Since DCL has been sailing, have you been to WDW ________?

[Hopkins]

Since the Disney Cruise Line has been sailing the last five years, have you and your family been to Walt Disney World more, less or about the same amount of times?

Just an interesting question?
Tina
Magic Western 10/11/03

 

[Michelle]

I've been more often but it has nothing to do with DCL sailing, I just go to WDW more often!

 

[CamColt]

Ditto what Michelle said.

 

[prymsu]

we have done the parks so many times, that my family enjoys the more relaxed cruises rather than going to the parks.

 

[Hopkins]

a little .

 

[atigeg]

For us, it is less WDW, but only partially because of DCL.
The main reason is that once the economic downturn started, the cutbacks at the parks were obvious, and they became more apparent after 9/11. The "show" is not of the same quality that it used to be (e.g. lights out and not replaced, filthy restrooms), and they have gotten rid of or ruined many of my favorite attractions (most notably "Journey Into Imagination"...the newest version is better than the travesty that replaced the original, but still not all that great). They also seem to be commercializing the parks a lot more...it's getting hard to tell them apart from Six Flags. As an example, they have the photographs as you walk in the parks and are adding carnival games. Those fit in at Boardwalk, but not at the Animal Kingdom. And there are other things...for example, at Muppets, they used to manually hand out the 3-D glasses. A friend who is a former CM mentioned to me that the glasses are now self-serve and that she didn't think it was sanitary. Sure enough, I observed for myself next time I was there and saw kids pawing through them (one even sucked the arm of one pair before tossing it back and selecting another). Can you say "Norwalk opportunity?!"
Oh well, enough of a rant. Although the magic is somewhat gone from the parks for me, I find it tenfold on the ships. They are an example of Disney at its best...we would still be going to the parks a lot more if the quality was still there, but at least we do have a wonderful & magical refuge!
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[trampslady]

Our first Disney cruise is slated for May so I don't have an answer yet. However, after our very first trip ever to Disney in May 2002, we have purchased Disney Vacation Club so we will most likely be visiting often. In fact, we have been three times since mid-December! You could say we are hooked!

Barb-your experienced observations concern me. I don't want Disney to be like every other money-making venture out there. It is true that we have occasionally ran into an unpleasant CM or observed some un-Disney attitude or action. It's so obvious when something like this occurs because it is the exception and not the norm. However, I fear that if you have observed so many disappointing changes that we are looking forward to some unpleasant times in the coming years.

What can we do about it? Seriously, I want to take every action I can to preserve WDW and the magic that we have come to enjoy. Does writing Guest Services make a difference?

 

[cadburysmom]

I really prefer the relaxed atmosphere of the Disney Cruise...no running from line to line to wait for rides and the food is included in the cruise fare.

Mom from NC

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Since the short time we've been married, we've decided that it is best to visit the park for a few days, get ourselves all tired and worn out and then veg out on the cruise. We did it the opposite way our first time and were so relaxed from the cruise that we barely had any energy for park hopping!

 

[atigeg]

trampslady,
Sometimes if you share your comments, it helps. When Journey was first changed/ruined, the CMs we spoke with urged us STRONGLY to give our comments to Guest Services. I believe this is probably the reason why it is somewhat improved now.
I also like to give positive comments when I run into an exceptional CM. I know the cuts must be rough on them too, based on many conversations I've had with CMs and former CMs. Therefore I think it's especially important to let the ones who still have that "magical" attitude know that their efforts are noticed and appreciated.
I know that some comments won't help because a lot of it is economics. For example, I sorely miss Superstar Television, but I have a suspicion that at least part of the reason it's gone is because it took a lot of people to run it. Same for Monster Sound Show, which used to be interactive but is now the passive Sounds Dangerous attraction.
And maybe people don't notice the really small things, like the "Get my guitar" thing in the pre-show to Rockin Roller Coaster (I'm sure most people don't realize there ever used to be a live CM in there). But I am a major observer of details, and it was the little things that used to make Disney special to me.
Oh well, I'm glad that the magic can still be found on the ships.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com