News Round Up 2016

[mike_71]

Tom Corless was 'breaking' news that RoL was gearing up to launch just days before it was hard-postponed. People are quick to dismiss Jim Hill, but wdwnt's news is hardly reliable, unless clearly sourced from elsewhere.

It was, or at least, there was evidence that it was. There was a test and adjust schedule floating around, that I saw, that had the dates he reported.

 

[rteetz]

It was, or at least, there was evidence that it was. There was a test and adjust schedule floating around, that I saw, that had the dates he reported.

That is true but Corless was even sticking to the previews when CMs and others were repeatedly saying those weren't happening and the show would likely be delayed.

 

[SureAsLiz]

This is the crap that irritates me with Disney. They can't afford to have a couple of cast members on hand to run both sides of Dumbo over Easter, but having CMs hanging around to communicate the back story of a completely fictitious town to the handful of people that care ( but not enough to just read a flyer) is cool spending.

Much of the cast working this event is salaried and borrowed from other areas across the company - they aren't costing any more than it would to have them work in their offices normally

 

[rteetz]

Photo update

Disney Springs continues to get ready for May 15th openings

http://www.mousesteps.com/extra-fea...-more-as-town-center-readies-to-open-may-15th

 

[adam.adbe]

Much of the cast working this event is salaried and borrowed from other areas across the company - they aren't costing any more than it would to have them work in their offices normally

I was referencing this:

"it was explained that The Springs Visitor Center, where guests will be able to sit, charge phones, and make dining reservations, will have Cast Members that will help tell the story with the help of seven watercolor paintings representing each of the neighborhoods of Disney Springs."

I know the big press dog and pony show is going to be well staffed. That's the nature of the beast. I also realize, that the Welcome Center will be staffed. That quote makes it sound like Disney want to be sure there's always someone on hand to tell you about The Spring's glorious industrial era.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

News

Hong Kong cuts staff

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/artic...and-cuts-staff-after-first-loss-in-four-years

I am currently in Hong Kong and this was the cover story to the local paper the other day - it seems to point to general downturn in tourism in Hong Kong but then is amplified by coming competition from Shanghai #ThanksShanghai


I was at the park last Friday (and may go again this Friday) - it's a nice little park. There was definitely a mix of people there with lots of people from Europe, Americas, and a lot from Australia, in addition to those from China

I think that trend will continue with fewer people coming from mainland China but actually an uptick in those from other parts of the world (I know a few people planning to do a "tour of Disney Asia parks" once Shanghai opens) - obviously not enough to offset the drop from people from Mainland China - but those from further away are more likely to stay longer, stay in the hotels, and do "extra" experiences. They already do a fireworks dining package and I could see them adding more of that. I could also see them cutting to only doing Fireworks some nights

I feel like there were enough unique attractions (Mystic Manor, the coming Ironman experience, etc.) to make it worth a stop for big Disney fans, but adjustments will have to be made on who the cater to and look to attract.

 

[pepperandchips]

I'm four pages behind now, but...

New Ice Cream shop is going in the last photo where the ESPn store used to be. Flying Fish is being expanded into SeaShore Sweets

Woo Hoo!!!

Amidst all the negativity (not that I'm not bummed too) it's nice to see some of the improvements Disney is making taking concrete shape at some of my favorite places. Can't wait to see what they do here.

 

[rteetz]

News

New themed events coming to All-star resorts

http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/2016/04/new-themed-events-coming-to-disneys-all.html?m=1

 

[Tia1977]

Alright guys, another thread has just po'd me off enough to seek "oracle" realism input. As this is the most cut throat audience (said with honest respect), I'm out of my rainbow filled shadow to seek you. We're new to the party, having just found Disney a couple of years ago. It started as a "one and done" 2wk trip. Even my rosey colored TA friend (who I liken to the man in the van "want some candy lil girl" bc our new obsession is her fault) is scratching her head over all the greedy money pinching moves Disney is making this year. Obviously you guys are worn and true veterans, I can see it in your posts. And through it all, obviously something keeps you coming back (even if a love/hate affair). Have you ever seen a time like this, with so much being taken away, changed, etc; to see a rebound? This is the 1st year we're upgrading to AP, with 2 2016 trips booked and hopeful yearly visits planned til at least 2020. Bc as long as DD is obsessed and still wants her eventual senior trip to be a Disney Cruise and park at the end with her parents (v/s send me to the beach alone w/friends), we'll continue to feed the obsession (victory was had when cute boy bands came off the walls for Mickey & Minnie this past Christmas). Gotta be real, this year seems really sucky. I mean really. When fan bloggers I follow call war, something is awry. I've been more po'd than excited planning our trips. Obviously I'm still hoping things will take a turn for the better. And obviously I want to hear it will. But, being a fan of reality; I'm now brave enough to ask for it straight. Remember though, I'm used to rainbow land. Please be nice (at least to me, I don't care how much shade you throw Disney)...

 

[rteetz]

Alright guys, another thread has just po'd me off enough to seek "oracle" realism input. As this is the most cut throat audience (said with honest respect), I'm out of my rainbow filled shadow to seek you. We're new to the party, having just found Disney a couple of years ago. It started as a "one and done" 2wk trip. Even my rosey colored TA friend (who I liken to the man in the van "want some candy lil girl" bc our new obsession is her fault) is scratching her head over all the greedy money pinching moves Disney is making this year. Obviously you guys are worn and true veterans, I can see it in your posts. And through it all, obviously something keeps you coming back (even if a love/hate affair). Have you ever seen a time like this, with so much being taken away, changed, etc; to see a rebound? This is the 1st year we're upgrading to AP, with 2 2016 trips booked and hopeful yearly visits planned til at least 2020. Bc as long as DD is obsessed and still wants her eventual senior trip to be a Disney Cruise and park at the end with her parents (v/s send me to the beach alone w/friends), we'll continue to feed the obsession (victory was had when cute boy bands came off the walls for Mickey & Minnie this past Christmas). Gotta be real, this year seems really sucky. I mean really. When fan bloggers I follow call war, something is awry. I've been more po'd than excited planning our trips. Obviously I'm still hoping things will take a turn for the better. And obviously I want to hear it will. But, being a fan of reality; I'm now brave enough to ask for it straight. Remember though, I'm used to rainbow land. Please be nice (at least to me, I don't care how much shade you throw Disney)...

I think you'll find that many of the people here have been going to Disney since before the 90s which was when WDW was considered in its prime. Then the late 90s hit, Roy Disney's Save Disney campaign went into affect and Iger became CEO. Everything since then hasn't improved much in many people's opinion. I've been going to Disney since 1999 but I was 8 months old that first trip. Many people still go to Disney because it is still enjoyable and is nostalgic to them however I think you find people going less often and spending less at the parks than they used to, at least Disney veterans. New people to Disney aren't going to realize these things and are going to continue to spend.

 

[rteetz]

News

Looks like there was a reason for getting rid of FP at MK for Wishes...

http://www.disboards.com/threads/changes-to-mk-wishes-dessert-party-same-day-reservations.3502884/

#ThanksShanghai

 

[rteetz]

News

Earth Day activities at Epcot

http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/2016/04/several-activities-coming-to-epcot-to.html

 

[rteetz]

News

An update on Tilikum's health from SeaWorld

http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/2016/04/seaworld-shares-latest-update-on.html

 

[wareagle57]

News

Looks like there was a reason for getting rid of FP at MK for Wishes...

http://www.disboards.com/threads/changes-to-mk-wishes-dessert-party-same-day-reservations.3502884/

#ThanksShanghai

News

Looks like there was a reason for getting rid of FP at MK for Wishes...

http://www.disboards.com/threads/changes-to-mk-wishes-dessert-party-same-day-reservations.3502884/

#ThanksShanghai

Will this only be for the East (former) FP viewing area? Or both? It just seems like it might be difficult to get people through the crowds to the west area. Too bad all guests won't be able to enjoy the area. I tried it out last month because I knew the FP was going away and while it wasn't "worth" a FP, as someone who had been enough to not NEED all my FPs, I did enjoy the show from the area without people around me.

 

[rteetz]

Will this only be for the East (former) FP viewing area? Or both? It just seems like it might be difficult to get people through the crowds to the west area. Too bad all guests won't be able to enjoy the area. I tried it out last month because I knew the FP was going away and while it wasn't "worth" a FP, as someone who had been enough to not NEED all my FPs, I did enjoy the show from the area without people around me.

I think both but that's not clear.

 

[soniam]

@Tia1977 I haven't been going as an adult as long as many people on the boards, but I started going before FP+. I started working at a big corporation out of college. I, and many of my co-workers, disliked what upper management was doing to the company. We would complain and grumble about it a lot. Many left. It got to where I was incredibly unhappy there, and I left for a start-up. It was great while it lasted, but we got bought by a big corporation. I decided then that most places were going to have management that are idiots. As long as my immediate group and bosses were sane, then I was going to ignore the corporate part of it, or I would never find a place where I could be happy. I don't think about these things when I go to Disney. I know that they are a big, "evil" corporation, but I enjoy it too much to let these things get to me. I do complain some on the boards, but mostly out of fun and commiserating with fellow fans. Also, pointing out faults isn't necessarily bad and is pretty much what I do for a living, really If you can't ignore these annoyances and focus on the happiness, then it might be better to not go or not go frequently. Or, avoiding the boards, if it gets to you, is another option. I have learned to try to not let negativity around me affect me, so reading these things on the boards doesn't really bother me. Good luck, and I hope you find your happiness.

 

[Travis B]

I haven't seen one thing about the delay being related to Shanghai this has to be purely techincal problems.

I think that tech is the simplest and most probable solution. It's bad PR and given the inevitable dessert parties, glow-crap, food and bev, merch, etc - if it was running it would certainly make the company money, or at least break even. Am I wrong?

Crappy as it is, better to delay and present a spectacular show. I really do wish we knew what was happening, though. To be a fly on the wall...

 

[Travis B]

I was referencing this:

"it was explained that The Springs Visitor Center, where guests will be able to sit, charge phones, and make dining reservations, will have Cast Members that will help tell the story with the help of seven watercolor paintings representing each of the neighborhoods of Disney Springs."

I know the big press dog and pony show is going to be well staffed. That's the nature of the beast. I also realize, that the Welcome Center will be staffed. That quote makes it sound like Disney want to be sure there's always someone on hand to tell you about The Spring's glorious industrial era.

I think it's just a cheesy quote. They'll help tell the story by booking your dinner at Morimoto and pointing you to the fancy sandal store. As glorious as it is, Disney Springs is a mall, and I don't think they're paying folks there to help us feel the fantasy. It's probably like a guest relations for Disney Springs, something like that.

 

[mikepizzo]

News

Looks like there was a reason for getting rid of FP at MK for Wishes...

http://www.disboards.com/threads/changes-to-mk-wishes-dessert-party-same-day-reservations.3502884/

#ThanksShanghai

I haven't seen Wishes from either the Tomorrowland Terrace or the Plaza Garden, but I would think the Plaza Garden has a better view? If that's true, shouldn't the guests that booked in advance get the better of the two views? Or is this Disney conditioning people to spend in the moment to get the best stuff?

 

[mike_71]

That is true but Corless was even sticking to the previews when CMs and others were repeatedly saying those weren't happening and the show would likely be delayed.

True, but I really don't have a problem with taking an official test and adjust schedule at face value until Disney officially says otherwise. It was the first piece of info that we had that gave a timeline, while Disney refused and refused to give us anything.

I don't blame this test and release schedule, I blame Disney for stringing us along, but that's just my opinion.

Edit: I don't want to derail the thread, just putting out my 0.02c