What happened to the WDW I knew and loved?

[KapBoy77]

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

This. It usually all comes down to this.

 

[WilsonFlyer]

{cue "Theme from Tara"}

 

[DRDISNEYMD]

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. Be it all the same napkins that now say Disney Parks instead of diffierent ones for each restraunt and resort--like the cool ones at Sci-fi as an example. 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. Add to it the mixed drink list is down to about 10 drinks becuase 'all restraunts and bars get the same supply". We looked forward to the different drinks, now same drinks just under different name at each place. The worst change was at Casey's Corner where they not only switched the Hot Dog , but the bun. The reason behind this was the old buns wouldn't hold all the toppings for their chicago style and Barbque slaw dogs which is a higher mark-up. Guess I really got a bad bun becuase #1 it was rock hard, and #2 its still managed to fall apart, that I had to eat with a fork.I can go on and on, but like I said the bottom $ wins out over the poast at WDW.

~Great post! I'll admit there was a time when I felt this way, but then I had to look at the whole picture. When I started to compare Disney to what else was out there, Disney still comes out on top as my choice destination. So, I have since made adjustments in my expectations. I used to hold Disney to a much higher standard, and maybe it wasn't realistic or fair, after all Disney is a business just like any other business. The biggest change is the food I guess, but I've noticed some creativity making its way back on to the menus. But again, Disney is so much more than that.

~Most of the resorts have undergone extensive refurbs and so have the parks. There is still plenty of magic and fun to be had at Disney. Honestly, almost every company on this planet has just about downsized in some way in order to remain competitive. In terms of food, nothing out on the market is the same anymore at the restaurants or grocery stores, everything has changed (generally speaking). In spite of the changes, Disney still remains on top for us, after I put everything into perspective.

 

[amandatackett]

Yes things have changed in the past 20 or so years since I first visited. But there are the memories I choose to carry w me, instead of dwelling on the cost. The first time I ever met Mickey, that is one I will remember for the rest of my life. The first time my kids (20 years later, 6 years apart) met Mickey. The way my son had to see Goofy the first time we took him when he was three. The way my now 9 year old son is looking forward to riding things he was to scared to ride before. The way my 3 year old daughter is so excited to see Buzz Light year for the first time next week. If I have to give up a fancy napkin or a fancy hot dog bun and keep those memories, that is where the magic is for me, IMHO.

 

[eliza61]

Who in the (blank) cares about the petty little stuff like napkins and hot dog buns? It's about treasuring time spent with your family at the greatest place on Earth. Make your memories while you can with your loved ones, especially your children because, like a PP said, they will be out of the nest before you know it. I could care less if I wipe my mouth with a brown napkin or a Sci Fi one. All that matters is that the ones I care about most in the world are there with me.

Nostalgia is the past with the bad things removed from memory...

LOL I'll admit to this. Sorry when I eat a hot dog, you may except nasty dry buns but I like food that actually taste good. for me it's not about memories because I make memories with my kids no matter where I go.

Some of my families most precious memories do not involve disney, that's why I've never been one to post "help me convince XYZ that we have to have a disney vacation in order to make memories". I make memories with my kids at the Phillies game, at the movies, at the beach.

For me it's about getting the quality that I pay a boat load of money for. Let me ask you when you go out to dinner at home and they serve you stale bread and flat soda do you then say "Oh well, that doesn't matter"? So why is it acceptable now simply because a large cartoon mouse serves it.

Now let's define some parameters. Do I cancel my trip because of a flat soda? of course not but do I politely ask may I have a fresh one. Yes

See IMO I think some times folks here (not saying you) would accept dirty rooms, horrible service and lousy food simply because it's Walt disney. I get the feeling that folks here genuflect every time they pass through those gates.

 

[jhaig]

LOL I'll admit to this. Sorry when I eat a hot dog, you may except nasty dry buns but I like food that actually taste good. for me it's not about memories because I make memories with my kids no matter where I go.

Some of my families most precious memories do not involve disney, that's why I've never been one to post "help me convince XYZ that we have to have a disney vacation in order to make memories". I make memories with my kids at the Phillies game, at the movies, at the beach.

For me it's about getting the quality that I pay a boat load of money for. Let me ask you when you go out to dinner at home and they serve you stale bread and flat soda do you then say "Oh well, that doesn't matter"? So why is it acceptable now simply because a large cartoon mouse serves it.

Now let's define some parameters. Do I cancel my trip because of a flat soda? of course not but do I politely ask may I have a fresh one. Yes

See IMO I think some times folks here (not saying you) would accept dirty rooms, horrible service and lousy food simply because it's Walt disney. I get the feeling that folks here genuflect every time they pass through those gates.

I just think people get their panties in such a wad over the most insignificant things and fail to see the big picture. Hey, you're at Disneyworld after all! Stop and look around a little bit. Of course, I don't want bugs floating in my cheddar cheese soup or curly hairs on the soap dish. Little stuff like that just shouldn't take away from quality time with your family.

We recently lost a close family member that has traveled to WDW with us before and what do we remember? Not the mediocre service we got sometimes or the occasionally grumpy CM. We remember the time spent together making memories that can never be taken away. For the way Disney gouges your wallet, yes, I expect nothing but the best. I just don't let little bumps in the road get me down. I'll take a slightly worn rug in my room, as long as that room is at WDW.

 

[stoudt6]

LOL I'll admit to this. Sorry when I eat a hot dog, you may except nasty dry buns but I like food that actually taste good. for me it's not about memories because I make memories with my kids no matter where I go.

Some of my families most precious memories do not involve disney, that's why I've never been one to post "help me convince XYZ that we have to have a disney vacation in order to make memories". I make memories with my kids at the Phillies game, at the movies, at the beach.

For me it's about getting the quality that I pay a boat load of money for. Let me ask you when you go out to dinner at home and they serve you stale bread and flat soda do you then say "Oh well, that doesn't matter"? So why is it acceptable now simply because a large cartoon mouse serves it.

Now let's define some parameters. Do I cancel my trip because of a flat soda? of course not but do I politely ask may I have a fresh one. Yes

See IMO I think some times folks here (not saying you) would accept dirty rooms, horrible service and lousy food simply because it's Walt disney. I get the feeling that folks here genuflect every time they pass through those gates.

Well Said! That kinda was my point about all the Nickel and Dime stuff Disney has been doing. I pay a high price when I go there and have high expectations when there . Disney was always head and shoulders above everyone else. JMO but its getting closer to just shoulders being ahead of of the rest lately.

 

[arlsdimples]

I agree with what many others have stated that much of this feeling is based on the different perceptions we have at different times in our lives and the nostalgia of looking back. Yes some things have changed and some we do not like. I don't like that they stopped including the colored gel at the Main Street Barber Shop without a fee and then stopped it all together. I don't like that the pixie dust they used to sprinkle in your hair was almost entirely tiny castles and mickeys and not it's a few mickeys and random cut up shiny paper. DH and I used to get two CS meals of chicken fingers and split them with DD on our first trip, maybe even after DS was born. We swear the chicken has changed and is not as good and that may be the case. However what else has changed is that we can now afford to go to more TS places and our two oldest are bigger and need more food. Even places like Chef Mickey DH can't stand the food anymore he would rather go to Citricos. Well 6 years ago going to Citricos would never have crossed our mind of consideration. (not that it's an option right now with a baby/toddler either)

I can't speak for Casey's buns personally but DH and DD couldn't wait to go back for their new dogs on this trip DS and I stick to the corn dog nuggets. You may have just had some bad luck with that. As far as merchandise, yes many or most places have a lot of the same. However I still manage to find different things in every park. I also do believe that there are certain pins released for resorts only but they are either some sort of limited release or surprise pin.

It's easy to get caught up into what is different that you do not like but every time this happens I try to focus on something good that has changed that I like more.

 

[DOOM1001]

The one that really got me is the lack of variety in the park and resort gift shops.For example the major resort gift shops used to have all kinds of clothing and merchandise with the resorts name and logo,I went into the Wilderness Lodge gift shop a couple of weeks ago and there was nothing,they had a bunch of merchandise with the Disney Vacation club logo that they can obviously sell at every resort but little to nothing with the name Wilderness lodge.I think it might be saving them money by producing more of the same mass produced merchandise but in the end they'll end up selling less than they would of.It wasn't just on my last visit I always like to look for unique shirts with the resorts name and every day you see fewer and fewer options,I'm just not buying what they have.

 

[eliza61]

I agree with what many others have stated that much of this feeling is based on the different perceptions we have at different times in our lives and the nostalgia of looking back. Yes some things have changed and some we do not like. I don't like that they stopped including the colored gel at the Main Street Barber Shop without a fee and then stopped it all together. I don't like that the pixie dust they used to sprinkle in your hair was almost entirely tiny castles and mickeys and not it's a few mickeys and random cut up shiny paper. DH and I used to get two CS meals of chicken fingers and split them with DD on our first trip, maybe even after DS was born. We swear the chicken has changed and is not as good and that may be the case. However what else has changed is that we can now afford to go to more TS places and our two oldest are bigger and need more food. Even places like Chef Mickey DH can't stand the food anymore he would rather go to Citricos. Well 6 years ago going to Citricos would never have crossed our mind of consideration. (not that it's an option right now with a baby/toddler either)

I can't speak for Casey's buns personally but DH and DD couldn't wait to go back for their new dogs on this trip DS and I stick to the corn dog nuggets. You may have just had some bad luck with that. As far as merchandise, yes many or most places have a lot of the same. However I still manage to find different things in every park. I also do believe that there are certain pins released for resorts only but they are either some sort of limited release or surprise pin.

It's easy to get caught up into what is different that you do not like but every time this happens I try to focus on something good that has changed that I like more.

Good post, for us we just kinda lowered our expectations. When we go we still have a great time simply because as others have said, we're on vacation but now we don't expect great meals so we eat offsite more often, we also don't go annually anymore. We've found that there are great memories to be made on crusises and other places just as much as at the world.
6 years ago, I probably would not have made that statement.

 

[JimmyV]

I believe that the reality is that Disney is attempting to cut back in areas that have the least impact on guests. People who are frequent visitors are going to notice the changes and some will miss those touches that made each park and resort unique. I don't think the majority of visitors are "frequent flyers." They will not know what details are missing because they did not know those details were ever in place.
.

This is exactly right. Only the most frequent visitor would notice (or care) about things like napkin design or the fact that all the shops sell the same t-shirts. These are nostalgic touches that Dis'ers would notice. But we are an insignificant minority in the grand scheme of things. I have enough different t-shirts accumulated over 40 years. The fact that they have homogenized them doesn't phase me. All in all, if the sum total of one's complaints comes in the form of napkins, t-shirts, cocktails and hot dog buns, then I'd say that these "recent college grade" are doing OK.

 

[LittleMissMagic]

This thread is deja vu! Someone has already posted this before, less than a year ago. I remember the same "nickel and dime" quote and whining about the napkins.

 

[kddisney502]

All in all, if the sum total of one's complaints comes in the form of napkins, t-shirts, cocktails and hot dog buns, then I'd say that these "recent college grade" are doing OK.

Agreed. I also try to remind myself that when I went as I kid, I wasn't paying attention to how much things cost or how much we were being encouraged to spent. Now as an adult, I'm paying for things, so of course I noticed when disney is trying to entice me to spend or when my dollars don't go as far When we really start to get dissastified, we'll stop going. But so far, we're still ok with it.

 

[ttintagel]

Yeah, sorry, OP, but this place isn't very friendly to any criticism of the modern company's leadership decisions.

Make a negative comparison of any single aspect of the present and its corresponding aspect in the past, and you'll be written off as a hidebound reactionary who's just close-minded to any change whatsoever and wants to "make the parks into a museum."

They could double admission prices, cut hours in half, and turn Spaceship Earth into a commercial for hemorrhoid cream, but if you make a suggestion that maybe it would have been better not to do those things, you're just an immature child who doesn't want the CEO's to make any money.

All the things you care about are silly, because they're not the things they care about. There's only one way to appreciate the parks without getting dumped on,and that's to look at them with a completely un-analytical eye.

 

[codimouse]

Things do change. I am 43 and been going annually or more since I was 9. It is always magical. There are things we do miss but new things we cannot wait to see. But I do enjoy going. I enjoy seeng my kids, nieces and their friends arrive at the parks. Priceless!!

 

[natfrac]

DH and I just returned from 16 days at WDW, and for the first time we felt nickled and dimed to death. Can't really say what it was, but it did feel much more expensive. Will we go back? Sure. But we're changing how we do WDW and bringing food from home, etc.

 

[xipotec]

Blame Wall Streets need for constant double digit returns. This is what is really destroying our country and wonderful businesses like WDW.
I bet Walt or Roy never had to deal with the ridiculas demands still coming from the investment sector even in light of the cold hard facts and the recent mess which illuminated our false beliefs in endless increasing returns.

 

[minnie mum]

This thread is deja vu! Someone has already posted this before, less than a year ago. I remember the same "nickel and dime" quote and whining about the napkins.

I think it just seems like it. These tend to all look alike after awhile.

The same comments about how someone disliked their vacation and how Disney was going to you know where in a handbasket. The same opposing comments about how a vacation can still be wonderful if you don't dwell on a few minor inconveniences. The same complaints about Disers drinking the koolaid and refusing to get upset about the things the OP was compaining about.

Yes, a lot of us have BTDT. These are almost as frequent as the Deluxe parking threads, the Disney Dining has gone downhill threads, and the refurb/closure rants. What we really need around here is some variety. Somebody please come up with something new to complain about.

 

[KevinCG316]

Remember when you would never dare compare Disney to anything because there was absolutely no comparison. Now it is Disney is a better value than this place or that place.

Now you have to accept bland hot dogs just because it is a family vacation.

Plenty of people always say how the little details is what makes Disney so special but if you point out a bad little detail it is nit picking or not that big of a deal.

It seems to me most of the Disers have the attitude of you can do it your own way, if it is done just how i say.

 

[Texas Barbie]

We just got back, have been going for many years, and I think Disney is better than ever. Loved the new Star Tours. Loved the upgrades to the Haunted Mansion. Loved Soarin (many times!). Really enjoyed Free Dining (they didn't used to have that, you know).

Napkins? Really? Really?