Whats Wrong with Disney?

[agavegirl1]

MN State Fair had Dole Whips last summer. That said, the name of the thread is "What's wrong with Disney?"

My opinion, Walt Disney World is not living up the standards it set for itself many years ago. The disconnect between the current "leaders" of the Parks and Resorts division and the average guest, is apparent. The stockholders and executives are more "bottom line" and stock price focused than I've ever seen...and I am a stockholder.

Capital Expenditure budgets and spending (capex) have not kept up proportionately with the number of parks and ships included in the division. Focus has been on foreign parks and cruise line spending.

MM+ was "advertised" to investors and the Board of Directors to result in an increase in net revenue. To do that, it must provide the information necessary for massive cost savings as well as the means to increase per guest spending. Staffing efficiency (job cuts) and tap to buy were anticipated to do help do this.

The rollout of MM+ has had difficulties and resulted in bad PR. It is improving. However, frontline CMs are bearing the brunt of any and all negativity. Morale is affected and guests are affected.

WDW management is complacent because the increases in attendance seems to justify their attitudes. For every person on this board complaining about the upcharge/hard ticket events, there are several thousand people attending said event. For every person skipping a year or two at WDW, there are more than enough first timers ready to jump in.

Disney is not responsible for the deterioration of their product. Because we continue to go, this is on us. The company will do just exactly what it needs to do to meet its numbers. No more, no less. Every small cut in service, value etc. that is not met with a decrease in attendance, room occupancy, dining sales or merchandise sales will continue. The focus is changed. The standards have changed.

 

[Mad Hattered]

MN State Fair had Dole Whips last summer. That said, the name of the thread is "What's wrong with Disney?"

My opinion, Walt Disney World is not living up the standards it set for itself many years ago. The disconnect between the current "leaders" of the Parks and Resorts division and the average guest, is apparent. The stockholders and executives are more "bottom line" and stock price focused than I've ever seen...and I am a stockholder.

Capital Expenditure budgets and spending (capex) have not kept up proportionately with the number of parks and ships included in the division. Focus has been on foreign parks and cruise line spending.

MM+ was "advertised" to investors and the Board of Directors to result in an increase in net revenue. To do that, it must provide the information necessary for massive cost savings as well as the means to increase per guest spending. Staffing efficiency (job cuts) and tap to buy were anticipated to do help do this.

The rollout of MM+ has had difficulties and resulted in bad PR. It is improving. However, frontline CMs are bearing the brunt of any and all negativity. Morale is affected and guests are affected.

WDW management is complacent because the increases in attendance seems to justify their attitudes. For every person on this board complaining about the upcharge/hard ticket events, there are several thousand people attending said event. For every person skipping a year or two at WDW, there are more than enough first timers ready to jump in.

Disney is not responsible for the deterioration of their product. Because we continue to go, this is on us. The company will do just exactly what it needs to do to meet its numbers. No more, no less. Every small cut in service, value etc. that is not met with a decrease in attendance, room occupancy, dining sales or merchandise sales will continue. The focus is changed. The standards have changed.

Very well said, agave.

 

[clsteve]

I find all of these comments about how Universal defenders have something against Disney quite interesting. It is possible to like both! Again I repeat, it is possible to like both! I don't know why that won't sink in when it comes to a few here.

Also the comments about what people's friends say or do is something else too. Of course that must indicate that others feel the same way. It couldn't be that people tend to be drawn to and friends with people who think much like them.

I will continue to defend Universal because they deserve it. I would defend Disney too but I don't think that they need it much around here.

Planogirl, it's sad to say, but I think it's impossible. Impossible for some to understand that:

• We've been to both (some many, many, many times)
• We care for both
• We've invested tens of thousands of dollars into both
• It's natural for us to compare them
• It's beyond natural to expect the same standards from both
• When one is providing cutting edge Lands, attractions, Hotels, restaurants, etc., within record time; it's human nature to ask why isn't the other one anymore
• When one is starting to surpass the other in theme-ing it's natural to ask what happened - especially since that is what the other one is best known for

Unfortunately, what seems very possible is:

• Another post about Uni from someone who's never been there
• Another "Uni is just another Six Flags" post
• Another "Uni is only for thrill seekers or teenagers" post
• Another "Disney is getting ready to build StarWarsLand any second!" post
• Another "Disney is packed! They must be doing everything right!" post
• Or another post that Harry Potter is a flash in the pan and Avatar was the highest grossing film in the Galaxy

Universal is only used as a comparison because it is adhering to the Disney Standard - the standard established in the 70's, 80's, 90's and early 2000's more so than Disney right now. Well, in Orlando at least. It's not like they've forgotten how - just look at DL - or look overseas. Disney had more to do with bringing Universal into the discussion than any of us did......

 

[Gottahavemorecowbell]

I haven't seen much "Disney is packed, they must be doing everything right" posting but it does take forever to go through this whole thread. I certainly want to distance myself from this line of thinking. I do see something more like "Disney is packed, they are doing way more right than wrong, so why are we made to feel as though we should be disappointed?"

 

[agavegirl1]

Planogirl, it's sad to say, but I think it's impossible. Impossible for some to understand that:

• We've been to both (some many, many, many times)
• We care for both
• We've invested tens of thousands of dollars into both
• It's natural for us to compare them
• It's beyond natural to expect the same standards from both
• When one is providing cutting edge Lands, attractions, Hotels, restaurants, etc., within record time; it's human nature to ask why isn't the other one anymore
• When one is starting to surpass the other in theme-ing it's natural to ask what happened - especially since that is what the other one is best known for

Unfortunately, what seems very possible is:

• Another post about Uni from someone who's never been there
• Another "Uni is just another Six Flags" post
• Another "Uni is only for thrill seekers or teenagers" post
• Another "Disney is getting ready to build StarWarsLand any second!" post
• Another "Disney is packed! They must be doing everything right!" post
• Or another post that Harry Potter is a flash in the pan and Avatar was the highest grossing film in the Galaxy

Universal is only used as a comparison because it is adhering to the Disney Standard - the standard established in the 70's, 80's, 90's and early 2000's more so than Disney right now. Well, in Orlando at least. It's not like they've forgotten how - just look at DL - or look overseas. Disney had more to do with bringing Universal into the discussion than any of us did......

Thank You clsteve...you are very direct and to the point.

 

[Mad Hattered]

Planogirl, it's sad to say, but I think it's impossible. Impossible for some to understand that:

• We've been to both (some many, many, many times)
• We care for both
• We've invested tens of thousands of dollars into both
• It's natural for us to compare them
• It's beyond natural to expect the same standards from both
• When one is providing cutting edge Lands, attractions, Hotels, restaurants, etc., within record time; it's human nature to ask why isn't the other one anymore
• When one is starting to surpass the other in theme-ing it's natural to ask what happened - especially since that is what the other one is best known for

Unfortunately, what seems very possible is:

• Another post about Uni from someone who's never been there
• Another "Uni is just another Six Flags" post
• Another "Uni is only for thrill seekers or teenagers" post
• Another "Disney is getting ready to build StarWarsLand any second!" post
• Another "Disney is packed! They must be doing everything right!" post
• Or another post that Harry Potter is a flash in the pan and Avatar was the highest grossing film in the Galaxy

Universal is only used as a comparison because it is adhering to the Disney Standard - the standard established in the 70's, 80's, 90's and early 2000's more so than Disney right now. Well, in Orlando at least. It's not like they've forgotten how - just look at DL - or look overseas. Disney had more to do with bringing Universal into the discussion than any of us did......

You deserve a kitten.

Just trying to show my softer side. Don't get weird on me.

 

[Mad Hattered]

I haven't seen much "Disney is packed, they must be doing everything right" posting but it does take forever to go through this whole thread. I certainly want to distance myself from this line of thinking. I do see something more like "Disney is packed, they are doing way more right than wrong, so why are we made to feel as though we should be disappointed?"

In all honesty, you just joined this month.It is brought up in every single thread that has anything at all that mentions anything about "the place that shall not be named". I think "Dole Whips are made from Angel tears" is the second biggest draw on this board.

 

[ks13]

This is exactly how I feel. This project was announced in 2011 and then they had a ground breaking ceremony at least 1 year ago. This new land is projected to open in 2017. Why does Disney take so long? There's really no excuse. If it's because they announce projects earlier in the development than Universal, they need to stop it.

I wonder what Universal will accomplish in the same time frame?

A lot, they have broke ground on the next phases of expansion, likely kong, and jurassic park (to coincide with new JP in 2015). Next 5 years universal allegedly has major plans for a lot of the parks, city walk, hotels, and recently aquired land. Before it is said no I am not a fan boy of uni or disney. I see the good both are doing, disney to me is just lagging severely in certain departments. They need to target males more in the next things they do is my opinion.

 

[DOOM1001]

A lot, they have broke ground on the next phases of expansion, likely kong, and jurassic park (to coincide with new JP in 2015). Next 5 years universal allegedly has major plans for a lot of the parks, city walk, hotels, and recently aquired land. Before it is said no I am not a fan boy of uni or disney. I see the good both are doing, disney to me is just lagging severely in certain departments. They need to target males more in the next things they do is my opinion.

A website has found permits filed with the Orange county comptroller site showing what will be the 5th Universal hotel with additional plans for a 6th and 7th.The 5th hotel will have 1,000 rooms and convention space and will be located between Cabana Bay and Royal Pacific.The 6th and 7th hotel will have 400 rooms but one could only be an expansion of Cabana Bay.Universal keeps expanding and before you know it you're going to be hearing of a third park going up on International Drive near Wet n Wild with some sort of monorail connecting the original campus to this new area,it's going to happen,it's like the hotel expansion at Disney in the 90's after DHS and before AK.Maybe the day this happens Disney will start to react and actually start to worry about their bottom line and start doing what they're supposed to be doing as the current top dog.

 

[ks13]

A website has found permits filed with the Orange county comptroller site showing what will be the 5th Universal hotel with additional plans for a 6th and 7th.The 5th hotel will have 1,000 rooms and convention space and will be located between Cabana Bay and Royal Pacific.The 6th and 7th hotel will have 400 rooms but one could only be an expansion of Cabana Bay.Universal keeps expanding and before you know it you're going to be hearing of a third park going up on International Drive near Wet n Wild with some sort of monorail connecting the original campus to this new area,it's going to happen,it's like the hotel expansion at Disney in the 90's after DHS and before AK.Maybe the day this happens Disney will start to react and actually start to worry about their bottom line and start doing what they're supposed to be doing as the current top dog.

Those are among rumors, and permits that have surfaced. There are some crazy rumors of what Universal will look like in 2020. It is rumored somewhere near cabana bay will be a 3rd gate, a water park. While yes they own wet n wild they want something with a universal stamp on it is the rumor. Let's also not forget city place 2.0 is in the works, less night clubs more entertainment, currently phase 1 is under way. I forget how much land they snatched up recently but it was a lot. Basicly what has been said is that comcast who owns them has decided we may not be able to take down the mouse but can put a hurting on them. Universal has promised something major every year for many years to come. I really hate to say it but I think disney is taking them too lightly. It will be intresting to see what happens when panic sets in at Disney HQ, and yes I think it will in the next few years.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

I think it's reasonable to believe that someone who is complaining constantly about how Disney is ruined for them by the actions of current management probably needs a break from Disney. Which is not exactly the same thing as saying well, just don't go if you don't like the hot dog rolls.

There is a huge difference between cutting back or splitting trips and picking up your marbles completely.

I love WDW and spend a lot of time and money to go, however, if I am going to spend less time in the parks and the kids are interested in something else more age approriate then I don't have to spend ALL of my travel money on WDW.

I haven't read any post that says,"Disney is ruined for them by the actions of current management." I know that if I felt that way, I wouldn't be on the disboards. I would walk away from everything Disney. I do, however, want to share my opinions and see if others are feeling the way I am. I also want to hear opposing opinions.

Also, if you've been a long time guest you've got a lot to experience. I remember going to DAK and seeing the signs up announcing EE. My DH looked at me and said, you need to come back there for that right?.

The expansion of Fantasyland was absolutely necessary but will it drawn the tween and teen crowd? It will be nice when I bring the grandchildren down in 15 years or so but I'm not worried about that at this moment.

I've come to whatever moment with Disney. If they don't want to fix what is broken, I can stop going to Disney, talking about them, complaining about stuff being fixed. If others want to keep thinking everything is perfect and great, go ahead.

You say the park attendance keeping going up and up, they can also go down and down later on when others start to feel the same way I do. Disney does not have a monopoly on families like they did back in the past, Dreamworks, Fox Animation, Sony Animation, Illumination Entertainment all make kids movie which this generation of kids are also seeing, watching, enjoying, and loving. They have more options of things to see in amusement parks especially if parks start putting those Kid IP characters in the park.

Disney has to step it up. Its not the 90s. Its no longer in its hey day where Disney is the only choice.

Not to mention social media, smartphones, and the internet.

I couldn't understand why my DD was in such a rush to leave TL, go back to the room and shower for dinner. One of her friends had texted her that she missed the finale to Game of Thrones so she wanted to watch that while we showered. So she did, ironically on the laptop that I brought solely for MDE!

I find all of these comments about how Universal defenders have something against Disney quite interesting. It is possible to like both! Again I repeat, it is possible to like both! I don't know why that won't sink in when it comes to a few here.

Also the comments about what people's friends say or do is something else too. Of course that must indicate that others feel the same way. It couldn't be that people tend to be drawn to and friends with people who think much like them.

I will continue to defend Universal because they deserve it. I would defend Disney too but I don't think that they need it much around here.

I'll repeat it too. It isn't either/or.

Planogirl, it's sad to say, but I think it's impossible. Impossible for some to understand that:

• We've been to both (some many, many, many times)
• We care for both
• We've invested tens of thousands of dollars into both
• It's natural for us to compare them
• It's beyond natural to expect the same standards from both
• When one is providing cutting edge Lands, attractions, Hotels, restaurants, etc., within record time; it's human nature to ask why isn't the other one anymore
• When one is starting to surpass the other in theme-ing it's natural to ask what happened - especially since that is what the other one is best known for

Unfortunately, what seems very possible is:

• Another post about Uni from someone who's never been there
• Another "Uni is just another Six Flags" post
• Another "Uni is only for thrill seekers or teenagers" post
• Another "Disney is getting ready to build StarWarsLand any second!" post
• Another "Disney is packed! They must be doing everything right!" post
• Or another post that Harry Potter is a flash in the pan and Avatar was the highest grossing film in the Galaxy

Universal is only used as a comparison because it is adhering to the Disney Standard - the standard established in the 70's, 80's, 90's and early 2000's more so than Disney right now. Well, in Orlando at least. It's not like they've forgotten how - just look at DL - or look overseas. Disney had more to do with bringing Universal into the discussion than any of us did......

Well said.

I completely confess to being a former WDW snob myself but that was before our first trip to the dark side of course. I went kicking and screaming but Portofino Bay knocked my socks off and so did Emeril's.

Oh and only slightly off topic. Le Cellier changed it's menu. It no longer serves the Mushroom Risotto with Truffle Cream. It's gone seasonal. First it was Pea Risotto and then it was Spinach. Yuck. Fooled me once, so the second time guess what, I ordered the charcuterie platter for dinner which was excellent and at $15 vs $43 a much better value. Next trip we are skipping it altogether and going to Yachtsman.

That's what's wrong with WDW in my opinion. Diminished food quality and messing with stuff that wasn't broken. Yes, miss the pie sampler from R&C but the DDP killed it off.

 

[Suvadoo]

Here are the facts as posted in the Orlando Sentinel:
Disney World's share of Orlando theme-park traffic shrank from 74.9 percent in 2009, the year before the first Wizarding World debuted, to 71.3 percent in 2012, the most recent year for which figures are available. SeaWorld's share dropped from 9.1 percent to 7.9 percent.Universal's piece of the pie, meanwhile, grew from 16 percent to 20.8 percent during the same period.
To avoid being accused of cherry picking here's the link to the article:
http://articles.orlandosentinel.com...orlando-wizarding-world-theme-park-attendance
I realize WDW is huge compared to Universal but Universal is really kicking butt and I think we will all benefit from the competition.

 

[mom2rtk]

Planogirl, it's sad to say, but I think it's impossible. Impossible for some to understand that:

• We've been to both (some many, many, many times)
• We care for both
• We've invested tens of thousands of dollars into both
• It's natural for us to compare them
• It's beyond natural to expect the same standards from both
• When one is providing cutting edge Lands, attractions, Hotels, restaurants, etc., within record time; it's human nature to ask why isn't the other one anymore
• When one is starting to surpass the other in theme-ing it's natural to ask what happened - especially since that is what the other one is best known for

Unfortunately, what seems very possible is:

• Another post about Uni from someone who's never been there
• Another "Uni is just another Six Flags" post
• Another "Uni is only for thrill seekers or teenagers" post
• Another "Disney is getting ready to build StarWarsLand any second!" post
• Another "Disney is packed! They must be doing everything right!" post
• Or another post that Harry Potter is a flash in the pan and Avatar was the highest grossing film in the Galaxy

Universal is only used as a comparison because it is adhering to the Disney Standard - the standard established in the 70's, 80's, 90's and early 2000's more so than Disney right now. Well, in Orlando at least. It's not like they've forgotten how - just look at DL - or look overseas. Disney had more to do with bringing Universal into the discussion than any of us did......

Well said!

They should make that a sticky.

You deserve a kitten.

Just trying to show my softer side. Don't get weird on me.

Except the glasses need to be more round. And the tie should be striped. Oh, and he needs a cloak. Maybe a black cloak...........

 

[clsteve]

Well said!

They should make that a sticky.

As long as that doesn't come with a Kitten - tell Mr. Hattered no thanks. We have 3 rescues already and the furniture can't take anymore......

 

[RMulieri]

Planogirl, it's sad to say, but I think it's impossible. Impossible for some to understand that:

• We've been to both (some many, many, many times)
• We care for both
• We've invested tens of thousands of dollars into both
• It's natural for us to compare them
• It's beyond natural to expect the same standards from both
• When one is providing cutting edge Lands, attractions, Hotels, restaurants, etc., within record time; it's human nature to ask why isn't the other one anymore
• When one is starting to surpass the other in theme-ing it's natural to ask what happened - especially since that is what the other one is best known for

Unfortunately, what seems very possible is:

• Another post about Uni from someone who's never been there
• Another "Uni is just another Six Flags" post
• Another "Uni is only for thrill seekers or teenagers" post
• Another "Disney is getting ready to build StarWarsLand any second!" post
• Another "Disney is packed! They must be doing everything right!" post
• Or another post that Harry Potter is a flash in the pan and Avatar was the highest grossing film in the Galaxy

Universal is only used as a comparison because it is adhering to the Disney Standard - the standard established in the 70's, 80's, 90's and early 2000's more so than Disney right now. Well, in Orlando at least. It's not like they've forgotten how - just look at DL - or look overseas. Disney had more to do with bringing Universal into the discussion than any of us did......

exactly

 

[mom2rtk]

As long as that doesn't come with a Kitten - tell Mr. Hattered no thanks. We have 3 rescues already and the furniture can't take anymore......

Well, I'm not taking the kitten either. We have 4 and our entire house can't take any more!

But I'll be happy to ooh and aah from afar.

 

[RMulieri]

Just a guess, but I'd say there's a good chance that Gringott's will be operating more reliably after a month than Test Track does after 15 years.

 

[PlutoMars]

I hope you are not basing that on the problems they had with their Forbidden Journey attraction.

Maybe getting evacuated one by one going down a ladder is part of the theme.

 

[Disneyglobegirl]

Planogirl, it's sad to say, but I think it's impossible. Impossible for some to understand that:

• We've been to both (some many, many, many times)
• We care for both
• We've invested tens of thousands of dollars into both
• It's natural for us to compare them
• It's beyond natural to expect the same standards from both
• When one is providing cutting edge Lands, attractions, Hotels, restaurants, etc., within record time; it's human nature to ask why isn't the other one anymore
• When one is starting to surpass the other in theme-ing it's natural to ask what happened - especially since that is what the other one is best known for

Unfortunately, what seems very possible is:

• Another post about Uni from someone who's never been there
• Another "Uni is just another Six Flags" post
• Another "Uni is only for thrill seekers or teenagers" post
• Another "Disney is getting ready to build StarWarsLand any second!" post
• Another "Disney is packed! They must be doing everything right!" post
• Or another post that Harry Potter is a flash in the pan and Avatar was the highest grossing film in the Galaxy

Universal is only used as a comparison because it is adhering to the Disney Standard - the standard established in the 70's, 80's, 90's and early 2000's more so than Disney right now. Well, in Orlando at least. It's not like they've forgotten how - just look at DL - or look overseas. Disney had more to do with bringing Universal into the discussion than any of us did......

Great post! Thank you!! There are plenty of posts in this thread from those who love both but they seem to be getting ignored and skipped over as if it's a foreign concept that one could actually enjoy both Disney and Universal!

 

[Seeker615]

And yet the aura of Magic Kingdom gets more visitors than USO and IoA combined. Still. Even after Simpsons! Even after Transformers! Even after WWoHP!! (And I'm counting IoA and USO as separate, assuming that they have original visitors and not the same visitor, even though they most certainly are the same guest visiting both parks. I've also left out WDW's other three parks because with those included, the comparison wouldn't even be fair or close.)

But wait, Diagon Alley will be a game-changer! It will single-handedly cause MK's attendance to drop by 10% while both Uni parks will see a 20% increase!

OR, more realistically..... Disney has an aura. I've said this before and I'll say it again: No one says, "I can't wait to take little Susie to Universal and see her face when she sees the.... Hogsmeade? for the first time." But seriously, the second question people ask new parents, just after "is it a boy or a girl" is "when are you taking them to DisneyWorld!?'

And even if those same kids as teens prefer the thrills of Universal, when they grow up and have kids they will take them right back to the Mouse. Honestly, what does "Comcast" mean to anyone? It's essentially the Walmart of cable. It doesn't induce the warm fuzzies.

Disney is a mega brand. There are videos, there are parks, there are movies, there are TV networks, and all the related merch. Universal has none of that. No one associates anything with Universal, no matter how awesome a ride is or a land. People go to Disney for the brand that has been cultivated through clever marketing.

Every time I wear any Disney shirt, I always have babies and little kids pointing at the Mickey on my shirt and smiling. It always takes me a few minutes to figure out why the kid is staring at me, but they are always looking at the Mickey! And when those same kids get to DisneyWorld, what are they looking for? Mickey. Universal doesn't have a Mickey. It has Harry Potter, which will resonate with some but not all 10 year olds. It has some very well-themed rides and lands. Fine. It doesn't have the Disney brand...the aura, if you will, that will draw people in regardless.

Yes I do believe Disney does have an aura. But...I don't buy the line about people never saying I can't wait to take my kids to Universal. My sister couldn't wait to take her son to IOA to see the super heroes. He loves Spiderman and couldn't wait to get him there. I personally could not wait to take my daughter to see Harry Potter. We read the books together and it was a total thrill to see Hogwarts. Don't under estimate the draw of Harry Potter.

As for the T-Shirts....I have worn my Mickey T-Shirt a lot and I have a Monster Inc. shirt as well but the shirt that gets the most attention is my Batman shirt. Every single time i wear it I have had some kid point at it...my Hogwarts shirt usually has the same effect.

I think where the trend is heading is that Disney will always draw in the crowds but is heading to the younger families and definitely the girls. Universal is drawing in the older set, the kids who like action and thrills.

Also Disney theme parks have been around longer than Universal Theme Parks. I grew up on Disney and it's parks. My kids grew up on both.