The Spirited Seventh Heaven ...

[PhotoDave219]

Off topic, Is the store "Journeys" owned by Disney or any affiliation? They had Storm Troopers doing a M&G for pictures at our local mall this weekend.

Could have just been people from the 501st Garrison.

 

[The_Mesh_Hatter]

Just want to stop in and introduce myself... hi. Not sure if I have yet.

I like to think I too am a faux one percenter just like Spirit. Well, maybe not so much faux. Just pleased my entire 3 day stay at the Grand Floridian will be reimbursed since there's a conference. Pity the compony will be giving Disney money, though. Excited to battle crowds at Potterland where it won't be on someone else's dime.

Heard some interesting minor details about what's happening at Disneyland the other day first hand and got a keen insight just how ed up Disney is. For example, who would have guessed those Mara projections in Indy took over SIX years to get implemented? Hopefully the new improvements in the works won't take so long. Sad to here the Fantasyland dark ride refurbishment budgets have been significantly cut at DL as well.

Anyways, just wanted to contribute something other than FP+ debates. Can't wait to go back to TDR this December too.

ahhhh I miss it. I know it'll be packed but I can't wait to be back.

 

[Magenta Panther]

The star wars plans are possibly impressive, but what happens when the cuts kick in?

I can see it now..."Soarin' Over Dagobah". Mmmmm! Just smell that swamp!

 

[Mike S]

Just want to stop in and introduce myself... hi. Not sure if I have yet.

I like to think I too am a faux one percenter just like Spirit. Well, maybe not so much faux. Just pleased my entire 3 day stay at the Grand Floridian will be reimbursed since there's a conference. Pity the compony will be giving Disney money, though. Excited to battle crowds at Potterland where it won't be on someone else's dime.

Heard some interesting minor details about what's happening at Disneyland the other day through Imagineering and got a keen insight just how ****ed up Disney is. For example, who would have guessed those Mara projections in Indy took EIGHT years to get implemented? Sad to here the Fantasyland dark ride refurbishment budgets have been significantly cut at DL as well.

Anyways, just wanted to contribute something other than FP+ debates. Can't wait to go back to TDR this December too.

ahhhh I miss it. I know it'll be packed but I can't wait to be back.

My god, that picture Going there at least once in my life is definitely on my bucket list.

 

[AEfx]

True enough. But simply spreading existing crowds out to attractions that either are people-eaters that don't have large waits most times, not as well known or are unpopular by shell games (that is what MM+ does at its core ... it makes a 90-minute line at Space Mountain become a 70-minute line by creating a 45-minute wait at say ... Pirates) is a big problem with the NGE program.

Don't get me wrong, I think evening out crowds can be a very good thing. But it doesn't solve the staleness and neglect issues. Once every quarter of a century, the MK should get a REAL expansion with a REAL major attraction or two. As should the other parks.

Precisely. It's going to decrease a bit of strain on marquee attractions, but increase it on the "lesser" stuff. From a corporate standpoint, that looks extremely advantageous. Companies do such things all the time in regards to how many folks they staff at a call center, for example. Maximize current resources - handle more folks with the same, or less, cost.

(Though, even if this was a good thing - would the advantage, even over a couple of decades, will the aggregate result be any where near worth 1-2B? Again, the main issue with NextGen - cost vs. benefit.)

Here's what is really happening, though - as WDW1974 points out, the limited corporate mentality doesn't understand that one ride =! another. The only thing they even look at is numbers of attractions/capacity. Capacity is maximum - so we want to put the maximum through, right? That makes sense!

No, it doesn't when you take into account the theme park environment. If wait time goes down 15 minutes for Splash Mountain, and it goes up 15 minutes for Magic Carpets of Aladdin, that may look good on paper, but it simply levels out guest satisfaction - having to stand less minutes in Splash Mountain, in a largely enclosed, themed queue for a 10+ minute E-ticket, vs. standing in an old-fashioned switchback right in the sun for an extra 15 minutes for a 3 minute off-the-shelf carny ride, as just one example. There is a reason some rides have bigger lines than others - because some rides are worth more of a wait.

There are so many variables that like the whole of the program are going to be worse Guest Services nightmares than they had before. What happens when it rains or there is thunder and Splash Mountain/BTM are shut down for a few hours? What about all those folks that are holding FP+ from months earlier, now unable to ride during their period. "I can't come back later, I scheduled this day three months ago, we need to be clear on the other side of the park by then!" On and on. So many variables that this system cannot address.

Maybe ... sorta ... not quite. ... I think Walmart's sale was the reason. I don't think there was this huge pentup demand. The people who wanted it had long ago bought it, one would reasonably assume. This was impulse based on price all the way.

Oh, don't bother. It was fully explained to him in another thread a few days ago and it's like he doesn't read the words he just copies/pastes the same "talking point" with his poor grammar and punctuation (which I would not point out if he did not mention working in schools, hopefully it is in the janitorial or food services field and not in any teaching capacity).

(BTW, Wal-mart didn't just put it on sale, they took a standee of them and put them literally at the front door at a ridiculously reduced price. They must have been sitting on quite a few, picked a week where nothing else was coming out to promote out front, and basically clearanced them out - if there was massive demand, they wouldn't have been most likely taking a loss on them like that.)

 

[Magenta Panther]

My god, that picture Going there at least once in my life is definitely on my bucket list.

Apparently, that's pretty much where you have to go these days to see Disney done right.

 

[Cesar R M]

With all due respect, you never looked at a Park Map? They are everywhere at WDW, from the front desks of the resorts, to the ticket turn-style, overflowing in the entrance under the train at MK (the best place to grab a handful if you want for us who just have to have 100's each visit LOL), handed out by CM's, at the counter of virtually every single cash register in the parks.

I wasn't exaggerating - they explain it on one page with cartoon characters. I understand that you did not, but I have a hard time thinking that very many folks don't even flip through the park map, even just while standing in line. I don't have a scan handy, but I am sure someone does - there was an entire page with 1, 2, 3 steps to use it, showing it was free for everyone and explained it perfectly. You really read all that data they sent beforehand and didn't pick up a park map when you got there? (Though I blame that on Disney as they stopped sending the full park maps out to folks in the 90's.)

The only two "unofficial" things that weren't featured were the fact that, up until the rules were revisited, CM's generally would let you in even if the window had passed, as long as it was after the start time, and that a few of the FP kiosks weren't networked so you didn't have to wait to get another one at another attraction. But that's the extent of the "secrets".

I mean, they even have a CM standing in front of most of them who if you ask will hand you a park map, or explain it to you, or both.

Ahem, you forgot again the part where I had no idea what the FASTPASS things where from the start.
It was my first trip to WDW EVER and I had no clue they had a system like that.
If it was in the papers they gave me from start.. I would have been curious and inquired more.

But...I was not overly interested at first, but I found it curious of people entering there fast and skipping the normal line.
I was just in awe watching all the details I could from the parks than decide to go away from the normal paths to check out some machines.

As for "even in the resorts" comment of yours:
Really? Where? I was at POR and there was no mention in sight of anything like that. How I can ask for something that I never knew existed in the first place?
The only other booth at POR apart from the desk check-in, was the CONCIERGE desk.

Please note that also when I went in.. the MM+ FP+ system was not fully up yet.. Paper FastPass was the system in place.

Also speaking of the Magic Kingdom first FastPass booth next to the Train. We could not get near the train because it was under refurbishment that month

As for the Maps. Nope.. I went back to review the spanish version of the Magic kingdom and it did not had any kind of explanation of FP.
They just mention the locations with tiny logos in the map. ("fast pass locations")
But they mention "My Magic" App and PHOTOPASS systems in big.
Note that I'm talking about the fold-able maps you get when entering the parks...
The "online download maps" available on the Disney site have less information and with lower resolution.

And yes, I'm sort of compulsive planner(aka prepare everything to prevent errors, mistakes in clothing, hotels..etc.... but not exactly an overly planner in therms of attractions, hours..etc..) to make things go as smoothly as possible.
To repeat again.. I did not get a single paper mentioning FP.. Neither by the Tour company, neither by Disney, nor at the POR guest check in. I only got things finally explained after 3-4 days in our vacations by a CM.

(edit) very sorry for my VERY LATE reply, but I just got online after a big day.

 

[Cesar R M]

Evening folks, hope all is well as the thunder booms down here in paradise.

First off, I did bleed some today, but ... this is the important part -- I am NOT DEAD YET!!!

I had hoped to try and catch up on this thread, but that would take me about two dozen pages and who knows how much time and even with me not working full time right now that is something I can't do. I also realized that stepping into that Disney vs. UNI Round 5,678,987 here last night wasn't the most productive use of my time.

Since more than a few of you saw (and 'liked') a post or two of mine that disappeared in the night understand that wasn't the work of the mods. That was me. I've been in a very ornery mood of late and decided to pile some back on the Twits who seem to go after me with religious-like fervor. I don't like it but I get that they feel empowered by talking in a vacuum, by never having discussions of weight because you can't on Twitter, by never having opposing PoV to deal with. And they all feel like kewl kids on their eighth iPhone while we're still walking around with our flip phones (Metro PCS has some godawful commercials out on this subject now!) And I also realized that what do I even say to someone called 'Todd Dupler' or to someone pretending to be a dead CEO (hey, here's an idea ... let Card RIP and bury that schtick with D23, among the 'it was tired almost as soon as it started' idea pile) ... or to someone who I often praise both here and in the real world, Fidel's little bro Andy Castro, who has some crazy notion that I am trying to get an old member here to post again when he has a great little Lifestyle BRAND going for himself etc. It all is insane as are many members of the fan community (here, there and everywhere).

But since some of you asked what went down, I wanted to let you know. This is what got me going when I should have likely ignored it and the people there:

https://twitter.com/21royalstreet/status/481226312141385728

One thing that Andy C mentions was how Twitter has changed the way the Disney fan community interacts and exchanges information and he is quite right about that. The sad thing is that he, and many others, think it changed for the better.

the Irony of that tsweet is: he is doing the same that he is attacking you for. lol!.

Stop digging stitch. Just stop.

Woah, hang on.. Whats wrong with stitch?

 

[ScoutN]

That is very true but WB gets a take on all the HP merchandise too.

When the movies were rolling out we could not find the Every Flavor Beans ANYWHERE. They were a ghost to obtain... literally everyone was snatching them up. Man, those sound good right now.

 

[Cesar R M]

They don't, except Iger. And Cameron since it is his baby. Otherwise, no one cares about Avatar. If people did, there would be a lot of hype regarding the coming land. There isn't any. That's my point. People don't care about Avatar. Not in the way they care about Star Wars or Potter.

There might be some/many people, but not enough to make waves or make noteworthy news or groups Imho.

I know my buddy spirit gets really tired of this debate as well so I ll leave with this fact (not opinion)
number 1 selling blue ray two weeks ago from a 5 year old movie (unprecedented)
ill give you the last opinion

I just hope they count REAL SALES, and not bundling with 3d kits.

I seen a lot of bundling of that movie with many brands of 3d bluray/TV sets.

And let's not forget how some people love to bundle both together (like Microsoft claiming inflated sales of Windows 8, but 70%-80% of them were OEM bundling/shoving. Also they counted "shipped" and "delivered to stores" but not really "purchased" boxes as "SALES")
I hope I make my point I mean.

But I do agree that Avatar is a MUST SEE due of their incredible visuals, and specially if you have a 3d TV setup.

 

[Cesar R M]

* (The brunette in the Slytherin schoolgirl outfit who used to stalk Beetlejuice being the exception that proves this rule.)

Oh my god!!!, I never imagined I would see this in a disney forum!!.
I tough this was something you could see in drama and weird site news only.
I got the deja-vu because I know about this creepy girl ( I think). She also had insane amounts of creepy fanart (including male pregnancy) and claiming the char Beetlejuice was hers and only hers.

If you think this, then you are not paying attention to the Disney fan community ... seriously ... ask @Lee when he pops in, he is the resident expert on bronies!

I just really hope this demographic is never let in.
The news of them oversexualizing every single detail of the my little pony characters (including pillows, tows.. figurines) is vomit inducing.
Let's not forget a huge bulk of them used to praise this awful rape-tastic comic called "Princess Molestia".
And even.. when it was removed, these bronies caused a huge uproar about it.

 

[Magenta Panther]

Grown men.

Tut, tut. It's merely a matter of perspective. Sure, all you and I see are cute little candy-colored cartoon ponies. This is what bronies see:

Moving on...

 

[Cesar R M]

I found out from a manager 10 years ago that Disney reads these boards - My manager at the time. A not so subtle message was sent of "remember who you work for"...

And other comments from other people who work for the company. Generally they're looking for people leaking info (see also "vacuum cleaner parts list guy")

Well, makes sense of why certain individuals push so hard to "Name your sources or you are saying bull" every time a leaker spills the beans. (aka baiting)

Just re-posting this just in case the people at Disney that monitor the threads missed this

anyone remembers all of us mocking Disney when they were about to open the Seven D. Mine train?
because they first said they were gonna "open" the thing "soon".. then they announced with a big show the opening date.
and then we joked that they will next make an announcement of an announcement of the possible opening date when the whole thing got delayed further.

 

[PhotoDave219]

Million and one things we can blame this on. The "everyone gets an award" sense of entitlement, mostly.

Certainly puts Chuck Palaniuk's Fight Club (book, not movie) into perspective.

 

[PhotoDave219]

Well, makes sense of why certain individuals push so hard to "Name your sources or you are saying bull" every time a leaker spills the beans. (aka baiting)

Yes, I'm fond of that. Generally helps to: 1 - weed out those that are full of spit and 2 - weed out those that are unreliable and willing to rat on their friends.

So when someone comes out of the woodwork, I have no problem challenging them.

 

[Cesar R M]

Just so everyone knows, the author is the same guy who got into a fight with Hokie Skipper on Twitter and wrote that "Wall-E" as date rapist article. As I said over the weekend, 70% brilliant insight, 30% fanboi tweeking. I think you see both in this column.

But really, is there any other reason for Orange Bird or Oswald merch to exist? (And I like Orange Bird!)

No idea, but I really like Oswald as a char.. (aesthetically)
Reminds me of the old school Mickey Mouse who did some silly stuff back then (and not the gentleman they have made him of). The new cartoons thankfully go to the fun wacky side again.

Oh do I agree with you sooo much.... Avatar was boring, and this is coming from a Comic Nerd (heck I work in comics) and Sci-fi geek... It's sad to say the only person who got excited in my circle of friends and family, was my mom. She loved that freakin movie... She's 63. Target demo?

Also what is the deal with Potter not being in the top 20 IPS? How deep does that list go? I'd love to see where Potter and Avatar land on the list. Potter toys never seemed to sell in the stores, the shelves were always full...

You work in the comic industry? What kind of Job if I may ask?

Oswald? You mean Kermit's *****?

Steve has yelled at me for language. So.

Such hate for poor Oswald lol.

 

[Cesar R M]

Sadly, we both KNOW that they haven't. ... The number of inept people in leadership roles in American companies is mindboggling.

I wonder if this has anything to do with the way politic parties work (corruption) and CEOS ridiculous skyrocketing salaries vs normal salaries.

I've put stuff out on past threads ... I don't have the info handy, but will try and get something up later in the week if possible. But I'm not sure what you are looking for ... I'm not saying I have proof Disney is in bed with the NSA on a massive city-wide scale mass surveillance project (but wouldn't that be uber kewl if they were?) I just recall seeing things that made me ask a simple question: why?

It could be possible that they are using the data as simulation?
WDW is very well controlled with very well balanced infrastructure.
A mini country so to speak. They could run simulations of how people move and act according to NEEDS, REQUIREMENTS and DESIRES.
Also since each park as very specific tastes and themes... It could explain the people's behaviour and choices with their movement track record.

 

[Cesar R M]

@WDW1974 Is Disney's "green" initiative still in effect in relation to the air condition.

I hope yes, I really hate to get from a super hot environment like florida, to a freezing cold hotel, then again out to the heat (like in POR, where only the lobby, restaurant and food court is covered with A/C)

It's so funny to me that people choose to talk about what's going on here. It really matters that much in your life? Like the sarcastic digs on how many pages that some of the threads have in the blog that cannot be named by that dude Josh. Why give eyes to a place that you don't seem to care for? I don't understand it. Worry about yourself, not what others are doing. (I have no dog in this race, don't know him at all, or the Castro dude, but at the same time, really? Why do people care SO much what goes on here?)

Probably because they feel hurt? I cant say much other than "People have different mindets".

Some reasons I think of:

• They know wdw1974 is popular and right in many things. They think its a treat to their own popularity/reputation.
• They get paid or get sponsored by Disney or some related to them. Hence the need to defend their employeer/contract.
• They refuse to knowledge when they are in the wrong, so they get vocal, violent or outright rude whith anyone who calls them for their wrongness.

The list could go on.

 

[FigmentJedi]

Such hate for poor Oswald lol.

Well Magenta Panther's behavior has turned him into an easy target.

 

[Cesar R M]

Wait male fans? Like little kids? if so I think that's not so bad. And we are talking about the pony show from the 80's that got redone.

no, full grown male (between 25 and 60 years old).
Mostly "Fedora Warriors" (aka "nice guys" aka people who are socially inept and wear trilby hats)

If only. Nope, grown men with sexual fantasies about sweet little ponies. My girls play with My Little Pony, and I can't let them even look for them on the Internet because of the pony . It's not pretty.

Bingo!!! and I agree fully.