POLL: Is it possible to be Frustrated with WDW Value, but still love it?

[EagleG17]

That has always been a perk, the fact that they didn't charge for fastpass I wouldn't put it pass them

Trust me, the day is coming when they start charging.

 

[jetdoctor]

It's hard to have a spouse not enough the same things you do with the same passion. I'm note diverged but my ex husband didn't love disney the same way I do. Luckily my DD16 had the same love, she's been a lucky girl with an ap since she was 3 years old, I started taking her to the parks when she was 6 months old, and she still loves it. She even made her girlfriend get an ap , so now she comes with us as well.
But not everyone is alike and that's what makes this discussing so varied, but posting this on a disney planning thread will probably get a high number of votes for " no it hasn't lost the value".
Now if you would post this on a general forum, maybe even fb or Twitter you will probably get a different answer

Well I am not a big time poster so if I didn't post this in the right spot thats my bad. As far as my wife goes, she is the most supportive person I know she would never hinder me and my passions. We have a 1 year daughter and on the child on the way this March. So that in it self has had a major factor in things too. But no with our little princess she is starting to see Disney through her eyes.

 

[yulilin3]

Well I am not a big time poster so if I didn't post this in the right spot thats my bad. As far as my wife goes, she is the most supportive person I know she would never hinder me and my passions. We have a 1 year daughter and on the child on the way this March. So that in it self has had a major factor in things too. But no with our little princess she is starting to see Disney through her eyes.

I'm not saying that you posted this on the wrong forum just that you will get a more one sided answer, hence, this is a disney planning forum so people are going to Disney, meaning they want to go and know how much will cost. For a more broader base, If you really want to know what everyone thinks, fb or Twitter might be best.

 

[jetdoctor]

If you really want to know what everyone thinks, fb or Twitter might be best.

I don't do fb or twitter. I use the dis because Disney is my passion. Can I repost this in a different section because I will if it would be better suited.

 

[Number Six]

Trust me, the day is coming when they start charging.

You could make the case already for the disappearing FastPass viewing areas being replaced by paid events. Charging for something that was once included with admission is one way I think value is going down. Even before FastPass viewing areas you could just stake a spot and enjoy. Now, not as much.

 

[Bullseye]

Trust me, the day is coming when they start charging.

I don't think so, at least not for another five years. FP+ gives every guest an opportunity at "front of the line" access. It kind of sets them apart from every other park that charges for it.

 

[loves to dive]

While not a Florida resident I am an AP holder so I paid full price. I bought my first AP because I knew I was going twice that year and would be there over 10 days total and the AP was less than regular PHs would be. I renew my AP but it has nothing to do with benefits for me, it's all about costs. If I know I'm going to be spending x on tickets and the AP is less than x, AP it is. I, too have been going since the early 80s, probably around 82. We went every other year for years and years until about 5 years ago when I started going every year. My son, was still on the every other year schedule. He practically grew up there, we started when he was not yet 3. He introduced his wife to going as an adult. I now go twice a year, at least once solo the other time my son tries to join me. He does not have an AP, he either gets military discount tickets or we buy him tickets at a discount site. Yes, things have changed through the years, I do remember a time when if you were a repeat visitor there would be a little gift in your room. Back then there were only deluxe resorts on site so that might have made a difference. I'm not one of the have to book ADRs 180 days out and FPs 60 days out. We are able to book ADRs day of and FPs the night before and still do what we want. Yes, we wait in lines every once in awhile but we waited in line when we first started going so I don't see a change there. Yes, now you can pay for special events and viewing areas, there were no such things, you got there early and waited, you still can. I'm guessing if I were a Florida resident I would most likely buy a regular AP instead of the Florida resident one, no blackouts. You still get a discount for renewing. We enjoy going, we enjoy not having to think about things. Yes, we have been to other places, I'm a scuba diver so we've traveled a lot. I still vacation in other places but for my son and I WDW is our special place. My honey doesn't go, he doesn't like to travel except to dive.

 

[jetdoctor]

While not a Florida resident I am an AP holder so I paid full price. I bought my first AP because I knew I was going twice that year and would be there over 10 days total and the AP was less than regular PHs would be. I renew my AP but it has nothing to do with benefits for me, it's all about costs. If I know I'm going to be spending x on tickets and the AP is less than x, AP it is. I, too have been going since the early 80s, probably around 82. We went every other year for years and years until about 5 years ago when I started going every year. My son, was still on the every other year schedule. He practically grew up there, we started when he was not yet 3. He introduced his wife to going as an adult. I now go twice a year, at least once solo the other time my son tries to join me. He does not have an AP, he either gets military discount tickets or we buy him tickets at a discount site. Yes, things have changed through the years, I do remember a time when if you were a repeat visitor there would be a little gift in your room. Back then there were only deluxe resorts on site so that might have made a difference. I'm not one of the have to book ADRs 180 days out and FPs 60 days out. We are able to book ADRs day of and FPs the night before and still do what we want. Yes, we wait in lines every once in awhile but we waited in line when we first started going so I don't see a change there. Yes, now you can pay for special events and viewing areas, there were no such things, you got there early and waited, you still can. I'm guessing if I were a Florida resident I would most likely buy a regular AP instead of the Florida resident one, no blackouts. You still get a discount for renewing. We enjoy going, we enjoy not having to think about things. Yes, we have been to other places, I'm a scuba diver so we've traveled a lot. I still vacation in other places but for my son and I WDW is our special place. My honey doesn't go, he doesn't like to travel except to dive.

Our tickets are the full FL resident AP which includes no blackout dates, both water parks, Photopass, used to give disney quest not anymore I believe and oak trail 9 hole golf course. Plus parking fee waved at theme parks.

 

[adisneyaunt]

Annual passholder that did not renew.
As kids, we grew up on Disney ..multi year vacations, and with my own marriage/family have continued that tradition, attended/coordinated several large family reunions, and helped many family/friends with their own vacations. I'm addicted, I admit it lol. Even my home office was All Disney.

Fast forward to this year..I was Blessed to stay on site 22 nites using my first resident Annual pass.. Though wonderful times, I am no longer a smitten fan ...
of fast pass ( I give it a 2 out of 5)
Of all the block out days/passes
Just Not enough New experiences in parks
Too many restaurants with similar,
Over salted Food choices,
Missing The "magic" of yesteryear... ( much Less cm positive encounters/interactions)
Too many UP charges, more buses needed from resorts to parks.
Resort costs are Too high for similar resorts at same level elsewhere ( I've Never felt the Deluxes match Other Deluxe resorts in/out of the Country.)
So, as it stands right now...I think the Overall Value for us feels Less.
Perhaps it was Disney Overload this year...We ll see

 

[fla4fun]

I am a local. I can watch WDW fireworks from my driveway.

I have the Platinum AP.

I prefer the entire vacation experience, so I seldom do day trips, but do spend about four weeks per year on property. The fact that I have no transportation expense to get to my vacation spot saves a lot!

I do think that a person's opinion of anything will be affected by how often they experience it. For example, let's say you eat lunch at the same few restaurants every week. Soon you will find the selection to be a little tired and think the menu and decor need to be updated so you don't get bored. It's the same with Disney.

Those of us who go frequently, whether it's every week or every year don't see things the same way as a new visitor does. While the OP thinks that Illuminations should be changed, a new visitor may see the show and be totally awestruck. I think Disney is in a cycle of catering more to those first time, blow the budget, kind of visitors and not so much when it comes to the repeat visitors. However, they are making some changes, and only time will tell whether they add "value" to the experience.

I, for one, am sorry to see MSEP go . . .

 

[pearlieq]

I'm semi-local (Tampa) and I'm kind of over WDW. Too expensive for not enough value. Overpriced restaurants serving mediocre food with draconian reservation policies. Parks stagnant or half closed. Staff/guest experience hit-or-miss.

I just sold half our DVC membership and I won't be renewing our APs. We'll still take an occasional short trip using our DVC either for special events or for out of town family, but I won't pay for any WDW hotel room anymore and can't imagine actually going for a full week like we used to. I'd rather go on a cruise or explore a new city. The "magic" is largely gone for me.

 

[Marionnette]

Did a moderator move this thread here from another forum? I don't recall seeing this thread when I was here yesterday and there are a lot of posters who don't regularly post on the Budget Board, who have been very active on this thread.

My observation:
There are those who will beat the Disney-Can-Do-No-Wrong drum with zeal in an effort to shout down any voices of dissent. This makes people begin to doubt their feelings about the Mouse. Is it really as bad as I think or am I just soured on Disney? Am I allowing my personal experiences and opinions to color my perspective? Let me just say that if the OP feels the way that they do, it's a very real feeling.

My opinion:

• I own DVC. I am in the process of settling on a contract for more points at my home resort. I have an AP that I'll renew while I'm there this weekend. I'll buy another TiW card when I'm there in December for a meeting. When the window opens up to book BWV for F&W, I'll be online to reserve a villa. And yet, I'm not happy with a number of changes and the lack of change.
• I hate the generic rehabs of the DVC resort rooms.
• I dislike the recent move to deny DVC member benefits to those who purchase on the resale market from April and forward this year.
• HS is a construction zone. Epcot's Future World is a ghost town. Yet, ticket prices went up. #ThanksShanghai
• Food prices have gone through the roof while the quality of the meal just isn't there. You can argue that a meal in Philly will cost you the same amount - I can guarantee you that the food that you get in Philly will be much better and served with more professionalism.
• Resort prices are insane! Take a look at the rack rates for those Deluxe Resorts. Are you really trying to convince me that a room in NYC with that price tag will be as small and lacking in amenities as a standard Grand Floridian room? Or that a Moderate Resort room at $300+/night is on a par with a similarly-priced room in Boston? Apples and oranges.

And yet, I still love Disney. I just feel like the rejected lover in a relationship. I keep coming back, hoping that I will once again be loved. And Disney seems to be making an attempt to reach out. There have been a number of discounts recently offered to DVC members and AP holders in an effort to lure us back. But I would rather see a serious investment and timely implementation of new attractions instead (I'm looking at YOU, Epcot!). And I resent paying higher ticket prices now to fund the construction of attractions that won't open for several years or to offset the cost overruns at their Shanghai park.

 

[mom2rtk]

Did a moderator move this thread here from another forum? I don't recall seeing this thread when I was here yesterday and there are a lot of posters who don't regularly post on the Budget Board, who have been very active on this thread.

Yes, I believe it started life on the Theme Parks Attractions and Strategies board.

 

[hiroMYhero]

The OP requested this Thread be moved to the Budget Board.

 

[jetdoctor]

Ok, so I have been to Disney twice since this OP. I can say I had a fantastic time. I guess a lot has to do with our expectations of things. I have been going through a lot of personal things. So maybe my mood has had a lot t do with my over nit picking of things.