Why is there this misconception that Disney is for young children?

[A "Ghost" Host]

I think its because people are too 'cool' to admit they love it.

 

[Timmay]

acctually you're wrong, most people who come to orlando DO, do everything Disney, You know as well as I do that Disney is the reason most of the people continue to come; (and thats obvious through attendance), although they do like to include other things as well, that doesnt mean that they have to eliminate parts of their disney trip to do so. I dont think that anyone here is taking the ads personaly either. And just because YOUR family doesnt HIT disney ever year that doesnt automatically make YOU the majority, so in reality YOU are the minority in this case.

Uh, no...I would guess that people who visit WDW every year are for sure in the minority...are you telling me the majority of people in this country visit WDW at least once a year.

Please take a little time and read my post again, as it is clear you didn't understand. I never said people exclude parts of Disney to go to other palces...:brick:

Let's not be silly, of course Disney is the reason people come to Orlando, but if folks were not going to other parks and attractions, why would Disney dream up DME (It sure isn't because they have no problem keeping every single person at WDW 24 hours a day) and why do you see folks at these other palces.

 

[Nicole]

They can also have a fantastic time at US and IOA...take my 60+ year old mother this past week. A great time at both parks...and she wasn't excluded at all.



Of course they are competing with Disney...



He is a shocker...most people who come to Orlando do not eat, sleep and drink Disney 24/7...they like to include other things in their trip. Sorry, but you folks are in the minority...every other year we hit WDW and always include other parks and attractions, becuase man can not live on bread alone.

I am confused as to why some take the ads so personal...see, they aren't meant for you at all. Maybe you feel insulted that the ads are right on the money...many people do get tired of princesses and pixie dust all the time..and guess what, there is nothing wrong with that at all.

Sorry, I still stand by my comments. Maybe YOUR mom can/will go on major coasters, mine won't/can't. Neither can my five year old, or my pregnant sister. Actually I won't either. I am not a thrill ride person. It is the overall themeing of WDW that appeals to me. I spent a full day at MGM last fall and the only attractions we visited were One Man's Dream and Lights Motors Action, and guess what? We had one of our best Disney days ever.

And most of the people *I* know don't "go to Orlando." They "go to Disney." Which is what I do. Which is why I'm at a Disney fan website and not an amusement park fan website.

People who are tired of pixie dust and princesses are welcome to go elsewhere. That just makes more room for those of us who aren't tired of them. But if that day happens for me I won't be going to Universal instead of Disney.

You are welcome to disagree with me, but that doesn't make my opinions any less valid than yours.

 

[disneylands]

Uh, no...I would guess that people who visit WDW every year are for sure in the minority...are you telling me the majority of people in this country visit WDW at least once a year.

Please take a little time and read my post again, as it is clear you didn't understand. I never said people exclude parts of Disney to go to other palces...:brick:

Let's not be silly, of course Disney is the reason people come to Orlando, but if folks were not going to other parks and attractions, why would Disney dream up DME (It sure isn't because they have no problem keeping every single person at WDW 24 hours a day) and why do you see folks at these other palces.

I never said anything about the people in this country visiting once a year, (if thats what you meant you should have made yourself clearer because then I would have agreed with you.) what I implied was that the majority of the people that visit Disney are repeat visitors, coming back once a year or more. What do you mean "why do I see folks at these other places"? Disney Magical Express was designed to steer people clear of their competitors, nothing more, it doesnt necessarily mean that they have a problem keeping people on their property... it could just mean that they want more visitors.

I agree that some people who visit orlando dont visit Disney at all, that wasnt the issue here. The issue was MOST of Disney's annual attendance is made up of repeat visitors.

Universal is also LOSING attendance see article.

 

[Dragonrider1227]

I think the common misconception comes from the fact that;

1. Disney makes "cartoons" and "cartoons" are often considered for kids

2. Fairy Tales are often considered for kids, thus a park based on the MUST be for kids as well

3. Typical "amusment parks" are also considered for kids and those unaware of Walt's original intension of creating a park for kids AND adults will assume that it's just another typical amusement park.

 

[Timmay]

Sorry, I still stand by my comments. Maybe YOUR mom can/will go on major coasters, mine won't/can't. Neither can my five year old, or my pregnant sister. Actually I won't either. I am not a thrill ride person. It is the overall themeing of WDW that appeals to me. I spent a full day at MGM last fall and the only attractions we visited were One Man's Dream and Lights Motors Action, and guess what? We had one of our best Disney days ever.

And most of the people *I* know don't "go to Orlando." They "go to Disney." Which is what I do. Which is why I'm at a Disney fan website and not an amusement park fan website.

People who are tired of pixie dust and princesses are welcome to go elsewhere. That just makes more room for those of us who aren't tired of them. But if that day happens for me I won't be going to Universal instead of Disney.

You are welcome to disagree with me, but that doesn't make my opinions any less valid than yours.

You made an assumption my mother went on coasters...she didn't do a single one anywhere and was never "excluded", as you stated "granparents" are at US...so you assertion was false, that is all I am saying.

 

[Dragonrider1227]

I also always saw Universal as a "alternative" for people that want a family theme park vacation, but arn't into Disney. (Yes I know, the idea shocks me too. ) You're right on takeing shots at Disney. It's kinda like politician ads being nothing but slandering each other. :lol: Frankly, I think everyone should just advertise what they've got and leave the cheap shots at Disney to Family Guy.

 

[Timmay]

I never said anything about the people in this country visiting once a year, (if thats what you meant you should have made yourself clearer because then I would have agreed with you.) what I implied was that the majority of the people that visit Disney are repeat visitors, coming back once a year or more.

Only, that is not what you implied earlier at all...

most people who come to orlando DO, do everything Disney,

I am a huge fan of the Disney parks...I love it when we get to go, it is in a calss for sure, we all know that. Most of the people I know like to enjoy all the things there are to do while in Orlando, the people you folks know may not...doesn't make it right or wrong either way.

Back on topic, whether you like it or not, there is a perception Disney is for kids, and because of that perception, which I agree with Merf on (US didn't create this perception) US will try to take advantage of that in their advertising.

Befor our trip, my brother's best friend said "Ugh, your not going to Magic Kingdom, are you?? That's just for little kids, especially girls". The guy had never stepped foot in the palce in his life...so where did he get the perception...perhaps all those cute comercials we see showing a princess and a little girl all happy together. Out here in Colorado, we don't see the ads the folks in Florida see with EE, SM, M:S and others...we get a princess and pixie dust and fairy tale music.

Really though, why care about US ads...what are they to any of us. Number two will always try to make fun of number one. I would worry when US does stop trying to make fun of Disney.

 

[Merlin]

Capitalizing on it?!?!? :hammer:

That's correct. Are you not familiar with what that term means? Your response would indicate you don't.

 

[Nicole]

You made an assumption my mother went on coasters...she didn't do a single one anywhere and was never "excluded", as you stated "granparents" are at US...so you assertion was false, that is all I am saying.

Okay, I admit I'm confused then. What did your mom do while she was there? Are there some shows or parades or things that she got to watch?

I have not been to US because I've heard from most of the people in my demographic that it's a waste of time and money. You are obviously quite bothered by the fact that so many of us aren't interested in Universal - what reasons would you give me to spend a day of my vacation there (when I know exactly the level of entertainment and customer service I will get at Disney).

I really don't have anything against Universal, it's just that nothing I have read or heard has tempted me to go there. Their current commercial, which in my opinion mocks me for liking Disney, has done nothing to change that.

 

[jmicro59]

That's correct. Are you not familiar with what that term means? Your response would indicate you don't.

It is you my dear lost Wizard who is not familiar with the meaning of capitalize. Lets examine shall we? The meaning of capitalize either means, To write or print in all capital letters or to begin a word with a capital letter, but I bet you were leaning on this meaning, To turn something to one's advantage; benefit: capitalize on an opponent's error. So let's see here, Universal attendance drops 8% in 2005, dropped 6% in 2004 and Island of Adventure lost 8.5% in 2005 and 3.5% in 2004. Also dropped behind Disney California, ya know that other park that belongs to the mouse and has some type of identity problem. Disney attendance increased an average of 5% per park in 2005 and 4% in 2004 so exactly where did Universal CAPITALIZE on this???

 

[Merlin]

It is you my dear lost Wizard who is not familiar with the meaning of capitalize. Lets examine shall we? The meaning of capitalize either means, To write or print in all capital letters or to begin a word with a capital letter, but I bet you were leaning on this meaning, To turn something to one's advantage; benefit: capitalize on an opponent's error. So let's see here, Universal attendance drops 8% in 2005, dropped 6% in 2004 and Island of Adventure lost 8.5% in 2005 and 3.5% in 2004. Also dropped behind Disney California, ya know that other park that belongs to the mouse and has some type of identity problem. Disney attendance increased an average of 5% per park in 2005 and 4% in 2004 so exactly where did Universal CAPITALIZE on this???

It's still obvious you don't understand it in a business context. Would you agree that Universal benefits from the fact that Disney draws millions of visitors to Orlando? Just because Universal's attendance has dropped doesn't mean they aren't capitalizing on Disney. You seem to think that it means the company doing it has to see a measurable increase in business, or that it has to outdo the competition in order to be considered capitalizing.

Instead of just looking a definition up on the Internet, maybe try reading the Wall Street Journal, Fortune or Business Week for a few years. Terms such as "capitalize" will start to become more familiar to you in their proper context. :wave:

 

[jmicro59]

It's still obvious you don't understand it in a business context. Would you agree that Universal benefits from the fact that Disney draws millions of visitors to Orlando? Just because Universal's attendance has dropped doesn't mean they aren't capitalizing on Disney. You seem to think that it means the company doing it has to see a measurable increase in business, or that it has to outdo the competition in order to be considered capitalizing.

Instead of just looking a definition up on the Internet, maybe try reading the Wall Street Journal, Fortune or Business Week for a few years. Terms such as "capitalize" will start to become more familiar to you in their proper context. :wave:

So let me understand this, as I have such an inferior business intellect than you oh great and mighty Merlin. Attendance declines, Universal losses money and you’re point is that because Disney and Universal co-reside in the same city Universal is taking advantage of Disney?!?!? Ah yeah, that’s a great business plan. And yes according to my business education and my job for that matter, any business that wants to stay in business needs to see a measurable increase in their business. It’s got to do with a couple of colors, black and red. You know the red color as I’m sure your bank account visits it on a monthly basis. Perhaps it is you who should INVEST in an education in business and actually read the Wall Street Journal, Fortune or Business Week. :wave:

 

[Merlin]

So let me understand this, as I have such an inferior business intellect than you oh great and mighty Merlin. Attendance declines, Universal losses money and you’re point is that because Disney and Universal co-reside in the same city Universal is taking advantage of Disney?!?!? Ah yeah, that’s a great business plan. And yes according to my business education and my job for that matter, any business that wants to stay in business needs to see a measurable increase in their business. It’s got to do with a couple of colors, black and red. You know the red color as I’m sure your bank account visits it on a monthly basis. Perhaps it is you who should INVEST in an education in business and actually read the Wall Street Journal, Fortune or Business Week. :wave:

Whether or not it's a "great business plan" is irrelevant. You seem to think that Universal is not benefitting from Disney being in Orlando. That's a pretty basic concept that I think it's safe to say, most people grasp. You don't seem to be able to, despite my attempts to explain it in fairly simple terms. Unfortunately, I think it's a concept you need to be able to grasp before you can begin to try and understand how Universal is capitalizing on Disney's image of being a "kids' park".

Out of curiosity, just what is this "business education" you have?

 

[jmicro59]

Whether or not it's a "great business plan" is irrelevant. You seem to think that Universal is not benefitting from Disney being in Orlando. That's a pretty basic concept that I think it's safe to say, most people grasp. You don't seem to be able to, despite my attempts to explain it in fairly simple terms. Unfortunately, I think it's a concept you need to be able to grasp before you can begin to try and understand how Universal is capitalizing on Disney's image of being a "kids' park".

Out of curiosity, just what is this "business education" you have?

Hmm let’s see if I get this now. You say Universal is benefiting or capitalizing on Disney being in Orlando and I say that it is not and this is where a business education would help you especially learning about demographics. If you had access to these very interesting numbers you’d see that these parks tend to draw different demographics or, bringing it down to your level of business sense, different age groups of people, people who for the most part would only visit one park or the other while preferring to stay at the other park for a longer period of time thus spending more capital. For example a family goes to Orlando book a vacation at Disney World for 10 days they visit Universal for one of those days. They spend 1/10th the capital in Universal, the other 9/10th are spent at Disney. Now if you’re saying that Universal is willing to give up the other 9/10th of capital to Disney or anyone for that matter and that it’s benefiting from this scenario then you’re a moron pure and simple. :hammer:

P.S. And curiosity killed the cat so mind your curiosity.

 

[Merlin]

Hmm let’s see if I get this now. You say Universal is benefiting or capitalizing on Disney being in Orlando and I say that it is not and this is where a business education would help you especially learning about demographics. If you had access to these very interesting numbers you’d see that these parks tend to draw different demographics or, bringing it down to your level of business sense, different age groups of people, people who for the most part would only visit one park or the other while preferring to stay at the other park for a longer period of time thus spending more capital. For example a family goes to Orlando book a vacation at Disney World for 10 days they visit Universal for one of those days. They spend 1/10th the capital in Universal, the other 9/10th are spent at Disney. Now if you’re saying that Universal is willing to give up the other 9/10th of capital to Disney or anyone for that matter and that it’s benefiting from this scenario then you’re a moron pure and simple. :hammer:

P.S. And curiosity killed the cat so mind your curiosity.

Still not getting my point, calling me a moron*, and being unwilling to expand on what you meant by "business education". You've pretty much confirmed what I was suspecting. Clearly, you have no "business education". Otherwise, you would not have become defensive when I asked about it.

*By the way, name calling is against the rules of these boards so you might want to be careful about that. Aside from that, it's also the clearest way possible for someone to tip their hand and reveal they don't really understand the subject matter of the debate they're having.

 

[DisneyPhD]

The trouble is that a park that relies only on thrill rides automatically excludes a large portion of the population. Lots of families with young kids, pregnant women, grandparents, and fraidy-cats (like me) can still have a fantastic time at WDW. I don't plan to ride Everest (it has a drop!) but can't wait to see it and "feel" it.

If Universal is going to market itself with the thrill ride factor then it isn't competing with Disney anymore. It's competing with dozens of other parks around the country. People don't plan a week's vacation around Six Flags.

I agree that Universal should just focus their marketing towards their strenghts, and leave the snarky anti-Disney jibes out of it. I haven't ever had much of a desire to go to US and their current ad campaign just strengthens that. Just my opinion.

I have to agree. (expect I do want to ride EE someday, but maybe not as bad as some people.) I am not a frady cat, but lately I go more for my kids and friend, I just like being at WDW, it is magical.

 

[jmicro59]

Still not getting my point, calling me a moron*, and being unwilling to expand on what you meant by "business education". You've pretty much confirmed what I was suspecting. Clearly, you have no "business education". Otherwise, you would not have become defensive when I asked about it.

*By the way, name calling is against the rules of these boards so you might want to be careful about that. Aside from that, it's also the clearest way possible for someone to tip their hand and reveal they don't really understand the subject matter of the debate they're having.

Good, report me for name calling. I triple dog dare ya. And why do I need to prove myself to the likes of you? Ok, ok I really work for the city of Edmonton clearing sewer drains and only come to this board to boast about things I have absolutely no knowledge in. Oh I feel much better.
And yes I got your point and I'm saying, once again IT'S NOT A BENIFIT OR CAPITALIZING IF YOU AIN’T MAKING MONEY OFF OF IT! :hammer:

 

[CHAPPS]

you’re a moron pure and simple. :hammer:

P.S. And curiosity killed the cat so mind your curiosity.

jmicro59, There's no need for name calling or rudeness. As a fairly new person to these boards, you should know that Steve has been known to suspend accounts, even on those members who are contributing members. So please cease with the name calling immediately or I will report your post as a bad post.

And Merlin, he is clearly either not getting your point or he is pretending not to be getting it in order to sustain the argument. Either way, let it go. The rest of us get your point.

 

[jmicro59]

jmicro59, There's no need for name calling or rudeness. As a fairly new person to these boards, you should know that Steve has been known to suspend accounts, even on those members who are contributing members. So please cease with the name calling immediately or I will report your post as a bad post.

And Merlin, he is clearly either not getting your point or he is pretending not to be getting it in order to sustain the argument. Either way, let it go. The rest of us get your point.

CHAPPS, I expect no preferential treatment from Steve or anyone else just because I paid money. And if he suspends my account so be it. If I offended you I apologize to you. I am getting Merlin’s point but from a business point of view it makes no business sense and that’s where I’m speaking from.