Disstevefan1
Well-Known Member
Do I want to go to WDW? That’s always a yes.
Will I be returning to WDW?
Not until the park pass reservation system is gone.
-
Welcome to the WDWMAGIC.COM Forums!
Please take a look around, and feel free to sign up and join the community.
With all the recent changes, have they impacted you wanting to go to Disney any time soon?
- Thread starter tanc
- Start date
Will I be returning to WDW?
Not until the park pass reservation system is gone.
Chi84
Premium Member
Is it possible that the park pass reservation system is only a problem at the most crowded times of the year? We were easily able to make day-of changes in both May and October 2021.
Oh no! Not exposed coaster track on a :gasp: roller coaster?
Just the fact that it *might* be a problem has many not willing to pay a premium price for a product they may not have a chance to access once they get into town.
Jrb1979
Well-Known Member
My response was meant as a joke. I have seen it posted a few times that seeing coaster track takes away from theming.
This is about when we were there. We only went because I was down there to wrap up my mom's affairs and see my dad 1 more time. We already has reservations at boardwalk, which ww still want to try. Due to covid-19 we ended up at beach club.
This is back when people we're supposed to be distancing and masked
We stuck to outside eating when possible and left the parks when we started feeling boxed in.
We're planning a great big comeback after covid-19 or when Disney can start having vaccinated only entrances and hotels.
Chi84
Premium Member
Seems like it’s intended to give WDW an idea of where people are headed, which is what FP+ used to do. I get what you’re saying, but what if it’s only a problem to the same extent that capacity closings are a problem? I guess people can look at the reservations calendar and decide based on that information.
I mean if they are continued indefinitely. When capacity is limited by COVID/labor shortages, I suppose they would be used more often to actually limit people’s choices.
Last edited:
This is why Florida broke there own record today. I guess parachutes don't work either since your hitting the ground either way
What's interesting here is I have always thought they should have these reservations long before COVID. But there would be enough reservations available where the only days where there would even be an issue would be the days that typically had capacity closures pre-COVID. Whether they had special peak week reservations or had them every day but they really only mattered on the 4-5 days a year of capacity closures, it would be a way to control days like New Years Eve.
If that's how it is once COVID and/or the labor shortage are officially in the past, I'm for it. Right now there are still just too many times where there is too much uncertainty about getting into a park.
Prince-1
Well-Known Member
Phonedave
Well-Known Member
Ignoring all things COVID related (labor shortages, mask requirements, closed venues, etc) since that is really not a WDW issue, but an issue in general.
This is what is in play for me:
- I am DVC, so that right there is a factor
- I have some really strong nostalgia for WDW. My kids grew up vacationing there. I had a lot of good times with my kids, and with my wife there. Lots of strong happy memories
- I can afford WDW (not a brag, just explains where I am coming from)
- WDW has become a logistical nightmare, even before COVID. ADR planning, FP+, now Genie+ and LL. Planning my vacation to that extent, for me, is the exact opposite of enjoyable. I am an Engineer and a Project Manager by trade. Planning is what I do day in and day out. I do not want my vacation to become an other project to manage.
- Even though I can still afford it, WDW has become a money grab machine. I have always stated that I understand it is a theme park with a captive audience (that WDW tries very hard to keep captive) and there will be a premium captative audience pricing, especially for food. However, the recent pricing increases coupled with the poor food and merchandise offerings has made WDW very unattractive to me.
- My wife and I used to plan a 4 day trip at least every year for food and wine for just the two of us, where we spent quite a bit - we booked 4 or 5 events while attending and usually left with quite a bit of merchandise. However, the last one we went to was beyond crowded, the kiosks were extremely overpriced (even compared to what they used to be), the event offerings were not as good, and seemed to have more people packed into them, and the merchandise was band, unimaginative, and there was really not we wanted to buy.
- There have been a few attractions and shows added (and the whole EPCOT refurb thing) since the last time I went (Summer of 2020) and that does make me want to go back.
The upshot of all of this is.
We are not going back as a family in 2022
My wife and I MAY go to Food and Wine in 2022. We will have to take a look at what is offered. If it is like last year, then we will take a pass on it.
We will likely bank, borrow, and use our DVC points to go to Aulani.
We may not be back for a family vacation in 2023 either.
I do not mind paying an appropriate premium for a premium product. WDW to me has gone well beyond an appropriate premium, and with the all of the planning and reservations now required has sucked most of the enjoyment out of what was left.
Much like I am no longer willing to pay the premium for a DCL cruise, since in my opinion the premium cost is too high compared to what you get, I am quickly coming to the conclusion that I do not want to overly high premium for a sub-par WDW experience.
This is what is in play for me:
- I am DVC, so that right there is a factor
- I have some really strong nostalgia for WDW. My kids grew up vacationing there. I had a lot of good times with my kids, and with my wife there. Lots of strong happy memories
- I can afford WDW (not a brag, just explains where I am coming from)
- WDW has become a logistical nightmare, even before COVID. ADR planning, FP+, now Genie+ and LL. Planning my vacation to that extent, for me, is the exact opposite of enjoyable. I am an Engineer and a Project Manager by trade. Planning is what I do day in and day out. I do not want my vacation to become an other project to manage.
- Even though I can still afford it, WDW has become a money grab machine. I have always stated that I understand it is a theme park with a captive audience (that WDW tries very hard to keep captive) and there will be a premium captative audience pricing, especially for food. However, the recent pricing increases coupled with the poor food and merchandise offerings has made WDW very unattractive to me.
- My wife and I used to plan a 4 day trip at least every year for food and wine for just the two of us, where we spent quite a bit - we booked 4 or 5 events while attending and usually left with quite a bit of merchandise. However, the last one we went to was beyond crowded, the kiosks were extremely overpriced (even compared to what they used to be), the event offerings were not as good, and seemed to have more people packed into them, and the merchandise was band, unimaginative, and there was really not we wanted to buy.
- There have been a few attractions and shows added (and the whole EPCOT refurb thing) since the last time I went (Summer of 2020) and that does make me want to go back.
The upshot of all of this is.
We are not going back as a family in 2022
My wife and I MAY go to Food and Wine in 2022. We will have to take a look at what is offered. If it is like last year, then we will take a pass on it.
We will likely bank, borrow, and use our DVC points to go to Aulani.
We may not be back for a family vacation in 2023 either.
I do not mind paying an appropriate premium for a premium product. WDW to me has gone well beyond an appropriate premium, and with the all of the planning and reservations now required has sucked most of the enjoyment out of what was left.
Much like I am no longer willing to pay the premium for a DCL cruise, since in my opinion the premium cost is too high compared to what you get, I am quickly coming to the conclusion that I do not want to overly high premium for a sub-par WDW experience.
LaughingGravy
Well-Known Member
Answering the question of the thread, yes. "Recent" changes making us not wanting to go back include the same Journey into Imagination since our last trip in 2017 ( the crappy current one), imminent DME removal, Soarin' around the world (just awful), removal of World of Motion for Test Track ( oh boy 65mph!!), Frozen in Norway, Stitch location still vacant (how many years now?), the crappiness of Laugh Floor and actually having the nerve to call it an attraction instead of something that should have been added to a queue experience, Carpet spinner ride, lack of love to CoP, no decent night parade/cutting of live entertainment, the hub redesign in front of the castle, removal of the old Snow White ride in favor of a huge and mediocre coaster not justifying the space it takes up, mediocre Pooh ride, no other countries being added to Epcot, no front monorail passengers ( but DL still has) and the actual straw that really broke the camel's back, parking fees for resort guests.
Edit--adding...people and their lack of cleanliness/overall rudeness that really didn't used to exist, such as the tall guy who jumps to the front and then puts his kid on his shoulders. Because of idiots, the cleanliness level has gone down to the point that it can hardly be kept up.
Yes, many of these are old changes to a lot of people, but it's been a steady and consistent decline for a long time now.
Edit--adding...people and their lack of cleanliness/overall rudeness that really didn't used to exist, such as the tall guy who jumps to the front and then puts his kid on his shoulders. Because of idiots, the cleanliness level has gone down to the point that it can hardly be kept up.
Yes, many of these are old changes to a lot of people, but it's been a steady and consistent decline for a long time now.
Last edited:
Parker in NYC
Well-Known Member
Oh, Steve. Don’t hold your breath.
Disstevefan1
Well-Known Member
Agreed. At this time it sure feels as if park pass reservations are here to stay.
Oh well, there is always Universal/IOA, Seaworld, and soon Epic Universe.
There are millions who go to WDW. They surely do not need my money..
Last edited:
LaughingGravy
Well-Known Member
One of the drivers to go to WDW multiple times within a five year period as a family back in the day was the addition of attractions, utilizing the "blessing of space". MK didn't open with Space Mountain. Even something relatively small such as the holiday and summer overlays for Country Bear Jamboree was considered something new and worthy to see.
Epcot opened without Living Seas, Horizons, Wonders of Life as well as a few countries added to World Showcase.
When they did add things ( in a much shorter time frame from announcement to opening than today), they did so without taking anything away first. Now, it seems they just close things for years and the replacement is mediocre if there is one at all.
Epcot opened without Living Seas, Horizons, Wonders of Life as well as a few countries added to World Showcase.
When they did add things ( in a much shorter time frame from announcement to opening than today), they did so without taking anything away first. Now, it seems they just close things for years and the replacement is mediocre if there is one at all.
Agree-All points! (When an Engineer/Project Planner sees what I see, at least I know I'm not crazy
)DVC also... Using points now more as a FLA get-away than a WDW vacay. R&R in various resorts (yes-even there, though, much has changed)
Some park visits, but not a priority. Park reservations? Lived in WDW area til recently, went over weekly for dinner or a day in MK, whatever.... & other than Xmas/Easter seasons, capacity was NEVER an issue. I have ZERO idea why that's a problem now & needing to pre-plan to that extent murders the spontaneous experience.
Genie+, LL & mandatory mobile ordering.....MONSTROUS ideas.
Forcing guests to engage with their phones constantly rather than experiencing WDW is a crime.
The point once was not just DOING each attraction but also BEING immersed in the stimulating theming as you journeyed thru the parks.
As to costs, there is a difference between pricing & PRICE GAUGING. Chapek is getting away with price gauging.
Finally, the quality of 'events' & festivals has devolved into one long county fair/mall... Just as resort theming (w/few exceptions) is becoming more Holiday Inn & less individualized, almost all informational/educational experiences are disappearing while the newest cocktail is the big sell.
I've been a devoted fan & guest for 6 decades. (Yes! I rode on the Swan Boats)
My family has WONDERFUL memories.
Some years/some CEOs were better than others.
But Chapek is breaking my heart.
Chi84
Premium Member
I don't like Chapek either, but what he's doing isn't price gouging. Price gouging as generally understood usually refers to raising the price of necessities during a time of emergency and there are actually laws against it. I believe what Chapek is doing is eventually going to price a lot of consumers out of the market for WDW, but only time will tell. So far, Disney apparently hasn't hit that tipping point and people's need to get away as COVID winds down is probably going to work in their favor.
Disney IS a necessity in times of emergency 
I wasn't referring to legally regulated "price gauging."
But the idea that COVID requires Chapek to conduct business as he is doing, rather than cost-cutting other areas (like executive salaries, losing legal cases & paying huge settlements, tearing apart some parks while making huge investments in others ...) is a false equivalency.
There will always be Americans who can afford to keep up with Chapek's business model.
That doesn't mean he isn't price gauging guests now.
Chapek could have made different decisions.
He is using the last 2 years as an excuse to suck the last penny out of every guest.
And he's not going to reverse any of this.
PS. I've owned Disney stock for 35 yrs. No complaints there.
But as a shareholder, I believed my investment was helping the company offer MORE to guests, not to rob them of the magic
I wasn't referring to legally regulated "price gauging."
But the idea that COVID requires Chapek to conduct business as he is doing, rather than cost-cutting other areas (like executive salaries, losing legal cases & paying huge settlements, tearing apart some parks while making huge investments in others ...) is a false equivalency.
There will always be Americans who can afford to keep up with Chapek's business model.
That doesn't mean he isn't price gauging guests now.
Chapek could have made different decisions.
He is using the last 2 years as an excuse to suck the last penny out of every guest.
And he's not going to reverse any of this.
PS. I've owned Disney stock for 35 yrs. No complaints there.
But as a shareholder, I believed my investment was helping the company offer MORE to guests, not to rob them of the magic
Animaniac93-98
Well-Known Member
It's entirely for Disney's benefit.
They want to know the number of people coming that day so they can staff accordingly so they can keep it to what they feel is the minimum required.