Reducing the Disney "Experience"

[Luvchefmic]

I am sorry, but this is just not true. Attendance is at record levels if you include all 4 gates at Disney World. And unlike yourself, I will provide a link to actual data. You can look at a couple of individual years and individual parks and see a couple of years since 1991 where Epcot or Hollywood Studios may have had slightly higher numbers but if you take the entire attendance from all 4 parks into consideration, 2013 was the largest attendance year ever.

http://www.scottware.com.au/theme/feature/atend_disparks.htm

Ok I thought the Disney Co itself never releases attendance numbers, am I incorrect ? Looking at the link you provided in very tiny letters is this: that I placed in bold red. So to me it's just another blog

These Disney attendance figures of 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 & 2013 were collated from random sources all over the internet however many probably came from Amusement Business (no longer around) and www.teaconnect.org

 

[PetePanMan]

Well said- it's still plenty magical for us. Are we sad to see some things go? Sure but we're excited for what's to come and disney isn't getting any less magical for us because a talking trash can is taken away.

Also agree. I do not understand the concerns being raised on numerous threads on what seem like very small items that shouldn't really have any significant impact on your overall vacation experience. I don't like every single change either but I understand that Disney is a business which must try to cater to all of its guests not just their hard core fans (who of course don't always agree anyways). Overall I think positives outweigh negatives.

 

[sharonped]

I know that Push being gone totally ruined the magic for my 3yo. He had to settle for meeting all his heroes instead.

Buzz, did you actually ever see PUSH?? In all our trips that was the most magical experience for my boys. They were flabbergasted. PUSH played with them for a good 1/2 hour. This was OUR experience. I completely understand that others did not have this same experience.

 

[JanaDee]

I am sorry, but this is just not true. Attendance is at record levels if you include all 4 gates at Disney World. And unlike yourself, I will provide a link to actual data. You can look at a couple of individual years and individual parks and see a couple of years since 1991 where Epcot or Hollywood Studios may have had slightly higher numbers but if you take the entire attendance from all 4 parks into consideration, 2013 was the largest attendance year ever.

http://www.scottware.com.au/theme/feature/atend_disparks.htm

Disney does not release attendance numbers. Any numbers you find are guesses and pure speculation.

 

[BugsDaddy]

Ok I thought the Disney Co itself never releases attendance numbers, am I incorrect ? Looking at the link you provided in very tiny letters is this: that I placed in bold red. So to me it's just another blog

These Disney attendance figures of 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 & 2013 were collated from random sources all over the internet however many probably came from Amusement Business (no longer around) and www.teaconnect.org

The numbers match those provided on the TEA website which is not an official Disney entity but is widely considered the most accurate source of attendance information. So, it's not "just another blog" as you put it.

In addition, I was responding to a post stating that Disney did not post record attendance numbers last year, without posting any commonly accepted sources of data to back that claim up.

So, a person can dispute the data or the source but if they want to make inaccurate statements, at least provide a source of their own to back up what they are saying.

 

[cakebaker]

Disney does not release attendance numbers. Any numbers you find are guesses and pure speculation.

Well guesses and speculation based on what I would think is some pretty decent research. From what I read, that's a respected source. Certainly a level above the expertise on the Dis- in either direction.

 

[Luvchefmic]

The numbers match those provided on the TEA website which is not an official Disney entity but is widely considered the most accurate source of attendance information. So, it's not "just another blog" as you put it.

In addition, I was responding to a post stating that Disney did not post record attendance numbers last year, without posting any commonly accepted sources of data to back that claim up.
So, a person can dispute the data or the source but if they want to make inaccurate statements, at least provide a source of their own to back up what they are saying.

Yes I understand that and then I responded to you re your link. All estimates though.

Disney does not release attendance numbers. Any numbers you find are guesses and pure speculation.

 

[BugsDaddy]

Yes I understand that and then I responded to you re your link. All estimates though.

Yep, if you don't like what the data is saying, just dispute the source.

 

[Luvchefmic]

Yep, if you don't like what the data is saying, just dispute the source.

When TDC ( the Disney Co ) releases the attendance info I will believe it.

Where you think I don't like the data is beyond me, I was just questioning the figures and the source.
Just because it's on the internet does not make it true.

 

[Letterhead]

For me, some of the biggest losses were:
Spirit of America
The view of the GMR Theatre
Myuki
Merlin
Pleasure Island

At least they seem to be doing something about the GMR view and Pleasure Island (and the Boardwalk at least covers some of PI's audience), but the rest currently have nothing in place to make up for their loss.

 

[Jennasis]

Disney shoots themselves in the foot. They announce closures (recently many MANY closures or removals) with no corresponding announcement of what we can expect to see replacing it and WHEN.

If they would just be forthright with us, it would go a long way to shutting up those of us who are critical or suspicious of the closures.

 

[lovethattink]

Never say never. If they could do this to the castle, they're capable of doing anything!

My son saw a picture of our family before he was born at the birthday castle. He said, "Awesome! That is so Wreck it Ralph!"

We loved Push and were sad to see it go. Loved AIE and sad to see that go too. We will miss seeing the World Showcase players as we walk by and miss hearing Off Kilter, especially. Mostly out of all Disney's changes over the years, I miss the original Journey Into Imagination.

I haven't seen any of the new entertainment at Epcot, but I will check them out and give it a chance. If we don't like it, we'll keep moving.

The biggest change for ds was the change from GAC to DAS. His park experience will never be "like it use to be". DAS isn't going anywhere any time soon, so we make the best out of it.

Someone had mentioned about fewer seating. We noticed that too. I started carrying a beach towel to use on the ground to sit.

Progress and change happen. Some good, some not so good. But amidst all the changes Disney magic is still there. Sometimes in the least expected places and circumstances and I could give countless examples.

 

[flicx]

I am sorry, but this is just not true. Attendance is at record levels if you include all 4 gates at Disney World. And unlike yourself, I will provide a link to actual data. You can look at a couple of individual years and individual parks and see a couple of years since 1991 where Epcot or Hollywood Studios may have had slightly higher numbers but if you take the entire attendance from all 4 parks into consideration, 2013 was the largest attendance year ever.

http://www.scottware.com.au/theme/feature/atend_disparks.htm

Now come on. You want to compare 4 gates, when in the years I mentioned there weren't. Compare attendance at the magic kingdom, epcot and the studios individually. It's not like everyone is going to one park. Read the information closer and compare ,these aren't record crowds. These estimates are very similar to the other years I mentioned.

 

[Doug7856]

Disney does not offer official attendance anymore and they stopped breaking down revenue by location and it's just reported as "Disney Parks & Resorts". My guess is that the attendance estimates are extrapolated from tax revenue collected by the local jurisdictions.

 

[flicx]

In addition, I was responding to a post stating that Disney did not post record attendance numbers last year, without posting any commonly accepted sources of data to back that claim up.

So, a person can dispute the data or the source but if they want to make inaccurate statements, at least provide a source of their own to back up what they are saying.

The numbers you posted do back up what I was saying. The studios and epcot have had better years. Epcot, multiple higher years and several years right at last years attendance. For the studios 97 was a bigger year and 96 virtually identical. Animal kingdom has had a steady uptick. The magic kingdom has faired alright too, however 91 was a very similar attendance year compared to last year. So again Disney World hasn't had record attendance across the board!

 

[tony67]

When TDC ( the Disney Co ) releases the attendance info I will believe it.

Where you think I don't like the data is beyond me, I was just questioning the figures and the source.
Just because it's on the internet does not make it true.

No really I am a French model..Bonjour.

Is attendance up currently...I am sure it is...but is the DDP that they were going to stop giving away keeping these numbers up? there was an announcement that I recall to the stockholder that this was going to stop...but they can't because people expect it and it is keeping the numbers up IMO.

I wonder if in a year and half or so when the current changes all of us "negative Nellies" are constantly complaining about starts to affect the numbers will that be as respected a source for the folks that are touting it now?

Remember these changes that many people are talking about really only got to the breaking point in the last few months...plans were already made and trips booked...but will they be back again next year...probably not..so it will take time for these things to affect the numbers

I've said a lot of this before but:
People who have been here a very long time and made 5 times an many posts as me are seeing issues with what is going on.
These are the same people ((And to be clear I'm not counting myself in this group of people)) that bent over backwards assisting many of you people that have been here forever but only registered a couple of years ago.
These are also some of the very same people that were defending Disney when I was bringing up issues with the food quality many years ago.
Telling me I should just be happy to be at Disney or vacation elsewhere.
When these people are complaining you may not agree, but you should pay attention.
And again..what about the folks that just walked away...the restaurant board is a shadow of what it was IMO
What happened to all the people talking about the wonderful meals they had or the great time they had at all the events....I am amazed at how little of that is going on this year.
People that were posting many times a day are now just gone from what I see

As for the comments that we all just want to beat out the next guy and get as many fast passes as we can....yeah that's why they took the time to help everyone with their trips and and the same question over and over again that could be answered with a simple search. How many times do I have to answer the same question: "OMG why isn't XXXX restaurant on the DDP next year..."

Finally as for FP+ ..I have no issue with closing the loopholes..I think that is a good thing.
I rarely got more than 2 or 3 FPs ever. I'd wait for one ride and get a FP for another. HM and POC were always 5-10 minutes at the time I go, even last year.
I check the app every day now and it is 20 minutes a lot of the time..if not longer
I really don't like is the knock on affect FP+ is having on secondary rides.
I need a FP for Star Wars now really????
I never needed one in the past (last year even)...it was walk on.

Basically you c an no longer have a relaxing unplanned vacation at Disney....all the spontaneity is gone IMO.

yeah I know..Life is like a box of chocolates or some other generic saying .....your vacation is what you make of it.....

"There again, if you can't get with the program, maybe vacation elsewhere... There's no way around it..." and

"Disney has made it pretty clear that you either get on board the my magic plus train or get left at the station."

"If people don't like it, they can go to other amusement parks and not worry."

"Talk with your money! It's a whole lot louder than talking with your fingers, but then still spending the money."

And of course lets not forget the classic "You should be happy just to be at Disney. "



Ok...time to pile on and pick apart every line of this now...thanks in advance.....

 

[goofy4tink]

Because this is truly a 'discussion' board, we get to discuss things. Things we like, things we don't like. We get to ask questions and get to help others out. BUT...it just seems that when some post questions, they get snarky answers, like 'have you tried the search function?' or 'again? we get this question every week!'. Not so helpful.
Or, if someone says they hate some aspect of Disney, they get piles on, saying they have no idea what they're talking about. Or, the flip side of the coin, those that say they love everything Disney is doing, and they get piled on!

Here's the thing. I've been going to WDW for 15 years. That first trip was supposed to be the big, one and only trip. Yeah, well...how did that work out? I tend to go down at least twice a year, and some years have spent a total of 4 weeks there, if not more! So, yes, I've seen changes. Some good, some not so good. Do I still love Disney and WDW? Yes. Will I be going as often down the road? No. Why? Because Disney has changed too much for my particular liking. Others here may have no issues and will say that these are only small changes. Changes that shouldn't negatively impact anyone's trip. BUT....they do, in fact, negatively impact my trips. I have no issue with change, I truly don't. But please, give me something to like. Pleasure Island used to be a wonderful place to spend an evening or two. The Adventurer's Club was incredible. All gone now. Why? So we could have more retail and restaurants. Sorry Disney, but that just doesn't get it done for me. It was nice to have something 'adult' to do. Now, I have to go to Jellyrolls for adult entertainment. Don't get me wrong, I love JRs. I own at BWVs so I can go to JRs every evening if I choose. But I don't. It gets old quickly. It was nice to have a choice.
Every year has seen the dwindling of Christmas decor around the parks. Used to be that everywhere you looked, no matter which park, you could see beautiful decorations. Not so much anymore. Those that have been going for the past 5 years or so have no idea as to how it used to be. But, yes, things change. Can anyone here tell me that the lumberjack show is at least equal in entertainment value to Off Kilter? Naturally, neither may be your cup of tea. But, I have yet to hear anyone here saying that the lumberjack show is all that and a bag of chips! Most find it to be less than acceptable!

It's the little things that make up the magic of WDW for many of us...especially those of us that have been there over and over. But, when those little things are taken away, and not replaced, it does, in fact, make our trips a bit less magical. That may not be the case for others, but it most certainly is the case for a lot of us here. Please try to understand how we feel. I'm thrilled for those going now, that have no idea as to how it 'used to be'...they are never going to know what they have missed...and that's a good thing. They can be happy and enjoy what they are getting. Like I said, I'm thrilled for you all. But for others of us, we are feeling the difference between present day WDW and WDW of over 5 years ago.

 

[ariane37]

Because this is truly a 'discussion' board, we get to discuss things. Things we like, things we don't like. We get to ask questions and get to help others out. BUT...it just seems that when some post questions, they get snarky answers, like 'have you tried the search function?' or 'again? we get this question every week!'. Not so helpful.
Or, if someone says they hate some aspect of Disney, they get piles on, saying they have no idea what they're talking about. Or, the flip side of the coin, those that say they love everything Disney is doing, and they get piled on!

Here's the thing. I've been going to WDW for 15 years. That first trip was supposed to be the big, one and only trip. Yeah, well...how did that work out? I tend to go down at least twice a year, and some years have spent a total of 4 weeks there, if not more! So, yes, I've seen changes. Some good, some not so good. Do I still love Disney and WDW? Yes. Will I be going as often down the road? No. Why? Because Disney has changed too much for my particular liking. Others here may have no issues and will say that these are only small changes. Changes that shouldn't negatively impact anyone's trip. BUT....they do, in fact, negatively impact my trips. I have no issue with change, I truly don't. But please, give me something to like. Pleasure Island used to be a wonderful place to spend an evening or two. The Adventurer's Club was incredible. All gone now. Why? So we could have more retail and restaurants. Sorry Disney, but that just doesn't get it done for me. It was nice to have something 'adult' to do. Now, I have to go to Jellyrolls for adult entertainment. Don't get me wrong, I love JRs. I own at BWVs so I can go to JRs every evening if I choose. But I don't. It gets old quickly. It was nice to have a choice.
Every year has seen the dwindling of Christmas decor around the parks. Used to be that everywhere you looked, no matter which park, you could see beautiful decorations. Not so much anymore. Those that have been going for the past 5 years or so have no idea as to how it used to be. But, yes, things change. Can anyone here tell me that the lumberjack show is at least equal in entertainment value to Off Kilter? Naturally, neither may be your cup of tea. But, I have yet to hear anyone here saying that the lumberjack show is all that and a bag of chips! Most find it to be less than acceptable!

It's the little things that make up the magic of WDW for many of us...especially those of us that have been there over and over. But, when those little things are taken away, and not replaced, it does, in fact, make our trips a bit less magical. That may not be the case for others, but it most certainly is the case for a lot of us here. Please try to understand how we feel. I'm thrilled for those going now, that have no idea as to how it 'used to be'...they are never going to know what they have missed...and that's a good thing. They can be happy and enjoy what they are getting. Like I said, I'm thrilled for you all. But for others of us, we are feeling the difference between present day WDW and WDW of over 5 years ago.

I haven't posted on this thread yet but I have read all the way through, and I just have to say your post is completely spot on with how I feel! The majority of my trips were with my parents/grandmother as a child and only MK and then EPCOT existed, so I remember tons of things that have been gone for a LONG time. But I also remember many, many things that were around when I started bringing my DS's in 2006 and are, sadly, no longer there - mostly the "little things" that have been mentioned already. DS12 remembers and misses some of them, and even DS9, when looking back at pictures or hearing his brother talk about certain things will remember. We have awesome pictures of the Stars and Motorcars parade at MGM and also of the old opening show at AK . And the Christmas decorations were SO different in 2007 than they were in 2012, and not in a positive way

So again Goofytink, of all the posts here I think yours sums up many Dis'ers feelings perfectly.

 

[Suvadoo]

I agree with tony67 and goofy4tink. Everything you both said was exactly how I feel.
The changes being made at WDW sadden and disappoint me. Throughout the summer, Disney has announced attraction closures in HS. But despite all of the speculation and rumors, there has been no announcement of coming attractions.
Why didn't they leave these attractions open until they were ready to start construction? I will bet that nothing is done in HS for a while. I think it's really crappy that we are approaching the Christmas season, when the parks are bulging with people, and there's even less to do at HS. It's just another example of cut backs without any planned replacement.
The reasons I continue posting on the boards is in hopes that Disney is monitoring what's being said. I have sent e-mails and snail mail to Disney, but I have received a canned replies. Besides posting on the boards, I am also voting with my wallet. A lot of posters say Disney doesn't care about the loss of your money, but I think they will when it's combined with many others. I won't express my opinion about a WDW vacation unless someone asks for my opinion. But I used to tell everyone how great WDW was, now I keep qiuiet, except on these boards.

 

[floralmouse]

I enjoy a good sarcastic retort. Everyone's magic is based on their own preferences. If a good portion size, a bench and a trash can is your thing, who am I to tell you otherwise. For me the magic lies in things I can't find at my neighborhood playground.

Personally my all-time #1 piece of Disney Magic was the MSEP, Spectromagic version. I still can't listen to the song without getting emotional. And, they replaced it. That one crushed me. Like swore off Disney for all of 6 months because of it. Then got over it and went back and had one of our most magical visits ever. My point is, on this site, when one of your favorite things may have been replaced, you have two options. Moan and groan about it, take to the internet to bad mouth WDW, put down other people's happy experiences and let it ruin your opinion of Disney or try to find something that brings you similar joy elsewhere in the parks. I prefer the latter.

But what if they don't "replace" your favorite thing? I mean, your parade was replaced. Even though it was something you didn't care for, they offered something different.

What about all the things that are gone with no replacement that mattered to others? Like I said, they took away my Hunchback show but at least they put something else in there even if I didn't like it. Same with Maelstrom being replaced by Frozen. (Although, I'm waiting for the Frozen bubble to burst and wondering what they'll do then. Putting a Frozen ride in there throws the whole theme of WS off, at least to me.)

You mention the loss of your favorite parade (which at least had a replacement) and turn around and sneer at those who liked the parade in DAK (which was replaced with nothing)?