Stevek
Well-Known Member
I sooooo wish that was a thing. I would have confiscated so many APs today : )
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Disneyland "Social Clubs"
- Thread starter socaljoeyb
- Start date
NiarrNDisney
Well-Known Member
Isnt that Fite from the White Rabbits Social Club job?
Stevek
Well-Known Member
So today was the last valid day for my So Cal AP. Took the family for a last hurrah because as I've said a few times, we aren't renewing. Overall, had a good day. Main Street/Hub is a bit of a cluster but manageable. The subs are in bad shape...the jellyfish scene didn't work, projections that are faded and hard to see, peeling paint on coral throughout or just coral that is broken altogether. As much as it pains me to say this, time to get rid of the subs though I doubt they are going anywhere anytime soon. Indy...snake and final boulder scene didn't work. Said my goodbye to Pirates and Mansion, both looked great and am making a chiropractor appointment after a ride on the Matterhorn.
But back to the subject at hand.
Noticed plenty of social clubs throughout the park today...and not just social clubs but other groups all meeting up. Goths all hanging out in front of the castle (literally just sitting on the concrete benches or ground all around the front of the castle), random groups of people in cosplay or Disney bounding. All of that points to the biggest problem of all. Disneyland is no longer a destination for folks as it was for most of us growing up. It's a hangout and that's unfortunately bringing in bigger and bigger crowds that really do nothing but walk or sit around the park in their big groups. It truly has a much more "odd" mix of guests than I can ever remember...a place where folks of like "lifestyles" can hang out together whereas in my day, they all would have hung out in the mall. I just don't get it when I see how people dress and show up at the park. I know I'm old but even my 16 and 18 year old daughters are questioning what they are seeing.
This issue falls squarely on Disney's shoulders as they've made the park far more accessible than it ever should have been and they appear to do zero to discourage folks from coming as they are to the parks. I don't mean to say that everyone shouldn't have access but I don't think that people should have the ability to visit every, freaking, day. And I don't think Disney realized it would go this far when they started the AP program but they unfortunately dug a hole (full of AP money) that they aren't quite willing to walk away from yet. I'm hopeful that the comments made by the Disney rep earlier today mean there will be a truly meaningful change to the AP program. It's time that the parks became something much more special again, where visits were an event and not just a place that 20 social clubs (amongst others) choose to meet up weekly.
But back to the subject at hand.
Noticed plenty of social clubs throughout the park today...and not just social clubs but other groups all meeting up. Goths all hanging out in front of the castle (literally just sitting on the concrete benches or ground all around the front of the castle), random groups of people in cosplay or Disney bounding. All of that points to the biggest problem of all. Disneyland is no longer a destination for folks as it was for most of us growing up. It's a hangout and that's unfortunately bringing in bigger and bigger crowds that really do nothing but walk or sit around the park in their big groups. It truly has a much more "odd" mix of guests than I can ever remember...a place where folks of like "lifestyles" can hang out together whereas in my day, they all would have hung out in the mall. I just don't get it when I see how people dress and show up at the park. I know I'm old but even my 16 and 18 year old daughters are questioning what they are seeing.
This issue falls squarely on Disney's shoulders as they've made the park far more accessible than it ever should have been and they appear to do zero to discourage folks from coming as they are to the parks. I don't mean to say that everyone shouldn't have access but I don't think that people should have the ability to visit every, freaking, day. And I don't think Disney realized it would go this far when they started the AP program but they unfortunately dug a hole (full of AP money) that they aren't quite willing to walk away from yet. I'm hopeful that the comments made by the Disney rep earlier today mean there will be a truly meaningful change to the AP program. It's time that the parks became something much more special again, where visits were an event and not just a place that 20 social clubs (amongst others) choose to meet up weekly.
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SuddenStorm
Well-Known Member
This highlights why I'm annoyed the social groups are a thing. As guests at Disneyland, we all have a responsibility to each other to not try and "stand out" or be part of the experience. That's Disney's job.
These social clubs wouldn't be a big deal at all if it was just a group of friends that liked to visit the parks together regularly. But when they all wear matching outfits and try to be a noticeable part of the Disneyland experience, I think that's overstepping their bounds as guests- since that's screaming for attention and recognition.
SuddenStorm
Well-Known Member
New article that talks about the Social Clubs
Californian Elitist
Well-Known Member
What the differences between people in social clubs with matching outfits visiting and families who come in big groups with matching outfits?
George Lucas on a Bench
Well-Known Member
Every time I see the name "White Rabbits" this image pops in my head
Though I do imagine they would be good at protection, as long as the threat doesn't come from Daniel Day Lewis (is there a Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln club?)
Jack? Oh, thank God you're alive! I'd heard you'd been...
Darkbeer1
Well-Known Member
Right now, the LA Times story is the current most viewed article at their website, days after being released... Ever wonder why the OC Register and LA Times have Theme Park reporters and staff...
Protection money?
George Lucas on a Bench
Well-Known Member
It's difficult for people to look away from scenes of disaster or horror.
SuddenStorm
Well-Known Member
You left out the second part of my comment "and trying to be a noticeable part of the experience". Wearing a Mickey denim jacket isn't a problem, but having 50 people wear em and try to influence the park (like multiple articles have claimed they have) it becomes a problem.
Californian Elitist
Well-Known Member
I didn’t miss it. How do you know what they’re trying to do/be? The one’s who think they can influence the park, they’re on something. But the ones who simply go up there to socialize with other people in their club, what’s the problem? How do you know if the families with matching outfits aren’t purposefully trying to draw attention to themselves?
Have you spoken to these people?
TROR
Well-Known Member
They are. That's the point of them: to draw attention to each other in case one gets separated.
Californian Elitist
Well-Known Member
You don’t know that. Or have you asked the members of the clubs?
And in that case, matching families also make it a point to draw attention to themselves in case one gets separated.
Some people like to match simply for fun.
D
Deleted member 107043
Perhaps this is subconsciously one of the reasons why I've stayed away for so long. There have been a few times in recent years when I felt awkward at DLR - a bit like I was attending someone's private picnic or family reunion rather than the Disneyland I remember as kid. Some local APs have become too familiar with the park, and in the process of converting it their own personal living room they have lost all sense of reverence for the place. SW and Marvel will probably add a new stream of oddities to the mix of guests over the next decade.
No lie, I would have found the nearest security officer.
How much nerve does it take to dress up like a character, go to a Disney park, and start signing autographs? I can't even begin to understand this level of foolishness.
NiarrNDisney
Well-Known Member
I'm surprised they were even allowed through the turnstiles.
TROR
Well-Known Member
I was referring to families who dress in matching clothes.
Darkbeer1
Well-Known Member
Back in the day, I was stopped multiple times by "Fans" while in the park, where people saw me, and based on my photo, and that I was taking photos, got approached. When Lisa started dating me, it drove her a bit crazy when it happened.... But I didn't sign autographs, but did pose for a few photos....
NiarrNDisney
Well-Known Member
Maybe I'm not getting your sarcasm! Who are you?