It's a great argument, and a very valid argument.
Nope. I left the door wide open for you to fall thru and you did ... I have heard this tossed around and don't agree at all.
I'm sure you know this, but I think it needs pointing out again as you arent following the logic.
Nope. Trust me, Steve, I've had this discussion with many people both in the real world and the online fan world over the years.
I understand where it comes from. I just wholeheartedly disagree in its validity.
DL has a largely local guest base who are OK with their mansion closing, because they know they can be back in a few weeks to catch it again. WDW has a guest base made of vactioners who visit on average every 2 - 3 years. They plan years ahead and EXPECT (and DEMAND) to see their favorite attraction open. HM is a WDW classic that guests DEMAND to see on their trip. It is simply not feasible to close it each year just to put in a version that appeals to Nightmare fans. I like the nightmare DL edition, but I still prefer the regular WDW mansion. I fully agree with WDI and WDW Ops for not going with Nightmare. Even if it were a free upgrade (which it obviously isnt) I wouldnt back it. WDW cannot have the mansion down for 4 months each year.
DL does attract more 'locals' that's definitely true (although to be fair, TDA considers locals anyone who lives from Santa Barbara to Baja and east to Palm Springs/Indian Wells, which is akin to TDO saying that 75% of Florida is local, which isn't the case).
But DL also attracts plenty of people from all over the world. People who are there once. A large number. A significant number. Less than WDW, sure.
If people expect or demand every attraction be open all the time then I would say they have a ridiculous entitlement mentality and need to grow up and face reality. And I'll say right now that Mansion is my favorite attraction at MK and one of my all-time favorites.
I'd love to bring people back to some of my childhood visits when MK was 'all' there was and often times 4-5 major attractions were down at the same time for rehabs. I didn't go home hysterical. I didn't have my trips ruined.
If one attraction is that important to anyone then they should plan a trip when they are reasonably (because attractions are mechanical and do break down) expected to be operating.
The idea that Mansion or any other attraction should always be available is ludicrous.
I also need to call you on the four-month closing deal. You're including Mansion being 'closed' when the NBC overlay is on it. It isn't. It's just a different version ... and one that is overwhelming popular in Anaheim and Tokyo where it is shown. Much like Small World, which offers holiday versions in Anaheim, Paris and Tokyo. And Bear Jamboree, which offers Christmas and Summer versions in Tokyo (and used to at both WDW and DL).
There's no logical way to leap to a conclusion that it wouldn't be hugely successful at WDW.
You point out they used to close attractions in the old days. Back then, they didnt have the constant research and surveys that they have now. They know realise that closing major attractions causes a very large guest dissatisfation rating. Hence the reason they are very scared to close one of the big attractions these days. And yes, the rating is lower for a closure than it is for a missing effect. Like it or not, that's how it is. We live in a world of stats and research these days.
Well, considering how much of WDW's research dept got laid off recently maybe they'll stop spending so much time getting backing for decisions they've already made with surveys that are skewed to do just that.
I don't doubt that people and moan when things are closed (I know they do), but the response should be firm, polite and on point: Periodically attractions needs to be closed to keep them clean, safe and in good show quality.
WDW is stuck in between the guest demand for EVERYTHING to be open, and the demand for every attraction ot be refurbished and in 100% condition. It's obviously a difficult balancing act.
It shouldn't be.
They make it so by playing into the entitlement mentality view by often throwing comps to people who loud enough. Sorry, but if someone only goes to WDW to see 1-2-3 attractions than something is wrong with them. Disney posts operating schedules with rehabs online and anyone without access to a computer can simply call and ask.