Thinking Disney needs to shape up

[ougrad86]

I really enjoy Universal. The one time we booked there for a week and drove the the Disney parks twice during that week though, I really felt like we had lost out on something. That was the year we had two trips - SB and then a quick jaunt over to Disney in Novenber when schools being closed for election gave us a four day weekend!

 

[Disney Khaleesi]

I love Universal, I really do. But it doesn't have the same feel as Disney does. I have yet to experience what many on these boards claim to, and I tend to give people the benefit of the doubt anyway. There's nothing wrong with switching to Universal, but that being said, you did have a lot of "higher-end" experiences that you were planning at WDW that added to the cost. You could have stayed a cheaper hotel or not planned signature meal and the cost would have been more comparable.

 

[bryanb]

not a glorified motel like POFQ.

You realize for many people on these boards, POFQ is their favorite resort in the whole world, and them's fightin' words!
But yeah, I love the setting is on the waterfront and the architecture, I had to laugh because I agree the room quality reminds me of a motel too.

 

[Nancyg56]

WOW! Love all the responses and the great feedback. After discussion with DW, she really wants to eat at Cali Grill and do the Keys to the Kingdom tour (2 things we probably couldn't do with our single digit aged boys), so we'll stay put for this year. Although, we're both still a bit disillusioned with everything going on at Disney and will be keeping a close eye on it. We're actually starting to talk about doing mommy/daughter and daddy/son trips and those might work better at USO, especially as they get a little older. I guess the bottom line is, add us both (she reads the Chip and co DA boards) to the list of folks who aren't happy with Disney's current direction and modus operandi.

Okay, now you have agreed to stay with WDW, so I suggest that you stop looking for reasons to resent the money you are spending. If you go and insist on "keeping a close eye" on things that may not measure up to the expense, you will find them. Believe me, anyone who looks for cracks will find them.

I know that there have been cutbacks, and that there are changes in the pipeline, some that I kow I will enjoy and others that I wish were not going to occur, but there has never been one trip that I have made that I began looking for the changes. It seems to me that you have been lookign for a reason to avoid this trip, and that is okay, but once you are set in stone, it is best to look for teh bright side or this one is going to end as it has begun....with buyers remorse.

Maybe since you've decided to go to Disney, perhaps quit keeping such a close eye on the stuff that you believe will just disillusion you further for awhile. At least for this one last trip.

Exactly.

That would just about require DW and I to give up reading our respective boards though, wouldn't it? LOL!

Then get off of. The boards. I am on the boards daily as well, but. My reaction is not to go on a WDW already disillusioned. You are Going on a second honeymoon with your Sweetie.
Focus on that .

I fear going into it with a negative attitude will set you up for a bad trip.
Good Luck

This is my fear as well. I have followed the OP posts as well, and I am woked he is not going to enjoy this trip at all.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

I have yet to experience what many on these boards claim to, and I tend to give people the benefit of the doubt anyway.

The only places I have considered to have that "experience" are the Harry Potter areas and the resorts. Which may out-experience anything Disney has. But the Harry Potter areas are just corners of the parks.

I also like Halloween Horror Night, I attend that and I no longer attend the MK Halloween party. But those two experiences are as far apart from each other as it's possible to get, so that is a matter of taste.

 

[revdon64]

OK, for those who have been following this thread this is going to sound a little nuts, but - instead of backing down, we doubled down. DW feels like this may the only time we ever get an opportunity to do something extravagant without the kids, so last night she reanalyzed the budget and found a way to upgrade up from POFQ to the Contemporary, Tower, Theme Park View. We took advantage of the Summer Awakens special and while we're spending more, we spend about a third less than it would have cost to upgrade without it. I know, nuts. But...

Fear not. We're not going in expecting to be disappointed or looking for the cracks. We don't really think like that. My sense of disappointment is one that a lot of people have shared about how Disney is changing so many pricing structures at the same time as they are cutting staff, entertainment, etc. Trust me, we'll still go and have a good time. We're just comparing and weighing options now more than we ever have before. Before it was always, "When are we going back to see Mickey?" Now it's, "I wonder what Universal would cost?" "Is there anyplace else we can get better bang for the buck?"

 

[bumbershoot]

I see that you've decided to throw more money at the mouse.

US doesn't offer a dining plan or memory maker

They offer dining plans and they have a photo package.

All this is to say that I'm seriously thinking about switching to USO for this trip.

I hate the idea of switching because you're angry with one or the other. I like the idea of trying something new because you want to try it.

Isn't the front of the line thing at US for only those at deluxe hotels or who want to pay extra or do I have that wrong?

Yes, and the OP was talking about one of the deluxes, Royal Pacific.

Its been a couple of years, but I would consider Royal Pacific more of a deluxe hotel than a mod. DD stayed there in Jan of this year and said the rooms had been updated and were even nicer.

Absolutely.

Im doing a combo trip this december and staying at Royal Pacific and POFQ as well. But let me say this, My 2 days and 2 nights at USO is $1400 5 days 5 nights at Disney is $2200.

Did you do a package for Universal? That's often a mistake. Often it's far better to go with room-only (I use this site) and buying tickets from the place you want to buy (many use maple leaf or undercovertourist). Best part of room-only is that you can keep on checking and rechecking to see if the price went down, and change it. With packages there are change fees. Boo.

They wanna charge me like 80 dollars more for a 1 day front of the line pass MDW than any other time.

What does "MDW than any other time" mean? UEP does change depending on how busy they anticipate it's going to be.

They allowed smoking - our room reeked from a neighboring room so they brought in an air cleaner that had to be left in our room the whole time.

They only allowed smoking if you were there when FL allowed smoking in hotel rooms. There are PLENTY of reports of Disney rooms smelling like smoke. One a few months back discussed a room that smelled of marijuana smoke, even! Loews doesn't allow smoking in their rooms.

And Portofino is hands down our favorite resort. We've had incredible service, the rooms are spectacular, and the ambiance is to die for.

Last time we were there it was an 8 night trip and it was too short. (though it was also weird b/c DS and I had been mega-sick while at WDW and we were still very much recovering from it, and didn't spend a lot of time at the parks...we had club level though, thank goodness)

You realize for many people on these boards, POFQ is their favorite resort in the whole world, and them's fightin' words!

But it *is* a glorified motel. It's motel 6 all fancied up. One can be a fan of a resort AND see that.

 

[Seeker615]

Of course it is not Disney. But Disney is theme parks same as Universal, Busch Gardens...etc...

It just depends what you are looking for.

Personally I love both places but lately I have enjoyed Universal more. The themeing is just incredible and the rides are all amazing. I love that you can walk from your resort to both parks and City walk. No waiting for shuttles or trekking out to the parking lot at the end of the day. (Of course you can use their transportation if you wish)

We were there 5 nights and I wish we had a few more days. We explored both parks thoroughly and rode our favorite rides again. We explored all the shops and enjoyed long sit down meals at great restaurants. We were able to relax at our resort and not have to wake up early every morning. I think it is a great way to vacation - especially for a couple. We celebrated our 30th anniversary there and it was one of our favorite vacations!

 

[ougrad86]

I can do Universal in three days - maybe a little extra if warm enough to do water rides. We stay at the resort so we have FOTL - that is a personal preference. If I can avoid lines, I do. But Dusney I can spend a week or more at. This last trip we had three days Universal and 6 days Disney, and wanted to spend more time st Disney. Except for the HP areas, I think Universal still lacks that "it" factor for me. But Disney is beginning to nickel and dime more than they used to and their quality has gone downhill since we started visiting regularly. So I think I will give esch of them time to build new attractions while we send our son through college, and then come back and visit. Although I can see myself being pulled back before with a really good offer!

 

[MakiraMarlena]

I've done Universal in one day, in September when it was dead. Yes, both parks. Not every single attraction though - some of them I wasn't interested in. I don't think it's that dead anymore, and having two Harry Potter lands, one in each park, is gamechanging. For the whole park you'd need at least 2 days. They typically close the parks pretty early, so there's that. Funneling the guests out to City Walk. Disney may be getting ready to do the same thing with Disney Springs though.

 

[Nancyg56]

I've done Universal in one day, in September when it was dead. Yes, both parks. Not every single attraction though - some of them I wasn't interested in. I don't think it's that dead anymore, and having two Harry Potter lands, one in each park, is gamechanging. For the whole park you'd need at least 2 days. They typically close the parks pretty early, so there's that. Funneling the guests out to City Walk. Disney may be getting ready to do the same thing with Disney Springs though.

I wondered. I remember years ago, or at least I think I remember, MK closing at 7 a lot in January. We would leave and have dinner elsewhere, but many times in dtd.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

What ever you decide, I hope you have a great vacation.

However the bottom line is still Disney is Disney and no other parks can come close t Wat dreams, the magic and the Pixie dust.. UNI did a wonderful job on Harry Potter, both theming and rides and we love that.....other wise not so much..........Mostly thrill rides, many of which are way over done with video screens.

Then add in the water parks, Disney Springs, the Monorails, boat and bus transportation and other attractions, some all free.

WDW as the package is tops!

AKK

 

[Epcot242]

OK, for those who have been following this thread this is going to sound a little nuts, but - instead of backing down, we doubled down. DW feels like this may the only time we ever get an opportunity to do something extravagant without the kids, so last night she reanalyzed the budget and found a way to upgrade up from POFQ to the Contemporary, Tower, Theme Park View. We took advantage of the Summer Awakens special and while we're spending more, we spend about a third less than it would have cost to upgrade without it. I know, nuts. But...

Fear not. We're not going in expecting to be disappointed or looking for the cracks. We don't really think like that. My sense of disappointment is one that a lot of people have shared about how Disney is changing so many pricing structures at the same time as they are cutting staff, entertainment, etc. Trust me, we'll still go and have a good time. We're just comparing and weighing options now more than we ever have before. Before it was always, "When are we going back to see Mickey?" Now it's, "I wonder what Universal would cost?" "Is there anyplace else we can get better bang for the buck?"

Good! Go and enjoy. I don't blame you for wanting a change but you can always do WDW/US split trip down the road. Have a great time!

 

[tmoo]

I am not going to argue US vs. Dis, do what you want. I do have 2 comments about your original post though related to Disney.

First, we went in Dec and I was all aggravated about how horrible things were now based on the discussion boards. Once we got there, it was awesome. I had to do a LOT of up front work to make it awesome, but it is still Disney and still great. I'm not saying the complaints aren't valid, but once you get there you will forget most of it.

Second, even on your short time schedule, keep the Keys to the Kingdom tour. Unless you haven't been there before, it is a great way for adults to enjoy the magic kingdom. It is far more entertaining than a normal day at MK.

 

[Ellwood970]

I wondered. I remember years ago, or at least I think I remember, MK closing at 7 a lot in January. We would leave and have dinner elsewhere, but many times in dtd.

In January slow season MK did close often at 7. 8 was late for them during the week. Those were good times. Practically everything was walkon.

 

[Bullseye]

OK, for those who have been following this thread this is going to sound a little nuts, but - instead of backing down, we doubled down. DW feels like this may the only time we ever get an opportunity to do something extravagant without the kids, so last night she reanalyzed the budget and found a way to upgrade up from POFQ to the Contemporary, Tower, Theme Park View. We took advantage of the Summer Awakens special and while we're spending more, we spend about a third less than it would have cost to upgrade without it. I know, nuts. But...

Fear not. We're not going in expecting to be disappointed or looking for the cracks. We don't really think like that. My sense of disappointment is one that a lot of people have shared about how Disney is changing so many pricing structures at the same time as they are cutting staff, entertainment, etc. Trust me, we'll still go and have a good time. We're just comparing and weighing options now more than we ever have before. Before it was always, "When are we going back to see Mickey?" Now it's, "I wonder what Universal would cost?" "Is there anyplace else we can get better bang for the buck?"

That a boy! This is a special trip and you will love that BLT theme park view.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

DW and I are planning a second honeymoon for the last few days of June. Have already made reservations for POFQ King Room, Deluxe DDP, Memory Maker, 4 day tix.

With all the discussion about cutbacks, loss of quality, CM attitudes, etc... looked up similar dates and tried to put together a package at USO. Same 4 days - Royal Pacific Resort with front of the line access, 4 day tix, Mears shuttle round trip to and from MCO... almost $900 less than the Disney package.

Now to be fair, US doesn't offer a dining plan or memory maker, but then Disney doesn't offer unlimited front of the line access either. Both hotels here are moderate value; I could save another $400 or so by dropping down to Cabana Bay Beach at US. Oh, and I've included the Keys to the Kingdom tour that we booked at Disney in the price there.

All this is to say that I'm seriously thinking about switching to USO for this trip. Maybe I'm just one of many who is becoming more disillusioned with Disney and their money grubbing practices recently.

Just one thought to share before I go on my merry way...

I wouldn't personally let the negativity on here weigh too heavily in any decision. As with ANYTHING, those who have something negative to say always seem more vocal than those who have something positive or neutral to say.

About the specific things you mentioned...

• Cutbacks: All of the cutback talk is new -- no real way to know yet if/how it would actually impact your visit in a way that you would notice
• "CM Attitudes": Threads about "CM attitudes" have been on DIS forever. With 1-4 trips a year for about 11-12 yrs now, we have had almost exclusively positive experiences -- not an "all downhill" experience; at least that's us.
• Loss of quality: See point above re: "CM attitudes". Same thing here.

Looks like you opted for something AWESOME that we've experienced: Contemporary Theme Park View -- HOPE YOU'LL LOVE IT -- we did!!!! Bring a DSLR and a zoom lens and you can get the same pic I have as my avatar -- that's how I got it.

Just my 2 cents. Now I'm back to stalking of RoL info...

 

[Davey Jones II]

We usually do a week or more at WDW, and a couple days at Universal. Last time, we did 8 days at Disney and three at Universal, to give us more time to check out Diagon Alley, which was brand new to us. We only get to Orlando once every couple years (alternating with Cali/DLR) so skipping either of those theme park resorts is unthinkable. By the time we get there for our next trip, there are always new goodies on offer, plus we miss our old favorites.

Personally, if I only had a few days and had to pick one or the other, I would go with whichever one had opened the most new stuff since my last visit. Variety is the spice of theme parks.

O.P., have you experienced New Fantasyland? FP+ for 7DMT is essential, as is catching the great new 3 p.m. parade. Also, I wouldn't skip Enchanted Tales With Belle. Yes it's more of a kid oriented attraction, but it boasts two of the most amazing AAs I've ever seen! Well worth it just for those.

 

[revdon64]

We usually do a week or more at WDW, and a couple days at Universal. Last time, we did 8 days at Disney and three at Universal, to give us more time to check out Diagon Alley, which was brand new to us. We only get to Orlando once every couple years (alternating with Cali/DLR) so skipping either of those theme park resorts is unthinkable. By the time we get there for our next trip, there are always new goodies on offer, plus we miss our old favorites.

Personally, if I only had a few days and had to pick one or the other, I would go with whichever one had opened the most new stuff since my last visit. Variety is the spice of theme parks.

O.P., have you experienced New Fantasyland? FP+ for 7DMT is essential, as is catching the great new 3 p.m. parade. Also, I wouldn't skip Enchanted Tales With Belle. Yes it's more of a kid oriented attraction, but it boasts two of the most amazing AAs I've ever seen! Well worth it just for those.

Yes, we were just down there in Nov/Dec, did a MVMCP, ETWB with 10y/o DD, 7DMT several times. Disney hasn't really opened up much of significance since December, and we may not be able to fit in the new night stuff at AK this trip.

 

[edk35]

We are staying at Royal Pacific for the first time next month. It was cheaper (when I booked in Dec.) for us to stay at RP than it was at CB because we would have to pay for FOTL access if we stayed at CB. Even thought CB was cheaper per night, after I crunched the numbers it was cheaper to stay in a nicer resort and get the FOTL pass.