"What's Next" Presentation cancelled.....

[WDW1974]

Wow. Thanks for the info and backstory! I'm not into cruise ship vacations (I'm trying to avoid using the word "cruising"... oops), so I'm out of the loop on that cruise ship scene.

The merits of Cars Land, DCA 2.0, and the Disneyland Resort as a whole are easy to understand. And the Disneyland attendance has been huge since June; the local newspapers have done several stories about soaring hotel occupancy in Anaheim and rising room rates and visitor spending fueled by Cars Land, so the local economy here is thrilled.

But to have the Disney Cruise Line pull out of the California/West Coast market altogether is quite a jolt. Not even Alaska cruises from Seattle in summer?! I'm surprised this hasn't shown up in our local media yet; the LA Times, OC Register, San Diego Tribune.

I wonder how much of this has to do with the shaky Mexican situation and the desire by many folks to avoid that part of the world? I had considered doing a Disney cruise, but realized my options out of SoCal all involved Mexico ports, and I didn't want to have to stay on the boat the whole time. Alaska is fantastic, but I prefer to see that state from land (rode a seaplane into Juneau once that was a real E Ticket!)

Disney's Mexican cruises have had issues ... but Alaska and Hawaii and the Cal/Pixar cruises were all quite well received. And I have heard that Disney would like to place the Dream out there in 2015 for DL's 60th.
Who knows? I find it strange that Disney has nothing announced for the summer/fall of 2014. ... I don't know what the long term plan is here. But is is pretty obvious that DCL is being used to drive folks to WDW.

What does that tell you?

 

[TP2000]

I live in Southern California and am a lifelong fan of most things Disney. I was naturally interested in taking a Disney Cruise out of the Port of LA. When I looked at the itineraries available and saw that they all involved Mexican ports, I passed on that experience out of concern for my personal safety.

The cruise business to Mexico has collapsed in recent years, and the ports of LA and San Diego have seen many ships and entire lines pull out of the Mexican cruise business. The only people that go on those Mexican cruises are hapless tourists from the Midwest who don't know any better.

That said, there are other West Coast cruise options, especially now that Hawaii has a Disney presence. Alaskan cruises are a great way for less-adventurous people to see that very adventurous (and beautiful) corner of the world.

But I think WDW1974 has another big piece to this puzzle with the WDW numbers and need to drum up some business there. Disneyland has certainly maxed out its 3,000 Disney-owned hotel rooms in Anaheim, and those two parks are over-run with happy visitors now. The other 18,000 non-Disney hotel rooms in Anaheim are also seeing record high occupancy with rising room rates. There's a buzz in Anaheim that hasn't been seen in decades, if not since Walt was alive and running the joint, and the money is pouring in to the local economy. Funny what a few great new rides and lots of polish can do, isn't it?

Just today the local Register newspaper ran a story that Disney has had to hire an extra 2,000 people (on top of the extra 3,000 they had already planned for 2012) to help staff a busier-than-expected DCA. There are now 25,000 CM's working at the Disneyland Resort, making it far and away the largest single site employer in Orange County and among the largest in all of SoCal (aside from military bases in San Diego County). http://www.ocregister.com/entertainment/disney-379816-california-adventure.html

There's no more room at the inn in Anaheim, while Orlando has the VACANCY sign lit brightly. Moving cruise ships back through the Canal and playing itinerary games would seem to help that situation.

 

[WDW1974]

I know I'm contributing to the thread drift here... But since the cruise topic is so hot in my brain I had to share.

I've spent the last 4 days pricing possible cruises over Spring Break 2013 and I couldn't believe how highly priced the Dis cruises were. The gap was insane.

For 5 of us, the Disney ship was a little over $8,000... And that was all 5 of us in one room.

On RC on Oasis of the Seas (the MASSIVE new ship), it was $6,700 for TWO ROOMS (one balcony and one interior across the hall), which would give the wife and I plenty of <ahem> privacy.

On the Carnival Dream (their largest ship class), the same two room situation came in at $4000.

All three went to similar ports.

Guess which one I ruled out first??

I know the Disney cruise has a ton of benefits, especially for my 4 year old. But there was no way I could justify literally twice the price for the benefits, especially with the expanded kids areas and programs on other fleets, plus the idea of having two rooms (one with a balcony) I just couldn't overlook.

The premium Disney commands for the product just seems INSANE to me. I felt like I was pricing staying on-site vs. staying off site. Did I want to pay rack rate for a conceirge level room at the GF, or do I want to stay in a very nice suite with twice the space off-site for 50% less?

I just really wonder how much longer before they have to drop their prices. The other lines are quickly catching up on the one area the Disney ships have had a strangle hold on... Programs and space for little ones. The competition is closing the gap.

Sound familiar???

**** EDIT TO ADD **** When I asked the Disney booking agent if they had a second room discount like the other lines, I literally had to EXPLAIN to her what I meant, and then was basically laughed at.

As much as I love taking DCL, I have to agree here. Disney's premiums are absurd. Every Disney Cruise I have taken has had a substantial discount. My TA in 2010 was something like $700 a person for 14 nights and great ports.

At some point, people will realize they can get great cruises for much less with someone else (just don't take Celebrity ... whatever you do, don't!)

 

[afar28]

When is the Around the World presentation happening (like what time) and can I watch it anywhere online?

 

[DznyRktekt]

I live in Southern California

The only people that go on those Mexican cruises are hapless tourists from the Midwest who don't know any better.-expected DCA.

Stated like a true Californian who doesn't think there is anything in this great country between Las Vegas and Chicago but hayseeds.

 

[Californian Elitist]

Stated like a true Californian who doesn't think there is anything in this great country between Las Vegas and Chicago but hayseeds.

TP was saying Californians are more hesitant to go to Mexico because we know it can be very dangerous over there. California and Mexico border each other, so we're a little more aware, when compared to people living in other states. That's all he was saying, he wasn't putting California on a pedestal.

 

[Longhairbear]

TP was saying Californians are more hesitant to go to Mexico because we know it can be very dangerous over there. California and Mexico border each other, so we're a little more aware, when compared to people living in other states. That's all he was saying, he wasn't putting California on a pedestal.

We are Californians, and we did not get off the Wonder when we docked in Mexico this past Sept. From what we could tell, most passengers stayed aboard.

 

[Californian Elitist]

We are Californians, and we did not get off the Wonder when we docked in Mexico this past Sept. From what we could tell, most passengers stayed aboard.

I'm a Californian as well, and there are slim chances of me going to Mexico. I'm not saying never (I do want to visit Cancun) but I'd go somewhere else before Mexico. A lot of Californians are the same way. Nothing wrong with that. I'm not surprised the majority of the people, including yourself, stayed on the ship.

 

[PirateFrank]

"Terribly reckless"? Really?

I would tell someone "they would be fine" traveling to Quintana Roo, Chicago, or New York. As with any other area, the possibilities of violence or crime exist. I'm sorry that you and yours were the victims of such, but it's definitely not the norm for American tourists in Mexico, particularly in the primary tourism locations.

Absolutely familiarize yourself with State Department recommendations before traveling.

I sincerely hope you're not a travel agent, because comparing crime while traveling in Quintana Roo as compared to NY or Chicago is just as reckless....clearly you haven't been to that part of Mexico....yes, the hotel zone is 'safer' than cancan city. However, we were attacked in the hotel zone and the police only got involved when I offered a large bribe...and it was half hearted involvement. NYs finest doesn't require a down payment to get involved after an assault and robbery!!

Your chances of being beheaded or given a Colombian neck tie, are definitely lower in QR than walking around Tijuana with a Boston Red Sox cap...but exactly what percentage or chance of beheading are you comfortable with?..I'm no actuary or crime statistician, but I'm quite sure my chances are worse in any state in Mx vs any state in the Us.......regardless, it's not just the 'possibility' of violent crime that is different, but how the police and emergency services react when violent crimes have been committed. Do you want to take the chance that police will act quick enough while you're being mugged outside of Señor Frogs. Maybe, if you're left with your wallet, you can offer them it's contents if they will call an ambulance for you?

Clearly, it's not just a case of some people familiarizing themselves with the state dept warnings, but people learning how to properly interpret them.

 

[Gabe1]

And you see I have been to Mexico many times and won't be returning anytime soon, ship or otherwise.
Too much is happening now and it isn't good. Yes the majority will be fine but some will not. I was "touched" a few times. Here we'd call the police, there nothing to do. There is a good reason why Disney stopped sailing there and they made it clear that was why. I didn't find Disney to wreckless. I found Disney to be responsible. There are so many other places to visit in the world that are more stable than Mexico is now. Some get off by tempting fate. I'm not one of them. We use to go to Mexico for kids spring break when it was better, it was a bargain. Now it is a better bargain for obvious reasons.

My niece was to be an exchange student for the summer near Mexico City. She went for 2 weeks instead and my BIL went with, not the plan. My advice, pick another country.

 

[RSoxNo1]

Because staying off property, eating mostly off property, and not buy hardly any merch at all gives a huge hit to their intake when you are using an AP. They mainly cover bottom line and bottom line alone. Sounds pretty simple and straight forth to me. On top of that choosing to go to UNI/SWF/BGT instead of spending additional days at TheWorld for those using MYW.

THIS. THIS. THIS.

I don't understand why more fans always think it is about attendance when its always will be about average spending per guest.

So my family and I have been robbing Disney blind for 30 years? Do you understand what good will creates for that annual pass? We sell other people on Disney vacations, we continue to plan our yearly vacations around their offerings, we represent a large aspect of what makes the parks work. Alienating annual pass holders is a horrible business plan.

 

[RSoxNo1]

So what time is this presentation tomorrow?

 

[John]

I wouldnt go to Mexico if I was escorted by navy seals.

 

[nytimez]

Your chances of being beheaded or given a Colombian neck tie, are definitely lower in QR than walking around Tijuana with a Boston Red Sox cap....

It's not the location. It's the cap.

 

[WDW1974]

Stated like a true Californian who doesn't think there is anything in this great country between Las Vegas and Chicago but hayseeds.

Wait, are you saying there is something out there in the vast red space?

 

[WDW1974]

I sincerely hope you're not a travel agent, because comparing crime while traveling in Quintana Roo as compared to NY or Chicago is just as reckless....clearly you haven't been to that part of Mexico....yes, the hotel zone is 'safer' than cancan city. However, we were attacked in the hotel zone and the police only got involved when I offered a large bribe...and it was half hearted involvement. NYs finest doesn't require a down payment to get involved after an assault and robbery!!

Your chances of being beheaded or given a Colombian neck tie, are definitely lower in QR than walking around Tijuana with a Boston Red Sox cap...but exactly what percentage or chance of beheading are you comfortable with?..I'm no actuary or crime statistician, but I'm quite sure my chances are worse in any state in Mx vs any state in the Us.......regardless, it's not just the 'possibility' of violent crime that is different, but how the police and emergency services react when violent crimes have been committed. Do you want to take the chance that police will act quick enough while you're being mugged outside of Señor Frogs. Maybe, if you're left with your wallet, you can offer them it's contents if they will call an ambulance for you?

Clearly, it's not just a case of some people familiarizing themselves with the state dept warnings, but people learning how to properly interpret them.

I think a bad experience anywhere can sour you on it. If your child is molested at Typhoon Lagoon, you might not find WDW so MAGICal for return trips. I was the victim of a violent crime once in a very posh locale and the police, while not asking for a bribe, treated me like I was a criminal when I needed an ER (that only happened when I took myself seven hours later). Bad things can happen anywhere and as far as I see, no American cruise tourists are being grabbed by Mexican drug cartels and beheaded ... and since I be heading (see what I did there?) to Mexico for a day as part of my WONDERful cruise next spring, I'll be cautious as I am EVERYWHERE (including like O-Town) and I'm sure I'll be safe.

 

[WDW1974]

So what time is this presentation tomorrow?

Hopefully, while I am still blissfully asleep.

I have @Lee covering it all for Team Spirit. And he better call me on his iPhone (rainbow colored with unicorns on it ...or ponies, I forget) as soon as Cars Land gets ... not announced.

But, hey, we might see Pandoran art!

 

[TP2000]

Stated like a true Californian who doesn't think there is anything in this great country between Las Vegas and Chicago but hayseeds.

You don't know me personally, and it can be easy to misunderstand what a stranger is saying when it's text on the Internet instead of real words spoken in real life. You have misunderstood me, and the context of the subject I was speaking about.

The tourists from outside the American Southwest who don't get news about the horrific state of Mexico from their local news or friends and family (since the national media won't touch the subject, oddly), wouldn't know it's not wise to disembark in Mexican ports. It sounds like word is getting out beyond SoCal/Arizona, and that's a good thing. The recently frank wording from the State Department has helped, I imagine.

As for me personally, I have lived in more states than I can count on both hands. As a staunchly patriotic American, something I will never apologize for, I will say with deep conviction that this amazing country has wonderful things to offer in every state in the union. Every state. There are about 10 states I haven't visited yet, but from what I've seen of the other 40 by living or visiting there, I will stand by those words. In my aging years, I have purposely chosen to live in Southern California, for a variety of reasons. The weather is nice here and there's a fun little theme park called Disneyland.

DznyRktekt, buy me a drink sometime at Trader Joes at the Disneyland Hotel, and I will tell you some very funny stories of some very provincial Southern Californians I'm related to and the hilariously uninformed things they say about the world north of Santa Barbara or east of Palm Springs. But I'm not one of them.

 

[SirLink]

So my family and I have been robbing Disney blind for 30 years? Do you understand what good will creates for that annual pass? We sell other people on Disney vacations, we continue to plan our yearly vacations around their offerings, we represent a large aspect of what makes the parks work. Alienating annual pass holders is a horrible business plan.

I agree, but if Disney (TDO) cared about you as a marketer over some Mommy blog, they wouldn't of moved F+B discounts to TIW card which costs you more to get an initial discount. They also would of given you a consistent discount against all merchandise location over the last decade ... unlike other resorts, Disney or otherwise.

I presume when you go to parks you (at least) used to buy merch and buy food and drink...

 

[afar28]

So does anyone know a time for the presentation and if there is a way to watch it online?