The nothing negative about Disney post

[mrsjoannh13]

I read a lot here and the input from veteran Disney experts has been invaluable to me. I'm thankful for everyone's help and advice. But I also read a lot of negative comments about not getting ADR's, FP difficulties, web issues, and the like. So this post is going to be the opposite.

No situation is perfect. It never will be. Our attitudes towards situations determine the outcome.

Disney is one of the most amazing family vacation destinations. Anywhere. Period. When I hear people complain about the cost, I want to remind them to look around. Look at the size of the place. I mean the physical size of the land, the theme parks. Consider the staffing, the maintenance, the underground tunnels, the new buildings and rides that Disney is constantly investing in. Look around at how clean the parks are (generally speaking - I mean try keeping up with 60k guests). Yeah, Disney is also interested in making money. What company isn't? But it's not like you go there and pay for nothing. Where else in the world can you go and get that many entertainment options in one place? Dining, attractions, rides, characters, parades, parties, recreation (golf, boating, fishing, even scuba).

I'm fortunate to be going on vacation to the "happiest place on earth". We are all very lucky (even if on a budget) to have the resources available to vacation in Disney. This trip, I will focus on the family members with me and the value of the time I will spend with them as well as the life-long memories we'll make. Lots of folks don't have their parents or children anymore to vacation with.

Instead of bemoaning the less than perfect time I have for my CRT reservation, I'm going to focus on being able to get in at all. If there are noisy children in the restaurant all the better. It means they are filled with joy at being inside Cinderella's Castle. I'm not going on a romantic couple's vacation to Napa, after all. This is a family destination. I didn't get to go in CRT as a child, but I'm fortunate to bring my little girl there. Anyone who thinks my DD(3) won't remember it can jump off a cliff. When she was 2 1/2 we took her to see her baby cousin in Florida and many months later she brings me her shoes she wore at his Christening and says "Baby Miles". So - yes - young children DO remember things.

I'm thankful to have had the opportunity to book dining in advance despite some flaws in the system. And we got some decent fast passes. So 'yay' to the good stuff and anything that was not "perfect" will work out just fine. It's fun to have things booked and know some of the events we have to look forward to. Whatever happens in between will be loads of fun as well. I've enjoyed the DIS community support in announcing upcoming ADR cancellations so others can pick them up. Such a great group of folks here.

Looking forward to everything about our trip and hopefully making it the first of many vacations with our little one. And I promise to do a trip report! I love those here as well. Helps me pass the time until November 9th gets here.

Pixie dust to all!!!!!

 

[bumbershoot]

not totally on topic...

Our attitudes towards situations determine the outcome.

I disagree on many levels with this. I have been incredibly negative at times and had good things happen. I have been incredibly positive at times and had really cruddy things happen.

Anyone who thinks my DD(3) won't remember it can jump off a cliff. When she was 2 1/2 we took her to see her baby cousin in Florida and many months later she brings me her shoes she wore at his Christening and says "Baby Miles". So - yes - young children DO remember things.

It's not whether she will remember 6 months later, but 6 YEARS later that people are talking about. We went with DS to DL when he was 2, and we got back to his grandpa dying, our cat being lost (she was sick when DH got home to help his dad, he was trying to clean up after her and air the house out and his mom and dad were calling incessantly and he freaked out and forgot to close up the house completely and she was never seen again), etc etc. No one talked about Disney. Then FIL died. And weeks later DS started talking about our trip.

But now, at 11, he doesn't remember it. That's what people are talking about. Not a few months later.


And those are my only contributions here, because I cannot be positive about Disney right now! And I refuse to "should on myself" with "I should be grateful to just BE here", because I feel that that is not healthy to do to one's mental state. If it comes to you naturally that's fine, but it doesn't for me. I take emotions as they come.

 

[Planogirl]

Disney is great but not perfect. I am glad that you still have that pixie dust feeling about the place. I used to be like that too but I think that we both changed. I can still enjoy it though and that's enough.

 

[slickpoetry]

well. I love the Nutella Waffle Sandwiches.

 

[Elevationist]

I support you 100%, OP! Thank you for voicing your thoughts on this subject! I find so many of those same negative posts on here to be such a bummer, and they really drag me down. I come here to talk Disney with other people who LOVE Disney and the planning process, and share in that love and excitement for our vacations!

And don't get me wrong, I get that you can love something but not enjoy every single aspect of it... I don't mind negativity when framed in the context of asking for help or advice on how to handle a situation that's disappointing, because that's at least constructive.

But when I see the many posts when people just come here to vent or complain or moan about something involving Disney, I find it to be pretty toxic, frankly. I just want to remind those people (and sometimes I have) that "If it bothers you so much that you need to take time out of your life to whine about it on the internet to strangers, then perhaps it's time for you to find a new vacation destination. Nobody is forcing you to travel on Disney vacations. I promise you, there's a whole world of possibilities out there which you may find you enjoy more and complain about less. Open up some space in the parks for those of us who are HAPPY with Disney and HAPPY to be there!"

 

[MrInfinity]

I read a lot here and the input from veteran Disney experts has been invaluable to me. I'm thankful for everyone's help and advice. But I also read a lot of negative comments about not getting ADR's, FP difficulties, web issues, and the like. So this post is going to be the opposite.

No situation is perfect. It never will be. Our attitudes towards situations determine the outcome.

Disney is one of the most amazing family vacation destinations. Anywhere. Period. When I hear people complain about the cost, I want to remind them to look around. Look at the size of the place. I mean the physical size of the land, the theme parks. Consider the staffing, the maintenance, the underground tunnels, the new buildings and rides that Disney is constantly investing in. Look around at how clean the parks are (generally speaking - I mean try keeping up with 60k guests). Yeah, Disney is also interested in making money. What company isn't? But it's not like you go there and pay for nothing. Where else in the world can you go and get that many entertainment options in one place? Dining, attractions, rides, characters, parades, parties, recreation (golf, boating, fishing, even scuba).

I'm fortunate to be going on vacation to the "happiest place on earth". We are all very lucky (even if on a budget) to have the resources available to vacation in Disney. This trip, I will focus on the family members with me and the value of the time I will spend with them as well as the life-long memories we'll make. Lots of folks don't have their parents or children anymore to vacation with.

Instead of bemoaning the less than perfect time I have for my CRT reservation, I'm going to focus on being able to get in at all. If there are noisy children in the restaurant all the better. It means they are filled with joy at being inside Cinderella's Castle. I'm not going on a romantic couple's vacation to Napa, after all. This is a family destination. I didn't get to go in CRT as a child, but I'm fortunate to bring my little girl there. Anyone who thinks my DD(3) won't remember it can jump off a cliff. When she was 2 1/2 we took her to see her baby cousin in Florida and many months later she brings me her shoes she wore at his Christening and says "Baby Miles". So - yes - young children DO remember things.

I'm thankful to have had the opportunity to book dining in advance despite some flaws in the system. And we got some decent fast passes. So 'yay' to the good stuff and anything that was not "perfect" will work out just fine. It's fun to have things booked and know some of the events we have to look forward to. Whatever happens in between will be loads of fun as well. I've enjoyed the DIS community support in announcing upcoming ADR cancellations so others can pick them up. Such a great group of folks here.

Looking forward to everything about our trip and hopefully making it the first of many vacations with our little one. And I promise to do a trip report! I love those here as well. Helps me pass the time until November 9th gets here.

Pixie dust to all!!!!!

Love your post. Like you, I'm not really out here to obsess about what isn't perfect... I don't think Disney can do no wrong, or that they aren't a company interested in profit, etc, but I come out here because we share a common interest of going to Disney World, while I have little interest in venting about Disney World. I just get no value out of that. I come to the Dis to identify challenges and beat them before they become something I'd complain about.

All the things you mention here... vacation, having so much to do, so many options, so many things remembered from when we were kids, and so many things that are new and exciting... we look forward to every minute we can spend at Disney World. And we only get to go every couple years. Are our trips perfect? Not at all! We've had some pretty disastrous occurrences, melt-downs, problems, and so on... yet, we always end up on that last day or toward the end of our trip w the realization that after all the ups and downs, (real life, real people) our magical time there will eventually end and we'll be going back to work and school. I consider myself fortunate that we are able to go. Our kids love it there... the rides by day and pools and beaches by night is such a great combo. They can walk around comfortably, and it feels like home to them. Have a blast! Your DD3 will have a great time, we've been taking our kids since much younger than that. 3 is a really great age for WDW.

I'm really looking forward to riding the SDMT for the first time since we missed it by a week last time... taking our DS4 who has been asking about it all year... and seeing the changes to Africa in the AK. Hoping the Skipper's Canteen opens in time for our trip too, that would be great to see. Knowing our luck tho, we'll miss it by a week.

 

[IhrkeFamily]

Love your attitude OP! So refreshing to see people enjoy what they have versus complaining about what they don't. It's Disney! And I refuse to let a negative experience impact my vacation. Sure things go wrong, but your attitude towards the negative can sure impact your stay. I choose positive!

 

[5kidsmommy]

This morning I got a reality check from my amazing and wise 14 year old daughter. I have spent the last 6 months (on and off) trying to make our mother/daughter trip perfect, perfect resort, perfect dates, perfect adrs, and lastly perfect FP+. Well this morning she said "ummm mom, we are going to Disney World, it will be great just being there, I really want to wing it, I mean I am happy with our restaurants but the rest of it I don't care about, it will be fun no matter what" and she is totally right. I've gotten caught up in the hoopla. We have never put too many plans into Disney trips, we've always just sort of winged it and it's always been great and my wise kid reminded me, the important thing is we are going to Disney World and I can't wait. Woohoo!!!

 

[godders]

OP I totally get where you're coming from! I was 4 the first time I went to Disney and although I remember practically nothing I know I enjoyed it and I've been lucky to go back several times over the last 20 years.

As my Nan and now my Mum always says when something doesn't quite go to plan: "Worse things happened in the the war" (there is no self pitying in my house) so if something doesn't quite go to plan that's ok because there is always something I can do to make it ok and short of a major incident (involving death and/or destruction) it actually doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things and I'm going to enjoy myself no matter what

 

[rainboots]

I'm pretty much with you. We don't go frequently, so I am grateful to be there when I am. I believe in free enterprise, the market determines the cost, I am ok with that. It is an experience we are willing and happy to pay for. I don't anticipate any better service or food than I do on vacation elsewhere - most of our vacations are similarly priced.

FP+ works for me. I anticipate lines at all theme parks. ADRs work for me, too. I like knowing we have a place to eat.

For 10 of us, we've looked at other locations where 3 generations with vastly different interests and opinions could make awesome memories TOGETHER, and I can't find one. We can be continously entertained at WDW without our differences coming up and causing tension. My parents can sit back and watch their kids and grandkids have the time of their lives. When my parents are gone - mentally or physically, I promise I will still have the memories of an incredible few trips where everyone was in a happy bubble! Put a price on that. My young niece won't remember it, but I can tell her stories of how happy her grandparents were watching her elation at meeting a princess!

 

[PantherPete]

I agree. There are a lot of things that suck about Disney these days, but overall it is still a great vacation. For everyone that hates things about Disney, please don't go then. Vote with your feet and your wallets. There is no rule that says you must vacation at Disney. Go to Universal and stay onsite at a deluxe resort. You'll get express passes for everything and you won't have to make reservations for dinner more than a day in advance (at most!). Or go to an all inclusive resort in Mexico or Punta Cana. Or do a stay-cation. Lots of non-Disney options out there.

 

[alliecat523]

Thank you for posting this! I've been thinking the same thing....especially today after reading so many negative posts about MNSSHP. There seems to be so many expectations. People feeling like they spent X amount so they should have exactly what they want. Personally, I feel like the point of going to to escape into the "happiest place on earth" and be a kid again. It's the chance to laugh and have fun. If I get that breakfast at BOG, awesome. If not, I'm happy with a muffin and coffee from the hotel (or Starbucks). If I have to wait 30 minutes for BTM because I don't have a FP, then I will play with the items in the queue until I board. What's the point of being on vacation (especially Disney!) if I can't relax and go with the flow? I think being pissed off about everything is a bigger waste of my time off and my money.

 

[Mamapapa]

And those are my only contributions here, because I cannot be positive about Disney right now! And I refuse to "should on myself" with "I should be grateful to just BE here", because I feel that that is not healthy to do to one's mental state. If it comes to you naturally that's fine, but it doesn't for me. I take emotions as they come.

Posts that say Disney is perfect and any mistakes Disney makes are my fault for having a bad attitude about it annoy me. I agree with bumbershoot, and I take emotions as they come. And sometimes, that means I'm not all happy and sparkly about everything life throws at me. Like the foot I broke last week while visiting Ariel's Grotto, not enjoying the pixie dust of wearing a boot cast and not being able to drive right now...

 

[Magpie]

The DisBoards are a running joke in our family. A couple years ago, for example, my husband commented positively on some small change (I don't even remember what) and I said, "I bet you I can find a thread on the Disboards about how this is one more sign of the decline of all we used to love about Disney World, Walt is spinning in his grave, fire the bean counters, etc, etc." My husband thought I was exaggerating, but then we got back to our room, I pulled up the DisBoards, and sure enough - right on the front page, a whole lot of hand wringing and angry posts.

Venting is a grand tradition on these boards.

No one hates something as fervently and with as much passion as that thing's biggest fans. I'm personally very keen on Doctor Who, but if you read the fan boards, you'd think the show is the biggest pile of steaming nastiness on TV. Same as, reading some of the posts here, you can only wonder why people are planning trips to go to a place that clearly brings them nothing but misery.

Personally, I think the problem is that nostalgia covers the past with an impenetrable glaze. The present, on the other hand, is seen in a brilliant light that reveals all flaws. Disney World can never improve over the perfect past, it can only be in constant decline. Heck, you can point to all the studies and statistics and cold hard facts you like, but most people are still convinced that the world is less civil and more dangerous than it was when they were kids. I sometimes think the only reason I have a different perspective on this is because I was literally living in an inner city American slum back in the seventies.

On the other hand, as an inveterate optimist, I also know nothing infuriates unhappy people so much as trying to point out the upside. You can't jolly people into seeing things your way. And if someone is genuinely distressed by brown paper napkins, then that's their privilege.

All you can do is go on your own merry way, enjoying what you enjoy, and never expecting everyone else to like the same things you do. After all, that's no more fair than them expecting you to agree that, say, FP+ sucks, when you happen to quite enjoy it, or that Duffy is a cynical marketing ploy, when you actually really love your fuzzy little bear. The Disboards are a multi-faceted place.

 

[Magpie]

Thank you for posting this! I've been thinking the same thing....especially today after reading so many negative posts about MNSSHP. There seems to be so many expectations. People feeling like they spent X amount so they should have exactly what they want. Personally, I feel like the point of going to to escape into the "happiest place on earth" and be a kid again. It's the chance to laugh and have fun. If I get that breakfast at BOG, awesome. If not, I'm happy with a muffin and coffee from the hotel (or Starbucks). If I have to wait 30 minutes for BTM because I don't have a FP, then I will play with the items in the queue until I board. What's the point of being on vacation (especially Disney!) if I can't relax and go with the flow? I think being pissed off about everything is a bigger waste of my time off and my money.

Thank you! This is exactly what I needed to read today after feeling a bit disappointed about not getting the Dessert Party I wanted. I mean, yes, I agreed that it was too expensive, exchange rate, we have all the goodies we could possibly need, etc. But I was still feeling a bit down about it.

But you've just reminded me that one of my nicest memories of Disney is just sitting with my husband, having a drink, and watching the people going by.

I can't wait until our next trip.

 

[DoingDisney]

Our attitudes towards situations determine the outcome.

This to me is one of the most ridiculous things people post here. My attitude has nothing to do with weather or not there are FPs available for Anna and Elsa at 60 days, or if WDW changes the hours of my vacation 2 weeks before I get there even though I had to plan 180 days out, or if they suddenly decide to tell people they are refurbing something (though they probably knew for months) etc etc all of which affect my trip/plans.

Its totally fair to complain about these things. Telling people its just their "attitude" is patronizing and demeaning of their experiences

Instead of bemoaning the less than perfect time I have for my CRT reservation, I'm going to focus on being able to get in at all.

I totally get making the best of a situation, and there are lots of things we do the same for, but at some point you just aren't getting what you are paying for.

Also, what do you do when you DON'T get in at all ? Just pretend that you got in ? Just be happy for the extra time you spend on mainstreet in stead ? Then why not just stay home and just have a good attitude about that, according to your argument you can enjoy that just as much. Lots of people don't have a home to stay in after all, just think positive thoughts ?

 

[alliecat523]

This to me is one of the most ridiculous things people post here. My attitude has nothing to do with weather or not there are FPs available for Anna and Elsa at 60 days, or if WDW changes the hours of my vacation 2 weeks before I get there even though I had to plan 180 days out, or if they suddenly decide to tell people they are refurbing something (though they probably knew for months) etc etc all of which affect my trip/plans.

Its totally fair to complain about these things. Telling people its just their "attitude" is patronizing and demeaning of their experiences



I totally get making the best of a situation, and there are lots of things we do the same for, but at some point you just aren't getting what you are paying for.

Also, what do you do when you DON'T get in at all ? Just pretend that you got in ? Just be happy for the extra time you spend on mainstreet in stead ? Then why not just stay home and just have a good attitude about that, according to your argument you can enjoy that just as much. Lots of people don't have a home to stay in after all, just think positive thoughts ?

You're right, your attitude doesn't determine whether or not you get the FP. It determines how enjoyable you'll allow your vacation to be regardless of whether or not you have the FP.

Yes, you do have the right to complain. If you don't want to hear something positive (for a change) then why come to this thread in the first place?

No one is saying Disney is perfect or without fault. We are saying we choose to roll with the things that aren't perfect and enjoy ourselves anyway. If you feel like you aren't getting what you're paying for, stop going!

 

[10-4 Good Buddy]

I feel like I stumbled into a "Disney Mom's" audition.

Sorry, I'll find my way out.....

 

[5kidsmommy]

I feel like I stumbled into a "Disney Mom's" audition.

Sorry, I'll find my way out.....

Oh yes, god forbid people actually want to be positive about where they are spending money. Trust me if I felt like WDW was horrible I'd go somewhere else. I just don't like throwing money at places that I don't feel are a good value. But hell if people are happy to spend money and then whine about it and being all grumpy about their trips so be it, I just don't have that kind of cash to waste.

 

[Mikie]

. . . Venting is a grand tradition on these boards.

No one hates something as fervently and with as much passion as that thing's biggest fans.

On the other hand, as an inveterate optimist, I also know nothing infuriates unhappy people so much as trying to point out the upside. You can't jolly people into seeing things your way.

All you can do is go on your own merry way, enjoying what you enjoy, and never expecting everyone else to like the same things you do. After all, that's no more fair than them expecting you to agree that, say, FP+ sucks, when you happen to quite enjoy it, or that Duffy is a cynical marketing ploy, when you actually really love your fuzzy little bear. The Disboards are a multi-faceted place.

Wish I could "like" your post twice! Above excerpts were my favorite gems.

Looking at many venting threads, it definitely took me a long time to grasp your point about fans being the most vocal critics, compared to wondering why they would ever go to Disney or hang out at a fan site if they're so miserable.

One person's "pessimistic" is the other guy's "telling it like it is". One person's optimism is the next guy's "pixie dust snorting". Personal disposition has a lot to do with how we approach everything and what we choose to say.