Just Back OKW, DVC was great, but must vent a little....

[KellyDVC]

about the parks!

Anyway we were in room 2331 (all requests met) for ten nights. Room was clean, no bugs (except on the balcony - it is FL LOL!), staff was friendly, and received numerous Welcome Homes! Only room complaint - balcony was surrounded by trees, etc. Of the roughly 180 view we were hoping for, you literally had only15-20 degrees of visibility - the golf course was there to see just couldn't see it, LOL! Bus service was great!

The parks were crowded and hot, but three cases of Zephyrhills 24 oz Sporttop water (72 bttls total) helped our family of five cope, plus buying it at the club store saved big $ too. Key phrase for park goers "Get there early, leave early", we did this twice and it was the two best days of the vacation (from a parks perspective). Rained a few times, but only truly interrupted our plans when we left Blizzard Beach after only 1.5 hours due to heavy thunderstorms on the way (and everyone had to get out of the water, so we just left). Having PAP's (versus PH's) sure does help you cope with leaving early from parks, etc. (vs feeling we wasted a day or a flex feature).

Anyway, we have been members since 1999 and have made two trips annually to Disney since then. I know Disney has had some difficulty since 9-11, but I just have to vent a little on the status of the parks and attractions. On our last two days at WDW, I took a fresh look at the parks and am hear to report some disappointing revelations.

To use an analogy to explain my disappointment - Let's say I have a car that is only a few years old, and over the years I may have gotten a door ding here or there, small scratch, small dent, paint chip, window chip, etc. None of these issues by themselves (which happened over time) are a major concern. We even get used to them and the next ding simply doesn't phase us much. Then one day you take a fresh look at your car (maybe when you wash it), and you realize this car is in bad shape, definitely no longer new. The car still runs, a/c still cold, brakes still work, but that it is far from the same car you remember.

I don't necessarily want to ruin anyone's vacation, as we did have a great trip, but here is a recap of my "fresh" look:

Magic Kingdom:
Tomorrowland Skyway Landing Bldg - unused and vacant
Carousel of Progress - closed
Tomorrowland Amphitheater - rarely used
Timekeeper - closed
Winnie the Pooh Ride - under rehab (not closed, but for us this trip it might as well have been)
20,000 Leagues Area (across from Pooh) - still unused
Mickey's Philharmagic (new) - still not open
Fantasyland Skyway Landing Bldg - unused and vacant
Tom Sawyer Island - (our first visit to it) desolate, not a cast member to be seen, not very well kept up either
Park Hours have also been cut back and you don't get fireworks every night anymore

Epcot:
Mission Space - still not up and running - what's it been now 3yrs since Horizon closed (not sure)
Wonders of Life Pavilion desolate - Anacomical Theater not operating (it didn't look like), neither was the small Goofy amphitheater as you walked in, the caloric riding cycles (near Body Wars) are about eight years past useful life, and what was once a batting cage in that same area (which taped your swing etc) hasn't been used in a year or two.
Park Hours - Innoventions and Future World closed at 6 or 7PM almost every night (yes, test track was open until 9pm) and don't forget it doesn't get dark until almost 9PM now.

MGM Studios:
ABC Theater (Doug's former home) - closed
Great Movie Ride - Rehab
Sorcerer's Hat - interactive kiosks have been removed, now home to a gift shop and pin trading kiosk only.

Animal Kingdom:
Everything seemed OK there.

Anyway, just a few observations on the past few years of deterioration (seems like a harsh word but I couldn't think of a better one). May sound strange, but the last two days of our vacation it just seemed like I noticed all of these things for the first time and all at once - was rather sobering. As the economy turns around (I hope) and attendance rises, hopefully some money gets reinvested to bring back more of the magic.

We still had a great trip, but things have changed alot in just a few years!

If you have any questions, be happy to answer them.

Thanks.

Brian

 

[CK1]

I had noticed the decline in the Wonders of Life pavillion too (my kids reallly miss that batting cage, and several of the cycles are consistently marked "Out of order", even!) Tomorrowland is truly way underutilized at MK. I just hope we're not witnessing the "Disney Store" trend... where they try to up profit margins by cutting back on quality. The DS used to get a very major piece of my business, but after buying $2000 of stuff one yr and finding that over half was blatantly defective, I find it hard to give them my business. Now look at the DS -- yuck.. The catalog is slightly better, but still -- it's not what it was, that's for sure. THe parks are the one thing that according to the stock reports Disney fares well with... I hope they don't think that there's "enough" without cosmetic upkeep and new attractions/improvements... you can NEVER have enough "magic", after all!

ANYHOOOO, glad you enjoyed your trip and OKW!

Cindy

 

[beccasmom]

I am disappointed that Carousel of Progress is closed....I really enjoy that, being one of the older attractions. I knew Winnie the Pooh was being rehabbed, but am still disappointed they won't have it back up during my trip next week. Most of the rehabbing used to take place during "off" season so that everything was up to speed during the busy summer months. Now the MK is only open late (relatively speaking...until 9:30!) one day during my trip. It is very disconcerting.

 

[Peter Johnson]

KellyDVC, we know just what you mean We've been members since 1992, and there has been a definite and significant decline over the years. Carousel of Progress and Timekeeper were two of our favorite attractions.

When we were at OKW last month for 12 days, we only visited the parks about half the days. MK, once our favorite, was only visited twice -- the first evening for SpectroMagic, and the last morning killing time till we left. In the "old days", we would spend half our vacation at MK alone.

Fortunately there's plenty of other stuff to do around Orlando, and OKW was its usual wonderful "home"

After visiting Busch Gardens, Sea World and IOA last month, we think Disney needs to hire (back) some of their talent... perhaps starting at the very top.

 

[anniet]

Is this deterioration or is it something you are now more aware of?

We've been visiting WDW since the early '90's even though we just bought DVC last year, but if I remember correctly there is almost always something closed or under rehab. Maybe it's been because we travel in January, but also with the size of the parks one would imagine that it's difficult to keep everything open all the time. I'm not saying it's not disappointing, and it always disappoints me too when a favorite ride is being rehabbed and worse when they close it for good, but there are still so many other attractions that are always added. Heck, since we've been going there, they added a whole new park!

I also think it's a response to the economy as well. I saw it in the early '90's when we were visiting. It just seems cyclical to me.

 

[ryoung]

Let me add my 2 cents. We just got back from WDW two weeks ago and also noticed the number of attractions permanently closed with no evident plans of replacement. Everytime we come we hope for at least replacements (really miss Caoursel of Progress). I been to DWD 18 times since 1973 and felt that the up keep is really slipping the last couple of years. Not necessarily picking up litter (it's still very clean), but the touch-up and paint-up, etc. Lot's of chipped paint, etc. I also thought the transportation was less frequent. We waited over 45 min.for the boat from MK back to WL after closing. The line was unbelievable. Didn't feel there was a detieration in the food or service. Hotel services and housekeeping were fine. I am blaming it on the economy and certainly hope it is not a new attitude.

 

[RobDoc]

Thanks for the report. I'm glad your OKW requests were met- that's a good sign.

You may want to repost your park observations on the Theme Parks Board- that's a much better forum for that discussion.

Further Theme Parks discussion isn't appropriate for this board.

 

[fkj2]

Is this deterioration or is it something you are now more aware of?

Had the same thoughts when I visited in May. Reminds me of nearly 20 years ago, before Eisner took the helm.

While acknowledging Doc's thoughts that this may be better posted on the Theme Park forum, I appreciate seeing this thread because I don't always read all the different forums.

As members, and while recognizing that there are other attractions surrounding Orlando, the primary reason for buying DVC was to enjoy WDW and its amenities. When the quality of the park attractions begins to deteriorate, fewer people may want to become potential buyers of DVC. A cycle could develop and lower the financial investment of all of us. And yes, while the argument can be made that it's not an investment, we nonetheless have thousands of dollars in our memberships. If we don't enjoy the time we spend at WDW, we've wasted the money.

 

[TCPluto]

I would tend to agree with AnnieT.

The more time you spend at WDW, the more opportunity you have to "examine" with a more critical eye, hence, you see more than you did at first glance.

We bought a new house a couple of years ago. While touring it several times before purchase, it was determined to be nearly perfect. Within the first three months, we accumulated quite a long list of things we didn't like or were less than acceptable to us. Areas where the trim was not painted, fitted properly, nails pops, etc.

Some things are more difficult to maintain as they age and that may be what is noticed first. I don't think it's a cause for panic or great concern at the parks or resorts.

 

[Disney1fan2002]

Disney is not immune to economic decline. In fact, it may suffer the most. The first thing people give up when in a recession is vacation. I think Disney does a superior job of trying to keep things running even though their numbers are down. I too miss The Carousel of Progress, but let's face it, the last time I went on that ride, MAYBE 50 people filled the seats. If it was an attraction that people were lined up for, it would still be open. But you need to consider the cost to run the thing, and if there is not much interest, why put the money into keeping it open?

The thing that makes Disney such a great place to go over and over agian, is that is is constantly changing. You can go every 2 years, and find something new every trip. In order to keep changing, rides need to be closed for rehab, or for a completely different ride. I believe the Pooh ride used to be Mr Toad?
Here is a link to some of the refurshment Disney is undergoing.


http://www.disneyclubs.com/disney_changes/disney_world_changes.htm[/URL]

 

[spiceycat]

My problem is that in the closed areas instead of boarding them off until they built something new (like they used to) - now they have character meets - this is great if you are young or old - but the rest of the public really would like something else.

but I don't think it is as bad as it was around 95 (maybe later) when Disney was builting the MK in France - so many CM's were depressed and felt that WDW and them were being ignore by Disney management and they were. the best people from WDW were taken to France to teach their people. It was not a good situation for those that were left.

this situation only lasted a year before a little more - then WDW got even better - with the economic the way it is I think it will be alot longer for WDW to come around this time.

so appreciate what WDW has and not cry over the stuff that is gone - I know some of my favorite has been replaced - but life is about change.

 

[ohiominnie]

Originally posted by KellyDVC
Magic Kingdom:
Tomorrowland Skyway Landing Bldg - unused and vacant
Carousel of Progress - closed
Tomorrowland Amphitheater - rarely used
Timekeeper - closed
Winnie the Pooh Ride - under rehab (not closed, but for us this trip it might as well have been)
20,000 Leagues Area (across from Pooh) - still unused
Mickey's Philharmagic (new) - still not open
Fantasyland Skyway Landing Bldg - unused and vacant
Tom Sawyer Island - (our first visit to it) desolate, not a cast member to be seen, not very well kept up either

Brian,
We were just there in May. I do agree the park hours were not the best, but you're getting the idea we have figured out about WDW ..."the early bird gets the worm!" Taking advantage of EE, doing all you can, and then leaving when the crowds get bad seems to help us a lot!

On the other hand, did you happen to notice a the MK:
Tea cups: open
Dumbo: open
Peter Pan: open
Haunted Mansion: open
Carousel: open
Snow White's Scary Adventure: open
Buzz Lightyear: open
Space Mountain: open
People movers (whatever they're called in Tomorrowland): open
Splash: open
BTMR: open
Country Bear Jamboree: open
etc etc etc....

There's still a lot to do. Some things you missed this time will be open next time. And things you did this time will be closed next time. Except of course the Sky ride (and it's stations)....a few irresponsible people ruined that all for the rest of us! (although they DO use 20,000 leagues and sky ride stations for character meet and greets)

We were dissapointed about Pooh being closed too, but our kids gleefully skipped by saying "ah, we'll catch it the next time we're here!" Thanks to DVC, that won't be too far off! I think it's a lot about perception and attitude...glass half full vs. glass half empty.

That's my, ever so humble, $0.02

 

[RobDoc]

Comments about DVC are more than welcome on this forum, but further comment about the Theme Parks will need to be directed to our <a href="http://disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?forumid=2">Theme Parks Board.</a>


Thanks!

 

[Simba's Mom]

My question is DVC, specifically OKW. What size was #2331? Also a comment: DH loves a good golf course view, and we used to not like the numerous trees blocking our view. However, last trip we heard many golf balls hit into the trees surrounding our unit and decided we were glad those trees were there. Otherwise-"Incoming!" If all golfers hit straight, I bet there'd be fewer trees!

 

[PamOKW]

However, last trip we heard many golf balls hit into the trees surrounding our unit and decided we were glad those trees were there. Otherwise-"Incoming!" If all golfers hit straight, I bet there'd be fewer trees!

ROFL!!! My brother looked like a deer in the headlights when I suggested he play at LBV. He was afraid of "meeting the neighbors" with his shots.

 

[JudithM]

Kelly, thank you for taking the time to write a report. Glad to read your requests were met at OKW & that you heard "Welcome Home" many times. We heard it quite a bit last month - it is nice to hear!

Originally posted by Simba's Mom
My question is DVC, specifically OKW. What size was #2331? Also a comment: DH loves a good golf course view, and we used to not like the numerous trees blocking our view. However, last trip we heard many golf balls hit into the trees surrounding our unit and decided we were glad those trees were there. Otherwise-"Incoming!" If all golfers hit straight, I bet there'd be fewer trees!

Simba's Mom, glad to read that you took the lemons (trees blcking the view) & made lemonade (glad those trees were there). Sure beats that Beverly drink that "stranger" tried to get you to try !

 

[KellyDVC]

Simba's Mom,

Room # 2331 is a dedicated 2 BR on the third floor. The room was in the middle of the building, at least 3 units over from the road (so very little bus noise on the patio, and none in the room). The room overlooked the water to the putting green - very nice - just could not take in the whole view. You could see golfers on the green, but not their approach.

We also picked the cluster of buildings 23-25 because they are close to Hospitality House. We like to walk to catch the bus at HH which is the last bus stop before exiting the resort. When returning, the Peninsular bus stop (in front of bldgs 23-29) is the first stop upon entering the resort. We also like to walk to the main pool, general store, Olivia's, or take the Trumbo Ferry to Downtown Disney.

We always come back from WDW, very confident in our DVC purchases. There is nothing like staying on-site in the 1BR+ accomodations with the washers and dryers, kitchens, whirlpool tubs, numerous TVs, etc. We are so glad to be members and have "relaxing" DW vacations, no commandos here!

Thanks.

Brian

 

[Pa@okw95]

There will be a time where an awful lot of DVC members just go down to OKW and not go to the parks. Thanks for the report.

 

[Pinnie]

Pa@OKW,

My upcoming trip to OKW next weekend may just be one of those trips that have us at DVC and doing little parkage.

I am heading there for a best friends weekend sans spouses and SOs and can't wait to do some pooltime and some shopping at DD. Who knows, we may even take in Finding Nemo! We are thinking about an e-ticket night a week from tonight, though!

That is what I LOVE about my DVC. I can go and ejoy the resort without feeling I have to do the parks commando style. Ahhh the beauty of an AP and DVC!

I'm going back in Aug for 11 days and even then, we may just do a few things at the park. We sandwiched in a visit to Vero Beach for that trip, too!

DVC life is GOOD

pin