Why SO Many Complaints?

[Buzz Litebeer]

...it drives me mad when people complain about such small things...

 

[WDSearcher]

no clue what MTE is?

MTE = "My Thoughts Exactly"

 

[wilde_oscar]

MTE = "My Thoughts Exactly"

I so need to learn more of thos e abbreviations

 

[Buzz Litebeer]

I so need to learn more of thos e abbreviations

Most internet abbreviations can be looked up online at the Urban Dictionary (no link, as the website is NSFW or small children).

 

[styron]

I don't know about anybody else, but I'm going on a deal that is more than 40% off regular prices. I've cut back, too, and I'm not giving Disney as big a bucket of money so I'm not going to complain too much if they cut back around the edges, too. THEY'RE certainly not cutting down 40% on my enjoyment or on what they're delivering to ME.


I didn't say anything on any of the other threads, but what do people expect? This economy is in the tanker. I'm pretty sure Disney wouldn't be laying off the kind of people it's laying off (head of restaurants! head of cruises!) if it weren't hurting. All this complaining about how Disney isn't bending over backwards enough to keep customers happy, well, I don't get it. They've got to survive. They're a business; they're not a non-profit happymaking machine.

 

[ShannonMB]

I think most people who are active on these boards have a HUGE place in their hearts for Disney. We come from all different walks life, with one common interest (obsession/addiction??). I imagine most people who post threads you think are complainy are just basically making conversation about something they found to be amiss last time they were there, etc, and that overall, they still LOVE, SUPPORT, WILL NEVER STOP GOING TO DISNEY. It's not perfect, of course, and some people just like to talk about that side of things once in a while.

 

[oasispaul]

what do people expect? This economy is in the tanker. I'm pretty sure Disney wouldn't be laying off the kind of people it's laying off (head of restaurants! head of cruises!) if it weren't hurting. All this complaining about how Disney isn't bending over backwards enough to keep customers happy, well, I don't get it. They've got to survive. They're a business; they're not a non-profit happymaking machine.

I think one of the main issues is, WDW has always PURPOSELY marketed itself as a place "where dreams come true". Their business is (or at least was) bending over backwards to keep customers happy because that's the vision that Walt built the place on. Certainly, some things have changed over the years, and as a result, there are instances of people being dissatisfied with their WDW experience.

The problem with the "times are tough for everyone" argument is, you can't have it both ways. If you market yourself as a business that offers superior entertainment and services (and you charge exorbitant prices to match), you have to expect at least some customer backlash when your entertainment/service is scaled back. And personally, I don't see WDW marketing themselves as the place "Where dreams come true occasionally, if economic factors allow."

It's all about branding. Certain companies brand themselves on service (Ritz Carlton), some brand themselves on cost effectiveness (Wal-Mart). Since day one, WDW has branded itself as a special, magical place that is the quintessential Amercian family vacation. When they start scaling back on the "magic" for whatever reason (even economic reasons), the brand suffers, and people will complain.

I'm not saying WDW doesn't have a valid financial reason for making cutbacks, I'm simply saying cutting back is always going to be difficult for a company who has branded itself as the superior, industry-leader in entertainment and service.

 

[kmk1180]

I agree basically with the OP.

But I do find it kind of amusing when people complain about the stupidest things.
Like when someone walks up to a 5 star resturant and asks for to go food and is shocked (even think it's racist) when the say no.
or a cast member had the nerve to not let their kid on the ride just because they were 1/8 inch short.
Sometime people think Disney means they can do and get whatever they want just because they are at Disney.

I also find it funny that people who have some much to complain about are even on these boards in the first place.
I mean, if you seem to hate the place, why spend your free time chatting about it?
Personally I can't stand the Chicago Cubs, but I'm not hanging out in Cubs Chat rooms complaining about them. Makes no sense to me.

 

[goingquackers]

What cut backs are you guys talking about? Just back and I did not notice any changes. In fact, I took note of the incredible amount of cast members on duty. More than on past trips. Everything was running smoothly with cast members looking for things to do and people to help.

 

[tinksgilrs251520]

Well I just got home from work and what the first thing I do??? I check the boards .... And I have replyed on the thread that the young person posted and here is what I said on that one .... First of all I am a huge disney fan always was and always will be but when people say that Disney has lost some of the magic can you define the magic???? The magic for me is when i finally reach the Disney property, just knowing that I am there makes for the first magic moment for me. Then when we have woke up and have the first full day (usually the MK...lol) its when i walk under the entrance way and standing in main street and i can look ahead and see the castle , thats another magic moment for me. The magic of Disney is not whether get on a ride in less 30 minutes or whether you dont have to wait for food or whether there are 3 parades perday. the magic of Disney (to me at least) is just being there and seeing my kids enjoy time with the family at a place where we make the dreams come true. Disney plays a huge part in helping make dreams come true but I think disney is what YOU make it.. I work up here in Mi at a hotel and we have seen a drastic cut in people staying at the hotel. Bussiness are sending less people on trips and people are staying home more at this tough time. But I am sure that if we hang in there the things that Disney have put on hold will come back and things will be bigger and better. And yes maybe Disney over did themselves on putting themselves above all other but nobody seen this coming a year ago or two.. SO with that said lest lower our expectations of Disney just a little... I am sure that when we get down there i will be disappointed when i see certin things not there but I will be ready for whatever cuts they have made and if I can remember from 2007 the lines at HS couter service were always long ...... Hang in there and keep the magic alive for DISNEY sake....

 

[wilde_oscar]

i guess some people won't vote with their feet but going else where on vacation, or just not going at all. That'll showem, just don't go.

 

[michelle1]

Im not sure why there are any complaints. All I see is Disney rehabbing everything while in this down-time. From Space Mountain and Hall of Presidents, to updating and cleaning pools at the resorts, to painting the rocks in Tomorrowland as well as the new additions to the parks and DTD. I just got back from WDW at the end of November and when I go back in May I will have a handful of new things to do. Kim Possible missions, a new restaurant in DTD as well as a couple new parades and even a balloon ride at DTD. There not installing any HUGE new attractions at this point and I want them as much as anyone else, but I think they are doing a great job with cleaning up the parks and rehabbing things while its slow, while also giving us return guests during this time some small additions.

I totally agree. I see things being painted or in rehab that don't even seem as though they need it. A value resort in value season is $82/night...where else can you stay for that and get picked up at the airport, driven around to all of the parks, have several nice swimming pools, a good selection of food and a fun atmosphere? I understand there is a difference between that and spending $400/night at the GF therefore people's expectations are higher but I try not to sweat the small stuff.

 

[twokids0204]

I openned up the board today only to find in the top 2 spots nothing but complaints. We should all be thankful that we get to go and plan trips to WDW. I realize that Disney is making cutbacks, but aren't we all. I know that my family has made cuts on how much we eat out, how much we go to movies and so on. Money is tight for us, so we chose to make some cuts to our family budget where we had some "fluff". That having been said, most business in the US are doing the same, cutting some of the "fluff". WDW is not exempt from that, they are a business and in order to continue to make a profit or just simply break even, they must cut some of the "fluff", and I realize that some may get their feelings hurt by that, I try my best to make the most out of what is left for me to participate in at Disney. Now along with that, I must make a plan to get the most out of Disney that I can. So, if I must make ADRs so I can get into a favorite restaurant then that is what I will do, and if I must do so in 90 days or 180 days (whatever the case may be) then that is what I will do. I am sorry that the table wasn't available for a walk-up. Yes, the DDP has made it financially easier for me to visit some of these restaurants that I go to, but Disney is in the business of providing entertainment and if they have figured out a way to make it so that is cost effective for them and gets more people thru their doors, then so be it.

But, can we please all just stop complaining about the planning process and the cutbacks. Disney is not impervious to the economic decline in our society, they have to do what they can do as well. I'd rather them cut some "fluff" then to have to close the doors completely because they lost so much money by keeping stuff just to entertain the masses. I am very thankful that my DH and I have jobs in the economic crisis we have here in this country and I am also thankful that I get to still travel to Disney, while I watch businesses around us close and then those families lose their homes. So, while yes, I'll notice some of the things that are missing, I'll also be mindful of how lucky I am that I am there. JMHO.

"I realize that Disney is making cutbacks, but aren't we all."
When I go on vacation, I shouldn't have to have any less vacation than I would have had a year ago. They have not dropped their prices, and the crowds are not suffering. As much as they can blame the economy, I personally don't see the impact .

"most business in the US are doing the same, cutting some of the "fluff". WDW is not exempt from that"
Again, If they are not suffering why should they cut? If they are suffering where?
If they are suffering in the movies / entertainment division do something there. Don't take it out on the guests paying top dollar for their disney vacation.

"I try my best to make the most out of what is left for me to participate in at Disney."
Disney has set a super high level of expectation's through superior customer service, and I don't feel we as guests should have to lower our standards to accomodate their unnecessary cuts.


I do agree with your comment about making ADR's, it's all part of the game, so let's play along.

 

[styron]

"I realize that Disney is making cutbacks, but aren't we all."
They have not dropped their prices, and the crowds are not suffering. As much as they can blame the economy, I personally don't see the impact .

They've dropped their prices by a LOT. The 4/3 deal is massive, and I hear that all the stores are running merchandise on sale. I have had no trouble getting ADRs, 3 or 4 weeks out from my trip, because the restaurants aren't sold out 90 and 180 days in advance like they used to be.

Also, the financial press says that Disney is hurting badly. Goldman Sachs cut their rating and says they expected crowds to be down 10% by the end of the year. They're laying off long-term management. I definitely can see that as a huge impact!

 

[WDSearcher]

They're a business; they're not a non-profit happymaking machine.

I love that! "A non-profit happymaking machine." I'm going to use that. Not sure where, but I'll find a place. I'll give you credit.

 

[twokids0204]

I openned up the board today only to find in the top 2 spots nothing but complaints. We should all be thankful that we get to go and plan trips to WDW. I realize that Disney is making cutbacks, but aren't we all. I know that my family has made cuts on how much we eat out, how much we go to movies and so on. Money is tight for us, so we chose to make some cuts to our family budget where we had some "fluff". That having been said, most business in the US are doing the same, cutting some of the "fluff". WDW is not exempt from that, they are a business and in order to continue to make a profit or just simply break even, they must cut some of the "fluff", and I realize that some may get their feelings hurt by that, I try my best to make the most out of what is left for me to participate in at Disney. Now along with that, I must make a plan to get the most out of Disney that I can. So, if I must make ADRs so I can get into a favorite restaurant then that is what I will do, and if I must do so in 90 days or 180 days (whatever the case may be) then that is what I will do. I am sorry that the table wasn't available for a walk-up. Yes, the DDP has made it financially easier for me to visit some of these restaurants that I go to, but Disney is in the business of providing entertainment and if they have figured out a way to make it so that is cost effective for them and gets more people thru their doors, then so be it.

But, can we please all just stop complaining about the planning process and the cutbacks. Disney is not impervious to the economic decline in our society, they have to do what they can do as well. I'd rather them cut some "fluff" then to have to close the doors completely because they lost so much money by keeping stuff just to entertain the masses. I am very thankful that my DH and I have jobs in the economic crisis we have here in this country and I am also thankful that I get to still travel to Disney, while I watch businesses around us close and then those families lose their homes. So, while yes, I'll notice some of the things that are missing, I'll also be mindful of how lucky I am that I am there. JMHO.

They've dropped their prices by a LOT. The 4/3 deal is massive, and I hear that all the stores are running merchandise on sale. I have had no trouble getting ADRs, 3 or 4 weeks out from my trip, because the restaurants aren't sold out 90 and 180 days in advance like they used to be.

Also, the financial press says that Disney is hurting badly. Goldman Sachs cut their rating and says they expected crowds to be down 10% by the end of the year. They're laying off long-term management. I definitely can see that as a huge impact!

They have differnet promotions every year, this year happens to be 4/3, how is that differnet the free dining? I worked it out, for a family of 4 staying at a value resort. Free dining is a much better deal then 4/3.
Dining worked out for me approx $100 per day for dining x 7 days - $700.
Resort (which is all they cover on the 4/3 deal) 3 days x $120 = $360.

I was there last month, and found almost NO merchandise marked down anywhere in parks, resorts, or DTD.
As for ADR's, it depends what you are looking for, I know I was unable to get Teppen Edo, Tutto Italia, CRT, Chef Mickey's (eventually got a cancellation), and Le'Cellier, all around 8 week prior.

Disney as a company may be losing (DVD sales - due to online piracy), In Store (Off property) Disney Stores may be down due to economy, but I saw no signs of crowd slow downs or any less spending while there in March. And as I stated, take action where the money is being lost. Fight online piracy. Close some of the Disney stores, and make merchandise available online only. But don't make the guests who pay top dollar for their vacations suffer. And don't cut the innocent staff at the parks who are still needed, and rely on the income to raise their families.

In fact last week we all followed the posts about Closing the parks due to over crowdedness at around 1:00.

 

[WDSearcher]

"I realize that Disney is making cutbacks, but aren't we all."
When I go on vacation, I shouldn't have to have any less vacation than I would have had a year ago. They have not dropped their prices, and the crowds are not suffering. As much as they can blame the economy, I personally don't see the impact .

What if you go on vacation and Space Mountain is being rehabbed or a ride has closed to make way for something new that isn't open yet? In those cases, you're getting "less vacation than you would have had a year ago." How do you deal with that?

As for the impact, Disney has indeed dropped their prices. There are free tickets for military, the 4/3 deal, free dining, merchandise discounts, free tickets on your birthday (or a free $75 gift card) ... how much more do you need, exactly? Crowds are there because Disney is, in effect, paying them to be there. Sounds like an impact to me.

 

[tinksgilrs251520]

Well i guess the bottom line line is this if you dont want to go to disney becuase you feel like yourgetting gipped then dont go and if you want to hang in there and support a company like disney then go , disney in not mandatory

 

[WDSearcher]

Disney as a company may be losing (DVD sales - due to online piracy), In Store (Off property) Disney Stores may be down due to economy, but I saw no signs of crowd slow downs or any less spending while there in March. And as I stated, take action where the money is being lost. Fight online piracy. Close some of the Disney stores, and make merchandise available online only. But don't make the guests who pay top dollar for their vacations suffer.

Unfortunately, Disney is one big company, and when one piece (films, for example) goes down, then other areas (theme parks, cable) step in to bolster them up. Just as the film studios stepped in to keep the parks alive after 9/11. The money coming into the theme parks doesn't just go into a big bucket to be used only by the theme parks.

But out of curiousity, did you feel as though you "suffered" during your trip in March? Did you feel you got your money's worth?

 

[twokids0204]

What if you go on vacation and Space Mountain is being rehabbed or a ride has closed to make way for something new that isn't open yet? In those cases, you're getting "less vacation than you would have had a year ago." How do you deal with that?

As for the impact, Disney has indeed dropped their prices. There are free tickets for military, the 4/3 deal, free dining, merchandise discounts, free tickets on your birthday (or a free $75 gift card) ... how much more do you need, exactly? Crowds are there because Disney is, in effect, paying them to be there. Sounds like an impact to me.

If space mountain is closed - that is something that is temporary, and to be expected. It's also scheduled and made public before hand. It's required maintenance.

As for your argument on dropping prices, I still disagree. All businesses offer deals for you to give them your business over someone else, and Disney has ALWAYS done this. There will always be special discounts and deals. Are you suggesting that we trade the quality of the vacation to compensate for the deal they are offering? in essence - you are not actually getting a deal, you are just paying less for less.