The 5 Biggest Needs at Walt Disney World

[MurphyJoe]

AND Universal has a separate, faster line for Resort Guests...hello??!!!

The express line for resort guests would never work at Disney. Universal has 3 hotels, Disney has 24. The express line would probably be as long as standby!

 

[brunette8706]

top 5 needs:

1. Fix Tomorrowland: make it a consistent future theme..the retro future style of the structures is a good start, but SM and Buzz are the only ones that feel like they belong. Stitch is an abomination, Monsters is good, but not 'futuristic'. Tomorrowland Speedway has so much potential for a futuristic driving experience..

2. Add the Indy Ride in DL somewhere in WDW.

3. Epcot France: provide makeup made in Paris
4. Epcot France: provide makeup made in London
5. Epcot France: provide makeup made in NY
Clearly the France pavillion is NOT meeting the cosmetic needs of it's guests as evidence by this thread.

******

Now that's funny!

 

[WdwforLife]

I've been reading this thread along with other threads and...well...I don't know if it's because I'm just extremely easy to please or that I love ALL things Disney, regardless of its flaws and that every time I'm down in the parks, I'm just grateful that I have one more opportunity to be down in the parks because you never where you'll be in a year, personally, financially, etc.

So rather than sit around and complain about what Disney DOESN'T have or DOESN'T offer, I like to spend my time concentrating on what they do offer: which is lots of fun, good memories and an immersive experience that, might not be flawless, is still pretty fun...you just got overlook a few imperfections sometimes

 

[Donut23]

and vice-versa...we try to be aware of people around us when pushing our stroller, but lots of people also think nothing of cutting in front of or stopping short in front of a person with a stroller.

I think it boils down to each individual and their own respect of others and lack of selfishness. Not whether it's one group or another guilty of an infraction.

It's not my intent to change this thread....but I'm going to offer a quick agreement.

After an accident in 2008, I am now stuck in a scooter (with stroller sympathy) and would do just about anything to change this. Anyway, no mater how careful I am, there are always small children (and a few adults) who dart in front of me each trip. No accidents....just frightens the bajesus out of me.

 

[JerseyJanice]

I agree with many things already posted.

The monorail should be extended in toward Wilderness Lodge to include it into the monorail system.

They need to have more services available 24/7. WDW resort food courts close at midnight. That's ridiculous when Epcot is open that late for PM EMH. I can understand not cooking beyond that hour, but a grab-and-go sandwiches plus beverages from a 24 hour gift shop is in order.

First time we visited Animal Kingdom in 1999, we saw a cave with a fire-breathing dragon inside. It was so neat! They should revisit the plans for Beastly or Mythical Kingdom.

The eye-sore buildings in Epcot should be fully rehabbed or torn down. I'm talking about what was the Wonders of Life pavillion (aka the Sad Abandoned Beehive) and the Odyssey building.

Now that South Africa has gotten itself some national pride, it should take its planned place in the World Showcase, complete with a vuvuzela band. Or give the spot to a country that wants it. Greece, Brazil, Australia--I think it's time for a new country.

 

[Clemson Bama Fan]

How about Express/Fast Pass for Deluxe Resort guests and some Pet Friendly Rooms in the resorts?

 

[WdwforLife]

How about Express/Fast Pass for Deluxe Resort guests and some Pet Friendly Rooms in the resorts?

I don't think Disney wants to make some guests feel like they are not equal to others. They want to keep equality in Disney which I am fine with. I think it's unfair that only the small percentage of people who can afford deluxe should get special treatment outside of their resort. Walt built Disneyland for people of all classes of society. We are equal when we're in Disney.

 

[jmpurdy]

I've suggested this in a survey and will shout it to anyone who will listen. Get rid of the paper towel dispensers and use blowers in all parks. So much cleaner and better for the environment. Disney could be a great example to other large parks. Just returned today from a week at WDW and bathrooms were not really cleaned often. Disappointing. Agree that Jungle Cruise needs a rehab ASAP. They've got the jungle, the boats, but it could be so much more. Why spend so much money on fireworks? I don't get it. Instead, use all those thousands of dollars keeping the parks clean and sprucing up the hotels/attractions. We go once a year to WDW and feel that these observations are pretty accurate. We felt that the people mover could also be expanded to the entire park. What a great way to relax and see the park from that perspective! Expanding the monorail is also a great idea. CBR was a nice choice for us as a last minute trip, but it's definitely an older hotel. Pools were kept very clean and food court was clean too.

 

[Galls]

Magic Kingdom:

1. Tomorrow Land should go steam punk, and Indy Speedway should go away.
2. Adventure Land needs a carpet coaster of some sort instead of a carpet dumbo.

Epcot:

• Future World should be the permanent worlds fair, with one of the pavilions always being refurbed at the expense of a sponsor, even if the underlying "track" of the rides stays the same. If EPCOT becomes known as a technical showcase then this should not be a problem.
• World Show Case needs a better way of circulating people and it needs an attraction at the American pavilion location to pull people to the area. The boats do not work well and that lake is a heck of an often boring walk. The American Pavilion should be demoed to make room for an E ticket, since America certainly has enough representation in the rest of the parks.

MGM

• This park needs to most work.
• Perhaps the street side should be reconfigured to a Lucas area, with one side as Indiana Jones, complete with stunt spectacular and mine cars, while the other side would be Star Wars and what ever E tickets rides that would entail.
• While I am not a big Pixar fan, expanding the current toy story area to being a pixar street, perhaps radiator springs, would not be a bad idea, although the cars attraction is certainly already taken care of with test track.

Animal Kingdom:

• Could be expanded with an underwater aspect, bring back the subs with either one of the Nemos, but 20,000 leagues under the sea was the better movie.

Transportation

• I believe it would actually save Disney money, to expand the MK-Epcot monorail to MGM, AK and the new train station. Using it as a backbone for a better transit system, other modes of transit would then connect the stations to resorts. The main benefit of this is it would greatly expand the potential capacity of the Disney system, while providing more frequent and better quality transportation. This is also in line with Disney's new thirst for adding rooms on property as I do not believe the bus system is currently adequate at opening and closing hours.
  
• For the deluxe resorts, premium transportation is possible. An example would be an aerial gondola system from the AKL to the AK Monorail Station, it is a very cheap and efficient system to operate, and I think it would accompany the theme. Epcot resorts would be routed to the MGM Station, either on its Boats or I think a Trolley would fit the theme of the boardwalk nicely and would be a very nice circulatory system for that resort area.
  
• Guests from the non deluxe hotels would take buses to the closest monorail station, however since the bus trips are shorter, it instantly increases the capacity and frequency of the routes.

 

[d1gitman]

...I think it's unfair that only the small percentage of people who can afford deluxe should get special treatment outside of their resort. Walt built Disneyland for people of all classes of society. We are equal when we're in Disney.

except when it's time to pay the bill

 

[d1gitman]

I don't think Disney wants to make some guests feel like they are not equal to others. They want to keep equality in Disney which I am fine with. I think it's unfair that only the small percentage of people who can afford deluxe should get special treatment outside of their resort. Walt built Disneyland for people of all classes of society. We are equal when we're in Disney.

Everyone is equal at Disney. Everyone has the equal opportunity to spend at a Deluxe, Moderate or Value. The idea that everyone deserves equal results, just not true. Fact is, Disney provides equal opportunity of choice, the rest is up to the guest. Life isn't fair and not everyone will get a deluxe.

Disney Paris, maybe it's a different story

 

[WdwforLife]

Everyone is equal at Disney. Everyone has the equal opportunity to spend at a Deluxe, Moderate or Value. The idea that everyone deserves equal results, just not true. Fact is, Disney provides equal opportunity of choice, the rest is up to the guest. Life isn't fair and not everyone will get a deluxe.

Disney Paris, maybe it's a different story

So everyone has equal opportunity when they get laid off from their job and can only afford a value? So because of their misfortune they don't deserve the same rights as every other guest? Just because their only option is a value? Or even more so, what if they can't even afford that and they need to stay off property. I can afford to stay at values, moderates or deluxes and I don't even think that's fair. It's the principle. I don't feel I'm better than any other guest and I do not wish to be treated so.

 

[d1gitman]

1. So everyone has equal opportunity when they get laid off from their job
2. and can only afford a value?
3. So because of their misfortune they don't deserve the same rights as every other guest?
4. Just because their only option is a value? Or even more so, what if they can't even afford that and they need to stay off property.
5. I can afford to stay at values, moderates or deluxes and I don't even think that's fair.
6. It's the principle.
7. I don't feel I'm better than any other guest and I do not wish to be treats so.

1. Yup! Last i checked, Disney does not ask if one is employed or not. So, yes. Everyone has equal OPPORTUNITY. Doesn't mean everyone gets equal results. I am currently unemployed, doesn't mean that Disney, you or any guest owes me a damn thing. I have EQUAL OPPORTUNITY to book a deluxe but may not be able to because of my own individual situation or choice. However, I still have the same opportunity as you and everyone else to do so. It's not Disney's or society's job to give me welfare.
2. Lots of reasons why a person CHOOSES a value. It may be out of necessity due to budget, it may be preference, it may be they can afford more but choose less.
3. Who says everyone doesn't get the same rights at Disney? It's called Equal OPPORTUNITY, not Equal RESULTS.
4. Many people have different budgets for different reasons. Defer to response #2.
5. Why is that not fair. Are you saying everyone going to Disney should only be able to stay at the same level of resort regardless of circumstances? How then do you choose what resort to stay at. I mean really, to make sure it is fair to me and the rest of the millions of guests at WDW.
6. Really? please tell me which principle that is.
7. Can't argue with this one.

So tell me, did you have a problem with YOMD? After all, people were treated differently. Those evil guests, how dare they participate. Even more so, Disney...shame shame shame...

And what about Fastpass, that is for sure a travesty. Those poor people in line! Where's the justice?

Free DDP. OMG! Iger and his hooligans should be shot on site. C'mon now, let's get real.

 

[fey_spirit]

My own Post of a Million Dreams:
Your mileage may vary.

MK - Tomorrow Land: I'm going to agree with the concept of going 50's retro here. Scrap Stitch, move Buzz to DHS (I'll talk about that in a moment), move Monsters Inc to DHS (or better yet, create that ride that should have been made from the doors scene.) I don't really think COP belongs here - but I can't really seem to bring myself to condone getting rid of it either. Maybe we could take COP back to it's original state that way we completely capture the nostalgia/Walt connection, and it lends it's self more to the idea of stepping into "the future that never was". Move the Racing cars over to DHS as well. The only thing I would keep in this area ride wise would be Space Mountain. Then add another coaster that captures the spirit of the original escape to witch mountain, I'll agree that this would be the right place to put Sci Fi Dine In.

MK - Adventure Land:

I don't know that I agree with making Aladdin a full out coaster ride but I think if we take it inside and combine a modern spin on old dark ride concepts, and pull the carpets along a track (maybe at coaster speeds, but with smaller dips and valleys.), and I think a new restaurant could work well here as well. Theme it to Neverland and at lunch have Peter and the Lost Boys character meet and greet, then do Tink and Faerie Friends at night.
A Pirates of the Carribian meal would not be a bad concept here either.

MK - Frontier Land: The only thing I can really think to add here is old fashioned gun fights by streetmosphere. (They do this at a place near where I live and it is a big hit with people of all ages.)

Ak: Make Rafeki's Conservation Station easier to find and reach. Add another show, sort of like Flights of Wonder - but using more animals in the act. Speaking of different merchandise in the parks, this would be a great place to sell those "adoption" kits where you pay like 20 bucks and sponser an animal out in the wilds. The money helps with scientific research, and the care of that animal, and in return you/your child receives monthly/quarterly reports on the animal that you have "Adopted".

Epcot - FW: First thing - get rid of the Future World Concept all together, the same issues that rise with tomorrow land and keeping it truly "futuristic" apply here as well. I'm thinking more a land of exploration theme.

Separate it out into 6 separate pavilions: Land, Sea, Space, the human body & the Mind

We already have the Land and the Sea

Space could include Mission Space, perhaps a small museum detailing the history of space travel, a small theater where you could watch the launches at Port Canaveral on the days when they occur, possibly even one of those large telescope like they have at conservatory and a shop where you could buy things like real star dust (we saw it at a conservatory once), and other space rocks, star charts, astronautic ice cream etc.

The human body was apparently covered once upon a time in Epcot so all we would really need to do is update and then bring that back into flow.

The mind could include the Imagination Pavilion, but also something that talks about how we learn, and the tricks that the mind can play on us (like why is it that if you ask 6 people who witnessed a crime, you get six slightly different takes on what happened?)

As for World Showcase? Before we start adding countries to that I would like to see them fix what they already have. They need at least one act for each country, unique (as in strip out every sign of Disney merchandise from this area of the park.) merchandise, I really don't see the point in adding rides to this part of the park (I know an unpopular opinion) because I really think it would mess up the theming of this section... if someone could come up with a ride that didn't just feel like "Gee somebody thought we needed rides back here so we just kinda shoved em in" I could live with that.
But my vote for first country to get added? Someplace in Africa, maybe Egypt?
I would also really really like to see a parade similar to Tapestries returned here.

Now for the one that really needs help on a massive scale: MGM

Divide the park into

Old Hollywood: Showcasing the original concept for the park (the Hollywood that never was), rides like the Great Movie Ride, lots of streetmosphere, the Brown Derby, those who hate the bricks at Epcot will hate this - but a Hollywood Walk of Fame where you can purchase your own star and become a legend in your own mind.

Pixar Land: Where all those rides I mentioned moving from Tomorrow Land can come to live. Re-theme the racing cars with the cars overlay and it slides right in. Lots of meet and greets with the Pixar characters (and this be the only place in the parks you can meet them... but then I think that should be done with pretty much everything but the fab "5", by limiting the locations where characters appear you open up to allow in a larger variety of characters and you make that section of the park more of a must do in order to meet these beloved friends.) I also think it would be neat if we could watch the animators work on the newest Pixar movies from here.

Disney Channel Live: Where (as someone mentioned before) one or two of the Disney Channel shows will be taped live, the Disney channel characters (like Kim Possible & Ron Stopable) can do appearances. High School Musical would also find it's home here.

One Man's Dream: Here we place attractions related to classic Disney Animation all the way up to The Frog Princess. Keep animation studios here (esp with the art classes), Make the One Man's Dream attraction the center piece and include a theater that constantly shows the really, really old black & white cartoons from Walt's day.

Now - Moving on I think it's time for a 5th gate.
One that would revolve around thrill rides and the villains. (If not this then they need their own section at DHS which could include TOT and a re-themed RNRC) This park would appeal to the Universal/teen crowd.

It would also be a good place to highlight works such as the new Alice in Wonderland and Nightmare before Christmas.

As for the resorts? I would like to see the Boardwalk built back up and more of the old entertainment added back. I think AKL needs some kind of special/interesting transport to AK seeing as how it is the only Deluxe that is completely stuck being bus transport. (Unless I'm wrong about this in which case - yay!)

For adult nightlife - I would like to see the return of PI but not without a real eye to themeing and story.

Anyway - that was fun.
As I said at the start, this is my dream - my if I could run the parks, had all the money in the world dream. I don't know how viable any of it is, I know that there are plenty of folks out there who will disagree with a lot of, if not everything I said... and that's ok. I just didn't want to miss this chance to play armchair imagineer.

 

[WdwforLife]

1. Yup! Last i checked, Disney does not ask if one is employed or not. So, yes. Everyone has equal OPPORTUNITY. Doesn't mean everyone gets equal results. I am currently unemployed, doesn't mean that Disney, you or any guest owes me a damn thing. I have EQUAL OPPORTUNITY to book a deluxe but may not be able to because of my own individual situation or choice. However, I still have the same opportunity as you and everyone else to do so. It's not Disney's or society's job to give me welfare.
2. Lots of reasons why a person CHOOSES a value. It may be out of necessity due to budget, it may be preference, it may be they can afford more but choose less.
3. Who says everyone doesn't get the same rights at Disney? It's called Equal OPPORTUNITY, not Equal RESULTS.
4. Many people have different budgets for different reasons. Defer to response #2.
5. Why is that not fair. Are you saying everyone going to Disney should only be able to stay at the same level of resort regardless of circumstances? How then do you choose what resort to stay at. I mean really, to make sure it is fair to me and the rest of the millions of guests at WDW.
6. Really? please tell me which principle that is.
7. Can't argue with this one.

So tell me, did you have a problem with YOMD? After all, people were treated differently. Those evil guests, how dare they participate. Even more so, Disney...shame shame shame...

And what about Fastpass, that is for sure a travesty. Those poor people in line! Where's the justice?

Free DDP. OMG! Iger and his hooligans should be shot on site. C'mon now, let's get real.

You're moving away from it being a friendly debate and more a bitter battle of wits (much like you always do).

My point it, when you go to a restaurant, whether you order the $10 entree or the $50 entree, you have the same rights and privileges as every other paying customer. You are treated no differently. To do so in the parks would create a hierarchy or a guest social class that Disney does not want. They want everyone to feel they are special and equal IN THE PARKS. Outside the parks, where people choose to stay is their business. But in the parks, everyone gets the same opportunities as everyone else. So there's a reason there Deluxe guests don't get special FastPass privileges.

 

[ntsammy5]

You have to admire how fast these threads go south.........

 

[WdwforLife]

You have to admire how fast these threads go south.........

You are absolutely right and I apologize. I didn't mean for my opinion to cause any trouble. I was not expecting the response I received. I'll take responsibility for this one.

Sorry again.

 

[KellyNY]

I don't think Disney wants to make some guests feel like they are not equal to others. They want to keep equality in Disney which I am fine with. I think it's unfair that only the small percentage of people who can afford deluxe should get special treatment outside of their resort. Walt built Disneyland for people of all classes of society. We are equal when we're in Disney.

The problem is that Deluxe guests number is not a small persentage number out of total onsite guests and total guests, and giving them FOTL access in addition to FP system we have may mess up the whole system. Also Disney perks are for every onsite guest regardless of catecory they stay in, so is Universal. The only reason Universal can do FOTL is because they have only 3 hotels and do not have FP system at all.
With this being said, I see nothing wrong with offering to buy FOTL access for onsite guests only. Why not? We already have guided tours or whatever they called with this option, so keep a guide and sell a FOTL option to onsite guests only, to keep number low. Sure some onsite guests, regardless of where they stay will budget for this option.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

First, I think this is a great thread with a lot of great ideas.

My top 5 (at least as of this minute ) are:

1) More things for adults. Some of my fondest memories are at PI and the Adventurers Club specifically. I know they do the Food and Wine Festival each year so what about even having a Disney Winery ... they could do tours and have wine pairing dinners or just a nice place for adults to go for pre-dinner/post-dinner. Plus they could sell the wine - how many people would buy a bottle or six of Disney wine to bring home and show people?

2) At the opposite end of the spectrum is that I think they need more things for the under-5 set. When we were there I think my daughters (8 months at the time) favorite thing were the little water spurt areas. They could add a lot to HS based on the Disney Clubhouse shows. I know they have the one show, but what about a leaky plumbing area that spurts water and has Handy Manny's tools trying to fix it? Or an Ooh and Ah jungle gym area>

3) I think the new Epic Mickey video game is going to be huge and a real opportunity to do something in the parks around the Mouse that started it all. Maybe even a TSM type ride based in the video game world - or kinda flip things around and turn a video game into a animatronic type ride to put you into the game that way

4) It has been mentioned but to get something in the unused buidling in EPCOT. Perhaps that is where the winery could be or just partner up with companies that want to be progressive and eco-friendly and promote themselves.

5) I'd like to see more rides that are inspired by the source material and not just retell the story. The Nemo ride and the in-progress Little Mermaid ride seem to just tell the story that everyone knows. It's not necessarily a bad thing, but I'd like something new. I think the mentioned trillish ride based on the door scene in Mosters Inc would be a great example of that

 

[d1gitman]

You're moving away from it being a friendly debate and more a bitter battle of wits (much like you always do). Just responding to what was posted.

My point it, when you go to a restaurant, whether you order the $10 entree or the $50 entree, you have the same rights and privileges as every other paying customer. You are treated no differently. To do so in the parks would create a hierarchy or a guest social class that Disney does not want. They want everyone to feel they are special and equal IN THE PARKS. Outside the parks, where people choose to stay is their business. But in the parks, everyone gets the same opportunities as everyone else. So there's a reason there Deluxe guests don't get special FastPass privileges.

The fact is, WDW does offer various things in teh park that are pricey and provide special privelages. I guess we could debate equal opportunity at WDW all day long and in the end we will just have to agree to disagree. .