A Spirited Dirty Dozen ...

[WDW1974]

I had a dream last night that there was a new Spirit thread. Miss you @WDW1974!

It's nice to be missed. But life has been busy and chaotic and no real time to play, entertain and inform here of late.

Family, business, travel, etc etc.

I may have time for some deep thoughts soon. I did want to mention that I was at WDW last week during Hurricane Matthew and with all due apologies to the blogging-whores who need to be nice to Disney, I don't feel in my admittedly limited experiences that Disney did a very good job of Guest Service at all ... talking basics, not world class BS. No time to go into real detail.

I have also been to various other parks nationally (and internationally) since I was last haunting here and have lots of thoughts on them as well ... the biggest is that the Star Wars Cancer on DL is truly gut-wrenching to see for anyone who gets what DL has been about for 61 years and why Bob Iger's IP splurge is so, so misplaced.

Still haven't made it to SDL yet (I am no Tom Bricker!) although 2017 plans are now in the works. But I have lots of intel from China via Glendale and Burbank and the park is not living up to The Weatherman's boastful claims. It is neither a smashing success nor an abject failure. In baseball lingo, you might say it's a ground ball RBI double (some would say only a single) down the left field line. That is not what was expected by Wall Street nor what was promised by Lying Iger (hey, if Trump can use it, why not me?)

Expect more discounting at WDW (you don't really think those recent cast and AP deals were because Georgie K loves and appreciates you, do you?) along with even more upcharge and VIP (did anyone catch the Blackish premiere on ABC recently?) excuses to more than make up for your 20% discount at the Liberty Inn or the Rose and Crown.

On the Studios front, I am entertained everytime I hear how disappointed Iger has been with Rogue One and how much all of his changes (because he really didn't want a Star Wars movie that didn't feel like every other SW movie despite his claims to the contrary) and reshoots have cost.

And a live action Aladdin?!?! With no Robin Williams?!??! Do they have any creativity left and does it matter to the people in the fan community who are addicted to the BRAND? Nah ...

Finally, Pandora looks truly spectacular ... but making that one year deadline? ... How long has RoL been scheduled to open. Yeah, you may be looking at similar delays.

Oh wow, I gave more info than intended ... and why can't I get the Jackson 5's 'I Want You Back' out of my head these days? Guess I know how Michael Colglazier feels.

Hope to be with y'all as time permits shortly.

 

[Absimilliard]

It's nice to be missed. But life has been busy and chaotic and no real time to play, entertain and inform here of late.

Family, business, travel, etc etc.

I may have time for some deep thoughts soon. I did want to mention that I was at WDW last week during Hurricane Matthew and with all due apologies to the blogging-whores who need to be nice to Disney, I don't feel in my admittedly limited experiences that Disney did a very good job of Guest Service at all ... talking basics, not world class BS. No time to go into real detail.

I have also been to various other parks nationally (and internationally) since I was last haunting here and have lots of thoughts on them as well ... the biggest is that the Star Wars Cancer on DL is truly gut-wrenching to see for anyone who gets what DL has been about for 61 years and why Bob Iger's IP splurge is so, so misplaced.

Still haven't made it to SDL yet (I am no Tom Bricker!) although 2017 plans are now in the works. But I have lots of intel from China via Glendale and Burbank and the park is not living up to The Weatherman's boastful claims. It is neither a smashing success nor an abject failure. In baseball lingo, you might say it's a ground ball RBI double (some would say only a single) down the left field line. That is not what was expected by Wall Street nor what was promised by Lying Iger (hey, if Trump can use it, why not me?)

Expect more discounting at WDW (you don't really think those recent cast and AP deals were because Georgie K loves and appreciates you, do you?) along with even more upcharge and VIP (did anyone catch the Blackish premiere on ABC recently?) excuses to more than make up for your 20% discount at the Liberty Inn or the Rose and Crown.

On the Studios front, I am entertained everytime I hear how disappointed Iger has been with Rogue One and how much all of his changes (because he really didn't want a Star Wars movie that didn't feel like every other SW movie despite his claims to the contrary) and reshoots have cost.

And a live action Aladdin?!?! With no Robin Williams?!??! Do they have any creativity left and does it matter to the people in the fan community who are addicted to the BRAND? Nah ...

Finally, Pandora looks truly spectacular ... but making that one year deadline? ... How long has RoL been scheduled to open. Yeah, you may be looking at similar delays.

Oh wow, I gave more info than intended ... and why can't I get the Jackson 5's 'I Want You Back' out of my head these days? Guess I know how Michael Colglazier feels.

Hope to be with y'all as time permits shortly.

Glad to hear you've been experiencing the world class service at other parks around the world. I am planning October 2017 for my Shanghai Disneyland visit and luckily, I will have direct service from my city (Montreal) to Shanghai starting next winter. Guess I will have no excuses then?

I am very much looking forward at Universal Volcano Bay and will pay my tributes to Wet 'n Wild next month when I am in town for IAAPA Attraction Expo. Given the role of that park, I find it sad Universal has not yet announced they are preserving some history of Wet 'n Wild.

I have not looked at construction updates of Star Wars at DL because like you, it breaks my heart to see what "mail it in at 10x the real cost" Imagineering and "Shove it in!" Iger are doing to Disneyland.

 

[Disney Analyst]

It's nice to be missed. But life has been busy and chaotic and no real time to play, entertain and inform here of late.

Family, business, travel, etc etc.

I may have time for some deep thoughts soon. I did want to mention that I was at WDW last week during Hurricane Matthew and with all due apologies to the blogging-whores who need to be nice to Disney, I don't feel in my admittedly limited experiences that Disney did a very good job of Guest Service at all ... talking basics, not world class BS. No time to go into real detail.

I have also been to various other parks nationally (and internationally) since I was last haunting here and have lots of thoughts on them as well ... the biggest is that the Star Wars Cancer on DL is truly gut-wrenching to see for anyone who gets what DL has been about for 61 years and why Bob Iger's IP splurge is so, so misplaced.

Still haven't made it to SDL yet (I am no Tom Bricker!) although 2017 plans are now in the works. But I have lots of intel from China via Glendale and Burbank and the park is not living up to The Weatherman's boastful claims. It is neither a smashing success nor an abject failure. In baseball lingo, you might say it's a ground ball RBI double (some would say only a single) down the left field line. That is not what was expected by Wall Street nor what was promised by Lying Iger (hey, if Trump can use it, why not me?)

Expect more discounting at WDW (you don't really think those recent cast and AP deals were because Georgie K loves and appreciates you, do you?) along with even more upcharge and VIP (did anyone catch the Blackish premiere on ABC recently?) excuses to more than make up for your 20% discount at the Liberty Inn or the Rose and Crown.

On the Studios front, I am entertained everytime I hear how disappointed Iger has been with Rogue One and how much all of his changes (because he really didn't want a Star Wars movie that didn't feel like every other SW movie despite his claims to the contrary) and reshoots have cost.

And a live action Aladdin?!?! With no Robin Williams?!??! Do they have any creativity left and does it matter to the people in the fan community who are addicted to the BRAND? Nah ...

Finally, Pandora looks truly spectacular ... but making that one year deadline? ... How long has RoL been scheduled to open. Yeah, you may be looking at similar delays.

Oh wow, I gave more info than intended ... and why can't I get the Jackson 5's 'I Want You Back' out of my head these days? Guess I know how Michael Colglazier feels.

Hope to be with y'all as time permits shortly.

Welcome back, you have been missed!!

I hope RoL will finally debut soon, it's just embarrassing.. At least give us some information Disney...

 

[xdan0920]

Finally, Pandora looks truly spectacular ... but making that one year deadline? ... How long has RoL been scheduled to open. Yeah, you may be looking at similar delays.

What 1 year deadline? One year from what? Or do you mean, 2017 is off the table?

 

[SorcererMC]

I did want to mention that I was at WDW last week during Hurricane Matthew and with all due apologies to the blogging-whores who need to be nice to Disney, I don't feel in my admittedly limited experiences that Disney did a very good job of Guest Service at all ... talking basics, not world class BS. No time to go into real detail.

Expect more discounting at WDW (you don't really think those recent cast and AP deals were because Georgie K loves and appreciates you, do you?) along with even more upcharge and VIP (did anyone catch the Blackish premiere on ABC recently?) excuses to more than make up for your 20% discount at the Liberty Inn or the Rose and Crown.

re: Hurricane Matthew - they definitely need to revisit their emergency preparedness and crisis management, especially communications. However, everything I've seen is saying that the CMs were awesome. When people go home, they will be telling their family and friends about their experiences - those great CMs may be the only thing that will prevent a 'ripple effect' from negative word-of-mouth/ bad PR.

Still haven't made it to SDL yet (I am no Tom Bricker!) although 2017 plans are now in the works. But I have lots of intel from China via Glendale and Burbank and the park is not living up to The Weatherman's boastful claims. It is neither a smashing success nor an abject failure. In baseball lingo, you might say it's a ground ball RBI double (some would say only a single) down the left field line. That is not what was expected by Wall Street nor what was promised by Lying Iger (hey, if Trump can use it, why not me?)

Can't wait to hear more on this (whenever you get the chance of course). Welcome back!

 

[brb1006]

It's nice to be missed. But life has been busy and chaotic and no real time to play, entertain and inform here of late.

Family, business, travel, etc etc.

I may have time for some deep thoughts soon. I did want to mention that I was at WDW last week during Hurricane Matthew and with all due apologies to the blogging-whores who need to be nice to Disney, I don't feel in my admittedly limited experiences that Disney did a very good job of Guest Service at all ... talking basics, not world class BS. No time to go into real detail.

I have also been to various other parks nationally (and internationally) since I was last haunting here and have lots of thoughts on them as well ... the biggest is that the Star Wars Cancer on DL is truly gut-wrenching to see for anyone who gets what DL has been about for 61 years and why Bob Iger's IP splurge is so, so misplaced.

Still haven't made it to SDL yet (I am no Tom Bricker!) although 2017 plans are now in the works. But I have lots of intel from China via Glendale and Burbank and the park is not living up to The Weatherman's boastful claims. It is neither a smashing success nor an abject failure. In baseball lingo, you might say it's a ground ball RBI double (some would say only a single) down the left field line. That is not what was expected by Wall Street nor what was promised by Lying Iger (hey, if Trump can use it, why not me?)

Expect more discounting at WDW (you don't really think those recent cast and AP deals were because Georgie K loves and appreciates you, do you?) along with even more upcharge and VIP (did anyone catch the Blackish premiere on ABC recently?) excuses to more than make up for your 20% discount at the Liberty Inn or the Rose and Crown.

On the Studios front, I am entertained everytime I hear how disappointed Iger has been with Rogue One and how much all of his changes (because he really didn't want a Star Wars movie that didn't feel like every other SW movie despite his claims to the contrary) and reshoots have cost.

And a live action Aladdin?!?! With no Robin Williams?!??! Do they have any creativity left and does it matter to the people in the fan community who are addicted to the BRAND? Nah ...

Finally, Pandora looks truly spectacular ... but making that one year deadline? ... How long has RoL been scheduled to open. Yeah, you may be looking at similar delays.

Oh wow, I gave more info than intended ... and why can't I get the Jackson 5's 'I Want You Back' out of my head these days? Guess I know how Michael Colglazier feels.

Hope to be with y'all as time permits shortly.

Spirit's Back!!!

 

[the.dreamfinder]

I have also been to various other parks nationally (and internationally) since I was last haunting here and have lots of thoughts on them as well ... the biggest is that the Star Wars Cancer on DL is truly gut-wrenching to see for anyone who gets what DL has been about for 61 years and why Bob Iger's IP splurge is so, so misplaced.

You know, it kinda looks like a bulging, malignant tumor too.

EDIT: @BrianLo , I'm going to preempt you on this.

 

[LuvtheGoof]

OK, so for all of you DL fanatics, please explain exactly WHY SWL does not belong. And no stupid platitudes of - if I have to ask I just don't get it. I do get it, and have been going to Disney parks a lot longer than most people here. If SWL doesn't belong, then why does Tomorrowland? Why does Critter Country? Why does New Orleans Square?

 

[brb1006]

What 1 year deadline? One year from what? Or do you mean, 2017 is off the table?

Pandora

 

[GiveMeTheMusic]

OK, so for all of you DL fanatics, please explain exactly WHY SWL does not belong. And no stupid platitudes of - if I have to ask I just don't get it. I do get it, and have been going to Disney parks a lot longer than most people here. If SWL doesn't belong, then why does Tomorrowland? Why does Critter Country? Why does New Orleans Square?

It's been argued to death. Enjoy:

http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/...why-the-anti-swl-in-disneyland-thread.912395/

 

[xdan0920]

Pandora

I don't get it.

 

[Jon81uk]

re: Hurricane Matthew - they definitely need to revisit their emergency preparedness and crisis management, especially communications. However, everything I've seen is saying that the CMs were awesome. When people go home, they will be telling their family and friends about their experiences - those great CMs may be the only thing that will prevent a 'ripple effect' from negative word-of-mouth/ bad PR.

Having also just returned from a trip, staying at Wilderness Lodge, where the internal corridor access to restaurants & lobby probably made a big difference, I found Friday was fine, there was plenty of voicemail messages with updates, characters and kids activities in the lobby and as soon as the curfew was lifted the lifegaurds got the pool ready again and it opened shortly after 5pm. We also found the communication about Disney Springs opening good and we got a bus there just before 6:30 with no issues. We then queued 40 minutes for Blaze Pizza.
However the communication on Thursday was awful. We found out that MNSSHP was cancelled, but we headed to Epcot for out lunch reservation as planned (after spending a long time queing at reception to sort an extra night accommodation due to flight being moved). On arriving at Epcot it was the bus driver who told us the park was closing at 5pm.

Then when we got back to the room there was a voicemail with plenty of details of what was open in the hotel, including the quickservice being open 24hr and Artist Point signature switching to buffet that night only and offering breakfast.

If they had been able to make announcements just a touch earlier Thursday then it would have been nice, but overall my experience was good.

 

[LuvtheGoof]

It's been argued to death. Enjoy:

http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/...why-the-anti-swl-in-disneyland-thread.912395/

Yeah, I read through that. Nothing but their OPINIONS. Means nothing. If they do it right, that's what I care about.

 

[GiveMeTheMusic]

Yeah, I read through that. Nothing but their OPINIONS. Means nothing. If they do it right, that's what I care about.

Well yeah - what else could it be but opinion? It's not like there was a court ruling. There are people who feel Star Wars Land doesn't fit in DL and they have their reasons. You may disagree. Welcome to the internet!

 

[LuvtheGoof]

Well yeah - what else could it be but opinion? It's not like there was a court ruling. There are people who feel Star Wars Land doesn't fit in DL and they have their reasons. You may disagree. Welcome to the internet!

It's the fanatical nature of the opinions that gets me. I have my favorites at the parks and would be sad to see one of them replaced - but - if the new attraction is at least on par with the old one, I'm good with that. Everything we have been hearing about SWL is that it will be extremely immersive, with 2 E ticket rides, and possible future expansion. What's not to like?

 

[Californian Elitist]

Yeah, I read through that. Nothing but their OPINIONS. Means nothing.

So you ask for opinions on the subject, they're presented to you, then you say this?

 

[LuvtheGoof]

So you ask for opinions on the subject, they're presented to you, then you say this?

Yes, because not one person can tell my why something like New Orleans Square or Critter Country fits, but not SWL.

 

[rael ramone]

And a live action Aladdin?!?! With no Robin Williams?!??! Do they have any creativity left and does it matter to the people in the fan community who are addicted to the BRAND? Nah ...

Bad, yes, but not as bad as Jumanji remake (for those that don't remember, it's that film that had him playing a 'magical' board game that every roll of the dice resulted in a wave of bad CGI - but not as bad as the new Soarin CGI)...

 

[Californian Elitist]

Yes, because not one person can tell my why something like New Orleans Square or Critter Country fits, but not SWL.

??? Now I'm confused.

What was the point of asking for the opinions in the first place?

 

[COProgressFan]

Having also just returned from a trip, staying at Wilderness Lodge, where the internal corridor access to restaurants & lobby probably made a big difference, I found Friday was fine, there was plenty of voicemail messages with updates, characters and kids activities in the lobby and as soon as the curfew was lifted the lifegaurds got the pool ready again and it opened shortly after 5pm. We also found the communication about Disney Springs opening good and we got a bus there just before 6:30 with no issues. We then queued 40 minutes for Blaze Pizza.
However the communication on Thursday was awful. We found out that MNSSHP was cancelled, but we headed to Epcot for out lunch reservation as planned (after spending a long time queing at reception to sort an extra night accommodation due to flight being moved). On arriving at Epcot it was the bus driver who told us the park was closing at 5pm.

Then when we got back to the room there was a voicemail with plenty of details of what was open in the hotel, including the quickservice being open 24hr and Artist Point signature switching to buffet that night only and offering breakfast.

If they had been able to make announcements just a touch earlier Thursday then it would have been nice, but overall my experience was good.

Glad to hear you had a good experience. It seems that there was a great variation in customer service due to the storm. Some of it seems to be based on the resort you were staying at. There also seemed to be a lack of overall communication to guests overall. With the MDE app and the fact that Disney now has email/cell phone information for nearly every visitor it seems like information could have been communicated in a much better manner.

It does sound like cast members overall did a great job with what they were given. The worst black eye for Disney on this was the greedy attempt at making money off of storm ration boxed lunches that should have been given away or sold for $5, not $13. Greedy, tacky, and disgraceful. Even the pixie dust snorters on other sites were disgusted with that one. I wish bigger media outlets had picked up on it, because Disney deserves every bit of public shame they can get. I also wonder how far up the chain the decision was made to sell at that price. Head of food and beverage? George himself? Is the hurricane plan to just continue selling food at full retail? This is the sort of thing that should result in firings for terrible judgment, but we all know that will never happen.

There was no "social media" in 2004 during the last major hurricanes when WDW was closed, but there was still a very active community here and on other sites. From my recollection, the consensus seemed to be that WDW's response 12 years ago was better. Of course, that was pre-Iger, and long before the "old timer" executives retired or were forced out of the company. There has certainly been a major loss of institutional memory since then, and George K. and his ilk didn't seem as equipped to handle things.