Dear Sandra Pedicini (& Dr. Blondie) ...

[Magenta Panther]

The trick is to STOP VISITING if enough do that that will get Iger and Co's attention real fast. Usually we stay for 2 weeks in May, Not this year or next. The 2017 plans are for a trip to jackson hole for the total eclipse - and the funny thing is that trip will cost LESS than the usual Disney trip and we renting a villa out there.

I'm thinking of staying at Universal this year instead of WDW. Heck, it might be my Florida destination from now on. I got absolutely nothing out of the D23 announcements regarding the parks this time around. Don't care about Star Wars, and even less about Pandora. When Disney announces new attractions based on new ideas, or at least on authentic Disney creations, maybe I'll change my mind. But not until then.

 

[ford91exploder]

I'm thinking of staying at Universal this year instead of WDW. Heck, it might be my Florida destination from now on. I got absolutely nothing out of the D23 announcements regarding the parks this time around. Don't care about Star Wars, and even less about Pandora. When Disney announces new attractions based on new ideas, or at least on authentic Disney creations, maybe I'll change my mind. But not until then.

Universal hotels are fantastic, Stayed at Royal Pacific for a quick weekend in December awesome service and amenities, Heck even Cabana Bay yes I've been there too is awesomely themed right down to Soap and Shampoo (a blast from the past Alberto Vo5). Much cheaper than Disney and you can walk to the parks in about 7-15 minutes depending upon pace.

 

[Mike S]

I am a PhD of Education. What is a PhD of Social Media that sounds like a joke?

Any teenager with a phone.

 

[raven]

Is there a Cliff Note's version of this thread? I'm so confused.

 

[RSoxNo1]

I'm thinking of staying at Universal this year instead of WDW. Heck, it might be my Florida destination from now on. I got absolutely nothing out of the D23 announcements regarding the parks this time around. Don't care about Star Wars, and even less about Pandora. When Disney announces new attractions based on new ideas, or at least on authentic Disney creations, maybe I'll change my mind. But not until then.

I haven't stayed at a Disney hotel for 5+ years, I have stayed at Universal hotels however.

 

[FigmentForver96]

So just noticed the reply I received from emailing George,

Thank you for your email to George Kalogridis about the Walt Disney World® Resort. Your correspondence was forwarded to me so that I may personally respond to you.



Your feedback is very important to us and we truly appreciate that you took the time to send us your comments. It is through feedback, like yours, that we learn what we must do to ensure the Disney magic is preserved for everyone.



I would like the opportunity to discuss your comments. Unfortunately, I do not have your telephone number. You are welcome to reply to this email or phone me directly at 407-560-2921. I am traditionally available Monday through Thursday between the hours of 9:00am and 2:00pm EST.


Once again, Mr. H**** thank you for your honest and constructive feedback. I look forward to speaking with you at your earliest convenience.


Best regards,

Kimmie

Is this the generic remark?

 

[castlecake2.0]

Just want to say, yes some do and some reply... When I did my ICP at MK in 2013, I noticed I had (as a CM) a full list of emails... so I decided to send George my story, about a Canadian who finally got to work at Disney... Told him how I appreciated his work at Disneyland (he had just moved up to WDW), that kind of thing.... I had a very kind email back from him the next day.

In fact I just found that email...

I ran into George K one day at Epcot on my day off and introduced myself (He was in Future World and had just taken off his nametag to grab a coffee at FountainView) I emailed him the next day to say it was a pleasure to meet him and I got an email back from him the day later saying it was nice to meet me and to keep making magic. So it seems he reads or is briefed on his emails.

 

[Goofyernmost]

I ran into George K one day at Epcot on my day off and introduced myself (He was in Future World and had just taken off his nametag to grab a coffee at FountainView) I emailed him the next day to say it was a pleasure to meet him and I got an email back from him the day later saying it was nice to meet me and to keep making magic. So it seems he reads or is briefed on his emails.

Of course, he'd get that one... you weren't complaining about anything.

 

[crispy]

I have emailed TPTB in the past and have received canned responses. I would like to believe it would make a difference, but if the past is any indication, it just won't matter. Is there any indication that people will actually listen this time?

 

[71jason]

Scott Maxwell (smaxwell@orlandosentinel.com) from the Orlando Sentinel should really be covering Disney. Sandra is a press release recycling machine.

Scott should be handling matters far more important than Disney World for the Sentinel ... but the way things are going, I'm certain he'll take a buyout before 2017. Maybe he can take over the Phillips Phile when Jim enjoys a well-earned retirement.

 

[71jason]

Wait how is Uber/Lyft illegal??

I'm all for writing (strongly worded, but appropriate, no nonsense) letters concerning and voicing opinion... but just not sure if the public calling-out is going to make any type of difference.

I see what you're saying, though.

Can't tell if this is a joke or not, but since you were always one of the better posters here ...

Almost every city in the country places a monopoly on taxicabs. You need what's called a "medallion" in NYC, terminology varies, but unless you have one, you can't operate a cab. It's illegal. Obviously, because a medallion confers a right to operate a cab, and there's a limited number, they go for tens of thousands of dollars.

(Liquor licenses are probably the closest analogy. In most counties, you can have X number of places that sell liquor, with restaurants generally excluded. If you want to open a bar in Florida, a liquor license is almost always your biggest cost--six figures in Orange County, for example.)

Uber began operating illegal cab services. Government knows it's illegal, they know it's illegal. But they made so much money, they could afford to pay the fines AND still make a profit.

FanDuel the same deal. Clearly it's illegal online gambling. But it pays so much, nobody cares.

 

[asianway]

Can't tell if this is a joke or not, but since you were always one of the better posters here ...

Almost every city in the country places a monopoly on taxicabs. You need what's called a "medallion" in NYC, terminology varies, but unless you have one, you can't operate a cab. It's illegal. Obviously, because a medallion confers a right to operate a cab, and there's a limited number, they go for tens of thousands of dollars.

(Liquor licenses are probably the closest analogy. In most counties, you can have X number of places that sell liquor, with restaurants generally excluded. If you want to open a bar in Florida, a liquor license is almost always your biggest cost--six figures in Orange County, for example.)

Uber began operating illegal cab services. Government knows it's illegal, they know it's illegal. But they made so much money, they could afford to pay the fines AND still make a profit.

FanDuel the same deal. Clearly it's illegal online gambling. But it pays so much, nobody cares.

And legit taxi operators have to pay payroll taxes, be ADA compliant, and deal with any other number of regulations legit businesses are encumbered with. Uber is to taxis as lifestyler blogs are to the press

 

[Mike S]

And legit taxi operators have to pay payroll taxes, be ADA compliant, and deal with any other number of regulations legit businesses are encumbered with. Uber is to taxis as lifestyler blogs are to the press

I prefer Handicar myself.

 

[KevinYee]

Jenn's Ph.D. is technically in Rhetoric and Composition, not Social Media (hello Melody!)

 

[TalkingHead]

Jenn's Ph.D. is technically in Rhetoric and Composition, not Social Media (hello Melody!)

Semantics. It's a watered-down English degree for students who couldn't hack it in more challenging programs.

 

[FigmentForver96]

Ok so hate to be a subject changer, but the lady from Mr. George's office has called, left her number (Missed the first call) and is still wanting to talk. I want this to actually mean something so what should I say and how do I put it? I do not want to sound like some crazed fanboi going off about random things I read on a fan site.

 

[RSoxNo1]

So just noticed the reply I received from emailing George,

Thank you for your email to George Kalogridis about the Walt Disney World® Resort. Your correspondence was forwarded to me so that I may personally respond to you.



Your feedback is very important to us and we truly appreciate that you took the time to send us your comments. It is through feedback, like yours, that we learn what we must do to ensure the Disney magic is preserved for everyone.



I would like the opportunity to discuss your comments. Unfortunately, I do not have your telephone number. You are welcome to reply to this email or phone me directly at 407-560-2921. I am traditionally available Monday through Thursday between the hours of 9:00am and 2:00pm EST.


Once again, Mr. H**** thank you for your honest and constructive feedback. I look forward to speaking with you at your earliest convenience.


Best regards,

Kimmie

Is this the generic remark?

Give him a call and let us know

 

[baymenxpac]

Ok so hate to be a subject changer, but the lady from Mr. George's office has called, left her number (Missed the first call) and is still wanting to talk. I want this to actually mean something so what should I say and how do I put it? I do not want to sound like some crazed fanboi going off about random things I read on a fan site.

just say what you feel. what are the three most important things to you? are you dissatisfied with quality? disappointed in impending price hikes? dislike mymagic+?

jot down three bullet points, talk about your poor experiences with whatever it is, and express how unacceptable you find it, considering how much you spend on a disney vacation.

if there's a chance you'll visit the resort less or not at all in the future if the problem isn't corrected, i'd say that as well.

 

[ChrisM]

And legit taxi operators have to pay payroll taxes, be ADA compliant, and deal with any other number of regulations legit businesses are encumbered with. Uber is to taxis as lifestyler blogs are to the press

That analogy only works if you also assume lifestyle bloggers are far cleaner, infinitely more pleasant, and don't always pretend their credit card machines are broken when compared to the credentialed press.

Nice try, though.

 

[FigmentForver96]

Alright, so I just got off the phone and it honestly went in a totally different direction then I planned it to.
1) Started with the basic hellos thanks for calling.

2) I started by explaining ride upkeep. I had a couple things to point out, but the Small World mold came to my mind first and I explained how I saw it multiple times visiting the parks without any noticeable improvement. She claimed she was writing down everything and that this was going to George's office personally to notify him of all of it.

3) I then went to pricing. I explained how prices are insane high, and how my great -grandmother, someone who has been going and taking us since the parks opened, is now priced out by living on a fixed income. We thought of doing the payment plan, but she has a hard time fitting that into her tight budget. I must have gotten to her because she actually chocked up on the phone at one point. Anyway she did also point out that she was aware of the news about the cuts, and that they were indeed true and she was very sad to know cuts were being made. She herself said it was frustrating and that prices were indeed about to go up again, but she said "Disney is a business"...of course.

4) The ending was surprising because I made it VERY clear that I was not looking for anything. I did not call wanting free stuff but simply was showing that there were true fans who wished to express concerns about the brand they really care for. She then decided she wanted to give me free tickets for my grandmother so that she come visit the resort. I tried to decline them but she refused to take no for an answer. She also reminded me that everything I said was going to be sent to the main office as well and that it will be looked over.

Overall she felt very real and not the basic cookie-cutter service Disney has crapped out lately. She did use the Disney is a business ticket, but you can tell she did not like using it and that she was upset about the cuts and prices as well. I did not want anything from this call, but it is nice to know that my voice was heard and hopefully if enough people are heard, things might somewhat change....doubt it.