Now, these are just my opinions:
For SM, I think the love it's getting, though small, is a step. Encouragement is needed to make more happen. Don't expect a "Relaunch" package though... DL's SM was in disrepair to inspire that. It was more of a need. Sure, the coaster would've been fine for a little longer, but it was needed. And DL's POTC is not that great. One of the things that WDW prided itself on, and I simply adore, is the speed ramp. At WDW, you didn't have to go "up the waterfall" as it wasn't outside the berm. That's the part I've hated about DL's POTC. (If you really wanted something special in your POTC experience, then ride DLP's... Amazing.) Another thing you all have to keep in mind, given the size of WDW compared to DLR, DLR just "looks" better because there's not as much. If you really look, there's problems. I'm not defending choices, just pointing out that DLR is not perfect as some try to point out. It's just spackle and glue...
Second, DLR does have it's own problems here and there. DCA needs some major love to get it going, though it is something you can visit and be happy with... DL itself is just as bad in some instances with needing some TLC. IASW was a prime example. We do what we can when we can. Different audience out here though. And PL (Pirates Lair for those who do not know), very poor. Yes, neat things to interact with, but poor. TSI = a classic. And, yes, even DLR leaves things to the last possible second to fix... And even it has it's share of horrible ideas (Tarzan's Treehouse, none of my friends nor myself go there...). It's not immune. It's management makes just as bad decisions (and if you really look at TSMM, it's really just plopped into PP) so, I mean, it's not like DLR gets love and WDW gets none...
The parks have to sustain themselves. Money made in there is money put back in. And yes, management is partly to blame for skimping. (It's hard to see a place you've worked at for so long go down hill...) And it's not just you all who complain about these things. CM's and even Managers complain about it too. Bottom line is bottom dollars. While Walt did run things different (and Roy wasn't exactly like Walt, he aimed to do WDW's MK without debt... imagine the differences...) he was about the guests, Roy the money. Public or not (and the Parks are not publicly traded properties) the investments are there. You look at it now, we have nothing but Roy's and no Walt's, in my opinion.
It hurts me to see so much happening, but pressure is on. Correct, WDW has ALOT of first timers. But time can be spent to do things right and not hurt guest interactions and entertainment. If you really look at it, WDW is trying to invest in itself. Just not the directions we'd like to see... I hate The Seas with Nemo... but my niece and nephew love it... I hate BLYAB, but my nephew adores it. I hate the Laughing Floor, but my niece loves it. WDI is not WED. And while I hate to see these things I grew up with go, I have to realize it'll be the same for my niece and nephew. They don't know Pre-Movie POTC. Only the new. Better execution is required, in my opinion. While I hate the ideas, at least the execution could be better. Money has to be spent, and the guys upstairs need to change the feeling. They really need to focus on the guests... maybe they need to take some money out of their salaries to benefit the parks. I know I would. (And I don't make that much to began with... I barely make the bills as it is!)
Guys, we can complain on here as much as we can. Till we are blue in the face. Yes, the product is hurtful and the upkeep down. But, if you really want to wake them up stop pinning for the "old days". START WRITING! They do hear you. They do read. They listen. If people start complaining enough, even shareholders will change. Start writing, start calling!
One thing I can tell you, if it weren't for the fact people didn't complain about the lights, they wouldn't let it go... It's not really a one way road for WDW and DLR.
I don't speak alot on these forums. Look at how long I've been here and my post count. I think the only one who's posted on here who might have interacted with me enough is Marni! Blast me for what it is I wrote, but don't criticize me too much... I do care enough to work there. I do care enough to pick up every piece of trash I see on my day off in the parks when I visit as a guest. And I do it for what my father has disowned and haven't been allowed to speak to the entirety of my family for. I do it for the love of vision, the love of dreams. And I do it for pennies.
>Steve
