MikePezz
08-16-2001, 09:16 PM
Just got back from WDW. While down there, we met with an old family friend who is currently the head of one of the wdw divisions (I think actually second in command in this particular area, but he is reliable). The park maintenance teams have been begging for an increase in budgets and very wisely have been playing off the Walt 100 marketing plan ("Walt would not let the park look like this, etc., etc.). The shabby appearance (even more so than of late) was evident. Tomorrowland looked weather beaten. The Main Street Train Station was chipping. The castle walkway (the ramps from the Hub) had DUCT TAPE covering chipping paint (it was there for more than five days). The Studio's flowers were all wilted (it was appauling). Anyway, it looks like these problems will be fixed because the budget increase has been granted (even over what was asked). I even noticed maintenance staff walking around the park this morning with note pads writing down all the trouble areas to be addressed (I stopped and asked them to confirm). BUT because of the slowing economy and this budget increase, the entire WDW complex must lower its operating income for the next fiscal year by $59 million. Isn't that like robbing Peter to pay Paul?