What it means to be dreamed?

[Wick]

I have to disagree that anything has changed. The CMs still have the same ability to provide a magical experience as they always have. There are only certain items that are officially "dreams". I have not received any of them, but we did still experience a ton of magical moments from the cast with whom we interacted. [Free pins for my DD who was being good waiting for my DW to feed our son at the baby care center. Becoming a member of the 100 acre wood family and getting all of the character's autographs. More free pins at Artist Point. Just to name a few...]

I would love to get something "official", but that doesn't change the nature of it.

well-put

 

[Another Voice]

So "free pins" is now a "magical moment"?

This is exactly why so many people dislike and distrust the whole concept. Trinkets, giveaways, marketing - all in place of good service, quality food, well stocked stores with interesting merchandise, fresh attractions.

Funny, but Disney World was massively successful when it didn't give out trinkets. The fact that such things are now offical company policy - complete with spiffy, focus group tested names, is a clear indication that something's gone very wrong. People that don't or wouldn't understand the core of the business always focus in the trival.

It's nothing more than when Ford spent millions on developing a special spray on "new car smell" scent while ignoring basic engineering. Yup, the car smelt purdy, but it fell apart after 35,000 miles. People catch on eventually.

And so to with Disney. Room discounts, free food, trinkets by the Chinese shipload...all of these weren't done when Disney offered a great product at a good value. But for a management team that's unwilling to give guests good value, these are their focus. The fans may be distracted by shiny objects, but normal people aren't. They see the drop in value and they act.

 

[toaster6.54]

And if "winning" two FastPasses to Space Mountain brings thrills and joy to your life - finding an extra ten bucks in pants pocket while doing your laundry must make you giidy for months on end.

Why do you resort to ridicule ?

If "winning" two FastPasses brings happiness to someone, great.

As for McD's: The odds of me winning The Million are pretty slim, but I'd love to walk into one someday and have them give me a pass to the front of the line. Might even make me giidy.

 

[ursijam]

So "free pins" is now a "magical moment"?

This is exactly why so many people dislike and distrust the whole concept. Trinkets, giveaways, marketing - all in place of good service, quality food, well stocked stores with interesting merchandise, fresh attractions.

Funny, but Disney World was massively successful when it didn't give out trinkets. The fact that such things are now offical company policy - complete with spiffy, focus group tested names, is a clear indication that something's gone very wrong. People that don't or wouldn't understand the core of the business always focus in the trival.

It's nothing more than when Ford spent millions on developing a special spray on "new car smell" scent while ignoring basic engineering. Yup, the car smelt purdy, but it fell apart after 35,000 miles. People catch on eventually.

And so to with Disney. Room discounts, free food, trinkets by the Chinese shipload...all of these weren't done when Disney offered a great product at a good value. But for a management team that's unwilling to give guests good value, these are their focus. The fans may be distracted by shiny objects, but normal people aren't. They see the drop in value and they act.

I will attempt to be nice here. That is the policy...

None of the things that I mentioned were part of any marketing campaign.

Each one of these is just an example of my overall experience at WDW. They were not part of any marketing campaign. They were just CMs who were enjoying their jobs and enjoyed doing something for a child and my family. I am sorry that you cannot accept that someone has a different view from you.

Maybe it is how you approach the time that you spend there. If you walk around expecting that people will not be nice to you, then that is most likely what will happen. I am sure that there were plenty of people who were there when we were who did not receive any kind of above and beyond service. Maybe it should be a "right", but I think that the world is too full of entitlements as it is. You are definitely entitled to good/quality service, but you should not expect to me raised up on a pedestal if you conduct your life in such a way as to not deserve it...

 

[toaster6.54]

It's nothing more than when Ford spent millions on developing a special spray on "new car smell" scent while ignoring basic engineering. Yup, the car smelt purdy, but it fell apart after 35,000 miles. People catch on eventually.

Actually, Ford & other manufactures are spending millions to reduce the natural "new car smell" that is being emitted from the plastics, leathers & carpets because medical studies are finding these chemical odors could be harmfull.

 

[Wick]

Each one of these is just an example of my overall experience at WDW. They were not part of any marketing campaign. They were just CMs who were enjoying their jobs and enjoyed doing something for a child and my family.

Exactly. YOAMD hasn't diluted the usual Disney treatment we all get at WDW, at least in the few times I've visited since the whole thing got started.
I mean, it's not like regular CMs are slacking off because "well, the Dream Squad is doing all that anyway."

 

[Jason71]

A friend of mine used to do Wishes cruises out of an MK hotel (he's since moved, but I still feel no need to "out" him). Whenever he had a cancellation, he would walk through the lobby and give some random couple a "dream" cruise.

Not so much because Disney has instilled a sense of customer service in him--because he wanted to make sure he got tips.

 

[Another Voice]

You are definitely entitled to good/quality service, but you should not expect to me raised up on a pedestal if you conduct your life in such a way as to not deserve it...

You've brought "blame the audience" to a whole new level.

You're absolutely right. I don't deserve free pins. I am a bad person. I don't see the natural goodness in all things Disney - like you. I lack the special "magical" glow that makes cast members want to give me pins. Maybe if I didn't go around kicking cast members in the shin they would grant my dream of a $3.99 small Mickey Mouse plush toy.

Being evil is so depressing some times.

If only I could learn the golden rule that Disney's Giant Giveaway Computer knows who's been naughty and who's been nice, I too would as wonderful a person as those that recieve their dreams...

 

[ursijam]

You've brought "blame the audience" to a whole new level.

You have to "blame the audience".

The exact thing that you want Disney to "provide" is that special interaction with a CM. They are going to go out of their way for you if they have a positive experience with them. If you are not open to that contact or if you are a pain in the butt to the CM, there isn't any motivation to do anything special for you. You should still get top-notch service, but you shouldn't expect to be treated in some special manner because it is "Disney".

I don't see the natural goodness in all things Disney - like you. I lack the special "magical" glow that makes cast members want to give me pins.

It has nothing to do with Disney. It is just human nature of the people with whom you are dealing. You will get better treatment with all things in life by reacting positively. [Not being naive, just telling you my experience.]

If only I could learn the golden rule that Disney's Giant Giveaway Computer knows who's been naughty and who's been nice, I too would as wonderful a person as those that recieve their dreams...

That is one thing that I think you should be happy with...

With the marketing of YOAMD, even unpleasant people will receive dreams.

 

[Another Voice]

That is one thing that I think you should be happy with...

With the marketing of YOAMD, even unpleasant people will receive dreams.

Yes, it makes getting out of my secret lair worth the bother.

Of course you're correct. Special "dreams" given by cast members need to go only to the "right kind of people". I guess the rest of us will just have to remember our places.

Enjoy your free pin. May it bring you years of happiness, joy and comfort. I hope The Walt Disney Company continues to shower you with a largess of material goods. Rush through the gates for the Magic Kingdom, for I am sure a special Dream Team member is waiting just for you with a very extra-special dream that can only be given to those that are truly better people than the rest of us. And most of all, please know that you are truly a superior person to me and all the lowly pond scum that I represent.



In the meantime, I and others will continue on the proud tradition of Disney - the Real Disney, not the trinket-giving "Magic Disney" - and attempt to make the world just a little bit better place. We will not accept free pins, we will work hard on movies, in the parks, on the stage believing that quality, imagination and hard work are the real drivers of success - not cheap marketing ploys designed for the self-important and the gullible.

There is not a free hat or a special hotel room that will ever give me as much pure joy as watching a child enthralled with a movie I helped make. Nothing any Disney computer will randomly give to me is as valuable as knowing that what I have created will last well beyond me because of what I learned from the Real Disney.

I choose to be judged based on what I accomplish. Others seem to be valued on what they are given.

 

[ursijam]

Yes, it makes getting out of my secret lair worth the bother.

Of course you're correct. Special "dreams" given by cast members need to go only to the "right kind of people". I guess the rest of us will just have to remember our places.

Enjoy your free pin. May it bring you years of happiness, joy and comfort. I hope The Walt Disney Company continues to shower you with a largess of material goods. Rush through the gates for the Magic Kingdom, for I am sure a special Dream Team member is waiting just for you with a very extra-special dream that can only be given to those that are truly better people than the rest of us. And most of all, please know that you are truly a superior person to me and all the lowly pond scum that I represent.



In the meantime, I and others will continue on the proud tradition of Disney - the Real Disney, not the trinket-giving "Magic Disney" - and attempt to make the world just a little bit better place. We will not accept free pins, we will work hard on movies, in the parks, on the stage believing that quality, imagination and hard work are the real drivers of success - not cheap marketing ploys designed for the self-important and the gullible.

There is not a free hat or a special hotel room that will ever give me as much pure joy as watching a child enthralled with a movie I helped make. Nothing any Disney computer will randomly give to me is as valuable as knowing that what I have created will last well beyond me because of what I learned from the Real Disney.

I choose to be judged based on what I accomplish. Others seem to be valued on what they are given.

It is unfortunate that you cannot read what other people say.

You are still stuck on your broken record of "I am right" and "Everyone else is wrong".

As to the very children that you seem to care so greatly about, having someone give them a random act of kindness (in any way) is what makes them happy. It is having the experience. It is having something to walk away with. It is having the memory with their family.


If you ever decide to get off your high-horse, then we could continue the discussion.

[BTW... Movies can be special. Movies also act as the new babysitter for a lot of parents. The children will get much more out of spending quality time with their family.]

 

[Another Voice]

It is having the experience. It is having something to walk away with.

And this is our fundemental disagreement. I do not believe a trinket given at random to a child is anything special. I would much rather Disney focus on making the entire experience for everyone as good as it can be, rather than spending time and effort on a marketing campaign designed to give hope to people that they might become part of a small, extra-special group.

I want to teach my children that getting their dreams is in their control -that if they work hard enough and deserve it, they can earn what they want. 'The Year of a Million Dreams' teaches that trips to Cinderella's castle are nothing but a random act of consumerism given by a corporation to its customers.

 

[ursijam]

I do not believe a trinket given at random to a child is anything special.

The child does.

I want to teach my children that getting their dreams is in their control -that if they work hard enough and deserve it, they can earn what they want.

(I am sure that you will disagree , but... )

I think that we finally agree. As far as working hard enough and deserving it, I think that that is why the CMs comment to my daughter and are nice to her. They see a three year old who is well behaved and polite. That is someone who is working hard and deserves the special treatment. The children throwing tantrums in the middle of the walkway because they cannot ride Dumbo for the twelth time do not deserve it.

It is interesting that you talk about being able to earn something and that it should be available to all in the same thought.

 

[Another Voice]

I would hope it would be the parent's job to reward the well behaved child, or punish the ill behaved one - not a corporation's.

And again - the central point to my dislike of 'YoMT' - how does a computer know the special pin lanyard is going to the "nice" child or the "bad" child? It seems that everything Disney is doing runs completely opposite of what you desire.

What's the problem with "It is interesting that you talk about being able to earn something and that it should be available to all in the same thought." I thought was was the basis of American society - that everyone has an equal chance to achieve what is within their abilities.

That concept was something that has been strongly rooted in everything about the parks since Disneyland opened in 1955. Everyone could buy the same tickets for the same experience -there were no "special seats" for the rich or poor; black, white, brown; or for those randomly choosen so they could feel superior to those not chosen.

 

[Wick]

I respect all of your opinions and I love having this board as a forum to exchange ideas, but at the same time I realize that many here can't be pleased with anything Disney has done in recent years. It seems like unless Walt himself came back from the dead and took control again, Disney can't get anything right in pretty much any aspect of the business.

What solidifies this notion even more is (in the thread titled "Positive WDW Remarks") most of the naysayers can't name one tangible aspect of WDW that appeals to them. I asked, What is it that keeps you coming back if you despise it so much? Most answered vaguely, citing a "hope" that Disney would find its roots again... even going so far as to cite Lassetter as the reason for sticking around.. Come on! The same people who can't admit they still get chills walking down Main Street or watching Philharmagic are *surprise* the same people who can't understand why a child would appreciate a free pin, and hey, even call it a bit of Disney magic (although we all know it's the big bad Disney suits and their cheap marketing ploy).

 

[Wick]

That concept was something that has been strongly rooted in everything about the parks since Disneyland opened in 1955. Everyone could buy the same tickets for the same experience -there were no "special seats" for the rich or poor; black, white, brown; or for those randomly choosen so they could feel superior to those not chosen.

Club 33?

So does that mean you're against things like ADRs or Fantasmic Dining Packages too??

 

[ursijam]

I give up. I don't think that you will ever get it or that Disney could ever do enough to make you happy.

[sarcasm on]
I hope that I continue to be treated as the special person that I am.

I hope that Disney continues to shower me with 37 cent items. I love it.

I hope that the Decade of a Million Dreams is right around the corner!

Maybe the computer will pick me to direct POTC 7.

I am entitled to everything everywhere. I will have to call them so that they can have my Dream Fast Passes, hats, and lanyards ready when I get to Main Street. [And, I better not have to wait in any lines to get them...]
[sarcasm off]

I am just glad that there are CMs who still enjoy being a part of Disney and making my time there special.

 

[Another Voice]

Most answered vaguely, citing a "hope" that Disney would find its roots again...

And that is my hope, that somehow the company will get back to its core and relearn all the things that made it a great business...that every guest is to be treated like a VIP, that you give the audience all the show that you can possibly give them, that imagination and talent is more important than money, that honest value is more works better than slick marketing.

And I will stand up and speak my mind when the company ignores those lessons and chooses the wrong path.

If that makes me less a "Disney fan" than others - I won't argue with you.

I don't get my spine tingled by a trading pin. Looking at a hunk of metal painted to look like a princess is devoid of any value.

But yes, walking down Main Street does make me feel something. The way the gas light flickers a night, the smell of candy filling the street, the sound of horseshoes on the pavement - it makes me feel in a different time and a different place.

That's my "Disney". It's not a set of characters or merchandise offered by a company - it's a group of artists that have the ability to make the impossible come to life. "Disney" is wandering the hallways of a haunted house, soaring into the space, or sitting on a steamboat feeling like I'm a thousand miles away from home.

"Disney" magic is not measured by the amount of stuff you have. Disney is trying to tell us different, and it looks like a lot of people have boughten into that concept. So we get more free pins and fewer "I never thought I'd see anything like that" moments.

So go ahead, snort and call me names. Tell me how sorry you are that I'm such an evil, un-nice person. Tell me how negative I am, how I hate everything and everybody.

But you're right. Your version of "Disney" will never make be happy becasue I know what Real Disney can do.

 

[cxcelica]

I respect all of your opinions and I love having this board as a forum to exchange ideas, but at the same time I realize that many here can't be pleased with anything Disney has done in recent years. It seems like unless Walt himself came back from the dead and took control again, Disney can't get anything right in pretty much any aspect of the business.

What solidifies this notion even more is (in the thread titled "Positive WDW Remarks") most of the naysayers can't name one tangible aspect of WDW that appeals to them. I asked, What is it that keeps you coming back if you despise it so much? Most answered vaguely, citing a "hope" that Disney would find its roots again... even going so far as to cite Lassetter as the reason for sticking around.. Come on! The same people who can't admit they still get chills walking down Main Street or watching Philharmagic are *surprise* the same people who can't understand why a child would appreciate a free pin, and hey, even call it a bit of Disney magic (although we all know it's the big bad Disney suits and their cheap marketing ploy).

Well Said. Also when these people are asked how would they fix it they respond with things like "they need to go back to telling good stories". Thats like being asked how can the Knicks become a better basketball team and answering "they need to get a center who can shoot the ball, rebound and play defense". Well that's obvious but not that helpful or useful.

 

[Wick]

"That concept was something that has been strongly rooted in everything about the parks since Disneyland opened in 1955. Everyone could buy the same tickets for the same experience -there were no "special seats" for the rich or poor; black, white, brown; or for those randomly choosen so they could feel superior to those not chosen."

Another Voice-

How do you explain Club 33 ?

Also what is your position on ADRs and the like?