Things that met/exceeded your expectations and things that didn't

[Masonmj84]

Met/exceeded (attractions):
Splash Mtn. (my favorite WDW attraction)
Big Thunder Mtn.
Pirates (although would be a let down from Disneyland frame of reference)
Haunted Mansion
Soarin' (came closer to meeting than exceeding expectations but still the best attraction in Epcot)
Turtle Talk
Rock n Roller Coaster (could be longer, but awesome otherwise)
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Expedition Everest
Blizzard Beach (whole park)
Typhoon Lagoon (whole park)

Met/exceeded (resorts):
Poly
Animal Kingdom Lodge
Coronado Springs
Wilderness Lodge
Port Orleans Riverside

Met/exceeded (dining):
'Ohana
Hoop dee Doo
Artist Point
Jiko
Flying Fish
Boma
Kona
Whispering Canyon (breakfast)
Sanaa
Tusker House (breakfast)
Via Napoli
Teppan Edo
50's Prime Time

Met/exceeded (other):
Magic bands

Didn't meet expectations (attractions):
Peter Pan's Flight (good ride, but too short and way overhyped)
Buzz Lightyear
Under the Sea
Space Mountain (too jerky)
Test Track (car design experience slows the attraction down and is a lame gimmick)
Seas with Nemo
Journey into Imagination (not that I expected much to begin with)
Great Movie Ride
Kali River Rapids (this could have been so much better, what a shame)
The entire Dinoland section of the Animal Kingdom
The overall lack of attractions in Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom

Didn't meet expectations (resorts):
none

Didn't meet expectations (dining):
Be Our Guest (fun experience, meh on food)
Biergarten (fun experience, meh on food)
Coral Reef (meh all the way around)
Le Cellier (mushroom filet is good but otherwise very average and overrated)
Hollywood Brown Derby (good but somewhat disappointing for a signature)
Yachtsman (good but somewhat disappointing for a signature)

Didn't meet expectations (other):
Disney Quest (was a letdown even with very low expectations going in, Disney should be embarrased)
Downtown Disney in general

 

[MandiC]

Met/exceeded (attractions):
Big Thunder Mtn.
Pirates
Soarin' (LOVED this one more than I expected)
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Expedition Everest

I would add:
Loved the Little Mermaid show at HS
Maelstrom
Sorcerer's of Magic Kingdom (you don't hear much about it, but I knew my oldest daughter would love it because she loves that kind of thing so we did it. Our whole family had lots of fun with it, I only wish we had started earlier rather than our last few hours in Magic Kingdom)
Enchanted Tales with Belle (this was wonderful, so worth a FP+!)
Jungle Cruise (a boat a few ahead of ours broke down so we had a longer than normal 'ride' but the CM was wonderful)
Philhar Magic (I didn't expect liking this one!)

Met/exceeded (resorts):
Port Orleans Riverside (the only resort we have ever been to but I fell in love, it was wonderful and I'm sad we won't fit there with our family now)

Met/exceeded (dining):
Tusker House (breakfast)

I would add:
Quick Service restaurants in general exceeded my expectations, both in portions and food quality. The food court at POR DEFINITELY exceeded my expectations.
California Grill met my expectations too.

Met/exceeded (other):
Magic bands

Didn't meet expectations (attractions):
Peter Pan's Flight (good ride, but too short and way overhyped)
The entire Dinoland section of the Animal Kingdom
The overall lack of attractions in Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom

I would add:
Primeval Whirl (ugh, very much disliked this one, though my 8 year old loved it LOL )
Mission Space (no matter how much your husband tries to convince you to do the intense version DO NOT DO IT!)
Rafiki's Planet Watch (the train ride was fun, the petting zoo was fun for a short period of time...but I was just expecting more)
Rock n Rollercoaster (I love coasters, this one just didn't do it for me. It was SO loud and it really wasn't fun for me )
Spaceship Earth
Astro Orbiter

Didn't meet expectations (dining):
Be Our Guest (fun experience, meh on food)

I would add:
Cinderella's Table (huge letdown food wasn't very good and couldn't even hear the Wishing Star ceremony or princess introductions over the noise, princesses were rushed and it kind of felt like we were being herded in and out like cattle

I SO agree with you on Peter Pan's Flight. My husband could not understand why I *needed* a FP+ for it and I said how long of waits it had, ect...I was expecting SO much more. It wasn't a bad ride but because of my expectations it was a real major letdown. We did enjoy Kali River Rapids and I thought Seas with Nemo was really cute We also enjoyed Test Track (but I wouldn't say it exceeded expectations, though maybe my husband and kids would, they enjoyed the design experience). I agree on Be Our Guest, we had lunch, it was just okay, we would redo it simply because of the atmosphere. Le Cellier was wonderful for me! My husband was actually the one who really wanted this one but he thought it was just okay, I loved my meal though, best steak I've ever had and I'm a steak lover.

 

[MandiC]

Ohhh, I forgot to add on of my favorite Hollywood Studios things that exceeded my expectations...Animation Academy! It is short and sweet, but I enjoyed it more than I imagined I would.

 

[jaccceee]

Magical Express foot rests are never working for me. Does not meet my expectations. My legs are short and this totally ruins my vaca.

JK. If this happens again next month, it will be a great start to my kids vacation. As long as theirs works.

 

[goofy721]

Disney exceeds my expectations in most every way. A couple of quick thoughts:

1. Kali river rapids should be longer!
2. Hoop Dee Doo was a way better experience than I ever expected (even based on great reviews)
3. It would be great if there were more places to scatter in MK during a summer thunderstorm

 

[prudence64]

I'll list exceeds and didn't meet. Assume everything else meets or didn't experience.

Exceeds:

BTMRR
Space
Laugh Floor
Mickey's Philharmagic
FOF parade
MSEP
Soarin
Test Track
Star Tours
TOT
TSMM
Drawing Academy
Safari
EE
Tough to Be a Bug

Disappoints:
Buzz Lightyear
Splash Mountain
Peter Pan
Country Bear Jamboree
Captain EO
Ellen's Energy
Mission Space
Kali River Rapids

Exceeds:
Boma
Sanaa
Sunshine Seasons
Les Halles

Disappoints:
BOG for lunch

 

[Mindy Kurz]

My favorite attractions are The Carousel of Progress and The One Man Dream! Sad thing is we overlooked both of them on our first couple of trips. Now, it's a must every time!!

 

[pens4821]

Exceeded
Magic bands and fp+- went right after testing and as FP+ was becoming the only option. Loved being able to plan rides and not have to get to the park worrying about getting FP.

Magic kingdom - pretty sure it's because I was never there really young and we were with my nephew, but I had so much fun here.

Buzz- I see others say it didn't meet but it exceeded. For the hype tsm gets I thought buzz was better. Controlled the ride more, had pictures, and wait time was so much less than tsm. This will be more a must do than tsm for us next time.

AOA- not that it gets bad reviews but we LOVED it even as adults. The nemo room provided extra space, an extra bathroom, great location within the resort, and great themeing. Loved the pool, food court was great, and transportation was better than Contemporary.

Mickeys philharmagic and muppets- just stopped into these after not planning and enjoyed them.

Small world- other than the song getting stuck in your head its a good time.

Chef mickeys- gets horrible dinner reviews but loved the food and interaction.

Pooh- just happened onto it and thought it was fun.

Turtle talk- thought it was funny.

Tutto Italian- no adr and hungry but seated at 6 on Sunday of mlk weekend with no wait. Great decor and red sauce.

Ease of getting around- disney does it right. No worries at the airport. Everything taken care of. Transportation from park to resort (other than cr) was amazing.

Below
Tsm- like I said, liked buzz more. Guess the hype is because there isn't many rides in HS.

Indiana jones- loved as a kid, but didn't find it entertaining at all last time.

Soarin- don't get the hype at all. Just didn't care for it.

Epcot/HS in general- think Epcot would've been more fun without 5 year old nephew (going next May and will enjoy more at night in ws as adults I think). HS was my favorite park as a kid and I love the feel but just not much to do.

Buses at CR- much better transportation at aoa.

btmrr- maybe because we rode the day after rnr but just wasn't as fun as expected.

Peter Pan- actually loved it but for the hype its way too short.

Mission space- too tight. Not claustrophobic but felt so.

Great movie ride- could be great, needs updating.

Florida weather- while this isn't disney related we went last January. It was cold most the week(we had two days above 60 it seemed). The heated pools were amazing until you got out! We will be going May next year so I'm sure we will complain it was too hot.

 

[danceteachermom]

Most of Disney meets my expectations.

Exceeds:
VWL: So relaxing.
Via Napoli: Everything we have tried here is excellent.
POFQ: Nice selections at food court for a person who does not love quick service food. Nice moderate.
CSR: Deluxe feel at mod price with a great pool
Tom Sawyer Island: My son can spend hours here.
BTMR: Does not get the hype of other coasters but is always my favorite.
Germany: The caramel, need I say more
Flower and Garden Festival
FOF Parade
Hall of Presidents/American Adventure

Below:
Space Mountain: so jerky it gives me a headache
Artist Point
Test Track
Great Movie Ride
Mission Space
ALL food at Hollywood Studios

 

[srauseo]

I'm only covering things that were new to me on my last trip.

ETWB totally exceeded my expectations. Didn't really know what to expect and I thought the effects were impressive and the show was really sweet.

BOG dinner also exceed my expectations. I had a big silly grin on my face the whole time - just sitting in the ballroom. The food and the service were very good. The timing was a little off on entrees and it took a little long to get my second glass of wine - but not enough to ruin it for me.

SDMT met my expectations. I wasn't expecting thrilling so I wasn't disappointed. I enjoyed the ride and was singing along and loved the scene at the end.

Little Mermaid was a little disappointing. My 5 year old niece loved it but I felt it could have been better.

Overall, food exceeded my expectations. The way so many people talk about the decline in quality I was concerned but I thought the food was really good overall with generous portions.

Art of Animation met my expectations. Very appealing to kids. The suites are comfortable and the shower in the master bedroom is quite nice.

 

[TXAKDisneyFan]

I don't 'hate' anything at WDW; that being said, TSMM did not meet expectations at all. We didn't ride it until I think 2011 because the lines were always so long and the FP- were always gone by the time we got to the machines. I don't think I've ever seen the line shorter than 90 minutes. When we finally rode, it felt like something I could play on a video game console at home (plus, I don't care for video games and I definitely don't like midway games). I don't get why it's so popular (other than that there aren't a lot of rides at DHS).

 

[Jing]

My last trip to Disney was 2012, so I'm a bit out of date. A few things stick out as first time experiences.

Exceed:
Dining on the deluxe dining plan - saved a lot of money (that we put toward wine and cocktails) and had excellent meals and service all around despite the alleged decline in all things.

Animal Kingdom - first visit and could not believe it was considered by many to be a half-day park

Sunrise Safari (RIP) - the main reason we stayed CL at AKL

Magical Express - we normally stay Swan/Dolphin and order a ride. I had so much fun on DME, particularly watching the kids get so excited.

Meh:
TSMM - we missed out when we were at DL a few months before, so I had it hyped up in my mind. It was fine, but I liked Buzz Lightyear better

Animal Kingdom Lodge - maybe another overhype, but even with a savannah view CL, the resort just didn't do anything for me. That said, Saana and Boma were awesome.

Wayama Safari - The tour of the savannahs was blah, and I saw just as much walking the resort. And yes, I'm the only person in the world underwhelmed with Jiko.

 

[momtosam]

Exceeds: POFQ food and pool
Hoop Dee Doo
Star Wars Breakfast at Sci Fi
Jedi Training
WWOHP at Uni (sorry, it's amazing stuff there!)
Pirate cruise from Contempo with fireworks
EP Flower and Garden festival
Fantasmic


Disappointment : BOG lunch
The Barnstormer
Dinosaur
HS - they have got to beef that park up!
Mission Space
Dinner at Coral Reef
Obtaining more than 3 fast passes in a day
Fast pass kiosks

 

[Mouse of Mystery]

You guys are bumming me out about BOG lunch! I've never been so I will temper my expectations to be very low, so that I can then be pleasantly surprised.

When I see rides like Peter Pan mentioned as not meeting expectations, I have to assume that this was the very first time the ride was experienced. A lot of that ride, for me, is nostalgia. I have a couple of young kids that I think will really like it too. Riding it for the first time as an adult could understandably be disappointing as the technology is ancient. Disney could certainly do better if they were to remake the ride, but I think they'd be overwhelmed by fans sporting torches and pitchforks!

I would also think that the new queue would help liven up the PP experience a bit.

 

[Planogirl]

I love Peter Pan and Buzz. I was let down by Space Mountain and the SDMT (too short).​

 

[Jing]

You guys are bumming me out about BOG lunch! I've never been so I will temper my expectations to be very low, so that I can then be pleasantly surprised.

When I see rides like Peter Pan mentioned as not meeting expectations, I have to assume that this was the very first time the ride was experienced. A lot of that ride, for me, is nostalgia. I have a couple of young kids that I think will really like it too. Riding it for the first time as an adult could understandably be disappointing as the technology is ancient. Disney could certainly do better if they were to remake the ride, but I think they'd be overwhelmed by fans sporting torches and pitchforks!

I would also think that the new queue would help liven up the PP experience a bit.

I have no memory of going on Peter Pan as a kid, and hubs never went to Disney in childhood. We rode it together for the first time together, knowing nothing about it, and felt transported. It is one of the rides I'm most looking forward to next trip.

 

[BradChristian]

Good Surprises:
Peter Pan- I had a decent idea of what the ride was like after reading some of the Wikipedia articles comparing it to Disneyland's... It really is the best classic dark ride. However - It has been almost 10 years since I have been to DLR and I have not ridden the updated dark rides out there. However - I did have a FP for this... I could not have waited 90 minutes plus.

SDMT - Fortunately had a FP for this as well... WDW Radio's Lou Mongello helped to set my expectations for this explaining it as a '3 act play' - and it really is more of that than a thrill ride. I agree with the earlier posters that the last scene was a pleasant surprise. Once again... Could not do an hour plus wait for this though.

BOG Dinner - Yes it was over $80 for two entrees and desert. (No wine or appetizers...) However - it is hard to believe you are sitting in a theme park. However - my table service experiences inside theme parks are limited for sure. The small touches like the 'tour' of the castle as we were taken to our table really made the whole experience.

Soarin' - Even after my longest wait of 45 minutes because I was slow getting to rope drop... I had a whole lot better experience because my seat was towards the middle. When I rode it in California years ago - I was lower left hand corner of the theater and really didn't get the 'flying' feeling. I think a new film and digital screens will help bring this into the 4K era of technological expectation. I would have not been a happy camper if I waited more than the 45 minutes.

Test Track - I never had the opportunity to ride the old TT. So - this was all new to me and it was a fun attraction. It was a walk on attraction doing the single rider and not designing a car. However - I don't think I missed out on much.

Festival of Fantasy Parade - I am so thankful I did NOT watch this on youtube before seeing it live. It was the first thing we did upon coming into the Magic Kingdom (We had spent the morning at EPCOT). The music soars and I was emotionally moved by the beautiful storytelling. This is Disney at its best. We fortunately had a great spot on main street with roughly 20 minutes of waiting. My wife and I took turns saving seats and it allowed me to explore the food options on main street for the first time. Ice Cream for wife and I had my first Mickey Head Rice Krispie Treat... Yea... That may have been why I was crying. Pure Joy.

Space Mountain - I did the FP track for the first time... I think it is BETTER than the standby track. Was worried I would get jerked around, but it wasn't bad.

Magic Bands - Totally worth me running around Downtown Disney the night before (Literally walked miles from the parking deck) to buy MagicBands. We were staying offsite and I had a special ticket... I could have gone to guest relations and got a card for free, but being able to attach my tickets to my magicbands the night before and walk right into the parks was beautiful. Tapping into rides was really fun... and I was totally spoiled having SDMT, PP, and Space Fast Passes. I was able to easily add FPs for Winnie the Pooh and BTMR after I used my 3rd.

Things that were a little sad:

Buzz - I think the ride is ok... but the sad queue and 20-30 minute wait is just too much. Sadly the FP+ line wasn't going a ton faster. It is a definite 'additional fastpass' ride next time.

Tomorrowland - Should be one of the best lands... and I think it will be the next to get a major rehaul. I love the PeopleMover... but when that is the 'favorite' ride of the land. I think that shows you something needs to change. I know families like it... but the tomorrowland speedway is just annoying and doesn't feel futuristic. Give it a futuristic makeover in the ride style of RSRs in Carsland - then it may be worth the land it takes.

Pirates - We didn't get wet and all of the animatronics were working (March 1st 2015) - However - Disneyland spoiled me on this. The ride ends WAY too short.

EPCOT - Some areas are really showing their age. The Odyssey Center with its dead neon screams closed down 1980s shopping mall. Fortunately the preps for Flower and Garden distracted me nicely....

 

[glassslippergirl]

Exceed
Wishes and Illuminations-- every time!
Candlelight Processional-- especially with Edward James Olmos
Street entertainment-- it's a secondary thought for most people, but Dapper Dans and other groups really are quality entertainment
Flag retreat
Voices of Liberty
Hacienda San Angel
Nature trails in AK-- unexpected treat
Earl of Sandwich-- and I'm not a huge sandwich lover
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids play area-- I know it's days are numbered if it's not gone yet, but this place was a hit with DS
Finding Nemo musical
California Grill
Staying at the Contemporary
Star Tours (updated)
Most SWW shows
Updated Dumbo with lights and water feature
HDDR
Flame Tree-- and there's a lot if hype about this place.
LeFou's Brew-- doesn't get enough love on these boards

*It's hard for me to assess most attractions as I've been going on them since I was little and have nostalgic connections. I can only assess recently opened or updated rides.

Did not meet
Little Mermaid ride
Beast's Castle-- just the look. I haven't eaten at BOG yet. Forced perspective is too obvious next to the castle.
Bumpiness of Space Mountain
Sci Fi drive in
T-Rex
Staying at a value resort-- noisy, overpriced for what it is. I would rather save money off property.
Epcot in general. I've just recently started feeling this way. It just seems out dated. I'm not filled with awe when I walk around FW anymore. I'm just sad when I pass the Imagination pavilion and the empty buildings. I'm waiting for something new in WS that doesn't require an ADR (I'm talking attractions , not CS). Looking at it from DS2's eyes, there's not much for him to enjoy either.
Avatar land-- just the idea does not meet my expectations of what a new theme park land should be. I hope I'm proved wrong.

 

[amandals2007]

Didn't meet expectations (other):
Disney Quest (was a letdown even with very low expectations going in, Disney should be embarrased)
Downtown Disney in general

i think its great everyone has different opinions because this is one of the things my family LOVES LOVES LOVES doing everytime we go, we are normally there every night after the parks close. we love playing as many games as we want lol

 

[prune1977]

Met/exceeded (attractions):
Splash Mtn. (my favorite WDW attraction)
Big Thunder Mtn.
Pirates (although would be a let down from Disneyland frame of reference)
Haunted Mansion
Soarin' (came closer to meeting than exceeding expectations but still the best attraction in Epcot)
Turtle Talk
Rock n Roller Coaster (could be longer, but awesome otherwise)
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Expedition Everest
Blizzard Beach (whole park)
Typhoon Lagoon (whole park)

Met/exceeded (resorts):
Poly
Animal Kingdom Lodge
Coronado Springs
Wilderness Lodge
Port Orleans Riverside

Met/exceeded (dining):
'Ohana
Hoop dee Doo
Artist Point
Jiko
Flying Fish
Boma
Kona
Whispering Canyon (breakfast)
Sanaa
Tusker House (breakfast)
Via Napoli
Teppan Edo
50's Prime Time

Met/exceeded (other):
Magic bands

Didn't meet expectations (attractions):
Peter Pan's Flight (good ride, but too short and way overhyped)
Buzz Lightyear
Under the Sea
Space Mountain (too jerky)
Test Track (car design experience slows the attraction down and is a lame gimmick)
Seas with Nemo
Journey into Imagination (not that I expected much to begin with)
Great Movie Ride
Kali River Rapids (this could have been so much better, what a shame)
The entire Dinoland section of the Animal Kingdom
The overall lack of attractions in Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom

Didn't meet expectations (resorts):
none

Didn't meet expectations (dining):
Be Our Guest (fun experience, meh on food)
Biergarten (fun experience, meh on food)
Coral Reef (meh all the way around)
Le Cellier (mushroom filet is good but otherwise very average and overrated)
Hollywood Brown Derby (good but somewhat disappointing for a signature)
Yachtsman (good but somewhat disappointing for a signature)

Didn't meet expectations (other):
Disney Quest (was a letdown even with very low expectations going in, Disney should be embarrased)
Downtown Disney in general

Met/Exceeded
Hoop Dee Doo
Wilderness Lodge
AKL/V
Beach Club
SS (wasn't expecting much though to be honest)
Rock N Rollercoaster
BATB
Indiana Jones
Star Tours
Monsters Inc
Pooh
Tales with Belle
Crystal Palace
CRT
Hollywood & Vine breakfast
Sci Fi Drive in
Frozen sing along
Safaris
Dinosaur
EE
Test Track
Soarin
Mission Space
Pirates of Carribean
Whispering Canyon
Jikkos
Bomas
Artist Pt
Chef Mickeys
Show in front of castle
Cape May Cafe
Jedi Training
Ohanas Dinner
Tusker House
Akershus
Turtle Talk
Aquarium at Epcot
Princess Tea Party
Passport around the World
Resort only stay at AKV, still amazed at everything to do at this resort
Liberty Tree Tavern

Didn't meet
Space Mtn
Stitchs great escape
Boardwalk Villas & Dining (lack of QS there still confounds me)
Poly (to be fair had very high expectations)
Ohanas breakfast the 3rd time we ate there.
Hollywood & vine for anything besides breakfast
1950s cafe
Spaceship Earth
Journey of Little Mermaid
Aloha Dinner Show
Mickeys Backyard BBQ (seemed like chaos)
Staff at Poly
ME back to airport from BC, thought we were going to die and miss our flight both
no more Leagues under the Sea (yea i knew it wasn't there but still disappointed)
Figment (why oh why did you change this)
DW says Tour groups (how rude they were)
lack of photographers last time we were there
Lack of street shows now at Epcot
Disney Cruise (we had really really high expectations though)

IM sure I'm missing some but this is what we can think of right now