Recent WDW trip

[jsf2011]

I live in Santa Ana and visit DLR with some frequency. I haven't visited WDW in several years up until this week and am always reading on these forums about the evil TDO and how WDW is in shambles and what not. I visited this week for the first time since 01 or so and felt the need to register on the site to post my thoughts of WDW.

First off, the place was IMMACULATE, clean, brilliantly landscaped and maintained, and well operated. I couldn't find a single thing to complain about. The busses were on time and efficient, the Fastpass always seemed to be working in our favor, we didn't notice anything really "wrong" with any of the attractions though obviously Test Track and Thunder Mountain were closed for refurbishment. Epcot especially was incredible, the landscaping during Flower and Garden is just phenominal. I would say overall the property was much cleaner and friendlier than it was on my last visit in 02.

Whats the big problem? I cant wait to go back next year.

 

[rufio]

Agreed (though my first trip was in 09)! I LOVE WDW and other than the occasional late bus, I've never found much to complain about.

 

[Joshua&CalebDad]

The problem with the haters...

Most of the people that are on this site complaining, I would guess, have visited WDW quite a few times over the past few years (more than 5 times) or they are season pass holders. Since these folks have visited so often what naturally tends to happen is that they start noticing insignificant little things that the causal observer would never notice. Bottom line is that they are being nit picky.

I have been luckly enough to go to WDW the past two years, a one day trip, and a week long trip. We are scheduled to go again at the end of this year and can't wait.

I have noticed that certain animatronics haven't worked or that certain fiountains weren't running, but bottom line is that I'm in the happiest place on Earth creating memories with my wife and children. Nothing is going to take away from that. Not even the haters on these Boards.

 

[sgtmgd]

Those of us fortunate to go to WDW often do tend to notice things the family that only goes every few years wouldnt. It is being nitpicky to some extent. TO be fair though..with the billions WDW brings in they owe it to the hard working families that spend a small fortune to have a magical vaction to ensure everything is in a state of good repair...and operation

 

[MattC]

I am a local and pass holder. My wife and I go at least once a month. I definately agree that some folks get a little extreme in criticism of WDW. However, I see their point also. WDW is not a cheap place to visit, stay in hotels, eat at, or buy souvenirs from. Even more expensive if you travel from out of state and cannot take advantage of Florida resident deals. If after spending that kind of money and arriving to find some of your favorite attractions down or not fully operational for long time...you might be a little upset. My wife and I go for the rides and the emersive experience. We tend to overlook the little details that are not up to par because they are not what makes the experience for us. I guess it depends on what makes WDW for you.

 

[Mickey_777]

I live in Santa Ana and visit DLR with some frequency. I haven't visited WDW in several years up until this week and am always reading on these forums about the evil TDO and how WDW is in shambles and what not. I visited this week for the first time since 01 or so and felt the need to register on the site to post my thoughts of WDW.

First off, the place was IMMACULATE, clean, brilliantly landscaped and maintained, and well operated. I couldn't find a single thing to complain about. The busses were on time and efficient, the Fastpass always seemed to be working in our favor, we didn't notice anything really "wrong" with any of the attractions though obviously Test Track and Thunder Mountain were closed for refurbishment. Epcot especially was incredible, the landscaping during Flower and Garden is just phenominal. I would say overall the property was much cleaner and friendlier than it was on my last visit in 02.

Many of the posters here make it seem like going to WDW is like being marched off to auschwitz. Whats the big problem? I cant wait to go back next year.

Now this is what I'm talking about. Sometimes what we need is a DL westcoaster to tell us "your resort is great" and give us some healthy perspective. We could use some more healthy around here.

Glad you enjoyed your trip.

 

[ddbowdoin]

I am a local and pass holder. My wife and I go at least once a month. I definately agree that some folks get a little extreme in criticism of WDW. However, I see their point also. WDW is not a cheap place to visit, stay in hotels, eat at, or buy souvenirs from. Even more expensive if you travel from out of state and cannot take advantage of Florida resident deals. If after spending that kind of money and arriving to find some of your favorite attractions down or not fully operational for long time...you might be a little upset. My wife and I go for the rides and the emersive experience. We tend to overlook the little details that are not up to par because they are not what makes the experience for us. I guess it depends on what makes WDW for you.

Most of the people that are on this site complaining, I would guess, have visited WDW quite a few times over the past few years (more than 5 times) or they are season pass holders. Since these folks have visited so often what naturally tends to happen is that they start noticing insignificant little things that the causal observer would never notice. Bottom line is that they are being nit picky.

I have been luckly enough to go to WDW the past two years, a one day trip, and a week long trip. We are scheduled to go again at the end of this year and can't wait.

I have noticed that certain animatronics haven't worked or that certain fiountains weren't running, but bottom line is that I'm in the happiest place on Earth creating memories with my wife and children. Nothing is going to take away from that. Not even the haters on these Boards.

I'm going to definitely agree with this sentiment.

1.) I'm 27... so realistically even going as a child I don't remember the "glory days" of EPCOT and the other gates.
2.) My interest and passion started later in life (3 years ago) after my now fiance and I decided WDW would be a "fun" vacation.
3.) Sure, I've seen small things since I joined this site and started to really learn the history of WDW and what not, but at some point complaining about a light being out on a hotel roof starts to get real extreme.

 

[Gravydeen]

Those of us fortunate to go to WDW often do tend to notice things the family that only goes every few years wouldnt. It is being nitpicky to some extent. TO be fair though..with the billions WDW brings in they owe it to the hard working families that spend a small fortune to have a magical vaction to ensure everything is in a state of good repair...and operation

You may not have really meant what you said, but I get the impression that a lot of the negative posters do feel the way you sounded. No they don't "owe it to" us. We don't have to go. I'm about to spend that "small fortune" soon myself and as much as I don't like spending that kind of money my vacation will be magical no matter what because I will make it so.

 

[sgtmgd]

I completely dissagree that Disney doesnt have a responsibilty to keep all the parks operational and in a good repair. Nothing is going to be perfect, and scheduled maintenence on attractions is a neccesary evil. I have been going to Disney since it opened..as a young child right on through to now....my last trip was in January. If I didnt love what WDW gives I wouldnt go...Im more fortunate than most who get one shot a the world or years in between. I certainly think Disney should be held accountable for what they advertise. Personally I think they do a wonderful job of I wouldnt have spent the thousands and thousands of dollars on vacations there.

 

[phi2134]

I have a bigger problem with the quality of people that visit WDW rather than the quality of the parks.

 

[MattC]

I have a bigger problem with the quality of people that visit WDW rather than the quality of the parks.

Hahaha. There is a whole other thread in that statement.

 

[loveofamouse]

Okay, I think the posters complaining about the extreme complaining is extreme. :hammer:

Let's put some perspective in here, please. When people are talking about things going wrong, it's not like they are saying WDW is crap and this is why. They are saying WDW has things that have been needed to be fixed for a long time, and, since we love the parks so much, we really hope the powers to be will fix it. (maybe not in so many words...)

Some of it is simple note taking i.e.
"I saw ____ was down on my trip April 2012"
"I saw the same thing was broken on my trip Jan 2010"
"Well, it was fine on my trip in Oct 2011"

That tells the people paying attention that it broke, was fixed, and broke again so it was taken care of at one point. Sometimes, it's just pure frustration that something became a problem that wasn't addressed at all, like the Yeti on EE. That thing has been down for how many years?

I don't recall anyone saying the parks were filthy. If they were, no one would go. I most certainly haven't seen the attitudes of the parks going off to a concentration camp or even resembling one. THAT is extreme. lol

And those of us who go frequently have that point of reference to compare things to which will cause us to notice these things.

 

[jsf2011]

Those of us fortunate to go to WDW often do tend to notice things the family that only goes every few years wouldnt. It is being nitpicky to some extent. TO be fair though..with the billions WDW brings in they owe it to the hard working families that spend a small fortune to have a magical vaction to ensure everything is in a state of good repair...and operation

Well here's the thing, everything is in good repair and operational. Considering how huge the property is the place is extremely well kept, I don't think we saw 1 blade of grass that wasn't perfectly trimmed in the entire property. Sure a couple rides are down for refurb, but has anyone here actually been to Disneyland? The place is always covered in walls, so people saying that DLR is ran better because its better kept, then saying that rides being refurbed is bad, for WDW is a hypocrite.

 

[disneychick53]

I live in Santa Ana and visit DLR with some frequency. I haven't visited WDW in several years up until this week and am always reading on these forums about the evil TDO and how WDW is in shambles and what not. I visited this week for the first time since 01 or so and felt the need to register on the site to post my thoughts of WDW.

First off, the place was IMMACULATE, clean, brilliantly landscaped and maintained, and well operated. I couldn't find a single thing to complain about. The busses were on time and efficient, the Fastpass always seemed to be working in our favor, we didn't notice anything really "wrong" with any of the attractions though obviously Test Track and Thunder Mountain were closed for refurbishment. Epcot especially was incredible, the landscaping during Flower and Garden is just phenominal. I would say overall the property was much cleaner and friendlier than it was on my last visit in 02.

Whats the big problem? I cant wait to go back next year.

I go up alot,,,,,and I don't see any thing to complain about I believe the people that do complain don't really go up there:shrug:

 

[powlessfamily4]

I have been on 4 week long, on property visits in the last 2 years and really have no complaints except I don't feel I get to go often enough!!!

 

[Californian Elitist]

I have no doubt in my mind I will have a good time the first time I visit WDW, despite all the bad stuff I've been hearing about it. I'll admit the parks being so far away from each other and the transportation is going to annoy the crap out of me but other than that I know I'm going to have a great time, just like the time I have here in Anaheim! Very excited for my first trip, whenever that'll be.:lol:

 

[IanDLBZF]

Okay, I think the posters complaining about the extreme complaining is extreme. :hammer:

Let's put some perspective in here, please. When people are talking about things going wrong, it's not like they are saying WDW is crap and this is why. They are saying WDW has things that have been needed to be fixed for a long time, and, since we love the parks so much, we really hope the powers to be will fix it. (maybe not in so many words...)

Some of it is simple note taking i.e.
"I saw ____ was down on my trip April 2012"
"I saw the same thing was broken on my trip Jan 2010"
"Well, it was fine on my trip in Oct 2011"

That tells the people paying attention that it broke, was fixed, and broke again so it was taken care of at one point. Sometimes, it's just pure frustration that something became a problem that wasn't addressed at all, like the Yeti on EE. That thing has been down for how many years?

I don't recall anyone saying the parks were filthy. If they were, no one would go. I most certainly haven't seen the attitudes of the parks going off to a concentration camp or even resembling one. THAT is extreme. lol

And those of us who go frequently have that point of reference to compare things to which will cause us to notice these things.

Good point! I feel these so-called "complaints" has gotten a little out of hand.
Something needs to be done about these "complaints".....

 

[jpittore1]

viewpoint

many people are glass is half empty or half full....many other people say the grass is greener on the other side...

IF YOU WANT A RAINBOW...YOU NEED TO PUT UP WITH RAIN...

Everything can't be perfect 100% of the time...enjoy your time at the parks, concentrate on the people with you at Disney and don't worry about the missing screw in the door hinge at the Haunted Mansion.

 

[LuvtheGoof]

We usually go to WDW two to three times a year, and while we notice the little things sometimes, it does not cause us to go screaming to guest services. I know that if CMs know a lightbulb is burned out that it should be replaced right away, but what if it's a special bulb that they are simply out stock of and requires backordering when you are there? Do you let that ruin your vacation?

We have also been reading here that DL is so much better kept up. Well, we just recently got back from our first trip to DL, and, sorry DL folks, but it's pretty much the same as WDW as far as upkeep goes. We noticed the same issues there as at WDW. There were multiple times the Ariel ride was down for some reason or another during our week stay (people complain about Pirates at WDW). Did that ruin our vacation? No. We saw railings that needed painting in places, lights burnt out here and there. Was it a lot. No, but it was still there.

Some people here talk about how much better Soarin is in DCA than EPCOT, and that was not our experience at all. Just like at WDW, we say many places in the film with dirt spots going in and out, and we could see every panel of the screen. We just choose to look at the film, and overlook the small problems, and enjoy the experience, since it is our favorite ride.

I will say there are a LOT of walls at DL, though most will be coming down next month at DCA. Wish we could have scheduled our trip for that, but the crowds are going to be horrendous then.

I really think that things are changing for the better at WDW. Pretty much the entire Main Street has gotten a facelift and some refurbs as well. Lots of other activity all over the place as well. Does more need to be done? Sure, but I think they're on the right track after years of not doing enough.