Walt Disney World's new marketing campaign - 'The Magic is Endless'

[SorcererMC]

People like to ignore the additions and new experiences to the parks, and focus only on what is gone. If you no longer perceive the value in something- just stop going.

Imperfect information - a WDW vacation planner relies on sites like this for more information about what to expect, what has changed, etc. Consider that many people wait 1+ years in between visits.

ETA: consider also how long it can take to plan and the frustration that has resulted from Disney removing the parade, not opening Rivers of Light on schedule, etc. It's an expectations adjustment that is easier for some than others, having your heart set on something and then it's not there/ closed/ not open yet. People seek out information to make the best decision for them.

 

[ford91exploder]

The all inclusive thing is pretty cool. I actually sent a text to my mom after reading your post lol. We went annually and she had no idea that even existed. Was it heavily advertised?

I think a lot of customers still see a WDW vacation as a justifiable expense. Clearly many here do not.

I don't think annual price increases make (most) customers think they are getting a far superior product- with anything, not just WDW.
People like to ignore the additions and new experiences to the parks, and focus only on what is gone. If you no longer perceive the value in something- just stop going. How difficult can that be? There's a whole world to explore.

The problem is that the deletion side of the balance sheet is far heavier than the addition side, Example in 2012 there were FOUR parades at WDW, In 4 years that has been trimmed down to a SINGLE parade in the meantime prices have increased by about 30% in that same 4 years.

If we STILL had 4 parades but DIFFERENT ones the value proposition would be different. I'm just using the last 4 years not going back to a mythical 'Disney Decade'. In F&B portion sizes (not necessarily a bad thing -IMHO ) have decreased and prices increased significantly (Yes this IS a bad thing with portion sizes being cut).

It's an objective fact that FAR more things have been CUT than have been ADDED and the cutting continues even now while additions (other than retail at Disney Springs) have stopped. If the cuts and additions were balanced we would not even be having this discussion.

 

[21stamps]

Imperfect information - a WDW vacation planner relies on sites like this for more information about what to expect, what has changed, etc. Consider that many people wait 1+ years in between visits.

ETA: consider also how long it can take to plan and the frustration that has resulted from Disney removing the parade, not opening Rivers of Light on schedule, etc. It's an expectations adjustment that is easier for some than others, having your heart set on something and then it's not there/ closed/ not open yet. People seek out information to make the best decision for them.

That's what I have a difficult time comprehending.

Last year pirate's was closed, on my son's first visit. Sure I was sad about that, but it didn't overshadow our trip.

This year- I had my heart set on A Galactic Spectacular. My son has been talking since spring break about going to HS to see the new Star Wars stuff.
Unfortunately on our trip A Galctic Spectacular has been replaced with the Jingle Bam thing. I was also sad about that..still am. BUT- again, it won't overshadow our trip. I purchased the dessert party for the jingle thing and I know we'll have a fantastic time.
ROL would be great, but it has never officially started so I can't be upset about that not being there.

If we go to our local amusement park and our favorite ride is closed- that stinks. We grumble momentarily and then move on and enjoy the rest of our day.

I don't understand focusing on the negative. It doesn't make sense.

What does make sense to me is that IF I don't see enough positives to justify my hard earned money, then I just won't spend money on something. I would not take the energy out of me to constantly complain about it though.

I'm sure that everything I'm saying is falling on deaf ears. Maybe though, maybe 1 person will think "Hey, yeah, I'll just enjoy my trip instead of looking for something to complain about."
There's just too much to stress about in life why self inflict more by constantly seeking out the negative in a voluntary vacation destination.

 

[SorcererMC]

That's what I have a difficult time comprehending.

Last year pirate's was closed, on my son's first visit. Sure I was sad about that, but it didn't overshadow our trip.

This year- I had my heart set on A Galactic Spectacular. My son has been talking since spring break about going to HS to see the new Star Wars stuff.
Unfortunately on our trip A Galctic Spectacular has been replaced with the Jingle Bam thing. I was also sad about that..still am. BUT- again, it won't overshadow our trip. I purchased the dessert party for the jingle thing and I know we'll have a fantastic time.
ROL would be great, but it has never officially started so I can't be upset about that not being there.

If we go to our local amusement park and our favorite ride is closed- that stinks. We grumble momentarily and then move on and enjoy the rest of our day.

I don't understand focusing on the negative. It doesn't make sense.

What does make sense to me is that IF I don't see enough positives to justify my hard earned money, then I just won't spend money on something. I would not take the energy out of me to constantly complain about it though.

I'm sure that everything I'm saying is falling on deaf ears. Maybe though, maybe 1 person will think "Hey, yeah, I'll just enjoy my trip instead of looking for something to complain about."
There's just too much to stress about in life than constantly seeking out the negative in a voluntary vacation destination.

I agree that one can choose to focus on the positive or negative; when trying to do a cost-benefit analysis for a vacation those are 'weighted measures'. A WDW vacation may be the only vacation that an individual has that year, or may be planned around a milestone, or may be a once in a lifetime trip, and that does distinguish it from other vacations to a certain extent. So one's flexibility and resilience to change varies.

ETA: I read recently that the avg tourist starts planning their (avg) vacation 3-4 months out. If an individual is planning their WDW vacation 6+ months out, they want to know that there will be a return on that time investment in the form of satisfaction (both emotionally and rationally).

 

[21stamps]

I agree that one can choose to focus on the positive or negative; when trying to do a cost-benefit analysis for a vacation those are 'weighted measures'. A WDW vacation may be the only vacation that an individual has that year, or may be planned around a milestone, or may be a once in a lifetime trip, and that does distinguish it from other vacations to a certain extent. So one's flexibility and resilience to change varies.

Right! But no one is forcing them to go!

If a ride closure or parade or show will make or break your trip, then it's too big of a risk to take. Common sense says that those things will happen. A good attitude wouldn't let it ruin your stay though.

It is a choice to be either positive or negative.

My upcoming Alaskan cruise is an actual "once in a lifetime" trip for me. I promise you that if the Space needle is closed during our Seattle portion- I'll be disappointed, but it will not and can not put a dark cloud over those 2 weeks. However, if I knew that dog sledding on a glacier wouldn't be possible- then I would reschedule until I knew it was available.

Ps.. Hope I didn't jinx myself here lol

ETA to your ETA portion- I get that. Like I said, I'm disappointed over a Galctic spectacular. Small disappointment compared to huge excitement for everything else. Again, if someone's emotional satisfaction is dependent on a certain ride/attraction/show, then maybe it's not the best destination for them.

 

[SorcererMC]

Right! But no one is forcing them to go!

If a ride closure or parade or show will make or break your trip, then it's too big of a risk to take. Common sense says that those things will happen. A good attitude wouldn't let it ruin your stay though.

It is a choice to be either positive or negative.

It's an ongoing process for the consumer, perception of quality varies before, during, and after a vacation; deciding to pay $X price and then evaluating it to determine if the perceived quality matched the price paid.

 

[ford91exploder]

That's what I have a difficult time comprehending.

Last year pirate's was closed, on my son's first visit. Sure I was sad about that, but it didn't overshadow our trip.

This year- I had my heart set on A Galactic Spectacular. My son has been talking since spring break about going to HS to see the new Star Wars stuff.
Unfortunately on our trip A Galctic Spectacular has been replaced with the Jingle Bam thing. I was also sad about that..still am. BUT- again, it won't overshadow our trip. I purchased the dessert party for the jingle thing and I know we'll have a fantastic time.
ROL would be great, but it has never officially started so I can't be upset about that not being there.

If we go to our local amusement park and our favorite ride is closed- that stinks. We grumble momentarily and then move on and enjoy the rest of our day.

I don't understand focusing on the negative. It doesn't make sense.

What does make sense to me is that IF I don't see enough positives to justify my hard earned money, then I just won't spend money on something. I would not take the energy out of me to constantly complain about it though.

I'm sure that everything I'm saying is falling on deaf ears. Maybe though, maybe 1 person will think "Hey, yeah, I'll just enjoy my trip instead of looking for something to complain about."
There's just too much to stress about in life why self inflict more by constantly seeking out the negative in a voluntary vacation destination.

It's NOT "Focusing on The Negative" when objectively there is less and less value every month, I always have fun at WDW but recently their are MANY FEWER things to experience at a MUCH higher price.

It used to be 'WHAT'S NEW' at WDW every visit there was always something new even if it was just a new dish at a favorite restaurant or a new street actor, Now it's what's been cut THIS TIME. Unfortunately that's a fact not a 'perception' and that is coloring long time WDW fans opinions.

 

[SorcererMC]

Again, if someone's emotional satisfaction is dependent on a certain ride/attraction/show, then maybe it's not the best destination for them.

This is a curious statement to me b/c that is the opposite of what Disney wants you (a consumer) to think! It's why they advertise their new offerings when they have them, eg NFL and FEA, etc.

ETA: and special offerings for the holidays.
ETA2: Roger that on not letting small disappointments interfere with huge excitement.

 

[21stamps]

It's NOT "Focusing on The Negative" when objectively there is less and less value every month, I always have fun at WDW but recently their are MANY FEWER things to experience at a MUCH higher price.

It used to be 'WHAT'S NEW' at WDW every visit there was always something new even if it was just a new dish at a favorite restaurant or a new street actor, Now it's what's been cut THIS TIME. Unfortunately that's a fact not a 'perception' and that is coloring long time WDW fans opinions.

But there is "New"!!!

This is a curious statement to me b/c that is the opposite of what Disney wants you (a consumer) to think! It's why they advertise their new offerings when they have them, eg NFL and FEA, etc.

ETA: and special offerings for the holidays.
ETA2: Roger that on not letting small disappointments interfere with huge excitement.

Their advertisements focus on more than one thing. A WDW vacation is not about one single attraction. It's a combination of everything. It's a felling of whimsy, and nostalgia, and entertainment, and much more. It's why I tear up at Wishes, the EWP, and the MSEP. Those were staples of my childhood. I'm disappointed that MSEP is no more, but I am excited to watch Stormtroopers March down the street while holding my child's hand. Are the Stormtroopers as "grand" as the MSEP? Of course not, but to me they don't need to be. The magic is created by an experience, and by sharing that experience (now), new or old, with my child.
The Sky Ride and Mr Toad's were my favorite attractions outside of Space Mountain at MK. I still survived and found new things to love when those ended.


I think what bothers me is like I said, the overwhelming amount of negativity towards Disney on a Disney forum. How does that even make sense?
Look at the Trip Planning section. All of these self proclaimed "Disney Experts" and "Disney Lovers" are almost no where to be found.. Unless it's injecting a negative opinion on one event or another.
Today I asked "What are the logistics on eating qs meals at GF when Gasparilla's is closed?" Crickets. Someone else asks a question about Wishes viewing- mostly sarcastic responses. Someone asks about HS- responses telling them it's an empty park and to skip it. Look at a post by WDW magic about the new Jingle Bells event at HS. Plenty of "oh well it won't be as good as the Osbourne lights". Here's what goes thru my mind when I read that- "umm ok, I'll never be 29 again either." It's irrelevant!! You can't stay stuck in the past.

At some point people must get tired of their own incessant sarcasm and complaining, one would think anyway. There are people here who still do appreciate Disney..and it's just grating to see so many bad attitudes on every thread. Call us "pixie dusters", I call it being excited about a place that we love.

 

[SorcererMC]

But there is "New"!!!


Their advertisements focus on more than one thing. A WDW vacation is not about one single attraction. It's a combination of everything. It's a felling of whimsy, and nostalgia, and entertainment, and much more. It's why I tear up at Wishes, the EWP, and the MSEP. Those were staples of my childhood. I'm disappointed that MSEP is no more, but I am excited to watch Stormtroopers March down the street while holding my child's hand. Are the Stormtroopers as "grand" as the MSEP? Of course not, but to me they don't need to be. The magic is created by an experience, and by sharing that experience, new or old, (now) with my child.
The Sky Ride and Mr Toad's were my favorite attractions outside of Space Mountain at MK. I still survived and found new things to love when those ended.


I think what bothers me is like I said, the overwhelming amount of negativity towards Disney on a Disney forum. How does that even make sense?
Look at the Trip Planning section. All of these self proclaimed "Disney Experts" and "Disney Lovers" are almost no where to be found.. Unless it's injecting a negative opinion on one event or another.
Today I asked "What are the logistics on eating qs meals at GF when Gasparilla's is closed?" Crickets. Someone else asks a question about Wishes viewing- mostly sarcastic responses. Someone asks about HS- responses telling them it's an empty park and to skip it. Look at a post by WDW magic about the new Jingle Bells event at HS. Plenty of "oh well it won't be as good as the Osbourne lights". Here's what goes thru my mind when I read that- "umm ok, I'll never be 29 again either." It's irrelevant!! You can't stay stuck in the past.

At some point people must get tired of their own incessant sarcasm and complaining, one would think anyway. There are people here who still do appreciate Disney..and it's just grating to see so many bad attitudes on every thread. Call us "pixie dusters", I call it being excited about a place that we love.

Thanks for elaborating because I understand better now where you are coming from. I think what you are seeing on this site re: negativity/ criticism is fluctuation and erosion in brand loyalty. Tourists also evaluate the quality of their vacation according to the organization (eg hotel owner, tour operator, etc) - in this case TWDC - and how they manage the vacation experience. A lot has changed for WDW and Orlando in the last 3-4 years! In both the theme park industry (supply) and consumer markets (demand) - there is a shift to a new equilibrium. For traditional consumers - this is where price memory and prior history come into play, when one's experience from one year to the next is different, and not in a good way, it builds up. Many will stop going, others aren't ready to 'give up' on their favorite vaca just yet, and some are waiting for 'more' to go back.

It concerns me as well that Disney fans are experiencing less satisfaction/ increasingly disenchanted, but it is consistent with tourism econ research which shows that the negative effect of price increases slightly outweighs the positive effects. I think that this summer is a turning point for TWDC re: attendance trends and that they will respond or shift their strategy by offering more discounts to their loyal consumers - maybe why they added that 13th month to the AP.

 

[LuvtheGoof]

There point was not that it was paid for... its that it wasn't CHARGED FOR. *facepalm*

And there were all-inclusive packages through the Magic Kingdom Club. Everything but alchohol included was the way we roll'd through the 80s.

Its amazing how far people will go to defend the status quo... ignoring the amount of uncharges and paid opportunities now? ***

I have never defended the upcharge events. Merely pointed out that as of now, they do not affect your vacation experience at all. They are additions - not replacements to something that was previously free. We have a few planned for this trip that we think are a good value. YMMV. If you don't like them, don't pay for them. So what is wrong with extra paid events and such? They have been around for 40 years. The number of them? So what? If people pay for it, then more power to them.

I had forgotten about the MK Club. That was a cool deal at the time.

 

[LuvtheGoof]

It's NOT "Focusing on The Negative" when objectively there is less and less value every month, I always have fun at WDW but recently their are MANY FEWER things to experience at a MUCH higher price.

It used to be 'WHAT'S NEW' at WDW every visit there was always something new even if it was just a new dish at a favorite restaurant or a new street actor, Now it's what's been cut THIS TIME. Unfortunately that's a fact not a 'perception' and that is coloring long time WDW fans opinions.

Actually, it's still only your perception. Have certain things been cut? Yes. But other things have been added. Is it value to you - obviously not. Is it still a value for others such as us? Yes. Having made 20 trips in the last 9 years, there are still attractions and restaurants that we have never visited. We experience many new things on every single trip, not just one or two.

It is coloring your opinion. Not all of us. I've been going a lot longer than you have, and you are certainly entitled to your opinion, but don't lump all of us longer time WDW fans into your boat.

 

[ford91exploder]

Actually, it's still only your perception. Have certain things been cut? Yes. But other things have been added. Is it value to you - obviously not. Is it still a value for others such as us? Yes. Having made 20 trips in the last 9 years, there are still attractions and restaurants that we have never visited. We experience many new things on every single trip, not just one or two.

It is coloring your opinion. Not all of us. I've been going a lot longer than you have, and you are certainly entitled to your opinion, but don't lump all of us longer time WDW fans into your boat.

ENUMERATE the additions please, Disney press releases about 'coming soon' don't count.

 

[21stamps]

ENUMERATE the additions please, Disney press releases about 'coming soon' don't count.

I can name a few off the top of my head that came after our Labor Day '15 trip-

Kylo Ren & Chewy
Stormtroopers
Jawas
Launch Bay
Elena
Stitch (new again)
Minnie's Holiday Dine
Countless new restaurants
New shops at Disney Springs.
Inside Out characters
Olaf.
AK at night.
New show at MK
Jungle Book (for awhile)
A Galactic Spectacular (temporarily replaced with new Christmas show at HS)
Early Morning Magic MK
Early Morning Magic HS
Tony's parade dining package.
Frozen Ever After.
New Soarin'

I'm sure there's a larger list if I actually googled it.

 

[LuvtheGoof]

ENUMERATE the additions please, Disney press releases about 'coming soon' don't count.

With a few minutes of research:
Mickey's Royal Friendship Faire
The Muppets Present...Great Moments in American History
Diamond Horseshoe is open again
Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen
American Music Machine
Quickstep
Margret Almer & The Bavarian Band
Meet Anna and Elsa at Royal Sommerhus
Frozen Ever After
New Soarin' film
Star Wars Launch Bay
Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular
Harambe Wildlife Parti
Discovery Island Carnivale
Harambe Village Acrobats
Muziki
Kora Tinga Tinga
Karibu Sisters
Discovery Island Sunset Serenatas
Harambe Market
Tiffins
Nomad Lounge
AbracadaBar
Ample Hills Creamery
AristoCrepes
Blaze Fast-Fire'd Pizza
Chef Art Smith's Homecoming
Kona Island
Daily Poutine
D-Luxe Burger
Dockside Margaritas
Erin McKenna's Bakery
Multiple Food Trucks at DS
Frontera Cocina
Front Porch
Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar
Morimotoa Asia
Smokehouse
STK Orlando

And I included not one single new shop or store from DS. Now, does everything on this list appeal to everyone? Of course not. But there are probably many things that will appeal to anyone, even you.

 

[wdwfan22]

It's NOT "Focusing on The Negative" when objectively there is less and less value every month, I always have fun at WDW but recently their are MANY FEWER things to experience at a MUCH higher price.

It used to be 'WHAT'S NEW' at WDW every visit there was always something new even if it was just a new dish at a favorite restaurant or a new street actor, Now it's what's been cut THIS TIME. Unfortunately that's a fact not a 'perception' and that is coloring long time WDW fans opinions.

There are still new things being offered every year. Whether or not you find them of value is totally up to you. However to say there is less and less value every month is strictly opinion and for me and many others we don't agree with your perception.

 

[rob0519]

and to think...some Ad agency got paid millions of dollars for that...

The agencies got millions to produce the campaign. It's possible the slogan came from in house. That's not all that uncommon.

 

[rob0519]

Funny....my first thought in response to this was

"...and so are the cuts and price increases"

I think you nailed it.

 

[21stamps]

It's NOT "Focusing on The Negative" when objectively there is less and less value every month, I always have fun at WDW but recently their are MANY FEWER things to experience at a MUCH higher price.

It used to be 'WHAT'S NEW' at WDW every visit there was always something new even if it was just a new dish at a favorite restaurant or a new street actor, Now it's what's been cut THIS TIME. Unfortunately that's a fact not a 'perception' and that is coloring long time WDW fans opinions.

Ok so myself and @LuvtheGoof just pointed out several new offerings.. New in the past 12 months.

So do you now see how plenty of us still see value?
A fact and perception are two different things. The facts are- some things have been cancelled. Several have been added.
The perception is- your own personal thoughts of if you see value in the additions.
You can focus on the "cuts" or you can be excited over the "new". Either way it's a choice, a personal one, and an opinion.

 

[GrammieBee]

If you are that close to death, maybe an electrical parade at a theme park is the least of your concerns?

Just catching up on the war between the "pixie dusters" and the "Disney haters" when I read your post.
That was a rather snide comment on your part. My concerns, other than about Disney, are none of your business. However, my biggest concern, at the moment, is packing for a three week trip to the Orlando area which, incidentally, does not include a visit to any of the Disney parks..If all is well, our next Disney visit will probably be sometime after Pandora opens.
Since I am 83 ( my husband of 57 years is 82), and any unofficial scuttlebut has the next night parade at the Magic Kingdom arriving for it's 50th birthday in 2021, we would be 89 and 88 Realistically. at that age, even if we're still above ground , we may not be able to travel.
When and if you are in your eighties, let us know how it works out for you.
For us the night time parade in the Magic Kingdom was one of the most magical parts of the park. We will sorely miss it. And, I repeat, based on Disney's current practices, don't hold your breath waiting for the next one.