FC/OT: At Disney this week in Orlando - Happiest Place on Earth!

[PSU87]

The fact that Disney monetizies everything can't possibly come as a big surprise. Apologies if this comes off as snarky.

Not snarky at all, Jim.

Obviously companies monetize things to make money...its how they stay in business.

Disney has just taken it "next level" in my opinion and obviously in the opinion of my friends son (who happens to be in data analytics).

As an example, my friend, the 20 year vacation club member needed 3 copies made when staying at a Disney property. The desk clerk politely directed him to the "business center" which was a 15 minute bus ride, where he would pay 18 cents a copy. Something just about any hotel would do gratis, but Disney wanted him to take 1/2 hour to spend 54 cents.

The tiered "star bellied sneetch" system of vacation club members, annual pass holders, resort guests etc encourages you to spend more money to get more perks. I have friends that are annual pass holders for years. They're giving them up because it's a constantly changing game of pay more money for each individual little perk that used to come with the annual pass.

 

[LionJim]

Not snarky at all, Jim.

Obviously companies monetize things to make money...its how they stay in business.

Disney has just taken it "next level" in my opinion and obviously in the opinion of my friends son (who happens to be in data analytics).

As an example, my friend, the 20 year vacation club member needed 3 copies made when staying at a Disney property. The desk clerk politely directed him to the "business center" which was a 15 minute bus ride, where he would pay 18 cents a copy. Something just about any hotel would do gratis, but Disney wanted him to take 1/2 hour to spend 54 cents.

The tiered "star bellied sneetch" system of vacation club members, annual pass holders, resort guests etc encourages you to spend more money to get more perks. I have friends that are annual pass holders for years. They're giving them up because it's a constantly changing game of pay more money for each individual little perk that used to come with the annual pass.

Lol at the copy papers in the hotel story. That’s beyond the pale.

 

[PSU87]

Yeah, I mean - god forbid they make money on anything. I get it’s very expensive and for some a once in a lifetime splurge, but the quality is very high as are the standards for cleanliness and service. You will not see theme parks this nice and well kept anywhere else in the world.

Good grief....I'm not against any business making money.

 

[Midnighter]

Not snarky at all, Jim.

Obviously companies monetize things to make money...its how they stay in business.

Disney has just taken it "next level" in my opinion and obviously in the opinion of my friends son (who happens to be in data analytics).

As an example, my friend, the 20 year vacation club member needed 3 copies made when staying at a Disney property. The desk clerk politely directed him to the "business center" which was a 15 minute bus ride, where he would pay 18 cents a copy. Something just about any hotel would do gratis, but Disney wanted him to take 1/2 hour to spend 54 cents.

The tiered "star bellied sneetch" system of vacation club members, annual pass holders, resort guests etc encourages you to spend more money to get more perks. I have friends that are annual pass holders for years. They're giving them up because it's a constantly changing game of pay more money for each individual little perk that used to come with the annual pass.

So, a Disney resort didn’t have a place for someone to make a copy and he rode a bus 15 minutes to do it? I find that really hard to believe, especially for a DVC member. Every Guest Services person I’ve had to interact with did everything I wanted without question.

You do get more if you spend more - but isn’t that the same everywhere? Or do all NLC donations get you the same perks?

For longtime members used to certain perks, I can get the frustration. To each his own.

 

[TheBigUglies]

Our last visit to Disney was unpleasant. Too many people and swampy hot. It was June after school let out. Big Mistake. Parents with strollers are crazy? I had to think back when I was parent with a stroller that was crazy? However, that being said we did have a Disney magic moment. I needed a bike very early in the AM before anything opened, like crack of dawn early. I was willing to pay to rent it overnight and keep it in my room and return it when done. However, the person at the resort(Disney on premise resort) said they will keep the bike in their office and just to come see them in the morning when I need it. Sure enough I showed up at 5:00 AM and they gave me the bike without charging me anything. I even tried to give them a tip and they declined. Was just kind of like WOW! I do enjoy Disney but I don't enjoy the large crowds at some places. Will most likely go back but during the off season and not in summer or during Spring Break times. I think you need to be in the right frame of mind when visiting Disney to have a good time. The other magic moment I had was entering the Animal Kingdom with a PSU shirt on, I had a 30 min conversation on PSU Basketball with the gentleman working the turnstile I entered through. Another time while waiting in line for the Tower of Terror, We Are chants broke out. There seemed to be a good bit of PSU fans at the park that day.

 

[PSU87]

So, a Disney resort didn’t have a place for someone to make a copy and he rode a bus 15 minutes to do it? I find that really hard to believe, especially for a DVC member. Every Guest Services person I’ve had to interact with did everything I wanted without question.

You do get more if you spend more - but isn’t that the same everywhere? Or do all NLC donations get you the same perks?

For longtime members used to certain perks, I can get the frustration. To each his own.

NLC is another good example of a business that monetizes everything. Like Disney you pay additional money just to get additional perks. But no, it's hardly the same everywhere. I'd say most businesses you patronize don't have a caste system, or if they do its a fairly simple one like Amazon Prime or higher tiered membership at Sam's or Costco.

The copy story is just one example (did happen, whether you want to believe it or not...friend is an Episcopal priest and one of the finest human beings I've ever met....not wont to lie). After some discussion they did relent and make his copies.

Plus you ignored the other part of my post...the underhanded nature of Disney World, the government unto itself that is Reedy Creek Improvement District. The fact that Disney is exempt from most state and county zoning, land use and building code laws doesn't sit well with me. The fact that Disney could build a nuclear reactor onsite without Florida or county approval (obviously would need NRC aporoval) doesn't sit well with me. The fact that Disney can dictate who lives in the district, thereby controlling who can vote, doesn't sit well with me (Disney was roundly criticized for de-annexing Celebration so it's residents couldn't vote).

I get it. Disney is a great experience....I don't blame people for liking and enjoying it. Ive had great visits there. I'm hardly boycotting them or picketing at the gate with a sandwich board. I'm just not a fan of their business model or the way they got their start in Florida, or their governance model. As you said....to each his own. In a thread about the virtues of Disney, some balance certainly shouldn't be considered untoward.....

 

[Midnighter]

Our last visit to Disney was unpleasant. Too many people and swampy hot. It was June after school let out. Big Mistake. Parents with strollers are crazy? I had to think back when I was parent with a stroller that was crazy? However, that being said we did have a Disney magic moment. I needed a bike very early in the AM before anything opened, like crack of dawn early. I was willing to pay to rent it overnight and keep it in my room and return it when done. However, the person at the resort(Disney on premise resort) said they will keep the bike in their office and just to come see them in the morning when I need it. Sure enough I showed up at 5:00 AM and they gave me the bike without charging me anything. I even tried to give them a tip and they declined. Was just kind of like WOW! I do enjoy Disney but I don't enjoy the large crowds at some places. Will most likely go back but during the off season and not in summer or during Spring Break times. I think you need to be in the right frame of mind when visiting Disney to have a good time. The other magic moment I had was entering the Animal Kingdom with a PSU shirt on, I had a 30 min conversation on PSU Basketball with the gentleman working the turnstile I entered through. Another time while waiting in line for the Tower of Terror, We Are chants broke out. There seemed to be a good bit of PSU fans at the park that day.

After ‘Most Expensive Day Ever’ shirts the ones I see most are for University of Wisconsin. Saw one PSU hat.

 

[Midnighter]

NLC is another good example of a business that monetizes everything. Like Disney you pay additional money just to get additional perks. But no, it's hardly the same everywhere. I'd say most businesses you patronize don't have a caste system, or if they do its a fairly simple one like Amazon Prime or higher tiered membership at Sam's or Costco.

The copy story is just one example (did happen, whether you want to believe it or not...friend is an Episcopal priest and one of the finest human beings I've ever met....not wont to lie). After some discussion they did relent and make his copies.

Plus you ignored the other part of my post...the underhanded nature of Disney World, the government unto itself that is Reedy Creek Improvement District. The fact that Disney is exempt from most state and county zoning, land use and building code laws doesn't sit well with me. The fact that Disney could build a nuclear reactor onsite without Florida or county approval (obviously would need NRC aporoval) doesn't sit well with me. The fact that Disney can dictate who lives in the district, thereby controlling who can vote, doesn't sit well with me (Disney was roundly criticized for de-annexing Celebration so it's residents couldn't vote).

I get it. Disney is a great experience....I don't blame people for liking and enjoying it. Ive had great visits there. I'm hardly boycotting them or picketing at the gate with a sandwich board. I'm just not a fan of their business model or the way they got their start in Florida, or their governance model. As you said....to each his own. In a thread about the virtues of Disney, some balance certainly shouldn't be considered untoward.....

This isn’t about the virtues of Disney - it’s about the experience as a vacation destination. None of that other crap matters to be honest as far as the purpose of this thread goes. Find other places to live or patronize; choice is a wonderful thing.

 

[Nohow]

IMHO, Disneyland is Hell, with cartoon characters. At least for this adult.

 

[Midnighter]

IMHO, Disneyland is Hell, with cartoon characters. At least for this adult.

Mine is Costco.

 

[PSUFBFAN]

Our last visit to Disney was unpleasant. Too many people and swampy hot. It was June after school let out. Big Mistake. Parents with strollers are crazy? I had to think back when I was parent with a stroller that was crazy? However, that being said we did have a Disney magic moment. I needed a bike very early in the AM before anything opened, like crack of dawn early. I was willing to pay to rent it overnight and keep it in my room and return it when done. However, the person at the resort(Disney on premise resort) said they will keep the bike in their office and just to come see them in the morning when I need it. Sure enough I showed up at 5:00 AM and they gave me the bike without charging me anything. I even tried to give them a tip and they declined. Was just kind of like WOW! I do enjoy Disney but I don't enjoy the large crowds at some places. Will most likely go back but during the off season and not in summer or during Spring Break times. I think you need to be in the right frame of mind when visiting Disney to have a good time. The other magic moment I had was entering the Animal Kingdom with a PSU shirt on, I had a 30 min conversation on PSU Basketball with the gentleman working the turnstile I entered through. Another time while waiting in line for the Tower of Terror, We Are chants broke out. There seemed to be a good bit of PSU fans at the park that day.

"Will most likely go back but during the off season ..."

Disney doesn't have "off seasons" anymore. It's the same 365 days a year - seriously.

 

[BW Lion]

"Will most likely go back but during the off season ..."

Disney doesn't have "off seasons" anymore. It's the same 365 days a year - seriously.

The best time to visit Disneyland or Disney world is Christmas morning just as the park opens.

You'll have the park to yourself for the first 30 minutes but it will get increasingly, but tolerably, more crowded over the next 90 minutes.

Get one of those fast passes, ride all the best rides and get out of there before noon.

 

[Aquapong]

I agree with Christmas Day. We went to Animal Kingdom on Christmas Day and only stayed until about 2pm. It wasn’t crowded and we got into a lot of attractions. When the crowds started getting thicker in the afternoon, we bounced and spent the rest of the day at the hotel pool.

It was a much calmer day than even Christmas Eve when we left our restaurant in Magic Kingdom and got stuck in the people waiting for fireworks. Some lady ran into my wife with her stroller and no one would move to allow people through. Even the employees were telling people they were standing in the walkways and they had to move and no one did. Eventually people just started pushing through and a sort of stampede for the exit started. My younger kids were pretty scared. Ridiculous behavior by adults.

 

[Lion84]

My friend goes every year and has his booze and groceries delivered from a grocery store the day he gets there. He's been doing that for at least 10 years. Problem is you have to place your order at least a week or two in advance.

I highly recommend this - I had a case of beer for me and a few bottles of wine for the wife plus snacks for the kids dekivered - we stayed on a disney property and the resort kept our stuff refrigerated and then put it in our room upon arrival - saved a boatload of money, especially on booze. Went once in February which was the best of our 3 times there - smaller crowds and weather was good - hotel pool heated so that was even Ok with the cooler weather.

 

[JWB389]

I agree with Christmas Day. We went to Animal Kingdom on Christmas Day and only stayed until about 2pm. It wasn’t crowded and we got into a lot of attractions. When the crowds started getting thicker in the afternoon, we bounced and spent the rest of the day at the hotel pool.

It was a much calmer day than even Christmas Eve when we left our restaurant in Magic Kingdom and got stuck in the people waiting for fireworks. Some lady ran into my wife with her stroller and no one would move to allow people through. Even the employees were telling people they were standing in the walkways and they had to move and no one did. Eventually people just started pushing through and a sort of stampede for the exit started. My younger kids were pretty scared. Ridiculous behavior by adults.

We were at EPCOT on New Year's Eve the night before the Jan 1, 2003 Citrus Bowl we lost to Auburn. The place was so packed you couldn't turn around. I swear we parked in the last row of the parking lot, which has to be a rarity, even at Disney. We went in for dinner, the skies opened up with the heaviest rain I have ever witnessed. When we left the restaurant, the park was practically empty.The rain had stopped (temporarily) by then. Almost too good to be true.

 

[TheBigUglies]

"Will most likely go back but during the off season ..."

Disney doesn't have "off seasons" anymore. It's the same 365 days a year - seriously.

This comment was based on past experience. By off season I meant not the busier times. Went 2 weeks after Thanksgiving week and it was not very crowded at all and weather was nice, even at night time.

Went again 2 weeks after New Years and was not that crowded, the weather for some in our family but I loved it.

Also, once when we were in Magic Kingdom everyone was lined up for firework so me and one of my daughter's(like 8 or 9 at the time) went and rode Space Mountain like 4 times in row with no lines.

Fast Pass isn't really fast pass anymore because they limit you to one or two fast passes per day and you can't get another until you use the one's you have first(at least that is the way it was the last time we went)..

 

[wbcbus]

Pro tip: They serve beer and alcohol at Animal Kingdom as well as Epcot.

You can actually get beer at all of the parks now. Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood studios it's easy to find all around. At Magic Kingdom, you can get alcohol for table service meals at Be Our Guest in Fantasyland, as well as the Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd Skipper Canteen (yes, that's the name) in the Adventureland area.

 

[wbcbus]

This comment was based on past experience. By off season I meant not the busier times. Went 2 weeks after Thanksgiving week and it was not very crowded at all and weather was nice, even at night time.

Went again 2 weeks after New Years and was not that crowded, the weather for some in our family but I loved it.

Also, once when we were in Magic Kingdom everyone was lined up for firework so me and one of my daughter's(like 8 or 9 at the time) went and rode Space Mountain like 4 times in row with no lines.

Fast Pass isn't really fast pass anymore because they limit you to one or two fast passes per day and you can't get another until you use the one's you have first(at least that is the way it was the last time we went)..

It's a much different system now that FastPass is gone and its Genie+ and Lightning Lane. You can get more than one or two though. The way it works now is that you can first book using Genie+ at 7 a.m.. You can then book your next one at the earlier of (a) the time you tap in to use the one you booked, or (b) 2 hours after park opening. Then, after that, you can book another either after you ride one, or another 2 hours later. So you can actually end up with "fast passes" or 3-4 rides at a time. So for example, you could do the following at Hollywood Studios:

7:05 am: Book Slinky Dog Dash for 5:25-6:25
11:00 am (2 hours after park open at 9 am): Book Millennium Falcon for 4:20-5:20
1:00 pm: Book Tower of Terror for 7:30-8:30
3:00 pm: Book Rock n Roller Coaster for 6:55-7:55
5:00 pm: Book Toy Story Mania for 6:30-7:30

So if you did that, you end up with the line skipping for 5 rides in that 4 hour stretch from 4:20 to 8:30.

 

[wbcbus]

So, a Disney resort didn’t have a place for someone to make a copy and he rode a bus 15 minutes to do it? I find that really hard to believe, especially for a DVC member. Every Guest Services person I’ve had to interact with did everything I wanted without question.

You do get more if you spend more - but isn’t that the same everywhere? Or do all NLC donations get you the same perks?

For longtime members used to certain perks, I can get the frustration. To each his own.

We've been going since 1995 and have been DVC members since 2005, so I get the frustration. Imagine this change over the past 15 years:

2007: Disney's Magical Express picks you up at the airport, Disney cartoons play on the TVs while the bus takes you to your resort, at no charge. You prepared in advance, so you've already booked your 3 Fast Passes (free) for each day of the trip and don't have to worry about that again the whole time. You go to the Magic Kingdom your first day, and after a full day of the rides, get to watch an evening light parade down Main Street, followed by a lengthy fireworks show. Then, because its an Extra Magic Hours night, the park is open until 2 a.m. and you can ride whatever you want in a half empty park with no lines. You paid $400 for your 7-day ticket, with no add-ons.

2022: A nondescript Mears bus picks you up for $16/person. You have to wake up each day at 7 a.m. and get on your phone to book certain rides to make sure you can ride them, and you pay $15/day per person for this right. You go to Magic Kingdom, and as night falls learn there is no longer a nighttime parade. And the fireworks show has become much more laser-focused to cut costs. There's also no longer Extra Magic Hours. You paid $700 for your 7-day ticket, plus the daily add-ons for Genie+.

There are a lot more examples of this, those are just things off the top of my head. There have been so many services taken away or turned into charges, without anything new being provided, all while increasing the cost dramatically. That is turning a lot of long-time Disney World fanatics like myself off to the place. Obviously from your perspective, none of that matters. All you know is you're having a great time and a great experience with your family, and that's all that matters. I'm glad that's the case, I do still love the place (and am booking a trip for next March in a week). But Disney does rely a lot on return customers (obviously, given the aggressive expansion of DVC over the past 20 years). And I think many of these changes are short-sighted, as you may lure the long-timers back once, but eventually there is a breaking point where people say nevermind, you've gone too far, you can't just take things away and charge more ad infinitum. But we aren't there yet, or we'd see it in the attendance, and we don't.

There's a great series on Disney+ about the history of the Imagineers. One thing you notice is numerous peaks and valleys in how the parks are treated by the company. You'll have leadership that focuses on creativity, customer service, and the experience, and the parks grow and flourish, but then you'll have someone take over that is purely bottom-line focused, and the parks begin to suffer and attendance declines, until the cycle goes back to a new leader that returns to the key principles that make it such a great place. I fear we're in the early stages of one of those penny-pincher phases, we just haven't seen the fallout yet.

Anyway, sorry to go on so long, I'm just kind of passionate about it as our trips there have meant a lot to our family for decades. I hope you and your family have the time of your lives and ignore the complaints of curmudgeons like me. Perhaps the fault is ours for going so often, that we feel entitled to things we never should have.

 

[PSUJam]

You can actually get beer at all of the parks now. Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood studios it's easy to find all around. At Magic Kingdom, you can get alcohol for table service meals at Be Our Guest in Fantasyland, as well as the Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd Skipper Canteen (yes, that's the name) in the Adventureland area.

Good to know. I just like to grab a beer and walk around while my kids are trying to meet every f#cking princess in Disney.

 

[rudedude]

All this planning stuff is way too complicated for my tastes. I want to relax on vacation not run a marathon. Haven’ t been there since the boys were a lot younger and don’t plan to go again unless a grandchild shows up soon.

 

[ODShowtime]

Probably a combination of growing up a park rat at Hershey mixed with my disdain for humanity and loathing of crowds and lines, but the whole Disney thing gives me the creeps these days.

 

[Midnighter]

We've been going since 1995 and have been DVC members since 2005, so I get the frustration. Imagine this change over the past 15 years:

2007: Disney's Magical Express picks you up at the airport, Disney cartoons play on the TVs while the bus takes you to your resort, at no charge. You prepared in advance, so you've already booked your 3 Fast Passes (free) for each day of the trip and don't have to worry about that again the whole time. You go to the Magic Kingdom your first day, and after a full day of the rides, get to watch an evening light parade down Main Street, followed by a lengthy fireworks show. Then, because its an Extra Magic Hours night, the park is open until 2 a.m. and you can ride whatever you want in a half empty park with no lines. You paid $400 for your 7-day ticket, with no add-ons.

2022: A nondescript Mears bus picks you up for $16/person. You have to wake up each day at 7 a.m. and get on your phone to book certain rides to make sure you can ride them, and you pay $15/day per person for this right. You go to Magic Kingdom, and as night falls learn there is no longer a nighttime parade. And the fireworks show has become much more laser-focused to cut costs. There's also no longer Extra Magic Hours. You paid $700 for your 7-day ticket, plus the daily add-ons for Genie+.

There are a lot more examples of this, those are just things off the top of my head. There have been so many services taken away or turned into charges, without anything new being provided, all while increasing the cost dramatically. That is turning a lot of long-time Disney World fanatics like myself off to the place. Obviously from your perspective, none of that matters. All you know is you're having a great time and a great experience with your family, and that's all that matters. I'm glad that's the case, I do still love the place (and am booking a trip for next March in a week). But Disney does rely a lot on return customers (obviously, given the aggressive expansion of DVC over the past 20 years). And I think many of these changes are short-sighted, as you may lure the long-timers back once, but eventually there is a breaking point where people say nevermind, you've gone too far, you can't just take things away and charge more ad infinitum. But we aren't there yet, or we'd see it in the attendance, and we don't.

There's a great series on Disney+ about the history of the Imagineers. One thing you notice is numerous peaks and valleys in how the parks are treated by the company. You'll have leadership that focuses on creativity, customer service, and the experience, and the parks grow and flourish, but then you'll have someone take over that is purely bottom-line focused, and the parks begin to suffer and attendance declines, until the cycle goes back to a new leader that returns to the key principles that make it such a great place. I fear we're in the early stages of one of those penny-pincher phases, we just haven't seen the fallout yet.

Anyway, sorry to go on so long, I'm just kind of passionate about it as our trips there have meant a lot to our family for decades. I hope you and your family have the time of your lives and ignore the complaints of curmudgeons like me. Perhaps the fault is ours for going so often, that we feel entitled to things we never should have.

Thanks! Definitely big changes from when you first joined the DVC. What perks do you actually get? Seems like everything has been taken, but nothing added. This was new for us so nothing to compare to (and we drove, didn’t fly, mostly so we could drive to the parks that aren’t part of the monorail - Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom). I do think some prices are outrageous (poolside cocktails start at $14) but there is nothing preventing you from bringing your own drinks/food (which I would do next time). Character dinners were about $250 for the four of us (two kids under 7 who eat like birds) but the kids loved it and likely won’t get the same kick out of it when they are older. All told we spent close to $10k.

We have Disney Cruise planned for this summer and I like those a lot better - everything but booze is included (and you can bring two bottles of your own stuff on board) and there is a kids club and characters everywhere. The excursions are cool - I’m hoping to tour a gin distillery on St. Thomas but we’ll see.

Also, you forgot to add the individually priced ‘Lightning Lane’ rides (the top rides at each park). Some are on Genie+, but newer ones (Rise of the Resistance, Ratatouille) are not. You pay individually (in addition to Genie+ if you opt for it) per person per ride for reserved seating (ROTR was $15 per person and it took us three tries because it broke down for our first appointment, broke down through the first part of the ride on the second, and we finally finished it on the third).

 

[wbcbus]

Thanks! Definitely big changes from when you first joined the DVC. What perks do you actually get? Seems like everything has been taken, but nothing added. This was new for us so nothing to compare to (and we drove, didn’t fly, mostly so we could drive to the parks that aren’t part of the monorail - Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom). I do think some prices are outrageous (poolside cocktails start at $14) but there is nothing preventing you from bringing your own drinks/food (which I would do next time). Character dinners were about $250 for the four of us (two kids under 7 who eat like birds) but the kids loved it and likely won’t get the same kick out of it when they are older. All told we spent close to $10k.

We have Disney Cruise planned for this summer and I like those a lot better - everything but booze is included (and you can bring two bottles of your own stuff on board) and there is a kids club and characters everywhere. The excursions are cool - I’m hoping to tour a gin distillery on St. Thomas but we’ll see.

Also, you forgot to add the individually priced ‘Lightning Lane’ rides (the top rides at each park). Some are on Genie+, but newer ones (Rise of the Resistance, Ratatouille) are not. You pay individually (in addition to Genie+ if you opt for it) per person per ride for reserved seating (ROTR was $15 per person and it took us three tries because it broke down for our first appointment, broke down through the first part of the ride on the second, and we finally finished it on the third).

The perks for DVC now are pretty limited. You still get 10% off at a lot of the retail locations and restaurants, so that's good. The main perks that have disappeared are for everyone staying on site at a Disney resort. No more Magical Express, no more Extra Magic Hours (it used to be that every day, one park would be open an hour earlier for Disney resort guests, and one park would stay open THREE HOURS late). I can't tell you how much fun my wife and I used to have just walking around a Magic Kingdom or Hollywood Studios at midnight with almost no one there, just riding whatever we wanted (the parks at night were already my favorite time, and when it was 10% full, it was that much better). As I mentioned before, the SpectroMagic nightime parade at Magic Kingdom was one of our favorite things (I'll link it below), then it was temporarily replaced by the old Electrical Parade that was at Disney World 20 years earlier. Well, while they were running that temporarily, they allowed SpectroMagic to fall into disrepair, and had to get rid of it. And then decided not to replace it with a new nighttime show, because they didn't want people sitting on the sidewalks on Main Street for an hour, they wanted them to be buying things in the shops instead.

I don't mind paying a lot for food and drinks. I get that going in, and it's never bothered me. We have a ton of great meals every time we're there (if you want any recommendations, I'm happy to help - The Brown Derby at Hollywood Studios and The Boathouse at Disney Springs would likely be high on the list). What's tough is when they say, "we'll give you XYX all-inclusive in a $400 ticket," and then 15 years later they say, "X is no longer available, Y and Z cost $400 now, and the ticket is $700. Also, we added nothing, but took some things away."

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for supply and demand. There are so many people who love it, and want to go, that they have proven they can charge all of this and still pack the place. But I think it will bite them eventually. And there's just something different about the mood there, at least from my perspective. Seems like there are more angry guests, and more angry cast members, than there once were. Perhaps I'm projecting, but I think it's real.

 

[wbcbus]

I just also want to add I should shutup. You're there having a great time with your family, you don't need to hear from people like me. It's an amazing place, and I'm sure you're all having an awesome time you'll think back on the rest of your lives. Don't let folks like me take away from that, not that you would.

 

[rudedude]

https://apple.news/AKJCr3KTyRImHrX6hj2xXXQ

 

[Aquapong]

Trippy Disney related childhood story time.

My grandparents had an Rv and took us “camping” a few times. One time was to Florida. We were mainly there for Disneyworld…my first time. One day while we were there, my grandparents were debating whether we should go to Epcot or go see the space shuttle launch on Cape Canaveral. They decided on Epcot. Their decision was a fortunate one, because otherwise we would have watched the Challenger blow up.

 

[BobPSU92]

So, a Disney resort didn’t have a place for someone to make a copy and he rode a bus 15 minutes to do it? I find that really hard to believe, especially for a DVC member. Every Guest Services person I’ve had to interact with did everything I wanted without question.

You do get more if you spend more - but isn’t that the same everywhere? Or do all NLC donations get you the same perks?

For longtime members used to certain perks, I can get the frustration. To each his own.

NLC members pay $5 per photocopy.

 

[BobPSU92]

"Will most likely go back but during the off season ..."

Disney doesn't have "off seasons" anymore. It's the same 365 days a year - seriously.

So college football recruiting is like Disney World.

 

[Zone-Blitz]

The perks for DVC now are pretty limited. You still get 10% off at a lot of the retail locations and restaurants, so that's good. The main perks that have disappeared are for everyone staying on site at a Disney resort. No more Magical Express, no more Extra Magic Hours (it used to be that every day, one park would be open an hour earlier for Disney resort guests, and one park would stay open THREE HOURS late). I can't tell you how much fun my wife and I used to have just walking around a Magic Kingdom or Hollywood Studios at midnight with almost no one there, just riding whatever we wanted (the parks at night were already my favorite time, and when it was 10% full, it was that much better). As I mentioned before, the SpectroMagic nightime parade at Magic Kingdom was one of our favorite things (I'll link it below), then it was temporarily replaced by the old Electrical Parade that was at Disney World 20 years earlier. Well, while they were running that temporarily, they allowed SpectroMagic to fall into disrepair, and had to get rid of it. And then decided not to replace it with a new nighttime show, because they didn't want people sitting on the sidewalks on Main Street for an hour, they wanted them to be buying things in the shops instead.

I don't mind paying a lot for food and drinks. I get that going in, and it's never bothered me. We have a ton of great meals every time we're there (if you want any recommendations, I'm happy to help - The Brown Derby at Hollywood Studios and The Boathouse at Disney Springs would likely be high on the list). What's tough is when they say, "we'll give you XYX all-inclusive in a $400 ticket," and then 15 years later they say, "X is no longer available, Y and Z cost $400 now, and the ticket is $700. Also, we added nothing, but took some things away."

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for supply and demand. There are so many people who love it, and want to go, that they have proven they can charge all of this and still pack the place. But I think it will bite them eventually. And there's just something different about the mood there, at least from my perspective. Seems like there are more angry guests, and more angry cast members, than there once were. Perhaps I'm projecting, but I think it's real.

I live in Florida and am a dvc member, direct purchase through Disney. They did bring back moonlight magic for us blue card holders but unless you are booked on property, you pretty much have no chance at getting in. It’s ridiculous. They have an early registration window if ur booked and then if you’re not booked, your sign-up window is a week later with pretty much no chance. They give each member 4 guest passes to sign everyone up, or the number of people on your reservation that could exceed 4. So it’s really not free, fills to capacity quickly, leaving actual paying dvc members out of the event. you have to book a room using points or cash just to have a shot at getting in. Idk, it just rubs us the wrong way when we’re paying thousands in dues every January and you can’t get to enjoy the perks unless you pay up even more. A few years ago, DVC made a huge blunder at bay lake tower. The top of the world lounge was closed on new years eve for a private event that if u wanted to attend, you had to buy an extra ticket at an insane price $400 per person I believe. This was not really communicated by DVC and members who booked bay lake tower just so they could go up to the lounge and watch fireworks on NYE were turned away.

 

[Midnighter]

I just also want to add I should shutup. You're there having a great time with your family, you don't need to hear from people like me. It's an amazing place, and I'm sure you're all having an awesome time you'll think back on the rest of your lives. Don't let folks like me take away from that, not that you would.

I’m back now and processing all this - very interesting stuff. I don’t think we’d do the DVC but I’ve thought about it. We’re fortunate to be able to afford this kind of vacation but I can’t imagine other families not able to stay at a resort or buy LL tickets or pay for the character encounter meals each day are having a great experience. It’s a shame too - really should be more accessible to everyone. I also understand Disney has invested hundreds of millions into new attractions like Galaxy’s Edge,
The Avengers compound in California, and the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy area of EPCOT.

 

[Colt2169]

Booked for our 9th trip this October

couple things

First, the staff is awesome. When we were there about the years ago my son was like five and literally only ate French fries. We booked a meal at one of the buffets but they didn’t have French fries

A little while later what shows up but French fries. I asked the waitress where they came from - she said she overheard us talking and slipped out back over to another restaurant and got him some fries

I gave her a very generous tip - she stopped us on the way out and said you didn’t have to do that. I said but if you didn’t do what you did we would not have been able to enjoy our meal!!

Second, one of the reasons I was able to give that tip was because I got free dining that trip - one of four times I was able to eat for free there which brings me to my second point - you must PLAN to truly enjoy Disney - plan until the cows come home.

My family makes fun of me and call me the Disney Drill Seargent However, they ALWAYS enjoy the trip amd really do appreciate my obsessive compulsiveness with regards to Disney planning