Anyone else disappointed with Magical Gatherings theme?

[Goofmeister]

I was disappointed when I learned that this years theme at WDW would be magical gatherings.

There have been some pretty good ones over the last several years that seemed to help boost attendance. 100YOM, the Y2K thing etc...

Magical gatherings just doesn't do anything for me. I sort of feel left out of the party.

 

[wdwguide]

Magical Gatherings isn't a celebration like 100 YOM or Y2K were, it's just a marketing scheme to try to get larger groups of people to vacation together.
The next "real" celebration won't start until May 2005, which will be quite nice for WDW since most of the new attractions will start operating around that time.

 

[DMS_cruisers04]

Don't know that I would call it a scheme, but yes, an effort to market the parks to the growing family/friends trips that are always prominent.

 

[Goofmeister]

Not to be argumentative, but aren't the celebrations and the Magical Gathering marketing schemes. In this case, they are targeting larger groups, and encouraging more of the same.

I wonder if there will be a backlash to this from those that won't have a large group. That is, why do I want to go and compete for dining options when there will be more large groups?

It seems to me that Magical Gatherings is being advertised as much as any of the celebrations. And in this case appear to be the same.

 

[DMS_cruisers04]

No, it's just me. I dislike the word scheme. To me that always implies underhandedness or the dreaded bait and switch type ethic that bad business relies upon.

Yes, it's all used to get people to come to the parks. But I don't think it will drive away any of the single/couples that are planning on vacationing. If anything, I think it's a small plus for them. "No, we're not with that group of 27. It's just the two of us. Can we get a table by the window?"

 

[LoriZH]

Originally posted by wdwguide
Magical Gatherings isn't a celebration like 100 YOM or Y2K were, it's just a marketing scheme to try to get larger groups of people to vacation together.
The next "real" celebration won't start until May 2005, which will be quite nice for WDW since most of the new attractions will start operating around that time.

What new attractions?! Boy, don't tell me I am going to have to book ANOTHER trip...gee...this is really getting on my nerves

Is the special celebration Mickey's 75th?

 

[Goofmeister]

The new attractions are:

Soarin' over California (or something similar) at Epcot.
Stich overlay of AE in the MK.

I don't think it will make it by 2005, but there will be a new "Mountain in the AK".

Rumor about Nemo at TLS in Epcot too.


I think there is one or two others, but my memory is fading

New adventures will abound in every Walt Disney World theme park:

* at Magic Kingdom -- a wacky encounter with the lovable Stitch;

* at Epcot -- an exhilarating flight over California;

* at Disney-MGM Studios -- an action-packed stunt show;

* at Disney’s Animal Kingdom -- a high-speed snowy train ride to the Himalayan Mountains.
(From WDWIG.com)

Oh yeah, rumor of an Indian Jones Ride to replace the show, and some new stuff in the hunch back theater.

 

[wdwguide]

Last I checked, Stitch's Great Escape, Soarin' Over California and the MGM car stunt show should be open by early 2005, with Expedition Everest scheduled for completion the in late 2005 or early 2006.

Stitch is a family-friendly replacement for Alien Encounter, Soarin' is an expansion to the Land pavilion (though Food Rocks will be gutted), the car show replaces parts of the MGM backlot and Everest is a themed steel coaster for the AK's Asia district.

 

[KathyFP]

The magical gathering theme does not do anything for me. We are a family of three. It willnot stop us from visiting nor will it encourage us to go with a larger group.

For me it is just a non issue. I am wating for another great promotion like FTP.

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

For me, the "Magical Gatherings" is great! I have been planning this family reunion at WDW for about 2 years now, and the tools they have put together for this are helping me a lot. We were still going regardless, but this is making it much easier on me, since I'm the designated planner. I have a group of 20+, but we will not be staying together all the time, just meeting up for dinner or whatever once per day, so I won't be in competition with anyone for a table ....Anyway, the planner on the site that I had my group download has been a Godsend, since we are in 3 different states, and most of the group has never been. We are all staying at different resorts due to financial differences, so we won't be taking any "blocks" of rooms or anything....Sorry it's not the celebration like 100 YOM, but it's working out great for me!

 

[KristaTX]

I don't mind the magical gatherings thing - I wish my father-in-law would get the hint (I had the video sent to him!) and take my mother-in-law (who has been once and wants to go back so badly.)

I hold no grudge against Disney, but the only thing that I'm disappointed in is the kids stay/play free thing. That's great and hopefully lots of children will get to go who wouldn't otherwise, but what about us devoted WDW people who have no kids aged 9 and under going with us?

 

[KristaTX]

By the way Goofmeister - I just noticed where you are from. I was born and raised in Duncan, Oklahoma

 

[Goofmeister]

ISWA.

Isn't it.