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

[Tiger926]

Yes.

And again ... I agree with you that as compared to other resorts in Orlando, Disney resorts are expensive.

I do not agree that, as compared to other resorts in Orlando, Disney resorts are overpriced.

To me, "expensive" and "overpriced" do not mean the same thing.

Exactly.

What is expensive to you, may not be to me. What is overpriced to you, may not be to someone else. It is all a matter of opinion as to how people determine what is expensive or overpriced.

We all have different income levels, which is a part of how we determine what is expensive for our budget, so not sure why this is an issue for some to understand?

It is opinion for someone to say that Disney is overpriced or too expensive. It may be overpriced or too expensive for you, and that is all anyone can comment on as fact.

Tiger

 

[brunette8706]

Interesting that they pay an outside company for decorations, but not a decent excuse. They have created expectations for decor and mood -- when those things are removed or lessened, it does hurt the whole experience. My kids were very sad when they got off at Ticket and Transportation and didn't see one sign for the Halloween party. Mainstreet seemed only partially decorated and it was the only place with decorations, at all. My house is more disneyfied, LOL .

Would I go again? Maybe. It is lacking the ambiance we came to love, but it is still Disney and Villains party and parade are great. BUT, we won't go as often. Will Disney care? Nope. They are still making money hand over fist by charging more and giving less. I wonder what Walt would say????

*
Excellent and valid points. They had the decorations the year before (per your statement) but now they decide not to put them up. Disney has the decoration themeing down to a science. They hire contractors to put up say the Christmas decorations sometime in November and all of it is done between closing time and right before park opening the next day. So, why is it so difficult to put a few more decoratins up along Main Street? What's next no more character interaction, or doing away with the character shaped bushes and foilage? Isn't that what makes Disney...DISNEY? Anyway, good points. Thanks Brunette

 

[brunette8706]

Right ... but clearly that was a special promotion, very much like when Disney runs "Kids Play Free" or "Buy 4 get 3" promotions. You can't compare a special promotion Universal rate to Disney rack rate and use that to say that Universal's prices haven't kept up with Disney's. If you compare apples to apples (that is, rack rate for a one-day / one-park ticket at each park), the two parks have matched each other price increase for price increase for at least a decade, and they currently cost exactly the same.

*
That promotion has been going on for years. I remember going to Universal back in 98 and they had specials for example buy one day get the next day FREE. This is nothing new with Universal.

 

[brunette8706]

Sorry, thought you mentioned chipped paint somewhere?

I am excited to see the Fantasyland expansion too, and am still waiting to see what exactly the Avatar area is going to look like.

Thanks, Tiger

*
HI Tiger...

NO worries....

 

[KellyNY]

Yes.

And again ... I agree with you that as compared to other resorts in Orlando, Disney resorts are expensive.

I do not agree that, as compared to other resorts in Orlando, Disney resorts are overpriced.

To me, "expensive" and "overpriced" do not mean the same thing.

Well, technically true although when we compare relatively same products and one is more expensive then the other it is difficult not to think of it as overpriced and it has nothing to do with income or affordability, just because you can afford does not mean you justify the price and do not compare products.

 

[KSDisneyDad]

No, flicx that is not what I said at all....

Nowhere did I say that Disney wouldn't miss a beat if they stopped discounts. You are the one who is embellishing. I said we don't know how it will affect them as the discounts have been ongoing for several years now. I am absolutely certain that people will still go to WDW, as Disney never used to discount, and they were host to millions of guests on an annual basis. The bean counters at Disney might have an idea about how changing the discount structure will work, but since guests are fickle, and the economy is precarious, we don't know what will happen to attendance figures. This is a positive and reasonable attitude, whereas you are negative, as you assume that Disney will fall flat on their face because you have determined that the pricing structure is too high. You are very negative in your thinking, as you have decided that if Disney changes the discount structure, then no guests will visit WDW. Are you serious?

My issue is that you generalize in an immense way. I am not saying that Disney can stop discounts and the parks will be jammed with crowds...I can't make those distinctions as I'm not privy to the private and confidential numbers that would go into those types of decisions. I am confident though that people will still go to WDW, as there are many guests who pay rack rates. You don't seem to believe that, and so I'm having trouble taking what you say at face value. If you've been going to Disney for 30 years like you say, and stayed everywhere, then you have paid rack rate at some point, as Disney never used to discount at all, so why wouldn't you think there are people now who would also pay? This is a confusing line of thinking...

That being said, do not assume that I am saying that Disney's attendance won't go down at all. I have no idea if this will happen, as I have no idea how many guests will stop going to WDW if they change the discount structure. Maybe you have a crystal ball, but I surely don't. I am saying that guests will still go to WDW though, as they were there before discounts (as it seems you were), and they will be there after.

By the way, WDSearcher's input on this thread is very reasonable and valued. He is looking to have a balanced discussion, just like I am, and it's the reason why Brunette started this thread.

Tiger

Yet another great post!

My thoughts on the discounts are that Disney will continue to increase prices each year and try to get more per night from guests.

Weaning people off of discounts can be done in more than one way. It can be done by raising the "rack" rate and then offering a large discount. But even with the discount, the price is higher than the prior year's average rate. I think this is how Disney does it today and will continue to do it in the future. I am not in marketing, but it does seem a bit like using marketing psychology so the customer thinks they are getting a "good" deal, when they are really paying more. Companies do this all the time. Think furniture stores or auto dealers. Who ever pays MSRP?

Although Disney doesn't show WDW vs DL numbers, it will be interesting when they issue their 10-K in a few weeks what the average per night spending per room are for 2011 vs 2010.

Disney is great at supply and demand pricing. Their cruise lines are a great example of this. I've seen the price of a room double in a few months when demand is high. I've also seen last minute or kids-sail-free discounts when the ships aren't full.

They also do it at the parks to a lesser extent with the discounts and promotions. I do disagree with you in about Disney not discounting in the past. There have always had some type of discount since we've started going whether it was AAA, MK Club, PIN codes, etc. Granted, they were not as prevelant as today and yes, I have paid rack rate in the past too. But I really doubt that they will stop "discounting". But I do believe they will try to get higher spending per night as long as the demand is there. When demand falls, they will adjust prices through promotions/discounts quickly to maintain crowds.

To think otherwise as some on this thread seem to believe is quite simplistic.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

Well, technically true although when we compare relatively same products and one is more expensive then the other it is difficult not to think of it as overpriced and it has nothing to do with income or affordability, just because you can afford does not mean you justify the price and do not compare products.

As I was getting at in some other posts, the difference between "more expensive" and "overpriced" is that the latter is PURELY SUBJECTIVE. To me, for instance, there is no substitute for Disney - their product is unique to me. This is what I was getting at with the idea of value, price sensitivity, and substitutes. There is no "relatively same product" to a WDW vacation for me... or for many of Disney's customers as they are experts at cross-selling a "magical experience" that is pretty unique... they engender tremendous brand loyalty.

In a looser sense they are just competing for tourism dollars, to be sure. In essence, the difference between the cost of a Disney trip and, say, another trip to FL visiting other theme parks can be viewed as a "premium" for the "Disney magic"... a premium that many people STILL seem to be willing to pay in this economy.

Now, is there a price at which we would say "forget it... let's take a trip around the world instead!" - sure!! They just have a lot more latitude to play with price than do the sellers of widgets - a product with exact substitutes.

As DH always says... "I've never left Disney World thinking 'wow - that was cheap!' -- but I've also never left thinking 'wow - that wasn't worth it'".

 

[Tiger926]

*
Excellent and valid points. They had the decorations the year before (per your statement) but now they decide not to put them up. Disney has the decoration themeing down to a science. They hire contractors to put up say the Christmas decorations sometime in November and all of it is done between closing time and right before park opening the next day. So, why is it so difficult to put a few more decoratins up along Main Street? What's next no more character interaction, or doing away with the character shaped bushes and foilage? Is that what makes Disney...DISNEY? Anyway, good points. Thanks Brunette

Friends of ours who are also DVC and who go to Mickey's Halloween party each year, said that there seemed to be less decorations and less candy, yet the party was jam packed. Despite the high prices of the private parties each year, they seem to still sell very well, and I have to imagine it's such a high profit margin for Disney.

We are going for the Christmas/NYE holidays for the first time in 5 years, so I will report back on the status of the decorations. I know for Epcot, I have read on many credible sources (may have even been posted on the Disney Blog), and as mentioned by Bill above, that the lights need to be changed to LED, and Disney determined it was too difficult or expensive? I can't remember for sure, but it was reported to be something to that effect.

I think that decorations is one area that they should make sure it is always done correctly, as Disney is known for this area. Maybe it's not the decorations themselves (I'm sure they have a huge decoration warehouse to pull from), but the staff to put up the decorations? Not sure?

We have been going to Flower and Garden Festival each year for several years now, and we have noticed that there were less decorations as well this year. Also, they had technical difficulties with Mater, and we didn't get to see that topiary, as they didn't put him out on display until the week after we left. Kids were disappointed, as it was a Pixar themed festival this year. Regardless, we had an amazing vacation - one of our best!

As I was getting at in some other posts, the difference between "more expensive" and "overpriced" is that the latter is PURELY SUBJECTIVE. To me, for instance, there is no substitute for Disney - their product is unique to me. This is what I was getting at with the idea of value, price sensitivity, and substitutes. There is no "relatively same product" to a WDW vacation for me... or for many of Disney's customers as they are experts at cross-selling a "magical experience" that is pretty unique... they engender tremendous brand loyalty.

In a looser sense they are just competing for tourism dollars, to be sure. In essence, the difference between the cost of a Disney trip and, say, another trip to FL visiting other theme parks can be viewed as a "premium" for the "Disney magic"... a premium that many people STILL seem to be willing to pay in this economy.

Now, is there a price at which we would say "forget it... let's take a trip around the world instead!" - sure!! They just have a lot more latitude to play with price than do the sellers of widgets - a product with exact substitutes.

As DH always says... "I've never left Disney World thinking 'wow - that was cheap!' -- but I've also never left thinking 'wow - that wasn't worth it'".

Once again, another great post! I am really enjoying your contributions on this thread. Thanks!

Yet another great post!

My thoughts on the discounts are that Disney will continue to increase prices each year and try to get more per night from guests.

Weaning people off of discounts can be done in more than one way. It can be done by raising the "rack" rate and then offering a large discount. But even with the discount, the price is higher than the prior year's average rate. I think this is how Disney does it today and will continue to do it in the future. I am not in marketing, but it does seem a bit like using marketing psychology so the customer thinks they are getting a "good" deal, when they are really paying more. Companies do this all the time. Think furniture stores or auto dealers. Who ever pays MSRP?

Although Disney doesn't show WDW vs DL numbers, it will be interesting when they issue their 10-K in a few weeks what the average per night spending per room are for 2011 vs 2010.

Disney is great at supply and demand pricing. Their cruise lines are a great example of this. I've seen the price of a room double in a few months when demand is high. I've also seen last minute or kids-sail-free discounts when the ships aren't full.

They also do it at the parks to a lesser extent with the discounts and promotions. I do disagree with you in about Disney not discounting in the past. There have always had some type of discount since we've started going whether it was AAA, MK Club, PIN codes, etc. Granted, they were not as prevelant as today and yes, I have paid rack rate in the past too. But I really doubt that they will stop "discounting". But I do believe they will try to get higher spending per night as long as the demand is there. When demand falls, they will adjust prices through promotions/discounts quickly to maintain crowds.

To think otherwise as some on this thread seem to believe is quite simplistic.

Sorry about discount wording - I should have said Disney never had many deep discounts like we have seen over the past several years. I remember our MK Club discount was not substantial at all, and neither was the CAA/AAA discount we got one year (before we became DVC members). Nothing like the 30 - 40% room only/AP discounts, or FD promos.

I don't think they are going to stop discounts either. Discount psychology really does work, and Disney has managed to make it work in their favour, especially with Free Dining.

Disney really does seem to have a good pulse on just how to adjust prices, discounts and promos. They raise menu prices to add inflated value to the DP, and they do it with rooms too. If most of the year people are getting some type of discount/promo, and it's bringing in guests, than I'm certain they will keep up that business model.

It would be so interesting to see the numbers! Tiger

 

[brunette8706]

As I was getting at in some other posts, the difference between "more expensive" and "overpriced" is that the latter is PURELY SUBJECTIVE. To me, for instance, there is no substitute for Disney - their product is unique to me. This is what I was getting at with the idea of value, price sensitivity, and substitutes. There is no "relatively same product" to a WDW vacation for me... or for many of Disney's customers as they are experts at cross-selling a "magical experience" that is pretty unique... they engender tremendous brand loyalty.

In a looser sense they are just competing for tourism dollars, to be sure. In essence, the difference between the cost of a Disney trip and, say, another trip to FL visiting other theme parks can be viewed as a "premium" for the "Disney magic"... a premium that many people STILL seem to be willing to pay in this economy.

Now, is there a price at which we would say "forget it... let's take a trip around the world instead!" - sure!! They just have a lot more latitude to play with price than do the sellers of widgets - a product with exact substitutes.

As DH always says... "I've never left Disney World thinking 'wow - that was cheap!' -- but I've also never left thinking 'wow - that wasn't worth it'".

*
MickeyMinnieMom-

They certainly do have a unique product especially the Deluxe resorts. Walking distance to EPCOT or you can simply take a monorail to the Magic Kingdom and or EPCOT which is cool. But you do as a consumer pay a higher premium because it's deluxe and because it's on the monorail system or it's walking distance to say EPCOT. With that said the consumer can stay at real 5 star resorts such as the Ritz Carlton which is pure luxuary for less money. Ritz Carlton without a discount is approximatly $309.00 per day or for $40.00 more at a price of $349.00 per day and it will include Buffet Breakfast, and Valet parking. You also get true luxury in accomodations. If you stay at the Waldorf Astoria which is on Disney property you can pay $179.00 per night with a AAA discount, and a FREE shuttle service to Disney. This is much cheaper than the monorail and EPCOT deluxe resorts. On the downside you do not get any "disney themeing".

brunette

 

[flicx]

No, flicx that is not what I said at all....

Nowhere did I say that Disney wouldn't miss a beat if they stopped discounts. You are the one who is embellishing. I said we don't know how it will affect them as the discounts have been ongoing for several years now. I am absolutely certain that people will still go to WDW, as Disney never used to discount, and they were host to millions of guests on an annual basis. The bean counters at Disney might have an idea about how changing the discount structure will work, but since guests are fickle, and the economy is precarious, we don't know what will happen to attendance figures. This is a positive and reasonable attitude, whereas you are negative, as you assume that Disney will fall flat on their face because you have determined that the pricing structure is too high. You are very negative in your thinking, as you have decided that if Disney changes the discount structure, then no guests will visit WDW. Are you serious?

My issue is that you generalize in an immense way. I am not saying that Disney can stop discounts and the parks will be jammed with crowds...I can't make those distinctions as I'm not privy to the private and confidential numbers that would go into those types of decisions. I am confident though that people will still go to WDW, as there are many guests who pay rack rates. You don't seem to believe that, and so I'm having trouble taking what you say at face value. If you've been going to Disney for 30 years like you say, and stayed everywhere, then you have paid rack rate at some point, as Disney never used to discount at all, so why wouldn't you think there are people now who would also pay? This is a confusing line of thinking...

That being said, do not assume that I am saying that Disney's attendance won't go down at all. I have no idea if this will happen, as I have no idea how many guests will stop going to WDW if they change the discount structure. Maybe you have a crystal ball, but I surely don't. I am saying that guests will still go to WDW though, as they were there before discounts (as it seems you were), and they will be there after.

By the way, WDSearcher's input on this thread is very reasonable and valued. He is looking to have a balanced discussion, just like I am, and it's the reason why Brunette started this thread.

Tiger

Well tiger go to post 3122 were you wanted to know what substantial decline in attendance was.You disagreed with me simply agreeing with kelly.If you look were kelly said disney couldn't get rid of discounts because rack rates etc are so high!Very easy to retrace this.Also now you are assuming I paid rack rate at disney,nope never did by the way you are quite wrong about the discount thing too.There were always discounts it was called the magic kingdom club and it offered discounts quite often,I think you and searcher better get together on this one as you have stated opposite opinions on this.(again read back a few pages)My thing is this I was attacked and told I know nothing,now you are doing the same and you are speaking from a point of view that you obviously aren't well versed in.You also accuse me of being negative,apparently I am negative because I believe disney is high priced and accelerating prices at a rate sooo much faster than inflation!This fact has already been proven how many times on this very thread,it is undisputable if you do the math.Now you can look up in this very post and you quoted me saying no guests will come if disney changes the discount structure.NOT WHAT I SAID AT ALL! I find it funny that you find searcher reasonable and me negative,maybe because he holds the same views as you.If being truthful and speaking what you think the future will hold if current trends continue at disney then I an guilty of being negative.

 

[Tiger926]

Well tiger go to post 3122 were you wanted to know what substantial decline in attendance was.You disagreed with me simply agreeing with kelly.If you look were kelly said disney couldn't get rid of discounts because rack rates etc are so high!Very easy to retrace this.Also now you are assuming I paid rack rate at disney,nope never did by the way you are quite wrong about the discount thing too.There were always discounts it was called the magic kingdom club and it offered discounts quite often,I think you and searcher better get together on this one as you have stated opposite opinions on this.(again read back a few pages)My thing is this I was attacked and told I know nothing,now you are doing the same and you are speaking from a point of view that you obviously aren't well versed in.You also accuse me of being negative,apparently I am negative because I believe disney is high priced and accelerating prices at a rate sooo much faster than inflation!This fact has already been proven how many times on this very thread,it is undisputable if you do the math.Now you can look up in this very post and you quoted me saying no guests will come if disney changes the discount structure.NOT WHAT I SAID AT ALL! I find it funny that you find searcher reasonable and me negative,maybe because he holds the same views as you.If being truthful and speaking what you think the future will hold if current trends continue at disney then I an guilty of being negative.

I'm not sure how you interpreted post 3122, but I'm not going to argue with you about it.

I don't agree with Searcher because we share similar viewpoints, as there are many others on here that don't share similar viewpoints with myself, and we have had a fine discussion. I do think Searcher's reasonable because he doesn't generalize, and he is not so negative, and that is why I think his posts are important to our discussion.

By the way, I already apologized above about the discount wording - are you reading the thread? I meant to say deep discounts like 40% off room only rates or FD. We used MK Club several times, as well as CAA/AAA, and the discounts were nowhere near what Disney has been offering as of late. That was my experience - if you got a better discount, then that's great!

I am not interested in carrying on this discussion any longer, as you are being insulting and sarcastic - two things that are not allowed on the DIS. You are welcome to your opinions, but being rude is just not cool.

You seem very passionate about Disney, and about your beliefs, we all get that, but you are struggling to understand and accept some responses that are contrary to yours, or, that ask you for more clarification. In this regard, I am not interested in responding to anymore of your posts.

I have enjoyed this thread, up until now. Sharing info, exchanging opinions and relating personal stories is nice, but the tone of your posts as of late are not so nice, and for that, I am done.

Tiger

 

[flicx]

So ... can I take this to mean that you would consider a $299 rack rate for a resort like Portofino to be "reasonable"? Or are you just giving numbers for comparison?

This information shows what the rates are but not whether or not you think any of them are fair. Any thoughts?

Hold on here friend ,you asked back in another post(,look at post 3175) for actual numbers on rack rates from disney and universal.You even named the portofino, I give rock solid numbers on rack rates on and now you want my opinion?Before my opinion did not matter,something about throwing darts you said I believe.Give numbers to back it you said. The numbers back my position friend! Lets do the math 299 vs 450 or more,looks to me like 299 is more reasonable( by a large margin).By the way no I don't think 299 is reasonable,since now my opinion is wanted.I would wait for a discount to get it for around 200 or less,but hey that is just the way I shop.Now since I did this round of homework do some for me.Go back a decade and see how much universal hotels jacked there prices up and do the same for the disney hotels.Use the deluxes since we have the current numbers.Then by all means lets compare! Most won't like the sobering results.

 

[flicx]

I'm not sure how you interpreted post 3122, but I'm not going to argue with you about it.

I don't agree with Searcher because we share similar viewpoints, as there are many others on here that don't share similar viewpoints with myself, and we have had a fine discussion. I do think Searcher's reasonable because he doesn't generalize, and he is not so negative, and that is why I think his posts are important to our discussion.

By the way, I already apologized above about the discount wording - are you reading the thread? I meant to say deep discounts like 40% off room only rates or FD. We used MK Club several times, as well as CAA/AAA, and the discounts were nowhere near what Disney has been offering as of late. That was my experience - if you got a better discount, then that's great!

I am not interested in carrying on this discussion any longer, as you are being insulting and sarcastic - two things that are not allowed on the DIS. You are welcome to your opinions, but being rude is just not cool.

You seem very passionate about Disney, and about your beliefs, we all get that, but you are struggling to understand and accept some responses that are contrary to yours, or, that ask you for more clarification. In this regard, I am not interested in responding to anymore of your posts.

I have enjoyed this thread, up until now. Sharing info, exchanging opinions and relating personal stories is nice, but the tone of your posts as of late are not so nice, and for that, I am done.

Tiger

I am sorry you feel that way,I was simply mirroring the tone I felt was being directed at me.By the way I was typing during your discount correction and had no way of reading it till after I posted.Anyhow have a good evening!

 

[brunette8706]

FLICX, Tiger, WDSearcher, NYTIMEZ etc...

Just so you know, I like all of you. I hate to see people get frustrated by their opinons on this thread. I'm certainly not a moderator but we all have our OWN opinion, especially me. LOL! Please don't get frustrated with the "other guy". I know we are all passionate about Walt Disney World, and I just want to keep this as a discussion, on the neutral polite side if possible. I have agreed with many of you on this front and I have also not have agreed with some of you, but we can all come to the conclusion that we all really do love Disney World. Some of us just get frustrated presenting our side of the discussion. Maybe we should all shake hands and not get frustrated with each other....Just a thought....

Okay that was just my .02 cents...


Brunette

 

[flicx]

FLICX, Tiger, WDSearcher, NYTIMEZ etc...

Just so you know, I like all of you. I hate to see people get frustrated by their opinons on this thread. I'm certainly not a moderator but we all have our OWN opinion, especially me. LOL! Please don't get frustrated with the "other guy". I know we are all passionate about Walt Disney World, and I just want to keep this as a discussion, on the neutral polite side if possible. I have agreed with many of you on this front and I have also not have agreed with some of you, but we can all come to the conclusion that we all really do love Disney World. Some of us just get frustrated presenting our side of the discussion. Maybe we should all shake hands and not get frustrated with each other....Just a thought....

Okay that was just my .02 cents...


Brunette

Absolutely brunette I have no problem buring the hatchet,just don't bury it in my head!LOL

 

[brunette8706]

Absolutely brunette I have no problem buring the hatchet,just don't bury it in my head!LOL

*
You're always flexible flixc!! Sometimes I can really get riled up on some discussions. What people don't understand or maybe they do, is at times you can't hear a "tone" on say email or discussion boards etc. Some people may read something the wrong way. It's wierd because email is so linear not 2 dimensional if you will.

I still think Disney has some good things to offer, but as you and I and others feel some things are on the decline. But hey we still love Disney! We're going back down in January and can't wait! It's really worth it when you get annual passes.

Thanks for your reply Flicx! Brunette

 

[Tiger926]

I am sorry you feel that way,I was simply mirroring the tone I felt was being directed at me.By the way I was typing during your discount correction and had no way of reading it till after I posted.Anyhow have a good evening!

FLICX, Tiger, WDSearcher, NYTIMEZ etc...

Just so you know, I like all of you. I hate to see people get frustrated by their opinons on this thread. I'm certainly not a moderator but we all have our OWN opinion, especially me. LOL! Please don't get frustrated with the "other guy". I know we are all passionate about Walt Disney World, and I just want to keep this as a discussion, on the neutral polite side if possible. I have agreed with many of you on this front and I have also not have agreed with some of you, but we can all come to the conclusion that we all really do love Disney World. Some of us just get frustrated presenting our side of the discussion. Maybe we should all shake hands and not get frustrated with each other....Just a thought....

Okay that was just my .02 cents...


Brunette

Thanks.

I think it is important that we remain neutral in terms of how we fashion our statements on here, but as mentioned, we don't all have to agree with one another. And, just because someone asks for more clarification, it should not be taken as a personal slight, but in the way that perhaps that person's response was not clear, or, the other person has not had that same experiences, and so in order to understand that person's position better, he/she needs more info or clarification.

We all are passionate about Disney, but in varying degrees, and we all bring to the discussion a variety of backgrounds, personal experiences and understanding of what Disney means to us, as a way to discuss whether Disney is going downhill, staying neutral or on an upswing.

It has been a very informative and interesting discussion, and one that many of us are very passionate about, due to our love for that castle and its cast of characters! I hope we are able to continue our discussion, in a respectful, fun and welcoming manner for all!

Thanks, Tiger

 

[KellyNY]

FLICX, Tiger, WDSearcher, NYTIMEZ etc...

Just so you know, I like all of you. I hate to see people get frustrated by their opinons on this thread. I'm certainly not a moderator but we all have our OWN opinion, especially me. LOL! Please don't get frustrated with the "other guy". I know we are all passionate about Walt Disney World, and I just want to keep this as a discussion, on the neutral polite side if possible. I have agreed with many of you on this front and I have also not have agreed with some of you, but we can all come to the conclusion that we all really do love Disney World. Some of us just get frustrated presenting our side of the discussion. Maybe we should all shake hands and not get frustrated with each other....Just a thought....

Okay that was just my .02 cents...


Brunette

Hi Brunette,


I agree with you, we all should tone it down a bit. I was scared last night that when I wake up thread will be closed as things got heated a bit too much. I think we all pretty passionate about disney and therefore about the topic but I do not think any of us aggressive nor angry. Lets not be sensitive but lets not push either. I know it is difficult sometimes to read tone but lets try to see into meaning. We all generalize here, we all back up our opinions with opinions of others but the truth is we did not ask everybody and none of us can speak of millions of people, neither way. I believe this thread survived because we all showed ability to discuss vs arguing, lets keep it this way.there is no place for comments like negative, aggressive, rose glasses, disney advocate and so on, if we want to continue enjoy each other company. And we do enjoy, that is why we keep coming here. Lets keep it easy.

 

[WDSearcher]

*
Excellent and valid points. They had the decorations the year before (per your statement) but now they decide not to put them up. Disney has the decoration themeing down to a science. They hire contractors to put up say the Christmas decorations sometime in November and all of it is done between closing time and right before park opening the next day. So, why is it so difficult to put a few more decoratins up along Main Street?

Actually ... not really true. Decor doesn't happen "overnight" any more because there's just way too much of it. The "overnight" thing is that nostalgic bit of Disney magic that we all remember from back when it was only MK and Epcot. Or what we remember from last year's HGTV special, where David Bromstad gushed about Main Street's transformation.

I know that last year Robo did a pretty exhaustive list of when decor goes up and comes down over the holidays. Pieces of holiday decor start showing up around various shops, restaurants and other locations in early November and are not fully installed until just before Thanksgiving. Other things don't go up until Thanksgiving night. Still others don't get installed until after Christmas parade filming in early December, and holiday entertainment elements don't hit MK until after the last MVMCP. It used to be that there was this magical moment on Thanksgiving night where all the Guests went to bed with the parks looking normal only to wake up the next morning to find that Christmas had arrived. But that really hasn't happened in almost a decade just due to the immense volume of work that has to be accomplished as the resort grew.

I know that it seems as though plussing up decor is just one more guy with a ladder and a bunch more ornaments, but it's not. It's a huge undertaking to deck the halls at Disney. Holiday Services works year-round to check every single decoration to determine what they need to toss and replace with new, how to change things out year to year to be more creative, how to make their budget stretch as far as it can possibly go, and how to do all the work that goes into designing the overall look. It's more than just saying, "Hey -- let's drag out that garland from two years ago and tack that back up!" They can't just toss a half dozen more wreaths at it and poof! -- Christmas is better!

What's next no more character interaction, or doing away with the character shaped bushes and foilage? Isn't that what makes Disney...DISNEY? Anyway, good points. Thanks Brunette

Yes. That's what's next. No more Character interaction. That's exactly why they're testing a new talking Mickey this week at Town Square Theater. It's why they added Phineas & Ferb to the character slate at the Studios and why Jake from Jake & the Neverland Pirates is going to start M&Gs this month at Disney Jr. It's why they're adding a new Donald-featured Character lunch at DAK in December. They're doing all this because they want to take away Character interaction. You've discovered Disney's evil plot!

 

[mom2rtk]

It's why they're adding a new Donald-featured Character breakfast at DAK in December.

Huh? Did I miss something? What is this?