Disney Today
Just like everything today, perspective is a major influence on how anything is viewed. Some look at the past to judge the what is happening now, or planned for the future. Some look to the future to judge what is happening now in hopes of something better. Some just accept that things are the way they are, and think little of it, compared to the post or the future. So, everyone has their own perspective.
My perception of Disney Today is based on my experiences of Disney in the past. Like most people, I went to Disney every several years for a two week vacation... 1972, 1975, and 1987. I retired in 2003, and along with the love of my life, we became seasonal cast members at Disney World from 2004 through 2011. A wonderful experience that will always be a cherished part of our lives. I couldn't even say how many times we when into the parks during this 8 years. Being there on average 5 month every year, and going into the parks 2-3 times a week... That's somewhere around 40 times per year. Times 8 years... wow... Somewhere well over 300 times. So, we got to see and do everything extensively. We saw lots of changes in this 8 years, mostly for the good. New attractions were always being added or updated.
Towards the end, there were so many changes, generally on the negative side. More things were being eliminated, discontinued, or reduced... As prices were going up. The past several years have seen major increase in prices for admission, food, general parking, and merchandise... add to this an endless list of extra added charges for fast passes, VIP seating/dinner packages, resort parking, and other incidentials. Many things that were once free now have additional charges. Many services that were once free are either having extra charges, or not being offered at all. And right now, so many, too many attractions or rides are being closed for refurbishment. Mechanical and electrical problems shutting down rides and attractions... monorails frequency breaking down (10 years past their life expectancy) ... and major construction projects everywhere, especially at Epcot. Disney philosophy now seems to be demolish and rebuild. Instead of simply adding new attractions which is mostly what they've done in the past, they now mostly demolish to build new. It's not like there is space issue.
My perception of Disney Today is based on my experiences of Disney in the past. Like most people, I went to Disney every several years for a two week vacation... 1972, 1975, and 1987. I retired in 2003, and along with the love of my life, we became seasonal cast members at Disney World from 2004 through 2011. A wonderful experience that will always be a cherished part of our lives. I couldn't even say how many times we when into the parks during this 8 years. Being there on average 5 month every year, and going into the parks 2-3 times a week... That's somewhere around 40 times per year. Times 8 years... wow... Somewhere well over 300 times. So, we got to see and do everything extensively. We saw lots of changes in this 8 years, mostly for the good. New attractions were always being added or updated.
Towards the end, there were so many changes, generally on the negative side. More things were being eliminated, discontinued, or reduced... As prices were going up. The past several years have seen major increase in prices for admission, food, general parking, and merchandise... add to this an endless list of extra added charges for fast passes, VIP seating/dinner packages, resort parking, and other incidentials. Many things that were once free now have additional charges. Many services that were once free are either having extra charges, or not being offered at all. And right now, so many, too many attractions or rides are being closed for refurbishment. Mechanical and electrical problems shutting down rides and attractions... monorails frequency breaking down (10 years past their life expectancy) ... and major construction projects everywhere, especially at Epcot. Disney philosophy now seems to be demolish and rebuild. Instead of simply adding new attractions which is mostly what they've done in the past, they now mostly demolish to build new. It's not like there is space issue.
Add to this the insane crowds. Disney raised prices with the belief that increased prices would keep the parks from being overcrowded. This didn't work... Prices are up and the crowds are insane. Why do I say insane? Based on 2004-2011 park attendance, today's wait times are insane. Popular attractions were usually 20 minutes (peak 45-60 minutes). Average attactions were 5-10 minutes. And catch them at the right time... Many were walk-ons. Fast passes were free and on a level playing field for everyone. Paper fast passes were being used and you could easily get one every 60-90 minutes for the most popular rides. Mix in the walk-ons and you could easily go from one ride to the next with almost no down time. Popular attractions the past few years would carry 200-300 minute wait times. Again... insane.
Fantastic night time spectacular shows like SpectroMagic Parade and the Osborne Christmas lights are gone forever... as are the extensive Christmas lights in Epcot. Street shows suspended. Many food & merchandise stand alone kiosk locations closed or suspended.
So from my perspective... my going back to Disney, at least in the next several years would be filled with more disappointment than magic.
But to each their own.
Our most enjoyable times were after dark. Most times at Epcot and Magic Kingdom. Epcot... Walk around, have a snack or dessert, enjoy the night lights, and the sights and sounds, perhaps a concert at the American pavilion. Never got tired of Reflections of Earth Fireworks. Magic Kingdom... a couple rides and Wishes Fireworks. 4-5 hour visits... There was always tomorrow. Being cast members, we had unlimited admission to all the park.
