C'mon Disney...This is PATHETIC!!

[raidermatt]

Roy, I have to say that at first your complaints about a lack of water fountains were somewhat amusing, but it really has gotten old now. Everyone knows that DCA needs work. That's why Millionaire was opened a couple of months ago, the light show was developed, and Tower of Terror is being built. Improvements will continue, as Disney always does with a new park. Geez, you just went a few months ago and hated the place. Why would you go back so soon and expect to have your mind changed?

As for restaurants being closed, again, what did you expect? Attendance was low before 9/11 and the further downturn in the economy. If there's no people, they're going to close some things. If you truly are a Disney fan, you know that while WDW has been hit hard by the decrease in tourism, they do not have the problems you have complained about. DCA, on the other hand, will not be fixed to your liking overnight, so it might be a good idea to stay away for awhile.

WDWfanatic288- DCA needs some work, but there is attention to detail that you will not find at a Six Flags. Soarin' is awesome, and California Screamin is strong. The rapids are pretty good, and Grizzly Peak is quite a site. I've heard Luminaria is a great show. (I was there before it began). All I can tell you is that my friends and family enjoyed the park. Granted, its not Disneyland, and doesn't have nearly as much to offer, but its still a wonderful addition to the resort.

 

[roymccoy]

I said that we cancelled our WDW trip...not a Disneyland Resort trip. I made the decision based on what I saw at DL and DCA. If that's what is happening here, it's more than likely happening there also. I've had enough of the excuses. If they want my business they're going to have to do a lot more, longer hours, cheaper prices and quit putting in these "below par" rides and attractions. DCA is a shell. There is nothing there. There are big expanses of nothing. Wolfgang Puck and Robert Mondavi realized it...why can't you?

Roy

 

[raidermatt]

If DCA is a shell, why did you go back? You went earlier in the year and lambasted it. Now, several months later, you do the same. Any changes have been well documented, and you knew what they were before you went. Clearly they did not make the ones you wanted.

Mondavi and Puck did not "realize" anything except that their restaurants were not doing the business they wanted them to. But of course, we all knew that from the attendance woes that were well publicized.

DCA is not a shell, despite your attempts to make it sound as such. Again, it clearly needs work, and nobody is denying that. I just have two questions for you:

1- What info did you receive that possessed you to go back to DCA so soon, when you hated it several months ago, when attendance was better than it is now?

2- Why do you believe that the problems DCA has have suddenly appeared at 4 established parks in Orlando?

 

[raidermatt]

By the way, I ate at the old Puck restaurant, and it was WAYYYY too pretentious for a theme park setting. Perhaps in Downtown Disney, or a park like Epcot, which is more "sophisticated", but not in DCA or DL.

The fact that it is re-opening as a character venue is further evidence that Disney is working to improve the park.

 

[roymccoy]

I have two park hopper passes and I wanted to get my money's worth. Couldn't get my money's worth at DCA...not enough there. As to your other question (were you with the Gestapo?) I assumed, and have confirmed on this board, that the same leadership that designed and green-lighted DCA are also making the budget decisions for WDW. LOTS of stuff is closing at WDW. Hotels, rides, parks (River Country), short hours, boats going to Downtown Disney, early entry is gone, etc. and a lot of people are fed up with it. Go over to the Resorts board and read about how "happy" people are with Disney. On second thought, maybe you shouldn't read it....you might implode.

Roy

 

[Michelle]

While everyone is free to express an opinion, you are NOT free to attack other posters for theirs. Please refrain from personal attacks or this thread will be closed. Thank you.

 

[raidermatt]

Michelle- Warning noted. My apologies.

Roy- I have seen the complaints you have mentioned and I'm still physically intact.

Its interesting to note that most of the complaints are from those who have not been. Yes, some trip reports note the negatives you mentioned, but the majority say they had a great time and the "reports of Disney's demise are greatly exaggerated".

I believe ONE section of ONE hotel was closed. With tourism down 25%, I don't see how one can blame Disney for temporarily closing down approx 5% of their rooms. Why hemmorage more money than necessary?

Rides are ALWAYS being closed for rehab at this time of year. CoP was closed due to low useage and high maintenance.

I'm also pretty sure that the water parks are closed in the late fall/winter on a rotating basis for maintenance and due to low attendance during these timeframes. There is talk that River Country may remain closed longer than normal, but if so, its due to sagging tourism/attendance. Again, how can any company spend money to keep things open that aren't being used?

Shorter hours- Those who have been recently note that while the hours are shorter, the parks are less crowded an there is still enough time to do what they want. Again, revenue is down, so costs must come down as well, or the business will fail. (this applies to EE as well, since in reality that is a reduction in hours. Those who go said they didn't need it due to smaller crowds.)

Buses and boats have been cut back due to, again, a lack of useage. During the recent high attendance Thanksgiving week, most reports were that transportation was more frequent and not a problem. Disney adjusted the transportation to the attendance.

When attendance drops as much as it has in a short period of time, cuts will be made. If the parks, characters, attractions, parades, shows, etc are not enough for you to make your trip anyway, you should cancel, and also avoid any other destinations that have had to make similar cuts, like Universal-Fla. The last 10 recessions have averaged a length of 18 months, and this one started in March, so it maybe awhile before things get back to normal. Of course, the war could impact that as well, either positively or negatively.

 

[roymccoy]

For your information....

It wasn't "one building at one resort" that closed, it was more than that. Port Orleans French Quarter closed altogether. The Riverside is in the process of closing now. Carribean Beach Resort has closed down some buildings. The boats to Downtown Disney are no longer operating but not because of low attendance...I was told by a CM at CRO that they closed because THEY WERE TOO POPULAR!! She said that people didn't like waiting in the long lines for the boats. Can't have it both ways. Is it busy or is it slow?? I cancelled my WDW trip because of all of the closures and the feeling of uncertainty I was getting from the CRO. If they can't tell me what's closed at the park currently, how can they tell me with any certainty what will be open or closed when I get there in a few months?? For all I know, it'll be a WalMart when I get there.

Roy

 

[raidermatt]

I said section, not building, but that doesn't really matter I guess.

I didn't realize multiple buildings at CBR had been closed, but if capacity is running low enough that there are still enough rooms available without these buildings, why keep them open? (that's assuming they weren't closed for some other reason, like maintenance) I can understand some of the frustration with POFQ, since it does have its own theme, but that's not the case at the individual CBR buildings.

Regardless, many hotels will close floors when occupancies are running low, so why would Disney be any different? If they aren't filling the rooms, they must close floors/buildings or be at a competitive disadvantage to their competitors.

It is slow. Period.

I'm not sure why you got so much bad info from CRO. I've never had that problem with them, so I can only say that its either too bad you are so unlucky, or I am very thankful that I have so much good luck. Of course, in your original post, you said you were canceling based on what you saw at the California parks, not even mentioning CRO...

Regardless, I'm sorry you have had such negative experiences, and that you feel so negatively about Disney parks/resorts in general. Since you are staying away until the rebound, I look forward to you next report, once you feel that rebound has taken place.

 

[vickyBaby]

I was told by a CM at CRO that they closed because THEY WERE TOO POPULAR!!

What????

 

[roymccoy]

That is exactly what I was told by a CRO rep when I asked her why they took out the DD boats. She said that they had heard from guests that the lines to get on the boats were too long and they wanted more busses instead. We were there last year and the lines were never that long. We loved taking the boats to DD and we ate at a different restaurant almost every night of our stay. The CRO told me that I could still take a bus to DD and I told her that the last time I took a bus to dinner was 6th grade camp AND the dinner didn't cost me $150. NO thanks!

Roy

 

[roymccoy]

I too, can't wait for the day that I can sing the song of Disney again. I bet it won't be that long. Maybe a year or two. I think Eisner likes to dig himself out of holes. He did it at Paramount and then for Disney. He likes to be the hero...not just the CEO. He'll fix things...after they get bad enough.

Roy

 

[stings]

The overwhelming majority of people go to theme parks to ride the RIDES! Unfortunately there are not nearly enough rides at DCA. My opinion is that people prefer Disney parks over others is the themeing and creativity that goes along with these rides. Now while DCA has pockets of beauty and great theming, usually in the shops, overall it lacks any rides e-ticket or otherwise. The exception being Soaring over California. This lack of things to do, ie ride the rides, coupled with a less than stellar concept (most visitors at DL/DCA are locals and are not drawn to the "California" concept) is proving to be the downfall of the resort.

People are telling Disney of their displeasure and lack of interest, they don't go! Everyone may not be as vocal as some on this board and others but the general opinion seems to be negative. Disney knows this and will slowly over the next few years upgrade (the addition of TOT is a start) DCA as they are doing with AK.

 

[dianedisney]

I go to Disneyland at least once a year to check it out for all my clients and because I just love it there. If you will check on the history of Disneyland it was not all built in one year.
Walt added gradually and made changes where needed. The same is for DCA, granted I was not real impressed with my first visit March 2001 it was a month new and I saw things that needed to be changed right off the bat. But Disney DID listen; the public wanted more Disneyland not a new Disney Park and they now have more characters there and have changed the outdoor show to Goodys Beach Party. They have taken over Avalon Cove and made it into a Disney Lunch-Dinner Character Dining experience for the whole family. Between Downtown Disney and the restaurants at DCA there were just too many. They have already broken ground for a DCA version of MGM's Tower of Terror. So as it was with Disneyland it will be with DCA, grow gradually and improve with time. I will now get off my soapbox , have a Disney Day!!!

 

[princessKT]

Originally posted by raidermatt
Tower of Terror is being built.

*gasp* IT IS??! That is the best news I've heard all day. That ride alone is worth the 45 bucks...

 

[poopie]

Then don't go. I happen to LOVE going to DCA and staying in The Grand Californian. That is on of the most wonderful hotels I have ever been to. DCA ia a baby park and I'm sure they will add more attractions as time goes by.

WDW AK was not what is is today when it opened. It had fewer attractions. It takes time and money to build great theme parks. Do you think Magic Kingdom was built in a day?

I go to WDW every year and can't imagine it has changed that much since last year.

I for one am happy that you unhappy people are cancelling your trips, I won't have to listen to all the whining and complaining.


Rachael

Will be at DL Sat and Monday

WDW in 29 days

 

[fklhou]

Roy

On the rumours board, there is a list of Disney addresses and an e-mail link. I encourage you to put your complaints to Disney in writing. I may be naive, but it is my hope that if Disney sees enough complaints like yours, changes may occur.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

First, I can't believe this thread is still going on. Second, if you don't like it then don't go. Third, my family (DH, me, DSD (9) and DSS (8)) must be crazy because we loved DCA. We spent a day and a half there and even visited on the DL days because the kids loved Califronia Screamin'. We also love Animal Kingdom so that is saying a lot about DH and me. Goodness, things are never perfect, especially with a new park. I've been through three park openings now, Disney/MGM, Animal Kingdom and DCA. Each one has/had flaws and each one continues to improve.

As for the things that are being discontinued at WDW, I think you talked to someone who was misinformed at CRO about the boats to DTD. And as for closing resorts/rooms, there comes a time when it is more cost efficient to just close down a resort/section of a resort than to offer discounts and pay for staffing.

Disney is a company whose bottom line is to MAKE Money. We love Disney, and we love the Disney touch, but again it's really not just there for our enjoyment. It's there to be a money maker. And things change when the economy is not booming.

 

[collins316]

I almost hate to add anything, but,,
I enjoy hearing both the positive and negative sides of Disney. If Roy had some negative experiences, I want to hear them as well. If I want only happy positive info I would buy the Birnbaum book, and read just that. These boards give me a more realistic vision of what I am paying my hard earned money for, and I want to thank everyone for all of their opinions.
By the way,, I am one of the people displaced by the closing of Port Orleans. Had a hard time getting into another hotel, even thugh they were so underbooked that they had to close down the hotel. First time to Disneyland will be Oct 2002.

 

[DawnCt]

We will be in Southern California in April for a very brief 8 days. I planned on visiting DCA on the day of arrival, Disneyland on the second day, Universal Studios on the third day and then head on down to San Diego. I will be sure to check to see what will be opened. If DCA/Disneyland is running on such a limited schedule with limited attractions, it might serve us better to spend our hard earned $$$ at Knotts Berry Farm.