DISBOARDS v. DISNEY CORPORATE

[Dallas_Lady]

I would think corporate would want their views on FP + espoused. It is not that people may like it, but to get the other side out.

But then it would very quickly spiral into a debate that Disney will always end up losing if nothing else because they can't answer all our questions in a way that makes us happy. It makes more sense for them to just use carefully worded press releases on their own official channels than to put one of their own into the lions den that is the DISBoards.

Imagine if there was a thread started right now by a Disney representative outlining all the wonderful ways FP+ really is what's best for us. It would spiral out of control and be closed down in an hour.

(And this FP+ thing really is somewhat of an anomoly. In 12+ years on the boards I have never seen anything take over the conversation like this has)

 

[bfamily5]

So everytime one of us types "FASTPASS+ SUCKS" a bell rings

we really need a "like" option

 

[shalom]

The boards, for the most part, represent the die hard fans who go back multiple times, know of things that change over time, and are interested in every little detail of everything.

Yep. The Unofficial Guide claims that by far the minority of guests research a WDW trip in the sense of getting a book or otherwise planning (10%, maybe?) -- we're a minority within that minority.

Not to say Disney Corp ignores the fanboards. But gate numbers and profits and the like speak a lot more loudly.

 

[TiggerBouncy]

Although not in an official duty, there are a decent number of CM's who hang out here on a regular basis. They usually do not like to make themselves known as CM's because they get targetted for information.

 

[JimmyV]

Yep. The Unofficial Guide claims that by far the minority of guests research a WDW trip in the sense of getting a book or otherwise planning (10%, maybe?) -- we're a minority within that minority.

Not to say Disney Corp ignores the fanboards. But gate numbers and profits and the like speak a lot more loudly.

But in this discussion, there really isn't a difference between minority and majority. While it may be true that Boards like this represent a small minority, they also represent the congnescenti, and that is what corporations care about. They want to know how they can move their product forward and they get a lot of that from tapping in to the die hards. For example, the number of people who complete Zagat surveys is but an infintesimal percentage of total diners. But that doesn't stop restaurants from proudly displaying their "Zagat Rated" signs in the window. That small minority of diners can make or break the restaurant and they pay attention.

 

[Momtomouselover]

I am sure that they have a marketing research group who at some degree monitor boards, chat rooms, blogs, etc. but other than the Mom's panel (and they are volunteers) I doubt they would ever respond. Actually, for that matter they don't even respond on their own FB page.

 

[ain0004]

I believe they do. When we sailed on the Disney Fantasy, we met some officers. They were telling us they are waiting on the chat board reviews for the first 6 months of sailing..Not sure what they did with 6 months of chat boards. They know most people are unhappy with fast pass. It was obvious during the testing phase in late Oct. the cast members were struggling too. They know all if it, it is what the choose to do with the info.

 

[Planogirl]

How do I know whether some of you work for Disney? Hmmmmm...

 

[gocubsgo]

Disney stock has increased more than 15 dollars a share as compared to 1 yr ago
Ultimately if they are making money there will be little impetus - in my opinion - to change things

 

[Magpie]

But in this discussion, there really isn't a difference between minority and majority. While it may be true that Boards like this represent a small minority, they also represent the congnescenti, and that is what corporations care about. They want to know how they can move their product forward and they get a lot of that from tapping in to the die hards. For example, the number of people who complete Zagat surveys is but an infintesimal percentage of total diners. But that doesn't stop restaurants from proudly displaying their "Zagat Rated" signs in the window. That small minority of diners can make or break the restaurant and they pay attention.

This would only be useful if the "cognescenti" actually agreed on anything. But we all know that all the cognescenti here ever do is argue with each other. And accuse each other of being "Kool-Aid Drinkers" and "Debbie Downers".

 

[BrianL]

So everytime one of us types "FASTPASS+ SUCKS" a bell rings

That's about the size of it! All those bells go into a weekly or monthly report though.

Aslo, these specific boards would represent a very small portion of what we look for. Facebook and Twitter are much more important, but smaller ones are looked at as well.

 

[ArwenMarie]

Why would they monitor boards when they can give FP+ surveys with such in-depth questions as "Did you like FP+

a) a little b) a little more c) a lot d) SO MUCH

 

[MyTwoPrincesses]

I would assume they read the major fan boards as well as Facebook, Twitter, etc. It's all called "buzz" and Disney wants to know what the "buzz" is about. I'm sure they're well aware of what people think about FP+ and I don't know that it's accurate to say that "everyone hates it." I've seen reviews on both sides and the people I know IRL tend to like it (being able to make FP+ reservations weeks ahead of time for popular rides, no need to race like a crazy person with little kids at DHS if you have any hopes for a TSMM fastpass, etc.)

Also, the reasons many repeat guests dislike FP+ may NOT be what WDW is concerned about. It seems to me that WDW wants the FPs to be distributed more broadly, so I doubt they really will be swayed by people whining that they can't get 5 FPs in a row for the same ride and 12 FPs in a day.

 

[shalom]

While it may be true that Boards like this represent a small minority, they also represent the congnescenti, and that is what corporations care about.

I think it depends on the percentage of First time visitors Disney is dealing with. Restaurants have to have a high percentage of repeat customers, or they don't survive. But if Disney's primary income is through people on a "once in a lifetime" vacation who are not likely to research, then the impact of these sorts of planning boards is a lot more muted. OTOH, if most visitors are repeat visitors, then boards like this are a lot more representative of customer satisfaction than if the majority are first timers.

And, as others have pointed out, reports to the Dis are far from unanimous. For everyone who has gone saying it's dreadful, there's someone else saying it works great. Assuming the monitors are tallying votes, even on the Dis the vote is split pretty evenly.

 

[JimmyV]

And, as others have pointed out, reports to the Dis are far from unanimous. For everyone who has gone saying it's dreadful, there's someone else saying it works great. Assuming the monitors are tallying votes, even on the Dis the vote is split pretty evenly.

I never said that they looked at us as anything other than a schitzophrenic lot!

In all seriousness, what that boils down to is if they see a complaint here (or on FB, or elsewhere), and an equal number of posts that say: "What are you talking about? That is the best feature!", then they are stuck and can shrug everything off. But if they see a complaint followed by a bunch of people saying: "I see where you are coming from, but that doesn't really effect us", then they might give the issue some thought. Not every "debate" or argument here is black vs. white. Many are: "we all agree that it is black, but some of us don't care". Small as it may seem, that does make a difference.

 

[GusGus77]

So everytime one of us types "FASTPASS+ SUCKS" a bell rings

Lots of fairies getting their wings on this one!

 

[bwang123]

But in this discussion, there really isn't a difference between minority and majority. While it may be true that Boards like this represent a small minority, they also represent the congnescenti, and that is what corporations care about. They want to know how they can move their product forward and they get a lot of that from tapping in to the die hards. For example, the number of people who complete Zagat surveys is but an infintesimal percentage of total diners. But that doesn't stop restaurants from proudly displaying their "Zagat Rated" signs in the window. That small minority of diners can make or break the restaurant and they pay attention.

they display the "zagat rated" because its a known award.

you can't compare disney to any restaurant. a better comparison would be McDonalds. a small minority of diners not satisfied with their food or service will not break the restaurant.

and disney doesn't seem too interested is sampling and getting information from FP+ with diehards. They put annual pass tests even after offsite guests.

 

[JimmyV]

a better comparison would be McDonalds. a small minority of diners not satisfied with their food or service will not break the restaurant.

No, a small minority will not break the restaurant. But if that small minority takes to FB, TripAdvisor, Urban Spoon, or any number of other websites with complaints and suggestions on how to improve things, someone in Oak Brook might take notice and make changes, or at least look into the matter. Don't discount the power of social media. Indeed, it has become too powerful in my opinion. Anyone who thinks that folks at Disney are going to discount a Board that gets tens of thousands of "views" per day just isn't paying attention.

 

[Maddysdaddy]

Flame suit on.....

Honestly, my perception is that many of the participants on the Disboards are the equivalent of the one percenters, who like what they like, have figured out the best way to obtain the biggest benefits for themselves, and are now having a collective meltdown because the powers that be are instituting a change that absolutely will be detrimental to them, but may actually make it better for everyone else (while theoretically increasing corporate profits).

If Disney does actually monitor these boards, I would expect that they realize that many of the posters here are the most hardcore of the hardcores, and that many of the complaints made by Disboard posters relate to issues which may not even be noticed by the "average" Disney visitor (whom I perceive is one who is more likely to be thrilled that they can show up to the park whenever they want and have a guaranteed time for their favorite ride, rather than be upset that they can't FP the same ride 8 times a day).

I totally acknowledge and accept that FP+ (as currently set up) is a huge blow to the "commandos" who seem to make up a significant percentage of Disboard posters. I just question whether Disboard reality, in the circumstances, is actually reflective of the real world.

 

[PlayaMan]

Flame suit on.....

Honestly, my perception is that many of the participants on the Disboards are the equivalent of the one percenters, who like what they like, have figured out the best way to obtain the biggest benefits for themselves, and are now having a collective meltdown because the powers that be are instituting a change that absolutely will be detrimental to them, but may actually make it better for everyone else (while theoretically increasing corporate profits).

If Disney does actually monitor these boards, I would expect that they realize that many of the posters here are the most hardcore of the hardcores, and that many of the complaints made by Disboard posters relate to issues which may not even be noticed by the "average" Disney visitor (whom I perceive is one who is more likely to be thrilled that they can show up to the park whenever they want and have a guaranteed time for their favorite ride, rather than be upset that they can't FP the same ride 8 times a day).

I totally acknowledge and accept that FP+ (as currently set up) is a huge blow to the "commandos" who seem to make up a significant percentage of Disboard posters. I just question whether Disboard reality, in the circumstances, is actually reflective of the real world.

Disney also realizes that there is a large percentage of their diehard fanbase that no matter how loud they complain will keep spending their vacation dollars at Disney, be it WDW or DLR.