My one and only trip to WDW

[Wish I lived in Fl]

I'm sorry your trip wasn't what you expected. I think sometimes when we plan something for so long it can never meet our expectations. Perhaps that is what happened.

Vacation Happiness = Reality/Expectation

Went to Appalachicola w/inlaws. They had read it was a charming town and were disappointed.
Went back with my Mom. She was Charmed. We had lunch in the town center restaurant, read the townpaper where everybody in town was invited to a wedding, found a museum on the inventor of Air Conditioning.

Same town, different experience because of expectations.

 

[momx2]

Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion. I am sorry you didn't have a great time. But I would suggest going back when and if you have children. I can relate because my honeymoon was to Hawaii, your DH's choice. I had such high expectations and it didn't live up. It wasn't because Hawaii isn't beautiful, but looking back now I believe it was because of my too high expectations. I don't know what I was expecting, but too much. So, it was a bit of a disappointment, but I honestly believe I would have been disappointed anywhere because my expectations for my honeymoon were too high.

Guess what?!? We are planning another trip to Hawaii with the kids in 2007. I can't wait to see them experience it. I know seeing them see Hawaii will be the greatest.

Sorry for the bad trip.

 

[LegoMom3]

If you haven't been to WDW before, it might not be the best place for a honeymoon....

...and to add to that, if you just came back, you were there at a pretty busy time of year. Pretty much mid-Feb. right through April is school vacation SOMEwhere, so spring is not the time to go and have it nice and quiet.

 

[minmate]

Okay, now I feel like I'm under a microscope being poked at.

I actually think that because I was "raised on disney" I was even more upset. I mean don't stone me or anything for having an opinion. I also don't want everyone thinking I walked around with my arms crossed the whole time with a negative opinion about everything. yeah, it kinda sounded that way, but it wasn't the case.

I just felt hurt because I begged my DH to go to WDW for honeymoon...he was pushing for Hawaii. I assured him that we would have a much better time here. By the time we got out of Epcot, grass skirts were looking a lot better.

Once again....it's not a horrible place by any means and sure it was neat to see the same things that you see on TV, I guess they just seemed more exciting on TV.

I happen to agree with you... Hawaii or Cancun or somewhere like that would've been a more romantic honeymoon. We got married at Disneyland and still left to go to Hawaii for our honeymoon. I'd do it that way again despite how much I love Disney. Why? Because back then, two weeks lying on beaches and spending time in luxurious resorts was fun enough for dh and me. We also knew we'd not be spending time like that with small children underfoot. We could easily vacation in WDW with children later on. And that is what we've begun to do. Now, 8 years later, with four children 2-6 years old, we have taken our vacations to "active" destinations such as WDW, where there are things to do. I have to admit though, dh and I secretly wish we could go by ourselves... just once. There really are plenty of 'adult' things we'd like to try out!

I also know what it's like to stick your neck out there, make the decision for a vacation and not have it live up to your hopes and dreams. It happens to us too, even at Disney at times. We struck out on a couple of things at WDW but you know what? That happens everywhere too! I've traveled enough to know that! Even in Hawaii, we had some "issues" with our vacation. Thankfully, I married a man who constantly reminds me not to sweat the small stuff and to enjoy what we can. That helps tremendously!

Next vacation, go to Hawaii, Cancun, somewhere more typically romantic. You can always go back to Disney with kids and enjoy seeing things through their eyes. Take what you learned now and temper your expectations with your experience. And remember... television and marketing are meant to make "much ado" -- that's how it works... to draw people in. Don't buy TOO much into marketing representing reality. That's the first mistake! Another thing my dh has taught me -- at least about certain things like vacations, parties, entertainment, etc... Expect 'Something' and you'll feel like you got nothing... but Expect NOTHING and if that's all you get... at least you won't be disappointed, but if you DO get something, then you'll be over the moon!

Best wishes on a wonderful marriage!

 

[crusader]

Geeze people it was only an opinion from the OP. No need to flame her to death. Not everyone is a "disney freak" like most on these boards.

I agree.

Disney is a love/hate relationship. It's logistics plain and simple which can quickly turn into a working vacation for many people. There were at least two things working against this trip from the start. Lodging and timing. Crowds can be brutal and cause problems particularly if you're trying to maximize your day and have a limit on your ticket options. Also, the accomodations at a moderate are just that - nicely themed, but not full service. They don't provide enough luxury or service for a spectacular honeymoon.

As for the parks themselves, you're right. They are what they are. Some of the attractions are dated and more nostalgic than anything else. Others are phenomenal in my opinion and worth the wait. There's a balance and alot to offer.

I'm not sure if this was your first trip in general or your first trip on your own. But don't take it too hard that you were let down. I've hosted quite a few first time adults to the parks and quietly eliminated the potential for disappointment or stress by attending to the details without their having the slightest knowledge. Anything which celebrated with you, may have gone a long way for your experience.

Thanks for posting.

 

[ANTSS2001]

Maybe it was really just bad timing. We just got back from our 2nd vacation to WDW this year and I am greatfull still that I am one of the numbers who does experienced the magic and can say I just came back to the happiest place on earth. Only thing I can think of for you was timing. I agree it was really packed last week we were there. But we planned this trip to just plain vegitate. Woke up late, enjoy the hotel restaurants and lounge. I am also happy to say that we have friends who followed and had been to WDW prior but said that they finally saw what we see always. We showed them the lil tricks we know spots to sit things to eat and they said that it feels like they are doing WDW the 1st time. WDW is all about sharing for me. You share it to a family a friend or even to a complete stranger and the reward of seeing them get so excited or a smile from a complete stranger can give you a "high". The first time I took Potsie to WDW in 2002 was very stressful for me since I had to compress the magic in 8 days and that is not enough I think for a 1st time. But Potsie always remembered the magic (even though I was ready to kill someone) and thats what made it very special for me just to hear Potsie upto this day talking about the 1st trip and how glad to have seen everything. Now we go on January to catch up with all the rides since the population of mouseketeer is not as busy. One trip to just plain vegitate and celebrate my bday and in Sept. for Potsie's bday. As you can read we basically have our vacation in WDW. And thankfull that we have not encountered a bad experience but one with a CM, the other CM's excuse was that the rude CM was on training and was overwhelmed with guest. Us guest can be overwhelming that I agree. So I hope you would reconsider the thought of not going back. But if you don't just like what they said that is your prerogative. I just wish you would find your perfect vacation wherever you decide to go.

 

[purplebelle]

Not everyone can love WDW. I know people who go and they're like, "Well, it was alright." They don;t hate it, but they'd rather go somewhere else next time. I do like Disney, but I probably like it more b/c I remember each time I go how I felt being there was I was 5y/o, 6, 7... Nothing can top the excitement I felt as a little kid on the plane to Disney.

Had I gone to WDW my first time at 21, I probably wouldn't care for it nearly as much.

I can definitely see how honeymooners going to WDW for the first time may not enjoy it. I never understood WDW for a honeymoon myself.

 

[robinb]

Also, has no one else ever been let down by WDW? That's the way I felt...

Ummm ... no. You'll be hard-pressed to find anyone in this bunch of Disney fanatics who is feels "let down" by Disney. At least not on the grand scale you felt let down.

And if I ever do get the opportunity to take my children someday, I'll make sure that there little heads aren't filled with pixie dust and 'happily ever afters'. I would hate for them to feel the kind of disappointment that I felt.

That's really too bad since little heads are designed to be filled with pixie dust and 'happily ever afters'.

I guess if I just stumbled upon WDW and had never heard a thing about it in my entire life that it would be phenominal. However, all I have heard my entire life is how magical this place is......just kinda felt sad inside when I found out it wasn't. Just another theme park.....same tactics, same rides, same over-priced food and souveniers.....etc, etc, etc.

The trick about WDW is that you have to be the magic and let the magic work on you. If you're feeling too wise and too grown-up to enjoy the fantasy, then all you will see are the chachkas and over-priced food. My step-father is like that and we call him "Mr. Grumpy" when my mother drags him to WDW. It is not fun to be with him since he can't allow himself to play along and his bad attitude brings everyone down.

I still think you didn't plan properly. If you were at the parks early and used Fast Pass, then you shouldn't have experienced too many lines. We go at the very busiest time of year (Christams/NYE) and we never stand in line. Except for a popcorn and soda before Wishes. Of course, it being your Honeymoon I can understand why you wouldn't want to be up with the birdies .

I am sorry that you didn't have a good time . I know how unrealistic expectations can make reality (even pixie dusted reality) seem mundane.

 

[Jewel99]

Also, has no one else ever been let down by WDW? That's the way I felt...

My husband and I went to WDW in October 1999 for our honeymoon and we loved it. We had to deal with some rude CMs, as well as some meals and rides that we didn't really enjoy, but overall we had an amazing time and are eagerly anticipating our trip in a couple of weeks.

I've only read half of the posts in this thread, but I do want to be fair in stating that WDW isn't for everyone, and some people can love WDW but still have some crappy experiences during their trips, but you can still find some magic... sometimes when and where you least expect it.

For example, one of our favourite memories from our honeymoon was part of our time in Epcot. We were strolling through the WS and suddenly heard music. We'd been so caught up in checking out some of the pavillions that we didn't even notice that people were lining the street... and without us knowing anything about it in advance, the most glorious, breathtaking and magical parade came by, with music and drumming, and everything. Perhaps it's because we hadn't been expecting it, but we just got so caught up in the parade that it was almost as if nothing else was going on around us.

I think it's those little experiences that are what the magic is about. The rooms at the moderates/values are nothing spectacular - pretty, but nothing luxurious or large. The food is generally overpriced, but that's what you get in every park, and I think WDW offers a great deal of variety that you can't find elsewhere. The rides are often geared towards kids (of every age - what can I say... my fav is still things like Peter Pan, etc, even though ToT is a blast!), and the CMs aren't all wonderful, happy people.

I too was a bit disappointed that no one seemed to care it was our honeymoon, but one has to recognize how many people visit WDW and stay onsite, and how many of those people are celebrating something - a birthday, an anniversary, a honeymoon, retirement, etc.

Please, OP, know that I'm not trying to change your mind about WDW at all... I know that it's not perfect or everyone's cup of tea, but it does offer some very special things for many people.

 

[aphasia83]

I'd just like to share a little support, taylorstimac... I think your original post was very fair-minded, polite and all of that, and it does seem like a lot of people (for whom Disney is the highlight of their lives) are unfairly criticizing you, sometimes quite meanly, because they don't share your views.

Thank you for posting this report. I am leaving tomorrow for my first visit since I was a kid, which I don't really remember, and it is good to have that little grain of salt to take with me so that I don't end up too disappointed when I find it's not perfect. Most of the posters at the Disboards seem to be a little *too* enthusiastic, and I doubt that the majority of views are representative of the general population in the world. So it's good to hear from the other side sometimes.

I am sorry you didn't have a better honeymoon, but relax - there's a whole 'nother world out there! Sometimes people don't seem to realize that. I would hate to be the kind of person who only visits Disney World for all of my vacations, as someone here said. I feel sorry for that person's children, if he has any. How insular. The point about life is to remain open-minded and learn as much as you can from as many different people/cultures in the world as you can, so again, thank you for sharing your perspective.

 

[Disney Gator]

I could be way off, but I'm kind of suspicious that the OP was making up the trip. It almost sounds like someone who doesn't like Disney and has found a subtle way to undermine it. For one thing I can't imagine every CM being rude. Either the OP made it all up or she is the most cynical person on Earth.

This is just a theory by the way, I could be totally wrong.

 

[ANTSS2001]

"I would hate to be the kind of person who only visits Disney World for all of my vacations, as someone here said. I feel sorry for that person's children, if he has any. How insular."

Guilty as charge, we do take 2x - 3x to go vacationing in WDW and I don;t have any kids but everytime I go I take one or two nephew of mine and they seem to love it. We still go on weekend trips. One of my planned trips with my niece and nephew is we try to pick a state and we learn everything about it and then I take them for an imprumpto weekend and go to that state and practice what we learn. On the way to the state chosen we play a game of trivia on stuff we learn and so far my nephew now is in 3rd grade and seem to be well verse to places we have ventured on from a few years back. But bringing them to WDW even for a weekend getaway is so rewarding just seeing the excitement in their faces. I do feel that they do learn something when we go to WDW and not only about the mouse but also courtesy and love and sharing.

 

[DAWGPOUNDAJ]

Wow, I'm so sorry to hear about the wrotten time! If it's any consolation this will be my 12th trip to WDW and we've NEVER gotten towel animals or any of the little extras. Not for my parents 25th anniversary, not for my sister or I's birthdays, etc. Also, the Disney magic is a little lower at the moderate resorts. The moderate and values are where you sort of make your own magic. I know that sounds bad but it's a part of the price difference I think, the deluxes throw pixie dust around a lot more than the other ones though.

That being said, since you had never been there before, and after being on the DIS a lot, I can see why your expetations weren't met. Nothing wrong with that at all, but it sounds like you had wrotten luck. Generally when we go it's in June or July and we must be very lucky or have Tinkerbell flying over us, but I've never waited in line at WDW for over an hour, and live right by the Cedar Point thrill park in Ohio. I'm used to thrill rides, and agree with you 100% that the thrill rides at WDW are VERY lame, but their themeing can't be beat. At least not out of the Six Flags I have been to, Cedar Point, Busch Gardens, etc.

It sounds like before the next vacation you take anywhere, that you might need to sit down and evaluate what you want, and think about what realistically can be met. I'm not saying your goals for this trip were unrealistic, but little instances of a hotel going the extra mile are all over the internet, those are the stories that make it onto sites like this, not the normal, run of the mill trips ya know? Basically just don't let yourself get set up for disappointment on your next vacation spot. Anywhere you go the expectations can fall flat, and WDW is a place where it is very easy to have that happen if your trip is rushed. I find WDW To be enjoyable if you can leisurely do everything. Like if we don't have at least a week to do everything, we don't bother. We love WDW, but it's not something we get psyched about unless we have at least a week ya know?

And hey if it helps, at least there were no roach invasions (of the tropical variety which are up to 6 inches long), shark attacks, or walls falling down. I've had vacations like that, and I must admit, those ones turned out bloody hilarious because of the absuridity of it all! (NOt at Disney but in the Caribbean lol)

And CONGRATULATIONS btw!!!

Anyways I

 

[DAWGPOUNDAJ]

Forgot to add something *sheepish grin* but it's great that you are a glass half full kind of gal. If you didn't like the theming and simply can't get into the magic then WDW isn't the place for you. I've never met a single person who didn't love WDW (except my mother in law but we won't go there because she thinks it's evil to walk farther than 10 feet anywhere) save for you so it's been interesting to see the other side of the sparkling glass I always look through.

One question though? What was it exactly?? When I read the report it sounded like the rude CMs and people around you let you down a bit more than the park itself? And trust me I'm not a Disney pusher but I'm just honestly curious. I've seen very positive people become VERY let down by one rude comment. In your post you mentioned telling yourself that you wouldn't let the first rude CM ruin your vacation (the one at the check in desk) all the way back to your room. I guess ot me that seems like a very long time to still be worrying about someone else's rudeness ya know? If you shake it off, you just shake it off and it does not dawn on you ever again. Just know (if this was your situation) that people are often rude no matter where you go (I mention this not to sound condescending but b/c you truly may be one of those lucky people to live in a town where the majority of people are nice). But I've been to convents where a nun tried to throw a cat out the window (no thats not a joke) and to WDW where a child tried to steal money out of my back jean pocket, and to six flags where a guy ran over a kids foot and then drove away while the kid was howling in pain. Did stuff like that ruin the time? No, it annoyed us for maybe 10 minutes, the child in pain it annoyed us until the first aid people assured us the child would be okay and took him away. My point is, even if you go Cancun, you may be VERY let down. The Caribbean and Mexico vacation spots show many many nice pictures, but few tourists ever encounter the reality of life in those countries. When a tourist does (we have) they cna be shocked nad find the places horrible and will never return. it's just a matter of saying "Okay, forget about what we spent, it's spent, now it's time to enjoy ourselves while were here!" Hope that made sense, I just wanted to throw out a warning about Mexico to. lol It was hilarious to be called a "Stupid blond American (insert a very nasty name here)" by shop keeper when we declined to buy his jewelry. Ahh...when people assume you don't speak Spanish. Things liie that could have detered us from going again though, but we've gone other times, and had wonderful experiences. To really get a feel for a place it takes a few times, but for you WDW doesn't sound up your alley, but keep that in mind for the next vacation.

 

[tiggerju]

Sorry you didn't have as magical a time as many of us have at Disney World. You have to remember that posters on the Dis Boards are mainly direhard Disney enthusiasts that have gone multiple times to the World, which in turn can give people who have never been before unrealistic expectations. Everyone posts about getting special touches during their vacation, but it doesn't always happen. The only reason why you won't hear that someone had a bad vacation is because most people have gone enough times that if their are some bumps along the way, they are still able to make the most of their vacation and have a great time. Posters on the Dis always love to tell others about something suprising or unexpected that happened to them while at Disney because they know that fellow Disers like to hear when Disney does something special for someone during their vacation. After reading about all of these magical things happening to other people on their vacations, it is very easy to be disappointed if they don't happen to you. Someone else pointed out that you just have to go into a vacation hoping for a good time, so that when something extraordinary does happens it turns your stay at Disney into a great time. The majority of the time these extraordinary things aren't even free meals, celebratory gifts, wonderful CMs, etc., but are the time that you have to spend with the people you love taking in everything at Disney. Just taking in the surroundings by people watching on a bench provides many people (including myself) with wonderful memories. While you can't change the experience that you have already had at Disney, I hope someday you will give it another try. When you are able to take the time to go slowly through Disney World or to see it through the eyes of a child, I hope your experience will be much different. Sending pixie dust your way in hopes that you won't think all of us are mean and picking on you. (We actually try to be nice to people it's just sooo hard! )

I also just wanted to mention that anyone who is considering going to Disney World for the first time needs to realize that Disney is in no way a vacation, at least in the way you would normally think of a vacation. This is the reason why Disney World really can't be compared to any other vacation destination. (Who would think that after coming home from a vacation you would be more tired than when you left! )

 

[TurnR@TheMouseHouse]

taylorstimac,

Just curious. You post said, "Just got back", but did not say when you were at the world. Did you spend your three hours at Epcot during the Flower and Garden show? If so, I guess you are the not two people who stop and smell the roses and could not appreciate the beauty during this event.

You posts did not mention where you dinned or what special things you planned for yourselves during your honeymoon. Because there are many special things to plan. I do you agree with you that Disney is not for you.

And that's OK. I am not sure I have enough info from you to understand

but it is clear you did not find the magic or it did not find you.

 

[robinb]

Either the OP made it all up or she is the most cynical person on Earth.

This is just a theory by the way, I could be totally wrong.

I think you're totally wrong. The OP is not cynical. She just had some unrealistic expectations. Do a search on her previous posts. If she is a troll, then she set up her persona well for her strike. I think she's the real deal.

 

[26555]

Give the OP a break. She has a right to her opinion and I can see how easy it is to feel let down by really high expectations, especially if you read these boards and hear the opinions of Disney lovers. Theme parks can be exhausting and may not be the best place for some people who are not Disney obsessed to honeymoon. I think its best for people to find these boards after they have visited once, to find out better times of year to go and little things they have overlooked. To get hyped up with the praises of Disney fanatics for months ahead of time can easily get you expecting some magic you may not find. Different strokes. I enjoy Disney but don't put it on the same pedistol as some. Certainly not so high as to almost attack anyone who has a different opinion on it. I think her account can HELP other newbies by lowering their expectations which might help them have a better time there.

 

[aphasia83]

Disney Gator - SERIOUSLY??? Please tell me you are joking.

I guess this goes to show what some people will convince themselves of so that it doesn't conflict with their carefully preserved ideas about something!

 

[WDWorld2003]

I'm sorry your honeymoon wasn't what you thought it would be. WDW isn't very relaxing especially after the stress of a wedding. I know we went during Easter break this year and probably will not go again at that time unless we have to. If it would have been my first time I would have been somewhat disappointed..... long lines, some rude people, etc.

That said, we've never had a bad vacation even when they didn't live up to our expectations. We're happy to be together - away from work, school and daily life. We have found something to enjoy (or laugh about if it was really bad) The longer you're married the more you'll appreciate vacations

Our honeymoon many years ago was spent camping and staying in small cabins in Colorado - very inexpensive, low expectations but we had a wonderful, relaxing time. We didn't have the money to spend on flights, etc. and would have been absolutely THRILLED to go to WDW or Hawaii. We did spend a few days in Vail on that trip (it was September - their low season) and didn't like it at all. However, a few years later a friend moved there and we visited her and loved the town! What a difference it made when things were open, different season and we had someone to show us around.

Years ago my FIL and family went to Yellowstone NP and had a few rude encounters with rangers and staff and has nothing good to say about the park. WE LOVE YNP - different perspective, timing, etc. We are so glad we didn't let his view keep us from going.

Maybe you should try WDW again - maybe a different resort, a time when crowds are lower, you are more relaxed and with less expectations and you may see it in a different light..... Hope you give it another chance!