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

[Sir_Cliff]

Of course I have been upset and screamed at my tv. I even shed a tear or two after the Narional Championship with UF. I didn't go online and rant and rave about them. I had a moment of anger and said "we'll get 'em next year". There is a difference between short lived aggravation and constant whining and complaining.
I have a few issues with Atlantis the past few years, so I stopped going. The end. I don't need to go on trip advisor and rant and rave and criticize everything they do.

If the Internet has taught us one thing, it's that no-one is more critical of anything than its biggest fans!

I don't buy into some of the more extreme positions suggesting Iger is the Anti-Christ, but I think this thread has been pretty mild in its criticism of what most seem to see as a very uninspiring new marketing campaign & the lack of anything new to promote. At least in the short-term, it hints at a business strategy built on marketing, price increases, and upcharging which as a fan is hard to get behind.

 

[pax_65]

Yes, upcharge events are optional. But in some cases, they threaten to take the place of things that used to be included without an upcharge. So you're being asked to pay for something that used to be included with your pass.

 

[21stamps]

If the Internet has taught us one thing, it's that no-one is more critical of anything than its biggest fans!

I don't buy into some of the more extreme positions suggesting Iger is the Anti-Christ, but I think this thread has been pretty mild in its criticism of what most seem to see as a very uninspiring new marketing campaign & the lack of anything new to promote. At least in the short-term, it hints at a business strategy built on marketing, price increases, and upcharging which as a fan is hard to get behind.

The same people who criticize Every Single Thing that Disney does. I've only been on this site for a few months, but omg the negativity is so overwhelming. There are people who give good tips, helpful advice, etc, so that part is great...but it's glaringly obvious that there are several here who will not calm down until Disney basically opens their gates for free or reverts back to the pricing of 10 years ago. Why not focus on the good instead? Why not look at a dessert party as an opportunity to have a fun experience with a good viewing spot? OR- if you have no interest in it, that's fine too- but at least realize that some people do see the benefit and are glad that dessert parties exist. (using that as one example, there are plenty). What I'm basically saying is, just because "you" don't see the value in something, or do not like a new campaign, it doesn't mean that everyone agrees with "you". I'm quite sure that children will like this campaign, and I think that's the point of these..as with most family directed marketing.

 

[21stamps]

Yes, upcharge events are optional. But in some cases, they threaten to take the place of things that used to be included without an upcharge. So you're being asked to pay for something that used to be included with your pass.

I used to be able to fly without luggage fees. That ship has sailed, on most airlines anyway. I can't focus on something that I can't control.

I agree that price hikes are annoying. I just wish people would understand that it isn't just Disney. There's enough in life to stress about, let's focus on alternatives instead. Something like, there's a Christmas or Halloween party at MK tonight, what can I do that evening in place of MK? I guarentee there is plenty of options to choose from

 

[LuvtheGoof]

Yes, upcharge events are optional. But in some cases, they threaten to take the place of things that used to be included without an upcharge. So you're being asked to pay for something that used to be included with your pass.

You see though, that the key word is threaten. They haven't yet, and no one has come forward to say that they ever will. Dessert parties were never included in your pass. Breakfast/Dinner with celebrities such as those going on during F&W were never included. Exactly what upcharge event that they currently offer will replace something free on your pass? And please don't even go with the MNSSHP or MVMCP as those have been going on for years. Heck, the MNSSHP started in 1995, but there were paid events going back to the 70's for Halloween.

 

[pax_65]

There's enough in life to stress about, let's focus on alternatives instead. Something like, there's a Christmas or Halloween party at MK tonight, what can I do that evening in place of MK? I guarentee there is plenty of options to choose from

I think what bothers me about Disney is that it has changed the whole vacation experience for me. In the past, I'd get to Disney and I could just relax. There weren't a lot of big decisions to be made. In fact, I usually let the kids decide what they wanted to do. Everything was paid for - I didn't really worry about money. We just relaxed and enjoyed every day.

Now I feel like I have to actively manage everything more. I'm more "on guard" and aware of how my money is being spent. Everything has to be planned in advance including FPs and ADRs. Changing those plans carries consequences that must be weighed.

I still enjoy WDW but it's slowly becoming a different kind of vacation than what I've loved for so many years.

 

[21stamps]

I think what bothers me about Disney is that it has changed the whole vacation experience for me. In the past, I'd get to Disney and I could just relax. There weren't a lot of big decisions to be made. In fact, I usually let the kids decide what they wanted to do. Everything was paid for - I didn't really worry about money. We just relaxed and enjoyed every day.

Now I feel like I have to actively manage everything more. I'm more "on guard" and aware of how my money is being spent. Everything has to be planned in advance including FPs and ADRs. Changing those plans carries consequences that must be weighed.

I still enjoy WDW but it's slowly becoming a different kind of vacation than what I've loved for so many years.

I agree with you in the FP and ADR aspect. I HATE planning for Disney World. Hate it!!!!
I think it's ridiculous that I haven't been able to get the fast pass and dining reservations that I want. I think it's more ridiculous that people hoard reservations at 180 days- reservations that they have absolutely no intention of keeping. However, I know that these people will also start cancelling soon, and hopefully I can grab their reservations.

Disney World has become a "different" type of vacation. The way you have to plan is Evil, but Necessary.

The upside is- when I was a kid we had to wait 90 minutes or more to ride space mountain, fast passes have changed that.

 

[pax_65]

You see though, that the key word is threaten. They haven't yet, and no one has come forward to say that they ever will. Dessert parties were never included in your pass. Breakfast/Dinner with celebrities such as those going on during F&W were never included. Exactly what upcharge event that they currently offer will replace something free on your pass? And please don't even go with the MNSSHP or MVMCP as those have been going on for years. Heck, the MNSSHP started in 1995, but there were paid events going back to the 70's for Halloween.

Yes - and I chose the word "threaten" consciously. I have two concerns with the hard-ticketed MK events. First, the park's hours are shorter than they used to be. On my last trip in October several years ago, we had very few late nights in MK (which we enjoy) because many nights the park closed relatively early and the park was closed several nights during our trip for MNSSHP. Second, I feel like the events are more frequent today than in years past. If I'm in WDW for 10 days, I can lose one or two MK nights to a hard-ticket event and it's no big deal. But next week, there are FOUR parties!!! (I actually didn't realize that and just looked it up. WOW.)

The "Morning Magic" and "Disney After Dark" events have crossed another line since the park would either be open at these times (with the longer park hours available in years past) or available to resort guests as Extra Magic Hours (which still exist, yes, but seem less frequent than in the past).

The bottom line is that compared to my trips in the past, I'm paying more and getting less time in the parks. So I'm getting less value for my pass.

 

[LuvtheGoof]

I think what bothers me about Disney is that it has changed the whole vacation experience for me. In the past, I'd get to Disney and I could just relax. There weren't a lot of big decisions to be made. In fact, I usually let the kids decide what they wanted to do. Everything was paid for - I didn't really worry about money. We just relaxed and enjoyed every day.

Now I feel like I have to actively manage everything more. I'm more "on guard" and aware of how my money is being spent. Everything has to be planned in advance including FPs and ADRs. Changing those plans carries consequences that must be weighed.

I still enjoy WDW but it's slowly becoming a different kind of vacation than what I've loved for so many years.

When did you go that "everything was paid for"? I've been going for almost 40 years, and never remember any all-inclusive packages - unless you buy the dining plan - and you can still do that today. You must know that there are only a handful of restaurants that require an ADR at 180 days, and those have always been busy and not so easy to get into. Same goes for FP+. There are very few that cannot be had in short order, and most of those can be done at rope drop.

I will agree that more planning may be required, but for us, that is a fun part of the trip. We are taking our son and his wife on this next trip, and it has been fun to plan certain things for our trip with them. Maybe you don't like any planning at all, and that's OK. I'm glad you still enjoy WDW.

 

[LuvtheGoof]

Yes - and I chose the word "threaten" consciously. I have two concerns with the hard-ticketed MK events. First, the park's hours are shorter than they used to be. On my last trip in October several years ago, we had very few late nights in MK (which we enjoy) because many nights the park closed relatively early and the park was closed several nights during our trip for MNSSHP. Second, I feel like the events are more frequent today than in years past. If I'm in WDW for 10 days, I can lose one or two MK nights to a hard-ticket event and it's no big deal. But next week, there are FOUR parties!!! (I actually didn't realize that and just looked it up. WOW.)

OK, except that there are 3 other parks, 2 water parks, and DS to go to on those party nights, not to mention the resorts. It isn't like you are stuck in your room with nowhere to go, and since the party nights are advertised months in advance, you can easily work around them. They may be more of them because more people want to go to them.

The "Morning Magic" and "Disney After Dark" events have crossed another line since the park would either be open at these times (with the longer park hours available in years past) or available to resort guests as Extra Magic Hours (which still exist, yes, but seem less frequent than in the past).

Except that those are no longer being offered. It was a test, and they have gone away.

The bottom line is that compared to my trips in the past, I'm paying more and getting less time in the parks. So I'm getting less value for my pass.

Sorry, but we are going to have to agree to disagree on this one. We still the think the value is there. It really is what you make of it.

 

[21stamps]

Yes - and I chose the word "threaten" consciously. I have two concerns with the hard-ticketed MK events. First, the park's hours are shorter than they used to be. On my last trip in October several years ago, we had very few late nights in MK (which we enjoy) because many nights the park closed relatively early and the park was closed several nights during our trip for MNSSHP. Second, I feel like the events are more frequent today than in years past. If I'm in WDW for 10 days, I can lose one or two MK nights to a hard-ticket event and it's no big deal. But next week, there are FOUR parties!!! (I actually didn't realize that and just looked it up. WOW.)

The "Morning Magic" and "Disney After Dark" events have crossed another line since the park would either be open at these times (with the longer park hours available in years past) or available to resort guests as Extra Magic Hours (which still exist, yes, but seem less frequent than in the past).

The bottom line is that compared to my trips in the past, I'm paying more and getting less time in the parks. So I'm getting less value for my pass.

Ok so I am in the minority with Disney After Dark, I hope it comes back. I would absolutely love to experience MK with the kind of crowds that were shown in photos of that event. The price point is fine, in my opinion, for what it is. With Disney After Dark you are getting a lot of value and efficient use of time with that that ticket.
Morning Magic is something that I think is neat as well. There are people who stay off site, and there are people who only do one day at WDW while visiting Orlando. For those people it is a great option to have. I'm even slightly considering it for our on site stay if I can't get a FP for Mine Train before our trip..not sure though.

There are 4 parties during my stay as well. We are only attending one of them. The schedule has been out for months, if someone didn't want to go during a party week then they should plan a different time of year to go, they are easily avoidable.
In all honesty though, how many nights out of 10 would you really go to MK? That's what bothers me about that argument. We are there 9 nights, doing 3 MK visits, one until 7pm, one night from 8pm-1am for EMH, and one MVMCP. Even if I removed the MVMCP night there would still be time to fit in another if I wanted to.

 

[Mawg]

I guess I should get mine in. The Magic is Endless as long as the credit cards are not maxed out.

 

[LuvtheGoof]

There are 4 parties during my stay as well. We are only attending one of them. The schedule has been out for months, if someone didn't want to go during a party week then they should plan a different time of year to go, they are easily avoidable.
In all honesty though, how many nights out of 10 would you really go to MK? That's what bother me about that argument. We are there 9 nights, doing 3 MK visits, one until 7pm, one night from 8pm-1am for EMH, and one MVMCP. Even if I removed the MVMCP night there would still be time to fit in another if I wanted to.

There are 5 parties the week we are there, and we going to the party on the 31st. We have plenty of other stuff to do the other nights, so it doesn't bother us in the slightest. If we wanted, we could go to MK at night on 2 different nights as well, but we'd rather go to EPCOT most evenings.

 

[21stamps]

There are 5 parties the week we are there, and we going to the party on the 31st. We have plenty of other stuff to do the other nights, so it doesn't bother us in the slightest. If we wanted, we could go to MK at night on 2 different nights as well, but we'd rather go to EPCOT most evenings.

Exactly. It's a bad argument. Convenient, but lacks justification when broken down.

I don't know about your dates, but on mine there are PM EMH at some of the other parks on MVMCP nights. I actually chose my MVMCP night because it is also EMH at Epcot til 11:30 and I'm hoping people will choose to be there instead of MK.lol

 

[pax_65]

When did you go that "everything was paid for"?

We're DVC members, and on trips in the past we had APs and the Dining Plan. So while it wasn't "all inclusive" the overwhelming majority of my trip was paid for before I packed my bags. We also had Disney Reward points accumulated to help pay for other incidentals. Ahhh... those were the days.

Changes to the dining plan have reduced that value and I don't visit as often as in the past (for all the reasons discussed and others) so the AP no longer makes financial sense. So my Disney vacation has changed a lot since those good ol' days (admittedly some because of my own choices in how I've responded to Disney's changes).

The people who suggest taking a break are actually right. I'm going to wait a year or two until some of the new attractions are finished (Avatar at least) and then give WDW another shot. It's sad, though, because back in the day we'd go at least twice a year.

 

[LuvtheGoof]

Exactly. It's a bad argument. Convenient, but lacks justification when broken down.

I don't know about your dates, but on mine there are PM EMH at some of the other parks on MVMCP nights. I actually chose my MVMCP night because it is also EMH at Epcot til 11:30 and I'm hoping people will choose to be there instead of MK.lol

Yup, just checked and 2 of the party nights have EMH at either EPCOT or HS.

 

[LuvtheGoof]

We're DVC members, and on trips in the past we had APs and the Dining Plan. So while it wasn't "all inclusive" the overwhelming majority of my trip was paid for before I packed my bags. We also had Disney Reward points accumulated to help pay for other incidentals. Ahhh... those were the days.

Changes to the dining plan have reduced that value and I don't visit as often as in the past (for all the reasons discussed and others) so the AP no longer makes financial sense. So my Disney vacation has changed a lot since those good ol' days (admittedly some because of my own choices in how I've responded to Disney's changes).

The people who suggest taking a break are actually right. I'm going to wait a year or two until some of the new attractions are finished (Avatar at least) and then give WDW another shot. It's sad, though, because back in the day we'd go at least twice a year.

Well, as you can tell we are DVC members as well. We have APs and TiW every year as we make at least 2-3 trips every year, and they easily pay for themselves. And this next year there are more discounts to be had, and we'll be looking into those.

The dining plan was worth it a decade ago when you got app, entree, dessert and tip. Now, as you say, not so much. I would agree that if you don't see the value, that a break is probably not a bad thing. Hopefully, you'll see it again in a few years with all of the new stuff coming down the pike.

 

[21stamps]

Yup, just checked and 2 of the party nights have EMH at either EPCOT or HS.

Wait, what? So you mean it wasn't a fluke? People can still get "extra" value out of their WDW tickets?! Amazing what you can find when you try to search for an alternative......instead of just complaining about what you "can't do"...

 

[pax_65]

Exactly. It's a bad argument. Convenient, but lacks justification when broken down.

My family really enjoys the evening at MK. The parade (oops), Wishes, and just enjoying lots of attractions after many people have given up and gone home. It's probably our favorite thing to do at WDW.

The fact that I may have other options doesn't mean that the value of my pass isn't hurt by the ticketed event. It's the same as if they shorten the hours for MK. In the past my pass gave me so many evening hours in MK, now it gives me less.

 

[Bocabear]

We're DVC members, and on trips in the past we had APs and the Dining Plan. So while it wasn't "all inclusive" the overwhelming majority of my trip was paid for before I packed my bags. We also had Disney Reward points accumulated to help pay for other incidentals. Ahhh... those were the days.

Changes to the dining plan have reduced that value and I don't visit as often as in the past (for all the reasons discussed and others) so the AP no longer makes financial sense. So my Disney vacation has changed a lot since those good ol' days (admittedly some because of my own choices in how I've responded to Disney's changes).

The people who suggest taking a break are actually right. I'm going to wait a year or two until some of the new attractions are finished (Avatar at least) and then give WDW another shot. It's sad, though, because back in the day we'd go at least twice a year.

We are also DVC and have completely reduced the amount of trips per year... We only live a few hours away and would run up 4 or 5 times a year for weekend breaks... the past couple years we are down to once or maybe twice... The new systems where you have to reserve EVERYTHING in advance has made it impossible to just pop over and enjoy a weekend... The reduction in atttractions over the years has meant that now it is ALWAYS crowded all year round... not so much fun... Though we are doing Party For The Senses this weekend... we don't expect to be able to get on any rides because we have not pre-reserved them...