About Theme Park Tourist
Theme Park Tourist is one of the web’s leading sources of essential information and entertaining articles about theme parks in Orlando and beyond.
We are one of the world’s largest theme park guide sites, hosting detailed guides to more than 80 theme parks around the globe.
Plan Your Trip
Our theme park guides contain reviews and ratings of rides, restaurants and hotels at more than 80 theme parks worldwide.
You can even print them.
Wow!! I can't believe people are having an issue with Disney trying to make your visit an enhanced experience. I appreciate the fact I can plan my visit and know that I will have the opportunity to see the attractions or eat at the restaurants I like especially since the total experience is so expensive. It ensures my family will at minimum get to enjoy some of the attractions with minimal waiting times. I have visited Disney many times over the years and each experience has been completely different. I was not much of a planner in the beginning but have learned over the years to be more strategic so no one in my family is disappointed ever again. You are complaining about not being able to be spontaneous, if I recall no one twisted my arm to make fast pass selections or to use them. If you don't want fast passes then don't use them, simple as that.This way you can be spontaneous and wait in the long lines. As far as the discussions on the magic band, keep in mind that magic bands are NOT a mandatory requirement, so if you don't want a cool magic band that eliminates the need to carry anything including your unrealistic expectations of " A Disney Vacation" then opt for a plain plastic card instead. Oh and please join us all in the real world which we like to refer to as reality, innovated, convenient, technological, and smart. Stop whining for God's sakes!!!
We love Disney World! When so many people go to the park, I appreciate the time and money they put into trying to accommodate everybody. We make our dining plans in advance and expect to wait in lines for rides, because ITS DISNEY WORLD! And we love it! I have such fond memories of my kids excited and waiting in line for a ride or show and then taking in every moment with them. Going back this spring. Nothing compares. Nothing.
Was there is September, one of the Worst Disney Trips ever. I go just about ever year. I have to agree with all the other comments. You feel rushed, unable to find a place to eat, unable to get on rides, have to schedule the whole vacation. The point of a vacation is to enjoy and relax. Disney has taken this away. Might as well stay at work on your computer. Disney has you taking more time on your computer just trying to schedule a ride.
I agree with some of these food comments. Fast passes and pre-planned meals to turn tables faster? Some of the table service restaurants shove you in and out so fast now. You spend $50 plus per person, and they can't wait to get rid of you! That's not magical. It just seems like the dollar has really taken over and sucked all the fun out of everything. If I have to pre-plan my meals in order to eat at a fast service place, I'm just not going any more.
I agree with some of the comments. I used to be a planner, and found that to be somewhat stressful and didn't always work out. Now that I am older I kind of just want to "go with the flow" a little more and I find that nearly impossible. We've had no choice but to book fast passes at whatever times we can get and revolve our day around them. It's either that or stand in line for an hour or two for each big attraction (and sometimes even the small ones). At times it works out OK but for first timers I can't imagine how they do it because it does take a little thought and practice. They must get very frustrated. I also agree that the transportation system, particularly the buses, are exhausting. You don't need a rental car but it is more comfortable and convenient unless you are in a deluxe hotel with monorail service. The shopping option will be nice. It seems there is always one thing that I want to find and knowing who carries it would save a lot of time. This year it was the Elsa dress. Everybody had Anna, but it took some searching to find Elsa! I'm near retirement age and I'm glad I have been there enough times to not feel like I have to see/do everything and I would advise others not to try. You can't. Just enjoy being there.
If like to see a way to scan items at stores to put on a wish list, then go to my Disney experience at end of day or trip and choose favorites to buy, ands have sent to your room... I try to teach my son not to but the first cool thing he sees, but we end up running around at the end of the day trying to find the right stores and but our souvenirs before they close...
I would like to see more organization of the Fast Pass line for shows. As it stands now it is very disorganized and no 2 employees tell you the same thing about getting in line for shows.
If like to see a way to scan items at stores to put on a wish list, then go to my Disney experience at end of day or trip and choose favorites to buy, ands have sent to your room... I try to teach my son not to but the first cool thing he sees, but we end up running around at the end of the day trying to find the right stores and but our souvenirs before they close...
I agree. Great idea!
While I am sure that some folks really like all this automation, there are those of us who like to be leisurely about or visits to WDW. I find this especially in those of us who have made lots of visits and often are spontaneous with the days we go to WDW as we live nearby. The result of the FastPass+, etc. is that we are often unable to do the rides, eat in the restaurants, that we like best. Unfortunately, we bought a package of no expire tickets last winter and have never used them and are not likely to use them more than once or twice this winter. We are also DVC members and are not likely to be staying on property again for several years as making reservations is so difficult. WDW has always been our favorite place, but it is rapidly losing its luster.
I agree. We do not live in FL, but dislike having to plan every little detail of our trip. It is stressful not to be relaxed and spontaneous in the parks... This past year a change was made that we were not aware of. A fast pass was necessary to eat lunch at Beast's castle? C'mon. It is a counter service. Why would I need a fast pass to eat lunch?
I took my family there in September and was very disappointed in the way Disney is making it so you cannot leisurely enjoy the park. I had my daughter, son-in-law and two grandchildren and it was bad. People were so busy running to get to their reservation or looking at their cell phones they walk into you. I had several opportunities to sit and observe the people, none enjoyed the park.
I used to go to Disney enjoy a carefree time, now it's like working. You have to be at a certain place at a certain time. The system will not let you book only one ride for a day. If you do it ahead of time it books three even if you go into the system and delete the other two.
I will not be going back for a long time, it is not worth the money. My son-in-law and I came home and made the comment that we couldn't remember any specific event we did as we were always rushed.
I was also there in September, I go every almost every year. I missed the year before. Well I have to agree with you This was the WORST TRIP TO DISNEY EVER. I felt rushed, didn't get to eat where we wanted, didn't get to ride the rides we wanted. Disney new automation is going to hurt the parks. I promised my kids I would take them when the grand kids get old enough to enjoy it. If it wasn't for that promis I would never go back.
Transportation changes are needed. We were there the first week in January (a "slow" period") and ended up just driving to the parks from our Disney resort. It was faster and with a 1 y/o it was easier that lugging the stroller (a glite umbrella before anyone accuses me of bringing a tank) on and off of a bus packed with people and having to entertain her while waiting in line for multiple buses. We go multiple times a year and it's never really convenient to ride the busses, but with the baby it's extremely inconvenient.
If we didn't live close enough to dive I could see dealing with it, otherwise don't waste your time.
These are terrible updates. This is the exact reason did not renew our annual passes. What's the point of living in Florida and being able to take spontaneous day trips to Disney if you can't even do or eat anything when you're there?
you my not be aware, but passholders are able to reserve your fast pass selections 30 days in advance. So if you know you are going to the park this weekend or tomorrow you can go ahead and make those selections now. If you are making a spontaneous trip and want to use fast pass, they have kiosks in the parks that you can make same day fastpass selections on. Some same day availability is reserved for these kiosks to ensure guests who may not want to reserve or may not be able to reserve get a chance. If used to its full potential it's actually really beneficial as it takes the need to run and get fasasses all day away. And I find it similar in terms of the earlier you reserve or get to the park to reserve on the kiosks, the better times you get. Same as before with the old fastpass system only now you can get three all at once. Things are running much smoother than when it first rolled out. There may still be a little fine tuning to do but overall, things are going well and most people seem happy with it.
WDW isn't just for peoole living in Florida. It's the #1 family vacation destination in the world. With that many travelers, and for those budget concisous, this all helps to plan and make the most of what could a once in a lifetime experience.