Not Following DisneyWorld Suggestions out of Spite?

[UberPlannerMom]

Hehe... if I didn't do the baggie thing I would have two males in the room (hubby and 4 year old) standing there in their skivvies asking me what I thought they should wear that day! Actually, I might not have to tell the 4 year old... j/k

 

[UberPlannerMom]

And I should point out that the doing all the clothes in baggies before we ever leave on the vacation means that I don't have to worry about putting clothes in baggies for the day if we have to worry about getting drenched during the day. The baggies keep them dry, doing it in advance adds 10 minutes sleep to each day! I always choose to work on things before a trip than during it!

 

[mickey2008.1]

I have a guy that works for me that got the DDP, I told him to goto signature dining and he refused because he wanted three meals a day. He ended up with 15 TS's left and said it was a waste. I warned him not to. You can lead a horse to water, but cant make him drink. Dumb-ss!

 

[L Fisher]

i have a guy that works for me that got the ddp, i told him to goto signature dining and he refused because he wanted three meals a day. He ended up with 15 ts's left and said it was a waste. I warned him not to. You can lead a horse to water, but cant make him drink. Dumb-ss!

:roflol:

 

[Ziffell]

Unfortunately, at Walt Disney World, especially in the summer or during holiday weeks, is not all that conducive to being spontaneous... at least with everything.

If this were true (which it isn't), then wouldn't that be Disney's fault? Clearly, a common trait of a lot of people on these forums is that they really think planning down to the last detail is critical and that a vacation can't be enjoyed without doing just that. I think that's a closed-minded viewpoint on things. And to actually get to the point of becoming ANGRY just because someone doesn't take your unsolicited vacation advice reflects nothing more than a very fragile ego.

For many people, spontaneity is the very thing that MAKES a vacation enjoyable. Many of us live very busy lives in which we are constantly functioning strictly to a schedule, both at work and at home. A vacation is a nice break from that for many many people. A good indication of this is if you look at what has happened with the cruise industry for example. There was a time when cruise ships were very structured as far as what time passengers could dine every night, and there were few, if any, alternatives. Gradually over the years, most cruiselines have drifted away from that practice. Nowadays, most cruise ships offer something they call "freestyle dining" in which passengers can go into the main dining room any time they want, and sit wherever they want. Clearly, cruiselines didn't all the sudden start doing this for no reason, and they themselves certainly don't benefit from this approach. It's a change that was dictated by the consumer. If Disney truly were "not all that conducive to being spontaneous" as you state, then it would be in Disney's best interest to look at how they could change that. But again, it's not an accurate statement, as I have known many many people who have done Disney in a completely spontaneous manner and have had the time of their lives.

 

[nepalostparks]

For many people, spontaneity is the very thing that MAKES a vacation enjoyable. Many of us live very busy lives in which we are constantly functioning strictly to a schedule, both at work and at home. A vacation is a nice break from that for many many people. A good indication of this is if you look at what has happened with the cruise industry for example. There was a time when cruise ships were very structured as far as what time passengers could dine every night, and there were few, if any, alternatives. Gradually over the years, most cruiselines have drifted away from that practice. Nowadays, most cruise ships offer something they call "freestyle dining" in which passengers can go into the main dining room any time they want, and sit wherever they want. Clearly, cruiselines didn't all the sudden start doing this for no reason, and they themselves certainly don't benefit from this approach. It's a change that was dictated by the consumer. If Disney truly were "not all that conducive to being spontaneous" as you state, then it would be in Disney's best interest to look at how they could change that. But again, it's not an accurate statement, as I have known many many people who have done Disney in a completely spontaneous manner and have had the time of their lives.

I'm all for spontaneity. I enjoy day and weekend tripping with little or no planning, and encourage others to do the same, especially to local and regional destinations - all those mom and pop tourist spots and shops.

Disney offers lots of opportunities to being spontaneous during a vacation there. However, I stick by my statement - during the summer (especially late summer with free dining the last few years) and the busiest holiday weeks (such as Easter and Christmas), having no plan could make for a rough vacation.

In regards to not being conducive to spontaneity, Disney has in fact pushed in that direction with some of their decisions, such as their 180 day reservation window for table service restaurants and free dining promotions. While you could head to the World during September and walk up to restaurants for a seat, chances are you won't be able to get a preferred seating time, or possibly even get a seat at the more popular restaurants.

Can you go to Disney with just a hotel reservation, and spend a few days or a week having fun with no plan? I'm sure some people can. Going totally opposite, can you overplan a Disney vacation to the point it's so structured you lose the ability to have spontaneous fun? Sure. But a little forethought into a Disney World vacation can answer a lot of questions and allow more time for being spontaneous while on vacation, instead of headaches and arguments of what to do, where to go next, where to eat, etc.

To each his own. I know many who went to Disney without a plan, some had a great time, some didn't. While I recommend a little planning, and am always willing to help, I never force advice on someone or criticize them for not using it. Everyone experiences Disney differently... that's one of the things that makes it so Magical.

 

[UberPlannerMom]

In defense of the OP it seems like what upset him is the thought that his friends refused to allow their child to enjoy an attraction he was sure to enjoy simply because the OP suggested it. There are people in the world who are just that spiteful... people would be sooo determined that they didn't need any help that they would keep their child from expriencing something great because of it. Trust me- I am the offspring of such people. Just sayin'.

 

[Martian Crab]

In all fairness your name is "Uber Planner Mom". Of course you'd side with the OP.:ROFLOL:

 

[HouCuseChickie]

My story is not nearly as ugly as OP's. That would crush me if I gave advice to someone taking a child and they were so spiteful about it all to actually deprive their child of an experience that the child would so obviously love.

I gave Disney advice to a friend several years ago- it was a nightmare...even to this day it comes back to haunt me now and then. They are very frugal and couldn't secure their travel dates until last minute, so nothing was booked in advance. Until recently, they refused to spend more than $50 a nt on any kind of lodging- so you can imagine that my list of benefits of booking early, waiting for a discount to come up, and staying at a value resort fell on deaf ears. She argued that the $37 a nt motel they were staying at had a continental breakfast and free transportation- but the free transportation stranded them in the parks (cab fees and eventually parking fees) and the breakfast was so bad they had to buy it each day. I know there are good offsite hotels- but this wasn't one of them. Actually reminded me a bit of when the Radisson stranded us at Epcot for nearly 3hrs, but that's a different story...back to the crazy friend... They are not very active people and didn't take my warning about all the walking they'd do...so the physical strain was pretty bad. Just like the hotel frugality- they didn't believe in anything beyond fast food until recently. They didn't listen to the warnings about the cost of food- so they barely ate....wouldn't even dream of trying TS meal. They called me each day and sounded truly excited when they got to each park- but once inside- they could never get past the "it's just another amusement park" mentality. They still feel this way to this day and don't see any need to return. Last year I asked if they ever got to see any characters- since I hadn't seen any character pics in their albums. Not only did they not see any characters, they didn't try to see them and didn't want to see them. My friend said she personally thought they were stupid and would probably have kicked Mickey if he even dared approach her. To this day she tells people about all of the attractions I recommended that her family hated. Sure- I didn't know Imagination had been masacred, but beyond Soarin' and Fantasmic- they pretty much found no magic. When people gush about my family going over the holidays- she always chimes in and says they went once during the holidays and it was just alright.

So, I've vowed to only arm people with info from books and web sites. I have another friend currently thinking about planning a trip...and that's all she's getting. Besides- she's one of those people who would say a moderate is too expensive - and then turn around and book 2 weeks at GF without batting an eyelash. Nothing wrong with staying at the GF- just don't play like something's too expensive and then far exceed the balked at expense. Yup- so just recommending web sites and books for her.

 

[mike10]

My story is not nearly as ugly as OP's. That would crush me if I gave advice to someone taking a child and they were so spiteful about it all to actually deprive their child of an experience that the child would so obviously love.

I gave Disney advice to a friend several years ago- it was a nightmare...even to this day it comes back to haunt me now and then. They are very frugal and couldn't secure their travel dates until last minute, so nothing was booked in advance. Until recently, they refused to spend more than $50 a nt on any kind of lodging- so you can imagine that my list of benefits of booking early, waiting for a discount to come up, and staying at a value resort fell on deaf ears. She argued that the $37 a nt motel they were staying at had a continental breakfast and free transportation- but the free transportation stranded them in the parks (cab fees and eventually parking fees) and the breakfast was so bad they had to buy it each day. I know there are good offsite hotels- but this wasn't one of them. Actually reminded me a bit of when the Radisson stranded us at Epcot for nearly 3hrs, but that's a different story...back to the crazy friend... They are not very active people and didn't take my warning about all the walking they'd do...so the physical strain was pretty bad. Just like the hotel frugality- they didn't believe in anything beyond fast food until recently. They didn't listen to the warnings about the cost of food- so they barely ate....wouldn't even dream of trying TS meal. They called me each day and sounded truly excited when they got to each park- but once inside- they could never get past the "it's just another amusement park" mentality. They still feel this way to this day and don't see any need to return. Last year I asked if they ever got to see any characters- since I hadn't seen any character pics in their albums. Not only did they not see any characters, they didn't try to see them and didn't want to see them. My friend said she personally thought they were stupid and would probably have kicked Mickey if he even dared approach her. To this day she tells people about all of the attractions I recommended that her family hated. Sure- I didn't know Imagination had been masacred, but beyond Soarin' and Fantasmic- they pretty much found no magic. When people gush about my family going over the holidays- she always chimes in and says they went once during the holidays and it was just alright.

So, I've vowed to only arm people with info from books and web sites. I have another friend currently thinking about planning a trip...and that's all she's getting. Besides- she's one of those people who would say a moderate is too expensive - and then turn around and book 2 weeks at GF without batting an eyelash. Nothing wrong with staying at the GF- just don't play like something's too expensive and then far exceed the balked at expense. Yup- so just recommending web sites and books for her.

All I have to say is why did they even bother to go???? I understand it's expensive at Disney but I mean why go if you were looking to be cheap? I went didn't eat any TS but still had tons of QS and tried food at the F and W festival in Epcot. Was it pricey? Sure, I know to some when my wife and I ate at PH and RFC we spend about 80ish including tip and that was with the 15 bucks off from Disney coupon was cheap.

But we usually don't spend that much to eat. Did I get upset? Heck no, I knew before going to Disney that I was going to spend about 100 bucks on the two TS (or at least I view them as TS) in PH and RFC. Actually most our money went to gifts lol 500 bucks from me and 1200 from my wife.

The point is you go to Disney with the expectation of spending a good chuck of change. If not, then imo don't bother going. Or go camping at Disney I mean no one talks about that much here but you don't HAVE to stay at a resort. Just pack a tent and stay at the Wilderness at Disney for about 40 bucks a night.

 

[UberPlannerMom]

In all fairness your name is "Uber Planner Mom". Of course you'd side with the OP.:ROFLOL:

And I suppose the fact that you are a martian crab is how you avoid seeing that my point was not on planning but on not liking a child missing an experience because their parents were spiteful.

We might have all made the main topic of this thread the planning that goes in to Disney vacations, but the OP really seemed to be more upset about the spitefulness...

 

[Martian Crab]

I'm not really a crab...I'm actually a lobster.

 

[floridabill]

My story is not nearly as ugly as OP's. That would crush me if I gave advice to someone taking a child and they were so spiteful about it all to actually deprive their child of an experience that the child would so obviously love.

I gave Disney advice to a friend several years ago- it was a nightmare...even to this day it comes back to haunt me now and then. They are very frugal and couldn't secure their travel dates until last minute, so nothing was booked in advance. Until recently, they refused to spend more than $50 a nt on any kind of lodging- so you can imagine that my list of benefits of booking early, waiting for a discount to come up, and staying at a value resort fell on deaf ears. She argued that the $37 a nt motel they were staying at had a continental breakfast and free transportation- but the free transportation stranded them in the parks (cab fees and eventually parking fees) and the breakfast was so bad they had to buy it each day. I know there are good offsite hotels- but this wasn't one of them. Actually reminded me a bit of when the Radisson stranded us at Epcot for nearly 3hrs, but that's a different story...back to the crazy friend... They are not very active people and didn't take my warning about all the walking they'd do...so the physical strain was pretty bad. Just like the hotel frugality- they didn't believe in anything beyond fast food until recently. They didn't listen to the warnings about the cost of food- so they barely ate....wouldn't even dream of trying TS meal. They called me each day and sounded truly excited when they got to each park- but once inside- they could never get past the "it's just another amusement park" mentality. They still feel this way to this day and don't see any need to return. Last year I asked if they ever got to see any characters- since I hadn't seen any character pics in their albums. Not only did they not see any characters, they didn't try to see them and didn't want to see them. My friend said she personally thought they were stupid and would probably have kicked Mickey if he even dared approach her. To this day she tells people about all of the attractions I recommended that her family hated. Sure- I didn't know Imagination had been masacred, but beyond Soarin' and Fantasmic- they pretty much found no magic. When people gush about my family going over the holidays- she always chimes in and says they went once during the holidays and it was just alright.

So, I've vowed to only arm people with info from books and web sites. I have another friend currently thinking about planning a trip...and that's all she's getting. Besides- she's one of those people who would say a moderate is too expensive - and then turn around and book 2 weeks at GF without batting an eyelash. Nothing wrong with staying at the GF- just don't play like something's too expensive and then far exceed the balked at expense. Yup- so just recommending web sites and books for her.

I know people like that! and it frustrates me to the max!! people hear what they want to hear, and people who love to complain and be cheap will b#tch and moan forever. besides people here everyone else doesn't get disney and how it works!! I was in an argument today with a friend who suggested blizzard beach was disney world and opened in 1995:dazzle:... and that it came before disney land and they were celebrating there 55th, and disneyland opened in 1977....ummm what yea figure that one out:ROFLOL: how can it open in 95 and celebrate a 55th ahaha oh people!!

 

[Ziffell]

I was in an argument today with a friend who suggested blizzard beach was disney world and opened in 1995:dazzle:... and that it came before disney land and they were celebrating there 55th, and disneyland opened in 1977....ummm what yea figure that one out:ROFLOL: how can it open in 95 and celebrate a 55th ahaha oh people!!

Those details (even though inaccurate) sound just a little too specific for someone who isn't into Disney at all. I think your "friend" was just trying to intentionally get a rise out of you... and was successful!