Disney World Lack of Attention

Do you think Disneyland benefits from much of The Walt Disney Company being stationed near it?

  • Disneyland gets more attention from being near TWDC

    Votes: 23 60.5%
  • Disneyland gets less attention because of it

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Disneyland benefits but the increase in attention is negligible

    Votes: 3 7.9%
  • Disney World gets more attention from being separated

    Votes: 1 2.6%
  • Disney World gets less attention because of it

    Votes: 9 23.7%
  • Disney World gets less attention because of it but the difference is negligible

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • There is no difference in attention between either resort

    Votes: 1 2.6%
  • The difference in attention is unrelated to proximity to the rest of TWDC

    Votes: 8 21.1%

  • Total voters
    38

DisneyFanatic12

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Many (including myself at times) believe that Disneyland gets much more attention and love than Walt Disney World. I was wondering if anyone else believes this is due in part because Disneyland is closer to the rest of TWDC. Share your thoughts!

(One can believe that proximity is a factor without believing it is the sole factor)
 

DisneyFanatic12

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
When you say “attention,” what do you mean?
The general increase in attention on quality, attention on new offerings, and attention on maintaining show. Just overall greater focus on maintaining existing offerings and creating new ones for guests to enjoy. Hard to not use “attention”, but generally just greater focus from Disney, or at least greater focus from those in power to make decisions.
 

jaklgreen

Well-Known Member
I am salty at how wonderful the Asian parks are. Even their food has a better variety and theming. So does their merchandise.
 

Californian Elitist

Well-Known Member
The general increase in attention on quality, attention on new offerings, and attention on maintaining show. Just overall greater focus on maintaining existing offerings and creating new ones for guests to enjoy. Hard to not use “attention”, but generally just greater focus from Disney, or at least greater focus from those in power to make decisions.
Both resorts get new big offerings (attractions, new food items, new merchandise, etc.). I’d say they’re pretty equal in that department, although I don’t know why WDW closes things to open something else (blessing of size, huh?). I’ve only been to one WDW park, one time, so I can’t use my own experience to explain my theory as to why there’s a difference in treatment between both resorts in other areas. I will instead use what I’ve read here from other people who’ve spent more time going to both WDW and the DLR.

Bottom line, I theorize that Disneyland benefits from both the guest demographics and its legacy as the original park, hence why there’s a difference in treatment in other areas; I don’t believe its proximity to the company headquarters has anything to do with it. With that being said, I do believe the company looks at Disneyland in a special way, much differently than how it perceives WDW. I’ve only been to WDW once, and that was just MK, but it didn’t take long for me to notice the very strong sense of “corporate-ness” on the property. Because of the sheer amount of guests WDW sees each year, I believe the company does perceive it as the cash cow, one that will continue to rake in money, no matter what, because it’s a “vacation destination” that is known world-wide and will always attract guests, regardless. Because of the size of the property and because of both the number of guests and type of guests (mostly tourists), TDO may not necessarily feel obligated to change things up or do special things for WDW’s long-term and most dedicated fans. Even little things that I see as “normal” as a Disneylander, like new holiday costumes for the characters each year, apparently these things are harder to come by at WDW (I can’t count how many comments I’ve seen from WDW fans asking if characters at the resort will also be in new costumes on Disney’s socials). TDO uses the guest demographic as an excuse to get away with these things. They’re also cheap. Meanwhile, at Disneyland, the guests there are definitely different. There aren’t a bunch of international tourists or families there with matching t-shirts for their family reunions walking around. You can tell based on the way guests act, what they say, and even the way they dress sometimes that they and their families have been frequenting the park for decades and don’t see it as a vacation, but as a common and even traditional place to spend time and have fun in. Disneyland is corporate, too, but it does have more of a “mom and pop” feel to it. Additionally, while TWDC overall does what they want, Disneyland fans do have a teensy bit of influence…a teensy bit. For example, when the Main Street Cinema was briefly turned into a shop, the fans made a big fuss about it and the merchandise was quickly removed afterwards, maybe after two days, or something like that. The lackluster 50th offerings WDW got? I strongly believe TDA wouldn’t have been able to get away with pulling something like that in 2005. It’s like the wealthy families of legacy college students who tend to have some sort of influence and say, even if it’s minor. Because of this, Disneyland fans often feel like they own the park and can be very entitled. They take things going on with the park very seriously, likely in a way fans don’t with WDW. Even calling the 50th a “homecoming” (DLR) vs a “celebration” (WDW) says a lot and reflects what I’ve said about the differences in culture/guests and even atmosphere between the two resorts.

Regarding its legacy, no matter how much of a cash cow WDW is, Disneyland will always be the most special and unique park because it’s the original and because of its ties to Walt Disney. We see this with the way nostalgia is used to both promote and sell things in “Walt’s Park.” Even if it’s feels disingenuous sometimes, TDA knows how to use and benefit from Walt Disney’s personal ties to Disneyland (Walt Disney merchandise, multiple throwback nite events throughout the years, playing all or bits of Walt Disney’s dedication speech every July 17th, etc.). Again, I do believe the company looks at Disneyland as being very special, and this may influence the decision-making coming from TDA (they make bad decisions, too). WDW has its own unique history, but instead of tapping into it, they either latch on to Disneyland’s or completely ignore it. We saw this with the recent 50th anniversary.

To sum it up, huge resort, dozens of onsite hotels, mega vacation option, tourists from all over, money-making machine, more corporate with less obligation to do more vs much smaller resort that happens to have the original theme park with deep ties to the company’s founder, less offerings, more repeat guests that are not vacationers that treat the place like it’s theirs, more “valuable” history, and more of a “mom and pop” feel.
 

Vegas Disney Fan

Well-Known Member
Both resorts get new big offerings (attractions, new food items, new merchandise, etc.). I’d say they’re pretty equal in that department, although I don’t know why WDW closes things to open something else (blessing of size, huh?). I’ve only been to one WDW park, one time, so I can’t use my own experience to explain my theory as to why there’s a difference in treatment between both resorts in other areas. I will instead use what I’ve read here from other people who’ve spent more time going to both WDW and the DLR.

Bottom line, I theorize that Disneyland benefits from both the guest demographics and its legacy as the original park, hence why there’s a difference in treatment in other areas; I don’t believe its proximity to the company headquarters has anything to do with it. With that being said, I do believe the company looks at Disneyland in a special way, much differently than how it perceives WDW. I’ve only been to WDW once, and that was just MK, but it didn’t take long for me to notice the very strong sense of “corporate-ness” on the property. Because of the sheer amount of guests WDW sees each year, I believe the company does perceive it as the cash cow, one that will continue to rake in money, no matter what, because it’s a “vacation destination” that is known world-wide and will always attract guests, regardless. Because of the size of the property and because of both the number of guests and type of guests (mostly tourists), TDO may not necessarily feel obligated to change things up or do special things for WDW’s long-term and most dedicated fans. Even little things that I see as “normal” as a Disneylander, like new holiday costumes for the characters each year, apparently these things are harder to come by at WDW (I can’t count how many comments I’ve seen from WDW fans asking if characters at the resort will also be in new costumes on Disney’s socials). TDO uses the guest demographic as an excuse to get away with these things. They’re also cheap. Meanwhile, at Disneyland, the guests there are definitely different. There aren’t a bunch of international tourists or families there with matching t-shirts for their family reunions walking around. You can tell based on the way guests act, what they say, and even the way they dress sometimes that they and their families have been frequenting the park for decades and don’t see it as a vacation, but as a common and even traditional place to spend time and have fun in. Disneyland is corporate, too, but it does have more of a “mom and pop” feel to it. Additionally, while TWDC overall does what they want, Disneyland fans do have a teensy bit of influence…a teensy bit. For example, when the Main Street Cinema was briefly turned into a shop, the fans made a big fuss about it and the merchandise was quickly removed afterwards, maybe after two days, or something like that. The lackluster 50th offerings WDW got? I strongly believe TDA wouldn’t have been able to get away with pulling something like that in 2005. It’s like the wealthy families of legacy college students who tend to have some sort of influence and say, even if it’s minor. Because of this, Disneyland fans often feel like they own the park and can be very entitled. They take things going on with the park very seriously, likely in a way fans don’t with WDW. Even calling the 50th a “homecoming” (DLR) vs a “celebration” (WDW) says a lot and reflects what I’ve said about the differences in culture/guests and even atmosphere between the two resorts.

Regarding its legacy, no matter how much of a cash cow WDW is, Disneyland will always be the most special and unique park because it’s the original and because of its ties to Walt Disney. We see this with the way nostalgia is used to both promote and sell things in “Walt’s Park.” Even if it’s feels disingenuous sometimes, TDA knows how to use and benefit from Walt Disney’s personal ties to Disneyland (Walt Disney merchandise, multiple throwback nite events throughout the years, playing all or bits of Walt Disney’s dedication speech every July 17th, etc.). Again, I do believe the company looks at Disneyland as being very special, and this may influence the decision-making coming from TDA (they make bad decisions, too). WDW has its own unique history, but instead of tapping into it, they either latch on to Disneyland’s or completely ignore it. We saw this with the recent 50th anniversary.

To sum it up, huge resort, dozens of onsite hotels, mega vacation option, tourists from all over, money-making machine, more corporate with less obligation to do more vs much smaller resort that happens to have the original theme park with deep ties to the company’s founder, less offerings, more repeat guests that are not vacationers that treat the place like it’s theirs, more “valuable” history, and more of a “mom and pop” feel.

I think you are correct that the guest demographic is a huge factor, because so many DL guests are regulars they have to continuously offer something different to keep us coming. That’s why we get things like the Haunted Mansion overlay, IASW Holiday, Ghost Galaxy (seriously with they’d bring this back), Guardians after dark, etc. They do a pretty good job of creating FOMO.

Because WDWs guests are mostly infrequent, or once in a lifetime, guests they don’t really need that additional carrot. They do a pretty good job of using Epcot, and after hours parties, to keep the FL locals coming but for the most part the parks can stay largely unchanged year round and still draw crowds.
 

Californian Elitist

Well-Known Member
I think you are correct that the guest demographic is a huge factor, because so many DL guests are regulars they have to continuously offer something different to keep us coming. That’s why we get things like the Haunted Mansion overlay, IASW Holiday, Ghost Galaxy (seriously with they’d bring this back), Guardians after dark, etc. They do a pretty good job of creating FOMO.

Because WDWs guests are mostly infrequent, or once in a lifetime, guests they don’t really need that additional carrot. They do a pretty good job of using Epcot, and after hours parties, to keep the FL locals coming but for the most part the parks can stay largely unchanged year round and still draw crowds.
I 100% agree about the FOMO factor at DL. I believe this partially encourages folks to continue renewing their Magic Keys, rushing to get OBB tickets (they for sure keep guests coming back with offerings new villain character greets each year), attending the special “nite” events, etc. I’m assuming these things help the parks make more money as well, given the sheer amount of Magic Key holders and repeat visitors (aka “undesireables” that don’t spend as much money as infrequent visitors do.

I do believe DL guests will flock the parks whether something new is offered each year or not, but I also believe DL guests are extremely attracted to any sort of limited, rare offering, and will never turn down such an opportunity…like a moth to a flame. Disney knows this and they take advantage (and people’s money).
 

GraysonsDad

Member
Hard to compare them because of the size. There used to be a stat (not sure if it's still accurate) that the entire DL could fit in the parking lot of WDW MK. Think about that...it's much easier to maintain a small park vs. 4 parks, resorts, water parks, shopping districts, etc. It's crazy to think about how large WDW is compared to DL.
 

HMF

Well-Known Member
I forgot to mention that regarding maintenance, DL isn’t afraid to close down rides, sometimes multiple rides at once for weeks on end, for refurbishment (see Fantasyland dark rides that are currently closed). I’ve heard WDW doesn’t do this as often (I don’t know if this is actually true or not).
Oh it's true. We still have the 70s era Space Mountain track.
 

PiratesMansion

Well-Known Member
Perhaps just me, but I would clarify in the poll what 'it' is (proximity to TWDC?). The wording now is confusing for some poll options.

I feel like it's a combination of factors:
1. The Walt factor (Walt walked at DL; he did not walk in a completed WDW)
2. Imagineering is based in California, and therefore is inherently more familiar with DL than with WDW (if there was a larger Imagineering presence in Florida, things like Toy Story Land opening with a lack of appropriate shade would not have happened).
3. Proximity to TWDC does make a difference, as the executives are much more likely to drop in on short notice. If the executives can drop in on a dime, DLR has more incentive to keep the place looking presentable.
4. The lack of a sizeable passionate local audience, a notable difference from every other Disney park complex in the world. While this is starting to shift as Florida and Orlando grow in population, and there are a number of people tied to WDW via the DVC, TDO has been slow to recognize and react to this change. Therefore, WDW receives fewer small changes (i.e. seasonal character costumes) because it's not perceived to be a worthwhile expense.
5. WDW seemingly lost any 'champions' of the resort long ago, even symbolic ones. If any are left, they don't appear to have any actual power within the company. While not all of DL's 'champions' are beloved figures, it can't be denied that people like Tony Baxter and Kim Irvine have long experiences working with/being associated with DL and have some level of passion for the product. Who are these people for WDW? I can't name one. Perhaps that's my own ignorance showing, but how many people actually could point to a specific person who embodies a certain level of passion for WDW?
6. Because of this, WDW is often treated as 'this lazy copy for stupid tourists where very little of value was done,' made easier because very little of the property's interesting history and story has been told, or told honestly. There are a lot of agendas at play here, whether it is to prop up Disneyland ("Walt did this one, not that one!"), prop up Disneyland Paris ("Unlike before, the French and/or Michael Eisner insisted on not just the same old copy and paste, but on making this one Grand and Important and Different, something that was never done before!!111-something that is easily provable as a lie if you look into the history of MK at all beyond what Disney tells you nowadays), justify spending less money in Florida ("Eh, they're all a bunch of stupid tourists, they're not gonna notice if we skimp on this detail/maintenance"). But whatever the reason, because there's less institutional knowledge of the place, and no one who appears deeply passionate for/well-versed in the in and outs of WDW, it becomes easy to scapegoat WDW in a variety of ways for a variety fo reasons.
7. The people who actually DO run WDW seem to have lost sight of what makes the parks special, or what's actually important. They've disappeared down the rabbit hole of upcharges, maximizing revenue, strategic planning, and bad habits rather than providing a good experience.

All part of why WDW is often treated as and/or perceived as being "less than" compared to Disneyland.
 
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jaklgreen

Well-Known Member
Because WDWs guests are mostly infrequent, or once in a lifetime, guests they don’t really need that additional carrot. They do a pretty good job of using Epcot, and after hours parties, to keep the FL locals coming but for the most part the parks can stay largely unchanged year round and still draw crowds.
I think that even Disney underestimated how many WDW guests were repeat customers. They quickly learned that during Covid, when us diehards went to the parks while the once in a lifetime people held off. I think that the repeat guests number is much higher than what everyone thinks.
 

Robbiem

Well-Known Member
I think WDW has suffered from the ‘Disney parks effect’ in recent times.

Back in the day Florida was marketed as a resort destination, those 90s planning videos talked about golf and fine dining at the village marketplace, horse rding at fort wilderness, discovery island, nights at pleasure Island etc. it felt very different to Disneyland which relied more on ‘Walt park’ nostalgia and was marketed as a theme park.

Now Disney parks just markets the parks (at least here in the UK) and even then its ’take your little kids to see Mickey’. Its suffered because its marketed and seen as a big Disneyland not its own thing which it was for 30 plus years because the people at the top don’t understand what they had or why it’s different to California
 

yensid1967

Well-Known Member
Disneyland ALWAYS gets more love than Walt Disney World! To prove it, look at the lack luster decor WDW got for Disney's 100th anniversary...WDW got those ugly, modern "100" signs that look very cheap! While Disneyland is decked out with bunding, medallions, the park looks like its celebrating something! DL also got Paint the Night parade and haas since been retired, WDW MK does not have a night time parade since ?, maybe pre-pandemic? Disney has NO excuses in this area! The took SpectroMagic away for some unknown reason, in Epcot they took The Lights of Winter arches down because they were "obsolete" I DO NOT ACCEPT THAT EXCUSE! If the lights were out of date, just replace them with LEDs...Those dancing arches on your way to World Showcase just made the holiday special! They even lied and said the arches were destroyed, but they were sitting in a far end of the Epcot parking lot for years! I have lost my love of Disney Parks, and I am a former Cast Member! If a cast member feels this way, how do you think a regular guest feels!? My next trip is a ORLANDO trip and not one focusing on Disney! The costs of a Disney park is out of control! If they want crowds back, just lower the cost to pre-pandemic pricing, GET RID OF GENIE! and have a one time charge to skip the lines so guests do not have to have their heads in their phones all day! MAKE IT EASIER for the guests! If genie stays, then it should be modified so everyone has an equal chance for choices by only being able to make choices once your are in the parks, RESORT GUESTS TOO! Resort guests get extra magic time to be in the parks either earlier or later! That's my solution! Sorry for going on and on, but this is a stick situation with me!
 

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