beholder and is somewhat a reflection of where you are from/your everyday life. Yes, WDW meals are expensive. But I grew up in NYC, so comparatively speaking, I don’t think the meals are outrageous. Ditto when you compare to other theme parks, sporting arenas, etc. And I hate buffets – any buffets, from your local Golden Corral to Chef Mickey’s. So, would I pay $50 to eat at one? Heck, I’m not sure I’d pay $20. No way, no thanks. Give me an a la carte menu where I can have my meal prepared fresh, thank you. (And we do, for us, we enjoy eating at the variety of good TS.)

And then there’s my dad. He’s only been to WDW once before recently (back in 89) and he could take it or leave it. He actually hates theme parks. My parents have recently retired and spend a good portion of their time rving now. They have spent 2 weeks at Fort Wilderness every winter to make my mom happy. My dad, the anti-disney guy, will go on and on and on and on about the upkeep of the campground and the parks. He jokes that it’s the only campground he’s ever stayed at that they power wash the site as soon as you vacate. He had trouble getting into a site last year and tore up some land. He was amazed that FW had a backhoe out to fix the mess before he even finished setting up – and he repeats this story to anyone who will listen. He likes to look for trash, lightbulbs out, etc, as a joke about how the maintenance is lacking – simply because he finds it so amazing how the parks are in such good shape. So while he would rather vacation anywhere else (and they do…) he seems to think they are doing a pretty good job.

Maybe some just expect Disney to be perfect, and in all reality nothing is perfect.

 

[Phatoomch]

First off, I am not one of those who feel that Disney can do wrong. (I’m still a little PO’d that there was no Fantasmic or MSEP during our February trip – talk about lacking evening entertainment.) But I am a bit of a realist, and contrary to what a lot of people seem to think, Disney is a business and must answer to shareholders. And it does not cost the same to maintain a park that is 40 years old as it did when it was 10. So, it is possible that WDW is spending the same percentage on maintenance as it used to, but the dollars just aren’t stretching as far.

Having said that, value is in the eye of the beholder and is somewhat a reflection of where you are from/your everyday life. Yes, WDW meals are expensive. But I grew up in NYC, so comparatively speaking, I don’t think the meals are outrageous. Ditto when you compare to other theme parks, sporting arenas, etc. And I hate buffets – any buffets, from your local Golden Corral to Chef Mickey’s. So, would I pay $50 to eat at one? Heck, I’m not sure I’d pay $20. No way, no thanks. Give me an a la carte menu where I can have my meal prepared fresh, thank you. (And we do, for us, we enjoy eating at the variety of good TS.)

And then there’s my dad. He’s only been to WDW once before recently (back in 89) and he could take it or leave it. He actually hates theme parks. My parents have recently retired and spend a good portion of their time rving now. They have spent 2 weeks at Fort Wilderness every winter to make my mom happy. My dad, the anti-disney guy, will go on and on and on and on about the upkeep of the campground and the parks. He jokes that it’s the only campground he’s ever stayed at that they power wash the site as soon as you vacate. He had trouble getting into a site last year and tore up some land. He was amazed that FW had a backhoe out to fix the mess before he even finished setting up – and he repeats this story to anyone who will listen. He likes to look for trash, lightbulbs out, etc, as a joke about how the maintenance is lacking – simply because he finds it so amazing how the parks are in such good shape. So while he would rather vacation anywhere else (and they do…) he seems to think they are doing a pretty good job.

Maybe some just expect Disney to be perfect, and in all reality nothing is perfect.

Great post - see, I don't think Disney is perfect either. If anything, to never see a lightbulb out is a little *stepford wives* to me. But I certainly see the value in Disney .... especially when I recently paid $350 for two tickets & parking for a Justin Bieber concert next January

Totally agree about food prices too - I'm from London, its expensive to eat. I moved to the South and boy, took me a while to find somewhere that wasn't an 8 buck buffet

 

[rluey29]

It is getting expensive to eat at home as well. Used to spend about $$ amount of money at the grocery store, in one year we now spend $$$. It is crazy how much things have increased in just a year. As for Disney not being a good value, I hope more people think it isn't a good value. That will make the parks less crowded and better for me and my "good value at Disney" family.

 

[jojomoore]

My last trip to WDW was late 2010. We did not go last year. I have to say that I am a little bummed at how much the price of tickets, rooms, party tickets, and food have increased. When one adds all the price increases together it makes a huge increase in the overall price of a trip to WDW and when coupled with increased grocery, gas, electric prices etc., it definately makes a difference.

However, we do want to go back to disney because we live within driving distance and airfare for other vacation destinations is extreme. I guess we are going to change the room type, dining, and activities that we normally do because i have decided that i will stick to my budget and not spend more just because WDW needs to increase their prices. I will spend the same amount and do less.

In 2005, we stayed at OKW with a cash reservation. In 2010, we stayed at AKV - Kindani Studio room with a cash reservation. IN 2010, we rented points from a DVC owner and stayed at BCV in a studio room. My family loved AKV and BCV. PM me if you decide to rent your dvc points next year. This year, we are booked in a value room because we know that is what is in our budget for vacation this year but we have hopes that when the general public offers come out for November that we can do a split stay between AKL and AOA - LM room.

 

[IMKdisney]

I just returned as well and found issues with park maintenance and what seemed to be staff reduction. I was so concerned it motivated me to register for this site. I have read this site many times in preparation for my more than 20 trips to the parks and have found very valuable information here. I love my Disney vacations. We were not financially able to make the trip for several years due to some serious issues in our lives. With the help of a friend, my daughter and I were able to make this trip. The Animal Kingdom was lovely and a great experience as usual, but our day at the Magic Kingdom and Epcot were difficult at best. We arrived at the Magic Kingdom one hour prior to opening as we always do. We went to Splash Mountain which was closed, then to Space Mountain which was closed, and then to Pirates of the Caribbean which was also closed. We could only fast pass one of those rides due to the rules. A cast member told us to go to the Carousel of Progress to kill time until Space Mountain opened. We had no desire to kill time at a ride we did not want to ride. We were only able to get on one ride in the first hour of our time at the park. He also told us that our fast pass could be used all day because the ride was closed, but later told us we couldn't use our fast pass 10 minutes early (the same cast member). Our last trip before this one was 6 years ago and a difference in the cast members was clearly noted. I wonder if the working conditions have deteriorated. We noticed a boat operator having to do all of the work himself, where in the past two people worked together to dock the boat and load and unload passengers. I love Disney and truly hope that these parks are here for my grandchildren to enjoy. I know this site loves Disney as well and hope that by voicing the problems we encounter at the parks Disney will strive to maintain the quality that is their hallmark.

 

[mom2rtk]

It is getting expensive to eat at home as well. Used to spend about $$ amount of money at the grocery store, in one year we now spend $$$.

Ain't that the truth! We picked an expensive time to have 2 teenage boys!

One of the things I love about Disney is going during free dining and for one week not worrying about the cost of anything on the menu!

 

[North of Mouse]

It is getting expensive to eat at home as well. Used to spend about $$ amount of money at the grocery store, in one year we now spend $$$. It is crazy how much things have increased in just a year. As for Disney not being a good value, I hope more people think it isn't a good value. That will make the parks less crowded and better for me and my "good value at Disney" family.

Us too

 

[John Darling]

Thirty years ago the park was only 10yrs old so real wear and tear hadn't set in yet. I think for a place that is 40yrs old, the general overall condition is amazing.

This was my exact thought. And to add to that, I've never been anywhere like WDW that seems to always be under renovation. They are constantly sprucing up the place.

 

[World Showcaser]

Also, please point out where I had a "fit." I never once complained to anyone at WDW nor had any type of "fit"

Again, if you don't agree with me so be it but you don't have a right to tell me that I should not post what I experienced on a public message board.

I didn't say that you don't have the right to post your negative remarks. I said, I don't understand why you would feel it necessary to talk about a Disney vacation as being valuless on a fan board.

And I think it's far worse to complain about something here but not actually tell Disney about it right away when you were there so they could fix the problem or offer an explaination. Again, I'm not sure what you hope to accomplish.

"Having a fit" is an expression where I come from that means getting upset about unimportant things.

We arrived at the Magic Kingdom one hour prior to opening as we always do. We went to Splash Mountain which was closed, then to Space Mountain which was closed, and then to Pirates of the Caribbean which was also closed.

Are these rides always open one hour before opening?

 

[rgf207]

I didn't say that you don't have the right to post your negative remarks. I said, I don't understand why you would feel it necessary to talk about a Disney vacation as being valuless on a fan board.

And I think it's far worse to complain about something here but not actually tell Disney about it right away when you were there so they could fix the problem or offer an explaination. Again, I'm not sure what you hope to accomplish.

"Having a fit" is an expression where I come from that means getting upset about unimportant things.



Are these rides always open one hour before opening?

I'm not sure where you are coming from. My post said that the value is not there for me. I never said it was "valueless" and I don't chastise anyone for disagreeing with me. I guess you are only allowed to post reviews if it's 100% praise for the almighty Disney.

I am choosing to speak with my wallet. We will be spacing our trips out now. From once per year to once every 4 years or so. If others choose to do the same, great. If not, fine with me too.