Do You think DISNEY has gone down hlll the last few years?

[Tiger926]

The one by the values is on property I'm 99% sure of it. It is right by the value resorts.That is why I am perplexed as to the reason they closed the one in DTD.

Perhaps it is a franchise, whereas the Downtown Disney one was a parent company store, if I remember correctly from the old threads and so there was a contract attached to it from the beginning?

Like the articles say, they were going to keep a few open on a case by case basis. Perhaps there were other issues with Downtown Disney store? If there is another restaurant on property, plus the huge one right outside of property, why not close that one down, and get a new restaurant in there?

The new Pollo restaurant is a bit more expensive, but it sounds like way better food than McDonald's. Perhaps it will be on the Dining Plan at some point, but McDonald's was not.

I'm not sure if we'll ever know, but as soon as they announced the end of their partnership, the Downtown Disney store closed, and the other cart locations around the parks stopped selling McDonald's products, just like the CM told us they would.

I just found this really interesting article about the whole McDonald's/Disney partnership. Didn't realize it expired in 2007. Article mentions the restaurant near the Value resorts too.

Thought you might find it interesting: http://www.yesterland.com/mcwdw.html

I know so many people like McDonald's, but for me, this ending of the partnership is an uphill climb for Disney, as McDonald's is not necessarily known for great food, Tiger

 

[ICEMAN2]

Downtown Disney is just an embarassment. So many stores empty/closed. They need to fix this ASAP!!

 

[Tiger926]

Downtown Disney is just an embarassment. So many stores empty/closed. They need to fix this ASAP!!

Care to elaborate on that? Pleasure Island is closed, I'll give you that. But, most of the other stores are open, with several new restaurants having opened or readying to open.

I was just there in July, and the place was hopping, as per usual, Tiger

 

[brunette8706]

Hey, Brunette. Happy Friday!

Fastpass machines take an additional CM/s to be stationed there to handle issues; therefore, if it's a slow day, then no Fastpasses are necessary, as walk ups are relatively short, and no additional CM is needed in that location.

The Fastpass in question was at Kali River Rapids - many of us WDW regulars let the OP know that KRR's FP machine has been turned off on majorly busy periods like July 4th and Christmas, so there seems to be an issue with that location, in terms of it not being in use many times throughout the year.

Have never encountered trams not being utilized either - not sure what to make of that?

I was going to link that thread over here, as there are many similar issues, but this is your thread, and so I wasn't sure? A few of us have already been involved in that discussion.

The OP has had a few bad glitches this week with her trip, and so that isn't cool.

Tiger

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Hi Tiger! (HAPPY FRIDAY!)

Thank you so much for the update. I did see that thread and made a few comments. You could link that thread to here if you would like. Hey this really isn't "MY" thread, it's everyone's, please feel free to post what you see fit.

My question though, if they need a CM to be at the Fast Pass kiosk, so what? LOL! I mean are they worried they would have to pay an extra CM $7.25 an hour to man the FP que? Sheesh! Talk about CHEAP! How sad.

Yes, this tram ordeal I want to know more about! This just doesn't seem right! I would love to know more details about this! How sad!

 

[Tiger926]

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Hi Tiger! (HAPPY FRIDAY!)

Thank you so much for the update. I did see that thread and made a few comments. You could link that thread to here if you would like. Hey this really isn't "MY" thread, it's everyone's, please feel free what you see fit.

My question though, if they need a CM to be at the Fast Pass kiosk, so what? LOL! I mean are the worried they would have to pay an extra CM $7.25 an hour to man the FP que? Sheesh! Talk about CHEAP! How sad.

Yes, this tram ordeal I want to know more about! This just doesn't seem right! I would love to know more details about this! How sad!

I missed your comments on that thread, but I am not up to date. Heading over there now.

As we've all been discussing, even an extra $7.25 might be too much for Disney these days. The tram situation is a bit confusing to me too - there are people who might not be able to walk through the parking lots, and rely on the trams.

Not sure what to make of it, Tiger

 

[flicx]

Perhaps it is a franchise, whereas the Downtown Disney one was a parent company store, if I remember correctly from the old threads and so there was a contract attached to it from the beginning?

Like the articles say, they were going to keep a few open on a case by case basis. Perhaps there were other issues with Downtown Disney store? If there is another restaurant on property, plus the huge one right outside of property, why not close that one down, and get a new restaurant in there?

The new Pollo restaurant is a bit more expensive, but it sounds like way better food than McDonald's. Perhaps it will be on the Dining Plan at some point, but McDonald's was not.

I'm not sure if we'll ever know, but as soon as they announced the end of their partnership, the Downtown Disney store closed, and the other cart locations around the parks stopped selling McDonald's products, just like the CM told us they would.

I just found this really interesting article about the whole McDonald's/Disney partnership. Didn't realize it expired in 2007. Article mentions the restaurant near the Value resorts too.

Thought you might find it interesting: http://www.yesterland.com/mcwdw.html

I know so many people like McDonald's, but for me, this ending of the partnership is an uphill climb for Disney, as McDonald's is not necessarily known for great food, Tiger

Read the article and found it interesting.I have an idea why they left the one by the values and not the one in DTD. The one by the values you basically need a car to get to,not true at DTD.So if you take Magical Express you can't get to the one by the values very easily.Anyway it will affect my family as we love breakfast there and the burgers and fries too.I really hate to see the value food places disappear!

 

[ICEMAN2]

Care to elaborate on that? Pleasure Island is closed, I'll give you that. But, most of the other stores are open, with several new restaurants having opened or readying to open.

I was just there in July, and the place was hopping, as per usual, Tiger

The marketplace area is fine (although I think getting rid of McDonald's is a huge loss especially for families with children), but Pleasure Island is in transition and no one seems to know what that ultimately means. The West Side has a huge gap with the Virgin Megastore now gone and Disney Quest aging badly. Temporary stores here and there seem to add to the confusion of what the endgame is here. I know the economy is bad, but businesses are guaranteed a built-in traffic, so I am not sure why Disney can't get together some sort of master plan for this area. I hope they do it and soon. Universal CityWalk keeps adding food vendors and stores, and has enjoyed much more success since Pleasure Island closed. We need something to wow us at Downtown Disney.

 

[Suellen]

I'd also like to know more about Trams. I must say we have been when there were no trams ~ BUT that was on a completely dead day where we were parked in row 4 or Amaze even though we got there at noon. Walking was easy. I don't believe OP indicated where they were parked.

I don't know if it is a matter of having to pay a CM 7.25/hr to stand there. I am guessing it is more a matter of re-allocating that CM someplace where they are needed more.

We are not huge users of FP so i have never noticed a closed one... but that is mainly because i am not looking for them either.

I am avoiding that thread like the koolaid drinking, rose colored glasses person I am.

 

[brunette8706]

I'd also like to know more about Trams. I must say we have been when there were no trams ~ BUT that was on a completely dead day where we were parked in row 4 or Amaze even though we got there at noon. Walking was easy. I don't believe OP indicated where they were parked.

I don't know if it is a matter of having to pay a CM 7.25/hr to stand there. I am guessing it is more a matter of re-allocating that CM someplace where they are needed more.

We are not huge users of FP so i have never noticed a closed one... but that is mainly because i am not looking for them either.

I am avoiding that thread like the koolaid drinking, rose colored glasses person I am.

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HEY SUELLEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was just thinking about you! LOL!!!

 

[brunette8706]

Downtown Disney is just an embarassment. So many stores empty/closed. They need to fix this ASAP!!

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Hey Iceman!

I haven't been to DTD in a while. What stores are closed? Thanks for your comments.

 

[Suellen]

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HEY SUELLEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was just thinking about you! LOL!!!

Who knew i actually had a life huh? LOL!

My oldest is starting Kindergarten so my mom took her for a day to do some special bonding time with her. So the three year old and I went out to lunch with hubby. So I've been out and about today.

I've been reading.... I should be planning. But I think we are going plan free this time. I think I'll do a trip report on all the GOOD things Disney does. Lots of pictures of empty trashcans and stuff.

 

[brunette8706]

Who knew i actually had a life huh? LOL!

My oldest is starting Kindergarten so my mom took her for a day to do some special bonding time with her. So the three year old and I went out to lunch with hubby. So I've been out and about today.

I've been reading.... I should be planning. But I think we are going plan free this time. I think I'll do a trip report on all the GOOD things Disney does. Lots of pictures of empty trashcans and stuff.

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Of course, but we want an unbiased trip report, K? LOL! Let us know if the TRAMS are working!

When are you going? Are you staying at the AKV? (NEVERMIND, I SEE you're going in 2 WEEKS!) That's AWESOME!

 

[brunette8706]

The marketplace area is fine (although I think getting rid of McDonald's is a huge loss especially for families with children), but Pleasure Island is in transition and no one seems to know what that ultimately means. The West Side has a huge gap with the Virgin Megastore now gone and Disney Quest aging badly. Temporary stores here and there seem to add to the confusion of what the endgame is here. I know the economy is bad, but businesses are guaranteed a built-in traffic, so I am not sure why Disney can't get together some sort of master plan for this area. I hope they do it and soon. Universal CityWalk keeps adding food vendors and stores, and has enjoyed much more success since Pleasure Island closed. We need something to wow us at Downtown Disney.

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Hey Iceman!

Just saw your note. I do like Wolfgang Puck, Planet Hollywood, REX, the movie theater is a great touch too! I do like Bongo's great place for some good food. I do think you are right, maybe some other WOW factors? More stores, and boutiques?

 

[Suellen]

We leave on the 18th but we don't check in until the 19th. Yes Jambo House Villas.

We stayed there in july and the girlies loved it... and well they dictate most of what we do on vacation.

 

[brunette8706]

We leave on the 18th but we don't check in until the 19th. Yes Jambo House Villas.

We stayed there in july and the girlies loved it... and well they dictate most of what we do on vacation.

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hehehehe! Take pictures of the room, if you can! Like I said we love the AKL but I would like to see what the villa looks like. Are you flying? Anyway, you'll have a blast!

Our KellyNY is down there now!! I'm sure she's having fun!

 

[GadgetRick]

It was a travel channel/news documentary, but cannot remember the name. Interesting to see how Vegas has evolved.

I'll give you that the business model has similarities in terms of getting people there to spend money, for sure there are similarities between Vegas and WDW. But, like I said, I have friends and family who are comped thousands of dollars a year in free casino stuff. Sometimes, they are also comped to go out of town to other casinos - how is Disney similar in this respect?

Tiger

Because casinos make their biggest bang for their buck when you sit in front of a slot machine of throw the dice or play cards. The comps are to keep you there and/or get you back so you'll continue to gamble. The casinos they send them to (undoubtedly) are either owned or affiliated with the casino they are comped in.

Free dining, discounts, etc at WDW is designed to get you there, keep you there and/or get you to come back. When you're there, you spend money buying stuff from Disney or from someone paying Disney to be there in some way. So, the more you're there, the more often you come back, etc. the more you spend on them. That's where they make their money. My guess is the margins on the tickets are good but not nearly what it is for t-shirts, etc.

Add to that everything in WDW (just about) is a commercial for something else Disney wants you to pay for (movies, TV shows, etc.) and you can see how WDW is really designed to get you to spend money on things, not so much to go on a ride.

That's how it is, not only similar, but IDENTICAL as far as a business model is concerned.

 

[GadgetRick]

I think there are several issues at play for this decision: Disney wanting to offer healthier foods in the parks, and the ending of their corporate marketing relationship.

Obviously, none of us can say why but I would be SHOCKED if any part of the reason was because they want to offer, "healthier," foods in the parks. The only reason ANYONE is offering healthy foods is the trend right now is for healthy food options. However, take a walk around and see what people are actually eating. I'm not seeing a ton of healthy food being eaten without the other stuff. That's just marketing talk.

At the end of the day--like everything else--it's about money. The deal to extend couldn't get done because the money couldn't be worked out. I do not, however, look down on them for this for the McDonalds situation.

 

[Suellen]

i think i have a couple pictures of the room from july.

this one is kind of dark... flash must have been messed up from the sun through the window ~ you can also see DD5 standing on the table.... great. that was a battle we fought all week.

vanity:

View:

You can see the rest here:

http://picasaweb.google.com/suellenh/July2010#

(they are still uploading though... so it may be a few minutes) we didn't take a WHOLE lot of pictures. i don't know why.

 

[Tiger926]

The marketplace area is fine (although I think getting rid of McDonald's is a huge loss especially for families with children), but Pleasure Island is in transition and no one seems to know what that ultimately means. The West Side has a huge gap with the Virgin Megastore now gone and Disney Quest aging badly. Temporary stores here and there seem to add to the confusion of what the endgame is here. I know the economy is bad, but businesses are guaranteed a built-in traffic, so I am not sure why Disney can't get together some sort of master plan for this area. I hope they do it and soon. Universal CityWalk keeps adding food vendors and stores, and has enjoyed much more success since Pleasure Island closed. We need something to wow us at Downtown Disney.

Pleasure Island is a problem, I'll give you that. But, there aren't that many other stores closed. Virgin Mega I think does have something in it - I walked by it in July, and I thought something was there (Ride Makerz, maybe?). As I said, Downtown Disney is always packed, so I don't think Disney is going to rush on filling those few empty areas up anytime soon. People still keep going, regardless. It would be great to have some new things open up though, as some of those stores have been there awhile.

We leave on the 18th but we don't check in until the 19th. Yes Jambo House Villas.

We stayed there in july and the girlies loved it... and well they dictate most of what we do on vacation.

Have a fab time! We love Jambo House!

Because casinos make their biggest bang for their buck when you sit in front of a slot machine of throw the dice or play cards. The comps are to keep you there and/or get you back so you'll continue to gamble. The casinos they send them to (undoubtedly) are either owned or affiliated with the casino they are comped in.

Free dining, discounts, etc at WDW is designed to get you there, keep you there and/or get you to come back. When you're there, you spend money buying stuff from Disney or from someone paying Disney to be there in some way. So, the more you're there, the more often you come back, etc. the more you spend on them. That's where they make their money. My guess is the margins on the tickets are good but not nearly what it is for t-shirts, etc.

Add to that everything in WDW (just about) is a commercial for something else Disney wants you to pay for (movies, TV shows, etc.) and you can see how WDW is really designed to get you to spend money on things, not so much to go on a ride.

That's how it is, not only similar, but IDENTICAL as far as a business model is concerned.

I got all of that, but I still don't think they are identical. Casinos actually give lots of stuff away for free, and I know they do so in order to keep you spending money on their premises. As a DVC member = regular guest, Disney doesn't give me anything for free, so we will have to disagree that it's an identical model. I'll give you that the Free Dining promo is pretty much an identical promo, but what about us DVC members? Unlike my friends who are casino club members, we don't get anything for free. We get a few perks here or there, but it's nothing like what my friends get who are continually comped. Sure, they are comped to spend more money - I'm not discussing that. I've been to Disney enough to see that cycle - rides exiting in gift shops, movie tie-ins, etc. I'm discussing the actual issue of the casino giving away all of that stuff for free. Some of my friends don't even actually use the free comps because they get so much - they give concert tickets away, free rooms and vacations, they get comped that much. Disney hasn't given me anything for free, ever! So, in my opinion, how casinos and Disney handle their most loyal guests, is very different.

Tiger

 

[brunette8706]

Aw, I can't see your photo's at work, they're restricted.

I have to wait till I get home.

I can't wait to see them. Thanks for posting Suellen.