What happened to the WDW I knew and loved?

[DOOM1001]

I am going to disagree with you with universal food. Hands down their CS are the nastiest food I ever tasted in theme parks. We were there in January and there was 5 of us. Not even one of us finish our food because it was that bad and DH is use to eating MRE's and he didn't even finish his food. My salad was not fresh it was just plain nasty I had two bites and I just couldn't eat anymore. I don't remember what everyone else got but I know we all had something different.I'll stick to my point,the Busch/Sea World parks have good food,both Universal and Disney's counter service places are decent to bad with a few exceptions.

On the other hand we ate at Mythos and the food was very good. I can't said I had awful food that I won't eat at Disney ever. Last time we were at sea world was too long ago for me to remember the food.

that was kinda my point,Universal's counter service food used to be better than it is and now some locations are just bad.They still have some locations that at least for me put it slighly better than Disney,for example you can't get a decent pizza at any Disney counter service,Universal however has Louie's Italian that has pizza I actually really like.Disney has some good places bur at least in my opinion a lot of them are a dissapontment,for example Sunshine Seasons has variety but a lot of the entrees I've had there have not been good as well as overpriced,I had an Asian style beef and broccoli dish with rice that was horrible.

 

[Magpie]

This is really offensive! I am not sure what generation you are from but age has very little to do with talent and competency. Also, not sure what 'college graduates' (assuming you mean recent graduates) are in any management position of heightened responsibility to be making executive decisions...most upper management is still baby boomers and some generation x'ers.

And given that Disney attendance and profits are at an all time high I would say management is doing just fine!

Aw, the "college graduates" comment didn't offend me, it made me laugh! Especially since it's baby boomers in their 40's and 50's who are in management these days, not twenty-somethings.

So with that in mind, I read it in the voice of a cranky oldster sitting in a rocking chair in the 1960's, grumbling about, "These college eddicated whipper-snappers! They think they know everything. Got too big for their britches, I say! In my day, we knew how to run a theme park, and we did it right! With HEART! Not with numbers, and books, and fancy-pants learnin'. Why, I could learn them somethin'!"

And then comes some wild swinging with the cane, to illustrate just the kind of "learning" we're talking about.

 

[ILoveDisney28]

I really enjoy my time in the parks.
I don't really care about the napkins, and being able to see everything there is to buy for a souvenir by just checking one or two shops is a big plus for me!

I'm so excited to see the new fantasyland attractions, and can't wait to see what Avatarland will turn out to be!

The CMs there are always so nice to us, the parks are still the cleanest ones anywhere.

Can't comment on Casey's. I'm not a fan of the hot dog and have never tried it.

I've got three trips planned right now. President's week with my BFF and our two daughters, an anniversary getaway in April with DH, and a much anticipated 9 day AKL getaway for my BFF, her DH and DD and my DH, DD and me in August!

Love Disney, never a dull moment, unless you want one!

I totally agree with this! My family and I just got back from our last trip a couple of weeks ago and it was still amazing! I always have a wonderful time there. Although I am young, I still have gone many times. And I personally don't care about the napkins or the stores, it's a lot easier.. and if you only have a certain amount of time in the parks, it's nice. You want to try to get everything that you can done and that just helps out in my opinion.

 

[toddinboston]

Aw, the "college graduates" comment didn't offend me, it made me laugh! Especially since it's baby boomers in their 40's and 50's who are in management these days, not twenty-somethings.

Baby boomers are in their 70's by now and retired...people (like myself) in their 40's are Gen Xers...

 

[Magpie]

Baby boomers are in their 70's by now and retired...people (like myself) in their 40's are Gen Xers...

The Baby Boom generation spans from 1946 and 1964. I can assure you my husband is still working, and will be for a few years yet!

Me, a seventies baby, am definitely a Gen Xer.

 

[hollygolitely93]

Baby boomers are in their 70's by now and retired...people (like myself) in their 40's are Gen Xers...

that's incorrect. The upper tier of baby boomers are just now retiring (and by the way they are retiring later than the previous GREAT GENERATION retired...thus clogging up the pipeline for Gen Xers to move into senior management positions. the youngest baby boomers are still in their 40's). Most of senior management is baby boomers and middle management is Xers (most...not all!)

1946-1964 is the most widely accepted baby boomer range.

 

[Lesleyluvsdisney]

Do I love WDW? Sure do. I own DVC at both BLT and BWV. I have been an AP holder for the past 7 years. This is my favorite vacation spot...where I go to relax and refresh. BUT.....
having said all that, there have been many cost saving practices over the past few years. I liked the individual napkins or drink stirrers at each restaurant. Sorry, but I did. I liked that I could try different food at different restaurants. Now, that doesn't really happen very often unless I pay a ton for signature dining.
I loved going to the special parties. Went to MVMCP every year, at least once. Now?? Maybe every other year, once..if that. Why?? They have continually raised the price, have taken away the DVC/AP discounts at the time most of us are there, and then taken away a lot of the 'free' stuff within the party. Mickey's Night Before Christmas was always a huge favorite, but they did away with that. I'm sure it was expensive to produce, but that party wasn't cheap by any means. They used to give you a terrific button for attending the party. It was so nice to collect them. And they gave out a free 5x7 photo....not anymore. There used to be more cocoa/cookie spots.
The decorations during the holidays have decreased. And don't get me started on the Lights of Winter over at Epcot.
Yet, every year the cost of tickets goes up. And we get less. They decreased EMH hours. Now the changes with FP.
And then there are the limited showings of various shows. We all know what happens at DHS when there are only 2 or 3 showings of Fantasmic! that week..those days/nights are horrendously crowded in there.

Yes, I would love to see new attractions/lands. Everyone does. But in all reality, Disney does seem to be charging us more, but giving us less. For those who have only been going for a few years, you most likely won't see the difference. But those of us who have been heading to WDW for 10+ years?? We sure do. And we all know that things change...that's to be expected. But to take stuff away but charge more?? No more unique drinks at different lounges...that used to be fun. Now, I don't even bother sitting and relaxing for an hour or so in a lounge. The drinks are expensive and the same as at home.

I don't want to sound jaded or unhappy. But many of us are very disappointed in the way things have been handled in recent years. Yes, Disney is a business...and it has to report to it's shareholders. I get that, I'm sure everyone does. But, Disney management needs to understand (or remember) that they can't continue to rely on those first time visitors......there are many repeat visitors. They need taking care of as well. And when we start to see so many things change, and not for the better, we start thinking about going elsewhere. And to have Disney think that 'Oh well, there will always be those new people coming along' is very short sighted.

I totally and wholeheartedly agree with you x

 

[jkjs]

You could come up with just as impressive list from 1989 to 1998 (opening of DHS to AK). Weren't all the moderate hotels built in the 1990's as well as several Deluxes. But from what I remember, the pluses as Walt Disney called them were still in place. As of late, the pluses seem to be disappearing.

The free internet is only in place because it is needed to fuel Fast Pass +.

Hmm...

But there's so much that's new!

The Art of Animation Resort
The Interactive Queue in Winnie the Pooh
The Interactive Queue and an extra Dumbo ride at Dumbo
The Sorcerers of Magic Kingdom game with FREE cards!
A new theme for Test Track
A new Little Mermaid Ride
An awesome storytelling with Belle experience.
Many new Meet-and-Greet opportunities
The Draw-a-Character experience at Hollywood Studios
Movie-at-the-pool nights at all the resorts, not just the fancy ones
FREE Internet at your resort hotel! (This one was a big, big deal for me.)
The Be Our Guest Restaurant
A new Snow White roller coaster
That Pirate make-over thing, for the whole family.
Soon, something new for the Pirates of the Caribbean ride... mermaids, maybe?
Being able to prebook some fastpasses, and parade spots, for FREE!
New Scenes in the Star Wars ride.
Bigger and better Star Wars days.
Refurbished hotel rooms, now with themes.
Better counter service food, with more healthy options.
"Sundowner" celebrations at Animal Kingdom.
The Jungle Trek at Animal Kingdom.
Duffy - yeah, I actually like that fuzzy guy.
Captain Eo came back!

I'm sure I've missed a ton, but basically the thing I love about Disney is that every year I go there's always something new to see. New things are always being built, and new experiences are always available. I'm always so busy looking for what's new, that I barely notice what's gone.

 

[Magpie]

You could come up with just as impressive list from 1989 to 1998 (opening of DHS to AK). Weren't all the moderate hotels built in the 1990's as well as several Deluxes. But from what I remember, the pluses as Walt Disney called them were still in place. As of late, the pluses seem to be disappearing.

The free internet is only in place because it is needed to fuel Fast Pass +.

That's my whole point - there's always something new and there's always something being abandoned. I'm sure people were distraught over the closure of River Country, and the abandonment of the Swan Boats. I'm sure they complained that Disney was looking to the almighty dollar when the Main Street Cinema became a gift shop.

Me, I generally prefer to look ahead, rather than behind. Though I do agree that Walt Dated World (http://waltdatedworld.bravepages.com/index.htm) IS a fun historical site.

And I disagree about why the free internet is in place. I believe Disney World is finally caving to the fact that you can now get free internet almost everywhere, from the crappiest little roadside motel to the fanciest five star resort. But regardless of why - it's still a very, very good thing! When I'm travelling alone with my husband, being able to Skype the kids in the evening is extremely important to me.

 

[doris1976]

I miss it NOT being so crowded ALL the time!

 

[stoudt6]

Boy, did I open a can of worms with my original post. I was just using the napkins and buns and t-****rs/hats as. a few of the MANY examples of how I feel/saw Disney has nickle and Dimed many things. My intent as I posted and said later is that I pay a great deal of money to go to and while at Disney and I have high expectations . Some of the above( napkins, etc,etc) were what set Disney apart and made the $$ worth it. I get that everyone has their own opinion and views and mine as I originally posted started with "I know that $$ is the bottom line". It has nothing to do with "nostalgia", but more of a view-point that many of the little things that added up to a lot of value for the $$ are disappearing more and more.

 

[larryz]

Sorry you're offended, but I've seen it. It is accurate to what I've seen and I have a master's degree myself. Is it every college graduate? Of course not but I've seen the effects of what university management classes teach. What they need to learn is leadership in conjunction with management.

I know what you meant -- and it wasn't "all" college grads.

In my opinion, it's those MBA programs, teaching rightsizing "headcount" over effectively managing "employees," and managing processes instead of leading people...

 

[minnie mum]

I know the bottom line is about the almighty $, but WDW in the past wasn't like the 1 I just came back from. They keep trying to nickle and dime us each and every time--something in the past you didn't see. ......Or the fact that you have about the same 10 hats and 20 shirts to pick from at just about each and every shop/resort store. There was a time where you get a hard to find character hat/shirt (say scrooge mcduck) and when you found it, it was truly special becuase you had to look at many shops to find it. Now 1-2 shops and you got all covered. .

Did you happen to read this new blog?
http://www.disunplugged.com/2012/09/25/new-disney-parks-merchandise-continues-to-impress/

Or the other blog that preceded it about merchandise?

http://www.disunplugged.com/2012/07...merchandise-a-look-at-whats-new-in-the-parks/


Now.... You were saying?

 

[Magpie]

Did you happen to read this new blog?
http://www.disunplugged.com/2012/09/25/new-disney-parks-merchandise-continues-to-impress/

Or the other blog that preceded it about merchandise?

http://www.disunplugged.com/2012/07...merchandise-a-look-at-whats-new-in-the-parks/


Now.... You were saying?

Wow! That's really awesome!

I can't wait to check it all out in December.

 

[hollygolitely93]

I totally and wholeheartedly agree with you x

I guess I don't get the whole...take stuff away and charge more complaint...as they are adding new fantasyland, update test track, updated star tours, fast pass +, new resorts, new restaurants. It seems the balance sheet is heavy in the favor of capital expenses...and I really am okay with some op costs going down...I am sure their stockholders are too.

 

[hollygolitely93]

I know what you meant -- and it wasn't "all" college grads.

In my opinion, it's those MBA programs, teaching rightsizing "headcount" over effectively managing "employees," and managing processes instead of leading people...

Your MBA graduates are not CEO and COO making big decisions...they are middle management and their decisions are being overseen by someone else.
And how does leadership versus business acumen lead one to keep napkins versus delete them? Leadership is moving people to action in a positive way and would be most evidence by service levels, quality product and internal employee engagement and retention...not Mickey shaped pasta staying or going. The business world is much more competitive, Wall Street is much more critical of stock value public companies are accountable for their net operating profit line...they have two levers to improve it which improves their stock value...price and operating costs. There isn't a big company out there right now that isn't trying to pull both levers to maintain their market share. If the way business are run is displeasing I wouldn't blame young MBAs, I'd blame the global economy and the trend for big businesses swallowing up family mom and pop style businesses

 

[Planogirl]

I am going to disagree with you with universal food. Hands down their CS are the nastiest food I ever tasted in theme parks. We were there in January and there was 5 of us. Not even one of us finish our food because it was that bad and DH is use to eating MRE's and he didn't even finish his food. My salad was not fresh it was just plain nasty I had two bites and I just couldn't eat anymore. I don't remember what everyone else got but I know we all had something different.

On the other hand we ate at Mythos and the food was very good. I can't said I had awful food that I won't eat at Disney ever. Last time we were at sea world was too long ago for me to remember the food.

How long were you at Universal? How many restaurants did you try?

Just like anywhere, Universal has good places and bad places.

 

[WedgieSock]

I really can't get passed the whole 'nostaliga' thing. Mainly because those who complain about Disney taking things away either ignore or truly don't see all the new things that have been added. So it seems to me that the issue really is they don't like change.

I actually really wish the merchandise was as 'generic' as the OP claims because the last time we were there we found several things that I said "we'll get that later" thinking it would be in other shops and they weren't so my new rule is buy it when I see it.

 

[jkjs]

I guess I don't get the whole...take stuff away and charge more complaint...as they are adding new fantasyland, update test track, updated star tours, fast pass +, new resorts, new restaurants. It seems the balance sheet is heavy in the favor of capital expenses...and I really am okay with some op costs going down...I am sure their stockholders are too.

Yes capital expenditures are a very tangible measure that Disney is still investing in WDW. But, in my opinion, what set Disney apart from other parks (Universal, Sea World, etc) were the intangibles. These intangibles are being removed.

 

[eliza61]

I really can't get passed the whole 'nostaliga' thing. Mainly because those who complain about Disney taking things away either ignore or truly don't see all the new things that have been added. So it seems to me that the issue really is they don't like change.

I actually really wish the merchandise was as 'generic' as the OP claims because the last time we were there we found several things that I said "we'll get that later" thinking it would be in other shops and they weren't so my new rule is buy it when I see it.

I love change but not all change is good. Case in point. Disney got rid of an excellent Pleasure Island for what? More stores with chinese junk? Oh let's not forget the empty buildings. yeah that was an excellent change, who doesn't love that. They put in Trex which is really Rainforest cafe with dinasours. sorry not a giant leap for imagination there.

They got rid of live performers. I remember (yes it nostaligia) before every show you use to have live acts so while you were sitting there for an hour you had entertainment. 4 for a dollar before beauty and the beast, Rosie the cleaning lady before fantasmic (which most times you have to get there an hour ahead). Now you simply sit. bored. for an hour. unless some thing has changed since August '011

EE. only coaster in the world that never ever worked correctly. It's now become an internet joke about fixing the Yeti.

And I totally admit yes I'm nostalgic for great food. don't know how you can say people "hate" change just because they feel that their food should not taste like crap. I must be weird for expecting good food when I go out to a restaurant.

And last but not least. STITCH The universal sign for what not to do for a ride.
So maybe it's we see the good and the bad

Now a previous poster linked to a blog that said that the merchandise is getting better (right after she admitted it sucked for quite a while) so I'm very hopeful about that. Like I said my last trip is was ok at best nothing to make me part with my dollars. so I admit to have nostalgia for some old favorites. They use to have a shop in HS called Villians and you could get all kinds of cool stuff with villians on it. I went in August and all they had was Jack Skellington stuff oh and candy, because nothing says Jafar like jelly beans.

I'm just saying it makes me a bit sad. with all the awesome villians at a companies disposal and all you can come up with is Jack skellington? really?