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

[mickaholic4077]

Personally,I couldn't take the "whom" for "who" .

 

[Donut23]

**

I love the Animal Kingdom Lodge! You'll have a good time. We stayed there twice a few years back. We alway use the 40 percent instead of opting for the dining. Remember take plenty of pictures if you can. LOL!

We were at Kidani in May - we have always loved ALK.

I think they give the animals little wristwatches, however. They all stand up at the same time and start walking toward the breakfast area in the mornings. After dining and their visits with the vets they are returned to the Savannah...where the big guys with the big horns would able back toward our Villa. We would do the running commentary like it was a horse race.....as they ambled.

Anyway, BEAUTIFUL.

 

[brunette8706]

Personally,I couldn't take the "whom" for "who" .

*
What do you mean? I'm kind of lost with your statement, not sure what you are referring to.

brunette

 

[Donut23]

the reason I highlighted this part of the post: this was our FIRST EXPERIENCE EVER with Disney.

hubby had driven the 1200 miles from north of chicago. we looked like you would imagine we looked. 2 adults, 2 preteen boys, dissheveled, grubby.(with the station wagon with the wood grain on the side) hubby put it is his first trip report, as he crawled out of the car, barely able to stand, pulled into Carribean Beach Resort, looked like "who knows what?", and he stood up and said (in true Clark Griswold fashion") "It's Beautiful!!!!!" and there was a bell hop service member RIGHT there, helping him out of the car, saying, "we understand sir. "we KNOW you have driven a long way. we are HERE to HELP!"
Ok, that was in the late 90"s but the same happened 2 years later, at Dixie landings (now, POR). they made us feel like royalty!
and years later, in 2003, at AKL, same thing. and the next trip after that. even if they couldn't help you right away, you were "welcomed"

for many years, we felt like we were special. of course we were no special than any other guest, but the CMs made us feel that way. that Disney "extra". and we bragged about it to friends and family. you HAVE to go to Disney!!! simple "peons" like US are "special"
now, with staff cuts, etc. the CMS don't know any more than I know!( it reminds me of when I used to shop at the Piggly Wiggly in my home town. they should have PAID me to direct customers , as many times as I heard new employees giving shoppers the wrong directions and I sent them on the "right" paths!)
not that the CMS are "rude". just don't know the answers, aren't trained well, aren't "willing to FIND the answers", and the WHOLE "Illusion" of "YOU ARE A GUEST-YOU ARE THE BEST" is just gone.
(of COURSE I KNEW it was an illusion, but it was a whole part of the.. "we drove here 1200 miles, we parked our car. we are living a dream for the next week or so, we are in a fantasy land until the dream is over" kinda "reality".)
CMS used to treat you like that.. like you could forget about the everyday life... you are IN fantasy land. IT WAS part OF THE whole "PACKAGE"
now I still love going there, but I can't honestly tell my friends you get any better treatment than you get at any other amusement in the country. it doesn't STAND ABOVE the REST, like it use to.. what a shame.
(however, the prices at many of these "sub-par" amusement parks have gone DOWN.)

I agree.

I remember, long ago, arriving at Riverside. A wonderful young castmember came to my car, opened my door and made me feel like I was THE MOST IMPORTANT GUEST arriving at WDW that day.....and it was RIVERSIDE. I felt like I was part of the "lifestyles of the rich and famous".

I agree, it no longer stands above the rest and there is no real excuse for it with the prices charged.

Just because "you don't need to have your door opened" doesn't mean it should not happen. This level of service is sooooooo easy. They are already standing there.....just a matter of training.

It WAS nice......long ago, you are aboslutely right.

 

[brunette8706]

We were at Kidani in May - we have always loved ALK.
I think they give the animals little wristwatches, however. They all stand up at the same time and start walking toward the breakfast area in the mornings. After dining and their visits with the vets they are returned to the Savannah...where the big guys with the big horns would able back toward our Villa. We would do the running commentary like it was a horse race.....as they ambled.

Anyway, BEAUTIFUL.

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hI! Is that the timeshare that you're referring to? Never been there. I'm sure it's gorgeous though.

 

[brunette8706]

Personally? I think it's way too formal, way too long and that -- for a letter that is supposed to be telling Disney what's wrong -- you spend far more time telling Iger how much you love Disney and what great fans you are of Disney than you do enumerating those things that you truly find to be disappointing or to have gone "down hill". You get dangerously close to being an apologist, by admitting that you understand the need for profit, telling him how great you think his job is, and that you're a stockholder and have those interests as well. You talk about how much you spend at the parks, how much you love "all things Disney", how loyal you are. All that is great, but you spend way more time in your letter telling Disney what a big fan you are than you do telling them what's wrong. I know you're trying to impress upon them that you know what you're talking about and that they should listen to their loyal customers before they lose them, but surely you can do that in fewer paragraphs.

Remember ... Bob probably hasn't read all 60+ pages of this thread.

I'd go a lot less wordy (when I first read this, I could have sworn it was written by bicker ) and get to the point a whole lot sooner. You've got sidebars, reiterations, you say things like "before I get started", which makes the reader think that there's nothing important in that paragraph, or the one before it, because you haven't started yet. You're two paragraphs in, saying "before I get started". You don't make your first specific complaint until paragraph 6. Don't make them dig for what you think is wrong. Pretty prose is nice, but I really do think your point is being completely lost here.

Just my opinion. Heed it or toss it as you see fit.

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I'm sure that is just a rough draft, to get his thoughts (and everyone else's) on paper or shall I say the computer. You make some valid points, I'm sure Pirate Jeff can edit this to everyone's liking. Thanks for the comments.

Brunette

 

[KellyNY]

Hey All!

Did my photo comparison's come out okay? I can see them on my end, but can ya'll see them? Thanks Everyone!

Brunette

Hi Brunette,

Thank you for posting pics.
I can only see first picture, not second one, picture in your signature also does not show.

 

[KellyNY]

Robert A. Iger C.E.O. Disney Corporation

Dear Mr. Iger:

I am writing this on behalf of the many friends, patrons, guests and "lovers" of Disney World, whom have expressed an interest and in some regards, disdain over the direction Disney World has chosen to pursue over the duration of your current tenure. As also a stockholder, though minimal, my interests are also in profit as is the expressed interests of many whom with I have conversed over time. There are two worlds of conflict here that I wish to express to you, if you grace me with the privilege of your attention with this letter.

Before I begin, allow me to preface my thoughts with a few statements. I (we) love "all things Disney". Not just an animated image upon a screen but all that image would espouse in terms of fantasy, imagination and pure joy! Myself, along with any implied or expressed compatriots in this cause, are not only "fans" of Disney but active spending guests (customers) whom have love "all things Disney" for most, if not all of our collective lives. We still do and please accept this communication with the courtesy and respect with which it is offered. As difficult as it may be, your position is enviable. You have the great fortune of being the C.E.O. of an industry that was created for the sole purpose of bringing happiness upon people and especially, children.

What is not "envious" however, is the dire responsibility that goes along with that title. There is a tightrope of running a profitable corporation and one that acts with civil responsibility. Disney, the "Disney Corporation" is unique. It is a mega-entity. It is a monster in terms of corporate giants, yet has to succumb to the most menial among us, children without taking advantage of the same. For these thoughts, I respectfully apologize up front for the following words I am about to write.

There are many of us, lifelong fans of Disney, whom have been guests from our early childhood. Some of us, have become not only regular guests but frequent guests in the parks, hotels and restaurants of Disney. For this letter, please know we only refer to Disney World and not Disneyland. As return guests, many of those for whom I speak, are annual passholders both local and national. We have concerns about the "magic" and how the paradigm of Disney has seemed to change.

To reiterate, all of us are aware that profit is necessary for a corporation to survive. The Magic Kingdom cannot exist if it is losing money, the same with any other Disney endeavor. Of this, we are aware. Not only that, but it is passionately clear, that our "dream" vacation cannot exist, if it is not profitable. In other words, Disney is not in the business of losing money so folks can live their dreams. Disney is in the business of providing a service at a cost to guests whom love the product they provide.

That being said, it has been noticed, that recently Disney has gone further to profit than it has in the past. To put this obvious fact to task, let me mention some points of contention. Turkey Legs in the parks for example, in 5 years have risen in price over 50 percent. Stroller rentals, from $18.00 two years ago, to over $30.00. Parking, has risen to $14.00 from $7.00 just a few years ago. Not only this, but those of us whom lived off of the "Disney Buffets", have not only noticed a major increase in base pricing but the infuriating "holiday surcharge". Forgive me for saying Mr. Iger, but this is nothing short of exploitation.

Sidebar: I spoke to my wife a few years back and told her, that Disney will continue to raise prices until the bottom falls out. Frankly speaking sir, my wife and I have plenty of money to spend on our vacations. We are financially solvent and responsible as are I'm sure, most folks whom travel to Disney are, they have to be, especially now. Though I am not a marketing expert, I have always been amazed at the success of a corporation like Wal-Mart, where a 15% mark-up of cost is the norm and the company thrives. Meanwhile, competitors whom either cannot, or do not sell at that margin, opt for higher margins of profit per item. It feels as though Disney is following the latter example.

Those of us whom have been around long enough, know of the changes and lack of attention to details that had been at times previous, the standard. Now, it appears that Disney seems to be driven by profit alone and guest experience, secondary or worse. While it is true that first timers or one timers will not notice such details, those of us whom return, year after year, dollar after dollar to spend at your parks are being either ignored or marginalized to the point of irrelevance.

I/we have no knowledge of your ledger or how much return guests affect the bottom line. As a small business owner myself, I can say without a doubt, that next to the most important part of your business is your customer, it is mostly, your "return customers". There is no advertising that can compare with word of mouth. In a small business such as my own, one negative voice can be my doom. Not so with Disney. Yet, when a time comes when you get enough voices speaking out against you, even the DVC cannot "right the ship".

We are loyal customers, remember us.

We do not like surcharges. We do not like hidden costs and obscene costs like stroller rentals that challenge even the most open minded guests. We know when we are being gouged, plain and simple. Instead of offering free dining, why not offer: a good price for a room with competitive dining. Frankly speaking sir, there is no comparison to Disney in terms of service, food quality and value..., or at least, not quite yet. But it is coming. Us returning guests are getting angry. We are feeling left out. We don't want gimmicks we don't want "sales". We just want "magic". Disney sells itself. Universal doesn't compare. Trust your product.

TRUST YOUR PRODUCT!

Disney is second to none in terms of fantasy. That is why so many of us come back year after year. That is why so many of us, whom own homes within earshot of "Wishes" spend thousands of dollars a year to stay on property. We want princess' and fairy tales. We don't want to be soaked of our last dime for the bottom line.

End the sales. End the price increases. Focus on the product and return it to the excellence that Walt Disney imagined.

Disney is an American Icon. Nothing else can compare. For that responsibility and that amount of image, the time has come for the Disney Corporation to focus on it's core of supporters whom come back year after year. I don't have the books, I don't know the impact but at the end of the day, I know without a doubt, we affect the bottom line. If we are forgotten or ignored, how much that "affect" has will be known.

Many would choose to just let things go. Some of us, "many" of us, feel as though we are being exploited. We don't like surcharges. We don't like prices rising at a rate several times that of inflation. We don't like the lack of courtesy extended by Cast Members. These things all have changed over time, especially lately. If they change too much, imagine how the profits will fall when not only returning guests stay away but new guests find that their money could be better spent elsewhere.

Respectfully,

A common Disney Fan.

Hi Jeff,

Thank you for taking time and writing a letter. You made very good points and I like your style.

 

[Tiger926]

Pirate Jeff - Good start.

If I may, as an English teacher, and an amateur consumer advocate who has contacted hundreds of companies, here are my thoughts on the letter:

1. Too long and wordy - Letters need to be concise and to the point. I recommend a letter that can be read in one sitting. The CEO of a company is very busy, and is frequently interrupted, and so if he has to put the letter down and go back to it, that is probably not going to happen.

2. Who/Whom - There is misuse and overuse of this pronoun in many places.

3. Personal connections & Sidebar - These should go. The point of your letter is to alert Disney to the fact that they are getting expensive, and the value may no longer be there; therefore, you shouldn't mention that you can afford Disney, but others may not. You need to have a general statement that Disney may be no longer affordable for many families...something along those lines is better than your statement, as you are actually disproving your own theory.

4. Grammar - Some grammar errors throughout as well, but nothing that can't be fixed.

I can tell this is a very honest and personal letter, from someone who is passionate about Disney, but I'm not sure it's the best style to send to the CEO. Honestly, I don't even think it will get to him, but you never know? I don't say that as a negative against your letter, but in respect to the fact that he has a staff of people who read his mail, and their job is to filter and assess what should be sent for his personal perusal. With that being said, imagine the sheer magnitude of communications Disney must get on a daily basis, and go from there. You can still catch their attention, without the letter being so long and wordy. It's a delicate balance, but it can be done!

I think this is a good start, as it allowed you to get your thoughts down about a very special subject. I think it needs a bit of tweaking and editing though, IMHO.

Thanks for sharing, Tiger

 

[brunette8706]

Hi Brunette,

Thank you for posting pics.
I can only see first picture, not second one, picture in your signature also does not show.

Really?

Can you see the picture of the tired old bedding at the WL? Thanks Kelly!

 

[brunette8706]

Pirate Jeff - Good start.

If I may, as an English teacher, and an amateur consumer advocate who has contacted hundreds of companies, here are my thoughts on the letter:

1. Too long and wordy - Letters need to be concise and to the point. I recommend a letter that can be read in one sitting. The CEO of a company is very busy, and is frequently interrupted, and so if he has to put the letter down and go back to it, that is probably not going to happen.

2. Who/Whom - There is misuse and overuse of this pronoun in many places.

3. Personal connections & Sidebar - These should go. The point of your letter is to alert Disney to the fact that they are getting expensive, and the value may no longer be there; therefore, you shouldn't mention that you can afford Disney, but others may not. You need to have a general statement that Disney may be no longer affordable for many families...something along those lines is better than your statement, as you are actually disproving your own theory.

4. Grammar - Some grammar errors throughout as well, but nothing that can't be fixed.

I can tell this is a very honest and personal letter, from someone who is passionate about Disney, but I'm not sure it's the best style to send to the CEO. Honestly, I don't even think it will get to him, but you never know? I don't say that as a negative against your letter, but in respect to the fact that he has a staff of people who read his mail, and their job is to filter and assess what should be sent for his personal perusal. With that being said, imagine the sheer magnitude of communications Disney must get on a daily basis, and go from there. You can still catch their attention, without the letter being so long and wordy. It's a delicate balance, but it can be done!

I think this is a good start, as it allowed you to get your thoughts down about a very special subject. I think it needs a bit of tweaking and editing though, IMHO.

Thanks for sharing, Tiger

*
Good valid points. Thanks for your thoughts. BTW I just emailed Pirate Jeff and HE CAN NOT LOG IN! LOL! Sheesh, I guess the server is really slow or something. He will try again soon. He also stated that he appreciates everyone's critique(s) and will edit once again to see if everyone agrees/likes etc.

Thanks all!

Brunette

 

[KellyNY]

Really?

Can you see the picture of the tired old bedding at the WL? Thanks Kelly!

Yes, first picture is there and I can actually say without comparison it is old and faded. Second picture sais "It does not exist anymore, has been moved" and picture in your signature just has a red cross.

 

[WDSearcher]

[/IMG]
Okay here is bedding that is very worn, faded and frankly ugly at the Wilderness Lodge.

[/IMG]

Here is bedding that is newer, fresher, more updated at Yacht Club

I know I'm going to regret this, but ...

I don't see that the bedding in the photo is "very worn." (I'm not trying to be argumentative ... I really don't see it! I don't see fraying or tears or holes or any other signs of wear. What am I missing?)

As for it being "faded" -- the bedspread doesn't look faded at all to me. And the "faded denim" bedskirt is how it's SUPPOSED to look. The Wilderness Lodge is themed to the wilderness (obviously ), and the bedskirts are made from a "faded denim" colored fabric to evoke wilderness and the woodsy, blue jeans style of the west. So yes, I guess, technically, the material is faded, but it's supposed to be that way.

Saying it's ugly is more of a personal opinion, isn't it? You may think it's ugly, while someone else may really love that style. I think what's there fits the theme of the resort and that maybe the Wilderness Lodge simply isn't your style. Does that make sense?

(I can't see the other photo, so I can't speak to that.)

 

[ThePetLady7]

I know I'm going to regret this, but ...

I don't see that the bedding in the photo is "very worn." (I'm not trying to be argumentative ... I really don't see it! I don't see fraying or tears or holes or any other signs of wear. What am I missing?)

As for it being "faded" -- the bedspread doesn't look faded at all to me. And the "faded denim" bedskirt is how it's SUPPOSED to look. The Wilderness Lodge is themed to the wilderness (obviously ), and the bedskirts are made from a "faded denim" colored fabric to evoke wilderness and the woodsy, blue jeans style of the west. So yes, I guess, technically, the material is faded, but it's supposed to be that way.

Saying it's ugly is more of a personal opinion, isn't it? You may think it's ugly, while someone else may really love that style. I think what's there fits the theme of the resort and that maybe the Wilderness Lodge simply isn't your style. Does that make sense?

(I can't see the other photo, so I can't speak to that.)

I'm glad someone else said this! I have read this thread with interest, but without comment as I haven't been to WDW for some time. But I was at the WL when this bedding style was first introduced and it looks exactly the same as I remember.

I couldn't see the other picture either, but wouldn't that kind of be an apples/oranges situation? Maybe if I could spot some actual wear, or holes, or something it would make a difference.

 

[KellyNY]

Actually if you pay close atention to the picture you can see some areas of brighter blue and right next to it faded areas. Obviously it is faded.

 

[si-am]

Here is a pic of our bathroom door at WL from a few weeks ago (we were there the first week in August.) Chipped paint. Not a vacation-ruining experience, but a bummer nonetheless.

 

[mickaholic4077]

*
What do you mean? I'm kind of lost with your statement, not sure what you are referring to.

brunette

The letter constantly says "whom" when it should say "who". That is what I meant.

 

[WDSearcher]

Here is a pic of our bathroom door at WL from a few weeks ago (we were there the first week in August.) Chipped paint. Not a vacation-ruining experience, but a bummer nonetheless.

I hope you noted it either to the front desk, Mousekeeping or even just left a note on the dresser. (I probably would have done a big red arrow with lipstick, but that's me ... ) Mousekeeping would the be ones most likely to see something like that, since they're in the rooms every day, but I'm sure they miss stuff.

You said this was just last week. It would be interesting to go back today and find out if it's been repaired. I have no doubt that the resort rooms at a place like WDW to take a beating, just based on the number of people in and out each day, with luggage and toys and supply carts and whatnot that accidentally hit the walls. The measure of whether or not Disney is 'keeping up' is how long it takes things to get fixed.

 

[si-am]

I hope you noted it either to the front desk, Mousekeeping or even just left a note on the dresser. (I probably would have done a big red arrow with lipstick, but that's me ... ) Mousekeeping would the be ones most likely to see something like that, since they're in the rooms every day, but I'm sure they miss stuff.

You said this was just last week. It would be interesting to go back today and find out if it's been repaired. I have no doubt that the resort rooms at a place like WDW to take a beating, just based on the number of people in and out each day, with luggage and toys and supply carts and whatnot that accidentally hit the walls. The measure of whether or not Disney is 'keeping up' is how long it takes things to get fixed.

We did not mention it because we're pretty sure SOMEONE knew it was there (how can you miss it?) and we had already dealt with rude front-desk staff trying to get into a room. Just not worth it to us!

 

[cannjam99]

Actually if you pay close atention to the picture you can see some areas of brighter blue and right next to it faded areas. Obviously it is faded.

Not really Kelly. My jeans are faded denim and the front of the leg is lighter than the sides, have been since they day I bought them. The faded denim look is not a constant color, but more of a light/dark variation throughout the fabric that is intentional. The bedding looks good to me.

There are other instances where I have seen some problems in my recent visits, but nothing major and always fixed when I tell the staff.