Originally Posted By Disneymom443 Wow..... once again Spirit welcome back, apparently you have not missed anything.
Originally Posted By danyoung > DanYoung, your the guy from Texas who comes down here by yourself a couple time of year and only dines at Epcot and brags to everyone how all the bartenders know you at Rose and Crown, right. When bartenders all across property know you, you may want to think about a program with some steps.< Hmmm, I meed a martini while I think about this. Actually, I took a shot at you, so I don't mind so much you shooting back. At least you have accurate information on me, although I don't think I bragged about anything - just stated a fact. And so far bartenders across property don't know me - just at the Rose & Crown and at Flagler's in the Grand Floridian. And for the record, there are NO bartenders back home in Texas that know me by name, so I think I'll be just fine. Your last post made a lot of very general statements, most of which are completely false. People don't point out the bad in Disney parks because they don't like them. Quite the reverse - it's because they love them so much and hate to see them decline. You always have the choice to join in the negative threads or not. And if you join in, you also have the choice to present your positive point of view if you don't agree with the negative ones being presented. I do this quite frequently. The Spirit, TDLFAN and others will tell you that I don't give them a free pass in any way just because they're frequent posters. If I disagree with their negativity, I say so. Many times I do agree with them. It's all about communication, presenting ideas and hearing the responses. I say it again - if the Spirit's threads cause you so much pain, please don't participate in them. I look forward to bantering ideas about in other threads with you. But please don't come here and try to tell people how to behave - that's just rude.
Originally Posted By figment1986 is it me, or do Spirits Threads get derailed too often? -sits and waits for report on events and such-
Originally Posted By BlueOhanaTerror Spirit, popping in here briefly to say welcome back. I don't check these boards much anymore, but saw that you started this one, and then read that nitwit's several attacks... Remember that you're not accomplishing anything worthwhile, or saying anything worth saying, if the empty-heads and Kool-Aid drinkers AREN'T attacking you.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 Welcome back Spirit - man time flies. Can't wait to read the reports As far as news- well some W/E leaking into other threads - ( as you can likely tell) - and anything that remotely resembles live entertainment where they have to pay people at WdW appears to been endangered- even poor Poco and her friends.
Originally Posted By ChiMike I'm suprised to see no one has mentioned that filet has now been removed from a number of the restaurants. In addition to further downgrades on menus across the board. A very significant change in the saga of WDW dining blues.
Originally Posted By MPierce Welcome back Spirit my friend. As you can see LP still has people intent on making personal attacks, rather than offering a differing view of things. I just can't figure out how someone who just joined LP less than a month ago knows so much about some of it's members. I wonder, do you think he could possibly be a stalker? Now on to the real topic. I think everyone covered most things. The only things I can think of is WDW raised it's prices across the board (nothing really new about that). Also they now offer a new quick service dining plan. Two counter service meals, and two snacks. I can't remember the price, but it's way to much to offer a bargain. I can't remember if this happen before you left or not. I can hardly wait for your HKDL report, and hopefully some of your Olympic experiences. The most important matter however is how do the McDonalds in China stack up to the one's here in the States. Oh, before I forget did you find any good Chinese restaurants while you were there. Once again welcome back friend.
Originally Posted By mousermerf Spirit, while you were gone, I baked you a cookie but I ated it. Other then that, nothing of interest really. Was hoping you'd have something worth talking about. Epcot perhaps..?
Originally Posted By figment1986 <<I'm suprised to see no one has mentioned that filet has now been removed from a number of the restaurants. In addition to further downgrades on menus across the board. A very significant change in the saga of WDW dining blues.>> I knew i forgot something he would enjoy talking about... <<Other then that, nothing of interest really. Was hoping you'd have something worth talking about. Epcot perhaps..? >> If and when he has information he wishes to talk about he will... besides, He was in china for the Olympics and then vacation. I doubt he had much contact with many people.
Originally Posted By danyoung >I'm suprised to see no one has mentioned that filet has now been removed from a number of the restaurants.< Kevin Yee featured this news in last week's article. In the discussion thread tied to the article, he posted a couple days later that it seems that the whole filet thing was nothing more than a beef shortage, and that the filet is coming back to wherever it formerly was. Interesting how we all jump on news like that and think the worst.
Originally Posted By Bob Paris "Better an interesting debate than the boring love fest where the rubes are really taken for a ride quality wise." And THAT is one of the reasons you are one of THE BETS poster son here. A few years back, this place was being moderated SO heavily, it seemed like unless you were a sycophant you were booted off. YOUR opinion is more based in reality, Dave.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Welcome back Spirit. I'm glad to know that you are home safely.>> I am too ... although the jetlag hit with a vengeance this afternoon! <<5 months you say? Maybe a trip in Dec might be the ticket.>> You never know (besides, I have to see you to make sure you get those goodies from China!) But I do need my annual fall visit too, so I better start planning one!
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Hey, welcome back, big fella! Looking forward to the China trip report. I've got a co-worker who spent 3 weeks over there shooting pre-Olympics. It should be interesting getting another perspective on the country.>> I'll have plenty to say, believe me. But overall, I loved China and its people. Culturally, well, there are things that I couldn't get used to. But I am sure people feel that way about some things here. What is happening in China right now is truly unprecedented. There are amazing opportunities for companies and individuals IF they have their acts together ... in this area (my positive impressions of HKDL aside) I believe Disney is sorely lacking largely because of the people running its theme park business. And don't believe anything you hear to the contrary, Disney wants Shanghai ... badly. They want all of those people, but Iger (note to whomever reads here for him) keeps relying on mid-level (and higher) park execs who have a profound lack of cultural sensitivity and misunderstanding of the machinations involved in a successful business relationship with the central government in Beijing. Viacom understands this. Disney doesn't. The corporate culture of Disney isn't well-matched to the culture required to do business there (see July 2006 Sun Valley Media Mogul gathering where Sumner Redstone, who has a great working relationship with the Chinese, told Iger that he needed to personally be involved in talks, that he couldn't delegate to park lackeys, alluding to a May of that year visit to DLP by a senior Shanghai delegation that was a total disaster for Disney. The next morning, Iger left Idaho and made an unscheduled week-long smile-and-handshake tour of China). Too little, too late? ... oops, I probably said too much. But as much as I would like to see Disney expand and do well in that most important of markets, anyone who has gone to HKDL and toured Mainland China can't seriously believe Disney or the market is ready yet. HKDL, located in the most western-like part of China, is one major 'proceed with caution' sign. To hear more, well, I'll hopefully start an observation thread on the HKDL board in the next 48 hours. But there's a little morsel to keep you from going hungry ;-) <<The only WDW thing I can think of that you might not have heard about is the schedule for Fantasmic! in DHS is being cut back. In January the show goes to 2 night per week! Hard to believe this will continue, what with all the folks who won't get a chance to see it now. And I'm betting those 2 nights will be wall to wall people in DHS. Not a good cut, IMO.>> Actually, I did hear about that via email ... and I agree that it isn't a good move. This isn't DL where Fantasmic has always had 'seasons' ... Fantasmic has been a nightly feature at the Studios for a decade since it began. Guests aren't going to like it. It's all about money ... and I'm sure this move was very easy to push through with a new park VP who had NO park ops experience at all (he was a hotel food and beverage guy and not all that long with Disney) before being given the position. <<Again, welcome back home!>> Again, thanks bud!
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Welcome back So what events did you see at the Olympics? Where they just amazing?>> I was at shooting (all of it), softball (including the bronze and gold medal games) and diving (men's 10m final) ... also went to Opening Ceremony at Bird's Nest, which was just an incredible, awesome, phenomenal experience ... (had a chance to go to beach volleyball one night when I wasn't working, but was too wiped to attempt it!) And, yeah, it all was just amazing. Sitting here in my living room, I can't believe what I've seen and done the last seven weeks.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Now who is bashing whom here?>> Oh, I'm used to all the love. I wonder if this is one of my old friends or just some newbie who somehow thinks he/she/it has me figured out. I also would love to know how post 12 simply doesn't get admined for community standards. <<I am simply stating the obvious before it happens all over again. This site turns into Burma every time he comes back.>> Uhm ... actually it's Myanmar now. But at least your geography knowledge is about as accurate as your statements regarding my positions/opinions.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Spirit, with those last comments, you have made me truly green ith envy. Any chance you'll be in London for the 2012 games? It would be great to hang out. Cannot wait to hear more.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Spirit, popping in here briefly to say welcome back. I don't check these boards much anymore, but saw that you started this one, and then read that nitwit's several attacks... >> I am not sure how often I'll be here. Too much isn't healthy, but nice to see you around. I'm going to actually be in your neck of the woods for a bit surrounding the Emmys, not sure whether or not I'll have much free time. But if you think you may, drop me an email (you can get my email from our mutual friend!) <<Remember that you're not accomplishing anything worthwhile, or saying anything worth saying, if the empty-heads and Kool-Aid drinkers AREN'T attacking you.>> True ... but you know after a while you just don't miss them. I didn't so much as sniff a Disney site for close to two months and I didn't feel like I was missing anything (even though I do have genuine friends here ... the only thing that keeps pulling me back.)
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Welcome back Spirit my friend. As you can see LP still has people intent on making personal attacks, rather than offering a differing view of things. I just can't figure out how someone who just joined LP less than a month ago knows so much about some of it's members. I wonder, do you think he could possibly be a stalker?>> My guess is no ... to be a stalker one must actually possess some knowledge of the stalkee. This bozo thinks I believe kids shouldn't be at WDW (I don't) or that strollers are evil (they are ... btw, if I saw dozen in a day at HKDL, that was a lot!) but I don't have a problem with ECVs (which I do!) ... so no, I think this person just is clueless (which probably means he/she/it will be voting in the next election!) <<Now on to the real topic. I think everyone covered most things. The only things I can think of is WDW raised it's prices across the board (nothing really new about that). Also they now offer a new quick service dining plan. Two counter service meals, and two snacks. I can't remember the price, but it's way to much to offer a bargain. I can't remember if this happen before you left or not.>> No. That was since I left. Apparently, the folks at the value resorts won't be offered free dining in '09 either. And mods will just get quick serve. <<I can hardly wait for your HKDL report, and hopefully some of your Olympic experiences. The most important matter however is how do the McDonalds in China stack up to the one's here in the States.>> It's late (or early) but in China the McDonald's are awesome. Clean, modern and well-run. With fresh food that doesn't sit in plastic bins for who knows how long. And you'll have to wait to hear about the McCafes that every McDonald's in Hong Kong/Kowloon have. Just amazing. <<Oh, before I forget did you find any good Chinese restaurants while you were there. >> Chinese food??? What's that???!!! (seriously, if I don't see rice until 2009, I'll be fine!) <<Once again welcome back friend.>> Good to be back ... even if I wish I had a few more months to explore China.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Spirit, with those last comments, you have made me truly green ith envy. Any chance you'll be in London for the 2012 games? It would be great to hang out.>> That is the (long term) plan right now. I know I will be back in China for the Asian Games in 2010 and am cautiously optimistic about the Winter Games in B.C. in 2010 ... so that's my focus right now. <<Cannot wait to hear more.>> Thanks. I'd type more now, but really need to call it a night or day or whatever it is here now.
