Today's O-Town Sentinel ...

[jt04]

Apologies, for not hanging by the computer to immediately respond to you. The Monday story is here: http://articles.orlandosentinel.com...0722-1_1_senate-district-tip-scales-primaries

As to your other question, it depends on what you mean by "the other side." If you mean, the Florida Democratic Party vs. the Republican Party of Florida, the stories I (or anyone else at the Sentinel) writes about campaign contributions will typically include donations to the Democrats, as well. You can see that in the stories I linked to dealing with Disney contributions, as well, for that matter, as the Monday story, which begins by focusing on some Democratic state Senate primaries. But understand: The sums are vastly higher for Florida Republicans -- who control majorities in both chambers of the Legislature and the Governor's Office right now -- and the stories obviously reflect that.

If you mean competing lobbies -- such as trial lawyers or rival businesses -- you can find many examples of similar stories in the Sentinel, though, naturally, they're typically written by reporters on those particular beats. Just off the top of my head, we ran a series last year looking at lawyers winning enormous legal fees in tiny car-insurance disputes, which preceded this year's legislation overhauling personal-injury protection insurance. Just a couple of months ago, we wrote an incredibly in-depth story looking at insurance/legal fraud alleged by State Farm against some of Orlando's most prominent law firms. And you will find many, many stories examining the campaign contributions and lobbying efforts undertaken in Florida over the last year or so by Genting, Las Vegas Sands and other casino operators, whom Disney obviously opposes.

I will be looking more in depth at this. It seems like some of these issues get pushed into the spotlight more than others. I am sure that has everything to do with editors and not the reporters.

I also have noticed how you are covering more issues and broadening the scope of your reporting. Looking forward to more.

 

[WDWFigment]

...

More broadly, as someone who tries to keep tabs on these forums, I know my coverage of Disney sometimes leaves something to be desired for some of you. I understand that. There's a nearly infinite number of possible stories to pursue with Disney and the theme-park industry, but only a finite number that any one person can write. Each of us would likely approach things a little differently based on our interests, our background, etc.

...

If any of you have criticisms about these stories or any others I write -- or if you want to suggest different story ideas about Disney that you think I should pursue -- please don't hesitate to contact me. I can be reached at jrgarcia@orlandosentinel.com, 407-420-5414 or @Jason_Garcia. Part of this job is hearing and learning from people who would cover this beat differently than I would.

...

I don't necessarily have criticism about what you write, as I understand not only that there's finite space in a paper and time of a reporter. I also realize that you're writing to a much broader audience than you'd find on an online Disney fan-forum and certain topics are too niche for a mainstream news-source.

While the disappearance of custom napkins at Walt Disney World restaurants might be of interest to folks here, if you wrote an expose on the topic, it probably wouldn't find much of an audience with your readers. In fact, I suspect they might feel that you're trying to concoct a story where none exists due to it being a slow news day. Honestly, I was surprised that you even wrote about Yeti being broken for the same reason.

What I would suggest, as a general matter, is taking some of these things that the general public might deem insignificant and aggregating them into larger stories that demonstrate the cost-cutting that is endemic to TWDC, and how that, broadly, harms the guest experience. Articles about these cuts, coupled with constant price increases would likely resonate with a broader audience (even those who aren't intimately familiar with TWDC frequently comment/poke fun at how expensive the parks are, value, and the like--it's a popular topic!) and provide a 'check' on Disney's business decisions, much like stories on campaign contributions should provide a check on political moves.

 

[COProgressFan]

Hi folks,

Wanted to weigh in on this thread because it involves a subject -- the intersection of business and politics -- that I feel very strongly about.

The specific article in question was a look at how Florida's business lobby and individual companies (such as Disney) are working to tip the scales this year in the Florida Senate. I believe it posted late Sunday night on our website and ran in the hard copy of the paper on Monday. Generally speaking, that's our SOP -- stories are posted online the afternoon or evening before they appear in print. I think the confusion stems from the fact that the story ran in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel first, which occasionally happens since we share content. But there was no grand conspiracy to keep the story off the Sentinel's website. At least none that I'm aware of.

Second, someone mentioned the kicker quote from the Disney spokesman. That was in the story from the very first draft. The Sun-Sentinel may have cut it from its editions because of space constraints. But it wasn't something we went back and added in as some sort of capitulation to Disney.

More broadly, as someone who tries to keep tabs on these forums, I know my coverage of Disney sometimes leaves something to be desired for some of you. I understand that. There's a nearly infinite number of possible stories to pursue with Disney and the theme-park industry, but only a finite number that any one person can write. Each of us would likely approach things a little differently based on our interests, our background, etc.

That said, one of the areas I've chosen to focus most aggressively on is covering the company's campaign and lobbying operations. That's partly because I spent a few years covering the Florida Legislature and Governor's Office for the Sentinel, so I have some familiarity with that world. But it's primarily because I feel incredibly strongly that newspapers should do their very best to ensure there is a public discussion whenever a business or an interest group tries to influence public policy.

For anyone interested in this particular area of coverage, I've posted a number of links to stories I've written over the last few years looking at Disney through this lens -- who it gives money to and what it wants. This is a sampling; there have also been many more shorter stories and blog posts. I've also written a number of similar stories about other businesses (Universal, SeaWorld, Darden, Publix and CSX, to name a few) and the broader Florida business lobby (which obviously Disney is a big part of).

If any of you have criticisms about these stories or any others I write -- or if you want to suggest different story ideas about Disney that you think I should pursue -- please don't hesitate to contact me. I can be reached at jrgarcia@orlandosentinel.com, 407-420-5414 or @Jason_Garcia. Part of this job is hearing and learning from people who would cover this beat differently than I would.

jason

Jason,

Thanks so much for your candor in explaining your side of things. It was kind of enlightening to see exactly what transpired, from your point of view.

Many of us (myself included) believe that you and the Sentinel are not critical enough of Disney, or don't dig deep enough, and perhaps you don't want to make waves. That said, I certainly applaud your interest in covering how corporations like Disney make efforts to influence politics both locally and nationally. It is not surprising that they do so, but like you, I think it is important that people are made aware and can draw whatever conclusions they wish.

 

[COProgressFan]

What I would suggest, as a general matter, is taking some of these things that the general public might deem insignificant and aggregating them into larger stories that demonstrate the cost-cutting that is endemic to TWDC, and how that, broadly, harms the guest experience. Articles about these cuts, coupled with constant price increases would likely resonate with a broader audience (even those who aren't intimately familiar with TWDC frequently comment/poke fun at how expensive the parks are, value, and the like--it's a popular topic!) and provide a 'check' on Disney's business decisions, much like stories on campaign contributions should provide a check on political moves.

Well said, and I think this would be a good place to start. Even if you wanted to throw Uni, Sea World, etc, into the mix and the new things they are adding vs. what is going to into WDW after Fantasyland (essentially nothing but Avatar, if it even happens). Or perhaps a comparison of what your dollar got you during a visit to the MK in 1992 vs. 2002 vs. 2012.

 

[Jason_Garcia]

What I would suggest, as a general matter, is taking some of these things that the general public might deem insignificant and aggregating them into larger stories that demonstrate the cost-cutting that is endemic to TWDC, and how that, broadly, harms the guest experience.

This is a very good idea and actually something I've been kicking around recently. Here's a request: Could you -- or others here who feel strongly about this -- provide examples of these type of cuts? The key here is to be as specific as possible, both about what was cut and when it happened.

 

[Nemo14]

This is a very good idea and actually something I've been kicking around recently. Here's a request: Could you -- or others here who feel strongly about this -- provide examples of these type of cuts? The key here is to be as specific as possible, both about what was cut and when it happened.

There's some pretty good information in this thread:
http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/disney-giveth-and-disney-taketh-away.841422/page-5#post-5040370

 

[njDizFan]

This is a very good idea and actually something I've been kicking around recently. Here's a request: Could you -- or others here who feel strongly about this -- provide examples of these type of cuts? The key here is to be as specific as possible, both about what was cut and when it happened.

There is curently a thread about that but it has yet to really go into all the recent cuts:
http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/disney-giveth-and-disney-taketh-away.841422/

If you break down all the dining and merchandice cuts and homogination it is quite a long list. From reduced menu offers( inflamed by DDP) to shuttered restaurants like Aunt Polly's. Another main focus of decline is maintenance(from paint/light bulbs/show elements) and reduced show offerings. And of course the lack of new entertainment and attraction additions. Right now I cannot break it down any further but I will try to compile a more comprehensive list.

 

[jakeman]

There is curently a thread about that but it has yet to really go into all the recent cuts:
http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/disney-giveth-and-disney-taketh-away.841422/

If you break down all the dining and merchandice cuts and homogination it is quite a long list. From reduced menu offers( inflamed by DDP) to shuttered restaurants like Aunt Polly's. Another main focus of decline is maintenance(from paint/light bulbs/show elements) and reduced show offerings. And of course the lack of new entertainment and attraction additions. Right now I cannot break it down any further but I will try to compile a more comprehensive list.

The problem with the decline in maintenance (with the exception of big things like the yeti) and reduced menu offerings is while we may know and it is obvious to us, it will be almost impossible to quantify as historical data is usually just "I remember when".

Perhaps a more narrow focus would be something like the Yeti and instead of just pointing at the yeti and saying "Yep, that's broken" (no offense, Jason), engage Disney in a dialogue about it. Even if the line is "Disney refuses to comment on the state of the broken Yeti". Or effects that have been switched off or have remained broken for years.

It's easy to put a PR spin on cuts by saying, "well we took away A B and C, but we have now provided X Y and Z" because then it becomes about perceived value, not the cuts.

If you start with something obvious however, how can that be ignored?

 

[flynnibus]

The problem with the decline in maintenance (with the exception of big things like the yeti) and reduced menu offerings is while we may know and it is obvious to us, it will be almost impossible to quantify as historical data is usually just "I remember when".

The internet is your friend.

All someone needs to do is go back through the Mouse Planet weekly updates for the last year or two and you'll get a majority of the adds/removes. Finding the smaller things takes more effort, but again, historical postings cover a lot.

Just going back to about 2005 will find you tons of stuff, and the property was already being heavily covered by weekly or so bloggers in that time period.

 

[drew81]

This is a very good idea and actually something I've been kicking around recently. Here's a request: Could you -- or others here who feel strongly about this -- provide examples of these type of cuts? The key here is to be as specific as possible, both about what was cut and when it happened.

Can I call you with a list of entertainment cuts? I would be happy to.

 

[Buried20KLeague]

If any of you have criticisms about these stories or any others I write -- or if you want to suggest different story ideas about Disney that you think I should pursue -- please don't hesitate to contact me. I can be reached at jrgarcia@orlandosentinel.com, 407-420-5414 or @Jason_Garcia. Part of this job is hearing and learning from people who would cover this beat differently than I would.

I just want to take a second and back Jason up on what he says here. I was the one that reached out to him about writing about the broken yeti. Initially he didn't seem too interested... He didn't see how it was as big an issue as we all believe. But we had a little back and forth (and a phone call, I think?) and he decided it was worth it and wrote, I thought, a good story. And more importantly, it got a good reaction from what I hear.

So... My point is... He's being sincere when he says he's open to hearing story ideas. They might not all be winners, but if they're worth it, he'll hear you out.

Now, Jason... About this Adventurer's Club closure...

 

[Buried20KLeague]

The problem with the decline in maintenance (with the exception of big things like the yeti) and reduced menu offerings is while we may know and it is obvious to us, it will be almost impossible to quantify as historical data is usually just "I remember when".

Perhaps a more narrow focus would be something like the Yeti and instead of just pointing at the yeti and saying "Yep, that's broken" (no offense, Jason), engage Disney in a dialogue about it. Even if the line is "Disney refuses to comment on the state of the broken Yeti". Or effects that have been switched off or have remained broken for years.

It's easy to put a PR spin on cuts by saying, "well we took away A B and C, but we have now provided X Y and Z" because then it becomes about perceived value, not the cuts.

If you start with something obvious however, how can that be ignored?

Did you read the article on the yeti? That's basically what happened... He asked them, and they gave a fairly canned response. But it was an "on the record" response on the issue for the first time, at least.

Although I do disagree... I think a lot of these things can be quantified. Closures without replacement are easy to prove. Effects broken or removed can be pinpointed, etc... And even those that can't be quantified all work together to show a distinct trend. As an aggregate list, I think it would look very powerful in print.

I would suggest a picture of the GF's skyline at night as a picture to accompany an article, too... The shoddy look of a roofline more UNlit than actually LIT would be a good eye grabber.

 

[jakeman]

To what effect is all of this though?

No offense to Jason (again), but O-Sent is a local paper and locals don't really seem interested in the theme parks down the road (anecdotal experience from living there). If they were, wouldn't they have more than one reporter covering Disney?

I mean have at it everyone. I'm not trying to minimize anyone's efforts, but I just wonder what is trying to be accomplished.

 

[maxairmike]

Articles about large local companies like Disney from the Sentinel are often picked up by associated publications media companies if they feel it is relevant or they need to fill a blank slot. While it is a little bit of a gamble at first, once momentum is gained it can be like ball rolling down a hill in terms of how it is picked up by other media. Take the price increases this summer. That was picked up on by HLN, ended up on the larger CNN, and was picked up by media across the country. The "train" for starting at the Sentinel would likely be a few steps longer, but it happens often.

 

[Alektronic]

The problem with the decline in maintenance (with the exception of big things like the yeti) and reduced menu offerings is while we may know and it is obvious to us, it will be almost impossible to quantify as historical data is usually just "I remember when".

Except if you are one of the maintenance CM's that used to have over 100 people in your dept and now you only have about 40 and expected to do the same work. So a lot of the maintenance just gets forgotten or turned off because you don't have the manpower.

 

[Buried20KLeague]

To what effect is all of this though?

No offense to Jason (again), but O-Sent is a local paper and locals don't really seem interested in the theme parks down the road (anecdotal experience from living there). If they were, wouldn't they have more than one reporter covering Disney?

I mean have at it everyone. I'm not trying to minimize anyone's efforts, but I just wonder what is trying to be accomplished.

Any large corporation doesn't like negative press... Especially a segment that's currently a cash cow.

Writing an article pointing out how you get much less than you used to for your vacation dollar, all while costs have gone up, is a black eye that no one would want written. Heck, from what I understand, even the yeti article got quite a few TDO folks fairly riled up. Now imagine an itemized list of quantifiable losses or drops in quality.

If it was written objectively, it would also include some added values... I guess? I'm having a tough time thinking of any, to be honest.

Articles can also get picked up in other publicatons, obviously... And if were written from a "travel value" perspective, I could see other travel pubs and sites picking it up, and depending on the angle taken, who knows who else might have interest.

Thing is... You're not talking about months of research or fact finding to write something like this. It would come together fast, and provide compelling content... Which at the end of the day, is what Jason and his bosses want. Put the right headline on there with the right picture or two? It would get clicks.

 

[drew81]

Any large corporation doesn't like negative press... Especially a segment that's currently a cash cow.

Writing an article pointing out how you get much less than you used to for your vacation dollar, all while costs have gone up, is a black eye that no one would want written. Heck, from what I understand, even the yeti article got quite a few TDO folks fairly riled up. Now imagine an itemized list of quantifiable losses or drops in quality.

If it was written objectively, it would also include some added values... I guess? I'm having a tough time thinking of any, to be honest.

Articles can also get picked up in other publicatons, obviously... And if were written from a "travel value" perspective, I could see other travel pubs and sites picking it up, and depending on the angle taken, who knows who else might have interest.

Thing is... You're not talking about months of research or fact finding to write something like this. It would come together fast, and provide compelling content... Which at the end of the day, is what Jason and his bosses want. Put the right headline on there with the right picture or two? It would get clicks.

I would've liked to been a fly on the wall to hear those conversations.

 

[c-one]

Hmmm. Been 20 minutes so I will take that as a "no".

?!?!?!!?!!?

 

[jt04]

?!?!?!!?!!?

Press people are used to the pressure of deadlines so I was just went to that mode. It worked.

 

[fillerup]

Jason blogged about an hour ago on the reduced EMH:

"Disney to reduce park hours for hotel guests"

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-...ts-extra-magic-hours-20120724,0,7274521.story