I find it very hard to believe they didn’t know. The Disney website states the policy at the top of the screen on every page, at the top of the screen when you purchase tickets, again when you scroll after choosing a day, and there is a pop up when you go to finalize your ticket purchase. They take you to a calendar to check park availability before you complete your purchase. They can call it a tragedy all they want but they must have been booking their tickets with their eyes closed.
Even booking travel through Costco they warn you about the park reservation system.
If I had to guess I’d say they probably couldn’t get a park reservation for the days they wanted and feigned ignorance when they couldn’t get in. It seems to happen more and more these days. People pretend they don’t know the rules as a way to try to skirt around them and beat the system. I’m glad Disney didn’t let them in. You have to play along with the rules just like everyone else does.
However surely, this jumping through hoops needs to STOP. You buy a ticket that should give you park entry. Or you should not be aloud to purchase a ticket as they are full. This is just ridiculous.
When you look at the capacity in the parks they are so rammed anyway, clearly the so called reservation system simply does not work.
You are forgetting, when you purchase a ticket you are purchasing for a range of time. Not for a specific day (unless you purchase a one day pass) . This period can be up to a 2 weeks long.
It always worked pre covid fairly well, this system of reservations is rubbish and has among other things put me of choosing Disney as a holiday destination. I want to be care free and not be bogged down with reservations, getting up at 07:00 to book lightning lanes and mobile ordering, sorry just not for me. Its like being at work, I want to relax and have fun. Moved over to Universal. Sorry Disney change your ways or loose more and more customers. The Reservation system does not work when you see how rammed the parks are.
Sorry to disagree, but older folks such as I sometimes have problems with all the rigamorol you have to go thru to complete the process. Were it not for our daughter and grandson it could have been my husband and me 😡
My wife and I are 67 yrs young and we know that we have to get a park reservation on the days we want to go to each park. And that has been ever since they started this system almost 2 years ago. Like the other comments said how can you buy a ticket of any kind or length and not be made aware of needing a park reservation to go along with it? Even Universal and Sea World are doing the same. How and where did they buy the tickets???
Universal does not require a reservation but their tickets require you to choose your days. So the issue is the same that it is very unlikely they were completely unaware of the reservation system. Don’t get me wrong, I think it is flawed, but the fact is it would be very difficult to be completely unaware of the reservation system.
Seaworld and Universal haven’t required reservations to get in since last year. Disney is the only large theme park chain that still have this system in place.
Not everyone has access to a cellphone or is computer literate. And the Disney app is not user friendly for even myself, someone who is computer literate. As a prior CM, before COVID, I would mention the app to a guest and they had no idea what I was talking about or how to use it. I hope Disney gave them their money back, but I doubt that happened.
The alternative is that they intentionally threw away their money. This is actually easier for you to believe?? Really??
I find it very hard to believe that you spent 10 seconds thinking before you started posting…
This trip has been nightmare to plan. Web site didn’t always bring stuff up. Have been given 5 different numbers to call n after 4 weeks thought everything was good for trip in September got email our magic bands have been shipped only to see they have 2 bands assigned to the wrong people. Thought maybe I messed up but I checked page that I ordered it n it wasn’t me it was them. Now more phone wait time to get that straighten out
If you are going to spend that much money on a vacation how would you not do your research properly?
Doesn’t say how she purchased the tickets but at every turn on the Disney website it prompts you to reserve your park passes.
If you fail to plan you plan to fail…..
Whatever happened to spontaneity, I used to holiday for 2 weeks in Disney staying on property, having my prepaid park hopper tickets I could get up in the morning and just take the Disney bus to whichever park I wanted, but not anymore, that and mobile ordering, genie plus booking at 07:00 for lightning lane, this is not a holiday anymore its more like a chore.
So fed up with Disney I’ve moved over to Universal and having a proper holiday. Disney you need to relearn the lessons from Universal about Customer Service and making everything plain and simple so one can enjoy their holiday.
What happened to it? Places have capacities. Admissions are limited. If you want to go to a baseball game, you have to purchase in advance and can not just go to the park. If you purchase multiple day baseball tickets, you have to make reservations and convert it to a ticket for a specific seat at a specific game. If you have a subscription to a theatre series, you have to make a reservation for the specific nights and shows. This is no different.
Actually for a concert or baseball game in your example you buy a ticket and it has your seat appointed at the point of sell, that is your entry to the event, but Disney want you to jump through hoops and make things so blooming tedious its not a holiday. Buy a ticket, and now make a reservation and now wait to 07:00 to book lightning lanes, and mobile order for food, oh and keep your head in your phone for Disney Genie, No Thank you. I want a holiday not a chore. The Disney greedy board have just made things so much more difficult and full of unnecessary hassle. Sorry I will say it again Universal all the way, not doing Disney until things change. I’m not a Disney hater I loved it, but its all changed and not for the better.
I totally agree with the other comments how could somebody spend all the money on tickets and not doing research. Also it wasn’t It wasn’t a tragedy if they were small they would have done their research. That’s like saying I walked up to the airplane and there were no seats left or I walked up to a hotel and I didn’t know I needed reservations I understand you’re trying to make the article interesting but these people needed to do more research search as everyone else does.
?? No it’s not. I can’t even think of another example where you purchase tickets and then have to make a separate reservation. How does this even make sense?? When you book a flight you’re choosing exactly when you’ll depart and then you pay for your ticket. Same with a hotel room…
My advice: Universal Studios Florida. There are more options for tickets and annual passes (that you can actually buy now and not have to give up a kidney for), and best yet: no park reservation system. And there’s even a pretty good Mardi Gras celebration that’s going on through April 24. In a couple of years they’re adding another theme park to boot. Disney, under the helm of Bob “Cheap”ek and this CFO (who seems to say the quiet parts out loud), needs to be wary of alienating their loyal customers, especially those all-weather reliable Florida residents if this summer ushers in another recession. People remember how they’ve been treated, and how others have been too.
Lmao everything’s pointing to universal going the Disney route and requiring park reservations in the near future. They’re all set to try out the system in their international parks soon so it’ll hit Orlando in no time. And yeah, there’s literally NO WAY you can’t NOT know you need park reservations while booking at Disney. They repeat it a million times throughout your ticket purchase. And yes, it’s a ridiculous system. Parks are still bursting at the seams. They’re probably “limiting” capacity to 95%…
Not true, Universal these days are leading the way in Customer Service and Disney could learn a lot from them.
Universal know they are onto a good thing, unlike Disney they no the value of a holiday and customers just want hassle free times where they can relax and have fun.
What? Your comment makes no sense and has zero relevance to the discussion at hand. Every business has one purpose which is to make money. If you don’t like it quit whining about it and don’t spend your money there. The board of directors has zero interest in getting rid of him as he has increased revenue across the board with lower attendance and across all of their media streams. So your minor fantasy will never come to fruition even with the 100,000 signatures you have.
This is a discussion platform and people can complain to try to make things better at Disney, Ironman, its not whining.
If you are happy to accept this reservation crap, I’m happy for you, but for a lot of people its a pain in the ass. If you buy a ticket that should be enough to get in the park, if the park is full they Disney should not sell you a ticket. Terry’s comments are relevant as Disney has taken your money and they just do not care about you after that.
@Julian H
When you buy a Disney ticket, you are not buying a ticket to either a specific park or for a specific date. You do realize that, right? You are buying a number of admissions good for a period of time, up to two weeks.
And that dose not make it right Scott Lee-Ross, Disney needs to get with the program there is little to no customer service anymore and the Parks are rammed the reservation system does not work.
20 year + holidaying on Disney not again until things change.
And not every ticket purchased is for the future people still buy for the day and seriously if there is no space then they should not sell you the ticket. Cannot you not see how wrong that is.
I like the reservation system, though I wish I could book dinner as far out too lol. That said I feel zero sympathy for the morons out there who still don’t know how to read all the notifications that are on the website and on the email confirmations that tell them they must book a reservation.
It’s been that way since they reopened the parks and I don’t think they’re planning on changing it at all and it has nothing to do with the CEOs paycheck or money grabs.
People need to grow up and learn to read as I’m pretty sure they still teach reading and writing in school they need to learn to use it.
The saying “Read between the lines does” not apply here, read the actual lines!
And for the Disney haters who constantly post on here telling people to go to universal, they are no better. They two are planning to put reservation systems in place to control capacity and penalize people who book and don’t show up.
The reservation system is crap and the only moron here is you if you think it is a good idea. The parks are over crowded now so it simply dose not work there is no control of capacity. The tickets sold do the same thing as a reservation give an indication of visitors.
I do not hate Disney but I will call them out on poor service and ripping people off as they are doing daily. The aim is to improve on what is only considered poor service making it really difficult to have a hassle free holiday. And you cannot deny that this Disney Board are greedy.
Universal at this moment in time seeing as you brought it up have got it right and Disney could learn from them.
I have moved over to them for holidays and won’t go to Disney again until changes are made. I will also say Universal is cheaper and you do get far more value for your money, thus Disney needs to pull its socks up or once the Covid crowds having got their freedom back and done Disney, they won’t go again as you mentioned the complaints and comments and the Greed of Disney is clearly evident.
Again not whining just making a comment for discussion and hopefully someone in Disney will listen and do something about it.
the parks are not overcrowded. They might just be more crowded than you would like. If you want to see really crowded, try going to Disney in the years before the pandemic at Christmas week. Please explain how Disney is “ripping off” guests.
With regards to Disney ripping you off where have you been man.
Increased prices on park admission for less events and entertainment (although these are slowly coming back) but were hugely lacking.
Food Prices have gone up, but the portions are getting smaller
Included Fast Pass gone, Disney wants you to pay twice now, your entry ticket and a Genie + or Lightning Lane to ride.
Merchandise has gone up but the quality has gone way down hill…
Customer Service has gone down hill, due to the lack of employees because this greedy board laid many off and will not take them back but will continue to take your money
To stay on property is $1500.00 more expensive than 2 years ago, but you get far less for your money. Magic hours gone, room service all but gone, Disney Express gone, Dinning Plan gone for now, overnight parking now charged etc
Just to name a few, but you do not think this is ripping you off. Open you eyes dude. – You did ask.
Disney prices (as well as Universal and other parks) increase each year, just a fact.
If you want to complain about their food prices, you must not shop at a grocery store as food prices everywhere are increasing, reducing portions to minimize price increase is done at many restaurants, not just at theme parks.
Disney also is leading the way in Florida with wages for park employees, sure it could be better but at least they made a start, many employees are making 50% more now then five years ago, which is causing Universal to follow suit. This increase in staffing costs does lead to increased merchandise and food and beverage costs. This also could lead to a reduced work force.
That is just the numbers person in me justifying the increases. I’m not going to say everything is rosy, since as an AP, I still get very frustrated that I can’t just wait until the last minute to go to park since reservations are all gone. Also since my AP expires in less then a month, I am stalling since I know that I will be missing the May 4th at DHS this year since I’m sure that park already booked up.
Also, they need to fix that as a AP, I can’t make a park reservation in same group as a friend/relative who is staying at a resort with one day pass – even if linked together on the app.
Yoda – love the name by the way, yes prices have gone up, but I stress these are higher than inflation and as I said you get far far less than you used to get included all now at and additional cost over and above the increase of $1500.00 in two years to stay at Port Orleans for much less is not right and is cannot be justified sorry if anyone says it is they are mistaken.
The food prices and portion size at Disney is not defend able at all. In and around Orlando you do not see the same as in Disney. I’m not naive Disney was always expensive, but its now on another level.
I cannot argue the salary of the employees, I do not have that information other than Disney Employees often complain about the salary is minimal, and not to a standard it should be, not to mention that the parks and hotels are so understaffed that it is very noticeable and yet Disney has not employed the level of staff it once had and are just pocketing the money.
In the word of Yoda regarding going to the parks “DO OR DO NOT GO”, I choose not to at the moment until things change and by the huge number of voices on here I am not alone. I know you do not like to hear it but Universal are offering so much more for your money and largely hassle free.
How about we be more mature and stop calling people morons or idiots. I may have had no problem with the system because I go a lot and just am more technology savvy. Pretty sure there are a lot of people out there who just haven’t been to Disney World in a long time and have no idea about the reservation system because they just don’t understand it. They are not morons. There will probably be a day when technology gets too complicated for you so just remember this 40 years from now and hope that some younger person doesn’t call you a moron.
Disney World suffered for years with overcrowding as their capacity limit was ridiculously high.
The attitude then was squeeze more in and make more profit.
After adjusting for the value of the dollar Disney is getting four times what it got in the 80s when it went away from the ticket system. The park is in no way hurting for money, even with a reduced capacity.
With demand being so high reservations make sense. That being said a certain percentage say 15 to 20% should be set aside for each day on a first come first serve basis.
What Disney really needs to do is open an entirely new park between Disneyland and Disney world that would serve as a new attraction and alleviate the crowding of the first two parks. The money is there to do this and there’s land available but corporate greed would probably prevent this from becoming a reality.
Just cause you want to get off the interstate cause your stuck in traffic on 1-4 doesn’t mean your going to get in a Disney park. Should of went into Disney Springs they dont request reservations!
A theme park business that doesn’t know how to operate without “reservations” doesn’t deserve to be in business. They’ve been around long enough to know how to staff. This reservation system is just ridiculous
does the movie theater let you just go to the movie? no you need to pick a time and a movie in advance. The reservation system is a logical and easy way to make you pick your park and date. Your tickets are for a range of dates and not to a specific park.
According to the reddit thread that this came from, people are assuming that the ITM writers planted the story just to write this “article.” If so, it’s very sad the direction this site is going. Especially for this writer who has been with ITM for a while now.
This makes sense. I keep falling into the trap that is ITM and falling for their terrible articles. Last time that happens. There are plenty of other sites with more pertinent information. Hopefully my Google news algorithm picks up on that sooner than later.
I am sorry that this family did not get to enjoy Disney. The need for park reservations is well known. It is discussed over and over on most Disney sites( official or fan based). I suspect that they purchased the ticket by themselves without the assistance of a travel agent.
This is directly from the Walt Disney World site: “To enter a park, both a park reservation and valid admission for the same park on the same date are required for Guest ages 3 and up.”
It would be nice if Disney would tie the reservations and park admission but until the time this happens, one must play by Disney’s rules or be disappointed.
I guess there is no internet in the rock they live under.
I don’t believe for a minute they just showed up at WDW and bought tickets and then were told they couldn’t enter a park w/o a reservation. At the very least they would have been told when they purchased tickets at a booth or, dare I say online! Calling BS on this story.
I’ve been to DW & Disneyland many times over the years, not recently. I’ve been on the websites a few times checking out vacation pkgs, thinking of planning a trip. Started reading these blogs. I didn’t know there was a reservation system until I read it here. So yeah, people could easily show up with tickets not knowing. Some get discount tickets through the military or their job, gifts.
Why would you sell tickets at the various discount platforms or the gate then not let people in due to the reservation requirement? Seems to me you’d tell everyone make a reservation then sell them tickets.
Sorry but I don’t see how anyone can say they didn’t know they had to make a reservation. And I don’t accept the age thing….my husband and I are late 70’s and had no problem. If you order your tickets on line you’d have to be blind to miss the statements to “DON’T FORGET TO MAKE A RESERVATION”. And if you bought them over the phone you can’t tell me a Disney rep wouldn’t be SURE you understood.
Way too much planning to go to a Di$ney park now a days! Uni is a better deal all around; lower cost and no park reservation.
If Disney was truly worried about crowds they’d charge $300 admission per person, no APs, and no genie or LL. The park would definitely be less crowded.
Why not take the story at face value and refrain from cynicism and snarkyness, calling the people liars and so forth? If Disney wants to require a ticket and a reservation, then streamline the process. Don’t complete the transaction (accept payment) unless a reservation is made at the same time (like every other ticket reservation system on the planet.) Forego the “notices on every page” and just use technology to solve the problem.
Apparently some you never had the experience, pre-reservation system, of being turned away at the gate because of reaching capacity. I feel the reservation system eliminates the possibility of having that happen. I’ve been going to WDW multiple times a year since the 80’s and wish they had instituted this practice earlier.
Also, it used to be you had to pay for the transportation from the airport. Don’t get me wrong, I like Universal too, but they have never offered free transportation, and their express pass actually costed more per day than Genie+.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and have the ability to choose which resort offers a better value to them. In the end that is how a company will make business decisions. As long as people are willing to pay for these extras and the reservation system appears to them to be working they will stay as they are.
While I don’t like the new ticketing process (reservations, no fast-pass, no traditional park hopper, etc.) I don’t understand why they didn’t know about the reservations.
I haven’t been since Feb. 2020, but from what I understand, the requirement is mentioned in many places. If one is planning a trip to WDW, I have to believe that requirement is plainly mentioned in multiple places.
Again, I don’t like any of these changes to ticketing, but they should have planned better, unfortunately.
Honestly, if you spend thousands of dollars on a vacation and do no research, I have absolutely no pity for you. The pop-ups on every legitimate ticket site are so obvious you can’t miss them without trying.
The reservation system is great, it means no more horrendous phase closes on busy days, and no more surprise crowds.
From the Reddit post: “I heard later people were park hopping into different parks later in the day, if they had room for them, why not let in paying guests”
Clearly these people have no idea how Disney works. They believe park hopping guests have not paid for tickets. If you are going to display that level of stupid, then occasionally it will hit your wallet.
Your writing is confusing, rambling and hard to understand. I gave up after a few paragraphs. It reads like a bad translation from another language. Please consider using Grammarly or a human editor to proof your work.
Comments for Disney Family Left Rejected From Parks After Purchasing Tickets
Nice Try
I find it very hard to believe they didn’t know. The Disney website states the policy at the top of the screen on every page, at the top of the screen when you purchase tickets, again when you scroll after choosing a day, and there is a pop up when you go to finalize your ticket purchase. They take you to a calendar to check park availability before you complete your purchase. They can call it a tragedy all they want but they must have been booking their tickets with their eyes closed.
Even booking travel through Costco they warn you about the park reservation system.
If I had to guess I’d say they probably couldn’t get a park reservation for the days they wanted and feigned ignorance when they couldn’t get in. It seems to happen more and more these days. People pretend they don’t know the rules as a way to try to skirt around them and beat the system. I’m glad Disney didn’t let them in. You have to play along with the rules just like everyone else does.
Chris
100%. It tells you when you book a package every step of the way. Now they’re just trying to get attention.
Val H
They leave some capacity for Park Hopper tickets because people pay more to be able to do so. It says reservations required all over their website.
Julian H
However surely, this jumping through hoops needs to STOP. You buy a ticket that should give you park entry. Or you should not be aloud to purchase a ticket as they are full. This is just ridiculous.
When you look at the capacity in the parks they are so rammed anyway, clearly the so called reservation system simply does not work.
Scott Lee-Ross
You are forgetting, when you purchase a ticket you are purchasing for a range of time. Not for a specific day (unless you purchase a one day pass) . This period can be up to a 2 weeks long.
Julian H
It always worked pre covid fairly well, this system of reservations is rubbish and has among other things put me of choosing Disney as a holiday destination. I want to be care free and not be bogged down with reservations, getting up at 07:00 to book lightning lanes and mobile ordering, sorry just not for me. Its like being at work, I want to relax and have fun. Moved over to Universal. Sorry Disney change your ways or loose more and more customers. The Reservation system does not work when you see how rammed the parks are.
Polly walker
Sorry to disagree, but older folks such as I sometimes have problems with all the rigamorol you have to go thru to complete the process. Were it not for our daughter and grandson it could have been my husband and me 😡
Pat C
My wife and I are 67 yrs young and we know that we have to get a park reservation on the days we want to go to each park. And that has been ever since they started this system almost 2 years ago. Like the other comments said how can you buy a ticket of any kind or length and not be made aware of needing a park reservation to go along with it? Even Universal and Sea World are doing the same. How and where did they buy the tickets???
Julian H
Polly I agree with you and feel you pain.
Pat Universal are not doing this at all, I’m not 100% sure about Sea World I do not think so, but I cannot argue on that one.
Te reservation system does not work and is just another load of hassle one has to go through for Disney
Cornelia L Brown
Universal does not require a reservation but their tickets require you to choose your days. So the issue is the same that it is very unlikely they were completely unaware of the reservation system. Don’t get me wrong, I think it is flawed, but the fact is it would be very difficult to be completely unaware of the reservation system.
'Maureen
Get rid of the reservation system and having to order food in advance, just go back to pre pandemic.
franklin
Seaworld and Universal haven’t required reservations to get in since last year. Disney is the only large theme park chain that still have this system in place.
Sue
Not everyone has access to a cellphone or is computer literate. And the Disney app is not user friendly for even myself, someone who is computer literate. As a prior CM, before COVID, I would mention the app to a guest and they had no idea what I was talking about or how to use it. I hope Disney gave them their money back, but I doubt that happened.
Backcountry164
The alternative is that they intentionally threw away their money. This is actually easier for you to believe?? Really??
I find it very hard to believe that you spent 10 seconds thinking before you started posting…
Cindy
This trip has been nightmare to plan. Web site didn’t always bring stuff up. Have been given 5 different numbers to call n after 4 weeks thought everything was good for trip in September got email our magic bands have been shipped only to see they have 2 bands assigned to the wrong people. Thought maybe I messed up but I checked page that I ordered it n it wasn’t me it was them. Now more phone wait time to get that straighten out
Jeff
When we went it was plastered everywhere to the point I actually called disney to buy tickets instead to make sure I got the days we needed
Skye
If you are going to spend that much money on a vacation how would you not do your research properly?
Doesn’t say how she purchased the tickets but at every turn on the Disney website it prompts you to reserve your park passes.
If you fail to plan you plan to fail…..
Julian H
Whatever happened to spontaneity, I used to holiday for 2 weeks in Disney staying on property, having my prepaid park hopper tickets I could get up in the morning and just take the Disney bus to whichever park I wanted, but not anymore, that and mobile ordering, genie plus booking at 07:00 for lightning lane, this is not a holiday anymore its more like a chore.
So fed up with Disney I’ve moved over to Universal and having a proper holiday. Disney you need to relearn the lessons from Universal about Customer Service and making everything plain and simple so one can enjoy their holiday.
Scott Lee-Ross
What happened to it? Places have capacities. Admissions are limited. If you want to go to a baseball game, you have to purchase in advance and can not just go to the park. If you purchase multiple day baseball tickets, you have to make reservations and convert it to a ticket for a specific seat at a specific game. If you have a subscription to a theatre series, you have to make a reservation for the specific nights and shows. This is no different.
Julian H
Actually for a concert or baseball game in your example you buy a ticket and it has your seat appointed at the point of sell, that is your entry to the event, but Disney want you to jump through hoops and make things so blooming tedious its not a holiday. Buy a ticket, and now make a reservation and now wait to 07:00 to book lightning lanes, and mobile order for food, oh and keep your head in your phone for Disney Genie, No Thank you. I want a holiday not a chore. The Disney greedy board have just made things so much more difficult and full of unnecessary hassle. Sorry I will say it again Universal all the way, not doing Disney until things change. I’m not a Disney hater I loved it, but its all changed and not for the better.
Backcountry164
Lol! Even MLB games rarely sell out. Most days you’ll be able to buy a ticket at the gate. And if you can’t, you’re not out anything.
Steve S.
Precisely.
Nicholas reale
I totally agree with the other comments how could somebody spend all the money on tickets and not doing research. Also it wasn’t It wasn’t a tragedy if they were small they would have done their research. That’s like saying I walked up to the airplane and there were no seats left or I walked up to a hotel and I didn’t know I needed reservations I understand you’re trying to make the article interesting but these people needed to do more research search as everyone else does.
Nicholas reale
Correction I meant to type if they were smart, not small.
Backcountry164
?? No it’s not. I can’t even think of another example where you purchase tickets and then have to make a separate reservation. How does this even make sense?? When you book a flight you’re choosing exactly when you’ll depart and then you pay for your ticket. Same with a hotel room…
Michael Shimer
My advice: Universal Studios Florida. There are more options for tickets and annual passes (that you can actually buy now and not have to give up a kidney for), and best yet: no park reservation system. And there’s even a pretty good Mardi Gras celebration that’s going on through April 24. In a couple of years they’re adding another theme park to boot. Disney, under the helm of Bob “Cheap”ek and this CFO (who seems to say the quiet parts out loud), needs to be wary of alienating their loyal customers, especially those all-weather reliable Florida residents if this summer ushers in another recession. People remember how they’ve been treated, and how others have been too.
Iammclovin
Lmao everything’s pointing to universal going the Disney route and requiring park reservations in the near future. They’re all set to try out the system in their international parks soon so it’ll hit Orlando in no time. And yeah, there’s literally NO WAY you can’t NOT know you need park reservations while booking at Disney. They repeat it a million times throughout your ticket purchase. And yes, it’s a ridiculous system. Parks are still bursting at the seams. They’re probably “limiting” capacity to 95%…
Julian H
Not true, Universal these days are leading the way in Customer Service and Disney could learn a lot from them.
Universal know they are onto a good thing, unlike Disney they no the value of a holiday and customers just want hassle free times where they can relax and have fun.
Karen Jackson
If I ever win the lottery or Publishers Clearing House, my answer to where am I going will be “I’m NOT going to Disney World.”
Terry
Chapek got his money who cares if you paid for a ticket get behind everyone else who’s paid for bob paychecks salary. Fire bob chapek change.org
Ironman
What? Your comment makes no sense and has zero relevance to the discussion at hand. Every business has one purpose which is to make money. If you don’t like it quit whining about it and don’t spend your money there. The board of directors has zero interest in getting rid of him as he has increased revenue across the board with lower attendance and across all of their media streams. So your minor fantasy will never come to fruition even with the 100,000 signatures you have.
Julian H
This is a discussion platform and people can complain to try to make things better at Disney, Ironman, its not whining.
If you are happy to accept this reservation crap, I’m happy for you, but for a lot of people its a pain in the ass. If you buy a ticket that should be enough to get in the park, if the park is full they Disney should not sell you a ticket. Terry’s comments are relevant as Disney has taken your money and they just do not care about you after that.
Scott Lee-Ross
@Julian H
When you buy a Disney ticket, you are not buying a ticket to either a specific park or for a specific date. You do realize that, right? You are buying a number of admissions good for a period of time, up to two weeks.
Julian H
And that dose not make it right Scott Lee-Ross, Disney needs to get with the program there is little to no customer service anymore and the Parks are rammed the reservation system does not work.
20 year + holidaying on Disney not again until things change.
And not every ticket purchased is for the future people still buy for the day and seriously if there is no space then they should not sell you the ticket. Cannot you not see how wrong that is.
Ironman
I like the reservation system, though I wish I could book dinner as far out too lol. That said I feel zero sympathy for the morons out there who still don’t know how to read all the notifications that are on the website and on the email confirmations that tell them they must book a reservation.
It’s been that way since they reopened the parks and I don’t think they’re planning on changing it at all and it has nothing to do with the CEOs paycheck or money grabs.
People need to grow up and learn to read as I’m pretty sure they still teach reading and writing in school they need to learn to use it.
The saying “Read between the lines does” not apply here, read the actual lines!
And for the Disney haters who constantly post on here telling people to go to universal, they are no better. They two are planning to put reservation systems in place to control capacity and penalize people who book and don’t show up.
Julian H
The reservation system is crap and the only moron here is you if you think it is a good idea. The parks are over crowded now so it simply dose not work there is no control of capacity. The tickets sold do the same thing as a reservation give an indication of visitors.
I do not hate Disney but I will call them out on poor service and ripping people off as they are doing daily. The aim is to improve on what is only considered poor service making it really difficult to have a hassle free holiday. And you cannot deny that this Disney Board are greedy.
Universal at this moment in time seeing as you brought it up have got it right and Disney could learn from them.
I have moved over to them for holidays and won’t go to Disney again until changes are made. I will also say Universal is cheaper and you do get far more value for your money, thus Disney needs to pull its socks up or once the Covid crowds having got their freedom back and done Disney, they won’t go again as you mentioned the complaints and comments and the Greed of Disney is clearly evident.
Again not whining just making a comment for discussion and hopefully someone in Disney will listen and do something about it.
Scott Lee-Ross
the parks are not overcrowded. They might just be more crowded than you would like. If you want to see really crowded, try going to Disney in the years before the pandemic at Christmas week. Please explain how Disney is “ripping off” guests.
Julian H
You need glasses Scott, they are so rammed.
With regards to Disney ripping you off where have you been man.
Increased prices on park admission for less events and entertainment (although these are slowly coming back) but were hugely lacking.
Food Prices have gone up, but the portions are getting smaller
Included Fast Pass gone, Disney wants you to pay twice now, your entry ticket and a Genie + or Lightning Lane to ride.
Merchandise has gone up but the quality has gone way down hill…
Customer Service has gone down hill, due to the lack of employees because this greedy board laid many off and will not take them back but will continue to take your money
To stay on property is $1500.00 more expensive than 2 years ago, but you get far less for your money. Magic hours gone, room service all but gone, Disney Express gone, Dinning Plan gone for now, overnight parking now charged etc
Just to name a few, but you do not think this is ripping you off. Open you eyes dude. – You did ask.
Yoda
Disney prices (as well as Universal and other parks) increase each year, just a fact.
If you want to complain about their food prices, you must not shop at a grocery store as food prices everywhere are increasing, reducing portions to minimize price increase is done at many restaurants, not just at theme parks.
Disney also is leading the way in Florida with wages for park employees, sure it could be better but at least they made a start, many employees are making 50% more now then five years ago, which is causing Universal to follow suit. This increase in staffing costs does lead to increased merchandise and food and beverage costs. This also could lead to a reduced work force.
That is just the numbers person in me justifying the increases. I’m not going to say everything is rosy, since as an AP, I still get very frustrated that I can’t just wait until the last minute to go to park since reservations are all gone. Also since my AP expires in less then a month, I am stalling since I know that I will be missing the May 4th at DHS this year since I’m sure that park already booked up.
Also, they need to fix that as a AP, I can’t make a park reservation in same group as a friend/relative who is staying at a resort with one day pass – even if linked together on the app.
Julian H
Yoda – love the name by the way, yes prices have gone up, but I stress these are higher than inflation and as I said you get far far less than you used to get included all now at and additional cost over and above the increase of $1500.00 in two years to stay at Port Orleans for much less is not right and is cannot be justified sorry if anyone says it is they are mistaken.
The food prices and portion size at Disney is not defend able at all. In and around Orlando you do not see the same as in Disney. I’m not naive Disney was always expensive, but its now on another level.
I cannot argue the salary of the employees, I do not have that information other than Disney Employees often complain about the salary is minimal, and not to a standard it should be, not to mention that the parks and hotels are so understaffed that it is very noticeable and yet Disney has not employed the level of staff it once had and are just pocketing the money.
In the word of Yoda regarding going to the parks “DO OR DO NOT GO”, I choose not to at the moment until things change and by the huge number of voices on here I am not alone. I know you do not like to hear it but Universal are offering so much more for your money and largely hassle free.
JS
How about we be more mature and stop calling people morons or idiots. I may have had no problem with the system because I go a lot and just am more technology savvy. Pretty sure there are a lot of people out there who just haven’t been to Disney World in a long time and have no idea about the reservation system because they just don’t understand it. They are not morons. There will probably be a day when technology gets too complicated for you so just remember this 40 years from now and hope that some younger person doesn’t call you a moron.
Nick
Disney World suffered for years with overcrowding as their capacity limit was ridiculously high.
The attitude then was squeeze more in and make more profit.
After adjusting for the value of the dollar Disney is getting four times what it got in the 80s when it went away from the ticket system. The park is in no way hurting for money, even with a reduced capacity.
With demand being so high reservations make sense. That being said a certain percentage say 15 to 20% should be set aside for each day on a first come first serve basis.
What Disney really needs to do is open an entirely new park between Disneyland and Disney world that would serve as a new attraction and alleviate the crowding of the first two parks. The money is there to do this and there’s land available but corporate greed would probably prevent this from becoming a reality.
Chris Wood
I can’t believe the writer of this article went on and on before they got to the point, next time sweety get to the point.
Backcountry164
That’s literally every article on this site. I assume they get paid by the word. You can just skip over the first 3 or 4 paragraphs every time.
Erwim
Just cause you want to get off the interstate cause your stuck in traffic on 1-4 doesn’t mean your going to get in a Disney park. Should of went into Disney Springs they dont request reservations!
Kathleen
A theme park business that doesn’t know how to operate without “reservations” doesn’t deserve to be in business. They’ve been around long enough to know how to staff. This reservation system is just ridiculous
Scott Lee-Ross
does the movie theater let you just go to the movie? no you need to pick a time and a movie in advance. The reservation system is a logical and easy way to make you pick your park and date. Your tickets are for a range of dates and not to a specific park.
Julian H
But you do this buying the ticket in one transaction dude., you do not do the Disney and buy a ticket then go to another site and make a reservation.
Chan
According to the reddit thread that this came from, people are assuming that the ITM writers planted the story just to write this “article.” If so, it’s very sad the direction this site is going. Especially for this writer who has been with ITM for a while now.
Backcountry164
Well, if it’s on reddit it must be true… Oh, wait. That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever said in my entire life…
Galactic Hero
This makes sense. I keep falling into the trap that is ITM and falling for their terrible articles. Last time that happens. There are plenty of other sites with more pertinent information. Hopefully my Google news algorithm picks up on that sooner than later.
Dan
I am sorry that this family did not get to enjoy Disney. The need for park reservations is well known. It is discussed over and over on most Disney sites( official or fan based). I suspect that they purchased the ticket by themselves without the assistance of a travel agent.
This is directly from the Walt Disney World site: “To enter a park, both a park reservation and valid admission for the same park on the same date are required for Guest ages 3 and up.”
It would be nice if Disney would tie the reservations and park admission but until the time this happens, one must play by Disney’s rules or be disappointed.
JGH
I guess there is no internet in the rock they live under.
I don’t believe for a minute they just showed up at WDW and bought tickets and then were told they couldn’t enter a park w/o a reservation. At the very least they would have been told when they purchased tickets at a booth or, dare I say online! Calling BS on this story.
Tina M
I’ve been to DW & Disneyland many times over the years, not recently. I’ve been on the websites a few times checking out vacation pkgs, thinking of planning a trip. Started reading these blogs. I didn’t know there was a reservation system until I read it here. So yeah, people could easily show up with tickets not knowing. Some get discount tickets through the military or their job, gifts.
Why would you sell tickets at the various discount platforms or the gate then not let people in due to the reservation requirement? Seems to me you’d tell everyone make a reservation then sell them tickets.
Rob
“Dejected” is probably a more apt word than “Rejected.”
John L Bowman
All this is not needed if you put in a fifth gate which should have been at least STARTED YEARS AGO !
ELEANOR RALLS
Sorry but I don’t see how anyone can say they didn’t know they had to make a reservation. And I don’t accept the age thing….my husband and I are late 70’s and had no problem. If you order your tickets on line you’d have to be blind to miss the statements to “DON’T FORGET TO MAKE A RESERVATION”. And if you bought them over the phone you can’t tell me a Disney rep wouldn’t be SURE you understood.
John DeJones
Way too much planning to go to a Di$ney park now a days! Uni is a better deal all around; lower cost and no park reservation.
If Disney was truly worried about crowds they’d charge $300 admission per person, no APs, and no genie or LL. The park would definitely be less crowded.
Laura Newcomer
Why not take the story at face value and refrain from cynicism and snarkyness, calling the people liars and so forth? If Disney wants to require a ticket and a reservation, then streamline the process. Don’t complete the transaction (accept payment) unless a reservation is made at the same time (like every other ticket reservation system on the planet.) Forego the “notices on every page” and just use technology to solve the problem.
Nicole
My family loved the magic bands which emcompassed everything.
Rick
Apparently some you never had the experience, pre-reservation system, of being turned away at the gate because of reaching capacity. I feel the reservation system eliminates the possibility of having that happen. I’ve been going to WDW multiple times a year since the 80’s and wish they had instituted this practice earlier.
Also, it used to be you had to pay for the transportation from the airport. Don’t get me wrong, I like Universal too, but they have never offered free transportation, and their express pass actually costed more per day than Genie+.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and have the ability to choose which resort offers a better value to them. In the end that is how a company will make business decisions. As long as people are willing to pay for these extras and the reservation system appears to them to be working they will stay as they are.
Ken Brenner
While I don’t like the new ticketing process (reservations, no fast-pass, no traditional park hopper, etc.) I don’t understand why they didn’t know about the reservations.
I haven’t been since Feb. 2020, but from what I understand, the requirement is mentioned in many places. If one is planning a trip to WDW, I have to believe that requirement is plainly mentioned in multiple places.
Again, I don’t like any of these changes to ticketing, but they should have planned better, unfortunately.
Kelly
Honestly, if you spend thousands of dollars on a vacation and do no research, I have absolutely no pity for you. The pop-ups on every legitimate ticket site are so obvious you can’t miss them without trying.
The reservation system is great, it means no more horrendous phase closes on busy days, and no more surprise crowds.
Joe
From the Reddit post: “I heard later people were park hopping into different parks later in the day, if they had room for them, why not let in paying guests”
Clearly these people have no idea how Disney works. They believe park hopping guests have not paid for tickets. If you are going to display that level of stupid, then occasionally it will hit your wallet.
Its not that difficult.
Ken
Your writing is confusing, rambling and hard to understand. I gave up after a few paragraphs. It reads like a bad translation from another language. Please consider using Grammarly or a human editor to proof your work.
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