Try to be Positive!

[BuckeyeBama]

"A positive attitude may not solve all of your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort." Herm Albright

 

[SuperRob]

Dear lord, what have I done?

I totally get the unintended irony in my post, so I've been trying to focus on helping people, and that's why I haven't responded yet.

Here's my thing. You're spending THOUSANDS of dollars on this trip. When it comes right down to it, you have direct control over one and only one thing on that trip.

Your attitude.

Do you really want to spend that kind of money and have a lousy time? Only you are capable of making you happy. I could go to Disney, not ride a single ride, and have an amazing time simply because I choose to. Doesn't mean I don't go with realistic expectations. I'm keeping an eye on what's going on with MDE/FP+ because in any situation I arm myself with knowledge. But even if things didn't work according to plan, I'd still make the best of it, because I don't to have my memories ruined.

Case in point, the third day of my Honeymoon, I waded out into the ocean at Castaway Cay with my brand new iPhone in my shorts pocket. Lost a bunch of priceless photos (iCloud wasn't a thing yet), not to mention a device that I consider to be my "auxiliary brain". But I refused to let that little blunder ruin the trip, and now it's just that dumb thing I did, rather than being this horrible thing that happened to me. (Probably helps that I wanted my wife's first WDW trip and cruise to be as magical as mine was.)

But quite frankly, I think it's a terrible thing to do to someone to let your bad attitude spill over into someone ELSE's extremely expensive trip that they're just trying to get information about. I'm not saying you shouldn't tell them what to expect ... that's important. I'm just saying to try to keep your personal opinion and attitude at bay and try to be as helpful and informative if you can. There's precious little of either happening right now, and it's incredibly disappointing.

Disney's not perfect. They screw up plenty. But that's not to say that you can't squeeze every last bit of joy you can out of it.

Anyway, that's all I have to say on the issue. I'm going to go back to trying to lead by example now. Thanks everyone.

 

[PJ]

I do understand what they're saying. They're saying negative threads should be put in one place and "everything else" can go elsewhere, so people can use those. Meaning, the negative threads are just "constant complaining" and provide no value.

That is not at all what I thought I said - I suggested putting the FP posts in one place - both negative and positive.

 

[mrsmorrow]

Dear lord, what have I done?

I totally get the unintended irony in my post, so I've been trying to focus on helping people, and that's why I haven't responded yet.

Here's my thing. You're spending THOUSANDS of dollars on this trip. When it comes right down to it, you have direct control over one and only one thing on that trip.

Your attitude.

Do you really want to spend that kind of money and have a lousy time? Only you are capable of making you happy. I could go to Disney, not ride a single ride, and have an amazing time simply because I choose to. Doesn't mean I don't go with realistic expectations. I'm keeping an eye on what's going on with MDE/FP+ because in any situation I arm myself with knowledge. But even if things didn't work according to plan, I'd still make the best of it, because I don't to have my memories ruined.

Case in point, the third day of my Honeymoon, I waded out into the ocean at Castaway Cay with my brand new iPhone in my shorts pocket. Lost a bunch of priceless photos (iCloud wasn't a thing yet), not to mention a device that I consider to be my "auxiliary brain". But I refused to let that little blunder ruin the trip, and now it's just that dumb thing I did, rather than being this horrible thing that happened to me. (Probably helps that I wanted my wife's first WDW trip and cruise to be as magical as mine was.)

But quite frankly, I think it's a terrible thing to do to someone to let your bad attitude spill over into someone ELSE's extremely expensive trip that they're just trying to get information about. I'm not saying you shouldn't tell them what to expect ... that's important. I'm just saying to try to keep your personal opinion and attitude at bay and try to be as helpful and informative if you can. There's precious little of either happening right now, and it's incredibly disappointing.

Disney's not perfect. They screw up plenty. But that's not to say that you can't squeeze every last bit of joy you can out of it.

Anyway, that's all I have to say on the issue. I'm going to go back to trying to lead by example now. Thanks everyone.

Hope for the best, prepare for the worst, and enjoy every darn minute!!! Kudos!! Its ALLLLLLLL about attitude

 

[crostorfer]

Everyone knows that things aren't perfect right now. It's a tough time, change is hard, and there's a lot of fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD) going around. But remember, folks, this board is for strategies and the spirit is to try to be helpful for people who are planning Disney vacations to help them get the most out of their trip.

There is very little point to the overwhelming negativity going around, its not helpful, and if anything it's arguably painting such a negative picture that even if things went well for someone, they might come away with a negative impression just because of things they've read here. The fact of the matter is that if this is someone's first trip, why are you setting them up to have a bad experience? Would you have liked that if someone did that to you? You're spending a lot of money on these trips, so why wouldn't you want to help someone have that magical experience we all remember?

We can't change what Disney is going to do (and even if we could, THIS isn't the place that's going to do it), but what we can do is try to bring out the best of that Disney service we all appreciate so much and try to be positive and helpful to others.

I realize I'm probably spitting into the wind here, and after all, this is the internet and people tend to be jerks when they're anonymous. But I believe we can all be better than that. Try to have a positive outlook, be helpful when people ask questions, and try to keep the bellyaching to a minimum. Most importantly, remember that no matter what we might want to happen in the future, we have to deal with what's going on now, and it is still possible to have a wonderful trip even with the current changes. We can help make that happen for people.

So, we're all anonymous jerks if we express negative feelings toward the state of the parks at the moment? Ok, then. Way to be positive!

 

[larryz]

<----------- NOT anonymous...

 

[Oz Mouseketeer]

Dear lord, what have I done?

I totally get the unintended irony in my post, so I've been trying to focus on helping people, and that's why I haven't responded yet.

Here's my thing. You're spending THOUSANDS of dollars on this trip. When it comes right down to it, you have direct control over one and only one thing on that trip.

Your attitude.

Absolutely agree - 100% - With everything you've said, mate.

When I stumbled across your thread, I was really impressed by your opening statement and post - I've been reading disboards for weeks, but signed up only a couple of days ago to use my one and only other post on here to express some very similar feelings to yours... I began to read this thread (as a newcomer planning his first trip to Disney World with this fiance) in the hope that I could soak up some positive optimism and energy on Disney again like I did when I first stumbled across these forums... but sadly (and not at all surprised) that it wasn't long for the pessimistic and negative attitudes from others to creep in to this thread as well! It blows my mind to think that even a positive thread now doesn't last long before other swoop in to tell you they're entitled to their negative opinion...

The "sense of entitlement" displayed by some here amazes me.

 

[BudgieMama]

Absolutely agree - 100% - With everything you've said, mate.

When I stumbled across your thread, I was really impressed by your opening statement and post - I've been reading disboards for weeks, but signed up only a couple of days ago to use my one and only other post on here to express some very similar feelings to yours... I began to read this thread (as a newcomer planning his first trip to Disney World with this fiance) in the hope that I could soak up some positive optimism and energy on Disney again like I did when I first stumbled across these forums... but sadly (and not at all surprised) that it wasn't long for the pessimistic and negative attitudes from others to creep in to this thread as well! It blows my mind to think that even a positive thread now doesn't last long before other swoop in to tell you they're entitled to their negative opinion...

The "sense of entitlement" displayed by some here amazes me.

Another first timer feeling the same. I get that people aren't happy about the changes, but as an outsider it is overwhelming. I didn't book a trip to WDW expecting never to stand in a queue for anything, and when I first read about legacy FP it scared me as it is a system designed to benefit those who know the park well (multiple locations to pick up FPs being crucial to the system),

Now, I don't like the concept of tiering, but other than that, I think the FP+ system levels the playing field immensely. I'm not left feeling terrified that a navigational blunder will leave me without a FP for something I really want to do. And I'm bored of reading about all the complaints about not being able to repeatedly ride the same rides or having to wait in queues. That's how theme parks work. Without limiting the number of guests, someone will always have to wait, and why shouldn't that be spread out? What makes one person more worthy of less waiting time than anyone else? Should I be entitled to fewer waits because this will likely be our only trip and the only reason we can afford it is because my Granny died and left us some money? No. I will wait my turn, or I'd have booked somewhere that wasn't a theme park for my holiday.

*ducks for cover*

 

[BuckeyeBama]

<----------- NOT anonymous...

Care to share your name, address and phone number? Otherwise, anonymous.

Yes, people on the internet behave much more poorly than they do on the street. There are no consequences for this behavior. But internet behavior is a reflection of who we really are. Character is exposed when no one is watching - the internet mimics this perfectly.

The problem - this snarky and cynical "internet" behavior is starting to become acceptable in the "real" world as people become desensitized to it, and that can't be good for our future.

There is a reason that we apply a filter in the real world. We should apply that same filter in every aspect of our lives.

 

[EMode]

Another first timer feeling the same. I get that people aren't happy about the changes, but as an outsider it is overwhelming. I didn't book a trip to WDW expecting never to stand in a queue for anything, and when I first read about legacy FP it scared me as it is a system designed to benefit those who know the park well (multiple locations to pick up FPs being crucial to the system),

Now, I don't like the concept of tiering, but other than that, I think the FP+ system levels the playing field immensely. I'm not left feeling terrified that a navigational blunder will leave me without a FP for something I really want to do. And I'm bored of reading about all the complaints about not being able to repeatedly ride the same rides or having to wait in queues. That's how theme parks work. Without limiting the number of guests, someone will always have to wait, and why shouldn't that be spread out? What makes one person more worthy of less waiting time than anyone else? Should I be entitled to fewer waits because this will likely be our only trip and the only reason we can afford it is because my Granny died and left us some money? No. I will wait my turn, or I'd have booked somewhere that wasn't a theme park for my holiday.

*ducks for cover*

Since you are a first timer its clear you don't understand that the old legacy FP was actually much more "fair", it gave ALL guests the same opportunity to get FPs.
Lucky you if you are staying onsite, I guess those staying offsite are the ones who have to feel terrified that they don't get FPs for something they really want too. That is okay though, as long as you do because now the system is "fair" for you

 

[Cee]

I think all of this shows us that planning too much can take some of the freedom, spontaneity and joy out of a vacation. ADRs and FPs and reservations for this, that and the other thing.

I'm not saying don't plan. Just try not to plan every second of every day. Leave some time for the "aaaaah......."

 

[Jennasis]

Absolutely agree - 100% - With everything you've said, mate.

When I stumbled across your thread, I was really impressed by your opening statement and post - I've been reading disboards for weeks, but signed up only a couple of days ago to use my one and only other post on here to express some very similar feelings to yours... I began to read this thread (as a newcomer planning his first trip to Disney World with this fiance) in the hope that I could soak up some positive optimism and energy on Disney again like I did when I first stumbled across these forums... but sadly (and not at all surprised) that it wasn't long for the pessimistic and negative attitudes from others to creep in to this thread as well! It blows my mind to think that even a positive thread now doesn't last long before other swoop in to tell you they're entitled to their negative opinion...

The "sense of entitlement" displayed by some here amazes me.

Nonsense. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, positive or negative. Full stop.

 

[williamscm3]

Another first timer feeling the same. I get that people aren't happy about the changes, but as an outsider it is overwhelming. I didn't book a trip to WDW expecting never to stand in a queue for anything, and when I first read about legacy FP it scared me as it is a system designed to benefit those who know the park well (multiple locations to pick up FPs being crucial to the system), Now, I don't like the concept of tiering, but other than that, I think the FP+ system levels the playing field immensely. I'm not left feeling terrified that a navigational blunder will leave me without a FP for something I really want to do. And I'm bored of reading about all the complaints about not being able to repeatedly ride the same rides or having to wait in queues. That's how theme parks work. Without limiting the number of guests, someone will always have to wait, and why shouldn't that be spread out? What makes one person more worthy of less waiting time than anyone else? Should I be entitled to fewer waits because this will likely be our only trip and the only reason we can afford it is because my Granny died and left us some money? No. I will wait my turn, or I'd have booked somewhere that wasn't a theme park for my holiday. *ducks for cover*

I understand exactly what you mean by legacy FP was designed for those that know the park well. I have a feeling most of the people on these boards that are so upset about this could walk to those Legacy FP machines with their eyes closed. Had that system stayed in place I'm sure I would have been able to eventually get to that level and use it to my advantage but to someone who has never stepped foot in the parks knowing that some FP machines aren't even near the rides they are used for is a bit confusing. I am in no way saying it wasn't a fair system...but the new way will help people that aren't as experienced. I do feel bad for the people that won't get to experience the parks like they use to. I try to see where each side is coming from and I know if I were accustomed to something and it were taken away, I would be upset too. Purely from a new persons point of view though, this way does "seem" more fair.

 

[larryz]

Care to share your name, address and phone number? Otherwise, anonymous.

If you want to know who I am, you'll know how to find me -- much more so than "BuckeyeBama."

 

[kmc]

I don't think many people here have a problem with negative threads or negative opinions. They can be very useful. It's the "constant complaining" about the same thing, by the same people that many of us could do without. By now, we know how some of you feel. We don't need to be reminded multiple times a day. I've pretty much refrained from replying to negative FP+ threads thinking those who aren't happy about the change need to voice their opinion & get it off their chests. That should have been sufficiently accomplished by now. It's time to move on.

This is exactly how I feel. Negative posts can be as helpful as positive ones, and I do realize that fast pass + is the topic of the day. Im open to read any NEW info about it good or bad........However reporting the EXACT SAME argument over and over multiple times a day isn't useful at all.

 

[EMode]

This is exactly how I feel. Negative posts can be as helpful as positive ones, and I do realize that fast pass + is the topic of the day. Im open to read any NEW info about it good or bad........However reporting the EXACT SAME argument over and over multiple times a day isn't useful at all.

If its useful when its posted once then its useful when its posted multiple times too. People relaying their experiences as they happen, or people discussing past experiences don't have to only talk about NEW info, as long as its about FP+ (or whatever the topic of the thread is) it is relevant to the discussion occurring at that time. If someone doesn't want to read it because they have "heard" it before they are free to move along to the next thread

 

[Mad Hattered]

If you want to know who I am, you'll know how to find me -- much more so than "BuckeyeBama."

Ohhhhh, this sounds like a challenge.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

If its useful when its posted once then its useful when its posted multiple times too. People relaying their experiences as they happen, or people discussing past experiences don't have to only talk about NEW info, as long as its about FP+ (or whatever the topic of the thread is) it is relevant to the discussion occurring at that time. If someone doesn't want to read it because they have "heard" it before they are free to move along to the next thread

It appears that only those who show up in many threads to post the same negative opinions we've seen many times think those posts are useful. For most of us, they're obnoxious. As I mentioned earlier, the FP+ haters keep suggesting people move on to the next thread. Pretty soon we'd run out of threads. This was meant to be a positive thread, but the negative posters showed up quickly. This is the case with many threads. If the negative posts were actually new info, they could be helpful. That's rarely the case though.

 

[TLSnell1981]

Poor, poor kittenz!!

I'm with disneybass on this; we've had 4 trips with the fp+ and magic bands with no problems. Tried out new things- fp for Fantasmic, Wishes, etc; all good. I don't miss having a lanyard around my neck!

Now in a Disney drought for a bit; won't be back until September.

No lanyard?!?! How do you display your pin collection?

 

[PirateD]

I have actually found the FP+ debate to be very helpful in deciding whether or not we should plan to go to WDW or DL. I am concerned about the changes and have been reading with interest the good, the bad, and the ugly. What I find interesting is that I am actually less of a FP hater than my sister and brother who are not Disboard members and who have gotten their information from Facebook, Twitter, articles, etc. They don't go to any of the online forums, but don't like what they are hearing even from Disney marketing. I'm a little more open-minded I think because I'm at least hearing both sides here on the Disboards. I was hoping I could watch from the sidelines and wait to see how this all plays out, but my parents are wanting to possibly plan a Christmas trip this year for everyone. I don't know if my brother and sister will agree to give it a try with their families, and after seeing President's Day weekend threads, I'm not sure I want to encourage it. I will be here quietly reading the debate (for the most part) and trying to decide if it's worth our vacation dollars and time. I think how things turn out over Spring Break will be the deciding factor for me.