Spirited WDW Observations, News and Provocative Co

Originally Posted By MPierce

>> I've never lost a wad of cash. And if I did, I'd likely not know exactly the amount or the place I'd dropped it. Getting it back to the owner is damn near impossible. <<

I know I've dropped several wads of cash in Biloxi Mississippi.

 

Originally Posted By MPierce

>> I get it ... hoping this place picks up, though. It's so dead, I don't even feel like posting my 'provocative' comments because no one wants to get all lathered up. <<

I'm ready for it. Have at it.

 

Originally Posted By MPierce

>> Do you think Disney took a survey and "it was determined that guests don't like the all-beef?" <<

Just like nobody likes to much prime rib on their plate.

 

Originally Posted By MPierce

>> Odd, if people are saying they don't want beef hotdogs, then giving them one that is half and half isn't pleasing anyone. I'd say it must just be a cost cutting measure. <<

Definetly cost cutting. Disney figures they can cut quality just about anywhere they choose, and nobody will notice.

I'm starting to believe they are right about that or more importantly nobody seems to care.

If the trend doesn't reverse, one of these days a bunch of folks are going to wake up, and find WDW is not the place it once was for them.

 

Originally Posted By MPierce

>> Sorry, we need emoticons here, my commment about the survey was intended to be tongue in cheek. Supposedly guests prefer hamburger to prime rib. <<

>> OOps! When I was in my teens and twenties I would turn down steak for hamburger. It wasn't until I got a little older that I started to prefer steak. <<

>> CDD, even now at my advanced age, sometimes I feel more like a burger than a steak. <<

To this day I prefer a hamburger to a steak. I enjoy a good steak, but my one true love is a juicy greasey cheese burger.

>> I think the original survey said something more like "guests prefer less meat on their plates" as an excuse to cut back on the volume, or to substitute roast beef for prime rib, or something like that. <<

The guest were complaining about to much meat on the plate at the buffets. The solution, give them a cheaper cut. I remember it well. It was one of the most idiotic statements (even by Disney standards) I have ever heard.

 

Originally Posted By MPierce

>> Culinary research, outside Disney, says that as people age they prefer their beef more rare - which also leads to a greater selection of cuts, since many are essentially ruined when cooked "well done." <<

I know it taste so much better when served rare or medium rare. I watch the food channel. However I will stick to medium well.

 

Originally Posted By MPierce

>> I think my thread has started dying because Pierce hasn't been here. <<

I think it was due to the holidays.

I have to say that that was one well written thread. I wish i had been there from the get go rather than jumping in a month late.

 

Originally Posted By Spirit of 74

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

<<I wish some techno geek would give me some examples of how this system is going to work.>>

Me too.

I'd expect to hear more information as we head into February's press event and then the shareholders meetings.

As near as I can tell, this far the biggest use of the new tech has come in costuming and helps them keep track of pieces of clothing.

But the BIG PICTURE is Mickey (AKA Big Brother) controlling every aspect of your magical WDW vacation from photos to FP wait times to interactive touches in attractions to dining reservations, all via a chip in your nec... I mean, your room key!

>> 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. <<

<<I wish it had never broke ground.>>

I wish I hadn't had so much coffee today ... we all wish things that are too late to change.

But it really is fun sitting in the middle of the BIG intersection in FC and having no fear another car will be in th vicinity, let alone come crashing into you.

Like I said, I liked it better as wild orange groves.

The money could have been better spent by ... say, redeveloping/demolishing TSFKaRC.


>> 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). <<

<<Is this kind of like "the checks in the mail"?>>

I dunno ... I am waiting on some checks myself.

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

<<Joe Rohde?>>

No comment ... well, OK, I'll comment.
Joe is in demand. Even at his advancing (only by WDI standards) age and his salary. At some point he's going to need something meaty to do at Disney as he's not the Tony Baxter type who will be content to pout in a cubicle for half a dozen or so years until a regime change gives him power again.

Very interesting how an old Disney vet was plucked by a competitor and yet no one has said a word ... I have no comment myself. I'll just go listen to the RoE soundtrack before bed!

 

Originally Posted By Spirit of 74

>> 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. <<

<<Are they that desperate to save money or are there other reasons?>>

All $$$.

This is Disney.

But I will say that my own Spirited Lights of Winter (picked up for a few bucks at Property Control are giving off some lovely light as I type this!)

Too bad I'm some rich elitist in a Benz with no room for anything or I would have plucked one of those fully decorated trees too!

<<The horse-drawn streetcars have always been out when I go. I saw the omnibus for the first time in a very long time on my last visit.>>

It had been YEARS ... likely MANY since I saw both horsey and bus let alone at the same time ... and this was early afternoon because we all know I am not a morning Spirit.


<<May they burn in Hell for eternity for changing the narration on The TTA.

Now I've got to know, did they remove the Tom Morrow spiel? >>

Yes, they did.

And it really doesn't bother me.

The demolished theater now a parking lot for Phil's Yukon. And Space Mountain's very half-assed redo are things that really bother me.

Oh, and pics of that planter and restrooms all over ... that really gets my tail feathers ruffled!


>> 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. <<

<<She's all woman, and she fishes also!>>

Why ... why can't Todd run his snowmobile into a tree at 50mph!??!?

 

Originally Posted By Spirit of 74

>> 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!) <<

<<But look how you turned out. I still think the tramatic shock of Snow White's not so Scarey Adventure, is what turned you into a Disney executive stalker.>>

Oh no, it was something much deeper.

You might even say it's in my blood!


>> 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. <<

<<If you hate it so much why don't you just quit going! Wait a minute, that didn't fit. Please disreguard.>>

Quit going?!??!? HAH?!?! I almost wound up at DL this past weekend and I am actually planning to be at WDW next month ... again!

(this depends on how the Take a Spirit to Dinner Program goes ... things have slowed down since the holidays ... and I am really hungry!)

>> 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 could put up with the staleness as I only go once a year for 8 days. It's the constant nickel, and diming, and diminishing quality that finally got to me.>>

I would agree with that ... because even with staleness, there were a few 'small' new things ... from Tiana's riverboat Jubilee to Sum of All Thrills ... and even that gay sex party -Move It, Shake It, Celebrate it! ;-)


>> 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'm right here. It just took me a little while to get here.>>

Interesting how you both came back at the same time ... are you the same person? The Brit and the Twit?!??!

(Look at that love. The guy is back for a day and I'm already taking shots. Sorry, Lee, I know the proper term is Englishman. Sorry, good sir ... pip, pip and cheerios with milk and a scone and all of that!)

 

Originally Posted By Spirit of 74

<<The fireplace at the WLV is one of those hidden little treasures. I wish I was there now. I love the screen on the fireplace.>>

It is one of favorite places. And it certainly set the right tone for the 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 ... <<

<<I miss the Moose that was made from drift wood that use to be there.>>

I think Sarah may have shot it too when she was on her book-signing. There are unconfirmed reports (on CNBC and you can't trust them Commies that she also took out B'rer Bear with two shots to the head!)

Poor 18-year-old Justin Anderson of Muncie, Indiana's family will likely be getting a $125,000 settlement offer from Disney Legal for the loss of their little 'bear'.


>> 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. <<

<<How long of a wait, and what's the hurl factor rating for this attraction?>>

We waited maybe 20 minutes tops, but it was almost 7 p.m. ... No hurl factor for me, but I have NEVER gotten sick on (or after riding) any theme park attraction ... ever. really!

I do think it may have aggravated a sore back, but nothing serious.

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

<<You always get down on Dole Whips. I still love them, and I don't need to be in Hawaii to enjoy them. You're just not a pineapple kind of guy.>>

I love pineapple on my hamburgers (Adventureland Veranda: RIP). Love it on pizza. And on grilled chicken.

I even like Dole Whip. I just find it vastly overrated. And it has taken on a life of its own with those crazy Disney fans! (not the sane ones, like um ... am aw.. oh ... ah ... us!)

>> Sorry, but that new Camaro is UGGGGGGGGLLY <<

<<Not my favorite body style, but it sure is fast.>>

You're fave body style is Alaskan!


>> 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. <<

<<I lost that on my trip last January. Did the wad have a $1 bill in it with a picture of George Washington on it? If so it's definetly belongs to me.>>

I'll tell the finder to make sure to send it to you right away!


>> 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. <<

<<There sounds like there could be a story in there somewhere about the raw burger.>>

There could be. Suffice to say, I think when you serve raw food, not once, but twice ... the VERY least you do is comp one entree if not the entire meal. Brandon (the GM's) 'tude was very typical of the Walmart types that now populate management. He was counting every penny.

And I love Sanaa and have been touting its praises, but the experience did turn me off.

Serving raw meat can be a major health issue.

<<Is the longhorn better than K. W. Kool's?>>

Never been to Kool's, although was tempted to try it about 15 years ago when it first opened. Is it any good?


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

<<Shocking on both accounts.>>

Yet true.

 

Originally Posted By Spirit of 74

>> Why is test track's postshow the most interesting thing there is to talk about at WDW lately? <<

<<It must have a new Camaro in it.>>

Really? Whatever gave you the idea there is/was a puke orange Camaro in the showroom?

>> I actually like new Mustang a lot, which is scary as I swore I'd never buy another American car. Not really in the market now, but later this year? <<

<<Classic design, and very fast. I really enjoyed my '69 Mach 1, and my '91 GT. If I was in the market a Mustang GT would be high on my list.>>

It's scary ... I don't want to go back to the Dark Side ... of course, my Benz is being held hostage by the dealer now for $1,200 in BS repairs and I am starting to think a bike may be the way to go.

Why are car dealers just a smidge above lawyers on the absolute scum of the earth scale?


>> Or we could talk about the pathetic 2010 press release they put out this week, which basically speaks to the fact that NOTHING AT ALL is coming to WDW in the next year (other than massive discounting). <<

<<We can dedicate the whole year to talking about volunteering.>>

Screw that, Pierce. I've decided to dedicate 2010 to myself and my loved ones and be as self-centered as possible.
But I'll gladly accept any donations anyone wants to forward (we already covered my tax-deductable 'Take A Spirit To Dinner' program ... not only does it make you feel better, it makes my tummy smile too!)

 

Originally Posted By Spirit of 74


<<Fiscal responsibility in the Government, and personal responsibility will shore up the economy. Job growth is the key. The Government has to put regulations in place to stop off-shoring American jobs. There must be tax rewards, and tax penalties put into place sooner rather than later. Being a right-wing conservative it irks me to have to say those things, because I have always felt less Government is the better way to go. However, to many in big business have proven a total lack of concern for this country, and it's citizens. That's what right-wing nuts really believe.>>

You sure?

'cause that's exactly what I believe and I am no right (or left) wing nut ... but I don't believe that's what GOP leader and heartless bastard Rush Limbo believes!

As for the jobs, we need a MANDATE from the PREZ and Congress to RETURN jobs that have been off-shored. Even if they stopped off-shoring tomorrow, they need to bring tens of millions back home.

THAT, above all, would fix this economy and would likely ensure both a stable middle class, but also keep the near catastrophic meltdown of our economy from repeating!

 

Originally Posted By Spirit of 74

>> I get it ... hoping this place picks up, though. It's so dead, I don't even feel like posting my 'provocative' comments because no one wants to get all lathered up. <<

<<I'm ready for it. Have at it.>>

I'm just trying to keep up with you.

Unfortunately, I have to be up for work by noon so I really should be heading to bed.

Perhaps, you could warn us when you're going to take a few months off and then post 184 times in one day ...

 

Originally Posted By Spirit of 74

<<If the trend doesn't reverse, one of these days a bunch of folks are going to wake up, and find WDW is not the place it once was for them.>>

Sadly, that actually started happening for me when they painted the castle pepto-pink and kept reminding me that I needed to 'Remember The Magic Because We Won't Be Creating Any New Magic'.

 

Originally Posted By Spirit of 74


<<The guest were complaining about to much meat on the plate at the buffets. The solution, give them a cheaper cut. I remember it well. It was one of the most idiotic statements (even by Disney standards) I have ever heard.>>

And I am sure you recall the apologists on another MAGICal site giving me grief about it and defending it ... hell, I think there was some of that crap here ass well.

BTW, I did see prime rib on one menu -- Boatwright's will serve it for I believe $25.99 (and not with that great bottomless bowl of salad with Cajun ranch home made dressing ... I hear guests said they didn't want to have any greens or pay for them too!)

 

Originally Posted By Spirit of 74

>> I think my thread has started dying because Pierce hasn't been here. <<

<<I think it was due to the holidays.>>

Holidays? What holidays?

MLK weekend is still 48 hours away!

<<I have to say that that was one well written thread. I wish i had been there from the get go rather than jumping in a month late.>>

Glad you made it ... on the MAGICal site it went (still plugging along) 25 pages (about 300-plus posts).

But you know the fanbois love me ... they really love me ... if I told them I worked at WDI who know what they'd do!;-)

 

Originally Posted By Daannzzz

""'Remember The Magic Because We Won't Be Creating Any New Magic'.""

That is one of the best lines of the decade...okay almost two decades.

 

Originally Posted By MPierce

>>
But the BIG PICTURE is Mickey (AKA Big Brother) controlling every aspect of your magical WDW vacation from photos to FP wait times to interactive touches in attractions to dining reservations, all via a chip in your nec... I mean, your room key! <<

In the Book of Revelation it says only those that receive the mark of the beast in the palm of their hand or on their forehead will be allowed to buy, and sell. Could this be the fulfillment of this prophecy?

>> The money could have been better spent by ... say, redeveloping/demolishing TSFKaRC. <<

You know I have a hard time with spelling. What the heck is that?

>> No comment ... well, OK, I'll comment.
Joe is in demand. Even at his advancing (only by WDI standards) age and his salary. At some point he's going to need something meaty to do at Disney as he's not the Tony Baxter type who will be content to pout in a cubicle for half a dozen or so years until a regime change gives him power again. <<

So that's a yes?

>> Very interesting how an old Disney vet was plucked by a competitor and yet no one has said a word ... I have no comment myself. I'll just go listen to the RoE soundtrack before bed! <<

Jerold Kapland?

 

Originally Posted By MPierce

>> But I will say that my own Spirited Lights of Winter (picked up for a few bucks at Property Control are giving off some lovely light as I type this!) <<

Is this in addition to your glow stick?
Pretty soon the Spirit household is going to look like the Vegas strip.

<< Now I've got to know, did they remove the Tom Morrow spiel? >>

>> Yes, they did.

And it really doesn't bother me. <<

COMMIE!!!!!

>> The demolished theater now a parking lot for Phil's Yukon. And Space Mountain's very half-assed redo are things that really bother me. <<

How are they concealing that from the view from the TTA. Is it enclosed or something?

>> Why ... why can't Todd run his snowmobile into a tree at 50mph!??!? <<

He gets that sucker up over 100mph. There's a good chance of it.

She not only hunts, fishes, and is good looking, now she's rich, and getting richer!

Remember what you told me was a distinct possibility a long time ago? It looks like your insider information was right.