Taking things with a grain of salt...

[Spencer Wright]

Anyone who is upset about overcrowded buses obviously doesn't ride public transportation. I can understand being upset about buses not coming in a timely fashion or not having enough buses at peak times, though.

I agree with this. I regularly take various forms of public transit in Philadelphia. I more care about not having enough buses at peak time, especially waiting 30+ minutes at park closing. For the amounts deluxe's charge, that is very unacceptable to me.

I do always giggle inside a bit when people complain about no seats. New buses and trains here are designed to have fewer seats, and to allow more people to stand (much like the Disney buses).

 

[Mome Rath]

I do think some things are objective and some subjective... so everyone walking into a bathroom stall with poo on the floor is going to admit that is dirty. BUT you have a line of people waiting on a bus and it is standing room only, then some are going to hate that and complain, and some (like me) are going to praise God that there is room behind that little yellow line.

 

[ELLH]

Everyone’s perspective is different.

As is their experience(s). You combine the two and you have an understanding of why feedback is what it is. For example, simply consider the time of year (crowd levels, weather).

I think what you've done - lumping all those negative experiences in to one 'perspective' and comparing against your experience in an absolute way - is as misleading as anything else. You're not acknowledging basic variables.

A more fair comparison would be to do so against others' feedback who have been to the parks around the same time as you. Someone going during a peak time would most likely have a different experience than someone who went off-season (if there is such a thing anymore). That experience combined with their general outlook in life yield the reports we read about.

Personally, I have had both positive and negative experiences on the same items you listed; some attributed to crowds and some attributed to Disney not doing their part. Just because I/you/others may not have experienced something doesn't mean someone else didn't.

 

[Action City]

Perspective. Some people spend their *entire* lives in a bubble of bliss.

They grow up upper middle class/wealthy in the suburbs. They never share a restroom, they always have the best of everything. They go from house ---------->garage------->car------>office---->car

Or, you know, they grow up poor and live in a place where there is no public transportation.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

I largely agree, OP. Sometimes it seems like the internet was created so that people could complain about EVERYTHING 24/7.

That said, everything is always relative, and perception is reality. People are different (!!): small things to one person may loom large for others, etc. And that's legitimate, to a large degree. We tend not to sweat the small stuff on vacation.

I'll also say that some of these things have varied over time and/or vary with crowd level (bus waits/crowdedness, bathroom cleanliness, etc.). Sometimes if you happen upon older posts you're reading out of date info, or things that won't apply as much if you go during a slow period.

 

[SaintsManiac]

I always go in expecting everything to be dirty, crowded, broken, inedible, etc. We always have good trips.

The one irony is everyone raved about POR and how AHMAZING it is and we really disliked it.

 

[Marcus A. Jordan]

I agree with TC. If you are looking for reasons to dislike something (even a magical as WDW), you're probably going to find a reason.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I largely agree, OP. Sometimes it seems like the internet was created so that people could complain about EVERYTHING 24/7.

That said, everything is always relative, and perception is reality. People are different (!!): small things to one person may loom large for others, etc. And that's legitimate, to a large degree. We tend not to sweat the small stuff on vacation.

I'll also say that some of these things have varied over time and/or vary with crowd level (bus waits/crowdedness, bathroom cleanliness, etc.). Sometimes if you happen upon older posts you're reading out of date info, or things that won't apply as much if you go during a slow period.

Yeah see there's no way I can legit answer someone who asks "how's the crowds in September".

We went September 2011 so that's too long ago to give someone relevant information on expected crowds and we went in September 2017 during the hurricane and there's just no way I can give relevant advice there except to say if you want really really low crowds go during a hurricane.

If someone asks how the Values are in terms of room quality..well that's about to change as all three resorts are undergoing refurb just like POP so eventually prior posts and prior experiences about worn carpeting, nicks and dings on furniture will be out of date much like pictures showing full bedspreads as our September trip it was just white sheets on the bed and no runner or bedspread. Now the conversation once the refurbs are done will probably turn to noise reduction in regards to no carpeting (meaning if people find noise to be a problem or not).

And likely all bets will be off once the 50th anniversary hits and not only will there be multiple new things to experience but a big celebration will be there. The crowds will likely be a lot different once that occurs and prior posts and experiences about crowds will take on a different viewpoint.

 

[lambdabeta]

I do agree this whole thread is about perspective and actual experience. I am glad your experience has been good this trip. I always take what I read and try to analyze what they are saying. Is it a new post? What time of year did they go? What kind of person do they seem? Have they complained before? What are they complaining about? All of it is relative.

Take the buses for example. My experience with Disney buses has not been good. It is not about crowding it is about wait times. The advice given by many people is to give yourself an hour to get anywhere on Disney property to account for having to wait for transportation. Last time we were there we had to rent a car for other reasons but found it very convenient to get into and go to HS and AK. It was only a 5-10 min ride and the trams are faster at getting you to the park. We stayed at CR. We plan on just renting a car this time to avoid the possible hassle when we go in Nov - Dec 2018.

I have had wonderful experiences and bad experiences but that doesn't make or break my whole trip. I may complain on here about a bad experience to warn people or give advice but I hope it doesn't make anyone not want to go. Like others have said, WDW is what you make it.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

I don't mind the buses. I live in an area with great public transportation although I rarely use it. Only for sporting events or going into Philly/NYC/Atlantic City or something like that. Even then I don't mind Disney buses. I would rather use the bus than drive since I drive so much in my regular life. Work full time, a teenager and a tween in activities and PT job, grocery store, etc. It gets old. I'm fine waiting an extra few minutes for a bus rather than having to get into a hot car, burn my butt on the leather seats, almost die of heat exhaustion in the hot car while waiting for the AC to get strong, drive to a park, park just as the AC is getting cool, take the trolley to the entrance, then get back on a trolley at the end of the day and find the car that evening all while melting in the hot car all over again.

 

[Donalyn]

Expectations have a lot to do with this, I think. People have high expectations of Disney, which I understand. We all do pay a pretty penny to visit WDW. That said, everything can't be perfect all the time. And since we all have different opinions about what is perfect, how could Disney ever live up to such a varying standard 100% of the time?

Buses are going to be crowded - aren't they moving like upwards of 100,000 people a day all around the world at all different times from many many locations? Try managing that system.

The parks are going to be more crowded than in the past - that just seems to be how it is lately.

Dirty bathrooms do gross me out, for the health reasons associated with it. I hope that people who experience that issue take their complaints to Disney and I hope that Disney responds. But it could be that a CM called in sick and there was no one to replace, so they are making do during a lunch break or whatever.

I think that life is more enjoyable for the people who go into things with lower expectations, who can then be wow'ed by the extra pixie dust, the great room, the uncrowded bus, the short line for Space, whatever. If you go in expecting perfection (and short lines, all the extra pixie dust, etc.), then you will most likely be disappointed when that doesn't happen.

 

[Linkura]

If you're referring to my post, I never said I was upset. I only disagreed about the buses not being crowded, because they normally (for us) always are.

Oh no, totally wasn't. Just a general comment. Not trying to offend anyone.

 

[nco91590]

Expectations have a lot to do with this, I think. People have high expectations of Disney, which I understand. We all do pay a pretty penny to visit WDW. That said, everything can't be perfect all the time. And since we all have different opinions about what is perfect, how could Disney ever live up to such a varying standard 100% of the time?

Buses are going to be crowded - aren't they moving like upwards of 100,000 people a day all around the world at all different times from many many locations? Try managing that system.

The parks are going to be more crowded than in the past - that just seems to be how it is lately.

Dirty bathrooms do gross me out, for the health reasons associated with it. I hope that people who experience that issue take their complaints to Disney and I hope that Disney responds. But it could be that a CM called in sick and there was no one to replace, so they are making do during a lunch break or whatever.

I think that life is more enjoyable for the people who go into things with lower expectations, who can then be wow'ed by the extra pixie dust, the great room, the uncrowded bus, the short line for Space, whatever. If you go in expecting perfection (and short lines, all the extra pixie dust, etc.), then you will most likely be disappointed when that doesn't happen.

Yes to all of this. I am fortunate enough to go every couple of years. So it's not going to KILL me or my kids not to go on Splash Mountain 4 times during a trip. When things get crazy or crowded, I take pleasures in a nice glass on wine on my balcony at the resort. Or a little walk around the lagoon to unwind. Hitting it hard and trying to do everything will set you up for disappointment. Taking long breaks to escape is not always feasible for people but it works for us.

I am also a big advocate for constructive, reasonable feedback as well. I have always found that you catch more flies with honey. So a simple "Hi! So...the bathrooms are a bit ick right now. Just a heads up" to a CM, and they get right on their walkie talkie (after apologizing). I mean, if you leave a nasty bathroom and don't say anything except on a message board, how does that really fix the problem KWIM?

 

[rajak73]

So it's not going to KILL me or my kids not to go on Splash Mountain 4 times during a trip. When things get crazy or crowded, I take pleasures in a nice glass on wine on my balcony at the resort. Or a little walk around the lagoon to unwind. Hitting it hard and trying to do everything will set you up for disappointment.

Yes This^^^^. It is pretty well all in perspective of things, we are headed down in July, is it going to be hot? Yes, I know that, but DDIL is a school teacher and we go when she can go. I've already told my DS not to expect to see and do everything, it's not going to happen. We have a few things planned, but then we are going to wing it and enjoy the time. We were there in early Dec 2014, on one of the buses back to a resort, older couple we could hear talking, they made mention of they couldn't believe how busy that park was yesterday, I asked them which park they were in, they told me Magic Kingdom, we were at the same park and have been to Disney in early June with the kids when they were young, I asked the man, you haven't been here when it's been "busy" have you? He said no, it was there first time, well the park the day they were talking about I would have rated a 3 for crowds, so it's all in perspective.

 

[wdw4rfam]

I always go in expecting everything to be dirty, crowded, broken, inedible, etc. We always have good trips.

The one irony is everyone raved about POR and how AHMAZING it is and we really disliked it.

We were the same with CSR. Didn’t like it at all, but everyone always says how it’s so great. I hear everyone say it’s like deluxe “lite”, yeah no way. But CBR everyone trash talked for years and we avoided it because of that. When we finally tried it, we loved it. After POFQ, it was our favorite moderate. I was so mad at myself for not doing it earlier. Same with beach club-did 1 night before check in last trip and I wasn’t a fan at all. Cool pool, but massively overcrowded. Learned that I need to ignore reviews because there will be good and bad about EVERYTHING.

 

[Roxyfire]

I don't mind the buses. I live in an area with great public transportation although I rarely use it. Only for sporting events or going into Philly/NYC/Atlantic City or something like that. Even then I don't mind Disney buses. I would rather use the bus than drive since I drive so much in my regular life. Work full time, a teenager and a tween in activities and PT job, grocery store, etc. It gets old. I'm fine waiting an extra few minutes for a bus rather than having to get into a hot car, burn my butt on the leather seats, almost die of heat exhaustion in the hot car while waiting for the AC to get strong, drive to a park, park just as the AC is getting cool, take the trolley to the entrance, then get back on a trolley at the end of the day and find the car that evening all while melting in the hot car all over again.

I'm right there with you. To me, its like six of one, half a dozen of the other. The time I'd "save" by driving would be spent trying to get out of the parking lot when everyone else is doing the same thing. My expectation is not that a bus will be sitting there waiting for me, but if it is great.Otherwise I can sit on the ground while waiting for one to show up. If I have to stand on the way back so be it. I am a single mom so basically I'm a chauffeur service for my son and his friends. I'd rather take a break from that on vacation too!

 

[mi*vida*loca]

We were the same with CSR. Didn’t like it at all, but everyone always says how it’s so great. I hear everyone say it’s like deluxe “lite”, yeah no way. But CBR everyone trash talked for years and we avoided it because of that. When we finally tried it, we loved it. After POFQ, it was our favorite moderate. I was so mad at myself for not doing it earlier. Same with beach club-did 1 night before check in last trip and I wasn’t a fan at all. Cool pool, but massively overcrowded. Learned that I need to ignore reviews because there will be good and bad about EVERYTHING.

We loved CBR. Everyone raves about Poly so we did that one trip. The pool was a huge let down. You really have to decide for yourself and try to ignore the critics.

 

[slpeters]

The main thing I keep thinking is that it's a wonder anyone would go anywhere after spending six months reading possibly every night about what could go wrong there.

I live in Chicago. It's a great town. You really should visit--you'll have a great time. But in the interest of full disclosure: people get killed here!

 

[mamamelody2]

Thanks for starting this thread, OP! Very interesting read!

 

[LSUmiss]

I’m honestly glad those things were not problems for you, but I think it’s unfair to assume because they weren’t a problem for you that people who did have problems are just being needlessly negative.

Trust me, I would have preferred to have had a perfect experience, but unfortunately it just wasn’t the case. And it was crushing to me to spend thousands of dollars and countless hours and tons of effort on a trip that fell so short of everything I had hoped.

If people have complaints there is usually a reason for it. Those things you claimed weren’t issues for you WERE issues for someone else. And their experiences and opinions are just as valid as yours.

Agreed & I think it’s also about expectations. If you read all the negative things & they don’t seem true or are not as bad as you thought, you probably will be pleasantly surprised. However, a lot of ppl who come to complain here were not expecting the things that happened so they come to complain & warn others. We go to WDW multiple times a yr. I have had trips where I have experienced all of those things the OP mentioned & have been on trips where I saw none of them. I know what to expect now based on my own personal experiences so I’m rarely disappointed b/c I don’t let those things bother me. But, it doesn’t mean that they don’t exist. I enjoy it enough that even when things go wrong, it’s still worth it to us. However, I’m fortunate enough to go often so “there’s always next time” for me, but for others that’s often not the case.