Two coasts: One very different world

[flynnibus]

I noticed every fast food chain I visit has specialized napkins. Even some mom & pop shops have them. If they can have them, why can't Disney? I hope a mega corporation like Disney that charges as if it were providing a premium service could at least live up to the standards of McDonald's!

Uhh.. your Mcdonalds of MLK blvd has different napkins from the McDonalds of Smith Ave? You do realize your question completely misses the point.

Disney does have custom napkins - just like Sonic, McDonalds, etc. But we're not talking about Disney having napkins, but each property, or even resturant having unique napkins. That's like saying every location, not every chain, having different napkins.

A cost saving of one location isn't that big.. but to save that cost over hundreds of locations.. well that's two orders of magnitude.

 

[NemoRocks78]

I seem to remember Sci-Fi having their own napkins (last time I ate there was 8 months ago, though). If they've got them, some of the other joints must have them.

 

[flynnibus]

Sorry, I did miss that. I thought the orignal point was about "generic" napkins, which I interpreted to be napkins I could buy at the grocery store.

It all depends on what stage you are looking at.

The original complaints were when Disney went to 'Disney Parks' napkins in many locations instead of 'Disneyland Resort' or 'Walt Disney World' etc. This was seen as corporate cost cutting - and in that sense, would be effective given the # of variations it would reduce.

Then the latest agitator is reports of blank (instead of Disney Parks) napkins at some locations - but why they are blank is unknown if this is simply a supply issue or a permanent change. Would such a change here really make a huge difference? Much less than the first change. When you are talking the volume disney is moving.. vendors would give their first child to win the contract and so would do things as close to cost as possible. Be it printing, or embossing.. it's not far fetched to customize to 'one' style.

I think the blank napkins thing is just some supply issue - just like the coke products thing was some temporary thing people were wigging out over.

 

[RSoxNo1]

I seem to remember Sci-Fi having their own napkins (last time I ate there was 8 months ago, though). If they've got them, some of the other joints must have them.

Yep, sorry about the size -it's what I found online.

 

[The Empress Lilly]

I already know why we discuss it. I said I know there is a method to the madness. I was only making a joke based on what someone with a non Disney background had said regarding the same topic that us Disney fans are discussing. No need to get all defensive. I already know why we look for and should look for the details in everything Disney.

Sorry, the defensiveness wasn't meant for you! It was some lingering tension about the 'Great Napkin Debate of 2012', where one got subjected to nastiness simply for prefering a Disney meal with instead of without Mickey Mouse on their napkin.

 

[COProgressFan]

Yep, sorry about the size -it's what I found online.

Yeah, that's like how the Plaza ones were. Now they just say "Disney Parks".

 

[spacemt354]

Sorry, the defensiveness wasn't meant for you! It was some lingering tension about the 'Great Napkin Debate of 2012', where one got subjected to nastiness simply for prefering a Disney meal with instead of without Mickey Mouse on their napkin.

No problem, that's understandable! I'm sorry that happened.

 

[NEL]

Sorry, I did miss that. I thought the orignal point was about "generic" napkins, which I interpreted to be napkins I could buy at the grocery store.

My last WDW trip was in April. (Next one is in 2 weeks!) I thought WDW has had the Disney theme park napkins at all locations for a while. (Didn't the resorts used to have their own unique napkins at one point?) If you don't mind, could you please bring me up to speed. Exactly where has Disney recently changed napkins and from what to what?

Thanks!

I think you both miss the point. The current situation is that WDW now has non-logo napkins. In other words, brown napkins with no logo or pictures or wording. So they have evolved from having logo napkins specific to the venue, such as Tony's Restaurant in MK, to logo napkins specific only to WDW resort, to logo napkins for all Disney Parks ( not just Walt Disney World Orlando), to now having napkins with no logo/picture/or wording what so ever just brown. The kind you would at your local BBQ joint or corner hot dog stand. Most find this a move that "cheapens" the resort for the sake of a small cut in cost. We, or at least me, are trying to figure out if this oficially is just a temporary issue/problem or a long term cut. As others mentioned before this may seem crazy or silly to discuss and argue, but it is one of many moves by WDW that cuts back on some of the magic for small monetary savings. I for one am still holding on to hope that this is just a temporary issue due to a vendor, or something of that sort, until I hear something different officialy or from a trusted inside source. Here's wishing.

 

[Clever Name]

In days gone by, WDW had logo specific matches at each venue. Now, you can rarely even find matches at WDW because it is not a good idea for Disney to associate themselves with the use of tobacco products. With the concern in the USA for the increase in obesity, perhaps Disney is attempting to get out in front of this issue. Obese people with Disney logo napkins stuffed in their bibs sends a bad message.

 

[Tom]

In days gone by, WDW had logo specific matches at each venue. Now, you can rarely even find matches at WDW because it is not a good idea for Disney to associate themselves with the use of tobacco products. With the concern in the USA for the increase in obesity, perhaps Disney is attempting to get out in front of this issue. Obese people with Disney logo napkins stuffed in their bibs sends a bad message.

That must be it.

 

[WDW1974]

I actually have two of those Sci Fi napkins ... and yes, I think people who think this is insignificant totally and absolutely miss the point that it was the small things that always mattered at Disney.

When you start forgetting the Disney Details than you might as well forget about WDW being the premier family entertainment destination it once was.

 

[Tiggerrules]

I actually have two of those Sci Fi napkins ... and yes, I think people who think this is insignificant totally and absolutely miss the point that it was the small things that always mattered at Disney.

When you start forgetting the Disney Details than you might as well forget about WDW being the premier family entertainment destination it once was.

You mean like merchandise that you can only get a WDW and not at every Disney store? I really do miss merchandise like that.

 

[yeti]

In days gone by, WDW had logo specific matches at each venue. Now, you can rarely even find matches at WDW because it is not a good idea for Disney to associate themselves with the use of tobacco products. With the concern in the USA for the increase in obesity, perhaps Disney is attempting to get out in front of this issue. Obese people with Disney logo napkins stuffed in their bibs sends a bad message.

You're kidding, right?

 

[lazyboy97o]

You mean like merchandise that you can only get a WDW and not at every Disney store? I really do miss merchandise like that.

But do you get the Magic of paying 20% more at the Disney Store?

You're kidding, right?

Based on the whole fuss over "American," I think not.

 

[Tiggerrules]

But do you get the Magic of paying 20% more at the Disney Store?

Nope, but for unique merchandise it used to be worth it. We spend very little on merchandise any more, 10 years ago that was one of the things we looked forward to, what was going to be new. Now I pretty much know what is going to be there every year.

 

[EPCOTCenterLover]

I haven't really purchased any souvenirs at WDW for the last 3-4 visits. DL, yes, usually at the Gallery.

 

[Mouse Detective]

In days gone by, WDW had logo specific matches at each venue.

Thankfully there are still logo-specific garbage cans outside each venue! Saw a really beautiful Coronado Springs Resort garbage can a couple nights ago! It's even more impressive than than the Downtown Disney garbage can.

 

[Clever Name]

You're kidding, right?

Earlier this year Disney suffered a great deal of adverse publicity due to the “Habit Heroes” exhibit at Epcot. They quickly closed the attraction and have worked tirelessly to recover. They announced that they are going to eliminate junk food advertisements throughout their media empire as just one step. They are working on other projects as well.

As most regular park visitors know, there are a rather large number of grossly obese people (both adults and children) that are guests at the Disney theme parks. The Disney public relations staff wants to avoid having Disney logo themed napkins showing up in photos of obese people eating traditional Disney fare such as turkey legs, Mickey bars and churros.

It’s a small step but it’s something that they felt needed to be done to help them recover from the embarrassment caused by ‘Lead Bottom”, “Snacker” and “Stinkbomb” in the Habit Heroes. After a few years, they'll bring the logo napkins back most likely.

 

[lazyboy97o]

The Disney public relations staff wants to avoid having Disney logo themed napkins showing up in photos of obese people eating traditional Disney fare such as turkey legs, Mickey bars and churros.

And what of the new junk food scented air fresheners?

 

[Clever Name]

And what of the new junk food scented air fresheners?

The caloric content of the air fresheners is rather low so I’m told so they won’t really contribute to the obesity problem.