Why don't people like WDW?

[Dizzy4DL]

I know a Disneyland veteran who recently went on her second WDW vacation + Disney Cruise. She loved the cruise, but couldn't stand her second trip to WDW. She said the MagicBands ruined it for her.

I on the other hand just took my first trip to WDW after many trips to Disneyland. I and my family loved it! Even the MagicBands were fine with us. I don't think my mom (traveled with us) would have enjoyed WDW without my planning. It would have overwhelmed her. She isn't one to whip out a smartphone to regularly check FP+ and ADR times.

We plan on going back in the next few years, but the ease and lower cost (for us) of Disneyland will probably lure us back more often.

 

[mummabear]

I just think people can be different.
For example at DCA they introduce a vendor walking the RSR line selling drinks/snacks.
I thought this was great, DH and I had previously discussed while standing in long lines in the heat what a service it would be-to us it was Disney yet again providing a service to look after their guest.
My friends opinion was "my god they even try to milk money out of you while you wait in line"

 

[justcin711]

I get it why many first timers don't want to return. My first trip ever was 2002 with my DS's 8 and 9 and soon to be ex. I bought UG a week before the trip and freaked out when I realized how much planning I should have been doing. Paid rack rate(cringe) and took my kids out of school only to visit during everyone elses school break. First day slept in and hit crowded food court and went to crowded parks by 10am! Swore right then that I hated WDW and would never go again! First night happened across Spectromagic and fell in love!!I have made many return trips since but now know how to do it efficiently.

I feel for first timers because I was one of them once!

 

[Chuckers]

There are so many reasons to hate WDW. I agree with the posters who say the planning can be overwhelming. And it is.. and I've done 4 trips already.

If you don't know about the planning.. every meal could end up being a crappy QS experience when you want a sit down meal. My friends are going next week and I am meeting them there. I gave them a 2 page document on what to do to plan because all they really know is Disneyland. They were amazed at everything I was telling them they needed to do. I managed to get an FP for BoG for next Thursday (yesterday, no less) and when I told them about it, I got 'Is WDW THAT crowded?' They just don't understand things that more informed/seasoned WDW-ers know about.

Another big thing that causes people to not come back is they just don't understand the Disney Magic that most of us on the board feel. I told my friend that he just doesn't have a 'kid gene' anymore. At 48 years, Mickey still makes me smile... he's not some college kid making money wearing a stupid mouse costume. Grumpy is my icon... not some over paid athlete/pop star/actor.

 

[It'sWDW4me]

My brother HATES Disney. He loves to point out to me that Disney is just a money hungry company. Ummmmm, show me a large, global company that ISN'T looking to make a large annual profit! Duh!!

I was actually able to convince him to take a trip in 2010 - a family trip. There were 10 of us including him and his three kids (9,8 & 6, at the time). I knew there was no chance of them ever going unless they went with me and my mom, especially since my DB NEVER goes on vacations. If I remember correctly, the last vacation he actually kinda planned was to Massachusetts back in 1999 or 2000 and that was even only after lots and LOTS of nagging by his then GF to go somewhere.

During the planning stage I asked for his input often but got absolutely nothing from him (I totally expected that). While we were there his kids had a BLAST and I think he really did enjoy it a bit too - especially the restaurants that I had made ADR's for at the 180 day mark. Unfortunately, the magic didn't stick and he's been slamming WDW and their "money grubbing" ways ever since. What makes me mad is that he's tainting his kids' memories of their trip. They were so jazzed when we were there and for a long time after we came back but at least the oldest one is now dissing my happy place.

 

[TLSnell1981]

I have talked to so many people who say they hated Walt Disney World, and never want to go back. I believe that most of these people didn't "do it right", and they would actually like it if they had some preplanning!

In your opinion, what are some of the most common reasons people hate WDW and how could they do it differently to change that?

This may be a great thread for first timers to read before their trip!

We èncountered several frustrated guests on our visit, earlier this month, who didn't like WDW. The reason was the same...chaos. The latest "enhancements" have too many bugs. The system completely crashed one cold and rainy day. We finally gave up and went back to the villa. Not exactly, what experienced DISer do..

I planned my trip, but Disney let me down. MDE is a mess. Why do I have to make multiple visits to GS to fix Disney's issues...and that's after numerous phone calls, prior to our "vacation"? Our holiday shouldn't be this hard or stressful.

 

[Suzie13]

Hi, I think the reasons people do not like disney world is

A) It does not have enough big roller-coasters
B) It does not change a lot, and with universal changing and expanding people are beginning to see DISNEY world like a museum rather than a ever changing experince that I think it should be(it seems only now universal are upping their game, disney is changing now which i think is a shame as it should always change. In the 90s for example why did they not build a lion king attraction in animal kingdom)
C) People do not like to plan out there holidays from 6 months out. Some people find that a stressful experience and I am in aww and jealousy when I hear stories of my parents just reserving restaurants a week or two before leaving. The planning can be very stressful and near impossible to do things you want unless you plan on staying onsite.
D) Disney prices are expensive compared to other places around in the Orlando area. Staying off location for example is cheaper
E) People are not disney fans, and therefore don't really enjoy that kind of things
F) People do not like huge crowds and disney can be like that alot of the time. Maybe people feel disney is too expensive considring in their peak times you'll be lucky to get on 2 -4 rides

I love Disney myself but I am aware thats because I am a Disney fan. My family isn't into it like I am and finds it weird that I like it as much. When they make these points it's not hard to see why someone may dislike it. I honestly think disney needs to up their A game because in alot of ways I am looking foward to universal more. It's been 5 years since I've went and universal is like a new park compared to the last time where as epcot, animal kingdom, mgm have not changed at all in a major way. Magic kingdom has added 2 rides I believe and has changed a bit. Point is Disney should change more than it does.

Please don't take what I said as being mean but thats just my two cents and for the record I adore Disney.

 

[Lindaland]

One does not simply walk into Disney World........

 

[mummabear]

I think it's a common misconception that you can just pick up and go to WDW without any planning. Ive planned/taught many friends about WDW who were utterly shocked at all there was to know/do. They see commercials with people just happily walking around the park hand in hand with Mickey and don't realize that there will be lines and reservations and real-life things to consider. You can't just "go" to WDW with the expectation that it will be like a commercial and not do any homework...

The thing is though, you can't really vacation anywhere in the world without planning even if you just want to lie on a beach you need to look into say when is the rainy season (or hurricane season). You need to make bookings, deal with crowds, compare service providers, check trip adviser etc whether it's wdw, south of France, Vietnam or Australia...I don't think wdw is any more labour intensive in that respect than a trip to Europe.

 

[fla4fun]

I think some of it boils down to whether you are a Disney fan in general. Living here, in our office people tend to either be Disney fans or Universal fans or Sea World fans. A lot of their preference comes down to the things that interest them in the rest of their life. I have been a Disney fan since before there was a Disney World. One of the earliest books I remember owning was A Visit to Disneyland, I had Mickey and Donald toys, and watched Disney on TV and at the movies. So when Disney World opened, I felt like I was coming home. I still feel that way. But I don't get into all the planning hype too much. As someone with an AP, I am one of those people who just wander in and have the fun experience they show in the commercials. I have the luxury of just spending time enjoying being there, instead of having to fit everything in. But, then, I'm here because I like Disney. Otherwise, I probably wouldn't be in central Florida to start with.

On the other hand, I am not a Universal fan. I'm not a fan of the movies their attractions are based on, so the attractions hold little interest for me. The only areas I might consider visiting are the Seuss Landing at IOA or the Minion Mayhem at US - and visiting one attraction out of a whole park with only mild interest isn't really a value. In fact, I used to get free admission once a year through work, and didn't even go when it was free after the first visit. But that's just me. Lots of people love Universal, and I suspect it has a lot to do with their relationship with the movies and events portrayed in the parks. I feel their product is equally as good as the Disney product - it's just not my thing.

If someone goes to WDW because they think they "should" or because "everyone goes there", but they don't really have a lot of interest in it, and don't research and plan a little first, I would expect them to have a negative experience in a lot of ways, and they probably wouldn't want to go back. I can just imagine someone visiting for the first time in July, with tour groups everywhere, not knowing they should have booked FP+ and ADR's ahead of time, not understanding that some days are better at certain parks and that certain times of the day are better than others. If that was my Disney experience on my first trip, I probably wouldn't like it either.

 

[ML_LovesDisney]

I have talked to so many people who say they hated Walt Disney World, and never want to go back. I believe that most of these people didn't "do it right", and they would actually like it if they had some preplanning!

In your opinion, what are some of the most common reasons people hate WDW and how could they do it differently to change that?

This may be a great thread for first timers to read before their trip!

A lot of people tell me Disney is "too expensive". Meanwhile, any other theme park you go to is still pretty pricey (food, tickets, etc.) Even if Disney is more expensive, it's also A LOT nicer than most other theme parks as well as the resorts I have also had people who smoke not like it since there are limited smoking areas from what I'm told (I don't smoke).

 

[ShayBells]

I believe some people just don't believe in magic and they can't see beyond the price, crowds, etc.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[Aliceacc]

I agree that some people see an ad on TV, call Disney and book a room, and get on a plane. They have no idea of the crowds, the 180 day ADR window, the whole idea of FP+-- or that it's free, and wander aimlessley wondering what the big deal about WDW is. Or they pay for a meal plan, but don't make any ADRs and end up eating chicken nuggets for a week because they don't know that there are counter service alternatives. They think that the Magic Kingdom IS Disney and don't give the other parks a chance, or don't understand Disney transportation and don't realize how easy it is to get to the other parks.

BUT that's not everyone. Some people simply don't love it because they don't love it.

One of my sisters is as big a planner as I am. She obsesses over ADRs and Fastpasses, and knows exactly what she's doing. Last year she went to a seminar in Orlando, and brought along another sister who has never been to WDW. They spent a full day in Epcot, with a FP+ for Soarin' and Mission Space (I forget the 3rd one!) and an ADR at Rose and Crown so they could be outside for Illuminations-- a great Epcot day!

My sister's reaction?? "Ehhh... I would rather be out on my boat." This is the same sister who, as we speak, is at Atlantis in the Bahamas. So she doesn't dislike travel or vacations, it's simply that a WDW vacation doesn't appeal to her the way it does to most of the people here.

And that's just fine. It doesn't mean that there's anything wrong, simply that her tastes don't match mine.

 

[surferdave]

I don't think it's hard to understand at all. WDW is the high maintenance girlfriend of vacations. If you want to date the supermodel and don't mind her expensive tastes, fickle moods and high demand for personal attention then go ahead, but don't be surprised when your friends don't think she's worth all the trouble.

 

[isabellea]

Hi, I think the reasons people do not like disney world is A) It does not have enough big roller-coasters B) It does not change a lot, and with universal changing and expanding people are beginning to see DISNEY world like a museum rather than a ever changing experince that I think it should be(it seems only now universal are upping their game, disney is changing now which i think is a shame as it should always change. In the 90s for example why did they not build a lion king attraction in animal kingdom) C) People do not like to plan out there holidays from 6 months out. Some people find that a stressful experience and I am in aww and jealousy when I hear stories of my parents just reserving restaurants a week or two before leaving. The planning can be very stressful and near impossible to do things you want unless you plan on staying onsite. D) Disney prices are expensive compared to other places around in the Orlando area. Staying off location for example is cheaper E) People are not disney fans, and therefore don't really enjoy that kind of things F) People do not like huge crowds and disney can be like that alot of the time. Maybe people feel disney is too expensive considring in their peak times you'll be lucky to get on 2 -4 rides I love Disney myself but I am aware thats because I am a Disney fan. My family isn't into it like I am and finds it weird that I like it as much. When they make these points it's not hard to see why someone may dislike it. I honestly think disney needs to up their A game because in alot of ways I am looking foward to universal more. It's been 5 years since I've went and universal is like a new park compared to the last time where as epcot, animal kingdom, mgm have not changed at all in a major way. Magic kingdom has added 2 rides I believe and has changed a bit. Point is Disney should change more than it does. Please don't take what I said as being mean but thats just my two cents and for the record I adore Disney.

Reading this made me think of DH who doesn't like WDW. That and he doesn't like the message of the princess movies. The other day when I asked his opinions for FP+ he told he thought Splash was boring and cheesy!!!! He cannot wait for our kids to be old enough to enjoy US! The only way I convince him to go every summer is to combine a long beach vacation with a short WDW stay and because he knows my dd are at the prime age for Disney. The only Disney he's a little excited about is the DCL cruise I'm planning for Spring break 2016.

 

[UncleMike101]

I believe that a lot of frustration is caused by a belief that some people have.
They're certain that the entire Universe revolves around their lower sphincter and can't understand why all of those other "little" people are getting their way and spoiling their fun.
We used to visit WDW over the Fourth of July week because that's when we could get the vacation time to go.
The crowds were typical "Holiday" size and we learned to deal with it.
Last visit we went over the last week of July.
The crowds were 8 and 9 every day.
We thought that we had the parks to ourselves since the crowd was nothing compared to the 4th.
It's a matter of perspective.
And how important you think you are.....

 

[SillySallySews]

I don't know anyone in real life who doesn't like WDW. If I did I would stop talking to them. I don't need that kind of negativity in my life.

But seriously, the complaint I hear most often about Disney (from people I know who have never gone) is that it seems so expensive. Most of the other minor complaints I hear (from people who have gone) are about issues that could've been avoided if they had been better planners. You can't just show up on 4th of July and not expect heat, crowds, and long waits for just about everything. I know someone who did that and was in shock they weren't the only person who wanted to spend the holiday at WDW lol. They swore they were never going back. Same person took a trip a few years later at the end of January and now they go every year because obviously it's a completely different experience.

 

[ArwenMarie]

I think a lot of people see it as somewhere where you take your kids once or twice and be done with it. Maybe they see it as fun, maybe they see it as annoying and crowded, or somewhere in between. But they see it primarily as a kids' destination. I think the difference is people who go there for their kids and people who go there because they enjoy it, with or without kids.

 

[Turn the Page]

I have family members who go to WDW at least once a year every year. Then I have other family members who went once and came back saying they hated it.

I also have known people who claimed Disney World didn't have any rides and those that claim you pay money to wait in line.

I also have friends who go to Florida to go to the beach every year in July. They had a boat and lived close to a lake but said "it's the beach!!!!"

Different strokes for different folks.

I don't see the appeal of laying on the sand for hours and hours a day for a week straight. One afternoon? Sure, I can get behind that. And I certainly don't understand why anyone would want to spend thousands of dollars to leave warm summer weather with the sandy beaches and water that contains nothing that will eat you in order to go to miserably muggy and sweltering hot weather to hang out on the sandy beach with water that does in fact contain creatures that will eat you. I don't get it.

 

[Bete]

I'm a Disney veteran with over 40 trips across 25 years and I'm not the fan I used to be. It seems that to get the best value and bang for your bucks you have to plan every minute of your day. I'm tired of it. Then after all the planning you do you still get the honor of waiting in line too long. Even with FP+ you can have a long wait for the headliners. I do all the right strategies with meal reservations and fastpass+ and I take advantage of extra magic hours. I do get all my requested meal reservations including the Fantasmic package and other prime reservations, too. It just seems to me to be doing the same thing over and over again and it's boring to me, now.

The weather and crowds add to the misery. I have found other destinations more enjoyable and more reasonable and more relaxing. I have a new love, Dollywood. How can you beat the Smokies in the background? I'm satisfied with one park.

I have to say we were lucky enough to go more often to Disney World when the economy was a little rough and I enjoyed those times the best. Free dining had more dates and resorts available and the crowds were down. I'm more of a fan of legacy fastpass, too.

The live, street entertainment seems to be disappearing especially in Epcot World Showcase.

I'm bored with many of the rides and attractions, now. I will probably go back, but it might be every three to five years rather than every year.