News Round Up

[skier_pete]

I just hate to see things like that go. For no apparent reason other than "cost", "logistics", or "ergonomics"...

But there's no way that fountain was taken out to "save money". Everyone wants to put every move Disney does to them cutting costs, but that's simply not true in EVERY case. They may have found that while many liked the fountain, many more complained about the smell or the noise, or the lack of space in the lobby.

I just don't agree with the "Disney is bad" or "Disney is cheap" that gets applied to every change made on site.

 

[Reddog1134]

But there's no way that fountain was taken out to "save money".

Actually, it sort of was.

I believe Tikiman (a reputable source on all things Poly) said there was a problem with the drainage that would have cost way too much money to fix.

Also, the waterfall used the same water as the outdoor features. This caused some sort of health issues as the water wasn't properly filtered as it entered the building.

 

[clsteve]

But there's no way that fountain was taken out to "save money". Everyone wants to put every move Disney does to them cutting costs, but that's simply not true in EVERY case. They may have found that while many liked the fountain, many more complained about the smell or the noise, or the lack of space in the lobby.

I just don't agree with the "Disney is bad" or "Disney is cheap" that gets applied to every change made on site.

Then, change it.

I've seen some pretty amazing tropically themed fountains in "deluxe" hotels all over the world that neither smelled, nor were "noisy".

And that's the whole point. With minimal effort, all sides of this issue could have been placated.

You say no way, then -why?

 

[leholcomb]

Actually, it sort of was.

I believe Tikiman (a reputable source on all things Poly) said there was a problem with the drainage that would have cost way too much money to fix.

Also, the waterfall used the same water as the outdoor features. This caused some sort of health issues as the water wasn't properly filtered as it entered the building.

I was actually about to post this. Supposedly, to fix it, they would have had to get into the Poly foundation. Kids were sticking their hands in it and it became a health concern.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I just don't agree with the "Disney is bad" or "Disney is cheap" that gets applied to every change made on site.

Are you ok with "Disney is out for money and only money in the short, medium, and longterm...and they have made a public stockholder based decision to never give anything back to their consumers ever again without upcharge unless under duress"

Because though I have seen the positives and most definitely negatives of Disney over my years...I'm 100% sure that this applies to the operation for the last 15 years.

No doubts.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I was actually about to post this. Supposedly, to fix it, they would have had to get into the Poly foundation. Kids were sticking their hands in it and it became a health concern.

"Blame the health department" is...however... An old tired trick out of the corporate cost cutting bag.

I'm not saying it applies here...but I'm skeptical whenever the "board of health" is blamed anywhere...just saying.

 

[Reddog1134]

"Blame the health department" is...however... An old tired trick out of the corporate cost cutting bag.

I'm not saying it applies here...but I'm skeptical whenever the "board of health" is blamed anywhere...just saying.

But it's not like Disney is making press releases to the general public with that info. So if it is a trick, who are they trying to fool?

EDIT: Just noticed the "not saying it applies here" statement.

 

[clsteve]

But it's not like Disney is making press releases to the general public with that info. So if it is a trick, who are they trying to fool?

EDIT: Just noticed the "not saying it applies here" statement.

Managing internal info is as much of a corporate game as managing the external info.

It's a danger to the kiddies - swamp water!, impossible to fix the drainage (which we built and maintained for 45 years), way too costly.....

All are straight out of the internal corporate "manage the message" handbook.

So, shut it down, get rid of the "dangerous" bacteria-filled water, cover the drain and put in another eco-friendly, non smelly, aesthetically pleasing, aqua-self contained (they have those) fountain with a few Koi.

Everybody happy.

 

[rteetz]

Watch fri-sat... I happened to be there for two days during the "wine and dine" half and it was uncomfortably, sickening crowded... Not New Year's Eve but too close. Run Disney has gone ape... I fully support that... But they need to now move them to slow/dead weeks (not marathon... That's fine this time of year) to create a new hot spot. I think at first they were worried they needed another draw...but he registrations go up by alot every year and that means more money. I'm all for the "sweetheart sweat run" on 2/10 or "jimmy hoffas half" on 9/12. I've been looking for a reason to do one and the draw of off time would work like a charm for me.

We so far marathon weekend seems fine but like you said I'd expect the weekend to be busier. Just leaving the expo and that wasn't crowded at all.

 

[rteetz]

DHS update

http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/2015/01/hollywood-studios-update-removing-hat.html?m=1

 

[luisov]

DHS looking tragic right now Glad to see a lot of stuff going on. Can this park afford 3 to 5 years in this condition though? A phased opening should definitely be in their plans at this point.

 

[Spacedog1975]

DHS looking tragic right now Glad to see a lot of stuff going on. Can this park afford 3 to 5 years in this condition though? A phased opening should definitely be in their plans at this point.

I also see interim special events while attractions are not yet ready to bring online. Frozen singalong is one such, but they surely could come up with other "limited" event entertainment.

 

[rteetz]

Epcot today crowds again not bad. Had my race this morning definitely one of the best Disney things I've ever done. Want to do a half next. Very cool here which is a downer being from wisconsin but still better than -5.

 

[leholcomb]

Epcot today crowds again not bad. Had my race this morning definitely one of the best Disney things I've ever done. Want to do a half next. Very cool here which is a downer being from wisconsin but still better than -5.

I'm headed down for my first half next month! So excited! Love runDisney events!

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Epcot today crowds again not bad. Had my race this morning definitely one of the best Disney things I've ever done. Want to do a half next. Very cool here which is a downer being from wisconsin but still better than -5.

I think you'll see a surge this weekend... This also is a traditional time for one of the largest business conventions at wdw... Though I may be outdated as I had heard a few years back that the convention might have gone down with the housing crash...

My point on the wine and dine was it was overlaid on one of the busiest weekends of the "off season" - last of food and wine... And that seems like bad planning.

Glad you enjoyed the run...I signed up for registration notifications from RunDisney yesterday...I have been lazy and putting it off... Now it's only a matter of time before I get in one.

It is my favorite place to run anywhere...except perhaps for Central Park, south beach, or siesta key.

 

[rteetz]

I think you'll see a surge this weekend... This also is a traditional time for one of the largest business conventions at wdw... Though I may be outdated as I had heard a few years back that the convention might have gone down with the housing crash...

My point on the wine and dine was it was overlaid on one of the busiest weekends of the "off season" - last of food and wine... And that seems like bad planning.

Glad you enjoyed the run...I signed up for registration notifications from RunDisney yesterday...I have been lazy and putting it off... Now it's only a matter of time before I get in one.

It is my favorite place to run anywhere...except perhaps for Central Park, south beach, or siesta key.

Definitely will try to a half next year if I can. It's been quite a chilly weekend but much better than -20 wind chills in Wisconsin so I can live with it. MK tomorrow I expect more crowds obviously.


I also took a picture of the backstage area of soarin, it's all dug up so looks like the third theater is a go, a construction trailer is also there. Since I'm on location I'll upload it when I get home.

 

[rteetz]

Magic kingdom today quite crowded but not quite July crowded nice and cool. Wait times for stuff seemed normal or just above normal tho. Dined at be our guest for the first time that was very good. Also say the Christmas decor for the first time also very good.

 

[rteetz]

Decided to stay and watch the electrical parade tonight boy is that in bad shape. Lots of lights not working and it was delayed about five minutes. They opened the door and closed it about a minute after because nothing was moving.

 

[minimemom]

thanks for the news update! Love this thread

 

[rteetz]

Hollywood Studios tomorrow it is my last full day here. Will be looking to get hat destruction pictures as well as star bucks construction pictures. I've really enjoyed marathon weekend would definitely do it again.