Worried what it will be like when we finally return. Are you too?

[Mom kissed Walt]

From 0 to 7 of our daughters life, we were passholders and went roughly 3-6 times a year. Only went enough to slightly more than break even but wonderful, sweet happy memories were made. Our daughter grew up really having a connection with Disneyland that we thought would continue without fail.

I began reading these boards from pretty much the beginning of that parenthood Disney trip stage. Although useful, Disboards was too saccharine for my taste so I ended up mostly lurking here and enjoying the spirited debates. In a way, reading here has really opened my eyes to the dark side of the Disney company. And I’m not talking full on How to Read Donald Duck, I’m just saying I think far more about what I’m getting for what I put out now, financially and emotionally.

Before the parks shut down, we were taking what I thought was a short break and trying other things, Harry Potter (loved it) and LEGOLAND (probably waited too long, it was ok but not amazing) and just generally trying to get out and take exploratory vacations because we “done too much Disney” we went to destinations and that was valuable and made me realize I need to prioritize that.

After the parks shut down though, I longed for them to be open, to return to those happy memories, those wonderful early childhood romps and eyes wide open to the magic. I felt there would be so much to look forward to and enjoy. I really wanted to go back.

Now that the parks are back, they are such a source of frustration and sadness though. We are pretty well priced out in ways I just wouldn’t have suspected. The pass/key level we would normally get would not be the least bit worth it with school and the day tickets just seem highway robbery. Add to this lightning lane and I just feel like, NO. I consider myself too smart to waste money on a vacation where things are so changed, so forced and nickel and dimed to the point of wondering if we could even really relax. We have friends that have gone back. Made the most of it but seem similarly disillusioned.

Alas, it’s in our families DNA. How sad I feel we have a corporation runs through our veins? Of course that isn’t true, but many of you will understand what I mean. We can’t give up on it forever. Our daughter is a tween now, not now, but soon, she won’t care, it won’t matter, and by that time will I have waited too long?

With that I ask you, how do you feel about going back?Have you already? Are you waiting for the “right time”? Are you like me and feel you might be missing some self determined window?

[DLcub]

The last 5 years or so I've become more and more disillusioned. And it's not due to age, I'm 40 and was still as crazy about Disney for most of my adult as I was when I was a kid.

For me it's a combination of many things, but insane prices along with overcrowding is definitely a big part of it.

I know a lot of people lament the changes that have been made, and will be made to classic attractions, but that doesn't necessarily bother me as much.

I just feel that the spontaneity of going on a less crowded day, not having to plan your entire day, not having to constantly stand in crowded lines, not having to worry about where to eat, but just deciding then and there, etc, all of that is completely a thing of the past.

It has completely killed the joy for me, for example having to book for the Blue Bayou for months in advance in order to ensure a spot, and needing to plan your entire day in advance, and still have to be on your feet standing in crowded lines for most of the day.

In essence, I feel like I'm paying much more for a much less enyoyable experience than what it used to be.

Unfortunately I don't think there's a solution.

Even if they were to make the day tickets / AP's more affordable (which they won't) it would only draw more crowds.

For me, I'm sorry to say, but Disneyland is dead.

I still have hope for some of the international parks. DisneySea is expanding massively, which will lighten the crowds a bit there, so I'm looking forward to going to Japan again sometime after 2023.

[Mr Wiggins]

The sad reality is that Disney itself is the main reason that more and more of its longtime loyal customers are learning "there are more ways to spend our vacation dollars than Disney."

[Dougy]

I will start by saying that I have stayed away from this forum for a while now because of complaining...and now I am going to do that exact thing...so sorry!

This is all just my opinion but I personally believe the declined started with offering so many easy options for locals (and yes, I took advantage of it too at one time). It transitioned from being a destination spot to a glorified mall. The merchandising side of Disney saw they could take advantage of this crowd and started pumping more and more of their resources into this, which the destination/resort side started to decline and the only way to make up for it was raising prices and/or cutting corners.

Disneyland (at least for me and my family) used to be a once a year, or every other year treat. We would save up our money, make it a vacation spot for 3-5 days. Once I moved closer down there, more and more options were made for me to get to Disney, spend limited money while still expecting the same magic. And the crowds showed I wasn't the only one taking advantage.

Now I see so many people complaining about Disney management and greed, when we were the ones asking for this. Everyone wanting to go to Disney everyday of the year, but pay for a pass that is the equivalent of a couple weeks (of just entry) worth. What does Disney do from here? How does Disney respond to everyone wanting everything for nothing. The locals that visit could care less about the resort being able to offer an experience to remember, because the local only cares about getting their next popcorn bucket, or making a YouTube video about what new 'merch' came out this week, or what food to try for whatever festival they have that month. I am not blaming the locals either, why not take advantage of these gifts if Disney was going to make it so easy to get into the parks.

I personally think Disney should rid itself of the AP programs (or whatever they are called now). Let the locals enjoy the park like everyone else...save their money for one or a few trips a year, and quit treating it like a local mall/hangout. Try this out for a couple years, see if the magic can return. If it doesn't work, go back to the 'cram as many people so they can get their popcorn buckets' method. I for one will be okay with not having so many YT channels of people letting me know how crowded the park is that day, or what they think of the new hot dog in Disney "Proper". Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a few of the YT channels...a while back it kept me connected with the parks when I couldn't make it.

I apologize for the rant. I still have a special place for Disney and will remember it how I choose too. But I don't think all the blame goes on corporate greed, since we as the consumer have asked for it. Please feel free to correct me where I am wrong.

[Captain Andy]

Disneyland is different. It still has its moments where you can find magic, but I’ll admit nostalgia really does fog up my glasses during those times.

However, I don’t believe in a terrible Disney day, and that’s because I go in adamant about having a good time and not letting some of the changes damper my spirit. It sucks that the quality is getting chipped away, and the prices are as high as they are… but if you’re set on going, enter with an attitude that’s ready to endure.

[Dougy]

Disneyland is different. It still has its moments where you can find magic, but I’ll admit nostalgia really does fog up my glasses during those times.

However, I don’t believe in a terrible Disney day, and that’s because I go in adamant about having a good time and not letting some of the changes damper my spirit. It sucks that the quality is getting chipped away, and the prices are as high as they are… but if you’re set on going, enter with an attitude that’s ready to endure.

Very good point!

[BasilOregano]

Personally I've found the best thing to do is not to worry about whether or not you're have a good (or 'magical') time, but just let what happens happen. I certainly know and can point out the places where the paint is peeling, metaphorically speaking, but I find I don't fixate on them as much when I'm actually at the parks, because at least for me personally there's still so much there to enjoy.

[DLcub]

I will start by saying that I have stayed away from this forum for a while now because of complaining...and now I am going to do that exact thing...so sorry!

This is all just my opinion but I personally believe the declined started with offering so many easy options for locals (and yes, I took advantage of it too at one time). It transitioned from being a destination spot to a glorified mall. The merchandising side of Disney saw they could take advantage of this crowd and started pumping more and more of their resources into this, which the destination/resort side started to decline and the only way to make up for it was raising prices and/or cutting corners.

Disneyland (at least for me and my family) used to be a once a year, or every other year treat. We would save up our money, make it a vacation spot for 3-5 days. Once I moved closer down there, more and more options were made for me to get to Disney, spend limited money while still expecting the same magic. And the crowds showed I wasn't the only one taking advantage.

Now I see so many people complaining about Disney management and greed, when we were the ones asking for this. Everyone wanting to go to Disney everyday of the year, but pay for a pass that is the equivalent of a couple weeks (of just entry) worth. What does Disney do from here? How does Disney respond to everyone wanting everything for nothing. The locals that visit could care less about the resort being able to offer an experience to remember, because the local only cares about getting their next popcorn bucket, or making a YouTube video about what new 'merch' came out this week, or what food to try for whatever festival they have that month. I am not blaming the locals either, why not take advantage of these gifts if Disney was going to make it so easy to get into the parks.

I personally think Disney should rid itself of the AP programs (or whatever they are called now). Let the locals enjoy the park like everyone else...save their money for one or a few trips a year, and quit treating it like a local mall/hangout. Try this out for a couple years, see if the magic can return. If it doesn't work, go back to the 'cram as many people so they can get their popcorn buckets' method. I for one will be okay with not having so many YT channels of people letting me know how crowded the park is that day, or what they think of the new hot dog in Disney "Proper". Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a few of the YT channels...a while back it kept me connected with the parks when I couldn't make it.

I apologize for the rant. I still have a special place for Disney and will remember it how I choose too. But I don't think all the blame goes on corporate greed, since we as the consumer have asked for it. Please feel free to correct me where I am wrong.

Thank you for this. You hit the nail on the head in a way that I wasn't able to articulate, and I appreciate the sober reminder that some of the blame definitely needs to be directed at us fans, or at least the AP community.

At the same time, I get it. If I lived closer to the park I would probably go several times a week, while still complaining about how crowded it is these days.

The obvious problem is that Disney have painted themselves into a corner where they can't afford to get rid of the AP program (I'm also unsure of what it's called these days), but at the same time they can't afford to keep it, at least not in the long run.

[bigcatrik]

I'm pretty sure that whenever I return I'll find things pretty much where I left them the last time I was there in early 2015, despite all the changes.

The Disneyland SoCal discount is tempting, but Magic Mountain has a boffo new roller coaster opening (with the benefits on their $230 Diamond Elite Pass simply stunning), and my Knott's pass is good all of 2022, with unlimited soft drinks. :-)

[Eagleman]

my Knott's pass is good all of 2022, with unlimited soft drinks. :-)

Hey that a Good Deal

[Eagleman]

The obvious problem is that Disney have painted themselves into a corner where they can't afford to get rid of the AP program (I'm also unsure of what it's called these days), but at the same time they can't afford to keep it, at least not in the long run.

I Agree with this statement........
Specially way this AP program is going !
IMO

[Mom kissed Walt]

The last 5 years or so I've become more and more disillusioned. And it's not due to age, I'm 40 and was still as crazy about Disney for most of my adult as I was when I was a kid.

For me it's a combination of many things, but insane prices along with overcrowding is definitely a big part of it.

I know a lot of people lament the changes that have been made, and will be made to classic attractions, but that doesn't necessarily bother me as much.

I just feel that the spontaneity of going on a less crowded day, not having to plan your entire day, not having to constantly stand in crowded lines, not having to worry about where to eat, but just deciding then and there, etc, all of that is completely a thing of the past.

It has completely killed the joy for me, for example having to book for the Blue Bayou for months in advance in order to ensure a spot, and needing to plan your entire day in advance, and still have to be on your feet standing in crowded lines for most of the day.

In essence, I feel like I'm paying much more for a much less enyoyable experience than what it used to be.

Unfortunately I don't think there's a solution.

Even if they were to make the day tickets / AP's more affordable (which they won't) it would only draw more crowds.

For me, I'm sorry to say, but Disneyland is dead.

I still have hope for some of the international parks. DisneySea is expanding massively, which will lighten the crowds a bit there, so I'm looking forward to going to Japan again sometime after 2023.

I concur on a lot of this an honestly don’t see a current solution.

I also have hope that some international park would spark that excitement again.

[Mom kissed Walt]

I will start by saying that I have stayed away from this forum for a while now because of complaining...and now I am going to do that exact thing...so sorry!

This is all just my opinion but I personally believe the declined started with offering so many easy options for locals (and yes, I took advantage of it too at one time). It transitioned from being a destination spot to a glorified mall. The merchandising side of Disney saw they could take advantage of this crowd and started pumping more and more of their resources into this, which the destination/resort side started to decline and the only way to make up for it was raising prices and/or cutting corners.

Disneyland (at least for me and my family) used to be a once a year, or every other year treat. We would save up our money, make it a vacation spot for 3-5 days. Once I moved closer down there, more and more options were made for me to get to Disney, spend limited money while still expecting the same magic. And the crowds showed I wasn't the only one taking advantage.

Now I see so many people complaining about Disney management and greed, when we were the ones asking for this. Everyone wanting to go to Disney everyday of the year, but pay for a pass that is the equivalent of a couple weeks (of just entry) worth. What does Disney do from here? How does Disney respond to everyone wanting everything for nothing. The locals that visit could care less about the resort being able to offer an experience to remember, because the local only cares about getting their next popcorn bucket, or making a YouTube video about what new 'merch' came out this week, or what food to try for whatever festival they have that month. I am not blaming the locals either, why not take advantage of these gifts if Disney was going to make it so easy to get into the parks.

I personally think Disney should rid itself of the AP programs (or whatever they are called now). Let the locals enjoy the park like everyone else...save their money for one or a few trips a year, and quit treating it like a local mall/hangout. Try this out for a couple years, see if the magic can return. If it doesn't work, go back to the 'cram as many people so they can get their popcorn buckets' method. I for one will be okay with not having so many YT channels of people letting me know how crowded the park is that day, or what they think of the new hot dog in Disney "Proper". Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a few of the YT channels...a while back it kept me connected with the parks when I couldn't make it.

I apologize for the rant. I still have a special place for Disney and will remember it how I choose too. But I don't think all the blame goes on corporate greed, since we as the consumer have asked for it. Please feel free to correct me where I am wrong.

Great rant and no you’re not wrong. We as consumers definitely deserve to shoulder some of the responsibility. To me it’s a bit of a toxic relationship Disney created with guests. I don’t think it’s all their fault but they want to maximize profits right? So if the public is mostly telling them, we want to go all the time and we’ll pay anything to do it, then there we are.

I had a somewhat similar visiting schedule to you, except slightly more frequent (a couple times a year) and shorter trips (2-3 days). I still preserved the right amount of distance for our family so it’s still felt special and not the everyday. The crowds were heavy, we still had a great time. I don’t know how to get back to that mindset where I feel good about the money spent again.

[Mom kissed Walt]

I'm pretty sure that whenever I return I'll find things pretty much where I left them the last time I was there in early 2015, despite all the changes.

The Disneyland SoCal discount is tempting, but Magic Mountain has a boffo new roller coaster opening (with the benefits on their $230 Diamond Elite Pass simply stunning), and my Knott's pass is good all of 2022, with unlimited soft drinks. :-)

I really like your optimism.

[Mom kissed Walt]

Personally I've found the best thing to do is not to worry about whether or not you're have a good (or 'magical') time, but just let what happens happen. I certainly know and can point out the places where the paint is peeling, metaphorically speaking, but I find I don't fixate on them as much when I'm actually at the parks, because at least for me personally there's still so much there to enjoy.

I appreciate this as well, I’d love to have this mindset but I keep going back the bad place.

[Mom kissed Walt]

Personally I've found the best thing to do is not to worry about whether or not you're have a good (or 'magical') time, but just let what happens happen. I certainly know and can point out the places where the paint is peeling, metaphorically speaking, but I find I don't fixate on them as much when I'm actually at the parks, because at least for me personally there's still so much there to enjoy.

I appreciate this as well, I’d love to have this mindset but I keep going back the bad place.

[Mom kissed Walt]

The sad reality is that Disney itself is the main reason that more and more of its longtime loyal customers are learning "there are more ways to spend our vacation dollars than Disney."

It’s definitely a factor for me. I didn’t used to think about each Disney trip as always a comparison about visiting other places but now I do.

[Flarson]

I will start by saying that I have stayed away from this forum for a while now because of complaining...and now I am going to do that exact thing...so sorry!

This is all just my opinion but I personally believe the declined started with offering so many easy options for locals (and yes, I took advantage of it too at one time). It transitioned from being a destination spot to a glorified mall. The merchandising side of Disney saw they could take advantage of this crowd and started pumping more and more of their resources into this, which the destination/resort side started to decline and the only way to make up for it was raising prices and/or cutting corners.

Disneyland (at least for me and my family) used to be a once a year, or every other year treat. We would save up our money, make it a vacation spot for 3-5 days. Once I moved closer down there, more and more options were made for me to get to Disney, spend limited money while still expecting the same magic. And the crowds showed I wasn't the only one taking advantage.

Now I see so many people complaining about Disney management and greed, when we were the ones asking for this. Everyone wanting to go to Disney everyday of the year, but pay for a pass that is the equivalent of a couple weeks (of just entry) worth. What does Disney do from here? How does Disney respond to everyone wanting everything for nothing. The locals that visit could care less about the resort being able to offer an experience to remember, because the local only cares about getting their next popcorn bucket, or making a YouTube video about what new 'merch' came out this week, or what food to try for whatever festival they have that month. I am not blaming the locals either, why not take advantage of these gifts if Disney was going to make it so easy to get into the parks.

I personally think Disney should rid itself of the AP programs (or whatever they are called now). Let the locals enjoy the park like everyone else...save their money for one or a few trips a year, and quit treating it like a local mall/hangout. Try this out for a couple years, see if the magic can return. If it doesn't work, go back to the 'cram as many people so they can get their popcorn buckets' method. I for one will be okay with not having so many YT channels of people letting me know how crowded the park is that day, or what they think of the new hot dog in Disney "Proper". Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a few of the YT channels...a while back it kept me connected with the parks when I couldn't make it.

I apologize for the rant. I still have a special place for Disney and will remember it how I choose too. But I don't think all the blame goes on corporate greed, since we as the consumer have asked for it. Please feel free to correct me where I am wrong.

Absolutely agree with your post as well. Thank you for wording it so well. We too are usually a once a year Disney trip to one of the parks. Agree that there is so much FOMO and need for an Instagram moment or it didn't happen that is going on in our world today that has taken a shine off the magic of DL. I know where I live in Canada they are asking people NOT to tag locations of pictures because it has started to overrun the capacity of the parks with people to the point that it is getting hard to enjoy or even get into places (does that sound familiar at all?)

With the parks closed and not being able to go I know we enjoyed several YT moments to get us through as well but now I have cut back so that when I do get to go there is more mystery and magic.

[Eagleman]

It’s definitely a factor for me. I didn’t used to think about each Disney trip as always a comparison about visiting other places but now I do.

More to Life than Disney...........

[DaHatTrick]

I will

Now I see so many people complaining about Disney management and greed, when we were the ones asking for this. Everyone wanting to go to Disney everyday of the year, but pay for a pass that is the equivalent of a couple weeks (of just entry) worth. What does Disney do from here? How does Disney respond to everyone wanting everything for nothing. The locals that visit could care less about the resort being able to offer an experience to remember, because the local only cares about getting their next popcorn bucket, or making a YouTube video about what new 'merch' came out this week, or what food to try for whatever festival they have that month. I am not blaming the locals either, why not take advantage of these gifts if Disney was going to make it so easy to get into the parks.

I personally think Disney should rid itself of the AP programs (or whatever they are called now). Let the locals enjoy the park like everyone else...save their money for one or a few trips a year, and quit treating it like a local mall/hangout. Try this out for a couple years, see if the magic can return. If it doesn't work, go back to the 'cram as many people so they can get their popcorn buckets' method. I for one will be okay with not having so many YT channels of people letting me know how crowded the park is that day, or what they think of the new hot dog in Disney "Proper". Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a few of the YT channels...a while back it kept me connected with the parks when I couldn't make it.

I

if I already live in California and everything costs and arm and a leg why are you going to dig even deeper and seek to eliminate a cost saving program to me such as the AP? I actually believe it is you out of towners who are ruining Disneyland with your lightning lane and inability to be patient and wait in line like the locals. So what if I want new merchandise? So what if I want a new popcorn bucket? How I spend my money doesn’t concern you. The locals are not to blame for what’s going on at Disneyland. How can you blame locals when only 3600 people have a dream key? The blame is on the out of towners who can’t wait in line like the rest of us and make the line longer by purchasing lightning lane.