Magic Kingdom...not so magical.

[erasure fan1]

Mansion had 2-hour waits during holidays in the 70s (Pirates experienced its first 2-hour wait while I worked there and it was pandemonium. The entire covered queue and indoor queues were full and there wasn't an SOP for overflow so we ran the line down to Frontierland. They overnighted stansions and a wait time sign from Disneyland {oddly we didn't have one} but the pole was a different size than the hole so someone had to stand and hold it).

While I don't doubt what you are saying as my trips to Disney started in the late 70s and not during Christmas. I was too young to remember my first few visits as well. But in my 30+ trips I do remember, I have never experienced pirates or mansion over 30/35ish minutes until fastpass was installed on them. Now I see both hit 50/60 minutes multiple multiple times per trip. Nothing is absolute either way. I've just seen a consistent spike in large wait times since fastpass.

 

[Daddyoh]

Spent the day (Monday 12/9) at the Magic Kingdom and I have to say, it was rather underwhelming.

We parked at TTC about noon and planned on heading to the entrance to take the boat to WL for lunch at Whispering Canyon. Construction was a nightmare, I can't imagine the chaos at park opening.

Was a beautiful day so the boat to the lodge was wonderful as was lunch. Great service and food. The lodge is just amazing at the holidays.

Once back at the park, not so much. Had a FP for Buzz. The posted stand by wait time was 50 min, the line for FP was about 15 min before we scanned our bands and then another 30 min once inside. Same thing happened with our FP for Jungle (Jingle) Cruise. FP at the MK seems like a failed attempt. Have AP and FP seems much better and controlled at the other 3 parks. Did stand by for Big Thunder with a posted wait time of 50 min and were on in 30 min, again the FP queue was lined up beyond the entrance.

Did mobile order for Dole whip and was so convenient, don't know why more people weren't using the service, but better off for me.

The "service dog" thing is completely out of hand. This is becoming common everywhere, not just WDW. There were 2 dogs at lunch that were obviously not trained. They were eating scraps off the table. We saw another dog on the boat shaking so hard, I thought it was going to have a heart attack. Also about 5 in the park that looked so lost, confused and overwhelmed in the crowds. I love my dog and would never put him through the torture of bringing him to a theme park. I consider it abuse. However we did see one that was obviously a trained working service animal. The difference is night and day.

With the FP and Play apps, it is just sad to see so many people wandering with their faces in their phones, not to mention stopping in the middle of a crowded walkway or just walking into me and others. Phones are the new scooters and strollers causing accidents.

The park itself seems so outdated, worn and dirty. I understand budgets but I also know profits. Still don't understand why "Under the Sea" is an omni mover and not trackless. Many of the "face" characters don't even look or act like their counterpart. So many CMs just look unhappy. Even with half of EPCOT under construction, it has been a better experience. With the new Skyliner, the rest of WDW seems to be fresh and evolving while leaving the MK behind.

The place is really showing that it is 50 years old and a new and improved entrance experience isn't going to help.

I would like to add to your observations regarding "service dogs" we too were at WDW at the same time last week. The absolute atrocious owner behavior is TOTALLY uncalled for and simply ABUSIVE to their pets, not only did we witnessed these dogs on top of tables but also defecating in common walk areas, THESE ARE NOT TRAINED SERVICE DOGS ! just pets and I speak from one who trains service dogs. I cannot understand how these mini-pups are to be considered service dogs, I actually almost ran one over in my EVC who was being walked by their owner with one of those extended length leashes. Disney has to require specific documentation to be allowed admission, I'm sorry to say.

 

[bayoubelle]

How much is the VIP tour? I know a family with 2 little girls that would love to experience MK. They haven't gone because of the long lines. They may consider a VIP tour. Can you imagine how much money the parks would lose if people were to boycott them for just one day?

The non private VIP tour is $249 per person plus admission. It is worth it. The tour is 4 hours long. We took the Classics tour because our grandchildren were 2 and 4 at the time. Here's a link to all of the different tours:

VIP Tour Services

Add even more magic to your visit with this unique experience at Walt Disney World.

disneyworld.disney.go.com

 

[Lilofan]

The non private VIP tour is $249 per person plus admission. It is worth it. The tour is 4 hours long. We took the Classics tour because our grandchildren were 2 and 4 at the time. Here's a link to all of the different tours:

VIP Tour Services

Add even more magic to your visit with this unique experience at Walt Disney World.

disneyworld.disney.go.com

And don't they even pick you up at your hotel and being you back? I have seen families on the tour eat lunch with the CM guiding them. Those plaid vests the VIP guide is wearing really stands out. That's not what you see everyday.

 

[bayoubelle]

And don't they even pick you up at your hotel and being you back? I have seen families on the tour eat lunch with the CM guiding them. Those plaid vests the VIP guide is wearing really stands out. That's not what you see everyday.

Do not think they do this with the Classic VIP Tour. For that one, guests met near Mickey's Town Square Theater.

We once took the Private VIP tour (it was the only one offered at the time) and with that one, yes, they did pick up at the resort. Now, it's $425/per hour. Back in 2009, I remember the cost was about $2750 for the day. Not sure if there is still an 8 hour minimum. The nice thing though was that all 4 parks were included and our daughter and her friends could ride any ride as many times as they wanted. We entered the parks through backlot entrances. The reason I splurged was MK and DHS had closed multiple times daily due to huge crowds. It was either the week before or after Easter and a last minute trip. FP+ did not exist yet.

 

[Rich Brownn]

While I don't doubt what you are saying as my trips to Disney started in the late 70s and not during Christmas. I was too young to remember my first few visits as well. But in my 30+ trips I do remember, I have never experienced pirates or mansion over 30/35ish minutes until fastpass was installed on them. Now I see both hit 50/60 minutes multiple multiple times per trip. Nothing is absolute either way. I've just seen a consistent spike in large wait times since fastpass.

You also have to remember 1) There were quite a few less people coming in the 70s and 80s and 2) Disney used to close the parks to capacity with a much lower threshold than they do now. But when I worked Pirates (1975-1977) we frequently had 45 minute waits except in the dead times (there were such a thing in those days). During peak we easily got to 2 hours. Jungle would hit 90-2 hours regularly.

 

[Rich Brownn]

I would like to add to your observations regarding "service dogs" we too were at WDW at the same time last week. The absolute atrocious owner behavior is TOTALLY uncalled for and simply ABUSIVE to their pets, not only did we witnessed these dogs on top of tables but also defecating in common walk areas, THESE ARE NOT TRAINED SERVICE DOGS ! just pets and I speak from one who trains service dogs. I cannot understand how these mini-pups are to be considered service dogs, I actually almost ran one over in my EVC who was being walked by their owner with one of those extended length leashes. Disney has to require specific documentation to be allowed admission, I'm sorry to say.

Unfortunately, the questions you can ask are very limited. In situations where it is not obvious that the dog is a service animal, staff may ask only two specific questions: (1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? and (2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform? (NOTE: You cannot ask the nature of the disability)

 

[larryz]

You also have to remember 1) There were quite a few less people coming in the 70s and 80s and 2) Disney used to close the parks to capacity with a much lower threshold than they do now. But when I worked Pirates (1975-1977) we frequently had 45 minute waits except in the dead times (there were such a thing in those days). During peak we easily got to 2 hours. Jungle would hit 90-2 hours regularly.

True.
But it's important to point out that pre-FP lines, while long, moved constantly, and everybody knew everybody else was waiting in the same line. Today, people stuck in the stand-by lines are treated to the sight of hundreds of people cruising right by them and getting on the ride after much shorter waits.

 

[Rich Brownn]

True.
But it's important to point out that pre-FP lines, while long, moved constantly, and everybody knew everybody else was waiting in the same line. Today, people stuck in the stand-by lines are treated to the sight of hundreds of people cruising right by them and getting on the ride after much shorter waits.

True, but those people walking past have been in virtual line --- they just got to wander around. The capacity of the ride hasn't changed. The capacity of the park has. In the old days, there would still be a line - just everyone would be in it.

 

[DisneyJeff]

True, but those people walking past have been in virtual line --- they just got to wander around. The capacity of the ride hasn't changed. The capacity of the park has. In the old days, there would still be a line - just everyone would be in it.

Except that FP+ allows for guests to be in line for two attractions at the same time. A good deal of the people in line at PotC are also in the virtual line for BTMRR, HM, or SM (either one). Before FP+, you could only be in one line at a time. Plus, when there is only one line, it moves quicker. You feel better in a line that is constantly moving vs a start and stop line, even if the wait times are similar.

 

[Chi84]

Unfortunately, the questions you can ask are very limited. In situations where it is not obvious that the dog is a service animal, staff may ask only two specific questions: (1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? and (2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform? (NOTE: You cannot ask the nature of the disability)

That is the law as it currently stands, and it's meant to protect the privacy of those who need service animals. One thing about the laws, though, is that they can and do change as needed. The ADA and other laws covering service animals can be amended to be more restrictive, which may happen if enough people abuse the current protections.

 

[Mickeyboof]

I really can’t believe there hasn’t been a “service dog” incident at Animal Kingdom before. I’ve never seen so many dogs in my life at a theme park than the week of Rise opening. That park in particular for the actual safety of the animals should have very strict dog guidelines.

Out of pure curiosity, If I wanted to bring my dog into the Magic Kingdom, what would I have to do? Say “yes” to both questions?

 

[bugsbunny]

Vacation with my 5th wheel trailer quite a bit each year. Our German Shorthair Pointer is part of our family and goes with us all of our trips. The big oaf sleeps in bed with us and is in every way a family member. Is well behaved and easily go without a leash. Knows hand commands and is no worry at all.

Spent 10 days at FtW last August. He came with us as always. But while there, even though he is well behaved and trained, he's always on a leash. I walk him every morning all the way around FtW before we go to the Parks, which is close to 1.5 miles. When we get back, he's walked again and gets to hang out stakes on a leash doing his thing outside, if he wants. I want to make sure he's exercised, etc.

I say all of that because as important as that dog is to our family, the thought of buying a "Service Animal" vest on Amazon and bringing him to the Parks has never once crossed our minds. I have no idea where people get this sense of entitlement that bringing their PET in is even remotely sensible. Just a total move, IMHO.

Now, if you have a legitimate medical reason to have a TRAINED service animal with you, I'm all for it. If this is what it takes to make your life even marginally sustainable, I'm actually sorry this is the best we got to help you. And I'm equally sorry the "posers" are ruining it for the ones that actually use/need trained service animals.

This is right up there with the people I see grocery shopping with their "service animal" sitting in the cart alongside their groceries.

 

[Chi84]

I really can’t believe there hasn’t been a “service dog” incident at Animal Kingdom before. I’ve never seen so many dogs in my life at a theme park than the week of Rise opening. That park in particular for the actual safety of the animals should have very strict dog guidelines.

Out of pure curiosity, If I wanted to bring my dog into the Magic Kingdom, what would I have to do? Say “yes” to both questions?

Depends on your luck. It might work for most people. If I tried it, I would probably end up being getting fined $500 and spending 60 days in jail under Florida laws against falsely representing a service animal. (That was a joke about my poor luck - I don't even have a dog.)

 

[Rich Brownn]

I really can’t believe there hasn’t been a “service dog” incident at Animal Kingdom before. I’ve never seen so many dogs in my life at a theme park than the week of Rise opening. That park in particular for the actual safety of the animals should have very strict dog guidelines.

Out of pure curiosity, If I wanted to bring my dog into the Magic Kingdom, what would I have to do? Say “yes” to both questions?

Well, one is describing what the animal is trained to do.

 

[Mickeyboof]

Well, one is describing what the animal is trained to do.

I wonder what the couple with the trembling chihuahua said their dog could do...?

 

[Epcot-Rules]

We are FL resident season passholders & after 10 yrs we are ready to "Hang Up Our Ears"...we were at MK yesterday. After driving for one hour, parking our car & walking to gate, we were told that the park would be closing at 6 pm because "Mickey's Xmas Party" needed an extra ticket ($$) and they were sold out!! But, she sweetly told us we could always stay there until 6 and then go to the other parks. Two were closing at 7 and one at 9:30. However, we were there to see the show on the castle at 9:00 pm. "Too bad," she said. So our pass was not valid for Tues after 6pm because of the Xmas party. Well, I recently had knee surgery & was prepared to rent a scooter - but I was not willing to pay $ 60 for 3 or 4 hours. We had arrived at 2:30 pm expecting to stay at MK until 10 pm for the show. We all know it takes almost an hour to get in & out of each park. By the time we were told about the closing at 6 pm, it was already 3. We took the Monorail to MK and were able to get on 2 rides. All in all, we are disgusted with Magic Hours & Special Parties that cost extra $$$. It limits passholders time in the parks. And forget "Fast Passes" as all of the people at the resorts get them 60 days ahead. We can only do 30 days and by then everything is gone. Since most of those people are visiting one time only from other states or countries - we feel left out of the loop even tho we are paying every month year round to visit the parks. In addition - it doesnt seem to matter anymore even when you visit the parks on days the kids are in school (during the week) as parents dont seem to mind taking their kids out of school for one day so they dont have to wait in line. AND how about we seniors that have been faithful Disney customers for 50 yrs (Disneyland & Disneyworld)? How about allowing the seniors to use the fast pass lanes as they are unable to wait in 3 hour long lines, especially in the heat?? Pandora Flight of Passage we have managed to get in ONCE since it opened. And I figure we will be dead and gone by the time we would be able to get into Star Wars. With Magic Hours before & after & special Parties limiting our time now in the parks - all of the fun has gone out of our visits. We have also noticed, instead of it being the happiest place on earth, people are angry after long line waits with children that are bored and screaming. Somehow, I dont see Walt as liking these new parks. He must be rolling. (BTW - we also commented that the parks arent as clean as they used to be). It's just too crowded. The end of my rant.

This is why the wife and I are no longer pass holders. To many blackout dates.

 

[larryz]

This is why the wife and I are no longer pass holders. To many blackout dates.

 

[Trackmaster]

True.
But it's important to point out that pre-FP lines, while long, moved constantly, and everybody knew everybody else was waiting in the same line. Today, people stuck in the stand-by lines are treated to the sight of hundreds of people cruising right by them and getting on the ride after much shorter waits.

Think about it like reservations for a restaurant. Instead of going to restaurant to restaurant looking for the shortest wait time, or even sitting there waiting 2-3 hours for your table to be ready, doesn't it make sense to call in, or make reservations online? If one isn't available that day, you go somewhere else. If its a 2-3 hour wait, you put your name in and show up in 2-3 hours.

Why isn't it the same for rides? What practical purpose does it serve to have to wait in a caged in area and walk every now and then for hours? Why couldn't the waiting be anywhere? Mainly, you know going in beforehand if you'll be getting on or not. Stand-by lines just make little practical sense over a reservation system.

 

[Lilofan]

Think about it like reservations for a restaurant. Instead of going to restaurant to restaurant looking for the shortest wait time, or even sitting there waiting 2-3 hours for your table to be ready, doesn't it make sense to call in, or make reservations online? If one isn't available that day, you go somewhere else. If its a 2-3 hour wait, you put your name in and show up in 2-3 hours.

Why isn't it the same for rides? What practical purpose does it serve to have to wait in a caged in area and walk every now and then for hours? Why couldn't the waiting be anywhere? Mainly, you know going in beforehand if you'll be getting on or not. Stand-by lines just make little practical sense over a reservation system.

Those caged areas that you described are actually part of the theming of the attraction. Lots of thought, $$ and magic from WDI and other work teams made it into a reality. If you want to go on a ride like go in and go out, then that reminds me of your local amusement park, not WDW.