My one and only trip to WDW

[O2BNWDW]

Geez......put the pitchforks down!!

Sure there were good times at WDW. The times when we were just spending time by ourselves.....out of the "hectic-ness". Perhaps we just picked the wrong spot for a honeymoon

Oh how I wished I had picked this wrong spot for my honeymoon too!

Once again, I still feel Disney was a disappointment. The whole decor of the park seemed straight out of the 80's.

I guess I just didn't "feel" the magic that I had hoped I would. And you guys are right, children do have a different perspective on things and perhaps that's why this is who the parks are geared for: naive children who think that Mickey is real and that money grows on trees.

Hmm...sound like an insult to every child who loves WDW!!!

Just wasn't for me or my husband I guess... I think in the future if we need to see a place with bad service and crowds where adults behave like children and try to run over innocent bystanders with their strollers...we'll just go to Wal-Mart.

YAY more room for US! Come on Hubby let's go get run over!!!!

As a childless couple I can only say that your experience is what you make it. And you don't need Children to enjoy Disney!
OP is a little negative IMHO

 

[lissawynn]

I think it's unfair to judge a place because you've built it up to something almost impossible for the reality to compare. Did you not research these boards? Did you try to use Fastpass? Did you really see everything in Epcot in three hours?
There is no excuse for a rude CM, but was every CM you encountered that way? How much time did you spend in your room? Was it really that much of a downer to not have MT?
It sounds to me like you were expecting all of Disney to make magical memories for you. You do have to help with that.

Btw, you should have gone to Cancun, not went.

 

[DissyLove]

I am sorry to the OP that the honeymoon wasn't great for her. I do agree, though, that DW isn't a "relaxation" destination, and I think that hope is what often ruins it for people with these "vacation" hopes. Disney is awesome fun, sometimes loud, and is a melting pot in the truest sense of the word-you will see and find all kinds of people there. I LOVE it, but sure, it isn't for everyone.

I was sorry to hear the OP dismiss if already for her "future" children-I think that is a shame, just because it wasn't a good honeymoon destination, it is still the best vacation destination I can think of for most children, and I can assure you I have taken mine to many great spots, both theme parks and relaxation spots. And when I ask them what they would like to do, they inevitably wish to return to DW.

 

[vanyel]

My first trip to wdw was on my first honeymoon in 1978. Of course, there was only MK then so we did other things besides wdw. My second honeymoon (second marriage) was much more quiet and relaxing and what we needed after planning a wedding, albeit small second wedding.

I took my DH to WDW for his first time when he was 50 and convinced it was "just for kids". Surprise, mr. cynical loved it and we're now planning his 2nd trip (my 8th). For me the key to planning is, go off season when the crowds are lighter.

I find wdw to be more for adults than kids and I did take my kids 3x while they lived at home and I look forward to taking the grandkids - when I have some that is.

Most people didn't flame the op, they just expressed their own feelings about the "magic", and they expressed their sorrow that the OP didn't enjoy her honeymoon.

Everyone's different - thank goodness not everyone loved wdw!!!

But - don't sell wdw short for your kids - wait until they're old enough to enjoy it and try to go when it's not too crowded.

 

[taylorstimac]

Oh yeah...I made the whole thing up. Why would I waste my time to do that? For any one that's wondering, we were there April 18-22. Stayed at POR in room 1432....do you want my reservation number too Dragon?

Anyhow..... let me re-read the hateful posts you guys have so gracefully bashed me with and I'll try to address your concerns about my feelings towards WDW.

Be back soon.

P.S. Thank you to the few kind people who sttod up for me and realize that it's okay to have an opinion.

 

[ANTSS2001]

The magic dont come from the price we pay, it maybe a deluxe, moderate or value resorts. Magic comes from with in and and everything are just added perks to make it EXTRA magical. There maybe no lines but then it would be terribly hot that can make one miserable but then that's when you hit the ice cream stand with your friends and love one find a corner share that ice cream and it will sure bring a smile to your heart when you look back for that hot terrible miserable day. Peak season, long lines, kids running around, someone even might have stepped on your feet alter the route, maybe try a nice tall icey drink in the lounge of your hotel and chill. I myself is a half full type of person but I learned that it's giving me the chance to fill it up they why I want it to be filled And yes we are entitled with our own opinion so don't take it wrong also if we talk about WDW like it's the greatest thing. Yes I agree totally agree that is that a vacation to WDW is a very stressful one. And you learn to unstress it the next time you come back.. which I hope you will. Just take your time planning and do the things you really like. You dont have to be with the flock. And yes not alot get the mickey towel etc. I have been going down there and the last vacation was a 1st that I got a mickey towel and other fun stuff and I think it also depends on how your mousekeeper is. We stayed in a value resort nothing expensive but Denorah (if ever anybody go try ASM Rockin Bldg. that is her Bldg she is great), She really have the magic in her, yes granted she just makes a regular housekeeping salary but she enjoyed doing this lil stuff. Finally met her on our last day and she was a warm friendly person I thank hear and gave her a hug and it did not feel like am hugging a stranger but someone I know. To make my nonsense thought. It's like a plant, you plant it you water it and if mother nature decides to give us rain shower then that is just an added perk for the plant.... do I make sense

 

[TrickyFish]

like a lot of people (for whom Disney is the highlight of their lives)

*blink* You make that sound like its a bad thing...

Eh, but I guess a place where animated characters are real, and where you can have nice chats with Princesses, where ice cream is an acceptable lunch, barbers put glitter in your hair, and no one cares that you're 24 and jumping up and down in line to get Stitch's autograph, and where all the stress of life and work just stops existing for a while is a BAD place...

Don't ever go there. It's bad.

 

[Christine]

I can honestly see how someone could have "not-so-great" of a time at Disney. Honestly, Disney is my favorite vacation because I can go there with a ton of people and we can ALL have a wonderful time and find something that we enjoy. I also go to the beach every year. I used to love the beach when I could sit and relax and read my magazines/books. But since having kids, I don't care for the beach much because the kids get bored, I can't read my book for hours, I have to cook for everyone or something. So, I think it's all about you, and where you are in your life.

I do think it is a shame that some people seemed to get upset with you. It *is* hard to go on a vacation, spend a lot of money, and come back and try not to be cynical. I know I would be.

I also think that, while the DIS boards are extremely helpful in planning the trip, there is a lot of 'hype' and that's okay, but now you know this. My parents and kids went on the Disney cruise last year. Read these boards extensively. While they had a nice time, their expectations were very high and I think they were a little let down--even the kids.

For me, there is some kind of "magic" in Disney but I can't explain it. My first trip was in 1970-something when I was 12. At that time, there was NOTHING that even came close to Disney and I was truly "wowed" by it. Each time I return, there is just something about the feel of the park and even certain smells that just bring back some kind of happy memory to me.

I hope you do come back and give us some more specifics. I am going in June and I'd like to hear some more of the negative stuff so I can be prepared.

By the way, I've NEVER gotten a towel animal (but I guess they don't do those at the Shades of Green), I HATE, HATE, HATE the Liberty Tree Tavern, and the strawberries at the Grand Floridian High Tea made me vomit!

 

[emeraldlover]

taylorstimac,

We were in WDW the same week you were. This was not out first trip, and quite frankly, I saw some of the exact same things you are talking about.

We stayed at FW Campground as we have in the past. We encountered rudeness from the moment we registered (the CM rudely told us to turn off our vehicle before we could even come to a complete stop and put the truck in park), then our site wasn't ready (it was after 1:00 p.m.), then the loop we were assigned wasn't accessible at all due to sewer work, called to get another site and CM was very rude and told us we had no choice except for a pet loop which we didn't want. When I told her after waiting 20 minutes to even get to speak to her that so far we hadn't exactly been getting the "Disney Magic", she stated it wasn't her problem. We did finally get some satisfaction after parking truck and trailer and going inside to speak with a CM who was extremely helpful.

By the time we had set up we lost 4 hours of Disney Magic. Then we spent most of our vacation waiting on Disney Transportation. We spent more time waiting for busses than we did getting on rides. We encountered the same rude people who walk around believing the world revolves around them and only them (and we weren't the only ones to observe this as we heard it from many other people while waiting in lines).

All and all though, we had a great time - the weather was beautiful, the meals we ate at Chef Mickey's, Hollywood & Vine, and the Hoop Dee Doo were exceptional, most of the CM's we dealt with after were great, we never waited more than 30 minutes to get on a ride and we rode almost everything, Wishes was phenomenal as was Fantasmic. We had been to WDW before and knew what to expect. My mom (67) had never been there before and said it was one of her best vacations ever. Her favorite line after experiencing a parade, fireworks, all the parks was "they sure don't do anything in a small way."

We just tried to take everything in stride. We were exhausted and I now feel I need a vacation from my vacation. This will probably be our last trip with the kids (11 and 15) since we only go about every 2-3 years (maybe the 11 year old will get to go again before he's too old to want to vacation with his parents).

Sorry you didn't experience the "magic."

 

[Christine]

So, Melissa, do you think that the crowds are higher? Disney understaffed? What's going on? The OP isn't the first *bad* report I've read since Easter break. I'm going in June and am already cringing. I've done June before, so I know it won't be like my May trips. But, since you've been a few times, what do think has changed this time?

 

[Disneyrsh]

Okay, I skipped a few posts in the middle, but if she didn't like going there, I don't think we should encourage her to go back!

It's already crowded enough with people who think Disney Magic is something Disney gives to you.

We need more people who BRING the Disney Magic with them.

Once I got a bad CM when I was checking in. I smiled, gathered up my stuff, said "I think I need another Cast Member to help me", stepped back in line, waved the lady behind me forward, and waited for another 5 minutes until I got a cast member with whom I could share smiles with. Shocked the heck out of Grumpy, there.

I think there should be a test to find out whether you're going to love Disney or not, maybe the Pixie Dust Disney Magic-O-Meter!

That way you can go to Paris or Phuket if you discover that you're just too sophisticated to appreciate the bucolic charm of Disney.

And we won't miss you!

 

[cristbaby]

You are entitled to your opinion and feelings about WDW as are all of the posters here. Of couse they will get defensive about any negative comments towards the "Happiest Place on Earth", if they didn't like Disney they probably wouldn't be on this site to begin with. I'm sure you had to realize that most were not going to agree with you when you wrote about your horrible time. We've probably all had some experiences with rude CM's but the majority will go out of their way to help you have a wonderful time. As far as going through Epcot in 3 hours, I find it hard to believe, there is so much to see and do there. I think I agree with others here that you would have been happier going to Universal. Sorry you had such a bad experience.

 

[WolfpackFan]

So, Melissa, do you think that the crowds are higher? Disney understaffed? What's going on? The OP isn't the first *bad* report I've read since Easter break.

Well, I just have to say, I don't understand what the problem is. We were at WDW a few weeks before the OP. I can honestly say, during the week we were there we did not run into a single rude CM. On the contrary, we ran into many very nice, helpfull CM's. Sure, we ran into a couple who were not overly-friendly (one hostess at Spoodles comes to mind and a ticket taker at Epcot once); but I wouldn't call them rude, just not overly friendly. On the other hand most CM's were very friendly. As far as crowds, sure there were crowds, but it's WDW for gosh sakes. You get your FP's and just go with the flow. If you don't get to do everything this trip, there is always next trip. Some of my favorite rememberances were times that didn't even involve rides - like just walking around Epcot early one morning right after opening and taking pictures and drinking coffee. Sitting out next to Rose and Crown, drinking a cold beer and watching the people go by. Leaving DD25 at Animal Kingdom and taking a tour of the various resorts and sitting in WL lobby just taking it all in. Having some great meals at some great restaurants. Getting up early each morning, getting my coffee and just wandering around BWV.

As far as the OP goes, can't quite understand her motives. She posts what I consider to be some rather rude posts towards people who like WDW, says she is never going back and never taking her children there; so why is she still hanging around a MB devoted to people who love WDW.

 

[emeraldlover]

Christine,

There were alot of people there last week. However, we went because the kids were on spring vacation from school. We experienced problems with the busses, but part of that was the internal bus system at Fort Wilderness. Waiting 20 minutes to catch the bus from the parks is expected especially if the bus is pulling away as you are walking to the stop.

The only really rude CM we encountered was at, again, the campground. Most everyone else was pleasant. Even with the crowds we never waited more than 30 minutes for a ride, and we went on everything we wanted (except Peter Pan at MK EMH night as the line was over 60 minutes long).

Also, the EMH nights were very crowded. I liked it better when for $20 you could pay to stay in the MK later as they only sold so many tickets and there were never crowds. The wait times in MK and Epcot on EMH nights were worse than during the busiest times of day.

We asked one of the FW bus drivers about the waits for busses, and he said that Disney is constantly changing the way they do things and sometimes it is not for the best. I felt the bus system they had in place when I was there in Feb. '02 worked quite well. Now I don't think it does.

Oh, and by the way, the new finger scan was no problem at all. It worked for us everytime.

PS - we certainly did bring our own Disney Magic Attitudes with us. We were all very excited upon getting to FW. It was the two extremely rude CM's upon check-in that brought down that magic. One of them after being rude on the phone wouldn't even come talk with us face to face when we went inside.

 

[Autumngirl]

It's already crowded enough with people who think Disney Magic is something Disney gives to you.

We need more people who BRING the Disney Magic with them.

Amen to that!

That way you can go to Paris or Phuket if you discover that you're just too sophisticated to appreciate the bucolic charm of Disney.

And we won't miss you!

What are you saying here?...that Disney doesn't guarantee you the perfect weather, with the perfect crowds after staying in the perfect room with the perfect view ...and towel animals?

 

[jimmiej]

More room for those of us who are obsessed with WDW!

 

[kelma]

Well, I read your first post and I was all set to defend you from some of my fellow over-eager Disney fans. It was your honeymoon, I was prepared to say, and everyone is entitled to their own opinions and I felt very bad that you were disappointed......And then I read your next post and it was just plain nasty. I think the majority of the responders have been supportive and sorry for your unhappiness (we can all imagine not having the honeymoon we want). But really, you didn't have any idea that spring break would be a crazy time or that there would tons of people with - gasp - children in strollers. What in the world are they doing bringing their kids to a place like WDW??? And do you mean to tell me that they didn't just make a big space down the middle so you and your new dh could go right through??? Truly, I am shocked.

Look, we can all understand being disappointed in something we have looked forward to for so long and especially your honeymoon. But there was no need to be so rude. I see other posters encouraging you to give it another try. I won't do that. There are other amazing places in this world that might suit you better. But, just as a warning, we spent much more money in Europe than we've ever spent in WDW and we had lots of rude people, long lines and lots of "whiny kids". That's just kind of the reality of travelling. If you're going to a place lots of people want to go to, there are going to be lots of people there.

Best wishes for a very happy life with your new husband.

 

[DSNYRose]

taylorstimac, I've been to WDW 3 times in the past. I've never really done any planning outside of reserving my hotel rooms, buying tickets, and arranging for transportation. I must say that the first time we visited WDW, the crowds were overwhelming and we were a little bit frustrated. But after we strolled around and started to pay attention to the "magic" all around us, we began to enjoy it. This is why I can't wait to go back. This time I'm using some information off of these boards to get "a few" ideas to "help" make this trip more memorable like PS and EMH. I don't plan to take everything for gospel. I want to be able to experience the same level of satisfaction with a little lagniappe given to me from my friends here on the DIS.

I hope you change your mind and give it another shot in the future. Congrats and Best Wishes.

 

[sunshine state]

Anyone who has BAD things to say about WDW must have something wrong with them, because of my age i must admit i do prefer IOA/USF but still love Disney and enjoy going there.

Just my opinion though..

 

[taylorstimac]

Okay now.... lets clear some stuff up. First of all, I'm not a hidious Disney-hating freak who came on this board to insult every person who likes Disney World...that's just simply not the case.

Also...everyone keeps apologizing for me having a "horrible time". My trip wasn't THAT bad. It was my honeymoon, of course I had a good time. When I said I was a "glass half full kinda gal" I meant it. I did make the most out of my situation. I didn't post here to say: "Blah...Disney's terrible. I hate that stupid mouse. I'm never going back because I had to wait in lines and pay 7.59 for a cold cheeseburger."

Yeah..I was a bit heated when I came back. It honestly did feel like a big let down. And yeah, my feelings are still the same. I look back on my trip and think, "well, it was nice..but not spectacular." And yes, I did think it was going to be spectacular. You can call me naive if you'd like, but visiting the DIS is indeed what got me pumped up. I was excited to turn on my computer in the mornings to watch my counter tick down the days to my very first trip to a place I always longed to go as a child. This was a big thing for me. I'm sorry, but I paid good to see a little magic. And yes, the fireworks were like no other...but if I knew that's all I was getting I could have put on a heck of a fireworks show myself for the money I spent.

And yes, I realize that the CM's at Disney probably only get paid minimum wage and that they're just trying to make a living. However, I'm pretty sure when they were filling out their applications that it did dawn on them that they were signing up to work at what is called by many the "happiest place on earth." No one is forcing them to work there. They should realize that many people will only get to come here once in their lives and that they should do everything in their power to make it special. I mean most people would kill to get to see Mickey every day.

But, another thing, I didn't make a post bashing rude CM's. I made a general post about my trip which unfortunately did include rude people. That's fine. I deal with rude people every day at work. I know well enough not to let a single person ruin your day. I just tried to ignore the crazy stroller driving people, the screaming whiney kids, the rude CM's, the very long lines, the fact that some rides were temporarily closed, the expensive food, the $25.00 shirts with Mickey's face on the that looked exactly like the ones at Wal-Mart that are $9.99, the dirty sheets that were on our bed all week, the lack of coffee in our room, the fact that we generously tipped everyday and didn't recieve any perks, the people that kicked the back of my seat while I tried to watch Fantasmic, the 7000 gift shops that were waiting after you got off of every ride, the dirty crowded bathroom in MGM by TOT, the lack of communication between the CM's, the snappy lady at the front desk, the hateful lady who we asked to take our picture with Mickey who replied "I'm only taking a picture of the Mouse" (like we wanted her to use her camera or something??), etc., etc., etc.

And yeah, you don't have to preach to the choir. I've been to other theme parks, I know that this happens everywhere. I guess that's my whole point...I thought that Disney was different. So, when I said it's "like every other theme park" sadly, I feel it's true. I had high hopes for Disney. The rides disappointed me, the service disappointed me, I wish it didn't have to be that way. Yeah, I love Disney stuff. I know every word to every Disney song imaginable, I own more Mickey memorablia (sp?) than Minnie herself, I even used to call Mickey my boyfriend when I was a youngster. So, to be let down my the "happiest place on earth" hurt me.

And my "naive children" comment wasn't meant to be hurtful. In fact, in reading back over it, I didn't feel it sounded rude at all. I wasn't calling anyone a naive child, I literally meant that children are naive so Disney World is in fact probably very magical to them. I on the other hand assumed that there would be more there for the adults who bring those naive children to see the mouse. And, I won't lie...I was there waiting in line to get my picture taken..then I was rushed right through and the magic was gone. Good thing I wasn't once a naive kid who waited her whole life to see her "boyfriend" Mickey in person, that might have broke my little heart.

Anyhow, as for why do I hang around the boards if I hate Disney? I think I've made it pretty clear that I don't hate Disney. I was disappointed by Disney World, however this whole board doesn't revolve around Disney lovers, I've read displeased poster's comments on here before. It may be a small world, but it's a world where we're all entitled to an opinion.

In conclusion, I don't think that giving WDW a second chance is the best option for me. The park as a whole was a let down to me. Not just the lines or crowds or rudeness or whatever....there was just a lack of the magic that I wished to see. I expected high tech, state of the art entertainment...I didn't find that there. I'd rather see Shamu try to flop out of his tank at Sea World...that seems like better entertainment to me. As far as "nostalgic"...I didn't see that...I saw old, outdated rides and decorations. Not at all what I had imagined. And once again, I'm sure that my expectations had a whole lot to do with that....shame on me for expecting something great.

Also, I found it hurtful that many posters (one imparticular) said that I wouldn't be missed if I never came back to WDW. See, that's what I'm talking about. Why spend my hard earned money (literally hard earned. I'm not rich by any means, it took a long time to save the money for out trip. I found it very insulting that people were dissing the fact that we stayed at a moderate resort...before you run your mouth about something like that you should consider other people's situations) at a place where you're not even made to feel special? I'm real sure that Walt had in mind for only upper class family's to get to see Mickey and pals.

Okay, I've said my piece. Once again...never meant to offend anyone, just sharing the fact that contrary to popular belief, WDW is not necessarily the happiest place for everyone.