The 5 Biggest Needs at Walt Disney World

[mom2cinderella]

1. I'm okay with AK closing at 5. I like having an evening that is laidback and free or is an extra night to see Wishes/Fanstasmic.

2. & 3. I like Star Wars, and dh would probably live in a Lego Star Wars world if he could, but.....when I think Star Wars, I don't think ~*DISNEY!~*~ Pixarland? I would be totally behind that.

4. I like the retro feel of Tomorrowland but would enjoy being part of the angry mob that burns down Stitch's Great Escape.

5. I'm okay with the transportation but then again I'm not there during peak periods.


And I totally agree with the poster that doesn't want anymore rides going past screens. I like immersive rides and shows.

Interesting thread!

 

[bmalonef45]

Disney is Disney... there are some that will never be die hard fans but most who are reading this and posting on this board drink the Disney Koolaid. I'm a drinker thats for sure.

This is a great thread as many people have great ideas. I agree that AK and DHS could use a boost. I was just telling a friend that only had limited time to go to the parks that DHS really only had 3-5 rides of significant value and a few shows here and there. Its a great themed park without the attractions to keep you around. Many of the suggestions seem good. Starwars is a easy move as they've got a start. We were there on SW a few weeks ago and it was great. Why they don't find a stage with seating to do the end of day show with the Star Wars characters dancing is beyond me. Way too many people trying to see a popular show in an area that is far too small.

I totally agree with those saying the Tomorrowland Speedway is in need of help. It doesn't fit the Tomorrow theme for one thing. If they wanted to keep a speedway why not theme it around the Cars shows? This would be easy and it could be called Piston Cup Speedway. Change the cars to a eco- friendly power system and go for it. SGE is BAD our kids rode it once and the smell of his gas issues have turned them off for life. Adding another ride there would be fine with me.

Anyone who really thinks about how many people WDW moves around every day and thinks that they don't do a good job really needs to think of the numbers and the area. Is it perfect? NO. Can it be? NO, but they sure do a good job of it. I do agree if they continue to add rooms and try to keep people on property they need to keep up but I can't agree with the thought that they aren't the best at moving people in the business.

One last thing. I've been to a few Six Flags parks. If you are a thrill ride junkie (which I can be at times) its a great place to be. But to compare MK and Six Flags is not really fair. The story behind almost every ride at MK is almost untouchable. Can Six Flags boast a extremely successful movie series based on one of their rides? POTC for those non Koolaid drinkers!

 

[Amanda_the_awesome]

Interesting thread... here are my thoughts on 5 things:

1. Enough with the riding through tv screens. I second whoever said this before me. I love the Nemo ride and I find the 3 Amigos ride mildly amusing after I've had a few shots of tequila but enough is enough. It is time for Disney to get back to their roots and bring back epic, animatronic rides like they had back in the day. Mission Space was no replacement for Horizons. Test Track was no replacement for World of Motion. These are fun rides, sure. But a sim ride and a mid level thrill ride? Really, Disney? You can do better than this. Don't even start me on how sick I am of 3d movies. There are better ways to use 3D. Look at Spider Man etc. at IoA.


2. Tomorrowland. With the concept of Steampunk being is popular as it is now, the ideas should be flowing through their heads. Retro Sci Fi is huge right now. They could take some ideas from Disney Sea and make this whole area a lot more visually appealing and full of things that are classic sci fi. Jules Verne stories, rocket ships, retro robots. Mix them in with Wall-E, the TS Aliens, and maybe a few new rides.

3. DHS needs a fix. There is not much to do outside of the main "street" and the area where ToT and RnRC are. The shows are dated. The stunt show, while neat, is a horrible hassle to get in and out of. If I didn't love ToT and Fantasmic so much, I'd seriously skip this park. I like the idea of a Star Wars land. I also like the idea of them updating the movie ride to reflect some films that became popular after 1992.

4. Add some new rides to the WS. Maelstrom hasn't been impressive since 1994 and those circlevision movies never have anyone watching them. I agree with the previous poster who mentioned only selling goods made in those countries. Also, how about we not throw princesses in your face in the WS too. Does every WS country need a pin cart? Probably not.

5. Pixar gets plenty of attention. So do the princesses. How about some of the older, classic Disney characters? They're timeless. Bring them back. Also, and this would be fantastic not only in HS, or Epcot's Japan pavilion, but Disney distributes Hayao Miyzaki's films. These aren't household names in the USA yet. But they really could be if they were marketed as such. This would give a whole new set of characters and worlds to work with.

I love your Tomorrowland concept. I'm a big Steampunk fan.

 

[Planogirl]

1. I love the idea of a bigger Star Wars area. Imagine a restaurant in the cantina! I'd like to see a dark ride of some type that shows different areas or even just a detailed version of some area within the Star Wars universe.

2. As for DHS, it needs decent restaurants desperately. I'd love to see the food improved in the existing restaurants and some good counter service places added. I'd like to see a few new scenes in the Great Movie Ride and have the Backlot Tour be as interesting as it once was. The Indy Stunt show concept is fine but maybe change it up a bit. Something new needs to go in Sounds Dangerous and the Muppets could use a new show.

3. WDW needs a few places where grownups can go and dance and just hang out. There just isn't much for couples to do outside the parks.

4. Epcot needs to reopen the closed attractions. It's sad to see empty or shuttered buildings. Journey Into Imagination needs big time help. It would be nice if Disney would add a few nations to WS too.

5. AK should continue to close early just as they do for the sake of the animals. I would like to see more indoor places with A/C, maybe some misting fans and a few more attractions.

 

[Planogirl]

Epcot needs the items in each country for sale to be from those countries. It is so sad to buy something in France that is stamped Made in China. Each country should have unique items that can only be purchased there. I can buy Twinnings tea at my local grocery store.

Not in that many flavors.

 

[Figment1990]

A few comments on others ideas, before I add my own. And just so you know, I'm a BIG disney fan, and generally think they do a great job of their vacation destination. It makes me happy, and although I always welcome changes and enjoy new things, I'm not really upset with much of what they have to offer.

I would NOT enjoy an entire Star Wars area. I have seen all 6 movies but I'm just not a fan. No one in my family is. Just my 2 cents. Not EVERYONE would love a Star Wars area - which is fine, I just wanted to clarify that it would not be a universally popular area. (Just as I'm sure there are some non-Harry Potter people out there).

I like AK as it is - there is a lot more to do there than people sometimes realize. It's such a unique park, in my opinion, and I enjoy just soaking it in. It's a slower paced park for me - tranquil and amazingly detailed.

I also love DHS. Or MGM, as I refuse to stop calling it. Again, I enjoy just soaking up the atmosphere and enjoy almost ALL of the rides there. For those who think the shows are dated, remember that not everyone returns to Disney year after year, and that families are constantly beginning. My DS watched B&TB and Little Mermaid just before our last trip. Consequently, he was fascinated by these two attractions that are based on "old" movies. They are well done and we enjoyed them. Likewise, Adventureland is also "new" for many families. My DS loved Aladdin's carpets, and Swiss family robinson treehouse.

i'm always for more monorail lines!

I also have no issue with the "ride along" dark rides like Mexico or Nemo. Ask a mother of a two year old boy who loves Nemo - she'll probably tell you that she rode it at least twice at son's insistance.

And if vacationers want to go to WWoHP instead of Disney a few days - fine with me! Less crowds!

Okay - what would be my changes?
1. Bring back the Discovery Magic package. We did this package for our honeymoon and we got x points per person per night. Then you could use these points for various things like meals (sorta like the dining plan), or Cirque, or golf, or spa, etc. Yes, you could do the platinum or premium plans now, but it was much more customizeable then. And for us, made more sense. Less food, more variety. I personally loved it.

2. Bring actual animation back to the Studios. It doesn't have to be the whole movie production, but some part of it. Of all the things that my family loved best about MGM in the 90s was the Animation tour.

3. A Toy Story character meal.

4. I'm excited to see the Fantasyland refurb. I wouldn't mind if they would have done a Cars overlay to the tomorrowland speedway.

5. There is potential for a better Monster's Inc themed ride - something like Peter Pan's flight technology perhaps with the door sequence.

6. (oops - one to many) What about a more hands-on area in DHS regarding CGI special effects or computer animation? They could update the backlot tour and animation perhaps.

7. Change Country Bear Jamboree to something. Anything. This is perhaps the only thing in all of WDW that I do not like. Maybe it could be a Woody's Roundup show.

8. Add an area showing old Disney cartoons. Yeah, they used to have this buried back in that theater by Tony's restaurant, but making it more accessible would be a cool way to remind adults of the Disney animation origins, as well as entertain kids and give everyone a break from the heat. Could be somewhere in DHS or MK.

 

[Tracyannv]

With the purchase of Marvel Comics, it would be nice to see Disney use that somewhere in the parks also maybe Hollywood Studios? I know with the current contract with Universal that Disney is unable to use the characters that Universal is using but they could use other Marvel characters and the contract with Universal has to end someday doesn't it?

AGREED COMPLETELY. I was actually thinking the same exact thing. Especially beacuse a lot of things at Disney are geared towards girls. A Marvel ride or two would be awesome.

 

[Tracyannv]

3. A Toy Story character meal.

4. I'm excited to see the Fantasyland refurb. I wouldn't mind if they would have done a Cars overlay to the tomorrowland speedway.

5. There is potential for a better Monster's Inc themed ride - something like Peter Pan's flight technology perhaps with the door sequence.

7. Change Country Bear Jamboree to something. Anything. This is perhaps the only thing in all of WDW that I do not like. Maybe it could be a Woody's Roundup show. [QUOTE/]



3, 4, and 5 I totally agree with. BUT you can't take away my Bear Jamboree. It holds waaaaaaaay too many memories and my family and I would be crushed if it was changed!

 

[d1gitman]

I would NOT enjoy an entire Star Wars area. We are big Star Wars fans in our house. However, I would not like a whole SW land, but rather a SW complex like 'Living Seas with Nemo' would be fine. There is so much they can do with SW. I just think a whole 'Land' devoted to it is too much. However a giant building with lots of indoor SW stuff is good.


I like AK as it is - there is a lot more to do there than people sometimes realize. It's such a unique park, in my opinion, and I enjoy just soaking it in. It's a slower paced park for me - tranquil and amazingly detailed. Agreed, however, for many of us, it just isn't Disney. I suppose one could just chalk it up to 'different strokes for different folks'. I am one that would like to see them Disney'fy it more. With all the Disney characters that are actually animals, I think they missed the boat on what AK could have been and still kept it in tune with live animals and nature.

I also love DHS. Or MGM, as I refuse to stop calling it. Again, I enjoy just soaking up the atmosphere ditto and enjoy almost ALL of the rides there. For those who think the shows are dated, remember that not everyone returns to Disney year after year, and that families are constantly beginning. Good point. We DIS'rs look at things through different glasses than those that make WDW a once or twice in a lifetime trip....

i'm always for more monorail lines! While it would be very expensive, it would be neat if WDW had a self service transportation system. What I mean by that is a closed track taht went from resorts to parks with vehicles that you could drive yourself. Maybe something with alternative fuel and automated driving. One thing that seems to be 'missing' from Disney, IMHO, is totally unique creations. Creations where the artist creates the idea and engineering has to invent ways to make it happen. It seems that some of what is being put into the parks these days are ideas and attractions created from off the shelf technology. Kind of like the brand sharing that automakers did (eh hem, GM, Chrysler and Ford).
I also have no issue with the "ride along" dark rides like Mexico or Nemo. Ask a mother of a two year old boy who loves Nemo - she'll probably tell you that she rode it at least twice at son's insistance.

And if vacationers want to go to WWoHP instead of Disney a few days - fine with me! Less crowds!

Okay - what would be my changes?
1. Bring back the Discovery Magic package. We did this package for our honeymoon and we got x points per person per night. Then you could use these points for various things like meals (sorta like the dining plan), or Cirque, or golf, or spa, etc. Yes, you could do the platinum or premium plans now, but it was much more customizeable then. And for us, made more sense. Less food, more variety. I personally loved it. This predates our WDW addiction and sounds fantastic. From what i hear on the DIS is that Disney is ALWAYS meddling with plans and packages and that it seems once something gets really good for the guest, they start to change it and start teh cycle all over again. A point system that is useful for anything sounds great. Also, they could incorporate DVC points into the system so that if DVC owners wanted to use their points for something other than resorts. Sounds like a win-win to me.

2. Bring actual animation back to the Studios. It doesn't have to be the whole movie production, but some part of it. Of all the things that my family loved best about MGM in the 90s was the Animation tour. It does surprise me that with Disney BEING animation, that DHS doesn't focus more on Disney animation.

3. A Toy Story character meal. Definitely. So much to work with in terms of characters. Personally, I think DHS should have a Toy Storyland to counter DCA's Carsland. I think it's safe to say that Toy Story will be a classic for decades to come and retain it's appeal. Backlot tours or LMA would be a great place to put this. They could also rebuild TSM, maybe with twin rides like Dumbo will have, in order to accomodate the crowds better.

4. I'm excited to see the Fantasyland refurb. I wouldn't mind if they would have done a Cars overlay to the tomorrowland speedway. I don't like the idea of a Cars overlay at Tomorrowland Speedway. Cars has nothing to do with the future or the world of tomorrow. I would like to see a futuristic speedway. Something that draws off of Meet the Robinsons. The should have vehicles that 'hover' or more specifically, are on a magnetic track. they should be high tech insight with lots of lights, buttons, etc. the car should be enclosed or partially enclosed with a clear bubble dome like on MTR or like a 'george jetson' mobile. I really think Tomorrowland needs to steer clear of things that aren't futuristic.

5. There is potential for a better Monster's Inc themed ride - something like Peter Pan's flight technology perhaps with the door sequence. Yes, yes, yes! Or, a really kickin' thrill ride where you hang from the overhead track in the door warehouse.

6. (oops - one to many) What about a more hands-on area in DHS regarding CGI special effects or computer animation? They could update the backlot tour and animation perhaps. It seems to me that CG is something that Disney should showcase. There is so much with current and advancing technology, that they should knock our socks off with something. Also, it would be a good place to show the history of animation from it's beginnings to where we are now wtih CGI and 3D.

7. Change Country Bear Jamboree to something. Anything. This is perhaps the only thing in all of WDW that I do not like. Maybe it could be a Woody's Roundup show. I think Woody's Roundup would be a perfect replacement for Country Bear Jamboree.

8. Add an area showing old Disney cartoons. Yeah, they used to have this buried back in that theater by Tony's restaurant, but making it more accessible would be a cool way to remind adults of the Disney animation origins, as well as entertain kids and give everyone a break from the heat. Could be somewhere in DHS or MK.

We miss the channel in the resorts that plays old Disney classic cartoons. It really would be nice to see more of the old classics front and center at WDW.

 

[helloconnie]

I was happy to see the Blog ont he Disney site. Gives me hope that someone is thinking about it....

I have actually been researching DIS stock and reading the CEO's comments in the blog about major park projects being over for awhile is a bit disheartening for two simple facts:
1. Competition - The others aren't taking a break! WWoHP is a huge investment and addition to Universal and the WDW Fantasyland expansion really does not come close.
2. Capacity - Disney has been, and continues to, develop the resort leg of the parks adding more and more bodies to the property. This has already started to frustrate visitors as is evidenced in multiple threads on this board. I understand the business approach for both the value resorts and the DVC resorts. However, Disney has not shifted the bodies from properties outside of the gates to WDW properties. They have only created more capacity in the Orlando area for people to sleep and left the park capacity static. Hence, more bodies in hotels = longer lines and more guest frustration.

I think the person that posted the blog had some great ideas.
1. Animal Kingdom needs some additional attractions for smaller kids. The majority of the rides are not suitable for the under 42" set. This keeps families with smaller kids away, or at least in the parks for only a couple of hours. Personally, with two little ones under 5, we skip this park and spend more time at MK.

2. DHS has alot of real estate that is not being used effectively. Plus, a lot of attractions that are dated and/or not being utilized throughout the year. The blogger nailed this one on the head. There is a lot of potential to improve this park. Expanding the Pixar presence, the idea of a Star Wars area is nice. I would like to see some foucs on the villians and/or Marvel super-heros. Something to add more thrill rides would be nice. They could actually use Marvel Comics at DHS and Disney Villians at MK to expand the park in a major way.

3. MK - The speedway is a great ride for the under 42" set. They love it. Please do not get rid of it. Re-tooling to be in a CARS theme would be excellent! Tomorrowland does seem to have lost its theme. It has become the dumping ground land to just stick something in. I too would like to see this area get renovated. Bottom line for this park is more rides are needed to disperse the people! Adding a land focused on the villians would be a great way to add some E ticket rides, give a major fresh new area to the park and serve to disperse the crowds into more lines. Villians would also appeal more to the boys. I would liek to see them revamp Adventureland with more of a Pirate motif. They could get rid of the Swiss Family Treehouse and add a second priate themed ride that was more thrill based and perhaps involved a trip to Davy Jones locker.

If Iger doesn't have plans to keep up with the pace on park expansion / improvement, this arm of the Disney Company is going to find its profits in jeopardy over the next 5 years, not to mention its reputation.

 

[starwarsdisney]

This was posted at the Disney Blog and I thought it might be fun to discuss here.

http://thedisneyblog.com/2010/07/05/the-five-biggest-needs-at-walt-disney-world/

With all the new DVC Resorts, what does WDW need to do?

A few weeks ago during a quarterly results call Disney CEO Bob Iger seemed to imply that once the Magic Kingdom’s new Fantasyland is done and California Adventure’s remake is complete that will be the end of major projects for the parks, at least for a while. I’m not sure he’s taking into account the long list of work that needs to be done.

The list of small projects that could make a trip to Walt Disney World better for the guest is nearly endless. It ranges from little things that could be done better (parking guests at the back of the parking lot when whole sections closer to the gate are still open, bringing back the Country Bear Holiday Show) to large projects (building that bowling alley at ESPN WWOS, a new country or two at EPCOT). But I wanted to focus on the largest needs, those that would make the biggest difference in guest experience.

So follow me below the jump for five suggestions I think WDW should commit to:

1. Something to make guests want to stay in Disney’s Animal Kingdom after 4-5pm.


Many fans think Disney’s Animal Kingdom jumped the shark with Dinoland

This has always been a problem for DAK. They’ve made some in roads with Expedition Everest, but that ride has it’s own problems. SeaWorld (also an animal heavy park) manages to make it work at night. They do it mostly through the addition of some special night time shows. I believe that DAK is the most likely candidate for a water show that uses World of color technology, which would be one part of an answer. But I’d also like to see them add either Australia (a mini-SeaWorld with dolphins, killer whales, and shows) or a new themed land (whatever their replacement for Beastly Kingdom would be).

2. An answer to Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Forget about losing guests to Universal, this is just to show WDI is still the best team at theme park design. Right now that honor belongs to Universal in Central Florida with the WWoHP. Imagineering needs to show they can take a world that exists only in books or the movies and make it real for its fans. There is one obvious choice for this – Star Wars.

One of the most delicious rumors I’ve heard would be the addition of a Star Wars land to DHS. Indiana Jones Stunt show would get re-themed to Star Wars. Backlot Express would receive a Cantina makeover. Then the area behind the restaurant and Star Tours would get one or two new attractions (one themed to Speeder Bikes based on a design WDI did for Disneyland’s Tomorrowland). All this with the type of detail that makes guests actually believe they’re in the world of Star Wars that George Lucas created.

3. Help for back half of Disney’s Hollywood Studios


Help for marketing too apparently?

Excepting the twice a day showing of Lights, Motors, Action there is no reason to visit the back portion of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The backlot tram is a pale shadow of its former self and the Premiere theatre sits empty most of the year. When LMA’s not running other than to walk the Streets of New York (pardon me) America, there is nothing to do for a full 1/3rd of the park. I think the rumored Star Wars Land is a great idea for DHS, but really that area would be served best by an expansion of Pixar Land. This all depends on how well the new Carsland is received at California Adventure.

4. A new vision for Tomorrowland, one that includes an actual vision of tomorrow.

Disney Imagineers have all but given up on the Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland. They’ve allowed the future to be invaded by cartoon characters and abandoned any attempt at a cohesive theme for the land. Truth is, this has been a continual challenge for WDI since the 1967 remake of Disneyland’s Tomorrowland. It’s not that they don’t have the talent to come up with a vision, it’s just that the future is always in flux, so the land has to change frequently to keep up with new realities.

It was actually a hard to choose between Tomorrowland and Adventureland, they’ve both suffered from neglect and injudicial application of cartoon characters. WDW might have an easier time breathing life back into Adventureland. Perhaps with that addition of a new thrill ride and upgrades to Jungle Cruise, Tiki Room, and some cultural elements.

For item number five it was another difficult decision. It came down to more affordable rooms versus better transportation options around the resort. Since they’ve announced the Art of Animation Resort (aka the Legendary Years), I’ll give transportation the win.

5. A transit system that inspires and works.

Three elements have conspired to make the roads of Walt Disney World busier than ever before. First, the last decade has seen a huge expansion in hotel rooms at Walt Disney World, mostly in the form of Disney Vacation club resorts. Second, the last few years Disney has also added the Disney’s Magical Express offering free shuttle service to and from Orlando International Airport. Third, the change in the economy has made Walt Disney World more of a ‘driving destination’ than ever before. One result of these three changes has meant that that there really is no slow season any more, just less busy times.

With more cars and busses on the roads than ever before, this has put a stress on the WDW Transportation System resulting in longer waits and and longer drives before you reach your destination. Some even attribute the rash of accidents and incidents to these new stresses. The missing piece of the formula will be a High Speed Rail Station set to open between WWOS and Pop Century.

This creates a huge opportunity for WDW to re-think how transportation is done at the resort and to put some excitement back into the idea of mass transit and green technology solutions. There have been a ton of ideas on how this could be accomplished. Disney even has a taskforce dedicated to the challenges.

So those are my big five. Where Disney goes from here says a lot about how they want to be thought of in the future. Are they content as being seen as static by the general public and risk losing market share or do they want to continue to be the recognized leader in theme parks and retain that ‘must see’ status?

Am I missing any big needs? What else would you like to see on this list?

Before I respond to this let me just say I love Disney World. I know some people complain that it is not as nice as it used to be or that it is not kept as clean. I think Disney does a good good of keeping things clean. If you don't think so go to Six Flags Great America. Talk about dirty. I think Disney tries to keep things clean especially the bathrooms. Anyway, let me respond to the five given above then give my own 5.

1. I could not agree more. I understand that the animals need to rest and I'm fine with that, but this park is a 1/2 day park for us at best. We usually only go once during our visits which are usually at least 8 days. If not for KS and EE I'm not sure we would go at all. We hate Dinosaur (it's loud). Something needs to be done to make people want to go and stay in this park!

2. Read my screen name. I'd LOVE a Star Wars area at DHS and I think it would be good for all of the boys (and girls). With all of the princess stuff I think this would pay off big with the boys! Sadly this is another 1/2 day park for us. We can go to rope drop and be done before noon. I think that shows have to be updated. Time for Indy to get updated or go. Even if you are not going to do Star Wars something needs to be done. AK and DHS are just not on par with MK and Epcot!

3. See my response above. As I said except for the front part (and TSM) this park needs new life.

4. Tomorrowland used to be my favorite part of MK when I was a kid. Now it's Adventureland. Tomorrowland just looks dated and old when compared to the rest of the park. The lines for the older rides are insane. I think that Disney could come up with a way to make this area great again without having to always be looking at the future. I like the idea of doing something with the Sci-Fi of the 50s idea someone threw out. Either way Tomorrowland is the one land we spend the least time in now.

5. Yes! Don't get me wrong I love the fact that I don't have to rent a car or spend extra money on cabs, but it seems that with each visit we have to wait longer and longer for the buses to take us back to the resort. I think a new rail system of some sort would be cool.

Now for my top 5.

1. Include park passes with DVC. My wife and I were so close to joining this, but when we did the numbers the savings was just not there. We don't need to stay in a super fancy room. If you want people to join this I think you need to make the pot a little sweeter!

2. Add another country or two to Epcot. We love Epcot especially all of the countries. I thinking adding some new ones would add to its appeal of being a permanent World's Fair.

3. Make more charactors available. I remember when Robin Hood and the gang would be out. It seems like it's the same old charactors that are always available. I know that the kids like the newer ones and the princesses, but what about keeping the connection to the classic stuff too. It would be nice to see the villians out other than Halloween as well.

4. Update/do something with DHS. This one is from above. It make my list too because those parks are just not what they once were.

5. AK. Another one from above. This park needs some beefing up!

 

[d1gitman]

1. Include park pass with DVC. My wife and I were so close to joining this, but when we did the numbers the savings was just not there. We don't need to stay in a super fancy room. If you want people to join this I think you need to make the pot a little sweeter!
!

We come to the same conclusion. I would LOVE to buy into DVC, but for us it just doesn't make $en$e. As long as there are some type of specials being offered, DVC is a hard sell to us. And as much as we love Disney, we aren't about to get signed up for a LONG term financial commitment. Including passes would change all of that for us.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

3. A Toy Story character meal.

I think a Toy Story breakfast in the 50's PTC would be a hit. The focus could be on Woody's Roundup. Fill those TV screens with Woody and the gang cartoons, and faux commercials for slinky dog, Mr Potato head, etc.

Now for mine top 5.

1. Include park pass with DVC. My wife and I were so close to joining this, but when we did the numbers the savings was just not there. We don't need to stay in a super fancy room. If you want people to join this I think you need to make the pot a little sweeter!

I agree with this. We have been to WDW an embarrassing number of times now. I've been thrilled every single time and can't wait to go back. Most recently DW and I finally took "the tour" when approached by a DVC rep in the lobby of our resort. It all sounded fantastic, and we just might have joined. But when it comes right down to it, it means a lot to me to have the freedom to say, should that day come, "Disney, I am done with you" and walk away. They need to sweeten the pot in order for me to give that up. If I'm marrying Disney, then they are going to have to come up with a decent dowry. Until then I'll keep cherry-picking the public deals and PINs as means to plan our trips.

 

[FlightlessDuck]

This is a very astute article. I don't entirely agree that WDW needs an "answer" to Harry Potter island, but WDW does not new innovated rides. That new big ride coming is Little Mermaid, and that's just another dark ride.

I don't entirely mind the transportation. The bus system works pretty well, but could be a lot better. I think the sign-age is very good, and I can get around in a car. But I would like to see more monorails or a subway system or something. I know the monorail is expensive, and the subway might not work due to the Florida swamp. Maybe people movers?

Tomorrowland is suffering from a lack of vision. I think the entire area needs to be redone. I like Buzz and Space Mountain and CoP, but the rest needs to go. Maybe they should actually get rid of Tomorrowland (and move some of the existing rides), since Future World in Epcot serves the same purpose.

 

[FlightlessDuck]

1. Competition - The others aren't taking a break! WWoHP is a huge investment and addition to Universal and the WDW Fantasyland expansion really does not come close.

In terms of being a big name, I agree. In terms of actual additional attractions, I don't agree. WWoHP added ONE new ride. The Fantasyland expansion will do the same thing. But it is certainly more of an marketing boom for Universal.

1. Animal Kingdom needs some additional attractions for smaller kids.

I think Animal Kingdom needs more attractions in general. I love the animals, but either they need to focus more on the animals and describe it as an actual zoo, OR it needs more rides.

2. DHS has alot of real estate that is not being used effectively. Plus, a lot of attractions that are dated and/or not being utilized throughout the year.

While I do like that the Streets of New York gives us a break from the crowd, but it is pretty useless space. The Backlot Tour and Great Movie Ride need to be re-imagined. I would also adore a Star Wars land. And the Sounds Dangerous building? Come on!

 

[tink20]

I didn't read everything...I know I'm being lazy.

I would love some new countries at WS.

I do think HS, needs "something" not sure what. Maybe something with the Marvel comics would be good like PPs have said

I would like some character meals that appeal to boys

I love the idea of doing an Australia land at AK. I would love this!

I would like for something at MK that would incorporate the "classic" disney movies. Don't exactly know what they could do. Movies like Bambi, and Robin Hood. I love the princess movies, but when you have an 8year old boy, it doesn't appeal to him one bit.

 

[klacey1]

I disagree with the transport issue-- I've never had a problem with Disney buses.
I do agree with the PP who said that more misters would be great on outdoor lines-- especially Jungle Cruise!

 

[ntsammy5]

3. I used to enjoy the full backstage tour. Then they gutted it. I don't know if it was too time consuming, or what, but it's sorely missed. I'm not sure what to put there, but I agree there isn't any real draw to that area anymore.

This is one of many reason I barely even go to MGM anymore. This has really made the Osborne Lights much less of an attraction for me too.

 

[Goofy's_Biggest_Fan]

Here are a few thoughts I had:

1) Disney needs to actively go after corporate sponsors/partners, who can take on some of the empty pavillions in Epcot as is years past. Think of what Sony could provide to a Disney partnership.

2) Someone mentioned returning actual animation to DHS. That would be awesome to draw people to watch animators working on a future Disney feature.

3) With the popularity of The Disney Channel shows, why not film a series or two in Florida, instead of California? Not only would the show, itself (not to mention actual celebrities) draw families, but a "Behind the Scenes" attraction, showing how TV shows are made, would be a draw.

4) Love the idea of a retro-futuristic Tomorrowland

 

[trekker93]

1.) Misters for hot days- allover all parks
2.) More seating while waiting for buses.
3.) More channels on the TV's
4.) an Annual Passholder reception area at all parks
for special perks, information or discount passes.
5.) Gondola rides at AK, Epcot and MK to see he parks from up high! (The old one at MK caught fire last year when we were down there and it smelled pretty bad for awhile.)