I’m a Disney fan. Have been since my first trip to Disneyland in early 1970. As a kid, my brother and I would always choose Disneyland as our destination of choice when asked where we wanted to travel during the summer break from school. Sadly, we seldom went. As an adult, I can go, pretty much, whenever I want to. That’s the beauty of being an adult.
I’ve been to Disneyland countless times and Disney World dozens of times. My husband and I are Disney Vacation Club owners (their rendition of a time share) and for the past few years we’ve been annual passholders. We usually go to Disney World at least once a year, sometimes twice, because, well, we really like it. We feel there is something magical about it.
At least we used to. Things are changing and not necessarily for the better. Sure, inflation has caused prices to go up; that’s true everywhere. But, I think Disney has almost priced themselves out for the average person. My husband and I can afford to go to the parks a couple of times a year because we don’t have to pay for hotels or park passes every time. (Yes, ultimately we have to pay for them, but you know what I mean.) However, there are still the costs of getting there and back home and eating, which are getting more and more expensive. I’m not sure how the average family of four could afford a 4-day trip.
I say 4 days because to really experience Disney World you need to go to every park at least one time while you’re there, which means a park a day since there are 4 theme parks. That doesn’t include seeing or spending any time at any of the dozens of resorts, which are all unique and beautiful, or at the pool, or at Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney), which a person could spend 3 or 4 days at and probably not see or do everything there.
Yeah, it’s getting really expensive to go to Disney parks. But, another reason Disney is losing its luster for me, is their ultra-liberal stance on certain issues and their involvement in political and moral issues. I don’t understand why this business, or any business really, even needs to get involved. Just run the business, not the country or the world. Stay out of the political arena and don’t choose sides on moral issues. Period. Provide a service and let folks enjoy their vacations. I have a hard time enjoying my visits now because of the underlying political currents shining through the Disney facades. In my opinion, their moral compass is also getting a bit too skewed for my comfort. I’m not sure I can continue to support the company as a whole.
I believe EVERY person, regardless of race, gender, religion, or nationality, should be treated with respect and all employees should get the exact same benefits if they are in the exact same position. If an employee doesn’t feel like they are being treated the same as others, they are welcome to leave the company and go somewhere else. If an employee feels like they are entitled to something more than other employees, they are welcome to go find those things elsewhere. I don’t believe employees should dictate to the boss how they should run their company and then give an ultimatum if their demands are not met. As the boss, I’d say, “there’s the door.” Too many people are looking for extra stuff based on their perceived belief that they are “special” or somehow “wronged” because of their belief system. Sorry. That’s not how it works. You don’t get something extra because you have green hair, or purple skin, or you choose to live a certain way.
But, let’s move on. I’ve noticed another trend: by jacking up the prices, it seems like only the wealthy are able to afford to go. I hate to say this, because I’m making a generalization, but it’s been my experience that the wealthy are usually the folks not used to enduring the “sufferings” of the average person and expect things they are not entitled to. Things like, waiting your turn, not expecting anything “extra,” waiting in line to use the restroom or to order food. So many of these upper-class families are used to getting what they want, when they want it, and they act like spoiled entitled brats and complain about stuff that everyone else just expects they’ll have to do. Like waiting in line, sometimes in the blazing sun. Or cleaning up after yourself when you leave a table. I always take a few seconds to clean up my mess so the next folks can sit down to a quasi-clean table. At mealtime, tables are hard to come by so people tend to hover like vultures until someone gets up to leave. So many folks now, more than they used to, just get up and go and leave all their trash, empty cups, food wrappers, spilled ketchup, etc. on the table. They do not clean up after themselves. I think people with money expect someone else to clean up their messes. Again, just a generalization, and observation.
The final bone of contention I have, is the cutting in line problem. It is so prevalent now. There are fewer Disney cast members (for all kinds of reasons), which means fewer folks to “police” bad behavior. Nothing makes me more angry than waiting 45 minutes or longer for a ride or attraction, getting almost up to the boarding area, only to have 16 people jump in line and join the 2 ladies who have been waiting in front of us for the past 45 minutes. Those 16 people all ate ice cream or rode some other ride, while their mothers waited in line. Then when the mommies got almost up to the front of the line, they marched right up through the line, saying “excuse me, excuse me” until they reached their ”party.” As a result, we now have to wait an additional 10 minutes for all those extra people, who didn’t wait their turn, to board in front of us. Ggggggrrrrrrrr. Cutting in line is such a problem these days, I don’t even want to go any more. It makes me so angry.
And don’t even get me started on the people, lots of people, who take advantage of the handicapped options. It’s sickening. Disney has to do better to protect the people who actually NEED those services, not just someone who limps up to the counter and says they need a wheelchair pass because they can’t be out in the heat. Sorry. Stay home then. You are not handicapped, you are spoiled.
I know this has been a bit of a rant today, and I don’t mean to single out any particular group by lumping everyone into one giant category, but I feel pretty confident that the folks who read my blog on a regular basis know the spirit in which this blog was written. I’m just getting something off my chest, so to speak, and now I’ll go on to make my plans to visit Disney World. Just to see if I’m wrong. Or if things have improved. Maybe it’ll be my last trip. I know I’ll be upset multiple times a day when folks cut in line in front of me or the table I manage to snag for lunch is ketchup encrusted, but at least I won’t have spent thousands of dollars to get there like most of the folks in attendance. And, there’s always the pool I can hang out at if the park scene is too chaotic or anger-inducing.
How about you guys, have you noticed a significant change in crowd attitudes when you visit places? Do you think big corporations should remove themselves from politics? Do you think Disney has priced themselves out? Do you think wealthier people act differently, or expect more, than “average” people? There are no right or wrong answers here. Just opinions. We all have them and I’m curious to know what you think. Please be respectful with your comments.
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Word of the Day: Fartlet
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Original post by Jansen Schmidt, March 2022. Images by Google and giphy.com
Growing up in southern CA, I enjoyed many trips to Disneyland. Our last trip there was in 2004 and now we are no longer physically able to go again. But the changes that are happening in the world of Disney no longer make us want to spend our money there even if we were able. The magic is gone! Even Disney shareholders are up in arms. I’m glad I got to enjoy the magic kingdom when it truly was magical … those days are gone!
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I’m almost to that point. When I’m there, there are certain things that still bring a tear to my eye (fireworks). I get misty-eyed just walking down “Main Street” and riding certain nostalgic rides. But the other stuff is starting to squeeze out the enjoyment. We have a lot invested in Disney with our timeshare so we’d like to keep visiting, but if things continue down this destructive path, we just might have to think about selling that as well.
My fingers are crossed that we’ll see a change at the end of the year when politics will no doubt change again. Here’s hoping.
Thanks for chiming in. Have a great week.
Patricia
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Yes, yes and yes!! And I don’t think it’s just Disney or even just the wealthy. So many people these days seem to believe they’re entitled for so many different reasons…I can’t even keep track anymore and don’t want to. If people were simply respectful of each other, there wouldn’t be such a thing as entitlement. And it’s my opinion, too, that businesses should simply focus on being a business and save their political views for their personal lives. Ah, if only we ruled the world, right? 🙂
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Yeah – what the hell is wrong with people these days? Politics should stay out of business and schools. I’m in the business of running a business not telling other people how to think or what to do. That’s their choice, not mine. So much is ridiculous. Something has gone terribly wrong and I’m not sure how to fix it. Except to vote CJ Burright for President. Then we’ll start to see some good happen!!!
You’ve got my vote kiddo.
And, as far as the gay population being gay – that’s great. I don’t have a problem with that. But expecting more because you’re gay (or black, or female, or transgender, or part lemur, or whatever) is ridiculous. You get the same things other people get.
Thanks for joining the conversation. Always nice to see you here.
Patricia
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You already know how I feel about this political fiasco. But since I haven’t been there since my kids were little I had no idea all the other so-called amenities had taken such a deep dive. I think I’ll just stay local and go over to Busch Gardens Williamsburg…it’s a beautiful place set amongst the pines. And no preaching.
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I just might have to come up and visit there as well. It sounds lovely.
I’m so tired of companies and the government trying to placate a small subset (less than 2 percent of the population) of “disgruntled” people who happen to have loud, obnoxious voices.
I guess it’s true what they say, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. I say the squeaky wheel should get thrown out and replaced with a new quieter one. Remember what Ronald Regan did back in the day when the air traffic controllers staged a “walk out?” Um hm. We need more of that.
Anyway, I’m hoping things will calm down a bit toward the end of the year when we – hopefully – will see a change in our governing body again. Everything is so radical right now.
Have a great rest of the week.
Patricia
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Absolutely, Patricia. I’ve read and searched the Constitution back words and forwards and have yet to find the part where it says “minority rules.”
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You are so right! Parks like Disney have gotten soooooo expensive. We’ve lived in this area for 2.5 years now, but still haven’t been to Dollywood because it’s $85 for one day, and I don’t like crowds. I do like Dolly’s view on politics though – she refuses to talk about them. Now that’s a class act!
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Yes ma’am. I think we could all learn a lesson from Dolly. Her amusement park is on my list of places I’m hoping to see one day. I also want to get up your way to go on some of the bourbon trails. Some day.
Thanks for visiting. Enjoy your week.
Patricia
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