What they've taken away

[thegash35]

I'm not sure why on earth fast pass "advance planning" being taken away would be listed as a negative. Who the heck enjoyed having to pick three attractions months in advance of a trip, combined with trying to work those around 6 month dining reservations, and all that nonsense. Did people really like the old way? I thought it sucked.

 

[Brob2132]

Sometimes we just want to vent, and that’s okay!

But really I would split this list into three categories:

COVID adjustments that will be back (meal plan for example, they make a killing on it)

Small items that you just miss (Okay too! But things will naturally be pruned over time)

Big items that are clearly meant to maximize revenue (what everyone gets fired up about, which is certainly understandable to a certain degree)

 

[2minny]

I'm not sure why on earth fast pass "advance planning" being taken away would be listed as a negative. Who the heck enjoyed having to pick three attractions months in advance of a trip, combined with trying to work those around 6 month dining reservations, and all that nonsense. Did people really like the old way? I thought it sucked.

I know, crazy, but I loved it lol I enjoyed making the plans early, having everything set in advance, working my schedule around what ADR I could get. But I must admit, I had it mastered. I much prefer that to waking up in the morning we are heading to the park, wondering if we will get on the rides we want, etc. But it does level the playing field. Especially for those that just show up, don't want to do a lot of pre-planning.

 

[chris benton]

I'm not sure why on earth fast pass "advance planning" being taken away would be listed as a negative. Who the heck enjoyed having to pick three attractions months in advance of a trip, combined with trying to work those around 6 month dining reservations, and all that nonsense. Did people really like the old way? I thought it sucked.

It's all perspective and personal preference. In my case, a few days of planning and tweaking in advance made for vacation time being like using my car's GPS to drive somewhere. No thinking involved, even when you make a detour, or add some extra things to do on your route. Wake up, and just go, no worries about what/where/how/when. I want the bare minimum of brain usage on my vacations.

 

[philbrody]

It's all perspective and personal preference. In my case, a few days of planning and tweaking in advance made for vacation time being like using my car's GPS to drive somewhere. No thinking involved, even when you make a detour, or add some extra things to do on your route. Wake up, and just go, no worries about what/where/how/when. I want the bare minimum of brain usage on my vacations.

count me in for completely enjoying the planning and also the efficiency of time on vacation. No standing around saying 'what do you want to do', pick a plan and run with it

 

[Lou'sMommy]

Upscale, individual toiletries in the resort rooms.

 

[Suzabella]

Some of these things have been taken away due to Covid, as mentioned, but I also believe Disney has used Covid as an excuse to reset. There are things that have been removed using that as an explanation when it's actually an excuse to end it. I think there are things that they won't bring back in order to improve their revenues without any consideration for the guest experience. JMHO....

 

[HeartTink]

My biggest complaint, which was pre-Covid, was the loss of the nighttime parade at MK. For me, sitting down on the sidewalk at the end of the night, talking about all of the things we did and watching the parade was magical. I just kept waiting for Disney to bring back a parade and it never happened. I was shocked that more guests weren't as outraged at that loss. I also enjoyed the daytime parades at the other parks, which were also cut pre-Covid. Makes me sad thinking about it. And now with Covid, there have been so many more cuts to entertainment. I honestly thought that they would have all of the shows back up and running by the 50th, but it isn't looking good.

 

[Sweet T n Me]

The Pirates League outside of the POTC ride. It wasn’t free. It’s like Bibbity Bobbity Boo. But, what fun. Capt. Jack Sparrow would check up on his trainees. The Mermaid clothing for the makeover was adorable. My GD can cackle like a dolphin. Capt. Jack heard her, and with finger pointed said “keep an eye on this one!!!“
What great CMs’ they had. This ended before closing.
DVC member perks, hopefully will return.

 

[igrsod]

What about towel art and fun scenarios with the kids toys by the mousekeepers?
Free package delivery from the parks?
Free acceptance of packages delivered to the resort from other parties.

 

[reylas]

I have never forgiven them for Mulch, Sweat and Shears. I know that is counted as part of the street performers at Hollywood Studios, but they were taken out before Covid.

I see no one has listed Nemo (the musical) and the Dinosaur rollercoaster at AK

 

[disneyseniors]

I agree about Mulch, Sweat and Shears, LOL. We loved the preshow with them. So much fun and they were multi talented.. Also miss the Osborne lights. All of it was magical!

 

[Stratman50th]

I have never forgiven them for Mulch, Sweat and Shears. I know that is counted as part of the street performers at Hollywood Studios, but they were taken out before Covid.

I see no one has listed Nemo (the musical) and the Dinosaur rollercoaster at AK

 

[Heather07438]

I miss the stunt show at HS and the Honey I shrunk the kids playground, old fantasy land, Wishes and most of all MSEP, FoF parade and the original StarWars symphony fireworks. I don't miss the parking lot traffic jams, tables at security, Pizza Planet, calling in ADRs or running the park for paper FP.

 

[whiporee]

WDW has taken nothing away. They've changed their services. But there's nothing anyone has paid for that is being denied them. They aren't being robbed and WDW isn't stealing. They've just changed their offerings.

Gas stations used to be service stations that checked your oil and air pressure while someone else filled up your tank. Flights used to have meals and drinks. Doctors used to make house calls. People used to have jockeys in their front yards. Times and expectations change.

If you compare the overall experience of the parks to what is was 30 years ago, there would be a lot of differences. But some of them would be improvements. The ability to order food remotely instead of waiting in a line is an improvement for most people's day. Having your picture taken on a ride is an improvement, as is having professional photographers around to capture moments if you want -- they'll even use your camera (or did, preCOVID). A second Dumbo is an improvement. More rides at HS, AK and Epcot are improvements.

Some of the things being lamented are the fault of COVID. Some are the fault of people not going back to work in the same jobs they had before. But some of it is the fault of the WDW guest, who has also changed over the decades. When I was younger, going to WDW, I couldn't imagine claiming a spot on a curb to watch a parade or a fireworks show, but it was commonplace (before the parades ended) for a decade, with adults forcing out children, and people squeezing in front of others. Fights to watch a parade or a fireworks show. I couldn't imagine taking a picture of a full trash can and publishing in the newspaper -- now it happens daily, but the publication is the internet. Why would WDW provide passage from the airport if doing so isn't enough, because people then complain about the lines, about the length of their wait, about them not getting their luggage to their room soon enough.

So as the world changed, WDW changed with it. It's no longer worth the PR hit to provide some of these services. It's no longer worth the IT and Guest Relations squabbles to deal with FP. It's no longer enough that some Mousekeepers some of the time made towel animals -- soon everyone wanted them every time and complaints came when they weren't there. Or weren't good enough. Or the right animal. Or ended up in someone's bag on the way out. Because they couldn't please everyone, they stopped the service. I can't blame them, to be honest. Sometimes you have to just shrug your shoulders at customers and say you've done what you can do -- I offer this at this price, and if you don't want it, okay.

 

[smallworldnh]

You hit the nail on the head. It's just sad to see, and then to hear so many justifying it. One thing I can't seem to understand is discontinuing Magical Express and then charging for parking.

I honestly feel that Disney is treating their guests more like high rollers in a casino - the more money you spend, the more they will give you. This isn't Vegas, it's Disneyworld and I don't think anyone should be shut out of anything because they can't afford it. Every "class" should be able to experience the magic like they used to. It's still a very expensive vacation no matter where you fall in the food chain. JMHO.

 

[k5thbeatle]

Great thread and I found myself agreeing with so many of the sentiments expressed. Just wanted to add one thing. Many point out many of the "free" things of days gone by. Remember that these things weren't really free per se, but were built into the cost of things (like resort fees, park tickets, etc). The rub for me (and I think many) is that all these costs (hotel fees, park tickets, etc) have significantly risen way above what normal inflation would dictate and then on top of that they're adding charges for the things that used to be included.

 

[RamblingMad]

It's the way businesses are operating these days. Cut expenses and charge more for less.

Here's a video of Scotty, where he's complaining about Ford doing this:

 

[EPCOT-O.G.]

The Covid excuse has to end. If they can pack in the crowds; have ppl. shoulder to shoulder waiting for fireworks or when cramming them into a holding area; then there's not a safety reason for anything else.

oMG yes. It was a reasonable justification back in July 2020. It’s been over a year and it’s clear they don’t care about customer safety anymore (I don’t think they really did at first either- I think a lot of it was performative to show they cared and so as not to be viewed as being reckless at the time).

But there’s no reason for it now. They have no functional distancing and are throwing people on rides one after another without the cleaning they once did. But, people have flocked back and they clearly see no need to resume what was once expected (shows, trinkets to accompany experiences, etc). I honestly hope they’re all having heartburn and anxiety at the huge numbers of cancellations and extremely low attendance right now.

 

[RamblingMad]

oMG yes. It was a reasonable justification back in July 2020. It’s been over a year and it’s clear they don’t care about customer safety anymore (I don’t think they really did at first either- I think a lot of it was performative to show they cared and so as not to be viewed as being reckless at the time).

But there’s no reason for it now. They have no functional distancing and are throwing people on rides one after another without the cleaning they once did. But, people have flocked back and they clearly see no need to resume what was once expected (shows, trinkets to accompany experiences, etc). I honestly hope they’re all having heartburn and anxiety at the huge numbers of cancellations and extremely low attendance right now.

Let's see what happens on their next earnings call. Don't underestimate the American consumer. They have all this stimulus money to spend on the Mouse. The big question is: what will Disney do after the consumer runs out of stimulus money?