Originally Posted By MPierce Thanks for the info Dave. At least they have real room service there also. DLH would be a nice destination.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Yep - great bell services, 24hr room service, music in the bathrooms, and turn down service.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<My understanding is that DLP prices are considerably higher than WDW. Could that account for the difference?>> That's not really accurate. The fact the dollar is so freaking weak contributes a lot to the cost of anything/everything over there. But the price of an AP hasn't gone up in four years. Think about that. The prices for food were largely the same as my last visit in 2007. Right now at WDW, they are using cheaper hot dogs and hoping no one notices and have started a Food and Wine Fest with no free tastings for the first time and 'samples' (not meals, not snacks) at booths that start at $2.75 with most in the $3.50-$5 range. And we all know ticket media has increased every year too. <<Or why is it that DLP and DL show quality is so much better than WDW's that it almost is like they are run by different companies?>> <<Different markets. Some expect quality. Some want a dozen princesses to sign their kid's autograph book.>> I can't disagree with that point. I feel that today's WDW guest (yes, a generalization) is absolutely the least discerning of any guests at any of their resorts. They don't care what food costs so long as they have the DDP. They don't care that half the effects on major E-Tix don't work so long as they get Brittany into Cindy's breakfast and the Jon Benet Boutique. Passing off crap and marketing magic for substance is much easier in O-Town than it is in sophisticated markets like Los Angeles and Paris. (can't wait for the flames to arrive on that one ...) <<Illuminations blows away any other pyro show I've ever seen, and it is presented free 365 days per year. Anyone going to WDW KNOWS where to go for a great pyro show.>> That wasn't my point -- and I'm an Illuminations lover. I have seen it hundreds of times. My point was DL is offering four regular (leaving out July 4th and NYE) pyro shows in 2009, two that are totally new. None of which require an additional admission. And instead of cutting Fantasmic to three nights a la O-Town, TDA has plussed the show (the new dragon is very kewl) and increased showings. Now, Paris is a different story where their whole entertainment budget seemingly went into Mickey's Magical Party (their marketing campaign for the year). And while the show is nice, it isn't great by any stretch and the terrific Lion King and Tarzan stage shows are both no more. <<Or why double-wide strollers and ECVs are non-existent in Paris and few and far between in Anaheim?>> <<More fat people and kids at WDW.>> Definitely more fat people at WDW. It has the greatest concentration of morbidly obese people in one place I have ever seen. But kids are just as prevalent in Anaheim and Paris (and HK and Tokyo too). They just aren't lazy and parents are more responsible about keeping them active. <<Or why merchandise at all resorts ain't what it should be?>> <<People are unwilling to pay for quality. Look at the success of Wal-Mart.>> Yeah, exactly. Must be why I just got back from buying a few shirts at Macy's. <<Or ... well, we can talk about it later, I want to watch the funny dude from Scotland.>> Gotta love Craig Ferguson. He makes Leno, Letterman and Conan all look so ordinary by comparison. Too bad CBS and Worldwide pants don't promote him more.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Hey Roadtrip - $ for $ WDW and DLP work out about the same. Tickets are actually cheaper at DLP, hotels are on par (except for the Disneyland Hotel), pins and food are cheaper in WDW.>> I won't stay at DLP under current management. I was very, very happy with my accomodations in Paris (and the view from my window was spectacular). Food in Paris is pricier, more due to the exchange rate. But I also noticed that many locations had specials including Walt's and Blue Lagoon for under 20 euros. And twice after eating quick serve, our receipts printed out with free coupons for fountain Cokes later in the day. So one would surmise that they are hurting on the food and beverage end there as well. <<And Spirit (welcome back buddy) does have a few rose tinted glasses about DLP me thinks ;-)>> Perhaps. I think the fact I hadn't been in a few years certainly played a small factor. But the good there so outweighs the bad. Every attraction at DLP is just so damn good ... the show quality is amazing. <<It is still a shadow of it's former greatness, but still nowhere near as bad as the lamo MK in WDW.>> Don't ya know the MK is the greatest theme park in the world and has never been better, but will be soon with great themed meet and greets for X-men and Cinderella! ;-)
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<And spirit, you forgot to add, DL and DLP do not charge extra for people to enjoy their Halloween treats too. There are pay parties at both, but they also have a huge slate of halloween offerings for day ticket holders too.>> Very good point. What I liked was the fact neither park was celebrating Halloween out of season. To me, the season really starts just about now. In MK, they had decorations going up IN AUGUST and a hard ticket party the Friday PRIOR to Labor Day. Just a money grab by TDO. Despite all the Pumpkinmen theming they do in Paris, nothing had been done yet ... and DL was just getting some bunting up when I arrived, nothing at all at DCA yet. Seasons lose meaning when they are foisted on guests well ahead of when they should be.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<I got my teeth cleaned while you were gone.>> >> Both of them? << <<I was counting on that reply. It's good to have you back.>> I thought so ... it was such a softball. I did think of you when I was passing through Houston. <<To bad I was looking forward to your review on Rivera.>> I just didn't have the time and couldn't really make any. But I will get there before 2009 is done. <<Eddie has been spending time on the road lately. I tried to draw his opinion out on the Fantsyland project, but he had very little to say. Understandable too, since nothing is really written in stone about it.>> Well, I do get the strong vibe Eddie would like to work for WDI again, so he likely knows he needs to watch his words. But I'm not sure what can really be said about F-Land. They are spending money and that's good, but it's all largely for the young princess demo (not that Mermaid won't be great ... and anything that destroys TentLand can't be bad either). I do wonder whether the Tink dark ride will be added later ... and whether Barnstormer will get some type of Dumbo/Circus overlay since it's the only thing there (other than the train station) that is remaining. <<Opinions are very similar at Magic to those over here. There has got to be a couple of thousand post on the subject over there. I think the consensus on Marvel is they only belong at the Studios. A point I agree on.>> I was told that Tom Staggs said in an interview that Marvel's characters would basically not ever have a presence at WDW. I have no idea if he meant just the ones contractually licensed to other entertainment companies or in general. But I can't wade thru what I missed over there. >> Like why is it that DLP can have incredibly beautiful flowers in bloom all over the place IN FALL, while wood chips count as landscaping at WDW? << <<Please don't get me started ranting again!>> Ranting is good for you. Keeps the blood flowing to your brain! >> Or why double-wide strollers and ECVs are non-existent in Paris and few and far between in Anaheim? << <<Because the French hate children, and Californians only believe you should allow wheels on expensive motorized vehicles. You can't drive an ECV while sipping wine or smoking dope.>> The French don't hate children unless they were sired by George and Babs and the ability to drink (legally) at a MK is just another reason to love DLP! >> Or ... well, we can talk about it later, I want to watch the funny dude from Scotland. << <<Surly you're not talking about Gordon. Did you know that watching portions of the G20 summit can make you impotent?>> CRAIG FERGUSON. Late Late Show. CBS. America's Mostwatched Network. BTW, is Leemac LP.com's rep at the G20? ;-)
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Ahhh....He returns. Most excellent. Glad to see you had fun, Spirit. That Al Weiss encounter (New ride for Adventureland?) must have been hysterical.>> Nah. Just strange. Al was very cordial. But I honestly couldn't tell if he had any clue he had met me (numerous times) before. Maybe he was just so excited about the first west coast DVC units debutting! <<The Presidential one, too. We must speak of this. ;-)>> This President won an Emmy. And agreed that she could have done a better job than the last dude ... and sadly, likely the current one too! <<Everything is essentially the same, here, save for the things you mentioned. What you did miss, however, and being me, ***I*** would point it out, is that Innoventions is getting it's make over. New flooring, new railings, with a lovely SSE Logo, and some of the tarps and clutter have met there demise. >> That's all largely cosmetic. Nice to see, but also expected and nothing that gets me excited. <<Head over to Magic when you have the stomach for it. ;-)>> I read some last night. I see they have a Fantasyland expansion board because there were so many posts. I don't know whether I'll add anything there. Very busy these days and I'd rather spend my online time here.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<welcome back from what appears to be a whirlwind time away-- nnow video of that dance with Goofy would be as they say...priceless !>> Too bad. No video. Some pics, which will NEVER see the online world. NEVER! <<How long did it take to walk down the Eiffel Tower ? I walked down from the top of the Sears Tower a number of years ago for a charity event and yes, you do feel it for a few days, no doubt>> We walked from the second level, not the very top. Elevators were slow (two were inop) and it seemed fun -- and was. I don't really know how long it took. Less than you'd think. And with the lights on, it was very kewl.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Stop being so hateful of WDW, Mr. Spirit!>> 'Cuse me? Hateful? Get a clue, buddy. I love WDW. But it falls far short of what it once was -- and the product Disney delivers at its other resorts. Sorry, if that hurts your fanboi feelings. <<If you're going to be like this, just stop going!>> Nope. Don't think so. Might be there next month if I can work it and December too. But I'll not stop being a discerning guest whether you, Team Disney or Bob Iger like it or not. <<And stop trying to be such an alpha-male as well! You're only hurting yourself more and more by doing that.>> Alpha-male? Hmm... I guess you feel inadequete in some way. Funny how easy it is to make some folks feel that way without even trying! <<Also, Spirit, stop spamming these forums and posting too many messages in a row after another! It only serves as further proof that you really truly do need to get a life and give Disney (and especially WDW) a break!>> Responding to posts, comments and questions isn't spamming, Phil. And I won't tell you to get a life, just to have a magical night!
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Spirit, DLP BLEW MKK away at 9am on April 12th 1992.>> And it still does today. The parks aren't even close. <<However, i must say thier Halloween stuff is over the top?>> That's what others have said. And the pics do seem to suggest that you may be right. But since they hadn't started Halloween yet, I can't comment. <<BTW, how were the weird operating hours for the diffrent attractions? Can't wait to hear your report.>> It wasn't guest-friendly ... especially on a busy weekend when DLP was open 10-10 (actually 8-10 for resort guests as they get two hours in the a.m.) But to be honest, it didn't impact my visit negatively. I saw the Nautilus walk-thru was open only from 1:30-5:30, so I made sure to be there. Phantom Manor opened at 11 a.m. and then remained open until close. I believe Snow White and/or Pinnochio also had late openings, but again it didn't negatively impact my days.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Is it pick on Spirit day? He and I don't often agree, but he is a good man with a lot of WDW information.>> Thanks, Tripster. I try. I didn't even think I said anything remotely inflamatory, but some folks are very touchy about WDW.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Yep - great bell services, 24hr room service, music in the bathrooms, and turn down service.>> Yep. And absurd price-points to go along with them. I also find the place a bit cold, much like some feel about the GF. The DLP resort that has the most warm feel to me is Sequoia Lodge, which really is more like a WDW moderate plus. Stopped in for a drink and to check out menus and it just feels very comfortable.
Originally Posted By kennect Spirit good to see you posting at the moment...Just lose a little of the superior bit though...We are all just minions to the Disney empire...We simply have to take what we can get...
Originally Posted By RoadTrip It's hard to be humble when you are truly great. You have no idea how much effort it takes to do that myself. Not all folks are capable of it.
Originally Posted By HMButler1979 Sprit, you say you can drink at DLP. But i thought it's only if you eat at a table service rest. Is that correct? I don't you just stumble over places to buy liquor like at Epcot.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo You can buy beer at counter service restaurants, however you must purchase a minimum of one item of food to get the beer. Table service restaurants offer good wine lists, beer, liquers, apparatifs (free for Dream AP holders) and cocktails, but you must eat to enjoy them. But yes, I did miss sharing a bottle of wine when we ate at the Blue Bayou in Disneyland 18 months ago.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Agreed that the Sequoia Lodge is good (though again quality has diminished). It feels like Dixie Landings and Wilderness Lodge had a baby. Though it inspired WL. It was the only DLP hotel designed by a European. One of the things that breaks my heart there is they took the excellent Hunters Grill and turned it into a buffet. Imagine if they took Ohana and turned it into a buffet. Not cool.
Originally Posted By jkayjs <<One of the things that breaks my heart there is they took the excellent Hunters Grill and turned it into a buffet. Imagine if they took Ohana and turned it into a buffet. Not cool.>> Shhhhhhhhh! Dave my dear boy don't give anyone that might be listening any ideas. 'Ohana is one of the few of our faves that is essentially untouch from the 1st time we went. It was hard enough during the 'no shrimp' time for my DH(hard as in we didn't go), now that it's back all's right with the World.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo I know, but it was similar. For the first 7 years of this place's life, people in western apparel would bring skewers of food to your table and serve up fresh. It was fantastic grilled meats and they would have a little entertianment too. Now, it is a buffet restaurant with a very similar menu to the buffet restaurant across the hall. The declines of Disney dining in DLP is really depressing. They keep rolling out more and more buffets (and some guests even sneak in tubs to fill up for back in their hotels). Now I would still rather go to DLP than the MK, but it is not perfect, far from.
Originally Posted By Spyderman Hey spirit is WDW getting anything besides Star Tours 2 and upgraded fantasyland in the next 4 years? Any new attractions for Epcot?
