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Four Parks,One World,But is it still Magic?
- Thread starter real mad hatter
- Start date
Disneyhead'71
Well-Known Member
I am only going to post once in this thread, because beating a dead horse isn't as much fun as it used to be. No, the magic is no longer there for me. I have been going since '71 and let my AP expire at the end of March 2011. I find that I have a lot more fun with a lot less disappointment at Universal Resort Orlando. I will be visiting The Disneyland Resort in 2014 for a few days. I live about 12 miles from WDW and have to go down there for work occasionally, the last time for the Grand Opening of the New Fantasyland and Splitsville. I get 4 free day passes through work and have several friends that are CMs, and I doubt I will even go down there for free. As I said, the last 2 times I went was for work, so I had to go and I got paid for it. But it is better than standing at a double homicide like I was at 4:30am this morning listening through my earpiece to my fellow photog covering the the 5K. He got the better story this morning.
. Sorry that the magic has now gone..I wish you all the best in your future travels.
Disneyhead'71
Well-Known Member
Thanks. And most people ask, then why do you hang out on Disney centric forums? And that is a very valid question. Mostly because there are Universal and Sea World sections. And there aren't many places to go and discuss those parks especially since "IOA Central" closed and I do spend a most of my online time at Orlando United. But I do check out some of the WDW threads, mostly out of morbid curiosity. And after spending a lifetime (since '71) going to the Disney Parks I am interested in their product. Just not what they are offering in Florida right now. I am encouraged with the management shake up. I lost interest in Disneyland during the Pressler/Harris era, but I would travel across the country to go there now (and pay good money to do it) as opposed to go 12 miles to see an under performing former love of mine.. Sorry that the magic has now gone..I wish you all the best in your future travels.
It is amazing how angry the wife gets when I do that.
Disneyhead'71
Well-Known Member
Hahahahahaha!
Magenta Panther
Well-Known Member
I asked a very similar question a week or two ago @real mad hatter. I had been reading so many negative things on here, and we can all go back and forth on yet another thread about declining by degrees and all of that again, but really like anything else it's what you make of it. I get it, I get it, I get it that if we except mediocrity that's what we'll get, etc., etc., but in my very humble opinion, I'm a bit sick and tired of that song and dance, I personally needed a break from it regardless if I agree or not, and have been avoiding posts like that and focusing on the positive. No matter what you say, WDW positives far outweigh the negatives- And if you disagree, it's probably time for a WDW break.
If you're looking for negative things, you will find them, whether it's going to a movie, grocery shopping, or WDW. I still have moments being in the parks or thinking about experiences I've had there that take my breath away. There are still moments to me being in WDW that I truly feel there's magic and I am in a special place. And now sharing that with my little girl is truly one of my greatest blessings, b/c I know not everyone has the ability to do that. While I am there, I will continue to drink the Kool Aid, so to speak.
So let me ask you frankly: do you think it's magical that the Tree of Life and Splash Mountain are deteriorating so badly that they are literally falling apart? That some of the attractions are left dirty day after day? That there's a ride with a major broken effect (yes, the yeti in Everest) that's been allowed to stay broken for YEARS? And do you think that true Disney fans should just ignore all that, accept that, despite what that does to the reputation of quality that Walt established?
If you're okay with the parks as they are, fine, but I don't get why it distresses you that some of us wish they were better. And that we keep pressing the fact that they COULD be better if better people were running them. A major publication has already pointed out that the new Fantasyland is pretty much a disappointment, considering all the hype. So it's not just us. And in fact, it's because of Disney fan reaction that the new NF isn't worse - the Mine Train WAS going to be yet another cheezy Princess meet-and-greet until fans let Disney know how much that disappointed them. So we serve a purpose. I love Disney to death. Not so much that I'd drink any Kool-aid
but I do love it. I just want the company and its products to live up to Walt's legacy. That's what set his company apart and MADE me love it. End of rant.
. Well said..Now go for it,do something and i'll vote for you.And all these first timers that read this.Go and have a magical vacation.So let me ask you frankly: do you think it's magical that the Tree of Life and Splash Mountain are deteriorating so badly that they are literally falling apart? That some of the attractions are left dirty day after day? That there's a ride with a major broken effect (yes, the yeti in Everest) that's been allowed to stay broken for YEARS? And do you think that true Disney fans should just ignore all that, accept that, despite what that does to the reputation of quality that Walt established?
If you're okay with the parks as they are, fine, but I don't get why it distresses you that some of us wish they were better. And that we keep pressing the fact that they COULD be better if better people were running them. A major publication has already pointed out that the new Fantasyland is pretty much a disappointment, considering all the hype. So it's not just us. And in fact, it's because of Disney fan reaction that the new NF isn't worse - the Mine Train WAS going to be yet another cheezy Princess meet-and-greet until fans let Disney know how much that disappointed them. So we serve a purpose. I love Disney to death. Not so much that I'd drink any Kool-aid
spacemt354
Chili's
So let me ask you frankly: do you think it's magical that the Tree of Life and Splash Mountain are deteriorating so badly that they are literally falling apart? That some of the attractions are left dirty day after day? That there's a ride with a major broken effect (yes, the yeti in Everest) that's been allowed to stay broken for YEARS? And do you think that true Disney fans should just ignore all that, accept that, despite what that does to the reputation of quality that Walt established?
If you're okay with the parks as they are, fine, but I don't get why it distresses you that some of us wish they were better. And that we keep pressing the fact that they COULD be better if better people were running them. A major publication has already pointed out that the new Fantasyland is pretty much a disappointment, considering all the hype. So it's not just us. And in fact, it's because of Disney fan reaction that the new NF isn't worse - the Mine Train WAS going to be yet another cheezy Princess meet-and-greet until fans let Disney know how much that disappointed them. So we serve a purpose. I love Disney to death. Not so much that I'd drink any Kool-aid
Just my two cents, I don't have an issue with people criticizing a certain idea or philosophy. In fact not only has negative fan reaction helped with New Fantasyland, but DCA would have never gotten their update if fans didn't complain about the state of the park.
So I agree with you to an extent. I don't like the idea that the yeti is broken, or that there are nets under the tree of life. I notice it and it doesn't sit very well with me. Where I feel the negativity reaches unreadable levels is when the fine line between constructive criticism and negativity to the extent that it asks the question of why you're even on a disney "fan" site comes into play.
Arguing and spiteful comments sent at people who have a more positive view on things is uncalled for, and doesn't serve any purpose like you said your negativity intended to do. It frankly doesn't do any good at all, and it's sad to say that a lot of the "negative" threads on here spiral out of control where I don't feel like reading or commenting anymore.
I have complaints about the resort too. Alot of them are what you articulated. I know the place isn't perfect, and thoughtful yet critical posts like yours above I have no problem with. That's what serves a purpose. Arguing and insults don't serve a purpose.
In the end mostly all of us on here love WDW. Through the good and bad, positive or critical comments, that message should remain if you truly just want the best in the parks. That message has gotten clouded to me in some of the threads on here, which is why I just don't see a point to reading those threads anymore. But I thank you for your input and I'm glad that your post kept the message that despite the criticism, all you want is to keep Walt's legacy strong, and that's something that we can definitely agree on.
polynesiangirl
Well-Known Member
I only now saw this thread. I know I have already said my piece to an extent over in the other thread, so I won't rehash that, but I will say that the World is a little different for me every time I go. Sometimes I like it better, sometimes I get a little tired of it or annoyed with upkeep/CMs/whatever (and, just to be clear, WDW is by no means the only place we travel to. Over the past 10 years we have gone on at least one other vacation per year.)
I will say that now that I have a young child who is psyched about the characters and wants to sing along in the Tiki Room, I'm on a WDW upswing. Sharing a place I've loved since childhood with my own child, even if it's not "perfect", has been a pretty special experience. It's also handy for us because we can take a pretty short direct flight from our hometown, which makes going to WDW one of the easier vacations for us to take with a small kid.
I will say that now that I have a young child who is psyched about the characters and wants to sing along in the Tiki Room, I'm on a WDW upswing. Sharing a place I've loved since childhood with my own child, even if it's not "perfect", has been a pretty special experience. It's also handy for us because we can take a pretty short direct flight from our hometown, which makes going to WDW one of the easier vacations for us to take with a small kid.
dopeylover
Well-Known Member
So let me ask you frankly: do you think it's magical that the Tree of Life and Splash Mountain are deteriorating so badly that they are literally falling apart? That some of the attractions are left dirty day after day? That there's a ride with a major broken effect (yes, the yeti in Everest) that's been allowed to stay broken for YEARS? And do you think that true Disney fans should just ignore all that, accept that, despite what that does to the reputation of quality that Walt established?
If you're okay with the parks as they are, fine, but I don't get why it distresses you that some of us wish they were better. And that we keep pressing the fact that they COULD be better if better people were running them. A major publication has already pointed out that the new Fantasyland is pretty much a disappointment, considering all the hype. So it's not just us. And in fact, it's because of Disney fan reaction that the new NF isn't worse - the Mine Train WAS going to be yet another cheezy Princess meet-and-greet until fans let Disney know how much that disappointed them. So we serve a purpose. I love Disney to death. Not so much that I'd drink any Kool-aid
I never said I was OK with how everything was in any way. I never said I had a problem w/ people wishing it were better, b/c I myself have said that. I feel like what I said was self-explanatory, but to clear it all up: I don't think everything is A-Ok w/ the parks at all times. All I was saying was that I had spent a lot of time over the past couple of weeks reading about a lot of negativity, and I was tired of it and feel like focusing on the positive for the moment. You can write all you want about the things you don't like in the park, I just won't be reading it for now!
I do find it interesting though that in the past couple of weeks I have noticed that people who find fault with the parks (Doom and Gloomers, some have labeled them) complain that people don't allow them to have an opinion other than rainbows and sunshine and that they are entitled to an opinion as well, but when someone disagrees with them, they get the very same attitude they have been complaining about. Sometimes it feels like everyone is entitled to an opinion around here, as long as it's the same as your own. (And I am not singling you out by saying 'you' @Magenta Panther, I mean it as a whole )
)
Beholder
Well-Known Member
For myself, I think that SOME negativity turns into hate. Wether it is or not, it sometimes comes across that way. Those who point out things that aren't right or things that have declined because they're concerned with the way things are or the way they're going is one thing, but to bash and insult WDW or those who still enjoy it is sometimes counterproductive, at least in a forum that's more community than anything. I'm guilty at times of letting myself being dragged into a place of negativity that's sometimes hard to climb out of. I honestly try to avoid that, especially on a personal level. So I really understand the negative comments bothering people, but I also try not to confuse negative with critical. To criticize with an eye towards improvement is quite a bit different than saying "Disney sucks, IOA is better!".
Honestly, I really think most folks around here DO love Disney and want to see it get better, some more harsh than others, and that's ok. I don't like the tarps, the nets, the lack of innovation or attractions, or upkeep, and I hope that it gets better, but I still love the place and especially what it represented and what it means to me. It's not blind faith, it's hope. The older I get, the more I have to really pick my battles, and in the grand scheme of things, Disney doesn't register enough to ruin my day.
All in all, I love this site. I love the views, the different personalities, and the wide range of opinions. It's the passion that keeps us coming back I think, both here and WDW.
Honestly, I really think most folks around here DO love Disney and want to see it get better, some more harsh than others, and that's ok. I don't like the tarps, the nets, the lack of innovation or attractions, or upkeep, and I hope that it gets better, but I still love the place and especially what it represented and what it means to me. It's not blind faith, it's hope. The older I get, the more I have to really pick my battles, and in the grand scheme of things, Disney doesn't register enough to ruin my day.
All in all, I love this site. I love the views, the different personalities, and the wide range of opinions. It's the passion that keeps us coming back I think, both here and WDW.
Disneyhead'71
Well-Known Member
Let me know how you feel when your toddler is 15, and would rather have a root canal than have Belle read them a story.
But if you keep throwing thousands of dollars at the mouse, what message is the sharp pencil boys at TDO going to get?
BryceM
Well-Known Member
It all just comes down to how you view the parks. I certainly love Walt Disney World, but seeing the state it's currently in is just sad. I hate getting hyped for new attractions, then realizing they are just unleashing more DVC rooms, a new parade or a new Meet & Greet. And I (personally) enjoy Universal Orlando more than Walt Disney World. I would rather spend a day at Islands of Adventure than Magic Kingdom. Your Main Street U.S.A. is my Port of Entry. That's where I find the "magic" at because I grew up going to Universal Orlando more than I did Walt Disney World. However, I would absolutely love to go to Disneyland, as their two parks look amazing. And I love the close proximity of everything, as it also is at Universal Orlando.
Don't get me wrong, I still really enjoy Walt Disney World. It would be a real treat to be at the Wilderness Lodge right now, looking forward to a day at the parks. But if I also had to choose to be at Portofino Bay at Universal Orlando, or The Grand Californian at Disneyland, it wouldn't be hard to say no to Walt Disney World.
Don't get me wrong, I still really enjoy Walt Disney World. It would be a real treat to be at the Wilderness Lodge right now, looking forward to a day at the parks. But if I also had to choose to be at Portofino Bay at Universal Orlando, or The Grand Californian at Disneyland, it wouldn't be hard to say no to Walt Disney World.
Disneyhead'71
Well-Known Member
Hmm, let's see a week at The Grand Californian, Portofino Bay, or The Grand Floridian with park passes?
1. The Grand Californian (I live in Orlando so that's a no brainer)
2. Portofino Bay Resort (love the place)
3. The Grand Floridian (but I wouldn't take any days off, just commute from there and hit the parks after work, mostly Epcot to eat at their World Food Court)
1. The Grand Californian (I live in Orlando so that's a no brainer)
2. Portofino Bay Resort (love the place)
3. The Grand Floridian (but I wouldn't take any days off, just commute from there and hit the parks after work, mostly Epcot to eat at their World Food Court)
Beholder
Well-Known Member
I understand what you're saying, and in fact I agree for the most part, but my answer or response was in the context of the original question, is Disney still "magical"? I think regardless of discontent with the current condition of WDW or management or whatever, some people still find Disney "magical". I get that the message that TDO gets is "why change, the money keeps pouring in?", but as infrequent as I and others get to go, overlooking or choosing not to focus on the bad (granted, there is more than should be) isn't such a terrible notion. When my family continues to choose WDW as a vacation choice when we can, then I'll continue to go. We're also starting (early stages) to plan a trip to UNI and IOA, so maybe that'll help the "cause".
polynesiangirl
Well-Known Member
Dude, OK. All I said is that my family is enjoying our vacations to WDW lately, and that there has been an ebb and flow to my personal enjoyment of it over the course of my life.
disneysince71
Well-Known Member
Yes but sometimes you have to find the Magic. My family feels it the second our car drives past the big WDW sign out front. Disney is what you make of it. What your family makes of it. Its about begin flexible and having fun. If you are going to walk around and look for things to make you angry, mad, upset you will find them. Instead find the little things that are magic....
