Much is changing and not all for the better

So glad you have your trip booked! I hope it's amazing!

I was very worried about dealing with the FP+ stuff too. We've now done two trips using this system and they were wonderful. Planning the first one was far more stressful than the second. But, both times it enabled us to get on rides we probably would have passed on due to long stand by times.

TheVBs;2471131 wrote: So glad you have your trip booked! I hope it's amazing!

I was very worried about dealing with the FP+ stuff too. We've now done two trips using this system and they were wonderful. Planning the first one was far more stressful than the second. But, both times it enabled us to get on rides we probably would have passed on due to long stand by times.

I'm confused. How did FP+ allow you to avoid a standby line that FP didn't? with the possible exception of TSM, I don't see how it is an either/or situation.

TheVBs;2471131 wrote: So glad you have your trip booked! I hope it's amazing!

I was very worried about dealing with the FP+ stuff too. We've now done two trips using this system and they were wonderful. Planning the first one was far more stressful than the second. But, both times it enabled us to get on rides we probably would have passed on due to long stand by times.

Funny. It's worked out the opposite for us. We're riding less now, due to standby lines being longer than ever.

RunDMV;2471142 wrote: I'm confused. How did FP+ allow you to avoid a standby line that FP didn't? with the possible exception of TSM, I don't see how it is an either/or situation.

Sorry! Didn't realize that would confuse anyone. Definitely TSM. FP would be gone for the entire day before we even got through the entrance. 7DMT probably would have been the same if they still had the old FP system. Otherwise, if a line was too long, we skipped it. If the return FP time was later than we planned on staying, we skipped it. With FP+ we got on every ride we wanted to, when we wanted to. It just happens to work out well for us.

Melanie;2471145 wrote: Funny. It's worked out the opposite for us. We're riding less now, due to standby lines being longer than ever.

I know, and I'm really sorry that's the case. I wish Disney would address this problem for people who are not booking packages several months out.

TheVBs;2471149 wrote: Sorry! Didn't realize that would confuse anyone. Definitely TSM. FP would be gone for the entire day before we even got through the entrance. 7DMT probably would have been the same if they still had the old FP system. Otherwise, if a line was too long, we skipped it. If the return FP time was later than we planned on staying, we skipped it. With FP+ we got on every ride we wanted to, when we wanted to. It just happens to work out well for us.

I know, and I'm really sorry that's the case. I wish Disney would address this problem for people who are not booking packages several months out.

The billion or so dollars spent on FP+ could have been spent on additional attractions or another park to spread out the crowds.

I have a hectic job that involves planning and scheduling. sticking to timelines and arriving to appointments on time. I don't want to do all that on vacation.

RunDMV;2471151 wrote: The billion or so dollars spent on FP+ could have been spent on additional attractions or another park to spread out the crowds.

I have a hectic job that involves planning and scheduling. sticking to timelines and arriving to appointments on time. I don't want to do all that on vacation.

I'm not negating your opinion or experience, just sharing mine. I absolutely would have loved to see that money spent on other things as well. But, that doesn't mean I won't share what I like about it or what happens to work well for us.

If it wasn't for the Food and Wine festival, we'd go a lot less as well.

True, going to disney now requires developing a strategic project plan, mission statement, logistical and tactical consultation, and technology support. Winning the civil war and taking Normandy required less planning and gear.

The FP+ system for restroom reservations is a step too far I miss the old FP system as it allowed you to plan or not as much as you wanted. Restaurant reservations, i won't even discuss. Resorts are always a struggle if we do that, or go stay offsite (Waldorf, Hilton, Gaylord, etc). With quality shrinking there, for the same money, can stay at a really nice hotel with good room service.

IF they close a few more of the older rides, or gouge me much more, we are sticking w/ our trips to hawaii which only requires the minimum planning (flights, hotel, scotch and cigars.. and whatever the wife needs). We do like Universal and Sea World, but not enough to go every year.

Part of what brings me back. A big part, is nostalgia. The other, love the FW festival.

I don't know which resorts you choose to stay at, but if you are in the deluxe category, I would suggest looking at a Disney Cruise - you still get a lot of the "Disney" experience, your family will get a new experience, and you gain new memories.

That being said, a Disney cruise is about two times more than NCL or RCCL. I have recently been researching the MSC cruise line out of Miami. You can get their TOP tier cabins (and all top tier perks) for about what you can get an ocean view for on the DCL. There is another website that specializes in people giving reviews of ALL cruise lines and all cruise trips - it has "critics" in their name if you want to google it.

If you have never cruised - and want the Disney experience, you cannot go wrong with DCL as a first time choice.

IMO, I don't think things have gone downhill.

Regarding cast members, landing the job is still highly competitive. I think Disney attracts some real stars. And it seems they train them exceptionally well. This alone sets Disney apart. That hasn't changed, and is a HUGE part of the magic.

Then there's the grounds of the parks and resorts -- from the architecture to plantings, maintenance -- all impeccable. Spotless.

Meal plan: With the plan, I do tend to overeat; but, it prompts us to try restaurants we wouldn't otherwise. And Disney rarely disappoints in this area. Still fantastic, from food to service to ambience. Great across the board. Boma, San Angel, O'Hana, Rose & Crown, etc.--all beloved still.

Regarding the new rides and development: for example, in the MK, I like it. And Gaston is always funny. Likewise for the Poly lobby. It was overdue imo.

When people say it's the memories that matter, I agree. However, that really doesn't answer the question of whether you find things have gone downhill. It's like saying, "Even if they have, I wouldn't notice." I too have a fond place in my heart for Disney based on family memories. But, to answer the question, no, I think it's every bit as good as it was, if not better, and not just because I have a special place in my heart for Disney.

The larger crowds and higher ticket prices don't improve the experience, but it's better than the opposite situation: having attendance wain because quality has slipped.

It's all relative, right? We tend to think the "old days" were better, but were they?

You loved your first car right? Never mind that it leaked oil, the mileage was bad and it didn't have AC, but it will always have a special place in your heart.

The same is true for Disney. The first time you walked through that gate and into the MK was special. We know there are Disney lovers, likers and haters, but I think all would agree walking into that park sort of transports you to another world.

Yes it was clean and back then the crowds might have been fewer. However I'm sure Disney still had to do their best with maintenance and customer experience, but isn't it all relative?