Originally Posted By HokieSkipper <<Not my area of interest, but I wouldn't complain about taking a history oriented tour of the Caribbean. But paying through the nose for a Disney Cruise? Nope. >> Then go on cheaper, better cruises.
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper I explained to you an aspect of a cruise you said you'd enjoy, but you wouldn't pay for a Disney cruise to do it. I offered a way to get around a Disney cruise price point.
Originally Posted By Mr X Maybe a silly question, but HAVE you ever cruised EE? I have to say, it's definitely one of those things that you just have to say "don't knock it til you've tried it" (and no, that doesn't mean that WDSP doesn't still suck lol). There's definitely a bigtime party vibe on those ships, and non-stop entertainment and stuff to do, casinos if that's your thing (not Disney though, bummer), and booze everywhere you turn (yup, even for breakfast, urp!)...BUT the real upside is the fact that you CAN do all the exploring and historical stuff to your hearts content, just as in a "regular" hotel (since you say "floating hotel", which doesn't really describe things at all), except for the fact that every day you wake up your hotel has magically transported to ANOTHER exciting destination to explore. It's tough to put into words, but there's something really magical about that whole experience. And I haven't even been on a DISNEY cruise yet lol.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo >>>and no, that doesn't mean that WDSP doesn't still suck lol)<<< Hush your mouth, I would rather be at WDSP than DHS or the MK. Besides Cruises are cool (and why I live in the Uk, my step Dad and Mom met on one). It is a 5 star hotel (or if Carnival 2*) where you wake up in a different place every day. When we honeymooned, after 2 weeks in WDW (left to visit USO, IOA, Sea World and KSC), we drove by convertable down to Fort Lauderdale and boarded a cruise through the Caribbean. Boarding day was partying and dining. Day 1 - Key West Tour including the seawreck museum, Hemingway's haunts, and exploring smuggling history. Day 2 was Cozumel - We took a trip down to the Aztec ruins of Tulum and explored the jungles too. It was one of the most amazing days of my life, including enjoying bartering in the markets and getting goods 60% cheaper than the rest of the cruise groups. Day 3 was on Grand Cayman, we visited a turtle farm, the coral outcrop at Hell and went snorkling with one of the largest groups of Sting Rays in the world. Day 5 was at sea - we swam, did wine tasting, had a message, watched a movie, went to a lecture on Caribbean history and culture. I also won a lot of money in the Casino. Day 6 was Jamaica where we visited a, 18th century plantation, with fresh fruits, rum punch, and blue mountain coffee, we saw Ian Fleming's House where he wrote James Bond, and then walked up Dunn's River Falls. Sarah had corn rows done as well. We then returned to Florida. There were awesome meals of California Grill Standards, and lots of live music, quizes, and stage shows. Would I want to do a transatlantic cruise? No thanks, that was boring. But the Western Caribbean cruise was amazing, and fantastic value, much more than WDW.
Originally Posted By Mr X ***>>>and no, that doesn't mean that WDSP doesn't still suck lol)<<< Hush your mouth, I would rather be at WDSP than DHS or the MK*** Have fun. But not me. No way no how. And with the caveat that I've never been there, and NOT even taking the attractions into account (in fairness the the fact that I've never been there), all I've seen and heard and read about leads me to the same conclusion...WDSP sucks. The Magic Kingdom has it's issues, I won't argue with you there...but it's a Magic Kingdom and that carries a lot of weight (even pathetic Hong Kong gets its' due by being one of Walts' dreams, and the Magic Kingdom in Florida still kicks Hong Kong to the curb in SO many ways it's not even worth a conversation). As for MGM, I don't hate it as much as some folks seem to...again speaking only on exteriors and overall "vibe", it holds its' own with the amazing entrance plaza into Star Tours, the ToT street with the awesome approach to their signature attraction, R&RC (yes, Paris does have a clone), the backstage tours which, though a pathetic shell of what they USED to be (and still could be if Disney cared), still offer some interesting behind the scenes features, there is a lot to be said for MGM and I would at least put it above crappy WDSP because, at the very least, it's one park out of four and adds to the experience in its' own way (including nighttime entertainment not to be found anywhere in the world save for Orlando, Anaheim, and soon to be Tokyo). But in any case, you're entitled to your opinion, and mine is my own and I say WDSP sucks (the new additions strike me as carnival heaven, and actually DIMINISH the appeal for me)... But what do I care???? Tokyo DisneySea is just down the road from me, and that blows all THREE of the parks in question right out of the water.
Originally Posted By Mr X ***We took a trip down to the Aztec ruins of Tulum*** We did the very same thing a few years ago! Wasn't that place just amazing!? What a culture and civilization they had going on so many hundreds (thousands?) of years before the Europeans happened to drop by and, well, kill them. How did you get off the island to get to the ruins, if I may ask? Was it an offered excursion or something? We were slated for Cozumel, but due to hurricane damage we ended up docking on the mainland, which made the whole thing a lot easier.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo we will park WDSP for a mo (even though It's ToT, RNRC, and Tram Tour are better than DHS's version. Plus Motuers Action and Cinemagique are amazing. animagique makes the Nemo show in DAK tacky, armageddon is a cool unique experience in the vein of Twister and Backdraft, and Crush Coaster is a lot of fun. The kids adore Stitch Live (like Turtle Talk) and Playhouse Disney. There are actually more must dos in WDSP than DLP. Though DLP is far better for taking in the eye candy. It may not be as emmersive, but it is great, and frankly most Lpers who have been go in for a couple of attractions and leave. Guaranteed, if you went with us, you would love it too!. And yes, we took a tender from the ship to Playa del Car and a bus from there. What was amazing was the bearded white men carved on the temples a couple of hundred years before the white men supposedly arrived (according to european records).
Originally Posted By Mr X Yes, I do believe the Tulum ruins are Mayan. The Aztecs, too, had a major and awesome society going on before, well... At least we still have the ruins!
Originally Posted By Mr X ***Guaranteed, if you went with us, you would love it too!*** I'll take your word for it. Although in fairness to ANY plus or minus of any Disney park (or any other place for that matter), the company you keep plays a major role. That's why Spirit enjoyed Tokyo so very much. ;D
Originally Posted By dennis-in-ct This hit me the most ... <<<< Creativity and innovation have been the hallmark of this company since its beginning and they are vital to the company’s future. >>> Then back the *F*-off and the the talent and creative DO THEIR job and do not restrict the budgets. When the finished project is truly realized, it is evident to me - the guest. Spend the money and let the love and creativity and ART flow without squeezing the vice grips. If Disney looses the joy of creating by beating them into financial submission then the accountant will suck the joy and squash their creative juices - and it will show in the final product. Leave them alone and let them do their job and just shut up and pay for it. The talent drives the business. If I don't feel the art and love they impart then it's flat. Harry Potter is an evident labor of love. The talent and creative put their artistic souls into that project AND IT SHOWS. Compare that to WDS Paris and even a soulless Goblin from Gringotts could tell the difference.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 Although in fairness to ANY plus or minus of any Disney park (or any other place for that matter), the company you keep plays a major role. ------------- this is such a true statement X -- each and every year the entire vbdad family makes the trek - the last 10 including my sister/BIL and nieces-- the last two my oldest boyfriend and eventually grand kids. We all love Disney to varying degrees but this group could have fun anywhere..and it's nice to be together. We will not be going to WDW this year for the first time in 20+ because of various reasons..just can't swing it- other priiorities and it has caused great sadness in the vbdad extended world..which is why I am muchmore senstive to some of the WDW sucks jargon you don't know what you have till you don't have it anymore. WE are already looking forward to 2012 however when we will do a Disney cruise for my youngest's high school graduation... for me as she heads off to college it's a celbration of what's accomplished but also the beginning of a new - empty nest life as well. Have never cruised but am looking forward to it from feedback I have from those who have..looking at the 7 day western cruise for more experience.. any thoughts ?
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Spirit, (First of all, long time lurker here that also followed you on that "MAGICal" site and hated the reception you got. I appreciate how you can be a fan while also a critic) >> Barndog, thanks for the kind words. At first when I saw a name I didn't recognize here, I thought 'OK, troll time' ... but that was before I read your post. I don't want to diss that other site because I do have friends there, but it really is over the top and largely Disney can do no wrong, especially in O-Town. It is very hard to get anything intelligent discussed when people are talking about fifth gates at WDW, World Showcase having no room for expansion (and needing to replace countries with new nation pavilions) and zillions of posts on the relatively modest Fantasyland project. That said, before I respond further, I'd like to encourage you to post more here. Not just because you said you read my posts, but because you come off quite intelligent and articulate and we need voices like that to be active instead of passive lurkers. <<I understand the Tuesday night event was quite extravagant, with an enormous food spread and booze flowing (I also understand that Disney had to throw out almost half the food that night because the media/blogger turnout was only about 1/3 of what they had planned).>> I haven't had a chance to ask about turnout Tuesday night, but that would seemingly mesh with what I've seen and heard about the Dream cruise itself. Just looking at the ceremony at Port Canaveral showed a sea of white empty seats. That never looks good. If you are going to have that problem, then you bus a bunch of CMs (who would have loved to have been there) to the port as fillers. The video I've seen from onboard would suggest the ship sailed way under capacity. Now, some cynical Spirit might say that Disney wanted that. It's much easier to enjoy a cruise when the ship isn't crowded, when there's no lines at the buffet, at the AquaDuck/pools, at the shows. That said, I have no idea what numbers Disney wanted ... (but hope to, soon). With a ship of that size, I heard they credentialed 400 people (mostly bloggers), so assuming that each brought two guests that's only 1,200 people (now, some brought more and others brought just themselves so it's hard to say). <<You made the point about bloggers preaching to the choir and only getting the message to those already inside the tent. My question is why Disney thought this was a good idea? Clearly there was a strategy involved. I'm just trying to understand why they thought they would get a return on their investment into schmoozing the blogger crowd, even if it turned out to be a mistake.>> I have long since given up trying to figure out why Disney does anything from replacing its Studio head with a cable TV guy to extensively dumbing down WDW to buying Marvel. I just am trying to fathom, from a business and strategic standpoint, how say flying over some blogger with a TINY online following from the UK (under a dozen visits per day), putting him up at the GF and then giving him a free cruise somehow is going to help DCL sell its magical product. And, moreover enhance the Disney brand. Doesn't things like this simply degrade it further? What about a mommy from Ohio that gets a few hundred hits a day? You bring her entire family in, put them up at the Poly, make sure they can get that free dinner at 'Ohana and then give them a balcony cabin before flying the clan home. What is the point? Has Disney fallen so far that it can't attract people and organizations of consequence to its bottom line? Like I've said, some of these folks are already whining non-stop online about how other bloggers got better treatment than they did. <<On one hand, it make sense that Disney would abandon "mainstream media" since the public is doing the same. A two minute fluff piece on the local news (or even Good Morning America) doesn't have the same impact as it used to.>> I'd still argue that having real media can't be compared to online. That GMA fluff piece had more of an audience than if you took ALL OF THE BLOGGERS together (and again, many of these people appear to have larger audiences because they're all connected ... but the same people are viewing their same content). <<But the soccer moms that Disney is trying to attract with its Memories campaign isn't visiting Disney fan sites, either. It seems Disney would reach that untapped market better by doing promos in between Hannah Montana episodes on Disney Channel or getting Meg Crofton a spot on "Undercover Boss" (that would be worth watching!)>> One would think so. But Disney isn't the best-managed media company by a long shot. And its attempts to control the message isn't anything new. They can (have been and are) heavy-fisted with legit journalists as well. But for every blogger who will be putting out PR drivel for them, there'll be another bitching about how they were flown in three days later than someone else with less traffic, put up at a lesser resort and didn't get a meal at Remy's and Palo. I don't see this as a win-win situation at all. <<Are they, like many other companies, still feeling their way around in this "new media" world? Or are they fumbling inwhat amounts to a typical product launch?>> I find it hard to buy that in 2011, TWDC is still 'feeling its way' ... when was Al Lutz's infamous 'Promote Paul Pressler' campaign? 14 years ago? When did Disney start its own sites on the web? Early 90s? Only D23 and the Disney Blog have been relatively late. It became clear to me, over a decade ago, that many of these 'events' were less about introducing the media to a new product/offering and more about presenting a reason for Disney to have an event to begin with. These events attracted fewer and fewer media and larger quantities of CMs... to me, it's clear they don't know what they're doing. Take a look at the Dream launch ceremony, hone in on the rows behind Iger and the top exec team (that means anything beind row 1). Look at how these folks are dressed and how they're appearing. Not polished to say the least. They look out of place. The launch of a $900million ship and the people (not even talking bloggers because, for the most part, they dress like Walmart) don't even look as well-dressed as a typical 'suit' in a WDW theme park (pretty much, mid-level management) would have dressed two decades ago ... or how the typical TDR manager dresses today or even how the typical HKDL GUEST dresses as a tourist. The question really is, does Disney even care any more? My answer, sadly, is 'no, they don't ... they're just Disney'. Oh, and please don't be shy about posting here!
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<"Yup, check out the "Other Theme Parks" section. Handed out checks to TMs involved in the opening of Potter, including frontline workers." I believe it is for all the full time employees in the entire resort. Not just those involved with Potter>> That is true. And you can be sure it was timed to, yet again, steal a bit of Mickey's Dream thunder. When did Disney last do something like this?
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<The answers about Potter aren't telling at all. WE KNOW that they have nothing to go up against them... WE KNOW they are scared of the Mouse. This is just softly putting something out, quietly.>> Not sure I understand. The fact Disney needed to come up with a 'crib sheet' of responses about the product, the highly-regarded and received product, of its top competitor is very telling. I won't say Disney is running scared in O-Town, although considering the brand degradation they probably should be, because they are one of the most arrogant companies you can deal with. But UNI isn't running scared, either. <<As for SWSA, I think that's telling of how much has to be done before they close anything existing. Also makes me wonder if they still have a ride to announce. >> They don't have much to do, really. I wouldn't expect any announcement as far as closing. Disney doesn't want bad press. They'll likely just put up a wall some day. Probably not for at least 18 months to two years. I can't see them closing it before the Mine Train is close to opening. Also, it will take them very little time to gut that space and put in the very minimal theming required to turn it into the meet-and-greet.
Originally Posted By Lee hisownself >> Probably not for at least 18 months to two years. I can't see them closing it before the Mine Train is close to opening.<< I dare to disagree, oh Spirited one.;-0 The new M&G is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012. That would be somewhere July-September of next year. If they stick to schedule, SWSA will have to close sometime late this year/early next.
Originally Posted By Mickeymouseclub I hope so. I will be there in May for one last visit with Snow White. I just might ride it non-stop for 7 days!
Originally Posted By Mickeymouseclub How many more days til they destroy I mean update the Carousel with the steps and handles on the poles like they have destroyed I mean updated DL's.
