WDW is the 8th most disappointing travel destination!

[KYMickey]

According to this article in Smart Traveler: Smart Traveler Article WDW is the 8th most disappointing travel destination. Some of the others are also surprising!

I think whether WDW is disappointing or not to visit today is basing your perspective. If you compare a visit in the 80s toy visit today for example it would be considered a huge disappointment. Today your itinerary has to be extremely structured to be able to include things you want to do. Back in the 80s you could basically do what you wanted to do when you wanted to do it. There really hasn't been that much added with the exception of AK and in the other parks anything new had basically replaced something old that was removed. The total experience hasn't gotten any better in any respect. The same type of things apply for the lack of restaurant variety etc.

Now, many people didn't experience the parks when they were really fun so they think what they see today is the norm. Those people are probably not disappointed with the experience.

 

[rteetz]

$99 for a one day pass is only for magic kingdom it's a few dollars cheaper for the other parks. And if you go more than one day it's cheaper per day. The article words it as if you go more than one day you will pay $99 per day rather than what you actually pay.

 

[Whatsthegoodword]

Meh - nothing to see here...

This is one person's opinion, and I don't agree with her. Her biggest gripe is about prices on food. What does she expect? I agree that $2.50 is expensive for a bottle of water - but it costs more than that at most retail locations...

I think the writer just doesn't care for WDW.

 

[Figmentforever24]

Exactly. This is one person trying to base their opinion as fact. Just because you don't like Disney doesn't make it the top ten most disappointing vacation spots. I imagine there are plenty of people who still think it is good.

 

[texasroni75]

Um, a cold bottle of water at your ordinary street fair or carnival, or just at the local MALL will cost you the same $2.50, if not more than at WDW. Same goes for food in general - obviously it will cost more to buy it at the parks than it would to make it yourself at home. Duh.

And like PP mentioned, most theme parks will charge you pretty close to what you pay for a Disney park ticket. The writer of this article complains that you will be surrounded by families that love Disney. What a shocker! LOL!. Did the writer think that other theme parks don't have families walking around in them?

Whatever!

 

[jade1]

If you compare a visit in the 80s toy visit today for example it would be considered a huge disappointment.

Wow, I would not even look in that direction if they removed all of the EPCOT resorts and the Boardwalk, Test Track/Soarin/MS at EPCOT, and all of AK and DHS.

 

[Suger Mag]

Seems like she doesn't like a lot of places that I have been to and had a great time at. For example Gilbrater...15 years later... my son still talks about the monkeys that jumped on our head and the fish and chips from the cafe at the square. IMHO, enjoying traveling and new places is just a state of mind...adapt and experiment and have fun...or be rigid and look for the worst and no surprise ... you will find it everywhere and anywhere.

 

[Funfire240]

Meh - nothing to see here...

This is one person's opinion, and I don't agree with her. Her biggest gripe is about prices on food. What does she expect? I agree that $2.50 is expensive for a bottle of water - but it costs more than that at most retail locations...

I think the writer just doesn't care for WDW.

The other night I laid $3.25 for bottled water at a minor league hockey game so Disney's price is a bargaib

 

[chrisaman]

Phew!!! Good thing disneyland wasn't on there. Guess I can still go there

 

[beer dave]

Meh - nothing to see here...

This is one person's opinion, and I don't agree with her. Her biggest gripe is about prices on food. What does she expect? I agree that $2.50 is expensive for a bottle of water - but it costs more than that at most retail locations...

I think the writer just doesn't care for WDW.

I'm left wondering if I am the only person who knows that you can get free cups of ice water at any counter service anywhere in the parks? Just ask.

 

[3Gsandme]

I'm left wondering if I am the only person who knows that you can get free cups of ice water at any counter service anywhere in the parks? Just ask.

But then what would you complain about?

Yeah, this is just someone's opinion piece. I'd be more interested in data and wether or not most guests felt that way and why.

 

[rteetz]

But then what would you complain about? Yeah, this is just someone's opinion piece. I'd be more interested in data and wether or not most guests felt that way and why.

I agree and maybe if the article had some facts it would make it better.

 

[kbelle8995]

I think that a lot is expected of Disney. Some of this is on the guest but some on Disney. Hey when you show Princess in the rose garden and Mickey riding with you there are some who will believe that this will happen

When I bring up Disney to non-Disney fans or casual theme park goers, This is what I hear. It's so expensive and I would have to take out a loan to go.
Over and over again. When I discussed FP+ with a friend, they asked "Why would I want to book a ride."
Disney won't win over some of these because frankly they have already written Disney off.
Have realistic notions and you will be fine.

 

[jade1]

When I discussed FP+ with a friend, they asked "Why would I want to book a ride."

I'm getting the complete opposite. They all have the impression you can't get anything done-it's too crowded.

Now they are interested since they can know they will have at least certain things set for sure.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

$99 for a one day pass is only for magic kingdom it's a few dollars cheaper for the other parks. And if you go more than one day it's cheaper per day. The article words it as if you go more than one day you will pay $99 per day rather than what you actually pay.

i think you missed the forest for the tree

 

[lockedoutlogic]

This article actually just states what has been common sense for years...that disappointment based on expectation has ALWAYS been a problem in the 32830.

They actually have to get a lot of credit for managing it as well as they have at this point.

Im not criticizing...its the nature of the beast. When you combine the brand, the size and scope of the complex, Disney's PR machine, and of course the COST...there is no way not to have an incredibly high number of lackluster reviews. These by no mean affect the majority and the reputation...but are significant.

I could write a book on this...but as someone who had to deal with...specifically - the "disappointment" of travelers at wdw - its a real thing. There's just no way not to disappoint people with that much wind pumped into the sails. makes sense if you think about it.

 

[Viva Las Disney]

Looks like this author writes negative articles about the worlds most traveled places to get views for their website. Successfully I might add!

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I'm getting the complete opposite. They all have the impression you can't get anything done-it's too crowded.

Now they are interested since they can know they will have at least certain things set for sure.

if the reality is that you have to prebook to "get anything done" due to crowds becomes the norm...then we are all royally screwed.

large/capacity crowds are not enjoyable/fun at WDW. they never have been and never will be. volumes of people make everything much closer to work than recreation. its always been that way. prebooked rides will only ease one particular part of that situation...not eliminate it by any means.

if that becomes the case...i'll have to quit my job, take a 75% paycut, and go back and work there. cause i'd might as well get paid if it feels like work anyway.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Looks like this author writes negative articles about the worlds most traveled places to get views for their website.

In here most disappointing destinations list she includes Vegas, Orlando, New York, and LA. 4 of the most visited places in America.

In her most overrated tourist traps she includes the Pyramids at Giza, the leaning tower of Pisa, Times Square, and Stonehenge. All incredibly popular tourist destinations.

Judging by her articles I'd say she's either a troll to drive views or an arrogant travel snob who thinks things like Vegas, Orlando, and LA are below her.

you have a point...

however...that doesn't mean that those places listed are not overated or disappointing. disappointing is a very subjective thing.

i know people who love vegas and those that are definitely "once was enough"....definitely the same with new york city - which i like and spend alot of time in but can completely see the turnoff.

I think paris is the best city on earth (from what i have seen)...but my in laws when in one night on a layover and thought it was dirty and wouldnt go back.

I love greek history...but athens is a dump and i probably wouldn't bother to go back if you paid me...

its all relative

 

[Virtucomp]

The person writing the article was obviously a miserable person. Why was Frankfurt singled out. There are many financial district cities that close up at night. There are sections of Tampa that are dead at night because everyone goes to other locations.

Honey were do you want to go experience nightlife on vacation? Lets go to the financial district!

$8.50 for a cocktail? If my wife orders sangria at TGI Fridays it's $10.50.

Why didn't they point out that going to the beach in the winter is cold too?