No Magic, No Fun, Never Again

[disneymom3]

As for the price of princess hats etc and Disney trying to take people for all they can get......well, I don't see any other resort destination being any different ? Have you seen the prices at Universal and Six Flags (heck....even the Jersey shore during the summer) ? We give our children a set amount of money to spend how they wish while in WDW and we stick to a budget. I don't mind the prices because I know we're getting a quality vacation. It's all in how well you plan and what your expectations are.

I agree--we got DH a baseball cap at WDW. It was around $16--a bit high, but he likes them and wears them a lot. Then we went to a resort that his dad takes us to every summer. Thought it would be fun to have a cap from there, so we looked in the gift shop. HELLO????? $32!!! Wow!

 

[Amy&Dan]

I'm always amazed at people who post negative comments about Disney on this board and are then surprised, hurt, angry and defensive when they get flamed! We are a loyal bunch who love our Disney and we take it personally! Like us or hate us that's who we are. Having said that, I have to say a word about greed and lack of magic. Yeah Disney sells their merchandise at their parks, big surprise. I am sure at Universal you can spend a bundle on all of their merchandise too. Its called marketing. Sometimes when I am sitting on a curb waiting for a parade that's still not going to start for an hour, the magic is hard to find but it can be found if you want it bad enough. Get a Mickey Bar and like somone said, you aren't at your desk working! But I do have to feel bad for that OP because her vacation was so not what she thought it would be. I feel bad for her kids who left feeling disappointed and frustrated. We see a lot of differing opinions and experiences here. Some agree with the OP, most do not because they literally make it their part time job and mission to do the research and make the vacation work around crowds and weather. For the people who agree with the OP or think after her post they don't want to try WDW or Disneyland, by all means stay away! Many people have told the OP to give WDW another try. But in a later post she says she doesn't like Disney in general and "gags" at the price of their cutsey merchandise. So I am thinking it might not matter when she goes and that is okay because not everyone likes the same things. To me the Peter Pan ride is a classic and always will be. If there is any ride I am going to wait 60+ minutes for, that is the one, but that's just the opinion of a Disney addict who likes being that way!

 

[Lewski709]

I've read the thread from the first post. I've posted a couple times.

OP, just don't go back to Disney. K? As many times as you say you did research and you may have, it seems to me you weren't aware of what you were researching.

I have visions of you not knowing where to go or what to do in the parks. I had maps and knew a preliminary itinerary before entering any of the parks. We got waaaaaaaaaaay more done, because I anticipated longer waits. We utilized the Fast Pass system and NEVER entered the park before 9:30am. We always took an afternoon break and went back until 10pm or later.

We got Chef de France PS's two days before our trip. PS's could have been made. This was a HUGE mistake I made when we visited WDW the first time, no PS's.

Souvenirs can be expensive, but you could have prepared yourself ahead of time. The dollar stores in my area sell all kinds of Disney stuff. I buy some junk before going to the parks, then dole it out there and my kids don't feel like they are getting cheated. I also bring snacks and ziploc bags so we have something in line, if they just can't wait.

As for the bathrooms, you got a map of the park right? If one was busy, go to another. There are several bathrooms out of the way and besides that, it's not like you waited more than 5 minutes, I bet. It does sound like you weren't happy and nothing was going to change that attitude at WDW.

The glow in the dark necklaces, I got 2 packs of 6 with 6 connectors for 2.00 before going. They sell them in the park for a lot more.

Enjoy Universal, it's a good park too. As another poster said, I think you expected too much at WDW and didn't expect anything from US.

WDW and DL are totally different and to even try to compare them is apples to oranges.

 

[tinkerbee]

I'm sorry you had such a bad time but it is Disney World at Christmas .....it's going to be very crowded. Sometimes at that time of year they close the parks before noon to people because it's hit capacity.

We have been there at Easter, MLK weekend and Memorial Day Weekend all very busy times and have never had the problem you speak of. Yes it's busy, Yes it's crowded, Yes there is long lines but if you do your research, learn how to use fast pass in the best way and use EE you shouldn't have a problem.

Next time try early December or January.......oh wait there are people there and you might have to wait in a line.

 

[Colorado Belle]

Hey, everyone...yes, we here are most of us Dis-NUTS and there are many who get very defensive when anyone dises DisneyWorld.
But we are all entitled to our own opinions, don't ya think?

That being said, Bongo needs to accept the idea that given he went on the busiest time of the year, he was unprepared for the crowds and worse...didn't have the expertise gained by lots of trips, lots of listening to advice, lots of research...to figure out how to beat the crowds. You see, Bongo...that due diligence can save the day...tho a bit of luck and pixie dust is always appreciated.

I've been to Disney LOTS over the years. Sometimes during busy weeks and sometimes not. The trick to feeling 'I got my money's worth' was knowing how to find the uncrowded Disney....I refuse to wait more than the stated time (often actual time is less) of 35 minutes for ANY ride. I have the luxury of having ridden all the rides many times, and my child is grown...so I realize that Bongo didn't have that luxury.
I have finally grasped a better utilization of Fast Passes....that took me awhile....but the real trick is in not being rigid about where you end up, what rides you do, what order you do them on, when/where you eat.....And as has been said many times on this post....a lot of planning by someone goes into the making of Disney magic.

However: I still am very sorry that you had a bad time, especially when I got chills reading about how you surprised the kids with their gift from Santa. I think that was AWESOME bongo....and I am sad that perhaps their memory of THAT will be tainted by the negative feelings about the crowds.

Sometimes, it is all about luck or a sixth sense. Like, I can always find a parking spot for any crowded venue, right near the front...I should amend this to say any LEGAL parking spot before you all think I have a handicap license hidden in my car, LOL....Don't know why, but it hardly ever fails. So too, do I have luck with the weather which I attribute to being a weather witch in college. THere WAS one two times when weather failed me in my many travels however..oh well.

I doubt Bongo will give Disney another try any time soon...it was a VERY high price to pay for a negative experience. And the way Disney markets, to be honest it is hard to find a quiet time for a vacation becasue Disney reduces prices during that time to get more people. And with the conventions, especially the pom, cheer, football etc groups....the quiet times have become NOISY BUSY times as many of you have noted on other posts. I remember that early May was once one of our fav times to stay at the POLY....lagoon front, castle view YUM. but then one May we were kept awake ALL NGHT because it was prom night at the MK and the bands were LOUD. II think that anyone staying in a monorail resort, lagoon front during prom nights should be given FREE entry into the park that night...only fair.

So, in sum: if Bongo, you decide on ever going back, come to the board BEFORE you set the time frame and ask for help. I think there are enough well meaning people here to get you the best time, the best deal, the most pixie dust. Glad you had a good day at Unversal too...no one should have an ENTIRE vacation spoiled no matter what.

I was there Dec 10 through 13 and didn't feel it was all that crowded, even tho MVMXP was sold out the night we went. I sometimes saw TOT with an hour line, didn't go, came back and walked on a few hours later....HANG LOOSE is my motto.

Niight all...Happy New Year...Colorado Belle

 

[LauraR]

I don't know why people have to get so offended when someone has a bad time at WDW. My cousin used to live in Florida and took her kids there once, in March, and couldn't figure out what the attraction was. She doesn't understand why I would want to go three times in a 15 month period.

I don't think it's the OP's fault that she had a bad time. WDW is a huge and overwhelming place even in the slow season. I can only imagine what it is like at Christmas. And to be honest it is a little ridiculous to have to spend months planning a vacation just to enjoy it. I spent less time looking for a house than I did planning my first WDW vacation! In comparison I planned a trip to Greece with my husband in less than 3 weeks and it was very relaxing.

On the other hand it can be fun spending time planning a trip. I certainly feel like I earned my Ph D. in WDW from these boards. I just don't think it's entirely normal

But I give the OP alot of credit for trying to give her kids a once in a lifetime surprise. Most people have to fit WDW into their lives like she did, and can't plan their lives around doing WDW "exactly right".

 

[chrisn]

Sorry your trip wasn't all you hoped it would be. I have never been during X-Mas but have heard that if you want to experience the decorations without the crowds to go at the very beginning of December. I have experienced crowded Disney and non-crowded Disney and there is no comparison. The difference between waiting in hot crowded 90 minute lines because all the Fast Passes are gone and breezing right onto Space, Splash, Big Thunder Mountains with no waiting riding 3 times in a row is VAST! I have an Elementary and a High Schooler and it's SO worth it to me to take them out of school and just enjoy Disney. Disney is hard work even at the best of times. It's exhausting and can be chaotic. We love WDW but every other year we choose to pretty much just vedge out on a beautimous beach resort someplace tropical. It really works for us. Really though, if I have my choice of dates, which I usually do, there is no way I'm going during those kind of hordes. I don't know how everyone does it. It would just make me snappy. Maybe someday if you have a change of heart, you can try it again and go during the slow times.

 

[dizprincess717]

Welcome to WDW during Christmas! It was so fun to say that I was going to spend Christmas Eve and Day in the happiest place on earth, but after the crowds I'll never do it again, either. And no, not becasue the lines are incredibley long but because during the afternoon hours, you literally cannot move. In fact, we were able to see everything we wanted to see, and were even able to go on rides multiple times during parades and firework shows.

If you want to see the parks all decorated, the first two weeks in December are perfect, and still warm.

Of course the FPs are going to be sold out before noon, and of course Peter Pan is going to be a long wait - It's a classic and a favorite among many kids. Get their early - and by early I'm talking 1/2 hour before the park opens! - and beeline you behinds right up to Fantasyland and go on the rides that your kids are most excited about, grab a FP, wait in line for something else, then go to the FP attraction. Even though the OP said a comment about 30+ hours of research, I don't know if I believe there was great extent researching done. There should have been no problem. Even if this was the "only time" that your schedules allowed, with extensive planning this whole "hatred" could have been easily avoided. It may cost extra, but staying on-site with the EMHs would have really paid off in the long run, IMHO.

Enough with a heated subject, it just makes me have board-rage, something among the lines of road-rage.

 

[emmabelle]

We were there Christmas week and it was very crowded, but we got to the parks just before 8:00am (staying onsite) and we were able to do everything we wanted. On Thursday we did MK, we got on Buzz, Philarmagic, Thunder, Splash, Pirates, Jungle, Haunted, Steamboat, Buzz again, and Space all by 2:00pm. I was satisfied with that. The mornings were manageable, afternoons and evenings were packed. New Years Eve in Epcot was a whole other can of worms, I'm glad I experienced it, but probably wouldn't try it again. Blizzard Beach was great, very short lines.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

We went on 4th of July many years ago and I have to admit that if that had been my first time at DW it just might have been my last one also. Having experienced the parks other times I knew another side to the whole experience. As much as I love you all I do NOT want to be in the same place will ALL of you!! LOL

It is according to what part of the elephant you are touching as to what you think an elephant looks like.

Maybe the poster will give it another try when it is not so very busy but if he/she does not like Disney they are unlikely to like DW either. Their kids might feel differently though. There are a lot of things that I do not like if I do not have a child with me. Luckily, I enjoy DW with or without children, it is just a different experience depending.

Slightly Goofy/Linda

 

[msudawgs30]

I am sorry you had such a bad time. Nothing is worse than anticipating a wonderful time & getting somewhere & it not being what you expected.

I can only travel during school breaks & I went to Orlando last Easter. I knew it was going to be CRAZY crowded--and it was. However we used tour guide mike's advice & we never had to wait for more than 5 minutes for an attraction. We entered the park early & headed straight to Dumbo and did all of Fantansy Land in less than an hour. I guess it is all about planning.

Disfreek,

who is tourguide Mike??? I've planned every aspect of our trip like what parks what days and where to eat. The only thing I haven't done is a plan of action on rides and such. Need help in that catagory.

msudawgs30

 

[pumba]

but this is a trip reports board and not one to keep going over and over the bad things. I think that we will close this one .....thanks for all your positive and negative thoughts that were kept on an even keel