Ruining Disney - Nearly Complete!

[Chef Mickey]

I've finally had enough. After being an annual Passholder for 9 years in a row and around 22 years, I'm done for now and will not renew. I'm good. Admittedly, I go a lot, but I just don't want to go back based on the experience I continue to notice is worse and worse.

This isn't one of those posts about Disney is so bad it can never recover, but its current quality state, value, and experience is not conducive to multiple visits anymore. I find after 2-3 days, I'm ready to go home now.

I don't hate Disney - I still love the parks, many attractions and the great cast that have tried to make it magical. However, the magic seems to slip away every time I go.

A few points I've noticed that are basically common at this point.

• Genie+ is a disaster. I despise this process, service, the cost, etc. Everything about it sucks.
• The prices are just stupid for the value.
• Almost zero personalized service.
• Abysmal ride maintenance.
• Construction is too slow.
• Too much IP.
• EPCOT is basically a shambles.
• Hollywood Studios is hopeless unless you want to pay to ride everything and you still can't.
• Bathrooms are atrocious.
• So much of everything is dirty and broken.
• Cast member quality is massively worse overall. Some good ones but a lot of bad.
• Food quality and value is worse than I can remember all over the place.
• Still no loyalty programs at Disney Hotels or at Disney in general. They don't care about repeat customers.
• Bob Iger needs to go. He's lost control and doesn't have a clue anymore. Is he senile? He seems defensive on earnings calls too.

There are some great cast members still, but the overall cast has taken a massive nosedive in terms of caring, kindness, and flat out doing their job. So many just don't care. It's not all of them, but it's too many.

I'm Mr. Business and perfectly fine paying premiums when you deliver premium products, but Disney is just out of control while not delivering premium experience. Dessert parties, fireworks cruises, set menus, and raising ticket prices are not premium experiences. You can go an entire day without even interacting with a Cast Member. Many of them don't even speak (entrance, exits, ride cast, characters - Hell, even servers barely talk sometimes).

I read their quarterly report and it turns out WDW is down and it seemed plausible based on the crowds I saw in June and then again in July. Are people finally done paying the stupid prices for lower quality than we had 20 years ago?

 

[Smooth]

 

[Epcot81Fan]

I've finally had enough. After being an annual Passholder for 9 years in a row and around 22 years, I'm done for now and will not renew. I'm good. Admittedly, I go a lot, but I just don't want to go back based on the experience I continue to notice is worse and worse.

This isn't one of those posts about Disney is so bad it can never recover, but its current quality state, value, and experience is not conducive to multiple visits anymore. I find after 2-3 days, I'm ready to go home now.

I don't hate Disney - I still love the parks, many attractions and the great cast that have tried to make it magical. However, the magic seems to slip away every time I go.

A few points I've noticed that are basically common at this point.

• Genie+ is a disaster. I despise this process, service, the cost, etc. Everything about it sucks.
• The prices are just stupid for the value.
• Almost zero personalized service.
• Abysmal ride maintenance.
• Construction is too slow.
• Too much IP.
• EPCOT is basically a shambles.
• Hollywood Studios is hopeless unless you want to pay to ride everything and you still can't.
• Bathrooms are atrocious.
• So much of everything is dirty and broken.
• Cast member quality is massively worse overall. Some good ones but a lot of bad.
• Food quality and value is worse than I can remember all over the place.
• Still no loyalty programs at Disney Hotels or at Disney in general. They don't care about repeat customers.
• Bob Iger needs to go. He's lost control and doesn't have a clue anymore. Is he senile? He seems defensive on earnings calls too.

There are some great cast members still, but the overall cast has taken a massive nosedive in terms of caring, kindness, and flat out doing their job. So many just don't care. It's not all of them, but it's too many.

I'm Mr. Business and perfectly fine paying premiums when you deliver premium products, but Disney is just out of control while not delivering premium experience. Dessert parties, fireworks cruises, set menus, and raising ticket prices are not premium experiences. You can go an entire day without even interacting with a Cast Member. Many of them don't even speak (entrance, exits, ride cast, characters - Hell, even servers barely talk sometimes).

I read their quarterly report and it turns out WDW is down and it seemed plausible based on the crowds I saw in June and then again in July. Are people finally done paying the stupid prices for lower quality than we had 20 years ago?

They are aware of every one of those points and openly do not care.

The only change comes if people stop going and refuse to spend a single dollar at the parks and hotels.

 

[Chef Mickey]

They are aware of every one of those points and openly do not care.

The only change comes if people stop going and refuse to spend a single dollar at the parks and hotels.

I think that's my main issue now...they don't try and they openly don't care. I am taking the approach of spending my money on other stuff until it's better for now.

 

[Epcot81Fan]

They have completely given up - this was waiting for me on my last trip to DL in the center of Main Street.

I’d black out his name tag, but it’s already covered by his ZZ Top beard.

#disneylook

(Note: This is not obviously a comment about this individual, but management's current lack of standards/policy enforcements)

 

[J4546]

lol @ old people complaining about the way people look. Oh noes this person has a beard!!!! my world is crumbling!!!!

 

[JIMINYCR]

lol @ old people complaining about the way people look. Oh noes this person has a beard!!!! my world is crumbling!!!!

There once was a strict Disney standard CM's had to comply with. The look made all who worked for the Mouse have a clean, modest look that sold the family values Disney was promoting. Over time that look started to be pushed aside and allow standards to go away. Changing times as new potential hirees had facial hair, longer hair, tattoos etc. that would keep someone from applying or would not be considered to be hired in the past.

 

[Epcot81Fan]

Currently on the Disney website - not even trying to comply with their own policies.

People will have to decide if they want to pay Disney resort prices for local carnival employee grooming standards.

THE DISNEY LOOK​

At Disney Parks, we've become famous for our friendly cast members who play a key role in creating an unparalleled guest experience. This exceptional show can be best exemplified when our cast members feel safe and proud of who they are, and this is reflected in our Appearance Standards, or as we call it, the Disney Look.
The Disney Look is an inclusive set of guidelines that not only aligns with our brand, but empowers our cast members to more proudly be their authentic self. It is clean, polished and approachable, and is designed with our costumed and non-costumed cast members in mind. Our themed costumed cast members are a critical part of enhancing the experience of our Disney show, and our non-costumed cast members also play an important role as representatives of the Disney brand. Regardless of the position you hold with us, when you take pride in your appearance, you become a role model for those around you, and you convey the attitude of excellence that has become synonymous with the Disney name

 

[Goofyernmost]

I don't think it is any old people complaints necessarily. I grew up in the 60 when long hair, beards and scruffy appearance became king. That doesn't even give me a single pause and I'm 75 years old and have had a full beard for almost 50 years now. There are, of course, some folks that do have that kind of concern but I think you will find that most of them would be in their 50's. Hardly old.

Some of the same people that complain about that were solidly behind Joe Rhode who had a half a ton of scrap steel hanging from his non-reparable stretched ear. That was OK because why? Don't know! It is his business but as he gets older he will have to be careful not to trip over his earlobe, that's were a lot of broken hips will come from.

 

[DisAl]

They are aware of every one of those points and openly do not care.

The only change comes if people stop going and refuse to spend a single dollar at the parks and hotels.

I am doing my part.
We had been taking the whole family (now four generations) every two years since 1974 up to Covid.
But we are not going this year, and not planning on going next year either for all of the reasons stated by the OP. It may be years before we go back if ever. I'm not sure they can or even want to stop the downward spiral.

 

[Br0ckford]

lol @ old people complaining about the way people look. Oh noes this person has a beard!!!! my world is crumbling!!!!

Damn kids.

 

[AdventureHasAName]

They have completely given up - this was waiting for me on my last trip to DL in the center of Main Street.

I’d black out his name tag, but it’s already covered by his ZZ Top beard.

#disneylook

View attachment 737096

At least he's not wearing a dress and playing the Fairy Godmother in a salon for little girls.

 

[Epcot81Fan]

Just watching them burn through 50+ years of a brand identity, goodwill, and business model is just sad to watch.

But as the posters often say here, “What does (insert detail that was key to building Disney’s reputation and business over decades) really matter?!”

Good luck with that.

 

[Chef Mickey]

lol @ old people complaining about the way people look. Oh noes this person has a beard!!!! my world is crumbling!!!!

Who says they are old? Let's not profile here since you clearly don't want to profile CMs. Also, let's not act like that's the main issue with CM service. It's a general decline. Maybe some slippage in the Disney look contributed to some slippage in the service? They are certainly worse than before. The question is why?

There are levels of professionalism and looks matter in certain roles. This isn't political, racial, or controversial. Do I have a problem with this look? Not really, but you can start to see why saying no facial hair or "closely trimmed" can start to be easier than making the judgement calls. That's why uniforms exist. You don't have to get all hurt that customer facing people might need to be well-groomed and in a uniform. There are reasons for these things.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Who says they are old? Let's not profile here since you clearly don't want to profile CMs. Also, let's not act like that's the main issue with CM service. It's a general decline. Maybe some slippage in the Disney look contributed to some slippage in the service? They are certainly worse than before. The question is why?

There are levels of professionalism and looks matter in certain roles. This isn't political, racial, or controversial. Do I have a problem with this look? Not really, but you can start to see why saying no facial hair or "closely trimmed" can start to be easier than making the judgement calls. That's why uniforms exist. You don't have to get all hurt that customer facing people might need to be well-groomed and in a uniform. There are reasons for these things.

Notice how they went for the most insignificant issue brought up here?

The dust is so, so sweet

 

[Chef Mickey]

There once was a strict Disney standard CM's had to comply with. The look made all who worked for the Mouse have a clean, modest look that sold the family values Disney was promoting. Over time that look started to be pushed aside and allow standards to go away. Changing times as new potential hirees had facial hair, longer hair, tattoos etc. that would keep someone from applying or would not be considered to be hired in the past.

Exactly. It's not that any of these traits are negative in a vacuum, but Disney had a standard they wanted to uphold and understadably so. They sold family values and wholesome entertainment for children. It wasn't racist or hateful. It was just a standard and most of all, it made sense for their business.

Without standards, what's stopping face tattoos, excessive piercings, and red contacts? So many people act like they are fine with everything these days, but people with families generally aren't going to appreciate this look around the kids.

 

[Chi84]

Exactly. It's not that any of these traits are negative in a vacuum, but Disney had a standard they wanted to uphold and understadably so. They sold family values and wholesome entertainment for children. It wasn't racist or hateful. It was just a standard and most of all, it made sense for their business.

Without standards, what's stopping face tattoos, excessive piercings, and red contacts? So many people act like they are fine with everything these days, but people with families generally aren't going to appreciate this look around the kids.

Of all the negatives raised, this seems to be the one that has people here upset and complaining about the most.

I can understand being appalled at the mess that is Genie+ and the ridiculously high prices, but why do people seem most angry about how CMs are dressed?

 

[Californian Elitist]

Good for your for actually putting your money where your mouth is. I’ve seen a lot of folks complain and complain and STILL faithfully purchase tickets and annual passes each year. If you don’t think it’s worth it, stop going or stop going as frequently. I know I have (due to combination of some of the things you stated and interest in other things).

 

[Chef Mickey]

Of all the negatives raised, this seems to be the one that has people here upset and complaining about the most.

I can understand being appalled at the mess that is Genie+ and the ridiculously high prices, but why do people seem most angry about how CMs are dressed?

We aren't. We're mad with how they're doing their jobs. It comes down to management and standards, which have slipped across the board. CMs are very visible to guests and always have been an integral part in the experience.

I've been to Disney literally hundreds of times and it's noticeable how much it's changed for the worse. We're just sad it's this way now.

 

[Tony the Tigger]

I've finally had enough. After being an annual Passholder for 9 years in a row and around 22 years, I'm done for now and will not renew. I'm good. Admittedly, I go a lot, but I just don't want to go back based on the experience I continue to notice is worse and worse.

This isn't one of those posts about Disney is so bad it can never recover, but its current quality state, value, and experience is not conducive to multiple visits anymore. I find after 2-3 days, I'm ready to go home now.

I don't hate Disney - I still love the parks, many attractions and the great cast that have tried to make it magical. However, the magic seems to slip away every time I go.

A few points I've noticed that are basically common at this point.

• Genie+ is a disaster. I despise this process, service, the cost, etc. Everything about it sucks.
• The prices are just stupid for the value.
• Almost zero personalized service.
• Abysmal ride maintenance.
• Construction is too slow.
• Too much IP.
• EPCOT is basically a shambles.
• Hollywood Studios is hopeless unless you want to pay to ride everything and you still can't.
• Bathrooms are atrocious.
• So much of everything is dirty and broken.
• Cast member quality is massively worse overall. Some good ones but a lot of bad.
• Food quality and value is worse than I can remember all over the place.
• Still no loyalty programs at Disney Hotels or at Disney in general. They don't care about repeat customers.
• Bob Iger needs to go. He's lost control and doesn't have a clue anymore. Is he senile? He seems defensive on earnings calls too.

There are some great cast members still, but the overall cast has taken a massive nosedive in terms of caring, kindness, and flat out doing their job. So many just don't care. It's not all of them, but it's too many.

I'm Mr. Business and perfectly fine paying premiums when you deliver premium products, but Disney is just out of control while not delivering premium experience. Dessert parties, fireworks cruises, set menus, and raising ticket prices are not premium experiences. You can go an entire day without even interacting with a Cast Member. Many of them don't even speak (entrance, exits, ride cast, characters - Hell, even servers barely talk sometimes).

I read their quarterly report and it turns out WDW is down and it seemed plausible based on the crowds I saw in June and then again in July. Are people finally done paying the stupid prices for lower quality than we had 20 years ago?

OK. Toodles.