UPDATE p. 37. I finally canceled. Too much uncertainty for us.

[rt2dz]

Been going since 1975... I'm not upset about it.. Nor was I upset about the end of ticket books, the implementation of FP, dining plan etc. These are all frivolous things in the larger spectrum.

I am not 100% sure what you mean, so I may be misreading something here...

I've been going since 1976, logged 40+ trips adding up too over 400 days in Disney parks. I remember ticket books. Not upset they're gone, although I think FP+ is very much like them. FP never bothered me, love it! I could care less about the dining plan, but I do believe that is reason food has gone down hill (and a big reason prices have Sky rocketed). One of my 4 kids has Autism and I don't even really care about the GAC changes. I am bothered, although only slightly, by the cc guarantees on ADRs--mostly because I can't depend on the ASD kid, but we just opt to eat offsite more, and with the way food is going that's a big win for us really.

I am irritated with the way FP+ is being implemented. And why wouldn't I? Things are changing day to day with no notice. I can only book 3 FP+ per day! but I have a family of 6. Not everyone can do their favorites. I'm not talking Splash Mountain 17 times in a row, but maybe 1 for Splash Mountain, 1 for BTMRR, 1 for Space mountain, 1 for Buzz, 1 for 7DM (if it ever opens), and not massive waits for HM and PoC. THAT is what we are used to. Along with a few repeat performances on the mountains, like 2-3 times total per visit. We have a wide variety of interest levels, height restrictions come into play, my son's special needs come into play, etc.

Autism requires a lot of flexibility, so no super planners there. It's why it is hurting us. We won't do rope drop--too important to have well rested kids. We may be able to stay until closing, or only 6 pm, or we may find ourselves done at noon. Maybe we just need a break, maybe a break could cause a meltdown (NOT to be confused with a two-year-old type of temper tantrum), maybe we find that one park just isn't going to work that day due to sensory issues. And you can't plan for that because vacations throw schedules out of whack.

We noticed a massive down turn when FP times were enforced. It led to a lot of standing around waiting. Not enough time to go do something else since rides seem to break down a lot now. I see more of this. I don't think there will be much in same-day availability. Too many guests. And we're too unpredictable.

I love the idea of remote scheduling. I do not like the idea of wearing a band. A key would do the same thing. I don't mind prebooking if it is 1-2 days in advance, leaving people to be flexible (again, we might find ourselves needing a surprise day off). I wouldn't mind choosing up to three, if you could choose for any three (no tiers at a park where we only ride 2 rides, and maybe imagination and Nemo), could only choose 1, could choose multiple parks on the same day, could choose for your entire trip if staying onsite (for those of us that upgrade), etc. Sure, any of those things *could* come into play! but they also *might not.* All we know is what we have now, and that ain't it.

Add that to all the other downgrading Disney does with higher and higher prices, and I find it unsettling. Seriously, we went the exact same week in 2012 that we did in 2004, stayed at the exact same resort, in a lower level room, and paid 3.5x more--not including tickets or dining, both of which have also doubled per person. Yet, we received fewer perks and experienced a dirtier park, ate crappier food, received lesser service, saw more wear and tear to resorts/buildings/rides/stores, had less atmosphere, was stuck on multiple rides, etc, etc. I'm not wearing rose-colored Mickey glasses. I see this. I don't like it. How can anyone just say "But it's disney!"? Do they not know what made "Disney", "Disney"?

Disney recently had a job listing for a social media listening analyst. Hope they hired one or ten and he/she (they) is out there listening. There a lot of people out there taking notice, just like me.

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[dwheaton]

The problem is, Disney went over and above in customer service, to the point where they coddled certain types of people. They created a bunch of spoiled brats.

The customer is not always right. Sometimes, the customer is unreasonable or just plain nasty.

It's been said dozens of times, but I'll say it again. If you don't like the way things are done, don't give them your business.

I do think the vast majority of consumers think they are doing just fine. It's just that the complainers are vocal. In the end though a small number of unhappy DISers aren't going to even register.

I'm not sure you're truly understanding the points that we're making. This isn't about us being "spoiled brats" or unhappy guests because we didn't get served with a crazy level of "magic". I don't go to Disney for that purpose.

Instead, I want Disney to offer strong attractions that are well-run, not showing their wear, and still provide a top experience. Given the ticket prices, I'd like to be able to ride a good portion of them within a reasonable timeframe. For this reason, I typically go during off season.

FP- was a necessary evil and served a good purpose given the crowd levels and uneven nature of having just a few headliners in some parks. FP+ does not solve that issue and just makes it more challenging without offering the guests much in return.

When the parks are offering a worse value (lesser dining, a lack of new attractions, longer lines) for increased ticket prices while the company focuses on games and "experiences", I'm going to feel disappointed.

Also, the tired point of "if you don't like it, don't go" contributes little to a conversation and can be condescending to fans that have concerns.

 

[SoarinSC]

The problem is, Disney went over and above in customer service, to the point where they coddled certain types of people. They created a bunch of spoiled brats.

The customer is not always right. Sometimes, the customer is unreasonable or just plain nasty.

It's been said dozens of times, but I'll say it again. If you don't like the way things are done, don't give them your business.

I do think the vast majority of consumers think they are doing just fine. It's just that the complainers are vocal. In the end though a small number of unhappy DISers aren't going to even register.

That's an awful huge brush you're painting with...are there spoiled brats, of course, but to say anyone that's vocal about perceived shortcomings is a brat isn't being fair.

I can't speak for anyone but me, but my concerns and wanting to be vocal comes from LOVING Disney and knowing it can do better. Especially since Disney as a company is raking in huge profits.

 

[Sammie]

The problem is, Disney went over and above in customer service, to the point where they coddled certain types of people.

The customer is not always right. Sometimes, the customer is unreasonable or just plain nasty.

It's been said dozens of times, but I'll say it again. If you don't like the way things are done, don't give them your business.

I do think the vast majority of consumers think they are doing just fine. It's just that the complainers are vocal. In the end though a small number of unhappy DISers aren't going to even register.

totally agree, things such as the change to the refillable drinks is a direct response to bad guest behavior. That change would have never happened if people had simply done what they were suppose to do.

I also feel the change to Fastpass is a result also of a system not working as intended for the "majority" of guests.

I am excited about the changes, our experience with MDE and Fastpass+ was good.

If this change is such that it truly ruins a trip to Disney World I would simply suggest that person stop going. Neither that person or Disney will perish from the change.

 

[rt2dz]

I've been going since then as well as a child, and have been several times a year, every year starting in the early 80s. I don't think your perceived loyalty to Disney has anything to do with this. I am not upset with Disney over this. I do agree with you, that customer service isn't what it was then, along with some other things. But I think customer base has changed as well. So change goes hand in hand. For fear of having this thread shut down with my opinions on customers, we'll leave it at that. But I disagree that just because you've been going to Disney since the 70s means you're more upset than others. Or that Disney has somehow gone "downhill" since then. That is your perception and opinion, to which of course you are entitled. But it doesn't hold true for everyone that's been going since then. Yes some things are different, but I do still love Disney.

You do realize I had two replies to two different people? And the second was the one who implied that anyone who doesn't blindly accept anything that Disney does as great, doesn't love disney? That is the locality comment I made.

You can say Disney hasn't gone "down hill" all you like. That is your opinion and you are more than welcome to it. I just can't fully agree. The canceling of shows in every park, the increased break down of rides, the homogeneous nature of the gift shop merchandise, fewer CMs on shifts, the lightened training for new hires, the standardizing of menus, the ever increasing prices, etc are all documentable fact. Disney isn't what it used to be. It just isn't. It doesn't mean I don't love Disney, it's because I do that it bothers me.

And you are right, the customer base has changed. Disney has marketed itself that it is a must do for all kids. Get people in there that have to save for 1, 3, 5-10 years to go or put it all on credit card, and they want want Disney made their reputation on being. The more people spend, the more people expect. I don't go to McDonald's thinking I'm going to get great food and wonderful services, but I do expect it when I go to a fine ding restaurant. I'm standard are raised because the price I'm paying is raised. Typical human nature. I don't expect things to be perfect at Disney! but I do expect what they have given me in the past, especially when they are charging me three times the amount!

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[BayouMickey]

I am not 100% sure what you mean, so I may be misreading something here...

I've been going since 1976, logged 40+ trips adding up too over 400 days in Disney parks. I remember ticket books. Not upset they're gone, although I think FP+ is very much like them. FP never bothered me, love it! I could care less about the dining plan, but I do believe that is reason food has gone down hill (and a big reason prices have Sky rocketed). One of my 4 kids has Autism and I don't even really care about the GAC changes. I am bothered, although only slightly, by the cc guarantees on ADRs--mostly because I can't depend on the ASD kid, but we just opt to eat offsite more, and with the way food is going that's a big win for us really.

I am irritated with the way FP+ is being implemented. And why wouldn't I? Things are changing day to day with no notice. I can only book 3 FP+ per day! but I have a family of 6. Not everyone can do their favorites. I'm not talking Splash Mountain 17 times in a row, but maybe 1 for Splash Mountain, 1 for BTMRR, 1 for Space mountain, 1 for Buzz, 1 for 7DM (if it ever opens), and not massive waits for HM and PoC. THAT is what we are used to. Along with a few repeat performances on the mountains, like 2-3 times total per visit. We have a wide variety of interest levels, height restrictions come into play, my son's special needs come into play, etc.

Autism requires a lot of flexibility, so no super planners there. It's why it is hurting us. We won't do rope drop--too important to have well rested kids. We may be able to stay until closing, or only 6 pm, or we may find ourselves done at noon. Maybe we just need a break, maybe a break could cause a meltdown (NOT to be confused with a two-year-old type of temper tantrum), maybe we find that one park just isn't going to work that day due to sensory issues. And you can't plan for that because vacations throw schedules out of whack.

We noticed a massive down turn when FP times were enforced. It led to a lot of standing around waiting. Not enough time to go do something else since rides seem to break down a lot now. I see more of this. I don't think there will be much in same-day availability. Too many guests. And we're too unpredictable.

I love the idea of remote scheduling. I do not like the idea of wearing a band. A key would do the same thing. I don't mind prebooking if it is 1-2 days in advance, leaving people to be flexible (again, we might find ourselves needing a surprise day off). I wouldn't mind choosing up to three, if you could choose for any three (no tiers at a park where we only ride 2 rides, and maybe imagination and Nemo), could only choose 1, could choose multiple parks on the same day, could choose for your entire trip if staying onsite (for those of us that upgrade), etc. Sure, any of those things *could* come into play! but they also *might not.* All we know is what we have now, and that ain't it.

Add that to all the other downgrading Disney does with higher and higher prices, and I find it unsettling. Seriously, we went the exact same week in 2012 that we did in 2004, stayed at the exact same resort, in a lower level room, and paid 3.5x more--not including tickets or dining, both of which have also doubled per person. Yet, we received fewer perks and experienced a dirtier park, ate crappier food, received lesser service, saw more wear and tear to resorts/buildings/rides/stores, had less atmosphere, was stuck on multiple rides, etc, etc. I'm not wearing rose-colored Mickey glasses. I see this. I don't like it. How can anyone just say "But it's disney!"? Do they not know what made "Disney", "Disney"?

Disney recently had a job listing for a social media listening analyst. Hope they hired one or ten and he/she (they) is out there listening. There a lot of people out there taking notice, just like me.

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My meaning is, this isn't the first "big change" Disney has ever done, with people fighting tooth and nail against it, but eventually it has become the norm.
My DD is a "special needs" child, but we seem to think using the new DAS with FP+ should work just fine. I do not need to worry about emotional meltdowns, I have to worry about her actual health. not to downplay autism by any means, but I would much rather have to deal with a meltdown than having to follow an ambulance to a hospital.
As for the downgrading, I pay no mind to that, as I said it's the frivolous stuff. What's important is that customer service as a whole is still above and beyond anywhere else. Magic still exist if you don't sweat the small stuff, and as long as they keep that twinkle in my children's eye, we'll keep going.

 

[rt2dz]

I'm not sure you're truly understanding the points that we're making. This isn't about us being "spoiled brats" or unhappy guests because we didn't get served with a crazy level of "magic". I don't go to Disney for that purpose. Instead, I want Disney to offer strong attractions that are well-run, not showing their wear, and still provide a top experience. Given the ticket prices, I'd like to be able to ride a good portion of them within a reasonable timeframe. For this reason, I typically go during off season. FP- was a necessary evil and served a good purpose given the crowd levels and uneven nature of having just a few headliners in some parks. FP+ does not solve that issue and just makes it more challenging without offering the guests much in return. When the parks are offering a worse value (lesser dining, a lack of new attractions, longer lines) for increased ticket prices while the company focuses on games and "experiences", I'm going to feel disappointed. Also, the tired point of "if you don't like it, don't go" contributes little to a conversation and can be condescending to fans that have concerns.

Much better said than my attempt!

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[rrali33tt]

Yes. Sad or even a bit angry.

I'd be upset if what we were accustomed to doing was fundamentally changing. We were pulling 7+ FPs each day, getting multiple rides on favorite attractions, and never, ever waiting in any line more than 20 minutes long, no matter the crowd levels. After seven wonderful trips following that pattern, being limited to 3 FP+s/1 Epcot headliner FP+ is a significant downgrade. There is no way to soften that blow for us. I understand the OP's feelings.

I completely agree with this statement. I went to Disney in late Sept and tested the magic bands. We lost an hour or so because my fiancee's magic band did not work to open our hotel door. When in the parks we were unable to change our FP rides (the app just wouldn't let us). If it weren't for the fact that we were able to pull paper fast passes too I would not have enjoyed my trip much. I hate waiting in line and refuse to wait more than 30 minutes for any ride.

If I am "rationed" 3 FP/day I am not going to WDW every year and will go every other year because I am not spending my entire vacation waiting in line. I do like shopping and some of the shows, but I will go broke if all I do is shop! ( I'm pretty sure that is Disney's plan lol)

 

[EMom]

The problem is, Disney went over and above in customer service, to the point where they coddled certain types of people. They created a bunch of spoiled brats.

The customer is not always right. Sometimes, the customer is unreasonable or just plain nasty.

It's been said dozens of times, but I'll say it again. If you don't like the way things are done, don't give them your business.

I do think the vast majority of consumers think they are doing just fine. It's just that the complainers are vocal. In the end though a small number of unhappy DISers aren't going to even register.

You say that, but you do not seem to respect the decision of those who have opted to postpone/cancel their trips until the dust settles. Instead you ridicule them, post snarky comments and in general, act quite unpleasantly toward them. Why be so rude toward people who have made a decision they feel is best for their family? It's not as if your last name is Disney. Why take it so personally?

I can understand that my decision to cancel our trip, while best for us, is not the answer for everyone and that others will be happy enough going to WDW during that time/under those circumstances. Why can you not grasp that others might make a decision different to you, without criticizing them and resorting to condescending remarks?

There is a difference between, "I am still going to WDW, will have a good time, and if you feel otherwise you should not go" and "I am still going to WDW, will have a good time, and if you feel otherwise you should not go......you idiot."

 

[rebbyparker]

There is a difference between, "I am still going to WDW, will have a good time, and if you feel otherwise you should not go" and "I am still going to WDW, will have a good time, and if you feel otherwise you should not go......you idiot."

and

 

[EMom]

and

Actually, it's more along the lines of "you whining, spoiled brat, Disney-hating idiot." And that's the short version.

 

[rebbyparker]

Actually, it's more along the lines of "you whining, spoiled brat, Disney-hating idiot." And that's the short version.

OMG! Dr. Pepper spurted all over my desk now, thank you very much!

 

[rebbyparker]

I mean, what else are we going to do but laugh? Expressing concerns about an upcoming Disney trip on a Disney forum? The horror!! Granted, there are more changes and thus more concerns now but still? I just don't see the need to trample over people's anxiety about upcoming or in your case, cancelled trips. It is what it is.

Unless Disney changes it tomorrow.

 

[tlwfun89]

Not to get a tad bit in another direction but we are going for spring break and have opted to use up all our dvc points. We have our AP's from last summer so we are opting a spring break trip and no more points until 2016 to stay dvc. We will be taking a couple years off from Disney and it could not have happened at a better time. Disney actually has us deciding not to participate in their ubber planning as much as we have which means less onsite meals less changing resorts to get the best resort. No adding on special stuff we are just going with the idea take it as it comes and be happy and after that no more Disney for a couple of years. Who looses well I really think in this situation their losses will be significant. Cause we arent the only family cutting back on the Disney way of vacationing. I just read about the Grand floridian villas not selling as they had hoped. And they are wondering and having meetings as to why???? REally????

 

[MABEE]

When people get messages either at home before travel or while in parks that they can schedule FP+ pretty easily won't more of them take advantage of it? Disney hasn't really pushed legacy fastpasses but by all appearances they might just push FP+ and that certainly could lead to more people using them.

I think you're right, and I think we also have to take into account the fact that you can use FPP while flopped on a bench eating a funnel cake. (Mmmmm....Funnel cake....) You no longer have to physically walk across the park to pull your fast pass and then wait for your opening. You can sit on your bench and wait for your time, then wander over. I think that this will appeal to many more casual non-planner type guests than traditional FP did, because it doesn't involve as much (any) physical effort. If walking across the entire MK to pull a buzz lightyear pass wasn't worth it to you, being able to just tap a button on your phone probably is, if that is a ride you are interested in. I think Disney will see many more FPP users than they say regular FP users, just for this reason. And increased demand = scarcity.

 

[OtherScott]

One thing I rarely read about on these threads:

Kids

I mean, I know parents are getting twisted over this, but are your kids?

Mine didn't seem to notice in October (other than TSM), but I'm more of the "a bad day at Disney beats a good day at work/school" (not to mention good days at Disney). Of course, they used the Halloween party to ride rides rather than trick-or-treat, and they really liked the house we rented.

 

[MABEE]

One thing I rarely read about on these threads:

Kids

I mean, I know parents are getting twisted over this, but are your kids?

Mine didn't seem to notice in October (other than TSM), but I'm more of the "a bad day at Disney beats a good day at work/school" (not to mention good days at Disney). Of course, they used the Halloween party to ride rides rather than trick-or-treat, and they really liked the house we rented.

My kids will definitely notice if they get to only ride their favorite ride once instead of 2-3 times. Kids love repetition, right? My kids loved riding the same ride many times in one day, so this will no doubt represent an adjustment in expectations. They are lucky enough to have memories of prior WDW trips when they could basically do whatever ride they wanted, all day. There's no way they would want to wait in a 50 minute Peter Pan line, even though they love that ride. So.. we'll see how it goes!

 

[dwheaton]

I think you're right, and I think we also have to take into account the fact that you can use FPP while flopped on a bench eating a funnel cake. (Mmmmm....Funnel cake....) You no longer have to physically walk across the park to pull your fast pass and then wait for your opening. You can sit on your bench and wait for your time, then wander over. I think that this will appeal to many more casual non-planner type guests than traditional FP did, because it doesn't involve as much (any) physical effort. If walking across the entire MK to pull a buzz lightyear pass wasn't worth it to you, being able to just tap a button on your phone probably is, if that is a ride you are interested in. I think Disney will see many more FPP users than they say regular FP users, just for this reason. And increased demand = scarcity.

You make a good point about the effort involved to get paper FPs in the past. I did a lot of back and forth across the parks when we went the last time since my wife's parents also went.

The question is still how high a percentage will use FP+. I think that planners and experts will do everything they can to maximize the system. However, I still think there will be a lot of guests who will arrive and then scramble when they realize the old FPs are gone (if/when that happens) and they haven't reserved any rides. We'll see.

 

[mom2rtk]

One thing I rarely read about on these threads:

Kids

I mean, I know parents are getting twisted over this, but are your kids?

Mine didn't seem to notice in October (other than TSM), but I'm more of the "a bad day at Disney beats a good day at work/school" (not to mention good days at Disney). Of course, they used the Halloween party to ride rides rather than trick-or-treat, and they really liked the house we rented.

I think it's harder for kids to consider things in the abstract. If I asked my daughter she wouldn't be able to tell you what our longest wait was last trip. I know exactly what it was. And yes, she complained about it at the time. We're so used to having FP at our disposal that she hardly has to deal with long waits. I don't think any big difference would likely sink in until she actually experiences it.

I saw this mess coming though and changed course for the west coast this year. Fingers crossed it settles down by December 2014.

 

[OtherScott]

I think it's harder for kids to consider things in the abstract. If I asked my daughter she wouldn't be able to tell you what our longest wait was last trip. I know exactly what it was. And yes, she complained about it at the time. We're so used to having FP at our disposal that she hardly has to deal with long waits. I don't think any big difference would likely sink in until she actually experiences it.

I saw this mess coming though and changed course for the west coast this year. Fingers crossed it settles down by December 2014.

My kids were 7 & 3 when we went in 2009. Did the RD at DHS, grabbed FP for TSM then got in standby line: 45 minutes.

Did same thing this year when they were 11 & 7, during the first week FP+ was available to all resorts. Standby was 45 minutes, return time was much later than 4 years ago.

Same time of year both time, parked seemed more crowded this time, but parking lot was not, and waits for other rides were non-existent (10-15 minutes).

AK and MK were actually better than 4 years ago, but we had Halloween party to do some hyper-riding.

My guess is that in 4 years we'll book an advance FP for TSM, get there at RD to ride standby, do what we do.