Walt Disney World is not what it used to be..

[Disney1fan2002]

Let me chime in here, Brunette, I get your point on how much Disney takes in, but I am always in awe when I walk around the parks and just TRY to imagine Disney overhead. How much do you think it cost Disney to run just ONE attraction for 2 hours? You keep doing the math for how much Disney brings in, how about trying to figure how much Disney has to pay out? Like others have tried to point out.

I don't think the maintenance of the park is something we as patrons should take lightly. If Disney gets ENOUGH complaints about it, they will be forced to do something about it. So, if you see an overflowing trashbin, by all means report it. Please! But I will say, even in it's "deteriorated" condition, Disney is by far much cleaner than any other amusement park I have been to. Don't you love coming home after a day at your nearby amusment park to find a nice black line of grease on the back of your leg? Or a piece of bubblegum stuck to your butt? It is lovely.

As for the Star Wars attraction. I am sure it is on Disney's list of refurbishments. But, they only do a handful at a time, and since the last two times I have been there, the standy-by line to Star Wars was 65 minutes, Disney can concentrate on changing less popular attractions. Alien Encounter used to have a long wait if you didn't hit the ride first thing...last year, my ds and I went on it over and over, no wait at all. No matter what time of day. Disney needed to get their money's worth out of that attraction, so come this fall, I am sure there will be well over an hour wait to see Stitch.

 

[imbelle]

When I did a "Keys to the Kingdom" Tour a few years ago the cast member leading the tour told us that the revenue from entrance fees only covers employees' salaries. Everything else has to be covered by other avenues such as merchandising. He said that's how the Electrical Parade came about. People were leaving the Magic Kingdom without spending the extra hour shopping on Main Street after the park closed so that they could see the Electrical Water Pageant at 9:00. The Main Street Electrical Parade was devised as a way to keep people in the park (and buying merchandise). Don't know if this info is true but it may give a perspective on what it takes to operate WDW.

 

[2ndstar to the right]

"Walt Disney World is not what it used to be.. "

Perhaps it is you who are not what you used to be...


Think about it
.

 

[brunette8706]

That's your opinion...It's obvious that I'm not the only one that observed that things certainly need repair....

Like I said before I like WDW...We will be back in August, staying at the Hyatt Grand Cypress....If you're a government employee you can get a $99.00 rate which is incredible...They're average rate is about $350 a day...

Here's a link for anyone that is interested.

http://grandcypress.hyatt.com/property/index.jhtml

thanks all!
Brunette

 

[swilphil]

Hi brunette--

I have to admit I've been to AK twice, and each time I've been disappointed. For one thing it's hotter than the other parks. My son enjoyed playing in the Boneyard, but that seemed to be the highlight for our entire family. We often go to a local zoo where we see animals in an African setting, so the safari wasn't a big thrill for us. The Lion King show was entertaining, but I like Beauty & the Beast at MGM much better.

One thing I noticed about MGM. On my first two trips to WDW, MGM was my favorite park. On my recent third trip, it just didn't seem as exciting for me. I do think that the shows are fun, and my kids like a lot of the attractions. Does anyone else feel like MGM is great once or twice, but unlike MK and Epcot, it doesn't have staying power?

Although the parks don't stay open until midnight anymore, they do offer E-nights where you pay extra to stay 3 hours later --until 1 or 2 a.m. It's pretty nice because there are only 5,000 tickets sold for this, so every ride is a walk on.

 

[brunette8706]

Not sure what that is supposed to mean....I guess I'm not allowed to give my opinion....huh? But believe it or not I'm a better person than what I used to be...but hey thanks for asking..

Brunette

 

[Cinderella37]

First of all, each division of the Walt Disney Company is separate. Attractions doesn't see money from movies or Consumer Products, such as the Disney Stores, which are enormous money losers for Disney. This is why there have been so many closings and the reason why Disney has been trying to unload them for a while now (the current state of the Disney Stores is the company's fault - they removed all of the collectibles and turned them into Walmart look-alikes).

Disney's expenses are enormous. Just imagine the cost of electricity and power. How about the cost of fireworks every night? Salaries and benefits? Road maintenance? Ride repairs? The list is huge.

While I enjoyed the monorail when we stayed at the GF, I don't miss it now that we stay at the BWI. Five of the deluxe resorts (BWI, BC, YC, Swan, Dolphin) being referred to have boat and walking access to MGM and Epcot. It would be a monumental waste of money to add monorail service for only the MK and the AK. It takes about ten minutes or less to travel to the AK by bus and a little longer to the MK from the Epcot resorts. As for crowding on the buses, have you ever tried to get on the monorail at park closing? Worse than the buses, especially since many people who are not resort guests are wise to the fact that it stops at the Transportation and Ticket Center and crowd the resort monorail, rather then taking the Express monorail.

I desparately hope Roy Disney succeeds, but I think there are larger problems than older attractions and the monorail not being extended. Look at the death of animation - if that isn't rectified, there will be no more material for attractions and parks. Disney has much bigger problems now than a closed Skyway (which closed due to safety problems, handicapped access, and low capacity, as well as aesthetic concerns (seeing the rooftops of the buildings).

 

[brunette8706]

So you were a tad disappointed with the AK??? I haven't been there yet. If I was paying for a day only ticket I would surely either go to EPCOT or MK...I think they are both worth the money...but you're right it just seems like the thrill of MGM isn't there like it once was....I do like TOT and the Aerosmith Rollercoaster though....

Has anyone been the the Universal park??? How does it compare? I heard it was really good. I believe they are selling tickets for anual passes for only $120 a year...I'll see if I can find that link..It could have been on this site..I'll check it out..

Brunette

 

[Planogirl]

Universal is fabulous but completely different in attitude and style than WDW. They are both worthy destinations in their own right in my opinion.

Come check out the Universal boards if you are curious.

 

[deelam]

We go to Universal every year. If you go, I would recomend that you stay onsite. You will get front of the line access and wait no longer then 10 minutes for any ride.
Universal is very nice. The rides are outstanding. My kids prefer Universal to Disney. The hotels are really nice too.
Universal is different from Disney. You won't see the parades. But the rides are state of the art. You can get a discount onsite if you tell them you are a fan club member, have an entertainment book, or an annual pass, or AAA.
Plus you can get a 5 day park hopper for about $95.

Deneen

 

[cdpa4d]

Every now and again one of these threads gets started. I don't mind them one way or another because everyone is entitled to their opinion.
I would say that most of the parks have different rides and attractions in them that appeal to certain people, ages, and genders. I understand what you are saying about MGM not having much in it. In fact, it has a lot in it, however, in your situation (your age or gender) you only want to ride thrill rides. That's ok, but don't expect Disney to have thrill rides everywhere. They have rides and attractions for everybody young and old. My point is MGM has a lot of rides and attractions just not enough to fit everyones likes and dislikes.
ADP

 

[dan-tot]

Sponsorship has always been at Disney even when Walt was there. It helped to build displays and it helped to maintain them. I feel MGM is a little lack luster, but you forget some things that are there. Myppet 3D, Figment is back, The land is a good exhibit, and Big Bear in the Blue house is a good show for kids. The movie ride is still a good ride. They are thinking about doing something with it but they haven't made the decision yet. Thats if they do at all. I like TOT, I haven't been on RNR but will probably go this christmas. I like Star tours but I think like all of us they should maybe revamp it with a different film. I like Indy I see every time we go and it is as good as ever. We try and find the ringer every time we go. I miss the toy story parade but it the way of the movie it was supporting. So I think you have to really look at MGM before you can see the diamonds such as the character parade at 3:00.


Dan-tot

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Walt Disney World is not what it used to be
is a constant lament,
Walt Disney World is not what it used to be,
I wonder where it went?

Walt Disney World is not what it used to be
but then neither are we,
Fading paint and bit of trash are everywhere
My eyesight is gone, I cannot see!

Walt Disney World is not what it used to be
but it does not make me frown,
The loud noises at the attractions no longer bother me,
I just turn my hearing aid down.

Walt Disney World is not what it used to be
Some things have declined
But others have been added or improved
and we can always use the Fast Pass Line!

Walt Disney World is not what it used to be
What it was once before
The only thing that I can say
Is I am going again and again and more!!



(smiles) from SG/Linda

looking forward to October 2004 and remembering May 2004

 

[dzneelvr]

Original poster: I can only guess what year your last trip was since you reference Nemo's attraction--we've been going for 10 years and never hit that.
Some of what you mention is fact--the Nemo space is (still) in rehab; the Backlot Tour has gotten disappointing since the last year as they rehab more of that area of the Park. Alot of what you state (in my opinion) is a bit negative.

We always find things new (philharmagic) to be excited about and things missing (Alien) that we are disappointed over. But WDW is and will always be an evolving destination.

We asked about the monorail situation just 3 weeks ago when we were there--same question as yours...why not expand this? Answer was 9/11. There were plans on the books to begin an expansion, but the bombing and subsequent impact on volume at WDW took that away. WDW is really just recovering from that event; this year was the first year since we saw park volume as "normal". For the first 2 years after 9/11, you saw a substantial decrease in foreign visitors.

I guess, bottomline, if you don't like WDW any longer, fine. Just understand your opinion is only as good as mine, which is only as good as the next 20.......We LOVE WDW. It is a fun family vacation that all of us look forward to. I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Thanks for the opportunity to respond.

 

[brunette8706]

Never said I didn't like WDW, so let me make that correction....What I did say was there were some problems and issues that needed to be addressed.....Maybe some things I stated were a tad negative, but I think if people are paying top dollar they should come to a world that should be nearly perfect.....I mentioned in an earlier post that a few buildings were in dire need of paint.....In my opinioni that is no excuse. That's a drop in the bucket for Disney and it should be done.that's all I'm saying...

BTW I do like WDW, after all I bought a $400.00 anual pass and will be returning in August....

Thanks for your comments..

brunette

 

[MELSMICE]

While reading this thread, there were a few things I wanted to comment on so I hope I don't forget anything!

brunette8706 - you haven't said when your last visit was? The attractions you mentioned have not been there for some time now.

You also mentioned the fact that MGM only has 2 rides worth seeing. This, again, is just opinion. I could spend the entire day at MGM & not be bored. Did you see Beauty & the Beast? Did you stay for Fantasmic? How about Voyage of the Little Mermaid or the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular? Sounds Dangerous? Who Wants to be a Millionaire? Muppetvision? Playhouse Disney? Did you see the Motorcar parade?

You're correct, the cost of admission isn't cheap, but nothing worth anything ever is. You have mentioned how much Disney takes in between admission, food, and other things, but you failed to mention that they also have operating expenses - as others have stated.

I agree that there are some areas of maintenance which are lacking, but the CM's on all the tours have stated that when complaints are made by guests WDW does respond.

We enjoy AK when we go. There is a lot to see, however, if you judge your entertainment on thrill rides alone, you will probably be disappointed in AK as the only thrill rides right now are Dinosaur & Kali River Rapids.

It's too bad you saw so much negative while you were there, instead of all the positives there are. I hope you enjoy your next trip more than this last one!

 

[Prince Eric1]

In response to the Universal question, it is fantastic. We love it as much, maybe more, than Disney. Fantastic rides and theming, all state of the art.
As far as Disney, we love it too and there have been complaints of it being slightly run down, but I did not notice it our last two trips. I think it has added a lot and improved, though I would not want to pay a full price single day ticket for Animal Kingdom. MGM is one of my favorites with the shows and TOT, RnRc. I think that there is a lot of nostalgia for some for it to be exactly as it was with no changes, but some changes can be good. I remember Toads wild ride, but love Poo more, as do my kids. My daughters are already begging to go back some time for the new Stitch ride, and I know Mickeys Philharmonic will be an improvement over the lion king puppet show.

 

[brunette8706]

My last visit was 92.........

We're going back in August. It's funny Universal only charges $120 pp for an anual pass....plus according to the universal board on this SITE they give you 20% off of merchandise....Yes Disney does have expenses well so does Universal.....! Yet they give deeper discounts and 2 for 3 passes (one day free)....I guess that's why Universal gained a 25 percentincrease in attendance back in 2002 as opposed to Disney....but......I'll keep coming back...I do like WDW and I will say it again.......They need to refurbish some attractions and building etc.

Thanks for your comments!
brunette

 

[brunette8706]

So you like Universal huh?? I just looked at the Universal thread on this board...It seems like you can get unbeatable prices on tickets and nice discounts 20 percent on merchandise etc, if you have the AAA card...Doesn't Universal have 2 parks? Which one is better???

Thanks for your comments and suggestions!

Brunette

 

[brunette8706]

Thanks for your comments and great suggestions!!


Brunette