The time has come.....

[Tom]

?

Just had trouble following your post/train of thought. I'm not 100% sure I know what point(s) you were making.

 

[wannab@dis]

Just had trouble following your post/train of thought. I'm not 100% sure I know what point(s) you were making.

Seemed fairly clear to me.

 

[menamechris]

Seemed fairly clear to me.

Not to me...

 

[bubbles1812]

The person who created this discussion can go scratch. This is stupid an rude. I've worked for Disney for over 15 years in creative entertainment for the parks an could've worked at Apple or Simens an have gotten offers for other big companies as well. I create magic everyday how many people say they've attended meetings to make or attempt to create more articulated characters on Friday look at blue prints for the relocation of fotlk an oversee how new parade performers for CDCTP are being trained today. If we don't evolve as a park we woulnt evolve as an organization, people will think wdw is stale if we don't add updates an Walt wouldn't still want if you had wings as an attraction would he? All I can say is have a magical evening

How is it stupid and rude? While I think he strategy and what he was suggesting be done was a tad misguided in his approach, his sentiment of wishing for change wasn't. And I saw nothing that suggested it was rude. You talk about how the park has to evolve...well that's exactly what he was wanting/demanding...that Disney fix the problems they have and evolve into something better, get back to the quality that Disney used to have. And if your criticism was directed toward his criticism of NextGen...well, whatever it turns out to be, we know that it's primary goal is not to plus the guest experience but to get guests to spend more..11% or so more as many sources have stated. And if I actually have to book a ride many months in advance...that sounds just super! Not...

 

[wannab@dis]

Fine. Whatever. Bite the hand that feeds you, if that's what makes you think you're right.


Jimmy Thick- there are no words...

Really? Bite the hand that feeds you? Not even sure what you're trying to say. If Lee wants to share facts, he should. If he wants to share his opinion, he should. But I find the editorializing without facts suspect at best. I figured that would be his response when I asked for the facts and that's perfectly fine. He doesn't have to share. But I also stand by my assertion that he probably doesn't have the full story (yet).

 

[wannab@dis]

And if your criticism was directed toward his criticism of NextGen...well, whatever it turns out to be, we know that it's primary goal is not to plus the guest experience but to get guests to spend more..11% or so more as many sources have stated.

You do realize a business' primary goal is to make money, right? I'm perfectly fine with that. If increasing guest experience and satisfaction is a nice secondary effect, great. Besides that, you don't have the facts to KNOW much at this point.

NextGen may be a watershed event here on this forum especially if/when guests accept and like the results. Several have put a lot of effort in trying to make it out to be evil and wasted effort.

 

[Clever Name]

Really? Bite the hand that feeds you? Not even sure what you're trying to say. If Lee wants to share facts, he should. If he wants to share his opinion, he should. But I find the editorializing without facts suspect at best. I figured that would be his response when I asked for the facts and that's perfectly fine. He doesn't have to share. But I also stand by my assertion that he probably doesn't have the full story (yet).

And he has determined that it is evil and will inflict class warfare upon the guests.

 

[menamechris]

You do realize a business' primary goal is to make money, right? I'm perfectly fine with that. If increasing guest experience and satisfaction is a nice secondary effect, great. Besides that, you don't have the facts to KNOW much at this point.

NextGen may be a watershed event here on this forum especially if/when guests accept and like the results. Several have put a lot of effort in trying to make it out to be evil and wasted effort.

Well, aren't all assumptions pretty much the same on this topic anyway? Even if you don't think certain insiders are privy to any additional information - who's to say they aren't still correct?

I want Disney to succeed as a business, sure. But I am ultimately concerned about my experience as a guest. Anyone who is accepting of new methods and billion dollar programs for the sole purpose of Disney making money, regardless of how it affects them as a consumer, has taken obsession with a company to a whole new level.

 

[bubbles1812]

You do realize a business' primary goal is to make money, right? I'm perfectly fine with that. If increasing guest experience and satisfaction is a nice secondary effect, great. Besides that, you don't have the facts to KNOW much at this point.

NextGen may be a watershed event here on this forum especially if/when guests accept and like the results. Several have put a lot of effort in trying to make it out to be evil and wasted effort.

Yes I am aware that is the primary goal. But again, this is being raved about as something that will totally plus the guest experience...I'm not sure. I see something like giving the resort guests a chance to book several months in advance versus guests who choose not stay on property as something to be wary of. Do you really think that will make guests who stay off property happy? To be at a disadvantage like that? I always stay at the resorts..yay me...but I do wish my fellow guests to be happy in the place I love. I am concerned about the guest experience. And I have reservations about booking rides months in advance..wdw to me is about freedom to have fun and also spontaneity to a degree. Having to book rides months in advance doesn't strike me as fun. That means I literally have to plan out every single day of my trip to a T so I make my times for rides.

Im not out to make NextGen seem evil. That isnt my goal. Anyone is allowed to think about anything on it. I get that you support it and that's fine. And I recognize I can't fully judge it til it's here and in use and I experience it for myself. BUT I have read the majority of stuff published on it so far and have stated my concerns about what I've read thus far. I am allowed to have those and not be accused of trying to make it look "evil." That's pretty sensationalist of you and a complete exaggeration.

 

[wannab@dis]

Anyone who is accepting of new methods and billion dollar programs for the sole purpose of Disney making money, regardless of how it affects them as a consumer, has taken obsession with a company to a whole new level.

Not obsession... pragmatism.

 

[menamechris]

Not obsession... pragmatism.

So when your local supermarket, restaurant, etc. makes decisions that save them money (or bring in more revenue) but adversely affects you as a consumer, you are cool with that? Because you recognize that they are a business, and it's not about you - it's about them making money? There is a fine line. It is a company's job to continually make every consumer feel valued, respected, and important. Once that starts to take a backseat to squeezing cents out of their pockets - some awful things can start to happen.

 

[WDW1974]

That would be funny, and is exactly what is going to happen. Like it or not, Disney is going to set the bar high with this.

Serious question: how can you say this when folks at Disney, folks who should know just what NEXT GEN will entail, can't even describe it when you ask them?

I wonder how much this is even going to affect guests beyond datamining and improving revenue streams as well as back of the house ops.

I certainly doubt this is going to drive people to visit WDW. How are they even going to market this? Three years after announcing it, they still don't even have a handle on what IT is. Great they have new door locks, just like other hotels have (and they often have been problematic too) ... what else? And how again is this going to be a driver of individual guest spend, not to mention getting people there?

This is worse than Avatarland. At least that they can blame on Iger jumping the gun and Cameron being a difficult person to work with.

There seems to be no there, there ... when it comes to the entire NEXT GEN deal.

 

[wannab@dis]

Yes I am aware that is the primary goal. But again, this is being raved about as something that will totally plus the guest experience...I'm not sure. I see something like giving the resort guests a chance to book several months in advance versus guests who choose not stay on property as something to be wary of. Do you really think that will make guests who stay off property happy? I always stay at the resorts..yay me...but I do wish my fellow guests to be happy in the place I love. And I have reservations about booking rides months in advance..wdw to me is about freedom and spontaneity. Having to book rides months in advance doesn't strike me as fun. That means I literally have to plan out every single day of my trip to a T so I make my times for rides.

Who said those staying off property couldn't utilize it? As far as I know that's pure speculation. We'll see. In all likelihood, booking rides in advance is just going to one small part. In fact, I'd say the glow ears in DCA are part of that project (or at minimum, an offshoot of the R&D). Will they make money from the ears? yep. But it definitely plussed the experience of the guest. Increasing profits and the guest experience are not mutually exclusive. Why not wait until we all have more details...

Im not out to make NextGen seem evil. That isnt my goal. Anyone is allowed to think about anything on it. I get that you support it and that's fine. And I recognize I can't fully judge it til it's here and in use and I experience it for myself. BUT I have read the majority of stuff published on it so far and have stated my concerns about what I've read thus far. I am allowed to have those and not be accused of trying to make it look "evil." That's pretty sensationalist of you and a complete exaggeration.

I wasn't directing the "evil" part at you... if I was, I would have stated "you" in that post instead of "several." I have seen multiple instances of the term "evil" being used to describe NextGen.

 

[wannab@dis]

So when your local supermarket, restaurant, etc. makes decisions that save them money (or bring in more revenue) but adversely affects you as a consumer, you are cool with that? Because you recognize that they are a business, and it's not about you - it's about them making money? There is a fine line. It is a company's job to continually make every consumer feel valued, respected, and important. Once that starts to take a backseat to squeezing cents out of their pockets - some awful things can start to happen.

How has NextGen adversely affected you to this point? Zero. How about we let the R&D run its course before calling it evil and wasted. When they start rolling more out, it may turn out to be a positive or a negative. Unknown at this point. If it turns out to negatively affect me personally, I'll make a determination of whether it's a tipping point to find somewhere else to spend my money.

 

[WDW1974]

Skynet is everywhere - no escaping that. For theme parks WDW will be first, DL will follow, and then the rest will attempt it. I fully believe that Disney is doing the right thing to make sure they in a position to be in sync with what the world will expect of them from an information technology standpoint going forward.

How?

A simple question? You talk about it like it's an actual product when many facets of it simply aren't ... things like RFID chips in costuming (that was the first use of it) or the new room keys (that are in no way revloutionary)?

Or are you talking about aspects that we've all sorta assumed and kinda been told 'may' be part of it?

Stuff like booking every character interaction, every meal, many attractions six months out (only if you're staying on property of course and paying the ridiculous premiums)?

Or being able to stay addicted to your smart phone/tablet in a place where you should have those things firmly put away with 'interactive' aspects that will be lost on those of us without the addiction to the toys?

I am really trying to figure out just how Disney is going to raise any bar with this, except for the datamining one and the guest manipulation one ... after all, much easier to spend when you are doing so with your Tink braclet and you don't even have to sign for anything (or deal with the consequences until you get home and get the bill!)

 

[WDW1974]

Lets hear whats so good.


Lee - I never avoid.

No one can say ... because Disney itself doesn't know.

I guess we could all sneak into the facility at TPFKaTD-MGMS and see what they are mocking up ... but again if they are at that point, then we are many years away from actual implementation and, by then, with new management running the company? who knows?

 

[WDW1974]

I said that where?

Sure. Whatever. I stand by my post.

Lee - Seriously? After all these years I'm having to go back and forth with this guy?

Have I taught you nothing?

You waste time with someone whose biggest claim to fame online is that he is supposedly a cop who gets off on breaking some stranger's nose at WDW?

Seriously, let him have his schtick. You don't owe anyone anything beyond being truthful, which you always are.

 

[menamechris]

How has NextGen adversely affected you to this point? Zero. How about we let the R&D run its course before calling it evil and wasted. When they start rolling more out, it may turn out to be a positive or a negative. Unknown at this point. If it turns out to negatively affect me personally, I'll make a determination of whether it's a tipping point to find somewhere else to spend my money.

R&D? It's happening now... There will be no announcement or full "roll out" of Next Gen. These will be very strategic changes that will be implemented quietly and unbeknownst to the average guest, until they have those occasional "Oh, we used to be able to do that" or "I can't believe they changed that" moments. We know enough about the mission and objective of NextGen (along with some prettyh good intel from insiders and cast members) as to how this will negatively impact certain guests. Whether anyone chooses to fool themselves into thinking they don't mind - or that the new inconveniences or tiered guest experience is okay - because Disney is doing it, and Disney can do no wrong - well, that's your prerogative...

 

[bubbles1812]

Who said those staying off property couldn't utilize it? As far as I know that's pure speculation. We'll see. In all likelihood, booking rides in advance is just going to one small part. In fact, I'd say the glow ears in DCA are part of that project (or at minimum, an offshoot of the R&D). Will they make money from the ears? yep. But it definitely plussed the experience of the guest. Increasing profits and the guest experience are not mutually exclusive. Why not wait until we all have more details...

Firstly, NextGen fast pass, whch is what I was specifically talking about..while it may only be a small part of NextGen as a whole Fast Pass on general plays a HUGE role in the guest experience. Everyone uses fast pass so if it radically changes, that is going to most likely effect the guest experience in a substantial way, whether good or bad, it will change.

Secondly, we do have some details. It's not just some speculation on my part. And obviously you haven't read about it...I'm not going to the extreme as other posters has said about Disney creating a "class system" but from some of the details people have found out (not talking about people pulling info out of their butts but actual insiders privy to the info on next gen fast pass) ...guests who stay at the resorts get to book months in advance. Guests who stay off property..they would get to utilize it, to use your word, when and only when they actually enter the park. That gives a huge advantage to resort guests. Guests who stay off property basically get what is left. And any "regular fast passes" as we have now will be gone much much faster than even they are now for the most popular rides. Imagine all the Fast Passes at Toy Story Mania being gone rather than say by noon or so as it is now but in the first half hour to an hour the park has been open. And those poor suckers who don't get there early enough to get a "time" or regular fast pass...well your looking at even longer standard line waits than ever before. That isn't exactly a positive to me. And heck, even for those at the resorts..you only get so many rides you can "sign up" for a day so if you don't get a regular fast pass your looking at extra long waits too. But hey, at least you got to pick months in advance the rides you absolutely wanted to go on..others won't be so lucky.

Will that be exactly how NextGen fast pass works? Probably not exactly but everything, and I mean everything I've read thus far points to something similar to that. And I have a lot of reservations about something like that. Could it work like a breeze with very little complaint? Maybe. Possible. But I see huge potential for some very unhappy customers so disadvantaged compared to resort guests...something I doubt Disney wants. Do I get that would be trying to encourage more people to stay at the resorts? Sure I do. But a large portion of their guests will still be staying offsite and I just can't see tons of people being that happy about it. Not to mention the absolute hassle it might create early in the morning as people sign up for their "times."

So call me skeptical and I havee concerns. I could end up being totally wrong though all evidence so far says I won't be totally off base. Again, I recognize I need more info before making a full judgement of it. I honestly hope NextGen is good and the system isnt really designed like that. It's seems awful to me though that's just my opinion. You may think differently.

 

[wannab@dis]

Serious question: how can you say this when folks at Disney, folks who should know just what NEXT GEN will entail, can't even describe it when you ask them?

We know enough about the mission and objective of NextGen (along with some prettyh good intel from insiders and cast members) as to how this will negatively impact certain guests.

I'll let the quotes speak for themselves...