New Disney catch phrase!

[MickeyPeace]

Rizzo effect, declining by degrees...many new phrases are being generated to describe the negative of WDW. Although I understand these concepts I still enjoy WDW.

But here is where I throw my phrase in the ring. And this is the one that just may cause me not to renew my AP. Cancel my next trip for the 24 hour leap year event. And just may have me not coming back nearly as often.

Here is my catch phrase for what I am increasingly unhappy with in the direction that WDW is going. I will call it Toddlerization-the ringing of bells, banging of drums, honking of horns and "not really" interactive tv screens. The relentless addition of playgrounds everywhere throughout MK. The lazy park yourself before a screen and interact without thinking.

Walt said his park is for everyone of all ages. WDW already has the toddler set on lock. Do you really need to target them? I am increasingly feeling like the focus is on pre-teen in WDW. Guess what TDO, the adults have the wallets full of money. I am not interested in spending my cash to hang out in a nursery.

I still like WDW. I'm sure I'll go at some point this year. However, I am 90% sure I am going to cancel my trip that's coming up in 2 weeks. And I'll see about that AP renewal in Sept.

I believe that Disney awakens the spirit of the child in all of us. I just didn't picture it wearing diapers.

 

[Walt Disney1955]

I guess you are refering to the Magic Kingdom? I wouldn't worry too much. Things like the Carousel of Progress, Hall of Presidents, even stuff like Pirates or Haunted Mansion is not aimed at toddlers or even single digit children. So much to do at MK that it isn't even worth complaining.

 

[Rivers Rowe]

Rizzo effect, declining by degrees...many new phrases are being generated to describe the negative of WDW. Although I understand these concepts I still enjoy WDW.

But here is where I throw my phrase in the ring. And this is the one that just may cause me not to renew my AP. Cancel my next trip for the 24 hour leap year event. And just may have me not coming back nearly as often.

Here is my catch phrase for what I am increasingly unhappy with in the direction that WDW is going. I will call it Toddlerization-the ringing of bells, banging of drums, honking of horns and "not really" interactive tv screens. The relentless addition of playgrounds everywhere throughout MK. The lazy park yourself before a screen and interact without thinking.

Walt said his park is for everyone of all ages. WDW already has the toddler set on lock. Do you really need to target them? I am increasingly feeling like the focus is on pre-teen in WDW. Guess what TDO, the adults have the wallets full of money. I am not interested in spending my cash to hang out in a nursery.

I still like WDW. I'm sure I'll go at some point this year. However, I am 90% sure I am going to cancel my trip that's coming up in 2 weeks. And I'll see about that AP renewal in Sept.

I believe that Disney awakens the spirit of the child in all of us. I just didn't picture it wearing diapers.

U mad bro? Find someplace else to vacation then, case closed.

 

[RedFoxRunner]

There are several adult themed rides in the various Disney Parks, but I do tend to agree the marketing and overall additions have been catered towards children and younger children at that. I understand the big dollar will come from families and specifically those with kids, but I don't think it helps Disney shed it's image as a "little kids park" with how it's become lately.

This last May I was telling my girlfriend about Disney who hadn't been since she was kid - she didn't have a strong memory of it. She also had the response that it was a "kid's park" and there weren't alot of exciting rides. So I requested the DVD planner and popped it in. The first few lines narrated went something like, "Do you wish you could be a Princess or a Pirate?!" in a female voice clearly aimed at smaller children. Most of the DVD showed smaller children playing or interacting with characters, etc. This did not support my position that there were adult rides and activities.

I remember the "older days" of WDW marketing were geared towards the "thrills" of the scarier rides and had a broader spectrum of what Disney offered to all ages. Lately Disney seems to focused on a specific (younger) audience in their marketing, rides, and interactive queues. Don't get me wrong, I like the "kids rides" and all of the nuances about the parks, but it's a hard sell for those who aren't overly into Disney. I really wish they would add a few more adult oriented rides (ie: Tower of Terror, RNRC, TT, etc).

 

[MickeyMind]

U mad bro? Find someplace else to vacation then, case closed.

This is a disneyworld board, where we talk about things related to, idk DISNEY WORLD? If someone wants to vent let em vent, I hate it when people say things like " find someplace else to vacation", if there was a place that meant as much to us as wdw then we would most definitely go there!

The op obviously loves wdw, and would prefer to vacation there, does this mean he should accept everything blindly? never complain about the issues with the parks? If people didnt complain about dl during the pressler era, dl wouldnt be looking as good as it does today, and this, my friend, is why people complain about wdw today, because we notice the "declining by degrees" or the "rizzo affect" or the "toddlerization" of the parks, and would like to see the parks restored to the beautiful places they once were BEFORE disney started becoming complacent!

 

[real mad hatter]

Now Now Children.

Settle down please,let's not get into a argument over the most magical place on earth,where it states "little brothers get on with their little sisters".But on a serious note,I think there's plenty in MK to suit every age,from the very young to the very old[me] and if my son tries to get me onto those spinning cups this year,I'll stop his pocket money,there I've said it,god i am glad I got that off my chest,phew!

 

[Banksy]

U mad bro? Find someplace else to vacation then, case closed.

:sohappy::sohappy::sohappy: You said it perfectly! Stop being brats and complaining. It's still fantastic. When people pick it apart like that...I don't know how they enjoy anything!

This is a disneyworld board, where we talk about things related to, idk DISNEY WORLD? If someone wants to vent let em vent, I hate it when people say things like " find someplace else to vacation", if there was a place that meant as much to us as wdw then we would most definitely go there!

The op obviously loves wdw, and would prefer to vacation there, does this mean he should accept everything blindly? never complain about the issues with the parks? If people didnt complain about dl during the pressler era, dl wouldnt be looking as good as it does today, and this, my friend, is why people complain about wdw today, because we notice the "declining by degrees" or the "rizzo affect" or the "toddlerization" of the parks, and would like to see the parks restored to the beautiful places they once were BEFORE disney started becoming complacent!

Things change, deal with it. Not everyone is always going to be happy. Slightly deluded if you think they are becoming complacent. You have no idea how much work goes into making it appeal to a variety of ages and groups.

 

[gtaro]

While I agree that some of the targeting is towards children, I still feel like there is plenty for adults.

My wife and I have a phrase of our own. We call it "The Relaxed Plan". This past October, we spent 8 days at WDW to celebrate our 20th anniversary. We were in the parks each day but rode only 8 rides the entire week. Our time was spent enjoying the atmosphere, lingering over dinners, and watching some of the shows we would normally run past on our way to the next ride.

We had read an article about enjoying WDW as if you lived there; like there was no reason to scurry about. So that's exactly what we did. It was, by far, the most enjoyable trip of our many visits.

 

[nc_disneyfreak]

for everyone...

cant we all just get along? lol. I agree with some points of the discussion, i grew up at disneyland and ill always love the "kiddiness" that went with that. Im 31 now, east coaster and wdw is my fave now...i love the "adult" rides and the upscale type restaurants...but we do have 2 kids, 5 and 1, and were going in april....i find myself excited as heck, for me to get away from it all..(work etc) but i cant wait for my kids to be amazed at wdw...the lights, sounds and smells....i just feel like wdw is a family affair

 

[jmb2676]

Rizzo effect, declining by degrees...many new phrases are being generated to describe the negative of WDW. Although I understand these concepts I still enjoy WDW.

But here is where I throw my phrase in the ring. And this is the one that just may cause me not to renew my AP. Cancel my next trip for the 24 hour leap year event. And just may have me not coming back nearly as often.

Here is my catch phrase for what I am increasingly unhappy with in the direction that WDW is going. I will call it Toddlerization-the ringing of bells, banging of drums, honking of horns and "not really" interactive tv screens. The relentless addition of playgrounds everywhere throughout MK. The lazy park yourself before a screen and interact without thinking.

Walt said his park is for everyone of all ages. WDW already has the toddler set on lock. Do you really need to target them? I am increasingly feeling like the focus is on pre-teen in WDW. Guess what TDO, the adults have the wallets full of money. I am not interested in spending my cash to hang out in a nursery.

I still like WDW. I'm sure I'll go at some point this year. However, I am 90% sure I am going to cancel my trip that's coming up in 2 weeks. And I'll see about that AP renewal in Sept.

I believe that Disney awakens the spirit of the child in all of us. I just didn't picture it wearing diapers.

I tend to agree with a good bit of what you say. This is why I spend very little time in the Magic Kingdom. Usually just a day or so of a week long trip. Most of my time is now spent at Epcot or Universal. We are mid-30's with no kids so we still go to the MK but just tend to hit a few rides and move on to another park.

 

[EaglesfanNJ]

Rizzo effect, declining by degrees...many new phrases are being generated to describe the negative of WDW. Although I understand these concepts I still enjoy WDW.

But here is where I throw my phrase in the ring. And this is the one that just may cause me not to renew my AP. Cancel my next trip for the 24 hour leap year event. And just may have me not coming back nearly as often.

Here is my catch phrase for what I am increasingly unhappy with in the direction that WDW is going. I will call it Toddlerization-the ringing of bells, banging of drums, honking of horns and "not really" interactive tv screens. The relentless addition of playgrounds everywhere throughout MK. The lazy park yourself before a screen and interact without thinking.

Walt said his park is for everyone of all ages. WDW already has the toddler set on lock. Do you really need to target them? I am increasingly feeling like the focus is on pre-teen in WDW. Guess what TDO, the adults have the wallets full of money. I am not interested in spending my cash to hang out in a nursery.

I still like WDW. I'm sure I'll go at some point this year. However, I am 90% sure I am going to cancel my trip that's coming up in 2 weeks. And I'll see about that AP renewal in Sept.

I believe that Disney awakens the spirit of the child in all of us. I just didn't picture it wearing diapers.

Sounds like you love Disney, but are angry with TDO. Understandable, but seriously... I'm calling foul on this one. No way you're cancelling a trip you have in 2 weeks, and no way you're missing the 24 hour event. If you did that would be your loss and it's certainly not like TDO would get your message. Send me your tickets, I'll gladly hang out in the "nursery" as you put it (even though MK has offerings such as POTC, Space, Splash, BTMRR, COP, TTA, none of which are geared towards toddlers)

 

[disney fan 13]

Rizzo effect, declining by degrees...many new phrases are being generated to describe the negative of WDW. Although I understand these concepts I still enjoy WDW.

But here is where I throw my phrase in the ring. And this is the one that just may cause me not to renew my AP. Cancel my next trip for the 24 hour leap year event. And just may have me not coming back nearly as often.

Here is my catch phrase for what I am increasingly unhappy with in the direction that WDW is going. I will call it Toddlerization-the ringing of bells, banging of drums, honking of horns and "not really" interactive tv screens. The relentless addition of playgrounds everywhere throughout MK. The lazy park yourself before a screen and interact without thinking.

Walt said his park is for everyone of all ages. WDW already has the toddler set on lock. Do you really need to target them? I am increasingly feeling like the focus is on pre-teen in WDW. Guess what TDO, the adults have the wallets full of money. I am not interested in spending my cash to hang out in a nursery.

I still like WDW. I'm sure I'll go at some point this year. However, I am 90% sure I am going to cancel my trip that's coming up in 2 weeks. And I'll see about that AP renewal in Sept.

I believe that Disney awakens the spirit of the child in all of us. I just didn't picture it wearing diapers.

I agree with disney prince here ( that's a first) I have not seen one commercial in years that is not about making memory's or hugging cinderella...

 

[Hakunamatata]

I agree with the toddlerization aspect. I hate seeing ride vehicles full of toddlers on Space Mountain, Big Thunder, Teacups and POTC. Lord knows you can barely get into the Haunted Mansion, Hall of Presidents, or CoP for all of them.

 

[rsoxguy]

I think that we should send them all to Chicago. I hear that it's a toddlin' town.

 

[jlevis]

So, we're going in August for two weeks to celebrate my 70th birthday. Sounds like I'm going to have a crappy time and will be overrun with rug rats.

 

[Banksy]

I agree with the toddlerization aspect. I hate seeing ride vehicles full of toddlers on Space Mountain, Big Thunder, Teacups and POTC. Lord knows you can barely get into the Haunted Mansion, Hall of Presidents, or CoP for all of them.

..Yeah...Cause the height limit REALLY allows toddlers on space mountain and splash mountain... :hammer:

They are rides that appeal for all ages. I can't believe what i'm seeing on here! Apart from toon town (When it was around), i really don't see how it has become "toddlerarized".


Spoilt brats

 

[DisneyDebNJ]

OP, you brought this up in the thread about the new Small World rumors, and I agree 100%. The worst part about all of this is that some fans seem to buy into the notion that putting glorified kindergarten toys throughout queues, turning the MK into a giant video game, etc. is somehow innovative.

This "toddlerization" that you are referring to makes no sense from a business perspective. As you said, Disney already has a lock on the "young kids and their parents" demographic, and they didn't need interactive queues, meet-and-greets at every corner, and TV ads focusing entirely on MK, nostalgia, and little kids to get there. Why would you change your approach to go after a market you already had sealed up by doing business a certain way? That doesn't seem like a very pro-growth strategy, especially when Disney is trying to attract teens/young adults without children. You can't shed the image of being a kiddie park when you are manufacturing that image of yourself in the first place. Sure, conventional wisdom says that big money lies with the "young kids and their parents" crowd, but Universal is making a killing with Harry Potter, a property that has appeal beyond the toddler set. What's frustrating is that many Disney films and attractions have the same kind of cross-generational appeal, and WDW was successful before by offering something for everyone and marketing itself as a family experience. Now, the direction they're taking seems to pander to the young kids and their parents' wallets, and even properties that do appeal to all ages are leveraged in the parks in the most juvenile ways possible (i.e. Princess Fairytale Hall in New Fantasyland). That just seems short-sighted, and here's why. This type of thinking will not entice teens/young adults to come to WDW while Universal is taking a more balanced approach up the road. Eventually, these same teens/young adults will be inclined to spend more time at Universal when they have families of their own. I'm not saying that people will forgo WDW entirely, but there could be a significant effect when it all catches up to them.

I should also add that if WDW offers things for young kids' parents to enjoy, it makes sense that parents will be more inclined to fulfill their kids' wishes for a Disney vacation because they'll get something out of it, too. The way Disney is promoting itself now, it seems like a Disney vacation consists of rides for the kiddies and "memories" for their parents (which they can purchase for a nominal fee, of course). That sounds a lot less appealing than "attractions for all ages", if you catch my drift.


One of my pet peeves right here...The OP obviously enjoys WDW as a family destination and is concerned that the target audience is currently skewing younger. What's wrong with wanting to preserve something you love and see it only evolve in a positive direction? Furthermore, he came right out and said that he is considering not renewing his AP, which means he is taking his vacation dollars elsewhere if the situation continues to deteriorate.

I could not have said this better myself, well done my friend, well done

 

[powlessfamily4]

I Don't Want To Work I Just Want To Bang On The Drum All Day......

or honk or ring bells whatever.... as long as I am at Disney. Quite frankly I feel like too many people have complaints about everything under the sun. If the ques are not interactive people complain about boredom in line. You will never please the masses so I think Disney is smart not to try. If you don't like it don't go... or try to find something positive to focus on and have the time of your life.

 

[wilkeliza]

I'm sorry to hear you think that WDW is being toddlerized. The only toddlerizing I have seen is in Fantasyland which just to let you know is an area for toddlers. Outside of that there are things for adults. I'm 23 and have gone three times in the last two years and never felt like it was only for the little ones. On this last trip we spent at least some part of 4 of the 8 days in the Magic Kingdom. The Magic Kingdom is actually the only park that appeals to the smallest of children. The rest of the World is very much for adults. How many times do you read complaints that there is nothing for children to do at EPCOT or at Hollywood Studios? I hear it all the time. What is so wrong with adding cues to the Fantasyland attractions that fit those target audiences? Its a Small World is a children's ride as is Pooh, Peter Pan, and the such. If you want an "adult" Disney trip search for ways to make your trip one. Try drinking around the world or at Hollywood studios seeing how many times you can stand Tower of Terror in a row. My favorite "adult" thing to do is go out to Tom Sawer Island and just act like you did as a kid.

 

[MickeyPeace]

One of my pet peeves right here...The OP obviously enjoys WDW as a family destination and is concerned that the target audience is currently skewing younger. What's wrong with wanting to preserve something you love and see it only evolve in a positive direction? Furthermore, he came right out and said that he is considering not renewing his AP, which means he is taking his vacation dollars elsewhere if the situation continues to deteriorate.

Thank you. This is where I'm coming from. I understand that the parks are for everyone of all ages. I am not against attractions geared toward toddlers. Anyone who thinks that is what I'm saying completely missed my point. I also know that there is plenty for adults to do in the parks. Anyone who thought I was saying there aren't enough things for adults to do in the parks also missed my point.

What I am saying is that a major part of the billion dollars that Disney is spending on NextGen is so far being poured into targeting toddlers.

As WDWGoof07 pointed out, I want to see the parks evolve in a positive direction. A positive direction is one of balance. One that targets all age groups. From children to seniors and everyone in between. If I'm starting to feel uncomfortable with the toddlerization I'm sure others are too. And that will mean a shift away from the parks for those who don't have toddlers.

It feels like TDO just doesn't' understand the basic tenets of Walt's philosophy for the parks. And that is just wrong, let alone sad. Walt started Disneyland because what he saw at the time were parks where adults had to sit on a bench while toddlers played. He set out to change that and he did. Now management in Orlando is angling things back toward toddlers because of greed? ignorance? I don't know what. Bring back Imagineers and management who love and respect Walt and his philosophy and have a passion for the parks.

Yes, as some people who got me pointed out, of course I still love the parks. I want the best for WDW. I'm ok with playgrounds for toddlers in Fantasyland. I know there are things for adults to do in the parks. But have some integrity TDO! Care about the parks, the attractions, the marketing. WDW is not Legoland. And Walt wouldn't want it to be. Take some of the billion dollars and target to me. Target to adults.

Whoever didn't believe I would cancel my trip, yes I am just that close to doing it because I'm getting fed up. My plane ticket is paid for. I am booked for a week at Port Orleans French Quarter. And I am going to wait until a couple of days before to see how I feel. I know it won't make a difference to TDOs bottom line. But I am not afraid to spend my money elsewhere. And that will make me feel good to do what's right for me.

And haters, you don't matter to me.