Spirited News, Observations & Thoughts IV

[PhotoDave219]

Oh, and I forgot...during my time at one of the parks, I had a need to get help with the FP+ system, as due to the issues we had with our MBs, I could not log into MDE on my phone, and couldn't remember all the ride times.

CM from Guest Relations out in the park pulled out the iPad, and logged into The Hub to get my info. Nosy enough (Me) to look over and see much of our info right there as they moved through to find the FP info for me.

@WDW1974 was correct...lots of info there, and it's a bit disconcerting.

Specifically, what did you see?

 

[misterID]

So, here's a few thoughts, as promised, on the Magic Bands, FP+, refillable mugs, etc.

We finally made it home, good travels, but a long trip, especially after a lackluster but busy week.

I can reiterate, that in the future, I'm far less likely to return to WDW if the rule of the day is Magic Bands, Fast Pass Plus (with no regular FP system), and the continued decline in foodservice offerings (including the new 'rapid fill' program). The only good use I found for the MB was when swimming at the resort, we didn't have to worry about bringing the room key with us.

My individual Magic Band had a very tiny RFID chip, that was NOT located in the area of the Mickey head. How would I know? Well, after a week of trying to get the damned thing to activate the Mickey heads, or the security resort gate, or the laundry room door, you learn how to work it. Many times, especially at the resort, I had to take it off, and forcefully hold it up against whatever sensor I was trying to get it to activate. Not the case at the parks for entry or for FP+ use, as those went more smoothly. Definitely the most awkward part of the band is trying to use it to buy things (for the record, mine NEVER worked for room charging). Trying to rotate your wrist, or get the band positioned just perfectly, is nothing more than a ridiculous hassle. Took out the RFID KTTW card, and had NO issue whatsoever. Didn't have to even touch the readers in many instances...which leads me to feel that the bands are a step backwards, not forwards.

Not in all, but in many, CM encounters, it was clear that there has been a serious lack of training, and some of these folks hated the band as much as I did. They simply can't do their jobs as well. It adds unnecessary time to transactions at registers, whether food or merchandise. My band did finally (after getting some help at the resort) for the dining plan. However, since it wouldn't work for room charging, I couldn't use it to tip the servers. After a couple of days, I learned to tell them up front that they should know that they would need my KTTW card, and to not even try to use that with the handheld scanner (yep, even my KTTW card wouldn't work for charging anything unless it was swiped at the register...you know, the way they've done it for years?).

CMs seem very frustrated and overwhelmed, both from a system that is just not working properly, the ever-expanding test of them, and the lack of training. Asked a lot of pointed questions, and I was able to get some very candid responses along the way. I certainly won't give any specifics here, as I don't want anyone to have any repercussions, but one of the most interesting replies I got (and not that it's news to any of us), was when I struck up a conversation about the bands, and the CM discussed how they'd recently been through some basic training and were advised that the core of the system was so that they could gather data on guest patterns and behaviors. Or, at least that's what they got out of the training.

Oh-just thought of one neat, but creepy use we experienced...got an email with a 'special' FP+ for Be Our Guest for lunch. Took advantage of it, and bypassed the 1 to 1 1/2 hour line, went in, ordered our food, and did NOT get a rose to put on the table. 10 minutes or so later, our food rolled up to the table and we were served. Yep, they do know exactly where you are.

On to FastPass plus...a limit of three is crap. I felt ok with it, as the parks weren't super busy (but much busier than I thought they'd be), and I could use the legacy FP system. But, I can't see liking the limit of 3 at the MK. The other parks...well, there's not that much to do at them anyway. HS, for instance, it was really nice to be able to book TSMM ahead of time. We got to the park mid morning, and the FP for the day were gone already. Had also booked RNRC and Fantasmic, but the rain was so horrendous that we left and didn't go back that day. EPCOT FP+ was nice for TT and Soarin'...but here's the impact that we all knew would accompany the new system...there was a wait, almost all day, for Spaceship Earth in the Standby line. A wait for a people eater ride. During a less than busy time of year. Not just any wait...15 to 20 minutes almost all day. As the afternoon wore on, it quieted down, as everyone was riding Maelstrom (again, though, FP+ is artificially inflating the ride times there).

Enough on that for now...refillable mugs...well, we were at PORS, and I'm not sure if they changed the volume that's dispensed, but I could have overflowed all of our mugs. If they weren't free as part of the dining plan, there's no way I'd spend the money to buy them. But, to each their own. Asked a CM how they were being received (after watching an interaction with a guest that had a paper cup that had 'expired'), and said overall no big impact to them. There really wasn't a big problem with soda theft there, in their opinion. Values are a different story...said that's where all the money was being lost. Also, thought they might not get rolled out to all the Deluxe resorts.

And, one last tangent...I was really disappointed with the quality of the food everywhere this year. And, with the quality of service in several locations. Like many, I've seen the decline over the years, but this year it really just smacked me in the face, and it's so disappointing. Even the expensive character meals are, well, just not that good anymore.

I did complain (mostly about terrible housekeeping towards the end of our time there), and did get comped some, but even with that, as I explained to the 'mgmt' CM...I knew I was going to have a hard time coming home to friends (2 different families of 5), and tell them that they should still go to WDW.

Oh-and as for the 'increased' guest spending...it was such a hassle, that we just didn't buy any of the generic merchandise this time to speak of. Spent about 60% less than we usually do on property. Came home with a happier wallet.

So, @WDW1974 thanks for the warnings way back when...you were right. And, for @alissafalco and @Soarin' Over Pgh I apologize for the delay in getting my thoughts on here.

I think we were there at the same time. And you're right about SSE, lines were insane, just like HM and Pirates. I have never seen in over 20 years lines that long for those attractions. As another member said, HM is actually going to have to be a FP ride from now on.

And I noticed a lot of people having a hard time with their bands, but I have to say, they do look convenient

 

[IHeartArt]

Big announcements for Oct 1 tomorrow, right?

They will be announcing that there will be an announcement next year, yes. In the meanwhile, cast members are happy to tell you all about the previous October 1st announcements and how this announcement will measure up as a fine member of the announcement family.

edit: 200 likes, wassup!

 

[choco choco]

Big announcements for Oct 1 tomorrow, right?

You mean another announcement about regurgitating a past franchise for another live action movie?

You know, like Maleficent, Jungle Book, Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, Mr. Toad, Cruella de Vil

I don't know if there's a more creatively bankrupt company in Hollywood.

 

[WDW1974]

Spirited SHUTDOWN musings:

No, no one shut me down. Been very busy with work and, when I do have free time, I want to check out the new TV season's offerings. Also, just a wee bit tired of having the same discussions. When there's something new, I'll offer up opinions as I see fit.

So, instead of arguing about say whether the important folks read what is written here, I'll just tell you what i know to be a fact. That is I KNOW for a FACT that my posts and those of a good half dozen others here are read and read religiously by folks in middle and top management positions with TWDC. And I will also say if you post in a thread where one of these Spirits are active that there is at least a fair chance that your posts are being read as well or skimmed.

And with that, I think I'll check out what y'all have been posting and see if anything strikes my fancy.

Oh, and I must say that I spent much of today with a VERY special fanboi, sadly ...we barely talked about Disney as again, there really is only so much beating a dead brony can take. I miss ya 'JB' and it was truly great to spend time with you!

 

[WDW1974]

So, Star Wars gets cloned between Disneyland and WDW. Plays into what Al Lutz has been saying, I suppose.

Monstropolis is a DCA exclusive, at least at first. Cars Land remains a DCA exclusive, unless you count Tokyo (which very few folks here ever seem to do).

What does that leave WDW with as an exclusive? Avatar Land?

It sure looks that way, yes.

 

[WDW1974]

Suckage is what WDW has for an exclusive.

On behalf of the entire WDWMAGIC family, I apologize for being the only person go 'like' that post (even if I don't like the truth behind the sarcasm).

 

[WDW1974]

I remember hearing about Blacklist, but I don't know what it's about. Who stars in it?

Spader and he owns it (much like he did on Boston Legal).

 

[Atomicmickey]

Spirited SHUTDOWN musings:

No, no one shut me down. Been very busy with work and, when I do have free time, I want to check out the new TV season's offerings. Also, just a wee bit tired of having the same discussions. When there's something new, I'll offer up opinions as I see fit.

So, instead of arguing about say whether the important folks read what is written here, I'll just tell you what i know to be a fact. That is I KNOW for a FACT that my posts and those of a good half dozen others here are read and read religiously by folks in middle and top management positions with TWDC. And I will also say if you post in a thread where one of these Spirits are active that there is at least a fair chance that your posts are being read as well or skimmed.

And with that, I think I'll check out what y'all have been posting and see if anything strikes my fancy.

Oh, and I must say that I spent much of today with a VERY special fanboi, sadly ...we barely talked about Disney as again, there really is only so much beating a dead brony can take. I miss ya 'JB' and it was truly great to spend time with you!

It's nice to be skimmed. I'll take what I can get.

•
Major Eaton: I assure you, Dr. Brody, Dr. Jones. We have top men working on it right now.
Indy: Who?
Major Eaton: Top... men.


Top men are listening. Top. Men.

 

[1023]

So, here's a few thoughts, as promised, on the Magic Bands, FP+, refillable mugs, etc.

We finally made it home, good travels, but a long trip, especially after a lackluster but busy week.

I can reiterate, that in the future, I'm far less likely to return to WDW if the rule of the day is Magic Bands, Fast Pass Plus (with no regular FP system), and the continued decline in foodservice offerings (including the new 'rapid fill' program). The only good use I found for the MB was when swimming at the resort, we didn't have to worry about bringing the room key with us.

My individual Magic Band had a very tiny RFID chip, that was NOT located in the area of the Mickey head. How would I know? Well, after a week of trying to get the damned thing to activate the Mickey heads, or the security resort gate, or the laundry room door, you learn how to work it. Many times, especially at the resort, I had to take it off, and forcefully hold it up against whatever sensor I was trying to get it to activate. Not the case at the parks for entry or for FP+ use, as those went more smoothly. Definitely the most awkward part of the band is trying to use it to buy things (for the record, mine NEVER worked for room charging). Trying to rotate your wrist, or get the band positioned just perfectly, is nothing more than a ridiculous hassle. Took out the RFID KTTW card, and had NO issue whatsoever. Didn't have to even touch the readers in many instances...which leads me to feel that the bands are a step backwards, not forwards.

Not in all, but in many, CM encounters, it was clear that there has been a serious lack of training, and some of these folks hated the band as much as I did. They simply can't do their jobs as well. It adds unnecessary time to transactions at registers, whether food or merchandise. My band did finally (after getting some help at the resort) for the dining plan. However, since it wouldn't work for room charging, I couldn't use it to tip the servers. After a couple of days, I learned to tell them up front that they should know that they would need my KTTW card, and to not even try to use that with the handheld scanner (yep, even my KTTW card wouldn't work for charging anything unless it was swiped at the register...you know, the way they've done it for years?).

CMs seem very frustrated and overwhelmed, both from a system that is just not working properly, the ever-expanding test of them, and the lack of training. Asked a lot of pointed questions, and I was able to get some very candid responses along the way. I certainly won't give any specifics here, as I don't want anyone to have any repercussions, but one of the most interesting replies I got (and not that it's news to any of us), was when I struck up a conversation about the bands, and the CM discussed how they'd recently been through some basic training and were advised that the core of the system was so that they could gather data on guest patterns and behaviors. Or, at least that's what they got out of the training.

Oh-just thought of one neat, but creepy use we experienced...got an email with a 'special' FP+ for Be Our Guest for lunch. Took advantage of it, and bypassed the 1 to 1 1/2 hour line, went in, ordered our food, and did NOT get a rose to put on the table. 10 minutes or so later, our food rolled up to the table and we were served. Yep, they do know exactly where you are.

On to FastPass plus...a limit of three is crap. I felt ok with it, as the parks weren't super busy (but much busier than I thought they'd be), and I could use the legacy FP system. But, I can't see liking the limit of 3 at the MK. The other parks...well, there's not that much to do at them anyway. HS, for instance, it was really nice to be able to book TSMM ahead of time. We got to the park mid morning, and the FP for the day were gone already. Had also booked RNRC and Fantasmic, but the rain was so horrendous that we left and didn't go back that day. EPCOT FP+ was nice for TT and Soarin'...but here's the impact that we all knew would accompany the new system...there was a wait, almost all day, for Spaceship Earth in the Standby line. A wait for a people eater ride. During a less than busy time of year. Not just any wait...15 to 20 minutes almost all day. As the afternoon wore on, it quieted down, as everyone was riding Maelstrom (again, though, FP+ is artificially inflating the ride times there).

Enough on that for now...refillable mugs...well, we were at PORS, and I'm not sure if they changed the volume that's dispensed, but I could have overflowed all of our mugs. If they weren't free as part of the dining plan, there's no way I'd spend the money to buy them. But, to each their own. Asked a CM how they were being received (after watching an interaction with a guest that had a paper cup that had 'expired'), and said overall no big impact to them. There really wasn't a big problem with soda theft there, in their opinion. Values are a different story...said that's where all the money was being lost. Also, thought they might not get rolled out to all the Deluxe resorts.

And, one last tangent...I was really disappointed with the quality of the food everywhere this year. And, with the quality of service in several locations. Like many, I've seen the decline over the years, but this year it really just smacked me in the face, and it's so disappointing. Even the expensive character meals are, well, just not that good anymore.

I did complain (mostly about terrible housekeeping towards the end of our time there), and did get comped some, but even with that, as I explained to the 'mgmt' CM...I knew I was going to have a hard time coming home to friends (2 different families of 5), and tell them that they should still go to WDW.

Oh-and as for the 'increased' guest spending...it was such a hassle, that we just didn't buy any of the generic merchandise this time to speak of. Spent about 60% less than we usually do on property. Came home with a happier wallet.

So, @WDW1974 thanks for the warnings way back when...you were right. And, for @alissafalco and @Soarin' Over Pgh I apologize for the delay in getting my thoughts on here.

Dave,

Thanks for posting some of the fear I have had all along. I am still hoping for a good 2 weeks in the near future. I will post as promised all that befalls myself and my family members.

*1023*

 

[WDW1974]

Waiting patiently, my fine sir.


But really, tell us how you feel about bloggers. Don't hold back

Nothing against bloggers. I think writing is a worthwhile pursuit.

Being a Disney Lifestyler is another matter entirely. BTW, did y'all miss the Star wars themed bash that the DPB apparently had over the weekend to celebrate four years of something that shouldn't even exist in its current form? I think they only invited Mommy Blogging types to that one, so none of the usual O-Town characters.

 

[WDW1974]

It's nice to be skimmed. I'll take what I can get.

•
Major Eaton: I assure you, Dr. Brody, Dr. Jones. We have top men working on it right now.
Indy: Who?
Major Eaton: Top... men.


Top men are listening. Top. Men.

That is sooo funny because it -- in a different context -- was part of a very amusing incident this afternoon.

 

[Californian Elitist]

Spader and he owns it (much like he did on Boston Legal).

Boston Legal was a fantastic show. I was sad to see it go.

Looks like I need to check out Spader.

 

[1023]

It's nice to be skimmed. I'll take what I can get.

•
Major Eaton: I assure you, Dr. Brody, Dr. Jones. We have top men working on it right now.
Indy: Who?
Major Eaton: Top... men.


Top men are listening. Top. Men.

I would appreciate getting skimmed... a few pounds off my middle please, as that's where the fat is deposited.

*1023*

 

[WDW1974]

Thanks for the color, I didnt realize some of the work being touted had already been done.

Much of it has already bee done, yes.

Hell, I saw the test area of NBC two springs ago and assumed they were already working and close to completing renovations on the hotel. It is astounding that they haven't even started yet.

But I have heard , unconfirmed, troubling news that Dreams is about to be shelved until the Christmas version debuts due to money. And some firsthand reports from the beet fields seem troubling.

Also, make no mistake that this event was not scheduled months ago. It was thrown together. I think Disney needs to cut the resort loose as they are destroying a gem and have shown for two decades that they can't manage it for s--t. File bankruptcy, sell the resort and license it. Four fanbois could likely do a better job of running it.

 

[WDW1974]

I would appreciate getting skimmed... a few pounds off my middle please, as that's where the fat is deposited.

*1023*

Um ... Ah .. Yeah ... Me too!!!

 

[WDW1974]

Boston Legal was a fantastic show. I was sad to see it go.

Looks like I need to check out Spader.

It went because it was pricey and because, despite what some believe, ABC wasn't overly comfortable with the very liberal bias of the show.

But I sure wish I had Alan Shore as my attorney.

 

[WDW1974]

Is it Friday evening yet? I'm dying to know what Spirit has to say.

No, I got busy and had to stay away.

It is 12:36 a.m. Tuesday and I hope you still care!

 

[WDW1974]

Oregon and Washington residents aren't the only ones who visit Disneyland, besides Californians. A lot of the western part of this country does. We get a lot of guests from Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Montana, Idaho, Colorado, etc. It isn't literally just west coast folks that visit. A lot of the APs aren't Californian.

We get foreigners, too, mainly from Asian countries and Australia.

That's another wasted time argument, Princess. DLR gets 45% of its attendance from all over the planet and its 'local' zone is not only much larger geographically than WDW's it also has so much denser a population that you can't even begin to compare.

yet, the online WDW fanboi 'tude is that everyone who visits DLR lives within a 30-minute drive.

 

[lazyboy97o]

I think Disney needs to cut the resort loose as they are destroying a gem and have shown for two decades that they can't manage it for s--t. File bankruptcy, sell the resort and license it. Four fanbois could likely do a better job of running it.

Disney likely could not unilaterally decide to have Euro Disney SCA declare bankruptcy and be reorganized as a different type of corporation. An SCA does not completely leave out the major partners (the other shareholders) and they will have a say in reorganization. $2.36 billion in debt, even if to a single entity, is a lot to have forgiven.