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Is the golden age of WDW over?
- Thread starter DRJJH1
- Start date
natalia1681
New Member
The first time I ever went to WDW was in 1986, so I have some very special memories of that time.
I do agree that while some of the World's additions are creative and beautiful, others have just been cookie-cutter rip offs in an attempt to make a quick buck.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that WDW shouldn't make money, but I also don't believe that quality should be sacrificied for the all-mighty dollar.
I do agree that while some of the World's additions are creative and beautiful, others have just been cookie-cutter rip offs in an attempt to make a quick buck.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that WDW shouldn't make money, but I also don't believe that quality should be sacrificied for the all-mighty dollar.
General Grizz
New Member
It comes in phases. We had a tremendous golden age in the early to mid-90s.
We will have another one eventually... where WDI is once again allowed to think outside the box. Until that time, expect budget restraints, characters and boosted synergy, more cloning, and more 'temporary' structures - i.e. Pooh.
One day, it will have to turn around again.
Thank goodness Al Weiss approved the Everest budget without "other influence." :lookaroun
We will have another one eventually... where WDI is once again allowed to think outside the box. Until that time, expect budget restraints, characters and boosted synergy, more cloning, and more 'temporary' structures - i.e. Pooh.
One day, it will have to turn around again.
Thank goodness Al Weiss approved the Everest budget without "other influence." :lookaroun
Pioneer Hall
Well-Known Member
The process definately goes in phases. Not for nothing, the recent WDW progress hasn't been all that awful. We are just getting more in steps now as opposed to constant development. It is difficult in a day and age like we are for any company, especially one that depends on tourism, to grow like WDW once did.
CThaddeus
New Member
I think the golden age of EPCOT is definitely over. Once World of Motion, Horizons, Journey Into Imagination (the original), and Wonders of Life were killed, so was the Park.
However, I don't believe Walt Disney World in general is on the decline. Look at Expedition: Everest. You also recently got Soarin', and while I'm not happy that Food Rocks! had to die to become its queue, I am glad you're getting some of the west coast's best. Of course, then there are horrible misfires like Tiki Room: Under New Management and Test Track...but we can't win them all.
Disneyland was suffering recently. All that was needed was to put someone in charge who actually cared about the Parks and now things are starting to turn around. It will improve at Disney World, too. I only hope the new management - when and if they come - decide to reinstate EPCOT to its former glory. I miss it.
However, I don't believe Walt Disney World in general is on the decline. Look at Expedition: Everest. You also recently got Soarin', and while I'm not happy that Food Rocks! had to die to become its queue, I am glad you're getting some of the west coast's best. Of course, then there are horrible misfires like Tiki Room: Under New Management and Test Track...but we can't win them all.
Disneyland was suffering recently. All that was needed was to put someone in charge who actually cared about the Parks and now things are starting to turn around. It will improve at Disney World, too. I only hope the new management - when and if they come - decide to reinstate EPCOT to its former glory. I miss it.
speck76
Well-Known Member
....the golden age never is the current age 
A better question is "Is the 2nd golden age of Amusement/Theme parks over?"
Amusement parks were popular prior to the great depression, and then became popular again in the mid-60's.....
After DL opened, a whole string of parks were built.....many Six Flags parks, parks that would become Six Flags, the 2 Marriott parks, the Kings Island/Dominion parks (Taft) and their siblings.....and other parks, like Cedar Point, went from "pleasure beaches" with a few carny rides to large parks.
The last 2 parks to open in the US (non-Disney) both went Chapter 11 within a year (Visionland and Jazzland)
Six Flags has not been profitable in years
Cedar Point has used the "poor weather" excuse for flat attendance for 14 consecutive years (for building the tallest rollercoaster 3 times in the last 15 years, they have never seen significant attendance growth)
My opinion is that parks have become "been there, done that" and are being replaced by other types of entertainment for a large amount of Americans....Disney is not excluded
A better question is "Is the 2nd golden age of Amusement/Theme parks over?"
Amusement parks were popular prior to the great depression, and then became popular again in the mid-60's.....
After DL opened, a whole string of parks were built.....many Six Flags parks, parks that would become Six Flags, the 2 Marriott parks, the Kings Island/Dominion parks (Taft) and their siblings.....and other parks, like Cedar Point, went from "pleasure beaches" with a few carny rides to large parks.
The last 2 parks to open in the US (non-Disney) both went Chapter 11 within a year (Visionland and Jazzland)
Six Flags has not been profitable in years
Cedar Point has used the "poor weather" excuse for flat attendance for 14 consecutive years (for building the tallest rollercoaster 3 times in the last 15 years, they have never seen significant attendance growth)
My opinion is that parks have become "been there, done that" and are being replaced by other types of entertainment for a large amount of Americans....Disney is not excluded
MartyMouse
New Member
Well I’m no Doctor Phil but I would say that the “Golden Age” is different for everyone. It depends on how you look at things. I feel the “Golden Age” for me was when the Grand Floridian was under construction and EPCOT Center (that’s the parks name I don’t care what you say) was new, but that’s because I saw things through the eyes of youth. If I’m not mistaken at that time the company was teetering on bankruptcy (pre-Eisner), but it’s all how you look at things.
If you take away all the cynics who look at Disney through cynical eyes you still have a magical place, but sadly it’s rubbing off on our kids. They no longer go to Disney with the eyes of youth they see through their parent’s cynical eyes. Think about what you say to your kids it affects them; don’t complain about prices in front of them unless you want them to be cynical as well.
Yeah so part of the magic may be tarnished, but people (Roy
Disney) only started to complain when the stock dropped, no one noticed the magic fading when money was being made. Eisner used to spend money like it was going out of style if you’ve been to Disneyland Paris you know that no corners were cut every dollar that could be spent was spent. Then what happened? The park didn’t turn a profit instantly and suddenly Eisner was on everyone’s $&#* list, not because he built an un-magical park but because he didn’t line the vault with more gold. So corners are being cut now … why? Not because Disney has lost the magic, because the stock holders want their cash or they’ll stage a coup … oh hold on they did that already.
But that’s way off topic.
What you need to do is put all that you know about Disney out of your mind once you walk through the gates, and let your youthful heart be your guide and the “Golden Age” your looking for can be today.
If you take away all the cynics who look at Disney through cynical eyes you still have a magical place, but sadly it’s rubbing off on our kids. They no longer go to Disney with the eyes of youth they see through their parent’s cynical eyes. Think about what you say to your kids it affects them; don’t complain about prices in front of them unless you want them to be cynical as well.
Yeah so part of the magic may be tarnished, but people (Roy
Disney) only started to complain when the stock dropped, no one noticed the magic fading when money was being made. Eisner used to spend money like it was going out of style if you’ve been to Disneyland Paris you know that no corners were cut every dollar that could be spent was spent. Then what happened? The park didn’t turn a profit instantly and suddenly Eisner was on everyone’s $&#* list, not because he built an un-magical park but because he didn’t line the vault with more gold. So corners are being cut now … why? Not because Disney has lost the magic, because the stock holders want their cash or they’ll stage a coup … oh hold on they did that already. But that’s way off topic.
What you need to do is put all that you know about Disney out of your mind once you walk through the gates, and let your youthful heart be your guide and the “Golden Age” your looking for can be today.
CAPTAIN HOOK
Well-Known Member
The Golden Age implies that Disney is going downhill and coming to a slow death.
I look forward to my trips now as much as when I first went (12 years ago).
For me Disney is going through a change, keeping up with technology and demands from visitors.
Disneys best has yet to come
I look forward to my trips now as much as when I first went (12 years ago).
For me Disney is going through a change, keeping up with technology and demands from visitors.
Disneys best has yet to come
Blackie Pueblo
Active Member
I know it really looks like the golden age is over, and Disney is now in the " Dark Ages ", and I understand why we, including me, might feel this way. But you are all right, it does come in phases. I think this is a bad time for Disney, not just the parks, but look at the entertainment value. Disney was famous for it's animated family movies, and all they have done is crappy slap stick that doesn't hold onto the top ten and crappy straight to video.
But it will get better. The parks are hurting for that imaginitive spirit and it seems lost, but it will come back. It has to, because so few places are so magical.
Blackie Pueblo
http://www.newlineagefilms.com
But it will get better. The parks are hurting for that imaginitive spirit and it seems lost, but it will come back. It has to, because so few places are so magical.
Blackie Pueblo
http://www.newlineagefilms.com
bgraham34
Well-Known Member
I think Theme Parks in general around the U.S. we have to change drastically in the future because people want much more thrills. They will push the envelope like Mission Space to see how far they can go.
But is the Golden Age over, I don't know. I think the hardest thing is getting young kids away from the Video Games and PC;s to enjoy parks again.
But is the Golden Age over, I don't know. I think the hardest thing is getting young kids away from the Video Games and PC;s to enjoy parks again.
brich
New Member
Let's see. In 1985, you would probably be about 10 years old. Now, my math tells me your looking at 20. Any chance the eyes of a 10 year old may have seen things a little different than your current eyes? I know myself WDW is not what it was to me back in the early 70's but I can also tell you that my 6 and 3 year olds think WDW is the greatest place on Earth. I wonder what their take on WDW will be in another 20 years..... :veryconfuDRJJH1 said:
LaughingGravy
Well-Known Member
That's not really off topic at all. When DL Paris was built, it seemed to me it was the same time as the start of decline of WDW as far as the white glove magic we pay for and should still get. The money was put in Paris, Tokyo, and now Hong Kong and our beloved Florida Resort seems to get recycled attractions, attractions that are poorly maintained or closed, and uninspired rehads such as (shudder) Stitch.MartyMouse said:
I'm bringing out the negative on this because I think that if the focus is put back on the high quality all around in the US parks, WDW in particular, there would be enough people coming to justify finishing Pop Century, for example. How cool would it be to stay in the 1910,1920,1930, or 1940's buildings with associated themed pools? Without people coming, there's no incentive to do that.
Not for nothing, but I never see any advertising for WDW, either.
piratelass
New Member
Well, I'm not too sure what the 'Golden Age' of Disney was because I'm still rather young ^^;
I've been to WDW four times now, and I still get excited when you start seeing the billboards for the different attractions on the way to the resorts. Maybe I still have a bit of naive innocence left but every single one of my trips have been enjoyable. The staff was always friendly and I always thought that the rides were imanginative. Now mind you, I have been to plenty of theme parks, and most of them are carbon copies of one another, but I always thought Disney was pretty original. I really don't go in expecting anything other then a good time. Again, it may be my youth because I have never experienced a Disney of yester year.
But I still find it magical, no matter how cheesy that sounds.
Just my two cent ^^
I've been to WDW four times now, and I still get excited when you start seeing the billboards for the different attractions on the way to the resorts. Maybe I still have a bit of naive innocence left but every single one of my trips have been enjoyable. The staff was always friendly and I always thought that the rides were imanginative. Now mind you, I have been to plenty of theme parks, and most of them are carbon copies of one another, but I always thought Disney was pretty original. I really don't go in expecting anything other then a good time. Again, it may be my youth because I have never experienced a Disney of yester year.
But I still find it magical, no matter how cheesy that sounds.
Just my two cent ^^
righttrack
Well-Known Member
Theme parks and WDW depend on "new and exciting" to fuel customer experiences. I think Disney focused far too much on expanding capacity, versus real creativity in the 90s. Essentially the buisiness processes of the 90s-00s appears to
A.) Shift from a theme park to an all-inclusive resort.
B.) Increase park capacity, achieved through less expensive parks and attractions.
The purpose of A.) is to get more dollars from each visitor.
The purpose of B.) is to get more visitors.
These would appear to be the goals of WDW, and they are in common with every theme park/resort around the world. So many mini-projects, like Magical Express + MYW+Dining are all about A.), getting more dollars from each visitor. If you can't leave, you must eat there.
Parks like Animal Kingdom and MGM, along with extensive bus transportation means more guests and happier guests. There is no way they could move that many people through Epcot and MK. They have also extended the average WDW stay from 5 days to 7, for many, because of the additional attractions. This meets dollar/per capita, and capacity goals.
A.) Shift from a theme park to an all-inclusive resort.
B.) Increase park capacity, achieved through less expensive parks and attractions.
The purpose of A.) is to get more dollars from each visitor.
The purpose of B.) is to get more visitors.
These would appear to be the goals of WDW, and they are in common with every theme park/resort around the world. So many mini-projects, like Magical Express + MYW+Dining are all about A.), getting more dollars from each visitor. If you can't leave, you must eat there.
Parks like Animal Kingdom and MGM, along with extensive bus transportation means more guests and happier guests. There is no way they could move that many people through Epcot and MK. They have also extended the average WDW stay from 5 days to 7, for many, because of the additional attractions. This meets dollar/per capita, and capacity goals.
MrNonacho
Premium Member
I like the parks more than ever, but I think we are entering another round of "internet negativity." Anyone who's been reading this site or others for years has seen it. It's a cyclical wave where people feed off a few people's genuinely negative experiences, run with them, and soon there is a snowballing aura of "blah-ness" that overcomes the forums. The WDW resort itself may be better than it has been in years, but you sure won't be able to tell by reading about it.
speck76
Well-Known Member
objr said:
unfortunately, a large amount of the Disney "fans" want the parks to stay the line that Walt created........they do not appreciate the new innovation, as it may not appeal to them directly, although it probably puts Disney in a better position with the future audiances
PigletIsMyCat
Well-Known Member
I've only been to WDW once, but me and DH are incredibly excited to be going back! He started a countdown on his calander over 100 days before the trip. At first, he was expecting rides similar to Six Flags (Great Adventure is the closest 'theme park' to us on Long Island. I have never been there lol) and I told him, Space Mountain is not going to be like Batman, and the Haunted Mansion is NOT going to scare a 24 year old man. But the attention to detail is probably what I love most about Disney. Plus, riding through POTC, when you think about when it was built, how amazing it must have seemed, etc. it's awesome. I have been to DL four times, also been to Magic Mountain, Knott's Berry Farm, Dorney Park, and some others. I love roller coasters, I love cheesy midway rides, and I love the characters at those parks. But, jaded and cynical as I am (and I am), I CANNOT WAIT to go to WDW. Me and DH are moving to Orlando to be closer. We have been turned into Disney-holics and we love it. Poor mousekeeping on one trip won't change that, messed up audio on HM won't change it, annoying )(%$)#$ kids will not change it (although they tick me off).
Wholeheartedly Agreed.
MartyMouse said:
Wholeheartedly Agreed.
Cattman96
New Member
Maybe when the parks first opened we looked at all the technology with a sense of wonderment and amazement. Now we see the current technology with a "what have ya done for me lately" mentality. Kind of like the fast food generation we live in. I want it now... Whats next sort of thing...
Back to the future. Oops, that's Universal. :lookaroun
OK then, how about Back to the past? :sohappy:
Walt's idea was for a family park. He built Disneyland with rides and attractions for mom, dad and their 5-12 (or so )year old children. He threw in a few rides for teens and young adults, but on the whole most of the rides and attractions were designed for the whole family to enjoy together.
Today we seem to be moving toward designing for the teen and young adult market, hense Islands of Adventure added to Universal. Maybe we need to slow down on the teen and young adult market and add more to the "young family" and grandparent/young grandchild market.
I said slow down not stop for the teen/young adult market. I like Test Track. I loved Motion and Horizons. I like Space Mountain. I love the Wedway. :sohappy:
Almost every teen or young adult will return to WDW with children and/or grandchildren. Let's have a lot for those families to do together when they return. :wave:
Oops, that's Universal. :lookaroun OK then, how about Back to the past? :sohappy:
Walt's idea was for a family park. He built Disneyland with rides and attractions for mom, dad and their 5-12 (or so )year old children. He threw in a few rides for teens and young adults, but on the whole most of the rides and attractions were designed for the whole family to enjoy together.
Today we seem to be moving toward designing for the teen and young adult market, hense Islands of Adventure added to Universal. Maybe we need to slow down on the teen and young adult market and add more to the "young family" and grandparent/young grandchild market.
I said slow down not stop for the teen/young adult market. I like Test Track. I loved Motion and Horizons. I like Space Mountain. I love the Wedway. :sohappy:
Almost every teen or young adult will return to WDW with children and/or grandchildren. Let's have a lot for those families to do together when they return. :wave: