You pay more you get more. Is it so wrong?

[DisneyDoctor]

YES YES YESFlynnibus: I was just going to say that. He seems to come here and repeat that other people have no right to express their opinions, whether negative or positive, and should just stay off the site.
I, for one, am getting tired of hearing that every time he disagrees with someone.
This, once again, is a DISCUSSION board, and we all respect other's opinions without the snark.
OP, I can understand your frustration, but like others have said. Disney doesn't care because they don't need to. They have more than enough visitors than they need, so we have overcrowding and long waits, and they can go happily to the bank.
Until that situation changes, I don't see any perks for anyone, no matter how faithful we have been.

School starts back up next monday, I'll be out of your hair then Minnesota fan.

People can express their opinions all they want, it's good! BUT, it's frustrating to read so many opinions with zero solutions. Everyone has a "give me more" attitude which just isn't feasible. Go ahead and and moan about WDW all you want, but have realistic expectations, and present some solutions that can actually help.

In the end, though, this is internet. Nothing can stop me from coming on here and questioning everyone. Not you or flynniboy. It's the opposite of what spork does. Spork enters every thread to argue as well, but his opinions align more with yours, which is why he never gets from you guys.

If worse comes to worse, I think there is an ignore option, right? Go ahead and click that if my presence bothers you so much.

This is super petty, but I hate the golden gophers. That is all.

 

[GoofGoof]

Unfortunately like all businesses they have to be hurt it the pocket books to be woken up. I predict that it will happen and when the public sours on Disney they will respond appealing to their true supporters over the years to come back. They will make offers and hope the fans respond. .with all that said if the crowds keep coming and willing to wait in 200 minute lines it won't happen anytime soon. Side story I used to love when I would call Disney reservations and get greeted with my first visit date and recognized as a long time customer.

If there’s a major downturn in the economy or God forbid another terrorist attack like 9/11 Disney will need their hard core fan base to continue to come back and keep the ship from sinking. Post 9/11 there was a huge downturn in tourism but the true fans came anyway and kept the lights on until the overall economy recovered. Locals were a big part of that too and those are the groups being more neglected these days.

In reference to your side story, I’m surprised they are not using the Magic band technology more for that type of thing. Wasn’t one of the big selling features that guests could get a more personalized experience because they would have a profile built based on history. It doesn’t seem like they are using the technology as much as they could.

 

[larryz]

If there’s a major downturn in the economy or God forbid another terrorist attack like 9/11 Disney will need their hard core fan base to continue to come back and keep the ship from sinking. Post 9/11 there was a huge downturn in tourism but the true fans came anyway and kept the lights on until the overall economy recovered. Locals were a big part of that too and those are the groups being more neglected these days.

In reference to your side story, I’m surprised they are not using the Magic band technology more for that type of thing. Wasn’t one of the big selling features that guests could get a more personalized experience because they would have a profile built based on history. It doesn’t seem like they are using the technology as much as they could.

That's because IDFW.

 

[AEfx]

In reference to your side story, I’m surprised they are not using the Magic band technology more for that type of thing. Wasn’t one of the big selling features that guests could get a more personalized experience because they would have a profile built based on history. It doesn’t seem like they are using the technology as much as they could.

Which is why looking back at all those "You wait and see! All this money they are spending is not just for a fancy replacement for the KTTW card!" is really funny in retrospect.

 

[GoofGoof]

That's because IDFW.

Which is why looking back at all those "You wait and see! All this money they are spending is not just for a fancy replacement for the KTTW card!" is really funny in retrospect.

I’d be happy if the bands worked better than 50% of the time at the front gates. I’ve never had an issue with the hotel room doors or FP and cash register scanners but the front gate ones seem to be very hit or miss.

It’s funny because a lot of the fears going in were that Disney would be violating people’s privacy by keeping a profile and tracking guests but it looks like they aren’t using much of the info gathering ability or at least it’s not obvious to me that they are doing it.

 

[Walt Disney1955]

My parents were both at opening day as kids with their families. I was their with my parents at 3 for the opening of Epcot.

I just have to ask about that. You were three at the opening day of Epcot in 1982. Your parents were at Magic Kingdom's opening day in 1971 as kids with their families. How did this work out? Is that just a fantastic coincidence that they were both there, or did they know each other by then? Or at least did their families know each other?

 

[flynnibus]

People can express their opinions all they want, it's good! BUT, it's frustrating to read so many opinions with zero solutions. Everyone has a "give me more" attitude which just isn't feasible. Go ahead and ***** and moan about WDW all you want, but have realistic expectations, and present some solutions that can actually help.

Uhh..

First, a guy posts a thread about his feelings and observations and another poster replies confirming the OP is not alone and shares some of their views. This is not 'opinions with zero solutions' - this is another poster taking the time to let the OP know they aren't alone... they aren't there to 'fix' things for the OP

Second... the poster you replied to did offer his solution - He's speaking with his wallet.

Third... as customers relying their experiences, it's not THEIR JOB to fix Disney's shortcomings and choices.

You might want to take a step back and look at the posts with fresh eyes... you are reacting because the conclusions don't mess with yours and not actually taking in what they are actually discussion.

 

[21stamps]

Just thought of something.. Bounce Back offers.
I’ve never booked one at Disney.. but that’s another “reward” so to speak. More of a savings reward than a points program would most likely earn. It would make sense to always book a bounce back if you know that you’re traveling annually.

 

[DisneyDoctor]

Uhh..

First, a guy posts a thread about his feelings and observations and another poster replies confirming the OP is not alone and shares some of their views. This is not 'opinions with zero solutions' - this is another poster taking the time to let the OP know they aren't alone... they aren't there to 'fix' things for the OP

Second... the poster you replied to did offer his solution - He's speaking with his wallet.

Third... as customers relying their experiences, it's not THEIR JOB to fix Disney's shortcomings and choices.

You might want to take a step back and look at the posts with fresh eyes... you are reacting because the conclusions don't mess with yours and not actually taking in what they are actually discussion.

The shortcomings and choices that Disney makes are being blown out of proportion x1000 though! That's what I'm saying here. They're building more to help combat crowds, is that not an effort fix the major problem people have with the parks? Yes, there are other problems people have with Disney. But, these problems aren't unique to Disney! Problems with customer service, housekeeping, etc. can and will happen at every resort/hotel in the world. Yet everyone on here complains as if the problem is solely Disney's.

If pricing is the problem, don't come. It's as simple as that. Formulate a yearly budget, and if a Disney vacation doesn't fit in there, try another destination.

I've been a little combative on this site thus far (could be boredom) and I apologize for that. But, it's truly disheartening to see so many people who love Disney come on here day in and day out to complain, complain, and complain some more about problems that don't even warrant the discussion in the first place.

The person I responded to said they haven't returned in two years and won't for a while. WHY BURDEN YOURSELF WITH A WDW FORUM? That is a serious question. I'm not trying to change anyone's mind, I want to understand why someone who has such a distaste for WDW still comes on here to discuss WDW! It doesn't make sense.

Now, you can give me more lessons on how to behave on this site, but what I'm really trying to do is to understand why people who complain so much about WDW still come to the site daily. I'm sorry but I just don't understand it. If I complained about something as often as people do on here, I would try to rid my life of it to be a happier person.

 

[21stamps]

The shortcomings and choices that Disney makes are being blown out of proportion x1000 though! That's what I'm saying here. They're building more to help combat crowds, is that not an effort fix the major problem people have with the parks? Yes, there are other problems people have with Disney. But, these problems aren't unique to Disney! Problems with customer service, housekeeping, etc. can and will happen at every resort/hotel in the world. Yet everyone on here complains as if the problem is solely Disney's.

If pricing is the problem, don't come. It's as simple as that. Formulate a yearly budget, and if a Disney vacation doesn't fit in there, try another destination.

I've been a little combative on this site thus far (could be boredom) and I apologize for that. But, it's truly disheartening to see so many people who love Disney come on here day in and day out to complain, complain, and complain some more about problems that don't even warrant the discussion in the first place.

The person I responded to said they haven't returned in two years and won't for a while. WHY BURDEN YOURSELF WITH A WDW FORUM? That is a serious question. I'm not trying to change anyone's mind, I want to understand why someone who has such a distaste for WDW still comes on here to discuss WDW! It doesn't make sense.

Now, you can give me more lessons on how to behave on this site, but what I'm really trying to do is to understand why people who complain so much about WDW still come to the site daily. I'm sorry but I just don't understand it. If I complained about something as often as people do on here, I would try to rid my life of it to be a happier person.

You sound like me when I first came to this site. The negativity was shocking and overwhelming.
I kept thinking “am I visiting the same Disney World that these people are visiting?”
So many posts- Negative after negative after negative.

I was also viewed as “combative”.. the thing is, it wasn’t out of a want for an argument, it was to try and get people to see that their complaints are not exclusive to Disney, and they’ll have a better time if they just lighten up a bit.

Well, I learned that some people just like to complain, some like to live in a shroud of negativity, and some appear to come online to look for arguments.

Save your fingers from the exercise.

 

[DisneyDoctor]

You sound like me when I first came to this site. The negativity was shocking and overwhelming.
I kept thinking “am I visiting the same Disney World that these people are visiting?”
Negative after negative after negative.

I was also viewed as “combative”.. the thing is, it wasn’t out of a want for an argument, it was to try and get people to see that their complaints are not exclusive to Disney, and they’ll have a better time if they just lighten up a bit.

Well, I learned that some people just like to complain, some like to live in a shroud of negativity, and some appear to come online to look for arguments.

Save your fingers from the exercise.

I'm gathering the same thing now.

I admit, though, some of my posts have been a little out of line. Maybe I'm getting used to the internet etiquette thing. Regardless, I apologize for initiating some very pointless arguments. BUT, I won't hesitate to respond when called out.

Sadly, I don't think people will ever be satisfied with WDW. If Iger gathered a list of things people dislike about the parks and implemented changes to help combat those issues, I'm certain these same people would find another 10 or so things to complain about, even after all the previous complaints were solved. At this point, I have to attribute it to our society's entitled and never satisfied culture.

It's kinda pathetic that just because you've disagree with what many of the people are saying, you have been singled out and talked down to on here. I'm sure I'm on the same path. Internet bullying by adults on a WDW forum is pathetic and unnecessary to the tenth degree.

Discussion doesn't always have to be one-sided. But, I don't think Flynniboy understands that. My agenda is different from hers/his, and because I bring up discussion questions (which are valid) that don't align with hers/his, I'm the devil. If you take a look back at my original post, I actually agreed with OP! But, Flynniboise chose to single out the one thing that he could to start an argument and prove his superiority on the forums. Well done, Flynnibun.

 

[GoofGoof]

I'm gathering the same thing now.

I admit, though, some of my posts have been a little out of line. Maybe I'm getting used to the internet etiquette thing. Regardless, I apologize for initiating some very pointless arguments. BUT, I won't hesitate to respond when called out.

Sadly, I don't think people will ever be satisfied with WDW. If Iger gathered a list of things people dislike about the parks and implemented changes to help combat those issues, I'm certain these same people would find another 10 or so things to complain about, even after all the previous complaints were solved. At this point, I have to attribute it to our society's entitled and never satisfied culture.

It's kinda pathetic that just because you've disagree with what many of the people are saying, you have been singled out and talked down to on here. I'm sure I'm on the same path. Internet bullying by adults on a WDW forum is pathetic and unnecessary to the tenth degree.

Discussion doesn't always have to be one-sided. But, I don't think Flynniboy understands that. My agenda is different from hers/his, and because I bring up discussion questions (which are valid) that don't align with hers/his, I'm the devil. If you take a look back at my original post, I actually agreed with OP! But, Flynniboise chose to single out the one thing that he could to start an argument and prove his superiority on the forums. Well done, Flynnibun.

Just use the ignore button. Neither of you will change the other’s mind so it saves you the effort of typing and saves the rest of us from witnessing a ing contest over a trivial disagreement.

I do share your original curiosity on why someone who doesn’t visit WDW and doesn’t ever plan on going back would continue to actively follow this site. I don’t personally get it but if I’ve learned anything in life it’s that everyone marches to their own beat and not everyone thinks the way I do.

 

[DisneyDoctor]

Just use the ignore button. Neither of you will change the other’s mind so it saves you the effort of typing and saves the rest of us from witnessing a ****ing contest over a trivial disagreement.

I do share your original curiosity on why someone who doesn’t visit WDW and doesn’t ever plan on going back would continue to actively follow this site. I don’t personally get it but if I’ve learned anything in life it’s that everyone marches to their own beat and not everyone thinks the way I do.

Good point, sorry for taking over the thread.

 

[GoofGoof]

Just thought of something.. Bounce Back offers.
I’ve never booked one at Disney.. but that’s another “reward” so to speak. More of a savings reward than a points program would most likely earn. It would make sense to always book a bounce back if you know that you’re traveling annually.

I think a true rewards program would be a more formalized version of the bounce back offers and even things like free dining or other discounts. The offers Disney has now seem to be more random and less reward based. Casinos do it really well. The more you gamble and spend the better rewards you get. I actually think with Magic bands and everything properly linked it would be pretty easy to develop that type of program for WDW. I just don’t think management feels a need to do it.

 

[21stamps]

I think a true rewards program would be a more formalized version of the bounce back offers and even things like free dining or other discounts. The offers Disney has now seem to be more random and less reward based. Casinos do it really well. The more you gamble and spend the better rewards you get. I actually think with Magic bands and everything properly linked it would be pretty easy to develop that type of program for WDW. I just don’t think management feels a need to do it.

I agree that they don’t feel a need to do it, and I’d probably make the same decision in their shoes.

I almost brought up casinos earlier. I gamble, but not so much of late. So what are my offers from casinos as of Jan 1? Pretty much nothing.
They run on a strict 6 month window.. and as with most places, past money doesn’t matter..the reality is- it’s “what have you done for me lately”.

Disney does bounce back offers, they do several highly discounted promotions per year.. I think those are of more value than something like a “free 30 minute massage with my stay” because of my rewards status.
The resorts have “free” internet already.
They also have free parking.
I’m not quite sure what people are asking for.

 

[GoofGoof]

I agree that they don’t feel a need to do it, and I’d probably make the same decision in their shoes.

I almost brought up casinos earlier. I’m a gambler, but not so much of late. So what are my offers from casinos as of Jan 1? Pretty much nothing.
They run on a strict 6 month window.. and as with most places, past money doesn’t matter..the reality is- it’s “what have you done for me lately”.

Disney does bounce back offers, they do several highly discounted promotions per year.. I think those are of more value than something like a “free 30 minute massage with my stay” because of my rewards status.
The resorts have “free” internet already.
They also have free parking.
I’m not quite sure what people are asking for.

Harrahs (now Caesars) had the best rewards program. They had a great system that truly drove loyalty. The problem is Disney doesn’t have a huge issue with loyalty. If I went to Vegas I had many, many options but I almost always stayed at Harrahs properties because they took care of me. I wasn’t gambling enough to get high roller treatment but I can always get a cheap or free room in Vegas and sometimes discount show tickets.

For Disney I don’t necessarily think it would just be giving away free stuff as a reward. They could use a reward program to entice guests to upgrade their spending. For example if a guest has a history of visiting and staying at a value resort maybe before their next stay offer an upgrade to a moderate at a discounted price. If the guest enjoys the resort that could potentially lead the guest to staying at moderates going forward on at least some trips. This could also be used to try to entice guests who visit frequently but don’t typically stay on property to try a Disney Resort.

Another thing they could do is offer special rewards that are only available through the reward program. Things like a free or discounted fireworks dessert party or a discounted meal offer at a nice restaurant. Those types of offers could also be more last minute based on availability. Maybe there’s extra room at an existing desert party at MK tonight and you are a frequent visitor who is at WDW today and has FP booked for MK. They could push out a pop up offer from the app for a free or discounted admission. You get a benefit and they fill a seat that would have most likely gone empty anyway. Another option is pop up meet and greets that are only pushed out to select reward club members who happen to be in that park that day. Things like that could go a long way towards satisfying regular visitors because they would feel like they got special treatment for being good customers.

 

[MAGICFLOP]

Unfortunately like all businesses they have to be hurt it the pocket books to be woken up. I predict that it will happen and when the public sours on Disney they will respond appealing to their true supporters over the years to come back. They will make offers and hope the fans respond. .with all that said if the crowds keep coming and willing to wait in 200 minute lines it won't happen anytime soon. Side story I used to love when I would call Disney reservations and get greeted with my first visit date and recognized as a long time customer.

Your right and that day is en route. I dropped my annual pass 2 years ago after having it for 15 years, because I did not like the direction Disney is going, after 911 and everyone stopped traveling, Disney gave me 15 months when I renewed my passes, then again they did it after the financial crisis 2008. It seems to me that they said to themselves that we will crawl in bad times, but must gouge during good times. Maybe their thinking changed when 2 events came in the same decade and they only foresee the future the same..
I use ESPN, Disney channel and ABC as my weather gauge as to Disney's true direction, I believe they are becoming more social politically involved, but in negative way. Programming is leaning more to the decline of society and normalizing the broken family, which seems to me to be contra to the way Disney was for its first 50 years. Shows like wonderful world of Disney and the parks themselves were all about Mom, Dad and kids all watching/doing.. I expect in the future the parks will have 'single parent lines' or single parents and their kids to get on rides ahead of 2 parent families and kids.

The reason I loved Disney was because of it's solid moral compass, but now the compass seems to point toward a different direction..

 

[flynnibus]

The shortcomings and choices that Disney makes are being blown out of proportion x1000 though! That's what I'm saying here. They're building more to help combat crowds, is that not an effort fix the major problem people have with the parks?

This is 'They are doing SOMETHING... so why are you complaining' argument - instead of evaluating if the SOMETHING actually addresses the problem. Things like New Fantasyland were adds that didn't actually add a lot of capacity, and was largely offset by capacity LOST previously. Star Wars Land isn't a fix for crowds, it's a move to add more star wars. Disney continues to constrain capacity by artifically segmenting it with ideas like FP+.

Many change simply come too late... so the 'fix' is so far behind that even once its done, the problem really isn't eased at all. These are not 3-6month window problems... these are long term trends people are bothered by.

Yes, there are other problems people have with Disney. But, these problems aren't unique to Disney! Problems with customer service, housekeeping, etc. can and will happen at every resort/hotel in the world. Yet everyone on here complains as if the problem is solely Disney's.

And here we have the 'well we arent the only bad ones argument' - This is another excuse argument that simply tries to sweep problems under the rug because "they can happen anywhere". Disney isn't just 'anywhere' - nor are you paying for just 'anywhere' types of attention and service. If your standard for Disney is the same as your local downtown hotel - then Disney's legacy is already long gone!

I've been a little combative on this site thus far (could be boredom) and I apologize for that. But, it's truly disheartening to see so many people who love Disney come on here day in and day out to complain, complain, and complain some more about problems that don't even warrant the discussion in the first place.

Maybe part of your enlightment should be "people can value things differently than me". When working with others, or in the service industry, recognize your personal standards aren't the de facto ones that matter.

The person I responded to said they haven't returned in two years and won't for a while. WHY BURDEN YOURSELF WITH A WDW FORUM? That is a serious question. I'm not trying to change anyone's mind, I want to understand why someone who has such a distaste for WDW still comes on here to discuss WDW! It doesn't make sense.

I already answered this for you on another thread - Disney is more than just a vacation destination to many. Instead of claiming everyone else is broken... maybe start to recognize there is more out there than you were initially aware of. You're in a community where most people have been vacationing with Disney for DECADES... they aren't just random tourists who picked WDW off a twister wheel.

 

[EricsBiscuit]

Supply and demand

 

[21stamps]

Your right and that day is en route. I dropped my annual pass 2 years ago after having it for 15 years, because I did not like the direction Disney is going, after 911 and everyone stopped traveling, Disney gave me 15 months when I renewed my passes, then again they did it after the financial crisis 2008. It seems to me that they said to themselves that we will crawl in bad times, but must gouge during good times. Maybe their thinking changed when 2 events came in the same decade and they only foresee the future the same..
I use ESPN, Disney channel and ABC as my weather gauge as to Disney's true direction, I believe they are becoming more social politically involved, but in negative way. Programming is leaning more to the decline of society and normalizing the broken family, which seems to me to be contra to the way Disney was for its first 50 years. Shows like wonderful world of Disney and the parks themselves were all about Mom, Dad and kids all watching/doing.. I expect in the future the parks will have 'single parent lines' or single parents and their kids to get on rides ahead of 2 parent families and kids.

The reason I loved Disney was because of it's solid moral compass, but now the compass seems to point toward a different direction..

They offered 15 months to entice people because of the economy at that time.
They didn’t appreciate you any more then than they do now, not on a personal level.

I think the biggest mistake people make is tying their emotions to Disney the company. I know the “it’s a business” line isn’t received well here... but if it wasn’t for good business decisions then we wouldn’t be getting Star Wars, Toy Story.. Pandora wouldn’t have opened.

Most of all, Walt Disney has been portrayed as someone who I don’t personally believe he was. What would Walt do? Imo- he would continue to raise prices just as current execs have done.

As for the “single parent” stuff.. I’m a sole parent.. my Disney vacations cost the same or more than a great many ‘family of 4’ travelers. Not quite sure where that comes into play. I don’t think children traveling with one parent are negatively impacting anyone else’s trips. Best of all- we can’t send someone in our party to save a parade spot or enter into a restaurant or ride queue, or save pool chairs while the rest of the family is doing something else. So if anything, we’re helping you out