Tom Staggs responds to D23 bust!

[Figment632]

Thanks to all of you for your responses. Your passion, energy and affection for our parks and resorts is the reason we do what we do so I appreciate your feedback. I know many of you were hoping for announcements regarding new projects from Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, especially at Walt Disney World Resort, so I wanted to take a moment to address those comments.
The projects we’ve already announced represent the largest period of growth ever in Disney Parks’ history. We’re working hard to create new and exciting experiences for our guests around the world and while the timing isn’t always right to announce another big project, we like to use opportunities like the D23 Expo to update fans like you on the great progress we’re making. We have several incredible projects currently in the works and look forward to sharing more information with all of you in the weeks and months ahead, including new details regarding Downtown Disney in Florida.


The largest in Parks history is he freaking high?

This is not nearly as big as the Happiest Celebration on Earth?

So FLE is bigger expansion than EPCOT?

What an jerk if he expects people to believe that!!!!!

http://www.discussionkingdom.com/forums/showthread.php?p=50503#post50503

 

[Disco]

The largest in Parks history is he freaking high?

This is not nearly as big as the Happiest Celebration on Earth?

So FLE is bigger expansion than EPCOT?

What an jerk if he expects people to believe that!!!!!

http://www.discussionkingdom.com/forums/showthread.php?p=50503#post50503

Think he meant all the parks. DCA, FLR, HKDL and Shanghai.

 

[Figment632]

Think he meant all the parks. DCA, FLR, HKDL and Shanghai.

But none of that besides Shanghai was featured.

Besides the fact that FLE is not an expansion at all it's not expanding anything. It is restoring what was once there no expansion at all

Also when EC wad being built TDL was being built as well so still I'd say that's bigger than a few new lands and one new park.

 

[rebecca06261]

I would agree that this is the only time in the history of WDI that so many large projects are being completed at one time. Whether you agree that FLE is an expansion or not, and whatever Disney's motivation for getting it done is (HP anyone?) it's still costing massive amounts of money to do.

Honestly, my only disappointment is that the Hyperion Wharf/PI disaster wasn't addressed.

 

[Figment632]

I would agree that this is the only time in the history of WDI that so many large projects are being completed at one time. Whether you agree that FLE is an expansion or not, and whatever Disney's motivation for getting it done is (HP anyone?) it's still costing massive amounts of money to do.

Honestly, my only disappointment is that the Hyperion Wharf/PI disaster wasn't addressed.

DCA went over budget by 200 million so it's so expensive because the can't budget!

I don't see how it's bigger than TDL and EC being built at the same time. There might be more projects but it's a smaller scale.

 

[Oglet]

Now lets break down what he really was saying


Thanks to all of you for your responses. Translated: Why did so many of you have to complain.

Your passion, energy and affection for our parks and resorts is the reason we do what we do so I appreciate your feedback. Translated: You all spend so much money I was told I need to at least pretend to care about your comments

I know many of you were hoping for announcements regarding new projects from Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, especially at Walt Disney World Resort, so I wanted to take a moment to address those comments. Translated: Your really let down with what we had to say, we in no way lived up to the hype and let you down. Once again I was told I need to at least pretend to care so here is our spin on the situation


The projects we’ve already announced represent the largest period of growth ever in Disney Parks’ history. We’re working hard to create new and exciting experiences for our guests around the world and while the timing isn’t always right to announce another big project, we like to use opportunities like the D23 Expo to update fans like you on the great progress we’re making. Translated: We have quite a few things going on and are not sure we can even handle what we are doing now. The thought of spending more money makes the bean counters heads explode and that is not good for my job security. Further translation "Timing isn't always right" = We don't want to spend money


We have several incredible projects currently in the works and look forward to sharing more information with all of you in the weeks and months ahead, including new details regarding Downtown Disney in Florida. Translated: While we figure out what we are trying to do we are going to tease you with the hope that something great will be coming your way soon. Further translation = We are also working on a believable story to spin regarding the DTD fiasco.

 

[Figment632]

Now lets break down what he really was saying


Thanks to all of you for your responses. Translated: Why did so many of you have to complain.

Your passion, energy and affection for our parks and resorts is the reason we do what we do so I appreciate your feedback. Translated: You all spend so much money I was told I need to at least pretend to care about your comments

I know many of you were hoping for announcements regarding new projects from Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, especially at Walt Disney World Resort, so I wanted to take a moment to address those comments. Translated: Your really let down with what we had to say, we in no way lived up to the hype
and let you down. Once again I was told I need to at least pretend to care so here is our spin on the situation


The projects we’ve already announced represent the largest period of growth ever in Disney Parks’ history. We’re working hard to create new and exciting experiences for our guests around the world and while the timing isn’t always right to announce another big project, we like to use opportunities like the D23 Expo to update fans like you on the great progress we’re making. Translated: We have quite a few things going on and are not sure we can even handle what we are doing now. The thought of spending more money makes the bean counters heads explode and that is not good for my job security. Further translation "Timing isn't always right" = We don't want to spend money


We have several incredible projects currently in the works and look forward to sharing more information with all of you in the weeks and months ahead, including new details regarding Downtown Disney in Florida. Translated: While we figure out what we are trying to do we are going to tease you with the hope that something great will be coming your way soon. Further translation = We are also working on a believable story to spin regarding the DTD fiasco.

Awesome!

 

[Donut23]

DCA went over budget by 200 million so it's so expensive because the can't budget!

I don't see how it's bigger than TDL and EC being built at the same time. There might be more projects but it's a smaller scale.

...........can't budget! How true.

Can you say DVC - think Hawaii.

Seems like the budget people must have been the ones to fall on the sword during the last round of layoffs.

 

[umichigan10]

Now lets break down what he really was saying


Thanks to all of you for your responses. Translated: Why did so many of you have to complain.

Your passion, energy and affection for our parks and resorts is the reason we do what we do so I appreciate your feedback. Translated: You all spend so much money I was told I need to at least pretend to care about your comments

I know many of you were hoping for announcements regarding new projects from Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, especially at Walt Disney World Resort, so I wanted to take a moment to address those comments. Translated: Your really let down with what we had to say, we in no way lived up to the hype and let you down. Once again I was told I need to at least pretend to care so here is our spin on the situation


The projects we’ve already announced represent the largest period of growth ever in Disney Parks’ history. We’re working hard to create new and exciting experiences for our guests around the world and while the timing isn’t always right to announce another big project, we like to use opportunities like the D23 Expo to update fans like you on the great progress we’re making. Translated: We have quite a few things going on and are not sure we can even handle what we are doing now. The thought of spending more money makes the bean counters heads explode and that is not good for my job security. Further translation "Timing isn't always right" = We don't want to spend money


We have several incredible projects currently in the works and look forward to sharing more information with all of you in the weeks and months ahead, including new details regarding Downtown Disney in Florida. Translated: While we figure out what we are trying to do we are going to tease you with the hope that something great will be coming your way soon. Further translation = We are also working on a believable story to spin regarding the DTD fiasco.

Another way to put it, "guess what WDW, we don't care about you, and we're gonna go spend money elsewhere like hm...I don't know CHINA!"

 

[patsal]

Now lets break down what he really was saying


Thanks to all of you for your responses. Translated: Why did so many of you have to complain.

Your passion, energy and affection for our parks and resorts is the reason we do what we do so I appreciate your feedback. Translated: You all spend so much money I was told I need to at least pretend to care about your comments

I know many of you were hoping for announcements regarding new projects from Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, especially at Walt Disney World Resort, so I wanted to take a moment to address those comments. Translated: Your really let down with what we had to say, we in no way lived up to the hype and let you down. Once again I was told I need to at least pretend to care so here is our spin on the situation


The projects we’ve already announced represent the largest period of growth ever in Disney Parks’ history. We’re working hard to create new and exciting experiences for our guests around the world and while the timing isn’t always right to announce another big project, we like to use opportunities like the D23 Expo to update fans like you on the great progress we’re making. Translated: We have quite a few things going on and are not sure we can even handle what we are doing now. The thought of spending more money makes the bean counters heads explode and that is not good for my job security. Further translation "Timing isn't always right" = We don't want to spend money


We have several incredible projects currently in the works and look forward to sharing more information with all of you in the weeks and months ahead, including new details regarding Downtown Disney in Florida. Translated: While we figure out what we are trying to do we are going to tease you with the hope that something great will be coming your way soon. Further translation = We are also working on a believable story to spin regarding the DTD fiasco.

Perfect! This is close to what I was going to respond, but way better!

 

[Disco]

Besides the fact that FLE is not an expansion at all it's not expanding anything. It is restoring what was once there no expansion at all

Also when EC wad being built TDL was being built as well so still I'd say that's bigger than a few new lands and one new park.

That's what I've been saying since the beginning and why I will only call it the FLR. I almost changed my mind when they announced the Mine Coaster but then they also decided to close SWSA.

An entire new park (SDL), renovations/add-ons (DCA, FLR and HKDL), the new Hawaii resort and the Art of Animation motel seem like enough (dollar wise) to make his statement true. Who knows he may be counting the ships as well?

It doesn't really matter because with the more parks and properties added to the empire, the more statements like this will be true (and meaningless).
Who cares if they are spending more than ever on parks if it is spread over 20 parks? They damn well better be spending more than ever!
Just remember overall per capita expenses are far lower than the real risks Disney used to take. They put the company on the line to build DL and WDW. They risked absolutely everything to build those parks! Now these new additions would be just considered a bump in the road if they fell apart.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

That's what I've been saying since the beginning and why I will only call it the FLR. I almost changed my mind when they announced the Mine Coaster but then they also decided to close SWSA.

An entire new park (SDL), renovations/add-ons (DCA, FLR and HKDL), the new Hawaii resort and the Art of Animation motel seem like enough (dollar wise) to make his statement true. Who knows he may be counting the ships as well?

It doesn't really matter because with the more parks and properties added to the empire, the more statements like this will be true (and meaningless).
Who cares if they are spending more than ever on parks if it is spread over 20 parks? They damn well better be spending more than ever!
Just remember overall per capita expenses are far lower than the real risks Disney used to take. They put the company on the line to build DL and WDW. They risked absolutely everything to build those parks! Now these new additions would be just considered a bump in the road if they fell apart.

to go a step further...

why...as an almost exclusive loyal patron of WDW - with past forays to paris and anaheim - should i give a rats about money being spent in China? or Japan for that matter?
The speed of information has accelerated...the speed of travel has not. I, nor 95% of what i would consider the WDW clientele, can't use anything built or added in the eastern hemisphere to anykind of significant benefit.

This is classic post 1995 disney management tallking - they want you to thank them for things that you can't use. (like the yeti and the guest area formerly known as pleasure island...just to use recent examples. The entire construction and then "look we're fixing it" debaucle of California Adventure being perhaps the poster child for this phenomena...or animal kingdom that cost a billion dollars in plants but has largely been left to rot ever since opening day)

 

[umichigan10]

to go a step further...

why...as an almost exclusive loyal patron of WDW - with past forays to paris and anaheim - should i give a rats about money being spent in China? or Japan for that matter?
The speed of information has accelerated...the speed of travel has not. I, nor 95% of what i would consider the WDW clientele, can use anything built or added in the eastern hemisphere to anykind of significant benefit.

This is classic post 1995 disney management tallking - they want you to thank them for things that you can't use.

This

 

[DCTooTall]

But none of that besides Shanghai was featured.

Besides the fact that FLE is not an expansion at all it's not expanding anything. It is restoring what was once there no expansion at all

Also when EC wad being built TDL was being built as well so still I'd say that's bigger than a few new lands and one new park.

I would say that it's an expansion... though maybe just a small one if you factor in the restoration factor.

Oldschool Fantasyland had 20k. So I'll call Little Mermaid as the restoration of an attraction. (added bonus... it should be a better people eater than 20k ever was.).

SWSA is closing.... so the Mine Train could be considered it's replacement.

Toontown closed... so the Storybook circus is it's replacement.

That leaves the Beauty and the Beast area unaccounted for.

SOoooo... It's a Fantasyland Restoration, and an expansion encompassing a new counter server and Table Service restaurant.... with a couple meet and greets and an extra dumbo spinner thrown in for good measure.

 

[Disco]

to go a step further...

why...as an almost exclusive loyal patron of WDW - with past forays to paris and anaheim - should i give a rats about money being spent in China? or Japan for that matter?
The speed of information has accelerated...the speed of travel has not. I, nor 95% of what i would consider the WDW clientele, can't use anything built or added in the eastern hemisphere to anykind of significant benefit.

This is classic post 1995 disney management tallking - they want you to thank them for things that you can't use. (like the yeti and the guest area formerly known as pleasure island...just to use recent examples. The entire construction and then "look we're fixing it" debaucle of California Adventure being perhaps the poster child for this phenomena...or animal kingdom that cost a billion dollars in plants but has largely been left to rot ever since opening day)

I feel the same way about the FLR, they took away 20k and now we're supposed to thank them for putting something back over a decade later?! I do have two words for them and it’s not thank you! To be fair they are adding some things but they are mostly minor at this point. Cars Land is the only real expansion.
We shouldn't care about the East parks really but I don't oppose them. My only sentiment is that WDW should be the apex park while all the others should be just enough to wet their appetite to come see the real thing.
However there is a plus to all the new properties. The larger Disney grows the cheaper goods and services should become. Definitely doesn't feel like it lately but in general this should be a truth.
To be honest Disney has every right to sit on their "assets" and make money. Companies do need "rest periods" to recuperate and to bring in the dough. However, if they're not innovating or expanding (domestically) then park maintenance and CS had better not wane. They also shouldn't be raising prices as nothing is being added for the customer.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I feel the same way about the FLR, they took away 20k and now we're supposed to thank them for putting something back over a decade later?!

Which is completely contrary to what they preach...yet i don't blame them: I blame myself for continuing to patronize. This is perhaps the biggest bad legacy of the Eisner era - that they invoked a "board it up and send them somewhere else" policy and got away with it.

I do have two words for them and it’s not thank you!

well...maybe the "you!" part

We shouldn't care about the East parks really but I don't oppose them. My only sentiment is that WDW should be the apex park while all the others should be just enough to wet their appetite to come see the real thing.

you'd think...but the opposite has occured. WDW got so big and so successful and so profitable that it became simply a money funneling operation...which means the sheer size of it protects it against market shift and therefore requires less concern from management in regards to keeping everything fresh or on the cutting edge. They have added no technologically significant attractions since Mission: Space...that's going on 10 years. Perhaps you could say Turtle Talk...but that technology hasn't been expanded or implemented beyond its original incarnation either.

However there is a plus to all the new properties. The larger Disney grows the cheaper goods and services should become. Definitely doesn't feel like it lately but in general this should be a truth.

The goods are cheaper...the prices are not. Quality on the whole is down...even a jerk like me can't get anyone to argue that point.

To be honest Disney has every right to sit on their "assets" and make money. Companies do need "rest periods" to recuperate and to bring in the dough. However, if they're not innovating or expanding (domestically) then park maintenance and CS had better not wane.

Again...my fault. They have every right to do this. But it should be met with decline in purchase and attendance. Their parks have always promised 3 things: "Creative, Unique, and Exciting". If they rest and you area repeat customer - as most are - then the lack of investment causes the none of the 3 criteria to be met. And the maintenance and quality of service/ care has definitely waned - deliberately - as a means to cut overhead costs. Particularly in qualified staff...which they have little use for anymore.

They also shouldn't be raising prices as nothing is being added for the customer.

This is the real burr under my mount...and again....it's my damn fault. The real easy example to show how we've been dogged is the dining plan and the subsequent food quality decrease and price increase that followed it down the highway in the next car...its apalling yet the restaurants are full and nobody seems to want to point out how easily we got screwed in the deal. And its obvious. It's not as big as it used to be...it tastes worse...and it costs alot more.

 

[disneyphilip]

Now lets break down what he really was saying


Thanks to all of you for your responses. Translated: Why did so many of you have to complain.

Your passion, energy and affection for our parks and resorts is the reason we do what we do so I appreciate your feedback. Translated: You all spend so much money I was told I need to at least pretend to care about your comments

I know many of you were hoping for announcements regarding new projects from Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, especially at Walt Disney World Resort, so I wanted to take a moment to address those comments. Translated: Your really let down with what we had to say, we in no way lived up to the hype and let you down. Once again I was told I need to at least pretend to care so here is our spin on the situation


The projects we’ve already announced represent the largest period of growth ever in Disney Parks’ history. We’re working hard to create new and exciting experiences for our guests around the world and while the timing isn’t always right to announce another big project, we like to use opportunities like the D23 Expo to update fans like you on the great progress we’re making. Translated: We have quite a few things going on and are not sure we can even handle what we are doing now. The thought of spending more money makes the bean counters heads explode and that is not good for my job security. Further translation "Timing isn't always right" = We don't want to spend money


We have several incredible projects currently in the works and look forward to sharing more information with all of you in the weeks and months ahead, including new details regarding Downtown Disney in Florida. Translated: While we figure out what we are trying to do we are going to tease you with the hope that something great will be coming your way soon. Further translation = We are also working on a believable story to spin regarding the DTD fiasco.

I completely disagree with your analysis. It's simply not true. Just because someone says something you don't want to hear is no reason to demonize them.

To me, this post just comes across as being overly-bitter and sounding like a person trying to make up lies just to get attention by putting words in other peoples' mouths.

And to those who are saying FLE is not an expansion, well, I completely disagree on that one as well. It IS an expansion...and an expansion is an expansion.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I completely disagree with your analysis. It's simply not true. Just because someone says something you don't want to hear is no reason to demonize them.

To me, this post just comes across as being overly-bitter and sounding like a person trying to make up lies just to get attention by putting words in other peoples' mouths.

And to those who are saying FLE is not an expansion, well, I completely disagree on that one as well. It IS an expansion...and an expansion is an expansion.

Don't forget your nametag and ID for work...

translation: it's obvious that you'll believe whatever they say.

the truth is probably somewhere in the middle.

the fantasyland project is a nice project...but it does nothing to address the longstanding issues at WDW: namely that studios is still under constructed 20 years after opening and a full 10 years after the "backstage production" facilities went defunct.
And Animal Kingdom has had exactly ONE significant addition since the original construction and is still under constructed.
And in the last two years they have ripped a third of Downtown apart with nothing resembling a realistic plan for restoration/ redevelopment.

Even if you give them a pass on the first two (which you shouldn't...) then you should not give them anything in regards to downtown. It is embarassing.

And as far as the fantasyland expansion....i see your point. But at the same time, they are merely replacing the structures of toontown, building on the defunct 20K leagues site, and filling in for the void that was left by the skyway closing....both of the last two a completely unacceptable 10+ years ago.

 

[Oglet]

I completely disagree with your analysis. It's simply not true. Just because someone says something you don't want to hear is no reason to demonize them.

To me, this post just comes across as being overly-bitter and sounding like a person trying to make up lies just to get attention by putting words in other peoples' mouths.

And to those who are saying FLE is not an expansion, well, I completely disagree on that one as well. It IS an expansion...and an expansion is an expansion.

Your welcome to disagree with my analysis

Tom Staggs is part of a corporation, part of his job is to put a spin on things that benefit the image of the company when needed, he is not evil or demonic, he is simply doing what is in the best interest of his company.

Your opinion is your opinion and is subjective just like mine is. You can't prove that I am wrong anymore than I can prove that I am correct. It's just an opinion without any facts to back up either argument.

I don't believe that the FLE is really a true expansion. A more fitting name for it would be "Magic Kingdom Land Reclamation and Rethemeing Project"

 

[Figment632]

I completely disagree with your analysis. It's simply not true. Just because someone says something you don't want to hear is no reason to demonize them.

To me, this post just comes across as being overly-bitter and sounding like a person trying to make up lies just to get attention by putting words in other peoples' mouths.

And to those who are saying FLE is not an expansion, well, I completely disagree on that one as well. It IS an expansion...and an expansion is an expansion.

It is not an expansion sorry!

TLM replaces 20K capacity
Dumbo is just a redo of Starland/TTF no expansion there.
Mine Train is being added but SWSA is closing.
Then you have the restaurant that replaces the AL Veranda.