Lost The Magical Feeling

[nrsldy]

I moved to Florida 2 years ago. I have a Florida Seasonal Pass, DVC member & retired military.
I knew my pass has blackout dates so I called Friday to see what I had to do to upgrade my pass since I was heading to Orlando for the weekend and Easter was part of the blackout dates. I get to Epcot, go to Guest relations to find out it was going to cost me 280 to upgrade, that would be good for 6 months when my pass came due again. So I asked what my other options were since I did not want to pay that price. I was told the best buy would be a 3 day Florida resident pass. So off I went to Epcot.
Fast forward to Saturday at the Magic Kingdom turnstile--- My ticket did not work.... Off to Guest Relations
I was told that the ticket I bought would no allow me into the park. I found it was only good to admit to the other parks-- not Magic Kingdom. I was not told this when I bought the ticket.
I was given 3 options:
1) I could pay $56 more to get into the park.
2) I could take a refund of $46 and pay full price for my night at Epcot (finally accepted this)
3) I could go to one of the other parks
My option was -- Take the 2 days on my ticket and let me into the park.
I was told NO. I asked about the military ticket-- was told that they were no longer sold at the park or Shades of Green. This is not true. Easter was a blackout time. But the tickets are still sold.
Even though it was their fault & I was not given the correct info; I could not get into the park without paying more money. I just wanted an even exchange. All I got was misinformation and I’m sorry.
So today I talked to someone from Guest Communications--- Very nice gentleman. I was able to get my ticket reimbursed.
I was so dissapointed in the options that I was given and the attitude of the cast members. I go at least once a month but I am feeling so Non Magical.

 

[NC State]

We too think WDW has lost "the magic". The last few trips it just wasn't there in the parks or resorts. Too may people and Cast Members not really happy to be there. We're now cruising with the mouse and much happier.

 

[Ress76]

I know it's unpopular on the Boards to say it, but I too feel the magic has dwindled. I think the biggest thing that gets me are the CMs busily chatting with each other or texting rather than, I don't know, assisting guests. It used to be occasional, but now it is widespread. But, the hassle of 3 FPs 60 days in advance, the ever-increasing prices, the removal of acts in World Showcase, ride closures, construction, parking, and yes, other guests ...it's just gotten to a point where what used to be a magical few days of letting the real world slip away has turned into more hassle than it's worth. And as a two time AP holder, that bothers me and kind of breaks my heart. I want to come to WDW to escape and have a wonderful vacation, but that just tends to happen less and less every trip.

This upcoming trip will be our last for a few years; there are other places we want to go and spend our money. We'll be back in 2018 or later, when the multitude of upgrades and park additions are done.

Ress

 

[nrsldy]

You would of never heard me say anything negative before. I have always had great service. I just though that they could of taken 2 days for one. Simple.

 

[Julylady]

Honestly, I think its 50% Disney's fault and 50% the guests' fault for the Magic disappearing. Disney has always been about making money. However, in the past Guest Experience used to matter to them as well. I don't believe it does anymore. They have cut corners with training and staffing and it definitely shows.

But more importantly, I read over and over how guests try to take advantage in order to get pixie dust, freebies, or special perks from Disney. Spend a few hours at Guest Relations and just listen to what people are complaining about/asking for. Everyone wants to be compensated for every little thing that goes wrong. I think that to combat this behavior, Disney has had to tighten the screws on current rules and create new rules where they didn't exist before. If there is even the slightest loophole, someone will try to exploit it. Just look at the threads on the Theme Parks board. There is a very active thread about how to create multiple MDE accounts to get more than 3 fast passes a day. OP, I think you got caught in some of those rules.

I too have felt the Magic disappearing, but I'm not willing to place the blame solely on Disney.

 

[Julylady]

You would of never heard me say anything negative before. I have always had great service. I just though that they could of taken 2 days for one. Simple.

If they let you use two park days on the same calendar day, they would open the floodgates for everyone to buy multi-day tickets where the 6-10 day are ultra cheap in order to avoid buying the park hopper feature. If you follow these boards, this question is asked at least once a week. You were not singled out for bad treatment. What might have seemed "simple" to you breaking a very well known policy.

 

[minnie mum]

Sorry, OP, but I think you have to bear a good part of the blame on this. You could have done your due diligence ahead of time on alternatives. If you had, you would have known about the 3 day pass. AND its restrictions. Or you could have asked, before you paid for the pass, if there were any restrictions on it, instead of jumping on the cheapest option. Due diligence includes asking the right questions.

And I don't know why you would expect Disney to allow a 2 for 1 exemption on a ticket when it isn't allowed under any other circumstance.

 

[cabanafrau]

I know it's unpopular on the Boards to say it, but I too feel the magic has dwindled. I think the biggest thing that gets me are the CMs busily chatting with each other or texting rather than, I don't know, assisting guests. It used to be occasional, but now it is widespread. But, the hassle of 3 FPs 60 days in advance, the ever-increasing prices, the removal of acts in World Showcase, ride closures, construction, parking, and yes, other guests ...it's just gotten to a point where what used to be a magical few days of letting the real world slip away has turned into more hassle than it's worth. And as a two time AP holder, that bothers me and kind of breaks my heart. I want to come to WDW to escape and have a wonderful vacation, but that just tends to happen less and less every trip.

This upcoming trip will be our last for a few years; there are other places we want to go and spend our money. We'll be back in 2018 or later, when the multitude of upgrades and park additions are done.

Ress

I agree with a great deal of this. We have no plans to head back to the world until we hear the situation has changed in ways that might make a trip enjoyable again. Not fun IMO to be so regimented and scheduled on a vacation. The crowds are also too thick anymore to allow for the little things we used to enjoy -- although most of that has been either removed from the parks or paved over for a magical walkway or the like.

No thanks. If we want some Disney we'll head for DLR. Hope they don't mangle that.

 

[Dizneefamily+4]

I know it's unpopular on the Boards to say it, but I too feel the magic has dwindled. I think the biggest thing that gets me are the CMs busily chatting with each other or texting rather than, I don't know, assisting guests. It used to be occasional, but now it is widespread. But, the hassle of 3 FPs 60 days in advance, the ever-increasing prices, the removal of acts in World Showcase, ride closures, construction, parking, and yes, other guests ...it's just gotten to a point where what used to be a magical few days of letting the real world slip away has turned into more hassle than it's worth. And as a two time AP holder, that bothers me and kind of breaks my heart. I want to come to WDW to escape and have a wonderful vacation, but that just tends to happen less and less every trip.

This upcoming trip will be our last for a few years; there are other places we want to go and spend our money. We'll be back in 2018 or later, when the multitude of upgrades and park additions are done.

Ress

I agree with a great deal of this. We have no plans to head back to the world until we hear the situation has changed in ways that might make a trip enjoyable again. Not fun IMO to be so regimented and scheduled on a vacation. The crowds are also too thick anymore to allow for the little things we used to enjoy -- although most of that has been either removed from the parks or paved over for a magical walkway or the like.

No thanks. If we want some Disney we'll head for DLR. Hope they don't mangle that.

+1. This is our feeling as well. We were a trip/year family until fp+ started and the other issues mentioned above. I love planning our trips - but I don't love uber planning our trips. I just can't fathom deciding what ride we want to ride in which park at 10:15 in the morning 2 months before we go. We typically don't even choose our parks until the night before. And even then, we may switch things up based on the weather. Our kids also like to repeat-ride their favorites. Since my dh is a teacher, we only go during the very crowded summer months, so 3 fast passes aren't going to cut it without waiting in line for hours for rides (and yes, I know you can get more fp once you use your initial 3, but only if they're available.) I'm sad that it's come to this for us, but we are choosing to spend our money elsewhere- like the FL Keys and Universal this year.

 

[smitch425]

Sorry, OP, but I think you have to bear a good part of the blame on this. You could have done your due diligence ahead of time on alternatives. If you had, you would have known about the 3 day pass. AND its restrictions. Or you could have asked, before you paid for the pass, if there were any restrictions on it, instead of jumping on the cheapest option. Due diligence includes asking the right questions.

And I don't know why you would expect Disney to allow a 2 for 1 exemption on a ticket when it isn't allowed under any other circumstance.

I'm with you on this one.

OP, did they know you wanted to go to MK? If not, I'm not sure you can place the blame completely on them. If I was buying a ticket I was unfamiliar with for a timeframe when restrictions were known, I would be asking every question I could before making the purchase. They gave you multiple options which they really did not HAVE TO do. They could have easily said, better luck next time. Lol

 

[anniemae]

It's just getting too crowded for us. No more slow time. We don't like spending our vacations with everyone else! Honestly, it is to the point where it is getting unenjoyable, too much waiting in line, waiting for busses, wading through crowds of people, crowded pools etc. We still like it, but we are reaching our breaking point I think.

 

[nrsldy]

If they let you use two park days on the same calendar day, they would open the floodgates for everyone to buy multi-day tickets where the 6-10 day are ultra cheap in order to avoid buying the park hopper feature. If you follow these boards, this question is asked at least once a week. You were not singled out for bad treatment. What might have seemed "simple" to you breaking a very well known policy.

I have never had this happen before--- I was not aware of any policy--- lessons learned!

 

[nrsldy]

Sorry, OP, but I think you have to bear a good part of the blame on this. You could have done your due diligence ahead of time on alternatives. If you had, you would have known about the 3 day pass. AND its restrictions. Or you could have asked, before you paid for the pass, if there were any restrictions on it, instead of jumping on the cheapest option. Due diligence includes asking the right questions.

And I don't know why you would expect Disney to allow a 2 for 1 exemption on a ticket when it isn't allowed under any other circumstance.

I thought I asked the right questions. I told the Cast member what my plans were. Now I know!

 

[nrsldy]

I'm with you on this one.

OP, did they know you wanted to go to MK? If not, I'm not sure you can place the blame completely on them. If I was buying a ticket I was unfamiliar with for a timeframe when restrictions were known, I would be asking every question I could before making the purchase. They gave you multiple options which they really did not HAVE TO do. They could have easily said, better luck next time. Lol

Yes I told them my plans when I bought the ticket. I dont hold them completly responsible. I go to WDW at least once a month. I research things I do not know about-- I called Disney x2 on friday before leaving to see what I needed to do--- This was a leason learned on what not to do. Sometime you think you have asked all the right questions to findout you haven't.

 

[nrsldy]

Disney is still my Happy Place-- Just disappointed about the circumstances.

 

[TLSnell1981]

What some of us call "Magic" is actually CUSTOMER SERVICE. And, YES..it has DEFINITELY been on a downward spiral during the Igor years. Training is inconsistent and falls short . Many employees are frustrated too. It's quite easy to spot the difference between longtime CMs and a newbie.

 

[Teresa Pitman]

It's interesting that even as it becomes more expensive to go to WDW, with fewer discounts available, and in many cases fewer attractions - so much closed at Hollywood Studios, the shows I loved in Epcot gone, etc. - the crowds seem to be INCREASING! So Disney doesn't have any reason to change what they are doing now.

 

[dbramer]

Honestly, I think its 50% Disney's fault and 50% the guests' fault for the Magic disappearing. Disney has always been about making money. However, in the past Guest Experience used to matter to them as well. I don't believe it does anymore. They have cut corners with training and staffing and it definitely shows.

But more importantly, I read over and over how guests try to take advantage in order to get pixie dust, freebies, or special perks from Disney. Spend a few hours at Guest Relations and just listen to what people are complaining about/asking for. Everyone wants to be compensated for every little thing that goes wrong. I think that to combat this behavior, Disney has had to tighten the screws on current rules and create new rules where they didn't exist before. If there is even the slightest loophole, someone will try to exploit it. Just look at the threads on the Theme Parks board. There is a very active thread about how to create multiple MDE accounts to get more than 3 fast passes a day. OP, I think you got caught in some of those rules.

I too have felt the Magic disappearing, but I'm not willing to place the blame solely on Disney.

Unfortunately, this is happening at other places where customer service was a high priority and many things were done to accommodate requests. I work part-time for a well-known national home goods chain that has always been known for their outstanding customer service. Our return procedure will be changing later this month due to customers utilizing a loophole to take advantage of (and subsequently receive money they are not otherwise entitled to). In the past, we would refund non-receipted returns with a merchandise credit for the full amount of the merchandise at the current selling price. If they used a coupon (20% off) on the original purchase, they would receive the full amount, thereby receiving 20% more than they originally paid. For a $100.00 item, that is $20 additional. Do that several times and the item pays for itself. We will be automatically deduct a coupon from all non-receipted returns after April 20th.

When people take advantage too often, the company has no choice but to stop the bleeding and close the loophole. We have had to do that and I am sure that Disney has had to do it more than we. Just another example of the bad bananas ruining it for the bunch.

 

[ilovefh]

I moved to Florida 2 years ago. I have a Florida Seasonal Pass, DVC member & retired military.
I knew my pass has blackout dates so I called Friday to see what I had to do to upgrade my pass since I was heading to Orlando for the weekend and Easter was part of the blackout dates. I get to Epcot, go to Guest relations to find out it was going to cost me 280 to upgrade, that would be good for 6 months when my pass came due again. So I asked what my other options were since I did not want to pay that price. I was told the best buy would be a 3 day Florida resident pass. So off I went to Epcot.
Fast forward to Saturday at the Magic Kingdom turnstile--- My ticket did not work.... Off to Guest Relations
I was told that the ticket I bought would no allow me into the park. I found it was only good to admit to the other parks-- not Magic Kingdom. I was not told this when I bought the ticket.
I was given 3 options:
1) I could pay $56 more to get into the park.
2) I could take a refund of $46 and pay full price for my night at Epcot (finally accepted this)
3) I could go to one of the other parks
My option was -- Take the 2 days on my ticket and let me into the park.
I was told NO. I asked about the military ticket-- was told that they were no longer sold at the park or Shades of Green. This is not true. Easter was a blackout time. But the tickets are still sold.
Even though it was their fault & I was not given the correct info; I could not get into the park without paying more money. I just wanted an even exchange. All I got was misinformation and I’m sorry.
So today I talked to someone from Guest Communications--- Very nice gentleman. I was able to get my ticket reimbursed.
I was so dissapointed in the options that I was given and the attitude of the cast members. I go at least once a month but I am feeling so Non Magical.

That stinks that this happened. It is never fun dealing with issues!

Is my math wrong though? I'm getting $213 to upgrade from a seasonal pass to an annual. 529-329=200 200x1.065=213 I'm assuming the seasonal was purchasedbefore the price increase, but do they not price bridge annual passes?

 

[cabanafrau]

It's interesting that even as it becomes more expensive to go to WDW, with fewer discounts available, and in many cases fewer attractions - so much closed at Hollywood Studios, the shows I loved in Epcot gone, etc. - the crowds seem to be INCREASING! So Disney doesn't have any reason to change what they are doing now.

You said a mouthful. There is quite a bit of concern in segments of Disney fans that they are in fact coasting on the fact that the crowds continue to increase and have little concern about the visitors who aren't looking to return anymore and will continue the decline of service and standards by degrees until the model tips and the crowds stop coming. They certainly don't seem in a rush to offer the larger crowds new attractions in anything close to a timely fashion, let alone properly maintain what is there already. I'm rooting for things to improve, but I have a sinking feeling the tide may shift suddenly and they will be trying too late to make the improvements that keep folks willing to both come back and recommend a visit to others.