The guests that Disney does not want

[acishere]

Disney doesn't need massive hyper-coasters to offer thrills. Look at Mission Space and Tower of Terror. They have proved multiple times they can put in the effort and create a well themed thrill ride. Six Flags problem isn't simply they have all thrill rides, its that they don't put in any effort besides that (also terrible customer service, bad food, etc.)

I disagree completely.

I am getting on 30 now, but in my mid 20s my wife and I were both couple 1 and couple 2, simultaneously. It is absolute nonsense to try and label people one way or the other. We have been going to WDW for the past decade, and in that time we have had plenty of times that look at lot like the couple in picture 2.
.

Exactly.

The couple in picture 2 can easily be the newlyweds on their honeymoon. I don't get why picture 2 is supposed to be good example of irresponsibility. They are on a boat, so they are in swimwear. Are you saying that anyone who has ever taken a drink from something novelty like the flamingo she has should be considered undesirable. Its supposed to just look silly so its more memorable. The guy just has Starbucks and is giving the rock on sign. Is it bad to do that? Seriously I don't get why that picture is the model of all who don't belong in Disney. Because I'm pretty sure I have pictures just like it on my computer that were taken this summer. And right next to those is a picture with me looking like the first photo except I'm in Disney World. I wasn't running around acting belligerent (Even in Epcot while drinking around the world). Many of us know how to behave in different situations.

 

[Tim_4]

What's wrong with Branson? We love Branson. No place in the United States makes veterans feel more welcome.

Not a thing wrong with Branson. That's my point. Walt Disney World wants the "Branson" guests because they spend money and bring their children.

 

[Tim_4]

Many of us know how to behave in different situations.

...and many people do not.

Again I'm NOT judging people who party. I'm saying that the target Disney guest doesn't want to WATCH people party on their family vacation.

 

[Tim_4]

Curious to the OP - proof?

I know that the proof exists but it's nothing to which I have access. Another example of Disney's strategy that most people find counter intuitive is that pleasing "Disneyphiles" like us is the least of their concern. They know we'll come and spend the money no matter what they do. Their primary focus isn't even on bringing guests to WDW for the first time. The number one driver for WDW is shortening the gap between trips for multiple-trip visitors. Transforming a guest who visits once every ten years into a guest who visits every five years is much more profitable than bringing guests into the park for the first time. The return guest is much more likely to stay on property, eat at table service restaurants, raise their kids as "Disney kids", etc. A first-time guest is expensive to attract and doesn't have the same long-term return.

Why on earth would a publicly traded company want to purposely avoid any segment of potential revenue?

Really?


Jimmy Thick- Hopefully ending this argument...

Jimmy, I usually enjoy your posts and love the "Jimmy Thick" character but I think you're missing it here. The point is not to exclude a segment of potential revenue. Believe me, I'm a firm believer in the profit motive, but your thinking is too short-term. Disney ideally wants to attract everyone in the world. But if one source of revenue actually DRIVES AWAY a different, greater source of revenue, attracting the first source is a net loss.

 

[GoofGoof]

Anyone know what the official Disney line is for closing PI?

I definitely enjoyed PI as a young adult and I do miss it. It was especially cool when is was 19 (even though i couldn't drink) i couldn't go to normal clubs back home (no 18 to enter 21 to drink places in PA). Part of the problem was probably the 18 to 20 crowd who couldn't buy drinks and didn't generate any income. PI was still a Disney take on nightclubs. Tame compared to clubs in most cities.

DTD was pretty packed the last time I was there and there were several smaller venues playing music. No dance clubs, but it seems like they could potentially add 1 and charge a separate cover and offer some additional entertainment. They really need some sort of attraction to draw in more people too. Between the convention business, off duty cast members and guests who are young adults there should be enough demand.

 

[menamechris]

They're happy to take anybody's money, even badly-behaving teenagers in large groups. But it's smart to use their advertising budget to convey the message that they're more family-friendly than other parks.

Brazilian tour groups? What?

 

[menamechris]

I know that the proof exists but it's nothing to which I have access. Another example of Disney's strategy that most people find counter intuitive is that pleasing "Disneyphiles" like us is the least of their concern. They know we'll come and spend the money no matter what they do. Their primary focus isn't even on bringing guests to WDW for the first time. The number one driver for WDW is shortening the gap between trips for multiple-trip visitors. Transforming a guest who visits once every ten years into a guest who visits every five years is much more profitable than bringing guests into the park for the first time. The return guest is much more likely to stay on property, eat at table service restaurants, raise their kids as "Disney kids", etc. A first-time guest is expensive to attract and doesn't have the same long-term return.

Amazingly, adding new attractions would do this. And yet, we haven't seen anything terribly original in OVER five years. A nice little themed area is coming, along with a couple D tickets late this year, but nothing I think the average American family is dying to see unless they are "Disneyphiles"...

 

[lazyboy97o]

Anyone know what the official Disney line is for closing PI?

Guest feedback. Surveys designed to get people to say they wanted more dining and shopping without mentioning other options or that it would be at the expense of the clubs.

Parts of this discussion are starting to sound like a prudish Disney feedback loop, scared of those who may have a different idea regarding how to enjoy a vacation that does not fit a specific image.

 

[Tim_4]

Amazingly, adding new attractions would do this. And yet, we haven't seen anything terribly original in OVER five years. A nice little themed area is coming, along with a couple D tickets late this year, but nothing I think the average American family is dying to see unless they are "Disneyphiles"...

I agree with you. I was referring to the strategy. Whether we think they do a good job EXECUTING that strategy is a different conversation entirely.

 

[xdan0920]

I wasn't running around acting belligerent (Even in Epcot while drinking around the world). Many of us know how to behave in different situations.

There is a group of people, not saying anyone here is one of them, who do not believe you can adjust your behavior to suit different situations. Drinking is the devil, and if you are a drinker, and like to party and have fun, that means you will automatically destroy their vacation. It is a stunningly narrow minded view to have, and yet, it exists.

 

[GoofGoof]

Guest feedback. Surveys designed to get people to say they wanted more dining and shopping without mentioning other options or that it would be at the expense of the clubs.

Parts of this discussion are starting to sound like a prudish Disney feedback loop, scared of those who may have a different idea regarding how to enjoy a vacation that does not fit a specific image.

I am guessing the survey didn't ask if you would prefer abandoned buildings.

DTD needs some sort of draw other than Just shopping. The bowling and movie theater are nice adds but there needs to be more. They should think about adding some sort of fountain show like the Bellagio in Vegas or a less elaborate version of world of color from Disney Land to attract people to stick around after dinner. I only say less elaborate since it would be a free show in an area with unpaid guests mixed in so they aren't going to spend too much on it. Add in a few more outdoor stage areas with live bands and have bars setup around them. Maybe throw in one actual club with a separate cover for the dance crowd. I also think they could use another sports bar somewhere on property. I imagine football Sunday at ESPN Zone must get crowded. I think DTD as is has a good base for building something really cool that could appeal to young adults. They just need to step up their game.

 

[Tim_4]

There is a group of people, not saying anyone here is one of them, who do not believe you can adjust your behavior to suit different situations. Drinking is the devil, and if you are a drinker, and like to party and have fun, that means you will automatically destroy their vacation. It is a stunningly narrow minded view to have, and yet, it exists.

I know you specifically said "not saying anyone here is one of them" but, as the OP, I don't want this sentiment attributed to me. I believe "people can adjust their behavior to suit different situations." I do not believe "drinking is the devil." However, you can't deny that "SOME people do NOT adjust their behavior to suit different situations."

I was at Hoop Dee Doo the other night and the woman/girl selected to perform as the cameo dancer was wearing a t-shirt that said "Jail Bait." This has nothing to do with alcohol but it's an example of people who don't modify their ordinary behavior for a family environment. Yes, anyone CAN do so, but some people will not.

 

[YoungNY]

I know you specifically said "not saying anyone here is one of them" but, as the OP, I don't want this sentiment attributed to me. I believe "people can adjust their behavior to suit different situations." I do not believe "drinking is the devil." However, you can't deny that "SOME people do NOT adjust their behavior to suit different situations."

I was at Hoop Dee Doo the other night and the woman/girl selected to perform as the cameo dancer was wearing a t-shirt that said "Jail Bait." This has nothing to do with alcohol but it's an example of people who don't modify their ordinary behavior for a family environment. Yes, anyone CAN do so, but some people will not.

That doesn't mean we all should be punished for it. Deal with those who don't know how to act and let those of us who do have our fun.

 

[menamechris]

I was at Hoop Dee Doo the other night and the woman/girl selected to perform as the cameo dancer was wearing a t-shirt that said "Jail Bait." This has nothing to do with alcohol but it's an example of people who don't modify their ordinary behavior for a family environment. Yes, anyone CAN do so, but some people will not.

Wow...I say shame on the cast members for putting that up on stage...

 

[Tim_4]

Wow...I say shame on the cast members for putting that up on stage...

She was kind of sitting leaning forward on the table so i don't think the CM noticed until she was already on her way to the stage. My wife and I were cracking up laughing. When the performers realized it they kind of scrambled to get her back stage and into the costume asap.

 

[Magikal]

I remember standing outside of the RNR gates that were blocked by bushes in the pouring rain bc we heard of soft-openings back before it was open. When they let us on those few nights (I rode it 6 times) they had a guy in the studio pretending to hear the guys in the video ask for him to grab his guitar and the audience would all in unison say "make it a STRETCH!" as we had already been there the night before. So I guess it is nostalgic.

I think the problem is that the show never got updated. They need to change up the video every few years I think.

Aaaahhh.....you were lucky enough to be there too? Wasn't it AWESOME?!? Now I have PROOF & a witness that there REALLY WAS someone behind the glass!! We watched Aerosmith take the "Maiden Voyage" on a local Orlando TV station from our room at Old Key West. We got to stand just outside & watch/hear Aerosmith play LIVE under the guitar at RnRC! So cool!!!

 

[John]

Guest feedback. Surveys designed to get people to say they wanted more dining and shopping without mentioning other options or that it would be at the expense of the clubs.

Parts of this discussion are starting to sound like a prudish Disney feedback loop, scared of those who may have a different idea regarding how to enjoy a vacation that does not fit a specific image.

Heard this in another thread...fits perfectly...."bad solution to a manufactured problem"....Brilliant isnt it?

 

[WI DISNEY FAN]

There's a common misconception out there that comes up all the time when posters analyze WDW and their efforts to attract guests. People often highlight the fact that Disney seems to struggle with the 15 to 25-year-old crowd because Disney isn't "cool" enough. They compare WDW to Universal Studios, often invoking the closing of Pleasure Island and the lack of "major" roller coasters as things Disney has done wrong in targeting this age group.

What people don't realize is that Disney doesn't want these guests. This may seem counter-intuitive but hear me out.

Wild roller coasters and nightclubs invite a certain demographic of guests (young and "cool"). Young and "cool" people tend to irritate Joe and Sally Suburbs and interfere with their vacation by creating paranoia about shielding Little Timmy and Sister Susie from the various horrors of sex, drugs, and rock and roll common in today's teens and young adults. Now, Joe and Sally Suburbs tend to stay at the Polynesian Resort and purchase the Dining Plan, matching t-shirts, Mickey ears, plus a beer and a glass of wine every night at dinner. Little Timmy and Sister Susie will be made fun of when they get to high school for being "Disney geeks" but will end up purchasing DVC points at Aulani and preordering every Disney Diamond Edition Blu-Ray released in the next forty years.

The only thing you left out was their children return and participate in the College Program. I love your post.

 

[DCLcruiser]

Aaaahhh.....you were lucky enough to be there too? Wasn't it AWESOME?!? Now I have PROOF & a witness that there REALLY WAS someone behind the glass!! We watched Aerosmith take the "Maiden Voyage" on a local Orlando TV station from our room at Old Key West. We got to stand just outside & watch/hear Aerosmith play LIVE under the guitar at RnRC! So cool!!!

Yes, there was 100% someone behind the glass interacting with the video.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

I'm sure theyd prefer white christians and non of this gay malarky too.