The Magic has gone for us

[wedway71]

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.

Well stated. I hold Disney to a higher standard. When I go, I do expect a magical experience, clean parks, and great Guest Service. If those qualities dont exist it is not Disney.

I live in the real world and work in it too. I manage a store with 400 Team Members and have nasty customers and upper Mgt that is not realistic about anything. I dont expect to hear excuses or have mediocre experiences when I go.

I am one that actually thinks Disney for the most part does a great job. When I go, I Focus on having a great time and usually I have an AWESOME time.
I dont think someone is snobby or unrealistic if they expect only the best from Disney. They should. Keep in mind it is Disney that puts themselves on that pedistal.

 

[dixiegirl]

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.

Never said that Disney was the real world...by any means!!! Was simply stating that things happen , what can you do....I was speaking in general when you go on a trip there, as I said before, you need to make the most of it if you have a trip that is not going as planned... No I don't work for the company, but I have to agree that over the years from going to the park, and going to the store itself , things have changed, am I not gonna go back ....Of course I am.....next month.....Please I was'nt trying to start an arguement....I've seen adults acting like children making demands towards the CM's ...I give anyone who works for the Walt Disney World Company and For the Disney store itself Credit...The Public itself can be very brutal!

 

[captainkidd]

To quote that dude from Fodor's on the original WDW Behind The Scenes show on Travel Channel"

"Disney is held to a higher standard because Disney started out holding itself to a higher standard."

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

Wow, such a lot of hate for supposed fans of the "happiest place on earth", of course I suppose this supports the marketing people ignoring all the parents losing their tempers with the kids, and those frustrated with the broken attractions.

Im delighted that many of you are satisfied with the product Disney is currently serving, it means you dont have to deal with the frustrations that Im feeling as well as the realisation that the lack of any significant new attractions is depreciating the value of a visit.

Not being blinkered or a fhanny boy I will continue to enjoy Universal, as Im desperate to find this horrendous CM problem that it is claimed Universal suffers from. I seem to have missed out in our 30+ visits.


Those of you banging on about how fabulous everything is, if it were then surely that Bonnet Creek Resort will be closed within a year? Or is their possibly a market for those who want a quality service beyond a photo with a 5 ft rodents friend.

I still enjoy Disney, but Disney bills itself based on Magic, and as the title of the post states that has gone for some, something I know its difficult for some to comprehend but a fact none the less.

 

[captainkidd]

Wow, such a lot of hate for supposed fans of the "happiest place on earth", of course I suppose this supports the marketing people ignoring all the parents losing their tempers with the kids, and those frustrated with the broken attractions.

Im delighted that many of you are satisfied with the product Disney is currently serving, it means you dont have to deal with the frustrations that Im feeling as well as the realisation that the lack of any significant new attractions is depreciating the value of a visit.

I'm just thankful that if all of the Disney execs quit today, we have so many people on this board who know exactly how to run a multi-billion dollar empire which includes the world's most popular destination.

We all live within our own worlds, but the fact that especially at this time of year people can find so much to complain about that should be considered a luxury to anyone, is rather astounding. And to think people have the audacity to complain about losing their job and not being able to afford food for their kids. How DARE Disney not give us a new attraction every 6 months!!!!!

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

I'm just thankful that if all of the Disney execs quit today, we have so many people on this board who know exactly how to run a multi-billion dollar empire which includes the world's most popular destination.

We all live within our own worlds, but the fact that especially at this time of year people can find so much to complain about that should be considered a luxury to anyone, is rather astounding. And to think people have the audacity to complain about losing their job and not being able to afford food for their kids. How DARE Disney not give us a new attraction every 6 months!!!!!

has someone losing their job got to do with Disneys declining standard of service? OK I know your just a fan boy who hates to see their favourite corporation criticised. But even given the truly cretinous statements that appear on the board that has to be a winner. By its logical extension you appear to be saying that because somethings are pretty crap in the economy, just accept it. Strange realy because as you state things are tough so you would have thought Disney would appreciate those of us who have chosen to spend what disposable income we have with them. :shrug:

I served in the military for 23 years and saw plenty of the reality of life, so I think Im well aware of the "big picture" and the relevant importance of declining standards at a theme park. I was under the assumption that a fan site dedicated to Walt Disney World would be the perfect place to comment on Walt Disney World. Its a concept that seems to be beyond you.

Perhaps when you grow up and have broader life experiences you wont be so astounded that some people have opinions that differ to yours, and shock horror they will express them on boards made available for general discussions.

Oh and as an aside I sold my Bon Jovi tickets because the last time I saw them they had gone crap too, Jon seems to have forgotten that they were once a great rock band, and they are content to play for menopausal women. So like Disney I can choose which luxury's to purchase.

 

[captainkidd]

has someone losing their job got to do with Disneys declining standard of service? OK I know your just a fan boy who hates to see their favourite corporation criticised. But even given the truly cretinous statements that appear on the board that has to be a winner. By its logical extension you appear to be saying that because somethings are pretty crap in the economy, just accept it. Strange realy because as you state things are tough so you would have thought Disney would appreciate those of us who have chosen to spend what disposable income we have with them. :shrug:

I served in the military for 23 years and saw plenty of the reality of life, so I think Im well aware of the "big picture" and the relevant importance of declining standards at a theme park. I was under the assumption that a fan site dedicated to Walt Disney World would be the perfect place to comment on Walt Disney World. Its a concept that seems to be beyond you.

Perhaps when you grow up and have broader life experiences you wont be so astounded that some people have opinions that differ to yours, and shock horror they will express them on boards made available for general discussions.

Oh and as an aside I sold my Bon Jovi tickets because the last time I saw them they had gone crap too, Jon seems to have forgotten that they were once a great rock band, and they are content to play for menopausal women. So like Disney I can choose which luxury's to purchase.

:lol:

Bitter much?

It has nothing to do with being a fan boy. I criticize Disney as much as the next Joe. I just find it amusing that some people think they seem to know all the answers. If it were as simple as it's made out to be by some, we could all own and run world class theme parks. Some things are worth complaining about when it comes to Disney, and some are not. Nothing to do with my opinion. Rides get shut down for yearly maintenance. It's a fact. Should Disney keep them open so they become a safety hazard?

BTW - You'd think with all of your world experience, you'd have a better grasp of spelling and punctuation. Amazing that I noticed all your errors, given that I have yet to grow up.

As for your Bon Jovi comments, clearly, not everyone agrees with you:

Bon Jovi Is #1 Touring Act In The World On Billboard Chart (New York, NY – Dec. 11, 2008) – Twenty five years into their chart-topping career, Bon Jovi is 2008’s top touring act in the world, coming in at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Tour chart, which is based on data reported to Billboard Boxscore from Nov. 14, 2007 through Nov. 11, 2008. The band that has famously “seen a million faces and rocked them all,” in fact played to twice as many on this tour – over two million fans attended the 100 sold out dates on the Lost Highway World Tour, promoted by AEG Live. Bon Jovi has set the bar for more than two decades as one of the most successful rock bands in the world. Globally, they have sold more than 120 million albums and performed more than 2,600 concerts in over 50 countries for more than 34 million fans. The LOST HIGHWAY album was released in June 2007 and debuted at #1 around the world.

Now, back to our regularly scheduled program.

 

[daliseurat]

I definitely hold Disney to a higher standard. I do it because they've given it to me on many past trips. The main reason I go back is that expectation of the higher standard. And lately, since that standard has slid, I now put much more thought into spending my money for a trip. I wont go back if I don't know that there's a few things that are NEW for me, or a season that I haven't done yet. That said, I still think Disney provides far more entertainment for your dollar than anywhere else. It's just that I don't even compare Disney to anywhere else. I compare it to itself. And If Disney isn't careful, they are going to find more and more people looking for someplace else to go with their money. And that's because they've trained us very well to expect more from them. And they are getting closer and closer to being able to be compared with many other local parks...

 

[Monorail Lime]

a magic butt

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

:lol:



BTW - You'd think with all of your world experience, you'd have a better grasp of spelling and punctuation. Amazing that I noticed all your errors, given that I have yet to grow up.

For someone keen on "keeping it real" I'm surprised that my failure to use apostrophes is of such significance, as for spelling just because the former colonies choose to bastardise a language, there is no compulsion to follow suit. However your descent into that sort of retort simply highlights the immaturity and lack of substance to your initial post.

I'm confused as where you got the impression I claim to know the answers, but then looking back through your posts you do seem to make a lot of assumptions, and you appear to have a jumbled thought process, I don't seem to have made posts asking for new attractions every 6 months, nor made any comment on declining maintenance, despite being evacuated from two consecutive rides this trip. But if fabricating things to support your stance is essential then you do have to question the validity of your argument, No?

I am not disputing Bon Jovi's popularity, simply highlighting the change in the audience demographic, and the concept that peoples tastes change over time. Some people may even develop taste, even you. :animwink: But its unlikely Bon Jovi will make a great album again.

Now back to the Disney tinted specs

 

[BigKahuna]

So sorry to hear you didn't have a good time. I have never been bored although I can see how that can happen without the proper planning.
My family enjoys all of our visits, and we try different hotels for each visit, which makes if all fell new! We also throw in a trip to DL once every 5 years or so, and in 2009 we are trying DCL for the first time!

:wave:

 

[captainkidd]

For someone keen on "keeping it real" I'm surprised that my failure to use apostrophes is of such significance, as for spelling just because the former colonies choose to bastardise a language, there is no compulsion to follow suit. However your descent into that sort of retort simply highlights the immaturity and lack of substance to your initial post.

I'm confused as where you got the impression I claim to know the answers, but then looking back through your posts you do seem to make a lot of assumptions, and you appear to have a jumbled thought process, I don't seem to have made posts asking for new attractions every 6 months, nor made any comment on declining maintenance, despite being evacuated from two consecutive rides this trip. But if fabricating things to support your stance is essential then you do have to question the validity of your argument, No?

I am not disputing Bon Jovi's popularity, simply highlighting the change in the audience demographic, and the concept that peoples tastes change over time. Some people may even develop taste, even you. :animwink: But its unlikely Bon Jovi will make a great album again.

Now back to the Disney tinted specs

Um, yeah....OK.

Settle down, Beavis.

 

[maggiegrace1]

Um, yeah....OK.

Settle down, Beavis.

With the going back and forth that you two are doing..I guess that would make you Beavis's other half...!:shrug::lookaroun

Did not say the name for fear of being scolded by The Mom!

 

[One Lil Spark]

With the going back and forth that you two are doing..I guess that would make you Beavis's other half...!:shrug::lookaroun

Did not say the name for fear of being scolded by The Mom!

Then we shall let the picture do all the talking...

 

[maggiegrace1]

Then we shall let the picture do all the talking...

:lol:

Though for some reason I do not see Tam as a Beavis or Butthead kind of guy at all...:shrug:

 

[yankspy]

That would sum up about 70% of the negative reasons behind our trip. There were a lot of other things, but that would be the bulk of the answer. To be fair, the issues we had were not confined to WDW as we did go to Seaworld, US and IoA as well.

I think that is an important statement that everyone needs to see again. This does not seem to be confined to Disney for you. That would contradict the opinion of many who are supposedly agreeing with you. I am sorry that you had a bad time and I truly hope that your next vacation is better.

Amazing ... not even in the thread and I get dragged in!

They love me here ... they really love me.

Graham, I really feel sorry that your trip to WDW was less than magical. The product is definitely getting stale and I can sympathize with many (but not all) of the issues you had. The cleanliness issue at CS certainly would have resulted in me demanding another room (and since I am savvy enough to know they are refurbing now I'd have made sure I got a new room ... the smell of new paint and carpeting can go a long way at the end of a tiring day).

Anyway, that said I find it sad and telling that most (not all) of the respondents seem to feel the issue was you (and your family) and your 'tudes because they can't wrap their little minds around the fact that a lot of us -- who love WDW -- are finding it far less magical these days because of all the WalMarting and cutting quality ... these folks can't possibly grasp that WDW isn't as good as it once was (or even close) so they view a report like yours with suspicion and derision.

Rest assured, there are those of us out there who understand what you experienced wasn't the fault of you or due to you not planning well or looking for problems ... we understand because we aren't high on pixie dust.

But as to what another poster said about going to DL, I concur. If you're disenchanted with what The Mouse throws out like slop at WDW, you might be well advised to visit DL (or DLP ... or maybe take a DCL cruise) for what is still a first-rate Disney experience.

Thanks for the report.

Yes, we love the belittling comments. So someone who disagrees with you has a little mind?

How can you be bored by doing those things?
:lol:

Walking around or sitting around doing nothing but people watch is sometimes the best thing you can do while there.

I can honestly say that I have never ever been bored while at WDW..and this is going every year sometimes 2 times a year and also every single day when we lived there and worked there.

Neither have I.

A strange attitude for an area reliant on tourism for its income.

Perhaps some of us are more participants of life rather than voyeurs.

Participants are highly overrated. Whenever human beings participate in anything, something is bound to go wrong.:lookaroun

Accccctualy I have been to U/IOA many times and I have been liking it much better than Disney and I NEVER thought that would happen. This year we are staying at AKL (for my sons B*Day, otherwise I would be somewhere else) and going to U/IOA and not even stepping foot in a Disney park. Next year, we are not even going near Fla.



I AM the paying customer, I dont have to ask if they are having a good day or make THEIR day better, if there were no paying customers, they wouldn't have a job. Im not usually so "nasty" about these situations but when you get less and less for your money then you get a little bitter twords it.

Im not kissing anyones a$$ for $500.00 a night for a villa..."Hi, I just paid out the rear, is there anything I can do to make YOUR day better?....really Im here for YOU!" Yes, it was MY chioce to spend that, but Im not going to walk on eggshells around ANY CM.


...and with that, goodbye, I wont be back here, I roll my eyes more than I smile...this place is a riot, I have to tell ya....take off the rose colored glasses....



Pumba! Ill miss you, you always mademe laugh and told it like it was! Later!

A wise man once told me that it is always your duty as a human being to try and make everyone feel special. While their behavior may be wrong, two wrongs do not make a right. I am not trying to argue, I am simply saying that it would not hurt to ever try and brighten someones day

:wave:



Sad that you feel like you need to leave...but you do what you need to do...Its not like Magic will be lost.

I do not wear rose colored glasses..I do not feel that I pay too much for nothing..I have not had any bad experiences nor do I look for things that are wrong every place I go while at WDW.

So...while some people have bad experiences others do not and while you do not get why some praise Disney and have no complaints..I do not get why some constantly put it down and complain all the time.

You said something very important Dana. Value is perception. If you feel like you paid too much for something, then you did. If not, then you did not.

Honestly, I am on vacation. I refuse to let anyone have the power to ruin my vacation. Do things annoy me sometimes, yes, do I let it ruin my experience, no.

That said, are there differences between now and then, perhaps. I do enjoy seeing some constructive and logical criticism from time to time, but when one is constantly complaining, it does look suspicious.

has someone losing their job got to do with Disneys declining standard of service? OK I know your just a fan boy who hates to see their favourite corporation criticised. But even given the truly cretinous statements that appear on the board that has to be a winner. By its logical extension you appear to be saying that because somethings are pretty crap in the economy, just accept it. Strange realy because as you state things are tough so you would have thought Disney would appreciate those of us who have chosen to spend what disposable income we have with them. :shrug:

I served in the military for 23 years and saw plenty of the reality of life, so I think Im well aware of the "big picture" and the relevant importance of declining standards at a theme park. I was under the assumption that a fan site dedicated to Walt Disney World would be the perfect place to comment on Walt Disney World. Its a concept that seems to be beyond you.

Perhaps when you grow up and have broader life experiences you wont be so astounded that some people have opinions that differ to yours, and shock horror they will express them on boards made available for general discussions.

Oh and as an aside I sold my Bon Jovi tickets because the last time I saw them they had gone crap too, Jon seems to have forgotten that they were once a great rock band, and they are content to play for menopausal women. So like Disney I can choose which luxury's to purchase.

Bon Jovi.:hurl:

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

 

[maggiegrace1]

I think that is an important statement that everyone needs to see again. This does not seem to be confined to Disney for you. That would contradict the opinion of many who are supposedly agreeing with you. I am sorry that you had a bad time and I truly hope that your next vacation is better.

Yes, we love the belittling comments. So someone who disagrees with you has a little mind?

Neither have I.

Participants are highly overrated. Whenever human beings participate in anything, something is bound to go wrong.:lookaroun

It is always your duty as a human being to try and make everyone feel special. While their behavior may be wrong, two wrongs do not make a right.

You said something very important Dana. Value is perception. If you feel like you paid too much for something, then you did. If not, then you did not.

Honestly, I am on vacation. I refuse to let anyone have the power to ruin my vacation. Do things annoy me soimetimes, yes, do I let it ruin my experience, no.

That said, are there differences between now and then, perhaps. I do enjoy seeing some constructive and logical criticism from time to time, but when one is constantly complaining, it does look suspicious.

Bon Jovi.:hurl:

I agree with everything you said except for the :hurl: to Bon Jovi part!

:fork:

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

I agree with everything you said except for the :hurl: to Bon Jovi part!

:fork:

I think I have already explained in a previous post why that may be :lookaroun:drevil:

 

[yankspy]

I agree with everything you said except for the :hurl: to Bon Jovi part!

:fork:

I think I have already explained in a previous post why that may be :lookaroun:drevil:

I knew that would get someone going. I just wanted to see if Tam could inject a little more levity into this thread since he is a true master at that. I agree with him. I think "Wanted, Dead or Alive" was their last good song.