Our un-magical Day

[StitchesGr8Fan]

Characters not wandering around - they had to stop this due to the volume of guests in the parks who wanted to see the characters, and the change in society that has caused people to be rude and demanding. Wandering characters were being swarmed and hogged by guests pushing their way up to the characters, so Disney had to do something to make it more organized and fair.

McDonald's fries - the contract with McD's was up, and Disney was trying to promote healthier food options. People called Disney hypocrites for promoting healthy eating on TV and having McDonalds in the parks. So the contract wasn't renewed.

MK parking - you have NEVER been able to park at MK. You've always had to take a ferry or monorail.

 

[sets14]

Honestly, my 6 year old could have planned a better day. He's only been 5 times, not 20, and he knows way more than OP. If this is real, I feel so bad for the kids- magic ruined by an entitled know it all who knows nothing. And wow, her clients.......

 

[#1 Goofy Fan]

I have been to Disney numerous times with the last time being in 2009 - yes there are changes - but nothing that is being complained about is "new" except the "fast pass". Even with a last minute trip - a few minutes of research would have saved alot of disappointment.

 

[kP72]

2008 was the last time I visited WDW and I even knew about the changes/updates.

I have to question how good of a TA you really are.

 

[JamesDean]

Everyone posting on here sounds as though they are the entitled ones not the OP. Look if a family goes to a place specifically billed as "The Happiest Place On Earth" why should she not totally expect that kind of experience for her and her family.

Yes the food is very sub-par, the customer service is quite lacking from what it was in the past, the entire experience has become very corporate and financially motivated. Then the response that that I read that claimed "hunting down the characters" is part of the magic. Really?!?!

When children invest so much into their favorite characters why should they be expected to do the work to find them. I agree with the OP, 10 years ago you could walk into any restaurant without having to make reservations with the exception of the character meals and the characters were walking all over the park. I can even remember the characters greeting me while waiting in line for rides or other attractions. After they completed a show they would come and greet guests that had just watched it.

The idea that a person should do research and plan ahead of time is ridiculous! You are paying for both the service and experience it is not the guests job to make their own experience they are specifically paying Disney to do that for them. That's like saying you should cut your own hair at a barber shop and then pay them for it. How well did that work for Brittney Spears?

Now getting on her case for typos, misprints or wrong names (MGM vs Hollywood Studios) c'mon guys grow up. She sounds very upset. I don't see anything wrong with the fact that she wanted to voice her concerns and issues after having a bad experience. Again, if you pay for a product you expect to get that product otherwise you will want to return it to the store. Should I then call all of you entitled because you've returned something to Target. Oh wait, that's right I already called all of you entitled.

Lets not forget that it was Disney World that had already set the expectation on the high level of service and the magical experience that everyone should have while visiting their parks so I don't think that she or her family is being unreasonable. Additionally, I feel that the quotes from Walt Disney do indeed apply, do you not think that he had the same expectations for DW as he had for DW?

To those of you that have questioned her intelligence, maturity and her dedication to her family to have a wonderful time you should be ashamed of yourselves. Maybe you should take a class in bullying because that is exactly how you all are coming off.

Shame on you!

 

[MaleficentRN]

OP, if you are for real with this post, I feel bad for your children that you did not plan great trip for them. If this is your profession, I hope you work harder for your clients.
I haven't been to WDW half as much as you. I took my children for the first time 10 years ago, the previous time was with DH eight years prior to that. As far back as 18 years ago you had to park at TTC and take the monorail or ferry. And if you hadn't been in say 12 years, you have to expect a price increase. So I don't understand your beef there.
Ten years ago I knew you had to make ADRs. I also didn't want to stand in line for characters, so I tried to make reservations at CRT. This was probably 120 days out. so I failed and then settled for Akershus. And my DD was so happy to meet Jasmine there I don't think she thought twice about not going in the castle.(Yes, ten years it's been closed off)
I'm not a big fan of burgers, so again, I don't know what you're talking about when you say that's all there is.
I could go on and on about the mistakes you made. I will give you that Fastpass+ has issues. But you didn't even plan your Fastpasses in advance? Why not? Are you sure you are a travel agent?

 

[kathie859]

Everyone posting on here sounds as though they are the entitled ones not the OP. Look if a family goes to a place specifically billed as "The Happiest Place On Earth" why should she not totally expect that kind of experience for her and her family.

Yes the food is very sub-par, the customer service is quite lacking from what it was in the past, the entire experience has become very corporate and financially motivated. Then the response that that I read that claimed "hunting down the characters" is part of the magic. Really?!?!

When children invest so much into their favorite characters why should they be expected to do the work to find them. I agree with the OP, 10 years ago you could walk into any restaurant without having to make reservations with the exception of the character meals and the characters were walking all over the park. I can even remember the characters greeting me while waiting in line for rides or other attractions. After they completed a show they would come and greet guests that had just watched it.

The idea that a person should do research and plan ahead of time is ridiculous! You are paying for both the service and experience it is not the guests job to make their own experience they are specifically paying Disney to do that for them. That's like saying you should cut your own hair at a barber shop and then pay them for it. How well did that work for Brittney Spears?

Now getting on her case for typos, misprints or wrong names (MGM vs Hollywood Studios) c'mon guys grow up. She sounds very upset. I don't see anything wrong with the fact that she wanted to voice her concerns and issues after having a bad experience. Again, if you pay for a product you expect to get that product otherwise you will want to return it to the store. Should I then call all of you entitled because you've returned something to Target. Oh wait, that's right I already called all of you entitled.

Lets not forget that it was Disney World that had already set the expectation on the high level of service and the magical experience that everyone should have while visiting their parks so I don't think that she or her family is being unreasonable. Additionally, I feel that the quotes from Walt Disney do indeed apply, do you not think that he had the same expectations for DW as he had for DW?

To those of you that have questioned her intelligence, maturity and her dedication to her family to have a wonderful time you should be ashamed of yourselves. Maybe you should take a class in bullying because that is exactly how you all are coming off.

Shame on you!

Ummmm.....Welcome to the DIS

Interesting first post.

 

[eliz603]

Everyone posting on here sounds as though they are the entitled ones not the OP. Look if a family goes to a place specifically billed as "The Happiest Place On Earth" why should she not totally expect that kind of experience for her and her family.

Yes the food is very sub-par, the customer service is quite lacking from what it was in the past, the entire experience has become very corporate and financially motivated. Then the response that that I read that claimed "hunting down the characters" is part of the magic. Really?!?!

When children invest so much into their favorite characters why should they be expected to do the work to find them. I agree with the OP, 10 years ago you could walk into any restaurant without having to make reservations with the exception of the character meals and the characters were walking all over the park. I can even remember the characters greeting me while waiting in line for rides or other attractions. After they completed a show they would come and greet guests that had just watched it.

The idea that a person should do research and plan ahead of time is ridiculous! You are paying for both the service and experience it is not the guests job to make their own experience they are specifically paying Disney to do that for them. That's like saying you should cut your own hair at a barber shop and then pay them for it. How well did that work for Brittney Spears?

Now getting on her case for typos, misprints or wrong names (MGM vs Hollywood Studios) c'mon guys grow up. She sounds very upset. I don't see anything wrong with the fact that she wanted to voice her concerns and issues after having a bad experience. Again, if you pay for a product you expect to get that product otherwise you will want to return it to the store. Should I then call all of you entitled because you've returned something to Target. Oh wait, that's right I already called all of you entitled.

Lets not forget that it was Disney World that had already set the expectation on the high level of service and the magical experience that everyone should have while visiting their parks so I don't think that she or her family is being unreasonable. Additionally, I feel that the quotes from Walt Disney do indeed apply, do you not think that he had the same expectations for DW as he had for DW?

To those of you that have questioned her intelligence, maturity and her dedication to her family to have a wonderful time you should be ashamed of yourselves. Maybe you should take a class in bullying because that is exactly how you all are coming off.

Shame on you!

So, how long have you known the OP? You aren't fooling anyone when you join the day of, and this is your first post.

This ENTIRE THING is highly suspect anyway.

 

[MaleficentRN]

To those of you that have questioned her intelligence, maturity and her dedication to her family to have a wonderful time you should be ashamed of yourselves. Maybe you should take a class in bullying because that is exactly how you all are coming off.

Shame on you!

There's more than one troll under this bridge.

 

[eliz603]

There's more than one troll under this bridge.

Yep.

 

[MaleficentRN]

I don't understand how people think they shouldn't have to plan ahead and research a WDW trip. I've been on vacations that have cost me less money and have researched them just as much. You wouldn't just show up in London without doing some planning into where to eat, do you need reservations, what sites to see and when is the best day to do that.

 

[eliz603]

I don't understand how people think they shouldn't have to plan ahead and research a WDW trip. I've been on vacations that have cost me less money and have researched them just as much. You wouldn't just show up in London without doing some planning into where to eat, do you need reservations, what sites to see and when is the best day to do that.

And isn't that part of why people would use a TRAVEL AGENT? You know, since the OP is one and all....

For what a single day at Disney would cost my family, you better believe I'm doing at least a cursory glance at the breadth of info out there, especially if I hadn't been in a while. Shoot, when I go to my local Six Flags equivalent, I at least pull up the website.

 

[Gracie09]

I don't understand how people think they shouldn't have to plan ahead and research a WDW trip. I've been on vacations that have cost me less money and have researched them just as much. You wouldn't just show up in London without doing some planning into where to eat, do you need reservations, what sites to see and when is the best day to do that.

Seriously even day trips to the shore or Hershey park I at a minimum pull up a website and check a few things out.

We went to the local children's museum last year I looked up things like parking and food before I went so I knew what to bring

 

[smitch425]

This quote from the OP sums up the entire day.

The cast members could clearly see that Skye was crying because all she wanted to do was see Cinderella's castle and meet Cinderella. They didn't do anything!!!! In fact, they just looked disgusted that we were bothering them and now my annoying kid was crying. They didn't say, "Don't worry, you'll see Cinderella later." or offer to escort her in back themselves, or tell us where we could meet or see Cinderella later, or even say "I'm sorry, little princess, please don't cry!" ]

Completely unreasonable expectation. It is not the CM's job to tell a child "you'll see her later". What if she didn't? Why expect a CM to do something that is the PARENT'S responsibility?! When you enter the park, you get a map and a times guide. It lists the available characters and their location. There is no one to blame for OP's child not seeing Cinderella than the OP. Period.

 

[kerriemiller]

I don't know what is funnier this OPs very long winded explanation. Or all the comments.

Sorry OP but as someone else stated this is the home of the OCD planners. Any one of us could give you a dozen ways to avoid the issues you ran into.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don't be so upset. It was a hard lesson but now at least you know what not to do.

 

[MET270]

I can't believe that some of you are defending some of the stupid "new" rules that Disney has implemented and just accept them. I have not been to the Magic Kingdom in at least five years because I recently had two babies so yes I was unaware of the changes. Perhaps if you had been to Disney ten years ago before the economy crashed and they let go of all their good cast members you would realize how much it sucks now. You never had to wait in line for an hour to see a princess. They were strolling in the park. They were not locked up in the "Princess Fairytale Hall". I was at the park for twelve hours and it was my 40th birthday and NO cast members even said happy birthday! Three! I've gone on my birthday or kids birthdays before and we got fastpasses for the day, free dessert at the restaurants, a happy birthday autograph picture from Mickey. Um, do you guys not remember this stuff. It's wrong that nobody is complaining especially when Disney set such a high standard of customer service. Are you all in La La Land? "It's okay. Disney can do no wrong even if they are making me wait in line and pay up the a** for everything!" And don't tell me I'm a bad mother for "not doing a little planning". This was an improptu trip. Hubby said, "Hey it's your birthday. Surprise we're going to Disney!" So I had no time to plan "180 days" in advance. Now you have to prompt the cast members to be nice to you? The CM's are very good now at saying "NO". Seriously! I'm through trying to defend myself. Below is a list of things that suck now. Go ahead and try to come up with more lame excuses about why it's okay. Pleasure Island - Gone - That sucks NO ADVENTURERS CLUB - REALLY, REALLY SUCKS Toon Town and Mickey and Minnie's house - Gone - That sucks Having to wait in line for over an hour to see characters - That sucks The new Fastpass system - only 3 for the whole day - That really sucks Having to give a credit card to make a reservation at a restaurant - sucks Not letting a mother with two small kids sit down at a restaurant while her husband purchases food from the restaurant - sucks No McDonald's french fries - sucks Running out of pineapple Dole Whips - only had orange - that really sucked Both Splash Mountain and Pirates were broken - sucks Nobody to trade pins with - or very few cm's - sucks Cinderella Castle Closed - sucks TERRIBLE customer service - sucks No variety in food (only burgers) - sucks Highest Ticket Prices EVER for a TERRIBLE experience - sucks A 'LOCKED UP' Mickey Mouse (REALLY!?!?) - Totally SUCKS I find it horrible that everyone on this board seems to defend Disney. Responses from people on here who claim that if we cant afford the prices then don't go, it's not whether we are able to afford the prices it's the value and the experience that we are supposed to get from it. Further more Walt Disney created Disney World to give 'EVERYONE' a magical experience not just the super rich. "Do what you do so well that they will want to see it again and bring their friends." -Walt Disney "You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes PEOPLE to make the dream a reality." - Walt Disney "You reach a point where you don't work for money." - Walt Disney "I only hope that we don't loose sight that it all started with a mouse." - Walt Disney "To all that come to this HAPPY place: Welcome; Disneyland is YOUR land. Here age relives fond memories of the past, and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams, and the hard facts that have created America... with hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world." -Walt Disney "I don't want the public to see the world they live in while they're in the park. I want them to feel they're in another world." -Walt Disney "We believed in our idea... a family park where parents and children could have fun together." - Walt Disney "Disneyland is a work of love. We didn't go into Disneyland just with the idea to make money." - Walt Disney Changes and improvements to the park are fine but making it such a corporate experience rather than a magical guest oriented experience is ridiculous. The prices at every other park in the Orlando area are much less expensive sometimes by half so you can bet that my money will not be going to support a non-existent mouse. You all may be willing to roll over, hand over your cash and say "thank you sir may I have another?" but for me and my family we will not willing to roll over. As a travel agent as well, I will not be recommending any Disney Parks to my clients their time and money are better spent elsewhere. When I took my teenagers ten years ago, it was a much different, better and easier experience. I'm not mad because I didn't get my way. I'm mad because Disney's way of doing things now is sub-standard.

Wow! Someone should take a nap! Grumpy!!

If you go to Disney expecting to have a horrible time , wait for it...... You're going to have a horrible time. I know, shocking right?? How dare Disney make changes that I don't like!!! No one likes changes when they're familiar and comfortable with the way things are, but unless you're making the decisions you have to adapt to them.

If you feel that strongly about your dislike for Disney now, maybe it's time to find another vacation spot.

 

[MET270]

Which is it... or

LOL!!! Yes!!

 

[MET270]

Everyone posting on here sounds as though they are the entitled ones not the OP. Look if a family goes to a place specifically billed as "The Happiest Place On Earth" why should she not totally expect that kind of experience for her and her family. Yes the food is very sub-par, the customer service is quite lacking from what it was in the past, the entire experience has become very corporate and financially motivated. Then the response that that I read that claimed "hunting down the characters" is part of the magic. Really?!?! When children invest so much into their favorite characters why should they be expected to do the work to find them. I agree with the OP, 10 years ago you could walk into any restaurant without having to make reservations with the exception of the character meals and the characters were walking all over the park. I can even remember the characters greeting me while waiting in line for rides or other attractions. After they completed a show they would come and greet guests that had just watched it. The idea that a person should do research and plan ahead of time is ridiculous! You are paying for both the service and experience it is not the guests job to make their own experience they are specifically paying Disney to do that for them. That's like saying you should cut your own hair at a barber shop and then pay them for it. How well did that work for Brittney Spears? Now getting on her case for typos, misprints or wrong names (MGM vs Hollywood Studios) c'mon guys grow up. She sounds very upset. I don't see anything wrong with the fact that she wanted to voice her concerns and issues after having a bad experience. Again, if you pay for a product you expect to get that product otherwise you will want to return it to the store. Should I then call all of you entitled because you've returned something to Target. Oh wait, that's right I already called all of you entitled. Lets not forget that it was Disney World that had already set the expectation on the high level of service and the magical experience that everyone should have while visiting their parks so I don't think that she or her family is being unreasonable. Additionally, I feel that the quotes from Walt Disney do indeed apply, do you not think that he had the same expectations for DW as he had for DW? To those of you that have questioned her intelligence, maturity and her dedication to her family to have a wonderful time you should be ashamed of yourselves. Maybe you should take a class in bullying because that is exactly how you all are coming off. Shame on you!

Let me guess...... The OP is your Travel Agent too?

 

[LoverDisney]

She's a travel agent and didn't properly plan her own trip?? Really??

 

[JamesDean]

My knowledge or relationship with the OP doesn't matter. If you think I'm suspect then you should look into the mirror, I'm sure you will reply that you are NOT the fairest in the land.

Her job performance as a TA doesn't matter either because this wasn't a vacation that was planned it was an impromptu gift from her husband for her 40th birthday as she stated in her OP. So she didn't plan anything. Again though it is not her responsibility to make up for the inadequacies of poor customer service and a less than magical experience. Any guest should absolutely expect the best experience possible because not only have they paid for it but they have also come to expect it from Disney.

So the next time you eat at a restaurant and your food is cooked incorrectly I hope that you realize that it is your fault for not providing the recipe and ensuring that the chef cooked it correctly.

Of course Disney should be held just as accountable as a chef who cooked your food incorrectly. So all of you that are defending Disney are completely off base and are being ignorant.