Disney Giveth, and Disney Taketh Away

[jlsHouston]

When I was ten, I experienced the Magic Kingdom thru the eyes of a 10yo. When I was 18, marveled at EPCOT thru the eyes of an 18yo. When I was 31 I participated in the joy of the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and DHS (FKA MGM) with my children. Now more than 20 years later, DW and I get to be more introspective in our visits. I no longer look at Disney thru the eyes of the 10 yo. I wonder how I would view WDW thru the eyes of a 10yo now? Many things have changed over the years and I know WDW is a much better place 10, 20, 30 and even 40 years ago.

Love this perspective!

 

[jlsHouston]

There was a thread on this a few months back. Try this link.

http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/tsi-paintbrush-hunt-officially-done.839403/

This was fairly recent that they stopped it.

Thank you ! I read the thread and it was great! Apparently there was a "troll" invasion? But I did see a pic of the paintbrush and people were having the same thoughts as I about lets bring some paintbrushes and hide our own!

 

[bubbles1812]

When I was ten, I experienced the Magic Kingdom thru the eyes of a 10yo. When I was 18, marveled at EPCOT thru the eyes of an 18yo. When I was 31 I participated in the joy of the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and DHS (FKA MGM) with my children. Now more than 20 years later, DW and I get to be more introspective in our visits. I no longer look at Disney thru the eyes of the 10 yo. I wonder how I would view WDW thru the eyes of a 10yo now? Many things have changed over the years and I know WDW is a much better place 10, 20, 30 and even 40 years ago.

I think this part of the problem. So many people go to Disney in an attempt to relive their childhood...now, I'm not saying feeling nostalgic is bad or that getting to act like a kid again is bad...but at 10 yo, you are probably not going to notice the problems that actually do exist or the cuts and declines in quality. Now I'm not seeing either that people should be looking for problems on their vacations, that isn't fun, and I don't do that either but it's the same when they talk about it on here or on other fan sites... they put on those "10 yo" glasses and just don't want to see the problems.

Also, Goof Goof...I'd very much include River Country in the declining by degrees. They could have fixed the problems there and had 3 water parks instead of 2. There was a brief period of time (year or two) where you could go to all 3 and it was awesome. Yes it was a small park but it had a lot to offer. And know they just leave it to sit and rot. The least they could do would be to do something with that site.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

To be fair they can only giveth themselves big bonuses if they taketh away some of the costs.

Pats on the back and doubles all round cha ching.

 

[GoofGoof]

I think this part of the problem. So many people go to Disney in an attempt to relive their childhood...now, I'm not saying feeling nostalgic is bad or that getting to act like a kid again is bad...but at 10 yo, you are probably not going to notice the problems that actually do exist or the cuts and declines in quality. Now I'm not seeing either that people should be looking for problems on their vacations, that isn't fun, and I don't do that either but it's the same when they talk about it on here or on other fan sites... they put on those "10 yo" glasses and just don't want to see the problems.

Also, Goof Goof...I'd very much include River Country in the declining by degrees. They could have fixed the problems there and had 3 water parks instead of 2. There was a brief period of time (year or two) where you could go to all 3 and it was awesome. Yes it was a small park but it had a lot to offer. And know they just leave it to sit and rot. The least they could do would be to do something with that site.

When I go to MK or Epcot I am definitely transported back to being a 10 year old. That was my age on my first trip. You are probably right that I don't see problems as much because I don't want to. The nostalgia of the place is pretty powerful. The only thing I compare it to is certain concerts. Whenever Pearl Jam comes to town my friends and I always go and we are instantly transformed into 18 year old kids again. This usually means a full day of tailgating that may or may not include some things inappropriate for a Disney message board. I usually pay the price for several days after and reality sets in hard the next day but for that night I am 18 again. Same thing with MK for me. The feeling that everything is so perfect and amazing that i had as a kid comes back. That first view down main street to the castle instantly transforms me.

I feel the same way about River Country as MK. It was so amazing as a 10 year old. I had never been anywhere like it. The new water parks are great, but I still miss River Country and Discovery Island (I think that's what it was called).

 

[Beholder]

It seems to me that one of the problem with the whole declining by degrees is that all things are prioritized, and the bigger, or more complex WDW gets, the further down the list some things move. Of course, I have know idea if this is the case, just conjecture, but as WDW grows (DVC's, next gen, future "expansions", etc), it's as if some of the more basic components get less attention. It's almost like urban sprawl. Less attention/focus placed on the old neighborhood, while the shiny new neighborhood gets the all the love. This is all total speculation on my part, but I've seen it within my own company. New projects get the funding, the focus of resources, the older, established programs just tread water. I know there's a lot more to it than this, but it may be part of the problem.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

I was going to save some money and head out to Florida for the first time to visit WDW in honor of my college graduation next year. Should I even bother at this point? Honestly, I don't want to go if the parks are in such bad shape and quality. I'm thinking I should just stick to Disneyland, for now.

I would suggest going on a Disney cruise or maybe going to Tokyo.

Fastpass changes will make more sense soon.
Monorail hours were cut for maintenence. We all complain about Monorail downtimes and that was their solution.
EMH nights at DAK are basically just Everest and Dinosaur, Why not do two mornings a week where guests can ride the safari, which is what they want? Why is that an issue?
Falling rocks were a safety thing.

That's my take, Anyway. Not saying you don't have a valid point, just sayin'.

I wonder how many people would get their feathers ruffled if the constant down times at their favorite attractions caused them to only be open half of each day. Or what happens when maintenance issues at several attractions in one park has Disney decide to keep that park open for just half a day...but the price doesn't decrease. The room rates at the monorail resorts certainly hasn't gone down. Right??? Maintenance issues is NOT an excuse to cut hours. I mean, geez, if something at my house isn't working properly I fix it rather than stop using it so much. Duh. It's a no-brainer. TDO doesn't care so much about their house nowadays, I suppose. Sure feels that way.

EMH nights at DAK could be much ore than Everest & Dinosaur. All of Dinoland can function. Nemo & FotLK can still operate. Characters can still greet guests. Shops can still offer shopping. Restaurants can still serve food. That's just another of TDO's lame excuses to cut offerings...but NOT the prices.

 

[bubbles1812]

When I go to MK or Epcot I am definitely transported back to being a 10 year old. That was my age on my first trip. You are probably right that I don't see problems as much because I don't want to. The nostalgia of the place is pretty powerful. The only thing I compare it to is certain concerts. Whenever Pearl Jam comes to town my friends and I always go and we are instantly transformed into 18 year old kids again. This usually means a full day of tailgating that may or may not include some things inappropriate for a Disney message board. I usually pay the price for several days after and reality sets in hard the next day but for that night I am 18 again. Same thing with MK for me. The feeling that everything is so perfect and amazing that i had as a kid comes back. That first view down main street to the castle instantly transforms me.

I think that it's actually for the most part ok to allow yourself to "be 10," at least while in the parks. When I'm there, I'm not looking for problems (though some are usually so blatently obvious, I notice them anyways). But again, hey, it's vacation. Everyone is entitled to relax. I have a problem though when people are outside the parks and refuse to take off the glasses even a little. Walking around "blind" isn't good. There are so many examples throughout history (in entertainment, politics, you name it) where people just chose to remain blind to the problems that were there But people definitely do that with regards to Disney. No, we don't have to agree on everything about what is a problem but there are definitely some who think Disney is "practically perfect in every way." And refuse even to look at say some of the stuff that has already been mentioned in this thread. Sure, a lot of them are small, but they add up.

I feel the same way about River Country as MK. It was so amazing as a 10 year old. I had never been anywhere like it. The new water parks are great, but I still miss River Country and Discovery Island (I think that's what it was called).

It was actually my fav water park. Love BB and TL but River Country was so unique. I loved that sand bottom lake. And yes, it was called Discovery Island. I think they've just let that place roam wild now?

 

[jlsHouston]

It seems to me that one of the problem with the whole declining by degrees is that all things are prioritized, and the bigger, or more complex WDW gets, the further down the list some things move. Of course, I have know idea if this is the case, just conjecture, but as WDW grows (DVC's, next gen, future "expansions", etc), it's as if some of the more basic components get less attention. It's almost like urban sprawl. Less attention/focus placed on the old neighborhood, while the shiny new neighborhood gets the all the love. This is all total speculation on my part, but I've seen it within my own company. New projects get the funding, the focus of resources, the older, established programs just tread water. I know there's a lot more to it than this, but it may be part of the problem.

I agree, and in a way I think one of my favorite rides is a good example of this : Small World. And please don't everyone castigate me at once for loving this very old attraction and being guilty of singing the Small World song!

 

[asianway]

Entertainment cuts:
World Showcase "sidekicks" cut 08ish
Flynn rider cut last year
Two rounds of cuts at Ak last twelve months
MK EMH character cuts last summer
DHS cuts of Einsteins/Jojo/Up groupings down to one per location
DHS citizens of Hollywood cuts
"holiday pricing" for character meals
LTT characters

 

[GoofGoof]

.
It was actually my fav water park. Love BB and TL but River Country was so unique. I loved that sand bottom lake. And yes, it was called Discovery Island. I think they've just let that place roam wild now?

If you zoom in on google maps you can still see some of the buildings on the island. I did a quick google search and found this.
http://shaneperez.blogspot.com/2009/12/discovery-island.html

No clue if this is true and i am not supporting trespassing or other illegal acts, but it must have been pretty cool to see.

I wonder if they could build a small resort on the island or something. Seems like such a waste of a great spot.

 

[jlsHouston]

I loved reading this adventure! Thanks for the link!

 

[asianway]

You need a appendix for outsourcing: read "the incompetent mgmt can't figure out how to operate more efficiently, so we cut bait"
Golf
Valet parking
Coffee kiosks
MME

 

[Californian Elitist]

I would suggest going on a Disney cruise or maybe going to Tokyo.

Yeah, that's what I'm thinking. I don't want to visit the parks in their condition, as I want to be fair. I expect the best and I'm not seeing that right now. WDW will just have to wait, it's no big deal.

 

[Castle Cake Apologist]

I wonder how many people would get their feathers ruffled if the constant down times at their favorite attractions caused them to only be open half of each day. Or what happens when maintenance issues at several attractions in one park has Disney decide to keep that park open for just half a day...

How does reducing the Monorail operation by an hour or two on certain nights (that it really doesn't need to be running any longer than it does) equate to rides and entire parks being shut down for half the day? The monorail is open all day long, not really sure where you're making this connection. I'm just not sure why you need hours to leave a closed park that was probably mostly empty to start with?

Besides THAT...

As for Water Country, wasn't it shut down because of deadly viruses in its water source? So, sure... let's reopen it. Good luck with that. I'll stick to the two real water parks.

And oh man... Disney is actually enforcing return times on Fast Pass! Let's complain all day about having to follow the rules! Again, good luck with that.

Ridiculous.

There are many many many things that need to change at WDW. Very few of the points brought up here are among them. Rehashing the same petty gripes every three threads is not going to change that. Just like making tired Stitch jokes every three posts in every other thread has never caused SGE to go away.

And to sit there and discourage a first-timer from visiting WDW? Shameful. What has become of this community?

Also, for what it's worth... this contains neither news or rumors, so (par for the course these days) it wasn't really even in the right section to start with. General Discussion is where these belong from the beginning.These endless complaint threads are getting so old and just keep cluttering up the News and Rumors section. Mods shouldn't have to keep moving them for members.

This isn't necessarily a dig at anybody specific, just a general feeling.

 

[asianway]

How does reducing the Monorail operation by an hour or two on certain nights (that it really doesn't need to be running any longer than it does) equate to rides and entire parks being shut down for half the day? The monorail is open all day long, not really sure where you're making this connection. I'm just not sure why you need hours to leave a closed park that was probably mostly empty to start with?

Besides THAT...

As for Water Country, wasn't it shut down because of deadly viruses in its water source? So, sure... let's reopen it. Good luck with that. I'll stick to the two real water parks.

And oh man... Disney is actually enforcing return times on Fast Pass! Let's complain all day about having to follow the rules! Again, good luck with that.

Ridiculous.

There are many many many things that need to change at WDW. Very few of the points brought up here are among them. Rehashing the same petty gripes every three threads is not going to change that. Just like making tired Stitch jokes every three posts in every other thread has never caused SGE to go away.

And to sit there and discourage a first-timer from visiting WDW? Shameful. What has become of this community?

Also, for what it's worth... this contains neither news or rumors, so (par for the course these days) it wasn't really even in the right section to start with. General Discussion is where these belong from the beginning.These endless complaint threads are getting so old and just keep cluttering up the News and Rumors section. Mods shouldn't have to keep moving them for members.

This isn't necessarily a dig at anybody specific, just a general feeling.

As far as P&R offerings in the year 2012, WDW is dead last in terms of quality. No one should have to endure the product as a first timer. DL, TDR, a cruise are all much better values. That, is exactly what a community should be doing-not shilling for a management team that doesn't deserve it

 

[koryadams]

There have been multiple posts on here discussing declining by degrees, cuts, etc. There has also been some efforts by myself and others to chronicle some of these things. While I expect this thread to be a discussion of sorts, I will also attempt to update the front page with offerings that have been cut while prices have increased.

To start us off:

General Cuts/Policy Changes/Permanent Ride Changes:

• Late returns for Fastpass no longer honored
• Monorail Hours cut to one hour after park closing during EMH
• Extra Magic Hour Evenings cut at DAK
• Extra Magic Hour Evenings cut from 3 hours to 2
• Dining plan cuts (Removal of Appetizer, Gratuity no longer included, reduced selections, many restaurants switched from 1 credit to 2)
• Lights of Winter
• Luxo the Lamp in Pixar Place
• $10 Per Person fee for Restaurant No Shows at Signature and Character Dining Locations
• Falling Rocks - Big Thunder Mountain
• Jumping Compys - Dinosaur
• Pleasure Island
• Printed Napkins
• Torches at the Polynesian
• The Odyssey
• Wonders of Life
• Spotlights at DHS
• Resort Specific Merchandise
• Discovery River Boats

Longtime broken attraction effects:

• Yeti - Expedition Everest
• The Laughin' Place - Splash Mountain
• Time Travel Tunnel Lasers - Dinosaur

Whats the lights of winter?

 

[Castle Cake Apologist]

That, is exactly what a community should be doing-not shilling for a management team that doesn't deserve it

I'm not. Like I said, many things at WDW need to change. Most of the gripes that come up in every one of these threads are not among them and really shouldn't be our focus.

Would you really rather have printed napkins than a functioning Yeti?

All I'm saying is that battles need to be chosen.

 

[stitch's mom]

no offense to anyone but you all drive me crazy...the napkins being blank(the world will now end)is because the manufacturer messed up they were printed when I was there yesterday...and yes there are problems but some things just cant be perfect all the time...I still love Disney and going to the parks and nothing will ever change my mind

 

[GoofGoof]

I'm not. Like I said, many things at WDW need to change. Most of the gripes that come up in every one of these threads are not among them and really shouldn't be our focus.

Would you really rather have printed napkins than a functioning Yeti?

All I'm saying is that battles need to be chosen.

I agree with you that a lot of the points are petty, but other than the Yeti what actual problems are you referring to. You posted a long critique of other people's posts without really mentioning what you think the real problems are.