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

[Tiger926]

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.

We don't really buy much anymore either. I'll agree with you there.

I guess I'm confused with your analysis though - the stores are still full of shoppers, and they are paying double for the same stuff you and I bought a few years ago for half price. Since Disney has lowered quality, due to lower cost production of goods, that would mean they are making more profit. Sure, us regulars, like you and I, aren't buying as much, but first/only timers spend huge amounts on merchandise, so I think they make up for us. What am I missing?

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

Totally agree!

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.

But, if you are only going to visit WDW one time, are you really going to contact them to return or exchange the defective merchandise? Highly unlikely. It will more than likely be thrown out, yet Disney still got their money.

Tiger

 

[tiggergirlinMI]

Brunette, I wanted to say Congrats on having a huge thread,lol....I remember when you started it.... A+++ lol....I haven't read it all, been busy, but just wanted to say HI and congrats on a long thread!

 

[brunette8706]

Brunette, I wanted to say Congrats on having a huge thread,lol....I remember when you started it.... A+++ lol....I haven't read it all, been busy, but just wanted to say HI and congrats on a long thread!

*
HeyTiggergirlinMI!

Hope you're doing great! When are you going back down to Disney again? We'll be there May 13-24th! Can't WAIT!

 

[Tiger926]

*
HeyTiggergirlinMI!

Hope you're doing great! When are you going back down to Disney again? We'll be there May 13-24th! Can't WAIT!

Hey, Brunette! Where are you guys staying for your next trip?

Tiger

 

[brunette8706]

Hey, Brunette! Where are you guys staying for your next trip?

Tiger

*
Hi Tiger! We have a villa in Davenport, which is about 8 miles from Disney. We do rent it out to people we know too, CHEAP. LOL! PM if ever interested. When are you going back down?

Brunette

 

[brunette8706]

Disney releases 2nd quarter financial report
by Leah Zanolla
May 10, 2011

In its second quarter financial report, the Walt Disney Company reported a one percent decline in profit despite a six percent rise in revenue. In many of the company's earnings areas, the story was the same; rising costs offset any gains in revenue.

In the Parks and Resorts division, Disney reported a seven percent increase in revenue compared to the same period one year ago, but a three percent decrease in operating income. The company partially attributes the higher costs to the January launch of the Disney Cruise Line's newest ship, the Disney Dream. In addition, the company does cite the unexpected closure of both Tokyo Disney parks in the aftermath of the major earthquake and tsunami in the middle of March as well as one less week of the Easter season reflected in this year's second quarter. The report does claim higher guest spending and hotel occupancy at the domestic theme parks. However, one has to wonder what the release of a new Walt Disney World package offer including free dining means about this trend continuing into the second half of 2011.

The Studio Entertainment division saw the sharpest decline in operating income at 65% compared to the same time last year. While that decrease may be due to the major failure of the motion-capture film "Mars Needs Moms," Disney reminded investors that last year's second quarter included earnings from "Alice in Wonderland" and "Tangled." Disney is hoping films such as "Thor," "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides," and "Cars 2" will bolster profits.

 

[Karnak]

I would say the one thing that seems to be slipping is the food in some but not all of the restaurants.

I'll drink to that. For example, two of my (used to be) favorite restaurants (San Angel's for the Filete Motuleno in Epcot & the great Filet Migon at the Brown Derby in the Studios. They have removed both from the menu. When I asked the waitress why at the Brown Derby, she said it was because the supplier had raised the price on them. I remember thinking: That dog won't hunt! but I didn't comment.

And the Cobb Salad at the Brown Derby is nowhere as good as it used to be. I think they may have changed the type of cheese used in the salad. Not sure, but I wished I hadn't of ordered it the last time I was there. I ate very little of it, but the beer was OK.

I think next time I'm at WDW I'll just stick to hot dogs. (The one at Casey's Corner in the Magic Kingdom is especially good. ... or least it was last time I was there.)

 

[smidgy]

II think next time I'm at WDW I'll just stick to hot dogs. (The one at Casey's Corner in the Magic Kingdom is especially good. ... or least it was last time I was there.)

hate to be the one to inform you, but the hot dogs at Casey's not only shrunk, but are no where a s tasty as they once were.

 

[Wadecool]

Considering the fact that my last trip to WDW was in 1976, after my recent trip a few weeks ago, I would say WDW has gone uphill in a big way!

 

[Scrooge Jr]

Do you truly feel you're not getting fair value?

 

[bellebud]

dh and I have always gone w/ the mindset that any food in the parks is "amusement park food", and it's pretty good if you think of it in those terms (like comparing it to Six Flags or something). I don't care what restaurant it is, even brown derby and the canadian steak place, we learned early on, don't expect too much, and we haven't been disappointed since.

I would never expect a "great meal" in any of the parks. We always plan a Yachtsman Steakhouse dinner, as well as a Shulas dinner (in swan/dolphin), for my steak loving family. Then we're fine w/ the food in the other places.

Free dining is great, but I wouldn't pay for the dining plan. It's too much darn food!

We always stay at different resorts, to give the whole trip a 'new' feel. We love the resorts and always spend a good amount of time there.

We try to do 'other things' too, like dh and ds have parasailed a few times at the Contemporary (I have to get my nerve up to try!), we rented a pontoon boat from the Poly and driving yourself under the monorail track that comes out of the contemporary is so cool!!! We've done mini golf. We saw a movie at DTD. We saw cirque. When we stayed at the cabins once, we rented the golf cart for the whole trip, and it was one of the highlights of that trip - driving around Ft. Wildnerness in the cart. Of course we enjoyed all of disney too that trip, but again, we really immersed ourselves in our resort too. (chip and dale movie night, exploring all the different playgrounds in the Fort, seeing hoop de doo, etc). Dh did the 'passenger experience' at the Richard Petty racetrack (I always want to say Tom Petty! LOL).

I only buy things I can "use", like dishtowels, pens/paper, a pocketbook I'll actually use once I'm out of disney and running to the grocery store at home. I love my little mickeys around the house that aren't a 'waste of money'.

We'll pin trade (dd and I), but look only for certain characters each trip, so it's almost like our own little scavenger hunt for the trip.

All these things have helped keep disney fresh, and not compare it to any previous "perfect" trip.

We're still going and enjoying ourselves each time.

 

[Planogirl]

Considering the fact that my last trip to WDW was in 1976, after my recent trip a few weeks ago, I would say WDW has gone uphill in a big way!

You raise an interesting point here. I think that WDW was cleaner and more pristine in the 70's but the food was bleh and of course the resort has grown by leaps and bounds. Going down or up hill is truly a matter of perspective isn't it?

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

You raise an interesting point here. I think that WDW was cleaner and more pristine in the 70's but the food was bleh and of course the resort has grown by leaps and bounds. Going down or up hill is truly a matter of perspective isn't it?

Thinking about this. As far as cleanliness, I think people are just nastier now, although that's not an excuse for chipping paint and burned out bulbs. However, in the bank, people leave garbage on the counter, the bathrooms at the high school where I teach are worse than a third world country. I think the public has changed.

As far as food. You know, in the Eisner era, they made a huge deal about the food and how it had improved. They started Food and Wine events and cookbooks, etc. So, now, while food might be better than the 70's, it is worse than that "golden era". Disney really publicizes their food as if it is still the same quality of that era when they have downgraded quality, variety and portion sizes. That is what really bothers me the most. They put in the time and effort to make Disney dining and experience and then they are gradually taking away everything that made it special.

Totally agree about the resorts and the rides, attractions, etc. It is amazing what they have added!

 

[Wadecool]

You raise an interesting point here. I think that WDW was cleaner and more pristine in the 70's but the food was bleh and of course the resort has grown by leaps and bounds. Going down or up hill is truly a matter of perspective isn't it?

I think personal perspective has a huge part in it. Now, let me preface my opinion by saying that I'm sure it's nowhere near an original thought since there's already 173 previous pages full of opinion. For me, a theme park is all about the rides, shows, and attractions. Of course we eat in the park but I understand going in that its going to be park food, and don't expect a culinary masterpiece, (signature restaurants excluded). From an attraction perspective, WDW has grown by unbelievable lengths since the 70's and for me, that's why we will be back as soon as we can afford it. If I want a good meal for dinner, I can find literally hundreds of quality restaurants in Orange County to provide that. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Donut23]

hate to be the one to inform you, but the hot dogs at Casey's not only shrunk, but are no where a s tasty as they once were.

......No longer all-beef either. At DL we stopped for our fav......corndogs. Well, now they are slime dogs and we tossed them after our first bite. Looking in the trash can DH noticed there was an assortment of half-eaten hot dogs and corn dogs. Sad....but less $$$ than all beef dogs.

 

[Pirate Jeff]

Hey Friends!

Wow, I have been reading the posts lately here on the board, and I just had to chime in here again. First let me say I hope everyone is having a great summer, and everyone is having fun on their vacation(s).

Second, I just read about the monorail cutting back after the EMHs. This just floors me especially for the people that are staying on the monorail resorts. Isn't that what you guys are paying for? GEEZ.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2755740


Third, it looks like the Brazilian tour groups are back in action. I just read on the board that they are being disruptive with their arm in arm link, chanting, and being noisey at 2 a.m. in their hotel room. Shouldn't these type of behaviors be addressed?

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2760166


Fourth, the Disney Refillable mug issue. Let me just preface and say these mugs used to be the size of a large BIG GULP, now they're, what, 8 - 12 ounces. So, now Disney wants to put restrictions on the mugs?

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2759321


To me this is becoming ridiculous. Disney is now trying to nickel and dime people.

Lastly, we all love Disney, but it just seems year after year they cut back more and more!

What are your thoughts??

 

[vellamint]

Hey Friends!

Wow, I have been reading the posts lately here on the board, and I just had to chime in here again. First let me say I hope everyone is having a great summer, and everyone is having fun on their vacation(s).

Second, I just read about the monorail cutting back after the EMHs. This just floors me especially for the people that are staying on the monorail resorts. Isn't that what you guys are paying for? GEEZ.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2755740


Third, it looks like the Brazilian tour groups are back in action. I just read on the board that they are being disruptive with their arm in arm link, chanting, and being noisey at 2 a.m. in their hotel room. Shouldn't these type of behaviors be addressed?

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2760166


Fourth, the Disney Refillable mug issue. Let me just preface and say these mugs used to be the size of a large BIG GULP, now they're, what, 8 - 12 ounces. So, now Disney wants to put restrictions on the mugs?

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2759321


To me this is becoming ridiculous. Disney is now trying to nickel and dime people.

Lastly, we all love Disney, but it just seems year after year they cut back more and more!

What are your thoughts??

Thanks for showing the "big" topics I have missed while being away this past week!! LOL

 

[d1gitman]

...To me this is becoming ridiculous. Disney is now trying to nickel and dime people.

Lastly, we all love Disney, but it just seems year after year they cut back more and more!

What are your thoughts??

i'm thinkin that a major FL expansion costs lots of money, it has to come from somewhere....

i'm thinkin that a revamped Star Tours costs lots of money, it has to come from somewhere....

i'm thinkin that the cost of most everything has gone up sharply during the past few years....what's your grocery, utilities and fuel bills look like lately? money has to come from somewhere....

i don't like to hear food quality has dropped, merchandise quality and selection has dropped, services cut back, shows cut back, etc.....but i do like to see they are doing SOMETHING...DLCA has been having major money spent on upgrades and additions as well.

so while we nitpick at many of the 'smaller' and somewhat 'lesser' items that no doubt have taken a hit, it would be nice for folks to recognize that Disney is in fact spending money, big money, on improving and expanding the World. I for one can live with some of the issues repeatedly reported on the DIS knowing the parks are getting much attention.

my $.02

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Disney Concierge Service - I've been reading that the food isn't what it used to be. Yet people pay a large premium for this. Food runs out and is not replenished etc.

In my experience when staying Club Level that's not true. The foods they put out for breakfast and in the evening has always been replaced when it's almost out right until the time it's to be taken away. For example in December 2010 when staying Club Level at the Boardwalk Inn they replaced some of their dessert items at 9:50 PM, when they are to be taken away at 10:00 PM since that's when the lounge closes for the evening. So I was surprised they replaced they did that given what the time was.

 

[StitchSpawn]

I personally think Disney is "downsizing" on food and "upsizing" on experiences. People are bringing food into the parks now, or eating wherever they are staying. The newer restaurants are all themed, so it's seems more to me they are selling the "experience" of the restaurant, not the food. CRT, ARBH, 50's Prime Time, any of the Epcot retaurants are all themed and I think that is what Disney is banking on. You'll love the atmosphere so much, it will make the food better ??? Or, you won't notice ???

Plus with the BBB and all the tours that are popular, I think disney sees money in providing an experience, there are food experinces, but the good ones, like Victoria and Alberts, will definitely cost you.

Personally, I think Disney makes more of a profit off of coin laundry....