Disney in 2012 vs now

[Minnesota disney fan]

One thing I don't think has been mentioned yet is dining. It is SO much busier now. Back in 2012 we walked up to Beaches and Cream, Captain's Grille, Cape May for breakfast and probably others, with no problem at all, maybe a 15 minute wait. We even phoned one afternoon and asked if Le Cellier was available and got it same day.

These days you may get lucky, but people really are booking at 180 days out for the entire trip. So if you have any "must-do" restaurants then make a booking. You can always cancel later.

Also, some inconsiderate people are booking multiple ADR's the same day and at the same times, so they can change their minds when they want to. So, that affects the ADR's too. Sad situation, but Disney is somewhat to blame by making people book so far out. How do you know what you will want l80 days out??? That's one reason why we quit the dining plan and only make a couple of adrs.

 

[DfromATX]

Also, some inconsiderate people are booking multiple ADR's the same day and at the same times, so they can change their minds when they want to. So, that affects the ADR's too. Sad situation, but Disney is somewhat to blame by making people book so far out. How do you know what you will want l80 days out??? That's one reason why we quit the dining plan and only make a couple of adrs.

I hadn't even thought of people doing that. You'd think Disney would have a way to prevent people from doing that - like using booking numbers and not being allowed to have more than one reservation during a certain time period. We quit the dining plan also (used to do it every year until our last trip), but we still make dining reservations. You have to if you want to eat at certain places!

 

[Dafid Duck]

We haven't been in five years either. In fact, we have mostly gone every five years; 15th, 20th and now 25th anniversaries (with a 40th birthday thrown in between). At first I was a newbie but felt like an expert after two trips. Now I feel like a rookie again. ADR's are in high demand, difficult to find and everything else is dependant on them. I'm seven days away from Fast pass+ and I almost dreading having to organize them. I even got a travel agent this time, but she isn't having much luck either. I'm hoping all the planning works out just right and we move seamlessly from one reservation to another.

 

[DfromATX]

We haven't been in five years either. In fact, we have mostly gone every five years; 15th, 20th and now 25th anniversaries (with a 40th birthday thrown in between). At first I was a newbie but felt like an expert after two trips. Now I feel like a rookie again. ADR's are in high demand, difficult to find and everything else is dependant on them. I'm seven days away from Fast pass+ and I almost dreading having to organize them. I even got a travel agent this time, but she isn't having much luck either. I'm hoping all the planning works out just right and we move seamlessly from one reservation to another.

I already have an itinerary drafted of what I want to do, but we'll see what I actually can do. Our trip is a way's off, but when it's time, I plan to have my laptop fired up at 5:45 am (6:45 Florida time). This will be the first time I've ever gotten up early to book fast passes and ADR's. I've always done them the day I was allowed to, but I didn't rush - and I've never had a problem getting things. I just fear this time it'll be different.

 

[yedliW]

I hadn't even thought of people doing that. You'd think Disney would have a way to prevent people from doing that - like using booking numbers and not being allowed to have more than one reservation during a certain time period. We quit the dining plan also (used to do it every year until our last trip), but we still make dining reservations. You have to if you want to eat at certain places!

It's hard to gauge intent.. are they trying to game the system, or do they have righteous motives? Disney wants to be flexible, but they do have to draw the line somewhere.. so they charge $10pp if an ADR is canceled within 24 hours. I've never had to cancel within the 24 hour window, but I've read they are pretty good about waiving fees if you have a good story about why you had to cancel..

 

[freesvoice]

Also, some inconsiderate people are booking multiple ADR's the same day and at the same times, so they can change their minds when they want to. So, that affects the ADR's too. Sad situation, but Disney is somewhat to blame by making people book so far out. How do you know what you will want l80 days out??? That's one reason why we quit the dining plan and only make a couple of adrs.

The system won't let you book multiple reservations at the same time/day, it will ask you to cancel one if it's within an hour. Just booked a bunch of ADRs and when I accidentally tried to double book it gave me an error message where I could cancel my current reservation to book a new one or keep my existing one.

 

[drizgirl]

The system won't let you book multiple reservations at the same time/day, it will ask you to cancel one if it's within an hour. Just booked a bunch of ADRs and when I accidentally tried to double book it gave me an error message where I could cancel my current reservation to book a new one or keep my existing one.

People are booking under more than one account to override that.

 

[freesvoice]

People are booking under more than one account to override that.

Man that's messed up.

 

[DfromATX]

It's hard to gauge intent.. are they trying to game the system, or do they have righteous motives? Disney wants to be flexible, but they do have to draw the line somewhere.. so they charge $10pp if an ADR is canceled within 24 hours. I've never had to cancel within the 24 hour window, but I've read they are pretty good about waiving fees if you have a good story about why you had to cancel..

Well a person can't be in two places at the same time. They shouldn't allow that. Oh well... I guess it must be true that if we keep checking on a place we may get in due to last minute cancellations.

 

[freesvoice]

Well a person can't be in two places at the same time. They shouldn't allow that. Oh well... I guess it must be true that if we keep checking on a place we may get in due to last minute cancellations.

You most likely will! Cancellations happen week of and day before en masse.

 

[yedliW]

Well a person can't be in two places at the same time. They shouldn't allow that. Oh well... I guess it must be true that if we keep checking on a place we may get in due to last minute cancellations.

no.. but both ADRs don't have to be in the same name..

 

[DfromATX]

no.. but both ADRs don't have to be in the same name..

Yeah I know. I just meant if they used our booking number or something like that, then people would not be able to double book.

 

[macefamily]

We will heading down to visit my daughter again while she's doing the Disney College Program. Heading down next week. This will be our second time in two months; I love it !
It will be an interesting case study because my mom will be going with us. She has not been on a Disney property in about 15 years. As far as Universal Studios goes, last time she was there she was riding Jaws. Harry Potter will blow her mind !
There will be lots to show her.

 

[Mainahman]

Thanks all! We are super excited! Cant wait to see all the new stuff! This trip will be sooo relaxing!

 

[Edward M]

Go to Universal, it's changed unbelievably so. It's definitely worth a day or two simply for Diagon Alley.

Animal Kingdom is approximately 40x better than it was then. It's now the best park in the resort with amazing theming, rides, and just tons to do.

Magic Kingdom has New Fantasyland which is an improvement, and you'll enjoy it surely. The rest of the park isn't looking great, but it's still Magic Kingdom and just a magical time.

Epcot is getting sadder year after year. There's the new Frozen ride which is worth checking out. However, it's in s tagnant state right now that's pretty sad.

Hollywood Studios is 1/4 of a park right now. It has 4 E-Tickets, no supporting rides, way too many shows, and about 1000 square feet of actual theme park. It's just so so tiny. However, you may be able to see Toy Story Land, so that will be interesting! Plus, Tower of Terror, which continues to be amazing.

Lastly, the resorts themselves continue to improve and look great. Disney Springs is one of my favorite areas in the resort right now. I'd argue a day there is better than a day at Hollywood Studios or even Epcot. Plus, spending $0 is better than $100