Originally Posted By HokieSkipper <<the Six Flags in Gurnee bills itself as a vacation desintation -with many major hotel chains across the street from the park ( offering discounts on park tickets for stays) and a huge outlet mall not much more than walking distance from the front gate.>> The ones around me certainly don't do that. Nor do they advertise nationally as one. <<Also does that mean before Uni built it's own hotels is was more like Six Flags than it was like Disney ?>> Yup, because before that they had 1 park.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 these places all provide a similar service - at varying levels- but to think that the demographics are such that people who attend one can't attend the other I think is misplaced. Heck- ask Spirit about the 'yahoo's that attend Disney now in some people's opinions"
Originally Posted By vbdad55 <<Also does that mean before Uni built it's own hotels is was more like Six Flags than it was like Disney ?>> Yup, because before that they had 1 park --- what did that make Disneyland then all those years ? Only 1 park there
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper Disneyland was Disneyland. Disney has always been a vacation destination just by the nature of the beast. Six Flags isn't. Period.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 so in other words your definition doesn't hold true DL was not the first 'theme park'- upon completion it raised the bar to a new level - but others were there before
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper Whatever man. You know Six Flags and Disney aren't even close to going for the same product or trying to be the same type of destinations. I'm tired of your constant contrarian attitude.
Originally Posted By MPierce >> Bars across property have new kewl looking menus with artwork inside, albeit same drinks standardized ... but the reason for the new menus is because Disney now has an official vodka sponsor (and you don't hear that in press releases). << Armadale? >> Would I pay $30 for dinner at LTT? No. Would I let someone else pay $30 for my dinner at LTT? Absolutely. << I never would have guessed that. >> Most desserted place in an otherwise crowded theme park: LMA restrooms at 8 p.m. ... you and 50 of your closest friends (although would you have time to read or post on LP if you really had 50 friends?) could all do your business at the same time! << You've sure been hanging out a lot in WDW restrooms lately. >> All day menu at Captain Jack's really sucks. Dumbed down. Prices jacked up. << It's the trend. >> Blissful way to spend an hour at DD: having a way overpriced sundae with a very wonderful friend (even if said friend gets jealous if you look at cute wittle puppy dogs!) << Doesn't Em like little puppies?
Originally Posted By skinnerbox <<To say that Six Flags only markets to a different audience is overlooking the fact that a lot if it's audience is teenagers and young couples- these people in the future likely will have greater income and then can choose whether they want to invest more capital in a vacation for a similar- but much greater experience. It's not like some of the same people do not go to both...they do.>> Your argument is flawed by several facts: Teenagers and young couples today will most likely NOT have the greater income in the future to afford annual trips to WDW, much less DVC membership. Only the upper middle class and above will be able to afford these overpriced vacations, as is the case now. And those numbers as a percentage of the greater theme park audience and general population as a whole, will definitely decrease as time marches on. Six Flags definitely markets to a different entertainment audience, since their parks are comprised of a far greater percentage of white-knuckle thrill rides. Disney doesn't do thrill rides. Their coasters are very tame compared to most coasters found at Six Flags. The carnival rides are typically equal in intensity and experience, with the obvious exception of theming, which Disney does better. Food and drinks and merch, however, have been approaching equal mediocrity over the years, as Disney continues to dumb down the dining and merch offerings across the board. But the bulk of the rides -- thrill rides -- are definitely different at Six Flags. As for Six Flags attendees visiting Disney theme parks... of course they go, when they can afford to do so. But unless those teens and young couples are living in SoCal with access to cheap DL APs, they aren't going to visit Disney theme parks regularly. They will visit Six Flags more often in the summer, because it's cheaper. And if they're thrill junkie coaster riders with deep pockets, they'll still go to Six Flags more often, because the thrills are better. No one ever buys into WDW DVC because of the resort alone. The parks have been and always will be the central driving motivator for folks buying into the WDW timeshares. And as Disney continues to let these parks deteriorate, occupancy rates will continue to decline without serious discounting, even at DVC properties. And too much discounting will affect the bottom line for the entire resort, even inside the DVC business unit. It doesn't matter that the WDW DVC business unit operates separately from MK and EPCOT and DHS and DAK business units. It simply does not exist in a vacuum. It depends so heavily on those parks for selling memberships, Disney wouldn't be able to sell enough memberships to keep the DVC properties maintained and operational without them. FACT. By allowing the parks to further deteriorate and decline, Disney is shooting DVC in the foot. The bullet isn't being aimed at the flesh directly, but the ricochet into the foot is still just as damaging. Without proper upkeep, good affordable food and merch, and the regular addition of compelling quality attractions and rides, the parks will become stale and not worth attending. And given the constant state of discounting for rooms and food, I believe the decline is deepening and at a quicker pace than during Eisner's reign. You have a serious blind spot for DVC, vbdad. DVC at WDW is way overbuilt and it sickens me to see more development in this area at the expense of development in the parks. It's time for Burbank to focus attention and capital in the parks and leave the timeshares alone for a while. Enough is enough.
Originally Posted By MPierce >> A pony bit me at FW. I'm not suing anyone. << He must know you. >> Truly magical moment: driving up to WL in mid-afternoon and seeing three deer on left side of road under welcome arch and two on right side of road under arch. << I've seen them all around property, but never there. I agree, magical. >> People who take pics of walls need to get lives (just social commentary there). << Ever get your book back? >> People who drill holes in walls behind ATM machine near Pinnochio's Village Haus restaurant to take pics of construction sites need to see mental health specialists (more commentary, and quite accurate). << Does it count if you bring a grappling hook to scale the walls? >> Men In Black truly makes Buzz Lightyear look like something Pierce could put together in his garage. << Are you talking about that kettle I have with the burners underneath it with the coil of copper tubing running to that big vat? >> Best thing about being at HHN's: being able to use 'adult' language and not worry about some ruining an impressionable child's life (or magical day!) << The kids probably use more adult language than the adults. >> Why have JC closed (and a giant inflatable warthog out front) on MNSSHP nights, but have HoP open? << It's Halloween, and politicians are the scariest things I can think of. >> Heard that merchandise managers no longer have any say in what their shops stock and how it is displayed ... which likely is true considering how much vinyl and Halloween crap hits you as soon as you walk in every shop. << I really Would like to know who the driving force is behind Vinylmation. >> It is with GREAT shame I admit having not one, but two meals at Pecos Bill Cafe. << Cheeseburger? >> Well, not everyone ... DAK really still has some nice items. But 9-5 hours just are going to kill that park. << The Animals have a strong Union.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 Whatever man. You know Six Flags and Disney aren't even close to going for the same product or trying to be the same type of destinations. I'm tired of your constant contrarian attitude ---- then be able to back up what you are saying- when you state something as fact people are going to question you. and ending a post with -period, really only antagonizes people more
Originally Posted By vbdad55 as far as the contrarian attitude- back at ya if you notice I have agreed with you on some things- but stating things that you can't give a lick of backup for.. will find us on opposite sides. you were the one who decided to step out on 'hating when people compare Disney and Six Flags'- that's your decision if you want to become the post police..
Originally Posted By MPierce >> Disney is actively trying/working to bring its food prices inline with DLR's ... ONE DISNEY DESTROYS ALL. This factor, as well as DDP, is behind the Walmarting in dining. << Nothing like California prices in Central Florida. >> Still a lot of cute Shanghai gals working at WDW! << You've been watching The Sand Pebbles again haven't you. >> So, Dixie Landings no longer has any logo merchandise (Saratoga Springs has some nice new stuff though) ... and the old-fashioned themed candy counter area has long since been changed to tees and sandals and hoodies ... but it sure is nice to know you can find loads of Marvel comics for sale there. << Dixie Landing had one of the best Merchantiles on property at one time. I've been meaning to go back there, and pick up a set of beer glasses with the traditional Tri-Circle Mickeys on them. >> To that boat driver at WL who took off when he could have walked over and let us on ... not kewl, dude ... not kewl. << Really not cool at all. Out of all the boats I've caught going, and coming from there, I've never had that happen to me. >> Celebration is showing major signs of the ecomomic disaster and proves yet again why Disney should NOT be in the development business (see Golden Oak to illustrate how the greed never ends, and the lessons never are learned). << Isn't the Four Seasons bankrolling all of that? >> Do you know how much merchandise simply walks out of the Main Street WoD store? Disney does. And the Mouse doesn't care because of what the store makes. << If that's really true Meg Crofton needs to be gone along with the head of merchandise. Make the shops individual agin. >> Want to know one reason why the Tentland structures are staying put for as long as possible? Because the Judges tent shop is currently the second most profittable shop at MK ... by a large margin. << I would have never guessed that. What's first? >> WDW boat transportation (when they don't leave you at the dock because the CM happens to be mad at the world) is a magical way to ride ...especially from WL to MK ... and from DD to Dixie Landings (yes, I do talk like the Colonel and say politically incorrect statements as I walk the grounds ... some Spirits can be so immature ... or satirical). << The boat rides are even better at dusk. >> I almost had QS food at TPFKaTD-MGMS ... but then I smartened up and went to McD's (and, no, not the Disney locale). << Did you cheap out, and eat off of the Dollar Menu again?
Originally Posted By MPierce >> If PI is dead, which it is, why are the signs and lighting still up? Why do the buses mention it? Why is it still a location? << --------------- >> are they still surveying people- I was done twice last trip re: PI << What did they ask you concerning PI VBDAD?
Originally Posted By vbdad55 what I came to DD Disney for - where did I eat / shop. What types of things would I like to see on the West Side that would make me want to come there
Originally Posted By MPierce >> the phrase- you don't know what you've got 'till it's gone, comes to mind << That saying can also apply to social diseases, diarrhea, and ex-wives.
Originally Posted By HMButler79 I am shocked they are not just biting the bullet and building the Cindy show/meet n grope when they are building the EXACT SAME thing in Tokyo? What happened to Disney Parks franchise fetish? Plus it would save Snow White. Also, since the Fairies are DEAD DEAD, why not just put the dark ride coaster on THAT land instead of the Cindy/Aurora land?
Originally Posted By MPierce >> what I came to DD Disney for - where did I eat / shop. What types of things would I like to see on the West Side that would make me want to come there << I guess they are thinking ahead to when the economy improves, and what stores they should lease to that would be successful. You would think they should already know that by now.
Originally Posted By leobloom I'm impressed that people like VBDAD have time to write these long posts during the workday. Get back to work, man! Where do you think you are, Disney World?!
Originally Posted By magic0214 Great thread Spirit, love all your takes on "the world" or "the synergetic world"
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>I am shocked they are not just biting the bullet and building the Cindy show/meet n grope when they are building the EXACT SAME thing in Tokyo? What happened to Disney Parks franchise fetish? Plus it would save Snow White. Also, since the Fairies are DEAD DEAD, why not just put the dark ride coaster on THAT land instead of the Cindy/Aurora land?<<<< MAKES TOO MUCH SENSE!!! >>>Where do you think you are, Disney World?!<<< Aww, Leo. :-( Now I miss CCommand...
