Post here regarding WDW cutbacks, changes & Complaints

[disneefamily]

Disnee Dad Says.....................................................Hey Eisner, did you get a chance to read "kidsmom3" response to this board?? You know that you are dealing with a highly educated woman. Are you going to toss her aside?? Explain to her how a caravan of characters on a couple days a week makes up for seven days of early entry!! Read her post very carefullyand you will see what WE feel are problems.

 

[disneefamily]

Disnee Dad Says............................................I feel for your pain, cjzap 090750, could you get an easier name?! As I have said on other posts and what seems to be so true is that WDW is ignoring the Returning Disney Family, the people that built this empire, for .............air?.................water? Can't be money, cuz we spend all that and then some!!

 

[Dizz]

Well folks, after reading all these posts, doing my own research and now today having experienced yet another "Disney Magic Moment"(see this threadWhat would you do?? )I think that we are going to cancel.(CRO said we had until 10/30 because we booked so early.) Looking at the money that we shelled out vs. the value of going now,the value is gone along with the magic. While we don't have children, we still took advantage of EE. CoP was our favorite attraction, now it's gone. I don't need to get into all the closures and cuts. You all are more than aware of them. Charactor Caravan for us is a "Who Cares?" kind of thing. No kids so the Charactors weren't what we were going for.(Yes, I know that adults like them too) We were going to experience the same "Disney Magic" that we have experienced for the past 19 years.
I read that people are saying things like "Go. If you don't it will only get worse." and "It's still a business." Well frankly, if I don't go it might make it worse for the suits. But if I do go, it will be worse for me, as I know midway through my 11 days, I will become nostalgic. I will be overcome with the memories of what once was, and now has been reduced to a shadow of it's former self. At this point I know I will lose any bit of Disney that still runs through my veins.
It's not about the money(ok some of it is), but mostly it's about loyalty. We sat down tonight and figured out that we have spent approx.$362,600(that's just hotels, food,tix) on 37 trips in 19 years. That's more than I paid for my house. I've never even thought of going any where else. I couldn't. That would be disloyal to the people who have always made sure that my vacation was great. But now, those same people are turning there back on all of us who have supported them through the years, not even giving us any respect for our patronage. As I have said on this subject to other people, the current situation at WDW I liken to a friend of 19 years hitting the skids. I would always help a friend as long as it is appreciated. Just don't try to put one over on me,because that's when I cut the ties. I feel that even a simple phone call from Disney would have curtailed all this. To the WDW people I can only say this. I would have come this Tuesday,stayed at your fine hotel. I would have dined in your restaurants,and bought your t-shirts and whatnots. Heck, I was even looking forward to purchasing another $1000 fiber-optic coat to go with last years. If it's money you need, I was more than willing to let you have it. But you tried to put one over on me. You nickel and dimed me to death. I will not let you ruin my memories of yesteryear. And now the ties have been cut.
Sorry for the rant..Climbing off the soapbox.......

 

[Shelton]

My family went to WDW in late September after much debate and comforting thoughts from Disney lovers here on this site.Needless to say we were caught up in the cutbacks.I voiced my concerns here and posted my thoughts also to Disney.I would like to thank you for letting us Disney lovers post (and Vent).

Guess who called me last night? Michael Eisner, no just kiding but it was a concerned person from Disney.WOW I thought, one E-mail does count.We talked for over thirty minutes and he said Disney would like to say they had recieved my E-mail and they are listening.

He asked me if I had anything else to add and I thought that this was maybe my one and only chance to speak my mind.I told him that there are alot of loyal Disney lovers like my family that were concerned with the cuts in their service.I told him we travel to WDW twice a year and (spend alot of money) in their parks.

We started off with reservations at the All-Stars but ended upgrading to the Wilderness for three nights.We dropped on night to stay at the Hard Rock Hotel.The Disney person became very interested and asked me why.I told him we wanted to check out the new hotel and that they had front of the line access for people staying on-site at Universal.He asked me to compare the two. I told him the HRH was very nice and the room we had was huge.We liked the FOTL freature alsverall we like the WL better.
I asked him why doesn't Disney do something like letting Deluxe resort residents have FOTL access all day long at the parks?Moderates could have some number of FOTL access and All-Stars have a few? He said that ther has been some talk of that and they are listening to us.

I told him I know attendance is down and time are tough but we did not want Disney to cut too much.I asked him if Disney looks at sites like this and he said he tought so.I told him with outside hotels running deals like $390.00 per night people are wondering if the Disney magic is worth the higher price.I told him maybe Disney cold run better deals than they do to get new people come and also for people like us that come alot.

Thanks for letting me post this long post but our thoughts are getting through.

 

[alice-d]

I think your' idea is a good one. I hope Disney is listening.

 

[Pea Picker]

I am wondering why you think it would be a good idea to give different levels of park access (front of the line) to guests who stay at different on-site hotels. People who stay at Deluxe resorts receive more for thier dollar as it is. Larger rooms, more recreation choices, more dinnig choices, etc. Why should park access be tied to the amount you pay for your room. If that was the case maybe we should have bus service run more often for those guests also, or maybe when they bring back E.E. it should be for only people at the Deluxe resorts. I do not think it would be a wise business choice for Disney to start giving different park access to different hotel guests. If that was the case then why would anyone want to stay at a Value Resort when they would get the same service off-site at a cheaper rate. Fast Pass is the way to go, when everyone is paying the same for a park ticket (discounts aside) then everyone should get the same service.

Just a thought.

 

[jillhou]

I think FOTL access for resort guests would be much better than the fastpass system. I use fastpass and it has worked for me, but there would be MORe benefits for onsite guests with FOTL which I think is good and proper.

Not sure if I agree with giving deluxe resport guests more FOTL access - not a bad idea though!

As someone who is pretty much forced to stay at the deluxe resorts with each visit, I do think there should be more perks for guests at Deluxes than at Value. That is the purpose of them being deluxe! Transportation service is really one of those areas that I think deem better service. FRiends at WL recently really moaned over their bus service. Said it was really substandard. They have stayed at All Star more than anywhere - and found bus service there to be superior. Deluxe hotels should have more benefits all the way around. There is a huge difference in price. It should mean something>

Glad to hear Disney is listening!!!!!

 

[tileman]

Heres how I see it FOTL access if we pay just say hmmm $170.00
a night we can get FOTL access cool

But it seems like the more you pay the more you get. Then how about if they do go through with this FOTL access & in a yr or so they make it the $280.00 a night room that get more stuff than the $170.00 rooms. The parks would be a mess. I mean look at the lines now, add all the stuff above, now you have to have an ID for the rides to see what line you can get in.......

But wait new or diff lines so thats more building or adding to rides as they set to make room for the new lines so who pays for that in the tickets prices.

How would you feel if you are paying to stay onsite and you paid for your park tickets, your kids and family are anticipating the rides. Now your in the park and everytime you go to a ride your waiting in longer lines all because of this FOTL. Not just the longer line but at the shows like Lion King or Disney Playhouse and your child is always stuck in the back even if he/she was waiting an hour while the others had just walked up. Could you explain that? Or better yet would you want to have to explain it.
To me it sounds like segregation. I know that's taking things a bit far but.....................

We've stayed at many of the deluxe, moderate and value resorts. We were at the AKL right after it opened. But many times, especially the nighters we stay at ASM. The rooms are generally the same it's all themes and a few perks here and there. Different pool sizes, restaurants,and so on. Your paying the extra for resort perks and that's the way it should stay.

We have FL AP and have been there on over 18 trips since last December. We were at MGM and were getting our AP pins when a lady in front of us was told since her AP was seasonal she was unable to get the pin. I'll tell you she was not at all happy. I'm sure when you tell people they are going to wait another 10 minutes to get in the ride because this guy and his party of 15 are staying at $$$$ (the money resort) want to get on now. That's not going to go over to well.

The only one getting anywhere with this is Disney. But at the same time some are going to spend the extra for the FOTL while others are just going to go to Sea World.

One more thing is if you add FOTL pass where do you propose to stop it at? I'd rather have special dining while in the park allowed for those in more expenseive resorts. How about reserved bathrooms? I paid alot of money to stay here I don't want to wait all day to go to the bathroom. Ever waited in line in the womens room?

 

[Figaro30]

Figaro30 says.....................Disnee Dad needs to work at Disney as the big cheese himself!!!!!! This way he can slap some sense into Eisner then fire his butt!!!

 

[Figaro30]

I needed to get this out. I am beginning to crack. Just reading about POFQ and Pop Century. I can't take it anymore!!! What is happening to my world???? This is beginning to be like turning on the news and expecting something other than bad news!! It's totally impossible. Every day I come on here I hear about something else being closed, canceled, postponed. I CAN"T TAKE IT!! Somebody give me something good to look forward to PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESE!!!! I am totally beginning to bum out and am experiencing massive disappointments and anger. HELP ME PLEASE!!!!

 

[firemanmark]

We are still going the end of Nov./beginning of Dec. Who knows what else they'll cut by them (or maybe restore).

But the bottom line is that my kids are 7 and 8. No matter how we look at the financial picture/dollar value, this is their only opportunity to experience the "MAGIC" at this time in their lives. They will never know that they missed "this" or "that". Tourist attractions and cities all over the world, not just the USA, are cutting back.

I'm sure we could change everything and go to Hawaii or somewhere else we've never been ---and say "what a blast we had and what a bargain". Only to have someone else tell me how much more we could have gotten prior to September 11th.

God continues to bless America. Let's do our share.

 

[eeyore0062]

Actually, the closing of PO-FQ was done to consolidate staff, and provide better services. PO-FQ is the smallest of the moderates, therefore easier to manage the transfers of reservations, it also has the least amenities--- it really could be considered on par with the value resorts at this point. These are business decisions that we may not like and may not understand, but I doubt that they are being made lightly. The fact that a personal phone call was received by someone who posts here, shows that they are concerned... maybe not enough to bring back all of the perks, but they are taking the time to find out why people are so disappointed. If you haven't taken the time to voice your complaints, please do so... only by letting them know, can things change, however, cancelling to voice a complaint, without a letter, email, etc to let them know why, is a moot point. As for those who feel that just because we are not thinking of this as negatively as others, please note the title of this thread... it is entitled Cutbacks, Changes, and Complaints, so we all have the right to express our opinions, whether they agree with others or not.

 

[Annie'sMom]

After learning about the cancellation of EE, I emailed WDW resorts last week. I didn't really expect a response, but I got one today on the phone. I got the spiel about how this wasn't necessarily directly related to the events of Sept. 11, but was as a result of consumer requests, that they had added the character caravans because guests indicated they were in the parks early primarily to see the characters. By the way, this fellow indicated the character caravans would visit the resorts three days a week.

I indicated that because of the age of my dd, the only way to get through Fantasyland in any kind of tolerable time, we had to use Early Entry. He told me that this new policy has been in place only a week but was "an overwhelming success." I told him how much that surprised me, since I rarely saw characters at EE anway.

He was very nice, and I indicated that we would wait until it was a little closer to June before we made any decisions about our trip, but I would be watching developments closely.

I believe that Disney must be getting a lot of negative feedback about some of these decisions. I alluded to several of the cutbacks of recent history in my email. It was not an angry email, but more of one of disappointment. I believe we have to use our consumer power to try to influence management decisions...not just at WDW but with any company.

Anyway, I just thought you all might be interested in the call.

 

[kristikae]

I just have a response to the people who say we should be grateful that we still get to go on vacation. Yes I am grateful but I deserve it as do my kids. I have worked 80 hour work weeks this past year so that I can take my 4 kids on this vacation. When I was 8 months pregant with my youngest daughter my company closed it's doors. Have you ever tried to get a job when you are 8 month pregnant? Guess what...it won't happen. Do I expect anyone to feel sorry for me? No. Life is full of disappointments as well as things to be grateful for.

Yes I feel bad for all who lost a loved one on 9/11. Yes I feel bad for those who got laid off in the travel industry. I also feel for the people of Afghanistan, laid off steel workers in the US, laid off auto makers, the families of those killed in the Lockerby plane explosion, the families of those killed in the UN bombings, the families of those killed in the Oklahoma boming, families of those killed in tornados last year....it goes on and on.

Does that mean I should blindly give my money to Disney when they are giving me less value for it? No. I am still going but am now staying off-site. Disney has lost an estimated $1000 in food revenue from me, and approximately $1890 in resort stays. Should I feel sorry for them? I don't think so. They are a business and good business tells you that if you want to keep customers you give them the best value for their money. For those of you that feel you need to take care of Disney and hand them your money because they are going through hard times...go for it! I work too hard for my money to feel sorry for them.

One other thing...I am a restaurant manager. We have great food at my restaurant. If my restaurant was going through a slow period (believe me business has gone way down since 9/11) would it be ok to take away your salad with your meal but still charge the same price? I don't think so. That isn't how you reward your loyal customers or try to bring in new ones. You run specials etc... Remember my customers would still be getting their great entrees, just not the salad. That is the same thing Disney is doing and we are supposed to be happy about it? Oh and I forgot...I'm supposed to be grateful that I can still go out and eat as many cannot.

 

[DancingBear]

Originally posted by cjzap090750
My sister-in-law just returned to work at EPCOT after her maternity leave - she had twins. She has had to take a 20% cut in her salary, and her husband, who also works in the Tourist Industry just got cut by 15%. Here they are with two new mouths to feed, and their annual salary has been reduced by 35%. That's huge!

Sorry to hear about your relatives' plight, but please note they didn't take a 35% salary cut--assuming their original salaries were equal, they took a 17.5% total cut. Still not something I would like to experience, but thank goodness they still have jobs and benefits.

That being said, I am very conscious of the price being paid by the CMs at WDW, others in the travel industry, and others such as the contractors for Pop Century, and I hope things get back to more normal levels soon.

 

[Figaro30]

ditto!

I don't feel sorry for people that get themselves into their own mess! The best lesson taught to these people is to have them deal with the consequences of their actions.

The same should be said for businesses! I'm sure Disney will be facing it's own barrel of consequences.

 

[Big Baby]

Waah, waah waah.

I'm just going to complain and whine.

Forget about all the people who have lost their jobs and are unemployed.

Life is so unfair to you because Disney had to make cutbacks.

Waah. You should be thankful for being alive and having the opportunity to experience life. Stop crying and start seeing the good in things. Be an optomist, not a pessimist.

If you don't like what Disney has done there is one simple answer. Don't go.

 

[HoosierFantasia]

I am amazed at the posts on this board. I can't believe how pissed off most of you are that Disney has had to make some cutbacks. Do you all realize how Disney, as a company, is doing? Do any of you own stock in Disney? If you did you would probably be concerned as to why it is only worth half what it was a year ago. The theme parks are Disneys 2nd largest unit. It is responsible for about 40% of Disney's revenues. Attendance at theme parks--particularly Walt Disney World--is low. Consumers are less likely to exclaim 'I'm going to Disneyworld!' when layoffs are mounting and there are concerns about air travel safety. If I were Eisner I would be making changes as well. You have to weigh your options: Lets see here, attendance is low this time of year anyway, and it is really low now, we can save lots of money by reducing park hours and eliminating the costly early entry program, OR we can we can layoff 10 to 20% of our staff, OR we can let it ride and see what happens. Who knows maybe the economy will turn around instantly, people will be taking to the skies again in record numbers and profits will start to soar! I DOUBT IT !!
All I am saying is that this is a business decision. One that has to be made for the financial stability of the company. I am upset about the changes. We have a family trip planned in June to do the land/sea vacation. Am i going to cancel this because of these changes. Hell No! I am going to go and support Disney, spend my money there to help them return to the finanicial strength they had before. Then watch my stock rise into the 40's again and be glad that Disney made the necessary changes and I did my part in not cancelling my trip to keep Disney fiscally sound so
my children can grow up and enjoy Disney they way I did.
P.S. I wouldn't be suprised that the normal park hours and possibly the EE return once attendance levels return. Hopefully by June, but I am going anyway!

Bill

 

[disneefamily]

Disnee Dad Says....................................... Hey Eisner, Did you read the kristikae post?? You just lost another $3000. But hey, she is a restaurant manager and I think she is on to something. Takeing away the salads from the meal is a great idea!! But you are Eisner, you need to do more. Now you wouldn't want to charge more for drinks, but how about charging extra for the glass. Chairs not included, need to be rented! How about an extra charge for silverware?! If you work at it hard enough maybe you can bring Disney's Revenue down to Zero!!!

 

[LuvTheMouse]

I ordered a WDW package (via Disney Club) and Park Hopper tickets just a few days before all of the no-EE, shortened Park hours, etc. stuff hit the boards. According to my Disney Travel package, these trips are similar to cruises, etc in that you can't get out of them without losing $100s of dollars (pretty sneaky Eisey!). So I've decided this time I will go to WDW, use up some old Park Hopper options and save my new Park Hopper for such a time as when (hopefully) WDW management comes to its senses and reinstates EE and reasonable park hours.

What am I going to do at WDW? Something, I've never done before UNIVERSAL STUIDOS, ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE, and SEA WORLD! (needless to say, I will not be eating any sitdown meals at WDW this trip)

Who knows, on my next vacation to Orlando, I might just spare a day or two to see if WDW has gotten it's act together!

Like they say "OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW!" Universal Studios, here I come!