Post here regarding WDW cutbacks, changes & Complaints

[moosebug]

I wish they's bring back EE just so all the families with young kids will hit the parks early (while I'm still sleeping) and and I can plan my day around the non EE park. What really irks me is that I have been to Disneyworld over 8 times (on property) and I have NEVER been asked to do a survey. One time I went in HS on a school trip stayed offsite and we were pulled aside and asked to do one while leaving the parks. I was sixteen not spending my own money and they ask ME??

 

[Tink]

I have been on both sides of the EE issue. DH and I went on our honeymoon to WDW and 2x per year until DD #1 was born. We hardly every used EE. We were on vacation and wanted to sleep in. We were both working full time, I was in Grad School and DH was coaching a wheelchair basketball team that was 2 practices per week and games on weekends. In all that time I NEVER rode Dumbo.

Then DD comes along and what does she want? Dumbo, over and over and over again. We would get up ealy for EE and she could ride to her little heats content and when she got bored, it was fine, the lines was getting to be about 30 minutes long. I know for those of you that have kids you know what I mean and probably went thru it! And I know that those of you without them can sympathize with all of us parents who love Disney and want the kids to have a magical experience. It just amazed me that we could get so much done with EE.

I would be willing to pay extra for EE. Our family has not used Enights yet since our kids are little (3 and the little one will be 11 months when we go in Dec), and the Fantasyland rides are not included. If they were, we'd go, but that is not an option for us.

Now I am a die hard Disney fan and have been for as long as I can remember. But, when my girls are older, we are going to split our stay between Universal and Disney. I just had a co-worker returned from Universal and she stayed at the Royal Pacific and said it was awesome. Some of the waits for rides were over an hour and her family walked right on. They never waited. It's worth it to me.

Please don't beat me up, I know my views about EE have changed since I had kids. I guess I would be more annoyed if I wasn't getting a good deal on the hotel, but I am. This will be the first time that out family is going since EE had been discontinued.

If you ask me, EE was on the chopping block for a while. Huge discounts were offered before 9/11, so the change in the economy was also a huge factor. As a stockholder (and that stock is in my retirement account) I need them to watch the bottom line. (don't get me started on the stock!)

 

[Pete's Mom]

Originally posted by STOFFER
"There is a thread that is strictly for posts like this."

Who wants to wade through twenty pages to discuss these problems? As great as Disney World is, there are some serious issues that Eisner & Co. need to look at.
The elimination of onsite perks is a major concern with many on this board.
Disney will probably make Fastpass an onsite perk some day. After cutting EE they need to have SOMETHING to offer their onsite guests.

The moderators for this board set up that thread because people that were trying to plan their vacations were having to "wade" through 20 pages of complaints and cutbacks to get info that they needed.

I understand that you are upset and want to express that, but have some consideration for those of us who just want to stay on topic and follow board rules.

 

[eeyore0062]

No, I am not at all mad at WDW for discontinuing EE mornings!!! We have been twice since they did... did everything that we desired within the time that the parks were open with little to no waits using Fastpass, and certainly didn't miss getting up at the crack of dawn to line up to get in.

I think that since attendance is down, EE mornings are a waste of manpower and money. That money and manpower probably went into the increased security at the parks to help dissuade threats and make people feel more comfortable.

Personally, I think we need to get our priorities straight here!

 

[wmeehan2001]

WELL DONE. I COULD NOT AGREE WITH YOU MORE. IT MAKES A LOT OF SENSE

 

[GOODFELLA]

Originally posted by Blue Eeyore
Help! I leave in 12 days and I'm not feeling the magic! First... no E-Ride nights are scheduled. Then... EE is taken away. Now... I hear that the week I go is gonna be crowded with New Jersey people! I usually go the second or third week of November. This the first time that we're going during the first week. Is it really going to be THAT bad!?!?!?!?! Pass me some Pixie Dust, I need it!!! THANKS!!!!!!!!!

and whats wrong w/jersey people you are whats wrong w/ this country and why its soo sterotypical i hope it rains when you go LOL

 

[eeyore0062]

Oooh Goodfella...

I do agree there are more important things to worry about than the lack of Ee mornings and E ticket nights and not having them isn't going to kill anyone or ruin a vacation, unless you let it. Jersey people are just like anyone else, they want a vacation, don't want to take the kids out of school, and have every right to be in WDW! I just probably wouldn't have put it the way you did! Also, if it rains, the crowds will be lower

 

[blackshirt]

I agree that there are far more important things to worry about than the elimination of EE and reduced hours. My whole point is that Disney made drastic cuts in service which started well before 9/11. With reduced attendance at the parks and resorts, the Company makes the claim that the economy and 9/11 are responsible for this decrease. My assertation is that the Company's actions in certain areas and lack of action in others has had MORE effect on the level of attendance than the economy and 9/11. The product being offered to the public is simply not worth the price being asked. As for me, when my AP's run out in Jan, Disney will no longer receive any further monetary commitment from me until they make some changes. SW, IOA, US, and BG will continue to receive my support as they at least seem to care about the value I receive at their parks. Multiply my family by thousands of others and the future becomes clear.

 

[eeyore0062]

Blackshirt, sorry you feel that way! I am sure that Disney will miss your business, and the other parks will appreciate it.

The economy did start to decline well before 9/11, so it had very much to do with cutbacks, etc. As said before, more cuts were made AFTER 9/11, and those probably were to compensate for the money being thrown into increased security measures, both those you can see as well as measures that are not discernable to the naked eye. I am happy that Disney feels that the priority should be our security, and I can live without EE mornings, E ticket nights, etc... they really aren't needed at this time, anyway! We didn't miss Ee mornings or E ticket nights, and never complained before we had them---we didn't know any better. I just think we became spoiled by the wonderful economy that we enjoyed during the 90's. Well, guess what? It isn't wonderful anymore, and to expect the same return for the dollar is absurd. Everyone has to make decisions about where their money is going. Disney does too! If you want yours to go elsewhere, that is your perogative, and more power to you. I still feel that WDW and Disney in general, gives a good return for my dollar, and they do care about the guest. To each his own, I guess.

 

[suejmj]

wat is with this! god, can't disney see that one of the only reasons we stay at the wdw resorts is because of the ee passes? If we are going to pay this much more just to be on dw property then why do it when we can drive to the parks, and arrive a decent time. And be able to enjoy all the rides.

 

[eeyore0062]

It takes money to do these things, and there are plenty of people who find enough reasons to stay onsite without the benefit of EE mornings. They did before EE mornings, and they continue now. It has to do with convenience, theming, and the overall magical feeling of not being in the real world. Not that many people took advantage of them, and that is WHY you could just walk on any ride that was open at that time. If and when the economy picks up, we resolve our conflict with the middle east, and people are not afraid of traveling, the tourist business will also pick up, and perhaps, then, EE mornings may return. Frankly, I think we are beating a dead horse!

 

[Eeyore2U]

Eeyore,

Those that choose not to get it won't. Those that feel it's all about them will. There are sooo many post of how crowded the park arne't. This horse is dead and should be buried.

 

[blackshirt]

Would that horse be Disney's customer service and commitment to their guest's experience?

 

[The Duchess]

I'm somewhat amazed by the uproar over EE. I don't think we've ever used EE in all our trips to Disney. Don't people sleep late and have a leisurely breakfast at WDW? And, yes I do have a child. Maybe we go on a slow week.....I will miss E ticket night, though, but I'm not that upset about it!
We only visit WDW about every two years so we can go and not worry about a budget. Going to WDW is like heaven. Our Grand Plan coordinator has been great.

 

[Eeyore2U]

Originally posted by blackshirt
Would that horse be Disney's customer service and commitment to their guest's experience?

Not a chance. It's over the reaction to EE and the like but I'm sure you're smart enough to know that.

 

[Jeanny]

you know, when I was reading the unofficial guide, I was thinking, hmm in order to get into the park an hour early I'll have to be up at like 6:00 AM in order to get ready, get breakfast and get a bus/monorail to the MK.. I'd have to get up at least that early, so I wouldn't LOSE the breakfast I had just eaten on SM or BTMR.

I would much prefer the parks stay open later at night than getting up early in the morning... I'll be on vacation.. I'm up by 6:00 a.m. every day, so it wouldn't be much of a vacation. I also am aware that I wouldn't HAVE to do an EE, that it would be my choice. But by reading other books and threads, it seems I would have to if I wanted to get on any rides without having to wait hours... and usually the FP are gone!!

How do the E Tickets work at night if they do have them? I'm going at Thanksgiving, so I know they may be opened later Thanksgiving night, but what about Friday or on the Weekend?? Probably no chance of E ticket nights that weekend... I guess I'll have to wait and see when I get there.

 

[eeyore0062]

How do the E Tickets work at night if they do have them? If you are a WDW resort guest and have a multi day ticket, then you are eligiable to go to E ticket nights. They are offered at various times of the year, and are only scheduled a couple of weeks in advance. Basically, you buy your ticket, and the evening of the Eticket night, you go to City Hall on Main Street, USA and exchange it for a wristband. Only with this wristband may you stay in the park and ride the rides after closing. E ticket night usually lasts for 3 hours after closing, and the rides that are usually open are Splash Mountain, Big Thunder, Haunted Mansion, Country Bear Jamboree, Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear, Tomorrowland Transit Authority, Alien Encounter, and Astro Orbiter. You may ride them as many times as the time allows. I'm going at Thanksgiving, so I know they may be opened later Thanksgiving night, but what about Friday or on the Weekend?? During the Thanksgiving weekend MK will be open later.. at least until 10 pm. It is unlikely that there will be E ticket nights during that time. You may want to check and see if Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is offer, though! This is great! It is a separately ticketed event, and the tickets are limited. You do not have to use your regular ticket media for this. Basically, on the night of the party, the MK will close at 6 pm, to allow for decorating. The party starts at 7 pm, and lasts until 12 midnight. All attractions, with the exception of Toontown are open, and there are special shows, parades, free photos, cookies and hot cocoa, and snow falling over Main Street. If you can go, you really should!

 

[Jeanny]

thanks for answering.. We'll be staying at the Poly, so at least we'll have access to the monorail. I had no idea how they worked the enights, thanks for letting me know. And like I figured, they probably will be open late a few nights, so they won't have etickets... At least Holiday's won't be included in the cutbacks!!!

As for MVMCP, we're leaving Sunday for a 6:00 p.m. flight, so unfortunately we won't be able to go.. I wish I had known about it when I was booking our trip and I would have stayed one more night, but unfortunately, work awaits at 8:30 a.m. on Monday.

I am learning SO much from this Board.. I tell my travel agent what is going on at WDW, they didn't believe me the first time I called and told them what happened with CBR... now when I call, they ask me first what news I've learned...

Thanks again!

 

[bigs1923t]

EE cancellation doesnt bother us, we never used it. Parks shortening hours is depressing but remember we dictate this. The reason they make these changes is because the customers are not coming. I am let down by some of these things but glad I have been many times before and have memories. Many things in our lives change but life goes on. Staying on or off site, on site is still much better even with no perks. I tried off site at Vistana Villages (beautiful place) but you cant replace being on site. When on site you live the "Disney magic" from the minute you wake up till the time you fall asleep versus from the time you get to the park till the time you get in your car to leave for the day. In our lives there is much more to Disney than the parks. We will be there for 18 days at Christmas and there wont be any changes to our ressie. Disney may have dropped a notch but try to name a place that even comes close. If its out there we have never found it!

 

[mickeyluv71]

I look at these things realistically. Stuff happened that changed our country forever and our country's economic situation for quite a while ~ everything has to adjust as they see fit and/or are able. Some places close all together...others cut back hours or other things. On everything I've ever gotten from Disney whenever I book anything, there's the caveat that "schedules and offers subject ot change at any time," and that's what happened here. My sister works at Disney and from her reports, it was DEAD for a while after September 11 ~ and it's dead right now...the reality is changes had to be made in order to keep as many staff on as possible to maintain the level of customer service we've become used to. We all (myself included) tend to hold Disney to a higher standard, but in reality, they are a business like thousands of other businesses and they have to make decisions that are the best for them to make.

JMHO ~
Beth

I have to say that I agree with the people who said they never used EE anyway...when we stayed on property, we slept a little later, ate breakfast, and headed out and never felt like we missed anything. The one morning we were at the MK a little early it was for breakfast with Pooh and friends, so we wouldn't have used the admission for rides anyway.