where did my wdw go?

[firemanx]

wdw was always our families happy place, but now its just kids crying as parents push to maximize there $ spent! understandable, but has anybody else feel wdw is losing the magic?

 

[gottalovepluto]

I think something changed with you rather. Disney has always been a place with kids crying and parents trying to maximize the money they’re realizing they spent for their kids to have breakdowns at the most expensive place on earth.

Are people ruder and more entitled acting now? Yes. Like they are everywhere after losing a couple years of social skills. #ThanksCovid

 

[man-from-nantucket]

wdw was always our families happy place, but now its just kids crying as parents push to maximize there $ spent! understandable, but has anybody else feel wdw is losing the magic?

Well, very interesting question. My answer is yes, I miss ‘the days of old’, but I think it’s strongly influenced by nostalgia. Pluto’s right, we’ve changed. My DW and I have been going to WDW for over 25 years (yearly at least). This is driven solely by our special needs daughter who, for her, loves DW. For me (and not to sound like a curmudgeon), it’s the money grab and elimination of little things. The continued elimination of everything ’non-Disney’ (remember the Viking ride and Norway exhibit), to Disney only themed items. Don’t get me going on the elimination of ME and TIW! . Has it always been a money grab? sure, but seems to have advanced greatly with dynamic pricing for LLs and many other examples. I think answering this question requires some years of attendance. If not for my daughter, my years of going would have ended many years ago. But instead, 63 more days until our 6 day stay at BWV ( but who’s counting ).

 

[fla4fun]

wdw was always our families happy place, but now its just kids crying as parents push to maximize there $ spent! understandable, but has anybody else feel wdw is losing the magic?

No, the magic is still there. Sometimes the value for dollar spent isn’t there and sometimes people get cranky when it’s hot and humid. I think people also see others posting their vacations on social media and it creates more pressure to have the perfect trip. However, if you let go of the idea that your vacation is ruined if it’s not absolutely perfect in every detail, there is still plenty of magic. In fact, sometimes the magic comes to you because of the imperfections.

 

[redrosesix]

Well, very interesting question. My answer is yes, I miss ‘the days of old’, but I think it’s strongly influenced by nostalgia. Pluto’s right, we’ve changed. My DW and I have been going to WDW for over 25 years (yearly at least). This is driven solely by our special needs daughter who, for her, loves DW. For me (and not to sound like a curmudgeon), it’s the money grab and elimination of little things. The continued elimination of everything ’non-Disney’ (remember the Viking ride and Norway exhibit), to Disney only themed items. Don’t get me going on the elimination of ME and TIW! . Has it always been a money grab? sure, but seems to have advanced greatly with dynamic pricing for LLs and many other examples. I think answering this question requires some years of attendance. If not for my daughter, my years of going would have ended many years ago. But instead, 63 more days until our 6 day stay at BWV ( but who’s counting ).

100 percent this. For me and my family it's the little things that all add up to be a big thing. Like when we first started going the merch was different year to year and in every park, and we would gladly spend our money and have our parcels sent back to the resorts. Now the prices are much higher and the merch isn't so interesting and if we want to buy we have to carry it with us everywhere through thick crowds of cranky people. God forbid they would extend the hours or double the events so everyone could get a chance...things like that just don't happen anymore if you want to see the fireworks you have to book a dessert party

 

[HopperFan]

I took a break from WDW at the end of 2019. WHY? Not Disney or lack of Disney Magic. It was because of other guests' behavior. It had been getting worse and worse over the years but I had just had enough. There is no excuse for bad behavior, especially when you direct it at your child. And yet I see it over and over. So in that respect, yes it is sad that guests ruin the magic for their families and others.

But Disney ~ no they haven't tarnished the magic for us. Things have changed over the years, as they have at all businesses, we just roll with the changes. And if something becomes of no value for us, we don't buy. The ONLY thing at Disney that is not in our control is tickets. Everything else is in our control.

As I say often, if something no longer brings you joy, especially a vacation, it is time to find a new joy. Vacations are too priceless to spend somewhere where you have no joy. And sometimes you just need to take a break like I did to find your joy again.

 

[StarStruck393]

Some of it's the people. The behavior of society in general seems to be getting worse and worse; every time we go there seems to be more rudeness than the last trip. But also, I don't know if it's due in part to social media or what, but despite attendance being about the same as it was 15+ years ago, and still down significantly from ~10 years ago to the start of the pandemic, demand has skyrocketed across the board. Dining reservations, party tickets, merchandise, etc. I remember in the mid-2000s, we decided mid-trip we wanted to eat dinner at Cinderella's Royal Table (a day or two before new year's eve no less), and we just went to the concierge in our hotel and they got us a reservation no problem. Nowadays if you're not booking that 60 days out you're pretty much screwed. It just feels like a rat race, and again it doesn't seem like it's caused by an increase in attendance.

But some of it is definitely Disney. Increased nickel and diming. Getting rid of magical express. Moving fast passes to pay-to-play. Crap like that...

 

[NickC]

has anybody else feel wdw is losing the magic?

This is a tough one because they set the bar so high. So when there is one or two bad interactions, it becomes very amplified in our minds. A popcorn vendor rolling his eyes at my daughter, who was probably 10 at the time, is something so out of place in WDW that it sticks out. I don't even know where or how it started, but for some reason, and only at Disney, we refer to popcorn as pop-a-da-corn--which is how she ordered it. He apparently didn't think it was cute. It's not the norm, but that would have never happened 10 years ago even. But, then on another recent trip, my kids bumped into an automatic door and it came off the track a bit. I fixed it and called the front desk to let them know that it might need to be looked at by the maintenance department. But the person on the phone started to apologize to me for the "bad experience." I tried to convince her that Disney did nothing wrong and my kids broke their door solely through their own actions, but she kept telling me how sorry she was that that happened to us.
I would say that, yes, the magic is still there. But, it's not a constant thing like it was in the past.

Guest behavior never really bothered me all that much. I notice it, but I generally just go about my day. Want to cut in front of me in line? Go for it. I'm there to be with my family. I will get on the ride, but I'm usually having more fun in the line anyway. A big group wants to sing chants while walking down Main Street? Cool. They'll be gone soon. Bump me in the ankle with a stroller? I've been there, man. Never hit anyone, but there were come close calls. It's crowded. It happens. Smoking outside 'Be Our Guest?' Meh. A CM will tell him to put it out. Besides, he just spent $80 for some chicken nuggets because his daughter didn't want scallops and duck.

One thing that does bother me is the changes. Country Bears was the best attraction in all of WDW, IMO. Magic Express was the best way to travel--and it was always exciting to see Gus the bus driver on video. That meant we were on our way!

 

[SL6827]

The nickle and diming does have a lot to do with it. The extreme increases in price puts people on edge. They expect more for what they are paying. When that doesn't happen, tempers can flare.

 

[jmb12]

wdw was always our families happy place, but now its just kids crying as parents push to maximize there $ spent! understandable, but has anybody else feel wdw is losing the magic?

WDW "losing the magic" has been a thing every year since 1995. I agree things have changed but if you look at Camp Minnie Mickey in the early 2000's and now look at Pandora, or you look at the backlot in MGM in the 90's and now you look at Batuu, you can't really say the magic isn't there still, it's just different.

 

[greeneyedchick]

wdw was always our families happy place, but now its just kids crying as parents push to maximize there $ spent! understandable, but has anybody else feel wdw is losing the magic?

Yes, we stopped going in 2019. The magic wasn't there any more. The parks weren't as clean or as well maintained as they used to be. Disney didn't care to hide all of the construction (Walt would never have approved that). The cast members didn't seem as friendly and when we had issues, the cast members didn't do anything but say "sorry." We also hated the limited trams from the parking lot (due to construction). Classic Disney would have had an alternative for people who struggled with walking that distance in the heat).

The thing I loved the most about Disney was it's impeccable customer (guest) service and maintenance. Disney doesn't seem to care about either now. When I worked there in the 90s, Disney would have crews repainting and fixing stuff all night long. I feel like they are too cheap for that now. Clearly there rides are not being maintained well. They constantly break down.

We also hated the shorter hours and less streetmosphere/ entertainment. When I was growing up, they used to do 2 parades a day, plus a few castle shows and a night time parade plus fireworks. We felt like Disney was cutting costs and raising prices. We also felt that getting fast passes was difficult. We were local APs so the good fast passes were usually always taken. Now park reservations are required for APs plus there are restrictions on hopping and the adding cost for fast pass. Definitely too complicated and pricey for people who liked hopping over to the park after school/ work. I used to love going there at night in the summer in the 90s. That was when they were open until midnight. Now it's not worth it when they close so early-I don't like being there when the sun is out.

And the biggest magic killer for us? The crowds! They weren't as noticeable when the parks were open 8am-midnight and Disney I had all rides running at full capacity and people were in line for the rides. With the lightening lanes and what not, people aren't physically in line as much which makes the common areas even more congested. There's just too many people for it to be enjoyable for us. You can't even enjoy walking around Disney because you're constantly bumping into people. It's a shame. When I worked there in college, I absolutely loved the place, but now I feel like it's a shell of its former self.

 

[StarStruck393]

Yes, we stopped going in 2019. The magic wasn't there any more. The parks weren't as clean or as well maintained as they used to be. Disney didn't care to hide all of the construction (Walt would never have approved that). The cast members didn't seem as friendly and when we had issues, the cast members didn't do anything but say "sorry." We also hated the limited trams from the parking lot (due to construction). Classic Disney would have had an alternative for people who struggled with walking that distance in the heat).

The thing I loved the most about Disney was it's impeccable customer (guest) service and maintenance. Disney doesn't seem to care about either now. When I worked there in the 90s, Disney would have crews repainting and fixing stuff all night long. I feel like they are too cheap for that now. Clearly there rides are not being maintained well. They constantly break down.

We also hated the shorter hours and less streetmosphere/ entertainment. When I was growing up, they used to do 2 parades a day, plus a few castle shows and a night time parade plus fireworks. We felt like Disney was cutting costs and raising prices. We also felt that getting fast passes was difficult. We were local APs so the good fast passes were usually always taken. Now park reservations are required for APs plus there are restrictions on hopping and the adding cost for fast pass. Definitely too complicated and pricey for people who liked hopping over to the park after school/ work. I used to love going there at night in the summer in the 90s. That was when they were open until midnight. Now it's not worth it when they close so early-I don't like being there when the sun is out.

And the biggest magic killer for us? The crowds! They weren't as noticeable when the parks were open 8am-midnight and Disney I had all rides running at full capacity and people were in line for the rides. With the lightening lanes and what not, people aren't physically in line as much which makes the common areas even more congested. There's just too many people for it to be enjoyable for us. You can't even enjoy walking around Disney because you're constantly bumping into people. It's a shame. When I worked there in college, I absolutely loved the place, but now I feel like it's a shell of its former self.

The maintenance is a big issue. For example, even in the mid 2010s (i.e. long before they decided ~2020 to re-theme it to Tiana), Splash Mountain was getting embarrassing. Every trip, less and less worked, and even simple things went unaddressed, like huge swatches of paint peeling or random drop cloth hanging from the ceiling.

That never used to happen, but it seems like the maintenance budget keeps getting further and further cut, while prices keep going up.

 

[Chili327]

The maintenance is a big issue. For example, even in the mid 2010s (i.e. long before they decided ~2020 to re-theme it to Tiana), Splash Mountain was getting embarrassing. Every trip, less and less worked, and even simple things went unaddressed, like huge swatches of paint peeling or random drop cloth hanging from the ceiling.

You should see what a six flags looks like, its a huge difference.

That never used to happen, but it seems like the maintenance budget keeps getting further and further cut, while prices keep going up.

Shareholders need to be paid!!! lol
Unfortunately.

 

[StarStruck393]

You should see what a six flags looks like, its a huge difference.


Shareholders need to be paid!!! lol
Unfortunately.

I assume you mean Six Flags is better in that regard? Don’t think I’ve ever been to one. Though I guess to be fair, maintenance seems to be a problem for more than Disney. Not only are Cedar Point’s rides way tougher than I remember them being, but they break down all the time. I will say though, there’s a definite feeling that Disney went cheap for awhile (both in terms of new rides, and maintaining existing rides) which allowed Universal to catch up in a big way...

And I know you’re joking about the shareholder thing, but I’m actually a shareholder, and I can confirm I’m not getting paid. I think I have 10 shares, and I get a $15 dividend check once or twice a year. Peanuts compared to what we spend there...

 

[TheDailyMoo]

and it was always exciting to see Gus the bus driver on video. That meant we were on our way!

If I could pick one thing to bring back...it's this. That corny video on the old CRT monitors...but you knew you were where you wanted to be...gah Disney just bring it back!

 

[Chili327]

@StarStruck393 Yes Disney may be getting worse, but Six Flags (Cedar Fair) or any other are way worse in cleanliness, etc. Disney is unbelievably cleaner, but I didn’t notice how much cleaner and maintained until last time I went to a non Disney park.

As far as shareholders, I am too, but you get checks?? lol

 

[TheDailyMoo]

I assume you mean Six Flags is better in that regard? Don’t think I’ve ever been to one. Though I guess to be fair, maintenance seems to be a problem for more than Disney. Not only are Cedar Point’s rides way tougher than I remember them being, but they break down all the time. I will say though, there’s a definite feeling that Disney went cheap for awhile (both in terms of new rides, and maintaining existing rides) which allowed Universal to catch up in a big way...

And I know you’re joking about the shareholder thing, but I’m actually a shareholder, and I can confirm I’m not getting paid. I think I have 10 shares, and I get a $15 dividend check once or twice a year. Peanuts compared to what we spend there...

@StarStruck393 Yes Disney may be getting worse, but Six Flags (Cedar Fair) or any other are way worse in cleanliness, etc. Disney is unbelievably cleaner, but I didn’t notice how much cleaner and maintained until last time I went to a non Disney park.

As far as shareholders, I am too, but you get checks?? lol

At least you two probably didn't buy at the highs a few years ago. I love Disney but looking at the stock down 50% in my portfolio makes me want to punch the next guy in a rat costume!

 

[Chili327]

At least you two probably didn't buy at the highs a few years ago. I love Disney but looking at the stock down 50% in my portfolio makes me want to punch the next guy in a rat costume!

I think i paid $89, but I don’t have much so it doesn’t do much, I just get to say I own some.

 

[Mouse Tracker]

it's just different.

Honeymooned there in '94, started taking family in '17. Pretty big change in between those years.

What I see now is that people interact differently, everywhere - not just a Disney thing. Hospitality industry has changed, some subtle stuff in the "world" does affect that feel. You may be confusing "magic" with "experience". The "magic" is still there - one's own attitude and perspective can contribute to feeling it. As I have aged, the once shiny things are dulled by time. Maybe that is what you are feeling.

I'll sum up our recent family trips as "being a bubble in the bubble", choosing what to elevate our experience and what to not let diminish our experience.

 

[Cfabar1]

Who cares what Six Flags is doing? Disney is a company that was known for setting the standard... It seems to be slowly improving now that Chapek is gone... I do dislike the desire to turn everything into an IP thing, but have resigned myself to that... The IP is the corporate sponsorships of yesterday - it's just Disney can't convince Kraft or AT&T to be corporate sponsors anymore so instead the attractions are brought to you by Marvel or Moana....