Are Oranges a good sign ... or just citrus?

[OrangeTree]

The avatar ain't helping your cause!

The gaze of the Orange Bird should strike terror into the hearts of those bold few that...

...yeah, I can't even finish that!

I am honest and blunt all the time. It's much easier than trying to recall what lie you told what person and where and when!

Better the later than the former! I quite agree.

WDI wasn't involved in returning a food product.
And TDO/Ops isn't looking at what fans want because they don't care.

OK, so who did this? Who was in charge of refurbing the place? Putting Orange Bird on the sign? Getting the torches back?

Someone, somewhere, had to make a good decision...

Nothing would have happened to the birdie show if the building hadn't caught on fire. That is fact. ... But, of course, WDI knows its history ... they save everything (since they stopped selling it on Disney Auctions!)

True.... though the plans were in place to bring back the original show for the 40th some years ago. I think the fire only accelerated or rekindled (hah) that idea.

Glad to hear they are back. Now, are they actually functional?

from what I have seen, yes.

And if MK wasn't rotting you wouldn't see the massive work done on MSUSA recently.

Of course. But is it a bad thing that the work was done? Nope. It's a good thing that they are starting to wake up... even if it is out of necessity.

This is something I don't understand. Disneyland fell into horrible condition in the early 2000's. Yet, when DL woke up and began fixing things, they were praised.

Of course, WDW hasn't gotten that far, yet. But when they do something that fixes a problem, why isn't it given it's dues?

Yeah, its bad that WDW fell into this state in the first place. Shame on them for allowing that. But if they are actually going to fix the place up a bit and correct some mistakes... its a good thing.

And it is also our place to demand more of this attitude out of them.

 

[OrangeTree]

To answer the question in the title: If oranges are just citrus, it's a small good sign. But it could be a BIGGER better sign. Let's hope.

Word.

First of all, I didn't mean to imply that you were "settling". I was indicating the multitudes of folks who walk into Mousegear and think the Captain EO shirts are there to change the world.

No worries!! :wave:

And no, I don't think merch will change The World. But I do think it can have a marginal, positive impact. As can Swirls... and Birds.

Additions to the MK can either be classed as "good"- meaning they improve the overall quality of the park, draw people in, and thus generate profit; or "meh"- meaning they generate profit and...nothing else. The citrus swirl falls into the later category, and is on par with merchandise. Whether it's a good or a bad change is up to anyone's judgement, but it certainly isn't an exciting one.

Well, I think that's blurring the lines a bit too much. Is the return of a unique dessert a good thing or a bad thing?

Implicit answers are best.

I mean, I know Spirit loves bread bowls from the Columbia Harbor House's second floor... if those came back, would be find anything negative about it? Even if there was a #CultOfBread on the Twitter?

Yes, there are MANY shades of grey in every choice that's made about Walt Disney World....

...but the thing is, they usually fall on one side of the spectrum.

This one, I think, falls deftly on the side of the good, even if there are a few caveats with how this all came to be.

 

[WDW1974]

These guys swindled users into voluntarily giving up all their private data, though -- brilliant business decision! Just a touch shady. A touch.

The issue is that people shouldn't be able to legally do what these companies are doing -- creating the largest databases on people in the history of our species with either no way to opt out, or onerous ways that make most people give up. Ever tried to erase a FB account?

And younger people today are flat out dumber. They have no idea the implications for their futures that they willingly set in play by putting their entire lives online.

One of the things people hate the most about me is I expect and demand privacy in forums like this (I am Michael Eisner, after all :ROFLOL ... too many people (again, usually the younger ones) just think they're being hip and one of the tech-savvy by putting everything at their fingertips.

I don't own an iPhone that tracks my every move as surely as if I were a cute 'wittle puppy with a chip implanted in my neck ... I don't have a twitter account ... and I don't use FourSquare to let the world know I'm at the TTA with 11 others at the MK (great tool for stalking!)

Dumb. Dumb. And ... oh yeah, idiotic.

Oh, and it sure is good business ... Ponzi schemes are too!

I won't argue with you that good, important news is far more valuable, but the economy thinks otherwise. And even when the bubble bursts and social networking's market self-corrects (which will happen someday...right?), that won't change the fact that old-guard media is still in a death spiral and can't find an escape hatch. (Far more worrying than the Instagram thing is that the new sites that ARE making money... Gawker, Huffington Post, Glenn freakin' Beck? God help us.)

The old guard is dying because they are attempting to be both old and new and they can't ... the New York Times is hiring THREE social media producers right now (get those resumes in to Lexi!)

The NYT shouldn't be Twitter ... or the HuffPo (which puts up so many stories that are so poorly written and factually incorrect that one wonders if anyone at all edits them first). It should be what it always has been, journalism ... and it should make everyone aware of what it is, why it is and why that is so crucial to our society!

And blogs are so low-cost and low barrier-of-entry that they'll go on, in some form of another. Low risk for the bloggers themselves, thus low risk for Disney to cater to. Would I prefer a newspaper writer to be doing this dirty work? Eh... with the newspapers you might have a BETTER chance of an objective review from an expert who's not compromised, but it's by no means a slam dunk. There are a number of bloggers I trust, who (I hope) couldn't be bought off. But Disney isn't even bothering with them, for obvious reasons.

And, of course, the mommy blogger audience probably wouldn't be the NYT audience, even in the olden days of a bustling newspaper industry.

I'll take my chances with REAL journalists. They get paid whether they rip the product (Disney in this case), laud it, or are in between.

Bloggers who don't treat Disney's products with the right 'tude' (and reviews) find they aren't on the invite list the next go around.

This is such a crucial difference that people seem to totally miss in the Pixie Dust.

 

[WDW1974]

I think I've got it... one insider tidbit from Lee a day, delivered straight to your smart phone. I'd pay $2.99 for that (but no more!).

I told Lee that I'm surprised that one of the Social Media whores hasn't done something similar ... it's amazing what (some) people will pay for.

I'd pay to watch Merfie and Tommy Corless wrassle in a pool full of PB&J myself. Maybe Adam Roth could ref?:drevil::king:

 

[WDW1974]

All these guys traffic in data, and users give you exponentially more data if they're addicted to your product. And now I fear I just steered the conversation towards Nextgen.

That's just the issue with Disney ... people are addicted ... Pixie Dust is like crack to many.

I love Disney parks, but I kicked the addiction. I can see quite clearly and am not so mentally feeble that I need to tie my self-worth to a company that I don't own (my stock is a drop in the bucket!) or work for. Many fans are different.

What sane person moves to O-Town and goes to the MK 4-5-6 days a week when they don't work there?

The answer: none.

 

[menamechris]

What sane person moves to O-Town and goes to the MK 4-5-6 days a week when they don't work there?

The answer: none.

As magical as it is for vacationers - when you live here - you get sick of it. You can only ride the same rides, watch the same shows, and watch the same fireworks show so many times. Don't get me wrong, my friends and I go to the resort at least a couple times a month - but you have to be creative and switch it up to keep it from becoming routine.

 

[WDW1974]

As magical as it is for vacationers - when you live here - you get sick of it. You can only ride the same rides, watch the same shows, and watch the same fireworks show so many times. Don't get me wrong, my friends and I go to the resort at least a couple times a month - but you have to be creative and switch it up to keep it from becoming routine.

I, myself as bored as I am with much of the parks, could find things to do ... because I'd use the whole resort as a playground ... but I guarantee you that these OCD folks aren't biking at FW or boating on the SSL or hanging out at the WDW Swan ... or checking out what's happening at Coronado Springs etc.

It's just day after day at the parks and, for the most part, I believe it is MK and to some extent EPCOT they do day in and day out.

To me, that is mental illness and wasting a life.

 

[lazyboy97o]

I think the unwillingness to just say, this is too much, and cut back, is why Sorcerer's of the Magic Kingdom has been so well received. I most saw adults with binders full of cards playing last time I was at the Magic Kingdom. It does not matter if it is really that great, it is just something new and different that needs to be done. Then new cards will be released and those who stopped playing because they were bored will have something new again.

 

[NoChesterHester]

I'd pay to watch Merfie and Tommy Corless wrassle in a pool full of PB&J myself. Maybe Adam Roth could ref?:drevil::king:

I think I just wet myself. Can't. Stop. Laughing.

Anyone that has witnessed their exchanges on twitter would also be laughing historically right now. Merf spits venom and Tom just eggs it on.

Do you know why so much hatred between those two?

 

[VoiceInTheCrowd]

I think I've figured out why Disney hasn't announced plans for a lavish celebration commemorating Epcot's 30th or restored attractions that desperately need it such as Imagination and Energy. It's all because on Oct.1 we're going to be treated to something even more spectacular. That's right folks, to celebrate Epcot's 30th Disney is bringing back The Handwich!!!!

Ok not really but obviously with the current management would this really be that surprising? And you just know that the Disney Blog would just have to post an article boasting about how wonderful it is. Here's the thing, I don't have a problem with retro merchandise or the return of desserts from the past. What I do have a problem with is the disney blog celebrating these things like they're some sort of can't miss major addition to the parks. They're not.

It makes me think of how people have continually been praising the new Storybook Circus because the pavement features peanuts and animal prints. If only those peanuts and animal prints lead to a brand new E ticket attraction but alas, not quite.

Or how the Epcot guidemap has the Kim Possible experience, of all things prominently displayed on the cover instead of, you know, that new exciting ride that they haven't made.

Obviously the solution isn't just exciting E tickets, though it's a heck of a good start. The solution is reverting back to the values the company used to pride itself on until the cost cutting began.

But to answer the initial question, are oranges a good sign? They're basically an insignificant sign in the grand scheme of things.

On a random note, anyone remember the Strawberry Swirl that was at the Enchanted Grove? Now I would really welcome it's return for no other reason than it tasted really really good.

 

[MissMorrow]

On a random note, anyone remember the Strawberry Swirl that was at the Enchanted Grove? Now I would really welcome it's return for no other reason than it tasted really really good.

I was just thinking about that! I would love it if it found a new home somewhere in the FLE. But it doesn't have a cute merchandisable mascot so........

 

[WDW1974]

I think I just wet myself. Can't. Stop. Laughing.

Anyone that has witnessed their exchanges on twitter would also be laughing historically right now. Merf spits venom and Tom just eggs it on.

Do you know why so much hatred between those two?

If I have made someone wet themselves, then I consider it a successful day!:ROFLOL::king:

I wonder if the dynamic duo are even aware of that post ... yet.:wave:

I have no idea why they hate each other so much beyond the fact they both are at absolute (Disney can do no right or all right) ends of the spectrum.

Personally, I think they should make up, hook up and adopt a passle of plush and live happily every after.

 

[WDW1974]

I think I've figured out why Disney hasn't announced plans for a lavish celebration commemorating Epcot's 30th or restored attractions that desperately need it such as Imagination and Energy. It's all because on Oct.1 we're going to be treated to something even more spectacular. That's right folks, to celebrate Epcot's 30th Disney is bringing back The Handwich!!!!

First, welcome to what appears to be a sane newbie. On behalf of the entire cast of WDWMAGIC.com, we hope you enjoy your MAGICal stay!

Second, I think you're on to something. I can easily see The Official Disney Parks Blog spinning a new menu of Handwich options ... funny thing is, they really weren't that good and you can make them at home (I have!)

Ok not really but obviously with the current management would this really be that surprising? And you just know that the Disney Blog would just have to post an article boasting about how wonderful it is. Here's the thing, I don't have a problem with retro merchandise or the return of desserts from the past. What I do have a problem with is the disney blog celebrating these things like they're some sort of can't miss major addition to the parks. They're not.

Well, when UNI is building Potter and SW is building Antarctica and your own company is building everywhere but WDW (timeshares do NOT count, although Disney spin wants you to believe otherwise ... indeed, we have geeks making trips down just to check out Princess rooms at Dixie Landings or pay absurd rates to stay in a 'family suite' at the AoA motel etc) ... what are you going to build up?

You have no new product.

Summer 2012 is just around the corrner.

Look at what UNI can market ... hell, look what DLR can market.

What is Disney going to push?

Yep ... retro food and merchandise.

It makes me think of how people have continually been praising the new Storybook Circus because the pavement features peanuts and animal prints. If only those peanuts and animal prints lead to a brand new E ticket attraction but alas, not quite.

Or how the Epcot guidemap has the Kim Possible experience, of all things prominently displayed on the cover instead of, you know, that new exciting ride that they haven't made.

Obviously the solution isn't just exciting E tickets, though it's a heck of a good start. The solution is reverting back to the values the company used to pride itself on until the cost cutting began.

But to answer the initial question, are oranges a good sign? They're basically an insignificant sign in the grand scheme of things.

I like you. I really do ...

On a random note, anyone remember the Strawberry Swirl that was at the Enchanted Grove? Now I would really welcome it's return for no other reason than it tasted really really good.

Yes. I liked it myself.

 

[WDW1974]

Oh, and how is the Citrus Swirl trending on Twitter today?

 

[flynnibus]

The term 'echo chamber' comes to mind... these circles of disney obsessives and their inter-drama is not of substance to anyone outside the echo chamber.

 

[WDW1974]

The term 'echo chamber' comes to mind... these circles of disney obsessives and their inter-drama is not of substance to anyone outside the echo chamber.

I suppose so ... but I guess it's a guilty pleasure sorta like those who watch Jersey Shore or Real Housewives or my personal fave ... 16 and Preggers!

 

[flynnibus]

I suppose so ... but I guess it's a guilty pleasure sorta like those who watch Jersey Shore or Real Housewives or my personal fave ... 16 and Preggers!

The trend I see is the people most wound up in these circles are the ones that have the least amount of other things in their lives besides Disney.

I fully appreciate the coverage the parks get from the people with the time/resources to do so - but it can also be done without Disney being your life too.

Not unique to Disney.. but the scale of Disney sure makes it easy for some to fall into this trap I believe.

 

[Lee]

The trend I see is the people most wound up in these circles are the ones that have the least amount of other things in their lives besides Disney.

I fully appreciate the coverage the parks get from the people with the time/resources to do so - but it can also be done without Disney being your life too.

Not unique to Disney.. but the scale of Disney sure makes it easy for some to fall into this trap I believe.

Yes. This.
Spending every day in the parks is not a job. It's the avoidance of a job.

 

[devoy1701]

Social media aimed at Disney World, or all the Disney parks combined is more than likely less than 10% of the Disney fanbase and it's a fact Disney is wasting resources developing anything related to that data?

No, extremely hard to believe if not complete folly.


I might be wrong but...

Add up all forum members for Disney forums, twitter accounts, blogs and I seriously doubt you have a million people devoted to social media even if you round up. And thats allowing people with multiple accounts across forums, blogs, twitter, etc to count as many times as needed.



Kinda laughable if you really think about it.

" Mr. Iger, social media suggests we are not keeping up with the condition of the parks?

" Oh? And how many people does this represent? "

Around 1% Sir! "

" Lol, What? "




Jimmy Thick-Still waiting for proof for these "facts"...

Hmmmmm.... Walt Disney World has over 10 MILLION Likes on Facebook...meaning that the 2 - 3 messages they post each day reaches AT LEAST 10 Million people every day....that doesn't count reposts.

You think that isn't a valuable tool being used by Disney?

 

[HenryMystic]

The term 'echo chamber' comes to mind... these circles of disney obsessives and their inter-drama is not of substance to anyone outside the echo chamber.

Totally an echo chamber. Spirit was/is right about twitter.