WDW--What's Going ON????

[baby1disney]

Ok, this may not be the apporpriate title for what I want to say, but I have notice ALOT of fellow DISers complain about WDW!! I'm not saying that you don't have a right to, but some of these complaints are just ridiculous!!!!

I know things are bad right now for everyone(or at least 90% of the country)and complaining seems to be a way of comfort and solitude. But, this is suppose to be the HAPPIEST and MOST MAGICAL place on EARTH!!!! I know even the most "perfect" place has it's problems, but some of these complaints aren't really necessary, IMO.

Now, ironically, this sounds like a complaint and it is!! LOL!! Not against Disney World though!!! I may have issues from time to time with them, but I don't post them hardly.

I notice that the main theme seems to be about how much everyone is paying and what they're getting in return. I'll be the first one to admit that some things are overly priced, while others are ok. For example, a fellow DISer was saying that they paid something like $275pp for hoppers and that's outrageous!! How could they charge something like that?!?!? Another poster asked them how long were they going for and they 14 days!!!! Now, I know that the max is a 10 day hopper(right?? ) and that you have 14 days to use it unless you have the no expiration on it.

Now 275/14 comes out to be about $19.65 a day!!!! I'm sorry, but when you break it down like that and all that you get for it, you really can't complain!!! And for those people who get annual passes, break it down by 365 days and you can see hw much you're actually spending. I wouldn't be surprised if it came out to be somwhere between .25 to 1.25 a day, I'm guessing. I don't kow the exact prices of annual passes and that's why I'm saying this. For all I know it could be more/less per day.

Basically, this is what I'm trying to say peoples: INSTEAD of everyone complaining about what Disney ISN'T doing or hasn't/haven't done, let's focus on what they ARE doing and what they HAVE/WILL do for us!!! I mean let's face it: without Walt Disney, NONE of this would be possible, EVER!!!! This man wanted to make the world a better place for the people in it and he has in his own way!!! I think with all that has gone wrong lately, we all need to be a little appreciative about what we do have and not what we don't or what we "need".

I'm sure I'm going to get flammed for this, but I'm just tired of the complaining about what Disney ISN'T doing instead what they ARE doing!! I hope everyone has a Magical Day, Christmas, New Year's, and trip...whenever that is!!!!

 

[scotas]

No flaming here, I agree. I haven't been posting nearly as much as when I first signed up because it has seemed so negative lately. I try to avoid as much of the negativity as possible. My one week in Disney is what keeps me sane the other 51 weeks a year. (Though I think I may need to increase that dose to twice a year soon)

 

[disneymagicgirl]

i agree...lots of complaining. i usually just click out of threads like that. they annoy me!

 

[goofy4tink]

Yep, there do seem to be a lot more negative posts lately. Why? Not sure, but it seems to run in cycles for some reason.
Disney has indeed cut back on a lot of things, and my trip a week ago was vastly different than my trip even just one year ago. There have been many small things (as well as some larger things) that have been done away with, or changed. But, still, WDW is a magical place. It's all about expectations. If you go with slightly lower expectations, you won't be disappointed. But, many go with super high expectations..hoping for all sorts of 'magic' to happen to them. I hear people complain about no towel animals, no notice of birthdays or other special days, no upgrades, etc. I just want happy, pleasant CMs, clean parks, decent food (at a not too exhorbitant price!!) and a clean room. Anything other than that is a plus.

 

[disprincessatheart]

Well said!! It's easy for people to get wrapped up in things that are being cut back instead of all the other things that Disney has to offer - I'd much rather have a "glass half FULL" of Disney magic than none at all!

 

[jayandstacey]

NO MORE YELLING!! (Just kidding- the irony is too much to pass on...)

Seriously - one of the things I like about Disney is the amount of information I can gather before going. To my kids, it is just "magical" but part of that magic is really Dad doing his homework.

So for me finding the good and avoiding the bad is all about knowledge and I appreciate all comments here, including negative ones.

Further, negative comments just might be noticed by Disney - and maybe comments about Disney slipping in overall delivery will keep them from slipping further or actually bring an improvement.

Not every negative comment is justified and some can be taken with a grain of salt. But having a forum for them is important and useful.

 

[Magalex]

I agree also. We are able to visit WDW every other year and we feel it is the best vacation for the money. We also feel very lucky to be able to visit every other year( we stay mod. or value). I was on top of the world the day they came out with the 4/3 package all the way up to June. I know some are waiting for a better deal

We live in Pittsburgh so right now it is 17 and gray. Looking forward to sunny skies in June. We don't mind visiting in June either. We had a blast in 2007

 

[ADP]

I'm in agreement with you for the most part. I will say their needs to be a balance between complaint and praise. Without complaint Disney can't make improvements. At the same time, to be fair, they deserve praise so they know they are doing things right. Striking a balance as guests is really what we need to achieve. When we start seeing an imbalance between the two that's when it's a problem.

If you think about it....These boards provide us a forum to voice our complaints and praise. Disney does monitor these boards. When they see a combination of both praise and complaint I'm sure they take things more seriously then if they only saw one side of the equation.

 

[baby1disney]

I thought for sure that I was going to flammed for this thread...well at least it hasn't happened yet!!!

I agree that there needs to be a balance with everything; taking the bad with the bad or vice versa. However you want to say it.

Disney is one of the only things that keeps me sane!!! So, when I go, I'm thankful everyday that I'm there because I know ALOT of people will never have that chance of expirencing this Magic!! So, I think everyone thar I'm with for being with me and taking me with them.

Of course, there are things that DIsney can improve on or what not, but I'm quite sure that they know that. Plus, I'm sure for every 1,000 compliment they get, they get one complaint.

And to the poster who said I was yelling..lol...I'm not yelling!! I'm just emphasizing on certain words!! Sorry if I was YELLING at you!!!! LMFAO!!!!!

AHHHH.......Wishing I was at Disney right now....

On second thought, with the crowds, people being pushy(from what I hear), not really having any money......maybe not!!! I'm playing!! I'd be there in a heartbeat if I could!!!!

 

[Tina1]

I started posting on the DIS becouse the people seemed to be more understanding and tolerant then most boards When I have something to say i'm not looking to have it picked apart and have people be rude to me . But seems to be the norm now. I don't post as much as I used to . It seems to be the same circle of people . I still love this board and will continue to read the posts . You just won't see me post as much as I used to. Ok looking to get flamed for my comments . Happy Holidays to all and may your life be happy and those you love also. Tina

 

[jayandstacey]

And to the poster who said I was yelling..lol...I'm not yelling!! I'm just emphasizing on certain words!! Sorry if I was YELLING at you!!!! LMFAO!!!!!

Noooooooo...wasn't saying you were yelling....just pointing out the irony (as you did) of complaining about other's complaining - it is kind of like yelling for people to stop yelling.

Which, of course, I do to my kids all the time

 

[jayandstacey]

You just won't see me post as much as I used to. Ok looking to get flamed for my comments .

Or being flamed for mentioning there's too much flaming going on!!

 

[pepe of ohio]

I started posting on the DIS becouse the people seemed to be more understanding and tolerant then most boards When I have something to say i'm not looking to have it picked apart and have people be rude to me . But seems to be the norm now. I don't post as much as I used to . It seems to be the same circle of people . I still love this board and will continue to read the posts . You just won't see me post as much as I used to. Ok looking to get flamed for my comments . Happy Holidays to all and may your life be happy and those you love also. Tina

I gave up on another forum years ago because of the repeated posts form it seems the same posters with the complaints and criticisms on others replies. Totally uncalled for and it seems this board is headed is the same direction. I could never figure why people can't just reply to the original question without getting into multiple debates, harping on others and and being rude and judgmental. It was supposed to be an information board, answer the question and move on. I also post less, only answer what I have experienced or know and stay out of the debates of the heavy posters that seem to clog every thread. Getting to the point of more bickering and less constructive information, might just have to move on. I also refuse to read these board 2 weeks before our trips because of the negativity.

 

[JessR]

based on the crowds during christmas they need to double the price.

 

[CDizney]

For those of us who have visited WDW before in the past and in particular quite frequently, there is emerging to me at the World a cutback on various services and park offerings. For me this means one thing......WDW is trying to survive in this economy themselves and doing what they have to do as a business to be viable. As little as I do not like any cutbacks myself, I know why it is necessary. Am I sad sometimes to see the things I love be changed or terminated? Sure, but I have to be happy that I still have a great majority of what I love about the park still existing in these tough economic times.

However, with that being said, I am still a huge Disney fan and am grateful to get any vacation to Disney I can. I look forward to my two trips a year and just can't think of any vacation more that I would rather do. Is Disney exactly affordable? It depends upon your family and financial matters. For me, I'll spend whatever I can spare to go because for me I just have to go visit my favorite place on earth. I love a good deal as much as the next person sure and I sure have been grateful for all of the great discount tips I receive here.

I wish all of you a super, duper season and may the spirit and fun of Disney bless you this holiday season.

 

[eliza61]

Yep, there do seem to be a lot more negative posts lately. Why? Not sure, but it seems to run in cycles for some reason.
.

I agree Goofy,
We get cycles of it. I have notice that they seem to coincide with winter (no kidding) so maybe not enough sunlight is driving us crazy.

One theory I do have is that many of us on the dis have been to disney a time or two. We remember the "olden" days pre economic downfall.
so unfortunately we some times fall back in the "I remember" syndrome. This is especially true with park attendance. We have so many complaints about the crowds lately. Don't know why its just so hard for us to accept the fact that there is not any tradional slow times any more.

My 2nd theory is EXPECTATIONS. Disney does a brilliant job of marketing "magic". We spend huge amounts of time planning our days, our ADR's, EMH and for some people even what rides to go on at a particular time. Unfortunately real life has a way of butting in. Ride is down, MK day is packed when TGM says it should be a 3, your kid doesn't get picked for Jedi training, you don't get a towel animal and all of a sudden folks are posting how their vacations were "RUINED".

Disney is still my happy place. I've had nothing but great trips so far.

 

[Bill From PA]

Obviously my family and I enjoy WDW and we'll be there in 2009 for the 11th year in a row, but there's no denying that Disney management has made some wide ranging changes this year which will impact our experiences on into the future. There is much less to appeal to adults with the closing of PI, and yes, our hoppers will be cheaper without needing Plusses, but I'd gladly pay to have the AC and CW back. The number of showings of Fantasmic and Spectro have been cut to the levels found during Value Season, yet I'm still paying Peak Season rates at the BoardWalk. I don't think mentioning these things indicates any great degree of negativity, these are just cold facts that people consider when deciding where and when to spend their vacation dollars.

Bill From PA

 

[Mickee]

It's all good......I'm not flaming anyone, I don't think I would come on here and flame anyone...even Disney.

We have not been to WDW since 2004.....we're going in 46 days for 8 days, we can't wait, My children are older now (12&11 at time of trip in Feb) and I think they are more excited now then they were 7&6......
Trip total will be around 4300.00, this includes stretch limo's and Hoppers.. don't get any better then that.

I don' think there is anything Disney or rude people could do that would make me come on here and complain..or ruin my trip....

My wifes is disabled and will be on one of those 3 letter things that many folks can't stand.....oh well, thats how she gets around....if someone wants to be rude, I have no problem telling them right then and there to shove it and it probably will happen ....

Even if a CM is rude, I would tell them to, would I let it steam me all week so I can hurry up and come back here and post it.. NOT.. I'll tell them a piece of my mind, smile... and move on. Nothing could ruin a family vacation that we all are waiting for....and need.

I'll see whats different since the last trip, if they cut back, so be it, that is the price you have to pay to keep a business running...even The Happiest, Most magical place on earth....

Like another Dad said, there's plenty of info on here, use it wisely and make the best out of everything...
don't let a person that is rude by nature ruin something you have been waiting & dreaming for.....

HAVE FUN, RELAX........

 

[Edna "E" Mode]

When we've been down there we make it a point to stop at the customer service counter and tell them what we liked about the park.

Ya got to feel for the employees being out their in the heat in costumes dealing with people all day. I'd be looking for Stitch's ray gun after an hour...LOL

Most of the "bad" stuff we found was actually do to rude people more then Disney/CM it's self. I'm still mystified by some of the stuff...anyways....



Disney's what you make of it.

I think with money so tight that people are expecting perfection on their vacation cause money means more right now with the economy.

So I think it leads to an over all negativity. People can't stay as long, spend as much and little bumps in the road are seen a as hills.

My parents are 63 and never been to Disney. My Dad has a disability too so who even knows if he could go next year if the moneys there.

They were suppose to go with us this year but do to the economy and how that affected their retirement they can't go. We offered to pay for them to come down at least for a few days and they wouldn't do it.

My husband worked 16 hour days 7 days a week for 4 months to pay things off so we can go....the last thing we're gonna do is be ungrateful harpies.

We're lucky to be going and we know it.

People have to appreciate what they are given. It's a bummer about some of the shows being canceled but that just means we have to plan a little bit more to see what we want and be happy that we'll get to see it again. Complaining about things getting cut is one way to look at it....being happy that it's still there at all is another.

On the up side they have said that hotels have been totally refurbished and more improvements are coming just slowly at this time.

 

[SLK1]

No flames, please, but when people claim "It's the happiest, most magical place on Earth", well sorry, but that just means Disney's amazing marketing department did their job. There are flaws with everything. You make your own magic. These are tough times for so many people, and you do pay out the nose for Disney, yet I don't see Disney suffering at all. I'm sure their execs still make gobs of money, we still pay a ton for tickets, and the parks are still crowded.