Is Spontaneity at WDW in Danger of Extinction?

[GenerationX]

Vacation Satisfaction = Fun Experienced - Costs Incurred.

If Costs Incurred (and crowd sizes) are rising, the Fun Experienced part of the equation is best not left completely to chance. Pre-planning seems like a logical solution.

 

[stlbobby]

I have a stomach condition that makes it difficult for me to eat out in restaurants frequently. Some days I feel well enough to do it. Some days I don't. So when I say I CAN'T do it, I mean that I CAN'T.

I CAN'T plan 6 months in advance what days I will feel good enough to eat out and what days I'll have to make my own meals in the hotel room.

This wasn't the tone of your original post at all. You equated it sarcastically with planning bathroom breaks. You were making the point that you didn't want to be that regimented. You never even hinted at a condition. I am skeptical.

And even if this is true you can still make reservations six months out and only use the ones you feel up for. There's no reason you can't plan your vacation.

If you don't want to plan ahead no one is forcing you. You can go to WDW and just go with the flow. No one is stopping you. There are plenty of opportunities for spontaneity.

 

[zjer]

Being spontaneous still works if you are a solo traveler who visits in the off season, which has become my primary method. I really haven't had a hard time eating when and where I desire or changing my park plans.

 

[stlbobby]

What keeps resurfacing is the fact that the people who are bemoaning the lack of spontaneity are not willing to just go with the flow and enjoy what is available. They want every possible option open at all times without any effort or work. That just isn't possible.

If you want an unplanned adventure then enjoy all that WDW offers. You may not always get your first choice, but that's what makes it an adventure.

 

[wolf359]

What keeps resurfacing is the fact that the people who are bemoaning the lack of spontaneity are not willing to just go with the flow and enjoy what is available. They want every possible option open at all times without any effort or work. That just isn't possible.

If you want an unplanned adventure then enjoy all that WDW offers. You may not always get your first choice, but that's what makes it an adventure.

Yeah, this sums up my feelings too.

You cannot go to the most visited tourist attraction in the country and expect to be able to do whatever crosses your mind at a moment's notice. And the idyllic fantasy that somehow one could be more spontaneous in the past isn't particularly accurate. When really, before reservations and dining plans and Fastpass there was only one option: stand in a line and wait your turn for everything. If you remember short waits it's because you chose to do something that had a short wait at that moment.

Over the years Disney has introduced ways that have changed how and where we choose to stand in those lines, but it still comes down to your own personal choices and priorities.

Every time Disney makes a change so many of the comments condemning the new idea revolve around how "the average guest" is going to miss out on something because they won't know about it. The thing is, it is the "average guest" that is driving these changes. It is the average guest that keeps telling Disney that they don't want to stand in a long line for everything, and they're clearly willing to do the necessary planning to avoid it.

 

[kittybubbles]

Having to make ADR's never bothered me.

However, this idea of having to "schedule" when I wanted to ride certain attractions 6 months ahead of time...is a little ridiculous.

If I book my vacation for February (about 6 months from now) tomorrow, if this system were in place, does that mean I would have to decide not only what park I would be in, but that I would want to ride Space Mountain at 2:30 PM, followed by Peter Pan's Flight at 3:15? I mean, really. That's taking planning to a whole different extreme.

Does anyone really think that this is how it would work? I have no idea what Disney is planning, but I know they are spending a lot on technology. My mind dreams up a system where a guest maybe rates how important certain rides are to fit into your trip when they are planning their trip.

When they are on their trip, they then have their cell or some Disney provided device that has their profile (pre plans)....this device knows they have entered Fantasy Land and suggest they hit It's a Small World for it is on their list and has the shortest wait, it then tells them they came make Philharmonic while it 'holds' them a place in line for Peter Pan...all this being done by being linked into ride times (the also monitor fast pass wait times), the device knows where in the park the family is...the finish the movie at it tells them to head to the fast pass que for Peter Pan.

That is the type of system I would dream up. Guest can follow the suggestions or not. I would assume they would use this as an advantage for Resort guest, others would still have the current Fast Pass system (w/ less tickets being offered most hours)...and standby guest will have more things to do while waiting in line.

 

[WDWLOYAL1971]

I feel that it's a personal choice. ADR do come in handy, is like making a reservation at any other restaurant. About the Fastpass ahead of time, I'm not sure about that. Now if its a fastpass like the one's I've been told they sell at Universal, well, if I were to go during their peak seasons, I may consider purchasing it, but alot of thought will go into it considering that their entrances are quite expensive, if it's just like reserving a particular time of day that you would like to ride a particular ride, I don't think I would be able to keep up with that. What if we wanted to ride the same ride 2 or 3 times on any given day, would I have to reserve it as many times? Who knows, guess we'll wait and see.:shrug:

 

[cymbaldiva]

What keeps resurfacing is the fact that the people who are bemoaning the lack of spontaneity are not willing to just go with the flow and enjoy what is available. They want every possible option open at all times without any effort or work. That just isn't possible.

If you want an unplanned adventure then enjoy all that WDW offers. You may not always get your first choice, but that's what makes it an adventure.

I read a lot of your posts and hope you're not quite as judgmental as you come across, but I am having a hard time with this one. Please don't assume that you know the wants and needs of others; you can really only know what is going on in your own head, anything else is really just guessing and you shouldn't try to pass off your guess as a fact.

Yeah, this sums up my feelings too.

You cannot go to the most visited tourist attraction in the country and expect to be able to do whatever crosses your mind at a moment's notice. And the idyllic fantasy that somehow one could be more spontaneous in the past isn't particularly accurate. When really, before reservations and dining plans and Fastpass there was only one option: stand in a line and wait your turn for everything. If you remember short waits it's because you chose to do something that had a short wait at that moment.

I see by your signature that we've been going to WDW for about the same amount of time. We used to go the first week in December every year. I have to wonder if you were going during a slower attendance time of year or when the parks are busy, because the idyllic fantasy you imply I was having was indeed an actual fact. All lines were short, the weather was gorgeous and we walked up to TS restaurants and ate - whenever we wanted, wherever we wanted. So yes, I remember before ADRs and fastpasses quite well - if we wanted to do something, we stood in line and waited our turn. The only really preplanning we did was to book our hotel during a slow week so we wouldn't have to wait in long lines.

My normal life is quite filled with schedules, appointments and deadlines. When I go on vacation I don't want to have to worry about when to show up for a meal or an attraction. In the past I haven't had to worry about that on my trips to WDW, but they are really starting to push things. If/when I decide that it's become necessary to schedule things too much at Disney, I'll find another vacation destination. Scheduling rides does unfortunately sound like another step in that direction.

 

[quirkle]

Actually that is part of the "big deal" - so many folks make ADR's just in case so there is little availability for walk-ups .... the restaurant is holding your spot just in case you decide to show up.

And yes, for the record I am one of those people that truly misses the 90's when you could just walk up to almost any table service restaurant, peruse the menu outside and if it was appealing walk up to the desk and say "Party of 2 please" and be seated immediately.

So to answer the OP's question - IMHO spontaneity isn't in danger of extinction, it's pretty much dead.

I understand what you are saying. I have never made multiple reservations since I would not want to take away from someone else - weird I know.

I have been going to Disney since the seventies - and I remember my parents getting reservations for Hoop De Do and Spirit of Aloha. I also remember the 90s and I booked CRT, Chef Mickey and 50s Prime Time before our trips. As a young kid and teeneager in the 80s we mostly stuck to the counter service options because of $.

I am not a fan of advanced fast passes if this is going to be like six flags where there is a tiered system. Especially if there are tour groups who already kill the system and they go online and book hundreds of fast passes for SM and that kills anyone elses chance. :brick:

I have to say - I guess it is my attitude about going to Disney -when I book I am thrilled - when I make my ADRs I am happy with what I get - when I get there I really don't let the stress get to me - I just go to the park and do what I can and don't stress what I can't.

I have been to MK on Christmas - walked in at rope drop - and rode 5 rides with no wait b4 CRT ADR. Then we walked around and hit whatever it was we wanted to and walked away from long lines. I really think the less determined you are to do everything the more enjoyable your vacation is - but thats me!:shrug:

 

[sublimesting]

II remember the days when you could walk up to a ride and just ride

You still can do that.....

 

[captainkidd]

You still can do that.....

They mean without waiting in a long line.

 

[stlbobby]

I'm sorry, did I do something to personally offend you at some point in my life?

I made a joke about the bathroom breaks because I thought it was funny. I don't tend to "hint at my condition" because it is my problem and no one elses. Which is also why I don't tend to do ADR's before trips - I would hate to take up space that someone else could use and enjoy. I'm fine with calling when I'm already down there to see what's available. I don't mind not knowing where I'm eating until the day of because I DO like being spontaneous. The only downfall is that the most popular restaurants are usually always full. My next trip I might very well make an ADR to a restaurant I want to try and just take my chances. I appreciate your suggestion, but not the tone that you used.

I don't really understand your hostility. And please don't give me that "Well, you were hostile too." Yea, I was. You personally attacked me for a teeny tiny post. I've been on these boards for about a year now, trying to stay positive, trying to get along with people, trying to let things roll off my back when the fan bois start throwing cyber punches at me for having a different opinion than them. But recently, I've just about had it.

I didn't personally attack you. You took offense to something I posted. Of course you have called me names and personally attacked me and then bemoaned how rude people are driving you away.

 

[PeoplemoverTTA]

I'm using the dining plan for the first time this month, and I'm both excited and leery. My sister and I have discussed how we are apprehensive about having our parks planned for the day, although we're excited to try new restaurants (we almost always do quick service restaurants, or walk-ups without long waits).

I work in a demanding field where I am constantly scheduling my day in 15-minute increments. Blocking out a "relaxing" vacation doesn't appeal to me.

In all honesty, I can see myself choosing DL for my annual (or semi-annual - hopefully!) Disney trips. Maybe even saving up to try out TDL and HKDL, or get back to DLP. If anything, this would inspire me to do something different for once!

 

[fosse76]

Yeah, this sums up my feelings too.

You cannot go to the most visited tourist attraction in the country and expect to be able to do whatever crosses your mind at a moment's notice.

That's because Times Square, the most visited tourist spot in the country, is comprised of Broadway shows that could be sold out. But you can have some spontaneity, since there's more than just a few sold out shows there! :animwink:

And the idyllic fantasy that somehow one could be more spontaneous in the past isn't particularly accurate. When really, before reservations and dining plans and Fastpass there was only one option: stand in a line and wait your turn for everything. If you remember short waits it's because you chose to do something that had a short wait at that moment.

There's a difference between planning what hotel to stay at and where to have dinner 90 days in advance, than chosing what time you want to ride Space Mountain. But also, those old time was nothing but spontaneity. You didn't have to worry abut being somewhere at a specific time, all you had to worry was about a reservation time. What's next? reservations on what time you can shop in the Emporium? Where do we draw the line?

Over the years Disney has introduced ways that have changed how and where we choose to stand in those lines, but it still comes down to your own personal choices and priorities.

Yes, but that's of the moment. It's ridiculous to think that I have to plan 90 days in advance that I want to ride Spalsh Mountain at 1:15pm in the afternoon on October 2 when it is only August 3. There's planning, and then there's retentiveness.

 

[DisneyDebNJ]

Absolutely true... This year I thought I finally smartened up when booking my days at Disney, and made my ADRs, then planned my days around our dining. This is only the 3rd time we did DDP, last year and when it first started, where everything, and I do mean EVERYTHING was included. Yes, we do save money with DDP, well, sorta, last year we had alot left over. Basically just do the TS, and now and again, our son used a snack and CS credit. We did walk around WS our last day at food and wine festival and use some snack credits, but still had lots left over. But the OP is right, its nearly impossible to go out on a limb, dining wise.

 

[cinderellafan6]

I dont really agree with everyone saying you have to plan. I go to Disney about 5 times a year and I never never never plan my trip before hand. The only thing planned is where I will be staying. If you know Disney really really well and all the little places that the majority of people dont know, its great!! I never have a single problem and have been to Disney well over 150 times. Spontaneity is part of the magic in every trip!

 

[Kamikaze]

I dont really agree with everyone saying you have to plan. I go to Disney about 5 times a year and I never never never plan my trip before hand. The only thing planned is where I will be staying. If you know Disney really really well and all the little places that the majority of people dont know, its great!! I never have a single problem and have been to Disney well over 150 times. Spontaneity is part of the magic in every trip!

I would imagine you don't do table service at the parks much.

 

[CaptainJackNO]

This is why we, as a family, are forgoing the dining plan for the first time in three trips. We have found that our trips are scheduled around our ADRs, and we always have to skip an attraction that happens to have a short line because we have ADRs. Or, we find that we lose alot of time in the parks because we are dining for 2 hours.
What we are going to do, in order to regain our spontaneity at WDW is choose 3 dinners that require ADRs, (our trip is for 7 days and we already decided on Ohana, Mickey's Backyard BBQ, and Teppan Edo.) After that, we are going to wing it. We plan on eating, mostly, counter service, and if we desire a table service, we will hit guest services early in the morning and hit what is available (that will certainly give us a few dining options we have never tried before.)

This was a great idea for a thread because my wife and I have been having this very discussion since our last trip. The dining plan is great because you get the option of trying all of the dining establishments you want in WDW and saving tons of money by paying ahead. However, we find that our last three trips were like work and more about dining than enjoying the parks because our entire day was based on when our ADRs were. (Not to mention, I eat too much on the dining plan, as well.)

So, we look forward to our "old style" WDW vacation the way we used to do it before we had kids. Plus, I live in New Orleans. I have the best food in the world here. I do not need to travel to eat. (Except for Ohana, that place is beyond great.):wave:

 

[stlbobby]

That's because Times Square, the most visited tourist spot in the country, is comprised of Broadway shows that could be sold out. But you can have some spontaneity, since there's more than just a few sold out shows there! :animwink:

Just like Disney. If 'Ohana's is booked Kona Cafe is right next door. If the Cali Grill is packed you can cruise across the lake to Narcoossee's. There's always something available.

I

Absolutely true... This year I thought I finally smartened up when booking my days at Disney, and made my ADRs, then planned my days around our dining. This is only the 3rd time we did DDP, last year and when it first started, where everything, and I do mean EVERYTHING was included. Yes, we do save money with DDP, well, sorta, last year we had alot left over. Basically just do the TS, and now and again, our son used a snack and CS credit. We did walk around WS our last day at food and wine festival and use some snack credits, but still had lots left over. But the OP is right, its nearly impossible to go out on a limb, dining wise.

One tip, you can use all your snack credits on your last day for prepackaged snacks for the trip home. Sometimes a CM will even let you use a CS credit for a snack or two.

I would imagine you don't do table service at the parks much.

I normally plan everything, and make my ADR's the first day they open, but I've done several short, off the cuff trips and eaten TS everyday without a reservation. They top 5-10 restaurants my be fully booked, but there are literally dozens of other choices most of which you can walk up to and get a table in 15 minutes or less.

Again spontaneity is going with the flow, not having everything at your feet 24-7.

 

[stlbobby]

I clearly pointed out what I thought was wrong with the posts I quoted. You may not agree with my point, but you can't say I wasn't clear. And if I sound judgmental, it's because I am judging those posts.