We were fortunate enough to be at Disney from 2004 - 2012 as part time seasonal cast members. Rving gave us the ability to stay in the area for 5-6 months every winter. Being cast members we had the added benefit of being able to get into all four theme parks whenever we wanted. Generally we'd go into the parks 3-4 times every week... even if for only a few hours. So over the years we pretty much got to see absolutely everything multiple times. Our cast member Id's also got us access to all the Disney Resort hotels, stays with discounts, and access to the two water parks and mini golfs with discounts. Id's also got us discounts on merchandise and dining. All in all, a great experience. The perks and discounts were much greater than the pay for actually working.
Seen it all... Done it all. Also seen all the many changes over the years.
Some good, some questionable, some not so good, and some very disappointing. And while there's still a lot of Magic at Disney, too many things have changed to tarnish the Magic for us. Too many things simply eliminated. Too many things changed not to our liking. Too many things cut back on or completely stopped. Then there's the whole money thing... Prices continue to sky rocket... You pay more to get less... and Disney continues to find more and more ways to charge extra money for extra benefits. At one time mostly everyone was on a level playing ground... all paying the same price and getting the same benefits. Now, those that have extra money, lots of extra money, can by extra benefits like extra fast passes and special packages for tours and dinners that include priority seating to shows and special access to attractions. Money talks and those on budgets wait in longer lines for everything, and sit with the crowded masses, not in preferred seating. Disney hotel guests get special benefits over those that stay off property and locals with annual passes.
So... we enjoyed having been at Disney World during what we would call the sweet spot in time... now there's to many things have changed of eliminated. We will probably never return to the Disney that once was truly Magical. Favorite familiar things are gone. We were in a unique situation to see so much, for so long... so the changes for us are dramatic. Those that visit 2 weeks every few years would not notice the drastic changes.
Thankful that we got to experience Disney World during the best of times. Great memories.
Seen it all... Done it all. Also seen all the many changes over the years.
Some good, some questionable, some not so good, and some very disappointing. And while there's still a lot of Magic at Disney, too many things have changed to tarnish the Magic for us. Too many things simply eliminated. Too many things changed not to our liking. Too many things cut back on or completely stopped. Then there's the whole money thing... Prices continue to sky rocket... You pay more to get less... and Disney continues to find more and more ways to charge extra money for extra benefits. At one time mostly everyone was on a level playing ground... all paying the same price and getting the same benefits. Now, those that have extra money, lots of extra money, can by extra benefits like extra fast passes and special packages for tours and dinners that include priority seating to shows and special access to attractions. Money talks and those on budgets wait in longer lines for everything, and sit with the crowded masses, not in preferred seating. Disney hotel guests get special benefits over those that stay off property and locals with annual passes.
So... we enjoyed having been at Disney World during what we would call the sweet spot in time... now there's to many things have changed of eliminated. We will probably never return to the Disney that once was truly Magical. Favorite familiar things are gone. We were in a unique situation to see so much, for so long... so the changes for us are dramatic. Those that visit 2 weeks every few years would not notice the drastic changes.
Thankful that we got to experience Disney World during the best of times. Great memories.
