Magic wearing off?

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

I guess I have a totally different take on this. I am guessing things are getting missed/messed up because of the busy season. Free dineing and kids out of school lead to alot of people in the world. We were there in July which is a switch from our usual January or November fall trips and it was way busy. Add free dineing and you have problems in the making. Yes we had a few mishaps but I chalk that up to people doing the best they can considering the situation they are in. I work as a nurse and take care of up to 30 people on some days. I cant be every where at every moment. Yes every one deserves attention but you can only do so much. Maybe they were just overwhelmed by how busy the place was. That is more of what I saw in July. Very busy workers not bad workers. And NO they should not be rude if they are in the travel/tourism business. They are killing their livelyhood. I guess after some great trips to disney and some not so great trips I too tend to let things roll off my back now too. The trip I paid the most money and planned the most for to BC was the worst trip and my least planned cheapest trip to AKL was by far our best trip. Go figure. Give them another try. If you are like us things will change from trip to trip.

 

[sonny]

As a WDW visitor since the 1970's, I have seen so many changes. And I agree that many times the magic can get rubbed off by the rudeness of the personnel or there are dustbunnies in the corners instead of bunnies on the bed. I see more changes in the quality of the people who are visiting. How do these mean people live with themselves in their real life when they go out in public on vacation and act like rude idiots. And maybe parents need to teach kids that toilet paper actually goes into the toilet and candy wrappers have a place in the trash cans and you don't have to run over people, there is time for everyone to get there. You all know what I mean and it is so sad. I am taking my grandson with me this year for the first time so I am taking my magic.

 

[monorailsilver]

Yes! After our trip last summer we were quite annoyed.

Lately we have been staying at the Poly. My parents came with us but arrived first since they were at the BC with my mother's cousin.

When they got to the Poly they were annoyed that we had to stay in a longhouse that had construction. My mother said she had a headache & there were no other room available that connected (yeah right!) & to check back the next day.

Luckily they had a room the next day (their reasoning the day before was what if a family needed the 2 rooms but it was already 4pm & they should have that already in their system).

Then we had a life guard problem. After 3 or 4 days of swimming the lifeguard told me my ds (who was just under 2) could not swim with a tube & swimmies. But that is how he felt comfortable in the pool & I was right there with him. It wasn't like I was just letting him toodle (OH TOOTLES, my kids watch The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse) away on his own. And she should have been greatful that I was doing all I could to protect my child from drowning on her watch. Plus there were no signs stateing I couldn't use both.

Then when we were in the MK, my ds who is a bit timid wanted to sit on my lap (not to mention he was barely 20 lbs at 22 months old, basically tiny & short) on the Tomorrowland Speedway. So they let me go with him on my lap & then I got stopped by a CM & I refused to move if I put him on the seat.

Needless to say those few things ruined the 'magic' in my eyes. I had a letter I was going to write & never finished it.

 

[Caren]

Yes, there has been a steady decline over the past six or seven years. However, you can still experience Disney perfection at the Tokyo Disney resort, where all the restaurants are open for as long as the parks are, where none of the rides empty into gift shops, where you never see a vacant building where something used to be, where rides rarely break down, and where the standards of cleanliness and service are truly breathtaking. I just wish it didn't take 16 hours of travel to get there:-(

 

[BoPeep]

I have to agree that it's just not as magical as it once was for us. I think it's a result of two things:
First, rude castmembers. Don't get me wrong, most are wonderful. However, on our last couple of trips there were a few that were just so horribly rude. I couldn't believe Disney actually employed these people.
Second, I think it's the rude guests. We encountered some really nasty people on our last December trip. I do think that the crowds have a lot to do with how rude people are, but it does ruin the magic.

 

[mom2taylorandemily]

We are going in Dec. for the first time with our kids, and back for DH & I in 11 years. We live in Williamsburg and we are already used to Busch Gardens and we go to Kings Dominion. I think sometimes that the magic is what you make of it. Sometimes we go to Busch and have the most wonderful time and then there are days that it is miserable. The crowds have a lot to do with it. If the parks are really crowded, the staff has had to deal with a lot of customers, some of them being very rude. While that is no excuse, imagine how they feel by the time you get to them at the end of the day. I have encountered great Wait staff at 8:30 pm and I have encountered the worst Wait staff at 8:30 pm. But the best thing to do is this, make the most of what you have and try to see the bright side of it. As far a luggage goes, DD has a seizure disorder, so if I pack her medicine in checked bag, I will not leave the airport without it in my hand. I will not leave it up to the mercy of DME. It is my responsibility as her mom to make sure I have her meds. But logic tells me to take it in carry on. As long as it is in a bottle with her name and a legit perscription, there should be no problem. If you are talking about a bottle of advil, well I am sure the desk staff could get you some if your luggage is delayed. But the moral of the story is this, I will get my own luggage from baggage check before we load onto DME, that way I am not waiting for 8 + hours to get my stuff. I will try to remember that the staff is overworked in most cases and has to deal with all kinds of people and problems all day, and they get tired too. I will try to help make my trip magical and not rely on the staff of Disney to completely do it.

 

[noseybuddy]

I agree with the op. The upkeep of the parks is not what it use to be. I started taking my family there in 1994. I spent 8 days there in the month of June. I NEVER saw a dirty bathroom or trash laying around in any of the parks. Now things are different. I was just at WDW 8/17 - 8/21. I was on the KTTK tour when our tour guide had us stop to take a bathroom break. Well, I can't even tell you what I saw in the ladies restroom. Two of us came out and told our tour guide that the restroom needed to be cleaned. He immediately went and called someone to take care of the problem, but this kind of thing you really did see years ago. Disney just doesn't have enough employees working anymore and it shows.

 

[PamNC]

it comes and goes. We've been going since 1994, at least once a year. We've had trips that were totally magical and some trips where we have noticed a decline in the Disney-ish service. For instance, in the summer of 2005 we were quite amazed at the decline in the service at the restaurants. Had a horrible experience at Citricos, treated like a second class citizen to eat mediocre food. It was horrific. We noticed some not so stellar CM's during this trip. Didn't ruin the trip at all, we just noticed it. Then, we went to POR and WOW! the CM's there were amazing. One day as we were walking to the main area a CM was apparently checking the rooms. He spotted us and said, "good morning, thank you so much for staying with us at Port Orleans!" We also stayed at the Dolphin later in 2005, and the "staff" (can't call them CMs now can we?!) was fantastic. Better than many CM's.

So, in short, I think if you tend to go often you will eventually have a "not-so-perfect" trip. I think we're our own worst enemies sometimes and without really knowing it, we look for problems. Myself included. Expectations are so high for a Disney vacation. As with everything in life, it is what you make it. HOWEVER, I'm not excusing rude CM's or bad service by any means.

And, I don't buy into the argument of "go to your local amusement park and see if that doesn't restore your faith in Disney." You're comparing apples to oranges there. I wouldn't expect Carowinds to live up to Disney expectations. By the same token, I expect Disney to far far far surpass Carowinds. And, honestly, it usually does.

I also agree that guests, if you let them, can ruin the magic. Most of the time guests are the source of my frustration...not CMs. I feel sorry for the CMs having to put up with some of the world's pathetic people.

In the end, I'm still a Disney-holic. And I'm sure I'll encounter another rude CM and another bad restaurant. It sure sounds like Tokyo Disney is superb, but I have no desire to fly to Tokyo right now. So, I'll find the magic when I go until there is no magic left to be found.

Heck, every day of my life is MAGIC.

PamNC

 

[debsays]

We have been visiting WDW for the past 18 years, always stayed on property. Some years we had good experience some years just okay. We have just returned from a 11 night stay. We stayed at CSR for the very first time and loved it. AWESOME food court, best of all the moderates. I will say that we had a GREAT Mousekeeper. The BEST we've ever had all these years. So went above/beyond her duties to make certain her guests had a pleaseant stay. All I can say is that yes, the terrorist have put a damper on our vacations, I think some of us would have traveled furter and possibly abroad. I know we would have. We keep our flight short now. I also think that everyone is feeling the crunch now a days, yes, including Disney. If one read the Orlando newspapers they are looking for help and according to some of the cast members they are having a hard time finding the proper applicants. I don't want to say anymore as I do not want to descriminate. But I think you all get the picture. I think this is happening all over. I think it's about time that the US opens their eyes. All I can say is shame on the US. I will end by saying....we still enjoy visiting the mouse, it's always a great stay, takes you away from reality. Isn't that what vacations are all about?

 

[antree]

I didn't read through all the responses, forgive me if this was already said. I think a lot of the problems is the time of year you go. We always go in the off seasons and we never have had any of the problems that people complain about. We have been there on New Years and still haven't encounter any problems.
You have to remember in the summer months there are tons and tons of people there everyday all summer long. That is a lot to keep up with, I think there are more rude people in the busier months, maybe they are hot and aggravated about long lines or maybe those are the people who don't go to Disney regularly and know and feel the Magic. So if we are coming in contact with more rude people so are the cast memebers and it is hard to please everyone at one time.
You need to try Disney at different times of the year to get the feeling where you fit in to the Magic and it will all come back to you.
JMO.

 

[Quinn222]

I've been on these boards twice since our return (8/13 - 8/20) and both times have been to complain. Once about our horrible location at CBR (Trinidad SOuth = BAD), and once about how stinky I think the EMH's are.

Both of these were known issues before you went to WDW. A little research on the boards and you probably would have known not to stay at CBR and the UG and most other touring sites advise avoiding EMH.

 

[Barak's Disney]

Trinidad South is enough to kill the magical experience for anyone! Our one stay in a moderate was in Trinidad South at CBR and we all came back from that trip with a big feeling of letdown. The location is horrible (unless you like being isolated and don't have to rely on Disney transportation) and really made the whole trip feel less than magical. We didn't know much about Disney at the time (it was our second stay), so we had no idea we could even request a room closer to the action (but even that might not have helped since we all know that room requests aren't always met - which I think opens a whole can of "disappointment" worms right there). It was our worst trip to WDW - we actually didn't go back for a couple years b/c it was so disappointing.

 

[Lives4Disney]

I am a Disney-a-Holic,(in a mega way!) but I do agree with the OP that the parks are not kept up as well as they used to be and that famous Disney customer service is not as it once was. I don't mean to be negative about a place I LOVE, but it is the fact.

I have been going to WDW since the 1977. Back then my parents were AMAZED at how the place was so clean and if somebody happened to drop a wrapper or icecream fell from a cone, POOF! Somebody was there pronto with a sweeper to pick it up. No garbage stayed around for more than a few seconds. Everything was painted perfectly, not chipped or scratched up. It was immaculate. The CMs were a select group. Only the best got jobs for Disney. Service was outstanding. My dad has not been able to return to WDW since the early 80s and whenever we return from our own trips he always asks about the place. He only has those wonderful memories of it. I always say it is the same - just to make him happy, LOL, but sadly it is not. Disney is WAY short of help probably due to the fact that they don't pay well. And the low pay issue is why service is not as good as it used to be. I also agree with the PP that said there is a decline in the quality of guests. People used to dress nicely and be on their better behavior because Disney was such an exclusive place to be (and work). I have seen a decline in lots of things at WDW over the past 30 yrs. I still love it for my own nostalgic reasons, but some aspects of it have definitely gone down hill.

I don't understand all the statements about how it is what you make of it. Yes, you can let it all dampen your vacation - it is a personal choice, but that is not the point. The fact is the cleanliness and service is not as it used to be - as Walt wanted it to be - and that used to be what set Disney apart from the rest. I still go because I love that place and have so many years of wonderful memories there, but it is sad to see it not getting the care it deserves.

Lives4Disney

 

[dollcollector1]

I can't speak about the Disney Magic wearing off because this will only be our second time at Disney. I do think if families travel during the busy summer and holiday season, things are going to be more crowded and hectic.

I can speak about traveling abroad and finding clean, well attended bathrooms and hotel staff that trip over each other ,in order to be the one to wait on you ! I've seen dirty bathrooms in US amusement parks and major tourist spots and CLEAN bathroom facilities ,while taking an Amazon jungle trip 2 years ago ! Go figure that one out ! I still think overall, standards in cleanliness at US tourist destination rest rooms , restaurants and hotels can be better.

I'm very disturbed to read about rude cast members at Disney. Perhaps if the staff's wages depends on the amount of tips they would earn, you would see a 100 per cent turnaround in their attitude. How dare they spoil the good time for a child, who may never get to go back to Disney again ! It's not fair to the families who go out of their way to show their kids the time of their life. If this keeps up, a mass letter campaign is in order !

 

[binky]

As a WDW visitor since the 1970's, I have seen so many changes. And I agree that many times the magic can get rubbed off by the rudeness of the personnel or there are dustbunnies in the corners instead of bunnies on the bed. I see more changes in the quality of the people who are visiting. How do these mean people live with themselves in their real life when they go out in public on vacation and act like rude idiots. And maybe parents need to teach kids that toilet paper actually goes into the toilet and candy wrappers have a place in the trash cans and you don't have to run over people, there is time for everyone to get there. You all know what I mean and it is so sad. I am taking my grandson with me this year for the first time so I am taking my magic.

Well said!

 

[binky]

I am a Disney-a-Holic,(in a mega way!) but I do agree with the OP that the parks are not kept up as well as they used to be and that famous Disney customer service is not as it once was. I don't mean to be negative about a place I LOVE, but it is the fact.

I have been going to WDW since the 1977. Back then my parents were AMAZED at how the place was so clean and if somebody happened to drop a wrapper or icecream fell from a cone, POOF! Somebody was there pronto with a sweeper to pick it up. No garbage stayed around for more than a few seconds. Everything was painted perfectly, not chipped or scratched up. It was immaculate. The CMs were a select group. Only the best got jobs for Disney. Service was outstanding. My dad has not been able to return to WDW since the early 80s and whenever we return from our own trips he always asks about the place. He only has those wonderful memories of it. I always say it is the same - just to make him happy, LOL, but sadly it is not. Disney is WAY short of help probably due to the fact that they don't pay well. And the low pay issue is why service is not as good as it used to be. I also agree with the PP that said there is a decline in the quality of guests. People used to dress nicely and be on their better behavior because Disney was such an exclusive place to be (and work). I have seen a decline in lots of things at WDW over the past 30 yrs. I still love it for my own nostalgic reasons, but some aspects of it have definitely gone down hill.

I don't understand all the statements about how it is what you make of it. Yes, you can let it all dampen your vacation - it is a personal choice, but that is not the point. The fact is the cleanliness and service is not as it used to be - as Walt wanted it to be - and that used to be what set Disney apart from the rest. I still go because I love that place and have so many years of wonderful memories there, but it is sad to see it not getting the care it deserves.

Lives4Disney

Your Dad reminds me of my own Dad! I never went to WDW with my parents. I was in college when WDW opened, so my trips have been since I married and had children. My parents went several times, usually on golf trips with other seniors, and they were so impressed with the cleanliness of the parks. I lost both of my parents within 6 months of each other, in 2002 and 2003, and when I went this past May, all I could think about was that my Daddy would have been so disappointed. He would have fainted at some of the stuff we saw! (being from the old school and his expectations of how people should behave) I love your comment about telling your Dad that everything was the same as always. That is so sweet! I wish I could have told my Daddy that

 

[Williamsfamily7]

Why should anyone avoid EMH if it's supposedly something as an advantage to resort guests? That's absolutely ridiculous. Why do they offer it?

And as far as Trinidad South - I told my TA I didn't want Trinidad SOuth. I requested Jamiaica (not a preferred location, just the village) and CBR knew that when I checked in and told me I was in a better location!!!! That's a joke. I read these boards all the time. Why do you think I requested NOT to be in Trinidad South. I don't think it was very magical for them to tell me the Trinidad South location was "better" if they knew I preferred Jamaica.

The main point of my original post is that for me, Disney has changed. Sorry if you don't agree - good for you.

And honestly, I think you have a bit of an attitude. I'm stating my opinion, which obviously alot of people agree with. I think your post was pretty unnecessary!

 

[klwdisney]

I also agree with the OP. While I LOVE Disney and all that it entails... and will ALWAYS vacation there whenever possible... and completely agree that it is still much better than most comparable vacation spots, the truth is that the magic is slipping a bit.

On our last trip in October, the mousekeeping was HORRIBLE... not as much in our room as our friend's room. All they did was bring towels! Trash was overflowing until the wife had to bring it to someone herself! Terrible! I found the food court to be filthy and people had to clean their own tables... which led to lots of fruit flies and birds.

They were doing exterior painting and cement work at the hotel that week. Sometimes blocking off access to our room completely... with no notice. The other husband in our travelling party is a painter back in the "real world" and started chit chatting with some of the guys. They were very angry at Disney. The pay is low so most of them depended on the overnight work for the overtime pay and were not happy at having that cut out. I agreed with them (but thought maybe that's something you shouldn't be sharing with the hotel guests). I also noticed painting, repairs and landscaping work being down all over the property all week long. Along with a lack of cleanliness all over the property.

Just very disappointing compared to the high standards Disney once ran their theme parks and resorts at. Again, I will never stop going "home", but I think they should start concentrating on their service instead of racing to keep adding new attractions.

 

[pickles]

I agree 100%, you really should vacation somewhere else, Disney is positively horrible. Can't imagine anyone wanting to stay there Yes siree, you just mozee on down the road . I wouldn't want you to suffer anymore.
Mmmmm did that ride wait sign just change from 30 to 29 minutes ?

 

[flortlebap]

I don't think Disney are losing their touch. Take a trip to Universal and you'll see what losing magic REALLY means... shoddy paintwork, bad maintenence, rude staff and dirt everywhere.

FTR I really enjoyed Trinidad South, it's where we stayed at CBR

We only get to go every few years though so perhaps that's why...