Has the wdwmagic tide turned???

[MousDad]

The (2 most recent) notable events that dispel any doubt that Disney actively monitors this and other similar forums are the Small World controversy and the FL plans leak.

Plus one just has to open their eyes and see when and where Disney advertising banners pop up to affirm the same.

 

[Krack2]

That's a far-fetched idea because the park he oversees continues to draw people every year, and until a decline is seen, he will maintain his position and rightfully so.

As we all know, anyone one of us could be named "President of Disney Park X", kick our feet up on the desk, and continue to draw people for the next decade. That has to be the dumbest way to determine whether or not a Disney executive is doing a good job.

"The Magic Kingdom is still drawing people every year" - no kidding, the appropriate questions are: Is the Magic Kingdom (or any other park) drawing the maximum amount of people? And are they spending the maximum amount of money once inside? And is their guest experience likely to make them return to WDW so they will continue the cycle?

 

[Figment632]

As we all know, anyone one of us could be named "President of Disney Park X", kick our feet up on the desk, and continue to draw people for the next decade. That has to be the dumbest way to determine whether or not a Disney executive is doing a good job.

"The Magic Kingdom is still drawing people every year" - no kidding, the appropriate questions are: Is the Magic Kingdom (or any other park) drawing the maximum amount of people? And are they spending the maximum amount of money once inside? And is their guest experience likely to make them return to WDW so they will continue the cycle?

The answer imo is no.

 

[CDavid]

As we all know, anyone one of us could be named "President of Disney Park X", kick our feet up on the desk, and continue to draw people for the next decade. That has to be the dumbest way to determine whether or not a Disney executive is doing a good job.

"The Magic Kingdom is still drawing people every year" - no kidding, the appropriate questions are: Is the Magic Kingdom (or any other park) drawing the maximum amount of people? And are they spending the maximum amount of money once inside? And is their guest experience likely to make them return to WDW so they will continue the cycle?

The answer is a thundering, deafening, absolute NO. Of course, people will begin to notice (we're way, way, way past that point already), but hey - it's still easier to sit back and collect your executive bonus than it is to actually do something.

Give people an experience they are willing to pay a premium price for - and then you won't have to offer as frequent or steep discounts (free dining) just to get people in the gates. While the economy certainly plays a role - especially in the past year - you cannot blame that entirely; Some of the business downturn is a problem of Disney's own making.

 

[xdan0920]

The answer is a thundering, deafening, absolute NO. Of course, people will begin to notice (we're way, way, way past that point already), but hey - it's still easier to sit back and collect your executive bonus than it is to actually do something.

Give people an experience they are willing to pay a premium price for - and then you won't have to offer as frequent or steep discounts (free dining) just to get people in the gates. While the economy certainly plays a role - especially in the past year - you cannot blame that entirely; Some of the business downturn is a problem of Disney's own making.

Completely agree, except for the bold. I would say its more like most of the business downturn is Disney's own making.

 

[EpcotServo]

...I DID say I would return to you at the turn of the tide...

 

[EPCOT Explorer]

The problem is, I'm seeing Disney fall behind as the innovator in the entertainment industry. I'm seeing far too many other vacation destinations outclass Disney when in comes to technology, cleanliness, innovation, and attention to detail.

Right now TDO is just riding on the success and reputation of stuff done in the past and doing as much penny pinching with it so they can make more profit from it. And they don't care about the Disney legacy or any of the Disney nostalgia.

Right now WDW is percieved in the public eye as a dated place from the 70s where annoying little kids ride Dumbo while listening to Hannah Montanah music.

In my generation, that is terribly true. To others, it's just another Universal.

Now, I know we have out Uni advocates on this board, and I usually stand with them, but...No. Disney > Universal. Always. In the minds of the market share, at least...Disney is known to be paramount, second to none, and they can't let it continue to be known as just another theme park.


I thought I'd never see it, but the name of Disney is loosing it's meaning.

 

[Christi22222]

And is their guest experience likely to make them return to WDW so they will continue the cycle?

I personally believe THIS is the most important question as it speaks to the Disney legacy and reputation that TDO is currently riding on. Will my son (11years old) feel about Disney the same way I do? Or will he rate it as "just another theme park" because it has average quality and uniqueness? No one here is going to argue that Disney TODAY isn't worth going to...but how about in 10 years? And what happens to DVCers who have bought in at a peak and are angry with the low? What are those consequences? These are things we HAVEN'T seen in the historical Disney cycle that folks want to point to as the evidence that everything will be just fine....

 

[bellhop13]

The queue is similar to OHare in Chicago. Metal detectors and security checkpoints are not most people's idea of entertainment. In this day and age they bring on more fear than anything else.

being from Chicago I don't think the queue looks anything like O'hare! What part of the airport were you in?

 

[SirGoofy]

Of course, people will begin to notice (we're way, way, way past that point already)

Guest have noticed. I've talked to plenty long time guests over the past 2 years that have told me they won't be returning due to the declining standards.

 

[THEMEPARKPIONEER]

We are at war with Disney and this site is our battleship.

 

[erstwo]

being from Chicago I don't think the queue looks anything like O'hare! What part of the airport were you in?

I'm going to assume they are talking about the light tunnel in the United Terminal (at O'hare.)

 

[bellhop13]

yea, I can see that... It would be cooler if the queue did resemble an airport more.

 

[kev24135]

well i complain about disnet but really theres no other place id really rather go right now.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

Everest and the Yeti are amazing and anyone with half a brain can understand a first-of-it's-kind for Disney animatronic that large and complex is eventually going to break down

I hope folk that design new aircraft or hospital equipment dont have a similar attitude.

Those of us with a full brain, and the associated abilities that brings have assumed that a multinational company of Disney’s size would have had someone make the mountings of sufficient strength to withstand the forces of its mechanised movements. Perhaps they could have spoken with proper structural engineers who seem to overcome far bigger problems in constructing buildings and bridges.

But then you do seem to have climbed into Jts seat as the resident Company man.

 

[Hakunamatata]

I think the tone on any message board may reflect the general tone of society. Right now, in the US anyway, the economy is bad, our leadership is corrupt, and for the most part people are just tired of the crap that we have to deal with day in and day out. That is going to have an effect on peoples interaction with others.

As things turn around, you will see the tone of peoples mood change.

 

[jeffk410]

haha. thank you so much for posting this. I could not agree more. I swear half- of these people come on just to bash Disney. And don't give me the aren't we allowed to have negative opinions. Yes Sometimes, but if its all the time then dont call yourself a Disney fan. And you also are allowed to have positive opinions abotu "your favorite place", I agree that some of us are probably critical of Disney because we care so much about it, but come on.

Also, when I come on the boards and there is more negative threads than positive that adds to the depression. If everythings so negative please stop saying you like the place.

I do agree LoW was terrible, and it may have helped, but having threads with the top 25 terrible things disneys done come on

 

[E102_Gamma]

I have been around this site for long time and if I have learned anything there is an ebb and flow to the dominant personality of the site. There have been extreme highs and equally as extreme lows. We are at an extreme low right now...probably the worst I have ever seen.... but as always there is a high in the future.

As a observer in the shadows, I have noticed this trend of descent as well. It isn't unexpected though, considering that any small thing could cause a riot these days. Looking at it from a Neutral standpoint, anything that Disney will at least caused over 100s, even 1000s of people to complain about it, while others will rejoice about it and be happy. Disney can't satisfy every guest that comes to the parks, because there will always be one thing there that will not be right for a person, whatever it would be Stitch or the Decent of Spaceship Earth, or even the constant break downs of Space Mountain. Not to mention the price of tickets. If Disney was able to obtain perfection, and please every person that goes there, it wouldn't last long, because there will be at least one person out there that will complain about something, or anything for that matter.

But, seeing now that the number of complains have risen higher than normal, it would seem that Disney has started to turn away from the guests and has gone to gain profit, as for any other company would do, but...the truth is...if you listen to the guests concerns, ideas, and reviews, Disney could turn the tide of things and make things better. There would still be complaining going about, but not to the point where a red flag comes up. Not only that, Disney would see higher turn out, and profit can go up for them in the long run.

In short, Disney has to find that Center of Balance again, seeing that it has tipped over to the wrong side of things. Well there is my Two Cents.

 

[T-1MILLION]

haha. thank you so much for posting this. I could not agree more. I swear half- of these people come on just to bash Disney. And don't give me the aren't we allowed to have negative opinions. Yes Sometimes, but if its all the time then dont call yourself a Disney fan. And you also are allowed to have positive opinions abotu "your favorite place", I agree that some of us are probably critical of Disney because we care so much about it, but come on.

Also, when I come on the boards and there is more negative threads than positive that adds to the depression. If everythings so negative please stop saying you like the place.

I do agree LoW was terrible, and it may have helped, but having threads with the top 25 terrible things disneys done come on

While you make good points this is a website that is open 24/7 365 about a place that is open 265 days a year and we are a large fanbase of people who visit and many people visit often so they have updates on more detailed things. If it was not for that this site would not exist. What would we talk about "Hey I love Disney today, just like yesterday" or "What is your favorite ride?" polls all over the place.

Complaints are going to happen because it is concern. It is really half and half unless quality is really slipping which sometimes it does. And I am not directing this towards you or the original poster so please don't feel like I am but if there is someone who feels that there is too much negativity on this board than they are the negative ones because they are blind to see how much positive and praise there is.

 

[GenerationX]

I've been around this board a long time. The biggest mouths have almost always been the ones who enjoy complaining. There was a big uproar when Soarin' came into the Land! It was derided as "just a clone" replacing the beloved (by someone, I guess) Food Rocks and was going to ruin the delicate theming of the Land.

Since the majority of posters here, especially frequent posters, are Disney freaks, our "voice" represents a tiny, tiny percentage of the overall WDW guests. You would think that CoP, Horizons, and WoM were the greatest attractions ever if you read these boards, but the average guest could give a rats about them. Posters here see differences that average guests don't. Posters here care about things that average guests don't.

Disney Management probably reads these boards to keep tabs on CMs and get an impression of what the ever-complaining Disney freak thinks of a new idea or plan.

The armchair CEOs here never fail to amuse me with their insistence that they know more than Disney management in how to run the company.