My opinion of Disney World

[poohbearwithme]

I just recently completed my first trip to Disney World in over 20 years. Let me say that a lot has change and not for the good. I know that most of you on this board simply love Disney and everything that is Disney and for years I thought I was same. I didn’t stay away from Disney for 20 years by choice, it was just circumstances that kept me away. Then things happened that I was able to go. Boy was I excited. However my excitement quickly turned to disappointment after about 2 days there. I have always known that Disney is a business and as a business they are there to make money. Making money is one thing but flat out greed is another. While I did stay on the property I can not believe that they make those not lucky enough or unable to afford to stay on the property pay $12 just for the privilege of parking their car in Dopey 17 row 3. They really try to make someone who does not stay on their property feel like an outsider. However, I was lucky (or unlucky) enough to stay on property, as such got to experience the “Free” Disney Transportation system. That has to be biggest mismanaged thing in Disney I have ever seen, probably because it’s “free”. (Disney really doesn’t like to give anything for Free) This really needs to be addressed by Disney Management…they will have 4 or 5 bus loads of people waiting for a bus while empty bus after empty bus will pass by. I also noticed that the more expensive resorts will have more buses (almost empty buses) come more frequently than the value resorts or campground (which will we be busting out the seams because so many people are trying to get onto them after one finally shows up). I also got very tired, very quick of having to go through a gift shop after every single ride. Don’t even get me started on that overprice bad food that so affectingly is called “counter service”. Maybe I have out grown Disney or maybe I was remembering Disney through a child’s eyes but my last trip has given me enough of Disney to make it another 20 years. I don’t know if I will ever return to Disney because the way I feel now, I probably not return. (rant mode off)

I still love this board and hope I am still welcome here after this...but I just had to get this rant off my chest, Thanks for letting me. (Maybe if I would have stayed at the Fort it would have been different).

 

[2goofycampers]

Here is the problem, since you hadn't been to WDW in 20 years the changes all at once were a BIG shock and disappointment to you. Those who have been going all along for those years have seen theses changes come gradually year by year.

Kind of like when you don't see someone for 20 years and when you do, they look old, gray and fat. If you had lived with them for those 20 years you just call them your spouse.

Yes, WDW isn't what it was 20 years ago but for now it's still good enough to keep us coming back.

 

[Just Beachy]

I agree that WDW has their share of issues that need work, but I still love the place. I can't wait to be there again in October....probably more for the people I will be with than for WDW itself, but it's still all good!

 

[ftwildernessguy]

Our visits have evolved over the years from the parks being the main attraction to the other aspects of the trip being more important - getting together with the friends we have met there, favorite places to eat both on and off property, various side trips we make, seeing the shows that normally get passed by. I was a bit upset with FW and the confusion involving the redesignation of sites, so that is why we are staying offsite this time, but I am confident we will be back at the fort next year.

 

[bigdisneydaddy]

If I had been away from America for 20 yrs and returned I would be much more upset at the changes to the country vs changes to WDW, my first trip to WDW was in 86 and I have been there over 20 times since, I like it as much if not more, now, than when I first went there.

You do make valid points about WDW.

 

[drafthorsecrazy]

I live within 10 miles of Cedar Point. Its a major coaster amusement park. I have not been there in over 20yrs. Probably never will again. (This old body does not do well on coasters.) With that said, I've heard that the parking fee is equal or greater than WDW. The camping fee for full hook up is near $100 a night. I don't know about the cost of food but I'm sure its high too. Dollar for dollar WDW gives me more bang for my buck. If I don't like the food--I eat off property or at my camper. Transportation can be a pain, and maybe the campground and values do get less service than the deluxe. But think of the times when you do manage to catch a bus, ferry, or monorail as you walk up. Being dumped into a gift shop at the end of rides is frustrating but I'm sure its a great business for them. I'm all for Disney thriving and making money. Maybe, just maybe the more money they make on food and merchandise will help decrease any rising cost of tickets and accommodations. Those are usually the biggest expenses. I don't wear rose tinted glasses when I'm at Disney. I too am aware of many faults. It's like anything else in life. Everything, and everyone has imperfections and we each decide what we can live with. IMHO

 

[BRDof3]

We went to WDW last April, I hadn't been there since the early 80's when I lived in Florida (it consisted of the Magic Kingdom and 3 hotels). Quite a shock to the system, to say the least.

Overall I thought it had grown well. I know the busses were a pain sometimes, but considering the volume and distance involved I thought they ran fairly well. Overall I gave them passing marks. It really can't operate the same way it did when it was a fraction of the size.

I want our next trip to be to the Fort, it adds a whole new dimension to the trip.

 

[Born 2 Fish]

I agree, there are a LOT od disappointments at Disney, one of the biggest is Bobby I. .Yes Disney is strictly a money machine, therefore.............
But there are also alot of good things at and about Disney, you just gotta wade thru it all and kinda figure what works for you,,and thats a lot of wading.

I also agree that after 20 years it can be a shock to experience Disney,
I've been going to Disney since 1972, I've seen many changes, lots of additions, much taken away, but I still find enjoyment.

 

[bigdisneydaddy]

The bus system clearly needs improvements, I doubt that the current business climate will allow much room for anything innovative though.
Personally I think WDW should come up with something a little more innovative, I would like to see teleporting or some other emerging technology, Walt was after all an idea man.

 

[Born 2 Fish]

Beam me up Mickey !

 

[ram101]

Kind of like when you don't see someone for 20 years and when you do, they look old, gray and fat. If you had lived with them for those 20 years you just call them your spouse.

LMAO!!!!

 

[lawnspecialties]

We haven't been to Disney in about a year and have no real desire to go again until we get another camper. That being said, after reading your post, it's good to see things haven't changed in a year. Let me explain.

1. Yes, Disney is very expensive for virtually everything. But hey, it's Disney. We plan for our trips and save up money so it's not so bad. We actually feel we get our money's worth.
2. Sometimes I get something at those gift shops, sometimes I don't. I don't care if I have to walk through one.
3. Yes, the busses are sometimes rediculous. We like going when the crowds are smallest so typically, the busses aren't even full.
4. Counter service food gets REALLY old after a week at Disney. I think we've eaten at Electric Umbrella more than any other restaurant there. It's just part of the experience. By the time we're ready to go home, we're sick of the counter service food. After a few months back home, we can't wait to get back.

In my opinion, I think the reason we love Disney so much is it provides us with such a getaway from everyday life. When we drive 10 hours, we feel a million miles away from work and whatever hassles are back home. We don't go every holiday, we go when we can. Last year, we went three times and were tired of Disney by the time we went home on the last trip. Now, we can't wait to get back.

 

[kc5grw]

I think you hit the nail on the head when you said that "maybe I was remembering Disney through a child's eyes". If in fact the last time you were WDW was as a child then your perception is distorted by that fact. Your cares and concerns today are much different than they were as a child and you probably couldn't have cared less or even noticed any of the problems you quote. I'm not saying that Disney isn't high priced or quality could be improved but you are making a comparison based on 2 very different stages of your life. I would suggest another trip sooner than 20 years. Try to recapture that childlike attitude in spite of everything else. I go to Disney knowing it costs a ton of money, that crowds could be a problem, and quality of service can be spotty, but I also know that I enjoy the overall package that Disney delivers.

 

[ntsammy5]

Some things are better - some worse - I think my problem is I'm not young anymore and have less patience - I can truthfully say though, I still enjoy the beer in Epcot as much as I ever have ........... I just can't drink as much as I used to.

Parking is the same at any amusement park in the country - expensive- big ones anyhow, and the transportation - I think it depends a lot on your mood and on circumstances - sometimes I love it sometimes I hate it. When we were there in May we never waited more than 10 minutes for any transportation - but it was the first time ever that we depended totally on WDW transportation. Not a bad experience at all.

 

[4daubers]

Six Flags is pricey and not near as well-kept.

When I think about the expense, I go into a WDW trance, think of sitting at the marina drinking a glass of wine...hearing Christmas music, seeing my family all around me...and it's all good. I just add some more change to the Disney jar.

You have valid concerns..but I do hope you will return soon. It won't be such a shock after a 20 year absence and the experience may be more enjoyable.

 

[LONE-STAR]

Things change not much stays the same. While there is a lot I wish Disney would have left alone some has changed for the better. The one thing that I will say (and most hard working people will agree) a bad day at Disney or any vacation still beats being at work.

 

[LORNADUCK]

I have to agree with LONE-STAR a bad day @ Disney is better than any day at work. We have been going for over 30 years. I do see changes some good, some bad. It is expensive and my beef is that the campsites never get a break. But with that said we keep going, when we are pulling up to Disney on the main road and go thru the gates, I feel like the world has been lifted from my shoulders. We usually only take our MH and a golf cart so we use the free transportation a lot. I don't mind it we are there to relax and if we have to wait a while so what. I guess I view it differently because we are there very offten so we usually are not in much of a rush.

 

[liv luvs disney]

There was 15 years in between trips for me and I had the exact opposite reaction. I think when I was going as an older kid, I didn't appreciate the sacrifice my parents made to let me go. I also didin't really appreciate the Disney experience. As the adult making the sacrificing financially, yet seeing the pure joy and excitement on the face's of my children...there are no words to describe it.

Parking- It's at every theme park. I expect it when I go. We live 20 minutes from Dollywood and as sweet as Dolly Parton is, she still charges to park. However, gold season pass holders do not have to pay. It is more expensive to have a gold pass, but if you're going to Dollywood more than a couple of times, you save in the long run. People who stay on-site at WDW are paying more to stay there, but one of the many perks is not having to pay to park. (Technically, you are paying, but you get the picture.)

Transportation-I guess I've been fortunate enough to go during value season because even though I stayed in a value resort, I had no problems with the transportation system. The first trip we took, I guess we were in a complete blissful state because we never noticed that the moderate and deluxe resorts do, in fact, have more buses that run (seemingly) more frequent. Oh well, I am not paying $300 a night to have that privelge. The longest we ever waited for a bus was at TL on our 3rd trip. We waited 20 minutes, but again, we were just happy to be on vacation. None of us stressed over it. Every trip back to our resort in the evening was standing room (or should I say bus) only. I did go over the safety issues in my head a couple of times with that.

Gift shops-I look at that like all the candy that's purposely placed at the check-out aisle when you're leaving the grocery store. It's a marketing thing. Sometimes I am famished at the end of my shopping and I buy a candy bar, more often, I don't. Again, the first trip back to WDW, we bought stuff every time we turned around. The second time not so much. Last year, I bought Disney t-shirts deeply discounted at our local Disney store BEFORE we went and we didn't spend a dime while at Disney with the exception of gratuities.

I am sorry that you had a not-so-good experience on your vacation, but I definitely think you should not write WDW off! Give it another shot. You would be going into it knowing the things that bother you so you may have a better experience next time.

It really annoys me that we pay more to eat popcorn and drink a Coke at the movies than it costs to actually see a movie. I know going into the theater, I'm going to be broke when I leave, but I still go occasionally.

The bottome line is yes WDW has changed over the years. Like others have said...some for the better, some for the worse. They, like any other business, are not perfect. Everyone on this board has a gripe or two about WDW so you are not alone!

Oh and I am thinking staying at the Fort DOES make a difference! Have you been on any other boards around here? The people are vicious!!! I think campers are more laid back and have a lot more fun!!!!!

 

[mrsscooter]

I think you hit the nail on the head when you said that "maybe I was remembering Disney through a child's eyes". If in fact the last time you were WDW was as a child then your perception is distorted by that fact. Your cares and concerns today are much different than they were as a child and you probably couldn't have cared less or even noticed any of the problems you quote. I'm not saying that Disney isn't high priced or quality could be improved but you are making a comparison based on 2 very different stages of your life. I would suggest another trip sooner than 20 years. Try to recapture that childlike attitude in spite of everything else. I go to Disney knowing it costs a ton of money, that crowds could be a problem, and quality of service can be spotty, but I also know that I enjoy the overall package that Disney delivers.

I agree with other posters, dont write off WDW just yet, and definitely dont let too many years go by before you visit again..........HOWEVER........ I do agree, that it is a pricey place, and some of the food is mediocre, but you forget all of that once you see the face of a child when they see Cinderellas Castle for the first time, or they run to Mickey Mouse.....or get sprinkled with pixie dust from Tinkerell. My husband and I gasp everytime we talk about going back, and it takes us a while and lots of willpower to save to go, but its all worth it when you bring your kids. Our vacations to Disney have been the best......as pricey as it is, still the best. We are excited about staying at the Fort this October, because we can stay for two weeks, instead of one week at a resort. Sorry, I know I just carried on, but bottom line, dont give up the ship just yet my friend!!!

 

[Tri-circle-D]

The OP has made some valid observations about things at WDW that are bothersome.

But, most of these are avoided by FW guests:

1. FW guests get free parking everywhere on property, so the parking charges are not a problem.

2. FW guests can bring their own food and prepare it at their sites (or you can even bring it into the parks if you want)- so you don't have to pay the inflated prices that they charge at WDW for every meal.

3. FW guests don't have to use WDW transportation if they choose not to. You can drive your own vehicle to any place on property, and park for free. Or, if you just have a problem with buses, you can get to Epcot via Monorail (boat to Contemporary, monorail to TTC, transfer to Epcot monorail there), and to HS from Epcot by boat, if you are so inclined.

As far as attractions emptying into gift shops, this is not always the case. Some of the newer attractions do not empty into gift shops. Soarin', Toy Story Midway Mania, and the Nemo show at AK come to mind.

This is why I love the Fort. I can easily avoid the aggravating things about WDW, and just enjoy the great things.

TCD