OMG This is the funniest thing I ever heard at Disney!

[DebbieB]

I was once on the monorail platform at MK and an older couple was arguing with the cm that the last time they stayed there the monorail went to All Stars!

 

[Tink575]

The only time I didn't research was in the early 1970's on our first trip. My dh and I had an opportunity, last minute, to go to the park for 3 days after we had taken a cruise. My dh had been to Disneyland so he had some idea what to do.

When we planned our first trip with our daughter in 1986 I bought the Birnbaum book and studied it religiously. She had a heart condition and I needed an idea of what the rides were like. The book had a lot of information about things we did not know about and we developed a love for River Country.

 

[Ofinn]

A few years ago we were at the Poly, and a guest asked a CM why they couldn't swim in the ocean. Ok that lake looks nothing like an ocean. You would also assume that anyone that makes enough money to stay at the Poly would be educated enough to know that Orlando is not near the Ocean.

 

[momtobrynncess]

FWIW, I research the heck out of everything before paying for it...from the shoes I bought when I discovered Zumba to replacing my toaster.

I know Disney is huge and it's hard for a newbie to grasp the ins and outs of *everything*, but I still don't get not doing the most basic research when planning a vacation there (or anywhere). Back in 2005, when planning my last trip (which was the first in over 10 years), in the course of a month, I managed to figure out how to rent DVC points, what parks to visit when (as we were staying over Christmas), and that I should forget trying to make restaurant ressies as my extended family was just not going to agree on anything in a reasonable amount of time. All it took was a little effort on my part.

As I said, Disney is big and confusing. I can understand getting confused while in the Disney bubble (you mean the monorail doesn't go to AK?), but to think it goes to a Super 8 Motel shows a total lack of preparation that is, personally, mind boggling. It's hard for me to wrap my mind around such a lack of prep on ANY vacation, not just one to Disney.

I *would indeed* find the situation amusing. I wouldn't laugh in the person's face or demean them publicly....I'd try to help, if I were on hand, though honestly, I'd be gaping internally at their naivete. I've seen similar situations traveling abroad when foreign tourists visit a place halfway around the world without any prep at all.

Yes. And as I've said before, I would NEVER laugh in someone's face. (Only myself because I can laugh at myself). I didn't even mention it to dh until we were quite a distance from where I heard it, as our group got momentarily separated in the crowds.

I agree with what you said about traveling abroad. I would never think of traveling to another country without a) having some knowledge of where I was going and b) a basic understanding of their language. At least I would hope to.

I was a newbie once too, and didn't have an iota of the understanding I have now. I never thought the monorail left Disney's property though.

 

[disney is my life]

I think all you can do for the non-planners is hope that it doesn't destroy their image of Disney to the point they never return.
We were absolutely one of those people who went into our first trip with almost 0 planning. I don't even remember how we picked our resort .
On our first trip we went for 3 days although we only spent 1 and a half days in the party and we honestly thought we could see everything . We made no ADR's and I still remember walking up to Tony's and asking the CM if there were any tables and he gave us a "you must be new" look and said there was nothing open for the rest of the day

For those of you wondering how people can not plan and go it's really quite simple:
we didn't realize Disney even had TS restaurants (what amusement park does?) never mind how early we had to make reservations to get into them.
We didn't realize that there were books about it. To us this was a trip to an amusement park. I don't know too many people who buy guide books or look into food options 6 months in advance to visit a local amusement park so the thought never occurred to us Obviously now we know all these things and are able to have much more enjoyable trips including ADR's

I do understand the laughter as we still look back and laugh at how we thought we could just walk in to Tony's as if it was first come first serve.

 

[Gruff320]

For goodness sake!!!! Lighten up! It was funny!!

This

 

[LovinPooh]

"No honey, we dont have to switch monorials to get to downtown disney"

 

[Disneyhenry]

And lastly, there was this:

Dh was in line with dd for the water slide at our resort. While in line, some small boy was regaling dh his interpretation of exactly how tall the water slide was, then proceeded to ask dh how long he was staying. Dh told him 8 days. The little boy replied, "We're staying 8 days too!!! Five thousand dollars!!!"

Out of the mouths of babes........

Way to funny!!

 

[nighttowll]

This reminds me of my friend. I've laughed at him more while planning this trip. He's definitely one of those no planning guys. When we first started talking about going to Disney, I kept telling him we needed to make a decision soon as we were at 180 days. He just couldn't understand. He kept saying if he decided to go he'd just throw the kids in the car and go last minute. Let me first point out we live about 13 hours away, so I don't know whose in that car with the kids, but its definitely not me! I kept telling him if he did that he had better be prepared to sleep in that car cause he wasn't getting a room, and he wasn't getting any meals either. Finally, I just pulled up the reservation website. After about the 4th, "This is nice lets stay here." Me, " it's booked." It finally sank in. But he set there in shock for a good 30 minutes trying to wrap his mind around the fact that they were sold out at all the hotels but two.

Another time, he almost cancelled the trip because he heard something on tv that made him believe there was no alcohol allowed anywhere on Disney property. I thought he was going to have a stroke. We let him panic for a day before telling him we weren't actually depriving him of his alcohol. You should have seen his face when he thought he was going to have to suffer through a week at Disney all without any liquor.

Then, he really surprised me, we put the count down calendar up this week, and he was more excited about it then the kids were. He's been running around telling anyone who will listen he's going to Disney in a few weeks. It's so funny. This grown middle class man, head of a business, running around giddy with excitement like a little kid. And the sad part is I'm pretty sure he thinks he's going to a fair. That's how knowledgeable he is. This will be his first time, can you say midlife crisis. Although, he may just be excited because I promised to map out all the bars for him. *Anyone with a list, love to have a copy.

 

[rickers353]

In my world, where I have a very twisted sense of humor, laughing so hard that you think you need Depends (yes I know the OP meant that figuratively ) is hysterical laughter. Maybe its not in your world. Having said that, I don't find other's lack of knowledge on Disney something to laugh that hard about. If you do, that is okay, I'm just sharing that in a thread about laughing at people who aren't "in the know". I also wouldn't assume that because someone thought the monorail went to Motel 6 that they didn't plan. Maybe they were just confused about that part of Disney transportation. Maybe someone gave them bad info. Again, you are free to pee your pants when you hear someone ask about that, I'm free to think its not funny

Well I took it in the good nature it was intended, I laughed too. Think about it, how did they get to the park to begin with? At no time did the OP claim the lady was actually staying offsite. If I had been there I would have turned to my DW and softly asked,

"Did they see a monorail track or a bus stop when they left? for Disney to add one in a day's time, that's what I imagineering at it's best".

BTW, since I am on the topic of totally misreading the intent of the post, it was the Super 8, not motel 6

 

[MolonLabe]

Personally I don't think people fully understand the need to plan WDW.

I grew up living in Florida and went to WDW a dozen times before I went on my own after turning 18. I went several times after turning 18 prior to the first family trip with children.

I felt like I "knew a lot" about WDW when I planned our first family trip a few years ago.

I just so happened to find a free dining ad somewhere and wound up booking a 5 night trip on a whim. My girls we just about old enough but the lure of returning to my home state and all the fun I had as a child in MK and EP was too much to put off any longer.

I only got 5 days worth of tickets instead of 6 so I had to call in to change the reservation I booked online. Thank goodness because as the call ended the CM asked about my dining reservations. I said no I've got like 6 months to book them, I'll wait.

The wonderful lady on the other end saved my trip. She told me about the 180 days and how quickly popular restaurants booked up. It was just luck I was at the 175~ day mark when I called in.

After that I started doing some research to figure out where all I wanted to eat (we upgraded from regular dining to dxp) and stumbled into an entire planning world I never even knew about or even gave any thought to.

I see it all the time with friends and colleagues. No rational person would think to do all this so far in advance without someone warning them of how insane WDW really is.

 

[Sevenfifty]

I still call DHS MGM all the time.

I do to and prob always will!

 

[FigmentChick]

I laughed. Do I feel bad for them? Meh....a little. But, just like other posters, I research and plan before I travel ANYWHERE, not just Disney.

My first trip to Disney was in 1997 on my honeymoon. Hubby & I couldn't rent a car because we were both under 25 (see....research), so I called the hotel for their bus schedule. I also bought a Birnbaum's guide to help me "discover" the parks. I researched shuttle buses, etc. to get us from the airport to the hotel (I was staying off-site because of an employee rate).

When I took my kids to Niagara Falls and the Skyline Drive last year....I did research. I looked at restaurants, the local area, the hiking trails and, of course, the routes I needed to drive.

So, do I think it's ok to have an inner laugh when you hear stories like these? Yes, I do. And for the poster who thinks we're being spiteful and who is obviously better mannered than all of us....let us find amusement where we can. Life is too short.

 

[4kids4karen]

As we were walking from the bus stop at MK toward the park entrance/exits, a Disney Security Guard was telling a large group of females:

"No mam, there's no monorail to the Super 8 Motel."

They clearly either did not like or did not understand what he was saying to them, as this was followed up by:

"No mam, there is no bus either to the Super 8 Motel."

At that moment I almost wished I was wearing a Depends, I laughed so hard.

And lastly, there was this:

Dh was in line with dd for the water slide at our resort. While in line, some small boy was regaling dh his interpretation of exactly how tall the water slide was, then proceeded to ask dh how long he was staying. Dh told him 8 days. The little boy replied, "We're staying 8 days too!!! Five thousand dollars!!!"

Out of the mouths of babes........

My son would say "First World Problems". But you know, not everyone in the United States is as fortunate as others. There ARE people who have never traveled more than an hour from their hometown. How lucky is that little boy to actually appreciate his parents for pending $5,000! I bet it will be a ONCE in a lifetime trip for him.

We have relatives who live inner city Detroit. Before they came to visit us, the niece (30 years old) called and asked where "Magic Mountain" was? Her mom said they were going to "Magic Mountain" but she couldn't find it anywhere on the internet for "Magic Mountain" Florida. Oh and we have taken her mom to Disney about 3 times on her past 3 visits, and universal, so the mom HAS been to Disney with us, but still didn't know the name. Maybe because she just called it Disney and not Magic Kingdom? Once the niece figured it out, a few weeks later she called and wanted to know the chances of her daughter (4) being able to meet Spongebob at the Magic Kingdom.

 

[4kids4karen]

What I find funny is who when using common sense would think that the MOTEL SiX would have a monorail going to it? Even if you have never been to WDW in what city does Motel 6 or super 8 or holiday inn have a monorail or subway or anything like that? Besides how did she get to the park from Motel 6, she knew it wasn't on a monorail! Common sense.. Yeah I've said or thought or done something where I didn't think it out and I laughed about it as did others around me..

Seattle, New York, Washington D.C. and outlying cities just to name a few. You just have to know what line and stop to get off on.

Seoul, Tokyo if you want to add overseas locations

Most major cities also have pretty detailed public bus systems.

 

[sandyplayer]

About 7 years ago we mentioned to friends that we were visiting disney in about 16 months.
Their response? Why would you go there? Worst vacation ever! You can't eat anywhere because all the restaurants are booked months in advance and the parks are crowded and you wait on 2 hour lines to get on a ride.

I went home and started doing research immediately. My husband tells people that the planning of the invasion of Normandy involved less planning than our trip.

But it as the best 8 days we spend as a family. I thank tourguidemikes site and the dis board people for my success.

We are going again next year and although there is less to learn now that I have done it once, I am still researching. My family will thank me for it.

One funny thing: my son was 3 when we went. He did not like rides. He told everyone that his favorite rides were its a small world, the monorail, and the elevator in the land pavilion! We laugh at ourselves too, not just others.

 

[luvthemouse71]

Funny I'm not talking about not needing a plan, I'm talking about those who aren't as all knowing as the DISers about how to plan.
People get overwhelmed, mis-informed or just confused with all the info that is out there. I don't see that as a reason to hysterically laugh at them because they don't know something that you think they should. YMMV

Then again, some people refuse to plan, even a little bit. Or, they think they know everything.( such as the elderly woman on the bus) It's those people that are being ridiculed, and rightly so. Because, they are the same ones that will blame Disney or other guests because they had a bad time.

I do laugh at people like that, and freely, without guilt.

 

[MolonLabe]

Then again, some people refuse to plan, even a little bit.

For me it depends on if they've ever been before and if they are turning down advice from someone they know.

I had no pity for friends, no acquaintances, I tried to warn before their 180 days. I told them a few times. That's on them.

Or, they think they know everything.( such as the elderly woman on the bus) It's those people that are being ridiculed, and rightly so. Because, they are the same ones that will blame Disney or other guests because they had a bad time.

I do laugh at people like that, and freely, without guilt.

I agree there. I've run into those type too, they not only don't want to hear it, they get angry over you trying to help them.

 

[Bob NC]

I think far more people go to WDW without planning than those that DO plan.

I, personally, know many folks who have done nothing more than make a resort reservation and show up. NONE of these people had a bad time.

A year ago June we went to WDW, (summer season), with just resort reservations. We ate at Boma, Brown Derby, Narcoossee's, San Angel, Prime Time, Shulas, and others without a single ADR and without waiting more than a few minutes.

Granted, this website is full of Disney planners. Disney planners kind of have to rationalize why they spend so much time planning, and the way they do that is to convince themselves that it is necessary and those that don't plan are somehow inferior and to be laughed at.

I hear people talking about their friends who are going to WDW without a plan and it kind of sounds like they relish the fact that their friends are going to have a bad time. When they return the "I told you so's" will be ready and waiting for use.

We all hear funny stuff. A few years ago I mentioned in a trip report that an elderly couple approached a CM at the Epcot monorail station and asked if this next monorail would go to MK. The CM told them "YES." I went to them after the CM walked away and told them the truth. Funny?, maybe it was funny that a CM told a guest that. I'm sure it wouldn't have been as funny to the old couple if I hadn't told them the truth. Who knows maybe he would have told them the monorail goes to Motel 6 if that's what they had asked.

 

[texasroni75]

Our first WDW trip in 1999, I had no idea there was a difference between on-site and off-site. I had no idea the monorail couldn't take us to every park. And I had no idea you could make advance reservations for the table-service restaurants and character meals. To be completely honest, I was one who thought you didn't have to bother, since I never had a problem getting in for a meal until our March 2009 trip and EVERY place we went to had NO availability and we ate dinner in DTD at like 10pm with tired and cranky kids! I can only imagine what I possibly said or did in front of educated WDW pros - I'm sure I made some really dumb comments back then!

I have to say that with each trip I find myself doing MORE and MORE planning to make it an even better vacation. And even though I've made many of the newbie mistakes, I can still get a good laugh out of hearing other people make the same ones - makes me feel better about myself LOL. But after a chuckle, I always try to help.