You've Got To be Kidding Me!

[IBFW]

Seems to me like removing benches might just be a safety issue. If the walkways are crowded enough then a lone bench won't provide any visible clues that it's even there, causing people to walk right into them. A built-in bench, however, would have visible clues like a tree or light post or fence.

Then why would any benches remain in all of Disney World? I'm not aware of any reports of bench-induced fatalities in the parks.

 

[IBFW]

You seem to have quite an interest in the topic..

Don't we all?

 

[maxiesmom]

Except that I didn't jump right to that conclusion. I've been thinking about it for days and did some research. It appears that one of the reasons TDC is profitable right now is because they like to cut costs on things they think nobody will notice, need, appreciate, or miss. Go figure.........

Wow, I'm glad you have insider knowledge on how they run their business and what their figures are. As another poster posted via pictures, they have been adding seating. Maybe not benches, but more seating than a few benches provided. So much for your theory they are cutting seating to save money.

 

[IBFW]

Wow, I'm glad you have insider knowledge on how they run their business and what their figures are. As another poster posted via pictures, they have been adding seating. Maybe not benches, but more seating than a few benches provided. So much for your theory they are cutting seating to save money.

It doesn't require insider knowledge to understand how any business fundamentally operates. And you may have missed the post but my cost-cutting example was the umbrellas.

 

[grimley1968]

Seems to me like removing benches might just be a safety issue. If the walkways are crowded enough then a lone bench won't provide any visible clues that it's even there, causing people to walk right into them. A built-in bench, however, would have visible clues like a tree or light post or fence.

The bench itself isn't a visible clue it's there?

Anyway, the OP is about benches in the courtyard behind the British pavilion, not about benches along a busy walkway.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Don't we all?

On the board, sure. But it is serendipitous that you have been researching this topic for days. So maybe it is as you say, it is simply a profit margin increaser to take them out.

As far as safety...didn't MK Hub get an entire redesign? Benches are gone. Planter ledges that double as seating were part of the new design.

I know that congestion in World Showcase is pretty bad in the evenings. So who knows for sure.

Great chatting with you on this topic.

 

[SmithSmith]

Then why would any benches remain in all of Disney World? I'm not aware of any reports of bench-induced fatalities in the parks.

Fatalities?! That's a bit dramatic...

To me, it seems like they're transitioning to built-in seating. Which would explain why benches still exist in the parks.

 

[IBFW]

Fatalities?! That's a bit dramatic....

Okay, injuries then. Any examples of an increase in bench-induced injuries at Disney World that would prompt safety concerns?

 

[maxiesmom]

Fatalities?! That's a bit dramatic...

To me, it seems like they're transitioning to built-in seating. Which would explain why benches still exist in the parks.

And judging by the pics the built in seating will seat way more people than the benches ever did. So they are putting in seating for more guests, not taking it away. So much for Big Bad Bench-Stealing Disney!

 

[IBFW]

Great chatting with you on this topic.

Are you being sarcastic or sincere? You don't agree with me and I don't agree with you. That's fine.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Are you being sarcastic or sincere? You don't agree with me and I don't agree with you. That's fine.

Sincere.

 

[SmithSmith]

The bench itself isn't a visible clue it's there?.

On a crowded walkway? No, I don't think so. Not unless you're super short, because benches are not at eye level, but lamp posts and trees are.

Anyway, the OP is about benches in the courtyard behind the British pavilion, not about benches along a busy walkway.

I wasn't responding to the OP, I was responding to someone else's claim that they couldn't find seating in the Magic Kingdom's new hub.

 

[IBFW]

Sincere.

Thank you, I really wasn't sure. I do enjoy a healthy discussion of opposing views and hope nobody takes it personally. I don't.

 

[IBFW]

I will say the integrated seating in the walkway construction is a great idea. Glad to see it and I hope we see more.

 

[SmithSmith]

Okay, injuries then. Any examples of an increase in bench-induced injuries at Disney World that would prompt safety concerns?

(Sorry, I missed this post earlier, never got a notification.)


I don't have access to that information. I don't believe anyone outside of Disney World does.

Besides there doesn't need to be an increase of injuries to prompt changes to promote safety.

 

[cakebaker]

I'm thrilled with all the new seating at the MK. Before, there were a few benches that people would grab hours and hours before fireworks and switch people in and out from their group, practically setting up camp. In all the years we've gone to wdw, I think I've sat there maybe once or twice. They were useless for anything other than a handful of people.

So what, a few benches gone. They've eliminated seating for very few people. Walk a little further and you'll find somewhere to sit. It's not anything worth worrying about.

 

[grimley1968]

So what, a few benches gone. They've eliminated seating for very few people. Walk a little further and you'll find somewhere to sit. It's not anything worth worrying about.

If they have permanently removed benches in the courtyard the OP was referring to, I'll be sure to remember not to worry about it when I can't find a reasonable place to sit when my back is barking from standing and walking all day.

I don't think anyone is "worried" about it, but it has historically been a place to take a load off for a few minutes in a quiet setting (except for during concerts). It would kind of suck for that to no longer be an option if you were counting on that.

 

[cakebaker]

If they have permanently removed benches in the courtyard the OP was referring to, I'll be sure to remember not to worry about it when I can't find a reasonable place to sit when my back is barking from standing and walking all day
.

It would be incredibly bad timing if the very moment you absolutely can't take another step you just happened to be in an area that had no seating. My advice would be to go ahead and take a break when you find a place to sit before you get to the breaking point.

I have some issues myself that will require I take breaks and get off my feet frequently. A few benches in one area being gone won't be a make or break deal.

 

[mom2rtk]

Maybe it's time to resurrect this thread.

 

[cindyfan]

I guess Disney no longer believes in comfort for their guests. Especially any elderly or disabled!

I'm thrilled with all the new seating at the MK. Before, there were a few benches that people would grab hours and hours before fireworks and switch people in and out from their group, practically setting up camp. In all the years we've gone to wdw, I think I've sat there maybe once or twice. They were useless for anything other than a handful of people.

So what, a few benches gone. They've eliminated seating for very few people. Walk a little further and you'll find somewhere to sit. It's not anything worth worrying about.

well, that handful of people includes me! And quite honestly on crowded days I've never seen an empty bench! I was not aware they put built in seating around the MK hub, so I'm happy to see that! But the benches were really nice and comfortable! Especially with the umbrella that provided much needed shade on hot sunny days! But none of this explains removing the seating behind the UK pavilion! Somehow the OP has gotten lost! And I am still furious they removed those because there's no built in seating going in!!!