I know what you are saying. Honestly, I used to feel the same way, before I really started looking into Disney's history, and how they do things vs. how they did them in the past.
I couldn't understand why some couldn't give credit where it seemed due.
But the thing is, once you really understand what has happened to the Disney company, you realize that it's really pointless to sit here and make lists, and say this turned out right, that turned out wrong. You could do the same with any successful company on the planet.
What drew us to Disney, whether we realize it or not, was the direct result of HOW and WHY they did things. Not everything they did was "magical" or even a success. But the point was, they stuck to a way of doing things that others lacked the vision, talent and drive to do.
Now, really, they essentially run things just about like any other company would. The only real difference is they have an incredible foundation they can take advantage of.
I mean, really, you look at a place like DCA or even MGM or AK, and we can't sit here and say nobody else was capable of doing something like that. Its just that nobody else has
Disneyland, the Magic Kingdom and Epcot to add on to. If Six Flags opened any of those parks (DCA,MGM,AK) just as they stand today somewhere else, they'd be just another theme park. Nice, maybe even successful, but certainly not beyond the capability of anybody else.
So its really pointless to tally up things that appear to be done well today, just as its pointless to go back to Walt's day and rag on things that didn't work out well. As I said, we could find good and bad in every company that has ever existed. Why bother with Disney? Again, its because of the HOW and WHY, and that's really the only thing that matters.
Now, talking about Disney the company and its vision and methods is different than talking about how much fun I had on my vacation. There's plenty of other places to share trip reports about how much fun WDW or DLR are. I even read and contribute to some. But here we try to focus on the how and why.
All that said, I DO say positive things about Disney. Certainly I think many of the things created back when Disney was REAL Disney are awesome, but I've also said I really like/enjoy things created since. For example:
-lluminations is incredible
-When Tapestry of Nations was around, I raved about it.
-Soarin' is a great ride (though it should have some story/themeing around it).
-Tower of Terror (in MGM) is very well done.
-I really like the look and feel of Animal Kingdom, and Kilamanjaro Safaris is mostly well done.
-Philharmagic is well done.
-WDW has some really nice dining experiences.
And I personally still love visiting both WDW and DLR. We are DVC members and spent 15 nights at WDW last year, and have another 15 night trip scheduled this year.
All of this is stuff that I've mentioned around here at various points.
But I'm not going to put it as a disclaimer in every critical post I make. Its distracting and pointless. Further, even though I do make some positive comments, I still get the same sarcastic responses as those who don't bother to throw compliments around. Complaining about somebody not complimenting a nice cleanup of an attraction is a red herring. That lack of a compliment isn't really the problem.
The disconnect is that some view the criticism as a personal attack on something they love. I know, because I felt the same way when I started reading this kind of stuff years ago. To a certain extent, its like when someone criticizes a loved one. The first response is to circle the wagons and get very defensive. Some never get past that point.
The truth is, we also care about the loved one at least as much as anybody else out there. But we're the family member that is trying to sit the person down and get them back on track.
Believe me, I realize its pretty much a futile effort, but as long as I still care, I can't see doing it any other way.
