Where do you think Disney Dropped the Ball

[erinch]

About Primeval Hurl, ummm, whirl:

I'm a thrill ride loving mama, and luckily my kids got the genes. My tall, brave daughter rode RnR at age 4. The second time we rode she was howling. The CMs were glaring at me like I was an abusive parent for forcing her to ride. What she was screaming about was that I was forcing her to ride with me in the middle of the train because that's the only place DH will ride. Her big brother was riding in the back where it "pulls more G's" and she wanted to be with him.

Back to PW--I can ride almost anything, but when I rode PW in the middle of the day, in the blazing sun, after a nice margarita at the RFC, I barely got off before I tossed my, umm you-knows, and was staggering with migraine for the rest of the day. I think I would have been fine after dark, but the sunshine finished me.

 

[J.C.&ALI'SMOM]

I just wantd to point out to the folks who were surprised that coffeemakers were not available at value resorts, that until VERY recently they were not available in ANY resort rooms (except for Home Away From Home resorts)! It wasn't just values!

 

[J.C.&ALI'SMOM]

I was kindof surprised on my first visit last year that some of the places wasn't on the monorail and one would have to make 3 different stops before getting to it.

You are kidding....right??

 

[MickeyMonstersMom]

Just my feelings:

1. I once didn't like Dinoland. Last year DH and I really took the time to walk around it and enjoy the elements they have in place...I also love the fact it represents a piece of America. These Dino-midways used to be very popular in the 50s and 60s... I am not an imagineer so I can't think of anything better...I also like the fact it is designed to be in a parking lot. The first time I saw this I rolled my eyes and thought it was VERY cheap looking. I have since changed my mind.

I always hold Disney to a higher standard because that is what they are known for... Disney set their level at a high point, and I feel they should maintain that, and always try to increase it. If they don't, they need to find somebody who can!

I can swallow the bitter pill that is DinoLand with the understanding that it was *meant* to be American kitsch. Now that you describe it that way, I can see it - but I think Disney needs to make it clearer that the cheesiness is a deliberate part of the theming rather than simple stinginess.

I, too, believe in the "higher standard" for Disney - they set and continually raised the bar for decades, and any perceived lowering of standards is unacceptable for those of us who have bought into the idea that Disney [will? should?] always be a cut above every other theme resort.

 

[disneyaggie]

3. The "seasonal" openings of Timekeeper and Caroussel of Progress. I love these two underrated attractions, and I hate that they just close them, leaving the space unoccupied for months on end.

RyMickey

I agree! Not all of us want to go to WDW when it is peak season, which I was told is when these two are usually open. After years of going to WDW, I finally saw CoP. Still waiting to experience Timekeeper. Seems like I always just miss it.

 

[Tromba]

You all are missing the mark by concentrating on rides. The most colossal boo-boo Disney ever made was way back before Toy Story, when Pixar was struggling and Disney had a chance to buy Pixar out right. Many in the animation division wanted this to happen in a bad way, including Roy Disney. Well, Michael Eisner vetoed it--end of discussion. Steve Jobs of Apple Computers then stepped in and bought the company, and the rest is history. And this decision has brought Disney to the sorry state it is now in with regard to animation, because many Disney animators, including John Lasseter, left to go to Pixar and other companys (like Dreamworks!).

Tromba

 

[pumpkinfish]

You all are missing the mark by concentrating on rides. The most colossal boo-boo Disney ever made was way back before Toy Story, when Pixar was struggling and Disney had a chance to buy Pixar out right. Many in the animation division wanted this to happen in a bad way, including Roy Disney. Well, Michael Eisner vetoed it--end of discussion. Steve Jobs of Apple Computers then stepped in and bought the company, and the rest is history. And this decision has brought Disney to the sorry state it is now in with regard to animation, because many Disney animators, including John Lasseter, left to go to Pixar and other companys (like Dreamworks!).

Tromba

That's interesting information Tromba! I honestly don't follow that type of news (have enough trouble following local news I am so busy). But it does seem like a huge mistake in retrospect!

 

[RobinMarie]

Well geeze Tromba this IS the theme parks attraction board!

I think Disney dropped the ball with that big ugly hat at MGM blocking the Chinese Theater!

I agree about MGM missing something, but I do like some of the feeling there. I love the Great Movie Ride and the Ariel show. I hope they do Charlie and the Chocolate Factory weave into the park soon. The Hunchback show was fabulous, they didn't replace it with anything worthy.

The Magic Kingdom has some prime space unused: Where the skyway began near IASW and the character area which used to be 20,000 Leagues. I agree Mr. Toad was Classic Disney but I wouldn't be sorry to see the Jungle Cruise go in favor of a Tarzan theme.

Epcot - we miss Figment and the Dream Dude - why did they mess with that?
- Tapestry of Nations Parade - great parade, fabulous music - miss it terribly!

 

[disneyaggie]

Epcot - Tapestry of Nations Parade - great parade, fabulous music - miss it terribly!

Me, too!

 

[maxaroni]

The closing of the Wonders of Life Pavilion --- to not take advantage of Body Wars and Cranium Command is absurd. Rumour has it (and I stress the word rumour) is that the pavilion is not long for this world. Even now it seems like it is rarely open.

I don't care for Body Wars as it makes me feel sick but my DS loves it. We all like Cranium Command...what's up with this?

 

[maxaroni]

I have felt that way as well. DH & DS disagree with me, though.

I'm in agreeance with some about Indiana Jones...hate it. I sit through it for DH & DS but it is horrendously boring. Revamp it or do a whole new show.

Love CoP and hate having it closed at times. Have yet to see TimeKeeper as that's been closed each time we've been there.

Living Seas...not thrilling to me at all.

Forget the name of it but Drew Carrey (sounds exhibit), horrible. Also, didn't like the exhibit where it basically was ABC touting it's new shows. It was 8 Simple Rules the last time we saw it.

 

[maxaroni]

Well geeze Tromba this IS the theme parks attraction board!

I think Disney dropped the ball with that big ugly hat at MGM blocking the Chinese Theater!

I agree about MGM missing something, but I do like some of the feeling there. I love the Great Movie Ride and the Ariel show. I hope they do Charlie and the Chocolate Factory weave into the park soon. The Hunchback show was fabulous, they didn't replace it with anything worthy.

The Magic Kingdom has some prime space unused: Where the skyway began near IASW and the character area which used to be 20,000 Leagues. I agree Mr. Toad was Classic Disney but I wouldn't be sorry to see the Jungle Cruise go in favor of a Tarzan theme.

Epcot - we miss Figment and the Dream Dude - why did they mess with that?
- Tapestry of Nations Parade - great parade, fabulous music - miss it terribly!

Tapestry of Nations parade is no longer.....LOVED IT

 

[mamapajama]

A few things that really bother me:

1) Dinoland in AK. Dinosaur is a great ride and the play area is great, but the country fair portion is the worst part of all of WDW. Primeval Whirl is a cheap carnival ride and the rest of the area just looks incredibly cheap. WDW is so much better than this.

OMG! I LOVE Primeval Whirl!! I go on it like 6 times when I'm there. I'll keepgoing until one of my family members says "Enough!" LOL! The games part though I don't stop at. i can get that at any fair at home!

Elise

 

[sherry8253]

Stitch was the biggest waste of money and space IMHO. If I would have waited to see it, I would have been even more unhappy.

 

[Hippychickali]

I can swallow the bitter pill that is DinoLand with the understanding that it was *meant* to be American kitsch. Now that you describe it that way, I can see it - but I think Disney needs to make it clearer that the cheesiness is a deliberate part of the theming rather than simple stinginess.

I honestly didn't realize that people thought that Chester & Hester's Dino-Rama was to be taken seriously. I think it's intentional cheesiness is quite clear in their promotional material. I haven't been to AK yet but even the name gives it away to me. I'll have to let you know what I think when I get there. I will be sure to look out for some of the details another poster has mentioned.

Ali

 

[Hippychickali]

Oh c'mon Musky. Tell us what you really think. I happen to disagree with your assessment and would like to refer you to this thread:

Do you ever get sick of people complaining how overpriced Disney is?

Ali

 

[MrsJ Henry]

I agree with just about every post in this thread, MGM, the closing of Wonders of Life, Dinoland, the cleanliness, etc., all big disappointments. But I think where Disney has really dropped the ball is in their decision to market themselves only to the upper class. The hotels, restaurants, etc., (not to mention the prices), make it clear that they no longer want the business of the middle (or God forbid, lower) class. There are at least twice as many deluxe resorts as there are value. There is no value resort where a family with more that four members can stay (and we all know only lower-class trailer trash have more than 2 kids, anyway . The food gets to be more and more upscale - you soon won't be able to buy a hamburger or hot dog onsite! When WDW first opened, one of the priorities was to have a campground. Well, they continue to open new hotels, but that campground has never been added to or even improved, and they've certainly never opened another one. I'm really surprised they're still operating it (as we all know only lower-class trailer trash would stay in a campground). Prices keep getting higher, with no discounts for juniors, which would help out struggling families, or for senior citizens on fixed incomes. They have made it clear that their desired guests are a family of four, white suburban, Mom and Dad in their late thirties, Johnny, 10, and Suzie, 5, with a household income of no less than 100k. All others need not apply. And I fear that this marketing strategy is going to come back and bite them in the a** someday. There are only so many rich people in this country (can you tell I'm not one of them?), and many of them are too "sophisticated" to vacation at WDW. If they wonder why they have been struggling, perhaps it's because they have "upscaled" themselves out of the market that made them such a success in the first place.

O.K., climbing down from my soapbox now...

Becky

To tell you the truth I don't really see them struggling. People have been talking about not being able to get a room on site... about there not being any codes since so many people are going.
I think it is about supply and demand. More people want to stay in certain resorts.... that's what they will build more of... more people want sit down meals.... that's what they will build more of...

I wish it wasn't as expensive as it is but if you look at what you get for your money I think it is a darn good deal.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Well, we're a family of two who make less than 100K a year and while we don't have kids, we manage to go to WDW a few times a year. And I know kids add to airfare, park tickets and food, since I have traveled with kids (not my own) in the past where I paid for the children's trip.

I don't think WDW is marketed to "only rich people".

Musky, I see that you are in PA. You are closer to WDW than I am. If you did not want to fly, you could always take a bus, or drive.

I'm sorry, but if you check out www.wdwig.com you'll find menus including those for counter service places. Counter service places have varied (ie. not just burgers & fries) meals for 3.99 for children that include drinks. Adults meals range from 5.99 to 10.99 for counter service.

As for hotels, I've gotten rooms at the moderates for $100 a night before. I think you can have 5 in a room at a moderate. Or you could stay in a suite offsite. We stayed at one offsite for a few nights in Feb 2004 and I think we paid 74 a night. It had a free shuttle to the parks.

There are ways to make a trip not cost a fortune.

 

[disneyaggie]

I agree with just about every post in this thread, MGM, the closing of Wonders of Life, Dinoland, the cleanliness, etc., all big disappointments. But I think where Disney has really dropped the ball is in their decision to market themselves only to the upper class. The hotels, restaurants, etc., (not to mention the prices), make it clear that they no longer want the business of the middle (or God forbid, lower) class. There are at least twice as many deluxe resorts as there are value. There is no value resort where a family with more that four members can stay (and we all know only lower-class trailer trash have more than 2 kids, anyway . The food gets to be more and more upscale - you soon won't be able to buy a hamburger or hot dog onsite! When WDW first opened, one of the priorities was to have a campground. Well, they continue to open new hotels, but that campground has never been added to or even improved, and they've certainly never opened another one. I'm really surprised they're still operating it (as we all know only lower-class trailer trash would stay in a campground). Prices keep getting higher, with no discounts for juniors, which would help out struggling families, or for senior citizens on fixed incomes. They have made it clear that their desired guests are a family of four, white suburban, Mom and Dad in their late thirties, Johnny, 10, and Suzie, 5, with a household income of no less than 100k. All others need not apply. And I fear that this marketing strategy is going to come back and bite them in the a** someday. There are only so many rich people in this country (can you tell I'm not one of them?), and many of them are too "sophisticated" to vacation at WDW. If they wonder why they have been struggling, perhaps it's because they have "upscaled" themselves out of the market that made them such a success in the first place.

O.K., climbing down from my soapbox now...

Becky

I see people of all races and ages at WDW. I have found that I spend no more money there than at any other vacation spot. I just choose to spend more at WDW.

People are shocked to find that I have a AAA membership and can get a Value Resort hotel room for around $60-65 a night, complete with my packages being delivered to my hotel. Bus service takes us to and from the parks without stopping 72 different times, like they do when you stay off site.

However, I do think the campground thing is a great idea and I, too, agree they need to follow through. That would really help!

 

[LSUDis]

Back to the MGM issue...as an example of how it needs to become more kid-friendly......are any of you with children even going to do the extra morning hour at MGM? I really don't think that we will because all that is open is MuppetVision, RnR, Tower of Terror, and Star Tours.

Now, I don't know about the rest of you, but my kids would do only 1 of them and, since it's a show, it's not too hard to see anytime.

I know that more attractions are open at the night extra hours (because it is 3 hrs. instead of 1), but are kids awake then? Maybe, if you plan and nap, but my kids will be shutting down at 10:00 or 11:00 at the latest.

It's not that I don't appreciate the EMH or think that it is a good perk, but I think that more thought could have gone into it at MGM.