Originally Posted By plpeters70 <<Now, of course this doesn't happen a lot - most of the time the negativity is tempered with at least a little positive.>> That's all that I was trying to say - I really don't see that type of negativity on these boards that much. Sure, we have our threads where we take Disney to task over falling quality, but I rarely see anyone claim that you shouldn't ever go to WDW because of it. Sure, there will always be the rare case where someone will be a little overzealous and say those things, but frankly, they're entitled to that opinion and are free to share it. And those reading will have to make judgments on their own. I do agree with you that our familiarity with the parks does tend to make us more sensitive to the bad changes that we see, and I do try to temper my opinion when speaking to first timers. And if I was posting on the Trip Reports page, I'd probably not complain so much. But I've always seen THIS board as more of a general topic discussion of WDW, so don't see anything wrong with complaining here.
Originally Posted By danyoung >...I really don't think someone is going to read that I despise The Seas with Nemo and Friends, and because of that, never head in there....< In a perfect world, most folks would be smart enough to read MANY opinions before coming to a decision on which attractions to visit. Unfortunately there are plenty of folks that are impressionable enough to be influenced by some of the strong statements made in this and other forums. Again, I'm not saying that we shouldn't ever express our dissatisfaction with the way Disney is doing something. But it's naive of us to think that we can rattle off whatever we feel like and not have our words taken seriously by some. >but I rarely see anyone claim that you shouldn't ever go to WDW because of it.< I agree that it doesn't happen a lot, but it does happen. And just from the response of those in this thread who are having a hard time with the negativity, that should tell you something. As a wise man once said, perhaps we need to doubt a little of our own infallibility and make some minor adjustments to our posting style.
Originally Posted By KatieKate123 Thanks Danyoung you speak exactly what I am thinking perfectly. Look I would never let you guys influence me in going to WDW or not, but that dosen't mean other people wouldn't. I just hate for us veterans to change someones mind about going to WDW. Ok let me take this for an example. I have 4000 dollars in my savings, and I really have been wanting to take my kids to WDW but thats a lot of money to our family who just barely pay our bills maybe we can use that money for something better like 3 different vacations. oh but really I want to take my kids to WDW at least one time. SO this person is already arguing with themselves (and yes I did this 2) so when they come onto this board, and they see what you guys are saying is negative then I might persuade me that its better to take a few other vacations with my children, missing the chance of a lifetime to go to WDW.
Originally Posted By plpeters70 <<they see what you guys are saying is negative then I might persuade me that its better to take a few other vacations with my children, missing the chance of a lifetime to go to WDW. >> But is that really such a bad thing? Maybe those other vacations will turn out to be amazing? And does it really matter to you, or anyone else posting here, whether or not someone actually visits WDW? I mean, I don't make any money from Disney, so it really doesn't matter much to me if someone chooses to go or not.
Originally Posted By skinnerbox When you think about the total cost for a family to visit WDW these days, it boggles the mind. It's an insane amount of money, that could be spent on other fabulous destinations elsewhere, several times over. I would hate to think that our nation's children are being deprived of experiencing our national parks and historical landmarks because Disney marketing has taken control of their young minds and brainwashed them into thinking that the Disney Parks™ are the be all, end all of vacation destinations. We have so many wonderful natural resources all across the country, yet too many young Americans aren't being shown these places first hand. By missing out on these experiences, they lose a direct connection to what makes this country so great and worth protecting and preserving. And when that connection is lost, so is their interest in the country in general. Parents should be taking their children to other destinations in our country, like the national parks, while they still can see them. WDW is a great vacation destination, but it shouldn't be the "holy grail" of vacation spots. There are other places far more impressive and wondrous, especially in the natural world, than Disney World. Do your kids a favor and take them to those other places first.
Originally Posted By SuperDry <<< I have 4000 dollars in my savings, and I really have been wanting to take my kids to WDW but thats a lot of money to our family who just barely pay our bills maybe we can use that money for something better like 3 different vacations. oh but really I want to take my kids to WDW at least one time. >>> Don't bother. The place has gone downhill so much, it would be a waste of money.
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>I would hate to think that our nation's children are being deprived of experiencing our national parks and historical landmarks because Disney marketing has taken control of their young minds and brainwashed them into thinking that the Disney Parks™ are the be all, end all of vacation destinations<<< I'm a Disney Fan... but I'm a History Major, too. Agreed 1000%. Disney is most definitely the pinnacle of entertainment, and fun... but... it's not as enriching or as interesting or as meaningful as going someplace with a History. I'm very thankful that my parents did both with me.
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>SO this person is already arguing with themselves (and yes I did this 2) so when they come onto this board, and they see what you guys are saying is negative then I might persuade me that its better to take a few other vacations with my children, missing the chance of a lifetime to go to WDW.<<<< The person should go anyway, make their own decision and choose whether or not to come back. It's part of life. Can't change everyone's mind in the good way or the bad way.
Originally Posted By danyoung >And does it really matter to you, or anyone else posting here, whether or not someone actually visits WDW?< Two different arguments here. If someone is arguing for a vacation at non-Disney locations like parks and national monuments, then that's a cool thing. But if someone is just saying bad things about WDW or DL, to the point that someone is influenced by it, then this is just bad. And forgive me, but I think it's selfish to say that it doesn't matter if someone is turned off by the negativity to the point of bailing on their long-planned vacation. No, I don't have a stake in the company, but I really feel for the people who are getting a false picture of the parks by those of us who just want to spout off about all the piddly little things that they don't like. And before I get slammed for that, I know there are quite a few fairly large problems with the parks, especially in the MK. But I'm sure not going to campaign to get someone else to STOP going. And that's what all this negativity does, whether you think so or not.
Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan >>And forgive me, but I think it's selfish to say that it doesn't matter if someone is turned off by the negativity to the point of bailing on their long-planned vacation.<< I operate under the notion that people come here to share their excitement about an upcoming/past trip as well as to read and share a variety of opinions, both good and bad. I can get all-positivity-all-the-time from the Disney Parks site. I also operate under the notion that most people, over time, can tell the difference between someone who is sincere vs. someone who is just a crank out to knock Disney every chance they get.
Originally Posted By KatieKate123 Yes but some people don't come here for a long time to see that those people complain about everything. They might only visit this site once or twice. I am sorry but the negativity repeatedly hurts people and if you think thats ok then there is something wrong.
Originally Posted By Goofyernmost >>>I would hate to think that our nation's children are being deprived of experiencing our national parks and historical landmarks because Disney marketing has taken control of their young minds and brainwashed them into thinking that the Disney Parks™ are the be all, end all of vacation destinations.<<< I have been all over the world, I have been to National Parks, I have visited castles in Europe, Ridden Bullet Trains in Japan, Taken cruises to the islands, Been to the West Coast, been to the mid-atlantic states, the southern states, the beaches in Maine, So. Carolina, Florida and others. I've been to New Orleans, different parts of Canada, Vietnam, Guam...lots of places. You know where I chose to go now...WDW. Go Figure.
Originally Posted By danyoung >I can get all-positivity-all-the-time from the Disney Parks site.< I agree, but that's not what I'm promoting here. >I also operate under the notion that most people, over time, can tell the difference between someone who is sincere vs. someone who is just a crank out to knock Disney every chance they get.< And I guess what I'm saying is that WE, the regular online Laughingplace crew, can see the diff, but the random mom who logs on to find out a few pieces of info for her family's upcoming vacation can NOT tell the difference. And I really think that's a problem.
Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan But is that random mom really, honestly going to cancel vacation plans based on reading posts here? And if so, what the heck can be done about that? It seems to me that negative posts are pretty much countered by posts that are more positive in nature most of the time, no?
Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan >>They might only visit this site once or twice. I am sorry but the negativity repeatedly hurts people and if you think thats ok then there is something wrong.<< Let's say I want to buy a particular car. I poke around various websites to see what people are saying. Basically, I'm looking for some kind of consensus to help me decide. So if negative comments are pretty much limited to one or two posters, and their posts read as too extremist ("This car company hasn't made any good cars since the days or the horse and buggy!") then I ignore those. I just think you're not giving folks enough credit. Most people can tell the difference between a thoughtful, well-reasoned post and a negative screed.
Originally Posted By plpeters70 <<But is that random mom really, honestly going to cancel vacation plans based on reading posts here? And if so, what the heck can be done about that?>> Exactly! Look, I don't want to ruin anyone's trip, but I really don't think we should have to "watch the negativity" because of the chance that some random reader might get the wrong impression about WDW. I'm not trying to be selfish, I just really don't think that the probability of someone canceling a trip to WDW because I complain that EPCOT isn't as good as it used to be is very high.
Originally Posted By KatieKate123 Ok fine let me ask you in a different way Is it fun to point out the negative things? I mean is that like oh look I came back and the lights was out really necessary? I just don't get the entertainment in pointing out the negative things. I never make myself happy by focusing on the negative. IN fact for every negative thing in my life I try to come up with 5 good things.
Originally Posted By plpeters70 <<Is it fun to point out the negative things? I mean is that like oh look I came back and the lights was out really necessary? >> First of all, I have never made a post about lights being out - WDW has much bigger problems to solve than just having a light out here or there. But, that aside, no - it's not "fun" to post about negative things at Disney. If I had my way, the parks would be run more like they were in the 80s and we wouldn't be still waiting for a new E-ticket at the Magic Kingdom 20 years after the last one. But, sadly, that's not the case. So, I come on here and complain about the things I see at WDW that I don't like with other like-minded people. I'm sorry if you don't want to read those things, but that's really the nature of discussion boards.
Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan >>I mean is that like oh look I came back and the lights was out really necessary? << A lot of us grew up at a time when Disney used to actively promote their attention to the smallest detail. There was a show called "Evening Magazine" that was on in a number of areas of the country, with local hosts. I remember they did a segment about how every bulb at Disneyland was on a replacement schedule so that they were actually replaced before they absolutely had to be. That's why it was (and is) so rare to see a burned out bulb at the parks. That's pretty cool, and just one of those things that have always made Disney a cut above. Other theme parks and amusement parks aren't so fussy about maintenance, and that's why so many of them wind up looking shoddy. So when there are times that it looks like Disney is cutting corners on maintenance -- based on what they themselves "trained" us Disney fans to expect, mind you -- I think that's worth mentioning. Can it get carried away? Oh, yeah. No doubt. But I really believe that most people can tell the difference between someone who's just bashing for bashing's sake vs. someone who is pointing out a legitimate problem. >>IN fact for every negative thing in my life I try to come up with 5 good things.<< That's good. Perhaps next time you read a negative post, just consider that maybe, just maybe, it's being written by someone who loves Disney and that they are pained to see something that they feel doesn't measure up to those high standards. And that's a good thing.
