WDW Fan Base Initiative

[PhilharMagician]

I am not really sure what to say. I am glad MKT jumped into the conversation kowing he was heavily involved in Dtroops. Unfortunately that did not last and I am not sure how much was done in the end by the existance of it. Unfortunately Dtroops also existed during a very tumuluous time in WDC existance, but I applaud their effort.

This has already been pointed out, but I am also concerned about direction. Simple bashing and making foolish assumptions without facts is like weilding pocket knife in a sword fight. Most importantly mak sure people know how to properly share concerns with guest relations which from what I have seen in the past is the only way to get responses.

I am not sure what I could offfer up as far as help, but I would be willing to put in some time.

While I tend to favor your approach, 74's is the more effective of the two. However, I seriously doubt that either approach will do much. WDW is a cash cow. They are the ATM machine of the Disney park empire. As long as that ATM keeps spitting out 20's no one cares how they do it. Aside for Lasseter naming himself king of WDW, I fear the only way that they will listen is to disrupt the cash flow. The only way to do that is to convince a significant portion of the 19 million people that come to WDW every year to go elsewhere and write Disney and tell them why. While missing effects and broken yetis tick us off to no end the other 18.99 million people could care less.

This is right on point. The only way to make them change is to hurt them where it counts which is their wallet. It is hard to convince managment of the most visited theme park in the world that they are operating wrong and need to change their ways. The attendance sure does not show that managment is doing a bad job and neither does the profit coming out of WDW. We need to educate the people that visit that the Yeti exists and should move, or that there should be lasers in Dinosaur and that many of Splash's AA's and effects are not working. The longer these things stay broken the fewer people remember that these effects ever existed.

 

[Master Yoda]

As you said, an impact will have to be made on WDW's bottom line, or generate enough bad press.

However, I think if we are choosing between approaches, the moderate road with an attempt to build mutual respect between both the blog and WDW is the road less taken (pardon my Frost paraphrase).

While I agree it is a long shot, as a corporate stooge that I am, I would be more afraid of empirical data pointing to a decline in quality (such as an easy to decipher effect watch column for each major attraction as was suggested) than generic blog post about the decline in "magic".

I would agree. Brutal criticism gets quick results with the least effort but they are not necessarily the best results. The actions would be of the reactionary, put out the fire kind and not because of a genuine desire to improve. A well rounded relationship based on mutual respect for each others positions will produce the best results but that is going to be incredibly hard to do.

 

[wdwmagic]

Disney do infact do something very similar in-house. Each month or so a photo report goes around to leaders with all manner of details that are wrong and need correcting. In most cases it isn't that Disney don't know there is an issue, they are fully aware of it. A lot of what they pick up is far pickier than most of us on here!

You have to be really careful with the site. I've seen a few of these over the years, and typically they end up just being so negative that they self-destruct. Eventually it becomes no fun listing problem after problem, and reading about them, and seeing nothing fixed. Disney will address issues on their timetable, very little will change that.

 

[DisneyJoe]

Disney do infact do something very similar in-house. Each month or so a photo report goes around to leaders with all manner of details that are wrong and need correcting. In most cases it isn't that Disney don't know there is an issue, they are fully aware of it. A lot of what they pick up is far pickier than most of us on here!

You have to be really careful with the site. I've seen a few of these over the years, and typically they end up just being so negative that they self-destruct. Eventually it becomes no fun listing problem after problem, and reading about them, and seeing nothing fixed. Disney will address issues on their timetable, very little will change that.

Perfectly said;

 

[MerlinTheGoat]

Disney do infact do something very similar in-house. Each month or so a photo report goes around to leaders with all manner of details that are wrong and need correcting. In most cases it isn't that Disney don't know there is an issue, they are fully aware of it. A lot of what they pick up is far pickier than most of us on here!

You have to be really careful with the site. I've seen a few of these over the years, and typically they end up just being so negative that they self-destruct. Eventually it becomes no fun listing problem after problem, and reading about them, and seeing nothing fixed. Disney will address issues on their timetable, very little will change that.

I think everyone realizes that internally, Disney knows what's broken. Surely no one actually thinks Disney is just oblivious to the many broken aspects of their parks? The point of this is not to bring these issues to Disney's attention, but rather to send them the message that people are indeed noticing such things and are finding it hard to tolerate. It's to send a message to them that we are well aware of the maintenance issues, it makes for a bad show, and that we don't wish to tolerate such lax in management for the prices they charge. It's as simple as that. If people here think Disney didn't know about these issues, i'd be very surprised. We know they're not blind by any means.

It has been made clear that the purpose behind this is to be constructive. Writers for the site should not use words like "shameful" or phrases like "TDO fails and should die". We all agree that it needs to remain civil. That's honestly what i believe will distinguish the site from other similar ones. It's more a public documentation news feed about management issues the average park goer may notice. Hopefully, it will at least notify Disney that people are noticing such issues. The concept at least is not to hate on them. If it turns into a hatefest, it should be closed. I think we can avoid that though, and that is what will make it different and attractive to more casual people who aren't interested in hate filled drama. Whether this accomplishes anything i can't say, but it's better than keeping quiet about it.

If you wish to have no part in this and want to close this thread, that's your call. But as long as we remain constructive and non-negative, i don't think it's a threat to anyone here. We all basically agree something needs to be said about stuff. The blog will of course state when Disney does stuff to IMPROVE the experience and give them ample praise for doing so. It's not just a hate thing.

 

[njDizFan]

Thanks Steve, I guess it's encouraging to know that Disney does their own analysis. I think the goal of the blog is more to let Disney know that we know. I also don't want to see a constant TDO bashfest, but more of a detailed report on what could or should be corrected.

Also, this should not be a rant on Pixar characters in EPCOT or why did they closed Horizons.

 

[Buried20KLeague]

Disney do infact do something very similar in-house. Each month or so a photo report goes around to leaders with all manner of details that are wrong and need correcting. In most cases it isn't that Disney don't know there is an issue, they are fully aware of it. A lot of what they pick up is far pickier than most of us on here!

You have to be really careful with the site. I've seen a few of these over the years, and typically they end up just being so negative that they self-destruct. Eventually it becomes no fun listing problem after problem, and reading about them, and seeing nothing fixed. Disney will address issues on their timetable, very little will change that.

That, to me, is exactly why I think an easy to manipulate "list" of effects with the ability to show both working and non, and on what date, would be best.

That would allow no real room for editorial comments, or for the entire thing to head in the wrong direction. It would show both the bad AND the good... And would be easily discernable... Which it would HAVE to be if there would be any hope of it being watched by Disney.

It would be a simple way to see what percentage of effects are functional from ride to ride.

 

[wdwmagic]

How would you summarize the purpose of the site?

 

[biggiedisney123]

Disney do infact do something very similar in-house. Each month or so a photo report goes around to leaders with all manner of details that are wrong and need correcting. In most cases it isn't that Disney don't know there is an issue, they are fully aware of it. A lot of what they pick up is far pickier than most of us on here!

You have to be really careful with the site. I've seen a few of these over the years, and typically they end up just being so negative that they self-destruct. Eventually it becomes no fun listing problem after problem, and reading about them, and seeing nothing fixed. Disney will address issues on their timetable, very little will change that.

I agree with your post in full.
The problem is that "their timetable" has left many things looking drab or just good enough for awhile. The pressure of an outside group with numbers backing them could be immense given the media exposure this could generate.

Now, if only you had some celebrity backing...and I'm not talking selena gomez....

 

[Buried20KLeague]

How would you summarize the purpose of the site?

I'm not sure if you're asking me this specifically based on how I suggested I'd do it... But if you are, the purpose would be to provide an accurate, one-stop location to track maintenance issues in an EASY TO READ, color coded, simple format, and easily show how long (or not) it takes for them to fix this or that.

I would view a select few (site administrators?) that would have the ability to write for the site, but not the "general public". That would keep it from becoming what many have mentioned here, and keep it more "black and white".

The data on the effects list would be able to be publicly edited though.

I could also see this as a way to learn about effects you didn't know existed, which to me is interesting.

Truthfully, I'm not sure why something like I'm describing couldn't exist on this site. If it stayed with hard data (effect, working or not, date), you wouldn't be sticking your neck out there in any way. It's like the "effects watch" threads you have here already, but in a much easier to read format and without the "OH NOES! THEY RUINED THE MAGIC!1!!11!" comments. :shrug:

 

[devoy1701]

How would you summarize the purpose of the site?

Well that's a loaded question since we're not even 24hrs into the idea!

I personally would summarize it as being an avenue to identify and bring attention to (and keep attention on) current maintenance (and other) woes around the resort to fans and common park-goers alike and to track the progress (if any) made to rectify the issues. And to provide an outlet on these thoughts that doesn't degrade the ideas into flame wars.

Though I should point out we are in discussions at the moment of how to deliver this purposed and what approach should be taken... :lookaroun

 

[devoy1701]

I'm not sure if you're asking me this specifically based on how I suggested I'd do it... But if you are, the purpose would be to provide an accurate, one-stop location to track maintenance issues in an EASY TO READ, color coded, simple format, and easily show how long (or not) it takes for them to fix this or that.

I would view a select few (site administrators?) that would have the ability to write for the site, but not the "general public". That would keep it from becoming what many have mentioned here, and keep it more "black and white".

The data on the effects list would be able to be publicly edited though.

I could also see this as a way to learn about effects you didn't know existed, which to me is interesting.

Truthfully, I'm not sure why something like I'm describing couldn't exist on this site. If it stayed with hard data (effect, working or not, date), you wouldn't be sticking your neck out there in any way. It's like the "effects watch" threads you have here already, but in a much easier to read format and without the "OH NOES! THEY RUINED THE MAGIC!1!!11!" comments. :shrug:

Hey we should hire this guy!
as a disclaimer, there would be no compensation for your work. :wave:

 

[RSoxNo1]

Make sure there's one person who's editing and responsible for what actually shows up on the blog.

That's my free tip for the day. Thrilled to see this happening!

Disney do infact do something very similar in-house. Each month or so a photo report goes around to leaders with all manner of details that are wrong and need correcting. In most cases it isn't that Disney don't know there is an issue, they are fully aware of it. A lot of what they pick up is far pickier than most of us on here!

You have to be really careful with the site. I've seen a few of these over the years, and typically they end up just being so negative that they self-destruct. Eventually it becomes no fun listing problem after problem, and reading about them, and seeing nothing fixed. Disney will address issues on their timetable, very little will change that.

These are the two most important posts of this thread. If you want this to be taken seriously the information needs to be presented in a reasonable way. If you're going to condemn Disney for broken effects, you should make an equally grand exclamation when an effect is fixed. Limiting the # of posters on the blog is one way to do this. I would also recommend tracking refurbishments in the same way as it's far easier to be positive about a refurbishment then something fixed on third shift.

As for my involvement, the project that I'm working on is still probably several months away from being ready to log these broken effects. What I expect though is that each attraction will have a list of effects underneath it and each of those effects will have the ability to have the status updated. The statuses will have some default choices, and perhaps customizeable choices depending on the effect.

The problem that I see is the potential for tampering. If I don't know who is providing these updates I'm hesitant to include their information on the site. The issue then becomes a balance between how long it takes to cross check a broken effect and getting the information on the web as soon as possible.

 

[Buried20KLeague]

Hey we should hire this guy!
as a disclaimer, there would be no compensation for your work. :wave:

Not even a Churro or Dole Whip?

You sir, drive a hard bargain.

 

[njDizFan]

Not even a Churro or Dole Whip?

You sir, drive a hard bargain.

Maybe we could throw in a Figment plush.......checking ebay

 

[Buried20KLeague]

The problem that I see is the potential for tampering. If I don't know who is providing these updates I'm hesitant to include their information on the site. The issue then becomes a balance between how long it takes to cross check a broken effect and getting the information on the web as soon as possible.

It's a definite "risk-reward" situation. But think truthfully for a second... If one or two people have to constantly update the status of the effects, how long will it actually be kept up to date before it's a huge burden and falls behind?

Also, if it's publically able to be edited, you would get (theoretically) a LOT more traffic to the site, because those people are getting INVOLVED. If it's two guys ticking off a list, how often are people really going to go there to see it? If everyone has some "skin in the game", you'll get more people there. IMHO. I know I, for one, would go there a LOT more if I was able to help report on what I had seen in the parks.

Sure, you then run the risk of tampering. But I would think it'd be easier for a couple people to keep tabs on potential tampering than to actually handle the whole list themselves.

 

[Clever Name]

I kind of miss all those rants by General Grizz about Soarin' and all the changes in The Land at EPCOT. Good times. :wave:

 

[mkt]

How would you summarize the purpose of the site?

I'd request a full analysis.

Summary of Purpose, Target Audience (both sociographic and demographic factors), SWOT Diagram with emphasis on competition, financials (Who's gonna pay to keep it online? Will it generate revenue, and if so, how and how much?), contributors, post schedules, proposed branding (colors, logo, and typefaces at a minimum), proposed site map, and staff backups (who gets whose back).

All of that is a minimum.

At the end of the day, there's only one way to go about this- the right way. Anything less, and you may as well fold. You can't be high and mighty about a company known for quality, and not be a quality product yourself.

 

[PeoplemoverTTA]

I'd request a full analysis.

Summary of Purpose, Target Audience (both sociographic and demographic factors), SWOT Diagram with emphasis on competition, financials (Who's gonna pay to keep it online? Will it generate revenue, and if so, how and how much?), contributors, post schedules, proposed branding (colors, logo, and typefaces at a minimum), proposed site map, and staff backups (who gets whose back).

All of that is a minimum.

At the end of the day, there's only one way to go about this- the right way. Anything less, and you may as well fold. You can't be high and mighty about a company known for quality, and not be a quality product yourself.

This is right on target. I also agree that Wordpress is the CMS of choice (I am a copy editor/writer now, but before moving into that role full time, I was also a project manager, primarily for website projects. We build about 75% of our sites on Wordpress).

I believe that a blog is essential here. Static pages are great, but when people are interested and engaged, posts will be shared on social media (and anyone involved or interested could set up an automatic feed of posts to their Twitter or Facebook fees). This keeps the site in front of people, keeps it fresh and constantly updated, and opens up the conversation. In order to get any eyes of importance on this site, a very strong social media presence is essential, and at the heart of a social media presence is a blog.

 

[MickeyPeace]

A few of my thoughts on this issue-

• This is a good idea if done correctly.
• Learn from past mistakes. Consult more with the former owner of D Troops to find out exactly what worked and what didn't.
• Use Wordpress not Blogger for reasons previously mentioned.
• Do not use a logo that violates copyright.
• Keep focused on the positve. Honestly I'm not liking fixthemagic.com. Someone else mentioned "Disney aid". Use words that focus on caring. After all that's why you are doing this, because you care. Putting Disney on the defense right out of the gate might alienate.

Thinking outside of the box, I had the wild idea of a sort of WDW PAC. Is there some sort of way to form a committee which raises money for fixing these attractions (details that Disney deems trivial or not contributing to the bottom line) though the PAC?

And lastly, if this shapes up to be something constructive, I'd be willing to offer my skills in video editing, graphic design or writing.

Keep the magic working!