Does Disney care about the Geeks and Repeat Visitors?

[kaligal]

I would concede that we have a skewed view of the parks because we love them. I think it is the same way that the Star Trek geek or Star Wars geek views those franchise differently than the casual movie goer. They notice little inconsistencies in plot lines or changes to who shoots who first and are more critical because of their feelings for the franchise. We are more critical than the average goer (some more than others) because we love the parks and notice the things they wouldn't.

I only saw the first Star Wars movie and that was when it was first released in theaters, so I don't know about all that.

But I do believe that watching the Disney company slowly implode is the same as watching your kid going down the wrong path, only with less control and less caring. But it's upsetting because you care.

 

[dalt01]

I think it is the same way that the Star Trek geek or Star Wars geek views those franchise differently than the casual movie goer. They notice little inconsistencies in plot lines or changes to who shoots who first

Solo fired first........in later years they doctored it so as to soften the character a bit........i cant believe i just posted this...........see what he means?

 

[Chellymouse]

My people call me a "nut"

deb

I'm the Disney Freak at my house...

I agree with the OP though. Especially in the last 2 years (primarily since the recession started) that we have noticed a significant decrease in value and perks that are offered. The DDP once was a great value and now...well, not so much. Personally, a 5th theme park geared toward older kids and adults would have been money well spent as opposed to an overhaul of Fantasy Land. We don't particularly care for US/IOA, but at least they are attempting to bring in new things such as Harry Potter and a new thrill coaster. I think Disney has been lulled into a false sense of security that they are #1 and will remain #1 no matter what. DH and I are considering using our points elsewhere and spending our vacations at other destinations instead of feeding the Mouse. Disney should remember that repeat customers are important that they need to take care of us as well. Disney service has really suffered recently and I hope that they clean it up before it's too late.

 

[PeterPan09]

Annual passholders are being offered 15 months for the price of twelve and I understand that promotion has been extended.

Disney has just started offering a Mom - Fri annual pass.

Disney started D23 (please dont make this a discussion about the merits of D23....I'm old and tired and cranky) and has begun holding events for the "die hard" fans.

I've told this story before....but I love re-telling stories.

Before I met John...I didnt know y'all existed. I had never visited the Dis. I was a solitary Disney geek and I dont believe I was all that unique in that regard.

I think Disney courts the regulars. I dont think they do a good job at courting us....but I think they try,

I did view the 15 month AP promotion as something rare and wonderful-and getting excited about that announcement was part of the reason why I have begun to feel that the guest experience for repeat visitors is just not that interesting to the PTB.

Of course, as a friend of mine said when we discussed it-how much do I really spend on a visit to Disney? I pay the Florida resident rate for the AP, which is IMHO a good value, but after that they don't usually get much out of me. I'll go with an apple in my backpack for a snack and a bottle of water and not spend a cent. If I'm feeling particularly flush, I might buy a Mickey bar. When she and her husband come, they spend on hotel rooms, tickets, the dining plan, t-shirts, plush animals, gifts for family and friends.....why wouldn't Disney be a LOT happier to see her show up and spend more energy catering to her?

It is a business and I want Disney to remain successful. If that means focusing more on the occasional visitor, than it's something that us "geeks" are going to have to learn to live with.

 

[bellaDisneydncr]

When making decisions like ride changes and restaurant policies I think they probably emphasize the pirate and princess pilgrimage crowd more than us because they are the one that make them the vast majority of their income. Most of them won't notice that the chairs have no backs or even realize that there is a holiday surcharge at restaurants.

I would concede that we have a skewed view of the parks because we love them. I think it is the same way that the Star Trek geek or Star Wars geek views those franchise differently than the casual movie goer. They notice little inconsistencies in plot lines or changes to who shoots who first and are more critical because of their feelings for the franchise. We are more critical than the average goer (some more than others) because we love the parks and notice the things they wouldn't.

Very true