50 MAGICal Enhancements for the 50th ...

[HMF]

We can go back (or you can) and forth on this point forever. But if you are saying WDW in 2017 is kept to the same standards the WDW of 1977 or 1987 or even 1997 was, I'm just going to tell you that you are flat out wrong. I've had people all the way up to the current Prez of WDW tell me about cutbacks and 'new initiatives' and ways of doing things (including outsourced work and positions that were simply eliminated). So, while WDW may not be a dump and usually is fairly clean, it in no way is kept to the standards it was in the 20th century.

That's not a matter of nostalgia, rose-colored glasses or opinion. It is fact. I won't argue facts.

The real question is how wil it be in 2021?

 

[WDW1974]

I don't disagree. But I think that is two different groups of folks the lifestylers (who have blogs and social media presence and always gush over the Parks) and the AP folks coming in to essentially load test the attractions and test 'show' elements. Spirit wouldn't be in the former, but could be in the latter. Although I would imagine, given some his spin on things, Spirit would not be invited. (either way, I don't think it is something worthy about complaining about personally.)

I should be invited to a preview based on my loyalty and that is it. Not because some people in the company might have an idea (why would they really? right? these boards are not read? they don't keep tabs on anyone here do they?) who I am and feel I'll be too critical. If you believe in your product, then you want your toughest and fairest critics to experience it because if they like it and tell the world, it means something.

It doesn't mean a damn thing if your last name is Mongello, Hill, Brigante, Preskitt-Lange, Corless etc. because, by and large, they love or like every damn thing and we know why that is.

I really think I'm going to love Pandora. If so, my words are a whole lot more valuable because there isn't a damn thing in it for me to say so.

 

[WDW1974]

I've started pricing out Paris. Not necessarily flights, not nearly at that point (probably next year), but rooms/tickets. @WDWFigment's site is a wonderful resource. Disney Tourist Blog. I often check for new posts on his site. I think he and I are similar in quite a few viewpoints. I really enjoy the blog.

It's been hard at times to find information about the other parks around the globe but his site (and a few others) are really expanding that. It's been much easier the last few years to find info, especially now that the bloggers have gotten out of the safety of WDW and ventured to the other places.

TDR Explorer also is a fantastic resource for Tokyo Disney.

Paris is an absolute bargain these days due to the exchange rate, plus lower visitation (sadly) due to the terror attacks. And it is the first international resort I advise people to go to. For an American ... a sheltered American ... DLP is the absolute easiest to acclimate to. From food to language to a generally nice climate (nice, as in not FL heat and humidity), that is where I'd stop first. Besides, you also get to visit Paris, one of the world's most amazing cities for food, culture, history, art, fashion etc.

I love @WDWFigment and his blog is really well put together. I do think his end game on the blog is to be the top dog on the planet in having a site that covers all Disney vacations. The amount of content he is putting out is staggering -- to me -- on everything from QSRs to eat at while visiting HKDL to tips on MVMCP to thoughts on SWE construction at DL. His photos rock as well. ... I am simply amazed because it seems like yesterday when Tom was a snot-nosed Pixie Duster here who had never even set foot in DL before ... that was less than seven years ago to put in perspective what Tom has accomplished. And I don't want to be a shill for him because he is doing well for himself anyway.

Besides, he still doesn't have enough cruise line experience and I am almost positive he hasn't done Vero Beach or Hilton Head DVC resorts yet either. Small criticisms to be sure.

But other bloggers won't do what Tom does due to not having the finances to do so and fear. Fear of both travel and of alienating the base by visiting resorts, and gushing over them, when 99% of their flocks won't visit even one.

 

[WDW1974]

Is there any indication that they will do something with the final scene? A screen based Yeti or some type of hologram would be an improvement over disco.

Not that I have heard. I know Rohde likes when people mention it on social media because he thinks it might help Disney do something. I don't have that faith.

 

[HMF]

Not that I have heard. I know Rohde likes when people mention it on social media because he thinks it might help Disney do something. I don't have that faith.

I am sure Social Media will have a field day with him when Mission Cashgrab opens.

 

[WDW1974]

That's not how it works. Since these are major international hub airports we're talking about, they're almost always direct flights. (Now, from Florida they wouldn't be, but I'm guessing most of your int'l flights aren't).

Actually, as many of my European flights as possible are non-stops. From FL. Asia is a different story, but I'm not flying there every few months.

It bothers me that to fly to the west coast of the USA, I always am stopping in Atlanta or Houston (or New Orleans once with SWA), even when I can get into a lounge and drink and work or play online. I'd rather just take a flight (in most cases) and be there. But regulation is evil (doncha know?) so now we have basically three legacy carriers that are largely a monopoly, SWA (which is great unless you have to leave the country and often has prices that are ridiculously high despite their rep) and a few ultra-discounters like Spirit (no relation to moi), Frontier and Allegiant ... there's also Alaska, which I have never flown.

This is one of those topics that is really daunting to people at first, but once you spend 30 minutes playing around with ITA's multi-stop feature, it's pretty easy to figure it all out. From there, you can manipulate other variables to drop the cost and get exactly what you want. Once you learn the ins and outs of stopovers and open-jaw flights, a world of low(er) cost airfare is opened up.

In fact, with 5 minutes of work (the second search I did), I just found a $634 itinerary to Shanghai and Tokyo out of LAX for next month... View attachment 197950

I am not discounting your way at all. But I have had no issues booking very competitive fares by using more traditional sites. As a matter of fact, my airfare is basically very close to what you have, although I am not leaving via LAX.

Oh, and totally agree about flying foreign carriers. I always do codeshare for the miles, but will try to find a foreign carrier whenever possible (I do try to avoid Air China, but wouldn't rule them out--I'd just rather fly Singapore, JAL, ANA, etc.). Of domestic carriers, I usually fly Delta.

Despite their reputation among snobby business travelers, SWA is probably the best domestic airline out there today now that the legacy carriers are engaged in a race to the bottom.

I'd agree.

 

[IanDLBZF]

But regulation is evil (doncha know?) so now we have basically three legacy carriers that are largely a monopoly, SWA (which is great unless you have to leave the country and often has prices that are ridiculously high despite their rep) and a few ultra-discounters like Spirit (no relation to moi), Frontier and Allegiant ... there's also Alaska, which I have never flown.

I think you also forgot JetBlue, one of the more "popular" carriers here in the US.

 

[ford91exploder]

They don't have a clue what they doing, even after the multi-billion dollar NGE boondoggle. They still can't tie up my WDW account with my DVC ... with my DCL bookings ... with my new DLP AP ... with much of anything.

A friend who lives in Maryland, has never had an AP, visits on average probably once every 3-5 years and was at WDW when I was last October has in the last week been solicited by DVC to buy the new IKEA Villas at What Used to Be Disney's Wilderness Lodge with glossy ad card and DVD and sent another mailing inviting him to explore the new world of Pandora.

I own at that resort and have that streak of owning an AP since 1982-83 and ... nothing at all.

Now, I fully realize that Disney would like to ... what is the phrase? ... oh yeah, 'fire my a$$ as a Guest' Why? I guess they just don't handle criticism better than an ill-mannered tween. But I have been a whale and other companies in hospitality actually reward their whales.

I won't even be on this continent when the previews happen, but that isn't the point. I damn well should have had a guaranteed slot and Disney should have taken care of however many charter APers they have left with special offers and, yes, freebies. Before some Millennial (or just fan of mine) starts crowing 'entitlement mentality', I'll say damn straight. Sometimes, you are entitled to feel entitled. I've bought my way into that. The clueless clowns running Disney P&R, like Chappie, should wake up to the fact that you take care of loyalty. It is simply smart business. Anyone want to tell me what Chappie was doing back in '82? Had he even set foot on WDW property?

Yes its simply good business to take care of your whales and manatees because they can drive a lot or business to you and usually do if they are happy.

Disney seems to be more interested in cultivating minnows for some bizarre reason.

 

[ford91exploder]

I think you also forgot JetBlue, one of the more "popular" carriers here in the US.

Trouble with JetBlue or B6 is when they are good they are very good. When bad they are very very bad! And you usually need to book a flight with another carrier to escape the bad

 

[ford91exploder]

The real question is how wil it be in 2021?

If current trends are any indicator worse than today.

 

[Bocabear]

If current trends are any indicator worse than today.

I agree...there will be more and more upcharge events and experiences, less attractions and more meet and greet and retail...
Hopefully someone with some creative vision will start driving the bus and turn some of this around...

 

[Soarin' Over Pgh]

I agree...there will be more and more upcharge events and experiences, less attractions and more meet and greet and retail...
Hopefully someone with some creative vision will start driving the bus and turn some of this around...

Not likely with Iger at the helm until at least 2019. Unfortunately. But I do agree with you- we need a visionary at the top who cares about the parks, and not just movies and $$$$ they bring in.

That said... Hopefully I'm not the only one thinking we may not have a 2021 with the current nonsense going on in the world, in which I'd love to be wrong... I fear the enormous crowds that'll gather for the 50th- and Star Wars. I hope Disney has a plan with crowd control and not just more FastPass selections, but real, honest to goodness crowd control. People eating rides, places to eat a good, filling sit down meal (no more burgers please) and some saunter-worthy scenery to stop and admire (Pandora).

I'm sure tickets will be $50+ higher in 2021 than they are today. With what Spirit has said previously with the value-moderate-unbelievably expensive tiers going away, I'm sure room rates will no doubt be higher across the board too. (works out well for me; I won't stay on Disney property again after experiencing Universals- and at a cheaper price point with more value added).

Anyhow, my two cents. FWIW.

 

[bhg469]

Not likely with Iger at the helm until at least 2019. Unfortunately. But I do agree with you- we need a visionary at the top who cares about the parks, and not just movies and $$$$ they bring in.

That said... Hopefully I'm not the only one thinking we may not have a 2021 with the current nonsense going on in the world, in which I'd love to be wrong... I fear the enormous crowds that'll gather for the 50th- and Star Wars. I hope Disney has a plan with crowd control and not just more FastPass selections, but real, honest to goodness crowd control. People eating rides, places to eat a good, filling sit down meal (no more burgers please) and some saunter-worthy scenery to stop and admire (Pandora).

I'm sure tickets will be $50+ higher in 2021 than they are today. With what Spirit has said previously with the value-moderate-unbelievably expensive tiers going away, I'm sure room rates will no doubt be higher across the board too. (works out well for me; I won't stay on Disney property again after experiencing Universals- and at a cheaper price point with more value added).

Anyhow, my two cents. FWIW.

It blows my mind that I had an easier time affording a trip on a part time salary while also going to college. Now, I could afford the trip but the hit I would take would be a lot harder on my wallet. I have yet to experience a universal resort but all i hear is that they are hands down, much better than the equally priced offering at Disney World.

 

[Rutt]

I should be invited to a preview based on my loyalty and that is it. Not because some people in the company might have an idea (why would they really? right? these boards are not read? they don't keep tabs on anyone here do they?) who I am and feel I'll be too critical. If you believe in your product, then you want your toughest and fairest critics to experience it

I dont often agree with your views on here but quoted for truth.

These are the people they need to win over. We 'dusters' are gonna go no matter what.

 

[bhg469]

I dont often agree with your views on here but quoted for truth.

These are the people they need to win over. We 'dusters' are gonna go no matter what.

Well to be fair, I wouldn't have gone this year on my work trip but a good friend's father is a Manager at Epcot. He got me in and I really didnt enjoy myself at all. It was sad, it was the first time I ever went and just wanted to be done with the place.

 

[Rutt]

Well to be fair, I wouldn't have gone this year on my work trip but a good friend's father is a Manager at Epcot. He got me in and I really didnt enjoy myself at all. It was sad, it was the first time I ever went and just wanted to be done with the place.

Way to go. You've just made the list....
No future invites for you!

 

[bhg469]

Way to go. You've just made the list....
No future invites for you!

I still paid for parking, an inedible electric umbrella burger, and about 4 starbucks Venti Black tea lemonades. As cool as I am and as against the grain as I sell myself as, I am just another mark.

It does make be feel better that I maybe ate 2/3 of that burger before I was just like ! I went from 10am until 4pm without eating and was definitely felling the effects of it. Despite being extremely hungry I could only force myself to eat that much. I tried to eat a few times but it was a really busy day and not surprisingly, that was the only QS place that wasn't loaded with people.

 

[Rodan75]

I should be invited to a preview based on my loyalty and that is it. Not because some people in the company might have an idea (why would they really? right? these boards are not read? they don't keep tabs on anyone here do they?) who I am and feel I'll be too critical. If you believe in your product, then you want your toughest and fairest critics to experience it because if they like it and tell the world, it means something.

It doesn't mean a damn thing if your last name is Mongello, Hill, Brigante, Preskitt-Lange, Corless etc. because, by and large, they love or like every damn thing and we know why that is.

I really think I'm going to love Pandora. If so, my words are a whole lot more valuable because there isn't a damn thing in it for me to say so.

While I fundamentally agree. I could see you being singled out, since unlike most of us, you do have connections at the company and they are aware of you who are.

I have plenty of AP holder friends who are still in Central FL, they don't blog, they don't post, they aren't lifestylers in any way...outside of the fact that they have had APs for 5-10 years continuously. None of them were invited to the previews either.

So to your original point, they should have done some sort of AP Loyalty / Distance equation for the previews, it doesn't appear they did which is a shame because it would have been an easy way to reward Loyalty.

 

[Magic Feather]

While I fundamentally agree. I could see you being singled out, since unlike most of us, you do have connections at the company and they are aware of you who are.

I have plenty of AP holder friends who are still in Central FL, they don't blog, they don't post, they aren't lifestylers in any way...outside of the fact that they have had APs for 5-10 years continuously. None of them were invited to the previews either.

So to your original point, they should have done some sort of AP Loyalty / Distance equation for the previews, it doesn't appear they did which is a shame because it would have been an easy way to reward Loyalty.

The problem then is that all of the hip newbies to the scene <gasp> are at a disadvantage, so then Guest Relations gets inundated with complaints because they couldn't post "#exclusivepreview #disney #blessed" to their whopping 20 followers. They really just can't win, although, I highly agree that loyalty should be rewarded.

 

[Kman101]

Kinda random but what happened to @Lee and @PhotoDave219 ? They never seem to pop in anymore but I also can't seem to really get on any other forums except News and Rumors and the other Disney parks forums.