Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Well, I'm one of the Spirit's tourists. Sometimes I notice... sometimes I even care. But when I evaluate my WDW vacation on an overall basis what I always ask myself is if my experience was as good as or better than the list time I visited. So far I've always been able to say yes.>> I can't always say the same. I continue to have good or, even, great trips ... if I didn't, I wouldn't go. But I constantly notice the whole 'declining by degrees' deal that Kevin Yee talked about in his column. <<AK without a doubt has seen great improvement over the past few years and I doubt anyone would disagree with that.>> Nope. DAK is a wonderful park and it's getting better. No doubt. <<MGM Studios needs more work, but in a park that is all about shows; they put in an expensive, huge and very enjoyable one when they added 'Lights, Motors, Action'. After that kind of investment I have to be hopeful for the future.>> I may be one of the few here, but I doubt it, who thinks Disney wasted a lot of money here. LMA is OK, but I want more than OK from Disney entertainment. I can also tell you that while they won't say it publically, most Disney officials feel the show has been a disappointment from the standpoint of getting folks into the park, getting them to stay longer, spend more etc ... just look at how few shows a day they offer now vs. when it began. <<Epcot received two new E-tickets over the past few years as well as a couple of good solid C's. I would like to see WOL reopened and Spaceship Earth updated, but then I think the park would be about perfect.>> Mission Space and Soarin would be the E-Tix, and while they both have faults, I am glad to see them. The only other addition I can think of that would fit the 'C' label would be Nemo and that's a replacement ... But I basically agree with you. And Epcot remains my fave WDW park, by a few hairs over DAK. <<Magic Kingdom hasn't advanced much. They've added a couple of good C's (Buzz and Pooh), a terrible C (Stitch) and a very enjoyable D (Philharmagic).>> You're going back almost a decade for Buzz and Pooh now (also both replacements for existing attractions). Stitch is an abject failure ... only PhilharMagic is a real plus to the MK. <<A new E-ticket would be fun, but I don't really go to the MK to see the latest and greatest. That is for the other parks. The MK is all about nostalgia and memories. Although I like the attractions maintained and updated, the less it changes the better as far as I'm concerned.>> That might be fine, although I'd argue it wouldn't be because the park should be alive and organic and changing, if you were talking about the way it was say 15 years ago ... when it was always clean, when the CMs were always great and wore unique costumes, when the shops were different and helped tell stories, when live entertainment meant stage shows like the Diamond Horseshoe and live performers across the park etc ... but today's MK? I want to see major changes.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo "And Epcot remains my fave WDW park, by a few hairs over DAK." We are totally on the same page. That's why we went to WDW (AKL was another contributor) - otherwise we would have opted for DL, DLP or TDL. Don't get me started on Mickey's Big RipOff Christmas Party.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN Rip off? Well Baloo.. DO TELL US about your experiences in the party. What made it a ripoff to you? (I think I know the answer but amuse me, please)
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo I didn't go to be fair. Considering I can go to TDL, DL or DLP and get the experience for free. When leaving the MK at 7:30 - people were already lining up for the parade. And having seen videos (thanks Tom), the shows seem subpar to DLP or TDL efforts. Although it looks like fun, I feel WDW are really ripping off people because they can. Sad.
Originally Posted By LadyandtheTramp IMHO, the best thing about MGM is the restaurants. I think they have 4 of the most enjoyable ones on site. Brown Derby, Sci-Fi, Prime Time, and Mama Melrose's are the main reason we go - Tower and the GMR are what we do after we eat. Muppets, the Walt Disney story and the "Animation" tour are sometimes-to-do, as is Rock and Roller. Everything else is pretty much once a year time, except for Fantasmic, which is only being dragged into it because someone from out of town wants to see it! We had friends in from out of town this weekend, who hadn't been to WDW for over 20 years, and we didn't bother going to the Studios.
Originally Posted By Witches of Morva ORDDU: My sisters and I hope you know just how much we appreciate and love your knowledgeable comments, Spirit of 74, duckling. You're such a champion of good quality in the midst of good for nothing Disney management types who seem to care nothing about quality, themselves. ORWEN: Tired, recycled parades don't do much for us either--never mind broken down features inside various attractions that never seem to get themselves fixed--like the jumping Br'er Rabbit inside Splash Mountain. I mean, sometimes he jumps; but more often than not he doesn't. ORGOCH: Even the bull frogs they used ta have all over the place ain't bein' seen as much!! An' they won't let me git NEAR Br'er Frog fer nothin'! ORDDU: I can't say I blame them for that, dear. In the meatime, Spirit, dear, please remain with us on the Laughing Place Pond and know that you always have the blessings of three little old ladies from Morva. ORWEN: So do the rest of Doobie's sweet little ducklings!
Originally Posted By pbjshakelover <<Although it looks like fun, I feel WDW are really ripping off people because they can. Sad.>> davewasbaloo, I went to MVMCP on 11/17 this year & I feel stupid for falling for it. I am a great fan of WDW & all things Disney, Mickey, etc. I love WDW & have never once spoke badly until now. After the experience at this party, I feel Disney has become GREEDY. In my humble opinion, that party was WAY OVER SOLD OUT. So, so crowded. Cast members very disorganized and confused. My mom's scooter tipped over on top of her on Main St. because she went over a curb that was not marked. Luckily, she was not seriously injured, but had lots of bruises next day. One cast member ran over to help & I am very grateful to her. Park was badly lit & there was no crowd control at all. Able to see one stage show in Tomorrowland. Too crowded to move. Left after 2 hours. ~$160 for 4 people. VERY, VERY DISAPPOINTING! Trust me when I say I will never attend another special event again! I am composing a letter to Guest Relations about our experiences that night.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<I didn't go to be fair. Considering I can go to TDL, DL or DLP and get the experience for free. When leaving the MK at 7:30 - people were already lining up for the parade. And having seen videos (thanks Tom), the shows seem subpar to DLP or TDL efforts. Although it looks like fun, I feel WDW are really ripping off people because they can. Sad.>> I hate to say what I am about to, but I'm glad you feel it's a ripoff. I'm glad you see subpar holiday offerings at the MK. No, I don't want you to have bad vacations, Dave But as someone with loads of Disney experience, yet someone who isn't a 'WDW regular' or a chronic like myself and my globetrotting pal, TDLFAN, your words posted here are going to go a lot further with the folks monitoring these boards for free consulting. So I'm thrilled you had a nice trip with the family and that you really loved DAK and the Lodge ... but I'm also glad you were disappointed by Disney's blatant money grab that is MVMCP. That just shows what a smart, discerning guest you are. Disney needs to realize that it's alienating a lot of people with moves like this and it's not just folks that the execs would rather see get run over by camels like myself and TDLFAN!
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<ORDDU: My sisters and I hope you know just how much we appreciate and love your knowledgeable comments, Spirit of 74, duckling. You're such a champion of good quality in the midst of good for nothing Disney management types who seem to care nothing about quality, themselves. >> You always make me blush ... and Spirits should always have a ghostly, white palor, doncha think ;-) And I just call 'em like I see 'em, really. No mystery here. I love WDW, but I very strongly dislike the people running the parks and resorts and have very little respect for them. They just aren't very smart people and they aren't doing anything to hold up the Disney Legacy.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN >>Disney needs to realize that it's alienating a lot of people with moves like this and it's not just folks that the execs would rather see get run over by camels like myself and TDLFAN!<< Well... for one thing, I am much smaller than D-Baloo, so yes, I would get run over but the poor camel would bounce off Baloo. >>Although it looks like fun, I feel WDW are really ripping off people because they can. Sad.<< Gee, that makes me feel so dirty for having been to it (for the past 20 yrs!!) I guess Baloo won't be going to the Pirates & Princesses parties in february! I was hoping to see the big guy in a pirate outfit!
Originally Posted By TDLFAN >>Although it looks like fun, I feel WDW are really ripping off people because they can. Sad.<< Forgot to add in my last post that I agree. Sadly I am the biggest victim of this scheme as well..
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Gee, that makes me feel so dirty for having been to it (for the past 20 yrs!!) I guess Baloo won't be going to the Pirates & Princesses parties in february! I was hoping to see the big guy in a pirate outfit!>> You should feel dirty ... and not just for wearing those butt-less chaps either! I can't believe you allow Disney to take advantage of you like that (bows head in shame). My opinion is out on the princess and pirate parties because they aren't taking away anything that was originally included with admission. They are adding an experience, much like the Halloween parties. You pay for a unique parade, unique fireworks, unique entertainment. I will likely attend one just to satisfy my curiosity ... but I won't dress like VBDAD would. ;-)
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo I agree. If it's something totally unique and new, I don't mind after hour parties e.g. Grad Nights or Special Celebration nights. But the fact WDW used to be open late and offer these festive offerings to all ticket holders (as do the other resorts around the globe), and now this is an upcharge event. Well to me, that is a real step backwards. so next year while people are paying for MVMCP, I'll be enjoying Ice Skating Mickey, a Christmas Parade, and a wonderful tree lighting spectical at DLP as a part of my admission price. And I don't mind paying for my cookies and hot chocolate, it will be worth it!
Originally Posted By TDLFAN >>I can't believe you allow Disney to take advantage of you like that (bows head in shame).<< Many people take advantage of my generosity then spit on my face. What else is new? ..and why should Disney be any different? >>I will likely attend one just to satisfy my curiosity ... but I won't dress like VBDAD would. ;-)<< Why not? It should be as fun as, or even more so, than attending the "Pimp & H*" parties in costume at Parliament House. I however find it ironic (and refreshing) that for once... if it was me putting down the MVMCPs down, everyone would be going berseck over my comments, but now I publicly state I have enjoyed them for so long...every one is going berseck and putting the MVMCPs down. I think you all do this on purpose to confuse me.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN But...since Baloo mentioned it, if you want to see what you get at regular admission prices at TDL for Xmas.. go here and click on the oval gold box video links next to each photo.. about 5 different short videos for your enjoyment. <a href="http://www.tokyodisneyresort.co.jp/xmas2006/tdl/movie.html" target="_blank">http://www.tokyodisneyresort.c o.jp/xmas2006/tdl/movie.html</a>
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo I put the attention for you down to jealousy TDLFAN. If only we all had your style ;-p Try black socks and shorts some time.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 < I will likely attend one just to satisfy my curiosity ... but I won't dress like VBDAD would. ;-) < you'll disappoint your fans !
Originally Posted By jmuboy Quick question.....is the new Toy Story ride going to use up all three former soundstages? If not, which ones will it use?
