What's the make up of this group????

[Delirium]

No choice for those of us that have been exactly 6 times.

 

[IndianaRRT]

I voted "getting there" as I've been 4 times, all in the last 10 yrs. DH and I joined DVC this year, and we've booked our first DCL trip for January (followed by a 4 night stay at our new home resort!). We are empty-nesters now, so we definitely tour differently than when the children were younger.

 

[Someluck]

We are "getting there" and I love the journey. We live on the west coast, in Portland, OR , and have been to Disneyland many times but had never been to WDW. When we retired, we decided to try WDW in 2014. Oh my gosh! We loved it and couldn't wait to go again. It was so different from our Disneyland experiences in so many surprising ways. Then I discovered the Dis boards and have a much broader understanding of all the many ways to enjoy the parks, and the planning. Now we go once a year and its my goal to always have a trip on the books. our 5th trip is coming up in less than 60 days and I am just thrilled.

 

[momof2n2]

I'm curious- what is different for you? I know a lot of people feel this way and would love some insights on what has changed. On the boards as well.

I had to think about this for a few days - mostly how to word it.

IN MY OPINION both the parks and the boards changed dramatically around 2013/2014 with changes to the ride reservation system (FP+) and more aggressive money-grabs by WDW.

DH and I had started our frequent visiting in 1999. We found a rhythm with using Legacy FP and maximized it. Both planning for trips and touring while there changed with the change in the reservation system throughout 2014. At the same time I believe we began to see a real tick up in add-on experiences. Disney is a business. It is there to make money. It has always offered opportunities to enhance your visit. I don't have chart or a spread sheet, but from my POV the increase in firework parties, special seating, or early-access breakfasts (usually served with a cupcake!) really started rolling out en masse the last 3-4 years. Even within the enhancements (Mickey's BBQ) are upsells (special seating), etc. I don't blame WDW for doing these things. I'm simply noting the park has changed. These days the boards are filled with confusion (hard to even generate crowd predictions anymore) and lamentations over early closing and more party dates, etc., etc.

As far as the boards go - I first started reading and participating on this board just over 10 years ago, and was in the prime of our frequent visits. Back then arguments ensued over "on-site v. off-site," "rent a car or rely on buses," "should you get a table first, or get the food first?" It's never been all hugs and butterflies. But back then I saw these threads start, go on a few pages, and then everyone agree to disagree. The onset of FP+ blew the boards up and it was never the same again. So many long-time posters are gone.

We are hoping to visit DLR in 2018, but if not, it will likely be WDW. I'm keeping one toe in the water here. But I also visit other boards, as well.

 

[Silvermist999]

We had our first family trip with our two kids, back in 2010. We've been 5 times in the past 7 years!

 

[KimBean]

My upcoming trip makes 10 total but in the last 10 years so far I have been 4 times.

 

[sara_s]

Been a lifelong fan and guest. My signature says it all! Probably my favorite perk of being a Floridian!