Interesting Survey Question

[ceejay13]

We just returned from an 11 night stay and got stopped by the Disney Survey folks a couple of times. They get your EMail address and follow it up with another survey. This one was about planning our trip. One of the questions was what I used to plan our trip books, internet, travel agent, etc. The next question listed several different websites and asked if I used any of those. I couldn't believe it, but they listed the DIS Boards. wdwinfo.com, allears, etc. It was the first time I had taken an official survey where they acknowledged the unofficial sites. Obviously they are catching on that people use the unofficial sites much more than the official ones.

 

[mickeysaver]

Well, that is pretty interesting. It's probably pretty good news to know that Disney is acknowledging the contribution that the unofficial sources are making to enhancing the Disney vacation experience. Thanks for sharing that. Maggie

 

[kaabost]

Cool!

 

[disney4me4ever]

Obviously they are catching on that people use the unofficial sites much more than the official ones.

Unfortunately, Disney does have their head in the sand when it comes to acknowledging their need for better vacation planning tools for their guests. For example, on the "official" site, there is NO information on best days to visit each park, which is one of the most critical pieces of itinerary planning. That is only one reason that people must rely on other sources of information for planning. Disney has a real opportunity to take vacation planning to a new level; I hope they do. Thanks for sharing.

Nancy

 

[Ducky4Disney]

The unofficial sites give you the good and the not-so-good about Disney. Disney isn't going to tell advertise that people didn't like this or that restaraunt or parade. They want it to be sugar coated.

D4D

 

[tjkraz]

For example, on the "official" site, there is NO information on best days to visit each park, which is one of the most critical pieces of itinerary planning.

Yeah, but the value in such information is that only a small portion of WDW guests have access to the info and can plan accordingly. If Disney were to insert information on their web site and in planning videos that said "look for the lowest crowds at the Magic Kingdom on Thursday", how long do you think that would be the case?

Case-in-point is Extra Magic Hour. Disney flaunts this program via all of their official outlets because it is billed as a perk for those staying at Disney resorts. However, you'll not often find people who condone ignoring EMH altogether because the crowds are unmanageable.

Only a small portion of WDW guests use unofficial web sites and planning tools to construct the best itineraries. If you try to take that information mainstream, eventually vacation habits / patterns will change and the formerly "best park day" is now the worst park day.

 

[goofydad621]

Like Ducky4Disney

I like the unofficial sites becasue it shows the good and not so good, it is hard for any compnay to give a true un biased report.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

Yeah, but the value in such information is that only a small portion of WDW guests have access to the info and can plan accordingly. If Disney were to insert information on their web site and in planning videos that said "look for the lowest crowds at the Magic Kingdom on Thursday", how long do you think that would be the case?

I agree. Can you imagine what would happen if WDW told everyone to go to MK on a Sunday? They'd probably have to close the park by 10AM in Value season.

Of course this is also happening with the unofficial sites. We were there the first week of December and thought it was much more crowded then last year. The word must be getting out about how nice it is to visit that time of year. Same with MVMCP. I thought this year, even Tues and Thurs. were much more crowded than last year.