Rumor concerning Phil Holmes

wdwmagic

Administrator
Moderator
Premium Member
I don't know how DAK rated on Disney's own rankings ... I do know that park ops have taken a nose-dive since Val took over. She's cut custodial, including the regular pressure-cleaning of walkways (a la MK). Dinosaur has been a disaster everytime I've been on it in the past 18 months. And we all know about Everest. The park is noticeably dirtier. I also know that folks at WDI that have a vested interest in the park are very unhappy with the way the park is being run.

That is fiction. All WDW parks pressure clean major paths every single night, with the smaller ones rotated every few days. Been like that for the last 15 years.

Everest is a disaster right now, no argument on that.
 

mkt

When a paradise is lost go straight to Disney™
Premium Member
Noted! Now go and party, you've earned it...
:lol:

I'll take the Blackberry along. This thread might be more fun after a few drinks.

It's why all the rides at WDW are always in such poor shape compared to that of Disneyland and TDR.

Buddy boy. I've been to TDR. They don't shut their rides down 4 months a year. They just perform preventative maintenance on their attractions, as opposed to WDW/DLR, where short of rehabs, they generally just do reactive maintenance.
 

wdwmagic

Administrator
Moderator
Premium Member
WDW NEEDS to have Mansion down for 4 months each year.

It's why all the rides at WDW are always in such poor shape compared to that of Disneyland and TDR.

Grass is always greener on the other side ;) I was lucky enough to go to WDW and DL back to back recently - WDW is in just as good shape as DL on average.
 

mkt

When a paradise is lost go straight to Disney™
Premium Member
That is fiction. All WDW parks pressure clean major paths every single night, with the smaller ones rotated every few days. Been like that for the last 15 years.

Very true. I've walked through the parks before at all hours of the night. That's one thing they've done right for quite some time.
 

SirGoofy

Member
Do you know what? I have done just that! Everyone I have been able to talk to about this that works at the MK doesnt think there is a serious issue with Phil. A few ex CP on this thread do, and they seem to be talking the loudest.

Then you haven't been talking to the right people, Steve. I'm not trying to call you out, but I feel like I've been called out here.

I'm a seasonal cast member, not a CP, thank you. On top of that, I know of no frontline CMs that are happy with Phil. I know of plenty of maintenance engineers that feel the same way. So honestly, don't act like everyone is a-okay with Phil.
 

goodtimes5286

New Member
It's a great argument, and a very valid argument.



I'm sure you know this, but I think it needs pointing out again as you arent following the logic.



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.



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.



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.
If that is the case and they cant be closing attractions left and right for a month or two at a time, why dont they then take FULL advantage of the downtime for SM and referb it to the point where they wont have to worry about it for 10 years.

I agree your point is very valid and it is well understood that the difference between the two is the audience. But one thing your also not taking into account is that the locals provide JUST as much support for WDW (or maybe a little less, but WDW isn't completly dependant on vacationers). That is what makes MK the most visited park in the WORLD with no one within I think it's 5 million visitors, we'll get the new numbers in may. And MK is second to another Disney park (I believe its DL tokyo). It's the mix of both that drives WDW and I think that WDW1974 is asking for is for them to be mindful of this.

Your point is 100% valid, however the people at the top need to be mindful of this juggling act and plan accordingly. This would be the time to do EVERYTHING that would make locals happy since SM is gonna be down anyway (just using it as an example). But these higher ups AREN'T using the downtime wisely and thus are gonna get and DESERVE to get slammed and fired. A complete track replacement is needed no if's and's or butt's any local could tell you this. So what if it's down for another month, ok start it now, or extend it, but when it comes up bussiness is gonna BOOM from tourists AND locals.

The people at the top need to stop being so short sided and worrying about there dividends and instead invest in disneys future. I don't think I'm alone in asking for someone at the top to TRUELY care, not just tell you or act like they care, not someone whose 70 and forgot the magic, someone who wants the best for the PARK not there pocket.
 

wdwmagic

Administrator
Moderator
Premium Member
Then you haven't been talking to the right people, Steve. I'm not trying to call you out, but I feel like I've been called out here.

I'm a seasonal cast member, not a CP, thank you. On top of that, I know of no frontline CMs that are happy with Phil. I know of plenty of maintenance engineers that feel the same way. So honestly, don't act like everyone is a-okay with Phil.

I didnt know you were a seasonal CM or CP. Just out of curiosity, when did you last work at MK? Just wondering how current your info is :)

Well I guess out of the thousands that work there, you can easily find pockets that are pro or anti management.

LOL remember as well guys, I don't know Phil, I have zero vested interest in defending him. I'm just trying to be reasonable and logical on here, and put out the bits of info that I have been able to determine.
 

mkt

When a paradise is lost go straight to Disney™
Premium Member
why dont they then take FULL advantage of the downtime for SM and referb it to the point where they wont have to worry about it for 10 years.

Keeping a roller coaster without downtime for 10 years, without developing new technologies which would likely come with a stratospheric price tag, and no guarantees, would be impossible.

Please try again :)
 

goodtimes5286

New Member
Keeping a roller coaster without downtime for 10 years, without developing new technologies which would likely come with a stratospheric price tag, and no guarantees, would be impossible.

Please try again :)
LOL chill, dont take everything so literal (look at the wide world view), but they've forsaken SM for a LONG time (most people can agree with that) and if they are going to continue this, one of my solutions is a track referb. understand now? try reading it again :).

Also about the whole parks going from good to crappy upkeep there is an EASY solution to that problem, but disney wont invest the dough. You know how Universal/IA can have EVERY ride open 365 and there place looking the same time after time? They have a crew come in every night and take care of it, ride matinence, cleaning, touching up paint, etc etc etc. IF disney did this, they would be in AMAZING shape right now, but once again it comes down to the dolla's, something Disney isnt exactly known for spending for there customers these days :(
 

SirGoofy

Member
I didnt know you were a seasonal CM or CP. Just out of curiosity, when did you last work at MK? Just wondering how current your info is :)

I was last down there in mid-January, but I'm in constant contact with a ton of people down in Orlando.

I mentioned to a friend of mine that Phil may have been let go, and he had heard the same thing and apparently many cast members were ecstatic of the possibility.

Again, I'm not saying the guy is the devil in a manager's skin. I'm sure he has made a number of good decisions. But the bad with the guy just out weighs the good. And I understand that they can't just close rides all the time, but in my opinion there are way too many attractions in poor shape for it to be acceptable.
 

EpcotServo

Well-Known Member
I'll take the Blackberry along. This thread might be more fun after a few drinks.



Buddy boy. I've been to TDR. They don't shut their rides down 4 months a year. They just perform preventative maintenance on their attractions, as opposed to WDW/DLR, where short of rehabs, they generally just do reactive maintenance.

:lol:

Yeah. I used to check their rehab schedules frequently and last filed TDR under "More Rehabs than us", hence why I added TDR to Disneyland.

Grass is always greener on the other side ;) I was lucky enough to go to WDW and DL back to back recently - WDW is in just as good shape as DL on average.

All I can say is that if you that the amount of working effects in Disneyland and DCA in the weeks I've been at DLR in the last few years, vs. the weekly visits to our parks, Disneyland comes out ahead in overall product and quality.

Know that I HATE to admit it. WDW is my second home, and means EVERYTHING to me. I get ticked off hearing any smack-talk about WDW, even if I agree to it. But purely from the logic in my mind and the data I've observed...well, they just have alot of important work to do. We REALLY need to catch up down here.
 

WDW1974

Well-Known Member
Dave worked at the parks long enough to know when they're being poorly run.

kthxbai!

I am happy Dave worked at the parks (if he is happy that he did) ... but I don't have to work somewhere I frequent to know if is run well (and that's leaving out any/all CMs, execs, Imagineers and consultants I may personally know). I just open my eyes based on countless visits since 1974.

That aside, I'd be curious to know if he thinks the MK is being run well and what his frame of reference is.
 

EPCOT Explorer

New Member
Did some poking around...Some at The WDW Outlet, some at other places...

Everyone (CM's) have heard the rumor, don't know the truth. At least two of the CM's from the store that I know used to work up in WDW were thrilled at the prospect and heard the rumor as well.:lol:

Just some food for thought.
 

WDW1974

Well-Known Member
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.
 

WDW1974

Well-Known Member
You were the one that brought it up, not me ;)

Have you been down to the tunels lately? Do you know how many LCD tvs are down there? If you knew, you would realise how crazy it is even bringing up the subject of TVs as a way of spending refurbishment money.

Do you really think Phil is some kind of lunatic that would rather just sit on money and flat out reject new attractions just to be a total (insert choice of term here)? I know you dislike how Disney is ran, but you cant seriously believe that is the case.

Yes, I did.

I brought it up to point out that money has often been spent in places that don't improve the guest experience (one could easily argue the new flat screens don't do much for CMs either) ... as to when I last was in the tunnels, I'll just say 'when it was last sanctioned by a Disney CM, of course!'

The point wasn't TVs or Mansion rehab. The point was/is infrastructure improvements or Mansion rehab/overlay. Part of those dollars went to the TVs. Because Phil (and Erin) didn't want Mansion Holiday it took another three years to get Mansion 'fixed.'

I am not going to call Phil a 'lunatic' or any other derisive term. Don't know him. Met him in passing. I do believe the most important thing to him is self preservation at all costs. I do KNOW (for a fact) the man has caused issues with rehabs to Mansion, Pirates and Space Mountain (amongst others). I do KNOW (for a fact) the man hasn't pushed for new entertainment (parades, shows etc) while cutting it. As far as rejecting new attractions, he doesn't have that power. (or didn't if he is indeed gone)
 

WDW1974

Well-Known Member
Do you know what? I have done just that! Everyone I have been able to talk to about this that works at the MK doesnt think there is a serious issue with Phil. A few ex CP on this thread do, and they seem to be talking the loudest.

All I can tell you is that I know many people in the Disney Universe ... it isn't that Phil is completely reviled (although close) but I can honestly say there's not one person I have spoken with that believes he has done a good job.

I don't doubt he may have supporters out there ... everyone does.
 

WDW1974

Well-Known Member
That is fiction. All WDW parks pressure clean major paths every single night, with the smaller ones rotated every few days. Been like that for the last 15 years.

That's the PR, but I have seen areas that look like they haven't been cleaned in months at MK (food stains, bird waste, stains from OCV etc..) ... and I've been told DAK is not doing them nightly now under Val (they were before). Maybe they're doing them once every week or so or maybe they've stopped doing certain areas completely, but it's pretty obvious that they aren't keeping the place as clean as they were.

If you've got someone who will tell me they've seen DAK's walkways pressure cleaned recently then I'd love to hear them tell me.

Everest is a disaster right now, no argument on that.

Hey, it's only their newest E-Ticket attraction and nothing works. I'd be embarrassed if I ran that park, but I tend to like things working.
 

WDW1974

Well-Known Member
And I understand that they can't just close rides all the time, but in my opinion there are way too many attractions in poor shape for it to be acceptable.

That's the thing I feel a lot of folks here do not get.

Attractions in the past would NEVER operate in the conditions they now do. They wouldn't. Now, they'd never let them get this way to begin with. But if you had an E-Ticket like EE, Mansion or PoC with so many effects not working they'd come in and shut it down and work as long as it took to get it up and running.

Anyone who has ridden on Space Mountain for the last decade has ridden an embarrassing attraction ... Mansion was for a long time too ... now Everest is.

And I am really tired of hearing that it doesn't matter if most effects are inoperable you have to run the attraction.

No. You don't.
 

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