Welcome to the forums. Awww, your post is so sad. I'm sure you have amassed countless wonderful memories at Disney. So, if you can still hold fast to those precious Disney moments while also embracing the new Disney stuff -- you will open up yourself to a whole new realm of Disney experiences and endless possibilities!
It's all in the mindset, as *nothing* remains the same. I know Disney is different and former shell of itself or so I've been told. Repeatedly. But, different doesn't necessarily have to mean a bad or lesser than experience.
The undercurrent of your comments suggests that you are not happy with the rising costs associated with Disney. And, I agree no one wants to pay more but *everything* is more expensive now. It's just not Disney.
The bigger question is how can people from other countries flock over here to Disney World in droves and outnumber American park visitors 3 - 1. Why are the middle and upper middle classes in other countries rapidly outpacing the U.S. in terms of growth -- while our middle class is steadily diminishing.
As far as Disney being cold -- I can't disagree with you. Disney has done some embarrassing things in recent years that was shameful. And, I do believe they hurt their brand with those actions. Disney will have to pay for what they've done, either by bad publicity or money or both. With that said, mostly all corporations today that are subject to investors operate within this same vein. Disgusting but it is what it is.
Take for instance, the auto industry where every single car manufacturer has at one point recalled a vehicle for some kind of defective part. Are you demanding that we all revert back to horse & carriage? Of course, not. That would be silly. The same thing applies Disney.
Let's just say, Disney lowered the price to affordable Chuck E Cheese prices. And, the parks became overran with crime, lots of fighting and filth everywhere, you would then complain about prices being too low. We can't have it both ways.
Today's Disney brings new technological advances to the theme parks, as well as, several new options and experiences. The old Disney
didn't offer anywhere near as much as we have today. And, a lot of people had to stay off site at seedy motels and rip off timeshares, if the Contemporary and Polynesian were sold out.
Today, we can four (
well technically, three) spectacularly themed amusement parks instead of only two. There are hotel accommodations for every size and budget and DVC, too. New experiences are being constantly added, like Disney Springs, Rivers of Light, Avatarland, Toy Story Land and Star Wars land. Not to mention, the new Soarin Around The World, a new Star Wars fireworks show and new dining experiences opening all over the resort.
OMG, it's such an amazing time to be a theme park fan right now. Seriously, don't miss out on all of this -- by sulking and only reminiscing about the past. If you refuse to make the separation between Walt Disney the man and Disney the corporation, you are setting yourself up for disappointment and you only have yourself to blame. It is a choice. It's time to let go of that and allow yourself to have fun again.
Hmmm.... your post seems to suggest otherwise. If my opinion is so "inconsequential" then why are you bothering me with this hasty response? *Especially* after I told you I am on a sabbatical -- this can totally wait until I get back.
The only thing I can think of, is that you must be super anxious and excited about your upcoming Disney vacation! And, woo hoo! You have every reason to be excited just like everyone else going to Disney World.
Whenever I book my Disney vacation, mayhem suddenly ensues and I totally can't sleep because I'm constantly planning and changing stuff and on the computer all night. And then there's the shopping! There is just no way that I can do more than one trip a year. No way.
Ugh, and my opinions are *not* for sale -- no one could afford me.
Seriously. Please don't listen to
@wm49rs -- you sound *exactly* like him -- except you're way more funnier and meaner, too. You're a really good writer though.
@wm49rs is just not funny at all *but* he has become so much nicer on the forums since engaging with me in various discussions. I have that effect on people. Anyway, I've come to realize that having haters is just a necessary evil. So, if I have to have haters I at least want them to be brilliant and ingenious, in some way.
You two bad *** Brits totally fit the bill.
@wm49rs is fiercely loyal and will never turn down an opportunity to hate on me and you appear to be just like him. Wow, it seems like I have just hit the hater jackpot. So, I guess I will keep you both around. See
@wm49rs -- this is how you turn a negative into a positive. I'm going to make your negative energy work for me in a positive way, yet *again*. And, remember your petty insults don't phase me.
Anyway, if I don't return before you leave - enjoy your trip to Disney World! Happy Easter! Cheers! And, whatever. LOL.