DIS Dads DDC XXXIV: The Original Home Of The DISDads!!!

[Cinderella's Fella]

Moi?

 

[CapeCodTenor]

Morning, Fellas! Well, the vacation saga continues as I type this from the Land of Cape Cod. The flight that I booked on United Airlines was cancelled, not because of weather in Boston, but because of the weather flying to my destination. So we are now leaving today....supposedly, this we shall see.

Good luck, I hope you are able to get out. We are camping the first of the week and it looks like it may be a bit wet.

Thanks and after a couple of starts and stops, I think I might actually get out today....but we'll see.

It's a beautiful summer day here in the Pacific Northwest. Highs in the 70's with just a little bit of heavy mist in the air. Maybe I'll go for a bike ride this afternoon.

Sounds nice.

I have spent the morning emailing and arguing with my vendors about all my backordered supplies. It is extremely difficult to run a manufacuring facility without any raw materials to manufacture with. One of my suppliers has been backordered for almost 3 months! We have now used up our overstock and going to plan B (I'm making that up as I go). They tell me it should ship by today and might get to me by the end of next week. My other suppliers aren't as bad and I have been able to keep enough overstock to get through. Although, If my shipping supplies don't get here soon, I may be training carrier pigeons (or perhaps African Swallows )

Well....that's not cool. Hope things work out for you.

And yet... availability for on-site is still low. They're still packing them in.
They know they can charge more and get away with it.

That may be true right now, but I think at some point it'll start to tip in the other direction. That's just an opinion.

Morning chaps from an overcast London. 12 hours drive down from Scotland yesterday, with a couple of stops to Falkirk and Hadrians Wall. I will do a trip report for this one.
So, how's everyone been? Anything happened at Disney while I've been away?

Sounds like a nice drive.

Thats a sensible view, I think we all need to see what it really means. I for one was never a fan of having to plan my day 2 months in advance, and 6 months for restaurants. This is going to freak some out, but as generally happens with all these, people will react emotionally and then find a way to work with it. Would I pay 15 bucks to get up at 7 and guarantee RoTR for one day? Yep. But I'd only do it once, and then I'd take my luck with everyone else. I think it could actually be better in Epcot, as all the decent rides were tier one anyways, so you could only book one 60 out.
I think the fundamental problem of overcrowding was unsustainable, it was getting ridiculous. They have added far too few attractions over the years to cope with the growing numbers, so now the only way they have to drive revenue is through higher atv per visit as no CEO is gonna cap visits, you would be signing your own death warrant. In terms of Chapek, I seriously doubt this has been cooked up, developed and rolled out in 16 months while they were dealing with all the mess in COVID, so Iger has to take take some of this love.
Paid FP was always coming, I'm amazed it took this long.
The one that makes me more angry is the sacking off of all the entertainment in places like the WS, that's real penny pinching, as was DME, as that was stage 2 of the parking charge plan. Wait till you have to buy a monorail ticket, and upgrading the system is the justification. You know its coming.

My version of a trip to Disney World was planning my day out to a point. And by that I mean plan what park I wanted to do first, and then area/land/ride etc. After that, I'd then just walk around, so the whole planning 2 months out thing was too much for me. Will this eliminate the need to plan 2 months out? Maybe. But if there's one thing that'll be guaranteed is that you'll need to purchase one of these enhanced genie things to ride every new ride/attraction when they first open. Ok, can't really guarantee that, but you know it'll happen.

Hope you get out there mate.

Thanks, my friend.

Dropped the vacuum cleaner on my toe this AM, which goes to show that house cleaning is detrimental to your health.

I'm no expert, but I don't think you're supposed to do that. And cleaning the house does sound detrimental to ones health. I may have to think twice about cleaning in the future.

We wear the responder badge, and sign into the assigned areas, which for me, is sometimes 2 floors. Apparently, if you hit the button, everyone comes running to your location. I didn't get to see it, but one of my co-workers accidentally hit it and was mobbed by security and anyone else in close proximity. I get threatened by a psyc patient every now and then. The patient wins a trip to sleepytown with a shot of haldol.

We don't have responder badges, but a lot of the offices do have emergency panic buttons that alert the police...and they do work. I personally have never had to use one, but I know people who have.

I guess for someone who has saved up a long time for a trip to Disney, it's just more money to save before going, but personally, I think it's just pure greed.

At some point it does become greed. If Disney hadn't taken away so much, then I'd more than likely be inclined to think that they are just trying to figure out the crowds/lines getting too long. And maybe they have those intentions, but this comes on the back of cutting back on other things, which, like you, leads me to believe this is greed.

I think this is all really interesting stuff, so I'm keen to keep the thoughts going, as we all have a different viewpoint....

As the only one from a socialist continent, I honestly thought I would not be the apologist for the big American Corporation, but here goes.
Fundamentally they are a victim of their own marketing success. Disney kept a lid on stuff when others were chasing premium spend. I think this drove the perception of value, and the view that guest experience trumps all, and is often what you see quoted in the rants in other places. Those are very difficult twin strands to keep in parallel. You add on to the fact that we all have an emotional attachment to the brand, and many of you guys spent a lot of time growing up in there, when it was within the reach of the working/middle class to go and have the full experience. This creates a fundamentally unattainable level of expectation from the brand to strive to keep going. Now they are shifting under the cover of COVID to a more tiered experience, which is absolutely their right to do, and judging by the past 4 years hasn't really tapered off demand. Does it suck? Course it does. But as others have increased pricing blatantly and Disney hid increases through offers and free dining, there was a value gap when looking at Disney and others. And this led to capacity being hit. And the raging about queues, no quiet times, restaurants being booked up, no spontaneity anymore, etc etc.

Don't get me wrong, I am not oblivious to the penny pinching and the upcharging, but the scrutiny applied to Disney is unbelievable, and amplified in boards on here, obviously. People freaking out about noodles being taken off a menu in one of xx amount of restaurants in Disney World? There is also the fact that a fair few people game the system. Multi reservations on resturants, walking DVC ressies, multiple FP on bands that were loaned out, all drive scarcity and we all look at Disney to provide the answer. Some of them I totally agree with you are unreasonable (parking probably being the main one), but some of this is just good old fashioned capitalist "sorry, but there is money to be had".

I think social media has a lot to do with it as well, with the whole FOMO thing. We visited the world 3 times before we set foot in Toy Story land. Never been on smugglers run. Did I have a good time on all those vacations? Yes. Do I get to go on FOP every time I go? No. Does this impact my vacation? Not in the slightest. The Gram and YT have a pile to answer for, with all these must do's and la la which has driven demand through a small number of attractions, and creating a sense of failure if you don't get on the must do ride, or take a picture of a cake in front of a purple wall I would argue own most days you could hit Pirates, Splash, BTMRR, Carousel, Buzz, IASM (I know that's not your choice Doc, we will meet you outside my friend), Peoplemover, and maybe SD on a FP, plus a couple of others. That's a pretty good day.

Like I say, I think times like this are fascinating from a brand values/strategic play POV, so by all means rip me to shreds, you are all cleverer guys than me, so have at it.

This was a great post. As for the highlighted, you the hit nail on the head. We all know Disney's a corporation and needs to make money, but we really think of Disney as ours, and therefore will complain when changes are made. Kneejerk reactions? Yes. I know I had one. But will this change be for the better? Who knows, but people will complain over the changes. I know that going forward, whenever Disney opens a new ride/attraction, it'll be a few years before I go on it because I'm not willing to pay extra to ride it. Ok, I could stand in the regular line, but I somehow think Disney will try and turn that line into a miserable experience to get people to spend more money....but that's an opinion.

Good luck with your flight mate, stay safe and enjoy the trip. I hear January is nice for Disney

Thanks, my friend.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Happy Monday! Bit of a bummer here. We were supposed to go to the Philadelphia Eagles' open practice at the stadium last night. It's the only real chance I have to take my family to see the team live without having to give one of them up for sale. But they cancelled due to the hurricane...

...and then it didn't rain in Philly. Blue skies in the city while we were there visiting a college. A few disappointed kids in my van on the way home.

While I'm at it...
You've mentioned an excellent website catering to BBQ and Smokers in the past, but I can't find it in my notes anywhere. Care to share again?

Sorry, I missed this one earlier. amazingribs.com

Granted all jokes have a hint(sometimes more) of truth to them, but Disney used to be better than the others and frankly, when they're copying the others to make more money, more of the magic goes bye bye.

I didn't like the line they used when adding paid parking at the resorts. "This brings us more in line with industry standards." I thought you wanted to be better than the standard?

Yeah, you were the guy I was thinking about when I mentioned families. For a solo runner like myself (or maybe with an adult kid who will pay her own way for a lot of things), it's not a big deal. But $540? Not insignificant.

I think our most probably strategy will be to pick one day where we pay for the Plus service and get on as much as we can, and then suffer along with the peasants the rest of the time. Depends on the rides available and the demand. It's hard because with my wife being a teacher we can really only vacation in the summer, so that makes for high crowds as well. Wish I could still go in September.

Morning chaps from an overcast London. 12 hours drive down from Scotland yesterday, with a couple of stops to Falkirk and Hadrians Wall. I will do a trip report for this one.

Sounds awesome. Please post the link when you start, I'm in!

Would I pay 15 bucks to get up at 7 and guarantee RoTR for one day? Yep. But I'd only do it once, and then I'd take my luck with everyone else.

That's kind of where I am.

Paid FP was always coming, I'm amazed it took this long.

I think you're right about that.

The one that makes me more angry is the sacking off of all the entertainment in places like the WS, that's real penny pinching, as was DME, as that was stage 2 of the parking charge plan. Wait till you have to buy a monorail ticket, and upgrading the system is the justification. You know its coming.

This is probably the biggest outrage--seeing the rank and file being laid off, lots of the little details that make the magic disappearing, while the suits pocket the profits. That and so many families with less disposable income now having a harder time going on that big Disney trip.

Its tougher with charcoal in a bullet smoker rather than a Traeger, to run a same day brisket, as controlling chamber temp is more variable in its success. Brisket sits happily at eating temp for about 4 hours in a not particularly expensive cooler, so I would rather set up overnight and be early, especially if we are having people over.

Yeah, that's one reason I got the pellet smoker--the temp is much more idiot-proof, which of course I sorely needed. But the system is pretty much set up so that I'm serving dinner at 6 pm. Can't avoid the wee hours if I need it sooner.

You better be coming via London, or I'm not gonna be a happy Danny.

I wouldn't spend all the money to cross the sea and then not visit London! Gotta see all the touristy stuff.

It would be funny if it weren't so dang accurate.

Granted all jokes have a hint(sometimes more) of truth to them, but Disney used to be better than the others and frankly, when they're copying the others to make more money, more of the magic goes bye bye.

I hate the justification that everyone else is doing it, so why not us?

Yes, I can afford it...it's more a question if if I want to.

And so many people have yet to ask themselves that question. They just keep going.

So spending (minimum!) $1,230 for the bottom of the line Traeger just isn't in the cards. But I can see spending $500 on the bullet smoker. It's just within the price range for the amount of smoking I'd do.

I would definitely agree on those prices. Crazy that the pellet smoker is that much more expensive.

As the only one from a socialist continent, I honestly thought I would not be the apologist for the big American Corporation, but here goes.
Fundamentally they are a victim of their own marketing success. Disney kept a lid on stuff when others were chasing premium spend. I think this drove the perception of value, and the view that guest experience trumps all, and is often what you see quoted in the rants in other places. Those are very difficult twin strands to keep in parallel. You add on to the fact that we all have an emotional attachment to the brand, and many of you guys spent a lot of time growing up in there, when it was within the reach of the working/middle class to go and have the full experience. This creates a fundamentally unattainable level of expectation from the brand to strive to keep going. Now they are shifting under the cover of COVID to a more tiered experience, which is absolutely their right to do, and judging by the past 4 years hasn't really tapered off demand. Does it suck? Course it does. But as others have increased pricing blatantly and Disney hid increases through offers and free dining, there was a value gap when looking at Disney and others. And this led to capacity being hit. And the raging about queues, no quiet times, restaurants being booked up, no spontaneity anymore, etc etc.

Disney has promoted themselves for years as a better value than their competition, and as a special experience that you just can't miss out on. There is certainly a large sense of entitlement from the fan base, and customers don't have a right to expect discounts to last forever. On the other hand, the company loves to trade in nostalgia and the idea that Walt created the parks for everyone to enjoy with their families, so it feels like a betrayal to price many families out of the chance to ever go.

Don't get me wrong, I am not oblivious to the penny pinching and the upcharging, but the scrutiny applied to Disney is unbelievable, and amplified in boards on here, obviously. People freaking out about noodles being taken off a menu in one of xx amount of restaurants in Disney World? There is also the fact that a fair few people game the system. Multi reservations on resturants, walking DVC ressies, multiple FP on bands that were loaned out, all drive scarcity and we all look at Disney to provide the answer. Some of them I totally agree with you are unreasonable (parking probably being the main one), but some of this is just good old fashioned capitalist "sorry, but there is money to be had".

I remember writing in one of my TR's that there are 3 versions of Disney: Nostalgic, Family-Friendly Disney (trading on your memories of growing up in the parks), Cutting-Edge Imagineering Disney (constantly reinventing entertainment), and Greedy Corporate Bean-Counter Disney. We all hate the last one, but the first two wouldn't fully exist without the third.

As you said, this is pure capitalism. The only way to "vote" in that system is not to go--to spend your money somewhere else. Until that happens, these money grabs will continue. I know that this means many families with lower incomes are completely priced out, and that bothers me. I don't think Disney parks were meant to solely be playgrounds for the rich.

For me, I am blessed enough not to be priced out of a Disney vacation yet. But I also choose not to go every year. The expense makes me feel like I get full value by waiting a few years between visits. If it was more affordable, I might go more often. But I do like variety in my travels, so that might not be the case. So I'll go, acknowledge that it's expensive, enjoy my week, and then come back in a few years happy that the novelty hasn't worn off yet.

I think social media has a lot to do with it as well, with the whole FOMO thing. We visited the world 3 times before we set foot in Toy Story land. Never been on smugglers run. Did I have a good time on all those vacations? Yes. Do I get to go on FOP every time I go? No. Does this impact my vacation? Not in the slightest. The Gram and YT have a pile to answer for, with all these must do's and la la which has driven demand through a small number of attractions, and creating a sense of failure if you don't get on the must do ride, or take a picture of a cake in front of a purple wall I would argue own most days you could hit Pirates, Splash, BTMRR, Carousel, Buzz, IASM (I know that's not your choice Doc, we will meet you outside my friend), Peoplemover, and maybe SD on a FP, plus a couple of others. That's a pretty good day.

My feelings here are different. Because I'm only going once in 5 years or so, I really want to see all the things (well, maybe not IASM or the purple wall). But I would be hugely disappointed if I didn't get on FoP. Or RotR. It's a tough pill to swallow if I'm paying thousands of dollars to get there and I still can't ride the attractions I want to. That's not "value" at all. It's just poor customer service.

I didn't mind the advance planning at all--for me, that was the advantage of doing your homework. I liked being rewarded for being prepared and willing to put in the work instead of showing up and expecting everything to be available last minute. But I do get that not everyone is wired that way, and many find the advance planning to be annoying and laborious.

Well, the vacation saga continues as I type this from the Land of Cape Cod. The flight that I booked on United Airlines was cancelled, not because of weather in Boston, but because of the weather flying to my destination. So we are now leaving today....supposedly, this we shall see.

Good grief. Hope things work out so you can actually travel today!

 

[londontime]

We were supposed to go to the Philadelphia Eagles' open practice at the stadium last night. It's the only real chance I have to take my family to see the team live without having to give one of them up for sale

Do you really need that many kids though?

Sorry you missed it bud, sometimes l prefer those practise pre season games, everyone is way more relaxed. Look at the Bears D for example. And their O. And their coaching staff.

 

[Cinderella's Fella]

Sounds awesome. Please post the link when you start, I'm in!

https://www.disboards.com/threads/b...bby-a-scotland-tour-trip-report-22-8.3849832/

didn't like the line they used when adding paid parking at the resorts. "This brings us more in line with industry standards." I thought you wanted to be better than the standard?

Kind of a funny thought I had as I read this. One of the reasons I stay offsite when I go to Disney, is I stay at local hotels that have free parking…

 

[londontime]

Sounds awesome. Please post the link when you start, I'm in!

https://www.disboards.com/threads/b...bby-a-scotland-tour-trip-report-22-8.3849832/

 

[CapeCodTenor]

Good grief. Hope things work out so you can actually travel today!

Thanks...so far so good.

 

[budamacdvcr]

Happy Monday Dads! If there is such a thing. Hope all in the Northeast are in good shape after this weekends weather. About an hour west of where we lived got hit with almost apocalyptical floods with over 20 dead and 40 missing as of this morning. 17-18" rain in less than 24 hours. Be safe out there.

I always go to take home a couple of bears, but the TSA frowns on such things, even if I say they are a service animal. On the half one, do you go for the top or the bottom half?

Just a half of a Half & Half

Morning Everyone,

It's a beautiful summer day here in the Pacific Northwest. Highs in the 70's with just a little bit of heavy mist in the air. Maybe I'll go for a bike ride this afternoon.

I have spent the morning emailing and arguing with my vendors about all my backordered supplies. It is extremely difficult to run a manufacuring facility without any raw materials to manufacture with. One of my suppliers has been backordered for almost 3 months! We have now used up our overstock and going to plan B (I'm making that up as I go). They tell me it should ship by today and might get to me by the end of next week. My other suppliers aren't as bad and I have been able to keep enough overstock to get through. Although, If my shipping supplies don't get here soon, I may be training carrier pigeons (or perhaps African Swallows )

Right there with you. Supply Chain / Manufacturing / Distribution roles should be getting "combat pay" right now with all the challenges.

I hit a milestone yesterday. Last year I ran 464km. So far this year, in total (last year + this year) I just hit 1,000K! Never in my wildest dreams did I think that would be even a remote possibility.

Well done and congratulations!

I think this is all really interesting stuff, so I'm keen to keep the thoughts going, as we all have a different viewpoint....

As the only one from a socialist continent, I honestly thought I would not be the apologist for the big American Corporation, but here goes.
Fundamentally they are a victim of their own marketing success. Disney kept a lid on stuff when others were chasing premium spend. I think this drove the perception of value, and the view that guest experience trumps all, and is often what you see quoted in the rants in other places. Those are very difficult twin strands to keep in parallel. You add on to the fact that we all have an emotional attachment to the brand, and many of you guys spent a lot of time growing up in there, when it was within the reach of the working/middle class to go and have the full experience. This creates a fundamentally unattainable level of expectation from the brand to strive to keep going. Now they are shifting under the cover of COVID to a more tiered experience, which is absolutely their right to do, and judging by the past 4 years hasn't really tapered off demand. Does it suck? Course it does. But as others have increased pricing blatantly and Disney hid increases through offers and free dining, there was a value gap when looking at Disney and others. And this led to capacity being hit. And the raging about queues, no quiet times, restaurants being booked up, no spontaneity anymore, etc etc.

Don't get me wrong, I am not oblivious to the penny pinching and the upcharging, but the scrutiny applied to Disney is unbelievable, and amplified in boards on here, obviously. People freaking out about noodles being taken off a menu in one of xx amount of restaurants in Disney World? There is also the fact that a fair few people game the system. Multi reservations on resturants, walking DVC ressies, multiple FP on bands that were loaned out, all drive scarcity and we all look at Disney to provide the answer. Some of them I totally agree with you are unreasonable (parking probably being the main one), but some of this is just good old fashioned capitalist "sorry, but there is money to be had".

I think social media has a lot to do with it as well, with the whole FOMO thing. We visited the world 3 times before we set foot in Toy Story land. Never been on smugglers run. Did I have a good time on all those vacations? Yes. Do I get to go on FOP every time I go? No. Does this impact my vacation? Not in the slightest. The Gram and YT have a pile to answer for, with all these must do's and la la which has driven demand through a small number of attractions, and creating a sense of failure if you don't get on the must do ride, or take a picture of a cake in front of a purple wall I would argue own most days you could hit Pirates, Splash, BTMRR, Carousel, Buzz, IASM (I know that's not your choice Doc, we will meet you outside my friend), Peoplemover, and maybe SD on a FP, plus a couple of others. That's a pretty good day.

Like I say, I think times like this are fascinating from a brand values/strategic play POV, so by all means rip me to shreds, you are all cleverer guys than me, so have at it.

OK looks like I sparked some interest with the topic. We are fortunate enough to be able to enjoy WDW on a regular basis. Being DVC helps with that not only with rooms but with discounted APs, 20% discounts on a lot of things, etc. Also can't remember last time we didn't use points to fly there (SWA Visa card benefits including normally earning enough per year to have Companion Pass reward). That being said I do not take prices increasing lightly, however, look at prices of just about everything, prices up, supply low and services lower. I do shake my head a bit when some of the ranters on social media act as if Disney should operate at lower profits, their websites end in .com not .org. I know some say it was less expensive back in the day but I remember when our family was starting out having to seriously save and put away money here and there to enjoy those first few early trips. I was raised in a middle class family yet we made it to WDW only once and off property so let's not pretend Walt and Roy weren't making a great profit.

Regarding the Genie+ stuff.....................

1. Remember paper FP? We all loved running around the parks getting those but could not always get what we wanted and how much time was spent trapesing from one end of the part to the other. Gennie+ does not require running all over and you can see what has the next available time to fit your schedule as opposed to running to BTMR kiosk only to find out those were all gone. Score = Genie+ for the win
2. FP+ you had to book 60 days in advance on property, and 30 days in advance off property. Oh how those staying off property would complain about not being able to get the main attractions and those on property raised the roof over having to plan so far in advance "I don't know what I want to do that far out, all this ruins being spontaneous." Score = Genie+ for the win
3. FP+ - limited to only 3 passes per day and at only 1 Park. Score = Genie+ for the win

Strategy wise, we are early risers so rope drop takes care of most of the major attractions for us. Also see using the $15 Genie+ option maybe twice on week long trip, one for MK and 1 for HS. Between RD and number of attractions don't see the need for FP at AK or EPCOT just yet.

I am not a fan of Cheapeck and his style and approach. I am more concerned about the lack of park maintenance, why the parks are not back to full offerings (Fantasmic!) and why they went to a DJ at the Train Station on Main Street pumping tunes dressed in a black t-shirt and black pants - that's staying within theme eh and that is the type of thing that would P off Walt.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

1. Remember paper FP? We all loved running around the parks getting those but could not always get what we wanted and how much time was spent trapesing from one end of the part to the other. Gennie+ does not require running all over and you can see what has the next available time to fit your schedule as opposed to running to BTMR kiosk only to find out those were all gone. Score = Genie+ for the win
2. FP+ you had to book 60 days in advance on property, and 30 days in advance off property. Oh how those staying off property would complain about not being able to get the main attractions and those on property raised the roof over having to plan so far in advance "I don't know what I want to do that far out, all this ruins being spontaneous." Score = Genie+ for the win
3. FP+ - limited to only 3 passes per day and at only 1 Park. Score = Genie+ for the win

I actually preferred the paper FP system. Maybe less as I got older and my feet hurt more, but that system allowed for spontaneity. It also allowed us to get multiple rides on the headliners in one day, as opposed to hoping you get one for the week.

 

[docsoliday1]

I didn't like the line they used when adding paid parking at the resorts. "This brings us more in line with industry standards." I thought you wanted to be better than the standard?

That was kinda my point. In a training class years ago, the question was asked about great customer support/experience. The name at the top of many in the class was Disney. I just feel it's way less about customers and more about greed. Even during the pandemic, Disney stock did well because of so many other revenue streams(most notably Disney+).

This is probably the biggest outrage--seeing the rank and file being laid off, lots of the little details that make the magic disappearing, while the suits pocket the profits. That and so many families with less disposable income now having a harder time going on that big Disney trip.

Agreed and again...less service/magic and more money.

I hate the justification that everyone else is doing it, so why not us?

That is the hardest pill to swallow. I remember my mom saying multiple times...if everyone jumped off a cliff, would you too?

And so many people have yet to ask themselves that question. They just keep going.

If I was able(as before) to go anytime I felt the urge, I probably still would. Asking that question in earnest now.

Disney has promoted themselves for years as a better value than their competition, and as a special experience that you just can't miss out on. There is certainly a large sense of entitlement from the fan base, and customers don't have a right to expect discounts to last forever. On the other hand, the company loves to trade in nostalgia and the idea that Walt created the parks for everyone to enjoy with their families, so it feels like a betrayal to price many families out of the chance to ever go.

That's why more money and less magic bothers me so much. I'm not expecting everything and paying nothing, but I don't expect(or enjoy) the opposite either.

I remember writing in one of my TR's that there are 3 versions of Disney: Nostalgic, Family-Friendly Disney (trading on your memories of growing up in the parks), Cutting-Edge Imagineering Disney (constantly reinventing entertainment), and Greedy Corporate Bean-Counter Disney. We all hate the last one, but the first two wouldn't fully exist without the third.

Maybe that's my problem. I went when they opened in 1971 and although it was kinda expensive at the time, not as much as now and the experience was top notch.
The 2nd would be less possible without the 3rd, but not necessarily the 1st.

As you said, this is pure capitalism. The only way to "vote" in that system is not to go--to spend your money somewhere else. Until that happens, these money grabs will continue. I know that this means many families with lower incomes are completely priced out, and that bothers me. I don't think Disney parks were meant to solely be playgrounds for the rich.

Again, we went in 71. My grandmother bought us all tickets and while she could afford it more than we could, she wasn't wealthy by any stretch.

I recall a VP from Delta relating a story of what he said when his managers were complaining about their people's loyalty(or lack)

"When was the last time you as a manager, did something to EARN it?" That's what I think is my underlying issue....if you want my loyalty and my money, earn it instead of constant money grabs.

My feelings here are different. Because I'm only going once in 5 years or so, I really want to see all the things (well, maybe not IASM or the purple wall). But I would be hugely disappointed if I didn't get on FoP. Or RotR. It's a tough pill to swallow if I'm paying thousands of dollars to get there and I still can't ride the attractions I want to. That's not "value" at all. It's just poor customer service.

This.

I didn't mind the advance planning at all--for me, that was the advantage of doing your homework. I liked being rewarded for being prepared and willing to put in the work instead of showing up and expecting everything to be available last minute. But I do get that not everyone is wired that way, and many find the advance planning to be annoying and laborious

I didn't like the restaurants that far in advance. Right now, A may sound good, but when that day arrives, B may sound better. Don't have that option.

Kind of a funny thought I had as I read this. One of the reasons I stay offsite when I go to Disney, is I stay at local hotels that have free parking…

I stay at my home for free parking.

Thought just popped into my head regarding money vs. Magic.

Guess it will have to be DGUMME instead of DME.
Disney's Give Us More Money Express.

So, if you fly - give us more money
If you drive and stay on property - give us more money.

Remember paper FP? We all loved running around the parks getting those but could not always get what we wanted and how much time was spent trapesing from one end of the part to the other. Gennie+ does not require running all over and you can see what has the next available time to fit your schedule as opposed to running to BTMR kiosk only to find out those were all gone. Score = Genie+ for the win

I actually liked the paper FP better. You had to be in the park to get FP. Granted, it favored early risers, but also helped make it more equitable...I might snag BTMRR, but not SM, while someone else was reversed. At least each were able to get SOMETHING.

Strategy wise, we are early risers so rope drop takes care of most of the major attractions for us. Also see using the $15 Genie+ option maybe twice on week long trip, one for MK and 1 for HS. Between RD and number of attractions don't see the need for FP at AK or EPCOT just yet.

Rope drop is okay, but can be hazardous also...I'm not a small person, but almost got knocked over by a couple of teenagers running and shoving. Was not happy. Also, even rope dropping FOP, might still be a 90+ min wait.
I'm thinking more of when kids/grandkids come.to visit than for myself...I can go without riding anything and it doesn't really bother me...I enjoy the rides, but also ridden then enough, it doesn't kill me not to.

 

[Cinderella's Fella]

Happy Monday Dads! If there is such a thing. Hope all in the Northeast are in good shape after this weekends weather. About an hour west of where we lived got hit with almost apocalyptical floods with over 20 dead and 40 missing as of this morning. 17-18" rain in less than 24 hours. Be safe out there.

praying

 

[Cinderella's Fella]

That is the hardest pill to swallow. I remember my mom saying multiple times...if everyone jumped off a cliff, would you too?

Maybe…

 

[docsoliday1]

Maybe…
View attachment 599361

I would prefer to be in the water below to see if bikini parts came up missing.

 

[budamacdvcr]

Top O the Mornin Dads! Pretty quiet in here so far today so hoping all are well, cheers!

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Hay, y'all...
Returned from the coast a bit early the get ready for month-end closing at the current employer's behest...
Likely good we did as it's been a bit of a cluster the last couple days.

I may be in need of a drink or five.


Good conversation on the recent announcements.
I'm waiting for the thing to actually go live so I can see what it will and wont do.
Not pleased at what is basically a general price increase, but I also don't have the problem of trying to add it into the calculus of a sizable family. Hate that part of it for those that do. We have a trip down there "currently" scheduled for late October (to replace the ones we planed for March, of last year and then downsized and rescheduled for September, and the... well ya' know), But I ain't certain whether we're going or not. I have until September to see how things will work, what will be available, and just how bad things get within the realm of Flor-i-da prior to then. Still a whole lot'a don't know in that there ongoing assessment. I know we won't be doing any hard-ticket events (they done priced us out of that option). What I do with the new Gennie app will depend on when it finally rolls out, so more bits of don't know on that score. I'd really like to head down there, but at this point, I just ain't so sure it's in my best in interest.

But then again, it wouldn't be the first time I've done something a smidgen less then smart simply because it'd make me happy for a bit.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Returned from the coast a bit early the get ready for month-end closing at the current employer's behest...
Likely good we did as it's been a bit of a cluster the last couple days.

I may be in need of a drink or five.

Well, this helps make the case to your employer that you are essential.

(Trying to see the positives here)

But then again, it wouldn't be the first time I've done something a smidgen less then smart simply because it'd make me happy for a bit.

This was basically all 4 years of college.

 

[wasnotafan]

Came searching for a bit of humor given the way things have been going and the lack of fart jokes is shameful. Disney costs, as well as other things, have probably made our last trip to the World the last one unless things change. The bikini-clad jumpers lightened the mood a bit and I fully approve.

DD is struggling with school, hormones, life, stress, COVID, etc. and don't have much wisdom to impart to her. I told her LBJ said " sometimes you just have to hunker down like a ******* in a hail storm and just take it" but that just confirmed I am old and out of touch. Not much worse than being the dad of a teenage girl living through a pandemic other than being the teenage girl.

Anyone seen the PolitiZoid "Its a woke world after all" youtube? It is worth the 2:15 to watch it.

 

[declansdad]

Evening All.

Just returned from another 3 days of camping. Sadly it was so wet and humid that we had to put the tent back up and hang a lot of the other stuff out to dry when we got back. That being sad, it was another fun time away and we go in another 15 kms of hiking. The bad part of that was the last 3 kms were in the pouring rain. The good part of that was those last 3 were 3 of the fastest 4 we did that day.

Hope all is well.

 

[declansdad]

Crap, the streak is over.

 

[Cinderella's Fella]

Crap, the streak is over.