Disney's MyMagic Failure

[TLSnell1981]

I'm not a fan of the planned "Avatarland". Didn't like the movie and have no desire to step a foot in it. Soooo, many choices for new lands, but the winner (loser ) is Avatar.

 

[Davey Jones II]

I always chuckle at these types of statements regarding Disney vs. Universal.

While Universal has been impressive with the new attractions they have been adding, when all is said and done, they will always be the Washington Generals and WDW will always be the Harlem Globetrotters (that reference probably will be lost on most). Disney knows Universal poses no real threat to them for supremecy in Orlando. Never has, never will.

As for the article, nothing new there. Just opinions and ideas that have been rehashed ad nauseum.

So according to you, the status quo never changes, and what is true today is always true tomorrow?

I long ago lost count of the posts, on this site and others, from people who say they're cancelling their planned WDW trip, or they're going to Universal instead, or reducing their Disney days in favor of the competition, etc.
Hundreds of them. That means absolutely nothing? We may not represent every Disney guest, but I firmly believe that we represent the most loyal 20% of customers who account for 80% of their revenues, as we discussed in this thread:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3246982

So Disney can afford to shrug off the loss of such loyalty, at a time when they have more competition then ever? If they believe that, then that's just the kind of hubris that brings once-mighty corporations to their knees. Give it time. It could happen.

 

[tlady]

Interesting article, no matter if you are a hater or a lover:

MyMagic Failure


.

This article confirms what I have been suspecting but could never quite articulate. It makes depressed and incredibly angry at the same time.

It's why I'm seriously thinking that my next trip to WDW, in 2 weeks, will be my last, unless and until Disney changes direction at WDW.

However, given the huge expenditure of money on this system (ludicrous on the face of it), I don't see Disney backing off of it in any significant way. Therefore, I need to back off from Disney.

They are not putting $$$ into those things that will improve my WDW experiences - namely, more attractions and rides to keep enticing me back to the parks. Many of the attractions at the parks are getting old and outdated. Couple that with the horror of the new FP+ system, the long lines, the unreal crowds and there's little incentive for me to continue spending thousands of dollars at WDW.

Universal, on the other hand, is providing me with many incentives to return and I will, on my next trip to Orlando.

Bottom line for me is that Universal's approach is more in sync with why I go to the parks in the first place. Disney's approach used to be, but sadly it no longer is.

 

[xie]

So according to you, the status quo never changes, and what is true today is always true tomorrow?

I long ago lost count of the posts, on this site and others, from people who say they're cancelling their planned WDW trip, or they're going to Universal instead, or reducing their Disney days in favor of the competition, etc.
Hundreds of them. That means absolutely nothing? We may not represent every Disney guest, but I firmly believe that we represent the most loyal 20% of customers who account for 80% of their revenues, as we discussed in this thread:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3246982

So Disney can afford to shrug off the loss of such loyalty, at a time when they have more competition then ever? If they believe that, then that's just the kind of hubris that brings once-mighty corporations to their knees. Give it time. It could happen.

Sometimes, I think it would be interesting to list off all the "great" companies of the past that have eventually fallen due to hubris and poor planning/execution. Some of them are still around, but smaller, and no longer industry leaders in their areas, or possessing the market share they once did. Many of those brands are flat out gone, either closed down or scavenged up by other companies for their resources.

A lot of people here seem to believe Disney Parks & Resorts could never ultimately fail. That simply is not true, at all. All one has to do is study history to see this.

 

[tlady]

So according to you, the status quo never changes, and what is true today is always true tomorrow?

I long ago lost count of the posts, on this site and others, from people who say they're cancelling their planned WDW trip, or they're going to Universal instead, or reducing their Disney days in favor of the competition, etc.
Hundreds of them. That means absolutely nothing? We may not represent every Disney guest, but I firmly believe that we represent the most loyal 20% of customers who account for 80% of their revenues, as we discussed in this thread:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3246982

So Disney can afford to shrug off the loss of such loyalty, at a time when they have more competition then ever? If they believe that, then that's just the kind of hubris that brings once-mighty corporations to their knees. Give it time. It could happen.

There are a significant percentage of people on these boards who are like ostriches with their heads in the sand. For them, Disney can do no wrong and Disney will always reign supreme. Even if, deep down, they fear that Disney is slipping, they will never publicly acknowledge that.

However, Disney itself cannot afford to hide their heads in the sand. There are many, many people who are becoming increasingly turned off by the latest changes to the WDW experience. Some who threaten to never return, probably will. But there are thousands of others who will not. And not only won't they return, they will share the reasons why with friends, families and acquaintances.

 

[Planogirl]

This is the truth. Universal Studios can barely outdraw Sea World.

Disney could take the next ten years off and build nothing and they'd still be on top.

And really, what Universal has been doing is not impressive. Islands of Adventures and Universal Studios seem to be on some kind of competition for how many generic roller coasters and glorified simulators they can fit in one park.

I wonder who you work for.

Or at least such a post would tend to make someone think that.

 

[Mad Hattered]

I wonder who you work for.

Or at least such a post would tend to make someone think that.

Not to mention that those "generic coasters" and "glorified simulators" survived long enough to land one of the biggest franchises in history. I feel so sorry for the Mine Train opening up anywhere near that of HP2. It doesn't seem like a fair fight.

If/when LOTR ends up there will they finally be taken seriously? Or should we just put our trust in the Pirate Fairy from the latest Tinkerbell straight-to-DVD flick?

 

[sonofanarchy]

OMG really? Bob Iger has done more for Disney in the last 5 years than Michael Isner ever did.

With all due respect......

 

[sonofanarchy]

This is the truth. Universal Studios can barely outdraw Sea World.

Disney could take the next ten years off and build nothing and they'd still be on top.

And really, what Universal has been doing is not impressive. Islands of Adventures and Universal Studios seem to be on some kind of competition for how many generic roller coasters and glorified simulators they can fit in one park.

Funny post. Not one thing you said is accurate.

 

[DougEMG]

It's possible that they don't care you are spending more time in lines. It's possible that they figure if they keep you in lines for more time, you'll be coerced into eating counter service rather than returning to your DVC unit or condo or going offsite for cheaper food.

It's also entirely possible that they want to simply extend the number of days you must be onsite - say, take MK from a one-day park to a two-day park without adding many attractions. The only way they can do that is to make it much harder for people to ride the majority of the rides in one day. And that, I think, they have succeeded at, per all the reports from people who have visited this winter (and my own experiences in January).

If they can keep you in MK for two days instead of one, it's one less day you'll go to Universal or elsewhere offsite. That's a portion of a park ticket price plus two or three more meals/snacks they'll get out of you, at minimum (assuming most guests aren't hauling in PBJs or returning to a condo to cook 3 meals a day).

First and foremost, they do not want you to leave WDW property at any time during your 5-7 days onsite. That means making it take as long as is tolerably possible to experience the offered content. If you can rush through it, you're more likely to leave.

Right now, they are exploring the limits of people's tolerance for waiting and being gated through the content. If boiling the frog works and people continue to tolerate these waits and attendance doesn't drop, don't look for the waits to get any better anytime soon. They do not want you to leave.

How about spending the day off site and then going in the evening to do your 3 FP+. This is now an easy strategy to implement and does the exact opposite of what was intended.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

How about spending the day off site and then going in the evening to do your 3 FP+. This is now an easy strategy to implement and does the exact opposite of what was intended.

In several ways I think FP+ is a dream for many of the locals AP holders living close by now that they can reserve ahead of time. Get off from work, have a quick bite to eat, head to WDW knowing you'll have 3 FP's, watch some fireworks and head for home. And not having to waste anytime at all with the other stuff.

 

[StarWarsJez]

Great article. Bottom line is Disney believe they don't NEED to invest in new US park attractions - that money is going into the new China parks which will be cash cows for decades and further grow the brand there.

After spending the last decade doing 3 week long summer jaunts to Florida we've decided to give this year a miss. Disney's lack of in-park investment and a FP+ system that requires me to plan out my day too much has quite simply turned me off their 'amusement' parks.

TBH we're more interested in doing a week at Universal in the autumn when HP2's opened. Now THAT sounds exciting!

I hope Disney's plan backfires so they rethink their strategy. Unfortunately I don't believe it will as they'll spin whatever results they can to make it look like a success to the Exec and Shareholders. There's too much investment riding on this to allow it to be seen as anything other than a success.

 

[2Tiggies]

they'll spin whatever results they can to make it look like a success to the Exec and Shareholders. There's too much investment riding on this to allow it to be seen as anything other than a success.

Yep. A case of they might make mistakes, but they're never wrong!

 

[rluey29]

How about spending the day off site and then going in the evening to do your 3 FP+. This is now an easy strategy to implement and does the exact opposite of what was intended.

This is what we do now, (until our passes expire next week) not because of choice but out of necessity.
Seaworld and Universal will get our money for the next year at least.

 

[ArwenMarie]

In several ways I think FP+ is a dream for many of the locals AP holders living close by now that they can reserve ahead of time. Get off from work, have a quick bite to eat, head to WDW knowing you'll have 3 FP's, watch some fireworks and head for home. And not having to waste anytime at all with the other stuff.

I agree. There have been quite a few local APs on here and other places saying just that and not understanding why people who have to travel and book flights and hotels may not like it.

 

[JanaDee]

I agree. There have been quite a few local APs on here and other places saying just that and not understanding why people who have to travel and book flights and hotels may not like it.

To be fair though, there are a couple local people that understand and sympathize with people that have to spend thousands of dollars to visit WDW.

 

[ChipnDale79]

OMG really? Bob Iger has done more for Disney in the last 5 years than Michael Isner ever did.

* Carsland Radiator Springs Racers - A whole new land and major ride that totally saved DCA from certain death.

I think a lot of people here are upset about the way he's treated WDW, Carsland just proved to everyone that Disney still has the magic when they want to do something right. They haven't done that at WDW.

* HK DL. ENTIRE NEW PARK.

Not Disney World

* Fantasyland, including a new enchanted experience, new dark ride, new E-Ticket roller coaster, and new major restaurant. Biggest Development to hit the MK since Splash Mtn over 30 years ago.

The reviews of NFL are fairly negative, sure they added on the MK, the only park at WDW that doesn't need help, they are letting the other 3 parks waste away.

* New parade

I think this kind proves the point at WDW, you're putting a "new parade" on a list of accomplishments to support what a CEO of a major company has done.

* Retooling all the Kimpossible stuff at EC for P&F, which kids love.

Ok, how many people does this really wow?

* Rebranding of new Dis Jr characters again that are going to capture the young one's attention.

As a father of a 1 year old and a 2 year old our tv stays on Disney Jr, I've stated that I believe Iger has been great for the Studios, and this is part of it, but this isn't really WDW.

And it doesn't stop there!

We have a whole new land coming to the AK in 2 years.

It's rather annoying this was announced almost 3 years ago, by the time it's complete, that's a 5 year timeline from announcement to completion, that is 100% absurd.

And my forecast, a whole SW refurb coming to HS in 4 years. (feel free to challenge this, but mark my words and look back in 4 years and think - wow he was right - Disney did not buy Lucas to do nothing w it).

I hope you're right, but there are reports out there that Iger has put all things at WDW(except for Avatarland) on hold because of MDE and FP+.....

Iger has done SO MUCH with Disney World and Disney parks the world over.

I think my responses noted above show that Iger really hasn't done a lot for WDW, quite honestly he's left the crown jewel of the Disney Company get stale, meanwhile he's pumping money into other parks around the world.

And now, let's not forget the WORLD IS IN A RECESSION yet Disney stock is up almost double! Bob Iger is making the cuts that matter to keep his theme park alive amid a world of suck in the real world. He is investing where it counts, he is cutting back where it counts, and he is succeeding with a high-end luxury park in a world thats heard nothing but recession and "slow recovery" for the last 5 years. That is AMAZING.

In "world recession" they've also increased in prices on just about every single thing they can, for our exact same trip that we took 6 years ago, it would cost about an extra $700-800 to do now. Imagine how much they would have raised the cost if the economy had not collapsed.

If you don't see that... well... I don't know what you could be hoping for that would make you think Disney is investing heavily in its experience.

I'd like to see them spend some money on Epcot and DHS, those parks are in some real need of new attractions. I don't think its too much to ask to spend some money at WDW when they are spending boat loads of money at other parks.

So go elsewhere -- really it's not a big deal. Follow your heart on this. There are tons of other options out there that might make you actually enjoy yourself at a theme park again.

There are a lot of people that are doing just that, if one family does it, its not a big deal, but when these wholesale changes force a multitude of families away from Disney, then yes it is a big deal. To many people WDW is starting to lose it's magic.

This is so sad you obviously harbor so much love for WDW yet you can't bring yourself to smile about anything Disney it seems. Why not try it. Just ENJOY WDW for whatever it brings out in you that you do love. Stop ranting about everything, and think about the things you like. And if there truly is nothing left that you like, then find something else to enjoy... but I'm guessing that's not the case.

I think many people on here are tired of blindly giving disney money, for me personally I'm getting much the same experience (or less) than I did 5-6 years ago while paying much more money, in what business do customer's typically find that acceptable?

Or, just complain away. If that's what you want to do w your days, it's a free world so have at it.

Can you remember a time when so many people were frustrated with how things are going at WDW? I think its ok for people to vent, it's one of the reasons that Discussion Boards exist.

 

[Davey Jones II]

How about spending the day off site and then going in the evening to do your 3 FP+. This is now an easy strategy to implement and does the exact opposite of what was intended.

Three rides, then out? If that's what we've been reduced to, what's the point of flying to Orlando, booking a hotel, buying tickets, etc. That's not a theme park vacation.

I really feel for people who can only go during busy periods of the year (and quiet times are increasingly scarce). Basically, FP+ has yanked the rug out from under their feet. That's how your loyalty has been repaid, folks.

 

[Davey Jones II]

In several ways I think FP+ is a dream for many of the locals AP holders living close by now that they can reserve ahead of time. Get off from work, have a quick bite to eat, head to WDW knowing you'll have 3 FP's, watch some fireworks and head for home. And not having to waste anytime at all with the other stuff.

Is that why I keep reading posts from people vowing not to renew their AP? Even AP holders can't get much value from "three and out".

This is what we do now, (until our passes expire next week) not because of choice but out of necessity.
Seaworld and Universal will get our money for the next year at least.

Case in point.

 

[Davey Jones II]

I think a lot of people here are upset about the way he's treated WDW, Carsland just proved to everyone that Disney still has the magic when they want to do something right. They haven't done that at WDW.

They greenlighted the $1.2 billion DCA expansion because they had no choice. They were forced to reinvest in that park because it was embarassing and costly to keep it going as long as it was little more than an afterthought to Disneyland.

Meanwhile, Disneyland is still popular because it is packed with so many classic attractions. Thus, they haven't had to do more than the minimum there, and there hasn't been a new E Ticket since Indiana Jones opened in 1995.

The situation is similar in WDW. Four parks, but three of the four STILL need new rides. There have been additions, but too slowly. You can't let the MK's popularity carry the resort forever.

So the pattern is clear; this is a company that does the minimum they think they can get away with. They would apparently be happy running a bunch of carny parks if that was all it took to keep their stock price high. In fact, they proved that when they tried to foist a glorified carny park (DCA 1.0) on the public.

Yes, Cars Land and RSR proved that they can do it when they want to -- or more accurately, when they have to. But just imagine what this company would be if they took pride in what they do, if they wanted to create greatness, if they cared about something besides their almighty bottom line and share price -- in other words, if they had a little more Walt in them.

Looks like the only Walts left are in Tokyo.