While I had been to WDW before 2004.....2004 was the first year that began annual trips to WDW and later on as an AP Holder. I've gone to WDW between 2004 and 2011 with different family members and friends, only two which were familiar with much of WDW like I was. By 2011 it was becoming obvious to myself and my family and friends that WDW was not the place we knew it from the 90s and 80s and for some relatives as early as 1973.
My family and friends were actually feeling ripped off. Prices going up everywhere, yet barely any unique merchandise that you couldn't find resort-wide among a lack luster food selection. One of them demanded we go off property and eat at a higher end restaurant for less. :lookaroun Yeah that was a fun trip that year (2009).
As mention before and as some other WDWMAGICEARS have said, I too have not newed my AP. I haven't been to WDW since the summer of 2011 and have no interest in going back anytime soon.
I actually feel kind of sad thinking about it. I used to love going there, but barely anything changes and I'm one of those fanboys that goes gaga when they refurb classic rides the right way like haunted mansion 2007, the morgan freeman version of the hall of presidents, tiki room 2.0, and the digitally remastered version of impressions de france. But...70s parade, old fireworks shows, old floats, tired stage shows....magic...dreams....memories....the same basic marketing gigs that have been going on for about 5 years now in various forms? No....sorry, not interested.
Had more fun watching all the plathora of halloween and christmas seasonal displays at Disneyland Paris, plus all of that is FREE and still offers you MORE. Plus the great range of restaurants from counter to sit down where you still feel like a king eating at toad hall at disneyland paris and getting great proportions for your euros. (I was going to say dollars, but that would have been awkward :lol: )
Sorry kids, next stop Disneyland USA this summer when DCA's expansion opens.
WDW is not the vacation kingdom it was...and hasn't that "where dreams come true" banner been on the entry archs for a few years now...poor thing is bleaching in the sun. I love Disney and love Disney Theme Parks, but the management of WDW has turned a place that offered classy and upkept service into a generic cash cow of tired entertainment or classic attractions such as country bears and carousel of progress that need refurbs desperately, but screw that when you can look at TV monitors on it's a small world and your build-a-doll.
) and just read Kev's column before a nice workout.
