My Slow Divorce from Walt Disney World

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I agree. That is an aspect that I like about WDW in comparison to Universal. More breathing room for non thrill rides and this is coming from someone that loves coasters/thrill rides. I like that there is more variety.

I get that. I rode Velicicoaster for the first time on my May trip and I loved it so much that I immediately got on line to ride again. Even now when I'm sitting in my bed at home I kind of miss it. I don't "miss" any ride at WDW as much as I do Velocicoaster. It is THAT fun for me. The first time I rode it I forgot to take my glasses off so I was holding onto them for dear life the entire time xD I do commend Universal for building a coaster in such a tight space that is still probably the best coaster I have ever ridden in my entire life.

Hagrid's is just pure fun like I said in my other post. I grabbed a beer from Three Broomsticks and chilled on the line to make the hour wait seem less awful. The hour wait was totally worth it to me. It is the most unique coaster I have ever been on. I love that it is a non screen experience with physical sets and animatronics. I love that Universal is taking feedback from it's criticism from mainly screen based attractions and innovating with fun, creative experiences.

Totally agree with everything you've written

 

[DCLMP]

I agree. That is an aspect that I like about WDW in comparison to Universal. More breathing room for non thrill rides and this is coming from someone that loves coasters/thrill rides. I like that there is more variety.

I get that. I rode Velicicoaster for the first time on my May trip and I loved it so much that I immediately got on line to ride again. Even now when I'm sitting in my bed at home I kind of miss it. I don't "miss" any ride at WDW as much as I do Velocicoaster. It is THAT fun for me. The first time I rode it I forgot to take my glasses off so I was holding onto them for dear life the entire time xD I do commend Universal for building a coaster in such a tight space that is still probably the best coaster I have ever ridden in my entire life.

Hagrid's is just pure fun like I said in my other post. I grabbed a beer from Three Broomsticks and chilled on the line to make the hour wait seem less awful. The hour wait was totally worth it to me. It is the most unique coaster I have ever been on. I love that it is a non screen experience with physical sets and animatronics. I love that Universal is taking feedback from it's criticism from mainly screen based attractions and innovating with fun, creative experiences.

I agree with all of that. If you can visit Universal for a couple of days and Disney for five days it makes for a great vacation. That’s just what we did. Now we’re 8 weeks out to our 11 day European DCL cruise and I can’t wait. Looking at everything going on in the world I don’t think life will ever return to pre- 2020. I try to maintain a positive attitude, live in the moment, and be grateful for whatever I can afford to do.

 

[izzy]

I’ve been saying this for years - WDW needs a 5th park if they want to entice me back to the parks. It has been 24 years since Animal Kingdom opened. I’m just not feeling the magic anymore and I need something new. They also need a 5th park to spread out the crowds more.

I can’t remember the last time they built a new hotel that wasn‘t for DVC. Even existing hotel wings and buildings and land around them are being turned into DVC units.

For full disclosure, I am a DVC member, and other than being able to go to a Moonlight Magic night at AK in early 2020, I can’t tell you the last time I’ve been in the parks. I will occasionally stay at my home resorts but not go to the parks. I just consider them a resort vacation. I mostly use my points for Hilton Head, Vero Beach, and occasionally Aulani. I hold onto my points because I keep hoping that something fresh and new will open.

 

[john7994]

Thanks. I'm trying to be better about the negativity but it's hard due to how Disney treats their parks right now. Being a Cedar Fair pass holder and how they treated me through Covid by extending my pass 2 years. On top of that how simple it is to visit their parks and use their skip the line system its hard to be positive about Disney.

Part of my problem is I never grew up on the parks. I went a few times as a kid but it never was a family tradition like many of you here. I grew up on places like Cedar Point. That has become my family tradition.

I get it and that's why I sincerely appreciate the candor in discussions like this.

I was very fortunate to go once as a kid to WDW, but the traditional aspect was actually something I more or less picked-up as an adult. In some ways, a Disney vacation represented that I had "arrived" at some point in my lifetime to be able to afford it - if that makes any sense.

Aside from that, I have always had respect for Disney's commitment to experience both professionally and personally. It was something you could count on consistently, or that "bubble of magic", signature to WDW. It was what other parks aspired to as a standard (and many parks have done a tremendous job in this area).

But as you point out, Disney's success/popularity, coupled with post-pandemic influences and shorter-term responses have created some real challenges. I have observed first-hand the resulting strain manifesting in a variety of different ways as well. I think the problem of comparing Disney to anything else is really difficult because it's sheer scale almost creates a class of it's own, and largely a problem of it's own making.

 

[Jrb1979]

I get it and that's why I sincerely appreciate the candor in discussions like this.

I was very fortunate to go once as a kid to WDW, but the traditional aspect was actually something I more or less picked-up as an adult. In some ways, a Disney vacation represented that I had "arrived" at some point in my lifetime to be able to afford it - if that makes any sense.

Aside from that, I have always had respect for Disney's commitment to experience both professionally and personally. It was something you could count on consistently, or that "bubble of magic", signature to WDW. It was what other parks aspired to as a standard (and many parks have done a tremendous job in this area).

But as you point out, Disney's success/popularity, coupled with post-pandemic influences and shorter-term responses have created some real challenges. I have observed first-hand the resulting strain manifesting in a variety of different ways as well. I think the problem of comparing Disney to anything else is really difficult because it's sheer scale almost creates a class of it's own, and largely a problem of it's own making.

I used to be in awe of how Disney ran their parks and the new attractions they came up with. Lately they haven't wowed me with any of the new attractions. They look fun but just don't do it for me. Part of it is due to being able to still handle high intense rides and needing more then theming to impress me.

My family spends most summers traveling the country visiting different amusement parks. One year we did 11 different parks. We have seen a lot and there is so many amazing parks out there. I understand this is a Disney site but I just like to share my passion.

 

[john7994]

I’ve been saying this for years - WDW needs a 5th park if they want to entice me back to the parks. It has been 24 years since Animal Kingdom opened. I’m just not feeling the magic anymore and I need something new. They also need a 5th park to spread out the crowds more.

I can’t remember the last time they built a new hotel that wasn‘t for DVC. Even existing hotel wings and buildings and land around them are being turned into DVC units.

For full disclosure, I am a DVC member, and other than being able to go to a Moonlight Magic night at AK in early 2020, I can’t tell you the last time I’ve been in the parks. I will occasionally stay at my home resorts but not go to the parks. I just consider them a resort vacation. I mostly use my points for Hilton Head, Vero Beach, and occasionally Aulani. I hold onto my points because I keep hoping that something fresh and new will open.

A portion of DVC units are also sold for cash, or did I misunderstand this? There seems to be a fairly robust points rental market as well - which is a nice alternative for non-DVC members. Seems like continuing down that path makes quite a few people happy (especially Disney).

I wonder a lot about a 5th gate, while it might spread crowds out more (Universal's Epic may create the same effect - for that matter), I have doubts about the labor market supporting all of that at least for the near-term - not to mention further infrastructure requirements. I would guess Disney has 5th Gate plans tucked away somewhere, but likely waiting for the right time where it's more cost effective/feasible than under the current circumstances.

 

[john7994]

I used to be in awe of how Disney ran their parks and the new attractions they came up with. Lately they haven't wowed me with any of the new attractions. They look fun but just don't do it for me. Part of it is due to being able to still handle high intense rides and needing more then theming to impress me.

My family spends most summers traveling the country visiting different amusement parks. One year we did 11 different parks. We have seen a lot and there is so many amazing parks out there. I understand this is a Disney site but I just like to share my passion.

For me, my season of life prescribes a little less intensity I will watch wistfully from the sidelines on some of those attractions. Everyone has their passions and pursuits, and I would never suggest that one set of experiences is superior to another. I would have loved spending summers touring parks; keep making those memories!

 

[Jrb1979]

A portion of DVC units are also sold for cash, or did I misunderstand this? There seems to be a fairly robust points rental market as well - which is a nice alternative for non-DVC members. Seems like continuing down that path makes quite a few people happy (especially Disney).

I wonder a lot about a 5th gate, while it might spread crowds out more (Universal's Epic may create the same effect - for that matter), I have doubts about the labor market supporting all of that at least for the near-term - not to mention further infrastructure requirements. I would guess Disney has 5th Gate plans tucked away somewhere, but likely waiting for the right time where it's more cost effective/feasible than under the current circumstances.

Personally I would prefer they fill out the parks they have built. That would go a long way to fixing things. To put it into perspective Cedar Point has 71 rides in 1 park. WDW has 52 over 4 parks. They need more C- ticket level attractions to fill the parks. Not every ride needs to be an E-ticket.

 

[izzy]

A portion of DVC units are also sold for cash, or did I misunderstand this? There seems to be a fairly robust points rental market as well - which is a nice alternative for non-DVC members. Seems like continuing down that path makes quite a few people happy (especially Disney).

I wonder a lot about a 5th gate, while it might spread crowds out more (Universal's Epic may create the same effect - for that matter), I have doubts about the labor market supporting all of that at least for the near-term - not to mention further infrastructure requirements. I would guess Disney has 5th Gate plans tucked away somewhere, but likely waiting for the right time where it's more cost effective/feasible than under the current circumstances.

Like I said, in order to entice me back, I’d like to see a fifth park. I really thought it would have happened years ago. I definitely agree with you that right now is probably not the time to start building a fifth park.

Yes, Disney retains ownership of a portion of the DVC points and sells those room for cash. But those rooms are pricey, especially if you get a 1 or 2 bedroom unit. The studios mostly have one bed (OKW being the exception) and a sleeper sofa. I think the new studios at the GF are going to have two beds, but they’ve completely left the kitchenette out, which means I won’t ever book those. They are trying to redo some studios to have the sofa convert to some sort of Murphy bed, which I believe is a huge improvement. The current sofa beds are downright awful at certain resorts.

I won’t participate in renting out my points thru any of the brokers given what happened while the resorts were closed and the resulting aftermath. I’d probably use them to book/gift rooms for family members before I would rent them out.

 

[john7994]

Like I said, in order to entice me back, I’d like to see a fifth park. I really thought it would have happened years ago. I definitely agree with you that right now is probably not the time to start building a fifth park.I

Yes, Disney retains ownership of a portion of the DVC points and sells those room for cash. But those rooms are pricey, especially if you get a 1 or 2 bedroom unit. The studios mostly have one bed (OKW being the exception) and a sleeper sofa. I think the new studios at the GF are going to have two beds, but they’ve completely left the kitchenette out, which means I won’t ever book those. They are trying to redo some studios to have the sofa convert to some sort of Murphy bed, which I believe is a huge improvement. The current sofa beds are downright awful at certain resorts.

I won’t participate in renting out my points thru any of the brokers given what happened while the resorts were closed and the resulting aftermath. I’d probably use them to book/gift rooms for family members before I would rent them out.

Yep, completely understand. I would love a 5th gate purely because I would like to see what they would do to make it cohesively hang together. They can pull the same stunt Universal did with Harry Potter for the Star Wars IP and create new planetary experiences (calling it Worlds of Exploration) forcing an additional access purchase needed (like a modified park hopper) at the 5th gate - I can hear the screaming now from the future!

 

[Marionnette]

For every 100 people claiming they are going to divorce only about 5 of them will follow through and those 5 will be replaced by 10 new guests.

Do you think that those five care? I know that my trial separation from Disney is not about "punishing" Disney by taking away my dollars and spending them elsewhere. It's about my realization that the new Disney isn't for me. Every time I see the comeback stating that two will replace me, I want to shout "I DON'T CARE!"

 

[MillauFr]

Do you think that those five care? I know that my trial separation from Disney is not about "punishing" Disney by taking away my dollars and spending them elsewhere. It's about my realization that the new Disney isn't for me. Every time I see the comeback stating that two will replace me, I want to shout "I DON'T CARE!"

Yes I think those 5 care very deeply and concerned they are going to hurt Josh's feelings.

 

[DCLMP]

I used to be in awe of how Disney ran their parks and the new attractions they came up with. Lately they haven't wowed me with any of the new attractions. They look fun but just don't do it for me. Part of it is due to being able to still handle high intense rides and needing more then theming to impress me.

My family spends most summers traveling the country visiting different amusement parks. One year we did 11 different parks. We have seen a lot and there is so many amazing parks out there. I understand this is a Disney site but I just like to share my passion.

Share your passion for what? Most of your posts are just sharing your negativity towards Disney. Most of us come here because we like Disney.

 

[DeutscherDon]

Unfortunately greed is taking over everything, the expectations we once had at Disney have been bastardized over the last five to ten years. What was once a supreme family getaway has turned into a gigantic ripoff. Beginning with no magic express, no fast pass, a space hotel that costs 6K for two nights, no passes that don’t expire, park reservations, genie plus, other rides for more money, there isn’t a lot of magic left in Disney. We used to go every year. Chapek has been a huge part of changing that magical feeling we used to get. Disney stock is down and after all the canceled Disney vacations that were Covid canceled are cashed in Disney will feel the loss of all the regular visitors. Universal is slowly becoming what Disney was, they lost many imagineers to Universal and it shows. You get your fast pass free if you stay in certain universal hotels. Walt would be so disappointed!!

 

[Christine]

Unfortunately greed is taking over everything, the expectations we once had at Disney have been bastardized over the last five to ten years. What was once a supreme family getaway has turned into a gigantic ripoff. Beginning with no magic express, no fast pass, a space hotel that costs 6K for two nights, no passes that don’t expire, park reservations, genie plus, other rides for more money, there isn’t a lot of magic left in Disney. We used to go every year. Chapek has been a huge part of changing that magical feeling we used to get. Disney stock is down and after all the canceled Disney vacations that were Covid canceled are cashed in Disney will feel the loss of all the regular visitors. Universal is slowly becoming what Disney was, they lost many imagineers to Universal and it shows. You get your fast pass free if you stay in certain universal hotels. Walt would be so disappointed!!

I get your point but I will say is that I remember going to Disney before Magical Express was there. Before Fast Passes were a thing. I felt it was pretty magical and a great place BEFORE those things were instituted (and later taken away). It's just some changed mindset overall that seems to have touched every little thing.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I get your point but I will say is that I remember going to Disney before Magical Express was there. Before Fast Passes were a thing. I felt it was pretty magical and a great place BEFORE those things were instituted (and later taken away). It's just some changed mindset overall that seems to have touched every little thing.

And I see where you're coming from, for a lot of people FP, park reservations, genie+/ILL, etc created more stress so having that experience before those existed probably felt like to many as just an easy going trip filled with good rides and a more carefree attitude.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Beginning with no magic express

DME for those who used it other than having luggage delivery issues seemed to alleviate stressors so I can get where that would make the experience even better when it was introduced as included in the cost and then an even worse experience when just recently it was removed, people got used to that option and associated it with Disney.

a space hotel that costs 6K for two nights

I can't see how this would take away and make it as a non-magical experience for you. If it wasn't going to be ultra exclusive it wasn't going to be the experience worth building. But to keep it fair in comparison trust me that Universal would have done a fairly expensive experience too..had they been able to have Hogwarts be a hotel. And you know without a doubt it would sell out like crazy regardless of the cost. FWIW having a X amount of night maximum does at least allow for more people to do it so that is nice.

 

[longboard55]

disney + for what I see is to help the real vacationer who is spending a whole day and penalize the APs who just come for a few hours. The cost is very low compared to other parks and it seemed to work really well. Better than getting up at 3am 90 days in advance

 

[TLSnell1981]

We opted for a stress free vacation at Atlantis this spring. OMG it WAS magical. Everything inside and out was pristine, great food and friendly staff. These are things I miss most about WDW. An ocean view was a fraction of the rates Disney charges...food prices were comparable. Yeah I know not apples to apples but we really enjoyed the rest, relaxation and ambiance.

 

[howardlee2]

DVC owner here who has been renting out points for the last number of years. my grandchildren are now old enough to enjoy at least some of WDW and I am not looking forward to planning a trip. Specific park reservations for a given day, ride reservations at exactly 7AM, etc. then the added cost of lightening lane rides, the whole thing gives me a big headache. gone are the days we would wake up and ask the kids which park they wanted to start at!!