It is easy to focus on the negative. It’s human nature for most folks – even if you tend to be a glass-half-full person most of the time, change is tough! I’ve mentioned it several times before, but feel the need to weigh in again today after watching the Disney fan community erupt on social media in opposition to recent cut-backs, closures, price increases, and event changes. Over the past few days a Disney survey collecting opinions on the proposed addition of $15 per night resort fees has caused quite a stir and those fees don’t yet exist. Food offering changes are also a hot button for Disney park fans. Heck, I’ve expressed my own disappointment over the loss of the Roasted Pork Shank from Gaston’s Tavern and the Sweet and Spicy Chicken Waffle from Sleepy Hollow (both beloved Magic Kingdom snacks!).
WDW – Short Term Sacrifice / Long Term Gain?
I can hear my buddy, David Hodges (co-host on The Disney Exchange Podcast), reminding me that Disney is a for-profit company with enormous reach, global interests, and shareholder obligations. I’m sure cost-control and profit margins do have quite a bit to do with some recent changes like the cutbacks on live entertainment in Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios along with ticket price increases.
In the back of my mind though, I can’t stop thinking about the other stuff. The new rides and attractions under construction at Walt Disney World. (The two new Disney Cruise Line ships that were just announced.) No, I don’t want to pay more for a Disney vacation, but I DO really (really, really REALLY!) want to ride the new rides, see the new shows and explore the new lands. UGH! I’m supposed to be whining with the other Disney fans about the greed, the money-grubbing, the ridiculous cost-cutting…but all I can think about is that perhaps Disney World will be better after these growing pains have been dealt with. 
Maybe, just maybe, after closures, construction walls, and cutbacks we will find that all of it… the inconvenient and expensive changes and adjustments…has been worth it. What if the painful short-term sacrifices produce exceptional long-term gains and our favorite vacation destinations emerge better than they’ve ever been before? As for me? I’m willing to wait and see for myself if all the upheaval has been worth it. I’m optimistic that I’ll find true Disney vacation happiness still exists on the other side.
What about you? Where do you stand with recent Disney vacation changes?
I’ve justified the high price of a Disney vacation since 1999, as being “worth it”. I used to go, on average, 3 times a year for long weekends, and a 4 or 5-nt summer trip, always booking room-only with a nice discount.
In the last few years, we have gone just once a year. The resort and ticket costs are outrageous and many of the little special things that I always enjoyed are rapidly disappearing. I wouldn’t even consider paying for Disney’s club level anymore.
All of the sudden, the cost of food is just hard to believe, while lots of the quality is average. I’ve never done the dining plan and I never will, although I’m reading more and more that the food prices are going up so much that it makes the ddp “worth it”. I assume this is the idea…
We have a package booked for this summer and are looking forward to being at our happy place, $3377 for 5 nights at Polynesian; 5-day admission, w/ PHs. 2 adults, 1 child. That is with the summer offer. 15% off rack rates at Polynesian.
If the trip isn’t magical, I will not return. And that will be a sacrifice on my part, b/c the place really is a second home to me. I absolutely love being there. But on principle, I will not continue to spend thousands of dollars there for vacations if the quality and value is not there. understaffed parks, undertrained CMs, mediocre food, many favorite snacks eliminated, etc. I will force myself to vacation somewhere else. I just cannot continue to spend this kind of money there. Mostly I was just spoiled by the good old days 🙁
I’m sure I’ll fall in love with another destination before long.
Definitely not going into our summer trip with a bad attitude, even if it may sound like it! Excited about our bb8 Magic bands and early CP breakfast 🙂 Can’t wait to see the new offerings at AK and soak up the great Disney atmosphere. Love the parks and what could be better than staying at the Poly?? We are sure to have a blast. I hope so!!
Thank you.
I recognize those swirling emotions, Liz! I have them myself all the time. It’s so hard to pay Disney prices w/out a 100% guarantee that things will be up to Disney standards. We used to purchase the dining plan, but when appetizers and gratuity were eliminated, the value was gone for us. We are eligible to purchase Tables in Wonderland and find we definitely get our money’s worth from it. We’re booked for two more WDW trips this year but are looking elsewhere for 2017 at this point. Your upcoming vacation sounds great- we loved our recent stay at the Poly!!! I hope you do find it to be magical!!! Thanks for stopping by…Lisa
Thank you, Lisa 🙂
one day if not soon some Disney ex. is going to wake up & look at attendance & bodies in bed & go what happened . not now perhaps . 15 dollars resort fee on top of the county taxes being collected now is steep . I know for myself I am fast reaching the breaking point $$$$$$ quality of food served declining , rides down for longer periods of time new rides taking years to come on line. universal has new rides up & running in less than a year. I have heard rumors that factor ticket pricing , less bodies in park means less staff, less maintenance on attractions equals profits . does Disney think this way youbetcha they do . just look at staff cuts now . my pass is up in may it will cost me a extra $ 200.00 dollars to renew . belive me I am thinking hard on not renewing . my wife & i are 20 year passholders & it is becoming too $$$$$$$ for us as we approach retirement
We’re booked for October & December vacations this year, so our passes will get renewed this time. Then we’re thinking of Aulani and/or DCL cruise in 2017 instead of WDW…give ourselves time to reevaluate the value/return on investment.
sept, dec for us lisa so I guess I will renew but I will be gritting my teeth. it is just so pretty in dec . but remember no Osborne lights . another strike . really enjoy your blogs
my best to you & yours, dusty