List of things I wish Disney would do at WDW

[indiesgirl4ever]

I have another one, get rid of Ellen Energy completly, I find it offense because it supports a theory that I don't believe in. That's just how I feel about it.. I wont go into that further but I agree with the tiki room! I hate that voice! Also with the monirail expansion.

 

[SelfEmployedDebtFree]

I have another one, get rid of Ellen Energy completly, I find it offense because it supports a theory that I don't believe in. And I don't think its fair for everyone else.

I agree completely!

Religion/politics is not allowed on here, so I won't go into it all, but there are more theories other than the one being offered. Different cultures/countries believe differently as well. I was rather surprised to see a company that's so culturally minded create a ride that only supports one view as solid and set in stone.
We ride it about every 4th trip, but mainly because it's got great AC, it's long and relaxing, and we like the animatronic dinosaurs, but not because we support the theory it's set on.
I'd be more inclined to re-do it into something else. Maybe some sort of a recreation of Disney's Dinosaur movie. The attraction as it's designed is amazing. I just (like you) wish it weren't exactly what it is. And besides, the whole green/eco thing is good and all, and I support a lot of the green initiatives, but I think it's a bit overplayed at Disney.
The whole green thing seems to have an "OK, we've heard it once. Thats all we need" mentality. Consider the Circle of Life movie (also at Epcot). It's in the rumor mill that it's being removed. People see it once, get the point, and that's really enough. It's not an attraction you want to do every trip. I think Ellen's Energy is the same way. If it were set on Disney's Dinosaur movie, and more "just for fun" I think it would get a lot more repeat traffic. I can't count the number of times I've rode it half full.

 

[mitros]

Higher standards of room cleanliness sure would be a nice "retro" concept. Every year we go it seems to get less consistent, and as dirt accumulates over the years it gets dirtier and dirtier. (The Greenbrier is never like this and their rack rates are comparable.) I'm getting weary of having to come prepared with my own cleaning supplies every visit and warning my family not to touch anything until I've cleaned it all first.

As the PP mentions, it can be done, IF WDW thinks it worth their time/money to ensure consistent, across the board room cleanliness, and if more guests complain.

Yea, the cleanliness at the resorts has suffered greatly over the last 8 to 10 years. It used to be that generally, you could eat off the floors in the rooms. Now, you don't even want to eat off the tables before you sanitize them. And, once again, I blame it all on the tremendous turnover of bodies, due to Disney attempting to put a zillion souls on property at all times.

 

[DC7800]

I blame it all on the tremendous turnover of bodies, due to Disney attempting to put a zillion souls on property at all times.

I don't at all disagree with the basic point, and certainly it all comes down to money in the end (ie., full resorts at inflated rates), but you can't (or at least you shouldn't be able to) blame high occupancy or turnover in the resorts themselves.

Back when Walt Disney World only had three hotels (Contemporary, Polynesian, and Golf Resorts), plus a campground and the WDW Village Resort Villas, it was difficult or impossible to secure a last minute reservation. Even reserving many months out (summer), the hotels were typically already full; Just getting a week at the Treehouses generally meant being waitlisted for some of the date(s) you wanted (which usually worked). I forget if it was reported as 98% or 99% year-round occupancy - but it doesn't matter, because the rooms were immaculate. Everything looked new - shiny and spotless.

Tonight you could call up and get a multi-night reservation somewhere on property starting tomorrow (busy/holiday periods obviously excepted). The occupancy rate is less than it once was, but maintenance may sometimes be lacking not due to turnover, but due to Disney not upholding its own established standards.

 

[SelfEmployedDebtFree]

Regarding cleanliness at the resorts:
A part of the problem may be the age and "wornoutness" of the resort itself.
We have stayed at the All Stars Movies and Music and both at times seemed a bit "dirty". however, I was quite shocked at just how CLEAN the All Stars Sports was on my last trip there. Remember also that it had just been refurbished. I think that has a little to do with it. As a resort gets older and starts showing it's age it's not as "easy" for housecleaning to keep it looking spectacular.

 

[WDWKOOK]

I don't at all disagree with the basic point, and certainly it all comes down to money in the end (ie., full resorts at inflated rates), but you can't (or at least you shouldn't be able to) blame high occupancy or turnover in the resorts themselves.

Back when Walt Disney World only had three hotels (Contemporary, Polynesian, and Golf Resorts), plus a campground and the WDW Village Resort Villas, it was difficult or impossible to secure a last minute reservation. Even reserving many months out (summer), the hotels were typically already full; Just getting a week at the Treehouses generally meant being waitlisted for some of the date(s) you wanted (which usually worked). I forget if it was reported as 98% or 99% year-round occupancy - but it doesn't matter, because the rooms were immaculate. Everything looked new - shiny and spotless.

Tonight you could call up and get a multi-night reservation somewhere on property starting tomorrow (busy/holiday periods obviously excepted). The occupancy rate is less than it once was, but maintenance may sometimes be lacking not due to turnover, but due to Disney not upholding its own established standards.

Interestingly, I checked online for Christmas/New Years resort availability and so far, nothing is full (except SOG). Most resorts/categories are still available for the busiest time of the year. No deep discounts = not as many bookings? Deep spring, summer, and fall discounts = guests have already come and gone?

The PP makes an interesting observation about when WDW had only 3 resorts. I think a major part of WDW's precipitous lowering of cleanliness/customer services standards stem from the fact that WDW (in WED's vision) was never intended to be a resort/hotel business, but rather a theme park family destination. This vision has been lost over the years, and I'll blame Eisner. With the continued development of DVC resorts, I think that WDW has moved in favor of making a quick buck, and away from being a parks destination with minimal, but exceptional on-site accommodations - quantity and no longer quality prevails...

Why doesn't WDW build non-DVC resorts anymore? Are they comfortable with having the Waldorf Astoria and Hilton Hotel open up in October in Bonnet Creek? Why did they just sell-off their own land so that the Four Seasons could build their own luxury hotel on (former) Disney property?

I feel that WDW is becoming overwhelmed with too many resorts, each with its own set of management and operating budgets. I get the impression that there isn't one set of standards/expectations. That's why when people ask "which is the cleanest/best/nicest WDW resort?" it's nearly impossible to reach a consensus on the DIS. It's the same when you ask the question in reverse. We've stayed at nearly all the mods. and deluxes, and we receive sporadic acceptable housekeeping/front desk service at best. And, as other PPs have mentioned, it has gotten worse over the years. Maybe the "new" customers who took advantage of the deep discounting this year won't notice the changes, but those of us who have been visiting for years sure have.

 

[Mouseaholic!!!]

I don't at all disagree with the basic point, and certainly it all comes down to money in the end (ie., full resorts at inflated rates), but you can't (or at least you shouldn't be able to) blame high occupancy or turnover in the resorts themselves.

Back when Walt Disney World only had three hotels (Contemporary, Polynesian, and Golf Resorts), plus a campground and the WDW Village Resort Villas, it was difficult or impossible to secure a last minute reservation. Even reserving many months out (summer), the hotels were typically already full; Just getting a week at the Treehouses generally meant being waitlisted for some of the date(s) you wanted (which usually worked). I forget if it was reported as 98% or 99% year-round occupancy - but it doesn't matter, because the rooms were immaculate. Everything looked new - shiny and spotless.

Tonight you could call up and get a multi-night reservation somewhere on property starting tomorrow (busy/holiday periods obviously excepted). The occupancy rate is less than it once was, but maintenance may sometimes be lacking not due to turnover, but due to Disney not upholding its own established standards.

I commented about the conversation DH and I had with guest services manager at the BC earlier in this thread I believe. This was a few years ago when the budget cuts were really begin to affect the resorts.

We discussed maintenance and also the poor mousekeepers who were cleaning rooms at 5 pm. The reason according to Nelson (who wouldn't recognize Pixie Dust if he fell into a pot of it).....we have had to make staffing cutbacks because of budget cuts.

This was before the 2 rounds of serious staff cutbacks in the first 3 months of this year.

It's not a new problem.....and it's showing.

 

[look1angel]

Everyone has such great ideas

I'd like to see some more rides, give me a really good roller coaster, RnR is great, but I'm talking outdoors.

A ride like Spiderman & Dueling Dragons (from Universal)

A drive- in movie theater

Another country in Epcot

The bricks

Alien

An Adult only resort where only adults lay by the pool & sip delicious adult drinks

 

[PirateFrank]

While I love EPCOT just the way it is...I really wish each and every pavilion had an E-ticket ride of some sort. Norway and Mexico have them...but it would be great if each and every country had something. I always felt that the individual countries were lacking in a little bit of white knuckle entertainment to go along with the shopping and restaurants.

 

[PrincessYessenia]

I'm just gonna keep it simple and list a couple of my opinions.

EPCOT
*Add attractions to the countries that currently have only shops and food, as stated by a pp.

*Add the country of AUSTRALIA...so many ideas for that fill my head!

*DO update the Norway film

*Return the Living Seas back to the Living Seas...as much as I love Nemo, I like the original theming better.

*Remove HISTA...it's not getting old, it's beyond that point for me!

MK
*I went to DLR this past June for the 1st time and fell in love with the Indiana Jones ride...ADD IT!

*Revamp IASW in some way

*Take out the cars...they're useless IMHO

*Add another attraction to Tomorrowland

*I agree with J3nn78 about turning the treehouse into Tarzans and add a character meet in the end.

*After riding TSM I think Buzz's ride needs to be redone

AK (My personal favorite)
*Africa needs another ride

*Change up It's Tough to Be A Bug a bit.

*Provide more of a variety of dining options at Yak & Yeti Restaurant.

*Finally create the Beastly Kingdom

HS
*Remove the hat, it's just a pin shop...it kills the impact of seeing the Chinese theater right when you walk in the park and really feeling like you're in Hollywood. At least that's how it used to feel to me, before the hat came along.

*Add/Remove some movies from the Great Movie Ride



I honestly think another theme park is not necessary but a few more rides as thrilling as ToT and EE should be added for the teen and young adult scene.

And I HONESTLY DO think another resort would be nice. Even when all the resorts are 100% booked there are still people that are trying to get ressies, so the demand IS there. I think an Asian resort could end up being gorgeous.

Again, these are JMO's and know some of these ideas would never work, but they're just my *WISHES*

 

[SelfEmployedDebtFree]

*Revamp IASW in some way

It just went through a major refurbishment a couple years ago.

*Take out the cars...they're useless IMHO

Naw, they aren't useless... They help cut down on crowds. have you seen the lines to those stupid cars??? Apparently someone likes them. If they removed them all those people would be scattered throughout the park! Keep the cars. Just give us something new.
But seriously. The Indy cars are always packed!!! I've never seen the point myself. They are SLOW, they are on those dang guiders, it don't last long; and you aren't even allowed to bump each other. The whole ride kinda stinks to me.
I'd rather have a beach style gocarts track.
However, if you look at how much space they take up, you probably could get a really big E-ticket ride (like an inverted coaster) that would move a LOT more people. So the previous poster might have nailed it.

 

[Jessfrogger88]

I disagree about making Ellen's Energy ride a "Disney Dinosaur" ride... there is already a ride based on that very unpopular Disney movie in AK and it's amazing...

I don't think rides in Epcot should be "just for fun" I like the idea of learning something while I have fun there.

Not to say that Ellen doesn't need a tremendous update, but I do like the style of the ride.

 

[mpomerlo]

No More park, update the one that exist. Monorail should be use to Deluxe Hotels, Animal Kingdom hotel should be the one that use monorail, the bus are so long to get there.

Hollywood Studios, should remove the Movie Ride, and the Ballot tour, or update it.

Change the Movie in Phillarmagic, Honey I shrunk the audience...
New Soarin Movie

 

[mpomerlo]

Remove the Sound Dangerous in HS, more rides like Star Tours
If they make a new theme hotel, would be great, Chineese like or Japan theme
maybe Arabian (they were supposed to do many years ago)
Bring back the Submarine in MK, Matterhorn ride in AK (less scary than the Everest Ride )

Dont change the Illumination show, neither the Wishes (my favorite)
should remove the Fantasmic show and build new attraction in the place.

Epcot should be more up to date in technology, like touch screen maps, future technology pavillon etc....

 

[ScottJ]

Add a 5th Park, make it Pixar based. Then return all of the other parks back to traditional theming. WDW is becoming more like Walt's Pixar World instead.

Expand the Monorail
Add a South America to Animal Kingdom
Add a Country to Epcot, Brazil, Zimbabwe, somewhere not represented. They have all of North America, most of Europe, a big chunk of Asia.
Bring back Ice Station Cool
Finish Pop
I like the ideas of Webcams.

 

[DC7800]

Epcot should be more up to date in technology, like touch screen maps, future technology pavillon etc....

You mean like the touch screen maps they had way back in the early 1980's?

Or how about a future technology pavilion - we'll call it Horizons. It opened October 1, 1983. You are quite correct, of course, we still need a future technologies pavilion today - ideally Horizons - not a "ride' which spins you around until you puke.

I don't know whether to laugh or cry over the sad, sorry state of Epcot anymore! In 1983, Future World was more "up to date" about the future than it is in 2009. Unbelievable.

 

[LIDisneyFan]

I used to be such a Disney-phile. Now I live in FL and haven't been there in 3 years. I only wish Disney mgmt would read these posts-there are some excellent inventive ideas here.

- I agree MK needs a few better dining choices with better food. The general state of dinig at DW has gone downhill, with everything seeming to be the same (and outrageously expensive). We used to spend days just going to the resorts and trying restaurants (and then spending money shopping)

- Provide some diversity in merchandising. You can get the same thing everywhere. If you can't diversify merchandise, close some of the stores.

- Add another EPCOT country-we're 9 years into a new century and NOTHING. Upgrade the food choices, add some rides to the countries, stop selling the same Disney merchandise in those shops (how about returnign to the original concept). Disney used to be great at creativity-how about thinking of a ride to educate and inform? You're in an area devoted to the world and except for movies get no sense of the culture

- Move the hat. Preferably to a swamp.

- more shade and AC in AK would be great-I do like the way the park is coming along-but can't stay there all day

- DDWS-should be a trendy, fun place to go-you don't need PI at a seperate adminssion-make DDWS and PI into a cool place to go and people will pay

- Do something with the Odyssey Restaurant.

- Pay attention to the details. Make sure people in WS come from the country they represent. Don't take me out of the moment by having CMs dressed for one are in another (!!!). Treat me like at king at your resorts (Marriott's service is better at Courtyard). Make me want to come back

 

[geogat]

-If Disney wants to be a leader in the "green" movement I think added monorail lines is very important.

-Add another themed hotel... Something to do with our solar system and space.

-Every town in America has one of these... "A Disney house of pizza". I want to be able to get a good pizza and a good cheese steak with an order of fries!

-If you have mini golf for those that want to get away from the parks, add a bowling alley! Have the pins look like bad guys and the bowling balls could have faces of the good guys!

 

[purplevalentine]

-If Disney wants to be a leader in the "green" movement I think added monorail lines is very important.

-Add another themed hotel... Something to do with our solar system and space.

-Every town in America has one of these... "A Disney house of pizza". I want to be able to get a good pizza and a good cheese steak with an order of fries!

-If you have mini golf for those that want to get away from the parks, add a bowling alley! Have the pins look like bad guys and the bowling balls could have faces of the good guys!

I agree with the Monorail lines and leading in the "Green" movement! If your at a Moderate or Value resort you barely get to enjoy them and they carry a lot more people than the buses.

Speaking of a "Green" movement it would be cool if Disney did a new theme hotel that used only Eco-Friendly materials. People would like this!


Karen

 

[KYMickey]

I agree with the Monorail lines and leading in the "Green" movement! If your at a Moderate or Value resort you barely get to enjoy them and they carry a lot more people than the buses.

In reality they don't carry more people than buses. Yes, each train carries more people than a bus but the loading and unloading time is long and they have to be spaced out. The total number of people moved by monorail between any two points is much less than by buses. Of course you don't even want talk about the cost difference!