The Complaints of the Privleged

[Freezing Cold B]

I've been reading all these complaints about FP+, GAC, resorts, crowds, etc... I just wanted to take a moment to remind you all... just how privileged you are to be visiting WDW, DL, ABD, etc.. there are people who will never visit these places we have been so lucky to visit. There are people who will never experience the magic of Its a Small World, or ride the Monorail. It's not because they don't want to, it's because they can't.

I understand that when you put time and effort into a vacation you want it to be perfect. I was just like that for years. I would throw fits, and get angry when things didn't go my way. It wasn't until I had an experience that changed my outlook on things. I realized how lucky I am. And, if I go to WDW and only get to walk through the park.. I'm experiencing more than many could ever dream of experiencing. We should be teaching ourselves, our spouses, our children and others to be grateful and gracious not to find fault and complain.

This last WDW vacation was one of the first (as an adult) I actually sat back and said, "I am grateful to be here, no matter what happens". I had some "bad" experiences, but let them blow by me without causing a second thought. It was the best vacation I've had as an adult. It took me back to being 5 years old, and just being happy to be away from school. The awe and wonder that had been burned out of me from all my years of complaining came back too.

 

[Love Tink]

It's not because they don't want to, it's because they can't.

Your (saccharine, preachy, condescending) premise is flawed. Lots and lots (and lots and lots) of people have zero interest in going to Disney World.

Maybe try - just an idea - feeling how you feel and not worrying about how I feel?

 

[cjbcam]

I agree we took our first trip in March 2013 and have nothing to complain about. I loved seeing my kids and my family have such a blast I was so grateful to be there any "bad" stuff just rolled by me. On the other hand people who complain, usually complain to let disney know about a problem that should be fixed how else would they know unless people speak up.

 

[Freezing Cold B]

Your (saccharine, preachy, condescending) premise is flawed. Lots and lots (and lots and lots) of people have zero interest in going to Disney World.

Maybe try - just an idea - feeling how you feel and not worrying about how I feel?

My "premise" is not flawed... I didn't say every person wants to visit WDW. So... yeah, maybe you should accurately read my posts before giving Grumpy a run for his money.

As someone who works with the homeless and has many friends in social work... I can tell you there are many families who would love to visit WDW and don't have the money. Or even worse.. they may not have the health.

Also, the premise is for people to acknowledge their own privilege, and the fact that complaining about stupid things makes them look petty to those of us who do realize just how lucky we are. Clearly that was over your head though.

 

[Freezing Cold B]

I agree we took our first trip in March 2013 and have nothing to complain about. I loved seeing my kids and my family have such a blast I was so grateful to be there any "bad" stuff just rolled by me. On the other hand people who complain, usually complain to let disney know about a problem that should be fixed how else would they know unless people speak up.

More or less what I'm talking about is the people who say things like -

"I'm never going there again!" or complain about petty problems. There are obvious legitimate complaints. My aunt had black mold in her hotel room. That's kind of a huge problem. But, ranting on and on because you only can get 3 FP+ in a day... it's a little nauseating. Especially, when I have an acquaintance who is working two jobs to try to take her children to WDW in a few years... which I doubt she'll ever have the money because her oldest suffers from a serious health condition.

 

[cabanafrau]

Does Disney bear any responsibility at all for hospitably welcoming my wallet as their guest anymore -- at a standard set by Disney nonetheless?

Not finding the Disney experience to our liking in its current incarnation is hardly akin to being ungrateful or an incessant complainer or some other character flaw. I can understand Disney might be disappointed in our reaction (truthfully they aren't from what I can see), but why do you take such offense that others are choosing other destinations?

 

[summermac]

Regardless of how privileged we are or are not, that doesn't mean we don't have the right to openly complain and discuss issues related to planning a trip to WDW on a WDW planning website. *shrug*

And FYI I too work with the same population as you and am well aware of how very fortunate my family is and I am so thankful for it every day.

 

[DemonLlama]

There is a fundamental flaw in your premise, although let me first say that I completely agree with you that so many things are a matter of perspective and an ability to enjoy life in all its mess.

Taken to its logical conclusion, however, telling someone they shouldn't complain because their's is a (cringe) "first-world problem" really suggests that only those who are somehow clinging to the edge of life have any right to expect anything or be disappointed or sad when things happen to them that make them unhappy.

And, having been in therapy for spending my childhood always fearful that I could not speak up for my own needs without causing "problems" for others, I will say that, these days, if something on my vacation could be better, I am going to, very respectfully and without anger, let the business know how they could improve the experience without worrying about being labelled a "complainer" or "ungrateful" because neither of those things are actually true.

(I sent my first restaurant dish back this week (not at WDW) and thought I was going to faint. I'm 43.)

 

[AmyB2006]

Well this is gonna go over like a fart in church.

 

[Magpie]

Mmmm...

I agree (kind of) on a couple points.

1. This board is a spectacularly entertaining example of "First World Problems".

2. Some posters on this board appear to freak out over the most ridiculous things.

But, that said, I would not and will not ever be happy to "just be at Disney". I am paying for a particular product, and if I do not receive that product, I will not be a happy camper.

It's no different - in my mind - than walking into a restaurant, waiting two hours to be seated and then receiving sub-standard food. I am NOT going to say, "I'm so lucky just to be able to afford to eat out! It's a privilege just to be here, even if they never bring me any food at all!"

Yes, being able to afford a dinner out is a wonderful thing. Crappy restaurant experiences are First World Problems, and I'm lucky to have such problems in my life. That doesn't change the fact that I expect value for my money, and I will complain if I don't get it.

And if I think my favourite, most beloved restaurant is going to the dogs, I will complain especially loudly.

Of course, I'm actually very happy with the products and services I purchased from Disney on our vacation last week. And I'm looking forward to returning in April!

But if someone else feels differently, they're entitled to their feelings. Wanting value for your money is not an immoral thing, no matter what your personal finances might be.

 

[jtowntoflorida]

Just because people come on here and complain about what's going on at Disney doesn't mean that they don't appreciate the fact that they're able to go at all! I grew up below the poverty level and have worked hard to make sure my children have a different childhood than I had. We're lucky in that we can afford to go to Disney pretty much whenever we feel like it. But just because some people aren't so privileged doesn't mean that Disney should now get a pass in the customer service that they're famous for! This isn't about Haves and Have Nots, who can afford what, or how we should be grateful we can go at all. It's about Disney not living up to a customer service model that they've built an empire on! Disney doesn't get a pass just because there are poor people in the world.

 

[pittsburghmom]

I understand what you are saying about being grateful for what you have, etc.

Following your line of thought, what about the following example:

You go to the grocery store and decide to splurge on a nice cut of steak, but when you go to grill it, you find the bottom is covered with mold....do you go ahead and eat it with a smile and tell yourself that you are fortunate enough to be able to afford the steak in the first place?


As magical as Disney is, when it is all said and done, it is a service/experience that we PAY for. If someone is not satisfied with a product/service, the logical thing is for that person to voice their questions or concerns.

 

[1girln3boys]

I disagree. Yes we are fortunate to be able to go. But since we worked hard to be able to go and spend a lot of money then yes I expect things to go right and if not then yes I will tell Disney.
I'm bot going to spend thousands and just say oh well Disney messed up I should just be happy to be here.

 

[PrincessJo]

And, having been in therapy for spending my childhood always fearful that I could not speak up for my own needs without causing "problems" for others, I will say that, these days, if something on my vacation could be better, I am going to, very respectfully and without anger, let the business know how they could improve the experience without worrying about being labelled a "complainer" or "ungrateful" because neither of those things are actually true.

(I sent my first restaurant dish back this week (not at WDW) and thought I was going to faint. I'm 43.)

I grew up in the same kind of household (I'm also 43 ). Good for you!! I'm glad that you speak your mind... especially if you didn't receive the goods you expect in return for your expense. I speak up now too

 

[Magpie]

(I sent my first restaurant dish back this week (not at WDW) and thought I was going to faint. I'm 43.)

Congratulations!

That's a big achievement - I've been working hard on my husband, whose first reaction to disappointment is to walk away angrily and never return. Over the years, I've managed to convince him that he should try to give people a chance to make things right. And the only way to do that is to speak up calmly, and respectfully, and let them know exactly what the problem is.

Disney's been really awesome for getting him to practice this, because they do try to make things right.

 

[DemonLlama]

I grew up in the same kind of household (I'm also 43 ). Good for you!! I'm glad that you speak your mind... especially if you didn't receive the goods you expect in return for your expense. I speak up now too

Thank you! Looks like the beginning of January is the right week for 43 year old recovering suppressed ladies to enjoy WDW! Hope you have a magical vacation with very little to speak up about!

 

[Son of Gadsden]

This is capitalism. That's how the free market works.

You spend your money.

If you have issues with the product, you complain about it, it gets reviewed by others.

If your complaints are considered valid and get to that point, people stop buying the product.

When the product loses customers, the manufacturer tries to fix the issues so that they stop losing customers.

The product improves for all, and it all started with a complaint.

I agree with you that the complaining gets annoying sometimes when the same drivel about FP+ goes on and on like a broken record, but it's a vital part of the free market. Sometimes it doesn't hurt to live and let live. If you don't feel your complaints are valid because you're just glad you are there, that's great. Don't complain. Others don't feel that way, and feel that the product should be changed to fit their needs.

 

[robinb]

I've been reading all these complaints about FP+, GAC, resorts, crowds, etc... I just wanted to take a moment to remind you all... just how privileged you are to be visiting WDW, DL, ABD, etc.. there are people who will never visit these places we have been so lucky to visit. There are people who will never experience the magic of Its a Small World, or ride the Monorail. It's not because they don't want to, it's because they can't.

I understand that when you put time and effort into a vacation you want it to be perfect. I was just like that for years. I would throw fits, and get angry when things didn't go my way. It wasn't until I had an experience that changed my outlook on things. I realized how lucky I am. And, if I go to WDW and only get to walk through the park.. I'm experiencing more than many could ever dream of experiencing. We should be teaching ourselves, our spouses, our children and others to be grateful and gracious not to find fault and complain.

This last WDW vacation was one of the first (as an adult) I actually sat back and said, "I am grateful to be here, no matter what happens". I had some "bad" experiences, but let them blow by me without causing a second thought. It was the best vacation I've had as an adult. It took me back to being 5 years old, and just being happy to be away from school. The awe and wonder that had been burned out of me from all my years of complaining came back too.

First of all, "the rule".

On one hand, you are right. Complaints by frequent visitors "about FP+, GAC, resorts, crowds, etc" are "First World" problems limited to the privileged few. However, these boards are full of those self-same privileged people who are dedicated to spending their precious vacation time and money at a place that seems to no longer value them. They are certainly allowed to comment and complain and you are certainly allowed to comment and complain about them . I am withholding my final opinion on the status of my family's future vacations at WDW until we return from our next trip over Christmas/NYE.

 

[Iowajes]

I try to take the "enjoy regardless" road on vacations, but just because people complain about things like Fastpass lines or not getting an ADR doesn't mean they don't recognize the scale of their complaint.

I don't think anyone is equating FP+ troubles with homelessness caused by the Phillipino typhoon; but for the situation people here on disboards are in, it is still a stressor. A board like this isn't an inappropriate place to vent about these troubles. If this was a world issues board, then they'd sound ridiculous.

I think telling people they are having "first world problems" is incredibly rude. Now, joking about your own realization of your 'first world problems'- that's good self-awareness.

 

[Freezing Cold B]

I don't think people totally understand the point I am making...

There are obviously legitimate complaints about service. Of course, if you go to a restaurant and order something a specific way and it comes out another asking for a replacement is logical. I'm a vegetarian, and quite frequently I have to ask for replacements because restaurants try to put chicken on every salad that comes out of the kitchen.

The point being... there are many who just complain, complain, complain, and they don't take the time to realize how lucky they are. I am using privilege not in terms of first and third world sense (although, those terms are not PC anymore, developed/developing are the current PC terms). I am using privilege in the sense of privileged groups who have access to experiences because of that privilege... (in the case of WDW it would be money, mobility, etc...)

Maybe, I'm just tired of reading complaintfests on here. I'm not talking about those inquiring about things. It is one thing to inquire about the crowds at WDW, and another to post a compliant about how it ruined your vacation that you had to wait in lines. Umm... You're at WDW! Seriously! Or the people who are blaming FP+ for ruining their vacations. Again, it's ridiculous. You can post about your experiences (even the bad ones) without complaining. Or, at least if you do complain... I hope that you can still acknowledge the fact you have an experience others haven't had.

And... I can see the irony in the fact that I posted a "complaint" to complain about the complainers..