Anything new on Pop Century?

[Banzai]

If people want to stay at it, yes they should! I know all of you dont like it, but you know, some people may want to stay their!

 

[raidermatt]

If people want to stay at it, yes they should! I know all of you dont like it, but you know, some people may want to stay their!

First, just because the resort is less expensive does not mean it must be cheaply done (there is a difference). If anything, we'd like see more "Disney-like" accomodations for the people you reference.

But second, and more important, if we take your logic to the next step, there will still be people who can't afford the Values, so does that justify the "Sub-Values"?

And for those who can't afford those, how about a "Discount-Sub-Value "resort"?

How far down the ladder should Disney go?

 

[crusader]

How far down the ladder should Disney go?

As far as necessary to get that booking. They already succeeded in selling the illusion of value to get as many guests as possible on-site. Look how many people bought into the AS resorts being worth the 79-109/night because they were convinced spending an extra $20/night would be too much to afford.

 

[raidermatt]

As far as necessary to get that booking.

Really? So there is no longer any value in a brand name?

Why doesn't Marriott, Hyatt and Hilton build hotels all the way down to the lowest level of accomodations and slap their names on them?

 

[raidermatt]

Bottom of the barrel accomodations? Where?

I know they are not all "first class" hotels, but I've yet to hear of a Marriott or Hilton in the "flea bag" category.

 

[BRERALEX]

I've stayed at the all stars like 3 times and have to say it was mostly because of the price of course. 55 bucks a night i couldnt pass up on two occasions. Last time i satyed there i paid like 70 bucks a night and took my son he loved being able to open the door to the hotel and see that huge buzz lightyear, i got lucky it was a great room with a great view. SO anyways i like the allstars i feel like im in disney when im there and helps more with my 5 yr old having a blast next to me.

BUT man pop century looks horrible i dont think walking next to a big wheel or a yo-yo will have the same effect as bieng in a huge Andy's room. So i don't plan on ever staying at POOP century maybe just visiting for humor but was wondering how many do plan on staying there if they don't mind sharing

 

[crusader]

Really? So there is no longer any value in a brand name?

Boy this is loaded. Semantically, "value" and "brand name" are contradictions in an among themselves. You can no longer afford to make an assumption about anything - WDW is no exception. There are many things a Disney vacation implies but delivers far short on - the concept of "value" included. It is all part of the disillusionment process a visitor will experience whether they wish to admit it or not.

WDW is in the business of making money. These resorts are great for the class trip crowd and the "I'm not sure if I can afford it group". Better to have them onsite spending their money than staying anywhere else. There is no bar low enough to get a potential customer in the door.

 

[DVC-Landbaron]

There is no bar low enough to get a potential customer in the door.

Tell me again how this fit's into the 'philosophy'? I can't seem to recall!

 

[crusader]

Which philosophy -

The Disney we grew up loving and enjoying or the "World" of today?

or are you questioning whether this comment remains on point for this discussion?

The bar really doesn't appear to be set to me these days. The philosophy with respect to resorts - Pop Century being one of them looks something like "let no customer be left behind".

The decor, theme and location will not matter to the crowd it was designed for because after all they will be resort guests and that gives the illusion of getting something more for your money - ie a value.

 

[raidermatt]

There are many things a Disney vacation implies but delivers far short on - the concept of "value" included. It is all part of the disillusionment process a visitor will experience whether they wish to admit it or not.

Crusader, I don't know what you have been through that has jaded you so...

The bar really doesn't appear to be set to me these days.

There's still quite a gap between PC and Roach Motel.

The philosophy with respect to resorts - Pop Century being one of them looks something like "let no customer be left behind".

Again, Roach Motel is still quite a ways further down.

WDW is in the business of making money.

Yes, and they are not doing as good a job of it as they should be.

Semantically, "value" and "brand name" are contradictions in an among themselves.

??? There is value in a brand name. Are you saying there is not? In other words, does having the name Disney on something have any impact on a customer's purchase decision?

There is no bar low enough to get a potential customer in the door.

While I'm sure Eisner would admire your ideals, even he would have to cut you off here

 

[WDWHound]

Originally posted by raidermatt
There's still quite a gap between PC and Roach Motel.

I agree, you can actually check into a roach motel

 

[crusader]

??? There is value in a brand name. Are you saying there is not? In other words, does having the name Disney on something have any impact on a customer's purchase decision?

Not like it used to. The consumer is so saturated with choices these days a name or label may be the only distinguishing feature between ultimately similar products. But as we all know, appearances can be deceiving and just because it says "Nike" or "Disney" doesn't mean its better. How many times have you spent more for that label and gotten poor quality. You're much smarter the next time.

Crusader, I don't know what you have been through that has jaded you so...

Sorry if it seems that way but it's not due to anything personal. I just don't buy into that "magical" philosophy anymore. I enjoy WDW because I am careful to avoid the mistakes I see so many people go through. They feel compelled to drive themselves because they have spent alot and they have trouble deciding how to manage the trip.

 

[raidermatt]

Not like it used to. The consumer is so saturated with choices these days a name or label may be the only distinguishing feature between ultimately similar products. But as we all know, appearances can be deceiving and just because it says "Nike" or "Disney" doesn't mean its better. How many times have you spent more for that label and gotten poor quality. You're much smarter the next time

Your preaching to the choir for the most part. However, there is still a large number of people out there who are very brand conscious. There are plenty of people who buy a particular shoe solely because it has the swoosh on it.

I do agree that Disney's brand name does not hold the value it once did, but this is due to the lack of consistency in the products they are producing. If instead of DCA and AK they gave us parks of the same scope as DL and Epcot, and if they didn't release "second quality" animated films in the theaters, and if they did a better job with at least some of their recent "first quality" animated films, and if they partner with what many consider the lowest quality fast food chain around...etc, etc etc, then their name wouldn't have lost so much value.

But, still, the Disney still carries some value. For now...

I just don't buy into that "magical" philosophy anymore.

The philosophy many of us talk about really has nothing to do with "magic". Its a practical business philosophy that has proven it can be extremely successful. It does, however, necesitate making long-term decisions that are sometimes contrary to the short-term focus of many companies these days.

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Well... so long as I'm over here in these sides of the boards, might as well throw in my four cents... (hey, it's Disney, everything is twice the price... lol)

Phase I of Pop Century is currently ready to open. All they need is staffing, and guests. However, right now, things are slow down here... and they'll need to pick up considerably before Pop Century opens.

Second... Don't critisize the stylings of Pop Century until you have actually been INSIDE the resort. I can tell you, it looks a heck of a lot nicer, (and cooler) from the inside. Especially the Lobby...

Lastly... If you don't like how Pop Century looks, then simply don't stay there. There are 19 other Disney resorts, as well as hundreds of off property hotels.

 

[crusader]

If instead of DCA and AK they gave us parks of the same scope as DL and Epcot, and if they didn't release "second quality" animated films in the theaters, and if they did a better job with at least some of their recent "first quality" animated films, and if they partner with what many consider the lowest quality fast food chain around...etc, etc etc, then their name wouldn't have lost so much value.

I agree but they did this and here we are so now what? This didn't happen overnight so it won't be changed anytime soon. Baby steps my friend. In the meantime, I'm still going.

Phase I of Pop Century is currently ready to open. All they need is staffing, and guests. However, right now, things are slow down here... and they'll need to pick up considerably before Pop Century opens.

Are they even accepting reservations at this point? Thanks for joining in. Helps to clarify things a great deal.