Something has been bothering me for the past few years. I often have discussions with people about the existence of travel agents. For decades they were vital in helping people plan vacations all over the world...simply because they had knowledge that others didn't possess. Then came the internet where EVERYONE is an expert...along with booking sites like Orbitz and Expedia where you could get amazing deals...all by yourself! Then something happened...all of a sudden there is TOO much information. I often hear from clients that sorting through information about a Walt Disney World Vacation (coupled with all their friends advice and MUST DO's) is just too overwhelming...and now here we are again back to Travel Agents.
We don't posses any secrets...it's the 21st Century and the information is out there for the taking! What we DO possess is much more than that...we possess the skills to plan vacations, the patience to wade through the vast information the internet holds, the experiences of visiting Disney destinations and so much more.
But here's the thing...along with all that amazing knowledge and information came something that I view as a negative. Years ago if you visited a Disney destination, you might have talked to a few friends or neighbors but they probably told you they had a great time, and don't visit in the summer. NOW if you scroll through the internet you will find EVERYONE'S opinion...and not just that but you'll find what deal you SHOULD have gotten, what ride you MUST do or your vacation will be over. You also read every little secret or surprise that's what behind every corner.
So I'll say it...I think it's nonsense and I'm tired of the entitlement behavior that I read about on various blogs and discussion boards. I'm all for research...Disney is expensive, that's not a secret. You need to make sure you are spending your money they way you feel comfortable (whether that's value or deluxe). Here are some things I think have been ruined by the internet (ok ruined is a strong word):
- Character interaction
You do NOT need to know the exact phrase to say the characters to get them to do something special...let your CHILD talk to the characters..or heck even you but leave the script at home and experience it for yourself! - Birthday (or any other kind of celebration)
I want to share a quick story. When I was a Cast Member working at the Market House I met a couple who was about to be engaged (she didn't know it yet). I told the soon-to-be husband to stop by the shop afterwards. She had a dozen roses and a beautiful ring. I gave them a bag with a few goodies in it (champagne glasses, bride and groom stuff). It was simply a magic moment for them (and something Disney allowed us to do). Nowadays that's the kind of thing that people come back and report on and tell you if YOU don't get the same preferential or special treatment, you should complain. - Discounts
This is a tough one...everyone wants to save. I understand that. But the rumors of what is coming out and who will get gets to be too much. Disney puts out discounts to fill empty rooms...not to discount those who have already booked. Most people get lucky and get that discount applied anyway...but take for instance the last Free Dining release. Most of my clients ULTIMATELY got it but most not right away. It left for a lot of unhappy people...mostly because of the unrealistic expectation the internet gave us. - Spontaneity
Ok I know what you'll say...you are going to blame Disney for this one but I disagree. Yes you SHOULD book table services restaurants in advance and Fastpass+ too, but that still leaves a LARGE portion of your day unplanned. Between sites designed with minute by minute itineraries and message boards with lists of what you can't miss or your vacation will be ruined...well it can take the fun out of just walking around the parks and enjoying them! There is so much to see and do that's not on a schedule!! - Food
Ok what gives, right? You know me and you know how much I LOVE Disney food, but just hear me out. With the internet comes opinions...and EVERYONE has one. Along with some things I've mentioned above, food is just one of those things. You'll hear 10 different reviews of what's great, what's awful, what restaurants you CAN'T miss or...say it with me, YOUR VACATION WILL BE RUINED!! To a point we can talk about quality of food, but really with so many different types of meals and restaurants, there is no one great answer. What someone else hated, you might love, and vice versa
So what's the point? What's the point of my rant? Here it is...I'm going to lay it out there. Please take my advice...and take a deep breath. Walt Disney World is my favorite place, and it's gone through a lot of changes over the years. To me, it's still AMAZING, but we all need to take a step back and RELAX. Have a good plan in place, and just ENJOY your vacation. Take pictures, enjoy your kids, EAT, swim, play...ENJOY! Take it for what Walt wanted it for in the first place...a place to enjoy time as a family!
I agree with you. There's actually TOO MUCH out there, available to the world now, if that's possible. Over the years, I've really relaxed my "commando planning" and our vacations are more fun (at least, for me, because I'm not tied to a plan all day). I actually really love the whole FastPass+ thing and the ability to schedule those ahead, so there's no need to rush to a park and grab that first pass. But, when it comes to everyone's opinions, people need to chill and take it with a grain of salt . . . it's all just that - opinion. And, what one person hates, I might love; and vice versa. If I'd take all the advice I read, I'd miss out on a lot of stuff I love at Disney. Great post!
ReplyDeleteAMAZING blog post!!
ReplyDeleteHit the nail right on the head!! :)
THANK YOU!!!! I could have written this post myself. I agree that the internet is helpful when planning a trip but the so-called Disney "advice" had gotten out of hand. With the touring plans and pages and pages or "tips" for getting stuff for free it's just insane. Disney is expensive and while there are ways to save money, if not getting a certain room discount is going to break the bank....stay home! If the cast members at a certain store don't interact with you the way someone told you in a article and you let it ruin your vacation.....just stay home. You're ruining Disney for the rest of us.
ReplyDeleteEXACTLY!! Thank you so much Jennifer!
DeleteCould not agree more. We are planning our second trip this year. Although it's a comfort (sort of...I'm not sure if that's the right word or not) to know that reservations are made, I also miss the spontaneity that *most* other vacations have. I have to admit that I'm a lot more laid back this time around but man, that first time I planned it...I think I sat up for HOURS at night reading the blogs, scouring Pinterest and skimming books. I was so freaked out that we were going to miss out on something SOOO important! And then I'd go to bed, with my head spinning. lol After all that planning and experiencing it, I can now say that seeing my kids' reactions and having that time with them was the important thing, not having every single minute planned. I know for a fact that we didn't get to do or see everything that we wanted to but we're so grateful for all of the stuff we were able to do!
ReplyDeleteTotally agree with this! I want to point out one other thing....you can't do it all in one vacation! We've been to WDW 7 times now since 2011 and still working on seeing stuff we've never seen before....no problem, it's just as good as any excuse to visit again! Things are always changing, including our family. Yes, we make ADRs and fast passes (but don't always use them all) There's plenty of time to relax...I appreciate suggestions, and treat them as such....suggestions. By the way, the ONLY way I'll schedule a trip is through a travel agent. For me, it's the best way to go...they do the work, and I do the relaxing. For ME it's perfect, but again, it's not for everyone. People need to learn to filter out the must haves on someone else's lists, and find out what they want for themselves. The idea of a vacation is to enjoy yourself and not check off a list of requirements!
ReplyDeleteWe do not use a travel agent but only because we are passholders and there really isn't anything for a travel agent to plan for us. We rarely make dining reservations and don't bother with fast passes, for the most part. We've been there a ton of times and kind of just wing it. We were married there as well. Having said all that, when I have a friend or co-worker ask me about a trip I rarely give any suggestions. I HATE the know-it-alls that go on and on about what I must do and can't miss. Um no. I will answer specific questions about rides and all if I'm asked but never, ever do I walk around boasting about how much I know. Especially first timers, let them go and experience it themselves! I will also mention that there is a lot to do and it can be overwhelming but to look at a map and read all the descriptions and find what you would want to do.
ReplyDelete