The Spirited 8th Wonder (WDW's Future & You!)

[SpaceMountain77]

The DVC units (from the perspective of someone renting them directly) are basically disgusting, but we put up with them for the space and the proximity to the parks. I'm talking fingerprints on the windows and lamps, the carpets were gnarly, furniture is beat up, walls are beat up. And it was obvious to me that the housekeeping isn't being given enough time to thoroughly clean the units in between stays. And the daily housekeeping that you are supposed to get when you book through Disney? Good luck getting that. 9 times out of 10 the housekeeper boss lady will pretend that she thought you were DVC when you call looking for your daily housekeeping. It's easier to just bring some Clorox wipes, wash your own towels and put the do not disturb sign out. Now we stay offsite and some accommodations are good, some are great, but the prices are more in line with what you get.

As an experienced DVC member, I can tell you that the villas are truly hit or miss. To date, I have yet to receive a room that was just okay; my villas have either been good or very worn. Our best experiences have been at Animal Kingdom Villas - Jambo House. These villas are mainly comprised of darker colored fabrics and woods, which better hide their wear.

Do you really want to know Disney's best kept secret? DVC villas are average, extended stay suites that are not well maintained. This, truly, is the secret.

 

[dadddio]

When was the last time Cirque changed shows? Cirque comes to my town a couple times a year.

I never understand why people expect WDW to be changing things up super often. After all, the average family goes there probably every few years at most. If. I haven't been there in a w years, it doesn't matter if very few things are different because the old stuff isn't stale to me.

A big chunk of their guests haven't ever been there before. Everything is new to them.

 

[GrammieBee]

Don't hold your breath waiting for Cirque Du Soleil to change it's show in DTD anytime soon. Certain Cirque shows are permanent shows specific to one place and La Nouba is one of them. There are currently twenty Cirque shows of which one is permanent in Mexico, eight are permanent in Las Vegas and La Nouba permanent in DTD. The others are Cirque's "Big Tent" shows or arena shows currently touring in the USA, Europe, Canada and Australia. One of their newest big tent shows will be in D.C. and then Atlanta this summer.

Certainly there is some kind of contractural agreement between the Cirque management and Disney, but in no way does Disney control Cirque or set it's offerings or ticket prices.

 

[Nemo14]

I never understand why people expect WDW to be changing things up super often. After all, the average family goes there probably every few years at most. If. I haven't been there in a w years, it doesn't matter if very few things are different because the old stuff isn't stale to me.

A big chunk of their guests haven't ever been there before. Everything is new to them.

So why bother then! We'll get their money anyway.

 

[danlb_2000]

I never understand why people expect WDW to be changing things up super often. After all, the average family goes there probably every few years at most. If. I haven't been there in a w years, it doesn't matter if very few things are different because the old stuff isn't stale to me.

A big chunk of their guests haven't ever been there before. Everything is new to them.

Are they not building much new because people don't go very often, or are people not going very often because there isn't much new?

 

[Mike S]

I never understand why people expect WDW to be changing things up super often. After all, the average family goes there probably every few years at most. If. I haven't been there in a w years, it doesn't matter if very few things are different because the old stuff isn't stale to me.

A big chunk of their guests haven't ever been there before. Everything is new to them.

I just have to say Disney absolutely LOVES people like you. Keep waving that banner for the defense of mediocrity dadddio, too bad you don't get paid for it

 

[GiveMeTheMusic]

Don't hold your breath waiting for Cirque Du Soleil to change it's show in DTD anytime soon. Certain Cirque shows are permanent shows specific to one place and La Nouba is one of them. There are currently twenty Cirque shows of which one is permanent in Mexico, eight are permanent in Las Vegas and La Nouba permanent in DTD. The others are Cirque's "Big Tent" shows or arena shows currently touring in the USA, Europe, Canada and Australia. One of their newest big tent shows will be in D.C. and then Atlanta this summer.

I'm sure there is some kind of contractural agreement between the Cirque management and Disney, but in no way does Disney control Cirque or set it's offerings or ticket prices.

There were surveys going out from Disney in the last few years about the Cirque show and possible replacements/changes, one of which involved Marvel so...you know. Genius at work.

 

[Jennifer66]

Staying on the topic of hotel rooms.....

Right now I'm at a courtyard by marriott in suburban Philly. Big room. Big comfy beds. Decent TV & amenities. My point? Far beyond any moderate I've stayed while at WDW. On par with the room at the contemporary. Huge shower - one I won't hit my head in - and things that are slightly above the basics.

Short version: a Moderate at Disney isn't as nice of a room as a Courtyard by Marriott.

^^This totally encapsulates why I see no reason to stay onsite. The Hiltons, Westins, Sheratons are so much more, well everything, for so much less money. As for theming, if I want elegant theming, I'll go to Omnis where they call me by name and bring fresh pots of wonderful coffee to my room in the morning for no extra cost. While I like to save money, it's more about value. That's what is lacking at WDW.

 

[flynnibus]

it's a really big TGI Fridays. Some decent food, very pleasant staff, but not really anything more than a chain restaurant on steroids. The sort of thing you'd expect would anchor a mall.

And you do.. there are at least a half dozen of these within 45mins of me. I'm not sure who is giving who credit here... except it's another dining experience besides 'Yet Another TGIF chain'.

 

[SpaceMountain77]

Are they not building much new because people don't go very often, or are people not going very often because there isn't much new?

I cannot help but wonder if Disney executives think that the minor, new park additions are significant changes.

Here, in New Jersey, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train commercial is still airing. Although it appears to be a well-exceuted dark ride with intricate details, like hand worn and painted swinging vehicles, I just do not see how this can be their summer showstopper. I would think Frozen Fun Summer would bring more families into the parks.

 

[Tom Morrow]

I cannot help but wonder if Disney executives think that the minor, new park additions are significant changes.

Here, in New Jersey, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train commercial is still airing. Although it appears to be a well-exceuted dark ride with intricate details, like hand worn and painted swinging vehicles, I just do not see how this can be their summer showstopper. I would think Frozen Fun Summer would bring more families into the parks.

It's barely a dark ride. There's essentially only one dark ride scene, or two if you split it up into two parts: the mine shaft, and the lift. Outside of that it's just a family roller coaster. All around it's very nicely done, and beautiful to look at, but it isn't a showstopper and wasn't supposed to be one.

 

[John]

I guessing neither you nor @Cosmic Commando have been there? Because I'm as close to a regular as they have (headed there in 30 minutes in fact). And it's not even a bowling alley, it's a really big TGI Fridays. Some decent food, very pleasant staff, but not really anything more than a chain restaurant on steroids. The sort of thing you'd expect would anchor a mall.

Nope...never been in the place....but have walked by it....does that count?....LOL Ok a TGIF's with a bowling ally. I just never had the inclination to go in there. I am glad you enjoy it. Question, by your observations and best guess....whats the guest vs local demo numbers?

 

[wdisney9000]

After all, the average family goes there probably every few years at most. If. I haven't been there in a w years, it doesn't matter if very few things are different because the old stuff isn't stale to me.

A big chunk of their guests haven't ever been there before. Everything is new to them.

Says the guy who vehemently defends changing Maelstrom into Frozen because the ride is outdated and boring. (????)

As an experienced DVC member, I can tell you that the villas are truly hit or miss. To date, I have yet to receive a room that was just okay; my villas have either been good or very worn. Our best experiences have been at Animal Kingdom Villas - Jambo House. These villas are mainly comprised of darker colored fabrics and woods, which better hide their wear.

Do you really want to know Disney's best kept secret? DVC villas are average, extended stay suites that are not well maintained. This, truly, is the secret.

Totally agree. After a split stay in January at Beach Club Villas then AKV Jambo it was like night and day. We love BCV but the villas are not much as far as colors and decorations. AKV still feels brand new when you walk in. Theres nice, large pictures on the wall, quality trim, (<--- that sounds perverted but Ill leave it cuz its funny) and good furniture. We are thinking of adding two extra days to our December trip and after reading what Dave and others have said about Contemporary rooms being nice, we may give it a shot. Plus its the last resort on our. "resort bucket list'

 

[ParentsOf4]

I never understand why people expect WDW to be changing things up super often.

Because the WDW of the 1980s & 1990s and today's Universal demonstrate what happens when the product is updated frequently: sustainable double-digit growth.

To the point of this thread, converting Deluxe Resort rooms into timeshares means that Disney has no 'big plans' for WDW's future. Since there are no plans to fill those high-priced hotel rooms by providing exciting, new additions, why not convert them to timeshares.

When it comes to WDW, it means that today's corporate Disney has thrown in the towel.

 

[SpaceMountain77]

^^This totally encapsulates why I see no reason to stay onsite. The Hiltons, Westins, Sheratons are so much more, well everything, for so much less money.

In October 2011, I was able to book a Starwood Preferred Guest room at the Swan for $179 a night. The room was clean, nicely appointed and in much better condition than our Polynesian garden view concierge room a few years before. While I was not overly thrilled with the decor, it was cheaper than the moderates and has the benefit of walking distance to two parks.

Sometimes, I have seen rates as low as $149 a night, which gives you deluxe accommodations for value resort pricing during certain times of the year.

 

[John]

I never understand why people expect WDW to be changing things up super often. After all, the average family goes there probably every few years at most. If. I haven't been there in a w years, it doesn't matter if very few things are different because the old stuff isn't stale to me.

A big chunk of their guests haven't ever been there before. Everything is new to them.

I understand where your coming from. But after twenty years just maybe start thinking about changing it up. I agree some things are iconic. SOmethings I never want to see changed....others I think they need to be changed like the BatB show. I think its had its run. We can all argue weather certain attractions have been updated for the better but even Disney has updated them. Look at DTD in itself....its being "updated" I think where the problems are is "how" its updated. But like most things we cant please everybody.

 

[flynnibus]

To me, this truly is a deluxe studio. Although its kitchenette does not have all of the features of a DVC kitchenette, overall, it is more of a vacation villa. Moreover, the size and divided rooms are more accommodating for a family of 4.

Yet it's a STANDARD room Obviously Disney can not demo and start over with properties every decade to keep up with the latest 'new guy on the block' - but the point was to illustrate more contemporary designs and show that Disney's "rehabs" people gush over are at best attempting to keep up with trends.. instead of creating them.

If people want another comparison closer to home for Disney... The Raddison LBV.. which is right next to Crossroads basically (Horrible traffic area tho!).

This huge room easily slept my family of five comfortably and had modern amenities in the bathroom like a basin sink, etc. The rate on the web right now for a room tomorrow.. $139

For ROOMS... Disney's generally lack. I'm not saying they need to match this price... location is worth paying for... but services and rooms? Disney is way behind.

 

[SpaceMountain77]

Yet it's a STANDARD room Obviously Disney can not demo and start over with properties every decade to keep up with the latest 'new guy on the block' - but the point was to illustrate more contemporary designs and show that Disney's "rehabs" people gush over are at best attempting to keep up with trends.. instead of creating them.

If people want another comparison closer to home for Disney... The Raddison LBV.. which is right next to Crossroads basically (Horrible traffic area tho!).

View attachment 59420

This huge room easily slept my family of five comfortably and had modern amenities in the bathroom like a basin sink, etc. The rate on the web right now for a room tomorrow.. $139

For ROOMS... Disney's generally lack. I'm not saying they need to match this price... location is worth paying for... but services and rooms? Disney is way behind.

This is certainly a vacation villa. When traveling with 3 or 4 guests, the living room/sitting area of a DVC studio is rendered useless because the sleeper sofa is pulled out. Sure, you can close it up during the day when everyone is out, but it crowds the room when everyone is using it.

I like the separate sitting area, which is featured in your photo.

 

[dadddio]

Are they not building much new because people don't go very often, or are people not going very often because there isn't much new?

Probably the first one. A Disney vacation is spendy. It used to be (and likely still is) that most families never were able to afford to make the trek. For many (most) families that were able to go, it was kind of a 'once in childhood' kind of trip.

 

[dadddio]

I just have to say Disney absolutely LOVES people like you. Keep waiving that banner for the defense of mediocrity dadddio, too bad you don't get paid for it

'Defense of mediocrity', 'Voice of sanity'. Whatever.