Question for those so frustrated they aren't going back.

[Gumbo4x4]

I've seen Universal mentioned a few times here.

I just don't find it comparable.

Universal, to me, seems like a hyped up Six Flags.

Save Wizarding World, that place is just another theme park from all the times I've been there.

I don't think they are in the same league as Disney as far as themeing is concerned.

True, but a lot of people like Six Flags. Difference is, Universal combined with Sea World/DC is still several days worth of entertainment.

 

[RedHeadedFairy]

Well, let's face it. Walt had a vision of how he wanted things to be and he did something on a scale that no one had ever done before. He immersed you in the whole experience of every ride, every attraction. It wasn't just another theme park, it was all encompassing and so very magical. But magic is hard to hang on to when the visionary is gone and the bean counters get just a little more leverage. Is it still magical? Of course, the man was a genius. But some things are a little tarnished, crowds are a little higher, CM's are a little less motivated, food is a little less gourmet and some of the things that made THE MAGIC are gone. I've been going to Disney since the year after the MK opened and yes, things have changed. Some for better and some for worse and some like the FP+ we don't know yet. So, like I said, I don't think anyone here wants to stop going forever. I think we just want to know what's next.

^^This^^

As long time visitors I feel like we've been watching the experience change slowly until what we are experincing now doesn't compare to how it "used" to feel. I also don't think the "Powers that Be" at Disney care any longer the way they once did about every guest's experience - they are shooting for average, OK, "good enough" IMO.

And with the new changes my family felt we lost that feeling of immersion that was so important to us while we were at Disney, especially since we felt tethered to our cell phones for one reason or another all the time.

While I enjoy planning, it just involves too much STRATEGY for me now. We wouldn't have renewed our AP's this year anyway (because we don't visit every single year) but that usually makes me unbelievably sad. This time I just felt relief to not have to be tied up in this rollout any longer!

I'm withholding judgement until the final product rolls out but I believe that regardless of the end product, it's going to change the way we experience Disney in the future. I personally think the alternate possibilities are endless - from beautiful vacation destinations to historical road trips or visiting foreign countries.

 

[Son of Gadsden]

True, but a lot of people like Six Flags. Difference is, Universal combined with Sea World/DC is still several days worth of entertainment.

Not true. I don't care for Dr Seuss, fish, or Jimmy Buffet.

DC doesn't entertain me at all, either.

You can tell by my avatar.

 

[rebbyparker]

^^This^^

As long time visitors I feel like we've been watching the experience change slowly until what we are experincing now doesn't compare to how it "used" to feel. I also don't think the "Powers that Be" at Disney care any longer the way they once did about every guest's experience - they are shooting for average, OK, "good enough" IMO.

And with the new changes my family felt we lost that feeling of immersion that was so important to us while we were at Disney, especially since we felt tethered to our cell phones for one reason or another all the time.

While I enjoy planning, it just involves too much STRATEGY for me now. We wouldn't have renewed our AP's this year anyway (because we don't visit every single year) but that usually makes me unbelievably sad. This time I just felt relief to not have to be tied up in this rollout any longer!

I'm withholding judgement until the final product rolls out but I believe that regardless of the end product, it's going to change the way we experience Disney in the future. I personally think the alternate possibilities are endless - from beautiful vacation destinations to historical road trips or visiting foreign countries.

I agree but I'm not sure that's necessarily a bad thing. Yes, it's going to be a different magic from what we had. And I wish everyone had gotten the chance to experience it when it was groundbreakingly new and totally breathtaking.

I think with the MB's they're going for a new brand of magic. They don't really have any choice. Like a PP posted, it's a new world out there and Disney has to step up to the challenge. It's going to be new technology and with everything that's available out there, hopefully it's going to be groundbreakingly new and amazing but it will be different from what we remember.

There's a little nostalgia in me that wishes WDW never had to change and would always stay the same but that's just being blind. I think back to my very first ride in the MK on the cable cars/gondola/sky ride and, looking down into that park, I was the right age to be captivated with all that Disney was, at that point in time. We're at a different point in time now and we have to move on.

 

[RhinoIsAwesome]

it's interesting. I've been going "all of my life" (first trip was when I was 6 months old. apparently my favorite attraction back then was kicking off my shoes ). But we also live up north, and a yearly trip to Disney was never in our budget.

I recognize that things have changed, some for the better, and some not as much. But then, the outside world is a lot different than it was in the 70's and 80's too. And while some of what kids and families expect in a vacation are the same, some are different. Remember when the only "thrill ride" was Space Mountain? Technology is changing at a pace that only gets faster by the year. I'm not sure Disney can risk waiting until all the bugs are worked out before they start trying things anymore. Walt was a big fan of innovation and progress, and the fact that the company is trying new ways to engage guests, especially young ones who are "digital natives" and are used to much more personalized experiences I think is a good sign that the company is not willing to just sit on their laurels, but want to innovate in using technology to personalize guest service.

Change management is difficult for any company, and not everyone is going to be happy with the changes. While FP+ in its current incarnation isn't working for everyone, and while it is difficult to plan a vacation when procedures are being changed and tested, I still found the vacation I took last month to be something special, and something I don't think I could replicate at another park. Some of it is that to me, the core of the Disney experience remains the same, even while the details shift. Sure some cast members were phoning it in, but then every day I could identify several who went out of their way to make the day special for our non-special family. And when I look back on this vacation in months and years to come, Ariel the safari guide, David the Wilderness Explorer leader, and Wendi our server at California Grill are the people I am going to remember.

The other thing about a Disney vacation for my family, is that it has layers and layers of fond memories. I can go to Rafiki's planet watch and remember when the goat climbed into my mothers wheelchair and snatched the park map out of her hand. I can sit on a bench on Main Street USA and remember the time my sister and my cousin stuffed themselves into a stroller that wasn't big enough for either of them while we watched the parade. When I sit outside Fultons, I remember when it was the Empress Lilly and Mr. Snee stole my eggs at a character breakfast. I can still see my grandfather sitting at the head of the table at King Stefan's. Not all of these people are still with us, but those memories are precious to me. Maybe some of those memories cover over the cracks that Disney is showing with age. For me, it's worth it.

I wonder if the changes are felt more keenly to people who visit more frequently than I do. I can only go every few years, so I never really get "used to" one system long enough to be upset when the system changes. My dad has an annual pass, and the changes don't really seem to bother him, but he usually just goes to ride a couple rides, have dinner, and people watch, so I doubt much will get in the way of that.

Anyhow, I guess these are just some of my thoughts.

I enjoyed reading your post. Thanks for sharing your special memories of your family trips to Disney.

 

[RedHeadedFairy]

I agree but I'm not sure that's necessarily a bad thing. Yes, it's going to be a different magic from what we had. And I wish everyone had gotten the chance to experience it when it was groundbreakingly new and totally breathtaking.

I think with the MB's they're going for a new brand of magic. They don't really have any choice. Like a PP posted, it's a new world out there and Disney has to step up to the challenge. It's going to be new technology and with everything that's available out there, hopefully it's going to be groundbreakingly new and amazing but it will be different from what we remember.

There's a little nostalgia in me that wishes WDW never had to change and would always stay the same but that's just being blind. I think back to my very first ride in the MK on the cable cars/gondola/sky ride and, looking down into that park, I was the right age to be captivated with all that Disney was, at that point in time. We're at a different point in time now and we have to move on.

I do understand the necessity of Disney needing to be competitive & relevent in this new world, and I admit fully that technology has also greatly enhanced the park experiences (like the effects in the Magic Mirror of ETWB, talking Mickey M&Gs among many others).

But because I *do* have a prior point of reference to when it ALL felt magical, I can't keep that feeling AND embrace the changes at the same time.

With DD turning 10 this year & Disney off the list for the next 3ish years for us, we may not be inclined to make sacrifices to include Disney in our vacations as much.... she'll be older & may be more interested in other options.

It's costly all around for a vacation destination and we considered that differential the price of Magic. If we aren't feeling Magical any longer, I'll choose to keep those dollars in my pocket instead. Again, JMHO based on our family's experiences & feelings & it's impossible to tell until we know more about how the parks will change after the rollout. As FL residents who generally purchase AP's a lot will depend on exactly what Disney will be offering locals in the way of FP+ availability or restrictions. I'm intrigued to see how they treat this group as a whole, because we seem to have been pretty well disregarded during testing.

 

[rebbyparker]

I do understand the necessity of Disney needing to be competitive & relevent in this new world, and I admit fully that technology has also greatly enhanced the park experiences (like the effects in the Magic Mirror of ETWB, talking Mickey M&Gs among many others).

But because I *do* have a prior point of reference to when it ALL felt magical, I can't keep that feeling AND embrace the changes at the same time.

With DD turning 10 this year & Disney off the list for the next 3ish years for us, we may not be inclined to make sacrifices to include Disney in our vacations as much.... she'll be older & may be more interested in other options.

It's costly all around for a vacation destination and we considered that differential the price of Magic. If we aren't feeling Magical any longer, I'll choose to keep those dollars in my pocket instead. Again, JMHO based on our family's experiences & feelings & it's impossible to tell until we know more about how the parks will change after the rollout. As FL residents who generally purchase AP's a lot will depend on exactly what Disney will be offering locals in the way of FP+ availability or restrictions. I'm intrigued to see how they treat this group as a whole, because we seem to have been pretty well disregarded during testing.

I understand that all too well. We're one of the ones who are taking a break from the parks next year and trying a Disney cruise instead. After that, we'll reevaluate as well. I've been really surprised at the AP's treatment too, you wouldn't think Disney would want to alienate that group of visitors and that seems to be what they're doing, inadvertently or not. And we're staying offsite in December so we'll see how it works out when we get there.

 

[omurice]

I don't always get a post about never coming back, but I do get the stress people are feeling. It takes a lot of work and effort to plan a trip, or just to keep up with changes at the "vacation kingdom of the world", so it makes sense some will need a break from it. If MM+ or some other thing is causing real pain or stress, take a breather from it there's no shame in that.

 

[FLchick415]

While I don't always feel the same, I definitely understand the frustration some people feel about the new system. Many spend thousands of dollars to come to Florida, and if their touring strategy is affected, then they're well within their right to postpone their vacation until everything gets straightened out. And, even if they do decide to never come back to Disney, that's their prerogative as well.

 

[wen8jr]

I've seen Universal mentioned a few times here.

I just don't find it comparable.

Universal, to me, seems like a hyped up Six Flags.

Save Wizarding World, that place is just another theme park from all the times I've been there.

I don't think they are in the same league as Disney as far as themeing is concerned.

I'm one of the Uni posters so...I'll bite and explain why I would go to Universal Resort for my entire vacation and...have several times already.

First, I respect your opinion but I think it is all about what you like to do on vacation. It may also depend on if you stay onsite or not at Universal. We stay onsite and we love it. The resorts are wonderful.

But comparing Universal to a hyped up Six Flags? Really? I'll never agree with that. I don't know how you could use that comparison.

Disney is Disney and there isn't anything quite like it of course or it's themeing and if there were then it wouldn't be so famous. We love Disney and Epcot is our favorite park ever...absolutely nothing like the Epcot anywhere. Universal Studios is our second favorite park and HS is our third favorite park. Followed by MK, IOA then AK. This probably tells you a bit about what we like.

We are pretty active and moderate theme parkers. My second date with my husband was at a theme park. We have been to Six Flags, Dollywood, Kings Island, Cedar Point, Hersey Park, Sesame Street, Busch Gardens, etc. We usually go to at least one or more each year. We had APs for Dollywood last year. Out of all of these Six Flags is by far the worst theme park experience we have ever had (multiple trips under our belt there) and well known for not maintaining their parks, being dirty, broke down rides, people getting hurt and lawsuits galore.

Universal is so much more than all of those above put together.

The difference between Universal and Disney for us is that it is more teen and adult themed than Disney. A different flavor than Disney for sure... but special in its very own way. It offers 3 very nice Deluxe resorts no more than a 10 minute walk from the parks and City Walk. Yes, it is more about rides than Disney is but they are awesome ones and the technology is very up to date (Disney is outdated in so many ways). They add something new every year. And all their 3D shows/rides are great as well. The parades are cool. Characters are always out everywhere (Lucy, Scooby Doo, The Simpsons, etc.). The counter service park food is overall very good and the TS restaurants are awesome. Better than Disney in our opinion and not as expensive. We have never been treated poorly once. I have never seen the parks, City Walk or the resort grounds dirty on any trip we've taken.

However, my family consists of 2 adults and one 19 year old who loves to get away from princesses, mice and fairies at times and into action packed high tech entertainment like Halloween Horror Nights, Mardi Gras, Spiderman and Transformers. We like the Blue Man Group and Rock and Roller Coaster. I'm certainly not a party goer. I'm 40+ year old bean counter and my family is very conservative in general but sometimes we just like an edge. I guess that's why I like the villians at Disney during Halloween.

We usually do add SeaWorld or Discovery Cove to our week long Uni trips since there are just 2 parks at Uni. The resort and food are so worth the stay onsite for extended days that we don't go to the parks for the entire day.

Maybe it is what you make of it. Disney is wonderful, but we find wonderful at other places for vacation too.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Not true. I don't care for Dr Seuss, fish, or Jimmy Buffet.

DC doesn't entertain me at all, either.

You can tell by my avatar.

If it's not your thing, it's not your thing. My point was more about those who DO like Six Flags and Universal. The former is good for a day or two at best, while the latter could be a destination all it's own

 

[Son of Gadsden]

If it's not your thing, it's not your thing. My point was more about those who DO like Six Flags and Universal. The former is good for a day or two at best, while the latter could be a destination all it's own

Sarcasm. Forced attempt at a joke from my avatar lol.

But no, I don't like Universal. I could see why some could though. I'm not a fan of theme parks. I don't consider Disney a theme park.

I could see why crowds that like theme parks would rather go somewhere else, for sure.

I'm one of the Uni posters so...I'll bite and explain why I would go to Universal Resort for my entire vacation and...have several times already.

First, I respect your opinion but I think it is all about what you like to do on vacation. It may also depend on if you stay onsite or not at Universal. We stay onsite and we love it. The resorts are wonderful.

But comparing Universal to a hyped up Six Flags? Really? I'll never agree with that. I don't know how you could use that comparison. Maybe it is what you make of it. Disney is wonderful, but we find wonderful at other places for vacation too.

I just cut the quote short to save some space. But I'll say what I said above goes for this as well. You guys sound like you really enjoy theme parks. I don't. Disney seems more like an experience than a theme park. I am fast becoming a Marvel/DC nut, but I'm just not a fan of how Universal does their themeing. It's just not as immersive as Disney. That's the reason I compare it to Six Flags. Obviously it's on a different level than Six Flags, but they seem to not be afraid to say they are a theme park first and foremost...where Disney likes to hide their rides and call themselves a show.

 

[rebbyparker]

I can see not comparing Six Flags or Cedar Point to Disney. IMO, not in the same category at all. But Universal is very, very close to being what WDW was in it's infancy. And it's growing all the time. At this point, they seem to have their priorities straight. We'll see if that continues.