Originally Posted By demderedoseguys >>OK ... we've had the good or even the great Spirited observations about his latest magical WDW visit, we all know what comes next, right? The never-ending negativity thread, naturally.<< Spirited Highlights-50 msgs Spirited Lowlights- 21 msgs (Counting this msg)
Originally Posted By demderedoseguys >OK ... that's about it ... as I've said before there was far more good than bad. What pisses me off is that much of the bad can largely be chalked up to poor management. This isn't a staleness issue ... an adding new attractions deal ... these are basic operations decisions. ... As I said in my more 'magical' thread, I didn't have one lousy CM ... or one lousy meal ... in some ways it was one of my best trips in the past 2-3 years. < This will be the part that gets ignored.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<I guess WDW just doesn't need the money.>> <<They wish that was the case. Stay tuned for Disney's earnings on Thursday after the bell. It ain't gonna be pretty.>> I am sure Iger and Staggs are burning the midnight oil writing theit canned answers ... we already had the first 'desperation' move today with the extension of free dining through Dec. 17th. And they are cutting hours at WDW, left and right, both in the parks and behind the scenes to 'save' on labor. Of course, then Disney can announce these 'leaked' plans for WDW and look even more 'bold' in these 'dire financial times' ... maybe they wouldn't be in quite such bad position if the company had been run better the past few years ... again, though what does one Spirit know?
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<I don't know about the 100 lashes. He might enjoy it too much. Better yet, let's tie him down to a chair and hold his eyes open like in A Clockwork Orange and make him watch videos of Phil Holmes spliced together with film of Walt Disney walking around the WED workshop. Now THAT ought to do the trick!>> That's very evil ... I like the way you think!
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<For me the only way to tolerate going in the summer is the extended hours. Go early, return to resort to swim/relax & return towards the evening/night when the sun goes down & it cools off @least a little.>> That was a highlight for me ... but looking at current hours ... well, I feel for anyone going now because they're running DEPRESSION like hours ... and I bet August and September will make these look like the 1980s! <<It's also the only way to see much with the # of guests contributing to mind numbing waits. I just got back but spent very little time in the parks. In fact I only went to DHS one afternoon for about 4 hrs. It was very enjoyable but very limited.>> So ... you basically went to WDW, but didn't! ;-) <<I spent more time @ DtD & the resorts this trip. We're going in Dec will assess better then. I missed you too Spirit!>> Will email you tonight!!!
Originally Posted By bobbelee9 How were the crowds sizewise? Did management think the size of the crowd didn't merit the usual hours? I wouldn't be happy about shortened hours, but I suppose as long as I got to do everything I wanted, I'd have to go along with the cutback. But I wouldn't like it.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<I don't think Spirit's criticisms were unfair. As a manager of parks (real...not amusement) I would love to have a site or two where I could go and see what people were staying: both good and bad.>> Part of me is torn when I write this. Because I damn well know that Disney is monitoring these boards ... and when consultants can make six or seven figures a year telling Disney how to break its businesses, I don't believe in giving it out for free. So, I try and keep it very basic. Rest assured, I have plenty of ways for the company to improve both the guest experience AND the bottom line that I have no intention of putting anywhere sans a contract (and I don't see that happening!) <<And, to be really fair, Spirit always posts the good with the bad. Disney isn't perfect and for those who have seen the far better days at WDW it does hurt to see where things have slid.>> Still, far more good than bad. But 80% of the bad really could be fixed so easily it almost defies explanation as to why it isn't ... and it makes me wonder if TDO is largely as dumb as I sometimes make them out to be. <<And, I suppose I could tolerate some of the issues if it weren't for the fact that ticket prices just keep going up and up. I wouldn't like the issues...but they wouldn't sting as much.>> Look for a price increase, shortly. I'd also expect even more absurd price points on food to justify the 'bargain' that is the DDP!
Originally Posted By disney pete Dave was talking to my sister last night and although she said it was nice clean i think with it being their 1st time there they where overawed by it all,they never done half the rides never got to DTD,when i go i blitz the place i never miss a ride even the small ones so yep we will have a good time but if theres anything bad to report i will be right back here to tell you guys and hope people don't throw things at me.
Originally Posted By Mr X ***TPFKaTD-MGMS*** ***TSFKaPI*** Ya lost me. ***And while this is most definately not an excuse on any level...try to sweep and empty trash cans during the middle of the day at either Soarin or Buzz. It is next to impossible with the number of people crammed in...especially at Soarin.*** Hmm...while I appreciate that you mention that it's *not* an excuse, you certainly make it sound like an excuse (at least, "next to impossible" rings that way in my ears anyway). I have seen custodial kids work miracles in the midst of mobs that would blow your mind at TDL...there are no excuses imho. ***DLP may have the most ornate MK, and WDW may have the largest number of attractions, but the ops are best in California.*** Really? Have you seen custodial kids work miracles in the midst of mobs that would blow your mind in California? ;p
Originally Posted By wahooskipper I'm guessing: The Place Fomerly Known as The Disney MGM Studios The Site Formerly Known as Pleasure Island.
Originally Posted By Bob Paris Dave - is that true about Pinocchio opening at 3pm in DLP?!? If so that is RIDICULOUS. I was p****d off enough with WS at Epcot opening later than FW but, for some reason, the Pinoke thing REALLY gets up my goat!!!!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo True X, but I do not often comment much on Tokyo as I have not been (just like you have not been to DLP). Bob - I am afraid it is true. Park is open 10am to 11pm. Phantom manor and the River Boats open at 11, boats close at 6 and PM at 10, BTMRR at 11. Indy opens late and all of Adventureland closes at 10. In Fantasyland, Pinnocchio opens at 3 and closes at 10, while Snow white opens at 10 and closes at 6. The Labrynth opens 11:30 and closes at 6, and Storybookland is open variable hours Fri - Mon, closed the rest of the week. In Discoveryland, HISTA closes at 6, the Nautilus is open the middle of the day for a few hours, and Autopia closes at 9. Between 10pm and 11, the only open attractions are Space Mountain, Buzz, and Big thunder. Very poor. Fantillusion only has 1 show stop instead of 3, and they have cut back on the already limited pyro for Enchanted, which only runs between July 4th and aug 31st as it is. I doubt we will bother to renew our APs for the 1st time in 10 years.
