Ever read the reviews from non-Disney fanatics on TripAdvisor?

[EpcotServo]

I do what I do and like what I like. I really dont think explaining my self to anyone is warranted or required.

After all it would probably be wasted on the prolls anyway.

^Ah yes, the wonderful nuggets of logic you occasionally post here make reading some threads all the more enjoyable.
:lol: :sohappy:

 

[Testtrack321]

In response to the OP, I would like to see the poster of that report go to Cedar Point, where there are more crowds, longer lines, higher costs, and less theming. I love me some Cedar Point, but interesting to see how much you get for the price at Disney over CP.

 

[LoriMistress]

Wow, this thread got a bit crazy. I can understand both sides of the debate. In one aspect, it's weird that you have to plan, research, and book ADRs for a WDW vacation. The idea of just planning ahead to hit several amusement parks does seem silly.

Wow, things did get a little crazy. (Think Anchorman: Wow, that really escalated quickly).

We certainly got a lot of viewpoints on this topic didn't we? Just goes to show that no matter what Disney does, some will like it, and some will not. As Pumbas said earlier in this thread, if you like something you like it, and if not then you don't.

My only wish out of all of this is that a 1st timer reads his post on TripAdvisor, but does not let it affect his decision on whether or not to visit WDW. That was the saddest part about going through the 5 pages of reviews that i did. A newbie might read that and be discouraged from visiting, and that's a shame because WDW has a special place in our family. Had the OP taken the time to plan out ADR's, visit during a non-peak season, maybe his review would have been different. Right wrong or indifferent, the dining situation is what it is at Disney...when planned properly though you can "work the system' as some say and have a beautiful vacation

It's true. It's sad if a first timer reviews opinions of WDW on a site that deals with mainly people who are "in the dark" about Disney. I remember a few years ago reading a review (I don't remember the site, sorry), about a guy who decided to take his family to WDW on Christmas week. He booked his vacation through AAA, never did any research, and stayed at Hilton in DTD. The vacation was a disaster. He was fuming, and blamed everything on Disney. He thought that the Hilton was part of Disney, how crowded it was, etc. I felt horrible for the guy for having a crappy vacation during Christmas, but at the same time, I don't really pity him. If you're going to spend X amount of money on something, do research before purchasing/booking/etc.

 

[Yankee Mouse]

You give a perfect description of what I'm sure a LOT of people feel.

Now imagine you were new to WDW. Even if you made rezzies ahead of time, and felt like you did your homework:

How do you get from where you're at to the restaurant? What form of transportation? How long is going to take to get there?

Wait... I can't see Wishes or Spectromagic the only time they're showing it while I'm here because I have dinner reservations at another park?? I really tried to plan, but had no IDEA to think about fireworks and parade times!

Etc, etc, etc...

I can see people's frustrations... And what might make them take it out on TripAdvisor.

See how I tied it back into the thread topic for once?? :king::lol:

This is a pretty valid argument IMO. And to add to it, what about last minute trips? We might be going in June for a last minute trip and we will be lucky to get a table reservation, has nothing to do with lack of planning, just decided to go at the last minute, but if you get any table service it would just be luck.
I wouldn't complain if it was changed to the day of, but even that could get crazy, just think about how people run now just for rides.

I don't think any system would be perfect.

 

[cowanfamily]

I thoroughly enjoyed every meal I had at Disney World. My favorite complaint was

"The food is way over-priced and really poor in quality and taste. Bottled water will cost you at least $2.75 and a beer will be $5.75 "

I personally find it astounding that someone cant spend a nice day at Disney World without having a beer.

This guy has never been to a baseball game.

 

[zweltar]

I felt horrible for the guy for having a crappy vacation during Christmas, but at the same time, I don't really pity him. If you're going to spend X amount of money on something, do research before purchasing/booking/etc.

When I went to WDW in 2006, it was the first time I had been there in a long time, and the first time I was there as an adult responsible for my own plans. While I had done research (reading books and such), there was no way I was prepared for a Disney trip. I feel bad for people going to Disney that haven't found some forum or discussion group for information - or simply don't know how much planning is needed. A Disney vacation is so planning-intensive (which most of us Disney-freaks love) and is very expensive.
It would be great to be able to have some spontaneity on a vacation in WDW.

 

[LoriMistress]

When I went to WDW in 2006, it was the first time I had been there in a long time, and the first time I was there as an adult responsible for my own plans. While I had done research (reading books and such), there was no way I was prepared for a Disney trip. I feel bad for people going to Disney that haven't found some forum or discussion group for information - or simply don't know how much planning is needed. A Disney vacation is so planning-intensive (which most of us Disney-freaks love) and is very expensive.
It would be great to be able to have some spontaneity on a vacation in WDW.

I agree with you. Planning our first trip to WDW in '03, I was planning the trip last minute. I started planning about 2-3 months before our arrival. I had no idea what we were in for when it came to planning WDW. We only had a $700 budget total (food, gifts, etc.) I didn't make any ADRs because I figured they were completely booked. Thankfully, we had some excellent CMs that were able to let us in to a few TS restaurants (even a Character Breakfast in MK), without any ADRs. Again, I'm sure it was much different in '03 then present time when it comes to ADRs and dining.

Times have certainly changed.

 

[fosse76]

In response to the OP, I would like to see the poster of that report go to Cedar Point, where there are more crowds, longer lines, higher costs, and less theming. I love me some Cedar Point, but interesting to see how much you get for the price at Disney over CP.

I agree. My local Six Flags is outrageously overpriced when it comes to food and beverages. I even found Disneyland to be more expensive in the food and drink department compared to WDW.

 

[whitney37354]

I feel sorry for this person, but wish them luck on their next vacation in Dollywood.

Nothing wrong with Dollywood either! We were there last Saturday and had a good time. Just as with WDW, you need to plan ahead, do your research, and know what you are in for. With that, you can have a good time. Otherwise, you will complain.