Do you know someone who didn't enjoy their disney trip??

[moonwishes2013]

A girl I work with just returned from 2 full weeks at disney, staying at AKL ( I was beyond jealous!) . Anyways she asked me lots of questions before going about dining, resort, parks etc and seemed excited for her trip. Now that she is back she says it was just okay, and "I guess it is something everyone should see once" with a very not impressed tone. I guess I can just wonder how people can't enjoy disney and not want to go back! I guess the only reasons I can think that hinders her enjoyment was that she was there during presidents week, so the wait times were insane. They also didn't start the day in the parks until lunch time and was back at the resort by 3-4pm, meaning they seen next to nothing. Anyone else ever know someone who didn't enjoy disney??

Yes!!! My DH, he does not like theme parks but went because of our DD, She has asked to go back again, he groans everytime it is mentioned, LOL!!!
That's alright, he can stay home next time if he wants, Babygirl & I will have a great time. I wished we lived closer!!

 

[moonwishes2013]

What gets me is how we all know you have to do your homework, study, plan, etc. etc. and think others that don't know to do all that are silly. Well, what other destinations take this level of planning and work before the trip just to cross the threshold into pleasant??? This is where I feel bad for people. This is where I think Disney is missing the point. People want to vacation, not work their butts off. People want to sleep in & relax when escaping the rat race. Why does a vacation require so much work? I used to revel in the crazy planning but at some point I grew tired of working so hard both before and during vacation. I feel so terrible for first timers not in the know, who unsuspectingly fall for the fairy tale in the commercials not knowing they'd need a degree in Disney travel planning to attain those images of bliss. It's too much!

That is what our first trip was like, overwhelmed with everything. We were blessed to be able to go back a second time, & this time I researched everything I could get my hands & eyes on, this trip was sooooooooo much better for us. God Willing, we will be able to go again. DH asked me the other day, Why are you still looking at Disney Stuff?? I said I am keeping up with what is going on & planning another trip!!! He just shook his head & walked off. LOL!! His boss asked how our trip was,he told him great. The boss said that his family had a terriable time, waiting in long lines, heat, all of the places they wanted to eat was booked, they could not get in, (they did not know about early reservations), to much money, he said they would not go back. They went during the summer months & did not know anything before they went, just like our first time.

 

[moonwishes2013]

Had some friends who actually came back and said "There just wasn't anything to do." Not worth arguing with logic that flawed.

WHAT????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NOTHING TO DO???????????????????????

 

[Spikerdink]

Tomorrow morning I am dropping off two friends as they head off to Disney. It is her first time, he has gone a few times with his son/grandchildren. She asked me to help her plan, and I gave her 7 pages of notes to help give her some pointers.... but I have this feeling in the pit of my gut that she is not going to have a great time. Part of it is that she has invited her ex-hub and his new wife and they are already complaining about the cost of food in Disney and want to cook in the room most nights. (My friends are adamant that they can have breakfast in the room, but dinner is not negotiable.)

I tried to help her get ADRs, but she has uncertainty as to how many people will actually be staying on site to eat...so no ADRs.

Then there is the issue of her daughter-in-law.... and quirky is the nicest thing I can say about her. I fear that the DIL will find some reason to bolt the park to sit in the room with the kids, leaving my friend who wanted a once in a lifetime trip with her young grandkids wondering what the heck happened.

Let's hope my plans and ideas help her navigate some of the pitfalls and she has pixie dust sprinkled over her and her family....

 

[AngryEyes]

My mom hated Disneyland, so we don't even tell her we're going to WDW until things are booked. Sorry, Mom. 5 person max to a room.

As for first-timers, I guess I don't understand not planning at all. Why in the world would I want to show up in, say, San Francisco with no idea what's going on? Heck, after looking into it, I might decide I can't fill a week with things that interest me or my family.

So, the first time going to WDW, I bought the unofficial guide, found you guys, and realized what I needed to do. I don't think it's a ton of planning, either, unless you absolutely have to have certain restaurants at certain times. We spent more time reading about the restaurants the first time, I'm sure, but this time, the evening we moved our trip back, it took about three hours and that's only because the reservations site was being finicky.

As for the parks, show up early, go back to the hotel to beat the heat, head back in the late afternoon. That's the best advice anyone could give you in a busy summer. What's so difficult about it?

 

[Bethypoo]

I figured that like most are saying here, anyone who did not enjoy it just did not do it 'right' - they had a bad plan or no plan, went at the wrong time of year, etc., but I proved myself wrong. I took a girl I was dating for what I thought would be a fantastic trip - during the Food & Wine Festival, dinners at Cali. Grill, Jiko, the Festival Signature Dinner at Citricos (the one for 10 people in the Chef's Domain with the winemaker there with us - incredible food, etc.). I made sure to let her help control the pace of our days, took time out to enjoy the ambiance where appropriate, let her select attractions, etc.. She's from France, and had never been to any Disney park before, so I was convinced this would be an excellent introduction. We even did the French Regional Lunch at the former Bistro de Paris where she got to speak French with other natives for hours, we drank a wide variety of great French wine, and she admitted that even the bread seemed very authentic.

At the conclusion of the trip, having had a great time myself, I was sure that I would have a Disney convert, but no! She made it clear that she would not want to return, and that I should not book future Disney trips, since she thought it was a waste of time and money. Naturally, that was a relationship that could not last (I even went to France with her for a couple weeks and had a great trip, thinking that after I did 'her' trip she would reconsider and let me take her back to Disney, but her attitude about it did not change.)

Wow! Where do I get a guy like that? Some ladies just don't know a good thing...

 

[moonwishes2013]

My mom hated Disneyland, so we don't even tell her we're going to WDW until things are booked. Sorry, Mom. 5 person max to a room.

As for first-timers, I guess I don't understand not planning at all. Why in the world would I want to show up in, say, San Francisco with no idea what's going on? Heck, after looking into it, I might decide I can't fill a week with things that interest me or my family.

So, the first time going to WDW, I bought the unofficial guide, found you guys, and realized what I needed to do. I don't think it's a ton of planning, either, unless you absolutely have to have certain restaurants at certain times. We spent more time reading about the restaurants the first time, I'm sure, but this time, the evening we moved our trip back, it took about three hours and that's only because the reservations site was being finicky.

As for the parks, show up early, go back to the hotel to beat the heat, head back in the late afternoon. That's the best advice anyone could give you in a busy summer. What's so difficult about it?

For our first time, it was a Make A Wish Trip, our volunteer said everything would be planned, we would recieve everything we would need when we got there & I did not have internet access at that time. Well, she was wrong, we were given park tickets, & times guide for each park, that was on our first day of our trip. The info we were given could not prepare anyone going their first time, We were thinking it would be like any park, like a state fair, Kings Diminion (spelling?), Bush Gardens, you get what I mean,of course it was not. When we were given all of the info, for Disney World, we were told, it is best to wait until after 10am or later to go, because the TTC would not be as busy, Monday was a good day for Magic Kingdom & that was about it.
So when we went a few months ago, I did alot of research, even though we did have a good time our first time, this time it was even better, knew where everything was that we wanted to see & do, although of course we did not get to everything. LOL!!!!

 

[moonwishes2013]

Tomorrow morning I am dropping off two friends as they head off to Disney. It is her first time, he has gone a few times with his son/grandchildren. She asked me to help her plan, and I gave her 7 pages of notes to help give her some pointers.... but I have this feeling in the pit of my gut that she is not going to have a great time. Part of it is that she has invited her ex-hub and his new wife and they are already complaining about the cost of food in Disney and want to cook in the room most nights. (My friends are adamant that they can have breakfast in the room, but dinner is not negotiable.)

I tried to help her get ADRs, but she has uncertainty as to how many people will actually be staying on site to eat...so no ADRs.

Then there is the issue of her daughter-in-law.... and quirky is the nicest thing I can say about her. I fear that the DIL will find some reason to bolt the park to sit in the room with the kids, leaving my friend who wanted a once in a lifetime trip with her young grandkids wondering what the heck happened.

Let's hope my plans and ideas help her navigate some of the pitfalls and she has pixie dust sprinkled over her and her family....

Pixie dust!!!!!!

 

[Tinkerbella16]

I am so glad I am not a WDW rookie! I have heard of stories from people where they did not enjoy it. I try to give them the best advice possible.. I have done it many times! But everyone tours WDW differently. I could never imagine sleeping in while in Disney... but others just can. This is the only time that I don't mind setting my alarm clock for an early time! I'm in Disney World! I am going to make the MOST of my limited time while I am here! I jump right out of bed when I wake up early in Disney.. If only I could do the same for work! Lol I have to be at the parks before they open.. I do this to avoid wait times for any and all rides and it has worked thus far. Leave the park midday to take a break and refresh.. and head back out for the evening. I wouldn't do it any other way!

 

[Pooh Lover]

Yes and I'll never forget it. I've been going to WDW for a LONG time and I know I talk about it ad nauseum to anyone with ears so when my best friend finally decided to take her son to WDW, I couldn't wait to hear how much they loved it and couldn't wait to go back. Well, they got home and almost seemed proud to tell me that they hated it so much that they spent less than one day at EPCOT and the rest of the time watching the son take water skiing lessons. Only true fans such as ourselves can appreciate how we feel when we hear things like this.

 

[Ally_pumkin2princess]

My sister god bless her was a total nightmare on our January trip. She is very overweight but normally walks everywhere she goes When she's at home I explain to her Disney is huge and because of her leg surgery after a car accident happened 5 years ago she always has problems with her rods and pins in her legs. I afford to rent an ecv but she didn't want to she would feel embarrassed. I tried to make the most stay 9 days/8 nights at AKL one bedroom. Went at her pace and only scheduled parks every other day. She was still complaining even thought I was the one running around for fast passes. Lesson learned I told her when the boys are older and want to go I will just ask to borrow my nephew and she can just enjoy the resort.

 

[mrdisman]

I figured that like most are saying here, anyone who did not enjoy it just did not do it 'right' - they had a bad plan or no plan, went at the wrong time of year, etc., but I proved myself wrong. I took a girl I was dating for what I thought would be a fantastic trip - during the Food & Wine Festival, dinners at Cali. Grill, Jiko, the Festival Signature Dinner at Citricos (the one for 10 people in the Chef's Domain with the winemaker there with us - incredible food, etc.). I made sure to let her help control the pace of our days, took time out to enjoy the ambiance where appropriate, let her select attractions, etc.. She's from France, and had never been to any Disney park before, so I was convinced this would be an excellent introduction. We even did the French Regional Lunch at the former Bistro de Paris where she got to speak French with other natives for hours, we drank a wide variety of great French wine, and she admitted that even the bread seemed very authentic.

At the conclusion of the trip, having had a great time myself, I was sure that I would have a Disney convert, but no! She made it clear that she would not want to return, and that I should not book future Disney trips, since she thought it was a waste of time and money. Naturally, that was a relationship that could not last (I even went to France with her for a couple weeks and had a great trip, thinking that after I did 'her' trip she would reconsider and let me take her back to Disney, but her attitude about it did not change.)

she was from France...

yes...
I knew someone from work who went and did not enjoy their trip...said once was enough...

I avoid them now

 

[All Disney All The Time]

I work with a woman who got her 2nd husband to take her and her 3 kids to WDW. They loved it, he hated it. He called it, "The Most Miserable Place On Earth". She and the kids are going again this summer, he is going to go biking in MI with his brother. He also has his own refrigerator with "his food" and she and the kids aren't allowed in it. It's not due to a medical issue, he's just "like that", as she puts it.
To each their own. We like the planning, we like the sensory overload, we like the walking, and fortunately the prices aren't an issue for us on a once a year trip. I can last maybe a half hr. on a beach and maybe an hr. by a pool if there's shade (I fry not tan) and I'm ready to DO SOMETHING. I have really strong glasses so swimming has never been much of a kick for me; if I take them off I can see a foot away and if I wear them the lenses get wet and blurry. And it has never been a priority to get prescription goggles and nobody is going near my eyes with a laser.
Like I said, to each their own, and ours is WDW.

 

[Gabe1]

My neighbors, 2 adults one DS, on my advice, oy. Drove down, didn't anticipate the mega expense despite my trying to offer guidance. Headed home after day 3 of a 10 day visit and went up to the Wisconsin Dells and spent even more per day up there.

They limited their vacations to Mexico after that.

 

[mrdisman]

I work with a woman who got her 2nd husband to take her and her 3 kids to WDW. They loved it, he hated it. He called it, "The Most Miserable Place On Earth". She and the kids are going again this summer, he is going to go biking in MI with his brother. He also has his own refrigerator with "his food" and she and the kids aren't allowed in it. It's not due to a medical issue, he's just "like that", as she puts it.
To each their own. We like the planning, we like the sensory overload, we like the walking, and fortunately the prices aren't an issue for us on a once a year trip. I can last maybe a half hr. on a beach and maybe an hr. by a pool if there's shade (I fry not tan) and I'm ready to DO SOMETHING. I have really strong glasses so swimming has never been much of a kick for me; if I take them off I can see a foot away and if I wear them the lenses get wet and blurry. And it has never been a priority to get prescription goggles and nobody is going near my eyes with a laser.
Like I said, to each their own, and ours is WDW.

I ended a relationship after a Disney trip because she complained too much...
sure there were other things...but that sent me over the edge

 

[Gabe1]

He also has his own refrigerator with "his food" and she and the kids aren't allowed in it. It's not due to a medical issue, he's just "like that", as she puts it.

Dear Lord, we know a family like this, he dresses expensively, the rest of the family Walmart or the like.
He has wife prepare meat, like steaks and such for him, they eat starch. Doesn't like dirty laundry in house so it must be done daily before he comes home. Bonus, at least these people get to go to Disney. Don't know what is the real bonus, Disney or getting the heck away from the twit.

 

[All Disney All The Time]

My neighbors, 2 adults one DS, on my advice, oy. Drove down, didn't anticipate the mega expense despite my trying to offer guidance. Headed home after day 3 of a 10 day visit and went up to the Wisconsin Dells and spent even more per day up there.

They limited their vacations to Mexico after that.

They drove to Orlando and then all the way to The Dells? Good God!!

 

[mrdisman]

Yes and I'll never forget it. I've been going to WDW for a LONG time and I know I talk about it ad nauseum to anyone with ears so when my best friend finally decided to take her son to WDW, I couldn't wait to hear how much they loved it and couldn't wait to go back. Well, they got home and almost seemed proud to tell me that they hated it so much that they spent less than one day at EPCOT and the rest of the time watching the son take water skiing lessons. Only true fans such as ourselves can appreciate how we feel when we hear things like this.

what is wrong with people...

 

[Pooh Lover]

what is wrong with people...

I don't know....enter George Thorogood....LOL.

 

[Gabe1]

They drove to Orlando and then all the way to The Dells? Good God!!

The Dells are about 5 hours from us. Disney around 23 hours. Dang Dells are expensive 'cause you are paying separate admission to everything. Yeah, I couldn't believe they were home and where they were heading.
They watched us go every year for 2 week trips, the rants after their short visit about our trips. Oy.