Spirited WDW Observations, News and Provocative Co

Originally Posted By Spirit of 74

Yep. It's that time again. Nope don't hang the stockings, don't trim your trees, but pour yourself some egg nog or any nog of your choosing and let the fun beging.

Because the time is near ... Santa is close by and I know he wants to read all about my latest trip. So, here goes the thread where I try and put forth my experiences and opinions based on 10 days at The Discounted Timeshare Kingdom of the World (Someone needs to tell the analysts that the Weatherman lied about the discounting since today my 10% AP merchandise discount doubled ... on the heels of a 40% deluxe resort offer for Christmas week ... and let's not forget the massive discounts that have already been offered through JUNE!) and inevitably some fanbois call me a hater and the fun really begins.

Let's start with one point. I had a GREAT time. But that largely had to do with the people I spent time with at holiday time. WDW is doing almost nothing to earn my business and loyalty.

In 10 days, I spent multiple days at MK, EPCOT, TPFKaTD-MGMS and singles at DAK and SW. Also, spent time at DD multiple days and hit the following resorts for holiday checks -- GF, Poly, Contemp, BW, BC, WL, WLV, DAK Lodge and Villas, PO (both sections).

First, just for shock value, I'll state the parks that had the best holiday vibe and that I enjoyed the most were --shockingly -- Studios, Sea World and DAK ... and by a large margin. Still, due to operating hours, family, friends from out of the area and weather, I wound up spending more time at MK and EPCOT by far.

There was plenty of news that came out of my visit.

Some newsbits to start:

Former EPCOT VP Jim MacPhee's promotion from a nebulous 'special projects' title to one with 'New Technology' in the title (not that Disney wants you to know what that means yet ... but the initials RFID and DDK seem to play a large role!)

There was testing RFID virtual queuing at RnRC and other 'uses' at the McPooh Playground last week.

Also, word that Small World will be undergoing another large scale rehab in 2010 (no word on characters, was told this is needed work and to redo the queue yet again).

Flamingo Crossings is done, finished, completed and ready ... for tenants ... unfortunately, for Disney, it might as well be a housing development in central Fla that was started before the lie that was our economy crashed because it's empty and will be for a long time to come.

Guest complaints about LoW at EPCOT have been heard loud and clear and the park will receive more decor for the holidays in 2010 and a new lighting display/show will appear in the next few years (but likely not 2010).

A major celeb Imagineer is being wooed by another company since he doesn't seem to have much to do at WDW these days.

Resort load levels have been healthy, but entirely due to massive discounting.

Parks were VERY uncrowded. Well, except for Saturday when MK was open from 9-1 (thank the Mickey Extorts Christmas From Bumpkin Tourists Parties for that) and was what I would call moderately crowded. Other than that, SW on Sunday and CP times at EPCOT (only in that area), parks were uncrowded to near empty.

Next up: a little of this, a little of that ... and why I love WL.

 

Originally Posted By Spirit of 74

''Where's The Tree, Daddy?''

No, this isn't a segue (or should it be Segway since those things have become so entwined?) to some sad 2009 Near Depression Era tale about a family that can't afford a holiday tree.

Nope. It's a comment I heard from a child upon walking out of TPFKaTD-MGMS earlier this week. What's interesting (at least to me, I'm sure y'all will tell me what you think) is the Studios wowed me in a way they haven't in years. And to be fair, Disney didn't remove the tree this year. It's outside the park near the bus/boat/tram hub where it has been stuck ever since the BAH was dropped down in the middle of Hollywood Blvd to sell more cheap Disney-branded crap, hide the Chinese Theater so GMR could be ripped out and replaced with a thrill ride in an empty soundstage and shove the 'Disney Brand' down your throats.

Still, it's fitting when you put it in context of exactly how WDW looks for the holidays.

If I were writing the new CBS comedy 'S*it My Dad Says', I'd include the following pearl from my Spirited parental unit ''they've got everything for the holidays except the decorations''.

No, my father isn't a Yankee named Yogi.

But the point is well taken.

Kevin Yee touched upon the subject in his Miceage piece this week, but WDW has been removing holiday touches so fast that you'd be hard-pressed to know it's Christmas in many areas.

EPCOT takes sparse to a new level. Light poles that once had garland and lights now are bare (and this is a cutback that may have happened in 1998, 2002, 2004 or 2006 ... after a while, it all blurs and you just wonder where everything went ... that's simple -- Property Control will gladly sell you a fully decorated tree from one of the parks or resorts for say $125). Without the LoW, EPCOT has literally lost its Christmas spirit. They had a new gospel group performing, but I never caught them. If that's what I wanted to see, I'd have gone to a church.

MK is better. Two lands embrace Christmas. Main Street and Mickey's About To Be Bulldozed Tentland (see what happens when you don't pay the mortgage to BoA, Mr. Mouse?) ... The other lands you wouldn't even know it was Christmas. No decorations. No trees. Nothing.

No holiday entertainment at MK either. That starts today, a few days earlier than past years. Actually thought about paying $39 for a Party ticket (have gone three other time, last two were comped) but when even my pixie dusted CM pals said 'it's not worth it', I went with my instinct and stayed away. Besides, you can see Holiday Wishes (with less pyro for your $$$ this year) perfectly from my friend's front yard in Windermere.

Next up: Great holiday entertainment at WDW?!??! NO?!??!

 

Originally Posted By Spirit of 74

So, is all doom and gloom on the holiday front?

Not at all.

First, let's start with the best. The Osborne Spectacle of Dancing Lights (presented by Sylvania, a Siemens Company) may be over the top tacky. But it is, dare I say it, magical. I caught it on two nights and it alone is worth a holiday trip to WDW for. The synchronized music. The new LEDs. The crowds. It is just terrific. I hadn't caught it since 2006 and it wowed me even more this year.

While something was lost when the old backlot disappeared, it still works in its tighter, more confined location. My one complaint (and you knew there had to be one) is that the park closed at 7 or 8 every night I was there. Since it doesn't get fully dark until just around 6, that doesn't give folks much time to enjoy the lights. The park should be open until 9 during the week and 11 on weekends right through the holidays, so folks can enjoy something that Disney does so well. It might just result in an uptick in food and beverage sales too.

Want more holiday magic at WDW?

How about the Jungle Jingle Parade at DAK? Believe it or not, but I had never gotten a chance to see the entire parade before this visit. And it shows how well overlays work (anyone who has seen the Christmas versions of attractions at other parks know this). But this is a fun parade with catchy music and detailed floats ... love the scent of chocolate one of the floats piped out.

I'll add one quick positive at MK. And that's the return of the Mickey's Christmas Carol displays to the Emporium windows swapping out ones that have been in place for what is AT LEAST a decade now. They could have dusted them off better, but hey, you take what you can get at WDW. It was still nice to see.
Also, nice to see the toy soldiers in Town Square. Nothing major. Nothing like what is being added at the other parks seasonally, but it still is a plussing and I'd be remiss if I ignored it.

Those are my WDW highlights as far as holiday entertainment goes, but I'd be very remiss if I didn't mention SW here. I have an AP (and often have over the past 25 years), but I've never visited at Christmas. And well, I was VERY impressed.

If Disney thinks it can keep coasting (and I firmly believe that many folks, including some powers I spoke with don't) they're in for a rude awakening, SW has stepped up its game and is about to do even more. From the handful of holiday-themed shows to the great Polar Express overlay (and I have never seen the film as I have a strong dislike of Tom Hanks) to the Winter Wonderland ice skating show and holiday pyro, Shamu is going to be a force. While Disney is downsizing its holiday decorations all over (and guests ARE noticing, even the bumpkins), SW was beautifully decorated everywhere. At night, the lighting package and holiday projections set the tone for a very Christmas-like vibe. And that was before I had the $10.99 HUGE turkey dinner (four slices or you could have had two ham or four ham, corn, stuffing, carrots, taters, roll, salad and choice of dessert) ... was going to put this in my dining post, but thought I'd drop it in here because in an era where value and quality are so crucial for many consumers, SW is kicking Disney's collective arse with deals like this. Oh, and to be fair the $10.99 was a passholder price, regular price was $12.99.

That's it for now ... but lots more to come.

Next up: Space Mountain still sucks (or general MK observations).

 

Originally Posted By -em

>> The other lands you wouldn't even know it was Christmas. No decorations. No trees. Nothing.
<<
HEY we found that piece of garland on one light post in Frontierland...

But I agree. I didn't notice as much till I hit the WLodge last night. Did we stop decorating half way this year?

-em

 

Originally Posted By davewasbaloo

Sorry to read that Spirit (even in the heydays I felt like WDW had a lesser experience than the other Disney parks when it came to Christmas with 3 significant exceptions:

The Amazing Osbourne lights, I agree, these are definately worth a trip to see, especially with little ones in tow, a real highlight.

The Candlelight Processional. Even though I am not christian, it is an excellent show, and having it on for a month in a more user friendly form tops DL.

And the displays at the deluxe hotels.

I must confess Jamming Jungle does little for me in either form.

AS for Sea World, it is a must do experience for me. I think they always do a terrific job. Wish we had one in Europe (if all the PC animal rights folks didn't put a stop to it).

 

Originally Posted By jkayjs

Thanks for the report Spirit. So there wasn't a tree outside of DAK this year?

We didn't spend much time in the parks & didn't make it over to DAK.

We were disappointed by the decorations or lack there of. This is one of the main reasons we started going in Dec many yrs ago. Of course we have other reasons now but we were sad to see such abreviated offerings @ the 3 parks we did visit.

My dear Spirit the biggest disappointment was misssing you, maybe next time.

We did have a great time overall & couldn't agree more with your assessment of the Osbourne lights. They are wonderful & a must for my better half. We went with a large group the last couple of years & I think that even adds to the enjoyment.

BTW in case anyone was wondering NO I did not break anything on the Segway tour I took. In fact it was the most fun & I highly suggest it.

I'll be waiting for the next chapter my dear Spirit.

 

Originally Posted By Spirit of 74

''Holy horse sh*t, that's Tom!''

(A Spiritual Holiday Journey Through The Discounted Timeshare Kingdom of the World continues ... in the Magic Kingdom)

OK, I'll admit it, for the umpteenth time. I am not happy with the first FLA park. I find more fault with it than any other Disney park because it was the first I ever visited (and is second only to EPCOT for the sheer amount of time spent at) and because it has been so Walmarted over the past dozen or so years. I easily place it fourth on the list of MK parks world-wide and, in many ways, fifth behind HKDL even in some crucial categories.

I said it. So now, I'll also state that the most magical individual day of trip happened here. I'll also state that some things are showing slow signs of improvement (but only over the past few years, not if we compare MK of 2009 to MK of 1979 or 1989 or even 1999).

Got all that?

Good.

If I went chronologically in talking about my MK visits, then things may sound worse because after arrival on 12/7, I spent about three hours at the park that night (8 p.m. close with EMH until 11). The tree was missing as was the decorations that are draped across Main Street due to parade taping the weekend before. So, the park didn't look good at all. It also had that dirty 'open all day and we can't keep up' look. ... So, let's not even talk about that night.

Let's move on to what I term a near perfect day. A day of 63 degree gloom with some rain. A day with so few folks that it brought back happy memories of the good, old days of the 1970s, 80s and early 90s when off-season days actually existed ... and of more recent days in Anaheim with similarly small crowds. It also brought back memories of less happy days after 9/11 in late 2001 and into 2002 where days like this were not uncommon.

No crowds. No strollers and ECVs clogging walkways. No waits. Everything was either a walk on, or would have been if not for unneeded Fastpass that made typical rides like the Mountains and Pan and Pooh have standby waits listed in the 20-45 minute range when they would have had slight waits if they just shut the machines down.

You know it's a good day when at 1 p.m. you can have a boat to yourself on Pirates without even trying. And, hey, wouldn't you know it but the sound was improved over recent visits. Of course, there was no fog working and no cloud projections working on the flip side.

Some people like the crowds and the energy they bring, but I'm not one unless it's say ... NYE or July 4th. I'd rather the dirty, huddled masses take their turkey legs, lanyards and ECVs elsewhere.

Three straight days I was at MK, one (Thursday, the near perfect day ... just myself and my Dad on his B-Day, fitting since he started my Disney obsession way back in -- if you don't know when by now, you're totally lost and not on that island where miracles happen!) from practically opening to closing. The others for parts.

Ah, but what of the horse sh*t you ask? Simple. It's been years since I have actually seen the horse-drawn streetcars operating on Main Street ... as well as the omnibus. They both were ... at least on Friday (12/11) in the morning. And they add so much to what has become a giant Disney mall. So, seeing Tom out taking guests up and down Main Street brought a smile to my face.

Seeing how green the grass was and how beautiful the Hub looked did as well. Of course, the cynical Spirit in me couldn't help but think that things looked so perfect not because of a rainy (yeah, Al Gore is right about global warming) fall, but because the Disney Parks Christmas Parade and Synergy Commercial had just been filmed.

Things that I enjoyed? The usuals ... Liberty Square had my three favorite MK experiences of the visit ... HoP, Mansion and lunch at LTT! ... Also, riding the WDW RR in the rain for three loops around the park (btw,, you can see the stakes for construction in Mickey's About To Disappear Toontown Faire from said RR)

I also thought there was more entertainment than I had seen in recent memory. But (yeah, I am a fair and balanced Spirit and that means pointing out what isn't working) it really bothered me that some entertainment isn't deemed worthy of being placed on the weekly schedules you pick up when entering. They make sure they let you know of every opportunity to visit with some horny teen dressed as a foamhead. But the threesome that performed Christmas music with a country twist on the steps of the CBJ weren't listed anywhere (and guys, giving them some mics and a sound system, might help draw crowds since they were terrific, yet I couldn't even tell you what they're called) ... the same for the Captain Jack show near the PoC entrance. ... These things ADD value ... and texture ... and QUALITY to a MK visit, yet it's like Phil Holmes and Co don't want you to know they exist.

I'll also say that I really enjoy the Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It (sounds like a film the boys in Glendale have accidentally rented in hotels 875 times!) street party. Normally, I'm not into that type of 'entertainment' ... but it is just very well done with catchy music, colorful costumes and enthusiastic performers. Of course, that doesn't mean I want to see it at MK in two years if you catch my drift.

Saw the 2001 Snowglobe Parade in its latest incarnation. Did nothing for me. It still sucks. And it sucks even more that it is tossed out when the Christmas Parade should be running. Funny how the final float (you know the recycled huge princess barge) is the only one with any Christmas decorations on it because it has to be used in the Christmas Party parades too.

The only truly 'new' thing at MK was the Princess Tiana Riverboat Jubilee and I enjoyed it for what it is. Haven't seen the film yet, but I love the music and that's basically what the show is. It would be nice to have performers and not simply folks who lip synch, but this IS O-town. I can't help but think this show works much better in Anaheim because of NOS. The film is based on early 1900s New Orleans and sticking it in a Colonial America land is a bit of a stretch. Of course, it will be gone in 2-3 weeks and it is fun for what it is, so I'm not complaining.

I'll reserve that for Space Mountain ... and the fanbois who think Disney did them a great favor with this alleged 'redo' ... or the same fanbois who have been bashing Disney over the freaking PeopleMover narration.

Space Mountain didn't disappoint me at all. But, sadly, that's because I knew what a half-arsed redo we were getting. So, it was exactly what I expected. Clean queue with new oddly placed door. Much improved load area, like the colors. And ... pretty much the exact same ride experience just darker (which is an improvement, but I place my bar significantly higher). The first tunnel has new effects. There are new projections in the dome. They have the image catcher. Etc ... you all know what has and hasn't been done. Before this trip I had been on Space once in the last five years. An attraction that was once a must do had become a must skip. Now? I probably will go on it a bit more often, but I won't go out of my way.

This was a huge missed opportunity. And before the DoM chime in, just think of it this way: 15 years from now you'll likely be stuck with this same attraction. And it will be the worst of SIX Space Mountains in the world by a large margin. And could they not have painted the damn thing? Seriously.

And TTA?

It's clean. Love the lights. Have no problem with the narration at all. It's the same attraction it's always been. Just cleaner.

And while on the subject of cleanliness, MK was very clean (as were all Disney parks and Sea World) with one exception. MK was a disaster area Saturday night when hours were pumped up to 9-1 for all guests (something I firmly believe has to do with scheduling four hard-ticket parties a week). Folks pile in to the park, largely locals, but also resort guests and off-site tourists who have no desire to pay $59 for a second admission fee. Saturday at MK was packed and there's a certain point where Disney in its reduced custodial state simply can't keep up.

On light days like Thursday, the place is damn near spotless. On heavier days but early (like Friday) the place still sparkles. But when they start getting over 25,000 in there ... well, don't be surprised if you step into the remnants of a burger basket in the middle of the Hub.

One pet peeve was the fact I saw lots of trash in the landscaping (or what counts for it) near the Treehouse. Loads of cups, water/Coke bottles, napkins and other stuff tossed over the side made a home and was there every day (I climbed the thing three days in a row, which may be a first). Unacceptable.

Show quality was generally very good. Didn't get on Splash Mountain due to weather and time, but did almost everything else. I am still in awe of how well Mansion and HoP look. Pirates was better and Small World looked pretty damn good too. Also enjoyed the holiday touches in Mickey's Tentland.

Two exceptions would be Pan and Snow White. They look like jokes and are only going to get worse when Mermaid debuts. SW has been so castrated so not to scare anyone's brats (it scared me the first time I rode it at age 7, I lived!) that it really is time to pull the plug and replace it with the Beauty and the Beast ride that Eric Jacobson's team proposed originally. And Pan? When did they paint water ripples on the floor of the final scene? That is so cheesy and I don't recall seeing it before.

OK ... that's it for now ...

Next up: MOMMIE WHY CAN'T WE STAY FOR MICKEY'S PARTY?!??!? DOES SANTA HATE ME?!??!?!
(and any MK stuff I forgot to mention yet)

 

Originally Posted By Spirit of 74

Usually, I don't like to quote myself, but the following is a response I made on Micechat to Kevin Yee's latest column. I think it covers my opinions on the hard-ticket CPs that ended last night and how they affect a MK visit:

The MVMCPs (or as I call them Mickey Extorts Christmas From Bumpkin Tourists Parties) are indeed as you state them.

For some history, they began in 1983 on two nights. Now, they begin before Veteran's Day (would be sooner, but they have Halloween Parties too!) ... and Disney also doesn't start REGULAR daily showings of holiday entertainment until late (12/19 this year, but has been as late as the 22nd or 23rd in past years).

Until some point in this decade, they'd do a hard close at 6 and reopen at 7. It required far more labor to kick everyone out of the park, but it also assured a certain level of quality for day visitors in a way that didn't make them feel they were missing anything.

Now? Well, imagine spending $5K on a magical WDW visit (got that Discover Card charged to the limit because you don't live like Suzie Orman tells you to ... or the wacky rightwingers who believe our economy tanked because of common folk living above their means and not because we Walmarted our country and have no manufacturing base and every company wants to pay people as little as possible but ... I digress ... back to WDW) ... and you're there with your kids on what seems like an empty day when 4 p.m. strikes and you sense a more than disquieting metamorphosis.

Suddenly, CMs have changed and have swanky vests and holiday hats.

Suddenly, you notice the MK actually has an amazing lighting package that is turned on.

Suddenly, you notice projections of snow angels and the like on buildings in Tomorrowland.

Suddenly, you see characters out in holiday-themed meet and greets.

Suddenly, the music is turned up and every 15 minutes you hear the PA inviting you to purchase tickets for tonight's party.

And, yeah, suddenly your kids want to know why they can't stay and spend the night partying with Mickey and seeing Santa.

Sorry to the DoMers here, but I've watched the results and they're often quite ugly. ... It's an in your face sales job, done to pressure people into paying an extra $59 (seems like it was just $25 a few years ago ... oh, yeah, cause it was ... oh, and that was when they gave you a free photo ... and when they had a REAL stage show in T-Land ... and when they had another stage show in the Diamond Horseshoe ... and before they cut three minutes out of the pyro show ... but hey, who's counting, right?)

I don't doubt that for many people, as some have already stated, the early entry into the party actually can be a value. I'm also sure that for many people having chicken nuggets and burgers on every menu or having characters all over the place or the same merchandise in every store is also better and more convenient.

But none of them are good. They all dumb the product down.

The parties also aren't so exclusive as many 'stragglers' manage to stay for hours into them so they can catch the entertainment, even if it means not getting on attractions.

Phil Holmes and crew know this, but the chase for the almighty buck is what's so crucial. And these parties (like DVC and the DDP) have become cash cows for the rodent ... although take a look at how many folks were paying discounted rates to enter this year and how few nights actually sold out vs other years.>>

It was amazing, btw, to see MK go from near empty last Friday to packed at 4 p.m. when party-goers started cramming the place. It reminded me of Fridays in Anaheim where you can have DL to yourself almost from 10-5 and then school gets out and people get home from work ... and it suddenly feels like a stadium full of people just got plopped into the park.

Next up: A Future Without Christmas.

 

Originally Posted By Spirit of 74

<<HEY we found that piece of garland on one light post in Frontierland...>>

Good point. Forgot about that. Of course, in the past one piece of decoration wouldn't have quite stood out in such a way!!!

<<But I agree. I didn't notice as much till I hit the WLodge last night. Did we stop decorating half way this year?>>

Yep. I forgot to put my next installment up over here because this place is deader than a moose with my beloved Sarah around, but I did notice and mention that.

I gotta grab it off the MAGICal site and put it up here.

 

Originally Posted By Spirit of 74

<<Sorry to read that Spirit (even in the heydays I felt like WDW had a lesser experience than the other Disney parks when it came to Christmas with 3 significant exceptions:

The Amazing Osbourne lights, I agree, these are definately worth a trip to see, especially with little ones in tow, a real highlight.

The Candlelight Processional. Even though I am not christian, it is an excellent show, and having it on for a month in a more user friendly form tops DL.

And the displays at the deluxe hotels.>>

Don't get me wrong, Dave, I had a wonderful time. I can't help it. I guess I still have some of the pixie dust in the old ticker after all.

I'm just tired of the staleness ... the cutting of quality and the constant nickel and diming that have diminished the place greatly and made it a very high-priced, middle of the road quality, yet constantly discounted product.

I hope Staggs can pull a few rabbits out of his hat and not just be another Rasulo (btw, did a bus hit Leemac? ... and MPierce for that matter?)

<<I must confess Jamming Jungle does little for me in either form.>>

I like both versions, although tired of the original. I just had never managed to see the holiday one and thought it was fun in a simple yet effective way.

<<AS for Sea World, it is a must do experience for me. I think they always do a terrific job. Wish we had one in Europe (if all the PC animal rights folks didn't put a stop to it).>>

They did an amazing job ... from the Polar Express (overlays can be done in FLA!) to the themed shows, to the amazing lighting and decorations ... the park never has looked so good (and that's with two management changes in a year's time ... so what's Disney's excuse?)

 

Originally Posted By Spirit of 74

<<Thanks for the report Spirit. So there wasn't a tree outside of DAK this year?

We didn't spend much time in the parks & didn't make it over to DAK.>>

No. Tree was outside as usual. Looked like the same one I saw last in 2006.

I was talking about the Studios tree above.

<<We were disappointed by the decorations or lack there of. This is one of the main reasons we started going in Dec many yrs ago. Of course we have other reasons now but we were sad to see such abreviated offerings @ the 3 parks we did visit.>>

Yeah. I honestly felt the most holiday Spirit at TPFKaTD-MGMS followed by Sea World and MK.

EPCOT was by far the biggest disappointment. There were often times I'd stand somewhere and look in all directions and not have a clue it was the holidays there.

Just.

Plain.

Unacceptable.


<<My dear Spirit the biggest disappointment was misssing you, maybe next time. >>

Agreed. I feel awful about it. Just very bad communication snafus and I definitely take part of the blame. I was very much looking forward to seeing you.


<<We did have a great time overall & couldn't agree more with your assessment of the Osbourne lights. They are wonderful & a must for my better half. We went with a large group the last couple of years & I think that even adds to the enjoyment.>>

I can't help myself. I love lights (no comments -- Em!) and Christmas music. You combine them and it's like I'm five again. And while I love the lights on Cindy's, the Dancing Lights are just so overwhelming. I wish I could have visited another night (preferably when it wasn't close to 80 degrees, like the two nights I went!)

<<BTW in case anyone was wondering NO I did not break anything on the Segway tour I took. In fact it was the most fun & I highly suggest it.>>

OK ... let's hear more ... where's YOUR trip report?

<<I'll be waiting for the next chapter my dear Spirit.>>

I may revert to just putting up some notes since this place has died for the holidays. But thanks for reading!

 

Originally Posted By Spirit of 74

First place I actually went to at WDW wasn't a park at all, but my favorite resort: WL.

It immediately put me in the Christmas mood and I was a bit wistful I wasn't able to snag a room, especially after hearing how a CM pal got his family a room this week for just around $100 a night. Oh well, another time to add to my record number of nights in a Disney resort.

While the decorations were absolutely stunning and all over, there have been cuts ... major ones over the years. Go back a decade (or even less) and the main tree was surrounded by an intricate train display. That left and was replaced by generic presents and props.

Well, those are all gone and the tree looks pretty naked ... but Disney does have a nice bench for you to sit by the tree where one of their PhotoPass pals will snap a lovely family photo for a low-low-no-no price.

Also, wandered next door to the WLV, still my favorite DVC resort. They also had a new (or new to me since 2006 was my last holiday visit there) tree that was nice, but seemed smaller.

I spent 45 minutes blissfully rocking away in front of the fireplace in the Spike Room. That is heaven to me. And that's why I look at the entirety of what makes up WDW. It's a whole lot more than foamheads and Space Mountain and pin lanyards. I'm sorry to those who can't think beyond those things and choose not to enjoy what really makes the World such a great place (remind me to tell y'all about taking a boat cruise from DD to PO at night and listening to some jazz at the lounge ... another one of the highlights of my holiday trip!)

anyway, things I noticed at the WL ... new carpet runners ... and the first CM I encountered just looked miserable, but caught herself when we made eye contact. Also, saw about six-eight deer just under the monorail track before you turn onto Timberline Dr ... that was a regular occurance as I saw loads of deer, turkeys, otters, vultures and even a few gators at WDW. More than I have ever seen in one trip, and I can only surmise the destruction of even more natural lands for the Four Seasons and Flamingo Crossings projects and infrastructure has pushed them closer to people.

Anyway, after WL it was off to Contemporary for a brief visit. Decor was minimal,but nice. CMs were all VERY nice. Smiles, holiday greetings and Disney 'tude.

A few random MK thoughts now that I left out/forgot:

$6.59 buys you a non-beef hot dog and fries at Casey's.

There is nothing exciting about the new restrooms (or old but renovated) near Space Mountain. Not even airblades. They should have bulldozed the building and actually built something.

The Emporium has had some work since my last visit. Much merchandise space has disappeared so the store can now have a line of ECVs and double-wide strollers go through it. It really is sickening. These things should be banned from the stores. How lazy must one be to use them inside? This is unheard of in the foreign resorts and much, much, much less of an issue in Anaheim. Ultimately, management is saying it's kewl because they're making it easier for people to use these things when the rational (and even healthy) response would be the opposite. Bottom line is fat lazy people mean more chaos in shopping. Not that it matters as it's been years since I bought anything at that store.

Mansion is great, great, great ... BUT CMs really need to forcefully tell guests to shut their pieholes in the stretch room. The Phantom Manor CMs in Paris do a magnificent job of it there. And I'm getting tired of having to shhhhhhush the masses.

Oh, and while I am happy Tentland is decorated I will agree the decorations are very cheap and very tacky and soon very likely at Property Control (where some PI signage and props are now!)

 

Originally Posted By Spirit of 74

Usually, I don't like to quote myself, but the following is a response I made on Micechat to Kevin Yee's latest column. I think it covers my opinions on the hard-ticket CPs that ended last Friday night and how they affect a MK visit:

<<The MVMCPs (or as I call them Mickey Extorts Christmas From Bumpkin Tourists Parties) are indeed as you state them.

For some history, they began in 1983 on two nights. Now, they begin before Veteran's Day (would be sooner, but they have Halloween Parties too!) ... and Disney also doesn't start REGULAR daily showings of holiday entertainment until late (12/19 this year, but has been as late as the 22nd or 23rd in past years).

Until some point in this decade, they'd do a hard close at 6 and reopen at 7. It required far more labor to kick everyone out of the park, but it also assured a certain level of quality for day visitors in a way that didn't make them feel they were missing anything.

Now? Well, imagine spending $5K on a magical WDW visit (got that Discover Card charged to the limit because you don't live like Suzie Orman tells you to ... or the wacky rightwingers who believe our economy tanked because of common folk living above their means and not because we Walmarted our country and have no manufacturing base and every company wants to pay people as little as possible but ... I digress ... back to WDW) ... and you're there with your kids on what seems like an empty day when 4 p.m. strikes and you sense a more than disquieting metamorphosis.

Suddenly, CMs have changed and have swanky vests and holiday hats.

Suddenly, you notice the MK actually has an amazing lighting package that is turned on.

Suddenly, you notice projections of snow angels and the like on buildings in Tomorrowland.

Suddenly, you see characters out in holiday-themed meet and greets.

Suddenly, the music is turned up and every 15 minutes you hear the PA inviting you to purchase tickets for tonight's party.

And, yeah, suddenly your kids want to know why they can't stay and spend the night partying with Mickey and seeing Santa.

Sorry to the DoMers here, but I've watched the results and they're often quite ugly. ... It's an in your face sales job, done to pressure people into paying an extra $59 (seems like it was just $25 a few years ago ... oh, yeah, cause it was ... oh, and that was when they gave you a free photo ... and when they had a REAL stage show in T-Land ... and when they had another stage show in the Diamond Horseshoe ... and before they cut three minutes out of the pyro show ... but hey, who's counting, right?)

I don't doubt that for many people, as some have already stated, the early entry into the party actually can be a value. I'm also sure that for many people having chicken nuggets and burgers on every menu or having characters all over the place or the same merchandise in every store is also better and more convenient.

But none of them are good. They all dumb the product down.

The parties also aren't so exclusive as many 'stragglers' manage to stay for hours into them so they can catch the entertainment, even if it means not getting on attractions.

Phil Holmes and crew know this, but the chase for the almighty buck is what's so crucial. And these parties (like DVC and the DDP) have become cash cows for the rodent ... although take a look at how many folks were paying discounted rates to enter this year and how few nights actually sold out vs other years.>>

It was amazing, btw, to see MK go from near empty last Friday to packed at 4 p.m. when party-goers started cramming the place. It reminded me of Fridays in Anaheim where you can have DL to yourself almost from 10-5 and then school gets out and people get home from work ... and it suddenly feels like a stadium full of people just got plopped into the park.

 

Originally Posted By Labuda

Well, at least you said the Osborne lights are worth it, Spirit! Those were the deciding factor in my NOT making 2009 a Disney-free year, AND in deciding to head to WDW even though I really want to make sure I hit Anaheim next Disney trip!


(I wanna ride subs again, dangit!)

 

Originally Posted By Spirit of 74

^^I know you're at WDW by now, but have a GREAT time!

I know a certain special 'sucky' CM who's looking forward to your visit ... well, other than Mickey!

~Celebrate the Spirit of the Season~

 

Originally Posted By Spirit of 74

Because of the holidays, family and life (and the fact this board appears to have 'left' for the holidays), I am going to just jot some general points down, so I don't forget them later on ... and if the thread dies, then that will be that until the next trip!

Only 'new' thing I experienced at EPCOT was Sum of All Thrills. Did it once near closing. It's fun, but hardly special. It's simply a repackaged Cyber Space Mountain. I designed a coaster that was pretty intense, although I'm told the jet is the really intense experience. Anyway, not a bad addition, but not a major one.

Art of Disney at DAK is being phased out. Or at least it sure appears to be.

What is the deal with Vinylmation? Those things look spooky. And they clearly aren't selling all that well.

Some PI signs are on sale (auction) at Property Control.

Where's the prime rib at WDW? At Boatwright's for $25.99.

Best burger at WDW? Still, Fulton's (although it's gone up to $11.99 plus $1.50 if you want bacon and cheese).

DD had more of a holiday vibe than most parks did.

Espresso has gone up to $2.69 across property (used to be a bargain at Goofy's Candy Shop, but no more).

Captain Jack's has gone to an all-day menu, which features more dinner entrees and higher price points.

Food court at Dixie Landings (will always be that to me) was renovated recently and looks nice with pasta and salad stations much like a buffet on a cruise ship.

Merchandise was largely forgettable. Second year in a row I repeatedly turned down CM pals offers to use their 50% discounts.

Speaking of which, resort specific items were available at Poly, BC and PO off the top of my head. Didn't get to check out shops at BW and WL somehow.

Nice line of classic tees (they can be seen in Andy Castro's DL update on Micechat today), which likely won't sell well and wind up at outlets.

Mansion merchandise cart had some nice new items and the Shag shirt from DL early in my trip. Gone a few days later.

You don't want to order a burger at Sanaa (or anywhere really) that isn't well done.

Do you think it's gouging guests when the weather suddenly turns cold and shops like Mousegear suddenly bring out portable racks of say ... Grumpy hoodies at $55 a pop?

Show quality at DAK isn't getting better. EE and CTX both still have the same major issues.

You can keep your Dole Whip. I'll take a midnight sundae on Main Street or an afternoon gelatto at the BC Marketplace.

Even at 50% off, Pirate Makeovers weren't exactly a big deal ... who would have guessed that most boys don't wanna be made over into gay pirates?

MK's shuttered QSRs remained so. But on Saturday they did have Diamond Horseshoe open as a food location ... can't recall menu other than items like turkey and meatball sandwiches and ceasar salads.

The drinks at the new tequila bar at EPCOT are among the best in The World.

Horticulture, except at MK near where parade was filmed is hurting badly. Wood chips, dead leaves, empty spaces ... very bad especially in Beach Club parking lot.

My magical WDW trip was ruined because Aladdin's Magic Carpets were down the entire time I was there.

Did I mention that Space Mountain still sucks?

But at least they have attraction-specific items in the shop there now ... instead of Jack Sparrow, Jack Skellington and the JonasBros.

Great to see santizer machines in parks and resorts. This is something that should have happened years ago ... and they should have them at QSR and someone making sure that everyone uses them like cruise ship buffets.

WDW's guests aren't always the brightest bulbs.

No lady, it isn't OK for you to change a poopy diaper of an 18-month boy on the pavement at DAK, when folks are eating just feet away and a bathroom is across the walkway. No excuses. Boorish (female dog).

Great Princess and Frog decorations at Port Orleans.

Westside looks so dead. But Balloon looks much kewler at night.

Nice to see Minute Maid Lite Pomegranate Lemonade over property (Sprite Zero is also appearing).

Biggest regret: forgetting to buy some gingerbread at the GF.

Should 2009 merchandise be full price in December of 2009?

Why do people buy items with years on them to begin with? (yes, I did own a pair of 1998 WDW boxers ... long gone!)

10 days at WDW, one magical bus ride.

The boats from WL to MK and from DD to PO are attractions in their own right. And nice to hear CM on one of them mention how what Disney did in cutting the FLA property up with canals in the 1960s has come to be known as very bad environmentally now, even if it isn't on the official spiel.

Heard some new material on JC trips ... some was funny, some was not (Golden Girls ... ah, don't think so Skipper Michael).

Strange but true: rode TT three times, rode EE three times and climbed Treehouse three times, yet didn't go on Soarin, ToT or Splash Mountain the whole trip.

Sorry, but that new Camaro is UGGGGGGGGLLY.

Biggest find that was free (WDCC figures were biggest 'find' that I had to pay for) was a Minnie Mouse LE 600 pin (part of a holiday set of character heads as ornaments from what I've been told).

Biggest find by someone I know who isn't me: $116 cash at EPCOT (no, no wallet, so no return) just wadded up on a walkway.

Best meal on WDW property: Sanaa (I didn't have the raw burger ... twice).
Best meal off property: new Longhorn Steakhouse on 192 just west of DAK.

Park with best holiday vibe: TPFKaTD-MGMS (shockingly)
Park with least/worst holiday vive: EPCOT (sad, but true)

Best theme park food value: $10.99 Christmas turkey dinner at SW's Voyager restaurant.
Best non-theme park food value: (tie) salad bar lunch at Sweet Tomatoes in LBV; cheesesteak at Fuddruckers's at LBV.

More when I can ...

~Celebrate the Spirit of the Season~

 

Originally Posted By mousermerf

Loss prevention occasionally goes around property dropping wads of cash. They sit around and watch and wait to see if CMs turn it in. I suppose the free money is the result if a guest picks it up.

 

Originally Posted By DlandDug

I haven't been able to bear the thought of visiting DHS during the holidays. Years ago it had my favorite themed decorations in all of WDW. The great 40s style wreaths, garlands and ornaments inspired my Disney tree at home.

As to this:
>>I spent 45 minutes blissfully rocking away in front of the fireplace in the Spike Room.<<
It is now the Carolwood Room. Didn't you notice all the railroad memorabilia?

 

Originally Posted By davewasbaloo

>>>Why do people buy items with years on them to begin with?<<<

We do, so we can remember which year we went to which resort. Normally the fridge magnets.

 

Originally Posted By CarolinaDisneyDad

Spirit, was Space mountain's ride smoother after the redo? It always gave me whiplash and I had high hopes the redo would fix that.


<<<Sorry, but that new Camaro is UGGGGGGGGLLY>>>
And I love the new camaro. Looks like a muscle car from the 80's.

<<<But on Saturday they did have Diamond Horseshoe open as a food location ... can't recall menu other than items like turkey and meatball sandwiches and ceasar salads>>>>

You are right. this venue should stay open and they should bring back the stage show here. Our first year we had an ice cream and watched a western show here. It was a great time and we miss it. It has been closed every year since.