Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<And I don't know if there are direct connections between his policies and MK park issues. >> >> really? You think the VP of the MK doesn't affect what happens in the park? << <<Sure they do, Spirit. Your response to my comment ignored what I said and dragged the argument quickly back to your own personal beliefs. What I said was that there can be other factors as well. You're suggesting the VP of MK is supreme commander and all other means nothing?>> No. I am not suggesting that at all. In the executive/decision-making structure of WDW, Phil doesn't have final say over most major things in his own park. But that's not the point, either. My opinion of him is based on the fact, I know he has control over quite a bit, as well as setting a tone through his 'leadership' ... well, the MK has NEVER looked as bad as it does now, has never been as neglected and never been as stale ... he does have some significant say in all of the above, and he certainly is in a position to lobby his superiors for what isn't in his control. From what my insiders tell me, that isn't the case. Phil is simply a puppet. <<I've met Phil Holmes several times. I've never worked with him, so I don't know about his work image. But I've never met you and don't know you. You're suggesting I should listen to your opinion over my own observations. Thanks, but I'll take what you say for what it's worth. I prefer to believe my own observations.>> Of course, I want people to listen to my opinions, believe them and act on them. I make no secret and no apologies for that. But everyone is free (we are still free right?) to make their own decisions. You can believe everything I say, some of what I say or none of what I say, and I'll still sleep tonight. But as someone who I believe to be a CM (you are, right?) ... what do you think of the job Phil's done? How do you think the MK is now vs. say 1987?
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<That said, it too drives me nuts to see custodial and maintenance work not addressed as they should.>> I hadn't read this post when I responded to your other post, SS. I'm glad to hear it bothers you when things aren't done the right way ... the Disney Way. <<The only thing I've got going for me is that it's still much worse out in the real world. Compare just about anywhere else to Disney and you can see it.>> I think this is a weak response, though. I think it plays right into the WalMarting of WDW. And, FWIW, I never thought Disney wanted people to compare its parks to their local mall, Burger King, park, arcade etc ... <<Yes, it used to be better. And I wish it still was.>> Me too. And that's why you read what you read from me. It's as simple as that.
Originally Posted By CMDad <<the MK has NEVER looked as bad as it does now, has never been as neglected and never been as stale ...>> While I agree that things aren't good at MK ... they were much worse in the years immediately prior to the Eisner days. At least to my eyes - and my wife's. Interestingly - we just had this conversation last week while standing in the Buzz Lightyear queue. It's bad ... but HAS been worse. That, of course, is no excuse.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 Is there a reason that is one of the worst queues ? It is every trip -- one year there was straw/ thin wood all over the entrance ( not sure if it was used as mulch somewhere close but didn;t see it) -- by late in the day the queue makes you think you are at Six Flags.....and yet other rides around it seem fine
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<While I agree that things aren't good at MK ... they were much worse in the years immediately prior to the Eisner days. At least to my eyes - and my wife's.>> I do recall in the years right after EPCOT Center opened that the MK suffered a bit, but in no way do I recall it ever being close to this bad. Of course, maybe the upkeep deficiencies weren't so obvious because the CMs were still mostly full-time career people, the theming was full, the shops were all different, the entertainment was fresh etc ...
Originally Posted By MPierce >> Of course, maybe the upkeep deficiencies weren't so obvious because the CMs were still mostly full-time career people, the theming was full, the shops were all different, the entertainment was fresh etc ... << I think full time career folks could make all the difference in the world. You have to pay for that, and sadly Disney fails miserably in that area.
Originally Posted By brerroadrunner I remember coming home from our very first trip in 95 and telling everyone how clean the parks were. Even the bathrooms and there were CMs always around scooping up everything that hit the ground. Unfortunately like many other large companies, Disney got the taste of cut backs. The people still come through the gates, even with all the dirt and all the price increases. They have found out they can get by on less and make more money. I remember back in 95 when the the religious groups called for a boycott of everything Disney because of their ABC affiliations, civil union benefits, etc. I don't remember if it did have any effect. I don't think you can get enough people to do an effective boycott to get Disney to bring back more custodial staff etc. Just look how many on this site regularly complain but still keep going and reporting back about all the problems while lining Disney's pocket. Don't get me wrong. I have dropped a small fortune there myself, and I notice the changes that have transpired since 95. It still is our favorite vacation spot and probably all of yours. Disney just may not take notice till the tunstiles stop turning.
