DISBOARDS v. DISNEY CORPORATE

[shalom]

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.

I don't think there's agreement that it is black, at all. A lot of people see possible advantages to the new system; I do myself. But in terms of people who've actually gone since the FP- was phased out and people had only FP+, I've seen a number of people say they loved the new system, both here and at EasyWDW. And an equal number who hated it and have gone on about that at length, of course. But in terms of simple numbers (not of posts but of people), among the people who've used it and spoken up, the haters and the lovers seem pretty evenly split.

There are definite and tangible advantages to the FP+ system, assuming they work out the IT issues. Some people love the idea of being able to schedule FPs from outside the park, for instance, while others like that you can do them all at once and don't have to walk to each individual ride for the FP. I like the fact that the FP system has been expanded to more attractions and to characters (which started happening before FP+ but I expect was part of the whole concept).

A lot of people who only used a couple of legacy FPs anyhow see advantages to the new system; the comments I have seen have not all been either negative or "no skin off my nose." Some have been pretty positive, both in terms of people who've been there and (more rarely) in terms of people speculating.

 

[JimmyV]

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.

No need for the flame suit. You are likely correct in Disney's approach. However, the question posed was: "Do you think Disney monitors these boards", not "Do you think Disney will change because of these boards." Also, keep in mind that pursuant to another thread/poll about feedback, Disney is responding to people who provide negative feedback. Disney has no way of knowing whether that person is a 1%'er or a 99%'er. Either way, they care about the fact that someone provided negative feedback. I'll say this til I'm blue in the face: Corporations do care what their most strident supporters think, especially when those strident supporters are confronted with an idea or change that is going over like a lead balloon. (Cough, cough, New Coke, cough, cough). Disney didn't sell all those DVC memberships because it doesn't care what repeat guests think. To the contrary, Disney cares very much what repeat guests think. There is no way that anyone in the Disney Board room is saying: "Who cares what a bunch of DisBoard whiners with APs who come twice a year and spend $5K per trip think. This new idea will wow 'em in Peoria!" Do they lose sleep over what goes on here? Doubtful. But is it dismissed as the idle rantings of a bunch of lunatics? No.

 

[ProudMommyof2]

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.

Very interesting comparison and I suspect pretty dead on. Though I will loose out, I can see where more people benefit than are harmed. I do not think the changes to fastpass will make or break anyone's trip. It is interesting to me however, that the tiering of rides in Epcot and DHS is seen as anything other than highlighting how few headliners exist for those parks. The 2nd tier at Epcot is all but useless, and that is sad.

 

[JimmyV]

I don't think there's agreement that it is black, at all. A lot of people see possible advantages to the new system; I do myself.

Sorry. I wasn't referring to FP+ specifically, but just DisBoard debates in general. I think that the FP+ debate is trending "black vs. white" for a whole lot of people, and "black, but I don't care", for a whole lot more.

 

[mcd2745]

Any good corporation always "keeps an ear to the ground" (although today that phrase may need to change to "an eye to the computer monitor"). That said, they couldn't get involved with directly responding to people on message boards like this one. It makes no sense for them and would be a no-win situation. With regards to Disney & FP+ though, I am somewhat surprised they haven't been "out there" a little more to try and explain it and clarify things through other methods given the amount of high level consternation that appears to have taken hold.

 

[shalom]

Corporations do care what their most strident supporters think, especially when those strident supporters are confronted with an idea or change that is going over like a lead balloon. (Cough, cough, New Coke, cough, cough).

New Coke ended up reviving Classic Coke -- Pepsi had been moving up fast and was actually outselling Coke in some markets, but between (New) Coke and Classic Coke, and with fans unifying to proclaim their loyalty, Coca-Cola got back in the game and has been doing well since. Perhaps something like this is Disney's Sekrit Plan here?

I think that the FP+ debate is trending "black vs. white" for a whole lot of people, and "black, but I don't care", for a whole lot more.

I think I said yesterday I think the Dis is trending negative (in terms of posts), but I suspect the majority is still neutral. I'm cautiously optimistic, myself. Most people who are negative don't like what Disney's trying to do; my concerns are more about whether Disney can do it!

 

[ArwenMarie]

Any good corporation always "keeps an ear to the ground" (although today that phrase may need to change to "an eye to the computer monitor"). That said, they couldn't get involved with directly responding to people on message boards like this one. It makes no sense for them and would be a no-win situation. With regards to Disney & FP+ though, I am somewhat surprised they haven't been "out there" a little more to try and explain it and clarify things through other methods given the amount of high level consternation that appears to have taken hold.

They could hire third parties to respond though.

Just like you can buy twitter followers, Facebook likes, etc.

 

[kathie859]

I participate in another travel forum which focuses on cruising. During last summer, parts of Europe experienced record flooding which interrupted several river cruises. The better companies responded on the site (clearly identifying themselves as company rep) with information and contact info for those who had comments, complaints, etc. it was very interesting to see how different companies dealt with the difficulties and who choose to remain silent.

Now I can't fathom how many posts on the Dis that the Disney Company would want to publicly address but it would go a long way to building consumer trust.

I can't see it happening though.

 

[barney44]

There are plenty of companies out there who do reply. The idea is not to appease all, but be cognizant of other's thoughts and issues. It is a proactive business model

I participate in another travel forum which focuses on cruising. During last summer, parts of Europe experienced record flooding which interrupted several river cruises. The better companies responded on the site (clearly identifying themselves as company rep) with information and contact info for those who had comments, complaints, etc. it was very interesting to see how different companies dealt with the difficulties and who choose to remain silent.

Now I can't fathom how many posts on the Dis that the Disney Company would want to publicly address but it would go a long way to building consumer trust.

I can't see it happening though.

 

[Texas Barbie]

Any official Disney responder would not have a moment's peace. "When's free dining coming out?""How can I combine discounts?""When are you doing away with FP+?" They would go insane.

However, you can bet they are in here listening.

 

[Disney/Universal Fan]

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.

Over the years, I have come to know quite a few CM's and quite a few of them hang out on these boards. Most of the ones I know are happy to make themselves known and have no problem answering questions. I think it is unfair to them to make a statement that they usually do not like to make themselves known.

 

[Imhere]

They could hire third parties to respond though.

If Disney does monitor this board, which I'm sure happens in some form or fashion, it would be impossible for them to provide any type of responses.

A simple thread entitled "I Like to Ride My Bike" on this forum turns into 30 pages of repetition upon repetition and argument on why bike riding is probably bad for you.

There is no possible way they could even dip a toe in this pond and come out smelling good at all.

One simple answer from them would just cause 300 more inflamed posts. They'd never get ahead.

 

[goofy4tink]

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.

Agree 100%.

Over the years, I have come to know quite a few CM's and quite a few of them hang out on these boards. Most of the ones I know are happy to make themselves known and have no problem answering questions. I think it is unfair to them to make a statement that they usually do not like to make themselves known.

There have been several cases of CMs being let go due to their posting here. Now, they were caught doing it at work, which would be a huge no-no. But others have posted in their free time and gave out info that they really shouldn't have given out. It's kind of like insider trading (sort of).

So yes, Disney knows what is going on...of course they do. Boards such as this are a great way to know what the general feeling is out in the real world. Disney fully realizes (I would imagine) that most here are die hard Disney fans. But it is still a good way to know what is going on out here.

 

[C-CMom]

ETA

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

One more ring, please...

And NO, we are certainly NOT going back anytime soon. We will probably eventually return, but if the system doesn't fit our needs and potentially entangles us in chaos, WDW simply won't be our top tier choice. Easy peasy.

And, yes, we have plenty of other vacation choices to enjoy while Disney figures out the "happy spot" for FP. Good luck figuring it out sooner rather than later...

 

[Imhere]

ETA

One more ring, please...

And NO, we are certainly NOT going back anytime soon. We will probably eventually return, but if the system doesn't fit our needs and potentially entangles us in chaos, WDW simply won't be our top tier choice. Easy peasy.

Entangles you in chaos?

Good lord, nothing like some over dramatization.

 

[C-CMom]

Entangles you in chaos?

Good lord, nothing like some over dramatization.

Yep, chaos. For us, that's exactly what it would be. We like a certain touring style, and if that is no longer available to us, we'll just do something else. No big deal. Plenty of the real world left to see.

But you are correct about one thing...I absolutely knew better than to join this fray. Thank you for reminding me with your direct, anonymous post. In the future, I will take any significant compliments or complaints directly to the company in question as I typically do.
You have a nice day!

To the OP - interesting question you originally posed. If they are watching, they certainly have plenty to work with.

 

[monkeyknuckler]

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

Must sound like a Las Vegas casino up at Corporate Headquarters.

 

[ekendall2]

Must sound like a Las Vegas casino up at Corporate Headquarters.

 

[summerskye]

Must sound like a Las Vegas casino up at Corporate Headquarters.

Exactly !

I just don't see anybody hitting the jackpot...

 

[Bullseye]

Flame suit on.....

Honestly, my perception is that many of the participants on the Disboards are the equivalent of the one percenters

Right...we are the obsessed disney dorks who spend way too much time discussing disney... hoo-rah