Rumor concerning Phil Holmes

[HauntedPirate]

Warning: Don't tread on the people's class envy :lol:

:ROFLOL:
:sohappy:

Totally agree with WannaB - the hatred that has been cultivated towards anyone that makes or has "more than me" is just sickening. What happened to the American Dream? Work hard, reap the rewards. Why is that a bad thing?

With some of what's been written here already, it'll be interesting to see what happens with everyone's favorite MK VP.. :lookaroun ..in the next 2-3 months. :animwink:

Hey, what's the Ouimet guy doing these days? Is he available and/or willing to take the job? :wave:

 

[ClemsonTigger]

Ummmm, I didn't bring up the politics.

And the topic was settled long ago. Nobody here has a clue if he is keeping his job or not.



Warning: Don't tread on the people's class envy :lol:

Ain't that the truth!

While politics, religions etc. usually have no place on this site, and almost assuredly result in thread flame out...to an extent politics is interrelated to business models which we are discussing here.

Most people think of concepts like Democracy, Socialism, Communism, Cartels and the like as political or social concerns. In fact they are also business models as are discussed in any macroeconomics curriculum. How we do business is defined in those concepts.

 

[ClemsonTigger]

:ROFLOL:
:sohappy:

Totally agree with WannaB - the hatred that has been cultivated towards anyone that makes or has "more than me" is just sickening. What happened to the American Dream? Work hard, reap the rewards. Why is that a bad thing?

With some of what's been written here already, it'll be interesting to see what happens with everyone's favorite MK VP.. :lookaroun ..in the next 2-3 months. :animwink:

Hey, what's the Ouimet guy doing these days? Is he available and/or willing to take the job? :wave:

I could only wish.
I thank him for what he did in rescuing DL.
We could only hope for someone else like him, but I think he has had his fill of Disney management.

....but ya never know

 

[whylightbulb]

Please take a moment and re-read your post above. Basically, you are saying that it's only the internet fanboys that really know what is going on and only they are smart enough to see a better outcome. They see what the company execs don't and they see things the average visitory don't. And they understand the needs of the business more than the people actually INVOLVED in the business.

Sorry, but I think it's actually the opposite. The execs actually have much more information that you will ever see. They know the budgets of ALL parts of the parks, even the areas that you have no interest in. That's the key point. They can't make decisions only based on their interests, but the entire big picture. Most of that picture is boring and fanboys have no clue it even exists. The ego of the fanboys is amazing and much over-flated

There is too much here to deal with that has already been covered in other threads so I'll try to be brief.

First, I can't speak for all "fanboys" but I can say I have more information than many Disney executives. I have been in the business for more than 21 years, starting with park operations to WDI show design, to WDI R&D, to Universal Creative, to running my own firm performing feasibility studies, master planning, ride and show development etc. I'd say I have a much broader perspective than most Disney executives. Considering that many I worked with while at Disney couldn't care less what "real" guests in the parks thought. It was like pulling teeth to get them to visit a park, much less talk with actual guests. They basically went by the skewed guest surveys and spreadsheets to determine their next move.

I on the other hand have spent many hours talking with guests and visiting the parks. I purposefully wait in lines and listen to comments. These are things Disney use to require its executives to do. I find it's mandatory to keep the right attitude and perspective when approaching a new project.

But really there is no need to complicate this further. One of the main reasons the Disney parks are so successful is the high quality attractions. I know it's not the only reason but it's one of the major ones. If Disney continues to neglegt this area of development it will catch up with them eventually.

 

[SirGoofy]

I on the other hand have spent many hours talking with guests and visiting the parks. I purposefully wait in lines and listen to comments. These are things Disney use to require its executives to do. I find it's mandatory to keep the right attitude and perspective when approaching a new project.

Yes. FTW. People on these boards that complain about the "fanboys" are seriously closed minded. Do you think that guests don't notice the little things wrong in attractions like these so called fanboys?

I spent 6 months in those parks, and I heard about EVERYTHING. Whether it was while I was working the Jungle Cruise, or visiting the parks as a guest. I heard the "normal" people complaining about things like an animatronic not moving correctly, or audio mistakes on a ride.

So please, don't think that the only people who complain are a small number of internet fans, because you would be seriously mistaken.

 

[ClemsonTigger]

There is too much here to deal with that has already been covered in other threads so I'll try to be brief.

First, I can't speak for all "fanboys" but I can say I have more information than many Disney executives. I have been in the business for more than 21 years, starting with park operations to WDI show design, to WDI R&D, to Universal Creative, to running my own firm performing feasibility studies, master planning, ride and show development etc. I'd say I have a much broader perspective than most Disney executives. Considering that many I worked with while at Disney couldn't care less what "real" guests in the parks thought. It was like pulling teeth to get them to visit a park, much less talk with actual guests. They basically went by the skewed guest surveys and spreadsheets to determine their next move.

I on the other hand have spent many hours talking with guests and visiting the parks. I purposefully wait in lines and listen to comments. These are things Disney use to require its executives to do. I find it's mandatory to keep the right attitude and perspective when approaching a new project.

But really there is no need to complicate this further. One of the main reasons the Disney parks are so successful is the high quality attractions. I know it's not the only reason but it's one of the major ones. If Disney continues to neglegt this area of development it will catch up with them eventually.

Yes. FTW. People on these boards that complain about the "fanboys" are seriously closed minded. Do you think that guests don't notice the little things wrong in attractions like these so called fanboys?

I spent 6 months in those parks, and I heard about EVERYTHING. Whether it was while I was working the Jungle Cruise, or visiting the parks as a guest. I heard the "normal" people complaining about things like an animatronic not moving correctly, or audio mistakes on a ride.

So please, don't think that the only people who complain are a small number of internet fans, because you would be seriously mistaken.

I agree with you both completely. While I argue from a business approach (not that it is correct) I agree with whylightbulb that you can have both. I am a great proponent of getting my hands dirty, and think any manager that manages from the office rather than walking the floor is making an error, and I don't know where Disney management (supposedly the business model for this approach) has lost it's way.

To play devils advocate however, while people notice things that are not working or not properly maintained, and may even go so far as formally complain about it, do you really think it currently matters to the current management structure? I don't see attendance numbers going down, and there is no equivalent for the entertainment dollar. So what if the yet is broken, the strobe is good enough. How many years did we deal with a run down HM? People still line up for these rides, and I don't see that changing.

So that leaves us to rely on the "pride" of Disney management and the desire to keep "Walt's dream" to drive these improvements. I hate to be the pessimist, but I don't see that.

 

[SirGoofy]

To play devils advocate however, while people notice things that are not working or not properly maintained, and may even go so far as formally complain about it, do you really think it currently matters to the current management structure? I don't see attendance numbers going down, and there is no equivalent for the entertainment dollar. So what if the yet is broken, the strobe is good enough. How many years did we deal with a run down HM? People still line up for these rides, and I don't see that changing.

So that leaves us to rely on the "pride" of Disney management and the desire to keep "Walt's dream" to drive these improvements. I hate to be the pessimist, but I don't see that.

No. It doesn't matter to the current management structure. As long as people are coming through the gates, and they could care less if the Davy Jones Projection isn't working, or whether one of the elephants at "squeeze play" isn't rising.

As for the yeti, the last few times I've been there, people are angry. I've heard people complaining how he moved in all the videos and promotional material they received. It's bad, but of course they are already in the park spending money, so management could care less.

And I completely agree. If there's not a drastic change soon, things will continue to deteriorate.

 

[MousDad]

This will probably stray to far into the political notion, but if you want to look for a basic problem in the world, it's this idea of anyone that makes more money than the average is bad. The hatred of execs or someone making more money than they is unbelievable. I assume if you ever get a great promotion and make executive pay, you will just give it back to everyone that works for you.

You are not being political at all. Great post.

Where in any of my posts did I refer to hating Phil Holmes because he makes more money than me, or class envy, or promoting socialism?

 

[Mr.EPCOT]

I on the other hand have spent many hours talking with guests and visiting the parks. I purposefully wait in lines and listen to comments. These are things Disney use to require its executives to do. I find it's mandatory to keep the right attitude and perspective when approaching a new project.

We need more people like you in the Company, good sir.

 

[jt04]

Where in any of my posts did I refer to hating Phil Holmes because he makes more money than me, or class envy, or promoting socialism?

I think wannab was refering to the overall undercurrent of the thread and not you. In fact the main body of the comments were between wannab and whylightbulb. I thought wannab made some great comments and I was agreeing with them. This thread is obviuosly about more than the VP's job at the MK.




my conscience is clear

 

[jakeman]

Of course you were...



Of course you are...



So, what things did you get fixed whilst a castmember??

Sorry, but they don't even listen to the customers complaints, so how can we expect to believe they would listen to a lowly castmember?? You're living in Fantasyland, that's for sure!!

I'm pretty much done responding to these post, since you and other's can't seem to form an actual argument beyond whining.

It's really not a fantasy, it's the way people work who want to get ahead and make a difference.

He just stated simple facts (his employment) and an opinion. why the attack?

Thanks :wave:

 

[PhotoDave219]

Right, and that's why we are all up in arms.:lol::lol: WDC's track record is subjective to those who view it. I tend to be optimistic about what they can do (oh hai, Horizons!:lol but when it boils down to it, it's all conjecture and opinion.

For now, there is no definitive answer...and why this thread keeps going in circles. I give up.:lol:

Oh there's no limit to what WDW and the Parks and Resorts division CAN do.

Your problem shouldn't be with Phil Holmes; he's a man who is making the best out of what he's given and allowed to do.

The big problem is that for the past 10-15 years, WDW has been looked at as the cash cow for the entire company. Profits are not being kept in Orlando and not reinvested into the parks. They go back to Glendale and make the board of directors oodles of money.

You think that by replacing Phil the current scenerio will change?

 

[SirGoofy]

I'm pretty much done responding to these post, since you and other's can't seem to form an actual argument beyond whining.

It's really not a fantasy, it's the way people work who want to get ahead and make a difference.

You're right I'm just a lazy, whiner who doesn't want to get ahead.

Sorry, but I've tried every avenue to get things done in the past, and now they have been firing people who go over managers heads, and I value my job too much to loose it.

 

[EPCOT Explorer]

Oh there's no limit to what WDW and the Parks and Resorts division CAN do.

Your problem shouldn't be with Phil Holmes; he's a man who is making the best out of what he's given and allowed to do.

The big problem is that for the past 10-15 years, WDW has been looked at as the cash cow for the entire company. Profits are not being kept in Orlando and not reinvested into the parks. They go back to Glendale and make the board of directors oodles of money.

You think that by replacing Phil the current scenerio will change?

Right...hence my changing view points due to this thread...It's been quite the learning experience.:lol:

The problem I DO have with this whole thing is exactly the problem you described. Perhaps Phil facilitates it by not pushing for more money, but that we will never know. What does bother me is that TDL and DLR are always getting updates and refurbs, we don't. Why can't we get that treatment? (because of the attendance show's it's not needed)

Sheesh, when I say it like that, sounds like I want Disney Socialism...spread the Pixie Dust.:lookaroun:lol::lol:

Joking, of course.

 

[PhotoDave219]

The problem I DO have with this whole thing is exactly the problem you described. Perhaps Phil facilitates it by not pushing for more money, but that we will never know. What does bother me is that TDL and DLR are always getting updates and refurbs, we don't. Why can't we get that treatment? (because of the attendance show's it's not needed)

Oh it bothers me too. I think WDW as a whole can do so much more, so much better from theming to attractions to how they treat their cast.

My beefs are more with the resorts and the restaurants. The cuts and consolidation have ruined Disney dining. You can get the same meat, pasta, and chicken at almost every restaurant.

Disney could do better but the corporate suits are more concerned with getting the money in their pockets now, not even more money later. Everyone wants the instant money return now.

 

[imamouse]

Oh it bothers me too. I think WDW as a whole can do so much more, so much better from theming to attractions to how they treat their cast.

My beefs are more with the resorts and the restaurants. The cuts and consolidation have ruined Disney dining. You can get the same meat, pasta, and chicken at almost every restaurant.
Disney could do better but the corporate suits are more concerned with getting the money in their pockets now, not even more money later. Everyone wants the instant money return now.

Amen! The DDP has ruined variety and degraded overall quality of food served at WDW restaurants. Like refillable mugs, it's cheaper and easier to buy the same of something, so now instead of unique, quality dining experiences, we get 'same ol', same ol' from location to location. Rant/thread drift over.

 

[MousDad]

Your problem shouldn't be with Phil Holmes; he's a man who is making the best out of what he's given and allowed to do.

When 74, Lee or Martin agree with this...

Right...hence my changing view points due to this thread...It's been quite the learning experience.:lol:

...I'll consider changing my viewpoint also.

 

[dxwwf3]

Oh it bothers me too. I think WDW as a whole can do so much more, so much better from theming to attractions to how they treat their cast.

My beefs are more with the resorts and the restaurants. The cuts and consolidation have ruined Disney dining. You can get the same meat, pasta, and chicken at almost every restaurant.

Disney could do better but the corporate suits are more concerned with getting the money in their pockets now, not even more money later. Everyone wants the instant money return now.

:sohappy:

We're going for 9 days in June and we made ADR's at Le Cellier (lunch), Tepen Edo, Liberty Tree Tavern (lunch), and the Hollywood Brown Derby (lunch). And that is it. 5 years ago we would have made double the reservations. We would have even paid the $28.99 for the Garden Grill on this upcoming trip, but the ridiculous surcharge for "holidays" that do not exist in the summer was the deciding factor on that. We've got ADR's for there in case enough people complain about this new rip off practice, but if nothing changes they can forget it. Dining used to be something we looked forward to a great deal when going to WDW and while there is still a lot of good things there, it isn't nearly as important to us as it used to be. We used to ALWAYS go to 50's Prime Time Cafe, but the past two pot roasts I've got there were nowhere near what they used to be and the price went up 3 or 4 bucks. Same thing goes for The Plaza on Main Street. And we don't go to Alfredo's anymore for obvious reasons.

 

[jt04]

When 74, Lee or Martin agree with this...



...I'll consider changing my viewpoint also.

I think Lee and Martin have mostly stayed away from this issue. Correct me if I am wrong.

And Steve has called it right down the middle in my opinion.

 

[jakeman]

You're right I'm just a lazy, whiner who doesn't want to get ahead.

Sorry, but I've tried every avenue to get things done in the past, and now they have been firing people who go over managers heads, and I value my job too much to loose it.

I never said lazy, please don't put words in my mouth.

If they are firing people for this, then they could have a wrongful termination suit of their hands, so I don't really buy that.