Haunted Mansion - Insight?

[nibblesandbits]

WDW does offer numerous places to find out which attractions are down for refurb, so honestly the guests cannot complain if they did not do their homework before entering the parks. They have the daily guide given to them at the resorts, they have the signage at the entrance to the park, the have the info on the website, and I'm sure there are other places the info is posted, so the info is definately out there. WDW should not be expected to hold every persons hand and give them every bit of info they want on a silver platter, guests need to take the initiative and do some reading before entering a park. They can't assume that every attraction will be open every single day of the year, I mean c'mon things happen and refurbs/repairs are needed.

However, a lot of people don't actually know that they need to do their homework to plan a trip to Disney World. Nor do they think they should have to...it's a vacation.

That's just it...homework on vacation? Most people don't think in those terms. Most people think it's insane that you have to book popular meals SIX MONTHS OUT now. Most people are completely clueless when it comes to WDW planning.

The only way to know about a refurb ahead of time is to go to the website and click on a series of specific links to find them, or come someplace like this. It just doesn't occur to most people that they need to do so. You and I may understand this but as I have said repeatedly in this discussion we are not the normal visitor.

Said it perfectly.

Actually, you said the whole thing perfectly.

The main thing they could do , and actually should do, is to put the information about refurbs in with planning dvd's and reservation confirmation packets. A little extra effort like that would go a long way towards easing guest complaints.

That's a great idea...and I know they did it in the planning guide I have for the HCOE. It said IASW was down until either May 2005 or it was Spring 2005. But it was clearly stated there. Now, not everyone gets the planning DVDs either...but at least this would warn a few people about impending refurbs...and might mitigate some of the complaints.

 

[AEfx]

That's a great idea...and I know they did it in the planning guide I have for the HCOE. It said IASW was down until either May 2005 or it was Spring 2005. But it was clearly stated there. Now, not everyone gets the planning DVDs either...but at least this would warn a few people about impending refurbs...and might mitigate some of the complaints.

Yup, you are absolutely correct. It said something like, "Reopening in..."

But as someone pointed out above, they don't even need to go that far in terms of a DVD alteration. Just a simple note in reservation confirmations or other communications with WDW would help. It wouldn't reach everyone, but it would help mitigate the problem.

I think Lee is absolutely correct that this problem is only going to increase when Space finally gets gutted...of course, my solution is for them to build another E-ticket at the MK, LOL, but it seems that is a few years out.

AEfx

 

[nibblesandbits]

Yup, you are absolutely correct. It said something like, "Reopening in..."

But as someone pointed out above, they don't even need to go that far in terms of a DVD alteration. Just a simple note in reservation confirmations or other communications with WDW would help. It wouldn't reach everyone, but it would help mitigate the problem.

I think Lee is absolutely correct that this problem is only going to increase when Space finally gets gutted...of course, my solution is for them to build another E-ticket at the MK, LOL, but it seems that is a few years out.

AEfx

true...I mean how hard would it be to print a list of closed attractions in your information that gets sent to you. It doesn't waste a lot of ink or paper and it's not like Disney doesn't know what attractions won't be closed...they get those things sent out only a month before. Now sure, there might be attractions that will need emergency closures and in those cases, of course they couldn't warn people...but for things that Disney knows is coming, there should be ample warning and not just on their calendar on their website, which is confusing in itself.

Although, a lot of people don't stay on property, so I think doing it both in the planning video (for those who might not be staying on property who would get that in the mail) and for those who are staying on property, who should get the info in their info packets.

 

[Beauty_Belle]

Even to print out the rehabs for guests in their welcome packets when you check in would be a huge help, something of an advance warning (for those I'll sue happy people out there). Look at the woman who got money for coffee being hot. To those people I say....You're on vacation!!! A day on vacation is better than a day at work!
It would be nice if guests could register online to recieve updates about the parks, like when something goes under rehad or something special is happening during their trip. There are planners out there.
I have people that will customize their trips if a certain ride (like pirates) goes under rehab. On the other hand, I have had guests call and flip out when a ride is down, and they demand some sort of money back. People just want things for free and will find any sort of flaw.

 

[Lee]

I think Lee is absolutely correct that this problem is only going to increase when Space finally gets gutted...

I think I am, too!
That's gonna be a nightmare at Guest Relations unless they do damage control in advance.

 

[mousermerf]

I think I am, too!
That's gonna be a nightmare at Guest Relations unless they do damage control in advance.

Forethought seems to be on a decline lately though. Nothing about AA being down except notice 3 days prior?

 

[harryk]

Several years ago I visited WDW and went to HM and it was closed for some type of refurb. Yes - I was disappointed in that it was my favorite ride.

I got over it though.

The last visit (DEC '06) I rode it 4 times, each time noticing that it definitely needed work.

I'm so glad it is finally happening and look forward to riding it on Dec 13th when I return for MVMCP. The anticipation of the renovations is soooooo exciting!!

180 days to go!!:xmas: :xmas:

 

[PurpleDragon]

Okay AEfx, now that you clarified things, I can whole heartedly agree with where you are coming from.

I haven't gone near the ticket booths or the TTC in many many years because I stay on property and always buy my tickets as part of the package. I vaguely remember them having boards at the ticket booths at the TTC and also at the entrance to each park, that had which attractions would be closed that day. But I can honestly say that removing that small bit of important info is probably the major part of a number of guest complaints. Why WDW chose to stop doing that is beyond me. It was a great bit of info and helped people plan out their day accordingly if one of the E-Ticket attractions is closed.

All it would take is a simple act of replacing that board with the ride info at the entrance to the parks, or even putting it on one of the resort info channels. Just little things like that would go a long way. Maybe this situation with so many people getting upset about HM will respark the thinking on offering easier access to this information for guests.:veryconfu

 

[mousermerf]

The information kiosks still exist at the TTC. They say "Information" but have posters for Disney movies in them.

A similiar setup is at Epcot at the International Gateway entrance - but that's rarely, if ever, updated.

 

[PurpleDragon]

The information kiosks still exist at the TTC. They say "Information" but have posters for Disney movies in them.

A similiar setup is at Epcot at the International Gateway entrance - but that's rarely, if ever, updated.

LOL!! Yeah the one at the International Gateway was locked down and plastered with movie posters as well last time I was there. Matter of fact they just had a skeleton crew running that entrance when I last went thru there.

 

[Giraffe Lounge]

I really think this is a gross over-reaction. Its a vacation. The casual vacationer does not need the hard-core purist to protect them from big bad Disney because they "don't know to/that they need to do research", if it in face was so incredibly important to most of them, they are quite capable of clicking links. Remember the "casual" part of casual tourist? And I'm sure there will be some casual fans disappointed by the closure, but I'm sure the majority of them will simply walk down the way to Pooh or Splash. And if not, if it truly horribly offends them and ruins their vacation... then they lead a very lucky, privileged life to have lost so much perspective.

 

[Beauty_Belle]

I do like the idea of listing rides times on the movie channels in Disney. Bravo! :sohappy:

 

[IcicleM]

Speaking of TV, I think they need to bring back some of the Park stuff they talked about on the Disney Channel. Remember back in the '90s when they did that? They would show you trivia and behind the scenes stuff of all the rides with "Imagineer That!" And I learned so much about the parks, and got so excited about joining one day. If they could update us on the parks and advertise using the Disney Channel, instead of focusing on TV Shows that kids are not going to see a TINY bit of advertising for, in the parks, then maybe you'd have more parents and kids informed and understanding what their trip is going to be like.

 

[PigletIsMyCat]

The tip boards in each park state not only the expected wait times for each ride, but will indicate if there is a ride down for refurb. Each tip board is also attended to by a knowledgable CM.

Disney has info on rides, rehabs, and dining on the website and in literature they send/hand out. If guests cannot be bothered to hop online and check up on their trip dates, or read through the info sent/given to them, that's their own fault. When you book the DDP, the CM tells you (or is supposed to tell you, everyone I know has been told) that you CAN book meals up to 180 days in advance. If people listened to that, they would either think 'wow, they must book up quick if we can book 6 months in advance' or possibly question the CM about why they would need to book so early.

I still feel that many guests feel entitled to everything when they're on a WDW vacation. I understand that it's magical, and you're supposed to leave your cares at the airport or at home before you leave, but CMs are people. We have limitations. Pirates can't hold 138,398 people an hour. We can't make the lines move faster. We can't make the rain go away. Rides have to be closed down, for safety during storms or for refurbishment. If that wasn't done, the rides wouldn't be there to enjoy anymore and people could be hurt. That doesn't 'entitle' a guest to anything. And guests need to remember that THEY have to make their own magic as well. A CM could give you a free upgrade, free dining, free anything, and if you're going to be a sourpuss about it then it ain't gonna be magical.

You wouldn't BELIEVE the things guests try to get away with or get for free or expect the CMs at Front Desk/Concierge to do for them. Well, you would if you've ever been a Front Desk/Concierge CM, or anywhere in reservations I bet knows too. The stories I hear.... ridiculous.

 

[Eyorefan]

Speaking of TV, I think they need to bring back some of the Park stuff they talked about on the Disney Channel. Remember back in the '90s when they did that? They would show you trivia and behind the scenes stuff of all the rides with "Imagineer That!" And I learned so much about the parks, and got so excited about joining one day. If they could update us on the parks and advertise using the Disney Channel, instead of focusing on TV Shows that kids are not going to see a TINY bit of advertising for, in the parks, then maybe you'd have more parents and kids informed and understanding what their trip is going to be like.

I could start a whole nother thread about the declining quality of programing (and acting skills) on the Disney Channel these days, but that's beside the point.

I like your idea. Why not do a "Movie Surfers" type segment where they talk to imagineers about the rides they are referbing and how they hope to make it better? It would give us some inside info and then people wouldn't be shocked to find their faviote rides closed when they got to the parks!

 

[nibblesandbits]

Disney has info on rides, rehabs, and dining on the website and in literature they send/hand out. If guests cannot be bothered to hop online and check up on their trip dates, or read through the info sent/given to them, that's their own fault. When you book the DDP, the CM tells you (or is supposed to tell you, everyone I know has been told) that you CAN book meals up to 180 days in advance. If people listened to that, they would either think 'wow, they must book up quick if we can book 6 months in advance' or possibly question the CM about why they would need to book so early.

That's just it...these things involve people to actually THINK! A majority of people don't actually think about things like this. I can honestly say, my family was one of them. Before I became a Disney fan...we'd go down to Disney, we had no clue what rides, if there were any, would be down for rehab. We didn't ever eat at the fancy restaurants...probably because partially my parents didn't really realize they existed. So, they definitely wouldn't have known to call in advance to get seatings. Even now, if I wasn't a Disney Fan...and had my trip booked, I still wouldn't think that I had to do all kinds of research for a trip like this. It's a theme park...people think that Disney is supposed to think for them.

I hate to say it, but non Disney fanatics more than likely don't know all that Disney really has to offer. Especially if they are first time visitors. They don't know about information about Disney. A majority don't know that guidebooks exist. Bet a lot of people don't even realize that they can get quality info on Disney from something besides the Disney website.

Example: Why do you think there are still so many questions about Fastpass by visitors? (IE: Does it cost anything? Do you have to stay on site to get to use that? etc) Even with the info that Disney does tell people about Fastpass...in brochures, on the DVDs, etc, there are still many people who have questions about something that's actually clearly advertised. Imagine the questions and concerns they have about something that's not "clearly" advertised...like a refurbishment.

 

[nibblesandbits]

You wouldn't BELIEVE the things guests try to get away with or get for free or expect the CMs at Front Desk/Concierge to do for them. Well, you would if you've ever been a Front Desk/Concierge CM, or anywhere in reservations I bet knows too. The stories I hear.... ridiculous.

Thought this needed a seperate statement:

Yes...people are also very spoiled. Everywhere, people feel like they are entitled to something for nothing. It's not just at Disney. I get it all the time at work myself. So, believe me when I say...people nowadays just think about "what's in it for me" and be darned anyone who gets in their way.

 

[mousermerf]

Sometimes they don't even try to get the word out to people though.

 

[nibblesandbits]

Sometimes they don't even try to get the word out to people though.

I know I've been talking a lot lately...that's what happens when I'm at work all day and have nothing to do. :lol:

Exactly. I never said Disney really TRIED to get the word out on this one...but what I was saying was that if people had questions about things that Disney purposly put out there...imagine what happens when they don't put the info out much.

 

[Eyorefan]

No matter what you do there are going to be people out there that don't get the information. For whatever reason, there are some people out there that will always need a personal invitation to join the rest of us here on planet Earth so they can know what is going on in the world around them.

That being said, one would think that Disney would better hype the referb of some of the more popular attractions more, like HM and SSE and get people excited and talking about what it will be like when it reopens. That would be better than listening to people get mad about getting down to the world only to discover their favoriate ride is closed. It's bad PR.