Just back. My thoughts, observations etc.

[DVCKev]

Considering only some CM's got a $0.25 cost of living raise and no annual raise making starting pay for most positions $7.55 I would say that justification as why the ticket prices went up is a whole lot of BS.

I would agree wholeheartedly!!

 

[BearcatsFan]

Thank you for your thoughts and review, OP.

 

[Planogirl]

Thanks for your comments. I tend to agree with a lot of what you say.

I would also add to be ready for the onslaught of Disney defenders but you've been here a while so I'm sure that you know the drill.

 

[Phatoomch]

I just don't get the whole 'value isn't there anymore'

I'm from the UK, lived in the US for 8 years now have also travelled the world (to the point where I am SICK of flying) and have been to way too many theme parks/funfairs/attractions/zoo's/aquariums/museums .... even Walt Disneys inspiration for DL, Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen.

I am yet to see anywhere else that comes even close to the value & standards of WDW

If you're comparing only to previous trips to WDW and nowhere else then maybe you've been so many times, you are noticing things you never noticed before - when I went all I saw was an amazing feat .... I mean really, how can they get so right every single day??

 

[rgf207]

I just don't get the whole 'value isn't there anymore'

That's OK. You don't have to. That's the way I feel. Your views and opinions are completely fine too

 

[AndyFL]

I guess I kinda came across like I was obsessing over the light bulbs. It's not that alot of blown bulbs themselves are a major issue but for me, personally, it a "tip of the iceburg" type of deal. If they are lax on such an easy to fix and easy to see issue then how much MORE are the neglecting other issues. Reminds me of what my Grandfather told me about money....if you watch your nickels and dimes, your dollars will take care of themselves.

 

[cajunprincess]

I totally agree about the cost of buffets there! They are ridiculous. I don't typically enjoy buffets, but I'll do bkfast ones. However, I know I don't eat $35-40 worth of food... I can't imagine many people do. That's why most buffet restaurants are typically cheaper. I scratched buffets too because of the price though, which is a shame since that is most of the character meals.

 

[Phatoomch]

That's OK. You don't have to. That's the way I feel. Your views and opinions are completely fine too

Absolutely Didn't mean to come across as brash.

When I came back last september there was a similar board from someone who had been there at the same time - all the things they noticed, I didn't. But, it was their like 12th trip or something so my point was, the more often you go, the more likely you are to notice things like dead plants & blown lightbulbs.

I'm sure in 10yrs I'll be making similar posts

 

[mikerobrewer]

For those that have complaints, please make sure you let Disney know how you feel. If enough people complain about the same things they may take notice and attempt to correct the problems.

 

[QVCshopper]

We just got back as well. We were in a 2 Bedroom at BCV.

Ticket price increase had at least something to do with CM hourly/salary increases that they received over the last contract negotiations.

Child APs may have went away due to abuse that has been discussed.

DVC's annual pass price increase was pretty much nothing so I am not seeing much of the Disney Ticket Price increase being a reason not to go.

I didn't notice one single trash can overflowing. But then again, I may not have been looking...no wait, I recall now several times having to dump stuff into the trash can that required me to kinda stick my hand into the trash so I can turn it over and recycle the plastic later so with that said, I did not run into a single trash can that was overflowing.

I may not have been looking but I noticed nothing but beautiful landscaping myself, not a dead plant in sight.

I wasn't paying any attention to the light bulbs but if a bulb was not changed in the 6/7 days you were there I am not sure how that can mean they are not being maintained. How do you know that the bulbs are not checked every other Friday at whatever location you noticed them not working?

We ate at Cape May Cafe.....best meal all week. I guess you get what you pay for.

We went to the Land after 9:00 p.m. as it is opened during the time specifically to deal with Test Track being down and the place was empty. We got a Land boat to ourselves around 9:10 and between 9:25 and 10:00 went on Soarin' twice via the stand by line.

I guess we were in two different places.

We missed WDW the minute we drove off property and planned our next trip the entire drive back home.

I agree with everything you said. I was there 6/13-20 and did not see one overflow trash can, I didn't notice the bulbs, and didn't see dead plants. I also ate at Cape May for breakfast, it was $150 or so for five of us with Tables in Wonderland discount, but I still think its steep--but it was yummy. And I think we truly lucked out on the weather. As far as crowded tables, you need to know where to go. That said, we might take a break after August as our annual passes are expiring. Tickets are getting pricey.

 

[miami305]

Thank you for you recap. It's nice to read something that was well reasoned and clearly thought out, not a reactionary rant. I'm glad that your trip was a good one, and I certainly understand your concerns with value.


Thanks again for your post, and I hope your next trip proves to be a magical one.

I echo this sentiment. You were not Disney bashing. You calmly pointed out specific things that disappointed you on your trip.

 

[flicx]

Nicely written OP. I agree with you on many things. Hopefully they correct things soon. I want to know how much higher can they make buffets?

 

[Livin' the Dream]

For those that have complaints, please make sure you let Disney know how you feel. If enough people complain about the same things they may take notice and attempt to correct the problems.

So many valid opinions (all of them) on this thread, but this may be the most significant. The OP will vote with the wallet by spacing out trips - very effective. The quoted post is critical, however, to getting the wrongs (real, perceived, major, minor) redressed.

Disney cannot rest on its legendary reputation. It is very difficult to maintain the level of quality and value that they aspire to, but it is critical that they work tirelessly to do so. Anything less than that is a disappointment (as indicated by the OP).

 

[Jennasis]

FWIW I've seen the occasional bulb out too for the past several years. I often wondered why they don't replace them? I always thought they washed the streets down nightly and didn't they use to scrape down and repaint the hitching posts on Main Street nightly or weekly too? Seems that some maintenance stuff happens less frequently...not NEVER...but less often.

 

[SaraJayne]

Nicely written OP. I agree with you on many things. Hopefully they correct things soon. I want to know how much higher can they make buffets?

They'll keep increasing costs until people say "enough" and stop coming. That applies to food, tickets and lodging.

 

[World Showcaser]

I'm just curious. What travel destination do you think is a better value than Disney and why?

The things you pointed out seemed so picky to me but everyone has different priorities.

I'm not sure why people complain about food prices. There are lots of options that are cheaper. You don't have to eat at a character buffet. You can get a dining plan to help with the cost. The prices are readily available before the trip so this shouldn't be a surprise.

Yes, I'm a Disney apologist. And until they stop making the magic or some other company is able to offer a better experience, I will be one.

 

[rgf207]

I'm just curious. What travel destination do you think is a better value than Disney and why?

The things you pointed out seemed so picky to me but everyone has different priorities.

I'm not sure why people complain about food prices. There are lots of options that are cheaper. You don't have to eat at a character buffet. You can get a dining plan to help with the cost. The prices are readily available before the trip so this shouldn't be a surprise.

Yes, I'm a Disney apologist. And until they stop making the magic or some other company is able to offer a better experience, I will be one.

I don't recall ever saying I was surprised at the food prices. What I did say what that $100 for 2 people for a buffet is outrageous. And it was NOT a character buffet. Cape May Cafe Dinner has no characters.

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

 

[kirstenb1]

We're DVC'rs too. We went the first week of June. I have to agree about the ticket prices. AP's don't work out for us. OUr family buys 10 day non expiring passes. We just used the last 3 days on them this trip.

So next year, do we shell out over $2000 on park tix for 4? We live in Virginia so we have platinum passes to all the Busch Gardens/Sea world parks. Next year may be the first year we stay at our DVC villa, and skip WDW parks altogether.

 

[maxiesmom]

Please be aware that these are just my opinions and not everyone will feel the same way. Until you are there, you won't realize that value is gone. I didn't. Just reading this forum wasn't enough but once I experienced it for myself then I realized it

I agree that it you are entitled to your opinion, however those of us who think WDW still has a lot of value are not just stating that from our computers at home. I was at WDW in March, and I still think a trip to WDW has tremendous value.

Please don't post your opinion, state you are entitled to it, and then claim those that don't agree with you are just unaware of how bad it is. I've made a recent trip, and I don't agree. And we are all entitled to our opinions.

 

[Ihave3daughters]

Excellent post, OP... Your common sense approach is a breath of fresh air. As far as buffets go, we don't do them anymore either... I just don't feel like I can eat $30-40 worth of food. Maybe once enough people decide it's not a good value anymore, they'll all quit eating them, and then Disney will lower their prices!!!

Supply and demand. The same goes for ticket prices, hotel rooms, mickey-head-ice-cream-bars... Once folks quit paying, they'll lower prices...

Trouble is, I don't see that happening anytime soon...

-Eric