Disney begins leadership shuffle

[lockedoutlogic]

I guess my point is that I'm waiting for a sign that they can return to "before the bad stuff"

There are indications...the magic kingdom redo is well detailed...if a tad bland and devoid of anything real interesting as rides go...
The three + new eateries popping up in the showcase at EPCOT over the last few years are encouraging...lets hope that additions to the showcase and the park become part of the new master plan...

But there was a correlation between the original, amazing work (the MK and site work), The old me n (EPCOT), and Eisner and wells with roy E standing behind ( the resort explosion)...

If you're telling me that Tom Staggs is gonna be seen talking to children, wearing mouse ears, and riding splash mountain...

Ehhh...not a easy sell.

Enjoy the conversation...as always.

 

[ChipnDale79]

I guess my point is that I'm waiting for a sign that they can return to "before the bad stuff"

There are indications...the magic kingdom redo is well detailed...if a tad bland and devoid of anything real interesting as rides go...
The three + new eateries popping up in the showcase at EPCOT over the last few years are encouraging...lets hope that additions to the showcase and the park become part of the new master plan...

But there was a correlation between the original, amazing work (the MK and site work), The old me n (EPCOT), and Eisner and wells with roy E standing behind ( the resort explosion)...

If you're telling me that Tom Staggs is gonna be seen talking to children, wearing mouse ears, and riding splash mountain...

Ehhh...not a easy sell.

Enjoy the conversation...as always.

Locked, to be honest with you, I agree with you about 90% of the time. I see things are in a bad place and that WDW has been neglected to some extent.

I just feel like this is a place for people to come and talk about all things disney, as soon as people start talking about the possibility of something new, you walk in and pop a needle in their balloon.

I personally don't have a lot of faith in Iger and company when it comes to WDW, but I do believe disney is smarter than what we are giving them credit for. I do believe at some point some major money will be spent on good things at WDW.

I've been down in the dumps on Disney for quite awhile, really since FP+ was announced, my wife is the one that kept us from canceling our trip in 2 weeks. I've had such a problem with the way things have been handled in the last couple of years at WDW, that I was ready to wash my hands of them for a long time.

To disney's credit, they seemed to have been listening to their guest with FP+ and made some major changes that were causing me to have a big problem (limit of fast passes and park hopping). To me, that's restored a little bit of faith that maybe they really are listening to their guests. Do they still have work to do? No question they do, tiering is a massive problem, and it clearly shows the lack of attractions at EPCOT.

Disney can deny it all they want to, but they dropped the ball on MDE and FP+ implementation, now that it appears they may have things in control, maybe we'll start to hear something about new things coming to WDW. We all know its time for some big new things, and I believe disney does as well.

 

[rteetz]

Locked, to be honest with you, I agree with you about 90% of the time. I see things are in a bad place and that WDW has been neglected to some extent. I just feel like this is a place for people to come and talk about all things disney, as soon as people start talking about the possibility of something new, you walk in and pop a needle in their balloon. I personally don't have a lot of faith in Iger and company when it comes to WDW, but I do believe disney is smarter than what we are giving them credit for. I do believe at some point some major money will be spent on good things at WDW. I've been down in the dumps on Disney for quite awhile, really since FP+ was announced, my wife is the one that kept us from canceling our trip in 2 weeks. I've had such a problem with the way things have been handled in the last couple of years at WDW, that I was ready to wash my hands of them for a long time. To disney's credit, they seemed to have been listening to their guest with FP+ and made some major changes that were causing me to have a big problem (limit of fast passes and park hopping). To me, that's restored a little bit of faith that maybe they really are listening to their guests. Do they still have work to do? No question they do, tiering is a massive problem, and it clearly shows the lack of attractions at EPCOT. Disney can deny it all they want to, but they dropped the ball on MDE and FP+ implementation, now that it appears they may have things in control, maybe we'll start to hear something about new things coming to WDW. We all know its time for some big new things, and I believe disney does as well.

I agree with you. I think one of the big reasons WDW hasn't seen anything new come to it or been announced other than avatar was because of MM+. In my opinion Disney rolled this out the best way they possibly could because if they rolled it out all at once or over the course of one year this would have been a major disaster. Yes it has it's problems still and I would say majority of that is with the application that Disney has. Disney has also proved that they listen to their customers and they made changes because of this. I think unfortunately that we won't see tiering go away unless new attractions come on board. What Disney did with the new system is set up infrastructure for the future I believe the consumer data they can collect from this will be something no company has ever seen before. I also think other companies may look into things similar types of technology in the future.

 

[hedberg1661]

I don't know anything about the guy taking over EC but all I can do is hope that he makes improvements. World Showcase is fine on its own but, future world isn't so futuristic anymore. My only fear is that this park will once again get passed over for something Star Wars at DHS. Crossing my fingers and staying positive.

 

[mjstaceyuofm]

I am also encouraged that Disney is listening to their guests feedback on the MM+, FP+, etc. But to me, what this whole nextgen exposed was WDW's lack of ride capacity at it's overcrowded parks... And as Pete talked about in one of the recent podcasts, WDW is actually losing market share to Universal. Not necessarily panic button time, but I think they've realized that they have to build more (or just replace what's been shuttered over the years) to compete with what Universal is doing.

I never would have said this in the past, but Epcot is a one day park to us anymore. If you strategize it right, you can ride all the biggies + see a good amount of the shops and entertainment as you stroll. Innoventions - joke, don't need it. Imagination pavilion - whole thing is junk. The Seas - 20 minutes and done. UoE - did it a few times back in the 2000's; no re-rideability. The whole park needs invigorated. And same goes with HS.

 

[Figmentforever24]

I am also encouraged that Disney is listening to their guests feedback on the MM+, FP+, etc. But to me, what this whole nextgen exposed was WDW's lack of ride capacity at it's overcrowded parks... And as Pete talked about in one of the recent podcasts, WDW is actually losing market share to Universal. Not necessarily panic button time, but I think they've realized that they have to build more (or just replace what's been shuttered over the years) to compete with what Universal is doing.

I never would have said this in the past, but Epcot is a one day park to us anymore. If you strategize it right, you can ride all the biggies + see a good amount of the shops and entertainment as you stroll. Innoventions - joke, don't need it. Imagination pavilion - whole thing is junk. The Seas - 20 minutes and done. UoE - did it a few times back in the 2000's; no re-rideability. The whole park needs invigorated. And same goes with HS.

You bring up a point that has yet to be brought up on these boards. You know if what they say is true and Universal is really taking shares from Disney then they realize something has to be done. It is kind of funny that this news comes out then BAM a new creative design team for Epcot as well as a new leader for Star Wars attraction development.

 

[amberg93]

Okay so I've only gone two WDW twice and that means I've probably got a way different perspective about things because I don't know how they were 'before'.

However, EPCOT is my favorite park as is now. I could probably spend days on end in the park and be content as a clam. But the idea that it could be better, it's encouraging. I mean, if it goes south then that would suck, bt I'm happy to see that they're trying to improve it.

I'd love to see some new stuff in and please oh please someone chuck out Captain EO and use the space for something better. Anything really. They have a ton of space to do things and take out things that just don't draw people in. So I'm hoping that as time goes on we start hearing about things changing and some new ideas for what to be done.

 

[rteetz]

Okay so I've only gone two WDW twice and that means I've probably got a way different perspective about things because I don't know how they were 'before'. However, EPCOT is my favorite park as is now. I could probably spend days on end in the park and be content as a clam. But the idea that it could be better, it's encouraging. I mean, if it goes south then that would suck, bt I'm happy to see that they're trying to improve it. I'd love to see some new stuff in and please oh please someone chuck out Captain EO and use the space for something better. Anything really. They have a ton of space to do things and take out things that just don't draw people in. So I'm hoping that as time goes on we start hearing about things changing and some new ideas for what to be done.

I love Epcot too but it does need some changing. I agree captain EO needs to go. The imagination pavilion and wonders of life need something. Future world overall needs new things. I am okay with what world showcase is I don't have a problem with that part.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

ChipnDale 79,

There is method to my mercury fueled madness...

The problem with this...and even the little feedback takers at the parks...in being "mr. Happy discussion board"...is that it totally fuels what I believe to be 100% exploitive behavior by Disney management specifically in wdw...

Their price increases...specifically restaurant and ticket...over the last few years are... Well... Offensive.

And I used to sell some of this stuff and know the operation front to back.

So they always have and always will raise prices? True and fine...

But here's the thing...ASK FOR SOMETHING BACK!!!

Stop lauding the operation as it has been...which we both agree had been pretty bad going back to about the time tapesty of nations rolled off stage right.

As I write this...the salivation over "FREE DINING" is at rapid pace...

Notice how the free dining goes up every year? Cause they keep jacking up the prices of the food (remember you do pay some food costs), the tickets, and the rooms...sometimes twice a year...

I mean...I'm a downer...but not for the sake of downing. The customer has to stop the bleeding at some point.

 

[ChipnDale79]

ChipnDale 79,

There is method to my mercury fueled madness...

The problem with this...and even the little feedback takers at the parks...in being "mr. Happy discussion board"...is that it totally fuels what I believe to be 100% exploitive behavior by Disney management specifically in wdw...

Their price increases...specifically restaurant and ticket...over the last few years are... Well... Offensive.

And I used to sell some of this stuff and know the operation front to back.

So they always have and always will raise prices? True and fine...

But here's the thing...ASK FOR SOMETHING BACK!!!

Stop lauding the operation as it has been...which we both agree had been pretty bad going back to about the time tapesty of nations rolled off stage right.

As I write this...the salivation over "FREE DINING" is at rapid pace...

Notice how the free dining goes up every year? Cause they keep jacking up the prices of the food (remember you do pay some food costs), the tickets, and the rooms...sometimes twice a year...

I mean...I'm a downer...but not for the sake of downing. The customer has to stop the bleeding at some point.

Locked, as i said i agree with you a lot of the times, on many of the things you've posted above i agree with you.

Trust me, I'm one of the first ones to complain about price increases. We go in 2 weeks, this trip has been in the works for almost 2 years, I've had to adjust our budget numerous times because of price increases, it's beyond frustrating.

My point is, you seem to be a negative nelly any time someone brings up the possibility of disney adding something.

At some point it will happen, at what level? I have no idea, but something will be done at some point.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Locked, as i said i agree with you a lot of the times, on many of the things you've posted above i agree with you.

Trust me, I'm one of the first ones to complain about price increases. We go in 2 weeks, this trip has been in the works for almost 2 years, I've had to adjust our budget numerous times because of price increases, it's beyond frustrating.

My point is, you seem to be a negative nelly any time someone brings up the possibility of disney adding something.

At some point it will happen, at what level? I have no idea, but something will be done at some point.

My contention is that they have been in the "post expansion" mode since they doth flung open the gates of animal kingdom...

I don't mean adding parks... I mean "expansion" of the property via reinvestment.

Alot of sitting around for five years at a clip... Very undisney.

Gotta refresh...certainly universal has figured this out...heck, even six flags figured it out.

Disney better? Buy and large of course...but they are also stale.
Not everything is "classic"...
Stitches great escape, the stunt show, honey I shrunk the kids playground, universe of energy, Kali river rapids....

I mean...change it up...you don't have to add new "lands" and hire 10,000 more employees...
But maybe not sit and rake for 3 years at a clip?

You say..."it will come eventually"

Huh? Based on what? I didn't start thinking about this 3 days ago...

trust the shovels....don't stroke their egos when they are sitting nice and shiny and unused in the tool shed.

I know...we'll have to disagree here...

 

[manning]

ChipnDale 79,

There is method to my mercury fueled madness...

The problem with this...and even the little feedback takers at the parks...in being "mr. Happy discussion board"...is that it totally fuels what I believe to be 100% exploitive behavior by Disney management specifically in wdw...

Their price increases...specifically restaurant and ticket...over the last few years are... Well... Offensive.

And I used to sell some of this stuff and know the operation front to back.

So they always have and always will raise prices? True and fine...

But here's the thing...ASK FOR SOMETHING BACK!!!

Stop lauding the operation as it has been...which we both agree had been pretty bad going back to about the time tapesty of nations rolled off stage right.

As I write this...the salivation over "FREE DINING" is at rapid pace...

Notice how the free dining goes up every year? Cause they keep jacking up the prices of the food (remember you do pay some food costs), the tickets, and the rooms...sometimes twice a year...

I mean...I'm a downer...but not for the sake of downing. The customer has to stop the bleeding at some point.

Free dining. Perhaps, just a small maybe, people will get it. NOTHING IS FREE!!!

It cost Disney to deliver it to you and they are not a charity. All that "free stuff" is built into the price of the room etc.


Yes it's free for a price. How do I know? I had a relative who was in marketing and he knew every trick in the book to get you to part with your money. And the biggest trick of all he would say is make them think you are giving them something for nothing.

Here's one of the oldest trick in the book. Pop corn at the movie theatre. At one time the sold two sizes, small $2 and large $4.. Well people figured out they couldn't finish the large and more small ones were sold. Pop corn is cheap to deliver. Now you would have thought the large size would have been dropped due to lack of sales. Instead a third size was added. you now had small $2 Medium $4, these stayed the same size, and a large $5. The difference in the cost to deliver the large one over the medium one was very small. You would think because people knew they couldn't finish the old large size the would continue to buy the small. Well the sales of the medium size went down to almost nothing. However they sold more large sizes than any of the other two sizes. Why? Because they were tricked into believing they got something for nothing. Their logic was look at that for a dollar more than the medium we can get much more. Remember the people couldn't eat all of the medium size.

But they were getting something for nothing, or so they thought.

Yes, you get free dining. But how much was your room rate increased to pay for it?

 

[mvk]

Yes, you get free dining. But how much was your room rate increased to pay for it?

Rooms aren't being raised $120+ per night to cover free dining (and that is just with 2 adults, no kids). Rack rates for Caribbean Beach Resort in fall (start of free dining typically) start at $170 weekday/$190 weekend. If you book that during free dining... well worth it.

I unerstand they aren't doing this out of the kindness of their heart, but they are doing it to drive occupancy rates during traditionally slower periods, and banking on selling extra shirts/mugs/plush/etc.

 

[manning]

Rooms aren't being raised $120+ per night to cover free dining (and that is just with 2 adults, no kids). Rack rates for Caribbean Beach Resort in fall (start of free dining typically) start at $170 weekday/$190 weekend. If you book that during free dining... well worth it.

I unerstand they aren't doing this out of the kindness of their heart, but they are doing it to drive occupancy rates during traditionally slower periods, and banking on selling extra shirts/mugs/plush/etc.

There are other ways to cover the cost of free. If you'll notice there are more complaints about food quality and selections.

 

[mjstaceyuofm]

There are other ways to cover the cost of free. If you'll notice there are more complaints about food quality and selections.

Yes - sucks for those of us who are DVC and pay for the restaurants out of pocket. Thank goodness for Tables in Wonderland. At least when I pay for my dinners I'm only get raked as opposed to raked over the coals.....

 

[mjstaceyuofm]

My contention is that they have been in the "post expansion" mode since they doth flung open the gates of animal kingdom...

I don't mean adding parks... I mean "expansion" of the property via reinvestment.

Alot of sitting around for five years at a clip... Very undisney.

Gotta refresh...certainly universal has figured this out...heck, even six flags figured it out.

Disney better? Buy and large of course...but they are also stale.
Not everything is "classic"...
Stitches great escape, the stunt show, honey I shrunk the kids playground, universe of energy, Kali river rapids....

I mean...change it up...you don't have to add new "lands" and hire 10,000 more employees...
But maybe not sit and rake for 3 years at a clip?

You say..."it will come eventually"

Huh? Based on what? I didn't start thinking about this 3 days ago...

trust the shovels....don't stroke their egos when they are sitting nice and shiny and unused in the tool shed.

I know...we'll have to disagree here...

Logic: I get the trust the shovels mentality. And I agree that the pace of "expansion" or "refreshing" or whatever has been abysmal. I also recall Iger saying no more grand capital investments in the domestic parks for a while. But I also think the confluence of a lot of things point in a direction that says WDW had better "expand" or "refresh" or "reinvigorate" or just flat out add more capacity and exciting, new rides, technology and attractions to the parks. I contend as I stated earlier that FP+ exposed lack of E tickets in all parks; UniStudios is taking marketshare from WDW; acquisition of Lucas, new Star Wars films and a lengthened SW weekend; etc... all lead me to have a gut feeling that they know they have to do something....

I personally think they will make an announcement about a new Star Wars land project at some point during SW weekends... Pure speculation on my part.

 

[ChipnDale79]

Free dining. Perhaps, just a small maybe, people will get it. NOTHING IS FREE!!!

It cost Disney to deliver it to you and they are not a charity. All that "free stuff" is built into the price of the room etc.


Yes it's free for a price. How do I know? I had a relative who was in marketing and he knew every trick in the book to get you to part with your money. And the biggest trick of all he would say is make them think you are giving them something for nothing.

Here's one of the oldest trick in the book. Pop corn at the movie theatre. At one time the sold two sizes, small $2 and large $4.. Well people figured out they couldn't finish the large and more small ones were sold. Pop corn is cheap to deliver. Now you would have thought the large size would have been dropped due to lack of sales. Instead a third size was added. you now had small $2 Medium $4, these stayed the same size, and a large $5. The difference in the cost to deliver the large one over the medium one was very small. You would think because people knew they couldn't finish the old large size the would continue to buy the small. Well the sales of the medium size went down to almost nothing. However they sold more large sizes than any of the other two sizes. Why? Because they were tricked into believing they got something for nothing. Their logic was look at that for a dollar more than the medium we can get much more. Remember the people couldn't eat all of the medium size.

But they were getting something for nothing, or so they thought.

Yes, you get free dining. But how much was your room rate increased to pay for it?

Your logic makes sense, however, say for example you go on a trip in June and you purchase the dining plan with tickets and hotel, it cost you $3500.

You go back in September, the cost of the room and the tickets are the same and you get "free dining" and the trip now cost you $2500.

How's it not free? You paid the same price for everything else.

It's a marketing tool to get people to come during a "slow time".

 

[rteetz]

Your logic makes sense, however, say for example you go on a trip in June and you purchase the dining plan with tickets and hotel, it cost you $3500. You go back in September, the cost of the room and the tickets are the same and you get "free dining" and the trip now cost you $2500. How's it not free? You paid the same price for everything else. It's a marketing tool to get people to come during a "slow time".

I agree it can save you a lot of money in many cases. I think it's not completely free but it does save money and if it saves me money I'm in.

 

[manning]

Your logic makes sense, however, say for example you go on a trip in June and you purchase the dining plan with tickets and hotel, it cost you $3500.

You go back in September, the cost of the room and the tickets are the same and you get "free dining" and the trip now cost you $2500.

How's it not free? You paid the same price for everything else.

It's a marketing tool to get people to come during a "slow time".

Factor in overall quality.

I'll take shula's steak house over the the one at the yatch club anytime. I pay more but the quality of food and service is far superior. That's the example of giving up quality for lower price.

 

[ChipnDale79]

Factor in overall quality.

I'll take shula's steak house over the the one at the yatch club anytime. I pay more but the quality of food and service is far superior. That's the example of giving up quality for lower price.

I'm not disagreeing with you on that, I'm just saying that you pay for it one trip, and you don't on another. The cost for your room or your tickets don't go up when you get free dining, nor does the quality food on free dining. You still get the same options you had when you paid for it.

This is Disney's way of charging a "seasonal rate".

A hotel at Myrtle Beach can't charge the same thing in December as it does in July, it's the same concept.