Never Again...

[JenSop]

Haha! So true about some people's "never-agains" being on other people's favorite lists!

My never agains:

*Orange version of Mission Space - I almost blacked out - seriously.

*Stitch - actually, I don't think I've done this at all since it became Stitch. I do remember liking the Alien Encounter version of it before - scary stuff! And before that I think it was Mission to Mars? Am I remembering that correctly?

*Primeval Whirl and Teacups - spinning rides bring out my motion sickness and I'll end up being sick for hours - yuck.

*Disney Quest - tried it once and that was enough. Would be good for a family with adolescent/teenage boys if you ask me.


Things I really like that not every else one does:

Rafiki's Planet Watch - I love learning! I've seen four different vet procedures now - including a surgery - super cool! I've also learned TONS of awesome animal stuff from the CM's there! Did you know that tarantula venom is used to help patients after a heart attack? Thumbs up for education!

Swiss Family Treehouse - I LOVE THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But then again, I started going to Disney when I was just a little kid - back in the 80's. I wanted to live in the Treehouse SO BAD when I was little! And whenever I go back to it, I feel those same emotions - true nostalgia for me.

In general, I think it's interesting how things are different to different people - I think a lot comes down to when you started going to Disney. DH didn't have all the childhood Disney trips that I did, so there are some things that he just isn't in to - but I am, just because of the nostalgia. Some things might be slightly lame if you didn't experience them as a kid. But if you fell in love with them as a kid, they'll always have a special place in your heart.

 

[lsenquiz]

I would never stay off site.
never skip the afternoon break(we always split our day between two parks - one in the morning and one at night with the afternoon spent by the pool at our resort)
I am not a big fan of Fantasmic and think the time you waste waiting in line to get in is not worth it.

 

[MeganFyne]

Astro-orbiter - I never even got to ride this because I tried to do it with my (then)boyfriend who's 6'4'' and we didn't fit in the car. We waited for an hour on our last day and it really steamed him!

Journey into Imagination - it's an ok ride but the skunk stink stayed in my hair for the rest of the trip! It was awful! I even went swimming in the coldest February on record in hopes that the chlorine would take the smell out. It worked better than repeated washings but oh, it was pretty bad.

Ellen's Universe of Energy - I can't say for certain I wouldn't do this but it was so obviously sponsored by energy companies. They completely dismissed the validity of green energy sources. I really offended me!

It's a Small World - I, I, I can't. I can't do it.

Stitch - was just lame.

Mission Space Orange - HOWEVER I might do it again with Dramamine. I used it the first time and it was fine, I went again the same trip without Dramamine and felt like I was hung-over for the rest of the day.

Parades - I just don't like parades. I want to like them but I just find them boring.

Kali River Rapids - Though, apart from the line, doing it again would take just about the same amount of time as not doing it.

Lights! Motors! Action! - Boring! Boring! Boring!

I feel like I put a lot of stuff but I would do everything else again! I mean really everything!

 

[Corjack]

Country Bears Jamboree...it's WEIRD.

I hadve to also say NEVER AGAIN in August.....it was disgustingly HOT AND HUMID!

 

[Corjack]

With all the talk about the "Stitch" ride, I thought I'd chime in with my 2 cents worth. Back in the day (my first trip to the World was my honeymoon in 1997) this ride was called Extra Terrestrial Alien Encounter and the basic structure of the ride was the same - you were held in your seat by a shoulder restraint and the story was that an alien you were there to view escaped and then the audience became its prey. You were thrust into total darkness, could hear the alien rattle and move around the room, and at one point a blast of hot air aimed at the back of your neck simulated the alien's hot breath - WOW this was scary the first time we "encountered" it (sorry for the bad pun). I don't mind telling you that I screamed when I felt that breath on my neck, and I wasn't alone either. All that being said, this experience was NEVER aimed at children back then. In fact, I remember numerous signs and audio announcements warning parents that this was not intended for smaller children and that it WAS frightening.

I could be wrong, but I think I also remember that a height requirement was imposed for this, even though the seats never moved at all. This, I'm sure was to ensure that parents or guardians of the nimrod variety (those without a modicum of common sense) were prevented from exposing vulnerable youngsters to this WAY TOO INTENSE attraction.

When the Lilo & Stitch movie came out several years later, Disney saw the opportunity to re-brand this attraction and try to make it a more generic, family-friendly experience for all. Good intention. Bad result. "Alien Encounter" was an attraction I would still visit every time. Does anyone else remember it the way it was?

For my NEVER agains:
~ The Luau at the Polynesian is truly dreadful.
~ Visiting in the summer, even the allure of free DP cannot make up for the misery of the heat.
~ Eating at Whispering Canyon Cafe. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Wilderness Lodge but I am so over the noise and antics of this place. Food only so-so too.

We loved Alien Encounter!!!

 

[MaleficentRN]

Another vote for Stitch, AKA " Child Torture Chamber"
Going to EPCOT during the marathon. Trying to get around the park that day was a huge PITA.
Going to MK on our arrival day. Huge meltdowns. Miserable family. Waste of a ticket day.
Not just going where our feet take us. No more itineraries for us!

 

[lilmadgray]

Another vote for Stitch, AKA " Child Torture Chamber"
Exactly! We will NEVER do the Stitch ride again. It totally freaked out my 8 yr old daughter. They really need to come up with something to replace it and quickly!

Never eat at 50's Prime Time Cafe again. We got there for our late reservations and still had to wait half hour even though the place was practically empty. Plus the food was disgusting! On the plus side our waiter was fantasic and brought all 3 of my girls cupcakes to take back to the hotel.

I well NEVER try to go through the mad house of people trying to watch the fireworks with my double jogger. I was yelled at by a beastly man and it really traumatized meI know now I shouldn't have tried to get to more rides(MK)but we thought we were being smart. I still have fears of bringing my double jogger just because of this. There is most difinately something wrong with me.

 

[mstmp]

With all the talk about the "Stitch" ride, I thought I'd chime in with my 2 cents worth. Back in the day (my first trip to the World was my honeymoon in 1997) this ride was called Extra Terrestrial Alien Encounter and the basic structure of the ride was the same - you were held in your seat by a shoulder restraint and the story was that an alien you were there to view escaped and then the audience became its prey. You were thrust into total darkness, could hear the alien rattle and move around the room, and at one point a blast of hot air aimed at the back of your neck simulated the alien's hot breath - WOW this was scary the first time we "encountered" it (sorry for the bad pun). I don't mind telling you that I screamed when I felt that breath on my neck, and I wasn't alone either. All that being said, this experience was NEVER aimed at children back then. In fact, I remember numerous signs and audio announcements warning parents that this was not intended for smaller children and that it WAS frightening.

I could be wrong, but I think I also remember that a height requirement was imposed for this, even though the seats never moved at all. This, I'm sure was to ensure that parents or guardians of the nimrod variety (those without a modicum of common sense) were prevented from exposing vulnerable youngsters to this WAY TOO INTENSE attraction.

When the Lilo & Stitch movie came out several years later, Disney saw the opportunity to re-brand this attraction and try to make it a more generic, family-friendly experience for all. Good intention. Bad result. "Alien Encounter" was an attraction I would still visit every time. Does anyone else remember it the way it was?

For my NEVER agains:
~ The Luau at the Polynesian is truly dreadful.
~ Visiting in the summer, even the allure of free DP cannot make up for the misery of the heat.
~ Eating at Whispering Canyon Cafe. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Wilderness Lodge but I am so over the noise and antics of this place. Food only so-so too.

Do I remember this??? haha yes I do as a matter of fact I still tell people about it. I can do all rides and yes I would do this if it was still there for the fear factor. I also do remember all the signs stating the fact that this is not for young children.

It was probably about 13 years ago when I was on it, I had no idea what the ride was about. I can remember it being pitch black and the Alien escaping with the glass breaking (it was so loud) and all the scientists yelling and while they are yelling the alien is running around and you can hear the "THUMPING" of him running around and then boom total silence then all of a sudden the alien breathing very loudly. I was so scared at the time (of course I know it is fake) but it was just so quiet and then the breath on your neck.

It still gives me the willy's to think about!!!!
Ahhhh yes memories!!

 

[Disney-Phanatic]

The restaurants I will never eat again at is Hoop De Do Review, Biergarten, 50's Prime Time Cafe, ABC Commissary, Garden Grill, and Captain Jack's restaurant.

The rides that I will never do again is Mission Space, Sounds Dangerous, Star Tours, Carousel of Progress, Hall of Presidents, Captain EO, and It's Tough to Be a Bug, and Stitch ride.

The shows that I will never watch again is High School Musical 2, and High School Musical 3.

 

[rentayenta]

Staying at 3 different resorts even during an 11 day trip. Such a better idea on paper.

 

[anolen300]

One ride that gets voted never again a lot is Carousel of Progress but it is a must see for us every year. When we first started going to Disney when my DS was about 7 or 8 he LOVED it (can't explain why ) and now it is tradition that we go every time. We also sing the song to each other every now and then in our "regular" lives to cheer each other up cause that song means Disney to us. So, there is something for everyone at Disney.

Same thing with us on Carousel of Progress. DW and I did no research before first trip so had no idea what this was. It is now a must see and sometimes we do it couple times in a day.

The one never again thing for us is trying to leave right after a big show when the park closes (Wishes, Illuminations,...). The rush to get out to the buses then getting packed into them like sardines is crazy! Not to mention the smell of the bus if it has been a hot day and all those people that have been at park all day . We will just sit back, go into some shops, or just people watch and wait about 30 minutes then walk out and usually not have any problems.

 

[scottmel]

Staying at 3 different resorts even during an 11 day trip. Such a better idea on paper.

I found someone as nutty as me!!! though we did 4 on an 11 day trip last year! LOL. It was actually ok...I would have preferred 3....this year we got it down to 2! I like the thrill of the switch, the packing up the dirty stuff and fedexing it home and starting the second half of the trip lighter with stuff gone!

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Rainforest Cafe!
2 adults, 2 children eating burgers & wraps: over $100!!!

after that dh was so annoyed the rest of the trip.

 

[cm8]

Rainforest Cafe!
2 adults, 2 children eating burgers & wraps: over $100!!!

after that dh was so annoyed the rest of the trip.

That must have been some awful food


I would have been mad too if I paid $100 for something I could have made for $20


To answer the question..................................Never Again will I go to WDW with Grumpy, meanie people............. I guess I had better change that to bringing grumpy, meanie people since the parks can be full of them

 

[nicki.momof3]

Hoop Dee Doo review....oh my goodness...Ive never been to something so lame in all my life....it was awful. My 8yr old begged me the whole time if we could leave...my 2yr old half hid his head half cried the whole time. There was no kids menu and despite people on this board telling me to ask the waiters to bring my kids something different..they wouldnt. Kids starved, jokes were lame, singing awful, food mediochre..totaly waste of time and money.

I am sorry you had such a bad experience - I think if you had a different servier you would have had more fun.

We have gone 3 times and everytime they quickly bring my son Mac. and Cheese. They are great about it.

I can not believe your 8 year old did not find the show funny - my kids (same age) love the show. They really get into it.

 

[Stan Solo]

This thread is great! I am loving hearing what not to do it makes planning that much easier. I'm planing our first trip and as much as we want to do everything we know we can't. I was thinking of skipping Ellen's Universe of Energy and most likey will because of the time involved. A lot are not impressed by Stich's ride I am looking forward to that one and will have to make up my own mind.

Any thoughts on the water parks. We are planing to spend a day at each. Both my DW and I have only been to only one once and very much enjoyed it, the DD's (16,14) have never been to a water park. We are going the last week of August and think we could use a break from the heat.

 

[JenSop]

This thread is great! I am loving hearing what not to do it makes planning that much easier. I'm planing our first trip and as much as we want to do everything we know we can't. I was thinking of skipping Ellen's Universe of Energy and most likey will because of the time involved. A lot are not impressed by Stich's ride I am looking forward to that one and will have to make up my own mind.

Any thoughts on the water parks. We are planing to spend a day at each. Both my DW and I have only been to only one once and very much enjoyed it, the DD's (16,14) have never been to a water park. We are going the last week of August and think we could use a break from the heat.

If it's a hot one, be at the water park for rope drop. There's a mad dash to get good chairs once they drop the rope. Plus, once it gets to lunch time, they get super crowded. We LOVE Typhoon Lagoon. Once we get there, we stake out a chair and go ride Crush'n Gusher as many times as we can before the line gets out of control.

 

[walkdmc]

The Pirates Cruise. My sons did the one that launched from the Grand Floridian and they thought it was really dumb. I found the "pirate" employees underwhelming.

Chef Mickey's. Actually, most character meals were disappointing. We've done most of the character meals (some twice). We enjoyed 1900 Park Fare but only for the first seating of the day. The characters get too overwhelmed and the layout is odd, making for a confusing guest experience, later in the morning. We also liked CRT and Akershus but that's it.

The Plaza Restaurant in the MK. This place was the pits. It was one of those establishments where negativity and nastiness "got in the walls", kwim? As if one really really rotten employee influenced those around him/her and management didn't control them. It was freezing, like 55 degrees and our server was one of the worst servers I've ever had. She was a miserable middle age woman who was a terrible server and rude to boot.

Tusker House breakfast. There were so many issues with this experience I wouldn't know how to begin but the problems started before we even entered. The food was good but it didn't make up for the many problems.

TSM. Are you kidding me with 60+ minute wait times? This ride isn't worth more than a 20 minute wait.

Soarin', see above explanation for TSM.

 

[JenSop]

The Pirates Cruise. My sons did the one that launched from the Grand Floridian and they thought it was really dumb. I found the "pirate" employees underwhelming.

Chef Mickey's. Actually, most character meals were disappointing. We've done most of the character meals (some twice). We enjoyed 1900 Park Fare but only for the first seating of the day. The characters get too overwhelmed and the layout is odd, making for a confusing guest experience, later in the morning. We also liked CRT and Akershus but that's it.

The Plaza Restaurant in the MK. This place was the pits. It was one of those establishments where negativity and nastiness "got in the walls", kwim? As if one really really rotten employee influenced those around him/her and management didn't control them. It was freezing, like 55 degrees and our server was one of the worst servers I've ever had. She was a miserable middle age woman who was a terrible server and rude to boot.

Tusker House breakfast. There were so many issues with this experience I wouldn't know how to begin but the problems started before we even entered. The food was good but it didn't make up for the many problems.

TSM. Are you kidding me with 60+ minute wait times? This ride isn't worth more than a 20 minute wait.

Soarin', see above explanation for TSM.

As far as your last two points - I NEVER do these rides without FP! These are the big "TOP 2" FP required rides!

 

[SoScary'09]

Never again:

Sit through the Norway Movie
Do the Luau
Eat at Contempo Cafe
Try to do another park on the same day as MNSSHP