Mikey visits WDW

[PhotoDave219]

Agree with you completely. His visit is a positive.

If he would have come in right after the storm people would have said he didnt' trust the people who run the parks in an emergency or any number of other things.

Year, Eisner's visit is a positive but I'm still out 2 days pay. Where's the justice?

 

[KaliSplash]

Kadee makes a valid point. In fact, it is the basis of my joining you guys back in March when the 'hang Eisner' at the meeting effort was going strong.
I am NOT happy with what's happened at the parks the last few years and yes I know he is responsible for it. I don't like the shorter hours at the parks, and they are all shorter than they used to be. I don't like the close Audio-Animatronic attractions. I don't like the fewer live performances, etc.
And I understand the 'battered wife' argument that suggests that I am assuming it will get worse with a replacement.
But let me explain why I don't think that comparison holds. Walt Disney Co. is a business. It made its success on all the quality points that we've grown to love over the years and the fantastic job that cast members do, the 'over and above' as someone above mentioned. But it is a business. It must make money. It is more important to make money than anything else. If you do not believe this is true, you do not understand corporate America today. You see news stories every day about stocks rising and falling, NOT because the company made money in the last quarter, but because it did or did not make as much as analysists expected. You make money, but less than expected, and you are a loser. Is it right or fair, no? But it is reality.
Whoever replaces Eisner is much more likely to look on ways to improve the earnings report for the next quarter, than ways to improve the quality of cast members on the Astro Orbiter. Or the pre-show for the new attraction. Or to add another live band member to a show. Let alone come up with a major new attraction that we all crave. He or she will be looking to cut hours, cut costs, increase prices, reduce quality, all to make the next quarter's revenue figures look better than expected. That is all that matters.
Yes, it is possible we will get a better replacement. But I think the odds are overwhelmingly against that.
I am not happy with this analysis of the situation. I wish every single old attraction was still open and we only added new ones. I wish the Odyssy (sp) restaurant was still open because it was a fast food place that wasn't crowded. I wish we could pay cast members enough to earn a living. I wish the contract negotiations with them weren't about what benefits you are willing to give up to get a .25/hour raise. I also wish it still cost $195 to stay in the tower at the Contemporary. And that tickets were $40 per day instead of $55. etc. etc. etc.
But I think the replacement we get will be more likely to follow the present trend in corporate Amerca, than to follow in Walt's footsteps of doing what is best for the customer and hope your brother figures out how to pay for it.
What real money experts are upset with Eisner about is not the theme parks, it's ABC and the movies. The theme parks are the bright spot in the Disney empire. and therefore, in their minds, not an area that needs a flood of investment to improve.
(steps off soapbox)

 

[imagineer99]

Whoa, what happened to this guy? How did he get banned? I searched his posts, but found nothing bad. As trollologist of these boards, I ask if anyone knows.

That IS Weird...

what did he do wrong?

His posts were brief, not offensive...

Steve, care to enlighten.

 

[AEfx]

That IS Weird...

what did he do wrong?

His posts were brief, not offensive...

Steve, care to enlighten.

Perhaps the offending posting(s) were deleted.

In any case, the discussion of actions taken against a poster by the admins is no one's business but the moderator and the offending party; I would be very disapointed if the reason was publicly disclosed - it would be rather unprofessional to discuss it period.

AEfx

 

[Senderella]

Kadee makes a valid point. In fact, it is the basis of my joining you guys back in March when the 'hang Eisner' at the meeting effort was going strong.
I am NOT happy with what's happened at the parks the last few years and yes I know he is responsible for it. I don't like the shorter hours at the parks, and they are all shorter than they used to be. I don't like the close Audio-Animatronic attractions. I don't like the fewer live performances, etc.
And I understand the 'battered wife' argument that suggests that I am assuming it will get worse with a replacement.
<big snip>
(steps off soapbox)

They need to have a CEO who will worry about the money aspect of it otherwise Disney will be a memory having gone bankrupt, BUT.... they also need to appoint someone on an equal level who will work with the Money CEO and communicate with him/her regarding the important things. The things we're all concerned about.

 

[imagineer boy]

No! No! No! No! I don't care how many negative points I get for disagreeing with you on this one! I have heard this argument bandied about often and I take this moment to kindly disagree with you on this one.

I am going to offer you an equivalent hypoethetical. And it's only that. Hypothetical. I am only making a comparison. If I were a battered wife, and I had suffered years of battery, and I kept saying, "Oh, it's better to stay in this battered relationship because I don't know what it's like outside of this relationship. The next one might be worse." I would be ignoring the fact that the NEXT ONE COULD BE BETTER!!! How do you know if you don't try???

One of our greatest presidents, President Roosevelt, once said, "There is nothing to fear, but fear itself." And that's the point. Do you allow this fear, based on no conceptual evidence whatsoever, deter you from making the brave leap to bring in the kind of leadership that Disney so richly deserves?

Disney is more than just a company or business as so many believe. It is an idea, as Polyanna as other may think it to be, of a place where people can come to live their childhood wish. A place where we can be children again. Disney is, was, and always shall be an American icon. And it is my belief that we have long passed the point of bringing in new leadership that will not only protect the Disney icon and heritage, but promote it and give it room to grow. It is time for people to overcome that fear and face the many positive possiblities out there.

My two cents. That's all.

Exactly. The thought of "the next one will be worse" is the same thing people thought when the great Matt Ouimet replaced the evil Cynthia Harrissssssssssssss as persident of the Disneyland Anaheim Resort. They thought matt wouldn't be that great, but he's instructing a huge disneyland restoration project for the fiftieth including the return of the subs! :sohappy: He's the best Disneyland Resort president since Walt himself IMPO.

 

[caparamedic]

Why wasn't he there cleaning it up. See you need executives who wil get there hands dirty especialyl at Disney that is what you really need to see from corporations. It keeps the little man in check.

It would be nice, but the last thing I want to do is CPR on the CEO! Mikey already has a cardiac history. Maybe he could have passed out refreshments to those cleaning up this mess.

It is SO hot here, even I hired a tree guy to clean my yard! He will get to it next week.

I do agree, the M.E. should have been on the Red Eye Friday night and here Saturday morning. Bush (Jeb and W.) were here (in Central Flordia) before Eisner!

 

[WDWRLD]

Hey I think ME has done a great job in the past, and is still doing a good job. Mabee one of the days was his day to work in the park at DL, or does he not do that anymore? Last I heard he served hot dogs at a cart. Mabee im wrong but at one time I believe that all of upper mgmt spent 1 day a year working in the park. HE HE HE...

 

[wannab@dis]

They need to have a CEO who will worry about the money aspect of it otherwise Disney will be a memory having gone bankrupt, BUT.... they also need to appoint someone on an equal level who will work with the Money CEO and communicate with him/her regarding the important things. The things we're all concerned about.

Very good point and it should be noted that this was in fact the way things were during many successful years for Disney. It was true for Walt & it was true for Eisner during the late 80's / early 90's. The same should be done again now and it may make all the difference in the world. But, I don't believe that ME has earned his right to remain, even in a dual leadership capacity.

 

[HennieBogan1966]

Just a few thoughts

After having read thru a good many of your comments, here's my take:

(1) Anyone who believes that ME isn't pulling the strings throughout the Company is living in a REAL fantasyland. He is the man in charge. While he may not be the puppetmaster during day to day operations, he certainly sets all the standards and policies at his discretion. I find it funny how a man in his position can be defended for NOT being the cause of all our "Disney" ills, yet the President of The United States is constantly blamed for EVERYTHING.

I make that comparison to say that as we all know The President can't REALLY do anything without the approval of Congress. Michael Eisner answers only to the Board of Directors, which, until recently, he was the CEO of. So again, to believe that he isn't running the ship is just niave.

(2) People who make comments on ME that are disparaging isn't always a bad thing. We all need a place and time to vent our feelings and opinions, and this is one place to do it. Should we do it in good taste? Of course, but sometimes people just get carried away. I find if refreshing when people make tasteful opinions/comments on ME, as I have some issues with his leadership as well.

(3) Yes, I'm sure that there have been positive accomplishments for ME, but his time is clearly past. It should not have taken him 5 days to make his way to Fla, following the hurricane. Funny how recovery/aid was coming from all directions long before the arrival of Mr. Eisner. So we're now supposed to believe that with his money and power that he couldn't cross state lines in less than 5 days? Come on people.

Just my take.

 

[cherrynegra]

After having read thru a good many of your comments, here's my take:

(1) Anyone who believes that ME isn't pulling the strings throughout the Company is living in a REAL fantasyland. He is the man in charge. While he may not be the puppetmaster during day to day operations, he certainly sets all the standards and policies at his discretion. I find it funny how a man in his position can be defended for NOT being the cause of all our "Disney" ills, yet the President of The United States is constantly blamed for EVERYTHING.

I make that comparison to say that as we all know The President can't REALLY do anything without the approval of Congress. Michael Eisner answers only to the Board of Directors, which, until recently, he was the CEO of. So again, to believe that he isn't running the ship is just niave.

(2) People who make comments on ME that are disparaging isn't always a bad thing. We all need a place and time to vent our feelings and opinions, and this is one place to do it. Should we do it in good taste? Of course, but sometimes people just get carried away. I find if refreshing when people make tasteful opinions/comments on ME, as I have some issues with his leadership as well.

(3) Yes, I'm sure that there have been positive accomplishments for ME, but his time is clearly past. It should not have taken him 5 days to make his way to Fla, following the hurricane. Funny how recovery/aid was coming from all directions long before the arrival of Mr. Eisner. So we're now supposed to believe that with his money and power that he couldn't cross state lines in less than 5 days? Come on people.

Just my take.

You had me at #1, lost me in paragraph 2 and then had me again in paragraph 3 and 4. :lol: I agree with your assessment of Eisner.

 

[Senderella]

Very good point and it should be noted that this was in fact the way things were during many successful years for Disney. It was true for Walt & it was true for Eisner during the late 80's / early 90's. The same should be done again now and it may make all the difference in the world. But, I don't believe that ME has earned his right to remain, even in a dual leadership capacity.

LOL I didn't know thats how it used to be done. I *really* think that's the way it ought to be because an executive Bulls & Bears kind of guy would be GREAT to help keep Disney on top of the money game but I don't think would know what the park *needed* and what the guests *wanted* if it were a snake & bit him on the nose.. Ya need the guy who's a people person who genuinely cares to keep Walt's dream alive and keep the millions & millions of Mousketeers happy. Not letting certain things die... realizing when certain things are a bad choice (Any takers on the Disney sequels? LOL) and really cares about more than big dollar signs. It would be an odd couple sort of situation, but if they had equal reign/title then they'd HAVE to work together and listen to the other person. You need both in the Boss's Chair to keep Disney alive.