Originally Posted By bobbelee9 10 days at DL, no thanks. My daughter was planning to go this summer, take in a Dodgers game, Angels game, Sea World, San Diege Zoo. That's a lot of bus/car time. But the hotel is in rehab, Ariel ride not ready, so they're putting it off for a year. I'm not saying DL doesn't have a lot to offer, but for me WDW offers more "stuff" I could easily spend 3 full days just at EPCOT. I'm not criticizing people who choose DL or any other park, but for ME personally, it's WDW. I live about 1 1/2 hours from a 6 Flags, I've no desire to ever go there. My boss has an AP for 6 Flags. To each his own.
Originally Posted By mousermerf DLR natives refuse to accept that Epcot isn't just an anything - it's everything and more. Danny Kaye said/sang so.
Originally Posted By mousermerf And further - am I the only one who noticed that a lot of what folks complain is lacking in DLR is in Epcot? Even jb was asking for stuff that's readily available in Epcot but not DLR.
Originally Posted By dshyates I am a long time WDW veteran, but I found DLR to be quite interesting. But yes, I agree that 10 days at DLR is too much. What I would suggest since you have been to WDW many times is do 5 days at the DLR. Be sure to stay at The Grand Californian. While at the DLR I would take one afternoon to go up to Hollywood. Do a little sightseeing and then take in a play at the Pantages. Then hop down to the Hotel Del Coronado for 5 days taking in Sea World and the San Diego Zoo and just lounging on the beach. I think something like that would satisfy even the most dedicated WDW fan.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 >> I recall some of our own LPers talking about spreadsheets for vacations at WDW. I think that's just whack ... but Disney has created that mess and many of the solutions are IMHO just more problematic. << <<I think that adds to the enjoyment of the vacation for some folks. They get the chance to embrace WDW well in advance of the actual trip itself. I can see where this is considered part of the vacation experience for the people who like to plan every last aspect of a trip.>> I like to plan to some degree myself. Food used to be a big part of it ... and still is to some degree with the tax-deductable 'Take a Spirit To Dinner' program. But beyond that ... and the sad fact as a Spirit of the night I need to figure out what one park 'might' be open past 8 or 9 p.m. to visit ... I very much just 'go with the flow. ... that's why on my last visit I saw HoP three times, rode TT three times, rode EE three times (maybe more), took three JCs, yet didn't take a safari once ... or ride Splash Mountain once ... or ride ToT once in 11 days (and those are three faves). ... I just let a WDW vacation happen. Pretty much the same at DL and, to a large degree, at DLP. I bet my trip to TDR will be approached slightly differently! <<I myself perfer the casual approach. That is much easier to do when there are only two people involved, and the other one could care less where you go or what you do.>> I don't care whether I am traveling alone, with a SO, with family or with friends ... I still tend to have the same style.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<With all the identity theft stories that are going around, I wonder how they are going to protect people's privacy with this system. With the Key to the World, it's not that big of an issue unless you lose it (which I still think would be fairly easy to take of). With an RFID, it would only take someone with the proper device to walk somewhere near you, and they would have your credit card information. I doubt there would be too much else on there that would be of great value to them (your name, what time your FP for Soarin' comes up, and where you're eating lunch tomorrow), but it seems like if it's easy for Disney to get that information without direclty needing to scan something, someone else could too. And if they can get the information, who is to say that they couldn't program their own device with the same info, so they could charge up your account, use your park tickets, and get into your hotel room. I realize that these issues have been around for a while, but having a 'touchless' system that shares information from somewhat of a distance (whether it's a few inches or many feet) seems to put guests at risk for problems. WDW is a crowded place, and it would be easy for someone to get close to you without you noticing that they're gathering all your personal information. While it might simplify the vacation process some, I'm not sure it would be worth it with modern threats out there.>> The more technology improves, the less privacy we have, no matter what anyone says. Banks records, medical records, personnel records etc ... you name it, if it's a record, it's now in many databases and the one thing they all share is the fact they can (and routinely) are hacked into. And that's assuming the body that possesses the records doesn't have any nefarious agendas, or any employees, who can access said data, with evil agendas. It still amazes me how you don't have to sign many credit receipts anymore, so with this ... it just seems to stand to reason the chances for all sorts of bad things exist.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Tell me something new.>> >> OK, those pumps make your ass look bigger. << <<Do you think the red one's are to flashy? Should I wear a more subdued color?>> Well, the red ones make you look very trampy. You might go with the taupe instead. And leave the pearls at home ... you're going to start looking like VBDAD soon! >> I'd love to see the figures. I have heard this from some of my 'insiders' but I still don't buy it. Numbers will say anything if you waterboard them enough. I don't believe that most people decide to spend money they wouldn't have while waiting for their 4:45 p.m. FP for Space Mountain to open up. << <<Disney has spent, and is spending a lot of money on fast pass. Do you think they did it solely for the enjoyment, and convience of their guest?>> No, although to be fair I do think that was part of it. People always bitch about lines at Disney parks. Since I'm not dumb enough to wait in anything of significance (two hours for Soarin, or 100 minutes for BTMRR ... I'll pass!), I don't care. And FP tends to aggravate me more because it creates artificially long lines. But that's just a long-winded way of me saying that you're right. Ultimately, Disney looks at FP as a way to generate more revenue. >> How did we ever live without mass character meals? Or without Disney branded crap in every shop? Or without character meet and greets? Or without toon tie-ins to everything? << <<Back then I guess we were just to dumb to know we really wanted those things.>> I'll take that in the sarcastic vein it was intended! >> But they didn't ruin Disney Dining. The DDP is a whole different animal! << <<I'm really very. very, very afraid that this new application of technology is going to take Disney dining even more closely to hell.>> Well, the thought of things like pre-ordering meals (possibly even with QSR) really scares me. >> Great analogy. Good thing this thread is being read in Burbank ... I hate when our best material is wasted on 'the regulars' << <<Do you think we could get some free fast passes if we shut up?>> I think Disney would give me a lifetime supply if I stopped posting. ... But I'll take a seven-figure consulting contract instead (possibly six-figure depending on the extras!) >> I just hate when I get the white glove treatment! << <<Especially if Mickey is playing Proctologist.>> Hey, if Mickey ever did that to you, I suggest you contact the authorities. He isn't supposed to do such things ... unless he's at Vista Way with Buzz and Pluto! >> I dunno ... I'm actually surprised. Look at the fanboi reaction in other MAGICal realms. Hell, my favorite online stalker is coming out against this. << <<By the way, how is jt04 theses days.>> You mean other than his constant online bulge for me? >> The thing is Disney is leaving certain details out ... and things have fallen into my lap that I don't feel comfortable putting out because I sense they are trying to plug leaks (since they can't plug me!) << <<I would be very careful about relaying any information about RFID if I worked for Disney. That's why I was messing with LeeMac. I know there's no way he is going to say anything about this project other than the guidelines he's been given.>> Well, you can tell what Lee is staying away from ... pretty much anything USA park related that is topical or anything about what is going on in Glendale. But I don't want to see him getting in any trouble either. Of course, he likely also realizes that all working relationships with Disney come to an end sooner or later these days. Everyone is replaceable to TWDC. <<The Mouse plugs you everytime you walk through the turnstiles, but it's a happy plug.>> Why can't I come back with something pithy here? (long week!) >> Actually, I have another concern. And that's simply what COULD the money be spent on instead. Think about that ... as much of RFID won't be major . << <<That seems to be the major Fanboi concern. >> Warranted. I don't want to see them 'Reinvent the Disney Park-going Experience' ... I want them to take what they've done so well in the past and build on it in a 21st century way. In other words, take DLP and TDS as templates AND IMPROVE on them in parks domestically and internationally. And ENOUGH MARKETING CAMPAIGNS ALREADY!!!
Originally Posted By Mr X ***I bet my trip to TDR will be approached slightly differently!*** DisneySea should be no different, although I've heard it's been busier as of late. Much as I dislike it, the reality of TDL is that you have to pretty much go into commando mode for a couple of hours in the morning at least. If you don't show up well before opening time, and then move quickly to see some major stuff and collect those fastpasses early, you miss out on a lot. I find though that after 11am or so, with a couple of fastpasses in hand for later, my pace chills out quite a bit. I also save Fantasyland for the last hour of park operation if I'm so inclined to check out dark rides...during the day it's just ridiculous and a waste of time.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 >> And very proud of it. I personally think you are avoiding WDW so you don't have to buy me dinner! << <<I've been planning something special. Right down to having them play " Playground In My Mind" on the harp.>> That shows you care ... no doubt. I just wish I could get that song out of my mind! >> Imagine driving by or railing by and they've already reached five stories and still have't said they're building anything. << <<I think they had the tree up before admitting it existed.>> It gets tiresome. It's one thing if you're building somewhere that isn't in plain view of tens of thousands of people daily. But BLT was embarrassing! >> It's not 1989. Disney isn't going to be able to work like it has in the past. See last summer's F-land blueprint leak. << <<The internet changes the nature of the games. Steve was smart to pull that blueprint down real fast too.>> Why? When he pulled it, the Orlando Sentinel and many other media sources were running with it. >> They are keeping this very controlled. And people are afraid. << <<I've heard from a very reliable source that there's an area set up in the ultiltdors that makes the Spanish Inquisition look like the HISTK playground.>> I think it smells like the Inquisition under parts of A-Land and Fr-land! <<What's foreplay?>> >> That's what Mrs. Pierce says! (did you set me up for that one?) << <<We're going to have to work on that timing if we are going to turn this into a Lounge Act.>> I think we have potential. You can be my straight man, and we all know how hard it is to find one of them in Disney circles!
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<I wonder if they plan on using RFID in Disney transportation. I would ask them, but I would get another letter from Disney Legal just like last time.>> Are you joking? I'm impressed, if true. I've never gotten one. I think Disney's lawyers realize it's much better for me to spill here than in the real world.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Personallu, I think this whole interactive push stinks of a group of consultants deciding that what kids want today is "interaction", and now WDI is hell-bent on adding it to everything at the theme parks. While I'm all for this stuff if it helps make better attractions, I hope the gimmick doesn't end up becoming the whole focus. Remember when attractions used mulitple new technologies to create one unified, amazing experience - like Pirates, Mansion, or Horizons? These days, the gimmick is the whole ride - see Buzz, Soarin, Mission Space, and Midway Mania. Let's hope this next-generation of interactive tech doesn't lead to the same trouble.>> Very well put. And that's really my big concern ... when WDI uses tech for tech's sake, the results are largely god-awful to just OK. Things like Mansion and PoC and Pan and Small World are as popular (or more) than they were decades ago because they immerse you in a story and tech just helps tell it. WDI may believe these 'passive' attractions are passe, but anyone who visits a Disney park knows thats utter bull crap. Like I said, Kim Possible is fun enough ... but I don't want MK to become a virtual kingdom. You may as well close it and build a big box a la Disney Quest if everything is interactive and tech based.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<<How did we ever live without mass character meals? Or without Disney branded crap in every shop? Or without character meet and greets? Or without toon tie-ins to everything? I guess we just didn't know what we were missing.>>> <<Seems to me I've been accused of that just because I have no desire to go to DL.>> Nah. That just makes you nuts! ;-)
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 ***Sorry Dave, I just feel WDW offers me a more complete vacation that DL.*** <<In what way? If you mean complete immersion into a Disney atmosphere, I could sort of see your point, but that comes at a price (long bus rides, limited options for anything OTHER than Disney, etc...). If you consider the surrounding areas, I don't think you can really claim that Orlando offers you a more "complete" anything compared to Southern California (more things to do, better weather, better quality dining, and so on).>> Orlando does offer more crime ... more Waffle Houses ... more crazy drivers ... more Walmarts ... of course, dear Bobbelee may be one of the guests that never leaves WDW property!
Originally Posted By Mr X <---likes Waffle House, possibly favorite thing about "down South" short of Epcot
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<DLR natives refuse to accept that Epcot isn't just an anything - it's everything and more. Danny Kaye said/sang so.>> I don't know how true that is. I do know that if EPCOT and DAK didn't exist, I would have given up my WDW AP long, long ago. That said, DLR packs a lot of great stuff into a very small area. And I can have a great Disney trip without having an EPCOT (and THAT is the park that made me a drooling fanboi for life!) EPCOT is feeling very, very stale these days.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<DisneySea should be no different, although I've heard it's been busier as of late. Much as I dislike it, the reality of TDL is that you have to pretty much go into commando mode for a couple of hours in the morning at least. If you don't show up well before opening time, and then move quickly to see some major stuff and collect those fastpasses early, you miss out on a lot. I find though that after 11am or so, with a couple of fastpasses in hand for later, my pace chills out quite a bit. I also save Fantasyland for the last hour of park operation if I'm so inclined to check out dark rides...during the day it's just ridiculous and a waste of time.>> Yeah, X. I've heard all the horror stories and realize what I 'may' encounter. But I've also heard of times when the parks (especially TDS) aren't wall-to-wall packed and that you can see and do most everything. At TDL, there will likely be many things I choose to miss (unlike TDS) because they're ultimately the same or close to what I can get in the USA parks. Musts for me at TDL would be obvious things like Hunny Hunt, Monsters, Splash Mountain etc.
Originally Posted By Mr X ***Yeah, X. I've heard all the horror stories and realize what I 'may' encounter. But I've also heard of times when the parks (especially TDS) aren't wall-to-wall packed and that you can see and do most everything*** TDS is rarely packed, but you'd be hard pressed to find a day when TDL isn't wall-to-wall. I don't know from whom you've heard, but take it from someone who has spent the better part of 6 years there...expect massive crowds. Having said that, however, like I said if you get moving early in the morning you should be fine. FYI...attractions I would consider "skippable" would include the Fantasyland dark rides save Pooh, Jungle Cruise unless you're dying to experience it in Japanese, and Buzz.
Originally Posted By TokyoSweets *******Yeah, X. I've heard all the horror stories and realize what I 'may' encounter. But I've also heard of times when the parks (especially TDS) aren't wall-to-wall packed and that you can see and do most everything*** TDS is rarely packed, but you'd be hard pressed to find a day when TDL isn't wall-to-wall. I don't know from whom you've heard, but take it from someone who has spent the better part of 6 years there...expect massive crowds. Having said that, however, like I said if you get moving early in the morning you should be fine. FYI...attractions I would consider "skippable" would include the Fantasyland dark rides save Pooh, Jungle Cruise unless you're dying to experience it in Japanese, and Buzz. *** If you got to TDR around this time of year you don't have to worry about crowds. It closes earlier but you can get a lot done! The only thing is the cold. TDS was mad busy during Halloween and Christmas this year closing to capacity with TDL remaining open. So if TDS has a good event it can be more crowded than TDL now. New technologies are great but the most important thing is to make it a fun experience. I don't think the characters knowing my childs name is a big deal or exciting. I mean they would know every childs name so it's not really special right?
Originally Posted By plpeters70 <<EPCOT is feeling very, very stale these days.>> And you know what the sad thing is - it shouldn't be that way at all. There are some really exciting things going on in the worlds of Energy, Agriculture, Automotives, Health, Space and Oceanography these days - Disney shouldn't have any problems coming up with exciting attractions to fill these pavilions with. Where's the updated Energy attraction showing us the wonders of alternative energy? Or the pavilion about electric and hydrogen cars? Or the Space pavilion showing off all the wonders discovered by the Mars rovers, Hubble telescope, and Jupiter and Saturn probes? It's really sad that in a world with so many amazing technologies and discoveries to showcase, Epcot instead gives us cartoon fish and lame simulator rides. It's sad that Disney has lost it collective will to be a teaching company, and is only interested in making as big a profit as possible, the easiest way possible.
