What Happens When the Economy Improves?

[KingStefan]

The only reason I see for adding more high-end resorts is that none of Disney's current hotels are truly 5-Star, luxury resorts. Have you stayed at the Grand, Poly, Contempory, or Yacht Club hotels? I have. They're okay, but they don't compare to a Four Seasons, W, or Ritz-Carlton, and they cost MORE!

Even though Guests basically only sleep in their hotel rooms, the Poly and CR Tower are often booked solid. People are willing to spend the money to stay in a Deluxe resort, even if they're never there AND the hotel rooms don't compare to a real 4- or 5-star hotel in NYC or London (yet cost just as much).

It doesn't make sense to me either, but it's true. :shrug:

I believe the reason for the Poly and CR Tower being solid is the monorail, view of the MK, and it being a "Disney" resort. I just dont think there will be demand that close to the parks for that true deluxe level. I would be worried if I were operating any of those hotels.

I read an article somewhere (can't find it now) which IIRC said that the Poly and CR are basically in the 4-star category, whereas the GF (ironically) would be a 5-star if it were not for the monorail. Now, we all know that in this context, the monorail is a plus, but it is a technicality of the rating system that makes the hotel not qualify as 5-star because it is too close to "major transportation". There must be some exception for urban hotels in that regard, I suppose, because otherwise there would be no 5-stars in any big city.

 

[goodtimes5286]

I think Universal still does that for resort guests.

And I've been saying for years that WDW should make that available to deluxe resort guests only.

It's 25 bucks a day per person. We looked at it before our last trip and so it was a BIG negative.

And what about adding a Spiderman type ride in MK? Also adding the indiana jones ride to DHS would be a MUCH better idea (imo) then taking MILF outa one park and adding it to another lol

 

[TinkerBelle8878]

I think that Disney should do something about the other half of Pop. Its very unDisney to leave something like that for this extended amount of years. Certainly before they start building more buildings like the Contemporary tower for the Vacation Club. Turn those into DVC rooms instead.

 

[Figment632]

I think that Disney should do something about the other half of Pop. Its very unDisney to leave something like that for this extended amount of years. Certainly before they start building more buildings like the Contemporary tower for the Vacation Club. Turn those into DVC rooms instead.

I thought that was the Disney I am Legend ride :lol:

 

[TinkerBelle8878]

I thought that was the Disney I am Legend ride :lol:

Or the new Wall-E one :ROFLOL:I'm sure there are some roaches and garbage there.

 

[miles1]

I'm no authority on how Disney should operate its parks, but after our trip last summer I think that before they consider opening any new crowd-eating attractions, they should work to fully use the capacity they have.

I was disappointed a number of times to face 60 to 90 minute waits for attractions like BTMRR and HM, only to find they weren't using all of the trains, or only one stretch room. We had to hunt nearly half an hour at Cosmic Rays for a table, when other eateries like the TL Terrace and El Pirata were closed "seasonally" (if July isn't "in season" , when is?). At Epcot an entire pavilion (WoL) remains closed, along with half of another (Imagination) and still more eateries (i.e. the Odessy, etc.). At the studios, the Backlot Tour, once the premier crowd-eater in the park, has turned into a bore that attracts no one, and LMA is growing stale quickly. AK still closes earlier than all the other parks, with no night time attraction to keep guests occupied.

Whether Disney does this intentionally to operate at "peak efficiency" point, or if its necessitated due to staffing constraints makes no difference. Ninety minute waits, stale attractions, and early-closing parks all affect my guest experience negatively. While adding more expensive E-tickets will increase capacity, it will also add to operating overhead and do nothing to improve guest experiences in the other parts of the park.

Disney needs to work on using the capacity it has 100% for better guest experiences before investing in any more.

(Steps off soapbox)

 

[tirian]

I'm no authority on how Disney should operate its parks, but after our trip last summer I think that before they consider opening any new crowd-eating attractions, they should work to fully use the capacity they have.

I was disappointed a number of times to face 60 to 90 minute waits for attractions like BTMRR and HM, only to find they weren't using all of the trains, or only one stretch room. We had to hunt nearly half an hour at Cosmic Rays for a table, when other eateries like the TL Terrace and El Pirata were closed "seasonally" (if July isn't "in season" , when is?). At Epcot an entire pavilion (WoL) remains closed, along with half of another (Imagination) and still more eateries (i.e. the Odessy, etc.). At the studios, the Backlot Tour, once the premier crowd-eater in the park, has turned into a bore that attracts no one, and LMA is growing stale quickly. AK still closes earlier than all the other parks, with no night time attraction to keep guests occupied.

Whether Disney does this intentionally to operate at "peak efficiency" point, or if its necessitated due to staffing constraints makes no difference. Ninety minute waits, stale attractions, and early-closing parks all affect my guest experience negatively. While adding more expensive E-tickets will increase capacity, it will also add to operating overhead and do nothing to improve guest experiences in the other parts of the park.

Disney needs to work on using the capacity it has 100% for better guest experiences before investing in any more.

(Steps off soapbox)

You've made a great point.

 

[tirian]

I read an article somewhere (can't find it now) which IIRC said that the Poly and CR are basically in the 4-star category, whereas the GF (ironically) would be a 5-star if it were not for the monorail. Now, we all know that in this context, the monorail is a plus, but it is a technicality of the rating system that makes the hotel not qualify as 5-star because it is too close to "major transportation". There must be some exception for urban hotels in that regard, I suppose, because otherwise there would be no 5-stars in any big city.

I read a similar article too, and I remember it was in a very legitimate publication, not a fan-based blog. GF isn't a 5 star resort for several reasons, including the monorail, the level of child friendliness (it's Disney), and something else that had to do with dining. It doesn't matter, though; I still love the GF resort! But when someone comes expecting a 5-star hotel and doesn't get it, I can see why the Four Seasons would attract them.

 

[goodtimes5286]

I read a similar article too, and I remember it was in a very legitimate publication, not a fan-based blog. GF isn't a 5 star resort for several reasons, including the monorail, the level of child friendliness (it's Disney), and something else that had to do with dining. It doesn't matter, though; I still love the GF resort! But when someone comes expecting a 5-star hotel and doesn't get it, I can see why the Four Seasons would attract them.

I heard from someone a golf course (which makes sence, it lacking a high amenity), and from knowing AAA and Mobils raiting systems the monerail and child frendliness doesnt sound right. Being able to cater to everyone should be in even 5 star hotels minds, i mean whats worse then a kid that wont stop complaining? treat the parents how you want, but if you please the kids the parents will be happy. Aren't there 5 stars in vegas that run off the monerail system? Although dining might have something to do with it, but then again V&A's is pretty dominate.

But going back to your point I dont think 4 seasons can or will, I just think it was disneys attempt to make more cash during hard times by peddling Walt's hardwork away. Anything to get a dollar more dividens per share.....times MILLIONS of shares .

Disney needs to go back to a sole propritorship, it makes enough money to run itself as long as you aren't looking to pull out a couple billion a month for pocket change. I could live, hotel hopping and eating Disney food, for years while i put disney back on the right track (although a lot of people wouldnt like my decisions :lol

Move 1: Bring Back AE
Move 2: Nemo ride in the lagoon (its a great people eater)
Move 3: Work HARD on doing SOMETHING with Tomorrowland Speedway
Move 4: Extend TTA to go into every TL attraction
Move 5: Add a Spiderman like Wall-E ride in TL
Move 6: Indiana Jones DL ride to Adventureland....somewhere, ANYWHERE!

I think thats enough croud eaters to not only get people in, but keep em in! We're talking record year attendance, esp those brazilian groups

 

[SirGoofy]

Move 4: Indiana Jones DL ride to frontierland....somewhere, ANYWHERE!

You mean Adventureland, right?

 

[goodtimes5286]

You mean Adventureland, right?

NO!

I MENT frontierland

(secretly changes his origonal post):lookaroun

(whispers) thanks :sohappy:

On a side note you got on it MADD quick, before I even had time to proof read it and see my TTA mistake when I MENT TSW if i wasnt changing my post I would insert hammer into head right about hur...

also i put somewhere anywhere b/c idk where theres space. If i did make the park decisions i wouldnt want a DL disaster, EVERYTIME I went on that ride, not only was the wait longer then EVERY other ride in the park, but the line BLOCKED the walkway....seriously!

 

[CaptainMichael]

You mean Adventureland, right?

I think Indy would be great in Tomorrowland or Toontown Fair...maybe even Liberty Square.

 

[goodtimes5286]

I think Indy would be great in Tomorrowland or Toontown Fair...maybe even Liberty Square.

but....it doesnt have anything to do with those things. if people cant see why MILF belongs in tomorrowland, they would shread that idea. Personally (if clashing themes wasnt a problem) i would put it in liberity square b/c that place is barren. HM and that's it that's all, plus it's smaller then all of the other places, even that 'entrance' place. :shrug:

LOL can you imagen indiana jones in toontown?

OH thing 7 or w/e id change, go back to the villins idea for MTTF. I think it would be great around halloween, it would give an area to evil characters (as long as being able to justify them at eaterys), and de-sensify kids (so that they wont spazz on AE.....although, how can anyone not find the comedy in that?)

 

[jmvd20]

I am personally am seeing signs of us pulling out of this recession. Existing house sales are up a little more than 5%, new construction rose 22% and the stock market seems to be righting itself. I am starting to see spec houses again from builders on a regular basis which is something I have not seen in nearly 3 years. By the end of the year we will be well on our way back to normal.

Same here! Almost all "experts" have agreed that our industry is where the rumblings of the economic recovery will first be felt. We have started to see some projects that were placed on indefinite hold being brought back to the table and have several new and aggressive commercial development projects open for bidding. While it is still early, I am starting to become more and more convinced every day that the economic engine is starting to heat up.

 

[DoctorPrius]

When the economy does recover its not going to be the Bubble-style "sales keep going up! Up! UP!" economy of the 00s. People will buy stuff but only things they need and only niceties that they feal they can truely afford or has a good value attached.

If Disney does not add new rides, jacks up the price, lowers quality across the board, does poor maintenance on attractions, and keeps a bloated number of overpaid executives customers will not be coming (at least not in the same numbers as the 00s).

They will go to the cheaper/fresher Universal Studios and go visit Harry instead of Mickey.

 

[goodtimes5286]

Same here! Almost all "experts" have agreed that our industry is where the rumblings of the economic recovery will first be felt. We have started to see some projects that were placed on indefinite hold being brought back to the table and have several new and aggressive commercial development projects open for bidding. While it is still early, I am starting to become more and more convinced every day that the economic engine is starting to heat up.

I heard end of 09 begining of 10, agree disagree????

 

[DoctorPrius]

I heard end of 09 begining of 10, agree disagree????

Disagree. Economy will recover by end of 2010 in SOME sectors. Unless Disney cleans up their act and starts offering real value to customers it will be many years before they recover (if ever...seriously)

 

[Uncle Lupe]

:wave:
Thank you, Martin.
MK: Add TLM Move MILF to DHS MK , WoL; Finish SSE.
DHS: Add MILF TLM
DAK: 20K and JTTCOTE..

Is there a list of all the acronyms that are used on this site? :veryconfu I can usually figure them out but JTTCOTE? Journey to the center of the earth, maybe?

MILF, love that one I :ROFLOL: every time I see it. Think of american pie when I see that in print.

You must expand what you have to offer first, then expand where guests could stay.

 

[ClemsonTigger]

The new super deluxe resorts like the Waldorf and the Four Seasons don't make sense to me. Is WDW really an area where people will pay that kind of money when they will be spending the vast majority of their time in the parks. Then it begs the question that if you are going to spend lots of money on your resort, why not be on site at a super deluxe suite at one of the onsite properties?

I tend to agree with your view. Possibly Bonnet Creek as it is central on property but the others just don't make sense. The Disney deluxes are heavily themed and many have direct park access. Just a plain premium hotel doesn't seem to fit. I guess Disney has decided if the chains want to assume the cost of the build, and will provide a steady income to the Disney coffers from "rent", Disney won't have to worry about the success or not of these sites. It doesn't appear that they would draw away from existing accomodations.

As to impact on the parks....

 

[tirian]

I tend to agree with your view. Possibly Bonnet Creek as it is central on property but the others just don't make sense. The Disney deluxes are heavily themed and many have direct park access. Just a plain premium hotel doesn't seem to fit. I guess Disney has decided if the chains want to assume the cost of the build, and will provide a steady income to the Disney coffers from "rent", Disney won't have to worry about the success or not of these sites. It doesn't appear that they would draw away from existing accomodations.

As to impact on the parks....

It's an excuse for a real people mover system, let alone an expanded monorail track.

I can dream...