If You Go Down To The Parks Today..Your In For A Big Surprise...

[Ralphlaw]

Before you feel to sorry for us offsiters, you might want to ask yourself where you got the idea that those of us that do that can't take a break during the day. I can be back to my hotel as quickly if not quicker then some onsite people. I never stayed the whole day. We went in the morning, saw what we could see, perhaps had lunch at a counter service and around 3 PM or actually whenever the mood hit us, we would head on out. We would rest our feet, the kids would hit the pool and we would just chill for a couple of hours. Then we would go out someplace for a healthy meal and head back to the parks for the evening.

Almost all, in fact, I'd say 99.9% of those that stay offsite, have transportation. Comfortable, cool, uncrowded vehicles that we just walk to (not wait for) and be on our way. No need for sympathy, I'm afraid.

I didn't mean to offend. It's just that many of the onsiters have an easier time getting back and forth. For example, we had friends who stayed at Wyndham, and they were very limited on when their shuttles would pick up and drop off. We always stay onsite, and location means a lot to us. On vacation, I personally enjoy being relieved of driving, but if that's your method, great. However, I don't think 99.9% have transportation. 90%, maybe, but many of the people I know who have stayed offsite relied upon shuttles, and I can't believe that they made up a mere 0.1% of the offsiters. I know you were just making a point, but 1 out 1,000 relying on hotel shuttles seems very low to me.

 

[everado]

Well, I don't know where you work but I can't say that about my job. At my job I don't break a sweat, we have a 55" tv with satellite and two pcs for our use during breaks. I'm also getting PAID to be there. On our worst day (September 25th of this year) I can honestly say I would rather have been at work instead of dealing with wall to wall people, sweating, failed interactions with CMs and being told I couldn't leave the park until after the parade finished.

I deliver heating oil and propane in Maine and southern New Hampshire.When I am up to my hooha in snow trying to get to a fill the only thing that keeps me going is the prospect of going to WDW!

 

[draybook]

I deliver heating oil and propane in Maine and southern New Hampshire.When I am up to my hooha in snow trying to get to a fill the only thing that keeps me going is the prospect of going to WDW!

Well, the comparison was best day at home vs bad day at WDW. Is your best day at home when you're up to your hooha in snow?

 

[Ralphlaw]

Is your member profile correct that you have not been to WDW since November 2005? Just trying to get a perspective on your view of the parks.

Sorry, but my member profile hasn't been updated in about 7 years. I was there in 2012, 2011, 2010,2008, and 2006, and we'll be there again in 38 days. For what it's worth, I've also been on 3 Disney cruises, and did the Hollywood Magic Adventure by Disney last August.

My first trip to the parks was in 2003. I loved it, and have been back about 8 times since. I see the need for improvement in some areas, but I try not to focus on it. Some people, they seem to seek out fault, and then endlessly complain about it. I think most people are kind of like me: They see a problem, note it, but move on and have a great time.

I also theorize that the rose color glasses of nostalgia play a part in all of this. Some things were certainly better way back when, but other things were probably worse. For example, it's hard to imagine Epcot without Soarin'. That is definitely better. And the wider variety of food, especially healthy food, is very welcome to most people. I also remember when Spaceship Earth ended with a dismal blue hallway, and World Showcase didn't have much of anything for little kids to do (now we have Agent P's spy thing). I go, I enjoy, and hopefully nobody ruins my vacation with constant griping. Sure, come home and report, but don't let messes and apparent rudeness ruin the "in the moment" experience.

 

[BoarderPhreak]

I'm not going to read the whole thread, but I get the gist of it. Personally, I freely admit that I complain about things - perhaps as a "jaded old timer" of WDW. But I praise it just the same and it doesn't get in the way of me going back and having a great time. Is the overall experience diminished in my eyes? Sure. But like I said, it's still WDW, I'm still going and I'm still enjoying myself. I only want Disney to appreciate WDW as much as I (or we all) do - and they once did.

Case in point. I went for a week in late 2012, again in early 2013 and I'm going back for (almost) another week in a month. And I live in NY!

 

[copcarguyp71]

I never let it ruin my vacation or even come anywhere close to it. If I was a selfish jerk then yes I would but my vacation is about being one with my family and connecting with them but upon return I get retrospective with regard to ROI of all the money I just spent and more and more I have been seeing less value for the dollar versus what I could get spending an equal or less amount somewhere else...and no, not UNI. In one way it is like comparing apples to Tuesday but we came to the realization after our last trip that we can get more enjoyment for the dollar in the Caribbean than at the world so that is what we are doing next year. We are in hopes that Disney can turn things around where we are willing to take a second look but for now we are going to pass for the foreseeable future.

 

[Goofyernmost]

I didn't mean to offend. It's just that many of the onsiters have an easier time getting back and forth. For example, we had friends who stayed at Wyndham, and they were very limited on when their shuttles would pick up and drop off. We always stay onsite, and location means a lot to us. On vacation, I personally enjoy being relieved of driving, but if that's your method, great. However, I don't think 99.9% have transportation. 90%, maybe, but many of the people I know who have stayed offsite relied upon shuttles, and I can't believe that they made up a mere 0.1% of the offsiters. I know you were just making a point, but 1 out 1,000 relying on hotel shuttles seems very low to me.

Those that don't have their own transportation and stay offsite do deserve your pity. I guess many people just don't realize how far everything is from everything else even onsite. I know many that have asked if they can walk to MK from AKL because it looks pretty close on the map. Relying on shuttles, even at Disneyland where you can see the top of the Matterhorn from most of the hotels is an exercise in futility. I found myself walking many times because there were gaps up to two or three hours between shuttles.

But like I said, most of us that stay offsite are aware of that problem and do have our own transportation even if it's a rental car. With that our touring habits are the same as anyone that stays onsite. I suppose anyone in a deluxe MK resort would have it a little different, but, everybody else...same, same! If one stays offsite without a vehicle (their own or rental) they will pay more then the cost of a rental just in transportation charges plus be completely at the mercy of the transportation loop, which isn't run by Disney. No offense taken, but I did feel the need to clarify what offsite really is. To me it's onsite with massive savings, bigger rooms, more, and much less expensive, meal options. How about if I change that to 99%. Then it will be 1 out of 100! Probably closer to actual. Many people have cars but use the hotel shuttles, but they usually only do that once.

 

[SteveAZee]

I didn't mean to offend. It's just that many of the onsiters have an easier time getting back and forth. For example, we had friends who stayed at Wyndham, and they were very limited on when their shuttles would pick up and drop off. We always stay onsite, and location means a lot to us. On vacation, I personally enjoy being relieved of driving, but if that's your method, great. However, I don't think 99.9% have transportation. 90%, maybe, but many of the people I know who have stayed offsite relied upon shuttles, and I can't believe that they made up a mere 0.1% of the offsiters. I know you were just making a point, but 1 out 1,000 relying on hotel shuttles seems very low to me.

For comparison, I've traditionally stayed on property, but always had a car (rental) as well, partly to do grocery runs, and partly for the speed and convenience of getting some places without having to wait for a bus (or deal with being in wet bathing suits on a bus after visiting a water park). The last time I went I stayed nearby but off-property, believing it would be similar but cheaper and I was wrong. Being an engineer, I would LOVE to quantify why it felt less to be staying off property (nice place too), but it did. I felt like I was visiting WDW rather than staying there. Granted, when I stay on property it's typically in a DVC suite with kitchen et al so it really is a 'home away from home', and I thought if I had a similar arrangement off property, I'd be fine. I wasn't.

Just my perspective.

 

[G00fyDad]

Is your member profile correct that you have not been to WDW since November 2005? Just trying to get a perspective on your view of the parks.

People update their profiles? I think mine has cobwebs.

 

[GoofGoof]

Interesting topic. I didn't read all of the pages but I think the complaining that we see on here is a bit misunderstood. It comes off like people are always having a miserable time, but I bet if you actually witnessed the same people on vacation they are having a great time 99% of the time. A lot of people will point this out in their posts, but people tend to focus on the negative point and ignore this. Some people also tend to focus primarily on problems or issues when posting things. It's the nature of an online forum.

 

[Gabe1]

Interesting topic. I didn't read all of the pages but I think the complaining that we see on here is a bit misunderstood. It comes off like people are always having a miserable time, but I bet if you actually witnessed the same people on vacation they are having a great time 99% of the time. A lot of people will point this out in their posts, but people tend to focus on the negative point and ignore this. Some people also tend to focus primarily on problems or issues when posting things. It's the nature of an online forum.

I agree. I might comment that a fountain is empty and not working but not likely to pass the same fountain and comment it is working, as it should. Or Trees have been removed from Town Square, not likely to say hey guys the trees are still there in Town Square.

 

[GoofGoof]

I agree. I might comment that a fountain is empty and not working but not likely to pass the same fountain and comment it is working, as it should. Or Trees have been removed from Town Square, not likely to say hey guys the trees are still there in Town Square.

Yep, and the fact that you noticed the fountain was empty doesn't mean you didn't enjoy your vacation or you were unhappy the whole time. Just a passing observation.

 

[Ralphlaw]

Personally, I try to limit my complaining to really stupid, deliberate decisions, liked changing the narration on the blue line People Mover to that wimpy voiced blah salespitch. They intentionally took something clever and fun, and transformed it into pure drivel.

To clarify, we generally stay at the Epcot resorts, which is obviously within walking distance of 2 of the parks, including 2 of our favorite nighttime shows, Illuminations and Fantasmic.

 

[copcarguyp71]

People update their profiles? I think mine has cobwebs.

I actually try to keep it up to date on mine...I know probably some sort of OCD!

 

[DisneyDebNJ]

Your welcome.

Surprises abound, lol.

@luv aren't you a travel agent? And you bring up comments from posters in the past that were made in jest, because you had no come back? give me a break. You are always so cross. the man made a poor joke and you turned it into a witch hunt. For the record?? I would NEVER book with a travel agent who was so judgemental. If I knew what agency you were with? I'd call Disney and complain... RELAX for pete's sake

 

[LuLaSue]

@luv aren't you a travel agent? And you bring up comments from posters in the past that were made in jest, because you had no come back? give me a break. You are always so cross. the man made a poor joke and you turned it into a witch hunt. For the record?? I would NEVER book with a travel agent who was so judgemental. If I knew what agency you were with? I'd call Disney and complain... RELAX for pete's sake

Deb, agreed Hatter's joke was poor and he apologized. How many of us had said things we regret???? I am not sure why this issue keeps resurfacing. It's as if folks wait for others to post something not to their liking and pounce. I have stayed away from these boards in the past for similar reasons and think it's terrible. If the Admins thought Hatters joke was that outrageous, or his apology was not enough I am certain action would have been taken. LUV, sorry you were offend, but the constant rehashing of someones poor joke is mean and just beating a dead horse. If you don't like him, don't read or respond to his posts. It is just that easy. Why do people have to been so darn mean. His joke was poor, your constant rehashing is poor. Two wrongs never make a right.
I am sure the fireworks will erupt, I really don't care. But, like Deb I can't sit back and watch another be attacked.

 

[luv]

@luv aren't you a travel agent? And you bring up comments from posters in the past that were made in jest, because you had no come back? give me a break. You are always so cross. the man made a poor joke and you turned it into a witch hunt. For the record?? I would NEVER book with a travel agent who was so judgemental. If I knew what agency you were with? I'd call Disney and complain... RELAX for pete's sake

I am not, nor have I ever seriously considered becoming, a travel agent.

I am too cross. I apologize. I've been noticing that myself. I will work on that.

I do not find a story about an old man assaulting a teen girl funny. I do not believe it was a joke, either. It became "a joke" only after it was pointed out how disgusting that behavior is. However, even if it weren't true, a story about assaulting a girl is in no way amusing. Not to me, anyway. I have yet to hear an explanation of how that might be considered funny. Maybe you could explain it - the humorous part of assaulting a girl in the dark. Otherwise, I believe that outrage is the proper response, not giggling over how funny he is, being unable to resist grabbing young girls.

If Hatter is upset because the thread he began with the intention of insulting others ended up with the tables being turned...I'm not feeling badly for him.

 

[DisneyDebNJ]

Deb, agreed Hatter's joke was poor and he apologized. How many of us had said things we regret???? I am not sure why this issue keeps resurfacing. It's as if folks wait for others to post something not to their liking and pounce. I have stayed away from these boards in the past for similar reasons and think it's terrible. If the Admins thought Hatters joke was that outrageous, or his apology was not enough I am certain action would have been taken. LUV, sorry you were offend, but the constant rehashing of someones poor joke is mean and just beating a dead horse. If you don't like him, don't read or respond to his posts. It is just that easy. Why do people have to been so darn mean. His joke was poor, your constant rehashing is poor. Two wrongs never make a right.
I am sure the fireworks will erupt, I really don't care. But, like Deb I can't sit back and watch another be attacked.

Sue, as always, well said. Why this woman continues to beat a dead horse, on a comment she knew was made in jest, astounds me and she is a travel agent??? She runs her mouth about others MANY times, just wish she had the stones to say what travel agency she was with, so we knew who to avoid. Personally, I wouldn't want her booking my $10,000 vacation

 

[luv]

Deb, agreed Hatter's joke was poor and he apologized. How many of us had said things we regret???? I am not sure why this issue keeps resurfacing. It's as if folks wait for others to post something not to their liking and pounce. I have stayed away from these boards in the past for similar reasons and think it's terrible. If the Admins thought Hatters joke was that outrageous, or his apology was not enough I am certain action would have been taken. LUV, sorry you were offend, but the constant rehashing of someones poor joke is mean and just beating a dead horse. If you don't like him, don't read or respond to his posts. It is just that easy. Why do people have to been so darn mean. His joke was poor, your constant rehashing is poor. Two wrongs never make a right.
I am sure the fireworks will erupt, I really don't care. But, like Deb I can't sit back and watch another be attacked.

Maybe you can explain the humor of assaulting young girls in the dark.

Why did you think it was funny? Or a joke?

 

[luv]

Sue, as always, well said. Why this woman continues to beat a dead horse, on a comment she knew was made in jest, astounds me and she is a travel agent??? She runs her mouth about others MANY times, just wish she had the stones to say what travel agency she was with, so we knew who to avoid. Personally, I wouldn't want her booking my $10,000 vacation

And, again, lol, not a travel agent.