Not Feeling The Magic So Much...

[Rosanne]

I don't get the fridge uproar. First, they aren't pulling every fridge at the same time. As guests check out they will remove the defective fridge and replace it as soon as they can. So you still have a good chance of getting a fridge. Second, would you really want a fridge model in your room that is known to have a defect and could possibly be dangerous?

I get that people with special needs NEED a fridge and and am all for Disney accommodating that. But these threads where people are threatening to cancel their trip because they paid for a room with a fridge that they may or may not get are being overly dramatic. And OP, you are not one of those that I just mentioned.

As far as the fridge uproar... I had been out of state in near the Canadian border for two weeks and could only get reception once in a while on my android. I read on the boards that the fridge replacement would take four months so my understanding was that many rooms/resorts would be without fridges for four months.

This is the first I have heard that the fridge replacements will be hardly noticeable in that (if I understand you correctly) fridges are on hand to be quickly replaced.

Do you know if they are replacing fridges according to a certain order of resorts? Have they already begun replacing them? It would be great to have this information. I can possible pack my cooler and tiny fridge but leave them in the car if there is a fridge in my room after all.

I appreciate the info on the fridges.


OP... I totally get what you mean. All my real vacation dollars (not counting spending time at the lake in an extended family cabin) are saved for and spent at Disney. We so look forward to the chance to have fun as a family and not have a schedule. The kids definitely do have favorites. We are lucky that Muppets is the only attraction down during our entire trip. Fortunately for us, my kids like it but it is not in the top 10. For my DD7 a deal breaker would be if CoP was down .

 

[Martini35]

I hear ya! Being able to verbalize it or write a vent post should make you feel a little better. Hopefully the supportive responses will help to know we all get the tad feeling of disappointment.

The only little positive thing I can think of is at least you know the rides are down before you go.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[revdon64]

We're going 8/24 to 9/1 and staying POFQ as well. My DD7 is bummed about Muppets and my DS3 would have loved it as he has a major thing for them too. Oh well, what are you gonna do? Guess we'll just ride TSMM twice!

 

[mom2rtk]

I don't get the fridge uproar. First

I wouldn't care since we don't really keep food in the room. But if someone had a grocery order of perishables set up to be delivered when they arrive, it could really be a problem. Or if you were taking a limo from the airport with one stop at the grocery store to buy perishables, it would be a problem.

For someone who just puts an occasional half bottle of soda in there..... not a problem.

 

[MYD714]

Warning: This is a temporary pity party. Nothing more. I'm still going to Disney and still going to have a great time and still excited!

However, I'm kind of feeling that, little by little, the magic isn't as much as it was a few months ago...

First, found out that both Muppets 3D and Jungle Cruise are closed the whole time of our vacation. I know--certainly not the end of the world! However, these are two rides that my kids love! They actually love the lame jokes on JC so much! Yes, there's still plenty of other rides, but just that first little dip in the magic...

Next, the whole fridge deal at the resorts. We've done three trips at value resorts, all before they had fridges in the rooms. We survived. Collapsible cooler and lots of trips to the ice machine and we made do. But having a fridge in the room just seemed like such a nice idea! Just one thing I didn't have to worry about. Don't know where we'll be with that when we get there---haven't heard anything more in a while. Just not looking forward to the whole cooler/ice thing!

Then I hear about the FP+ testing going on next month. We're not at one of the test resorts so we'll be relying on the old system. At this point, no one knows what effect this double dipping test will have on the rest of us, but I can't imagine there won't be at least some impact.

So, no, nothing here is a deal breaker by any means! But just kind of feeling like, okay, what's next.....?

Thanks for letting me vent a bit!

Now, back to being happy because we're going to Disney!

I would be bummed about my favorite rides being closed too. In fact, we'll be there a few days before Muppets closes, and it still upsets me to know that I won't be able to see it for the second half of our trip. I totally get where you're coming from.

In fact, I'm almost embarrassed to admit this--because I know I'm one of the only people who love this--but I love Sounds Dangerous (especially the sound booths in the exit area), and I'm always sad when I see it closed...even though I know in advance that it will be closed. Those sounds booths in the exit where my favorite thing in all of DHS. I still mourn them. Although, I just found out about the similar ones at Conservation Station...so guess where I'm headed on this trip.

I'm choosing not to stress about the fridge yet...in fact, all the FP+ talk made me forget about it until now. Like you, we traveled to WDW way before fridges were the norm. While they are so nice to have, we're going go with the flow...and if we don't have a fridge, well shucks, I'd rather be in WDW without a fridge than be home without a fridge. Right?

We were chosen to be testers for magic bands, but I have yet to decide if this is a good thing or not. I'm hoping to double dip because I don't want be limited to three FP just because I'm allowing Disney to use me as a guinea pig. While I'm hoping that FP+ doesn't cause longer lines for everyone, I'm also hoping that it doesn't restrict me to the point of detracting from my vacation. It's already caused me to create a schedule, and I was purposely trying to avoid all scheduling for this trip. I suppose I could have opted out, but didn't, and now I have ADRs and FP+ reservations. I just couldn't resist those darn ADRs! I'll have to wait and see how it all works out. Anyway, sorry for getting off topic. Long story short...I hope it doesn't have negative effects on any of us.

I've decided to try some different things this trip. We're going to do some attractions that we've either avoided from some time, or haven't experienced yet. We've planned differently than previous years, and I'm hoping the difference gives us a new perspective.

Until then, I feel your pain and I hope you get your magic back.

 

[Maleficent53]

As much as I hate it when an attraction closes for an extended time, I know it is necessary and am thankful that Disney puts that info out there early for planning purposes.

What gets to me is when a ride is "down" hour after hour, sometimes day after day, once we arrive. If it's a favorite it makes me . That said, we just move on to something else, knowing that our next trip is not that far away and we (hopefully) will catch it then!

 

[mom2rtk]

What gets to me is when a ride is "down" hour after hour, sometimes day after day, once we arrive. If it's a favorite it makes me . That said, we just move on to something else, knowing that our next trip is not that far away and we (hopefully) will catch it then!

After our last couple visits my recommendation is this..... if you have a family favorite ride it early and often in your trip.

Especially BTMRR. Because you never know how it will go later. It closed as we were on the loading platform in Dec. We had gone to the park that morning for one last ride and it just didn't happen. (Thankfully we had ridden earlier in the week). Then in June we rode right after getting to the park, with plans for multiple return rides later in the night. Nope. Down the rest of the night.

It used to be you could plan your day around which rides ran out of FP first, or which had the longest lines earliest. Not any more.... go with the most likely to break down.

 

[larryz]

Next, the whole fridge deal at the resorts. We've done three trips at value resorts, all before they had fridges in the rooms. We survived. Collapsible cooler and lots of trips to the ice machine and we made do. But having a fridge in the room just seemed like such a nice idea! Just one thing I didn't have to worry about. Don't know where we'll be with that when we get there---haven't heard anything more in a while. Just not looking forward to the whole cooler/ice thing!

If there was any danger that I might not have a fridge in my room, I'd do one of two things...

a) get one of the powered coolers widely available at sporting goods stores
b) bite the bullet and go buy a $99 fridge at Lowe's or BestBuy

 

[mom2AidanAndEli]

If there was any danger that I might not have a fridge in my room, I'd do one of two things...

a) get one of the powered coolers widely available at sporting goods stores
b) bite the bullet and go buy a $99 fridge at Lowe's or BestBuy

Those would be great solutions...if you weren't flying and relying on DME and Disney transportation. No car, no way to bring it with us! And I know I'm far from the only one in that situation!

 

[larryz]

Those would be great solutions...if you weren't flying and relying on DME and Disney transportation. No car, no way to bring it with us! And I know I'm far from the only one in that situation!

Well, in that case, I'd get one of the collapsible powered coolers...

http://www.air-n-water.com/product/...tron&utm_campaign=Wine Cooler&utm_content=D25

Disclaimer: not a specific endorsement of this product, which is presented only as an illustration of available powered soft-sided cooler options...

 

[mom2AidanAndEli]

Well, in that case, I'd get one of the collapsible powered coolers...

http://www.air-n-water.com/product/...tron&utm_campaign=Wine Cooler&utm_content=D25

Disclaimer: not a specific endorsement of this product, which is presented only as an illustration of available powered soft-sided cooler options...

Except I don't want to be spending another $100 on a special cooler when I already paid WAY more than that for a room with a fridge!

 

[Bellamouse]

If there was any danger that I might not have a fridge in my room, I'd do one of two things...

a) get one of the powered coolers widely available at sporting goods stores
b) bite the bullet and go buy a $99 fridge at Lowe's or BestBuy

If it were me, I wouldn't go to all that trouble. I'd just change my reservation to a different resort. With the prices Disney charges, it is unacceptable to me to not have fridges in the rooms. The very "basic" Radisson down the road (for less than $100 a night) has always had fridges. So there's no reason to settle.

It's that important to me. I want my breakfast items, cold waters, DH's beer, etc. in the fridge, not a cooler that varies in temp up and down. And is all soggy from ice. Having that stuff is important to me on my vacation. Sometimes it's the little things that make or break a vacation, and having my breakfast (my special Kefir and yogurt, my less sugar juice, etc.) really makes a difference in how I feel.

If I'm giving Disney so much of my $$ there is no way I'm going to go out and buy a fridge for a week's use.

We stay off site so we always have a full kitchen and LARGE fridge. (And for WAAAYYYYY less than what I would pay for a dinky Disney room! That might have a dinky fridge or no fridge at all ) Makes me very happy.

 

[larryz]

Except I don't want to be spending another $100 on a special cooler when I already paid WAY more than that for a room with a fridge!

I hear ya. But you know us "problem solvers"... Besides, you'd have that bag for use in other situations, not just for Disney...

If it were me, I wouldn't go to all that trouble. I'd just change my reservation to a different resort. With the prices Disney charges, it is unacceptable to me to not have fridges in the rooms. The very "basic" Radisson down the road (for less than $100 a night) has always had fridges. So there's no reason to settle.

It's that important to me. I want my breakfast items, cold waters, DH's beer, etc. in the fridge, not a cooler that varies in temp up and down. And is all soggy from ice. Having that stuff is important to me on my vacation. Sometimes it's the little things that make or break a vacation, and having my breakfast (my special Kefir and yogurt, my less sugar juice, etc.) really makes a difference in how I feel.

If I'm giving Disney so much of my $$ there is no way I'm going to go out and buy a fridge for a week's use.

We stay off site so we always have a full kitchen and LARGE fridge. (And for WAAAYYYYY less than what I would pay for a dinky Disney room! That might have a dinky fridge or no fridge at all ) Makes me very happy.

Very valid points. I was responding within the OP's universe.

We've stayed on, we've stayed off, we even did day trips from the Tampa Bay area when we were living there.

We prefer "on." And I'll admit to being a deluxe snob (although I have fond memories of POFQ)...

 

[rachel09985]

I personally thinks its a blessing you won't be on the new fastpass system! Who wants to plan their rides in advance!?

 

[mom2AidanAndEli]

Okay, Disney must have heard my vent here...

Got my Mickey Mail today!

And I really don't mean to dwell on the negatives--and I don't! As I mentioned in a previous post, there are many more positives. Just that we don't go all the time, we work really, really hard to save enough money to go every couple years, and I have preconceived notions of what it will be like! Those little chips that come along are just annoying, but won't put a huge dent in our fun!

 

[White Rose]

Warning: This is a temporary pity party. Nothing more. I'm still going to Disney and still going to have a great time and still excited!

However, I'm kind of feeling that, little by little, the magic isn't as much as it was a few months ago...

First, found out that both Muppets 3D and Jungle Cruise are closed the whole time of our vacation. I know--certainly not the end of the world! However, these are two rides that my kids love! They actually love the lame jokes on JC so much! Yes, there's still plenty of other rides, but just that first little dip in the magic...

Next, the whole fridge deal at the resorts. We've done three trips at value resorts, all before they had fridges in the rooms. We survived. Collapsible cooler and lots of trips to the ice machine and we made do. But having a fridge in the room just seemed like such a nice idea! Just one thing I didn't have to worry about. Don't know where we'll be with that when we get there---haven't heard anything more in a while. Just not looking forward to the whole cooler/ice thing!

Then I hear about the FP+ testing going on next month. We're not at one of the test resorts so we'll be relying on the old system. At this point, no one knows what effect this double dipping test will have on the rest of us, but I can't imagine there won't be at least some impact.

So, no, nothing here is a deal breaker by any means! But just kind of feeling like, okay, what's next.....?

Thanks for letting me vent a bit!

Now, back to being happy because we're going to Disney!

Ok this might sound weird, but I believe a ride being under refurb actually gave us the most magical, memorable experience ever.

I wanted to ride TOT in Oct 2003 during our honeymoon trip, but it was closed because of rehab. I changed the dates we were going to HS so I could maybe have the chance to ride it when it was in testing after the refurb. We walked into the park around 10 am, and I went right to a sign board that listed ride wait times to see if it was up. A lovely CM was standing right there and we started to chat about our honeymoon trip. She asked us a question I will never forget... "Do you want to be grand marshals in the stars and cars parade?"

If TOT was not under refurb, we never would have been standing there and because of that, our dreams of being grand marshals in a parade came true.

Everyone wants a perfect trip. Everyone wants every ride to be open...but there will be magic during your trip, in unexpected ways! Be open minded and look forward to the exciting things...you are going to Disney World!!!

 

[BlueStarryHat]

Okay, Disney must have heard my vent here...

Got my Mickey Mail today!

And I really don't mean to dwell on the negatives--and I don't! As I mentioned in a previous post, there are many more positives. Just that we don't go all the time, we work really, really hard to save enough money to go every couple years, and I have preconceived notions of what it will be like! Those little chips that come along are just annoying, but won't put a huge dent in our fun!

It's okay to vent. We've all been there. I too, only go once every two years or so and while I know it's not completely sane to think this way, I want everything to be perfect because...well, because I just do. I have no explanation for why I hold Disney to such a high standard in my mind when other places I've stayed get a pass. Perhaps I'm just spoiled.

So glad you got your Mickey Mail!

 

[Dizneefamily+4]

I don't get the fridge uproar.

Well, when you're paying deluxe prices (or any Disney room prices for that matter) for a room that wasn't going to have the fridge that was supposed to be there (at the time this blew up made it sound like all the fridges were being removed), and your trip was coming up in a few days or a few weeks, then yes, you have the right to feel inconvienced. It's July. In Florida. Perhaps we'd like cold water or other beverages in our room. Perhaps we'd like to keep milk or yogurt in the fridge so we have it for breakfast for the kids. Or perhaps people had a garden grocer order placed and ready to go.

Many guests (like us) fly in and don't rent a car. We can't just bring a big ole cooler and fill it with ice to keep our items cold.

Deal breaker? Nope. Trip ruiner? Nope. But those who have trips planned during the whole fridge removal process certainly have a right to feel inconvenienced and irritated.

 

[TIME4DIZ]

I personally thinks its a blessing you won't be on the new fastpass system! Who wants to plan their rides in advance!?

OT but worth a response:
Me! I love the idea that I can check into YC at 5, walk over to Epcot to grab some dinner and ride Soarin' at anytime between 7 and 8. No worries about no more fp being available or how long the standby line will be. It's not that you have to plan, but you can plan.

 

[Disneyholic]

I feel for you on the rides that are down. When we took DD & her DH in 2006 she was 33 yrs. old. She hadn't been to WDW since her 1st time when she was in 8th grade and went with the high school band. Her friends told her that Space Ship Earth was a fast roller coaster & she didn't like roller coasters, so she didn't go on it. Our trip in 2006 I was looking forward to her seeing what it actually was and just before we went they closed it for rehab. 7 years later she still hasn't gotten back & we don't know when she will as she is very busy at work & has cats and a dog to worry about. Hopefully whenever she does get back it will be open.