FYI: More Cuts Coming

[MickeyMinnieMom]

Did I misunderstand, or are these just rumors at this point?

 

[Crystal824]

I know that companies cut back elsewhere when another division has trouble. But part of what Disney is (or was) all about is customer service. Will that gradually become a thing of the past? And even if the new people continue to go when will it become apparent to even them that all is not magical?

Excellent customer service used to be the norm at WDW. I think that has decreased over the years. I think Disney has already reached the point where it is a thing of the past. I really don't think you get better customer service at Disney than any other entertainment company anymore. It is sad, but that is the way it is these days.

 

[bbjunkie]

Regarding MSEP, no, once a week is not at all common for March. Last year, there were 62 showings of MSEP in March. This March, there are 31 scheduled. Additionally, they've eliminated all of the 8am openings at MK for March - including during Easter. The parks aren't staying open as long as they normally do, either. And, the first Fantasmic! routinely gets filled to capacity, but without a second show, some people just won't be able to see it.

As for characters, they've eliminated Aurora, Chip and Dale, Winnie the Pooh and Tigger, and Lady Tremaine. So, six characters cut, while they're going to be adding a grand total of -- one. Mickey and Minnie were already at HS, and are merely being relocated within the park. Olaf is the only new character, and who knows when he'll actually arrive.

So, for my March trip, I'll have reduced park hours, reduced -- in some cases by half -- entertainment offerings, and fewer characters. Crowds will be higher because the parks won't be open as long or as early, and cuts to attractions staff will likely make lines longer as well. We'll have to wait much longer for MSEP and F!, since there's only one show now. And, not a single one of the new shows or rides will be ready for my trip. There's no way to look at the empirical evidence and say that I'm not paying more and getting less.

Hopefully Joy and Sadness will be meeting at Innovations by the time of your trip, so there will be a couple of more meet and greet opportunities for you. I think it is a real leap to assume at this point that the hours posted for the park now are what are going to actually occur 6 weeks from now. Disney is almost always updating their park hours, sometimes just a day before or even the day of. In a few weeks, there will be complaints from people on this board that had scheduled what they thought would be a pre-opening ADR at Be Our Guest or Crystal Palace that no longer get the advantage because park hours were changed. Go enjoy the Star Wars fireworks at Hollywood Studios instead of the second showing of Fantasmic. Everyone always says there is way too much at WDW to see and do everything; I think we all know this to be true. Instead of looking at it as getting less, look at it as getting different. On our last trip, Pirates of the Carribean was closed for refurb. We were on property for 9 days filled with so much, we didn't miss it. We'll catch it next time....or not. There is plenty going on. Will your lines be longer? There is no way to know that now. Probably not. The lines are long, the parks are crowded...it's all part of the deal.

 

[soniam]

I'm starting to think I picked a bad time to visit Disney for the first time. At least with it being my first time, I won't know what I'm missing. I'm sure my family will have a great time and the trip is more for my son anyway. It is disheartening to read about the cuts and changes, especially with what this trip is going to cost.

Don't let the boards get you down. It's like restaurant or hotel reviews. The people with the strongest opinions, one way or the other, will post. Just go in with a positive attitude and the wide-eyed naiveté of a child, and you will have a great time. View the park through your sons eyes, and you won't be disappointed. You still need to plan though. One positive of only going during busy times is that crowds don't really bother you. I have only been during busy times, Summer and Spring Break, not park closing due to capacity though, and here we are returning during Spring Break again. I don't think the crowds are really that bad, but I have a good plan (I use touringplans.com) and go with the flow at the park when things change. You will have to wait in some lines, but with a good plan, it shouldn't be terrible. Plus, line time is family time. You can't talk on the rides. Just so you know, I am not one of those Pollyanna/ there's always a silver lining type of people. I know Disney is an "evil" corporation, like all corporations. They will do what benefits their bottom line, which hopefully still involves making guests happy.

 

[dsdeleon]

My local theme parks up in NY/NJ are crap customer service but I noticed Universal's awesome cast members interaction with my children are much more pleasant. I think it's the Disney overall droning of the same thing like robots "Keep moving, that area is reserved, strollers over there" is just about mass people control vs magical moments.

Take, for example, the interactive wands and SoTMK. Universal has cast members helping the kids, remembering them, making HP inside jokes. All kinds of fun interaction. CM at Disney with SoTMK are so sub-par, they have no idea where the stations are, what they do, or even where to go to get help. Customers have to help eachother, which is fun too, but much less magical.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

Don't let the boards get you down. It's like restaurant or hotel reviews. The people with the strongest opinions, one way or the other, will post. Just go in with a positive attitude and the wide-eyed naiveté of a child, and you will have a great time. View the park through your sons eyes, and you won't be disappointed. You still need to plan though. One positive of only going during busy times is that crowds don't really bother you. I have only been during busy times, Summer and Spring Break, not park closing due to capacity though, and here we are returning during Spring Break again. I don't think the crowds are really that bad, but I have a good plan (I use touringplans.com) and go with the flow at the park when things change. You will have to wait in some lines, but with a good plan, it shouldn't be terrible. Plus, line time is family time. You can't talk on the rides. Just so you know, I am not one of those Pollyanna/ there's always a silver lining type of people. I know Disney is an "evil" corporation, like all corporations. They will do what benefits their bottom line, which hopefully still involves making guests happy.

^ This!

 

[MermaidMommy]

Hopefully Joy and Sadness will be meeting at Innovations by the time of your trip, so there will be a couple of more meet and greet opportunities for you. I think it is a real leap to assume at this point that the hours posted for the park now are what are going to actually occur 6 weeks from now. Disney is almost always updating their park hours, sometimes just a day before or even the day of. In a few weeks, there will be complaints from people on this board that had scheduled what they thought would be a pre-opening ADR at Be Our Guest or Crystal Palace that no longer get the advantage because park hours were changed. Go enjoy the Star Wars fireworks at Hollywood Studios instead of the second showing of Fantasmic. Everyone always says there is way too much at WDW to see and do everything; I think we all know this to be true. Instead of looking at it as getting less, look at it as getting different. On our last trip, Pirates of the Carribean was closed for refurb. We were on property for 9 days filled with so much, we didn't miss it. We'll catch it next time....or not. There is plenty going on. Will your lines be longer? There is no way to know that now. Probably not. The lines are long, the parks are crowded...it's all part of the deal.

Joy and Sadness aren't rumored to be coming to Epcot any time soon anymore. The latest rumors are that it will be a few months, at least, if/when they come.

March hours were just adjusted a couple of days ago. Typically, that's when things like the extra MSEP's, Fantasmic!'s, and 8am openings would have been announced, if they weren't already on the calendar. While Disney can make changes up until he last minute, the calendar is usually pretty set, more-or-less, by now. This March's calendar is highly unusual. Additionally, my trip is in two weeks, so I'm not likely to see any schedule changes, unless it's the day of. And, while on the one hand, I'm lucky in that I'll miss the Easter crowds, it also means that disney is less likely to reinstate some of the things they took away during my dates.

I'm looking at this as getting less because I AM getting less. I go the same time every year, and this year I'll have less hours in the parks, more hours spent waiting on entertainment, and fewer characters. And, with the reports of 20% labor reductions at WDW, it's hard to believe lines won't be longer. Comparing these cuts to a ride being closed for refurb is comparing apples to oranges. Soarin' will be down during my trip, and I have no problem with that. I'll miss it, but I'm happy to see it will be improved. But, there's not a way to spin these new cut as just being "different." Bottom line, it's paying more to get less.

 

[larryz]

Maybe the DISBoards, like Mission:Space, needs a "green" TPA&S forum, and an "orange" TPA&S forum... Green is for the newbies or people who don't want to read about the issues (like a photo of Gisele Bündchen), and Orange is for those who are willing to consider WDW as it is, the good and the bad (like a photo of Gisele Bündchen with a mole on her chin).

 

[domesticking]

Everyone always says there is way too much at WDW to see and do everything; I think we all know this to be true.

True. I am finding it easier to plan my next trip. With Soaring closed, I don't need to choose between it and Test Track.

 

[rteetz]

Did I misunderstand, or are these just rumors at this point?

Nope cuts have already begun. They may get worse they may not it depends how far disney plans to go.

 

[rteetz]

Hopefully Joy and Sadness will be meeting at Innovations by the time of your trip, so there will be a couple of more meet and greet opportunities for you. I think it is a real leap to assume at this point that the hours posted for the park now are what are going to actually occur 6 weeks from now. Disney is almost always updating their park hours, sometimes just a day before or even the day of. In a few weeks, there will be complaints from people on this board that had scheduled what they thought would be a pre-opening ADR at Be Our Guest or Crystal Palace that no longer get the advantage because park hours were changed. Go enjoy the Star Wars fireworks at Hollywood Studios instead of the second showing of Fantasmic. Everyone always says there is way too much at WDW to see and do everything; I think we all know this to be true. Instead of looking at it as getting less, look at it as getting different. On our last trip, Pirates of the Carribean was closed for refurb. We were on property for 9 days filled with so much, we didn't miss it. We'll catch it next time....or not. There is plenty going on. Will your lines be longer? There is no way to know that now. Probably not. The lines are long, the parks are crowded...it's all part of the deal.

Joy and Sadness meet and greet has been put on hold if not cancelled at this time.

 

[sgtdisney]

Joy and Sadness meet and greet has been put on hold if not cancelled at this time.

Given the nature of the cuts and the general feeling lately about the state of the "magic', I am surprised they didn't just cut "Joy" and highlight "Sadness". Seems to be what is happening at WDW lately.... Maybe they can have a special meet and greet for long time repeat guests with "Disgust"?

 

[DisneyDad2015]

I'll probably get flamed for this, but it's entirely illogical and poorly thought out for posters to say that they will not being going to Disney because Disney is cutting back and laying off part time employees.

This effect could cause more layoffs and budget cuts do to less revenue...just saying.

Flame on.

 

[rteetz]

I'll probably get flamed for this, but it's entirely illogical and poorly thought out for posters to say that they will not being going to Disney because Disney is cutting back and laying off part time employees.

This effect could cause more layoffs and budget cuts do to less revenue...just saying.

Flame on.

I'm not going to flame but the only way Disney gets the message is with the wallet. Stop spending there and they will finally start to take a look at what they are doing and will try to do things to get guests back.

 

[mom2rtk]

I'll probably get flamed for this, but it's entirely illogical and poorly thought out for posters to say that they will not being going to Disney because Disney is cutting back and laying off part time employees.

This effect could cause more layoffs and budget cuts do to less revenue...just saying.

Flame on.

It's not my job to pay prices I consider too high for a diminishing product to keep people employed. It's Disney's job to offer a product enticing enough that people can't stay away, thereby ensuring the continued employment of those who work there.

 

[JohnDaleswife]

After our next trip, hopefully in November of this year, I will start exploring elsewhere. But I am in the boat as where I could go and stay at a Disney resort and not have to enter Disney parks. And I may just do that. The Beach/Yatch Club resort can easily keep me entertained. As I think the Poly could too.

I will start exploring other parts of Orlando and Florida attractions! Maybe a new cruise line. Disney may be doing me a favor.

 

[Planogirl]

I'll probably get flamed for this, but it's entirely illogical and poorly thought out for posters to say that they will not being going to Disney because Disney is cutting back and laying off part time employees.

This effect could cause more layoffs and budget cuts do to less revenue...just saying.

Flame on.

I wouldn't flame you for this but I also won't pay for what I see as a subpar product to keep people employed. That is the responsibility of the employer IMO.

 

[kiford]

In most cases now, it is completely unnecessary for any guest to visit the check-in desk for their entire trip. Guest experiences won't be diminished because it was a service guests aren't using anyway.

I was using that service. I liked someone greeting me when I got off the bus who then led me over to check in and handed me off. I don't do the pre-check-in and wait for a text. I prefer to be checked in by a person. However, I do agree with you that this is probably a service that is becoming obsolete because people are using technology. I'm becoming in the minority in terms of using that service; I have to say that I saw a lot of the CM greeters spending a lot of time just walking around waiting for something to do and chatting with other CMs because their services weren't required.

I'm not, however, completely convinced that overruns in Shanghai Disney drove these cuts although perhaps they were considered advantageous due to circumstances. For example, companies will often take the opportunity to cut loose low performers or trim less critical positions when they are making other larger cuts that are due to financial issues. I don't doubt that the cuts are happening but I am less convinced by wording in the article, like "according to inside sources" and no confirmation by Disney that these are directly prompted by Shanghai Disney overruns. In my company, even when times are good, I'm always looking to trim budgets, to do more with less, to look for efficiencies, cut unused/underused services, etc.

 

[KateP85]

I was using that service. I liked someone greeting me when I got off the bus who then led me over to check in and handed me off. I don't do the pre-check-in and wait for a text. I prefer to be checked in by a person. However, I do agree with you that this is probably a service that is becoming obsolete because people are using technology. I'm becoming in the minority in terms of using that service; I have to say that I saw a lot of the CM greeters spending a lot of time just walking around waiting for something to do and chatting with other CMs because their services weren't required.

I'm not, however, completely convinced that overruns in Shanghai Disney drove these cuts although perhaps they were considered advantageous due to circumstances. For example, companies will often take the opportunity to cut loose low performers or trim less critical positions when they are making other larger cuts that are due to financial issues. I don't doubt that the cuts are happening but I am less convinced by wording in the article, like "according to inside sources" and no confirmation by Disney that these are directly prompted by Shanghai Disney overruns. In my company, even when times are good, I'm always looking to trim budgets, to do more with less, to look for efficiencies, cut unused/underused services, etc.

I think you'll be waiting a long time for Disney to say "sorry we spent so much overseas y'all, we're going to have to take away a few characters and shows here at WDW, we were hoping you wouldn't notice!"

 

[kiford]

I think you'll be waiting a long time for Disney to say "sorry we spent so much overseas y'all, we're going to have to take away a few characters and shows here at WDW, we were hoping you wouldn't notice!"

Exactly. That's why I'm skeptical when someone states that the cuts are due to overruns. Maybe they are, maybe they aren't, maybe they are coincidental, maybe they are taking advantage of the situation. But unless you can cite the source or are the inside source, the statement that the cuts are due to Shanghai overruns are purely speculative. No one really knows why nor are they ever likely to know unless officially verified. And I certainly would never admit it if I was in that position.