Walt Disney World is not what it used to be..
- Thread starter brunette8706
- Start date
I've been to WDW numerous times & for the life of me I can't think of the Global Dining area you are speaking of when you exit SE. I know there is an area that is under refurbishment when you exit the SE building - is that what you're referring to?
I thought Captain Nemo was in the building that now houses The Timekeeper? If not, where was Captain Nemo ride you are talking about. I know that 20,000 Leagues closed but is now being refurbished.
As far as the building in Mexico - I did not notice this on our trip in April. Could it be (& I'm not saying it is - just questioning it) that this is the way it is supposed to be? Everything Disney does is supposed to be a true example of the way something actually looks/is. I have never been to the real Mexico - so I'm just wondering?
SnackyStacky
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goofy4tink...
Did you know that when the Magic Kingdom opened, there was a man whose job it was to paint those posts on Main Street. You know the ones - with the horse heads on them? THAT was his job. He didn't paint, and sweep the street, and clean the windows. No - he painted. He's start with the one closest to the train station. He'd keep moving down the line. And when he got to the last one? He'd finish that last one, and start right back again at the post closest to the train station.
That's not myth, or urban legend. That is FACT.
That man does not exist anymore.
Walt Disney was putting a miniature railroad in his backyard. I believe it was 1/8 scale. The engineer who was building it came to a boulder. He approached Walt and told him they'd circumlocute the track. Walt said no. The engineer said, "Why? It's be cheaper than to move it!" Walt's response? "Heck, it'd be cheaper not to build the thing! Now move the boulder!"
When Walt presented his idealized theme park idea to his wife, Lillian, she said "Why do you want to build an amusement park? They're so dirty!" Walt's response? "That's just the point. Mine won't be!"
When they opened Disneyland, they didn't have a pay-one-price admission. You paid a nominal fee for entry into the park. You then bought a book of tickets. You had A, B, C, D, and E tickets. Walt did NOT want to charge that nominal entrance fee. The ONLY reason that they ended up charging it was because Walt's brother, and business partner Roy wanted to keep out the undesirables - people that would come only to stir up trouble.
These are just a few anecodotes to try and give you an idea of what was behind the Disney company. Yes, it was a business. BUT, it was a business built on the foundation that even if it hurts you financially, you MUST produce quality. Because quality wins out. People will come back to you ten fold if you give them quality.
What I tried to say in an earlier post is that those of us who are criticizing aren't doing so because we dislike Disney, or we think that because of these slip-ups that it's now on the same level as Six Flags. I can't speak for brunette, but when I talk about the way these things are slipping it's because I care so deeply about the company. Disney is the cadillac of theme park experiences. But these small, seemingly insignificant things, really can add up, and it scares me to think that management is allowing these things to happen. I'm scared that the Disney we know and love may not be around for my children, my children's children, and so on.
SnackyStacky
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It wasn't a dining area, but brunette was referring to the Global neighborhood. It's not being refurbished. It's being eliminated because AT&T pulled their sponsorship of Spaceship Earth.
Captain Nemo was in the now-defunct 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea ride. It was at one point a Character greeting location. It was directly across from Winnie the Pooh. Know where Ariel's Grotto is? That used to be Captain Nemo.
I can't comment on the Mexico pavilion.
brunette8706
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I think it used to be called innovations...It's the last building on the left of Future World right when you start to enter World showcase...it's looks horrible!! It's pretty big. If you make that left Mexico is right there. No, it's not the way it suppose to look it also looks abandoned , I don't know if there is anything inside of it or not...but again it looked atrocious!
When I went on SSEarth a few years back it right before you exit the attraction you were drawn to some kind of Global Dining Reservationist where you make your dinner reservation at World Show case...There were about 20 t.v. type monitors with people at a remote location (you could see them on the tv monitor) this is where you would interact with them and place your reservation...It's was rather cool....because your talking to a person on a monitor. Anyway it's boarded up with plywood...They should either A. Do something to replace this plywood, or B. Get another sponsor and redo the Global Dining Reservationist or C. put a little merchandise store there....It's as simple as that...
brunette
When I went on SSEarth a few years back it right before you exit the attraction you were drawn to some kind of Global Dining Reservationist where you make your dinner reservation at World Show case...There were about 20 t.v. type monitors with people at a remote location (you could see them on the tv monitor) this is where you would interact with them and place your reservation...It's was rather cool....because your talking to a person on a monitor. Anyway it's boarded up with plywood...They should either A. Do something to replace this plywood, or B. Get another sponsor and redo the Global Dining Reservationist or C. put a little merchandise store there....It's as simple as that...
brunette
brunette8706
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goofy4tink...
Did you know that when the Magic Kingdom opened, there was a man whose job it was to paint those posts on Main Street. You know the ones - with the horse heads on them? THAT was his job. He didn't paint, and sweep the street, and clean the windows. No - he painted. He's start with the one closest to the train station. He'd keep moving down the line. And when he got to the last one? He'd finish that last one, and start right back again at the post closest to the train station.
That's not myth, or urban legend. That is FACT.
That man does not exist anymore.
Walt Disney was putting a miniature railroad in his backyard. I believe it was 1/8 scale. The engineer who was building it came to a boulder. He approached Walt and told him they'd circumlocute the track. Walt said no. The engineer said, "Why? It's be cheaper than to move it!" Walt's response? "Heck, it'd be cheaper not to build the thing! Now move the boulder!"
When Walt presented his idealized theme park idea to his wife, Lillian, she said "Why do you want to build an amusement park? They're so dirty!" Walt's response? "That's just the point. Mine won't be!"
When they opened Disneyland, they didn't have a pay-one-price admission. You paid a nominal fee for entry into the park. You then bought a book of tickets. You had A, B, C, D, and E tickets. Walt did NOT want to charge that nominal entrance fee. The ONLY reason that they ended up charging it was because Walt's brother, and business partner Roy wanted to keep out the undesirables - people that would come only to stir up trouble.
These are just a few anecodotes to try and give you an idea of what was behind the Disney company. Yes, it was a business. BUT, it was a business built on the foundation that even if it hurts you financially, you MUST produce quality. Because quality wins out. People will come back to you ten fold if you give them quality.
What I tried to say in an earlier post is that those of us who are criticizing aren't doing so because we dislike Disney, or we think that because of these slip-ups that it's now on the same level as Six Flags. I can't speak for brunette, but when I talk about the way these things are slipping it's because I care so deeply about the company. Disney is the cadillac of theme park experiences. But these small, seemingly insignificant things, really can add up, and it scares me to think that management is allowing these things to happen. I'm scared that the Disney we know and love may not be around for my children, my children's children, and so on.
__________________
Dan
*****************************
B E A U T I F U L!!!!!
I coulnd't have said it better! You're right on Target!
Brunette
Did you know that when the Magic Kingdom opened, there was a man whose job it was to paint those posts on Main Street. You know the ones - with the horse heads on them? THAT was his job. He didn't paint, and sweep the street, and clean the windows. No - he painted. He's start with the one closest to the train station. He'd keep moving down the line. And when he got to the last one? He'd finish that last one, and start right back again at the post closest to the train station.
That's not myth, or urban legend. That is FACT.
That man does not exist anymore.
Walt Disney was putting a miniature railroad in his backyard. I believe it was 1/8 scale. The engineer who was building it came to a boulder. He approached Walt and told him they'd circumlocute the track. Walt said no. The engineer said, "Why? It's be cheaper than to move it!" Walt's response? "Heck, it'd be cheaper not to build the thing! Now move the boulder!"
When Walt presented his idealized theme park idea to his wife, Lillian, she said "Why do you want to build an amusement park? They're so dirty!" Walt's response? "That's just the point. Mine won't be!"
When they opened Disneyland, they didn't have a pay-one-price admission. You paid a nominal fee for entry into the park. You then bought a book of tickets. You had A, B, C, D, and E tickets. Walt did NOT want to charge that nominal entrance fee. The ONLY reason that they ended up charging it was because Walt's brother, and business partner Roy wanted to keep out the undesirables - people that would come only to stir up trouble.
These are just a few anecodotes to try and give you an idea of what was behind the Disney company. Yes, it was a business. BUT, it was a business built on the foundation that even if it hurts you financially, you MUST produce quality. Because quality wins out. People will come back to you ten fold if you give them quality.
What I tried to say in an earlier post is that those of us who are criticizing aren't doing so because we dislike Disney, or we think that because of these slip-ups that it's now on the same level as Six Flags. I can't speak for brunette, but when I talk about the way these things are slipping it's because I care so deeply about the company. Disney is the cadillac of theme park experiences. But these small, seemingly insignificant things, really can add up, and it scares me to think that management is allowing these things to happen. I'm scared that the Disney we know and love may not be around for my children, my children's children, and so on.
__________________
Dan
*****************************
B E A U T I F U L!!!!!
I coulnd't have said it better! You're right on Target!
Brunette
I go to Wdw quite often and for the life of me I have not seen any of things that has been mentioned. . We go at least 5 to 6 times a year. I was just there in May and June and everything looked fine to me. May was not that busy, but June was and we saw no trash laying around, except after the parade and the people were pigs who watched it. The flowers were fresh, the building all looked good and the bathrooms were great. The building under SSE has been for years a area for AT&T to promote their wares. I get a kick out of people when they say they want new things, but heaven forbid you put up walls so they don't see the mess and then they complain about the walls..
If you go over to guest relations in Epcot you will see the wall that you use to beable to make ressi. from with the monitors. Actually all you have to do is go to any of the guest relations offices and they will gladly make them for you.
I feel that is one of our big problems of today. To many people see the negative and never the positive. I have gone recently to several vacation entertanment areas and they really need to see Disney and now they do it.
If you go over to guest relations in Epcot you will see the wall that you use to beable to make ressi. from with the monitors. Actually all you have to do is go to any of the guest relations offices and they will gladly make them for you.
I feel that is one of our big problems of today. To many people see the negative and never the positive. I have gone recently to several vacation entertanment areas and they really need to see Disney and now they do it.
brunette8706
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Gee mommom-
We were there in May ...May 13-19th! I really get a kick out of people that have blinders on....It's seems as though you haven't read much of this thread...I gave WDW plenty of accolades...and I'm not just focusing on the negative. Maybe if you go there frequently, the changes of which I'm referring aren't quite as noticable. As it has been a few years since we've been there, the contrast is more noticeable....Again, we have every intention of going back several times a year, we are even considering buying property in the area, and we love going to Disney...
We wouldn't be going back if we were so disappointed, in the experience.
brunette
We were there in May ...May 13-19th! I really get a kick out of people that have blinders on....It's seems as though you haven't read much of this thread...I gave WDW plenty of accolades...and I'm not just focusing on the negative. Maybe if you go there frequently, the changes of which I'm referring aren't quite as noticable. As it has been a few years since we've been there, the contrast is more noticeable....Again, we have every intention of going back several times a year, we are even considering buying property in the area, and we love going to Disney...
We wouldn't be going back if we were so disappointed, in the experience.
brunette
I don't have blinders on. We are usually by our selves and therefore I don't have young children to distract me. I see things, but usually the next time I go back it has been corrected. As I have stated in another post, I went to an attraction on Friday, One bathroom in the front of the attraction that is all they had and that was not clean, all most half of the attractions were closed to being done over, they could not even make change for a 50.00 bill, so we all had to watch what we spent so everyone was able to get something to drink. Also one water fountain in the front no other around. this is where complaints aut to be. I will also say in some of the area that were done with beinh made over there was a very big influence of disney like things. Leaf imprint in the cement, animal hoofs in the cement and a couple of area were really themed out like disney does.
I have read everyone of the post, but what comes through is the negative thoughts.
I have read everyone of the post, but what comes through is the negative thoughts.
brunette8706
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I have read everyone of the post, but what comes through is the negative thoughts.
***************************
Well I'm sorry you feel that way....I was just stating some actual facts from my last encounter........take it with a grain of salt if you like..
Brunette
***************************
Well I'm sorry you feel that way....I was just stating some actual facts from my last encounter........take it with a grain of salt if you like..
Brunette
brunette8706
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I finally got my counter to work!!
Thanks again!!
Brunette
Thanks again!!
Brunette
disneymom2one
All our dreams can come true, if we have the coura
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I think honestly some people get the magic and some don't. We've been going to WDW for ten years. We took a break for three years and did US/IOA (annual passholders, stayed onsite, etc). It was great. But a couple months ago, we went back to WDW for the first time since summer of 2001. All we did was stay a couple of nights at OKW and go to Blizzard Beach. I was amazed. It was the most relaxed we've felt in years. I don't know what it was but it was the same magic I felt before we took the break. Was it the castmembers telling us "welcome home"? Maybe. We were finalizing DVC at the time. Or maybe it was the surrey ride we took (our first!). Or the busdriver who gave my autistic 8 year old an "honorary" bus driver badge? I have no idea. We're going back shortly for a long trip with PAP's and I have no doubt we'll see the magic too, even if there's a little trash on the ground or a ride closed.
Cinderella37
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Regarding the issue of executive compensation, executives receive (or should receive) bonuses based on company performance. Many years the stockholders continued to lose money, while the top executives raked in enormous bonuses. This is one major issue in the whole corporate governance investigations and discussions that have cropped up regarding many U.S. corporations. If the company is not profitable, Eisner shouldn't be getting huge bonuses, I don't care what his stress level and responsibility amount to. My fiance is a businessman and if he doesn't make his numbers, he doesn't get paid. A bonus is just that - a bonus rewarding the executive for playing a role in a company's strong financial performance.
This is the central problem with many companies today, but is glaringly obvious with Disney due to its reputation and the nature of its business. Eisner and other executives have lost site of the philosophy of Disney and only see a money making (or losing) machine. They seem to forget that for most of Walt's life, he was mortgaged to the hilt to finance his dreams. He saw a very small percentage of what the Disney executives are receiving now.
I certainly don't expect anyone to work for free, but I do expect that compensation to be realistic based on profits and performance. As for Roy needing a paycheck, he's an extremely wealthy man due not only to his last name, but also his work in founding Shamrock Holdings with Stanley Gold. If Eisner ever leaves, Roy will only see money because the stock price will increase, which I don't think any of us stockholders would object to.
This is the central problem with many companies today, but is glaringly obvious with Disney due to its reputation and the nature of its business. Eisner and other executives have lost site of the philosophy of Disney and only see a money making (or losing) machine. They seem to forget that for most of Walt's life, he was mortgaged to the hilt to finance his dreams. He saw a very small percentage of what the Disney executives are receiving now.
I certainly don't expect anyone to work for free, but I do expect that compensation to be realistic based on profits and performance. As for Roy needing a paycheck, he's an extremely wealthy man due not only to his last name, but also his work in founding Shamrock Holdings with Stanley Gold. If Eisner ever leaves, Roy will only see money because the stock price will increase, which I don't think any of us stockholders would object to.
brunette8706
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I love that name too!!! One of my favorite characters!
Anyway you are right on TARGET!!! I don't know why people get so defensive about this....We're not bashing the stigma of Disney, we're vocalizing our displeasure with the way the parks are being neglected.
The response of a couple of previous posters stating that the trash on the grounds was in someway acceptable not only eludes me, but in my opinion would turn the stomach of Walt Disney himself..He would have never stood for litter on the ground like that...Even Stacky mentioned in an earlier post Walts vision of having a theme park that was clean and pristine..
Love your comments!!!
Take Care.
Brunette
Anyway you are right on TARGET!!! I don't know why people get so defensive about this....We're not bashing the stigma of Disney, we're vocalizing our displeasure with the way the parks are being neglected.
The response of a couple of previous posters stating that the trash on the grounds was in someway acceptable not only eludes me, but in my opinion would turn the stomach of Walt Disney himself..He would have never stood for litter on the ground like that...Even Stacky mentioned in an earlier post Walts vision of having a theme park that was clean and pristine..
Love your comments!!!
Take Care.
Brunette
Emmaline Lola
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The building by Mexico used to be called the Odessey Restaurant. It was a fast food place, but with a really futuristic atmosphere! It was opened the first couple of years EPCOT opened.
It closed probably around the late 80's. Then it was used to house Cast Member functions. Like, they distributed CM holiday gifts there, etc.
At one point it was used as a catering space, where groups could rent the space and have catered functions.
I haven't seen it utilized in many, many years! It's a shame, but I do not know the reasoning behind it!
The Guest Services Pavillion when you exited Spaceship Earth, also has not been in existance for many years. It was replaced with AT&T's Global Neighborhood, which had different communication demonstrations set up.
I was in the parks when my sister was visiting last month and we needed to make dining reservations for lunch that day. And we were like "where are the cool t.v. screens that you talked to the people to make your reservations!?!"
I remember when EPCOT first opened my family would wait in line to use the guest relation screens to make reservations! WAIT IN LINE FOR A RESERVATION?!?!?!? Can you imagine that today?! Also if you didn't make a run for it at park opening, you could kiss your sit down meal good bye for the day!
Seems like the good old days have passed, but some things, fortunately, have stayed the same--at least WDW is still in business and our children can experience the magic, they don't know what they're missing- it's a whole new experience to them!
EL
It closed probably around the late 80's. Then it was used to house Cast Member functions. Like, they distributed CM holiday gifts there, etc.
At one point it was used as a catering space, where groups could rent the space and have catered functions.
I haven't seen it utilized in many, many years! It's a shame, but I do not know the reasoning behind it!
The Guest Services Pavillion when you exited Spaceship Earth, also has not been in existance for many years. It was replaced with AT&T's Global Neighborhood, which had different communication demonstrations set up.
I was in the parks when my sister was visiting last month and we needed to make dining reservations for lunch that day. And we were like "where are the cool t.v. screens that you talked to the people to make your reservations!?!"
I remember when EPCOT first opened my family would wait in line to use the guest relation screens to make reservations! WAIT IN LINE FOR A RESERVATION?!?!?!? Can you imagine that today?! Also if you didn't make a run for it at park opening, you could kiss your sit down meal good bye for the day!
Seems like the good old days have passed, but some things, fortunately, have stayed the same--at least WDW is still in business and our children can experience the magic, they don't know what they're missing- it's a whole new experience to them!
EL
brunette8706
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Hi
Thanks so much for your factual comments.....Your comment were very eloquent also...
I was trying to figure out what the building was thanks for the interesting tidbits! Yes, I agree they should do something with it even if it's even a boutique for gift etc...or maybe another restaurant...
thanks again!
Brunette
Thanks so much for your factual comments.....Your comment were very eloquent also...
I was trying to figure out what the building was thanks for the interesting tidbits! Yes, I agree they should do something with it even if it's even a boutique for gift etc...or maybe another restaurant...
thanks again!
Brunette
Planogirl
I feel the nerd in me stirring
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Some people just can't see the difference in what was then and what is now and that's great for them in my opinion. I wish that I still saw WDW the same way as I once did.
Epcot is really a shame. I remember when it first opened and how amazing it all seemed. I'm SO glad that I got to see that Epcot. I really dislike what Epcot is evolving into but of course that's just my opinion. But why the closed attractions and those that are only open seasonally and so on? Why copy a ride from Disneyland and add in a big spinner and claim that so much is being done?
I realize that this is just my view but it's the way I see it.
By the way brunette, that's a great rate for the Hyatt. I would stay there in a heartbeat if I could ever land a rate like that.
Epcot is really a shame. I remember when it first opened and how amazing it all seemed. I'm SO glad that I got to see that Epcot. I really dislike what Epcot is evolving into but of course that's just my opinion. But why the closed attractions and those that are only open seasonally and so on? Why copy a ride from Disneyland and add in a big spinner and claim that so much is being done?
I realize that this is just my view but it's the way I see it.
By the way brunette, that's a great rate for the Hyatt. I would stay there in a heartbeat if I could ever land a rate like that.
goofy4tink
No tags...not needed! Transportation moderator
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At the risk of being argumentative here....I have to say that I don't think I am missing anyone's point. I just have a different reality than you do. Yes, I'm sure there was a man that just painted certain things. Fine. I know that a little peeling paint isn't going to ruin my trip next month. Some of you say that there is a lot of negative feeling here. There are actually people that would say that I am the positive one. I don't have blinders on, really I don't. But what you may feel is horribly lacking in WDW, may not make a difference to my or others experience. Do I wish Michael Eisner would go away? Sure do. Wish he could be replaced with someone that actually 'gets it'. But it doesn't look like that's going to happen. Has he spread the Disney corp. waaay too thin? Sure. But there is nothing I can do about that. All I know is that WDW is the one place we have found that my whole family enjoys. I haven't seen anything to date that would keep me from going back. Now, if you want to talk disrepair, we can talk about the 6 Flags here in Mass. That's a place I went once and won't go to again. Dirty, greasy, employees that were surly. Nope...I'll keep paying my thousands of dollars to see the Mouse. But, as I said before...I will keep my eyes open for all those nasty things...over abundance of plywood, dirty bathrooms, overflowing trash cans. There probably was plywood there in Dec but obviously it didn't make a huge impact on me. So, maybe I do have blinders on. I guess I never put them back in the bin after exiting the attraction!!!
brunette8706
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Email if you get a second...I've got some rate information for ya about the Hyatt..
Brunette8706@AOL.com
Thanks for your comments All!
Brunette
Brunette8706@AOL.com
Thanks for your comments All!
Brunette
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