The Spirited Seventh Heaven ...

[bhg469]

well i got a room at CB for $99 a night down from like $150

That's a great price. Obviously a moderate on Disney property isn't going to be near $100.. and Cabana Bay is brand new...

 

[71jason]

I honestly think That guy is pretty nutz..

That was my point. I like and respect Jungle Skip (or whatever other aliases he uses on Twitter or here these days). But I think he made an honest, well-meaning mistake in trying to correct Devin. Devin is one of those critics who 70% of his material is insightful, but 30% is just kind of bat-poop insane. And he seems to love intentionally goading film fanbois into debate; not shocked he took the chance to do the same to theme park fanbois.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

74 has said he welcomes opposing opinions in his thread but anyone who has a different point of view attracts your snide remarks and constant negativity.

There is something wrong with you being in the mix in this way. Like shenanigans.

Yeah, I remember he tried to scare me off these boards.

How terribly sad.


That it didnt work

 

[Jeffxz]

Best thing about the Universal AP is that you can pay for half of it upfront, then monthly for $15. Once it "expires", it really doesn't expire if you don't want it to. You can keep it going month-to-month. You never have to pay a big lump sum again.

Throw in the significant discount on rooms, food, and merchandise (CityWalk included), and going there is just so affordable. We used to do Disney regularly, but now it's an every few years thing. (We did in February of this year, but still spent time at Uni.) We'll hit Uni again at least twice more this year. With the park cost essentially fixed and the hotel rooms easy to afford and giving us express pass and early entry, there's so much more value. Oh, and new stuff opening all the time. It really is a lot like how Disney used to be.

Just a note about the FlexPay option, if you don't cancel after the first year there is no discount on the renewal. You will be charged the full value of the pass for the second year.

This may or may not apply to the FL resident passes. I'm not sure since I didn't have one.

woah the power pass has all of july as block out date?
that cant be right

ill have to get the premiere pass since im going in july..free parking perks

If you're not staying onsite, the free Valet parking is a huge perk of that pass.

 

[tirian]

Just speaking to someone involved with and about MM+.

Still a mess.

The bands still fail a lot. The system still crashes often. Fast passes still disappear. Photopass still has pix disappear. Rooms still fail to open after working previously.
Edit: fast pass for btmr was a 20 min wait...

Color me surprised - the money pit infrastructure "enhancement" from hell is a mess? Never! LOL.

The public is starting to wise up to it, too. Word-of-mouth is leaking across America and it's not good.

First a little bit of perspective. As @marni1971, @Lee, and @WDW1974 already know, at the beginning of this year I left the WDC for much greener pastures. This is why I've pulled back from being an "Insider"—although I still have many contacts within the company, I can no longer personally verify things, and I don't want to spread a lot of BS. (Plus I never revealed too much online because I was bound by the NDA.)

I'm now almost across the United States, working with affluent coworkers in a well-known company. Although we're actually closer to DL here, many of my coworkers are long-time WDW fans and a few are DVC members. Everyone knows I came from WDW.

Nobody has anything good to say about their recent experiences.

Everyone who has been to WDW in the last few years complains to me about it. There's no reason to list it all here, but the gist is that people finally feel that they've been "had." Some of the WDW fans go on Disney cruises now. The DVC members are using their resorts as bases but traveling off Disney property. Those who have experienced MM+ have had significant problems. Others complain that Epcot is stale, the food is lousy, etc.

The biggest complaint is that there's too much planning involved; four people who used MM+ told me the experience was so bad, they're not returning for at least a couple of years.

People have friends who returned and warned that the FP lines are insane. Moms and dads are talking about it at ballgames and complaining that the prices "just aren't worth it anymore." Last week, someone canceled his 7-day WDW vacation because his wife heard so much negativity about WDW that she wants to go to DL now.

I realize my story is anecdotal, but my organization thrives on being optimistic. If the word-of-mouth is negative here, people are complaining everywhere.

Now here's the kicker. My Disney-loving coworkers want to love the Mouse. They have Disney paraphernalia in their offices and cubicles; they're still taking Disney cruises or shortened trips to WDW. And I guarantee they all spend plenty of money when they're in Florida. They're complaining but they're still going! However, they're finding it hard to justify the prices and overall stress when Disney hasn't given them much of a reason to return.*

It seems MM+ is killing the golden goose's reputation, not the goose itself.

*I mentioned NFL at lunch last week and the overall opinion was that nobody was rushing to Florida to ride a "kiddy coaster." Disney took such a long time opening NFL that few people still think of it as being "new."

 

[asianway]

That was my point. I like and respect Jungle Skip (or whatever other aliases he uses on Twitter or here these days). But I think he made an honest, well-meaning mistake in trying to correct Devin. Devin is one of those critics who 70% of his material is insightful, but 30% is just kind of bat-poop insane. And he seems to love intentionally goading film fanbois into debate; not shocked he took the chance to do the same to theme park fanbois.

What I don't get about Hokie is, he HATES this site. He HATES spirit. Yet he can't stop reading it.

 

[flynnibus]

What I don't get about Hokie is, he HATES this site. He HATES spirit. Yet he can't stop reading it.

Hates the site, or hates not being protected from challenges to his mantra?

 

[DinoInstitute]

The public is starting to wise up to it, too. Word-of-mouth is leaking across America and it's not good.

First a little bit of perspective. As @marni1971, @Lee, and @WDW1974 already know, at the beginning of this year I left the WDC for much greener pastures. This is why I've pulled back from being an "Insider"—although I still have many contacts within the company, I can no longer personally verify things, and I don't want to spread a lot of BS.

I'm now almost across the United States, working with affluent coworkers in a well-known company. Although we're actually closer to DL here, many of my coworkers are long-time WDW fans and a few are DVC members. Everyone knows I came from WDW.

Nobody has anything good to say about their recent experiences.

Everyone who has been to WDW in the last few years complains to me about it. There's no reason to list it all here, but the gist is that people finally feel that they've been "had." Some of the WDW fans go on Disney cruises now. The DVC members are using their resorts as bases but traveling off Disney property. Those who have experienced MM+ have had significant problems. Others complain that Epcot is stale, the food is lousy, etc.

The biggest complaint is that there's too much planning involved; four people who used MM+ told me the experience was so bad, they're not returning for at least a couple of years.

People have friends who returned and warned that the FP lines are insane. Moms and dads are talking about it at ballgames and complaining that the prices "just aren't worth it anymore." Last week, someone canceled his 7-day WDW vacation because his wife heard so much negativity about WDW that she wants to go to DL now.

I realize my story is anecdotal, but my organization thrives on being optimistic. If the word-of-mouth is negative here, people are complaining everywhere.

Now here's the kicker. My Disney-loving coworkers want to love the Mouse. They have Disney paraphernalia in their offices and cubicles; they're still taking Disney cruises or shortened trips to WDW. And I guarantee they all spend plenty of money when they're in Florida. They're complaining but they're still going! However, they're finding it hard to justify the prices and overall stress when Disney hasn't given them much of a reason to return.*

It seems MM+ is killing the golden goose's reputation, not the goose itself.

*I mentioned NFL at lunch last week and the overall opinion was that nobody was rushing to Florida to ride a "kiddy coaster." Disney took such a long time opening NFL that few people still think of it as being "new."

Perhaps the biggest problem is that it isn't something that can be undone- a bad refurbishment can be changed if enough negative reviews, but MM+ has changed everything, and it is impossible to go back now. They can't, and it still will drive people away with not much they can do about it (except "fix" the problems)

 

[wogwog]

The public is starting to wise up to it, too. Word-of-mouth is leaking across America and it's not good.

First a little bit of perspective. As @marni1971, @Lee, and @WDW1974 already know, at the beginning of this year I left the WDC for much greener pastures. This is why I've pulled back from being an "Insider"—although I still have many contacts within the company, I can no longer personally verify things, and I don't want to spread a lot of BS.

I'm now almost across the United States, working with affluent coworkers in a well-known company. Although we're actually closer to DL here, many of my coworkers are long-time WDW fans and a few are DVC members. Everyone knows I came from WDW.

Nobody has anything good to say about their recent experiences.

Everyone who has been to WDW in the last few years complains to me about it. There's no reason to list it all here, but the gist is that people finally feel that they've been "had." Some of the WDW fans go on Disney cruises now. The DVC members are using their resorts as bases but traveling off Disney property. Those who have experienced MM+ have had significant problems. Others complain that Epcot is stale, the food is lousy, etc.

The biggest complaint is that there's too much planning involved; four people who used MM+ told me the experience was so bad, they're not returning for at least a couple of years.

People have friends who returned and warned that the FP lines are insane. Moms and dads are talking about it at ballgames and complaining that the prices "just aren't worth it anymore." Last week, someone canceled his 7-day WDW vacation because his wife heard so much negativity about WDW that she wants to go to DL now.

I realize my story is anecdotal, but my organization thrives on being optimistic. If the word-of-mouth is negative here, people are complaining everywhere.

Now here's the kicker. My Disney-loving coworkers want to love the Mouse. They have Disney paraphernalia in their offices and cubicles; they're still taking Disney cruises or shortened trips to WDW. And I guarantee they all spend plenty of money when they're in Florida. They're complaining but they're still going! However, they're finding it hard to justify the prices and overall stress when Disney hasn't given them much of a reason to return.*

It seems MM+ is killing the golden goose's reputation, not the goose itself.

*I mentioned NFL at lunch last week and the overall opinion was that nobody was rushing to Florida to ride a "kiddy coaster." Disney took such a long time opening NFL that few people still think of it as being "new."

Amen. My experience with friends and associates exactly. Most, like me, have moved to more DCL and Disneyland. I am at one day visiting WDW last year with a stubborn family member with young ones so she is forgiven. But multiple DCL cruises last year. I am repeating the pattern this year. I am minutes from WDW with many cast friends who would graciously take me for free. No thanks.

 

[tirian]

Perhaps the biggest problem is that it isn't something that can be undone- a bad refurbishment can be changed if enough negative reviews, but MM+ has changed everything, and it is impossible to go back now. They can't, and it still will drive people away with not much they can do about it (except "fix" the problems)

My way of dealing with it is to go only during the few off-peak weeks each year.

It isn't impossible to walk away from MM+ but it is unlikely for now. The company keeps throwing money at it, hoping it will work; and the problem simply gets bigger.

For starters, Disney could recognize that the original plan of having everything pre-scheduled is unwanted and too complicated for Guests. Disney could remove FP+ from the attractions that don't need it (POTC, HM, TLM, SSE, Captain EO, etc.) and simply let Guests book FastPasses from their phones on the day they're in the parks. Guaranteed FPs sound great until you're in the park and everyone else has them too; then the lines are long, anyway. People go on vacation to enjoy themselves, not to book every single thing months in advance.

 

[tirian]

Amen. My experience with friends and associates exactly. Most, like me, have moved to more DCL and Disneyland. I am at one day visiting WDW last year with a stubborn family member with young ones so she is forgiven. But multiple DCL cruises last year. I am repeating the pattern this year. I am minutes from WDW with many cast friends who would graciously take me for free. No thanks.

Personally, I do still enjoy WDW, but I have the benefit of years of in-park experience to cut around the crowds. Normal guests don't have that knowledge. But now that I'm paying for access, my next trip will be to return to Tokyo.

 

[DinoInstitute]

My way of dealing with it is to go only during the few off-peak weeks each year.

It isn't impossible to walk away from MM+ but it is unlikely for now. The company keeps throwing money at it, hoping it will work; and the problem simply gets bigger.

For starters, Disney could recognize that the original plan of having everything pre-scheduled is unwanted and too complicated for Guests. Disney could remove FP+ from the attractions that don't need it (POTC, HM, TLM, SSE, Captain EO, etc.) and simply let Guests book FastPasses from their phones on the day they're in the parks. Guaranteed FPs sound great until you're in the park and everyone else has them too; then the lines are long, anyway. People go on vacation to enjoy themselves, not to book every single thing months in advance.

Exactly, completely agree. In theory, it was supposed to get you excited for the trip and not make you worry about rushing to attractions every day of the trip and enjoying yourselves, but that only cause other problems.

I like the concept of the magic band and MM+, but it is just so faulty. And as a Disney cast member, I get in with a silver pass, but still have to plan the trip and fly in and all that stuff, so there are no FPs left for me to get on the day of. It is very frustrating that we can't book them too, but granted I'm not paying 100 dollars a day to get into the parks so don't have that much to complain about...

 

[PhotoDave219]

dave, the problem is.. many things you claim are spoilers are NOWHERE NEAR SPOILERS.
that is the issue.
Like the news of Harrison Ford breaking a leg, somehow is a spoiler for you.


SUPPOSED is a funny word, but I dont think you should be using it on something that is EXPECTED.
they SHOULD be vacuuming.
I still make cringe when someone in the forum posted about how filthy the grand Floridian villas were.
With cobwebs, fingerprints, dust everywhere, stains everywhere.

I'm erring on the side of caution.

 

[wogwog]

My way of dealing with it is to go only during the few off-peak weeks each year.

It isn't impossible to walk away from MM+ but it is unlikely for now. The company keeps throwing money at it, hoping it will work; and the problem simply gets bigger.

For starters, Disney could recognize that the original plan of having everything pre-scheduled is unwanted and too complicated for Guests. Disney could remove FP+ from the attractions that don't need it (POTC, HM, TLM, SSE, Captain EO, etc.) and simply let Guests book FastPasses from their phones on the day they're in the parks. Guaranteed FPs sound great until you're in the park and everyone else has them too; then the lines are long, anyway. People go on vacation to enjoy themselves, not to book every single thing months in advance.

Acquaintances who work at WDW tell me back stage, among themselves of course, FP+ is called "Iger crack".

 

[lazyboy97o]

if im not on site where do i find the valet parking?
u mean parks parking?

Valet Parking is located right at the entrance of CityWalk. There are signs as you drive in. It is a great perk of the Premier Pass. I also like the waters.

 

[PhotoDave219]

You cannot unrong the bell on MM+.

We're stuck with it. There's no going back.

Now if only they can make it work on a regular basis.

 

[DinoInstitute]

Now if only they can make it work on a regular basis.

And make us like it

 

[mahnamahna101]

95 minute wait for a 40 year old Omnimover (with 2500 guests per hour in terms of capacity)... something's not right.

 

[wogwog]

You cannot unrong the bell on MM+.

We're stuck with it. There's no going back.

Now if only they can make it work on a regular basis.

Your last comment can only come to pass if Disney throws more billions at it. Seems like it is to complicated for Disney IT as well as the first time visitor and occasional visitor. Systemic issues or poor planning or both. I don't think that will work for a big group of former loyal visitors. More and more are reducing their time and spending on MK. I will continue to get my fix on DCL and Disneyland. I still like most Disney experiences but no longer WDW.

 

[71jason]

What I don't get about Hokie is, he HATES this site. He HATES spirit. Yet he can't stop reading it.

Eh, you hear your name/Twitter war came up somewhere, I think the natural inclination is to read it.