Napkins at WDW

[prfctlyximprfct]

I'm all for plain napkins, if it means they will fix the Yeti!!!

 

[jomommy]

I don't usually get argumentative on these threads, but I can't believe this is the second thread about napkins. Sure, they were special, but they're just napkins.

Are there really that many people that have no idea how a business runs? This isn't necessarily Disney execs being greedy! I mean, we want fridges in all the value hotels, queen beds in all the others, new resorts and all the old ones renovated, the largest expansion in WDW history. . . Oh, and we all but refuse to go without a discount of some sort. Something has to give somewhere and a business has to save money and make money to stay IN BUSINESS.

If Disney napkins are that important for your kids school lunches, grab some at Walmart. If you just don't want to pay for them, is it really Disney that's being cheap? And if you spend thousands of dollars on a vacation and consider "napkins" to be your souvenir, please consider spending $20 or $30 on a real souvenir next time. Then, maybe they'll have the extra money to throw at napkins.

 

[mom2rtk]

I'm all for plain napkins, if it means they will fix the Yeti!!!

LOL!

I'm seeing LOTS of optimism on the DIS today!

 

[Cinderumbrella]

I don't usually get argumentative on these threads, but I can't believe this is the second thread about napkins. Sure, they were special, but they're just napkins.

Are there really that many people that have no idea how a business runs? This isn't necessarily Disney execs being greedy! I mean, we want fridges in all the value hotels, queen beds in all the others, new resorts and all the old ones renovated, the largest expansion in WDW history. . . Oh, and we all but refuse to go without a discount of some sort. Something has to give somewhere and a business has to save money and make money to stay IN BUSINESS.

If Disney napkins are that important for your kids school lunches, grab some at Walmart. If you just don't want to pay for them, is it really Disney that's being cheap? And if you spend thousands of dollars on a vacation and consider "napkins" to be your souvenir, please consider spending $20 or $30 on a real souvenir next time. Then, maybe they'll have the extra money to throw at napkins.

 

[bdoyledimou]

I don't care what is on the napkins as long ad they clean my hand/face while I dig into some Flame Tree BBQ ribs !!!

When they start pointing me to the braid leave bushes to clean up with -- then I will complain.

 

[jenrose66]

Did anyone else notice this? The paper napkins at all the food places are now plain brown napkins. There are no more imprints of characters or Disney Parks on them. Just wondering if I'm the only crazy one that noticed!

I loved those napkins If we grabbed too many with the meal we had bought I'd always bring the extras with me. I liked keeping them with my stroller while at home.

 

[Olivejuicy]

I can say with absolute certainty that neither my husband nor my daughter (neither of whom have been before, though I have) would consider a character or emblem on a napkin a bit of disney magic. I am not sad about them missing out on napkins next week, as there are a million other things I imagine will fill them with wonder. It does make me feel bad that people would spend one second of their vacation feeling sad about a napkin, though.

 

[KrazeeK120]

And it is one more little cutback. One less happy little moment for new visitors...and one more disappointment for fans.

Like you said...doesn't sound like much, but it all adds up.

Disney used to have better napkins. Then they got cheaper napkins, but still cute. Now we just have crappy napkins.

If this is what they have to resort to in order to keep stocks doing well, it doesn't bode well.

Ok, to put this in perspective, I've talked to a LOT of people who have gone to Disney world (because a LOT of people have been there). I'm a huge fan of the place and I love to talk to people about it. Not one single person has ever said, "Oh gosh, I LOVE the napkins!" (prior to the switch) or, "Oh gosh, Disney's napkins are SO TERRIBLE!" (after the switch). In fact, I've never heard any comments about the napkins at all, nor have I ever paid attention to them myself.

I understand that there are a lot of people on the Dis who are just huge Disney fans. And that's great! However, I feel like there are people on this thread who are vastly overestimating the affect of napkins on the general population of people who affect Disney world. As long as the napkins clean off your face and hands, most people are going to be satisfied.

They are constantly adding rides, building hotels, etc. If they found a way to save a few pennies by changing something that very few people are going to notice, that's just good business sense. And let's be realistic...Disney is a business. Their job is to make money.

 

[Sammie]

Maybe they were too well liked.

 

[Pixiedust34]

And it is one more little cutback. One less happy little moment for new visitors...and one more disappointment for fans.

Like you said...doesn't sound like much, but it all adds up.

Disney used to have better napkins. Then they got cheaper napkins, but still cute. Now we just have crappy napkins.

If this is what they have to resort to in order to keep stocks doing well, it doesn't bode well.

Yes, it's all in those small details that make WDW a unique place. When they take away too many details (even tiny ones, such as theme on a napkin), they are becoming more generic and less Disney. A napkin in and of itself may not be a big deal, but coupled with other cutbacks it's not a good move by the company.

 

[KrazeeK120]

I don't usually get argumentative on these threads, but I can't believe this is the second thread about napkins. Sure, they were special, but they're just napkins.

Are there really that many people that have no idea how a business runs? This isn't necessarily Disney execs being greedy! I mean, we want fridges in all the value hotels, queen beds in all the others, new resorts and all the old ones renovated, the largest expansion in WDW history. . . Oh, and we all but refuse to go without a discount of some sort. Something has to give somewhere and a business has to save money and make money to stay IN BUSINESS.

If Disney napkins are that important for your kids school lunches, grab some at Walmart. If you just don't want to pay for them, is it really Disney that's being cheap? And if you spend thousands of dollars on a vacation and consider "napkins" to be your souvenir, please consider spending $20 or $30 on a real souvenir next time. Then, maybe they'll have the extra money to throw at napkins.

 

[Pixiedust34]

And what is the point of having custodial in the parks at all times sweeping and picking up garbage when someone else will just add more? Why not just have all the custodial staff only clean in the hours the park is closed? That would save significantly more money than the fraction of a cent each napkin costs.

And how long until the soap/shampoo goes from being trial sizes with at least some relation to WDW to being one of the pump dispensers mounted on the side of the shower? After all people just wash their hands with the bar of soap a few times and then mousekeeping throws out the rest of the bar. In all honesty, when was the last time you finished up all the complimentary toiletries you used when in the hotel room? It's not the fact it was a souvenir, it was something that tied into the overall theme and experience. Heck, I can go to McDonalds and get napkins that are custom to McDonalds, is WDW really that hard up to save a few cents?

An off topic response.....WDW recycles the resort soap. http://www.cleantheworld.com/

 

[Bus36]

Are there really that many people that have no idea how a business runs?.

Easy one. Most people have no clue.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[Jennasis]

Napkins again eh? A lot of angst over something you throw in the garbage.

 

[Erin1700]

The napkins were cute, but not something I will get worked up about.
My DD11 while eating a hot dog in MK once said "I hate these rolls, I swear they started making them from the napkins."

 

[rachel09985]

I am upset about it too. It won't make me stop going but it was a good touch. I was looking at old Disney pictures and the design was always changing which made it special.

I loved having Disney napkins and Disney plates

 

[Olivejuicy]

The napkins were cute, but not something I will get worked up about.
My DD11 while eating a hot dog in MK once said "I hate these rolls, I swear they started making them from the napkins."

I would think that she would have liked them all the more!

 

[chigirl]

Supplies for businesses are insane...I run a major national department store and customers would NEVER believe how much we spend on bags & boxes. We give out boxes free, which many stores do not anymore, but the cost of these supplies is huge. It cracks me up when people say "the bean counters are at it again"...yes, of course they are! That is their job. Lets not forget that Disney has to answer to shareholders just like any other publicly-traded company. It blows me away that the common American forgets that they want their 401k to grow...what is your 401k tied into? Businesses. For businesses to post a dividend, they have to make a profit...controlling expenses is part of the profit process. Businesses have gone to crazy lengths the last few decades to ensure profit to please shareholders and mutual fund directors, but the average American acts like they have no skin in the game. You want your 401k to grow? Then you want a business to do well! It's the same as people who come into my store and complain that nothing is made in America, but also scoff at paying $14 for a shirt...can't have it both ways, people!!! Not having a printed napkin is not going to dampen anyone's trip....the fact that you have the resources to go to WDW should be enough. There are millions of people losing their homes due to job loss, etc...just be grateful that you're going to WDW, I am! Now, there ARE legitimate claims to be made about corner-cutting at WDW (I mean, can't you change that grainy movie shown at the end of The Great Movie Ride??? ), but napkins??? Really???

 

[andyman8]

Just wanted to thank everyone for the new blog article idea: "The State of Napkins at WDW." That's how I'm going to get more views!

Then, I can write a follow-up on the state of shopping bags at WDW. Maybe I can ever include DLR in all of this!

 

[doris1976]

No problem as I buy souvenirs. Just wipe up the messes and into the trash they go.