The Spirited Seventh Heaven ...

[AEfx]

And what's wrong with marketing to the youth of America? I see no desperation there, I see smart marketing.

True, but I'm laughing thinking of the "offended" folks that will contact Disney - not the folks that just think "a little creepy", but the "My special snowflake is home schooled/unschooled/etc! This is offensive!" One sticky thing is I hope then Disney keeps track of child deaths...no joke. Toys R Us has had an issue with their birthday club like that - it's one thing to get mail for a deceased adult or elderly person, but quite another when you get it involving a deceased child and it tends to become somewhat viral.

I unfortunately know that was a big bang theory reference because the commercials won't let me un know it. People think because I'm pretty geeky that I like that show but honestly I feel like it's despicable and revolves around an adult with serious mental problems.

LOL, I always find this view of the show funny. It's one thing if someone just doesn't like the show, that's obviously totally fair. But most sitcoms are about people with mental problems. Blanche Deveraux was a sex addict, Murphy Brown had anger management issues, Danny Tanner was obsessive-compulsive. I think with BBT, it actually hits closer to home for some folks than they would like, so they take it WAY too personally. Especially for a Sitcom.

 

[OSUgirl77]

I'd be willing to bet that, sooner or later, they will be there.

While I haven't been to DL since the 50th anniversary, I used to go fairly frequently. Based on those past visits, I wouldn't think Magic Bands would make sense. The locals aren't going to book their FP's 30 days ahead of time. The incentive to stay onsite in order to book them 60 days out isn't the same since there are only 3 hotels. You wouldn't have to fight with nearly as many people to book a FP. There also won't be as many people needing them as keys to their rooms, as most visitors are either local or staying across the street somewhere. I wouldn't think it's as necessary to spy on people to see where they are and when, there are only 2 parks. They are either at DL or DCA. It just seems like a huge waste of money, even more so than in WDW.

 

[AEfx]

I'd also not say that WDW doesn't have offerings that attract adults. There's far more signature dining, more nighttime experiences (that are Disney) and while it's not as "adult oriented" as it was before Pleasure Island closed, it still blows the adult offerings DLC has to offer out of the water.

Thing is, folks drag kids to "signature dining" at WDW most of the time. And for adults who truly are foodies (do we still use that word anymore?) have Shania's "That Don't Impress Me Much" running through their heads when it comes to most WDW dining these days.

Overall, I (long time WDW visitor, been to DLR several times over the past few years since WDW has become so expensive as to make a week at either similarly priced) find Disneyland to have a much more "mature" overall food vibe, period. There are just far more restaurants in the parks themselves, period - and most with actual specific food vs. practically the same menu at Cosmic Rays as Pecos Bills, for example. So at lunch, you actually think to look at the guide map and figure out what you want to eat, vs. where is closer to go, since they all offer such similar fare. You can get a full QS breakfast there as opposed to the muffins and pastries you are lucky to be able to find in a Disney park unless you are doing a sit-down character meal.

So while it doesn't have as many high priced sit-down options as WDW, overall, even down to the variety of food carts at DLR vs. WDW (F&W aside), I would say there is a more "mature" food vibe, most definitely.

That being said, WDW has a more hectic vibe.

It took me a minute to digest that...I wasn't sure I agreed, but wasn't sure I disagreed. I think you are right in the sense that WDW has more of a "marathon" feel to it. One would think with folks staying longer at WDW it would be more relaxed, but it really is the opposite. They want to cram as much into as short a time as possible, even if it's a 6 night/7 day speed race. You don't get that feel so much at Disneyland, which I really think comes down to the larger amount of repeat visitors (especially on the weekends).

Both places are crawling with children, but you are far more likely to see young couples at DLC than WDW. Why? Because it is a day trip destination for a population of nearly 20 million people (LA and San Diego markets alone). WDW...is not.

That, and the fact that DLR is not a singular "destination" resort like WDW is (millions and millions of folks travel to the greater Los Angeles area for endless other reasons, whereas most folks who go to Orlando are only going for theme parks or conventions), in spite of what Disney would like to make it. For most folks Disneyland is a day excursion on a visit to LA, few folks are like me and specifically go to spend a week at Disneyland (though in a week I do many other things outside of Disney, it's my home base when I go and I end up there at least 5 or 6 of the days even if it's only for a few hours).

So yeah, tons of kids - but the "two adults and small children" that supposedly is the "norm" at WDW is quite different than the average make-up of guests entering a DLR park. I'd actually be curious as to those metrics - I'd guess that if you metrics it all out you'd end up with the average age of a visitor somewhere between late teenager/young adult and 2 folks per party as opposed to the 3 or 4 WDW probably averages.

 

[Goofyernmost]

While I haven't been to DL since the 50th anniversary, I used to go fairly frequently. Based on those past visits, I wouldn't think Magic Bands would make sense. The locals aren't going to book their FP's 30 days ahead of time. The incentive to stay onsite in order to book them 60 days out isn't the same since there are only 3 hotels. You wouldn't have to fight with nearly as many people to book a FP. There also won't be as many people needing them as keys to their rooms, as most visitors are either local or staying across the street somewhere. I wouldn't think it's as necessary to spy on people to see where they are and when, there are only 2 parks. They are either at DL or DCA. It just seems like a huge waste of money, even more so than in WDW.

Just because the locals are a large part of the base of DL doesn't mean that there aren't many that travel there to visit DL. I did that in 2005, but, even though it was a cross country trip and my main motivation was DL doesn't mean that I spent the majority of my time there. However, being able to reserve fastpasses ahead of time would be a plus to those travelers. Let's face it the "locals" pretty much monopolize it now. Even if the "locals" have no use for the Magic Band system, Disneyland, could have.

I still don't have the ability to understand why so many think that The WDW alone is footing the bill for this system. It is pushed and supported by The Walt Disney Company. It was, I believe, always intended to be shared by every property. Not only to achieve consistency, but, to be able to charge off a proportional share of the overall cost to create and implement the program. Someone mentioned that they don't have a need to "spy" on their DL guests and they don't besides using it for what was intended, crowd control as well as personnel and merchandise planning. Since there is no logical reason to go in the "spy" direction I just consider all of that talk as a tinfoil hat conversation.

 

[Travel Junkie]

Just because the locals are a large part of the base of DL doesn't mean that there aren't many that travel there to visit DL. I did that in 2005, but, even though it was a cross country trip and my main motivation was DL doesn't mean that I spent the majority of my time there. However, being able to reserve fastpasses ahead of time would be a plus to those travelers. Let's face it the "locals" pretty much monopolize it now. Even if the "locals" have no use for the Magic Band system, Disneyland, could have.

I still don't have the ability to understand why so many think that The WDW alone is footing the bill for this system. It is pushed and supported by The Walt Disney Company. It was, I believe, always intended to be shared by every property. Not only to achieve consistency, but, to be able to charge off a proportional share of the overall cost to create and implement the program. Someone mentioned that they don't have a need to "spy" on their DL guests and they don't besides using it for what was intended, crowd control as well as personnel and merchandise planning. Since there is no logical reason to go in the "spy" direction I just consider all of that talk as a tinfoil hat conversation.

Some aspects from MM+ will eventually make their way to the west coast, but large portions won’t fit at DLR, literally. DL especially doesn’t not have the room for FP+ queues for every ride. You may see FP+ where existing FP rides are, but not much else. DLR has not embraced regular FP like WDW and will resist FP+ as well.

WDW will not be the only MM+ resort. Shanghai is rumored to open with it and the other Disney parks will likely have portions of it. Make no mistake though, WDW is the primary driver of many aspects of MM+ and the other Disney parks around the world want no part of it.

 

[randyrut]

So I wasnt sure where to put this, so if it doesnt fit into the discussion, please ignore it. But I just returned from a 10 day vacation at WDW and UNI and thought I would share my 2 cents on some of the things I did and noticed....

Magic Bands were nearly flawless. Made the trip insanely simple. From park entrance, to buying things, to FP+. Only hiccup was last day, not everyone in my group was added to an additional FP and we didnt take a picture of it, so we didnt get to use it. Other than that, I actually loved them, and I was someone who thought they would be awful.

FP+ has significantly raised wait times at rides that used to have next to no wait. HM, PotC, TGMR, Dinosaur, etc.

Dont go in the middle of August, the heat was insane. 97 everyday and felt like 110.

7DMT was a waste of time. Even my 7 yr old thought it was boring and silly. The ride itself is smooth and flawless, but the content is less than plentiful.

If you are looking for exceptional dining experiences, go to California Grille, 50's Prime Time Cafe (ask to have Tom as your server), Le Cellier, Liberty Tree Tavern.

Poor dining experiences? BOG has the best atmosphere and the worst dinner food. Chefs de France is too crowded and loud, and CRT is so rushed you wont have fun.

The Contemporary was super clean, really nice, and was perfect in my opinion and the opinion of my travel-mates.

As far as UNI... The Hard Rock rooms are poor but the hotel itself is nice. The Express Pass that goes along with it is the greatest thing since sliced bread. Diagon Alley is about as impressive as you could ever hope for. However, the Gringotts ride breaks down constantly. The ride itself is visually stunning, but has much less thrill to it than the Forbidden Journey. And the jambalaya at Margaritaville is to die for.

Thats about it, anything else you might want to know just ask. We literally did everything one family could do in 10 days.

 

[bhg469]

So I wasnt sure where to put this, so if it doesnt fit into the discussion, please ignore it. But I just returned from a 10 day vacation at WDW and UNI and thought I would share my 2 cents on some of the things I did and noticed....

Magic Bands were nearly flawless. Made the trip insanely simple. From park entrance, to buying things, to FP+. Only hiccup was last day, not everyone in my group was added to an additional FP and we didnt take a picture of it, so we didnt get to use it. Other than that, I actually loved them, and I was someone who thought they would be awful.

FP+ has significantly raised wait times at rides that used to have next to no wait. HM, PotC, TGMR, Dinosaur, etc.

Dont go in the middle of August, the heat was insane. 97 everyday and felt like 110.

7DMT was a waste of time. Even my 7 yr old thought it was boring and silly. The ride itself is smooth and flawless, but the content is less than plentiful.

If you are looking for exceptional dining experiences, go to California Grille, 50's Prime Time Cafe (ask to have Tom as your server), Le Cellier, Liberty Tree Tavern.

Poor dining experiences? BOG has the best atmosphere and the worst dinner food. Chefs de France is too crowded and loud, and CRT is so rushed you wont have fun.

The Contemporary was super clean, really nice, and was perfect in my opinion and the opinion of my travel-mates.

As far as UNI... The Hard Rock rooms are poor but the hotel itself is nice. The Express Pass that goes along with it is the greatest thing since sliced bread. Diagon Alley is about as impressive as you could ever hope for. However, the Gringotts ride breaks down constantly. The ride itself is visually stunning, but has much less thrill to it than the Forbidden Journey. And the jambalaya at Margaritaville is to die for.

Thats about it, anything else you might want to know just ask. We literally did everything one family could do in 10 days.

I didn't really hate the band, as a ticket media, it's tough to find fault in it other than I felt it constantly on my wrist. It was still convenient. It's what goes along with the band that I despise. FP+ is just awful. It is not needed and only punishes those who do not plan nor want to put a lot of effort in their vacation.
I'm glad you had a good time though, that's what it's all about.

 

[njDizFan]

There's also some fascination with Florida amongst NJ denizens when it comes to vacations, although most likely it's simply convenient as it's a warm weather location along the East coast. But every time I've vacationed in Florida in the winter, I've noticed a large number of folks from Jersey.

As a New Jersey Denizen I can say this and some of the other posts are very accurate. We are a densely populated state with a good percentage having above average income. If you are a family with children it is the place to go and spend your vacation dollars. The great thing about NJ(the greatest state in the nation) is that generally we are 1 hour from from everything. NYC and Philly, multiple beaches/Boardwalks, the mountains, rural areas, casinos, camping etc. The things we desire are breaks from the long cold winter and amusement parks. Great Adventure is more of a day trip and tends to be insanely busy during the 3 summer months.

Now the wealthier and retiree age population are often abroad or at resort areas like Boca and the Cape

 

[Jennifer66]

It's both, but neither at the same time. It's like when they made DHS the "kid" park by putting (then) Playhouse Disney there... no, you didn't make the park kid-friendly; you just put one thing that little kids "have" to see in a park that has little else to offer them. The rides and attractions in World Showcase seem to be heading the kid route, while at the same time there is more booze flowing there than ever. World Showcase right now is like a 4YO's birthday party with a keg.

But that's the only way many of my relatives would come to the parties! (And I've always found alcohol makes other people's children more bearable--my special snowflakes, of course, are perfect.)

 

[Goofyernmost]

Some aspects from MM+ will eventually make their way to the west coast, but large portions won’t fit at DLR, literally. DL especially doesn’t not have the room for FP+ queues for every ride. You may see FP+ where existing FP rides are, but not much else. DLR has not embraced regular FP like WDW and will resist FP+ as well.

That is exactly what they do to attempt to control crowds. The make, like they did in WDW, a lot of attractions that never needed a FP before into FP attractions. It doesn't work on locals or those that know what the best attractions are, but for the first time (or more) visitor the fact that they are on a FP list will totally disguises it. It will fit in just like it did at WDW. They make it fit.

Curious though... what is your basis for saying that they don't embrace FP on the west coast. Do they love lines? Not being sarcastic, I just cannot fathom that they don't go for FP's just as fervently as the East Coast.

 

[doctornick]

Curious though... what is your basis for saying that they don't embrace FP on the west coast. Do they love lines? Not being sarcastic, I just cannot fathom that they don't go for FP's just as fervently as the East Coast.

Oh, the locals didn't bother with FP. They just got a GAC instead. (Only partially sarcastic.)

 

[Cesar R M]

It took me a minute to digest that...I wasn't sure I agreed, but wasn't sure I disagreed. I think you are right in the sense that WDW has more of a "marathon" feel to it. One would think with folks staying longer at WDW it would be more relaxed, but it really is the opposite. They want to cram as much into as short a time as possible, even if it's a 6 night/7 day speed race. You don't get that feel so much at Disneyland, which I really think comes down to the larger amount of repeat visitors (especially on the weekends).

Isnt this "marathon" feel because attractions in disneyland and DCA are very close together?
In WDW you have to swap and jump park to park.. and moving between parks takes at least 20 minutes using their buses.

In Disneyland you can just walk right?

 

[Goofyernmost]

Oh, the locals didn't bother with FP. They just got a GAC instead. (Only partially sarcastic.)

That being partially sarcastic, is also probably true to an extent, and that will come to an end too, if it hasn't already. It happened or is happening in WDW and it will in DL as well. It really isn't in the best interest of the Disney Company to have multiple basic systems of operation. There might be some leeway in foreign countries to adjust to cultural differences, but, it shouldn't be happening in domestic parks.

 

[Goofyernmost]

Isnt this "marathon" feel because attractions in disneyland and DCA are very close together?
In WDW you have to swap and jump park to park.. and moving between parks takes at least 20 minutes using their buses.

In Disneyland you can just walk right?

This is just a guess, but, I think that the vast majority only does one park per day. Where the marathon feel might come in is when people make ADR's to a different park then the one that they are touring that day.

 

[Travel Junkie]

That is exactly what they do to attempt to control crowds. The make, like they did in WDW, a lot of attractions that never needed a FP before into FP attractions. It doesn't work on locals or those that know what the best attractions are, but for the first time (or more) visitor the fact that they are on a FP list will totally disguises it. It will fit in just like it did at WDW. They make it fit.

Curious though... what is your basis for saying that they don't embrace FP on the west coast. Do they love lines? Not being sarcastic, I just cannot fathom that they don't go for FP's just as fervently as the East Coast.

DLR’s method for crowd control is having an adequate number of attractions to spread out the crowds, so it’s not needed like it is in WDW. From what I have seen so far it looks like it is spreading the crowds out at WDW, but it would have a minimal effect at DLR. What you will likely see implemented in DLR are more of the interactive elements of next gen. Think using the force in a future Star Wars land.

There used to be more attractions that featured FP at DLR. They removed them to… wait for it…reduce wait times. There are plenty of people at TDA who would scrap FP all together if they could. FP is only good if you have one. Otherwise your wait time goes up. FP is used used plenty on the rides it’s offered on and plenty of locals and AP’s love it. There are also a lot of them that would prefer to go back to strictly standby.

 

[GiveMeTheMusic]

DLR’s method for crowd control is having an adequate number of attractions to spread out the crowds, so it’s not needed like it is in WDW. From what I have seen so far it looks like it is spreading the crowds out at WDW, but it would have a minimal effect at DLR. What you will likely see implemented in DLR are more of the interactive elements of next gen. Think using the force in a future Star Wars land.

There used to be more attractions that featured FP at DLR. They removed them to… wait for it…reduce wait times. There are plenty of people at TDA who would scrap FP all together if they could. FP is only good if you have one. Otherwise your wait time goes up. FP is used used plenty on the rides it’s offered on and plenty of locals and AP’s love it. There are also a lot of them that would prefer to go back to strictly standby.

Bingo. DLR doesn't have the same capacity issues that plague WDW, because their 2 parks contain just as many attractions as all 4 parks at WDW. FP+ is wholly unnecessary and would be fought tooth and nail by a lot of people in TDA (thankfully). DLR has reduced its FP attractions as it is - DCA's TSMM doesn't have FP, doesn't need it. The lines would be much longer if it did, and operations knows it.

 

[Goofyernmost]

DLR’s method for crowd control is having an adequate number of attractions to spread out the crowds, so it’s not needed like it is in WDW. From what I have seen so far it looks like it is spreading the crowds out at WDW, but it would have a minimal effect at DLR. What you will likely see implemented in DLR are more of the interactive elements of next gen. Think using the force in a future Star Wars land.

There used to be more attractions that featured FP at DLR. They removed them to… wait for it…reduce wait times. There are plenty of people at TDA who would scrap FP all together if they could. FP is only good if you have one. Otherwise your wait time goes up. FP is used used plenty on the rides it’s offered on and plenty of locals and AP’s love it. There are also a lot of them that would prefer to go back to strictly standby.

And I would back that decision 150%. FP was one of biggest mistakes ever made by Disney! Sounded good on paper but not completely thought out as to the possible bad side. The trouble is I don't think that the locals are as willing to give them up as you think they are.

 

[Turtle]

After Frozen, Inside Out will be the next 'toon to take Epcot. It could work for Future World edu-tainment wise.

 

[PhotoDave219]

Oh, the locals didn't bother with FP. They just got a GAC instead. (Only partially sarcastic.)

That's pretty much accurate.

 

[bhg469]

That's pretty much accurate.

I found out my brother in law did this for years as a local and I was truly disgusted with him. He has 2 perfectly healthy kids and only got it so they didn't have to wait in lines. He also encouraged other parents visiting down there to do the same.

I didn't like the guy much before then but after I found out I just think he is a pathetic human being.