Do You think DISNEY has gone down hlll the last few years?

[Tomh]

The last few years has been a down economy. I think that perhaps some of what is being perceived as Disney going "down hill," might just be the effects of that economy on Disney, and once things rebound, you will see much of that service and quality return. While there have been cut backs, at the same time, Disney is investing, new shows, major attraction refurbs, and new hotels, all putting them in a good position to make the most of the economic recovery when it happens.

 

[disneynutz]

The last few years has been a down economy. I think that perhaps some of what is being perceived as Disney going "down hill," might just be the effects of that economy on Disney, and once things rebound, you will see much of that service and quality return. While there have been cut backs, at the same time, Disney is investing, new shows, major attraction refurbs, and new hotels, all putting them in a good position to make the most of the economic recovery when it happens.

That would be nice but it will never happen. Disney has learned that they can get by with part time CM's that don't have the magic, and food that is less than what it use to be. There new direction is quantity not quality, and first timers or occasional repeats who don't notice the difference. All it takes is good advertising and people will come.

Bill

 

[Sammy Cat]

The last few years has been a down economy. I think that perhaps some of what is being perceived as Disney going "down hill," might just be the effects of that economy on Disney, and once things rebound, you will see much of that service and quality return. While there have been cut backs, at the same time, Disney is investing, new shows, major attraction refurbs, and new hotels, all putting them in a good position to make the most of the economic recovery when it happens.[/QUOT

I can see that, and I hope you are right. I don't know if there has been a down turn, I have not been to Disney World in ten years now and last time I was there I stayed off-site and everything seemed amazing in the parks to me. I am just going by what people here are saying, and I am very emotional about it because Disney holds a special place in my heart and I would hate to see it falter because of greed.

 

[Planogirl]

Most of the people that I know who went to WDW were happy with just going once and then never again. They all say that they had a nice time but that they prefer to check out other places. I'm always surprised when I hear that because we've been so often and I always assume that others will want to go back. In fairness, this seemed to be true before so much seemed to go downhill though.

I also wonder how many people come nowadays because of special deals and how it will be once (if) the economy rebounds. In our case, I believe that we won't be going this year primarily due to gas prices. I wonder if any others feel the same way.

 

[brunette8706]

Just so everyone knows that is reading this thread, it's not all about doom and gloom of Disney. It's about things at Disney that has indeed "gone down hill" since previous years, but Disney is still a great place to visit. It is very clean, and is very much enjoyable. Actually, in my opinion there is no other theme park in the world like it. Disney trumps them all, including Universal, in my humble opinion.

But, I along with many other's think Disney has it's problems. Costs have skyrocketed in the last couple years since 2008. This includes strollers, and buffets, ticket prices etc. We all expect things to go up in price but when they sky rocket to 30 -40 percent and higher, it's starts to become ridiculous.. People are noticing these prices and are cutting back on their spending. Personally, I think if Disney lowered their prices MORE people would by MORE stuff. After all who is going to buy a $55.00 sweat shirt that should only cost maybe $25.00! Wouldn't more people buy them if they were cheaper? Same way with snacks and food in general. But then with the FREE DINING people are locked into eating and paying for food that they really don't want or eat but have to because they paid for it for their duration of their stay at WDW. They pay a PREMIUM for the Free Dining also. These Free Dining food prices are affectng people who choose not to have or buy the dining package. Why? Because the price of the food has gone up. A turkey leg for example was $4.75 back in 2007 now it's hoovering at about $8.00! It's becoming ridiculous and sooner or later Disney will out price themselves in my opinion.

Brunette

 

[Tiger926]

I do not think many people who never were at disney as kids plan to return again and again before they even saw the place. Most people go to disney just like to any other destination to see what it is, just one time.some never repeat vacations, some looking for a perfect spot but nobody really plans to come again before they even tried it. I know many people who was there but found place overrated and not worth spending all this money.they cannot compare to disney years ago but they see their bills and they do other destinations and know what they spend and what service they get. I cannot say how many people do not return because of that and how many just do not fall in love with disney but I assure you newbies see problems even while wearing rose glasses.

Yes...many people only plan on going 1x, so it's not fair for people to use that as a way of saying that Disney was not up to par. These guests never planned on going back, regardless of what kind of experience they were going to have. I know people like this. They said it was an amazing trip, but 1x is enough, as they have many other places to see.

The last few years has been a down economy. I think that perhaps some of what is being perceived as Disney going "down hill," might just be the effects of that economy on Disney, and once things rebound, you will see much of that service and quality return. While there have been cut backs, at the same time, Disney is investing, new shows, major attraction refurbs, and new hotels, all putting them in a good position to make the most of the economic recovery when it happens.

I think so too, especially with things like replacing bulbs for aesthetic reasons, repainting trim or decorating garbage bins. There were times, years ago, that Disney did routine maintenance that seemed very wasteful, such as repainting trim that was perfect to begin with or decorating garbage bins (we saw them spending time putting stickers on garbage cans before).

I don't think it's necessary to keep up such a schedule if the place looks fine. Now, if things are falling apart, or in danger of causing a safety hazard, then that is a different area altogether, but in the thousands of park hours I've logged, I've not seen anything that has gone downhill that much. Maybe I've missed a few spots, such as GF lightbulbs, that were mentioned above? I would rather them invest the money in new shows and refurbishments as well.

That would be nice but it will never happen. Disney has learned that they can get by with part time CM's that don't have the magic, and food that is less than what it use to be. There new direction is quantity not quality, and first timers or occasional repeats who don't notice the difference. All it takes is good advertising and people will come.

Bill

Exactly what I have been saying as well! They are marketing to first/only timers very aggressively the past few years, and in doing so, they are packing in the parks and resorts at very high levels. Levels that are bothering a lot of us regulars, as the parks, resorts and restaurants are way more crowded than they used to be. Disney knows this, and that is why now they are getting away with removing things or changing things up, like less topiaries or lights during the holiday or festival times. The parks still look good, for the most part, and that is what they are concentrating on. The first timer Smith Family won't notice that there are 5, 000 less lightbulbs at Epcot or 3 less topiaries. I think it's important for Disney to strike a balance between first timers and repeat guests, but the repeat guests are always going to be more picky, as we have seen it many times. Change is hard for many...

The last few years has been a down economy. I think that perhaps some of what is being perceived as Disney going "down hill," might just be the effects of that economy on Disney, and once things rebound, you will see much of that service and quality return. While there have been cut backs, at the same time, Disney is investing, new shows, major attraction refurbs, and new hotels, all putting them in a good position to make the most of the economic recovery when it happens.[/QUOT

I can see that, and I hope you are right. I don't know if there has been a down turn, I have not been to Disney World in ten years now and last time I was there I stayed off-site and everything seemed amazing in the parks to me. I am just going by what people here are saying, and I am very emotional about it because Disney holds a special place in my heart and I would hate to see it falter because of greed.

Disney should still be special to you, and it is for most of us on here. I would caution you though in getting too emotional based on this thread. Everyone has a different threshold level, as well as expectations. There are things that I think have gone downhill a bit, such as dining, but that's because we've eaten everywhere, multiple times for years, and because I come from a restaurant family; therefore, I am approaching it from the perspective of bland and boring menus, packed restaurants, overpriced products and subpar service. The food is still pretty ok in most places, but for us, we've done it all so many times, that we need a break. So, for you, it might be just fine, as you haven't been to WDW in awhile, and so you are approaching the menus from a totally different place, KWIM?

Disney still holds a special place in my heart too.

Most of the people that I know who went to WDW were happy with just going once and then never again. They all say that they had a nice time but that they prefer to check out other places. I'm always surprised when I hear that because we've been so often and I always assume that others will want to go back. In fairness, this seemed to be true before so much seemed to go downhill though.

I also wonder how many people come nowadays because of special deals and how it will be once (if) the economy rebounds. In our case, I believe that we won't be going this year primarily due to gas prices. I wonder if any others feel the same way.

I agree! I think it's interesting to talk to us DVC members about why we repeatedly go back, and you'll get various answers. Some people actually prefer the resorts, and don't go to the parks very often, and some, absolutely love the parks, and can't imagine not going into the parks while there! There are lots of reasons, but you also have to remember that repeat guests will be more picky as we've seen it all, and because we've invested heavily in that product, so we are a bit more picky in that respect.



I think this thread is still going because we are diehard Disney fans, who are concerned about if Disney just bases decisions solely on profit. We've seen other companies do this, and the outcome has not been good. But, I also remind myself, that Disney is a company that does a pretty good job in my humble opinion, in mixing nostalgia and family memories with the other aspects of business. For the most part, they transport, feed and shelter thousands upon thousands of guests each day in a very efficient manner. Sure there are areas that I would like to see improve a bit, but at this time, Disney sees otherwise, because for the most part, most guests are quite happy with their Disney experiences.

The DISboards is just a very small representation of Disney guests. For the most part, I see a lot of smiling faces and have spoken to a lot of first/only timers over the years, and most of them still find Disney a very magical place, and it is impossible for them to see any area as going downhill as they have nothing to compare to. It will be up to Disney to maintain this magic and happiness in a way that both satisfies their pocketbooks and the hearts of their guests...

Such a great thread, Tiger

 

[brunette8706]

Yes...many people only plan on going 1x, so it's not fair for people to use that as a way of saying that Disney was not up to par. These guests never planned on going back, regardless of what kind of experience they were going to have. I know people like this. They said it was an amazing trip, but 1x is enough, as they have many other places to see.



I think so too, especially with things like replacing bulbs for aesthetic reasons, repainting trim or decorating garbage bins. There were times, years ago, that Disney did routine maintenance that seemed very wasteful, such as repainting trim that was perfect to begin with or decorating garbage bins (we saw them spending time putting stickers on garbage cans before).

I don't think it's necessary to keep up such a schedule if the place looks fine. Now, if things are falling apart, or in danger of causing a safety hazard, then that is a different area altogether, but in the thousands of park hours I've logged, I've not seen anything that has gone downhill that much. Maybe I've missed a few spots, such as GF lightbulbs, that were mentioned above? I would rather them invest the money in new shows and refurbishments as well.



Exactly what I have been saying as well! They are marketing to first/only timers very aggressively the past few years, and in doing so, they are packing in the parks and resorts at very high levels. Levels that are bothering a lot of us regulars, as the parks, resorts and restaurants are way more crowded than they used to be. Disney knows this, and that is why now they are getting away with removing things or changing things up, like less topiaries or lights during the holiday or festival times. The parks still look good, for the most part, and that is what they are concentrating on. The first timer Smith Family won't notice that there are 5, 000 less lightbulbs at Epcot or 3 less topiaries. I think it's important for Disney to strike a balance between first timers and repeat guests, but the repeat guests are always going to be more picky, as we have seen it many times. Change is hard for many...

Disney should still be special to you, and it is for most of us on here. I would caution you though in getting too emotional based on this thread. Everyone has a different threshold level, as well as expectations. There are things that I think have gone downhill a bit, such as dining, but that's because we've eaten everywhere, multiple times for years, and because I come from a restaurant family; therefore, I am approaching it from the perspective of bland and boring menus, packed restaurants, overpriced products and subpar service. The food is still pretty ok in most places, but for us, we've done it all so many times, that we need a break. So, for you, it might be just fine, as you haven't been to WDW in awhile, and so you are approaching the menus from a totally different place, KWIM?

Disney still holds a special place in my heart too.



I agree! I think it's interesting to talk to us DVC members about why we repeatedly go back, and you'll get various answers. Some people actually prefer the resorts, and don't go to the parks very often, and some, absolutely love the parks, and can't imagine not going into the parks while there! There are lots of reasons, but you also have to remember that repeat guests will be more picky as we've seen it all, and because we've invested heavily in that product, so we are a bit more picky in that respect.



I think this thread is still going because we are diehard Disney fans, who are concerned about if Disney just bases decisions solely on profit. We've seen other companies do this, and the outcome has not been good. But, I also remind myself, that Disney is a company that does a pretty good job in my humble opinion, in mixing nostalgia and family memories with the other aspects of business. For the most part, they transport, feed and shelter thousands upon thousands of guests each day in a very efficient manner. Sure there are areas that I would like to see improve a bit, but at this time, Disney sees otherwise, because for the most part, most guests are quite happy with their Disney experiences.

The DISboards is just a very small representation of Disney guests. For the most part, I see a lot of smiling faces and have spoken to a lot of first/only timers over the years, and most of them still find Disney a very magical place, and it is impossible for them to see any area as going downhill as they have nothing to compare to. It will be up to Disney to maintain this magic and happiness in a way that both satisfies their pocketbooks and the hearts of their guests...

Such a great thread, Tiger

*******

GREAT POST Tiger!

 

[Planogirl]

Yes...many people only plan on going 1x, so it's not fair for people to use that as a way of saying that Disney was not up to par. These guests never planned on going back, regardless of what kind of experience they were going to have. I know people like this. They said it was an amazing trip, but 1x is enough, as they have many other places to see.



I think so too, especially with things like replacing bulbs for aesthetic reasons, repainting trim or decorating garbage bins. There were times, years ago, that Disney did routine maintenance that seemed very wasteful, such as repainting trim that was perfect to begin with or decorating garbage bins (we saw them spending time putting stickers on garbage cans before).

I don't think it's necessary to keep up such a schedule if the place looks fine. Now, if things are falling apart, or in danger of causing a safety hazard, then that is a different area altogether, but in the thousands of park hours I've logged, I've not seen anything that has gone downhill that much. Maybe I've missed a few spots, such as GF lightbulbs, that were mentioned above? I would rather them invest the money in new shows and refurbishments as well.



Exactly what I have been saying as well! They are marketing to first/only timers very aggressively the past few years, and in doing so, they are packing in the parks and resorts at very high levels. Levels that are bothering a lot of us regulars, as the parks, resorts and restaurants are way more crowded than they used to be. Disney knows this, and that is why now they are getting away with removing things or changing things up, like less topiaries or lights during the holiday or festival times. The parks still look good, for the most part, and that is what they are concentrating on. The first timer Smith Family won't notice that there are 5, 000 less lightbulbs at Epcot or 3 less topiaries. I think it's important for Disney to strike a balance between first timers and repeat guests, but the repeat guests are always going to be more picky, as we have seen it many times. Change is hard for many...

Disney should still be special to you, and it is for most of us on here. I would caution you though in getting too emotional based on this thread. Everyone has a different threshold level, as well as expectations. There are things that I think have gone downhill a bit, such as dining, but that's because we've eaten everywhere, multiple times for years, and because I come from a restaurant family; therefore, I am approaching it from the perspective of bland and boring menus, packed restaurants, overpriced products and subpar service. The food is still pretty ok in most places, but for us, we've done it all so many times, that we need a break. So, for you, it might be just fine, as you haven't been to WDW in awhile, and so you are approaching the menus from a totally different place, KWIM?

Disney still holds a special place in my heart too.



I agree! I think it's interesting to talk to us DVC members about why we repeatedly go back, and you'll get various answers. Some people actually prefer the resorts, and don't go to the parks very often, and some, absolutely love the parks, and can't imagine not going into the parks while there! There are lots of reasons, but you also have to remember that repeat guests will be more picky as we've seen it all, and because we've invested heavily in that product, so we are a bit more picky in that respect.



I think this thread is still going because we are diehard Disney fans, who are concerned about if Disney just bases decisions solely on profit. We've seen other companies do this, and the outcome has not been good. But, I also remind myself, that Disney is a company that does a pretty good job in my humble opinion, in mixing nostalgia and family memories with the other aspects of business. For the most part, they transport, feed and shelter thousands upon thousands of guests each day in a very efficient manner. Sure there are areas that I would like to see improve a bit, but at this time, Disney sees otherwise, because for the most part, most guests are quite happy with their Disney experiences.

The DISboards is just a very small representation of Disney guests. For the most part, I see a lot of smiling faces and have spoken to a lot of first/only timers over the years, and most of them still find Disney a very magical place, and it is impossible for them to see any area as going downhill as they have nothing to compare to. It will be up to Disney to maintain this magic and happiness in a way that both satisfies their pocketbooks and the hearts of their guests...

Such a great thread, Tiger

I agree, a very good post.

I also see happy people for the most part at WDW and I've never really talked to a single person who outright hated it. (Except my mother but she hates most things.) Most don't feel the need to go again and again though and even though we're not DVC members we have still made the trek back way more than we probably should have. I don't get the disparity but to each their own.

It's interesting what you say about DVC members. I remember a thread where the discussion was whether Disney should even pay much attention to DVC members since they are already a captive audience and Disney would be bound to care more about those who would spend more on resorts and new DVC membership on down the road. I didn't get the logic since DVC members likely spend a lot on restaurants and other things and so much of the downhill talk is particularly about dining. Plus I think that word of mouth is important and no group seems to praise Disney like the DVC membership!

One point that I think is important is that Disney built its reputation at least partially on how immaculate the parks are. The constant comparisons to 6 Flags for example routinely mention how much dirtier and poorly maintained the 6 Flags parks are. Theming is also mentioned even though I can see that 6 Flags was capable of theming at one time as seen in the older areas of its original park.

If Disney continues to allow maintenance to slide and to cheapen theming and other areas then even first timers are bound to notice. For the casual visitor the lines could start to blur between the Disney parks and other better parks so why would many want to spend the money and the time to visit? Throwing good deals out there could help these casual visitors make that decision in Disney's favor but what will happen when those good deals disappear?

I do believe that Disney is wise enough not to let it get to that point but then I never thought that I'd see the issues that I see now either. Who knows.

ETA: Wow, the quoting is all weird. I can't tell where Tiger's post ends and Sammy's begins and vice versa. I don't know what happened there...

 

[TLSnell1981]

MK opened on October 1, 1971, added Epcot (October 1, 1982), DHS. (May 1, 1989) and AK (April 22, 1998. This is not the first economic downturn, they've encountered. While, maybe partially to blame..not the entire reason, as to why services,etc. are declining. IMO

 

[manning]

Bottom line.....ah yes bottom line!!!

That's what Chrylser ...Who? use to say (and many past great companies).


Someone said once....."you want to be a great company stay private, you want to start the long journey downhill become a public traded company be cause the ones you have to satisfy are the short term stockholders."

To clarify Disney went public in the '40s but Walt and family held the majority of the stock. I think it was in the 80s when that all changed.

 

[disneynutz]

Bottom line.....ah yes bottom line!!!

That's what Chrylser ...Who? use to say (and many past great companies).


Someone said once....."you want to be a great company stay private, you want to start the long journey downhill become a public traded company be cause the ones you have to satisfy are the short term stockholders."

Exactly! and because the huge corporate bonuses are awarded based on profit and not customer satisfaction, Disney will never be the way it once was. Instead of spending money to improve things, they have learned that spending the same money on marketing gets a faster result. Corporate executives aren't in it for the long haul, so they don't care if their decisions have a long term negative affect on a company.

Have you noticed that several of Disney's top executives have a financial background? The current Chairman of Disney's Parks and Resorts use to be their CFO. The dreamers and the magic makers are fading away and the bean counters are taking over.

Bill

 

[KellyNY]

Bottom line.....ah yes bottom line!!!

That's what Chrylser ...Who? use to say (and many past great companies).


Someone said once....."you want to be a great company stay private, you want to start the long journey downhill become a public traded company be cause the ones you have to satisfy are the short term stockholders."

To clarify Disney went public in the '40s but Walt and family held the majority of the stock. I think it was in the 80s when that all changed.

Unfortunately, it is a sad truth.

 

[KellyNY]

Yes...many people only plan on going 1x, so it's not fair for people to use that as a way of saying that Disney was not up to par. These guests never planned on going back, regardless of what kind of experience they were going to have. I know people like this. They said it was an amazing trip, but 1x is enough, as they have many other places to see.

I agree with you but at the same time while we all were going for one and only trip, some of us decided to go again and again. For me it was not only Disney magic but an amazing service, overall, the perfect place that I could afford. It was so affordable that first few years I was going several times a year. Honestly, I donot know if I would do the same if I just started to go. You do not need to have anything to compare with to recognize bad service or overpriced trips. I agree that no matter how great trip is, many will still never look back but what about those who got same personality like you and I to stick to favorite place, will they go again or will they look some place else for their perfect vacation. I understand that Disney is focusing on first/only timers right now but is it a really smart idea not to get as many repeat visitors as you can for your future business. I work for business that does anything possible to build a future relationship,to not just sell once but to sell again and again. It is really strange that Disney, having greatest minds available, does not recognize basic principles.

 

[mickeyfan85]

Exactly! and because the huge corporate bonuses are awarded based on profit and not customer satisfaction, Disney will never be the way it once was. Instead of spending money to improve things, they have learned that spending the same money on marketing gets a faster result. Corporate executives aren't in it for the long haul, so they don't care if their decisions have a long term negative affect on a company.

Have you noticed that several of Disney's top executives have a financial background? The current Chairman of Disney's Parks and Resorts use to be their CFO. The dreamers and the magic makers are fading away and the bean counters are taking over.

Bill

The current chairman of Parks and Resorts, Tom Staggs, was not only the past CFO, but started out working at the Contemporary in the money room. John Lasseter, director of the studios, started out as a Jungle Cruise Skipper.

So I wouldn't say all of these "bean counters" are fly by night corporate suits. Yes, they are running a business, but they have dedicated their lives to making Disney a magical place and started out in small roles.

You are also forgetting that happy customers equals greater profits. If Disney was doing a terrible job or not meeting guest expectations, their overall profit should be tanking. It's staying pretty strong.

And they are pouring billions into improving the parks. An expanded Fantasyland, updated queue lines, renovation of Disney's California Adventure, the next generation experience, two new cruise ships, a new Star Tours, additions to Pirates of the Caribbean coming soon, multiple updates to haunted mansion, just to name a few.

So overall, it seems like the executives our doing fairly well

 

[Donut23]

The current chairman of Parks and Resorts, Tom Staggs, was not only the past CFO, but started out working at the Contemporary in the money room. John Lasseter, director of the studios, started out as a Jungle Cruise Skipper.

So I wouldn't say all of these "bean counters" are fly by night corporate suits. Yes, they are running a business, but they have dedicated their lives to making Disney a magical place and started out in small roles.

You are also forgetting that happy customers equals greater profits. If Disney was doing a terrible job or not meeting guest expectations, their overall profit should be tanking. It's staying pretty strong.

And they are pouring billions into improving the parks. An expanded Fantasyland, updated queue lines, renovation of Disney's California Adventure, the next generation experience, two new cruise ships, a new Star Tours, additions to Pirates of the Caribbean coming soon, multiple updates to haunted mansion, just to name a few.

So overall, it seems like the executives our doing fairly well

As you guys say, we have to remember it's a business so Disney is ALL about the $$$ now.

The average Disney guest spends less than half the daily $$$$ that the average US guest spends. Fellow Castmember Bob was not at all happy about that.

Think about it. Bobby announced in 2009 the discounts were going to end....but people can still grab a free dining trip in 2011. That's missed $$$$ spent each day in the parks on just food.

Next, with the standardized shopping choices, the average sale in gift shops has dropped.....how many of us have changed out buying patterns as the merchandise has gotten so poor? Remember those beautiful Haynes T-Shirts we could buy 5 years ago vs. the almost see-through stuff now available.

Tonight we stopped in the brand new Disney store in our mall......checked out some beach towels.....half the weight of our beautiful Grand Californian or Beach Club towels we have had for years and the half-weights are only $19.50!

They average daily rate dropped off a cliff when the first big-big room discounts were available at the beginning of the recession (I remember we got promotion for 7 days at a Value Resort for $650---plus a $500 gift card when we checked in). Most guests managed to keep their Disney schedules with reduced budgets. Only trouble.....those pocketbooks have not reopened again for Disney while people are standing in line to get INTO the shops at US for a fancy magic wand!!!

Our waiter at California Pizza Kitchen tonight (who now has this website to checkout!) is off to the Dolphin in 2 weeks.....but he's all about Harry Potter and the magic wand shop (yes, he IS an adult - but then we see adults wearing Goofy or birthday cake hats so we can't throw too many stones)

...just proves people WILL buy - just not the lower quality choices in Disney's stores now. Dooney & Burke bags can only help the bottom line so much!!!

This daily average $$$$$ spent is a very big deal to the beancounters round the world....and continues to not be good news for Disney.

 

[Tiger926]

I agree with you but at the same time while we all were going for one and only trip, some of us decided to go again and again. For me it was not only Disney magic but an amazing service, overall, the perfect place that I could afford. It was so affordable that first few years I was going several times a year. Honestly, I donot know if I would do the same if I just started to go. You do not need to have anything to compare with to recognize bad service or overpriced trips. I agree that no matter how great trip is, many will still never look back but what about those who got same personality like you and I to stick to favorite place, will they go again or will they look some place else for their perfect vacation. I understand that Disney is focusing on first/only timers right now but is it a really smart idea not to get as many repeat visitors as you can for your future business. I work for business that does anything possible to build a future relationship,to not just sell once but to sell again and again. It is really strange that Disney, having greatest minds available, does not recognize basic principles.

I do agree that you should build up for future business, but many corporations are not doing that these days. So many companies/retail have cut back or cancelled loyalty perks programs around here, so it seems to be the wave of the future. Disney still must be doing something right though, as there are more DVC members, who are the most repeat and loyal of Disney guests, than at any other time in DVC history.

As you guys say, we have to remember it's a business so Disney is ALL about the $$$ now.

The average Disney guest spends less than half the daily $$$$ that the average US guest spends. Fellow Castmember Bob was not at all happy about that.

Think about it. Bobby announced in 2009 the discounts were going to end....but people can still grab a free dining trip in 2011. That's missed $$$$ spent each day in the parks on just food.

Next, with the standardized shopping choices, the average sale in gift shops has dropped.....how many of us have changed out buying patterns as the merchandise has gotten so poor? Remember those beautiful Haynes T-Shirts we could buy 5 years ago vs. the almost see-through stuff now available.

Tonight we stopped in the brand new Disney store in our mall......checked out some beach towels.....half the weight of our beautiful Grand Californian or Beach Club towels we have had for years and the half-weights are only $19.50!

They average daily rate dropped off a cliff when the first big-big room discounts were available at the beginning of the recession (I remember we got promotion for 7 days at a Value Resort for $650---plus a $500 gift card when we checked in). Most guests managed to keep their Disney schedules with reduced budgets. Only trouble.....those pocketbooks have not reopened again for Disney while people are standing in line to get INTO the shops at US for a fancy magic wand!!!

Our waiter at California Pizza Kitchen tonight (who now has this website to checkout!) is off to the Dolphin in 2 weeks.....but he's all about Harry Potter and the magic wand shop (yes, he IS an adult - but then we see adults wearing Goofy or birthday cake hats so we can't throw too many stones)

...just proves people WILL buy - just not the lower quality choices in Disney's stores now. Dooney & Burke bags can only help the bottom line so much!!!

This daily average $$$$$ spent is a very big deal to the beancounters round the world....and continues to not be good news for Disney.

I agree with much of what you say, but with merchandise, I will disagree. The stores are always hopping, and I see tons of merchandise flying off the shelves. But, I also don't think it's fair to assume that just because Disney guests spend less, that's because they are disatisfied. Disney guests are very busy with attractions/shows/rides, and so shopping is not a big deal for some people, as they would rather play in the parks.

In this regard though, we are a small group of people who may not spend as much, but each and everytime I'm in the parks, the registers are flying! Again, first timers always seem to buy merchandise - the ones I have planned trips for, have big souvenier budgets built in, and always end up spending more. And, so they find the merchandise quality, for the most part, to be ok. They don't have old towels or shirts to compare to in terms of quality.

It would be cool to see the merchandise dollars the last few years, wouldn't it?

Thanks for your insight, Tiger

 

[Donut23]

I do agree that you should build up for future business, but many corporations are not doing that these days. So many companies/retail have cut back or cancelled loyalty perks programs around here, so it seems to be the wave of the future. Disney still must be doing something right though, as there are more DVC members, who are the most repeat and loyal of Disney guests, than at any other time in DVC history.



I agree with much of what you say, but with merchandise, I will disagree. The stores are always hopping, and I see tons of merchandise flying off the shelves. But, I also don't think it's fair to assume that just because Disney guests spend less, that's because they are disatisfied. Disney guests are very busy with attractions/shows/rides, and so shopping is not a big deal for some people, as they would rather play in the parks.

In this regard though, we are a small group of people who may not spend as much, but each and everytime I'm in the parks, the registers are flying! Again, first timers always seem to buy merchandise - the ones I have planned trips for, have big souvenier budgets built in, and always end up spending more. And, so they find the merchandise quality, for the most part, to be ok. They don't have old towels or shirts to compare to in terms of quality.

It would be cool to see the merchandise dollars the last few years, wouldn't it?

Thanks for your insight, Tiger

You are right Tiger, the stores ARE mobbed.....but the average purchase has declined. It's not about how many Tshirts you sell, it's about the profit you make per purchase.



It's followed a fairly standard Disney pattern.

* Strong sales (example: About 5 years ago I bought a Beach Club sweatshirt on a cold day in December $36)

* Greed - they realize they can increase the price and make more per purchase. (Same sweatshirt 2 years later $64) Beancounters love it because profit p/sale increases

* Average sale declines as prices go up - I would not buy the same sweatshirt for $64 - our annual budget for shopping declined

* Reduce cost of merchandise (lower quality, fewer choices ----like resort specific merchandise) Tshirts cost less for Disney to buy so you can make more profit p/sale....but

* Reduced quality also means reduced price p/sale. We NEVER buy Tshirts anymore. We always came home with a couple p/trip. Heck, last night in the Disney store in our mall we looked at current T shirts (using this as an example....I can site more examples if you wish).....and you could read the size of the shirt printed on the inside of the back......THROUGH the thin fabric of the front of the shirt. Take it home....wash it.....printing disappears and it shrinks out of shape.




People ARE mobbing the stores and still buying.....just not the same profit p/purchase as in the past and that is ALL Disney cares about. This has been a problem for about 2 years.....a cost center which brought Disney buckets of $$ in past years.


Yes, the stores are crowded but the average sale has declined. Disney's glory days were the months after they nearly doubled the cost of much of the merchandise......people still purchased, maybe not as much, but profit p/sale were KILLER. Then they got greedy and dropped the quality to make MORE p/sale.


You can take this theory and apply it to many of Disney's ideas. One of my Disney/DVC friends says the same thing about the changes Food and Wine festival over the years...follows the same pattern.

 

[k5thbeatle]

You are right Tiger, the stores ARE mobbed.....but the average purchase has declined. It's not about how many Tshirts you sell, it's about the profit you make per purchase.



It's followed a fairly standard Disney pattern.

* Strong sales (example: About 5 years ago I bought a Beach Club sweatshirt on a cold day in December $36)

* Greed - they realize they can increase the price and make more per purchase. (Same sweatshirt 2 years later $64) Beancounters love it because profit p/sale increases

* Average sale declines as prices go up - I would not buy the same sweatshirt for $64 - our annual budget for shopping declined

* Reduce cost of merchandise (lower quality, fewer choices ----like resort specific merchandise) Tshirts cost less for Disney to buy so you can make more profit p/sale....but

* Reduced quality also means reduced price p/sale. We NEVER buy Tshirts anymore. We always came home with a couple p/trip. Heck, last night in the Disney store in our mall we looked at current T shirts (using this as an example....I can site more examples if you wish).....and you could read the size of the shirt printed on the inside of the back......THROUGH the thin fabric of the front of the shirt. Take it home....wash it.....printing disappears and it shrinks out of shape.




People ARE mobbing the stores and still buying.....just not the same profit p/purchase as in the past and that is ALL Disney cares about. This has been a problem for about 2 years.....a cost center which brought Disney buckets of $$ in past years.


Yes, the stores are crowded but the average sale has declined. Disney's glory days were the months after they nearly doubled the cost of much of the merchandise......people still purchased, maybe not as much, but profit p/sale were KILLER. Then they got greedy and dropped the quality to make MORE p/sale.


You can take this theory and apply it to many of Disney's ideas. One of my Disney/DVC friends says the same thing about the changes Food and Wine festival over the years...follows the same pattern.

Excellent analysis!

 

[disneynutz]

First time or infrequent visitors don't know that the quality at Disney is less than it once was. Merchandise, food, or your room, it doesn't matter, they will still buy like they will never be back. That's what you do on vacation at the most magical place on earth!

The fact that Disney is paying half for a cheaper shirt and charging double doesn't matter when you have Mickey magic dust in your eyes.

Bill

 

[Planogirl]

First time or infrequent visitors don't know that the quality at Disney is less than it once was. Merchandise, food, or your room, it doesn't matter, they will still buy like they will never be back. That's what you do on vacation at the most magical place on earth!

The fact that Disney is paying half for a cheaper shirt and charging double doesn't matter when you have Mickey magic dust in your eyes.

Bill

I agree up to a point. I think that people will still notice poor quality and high prices and no one likes bad food. I do agree that those who get into the pixie dust might not notice as much but not everyone has that condition plus really bad food or t-shirts fraying after one wash might even rule over pixie dust. At least temporarily.