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

[TLSnell1981]

As far as FL construction..... I'm so confused how there can be complaints about not enough new stuff but also not wanting construction??

I kind of get the feeling that people want the construction and rehabs just not while THEY are there?

It is temporary and seems quite fairly temporary for what they are planning. The facades and walls I didn't think were THAT bad when we were there in May or July. We did not however (I don't think) ride dumbo.

The problem is there is so much construction and rehabs at once. I think, Toontown demolition began in August, so it's a bit worse now. The Fantasyland expansion project isn't scheduled for completion until in 2013.

Magic Kingdom Park
Fantasyland Construction- Construction wall photos
Pooh's Playful Spot playground closes 4/12/2010
Ariel's Grotto Character meet and greet closes 4/12/2010. Ariel can be seen in the Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade and the SpectroMagic parade at Magic Kingdom, also at the Voyage of the Little Mermaid at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Scuttle's Landing snack location closes 4/12/2010.
Winnie the Pooh and Tigger will appear in Town Square on Main Street for meet and greets.
Please check back for updates as we receive them.
Exposition Hall - closes 4/2/10- The Storytime Experience moves to Epcot, Walt Disney Story Theatre closes to accomodate future meet and greet experiences. The rest of Exposition Hall will remain open.
It's a Small World - closed 08/1/10 - 10/22/10
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh- 10/25/10-11/14/10
Storytime with Belle- last performance 9/12/10, starting 10/15 there will be a new show featuring Rapunzel and Flynn Rider from the upcoming Disney movie Tangled.
Magic Kingdom Pet Kennel at the Ticket and Transportation Center will be closing to walk ups 9/2/2010.
Mad Tea Party closed 9/26/10- 11/12/2010

 

[Suellen]

It is quite a project.... they are essentially building a new "land"

And some of the things listed there are regular old rehab projects.

If they didn't go forward with them people would complain that IASMW and Tea Cups look really "shabby".

Really they can't win. They either are letting things slip and falling behind as far as new, fresh rides or are doing "too much" geez.

I'll also point out that they FL expansion was announced long before it started. If people didn't want to see it they shouldn't have planned a trip during this time.

*JMHO*

 

[brunette8706]

It is quite a project.... they are essentially building a new "land"

And some of the things listed there are regular old rehab projects.

If they didn't go forward with them people would complain that IASMW and Tea Cups look really "shabby".

Really they can't win. They either are letting things slip and falling behind as far as new, fresh rides or are doing "too much" geez.

I'll also point out that they FL expansion was announced long before it started. If people didn't want to see it they shouldn't have planned a trip during this time.

*JMHO*

Hi all!

I think it's the same way with the rides/attractions, they can't have too many closed at the same time in one park. This just wouldn't be fair for the people visiting that park, especially first timers. I personally think they should have the main street facade refaced either before the fantasyland expansion or after. It does present somewhat of any eyesore on the Main Street and Fantasyland area. Anyway, just my .02 cents.

Brunette

 

[brunette8706]

it's the classic NIMBY type of scenario.

*
What is NIMBY?

Also what is FWIW?

and

Suellen stated HRC? What's that? LOL!

Sorry, not sure what all the acroynms mean.

Thanks all!

Brunette

 

[d1gitman]

*
What is NIMBY? Not In My Backyard - people wanting things done as long as it doesn't affect them.

Also what is FWIW? Future World Is a Waste Actually, it means For What It's Worth
and

Suellen stated HRC? What's that? LOL!

Sorry, not sure what all the acroynms mean.

Thanks all!

Brunette

.

 

[brunette8706]

.

THANK YOU!

Actually Suellen said HRH. Not sure what that means. LOL!

Brunette

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

I don't mind the Fantasyland construction and I actually think they did a good job with the screens over the Main Street buildings so the construction doesn't "hit" you right away. This doesn't bother me because it holds hope and the promise of something great in the future, so I am not bothered by it.

The things that bother me are the lack of upkeep and basic cleanliness in areas that are not affected by construction and the shrinking portions and food quality. These things don't offer any hope for the future, they just seem like "cheaping out".

I will say some of this is because it costs more to deal with guests who just don't behave like they used to. I was thinking about the things that bother me- litter, dirty tables, overflowing trash cans and graffiti- most of it is caused by guests who just don't care like they used to. Years ago, I never saw trash crammed into gaps in the queue lines' decor! So, some guests are at fault for this. Some of it, I believe Disney is responsible for fixing, though.

Walt Disney said, "If you keep a place clean people will respect it; if you let if get dirty, they'll make it worse". This is why I believe it is so important that they do not cut back on custodial CMs and that they do not cut back on the trash cans and that when they see graffiti, they remove it asap.

 

[khertz]

THANK YOU!

Actually Suellen said HRC. Not sure what that means. LOL!

Brunette

Do you mean when she said HRH? If so, that's the Hard Rock Hotel in Universal. I looked back, but didn't see anywhere that said HRC?

 

[WDSearcher]

And I am sad to report that The Magic Kingdom has definitely gone downhill since the last time I was there (about 3 years ago). Main Street and Fantasyland were the worst. There was so much work/ construction going on...many of the store fronts and ride fronts were a false facade. As I flew around on Dumbo, I got to look over onto all the mounds of dirt and construction equipment where Toon Town used to be.

Actually, Toon Town is still there. The dirt and construction equipment is where Ariel's grotto and part of a parking lot used to be.

And, I encountered so many employees who at their best looked bored and totally unengaged, to at their worst were downright rude. I found the whole experience quite sad because it seemed like much of the magic (I have come to known and loved) was lost. I have been to Disney more than 15 times over the past 30 years. And, now it felt more like a Six Flags than a Disney Theme park.

I hope that you have voiced your concerns directly to Disney (with as much detail as possible regarding where you saw the CMs in question) as well as voicing them here. They may get read by Disney here. They will get read by Disney if you send them to Disney.

I have to say that Universal and Islands of Adventure have now completely won me over... hands down! With their awesome theming (The town of Hogsmeade was amazing), state of the art rides (Forbidden Journey), and friendly, fun employees... there is just no comparison anymore.

Well ... of course. WWoHP is brand new. It SHOULD be the most amazing thing you see. What did you think of the rest of the park? (As you only mentioned the Harry Potter area, I'd be interested to know if the rest of IOA and USF also surpassed your expectations.)

Red responses added because I was too lazy to cut and paste.

 

[brunette8706]

Do you mean when she said HRH? If so, that's the Hard Rock Hotel in Universal. I looked back, but didn't see anywhere that said HRC?

*
OMGOSH! I've been like this all week!!! LOL!!!! Yes, my apologies HRH!! Sheesh! Thanks for catching that! Also, thanks for your explanation.

Brunette

 

[brunette8706]

I don't mind the Fantasyland construction and I actually think they did a good job with the screens over the Main Street buildings so the construction doesn't "hit" you right away. This doesn't bother me because it holds hope and the promise of something great in the future, so I am not bothered by it.

The things that bother me are the lack of upkeep and basic cleanliness in areas that are not affected by construction and the shrinking portions and food quality. These things don't offer any hope for the future, they just seem like "cheaping out".

I will say some of this is because it costs more to deal with guests who just don't behave like they used to. I was thinking about the things that bother me- litter, dirty tables, overflowing trash cans and graffiti- most of it is caused by guests who just don't care like they used to. Years ago, I never saw trash crammed into gaps in the queue lines' decor! So, some guests are at fault for this. Some of it, I believe Disney is responsible for fixing, though.

Walt Disney said, "If you keep a place clean people will respect it; if you let if get dirty, they'll make it worse". This is why I believe it is so important that they do not cut back on custodial CMs and that they do not cut back on the trash cans and that when they see graffiti, they remove it asap.

I agree with your post about the litter situation. I've read a lot of reviews on the CL board and several members state that the people that use the lounge for food offerings just don't put their dirty dishes away. They just leave dirty dishes, cups, food etc. on tables. I have also seen this done many times at outdoor counter services. They'll just eat and leave all the loose paper wrappings, paper plates, cups, and trays outside on the table and have someone else clean it up! This really boils my blood, especially when seating is at a all time low or when people are trying to find a seat to eat.

Brunette

 

[WLSILVERCREEKSPRINGS]

I think it has gone down in my minds eye, but that's only because for the first few trips you are so overwhelmed and absorbed in the magic that you don't notice imprefections as much. The more we go the more little things pop out at me that need sprucing up so the last trip I went out of my way to ignore the imperfections and for me the magic was back.

 

[tony67]

My only gripe is the quality of TS food has gone down so much I no longer eat at the TS locations. This is 100% due to the DDP IMO.
We have been over this a million times. Will they change it.
No, it suits the majority of guests and makes Disney money.

Would these same guests pay those prices out of pocket for the same food no IMO.
Would these restaurants survive in the real world at the prices they charge and quality they provide, no way for the most part.

As one person said to me on this site they don't care if all they had at Coral Reef was burgers and fries they would still love it. Another said good now I don't have to compete with you for an ADR.

As long as they can get a lot of food for a little money most people are happy.

Disney has done many things well. Magic Express for example.
Because Magic Express is so convenient it makes it hard to pick the Swan and Dolphin as a hotel even when I have 5 free nights there.

In the end even in this down Economy they are keeping the parks filled so even if they are going downhill they are doing OK as a business.

Part of it is blind loyalty to Disney. There are far too many Disney zealots who will defend Disney no matter what they do. But even they are a minority.

In the end Disney must be doing a lot of things right to be so busy year round.

 

[flicx]

Missed alot on here the last 4 or 5 days .Just got back from our vegas vacation and got caught up.We used a vegas trip to replace disney this year and had a goood time for alot less money.The food issue at disney is really sad compared to vegas.We generally don't eat TS and are fast food people.I think disney could learn alot from vegas in this department.Lots of different fast food at the same price as my home town.Soda for a dollar how refreshing,an $8.16(with tax) buffet at fremont street that was super,good food good service.Two of us ate for less than the cost of a single buffet at disney!Now if a vacation mecca like lasvegas can do this,why not disney? Just a thought!

 

[brunette8706]

Missed alot on here the last 4 or 5 days .Just got back from our vegas vacation and got caught up.We used a vegas trip to replace disney this year and had a goood time for alot less money.The food issue at disney is really sad compared to vegas.We generally don't eat TS and are fast food people.I think disney could learn alot from vegas in this department.Lots of different fast food at the same price as my home town.Soda for a dollar how refreshing,an $8.16(with tax) buffet at fremont street that was super,good food good service.Two of us ate for less than the cost of a single buffet at disney!Now if a vacation mecca like lasvegas can do this,why not disney? Just a thought!

*
Hi Flicx! Where did you stay? Did you visit Wynn or Bellagio or Mandalay Bay? Those are my favorite hotels! I'm glad you had a great time!
Brunette

 

[Tiger926]

Missed alot on here the last 4 or 5 days .Just got back from our vegas vacation and got caught up.We used a vegas trip to replace disney this year and had a goood time for alot less money.The food issue at disney is really sad compared to vegas.We generally don't eat TS and are fast food people.I think disney could learn alot from vegas in this department.Lots of different fast food at the same price as my home town.Soda for a dollar how refreshing,an $8.16(with tax) buffet at fremont street that was super,good food good service.Two of us ate for less than the cost of a single buffet at disney!Now if a vacation mecca like lasvegas can do this,why not disney? Just a thought!

Because it's a known fact that Vegas gives food away in order to get you into the casinos. They've been doing this for years - hotel rooms are pretty cheap too, and it's all done in order to get patrons spending lots of cash in the casinos. If you get cheap food and cheap rooms, you have more available cash to spend in the casinos, where most people then lose that money = major profits for the casinos!

Disney and Vegas are different in this respect, Tiger

 

[d1gitman]

Because it's a known fact that Vegas gives food away in order to get you into the casinos. They've been doing this for years - hotel rooms are pretty cheap too, and it's all done in order to get patrons spending lots of cash in the casinos. If you get cheap food and cheap rooms, you have more available cash to spend in the casinos, where most people then lose that money = major profits for the casinos!

Disney and Vegas are different in this respect, Tiger

Some might argue with Free DDP, 40% Room Discounts, 4/7, Free Kids, Gift Cards are right in line with what Vegas does to get the customer through the front door.

 

[Tiger926]

Some might argue with Free DDP, 40% Room Discounts, 4/7, Free Kids, Gift Cards are right in line with what Vegas does to get the customer through the front door.

Yup, it's close to it, with an entire year of Free Dining - I'll give you that. But you do have a whole different system in Vegas. Lots of short term visitors who come and go, and the big priority is gambling and drinking. You basically have one street of activities, and that's about it. They have no choice but to heavily discount, as how else would you get people over there?

Disney is different as they cater to families who stay for longer periods of time, and they offer lots of different activities as well. They don't have to heavily discount in order to secure patrons, like Vegas has had to do, except during lean economic times.

I just watched an interesting documentary about Vegas a few months ago, and it was interesting to see how it has changed, and how they have set it up to offer great deals as they pretty much have no other choice as there isn't much else to do in Vegas.

Tiger

 

[Suellen]

Besides.... the money that you spend in Vegas stays in Vegas. Sorry... couldn't help it.

The money you lose gambling is just that 'lost' money. You get nothing in return for it. I'd be willing to 'bet' that the profit margin of gambling is far higher than the profit margin at Disney. Of course I have nothing to back this up. I am just guessing that someone sitting at a slot machine dumping money into it has far less overhead costs than running an amusement park.

Someday I will get to visit Vegas ~ but not while my kids are little.

 

[Tiger926]

Besides.... the money that you spend in Vegas stays in Vegas. Sorry... couldn't help it.

The money you lose gambling is just that 'lost' money. You get nothing in return for it. I'd be willing to 'bet' that the profit margin of gambling is far higher than the profit margin at Disney. Of course I have nothing to back this up. I am just guessing that someone sitting at a slot machine dumping money into it has far less overhead costs than running an amusement park.

Someday I will get to visit Vegas ~ but not while my kids are little.

Yup, the profits are astronomical. The documentary had some projections as most of that info is confidential, according to the narrator, and the profit projections were staggering - way more than Disney makes! You've got way fewer staff members, and the guests who are there, just sit in chairs and keep throwing money at you. The casino business is much different than the amusement park business, I would imagine.

Tiger