Four Seasons...Jungle Trek............and more

[rutgers1]

I mentioned in another thread that Seth Godin devotes six pages in his book Meatball Sundae to Disney. The section is called "A Short Note for Bob Iger." His ideas for revitalizing Disney are very interesting, some more than others. For those who don't know him, Godin is a marketing/business guru who has a cult-like following for his blog (myself included).

However, one of the ideas made me think about the Four Seasons and Jungle Trek. Here is a snippet:

* Democratization of the wealthy: Virtually all Disney products were created for the middle class. Now that the edges become ever more pronounced, how do you stop treating those willing to spend (a lot) more as more than a niche? Not just gold-plated Mickey Mouse dolls, but fundamentally different experiences that transcend the ordinary."

Here are my thoughts on Seth's quote from above...I definitely agree that Disney was originally built and marketed for the masses, just at the time when traveling distances by car and plane were becoming more common. A common experience for common people. Yet in this internet world where people now expect products and experiences to be tailored to their needs, companies - even Disney - are going to have to evolve. I think we see that with the various offerings within the hotel division, ultimately leading to everything from your All Star resorts to this new Four Seasons. And now we might be seeing this with Jungle Trek. Heck, I know a guy who claims to have spent like $1,000 so he could watch the fireworks at Disney from a boat. I wouldn't pay it, but he has more money than me and he was willing to do it. If he can afford it, why not?

I am not sure if the entire book is worth purchasing just for the six pages on Disney, but those who like to debate the old vs new here, I think you will enjoy it. Seth looks at the world created by the internet and talks about why some companies win and some lose. I found myself relating a LOT of it to Disney, and I guess he did too, as the last section of the book is the Disney one. I had been thinking about Disney for the previous 220 pages, and then right there at the end, he connects the dots.

 

[KYMickey]

While I expect to see Disney start to provide additional "special" events and options for people who want to spend more, I also firmly believe they have to continue to provide options for every one. Disney cannot survive just catering to any individual group, they must cater to everyone and be able to provide a "Magic" experience for everyone! As you noted several of the newest projects are firmly aimed at the high end, hopefully we'll see some others for the mid and low level visitors soon.

And by the way, the fireworks cruise on Seven Seas Lake is a wonderful experience. Champagne, appetizers, boat cruise and fireworks what more could make an evening special?

 

[deej696]

Rutgers, I was hoping you would post some of what was discussed in the book, especially how it relates to the debates on the other threads. So thanks for that I plan on picking up the book because it sounds like my kind of reading....