Just got back and disappointed...

[ruadisneyfan2]

I agree with others and just wanted to say,

My WDW planning book says the single biggest factor/predictor to having a good time in WDW is the time of year. Your kids are little; missing a week of kindergarten is not going to ruin one's future. Our teachers told us this even in 2nd grade on back to school night.

Example, my brother took his daugher over Easter break when she was 10 for their 1st trip. They waited 2 hrs for every ride and swore he'd never return. And they didn't until 2 yrs ago I talked him into coming with us and he finally saw a different side of WDW. By then his daughter was grown/married and couldn't come.

I would suggest:
1. Go while school is in session. Maybe plan over a teachers' inservice day off? (or some day off unique to your school; not one the whole country has off.)
2. We rented strollers just to avoid the hassle you described as well as taking up space in the room. You really don't need one so much at the resorts, mostly just in the parks.
3. We've gone many times throughout the year and like mid Nov, 1st week of May and the time between TG and Christmas but not during either holiday.
Late Jan. is empty but often chilly or downright COLD so we're done with that.

I hope some day you give it another chance.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

I'm sorry it had such rough spots! I think there are many people who plan alot and when they go they plan to get all of their money out of that vacation...at whatever cost!!! Our first time (2 years ago) we were shocked at how some of the parents behaved!! This time was great until we got these nice spots for the Electrical parade at MK. Then this family shoved in next to us and told their 3 or 4 kids to cram into a spot that maybe had room for two. So then, each time one of my girls would move...lift a leg up...whatever...the kids from the other family would look around then inch over a bit until they were all sitting comfortably, crossed leg and my kids where squished!! I was soooooo angry and then found myself acting less than "magical" telling my girls not to move or they would lose their spot...really, really, really loudly. And commenting...really, really, loudly to the other family with us about it!!!

Not the best way to behave but I was just so angry!!! Don't let the yucky folks get you down!!! Our return this year was way better than our first time because we knew exactly what to expect (at least out of the people). The hotel stuff is something that you simply cannot predict!

This same thing happened to us last Sept. It's so annoying and my kids were just oblivious at having to defend their space. I finally had to tell them that others will push right into their spot if you let them and the whole 'give them an inch, they take a foot' saying.

 

[crisi]

WDW is not for everyone...

This is true. And a first time trip is often particularly rough. And while the kid's ages here is magical - two or three is probably the HARDEST age to pull off a Disney trip - particularly a first Disney trip (those of us who have done Disney for years childless have an easier time bringing small kids - we sort of know Disney - the only hurdle we face is Disney with kids - itself a high hurdle - you had to learn Disney AND Disney with kids).

I'd decide what you enjoyed and what you didn't. We don't do parades - too much rude behavior for something we don't find magical enough to compensate for the pushy people who see parades. We avoid both driving ourselves and busses as much as possible. We don't go when its crowded, or hot. We know our kids are going to want to spend time in the pool everyday and so plan pool time every day (as they've gotten older, they've started to realize getting to a pool at home is easy - getting to Space Mountain from home isn't). We do a sit down meal every single day - preferably signature because the table service restaurants have gotten so disappointing (we may rent a car to start eating off site).

In the end, you may determine that you really didn't enjoy enough to return. That's fine - your girls might prefer a cruise. They might like an all inclusive where they can swim every day.

I'm particularly sorry you had room problems. That's really unacceptable. That alone on a first trip would discourage me from ever giving Disney another dime of my money.

 

[whitneyNC]

Try it again in the Fall or early winter. The kids' ages are really fine, it's the summer! Driving to any park EXCEPT MK is pretty much no hassle at all. RIDE the bus to MK! They dump you out practically right at the entrance! That parking lot/tram is the pits. And THEN the monorail or boat! No transfering on the good ol' bus! Hope your next trip is great!

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Try it again in the Fall or early winter. The kids' ages are really fine, it's the summer! Driving to any park EXCEPT MK is pretty much no hassle at all. RIDE the bus to MK! They dump you out practically right at the entrance! That parking lot/tram is the pits. And THEN the monorail or boat! No transfering on the good ol' bus! Hope your next trip is great!

During crowded times it is. We stay offsite in low season and there's no pushing, shoving, racing at all. Sometimes the tram waits as more people are walking up the aisles from their cars so the tram leaves full instead of half empty even though another is right behind.
It's a whole different experience.

I can deal with hot but hot + crowded = everyone on everyone's nerves and short fuses.

btw, while some view the ferry as a hassle, we enjoy it. Cool breeze on my face as the castle comes closer into view is much nicer for us than riding a bus. It's nice to have a choice.

 

[whitneyNC]

During crowded times it is. We stay offsite in low season and there's no pushing, shoving, racing at all. Sometimes the tram waits as more people are walking up the aisles from their cars so the tram leaves full instead of half empty even though another is right behind.
It's a whole different experience.

I can deal with hot but hot + crowded = everyone on everyone's nerves and short fuses.

We just can't do the MK parking lot configuration any time of year! Too many different steps to get to the fun! I've never been in the summer. All other parks, we can drive hassle free!

 

[Dizneydaz]

If you can convince DH to go again, I would go in Sept/Oct. during free DDP. It's still warm/hot enough to use the pool. And you didn't mention the waterparks. They are a must with us. We visit both during our trips! Love them. DD (now almost 10) has loved them since we first started going. She was almost 3. They have life jackets for use (for free) and it wasn't until last year that I let her go into the bigger pools (waves, etc.) without on.

For the first trips we took to WDW when I asked DD what was her favorite part it was always "The Pool" (sometimes the park-the ones at the resorts!). Knowing that I always picked a resort with a nice pool and we swam almost everyday.

Not dealing with crowds will make a huge difference! Even with the shorter park hours. And if you have free DDP you can do character meals and avoid waiting in lines to see them in the parks (though the lines aren't too bad in Sept/Oct.). A nice break in the day and hopefully you'll get them to eat!

We've gone to WDW in Jan, April, June, Sept, and Dec. As you can see by my siggie, we love Sept. the best (and that was even before free DDP!).

As to people at parades, I feel your pain. We go to DLR a lot and I have been amazed at people who walk up just before it starts and steal your spots! I don't take it anymore-I get a CM if I can. Again, less crowds will mean less people to deal with at parades. The last few times we've watched the one at AK we didn't have an issue with crowds at all. Watched just past the bridge in Asia and over by KS (as it makes it's way around again). Got there just a few minutes before it started.

We always have a car so don't use the busses. I keep thinking about using the ones to get to MK but haven't done it yet. We don't use the stroller anymore but when we did, during Sept., we never had an issue. Sometimes after MK closed we would opt to walk back to the car so DD could ride. We've done this at the other parks as well. Unfortunately WDW is not set up well for strollers on the trams, unlike DLR where there are two rows set aside for strollers (non-folded). I can see why though-the line at DLR for the stroller aisles can get very long. I can only imagine it at WDW if they had it.

Hope you can go again and have a better time.

 

[ncmickeyluvr]

Sometimes I think that people who just decide to go to WDW out of the blue...completely oblivious to all the planning...are better off for a first visit. The OCD planning and scheduling stresses people out...not to mention creates over the top expectations. WDW is just a place...a wonderful place imho...but a real place with real faults. I'm sooo glad that my first trips were off the cuff and unplanned. Yes, I missed half of everything, but the beauty of it is there's sooooo much to do and see if you miss something you might never know!! Unless, you've worked it up in your mind so unrealistically that you will be disappointed no matter what. Just my opinion!

 

[jodifla]

I have been planing our trip for a year and researching everything. I bought and read every book that everyone suggested I asked questions on here and lurked all through as many threads I could in a year. So I thought I was somewhat prepared...boy was I wrong. We stayed at the ASMFS and they were nice, but every other day something went wrong. Leaking shower, broken toliet, broken safe, and internet problems. The worst part of the trip is the parking lot tram ride to MK(we drove). People were so rude tripping other people and stampeding over small children just to get a ride on the tram. Disney has no system of lining up people in the parking lot, it's a free for all. The buses and trams are hardly set up for people with strollers, even though 75% people going have kids. The large tour groups are rude and believe they own the parks. They tie together not letting anyone by and if you happen to be in their way when they all go by chanting and dancing grab your children, because they will run right over them. People that arrive late to parades will pratically push their way on top of your shoulders to get in front of you. I was truly sad that it didn't feel as magical that I had dreamed about all these years. My daughters who are 5 and 3 were excited at the character dinners to meet everyone and to ride a couple of rides, but always asked when was it time to go swimming at the hotel. I felt so sad that all my life I had wanted to experience Disney World and it wasn't at all what I expected...where was all the magic...I am so sorry to say all the bad parts, its just how I was feeling. There were several neat rides and shows, but I'm not sure all of what we went through was worth it. Please tell me theres some secret to making it more magical that I don't know about!

I grew up 90 minutes away from the Magic Kingdom and have been there countless times.

First, I think when you build up a trip so much, there are bound to be disappointments.

Second, you went during one of the most difficult times of year there is to go. It's hot and it's crowded. Go in January, the end of April (when it's not Easter) or October, and it's a totally different experience.

Sorry it wasn't what you expected. But I NEVER recommend that someone go to WDW for the first time in the dead of summer.

 

[skip323]

Some folks, though, have to go on breaks because of their schedules (regardless of the kid's ages). DH and I are both educators (he is an administrator) and it simply was never an option for us both to take off from our respective schools for a vacation. When you are in that situation you simply have to go when everyone else goes. Our first time was spring break. Our second time was summer break. That being said, I found doing a touring plan this second time around made a HUGE difference. I am sure many could figure it out on their own but we did TGM and WOW! It went completely against what I had done the first time and it worked! We didn't wait in any single line more than about 10 minutes and we rode everything we wanted to including riding somethings 3 and 4 times! It was fantastic! It was hot as heck but we just did the smart thing....brought lots of water/ lemonade. Went to the parks around 9am or 9:30am. Left the parks around noon. Hung out in the room or at the pools until around 4pm then went back to the parks around 5pm. EXCELLENT time! The worst thing (outside of the parade situation mentioned in my previous post) was if we left the parks at closing the buses were a nightmare...too many people, not enough room!

 

[tartemis]

I'm sorry you didn't have a great time, but I think a bit of that could change by mangaing expectations.

Our last trip our daughter, 18 months, also loved the pool just as much as MK. But that was part of the magic! We would spend half a day at a park and the other half at a pool. We also didn't get to see much at the parks, but we didn't expect to, so we weren't disappointed. And we had a wonderful time.

Definitely try to convince your hubby to go back and this time just try to look at it with a different perspective!

**Also ditch the double-stroller. I will admit that I have on more than one occassion given dirty thoughts (to myself, not outwardly) to all of the double-strollers that are taking up space in Disney these days. If you don't have twins, you don't need a double-stroller!!! Joking, well sorta.

 

[MickeyMouse'sBFF]

Its NOT the double stroller thats the problem, believe me~ I had a small one and experienced all the issues you did. Its simply the time of year you went there. We usualy go durring non peak seasons, but this year we went the end of June. Let me tell you, it was just like you said. The crowds were as insane as the heat. It was fun, dont get me wrong... but something was missing. The magic was kinda losing its luster. I plan on trying one of two things next time. First, maybe trying the cruise next, or simply trying to go durring off time again. It makes school time hard to deal with, but maybe something can be worked out.
Try again... Im sure it will be better next time

 

[lovndisney]

It definitely is a magical place. I have been 6 times now and unfortunately all in June, July and August. I used to hate it in the early stages with the tour groups and seeing the characters...you would wait your turn and bam they would just jump in...now it is more controlled with the lines...but who wants to do that as well. We actually stayed in the ASMo last time and had a wonderful time. We went back on to visit on our trip last week, we wanted to take a picture of our son on the "z" block by Buzz like we did when he was 1 and also our daughter this time around. Both names start with a Z.... however when we arrived to that section there were literally hundreds of tours there waving their flags, we could not even see the blocks. We left hoping to make it back another night but that did not happen. We are definitely planning a trip again next year. I am upset that I waited to take my son back for so long. We took him when he was one and now when he was 10 .. too many years in between. We are looking for late September or maybe April. But don't let this one time ruin your trip. Each time you go it seems even more magical. I cried the morning we left.

 

[Nancyg56]

I'm sorry that your time was not as magical as you expected. I did the same as you, planned and lurked and posted and asked....you get the picture. I was sure that our trip with my DGD was going to have all of the magic as the TR's I had read. My DH warned me to manage my expectations, and my DD told me that we were not going to be able to do all that I wanted in one trip.

Well, I knew the pool was a biggie so we planned pool days and pool time, made lunch or dinner ADR's to make sure that Kady got to meeet all of her "friends", planned which park and then tossed the rest of the plans out.

We did not drive either, just made the bus ride part of the vacation.

I would not worry about the stroller being the problem, it was the timing. Kady used a stroller until she was almost 6, there is a lot of walking and tired kids make crabby kids and that make me crabby so we waited until she was able to keep up.

We only go off season, the one time I took her in August I scaled back the park time a lot, we spent time in the parks but planned for her to pin trade if the lines were long and we really used the pool more than we normally would have.

Disney magic is what you make it, it is way too easy to get caught up in all of the hype and to forget that the plans can become a hindrance to the magic.

Our favorie time was that first trip back to the WOrld when we just winged it through the parks. Yupm we were that family who experienced DIS'er think didd not get the bigest bang from our Disney Park buck, but we actually were having the best time, all the while knowing that there would always be a next time.

 

[Aristomommy]

Our best trips have been in the fall. Less crowds and the parks aren't open for as long, so we didn't feel like we HAD to stay in the parks all day. I also schedule a relaxing day every 3rd day of the trip and we will swim in the pool and shop and enjoy a nice dinner out of the parks. I would not go in July because of the heat and people. Sorry you didn't enjoy yourself.

Also, touring plans are important no matter when you go. Figuring out where everyone is going and doing the opposite saves a lot of time and waiting in lines. I would suggest picking a nicer hotel as well to ensure better service and access to parks. We have done value hotels and had a wonderful time, but I also know they will not be great in service and access to parks. Our favorite is Animal Kingdom Lodge because you can do so much in the resort without worrying about buses or monorail. I hope you give it another try off season since your children our still young.

 

[rt2dz]

I’m sorry your trip didn’t go as well as you hoped. Guests in the park can be quite rude; I’ve noticed it is getting worse lately. And it’s even worse when you have your expectations set so high—I really think people on the DIS and other fan sites view Disney through rose-colored Mickey glasses. It’s one of the reasons I love the UG so much—it’s realistic and objective. You may also want to subscribe to Tour Guide Mike.

Disney is just like any other place; it has its ups and downs. They have good employees and bad employees. We’ve had a lousy, horrible experience at Boardwalk Inn. Complaining at the time did nothing and the letter I wrote when we got home went unanswered. I will NEVER stay there again—not because of the problems, necessarily, but from the way it was (or, rather, wasn’t) handled. We have, however, had above and beyond service at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Normal, typical experiences everywhere else.

I wouldn’t give up on Disney yet. If you didn’t read the UG (Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World) either buy a copy or check it out from your library. It can help you plan a better time of the year to go—summer is the absolute worse, imho. It’s expensive, it’s hot and it’s crowded. Any of which makes people ruder, all of which magnifies it 100x. I avoid summer like the plague. I pull my kids out of school at the end of September, October, November, the first two week of December, January or February. Decent weather, low(er) crowds, and value season during most of that time. We’re lucky that our school district, in addition to the normal/typical excused absences, allows for absences arranged in advance to be excused if approval by the principal is given. Our principals, so far, have just told us to have fun and/or asked to come with while they sign the pre-approval form.

We, too, also drive. We drive there instead of flying and then once there we aren’t dependent on a bus schedule (driving is faster much of the time, especially when hopping), no crowds, I prefer the kids in car seats, and quite frankly, the way some of those bus drivers drive scare me; the recent accident did not surprise me at all as I’ve seen many, many near misses. One of the reasons I LOVE Fort Wilderness Cabins—not only do you get two rooms and a full kitchen, you get to park immediately in front of your cabin steps away from your door. BUT, we avoid the trams because they are not stroller friendly. We just walk. And to tell you the truth, 90% of the time, we beat the tram we would have been on—no matter where we are in the parking lot.

Personally, having a stroller doesn’t bother me. It gives me someplace to stash the diaper bag and any other junk, makes sure someone can’t take the parade spot, gives the kids some place to nap/rest, and helps us move faster at times (but then again, we’re never in crowds). And I can honestly say, the only time I clipped someone’s heels, I was roughly pushed into them by a rude guest. Luckily, the person I hit saw it coming and she kept trying to make sure *I* was OK. I’m actually going to miss the stroller—I have an 8yo, 5yo, 3yo (with autism), and one on the way. I’m just used to a stroller; we’re 50% out of it at home now and will have it out daily again soon.

I have no tips on the pool thing. We live in the south and it’s swimming season 10 months of the year, and our public pools are nicer than WDW pools (all zero entry, big splash pads, interactive kids pools, and multiple themed slides). My kids could care less about swimming at WDW. But, if you go at a cooler time of the year, you might have them wanting to be out of the heat and in the water less.

In general, plan less. I make one ADR every day and know which days we plan on going to which park. We hop a lot though because sometimes crowds are too much (not just how many people, but attitude of the people) or we just aren’t into that park for whatever reason. I know how to avoid long lines, but we leave a lot to chance. One time, to appease DS8 when he was 3, we rode Goofy’s Barnstormer 11 times in a row. It’s still one of his favorite memories.

 

[luvsJack]

I think planning some but not too much is the biggest key to enjoying it.

We always do the dining plan and always go the week of Thanksgiving (so part of the week is not busy and part of the week is VERY busy--best of both worlds!) I learned quickly--one ADR per day, plan which park on which day ( and even that can change, at least until the time of our ADR) and either what attraction to start on or at least what area of the park to start in (again, can change by our moods or by the direction of the crowds). That's it. I don't do touring plans because my family doesn't want to follow them and I don't want to get stressed about it.

Besides, like others have said, over planning can cause over the top expectations and that will always set you up for disappointment. Over planning can also take away from the magic in the little moments.

 

[dougsmom98]

The worst part of the trip is the parking lot tram ride to MK(we drove). People were so rude tripping other people and stampeding over small children just to get a ride on the tram. Disney has no system of lining up people in the parking lot, it's a free for all. The buses and trams are hardly set up for people with strollers, even though 75% people going have kids.

Our first experience with Disney trams was like this. We went the week between Christmas and New Years. The trams and the monorail were a nightmare for us with 2 year old twins, a 4 year old, a double stroller, and a single umbrella stroller. Once we got in the parks, I was okay but the transportation was awful. Since that trip, we have gone in June (once ) and February (4 times). Even though we have to travel during President's week which is a peak time, we have found it to be the best time for us. It is crowded, but I think people behave better when it is not as hot. The other key for us is to get to the parking lots really early. We are usually there before the parking lots open and we are often the 1st or 2nd car in line to pay for parking. For us, it is worth the extra time waiting to avoid the tram and the crowds on the monorail. If you drive to MK, try taking the ferry boat over instead of the monorail. It is less crowded, you can roll your stroller onto and off of the ferry without closing it up or taking the kids out. There is always plenty of room too.

 

[Disney-Kim]

I honestly think that a first trip is overwhelming and we also made our first trip in July.
We also hated the tour groups and all that. We have never gone back in July...just not worth it.
try Sept if there is any way possible or late Aug, May is great too. it really makes a difference to experience it in less crowded condtions.
It sounds like you had bad luck with the room, too bad.

I also think that you tend to build up the trip in your mind and especially reading the boards...thinking its going to be all easy and magical. but in reality its hot, sweaty, tiring, crowded....etc. knowing those things will help you plan better for them and then it will be easier and more magical.

You have been now and know what to expect...it will truly make your next trip 100x better...honest

 

[donaldsgirl]

Hey, Sorry you didnt have a great time..that is terrible to do all that research and then have that happen. I have been during the summer and it is the most miserable place on earth..(sorry if I offend). My husband and I now go ONLY at the mid to end of sept into early oct. This year is 9/20-10/3. For the most part the longest line that you stand in is to get something to eat, you literally WALK right onto almost every ride, it is still hot so you can enjoy the pools and water parks but NO CROWDS!!! Next time take a look at all the websites to see when the best/least crowded time to visit is. You will LOVE IT!!!! We take our son out of school for the 2 weeks that we are down.(PLEASE no one comment...I understand everyone has their opinion on the subject.) Give it another try at a better time..NEVER go during the summer..it is terrible.