Greg K.
Happy DVC Member, DIS Vet, and Catholic Deacon
- Joined
- Aug 18, 1999
- Messages
- 1,788
We just got back from two glorious weeks at the Board Walk Villas. 
Everything was great -- from the weather (crisp and cool, thank God I'd brought a sweat jacket!) to the crowds (pretty tolerable and nothing unexpected...I even was able to ride Star Tours II with a five minute wait after the opening weekend!)
Those interested can see some pictures of our trip -- including my bride and me renewing our vows at the Mary Queen of the Universe Shrine for our 25th anniversary -- at this link:
http://thedeaconscamera.shutterfly.com/378
But I did notice something notable this trip. The quality of Disney merchandise for sale in the stores, particularly the apparel, isn't what it used to be. Once upon a time (oh, a decade or so ago), they sold nice, durable polo shirts, with embroidery signifying the year, or the special park anniversary involved. No more. Disney has gone full tilt into tee shirts. Most aren't that great. And the quality is flimsy -- very thin, to the point where I'd worry about being able to even wash them more than once.
Also, there were no DVC items -- or even non-DVC item -- for sale that were particular to our resort, i.e. nothing that said "Board Walk." Is this a trend? More and more, I think, Disney has decided that generic items -- mugs and napkins and souvenirs that say "Disney Parks" instead of "Walt Disney World" or "Disneyland" -- will do just fine, and people won't miss them. It's not a big deal, I know, but it feels so blandly corporate and, well, generic.
Anybody else notice this?
I can't help but feel it's another way Disney is trying to cut corners.
But, like I said: we had a wonderful time, and still feel the magic is very much there!
Everything was great -- from the weather (crisp and cool, thank God I'd brought a sweat jacket!) to the crowds (pretty tolerable and nothing unexpected...I even was able to ride Star Tours II with a five minute wait after the opening weekend!)
Those interested can see some pictures of our trip -- including my bride and me renewing our vows at the Mary Queen of the Universe Shrine for our 25th anniversary -- at this link:
http://thedeaconscamera.shutterfly.com/378
But I did notice something notable this trip. The quality of Disney merchandise for sale in the stores, particularly the apparel, isn't what it used to be. Once upon a time (oh, a decade or so ago), they sold nice, durable polo shirts, with embroidery signifying the year, or the special park anniversary involved. No more. Disney has gone full tilt into tee shirts. Most aren't that great. And the quality is flimsy -- very thin, to the point where I'd worry about being able to even wash them more than once.
Also, there were no DVC items -- or even non-DVC item -- for sale that were particular to our resort, i.e. nothing that said "Board Walk." Is this a trend? More and more, I think, Disney has decided that generic items -- mugs and napkins and souvenirs that say "Disney Parks" instead of "Walt Disney World" or "Disneyland" -- will do just fine, and people won't miss them. It's not a big deal, I know, but it feels so blandly corporate and, well, generic.
Anybody else notice this?
I can't help but feel it's another way Disney is trying to cut corners. But, like I said: we had a wonderful time, and still feel the magic is very much there!
