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The Magic has gone for us
- Thread starter Graham9
- Start date
mousefan1972
Well-Known Member
Nor do I get those people that feel that because they choose to pay $500 a night for a villa it gives them the right to be a towards CM's who are trying to help them. It's not "kissing someone's butt" or "walking on eggshells", it's called... being a nice person?
Mystic
Well-Known Member
Ever hear the term "Cause and Effect"? Treat the CMs like crap, why should they go out of their way to make YOU feel special. CMs are human too. Maybe you should try spreading some of your own Disney magic and see what happens in return.
Oh and one more thing....
Have a Magical Day!
maggiegrace1
Well-Known Member
Nor do I get those people that feel that because they choose to pay $500 a night for a villa it gives them the right to be a towards CM's who are trying to help them. It's not "kissing someone's butt" or "walking on eggshells", it's called... being a nice person?
:sohappy::sohappy:
AMEN! to both...
Mystic
Well-Known Member
Thank you. :xmas:
wvdisneyfamily
Well-Known Member
I sincerely hope your son enjoys his birthday trip to AKL. I've never stayed at the AKL because I'm in love with the WL.
Yes, you are the paying customer. Your money does provide a job for them. However, that in no way, shape, or form places them beneath you. All of us are human beings entitled to dignity and respect. No one was implying that you had to go out of your way or bend over backwards. The post in which this idea originated was a simple story about someone chatting while at the register in a pleasant manner. Maybe CMs are less than friendly sometimes. However, could that be because of people who are not pleasant to deal with? Rudeness isn't always a blunt behavior. Sometimes it can be as simple as failing to return a smile, greeting, or polite sentiment.
Again, if you just show mutual kindess and respect, you don't have to bend over backwards. Do you know how many people depend on the kindness of strangers to get through the day? Some people have terrible lives and the only kind words they hear all day comes from a stranger.
I agree. This place is a riot. Some posters have very funny comments. WDW Magic is also a great online community in which to discuss Disney World. Thanks for making it, Steve! :sohappy:
:wave:
Uponastar
Well-Known Member
Just wow.
How does not being nice to people make your life any better?
We're here at WDW right now, and as always interacting with CMs is one of the things we enjoy about our trip. No matter if you go to WDW on a tight budget, as we do, or go for all the bells and whistles, you have a right to expect to be treated decently by the CMs. However, they have the right to expect the same from you. Everything isn't always about the money you spend. Being pleasant and appreciative to those who are paid to "serve" you costs you nothing and gives so much. It also comes back to you in so many ways.
Also, I'd like to add that so far we haven't seen signs of anything less than what we've become used to here at WDW.
The magic is most definitely not gone for us.
lilphil6487
New Member
I also did not have an ejoyable time my past trip, but it was not disney's fault in any way. Prices get raised, there are crowds, etc. This is nothing new. I am fine with all that. My brother's gf ruined my trip. I love disney and will go for years and years. We are even members of DVC. I am not high on pixie dust. I know lots of things havent changed, things need fixing up, etc. I have fun anyway. Even with really uncomfortable sofa bed at the OKW and the broken freezer and stove at the Beach Club Villas, none of that bothered me. I can still have a good time. It would have been much better tho without my brother's gf. However, i do feel that i go to much and my family is taking a break. next summer we are probably just gonna go rent a house in LBI for a week. Its only like a half hour from where we live. Then in 2010 we are taking our second trip to DL and staying at the new Grand Californian Villas. We will be doing much more in Southern California then just DL, however i am very excited to go back on Space Mountain and POTC cause they are much much better at DL. Probably wont be back at WDW for like 4 years. Anyway, dont let too much bother you and if you start to get a little bored with things, take a break. Dont go so often.
Rosso11
Well-Known Member
I think you guys are taking out of context what DisneyDiva72 was saying. They were responding to this quote, which was making an excuse for bad service.
This is No excuse. I was a CM at the MK. If I was having a bad day I had to leave those feelings at the cast parking lot. You took the complaint that DisneyDiva had and turned it around on them. You guys make me laugh sometimes reading this stuff. You make excuses for Disney no matter what. It' amazing. Of course everyone should treat each other with respect. This was not the issue. It was poor customer service plain and simple
This is No excuse. I was a CM at the MK. If I was having a bad day I had to leave those feelings at the cast parking lot. You took the complaint that DisneyDiva had and turned it around on them. You guys make me laugh sometimes reading this stuff. You make excuses for Disney no matter what. It' amazing. Of course everyone should treat each other with respect. This was not the issue. It was poor customer service plain and simple
the-reason14
Well-Known Member
The problems I see is the emh and MVMCP. For emh, if you have been in that park all day, then it is a waste to stay an extra 3 hours. Like you said, it was crowded, its always more crowded during emh. So, if you had been at another park that same day, or just chilled out out the resort most of the day, then head to the emh park for those 3 hours or maybe arrive earlier to get a good 4 maybe 5 hours, it would have been worth it.
And the MVMCP, you said you didnt know what to expect, and I think thats where the problem was. Me and my dad had gone to a MK event similar to MVMCP, we did enjoy ourselves, but we felt that they didnt enforce the wristband rule. We could have very easily have not paid the money and still watch the shows, no rides, just shows. We didnt know what to expect either, but we came out of it happy.
So in all, I guess its time to give WDW a break. Like others have said, I dont see how you could make 7 trips in 10 years and all of sudden lose the magic. I know certain cutbacks, like the osborne lights going off, can leave a bad taste in your mouth as far as you enjoying the rest of the trip, but I think your heart wasnt in it this time.
And the MVMCP, you said you didnt know what to expect, and I think thats where the problem was. Me and my dad had gone to a MK event similar to MVMCP, we did enjoy ourselves, but we felt that they didnt enforce the wristband rule. We could have very easily have not paid the money and still watch the shows, no rides, just shows. We didnt know what to expect either, but we came out of it happy.
So in all, I guess its time to give WDW a break. Like others have said, I dont see how you could make 7 trips in 10 years and all of sudden lose the magic. I know certain cutbacks, like the osborne lights going off, can leave a bad taste in your mouth as far as you enjoying the rest of the trip, but I think your heart wasnt in it this time.
DizneyPryncess
Well-Known Member
I'm sorry that your trip was a bummer
I visit WDW very frequently too, and I sometimes have the fear that I might overdo it one day and not love it anymore. That hasn't happened to me yet - and that's not to say that I haven't had my bad moments in Disney - or trips that weren't as great as the others. But the magic hasn't been lost. I'll give you some of my tips to keep the magic around, and maybe you'll give WDW another shot.
-Changing up where you stay. I have always stayed off property, and last year I stayed on property for the first time. It was like a whole different trip, being in the Disney state of mind 24/7. Now we plan on staying at various resorts so that we always have something new to experience.
-Try new restaurants. Disney dining is something I've only gotten into in the past couple of years. The character dinings are so much fun, and the restaurant themes are great. We try to book new places for each visit, again, to make sure we have new things to do.
-Take a WDW trip that doesn't concentrate on rides. For my honeymoon, we did all the other little magic things. For example - the paintbrushes on TSI, Hidden Mickey Hunts, Getting as many character photos as we could, taking unique photographs from weird angles that we thought we'd be the only ones to have, "eating and drinking" around the world in Epcot, etc.
Those are just some of the things that we do, and I think it helps from Disney becoming too repetitive.
I've done Disney at Christmas. MVMCP was actually my least favorite holiday activity. We made it worth it by getting as many pictures w/the characters in their holiday gear since you never see them in it. And I thought the snow on main street was pretty cool. It's not something I'd do over & over again - so I can see why you were disappointed in it. Disney has their flaws, and w/the bad economy they are cutting back some things, and you may have experienced some of that backlash.
Don't give up on it though - you can bring the magic back.
I visit WDW very frequently too, and I sometimes have the fear that I might overdo it one day and not love it anymore. That hasn't happened to me yet - and that's not to say that I haven't had my bad moments in Disney - or trips that weren't as great as the others. But the magic hasn't been lost. I'll give you some of my tips to keep the magic around, and maybe you'll give WDW another shot.
-Changing up where you stay. I have always stayed off property, and last year I stayed on property for the first time. It was like a whole different trip, being in the Disney state of mind 24/7. Now we plan on staying at various resorts so that we always have something new to experience.
-Try new restaurants. Disney dining is something I've only gotten into in the past couple of years. The character dinings are so much fun, and the restaurant themes are great. We try to book new places for each visit, again, to make sure we have new things to do.
-Take a WDW trip that doesn't concentrate on rides. For my honeymoon, we did all the other little magic things. For example - the paintbrushes on TSI, Hidden Mickey Hunts, Getting as many character photos as we could, taking unique photographs from weird angles that we thought we'd be the only ones to have, "eating and drinking" around the world in Epcot, etc.
Those are just some of the things that we do, and I think it helps from Disney becoming too repetitive.
I've done Disney at Christmas. MVMCP was actually my least favorite holiday activity. We made it worth it by getting as many pictures w/the characters in their holiday gear since you never see them in it. And I thought the snow on main street was pretty cool. It's not something I'd do over & over again - so I can see why you were disappointed in it. Disney has their flaws, and w/the bad economy they are cutting back some things, and you may have experienced some of that backlash.
Don't give up on it though - you can bring the magic back.
Slipknot
Well-Known Member
3 reasons: first is that Disney doesn't want to pay the CMs who work the attractions during these conventions overtime, the CMs who work the events want to go home on time just as much as you want to stay at the parks later, and the group who had the convention paid a lot more than any number of regular guests.
Slipknot
Well-Known Member
Wrong. You are a paying GUEST.
wvdisneyfamily
Well-Known Member
I'll second your AMEN and add one for these posts. :sohappy:
tecowdw
Well-Known Member
Sounds like you've become one of those people that have outgrown Disney World! But that's okay...it's not for everyone.
I just hope I never grow out of it!
I just hope I never grow out of it!
Just got back from WDW, for which may have been our last time. This was our 7th visit in 10 years. To be honest, a lot of the magical pixie dust we had on our first and second trips has long since evaporated. Whilst our trip wasn't a complete bust - we finally got to go on the new Everest ride and saw the new Nemo show in AK as well as a few other minor changes which had appeared since our last trip in '05. We trudged around these parks and heaving pushing crowds with a sense of "not much has changed" and "we've already seen and done everything years ago". We chose this time of year because the place is decorated up and of supposed "light attendance".
We managed Mickey's Very Merry Party on the 4th Dec and even now, I'm wondering what it was I paid my money for. I expected something better than a free cup of tepid brown sludge with a circle of sickly sugar biscuit I couldn't eat. Yes all the rides were open, but we'd been in the park all day and already done everything. I just felt as if I'd been ripped off. Probably not as ripped off as those people who paid to go into the park to find that Wishes and Spectromagic parades had been cancelled because of it. I heard a lot of people moan about who spent a lot of money to come to WDW and have a lot of the best stuff cancelled because of this party.
We came to WDW at this time because of I wanted to see the Osborne Lights. We turned up to watch them, only to have them turned off an hour later - and the park close early - because of some 'private function' at Hollywood Studios. I hadn't finished filming them and I don't pay to be thrown out of a park early, why can't they have functions AFTER park hours? It was upsetting to see the lights switched back on just as we were driving out the car park lot. Again, it left us feeling disappointed and left out. We saw a lot of this "second-class" treatment outside of WDW in Seaworld and IoA. I am paying guest to WDW, and if it were not for paying guests, WDW would not exist. So why are paying guests being treated like this?
We decided not to bothered with any of the late magical hours, as by the time the parks close, we'd simply had enough and wanted to leave. Every night it was tiredness and boredom which drove us back to the hotel with no incentive to prolong our stay in the parks.
Then there was our hotel, the Coronado Springs Resort. Firstly, we had issues with basic cleanliness on arrival, our keys which never worked in the barriers, the lack of information given to us by Concierge (a long story here) then there is that rather useless and confusing Pepper Market restaurant and its lack of service.
We had to be shown to a table (As if we can't find our own empty table in an empty room), we then had to get our own food and then - because the staff were too busy talking with themselves, get up and get our own drinks from the cafe next door. Then I had an argument about why I should pay a service charge when I haven’t received any service.
After that, we never bothered going in there again. Compared to Riverside and French Quarter, this place is bottom of the list and the only time we would go back is only if everywhere else is full. (assuming we do go back). Don't even get me started on the bus services at Colorando Springs....one 40 min wait to MK one morning was enough, so we drove to each park everyday even though I didn't want to. As for trying to get a dining table anywhere in WDW, forget it. So we had to go outside WDW for a decent meal, having tired of greasy burgers and pizzas.
As I said, it wasn't a total loss but there was no magical experience to be had for us. What good times we had were washed away with heaving crowds, short-changing of times and events, unstable weather and long lines to go on "the same old stuff". Along with regular bouts of ride breakdowns, people cutting in lines, idiots waving camcorders in my face (when they have a clear view already) and the countless other activities by thoughtless people.
We have no plans to go back - simply because we would rather go somewhere else on vacation and put up with all that again. If we do, it won't be for a very long time.
"The place of a million dreams"? Sorry.
Disneykidder
Well-Known Member
I agree with a lot of the posts. Planning is key to any vacation. Reservations are a must.
Was the night the DHS Osborne lights were turned out your only night there? There are other days to go back. They are amazing!
Crowds, well you can't predict what locals will be there or out of towners, for that matter. It's Disney during the holidays, for goodness sake. Of course it is going to be mobbed. You have to go into it with a good frame of mind and not expect too much in one day from a crowded vacation.
We went to WDW in August. It was our third time in three years. My son wants to go back again this summer and, although my hubby and I really enjoyed it, we want a different scene for this summer. It doesn't mean we didn't have a grand ole time, it just means we want a change.
Disney vacations have so much that other places do not have...those little magical things. My nephew went with us in August and commented on so many little things and even said how Disney caters to details. They really do. But I think maybe being there so much made it lose its spark for you. Take your break for a few years and then go back and see. Remember, we are the ones who know the tricks and ins/outs. Sometimes its best to go in with a naked eye, like my nephew. He is 14 and was so adorable about the "how did they do that" and "that was awesome" and "wow, Disney really goes all out."
Maybe the magic will come back to you again.
Was the night the DHS Osborne lights were turned out your only night there? There are other days to go back. They are amazing!
Crowds, well you can't predict what locals will be there or out of towners, for that matter. It's Disney during the holidays, for goodness sake. Of course it is going to be mobbed. You have to go into it with a good frame of mind and not expect too much in one day from a crowded vacation.
We went to WDW in August. It was our third time in three years. My son wants to go back again this summer and, although my hubby and I really enjoyed it, we want a different scene for this summer. It doesn't mean we didn't have a grand ole time, it just means we want a change.
Disney vacations have so much that other places do not have...those little magical things. My nephew went with us in August and commented on so many little things and even said how Disney caters to details. They really do. But I think maybe being there so much made it lose its spark for you. Take your break for a few years and then go back and see. Remember, we are the ones who know the tricks and ins/outs. Sometimes its best to go in with a naked eye, like my nephew. He is 14 and was so adorable about the "how did they do that" and "that was awesome" and "wow, Disney really goes all out."
Maybe the magic will come back to you again.
dixiegirl
Well-Known Member
As my jaw is dropped ... I think to myself ,People like you should not go to Disney ...Stay home please do us all a favor..Let me quess your probably the type who nit picks everything when it comes to the world, because you paid out of the *** as you previously said...Buses run late ....oh complain...prices to high...oh complain....food isn't what you expected....yes complain..
And Hate to say it but CM's are real people too...Is it that bad to be pleasant to them or others or are they just supposed to kiss the ground you walk on???
I know some people believe that Walt Disney World , because it's Disney is in a class of it's own, that it should be put on a pedastal..
They expect PERFECTION!!
Well its the real world what can you do...As I said before, things happen, bad weather, sickness, fellow trip companions not happy ....What can you do, to me I'm not home, I'm not working, I'm with my hubby and kids...I'm on vacation...So if I find a fellow Cm you bet I say hello, Bus drivers talk to them and greet them with a big smile, No I'm not kissing anyone's ***..I'm enjoying myself...Not looking around and analizing everything.... Walking around with my Mickey Ears and Having a great Magical time!!
I work with the public on a daily basis.....I'm so glad you have'nt walked into my salon!!
Animaniac93-98
Well-Known Member
That excuse is just dreadful. Since when is WDW the real world anyway?
We demand perfection because we know Disney is capable from past experiences. In all areas of the company, Disney gave a damn and put itself upon a pedestal knowing that the public demanded perfection from what they thought was the best. This is the company that used to put out 2-disc collectors edition DVDs for films that didn't even do that great at the box office (Atlantis) and now can't be bothered to do the same for hits (Enchanted). It's the company that spent $900,000 a year in loses to to keep an antiques store up and running in Liberty Square or other expensive "wastes" for prestige alone.
I work at a Disney Store and I can tell you that it is not fun to see half eaten bread rolls on the ground, packaging for products on the floor or stickers or empty and sometimes not empty drink bottles either their. Some of that garbage may be hard to notice at first, but you know what? I clean up anyway, because not only do I care about how the store looks, I know that the guests themselves would notice these thins (even trash under the shelves that is harder to see I still go around to pick up because garbage should not be on the floor), I put Disney on a pedestal because I care about the place. I may not like the fact that there is more Hanna Montanna stuff than framed artwork in the store, I still expect Disney to look clean and respectable. It's my job to do this thing and even if I'm not specifically told to clean up x mess in x location I still do it, in addition to greeting guests and preforming other tasks.
tecowdw
Well-Known Member
:sohappy::sohappy:
It's people like you that help Disney get that reputation. You'd be a great cast member at the parks, no doubt, because you care. Way too many people don't these days - and not just at Disney.
daliseurat
Member
I think we all have a trip now and then that just doesn't go right and we are quick to blame Disney for losing it's magic. Sometimes, it IS a matter of going to often anding find nothing new. My last trip had many glitches that really harmed my experience. My favorite restaurant, CA GRILL had HORRIBLE service, so much so that I won't be going back. I found far more cast members who just didn't have that Disney spirit. I had problems with the busses. My DW wasn't feeling well, so we had to leave DHS without getting a good look at the OSBORN LIGHTS, and we left MICKEY'S CHRISTMAS PARTY after an hour. She wouldn't get up so we could do the EMH's. I got irritated and ticked her off even more. The whole trip just didn't go as I had carefully planned. And I had the same attitude when I got home as the OP.
Then, I thought about what WAS great about the trip. We had a GREAT day at AK once we finally got there. Lunch was excellent at TUSKER HOUSE, EXPEDITION EVEREST was fantastic, the new NEMO show was spectacular, my DD had a wonderful time digging for DINOS and I discovered my new favorite Disney restaurant, BOMA. Not to mention how impressed I was with the AK LODGE. My DD got to do three or four really fun activities while we relaxed before dinner. We also really enjoyed the PRINCESS lunch at ASHKERHUS, got to spend a some quality time with MARY POPPINS and were laughing our heads off at the CRUSH show.
So when I tried to figure out what went wrong I came to several conclusions. DW is not the Disney fanatic I am, so I need to slow the whole trip down. Add some days to make up for doing less. We should NEVER have planned an exhausting, late day at a park on the day we just drove five hours to get there. And make sure to have a back-up plan that works if someone isn't feeling well.
There were several things that were lousy that I couldn't control, but I would still rather have that same trip over again then deal with all the stuff that aggravates me every single day here in the real world.
Then, I thought about what WAS great about the trip. We had a GREAT day at AK once we finally got there. Lunch was excellent at TUSKER HOUSE, EXPEDITION EVEREST was fantastic, the new NEMO show was spectacular, my DD had a wonderful time digging for DINOS and I discovered my new favorite Disney restaurant, BOMA. Not to mention how impressed I was with the AK LODGE. My DD got to do three or four really fun activities while we relaxed before dinner. We also really enjoyed the PRINCESS lunch at ASHKERHUS, got to spend a some quality time with MARY POPPINS and were laughing our heads off at the CRUSH show.
So when I tried to figure out what went wrong I came to several conclusions. DW is not the Disney fanatic I am, so I need to slow the whole trip down. Add some days to make up for doing less. We should NEVER have planned an exhausting, late day at a park on the day we just drove five hours to get there. And make sure to have a back-up plan that works if someone isn't feeling well.
There were several things that were lousy that I couldn't control, but I would still rather have that same trip over again then deal with all the stuff that aggravates me every single day here in the real world.