Just returned from WDW (pretty sad!!!)

[tbranan]

Interesting, I just spoke with my mom who is there right now. This is her 10th Trip and she said she hasn't noticed the park being any dirtier or the buses running less.

She said that the only thing she did notice is that a couple of the QS restaurants in the MK are closed due to "refurbishment" take that as you will.

But she still said she is loving every minute and the "magic" is still there.

I have to say I was encouraged to hear this as I am going in June.

I was there in October and again last week and could see NOTHING wrong. Sorry, but it's still the happiest place on earth!

I never have considered "closed for refurbishment" to be anything other than normal. Been like that EVERY time I've been there!!

 

[jimmymac]

To those who think nothing has changed at the parks in the last couple of years: enjoy the Kool Aid

 

[tink1969]

Just want to comment on the great turkey legs that "marsrunner" enjoyed while at Disney. I like them too. But I'm pretty sure these legs are "cured" before they are sold at the parks. I've never cooked a turkey in my life with pink legs that taste like ham! As I said, I did enjoy eating one and thought it tasted great!

 

[mwehttam]

I have to disagree with the OP. DW and I were there two weekends ago (1/23-1/26) and had a great time (probably more to do with the fact we left DS home with grandma and grandpa ). The parks looked good and the CM's were some of the best we have ever interacted with. The parks were much more crowded then we thought it would be especially Sat with HS opening early for EMH and everyone doing the TSM Sprint.

Overall we had a great time.

 

[k5thbeatle]

My wife and I just returned from WDW yesterday and I'm sad to see what that place has turned into. The parks were the dirtiest they have ever been, the managers were actually working as cashiers in the countries in EPCOT. The busses and boats were far and few between, the food was not up to their usual standards. I was just shocked being there. This was my 21st trip and I can honestly say that it's time to take a break from there until things get back to normal. The only positive thing that came out of our trip was the WONDERFUL cast members we met. They were outstanding! And it wasn't because they were worried about losing their jobs, they were genuinely happy. I take my hat off to all of them for working under terrible conditions making $8.35 hr.

I share your sentiments and will only add that we have noticed the decline in food for some time now. Like you and your wife we have also made the decision to give it a break for the exact same reasons. The value just isn't there!

 

[kingj]

Quick question? What makes the parks dirty? Could an argument be made that guests are not as respectful as they use to be?

 

[bama106]

We were there at SSR 1/12-1/18 and we had an awesome time. We go to Disneyworld every chance we get. As far as the buses, we never waited more than 10 minutes for a bus. Most of the time we had a busses in less than 5minutes. The parks were very clean and the CM's were very nice and courteous as usual. Early in the week the crowds were light, but as the week went on they got bigger. On Friday and Saturday the major attractions had wait times well over 60 minutes. Also, the food was great, the only meal we were disappointed in was La Cellier.

 

[bytheblood]

Times are getting tough. Be thankful that you could afford to go. Some people cannot afford heat and groceries.

 

[bytheblood]

Quick question? What makes the parks dirty? Could an argument be made that guests are not as respectful as they use to be?

BINGO! We have a winner!!

 

[artesian]

BINGO! We have a winner!!

I agree 100% also. Last trip on more than one occasion my DD 9 pointed out to people littering in front of us and why people do that. I didn't have much of an answer for her other than picking up the offenders paper or what not and deposit it in the trash can 10 ft away.

I'd also like to add which will probably get me flamed but I always thought Disney food was on par with fast food anyway. Yes some of the restaruants are ok but myself and the fam aren't going there to eat and we only eat in the parks when we have too. We'd rather go back to our room and cook a meal or eat offsite. My .02.

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

I agree 100% also. Last trip on more than one occasion my DD 9 pointed out to people littering in front of us and why people do that. I didn't have much of an answer for her other than picking up the offenders paper or what not and deposit it in the trash can 10 ft away.

I'd also like to add which will probably get me flamed but I always thought Disney food was on par with fast food anyway. Yes some of the restaruants are ok but myself and the fam aren't going there to eat and we only eat in the parks when we have too. We'd rather go back to our room and cook a meal or eat offsite. My .02.

Not flaming but seriously you think Jiko or Flying Fish are fastfood equivalents?

The littering is just human nature gone bad. Sadly it's way worse now but Disney DOES NOT keep up with it with the same fervor as days gone by. It used to be "dirty" was simply unacceptable, now there is a cost/benefit ratio obviously being followed ... i.e. How frequently do we have to clean in order to keep the majority from complaining.

 

[candizfan]

I noticed the behaviour of people is not what it use to be. Rude people, I count those who litter rude, can change the whole place and experience.

Still love going!

 

[TDC Nala]

I miss the Adventurers Club to the extent that it affects my trips to WDW, and I have noticed declines in the food quality at non-signature restaurants (which I partially attribute to having to feed so many for a set price on the dining plan, but there are plenty of signature restaurants and restaurants that don't accept the dining plan). Other than that I have not seen a major difference except for some service changes (some restaurants not open as late as they used to be, no P&P parties, Fantasmic schedule changes, etc) which haven't really bothered me personally but they may be big deals to others.

 

[Scurvy]

I miss the Adventurers Club to the extent that it affects my trips to WDW,

Me, too. I actually haven't been back since it closed, and I had intended to go on two trips in October (one as a family and one adults only) and one in December.

When we were still going often I did notice a decline in the food quality. Part of that is just the changes to the menus, though - they've removed many of my favorite foods and replaced them with things I don't like as well. Other people might like the new offerings better. I also dislike the way they seem to be homogenizing the offerings . . . it seems like many of the counter service places are offering the same things, especially as far as sides and desserts. There used to be more variety everywhere.

I've noticed the homogenizing with the merchandise, as well. The different shops used to carry very different merchandise. Now it seems like the shops all carry the same things. Except for the World Showcase shops, of course. The different parks do have park specific things that you can't find outside the parks, but all the shops within the park seem the same. Of course this does help us spend less - we used to buy things we wanted when we saw them, so we wouldn't have to come back to that store. Now that we can get almost everything at multiple shops we tend to wait and buy everything at the end of our trip, and we end up buying far fewer things than we used to.

 

[artesian]

Not flaming but seriously you think Jiko or Flying Fish are fastfood equivalents?

The littering is just human nature gone bad. Sadly it's way worse now but Disney DOES NOT keep up with it with the same fervor as days gone by. It used to be "dirty" was simply unacceptable, now there is a cost/benefit ratio obviously being followed ... i.e. How frequently do we have to clean in order to keep the majority from complaining.

Not saying that at all. There are some very good TS type places. But not all TS places are created equal. Personally I love flying fish and and would never put it down.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

My wife and I just returned from WDW yesterday and I'm sad to see what that place has turned into. The parks were the dirtiest they have ever been, the managers were actually working as cashiers in the countries in EPCOT. The busses and boats were far and few between, the food was not up to their usual standards. I was just shocked being there. This was my 21st trip and I can honestly say that it's time to take a break from there until things get back to normal. The only positive thing that came out of our trip was the WONDERFUL cast members we met. They were outstanding! And it wasn't because they were worried about losing their jobs, they were genuinely happy. I take my hat off to all of them for working under terrible conditions making $8.35 hr.

The only way things are going to change is by writing an email or complaint letter to Disney. Otherwise, it falls on deaf ears here.

 

[Steffiesunshine]

I just returned from a trip 1/27 to 2/3. I have to say I thought the parks were very clean...lots of CMs with brooms walking around. Whenever we had a question, we usually asked them because there were so many.

We had no issues with transportation (we stayed at WL). We never waited more than 5 minutes for a boat, and our buses were always quick. I think on Monday going to Downtown Disney, we waited about 10 minutes, but the buses to the parks came within that time to pick up others.

As far as CMs, I didn't notice any attitudes, except one girl on Caseys Corner who wasn't very pleasant. Otherwise, CMs were nice, smiling, chatty and helpful. Many asked where we were from, and if we were enjoying our stay. I even had 3 CMs notice me looking for a lost pin, and helped me look, with one getting out a flashlight.

I don't doubt the OP, but I guess maybe they were in the wrong place at the wrong time. I am going back to WDW in November, and cannot wait.

 

[DisFlan]

Considering we're in the worst economy the world has seen in 50 or 60 years, I think WDW is still doing a pretty darned good job. And I'm willing to give them a break on whatever changes may pop up over the next couple of years or so. A day at Disney is still better than a day just about anywhere else.

DisFlan

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

The only way things are going to change is by writing an email or complaint letter to Disney. Otherwise, it falls on deaf ears here.

Hate to disagree but IMO complaining here on the DIS gets as much or maybe more attention from Disney than a sole email complaint. Here on the DIS the Disney 'monitors' not only get to see the original complaint but the follow ups too and if they (the follow ups in the thread) are great enough in number then Disney realizes they have a bigger problem than they ever would with the single lone complaint.

With that said, I don't think current Disney gives a hoot about our issues anyway.

 

[k5thbeatle]

Hate to disagree but IMO complaining here on the DIS gets as much or maybe more attention from Disney than a sole email complaint. Here on the DIS the Disney 'monitors' not only get to see the original complaint but the follow ups too and if they (the follow ups in the thread) are great enough in number then Disney realizes they have a bigger problem than they ever would with the single lone complaint.

With that said, I don't think current Disney gives a hoot about our issues anyway.

Not being flippant at all or trying to steal the thread but is there any evidence that Disney executives ever even look at these boards?