Originally Posted By Christi22222 Won't we all be shocked when this comes to fruition! Make it part of the GF DVC addition. You don't even have to go to the parks to get pictures and visit magical bathrooms!
Originally Posted By Mickeymouseclub Hey the new BLT offers that. The new bathrooms at the pool area are pretty nice.
Originally Posted By Doobie <<< But Disney needed to BRAND the entrances. The old days of just driving on property and being greeted by a tiny small brown (like national parks) sign that said 'Welcome to Walt Disney World' isn't enough for today's guests ... or company. >>> These entrances are one of the highlights of that first trip to Disney World. After working for years to get there, that's a great to be welcomed. If I'm giving someone driving instructions, I would definitely make sure they enter through one of the gates rather than the DTD entrance which doesn't really have one. I think the whole stopping for photos is an issue and hopefully they can find a way to resolve it. But I hardly think having a grand entrance onto WDW property is an example of over-branding. I think it's an example of Disney details. Doobie.
Originally Posted By Mickeymouseclub My nieces first visit from airport in a shuttle and the excitement of seeing that Marquee with her children and the MK Fireworks exploding was a Magical Welcome indeed. Everybody loves this Welcome even the ME bus drivers from the airport. They love to announce it everytime. Maybe it helps with tips.
Originally Posted By leobloom >> Don't forget they would have to include a new restroom or was that really the incentive for a parking area? << Rats! You figured out my plot to get more pixie dusted restrooms.
Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan My first visit to WDW was back in 1972. When we arrived in the parking lot (we stayed in a hotel off site) it was very strange and underwhelming. It was, basically, just a parking lot. And a Monorail station, a few attraction posters. Having already been to Disneyland many times by the age of 10, this was very different than seeing the giant sign for Disneyland on Harbor Blvd. in Anaheim. The archway signs look great and are a good way to welcome people.
Originally Posted By dshyates I, too, like the entry arches. I don't really see much purpose in taking a photo of them. But I do like the excited sense of arrival they give me. I guess it is like the folks who stop and take a pic everytime they cross a state line.
Originally Posted By disney pete Thats a big highlight for us entering through the gates,it would be great to get a pic of your family under the gates but it just aint possible,we normally just take a pic out the car window.
Originally Posted By HMButler79 i can't wait till DL goes back to it's rumored retro sign to show us ap AGAIN
Originally Posted By Donny Here is a video I took yesterday. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLtTaaGGBgo" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...TaaGGBgo</a>
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>Epcot I think some better lighting and twinkling would be nice.<<< Nah, the lighting fine... It's the coloration, for me. Purple, green, red and gold? It's very maligned. Doesn't mesh well.
Originally Posted By disney pete Bad couple of days in Florida weather wise. what did you do in the parks that rainy day Donny?
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>These entrances are one of the highlights of that first trip to Disney World. After working for years to get there, that's a great to be welcomed. If I'm giving someone driving instructions, I would definitely make sure they enter through one of the gates rather than the DTD entrance which doesn't really have one. I think the whole stopping for photos is an issue and hopefully they can find a way to resolve it. But I hardly think having a grand entrance onto WDW property is an example of over-branding. I think it's an example of Disney details.<<< I'd agree with you totally if the signs were actually detailed, and artful. Right now, they just look tacky and plastic... not very classy. Disney needs a "gate", I agree, it lends itself to a feeling of arrival, but said gates should really try and emulate themed design, not just tackiness and pixie dust. I mean, where on those signs is EPCOT represented? Where's DHS? Where's DAK? It's just Mickey and the Castle. There's more to Disney than that. (GASP!!!!) lol
Originally Posted By Donny Yeah the past couple of days it has rained and rained but this weekend should be great
Originally Posted By dshyates What if not only they put in a pull-out for the "Kodak Moment", but also put in a "Welcome Center". It would be sort of like a centralized Guest Services, where you could make dining/attraction/M&G reservations. Buy tickets. It would be a one stop shop for daytrippers.
