Originally Posted By TDLFAN I think my concern out of late is how diversified Disney has become through acquisitions. Marvel, Star Wars, Indy Jones, Avatar, Muppets, mediocre new characters on Disney channel programming and how they try to shove them down guests' throats in the parks, and while the Cruise Line does not bother me much, the Disney Vacation Club seems so despicably unnecessary. Disney as a company and as of late, has lost it's course. I fear all of those franchises above have or will change the dynamics of the Disney themed park experience. It violates the basic principle of knowing that everything the parks have become was due to the simple fact: it all started with a mouse. Not so much any more. Avatar? sucks. Marvel? for comic cartoon geeks and not for higher quality seeking Disney fans. The Muppets? have run their course and should be retired from the parks totally. Indy and Star Wars were officially 'adopted' due to their grand attractions of a long forgotten time when Disney could still exceed expectations, but the recent upgrade to Star Tours was to me, just an upgrade and not an improvement. I already hate going into the parks and seeing things that are remotely related to them.. marvel merchandise, Phineas and Phogg (however they are spelled) merchandise, rumors of an elaborate Pirates version for HKDL being replaced with a possible Marvel land.. ouch. I see most of you are above the age of 50.. and so am I. That is the sad truth.. trends at Disney have changed, and the young audience have lost the concept of Disney parks being DISNEY parks. There is no such thing as a pure Disney product anymore. It's a sign of a company that has lost its touch and ran out of ideas. The young ones think Disney is just a theme park name and not a Tradition. One of you brought up the Aulani Resort in Oahu. As much as I love Hawaii and still remains a place where I plan to retire to, I have never been nor am I in a hurry to go visit. I understand the Aulani has been underperforming. It's a case of Disney trying to pass a less than 4-star experience as something extra special just because it has the Disney name slapped onto it. I guess their desperation now turns to wooing the japanese as I was horrified to discover this past week a new DVC stand in the middle of TDL's World Bazaar singing the praises of Aulani and dreams of polynesian adventures, Disney style in Hawaii. Maybe Disney understands that the long term success of the Aulani falls upon the blindly dedicated Disney love affairs in the Japan market. And the raping of the Disney parks' purity continue. Synergy is a big B. I detest synergy, especially at the Disney parks. When a company goes after the mighty dollar in the name of synergy, without regards to the quality and purity of the product, then they have become a money HO and there is no quality to be found in that. Just my opinion.
Originally Posted By Blufusion12 TDLFAN. You hit the nail on the head. I mentioned Aulani cause I was in Oahu in June 2012. I got to admit thought Im a little bit bias when I say this Aulani is in my opinion a overpriced mistake. Little backstory here. My partner works for Marriott and we decided to go to Hawaii. We stayed at the Marriott's Ko Olina Resort. Basically right next door to Aulani.. We got the trip thru his work. We stayed at their 5 star resort for 8 days,rental car, helicopter flight over the island for 45 mins and round trip air fare for 2 and the room was not a suite it was a villa. For the total cost of $4000.00 for all of it not per person. We checked at Aulani cause we did have the extra money and just for the room alone would have been $8000.00. I looked Aulani over when I went on my trip it's a nice building but thats about it for me anyway. I believe that Disney has so out priced them selfs . Most people will not do the experiences we had at WDW when we were younger. Also while we were there it looked busy but not as much as you would think. But I really can't say because I had never been to Hawaii before.
Originally Posted By sjhym333 All interesting thought TDLFAN. A couple of weeks ago I posted that after visiting the MK I realized that the Disney theme park experience has passed me by. I am no longer the guest that Disney is trying to woo. It is kind of sad. It is interesting how much Disney has changed over the years. The shame for Disney, among other companies, is that what really influences the decisions being made are more related to making corporate stock holders happy rather than doing what Disney did better than anyone else. I think it was the trap that Michael Eisner fell into and it is the guiding thing that Iger works from. When a creative company basically take the creative decisions out of the hands of the creative department (Imagineering) and turns it over to surveys, lawyers and accountants, there is something wrong. While it is true that spending in Imagineering needed to be reigned in a while back, it is a shame that Imagineering is no longer the prime mover in park decisions. When a company has so many layers of departments and managers and every decision goes through the legal department, it is hard to be creative, innovative and a leader in the industry anymore. The saddest part for me is that Disney looks more and more like everyone else everyday.
Originally Posted By Blufusion12 Im not a old fogie but after all the times I have visited Disney World 11 times in 30 yrs. and haven't been in last 6 yrs. And I only live 90 mins away. Maybe sjhym333 has it right. It has past me by. I still like fun. But you can only eat the same dessert so many times till you realize it just not that special anymore, Luckily for me Im able to afford other experiences than Disney. I still like theme parks but I still haven't done Sea World or other places . And also not being rude Universal would probably be my next visit. No it's not Disney World. But Disney World is not Disney World anymore.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN You have not been to Sea World?!?! They single handedly put on the best Christmas event this past holiday season. I was impressed and it takes a lot for me to say that. Keep in mind I was raised in Disney greatness courtesy of Oriental Land Company and their excellent Tokyo Disney Resort, so that is the stanrdard I use to measure quality. Read the Sea World comments made by one of the greatest Disney geeks of all time, Kevin Yee.. just a little below the first picture on this report. <a href="http://micechat.com/17628-walt-disney-world-grievences/" target="_blank">http://micechat.com/17628-walt...evences/</a> Do you want a bit of Tokyo's greatness in theme and execution here in Florida? Then head to Islands of Adventures and experience the impressive world of Harry Potter. Busch Gardens is a great zoological park as well, with mean roller coaster rides. Those parks above are not Disney, but they are not 6-Flags either, so they are worth checking out and their offerings are more in tune with what we have come to expect from Disney. There is little infantile crap to be found there, which sadly is what Disney seems to be interested in exploding now a days. >>>The saddest part for me is that Disney looks more and more like everyone else everyday.<<< EXACTLY. Well said.
Originally Posted By Blufusion12 TDLFAN. No, I have never been in all the times I went to WDW I never went to Sea World. I was so into the Magic of Disney I never went. But now that I live in Florida. We plan on going. As far as Tokyo Disneyland. Going to Hawaii was a rough enough trip for me health wise and all. Health conditions and other factors prevent me from going that far. I have been to Busch Gardens and you are correct they are not Six Flags. Thank goodness! They day we spent there was great and will do it again. It's only 30 mins for us to go and will do it again. And the best day we had as far as just having FUN. In 2003 we went to Cedar Point in Ohio and we are BIG roller coaster Fans and it was a blast. It was a decent price not full of adults trying to get their moneys worth of fun. No wore out kids screaming and it seemed like everyone that worked there was happy to see you and it was so friendly. Will go back there again. Another thought on Sea World . When we last visited DW. We stayed at The Renaissance Hotel right across the street and had a room that faced the park and watched the fireworks show and we told ourself that we would do that. And we will this yr. Like I explained the cost to us on great rooms is very little due to partner working for Marriott.The time we stayed there a $200.00 a night room cost us a total of $200.00 for all 4 nights of stay. But Thanks I will get there for Christmas. Great Christmas and BD gift for me my BD is on Dec 15th. Now thats what I call a BD gift.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN Too bad your health issues prevent you for visiting Japan and getting to enjoy the VERY BEST POSSIBLE DISNEY THEMED PARK EXPERIENCE ON EARTH. It really is worth visiting.. not just for Disney but for Japan itself which is the loveliest of places, with wonderful people who go beyond the call to make sure you are well taken cared of.
Originally Posted By FerretAfros >>I already hate going into the parks and seeing things that are remotely related to them.. marvel merchandise, Phineas and Phogg (however they are spelled) merchandise...<< Phineas & Ferb is an entirely Disney creation, made specifically for the Disney Channel. Just like the High School Musical shows, Kim Possible World Showcase thing, and even the Mickey Mouse Club decades before all that, they're just putting something from their TV endeavors into the parks, and I see nothing wrong with that. Also, it really is a great show if you haven't gotten a chance to check it out. It's one of those shows that you have to actively watch, and it has a lot of very smart humor aimed squarely at adults, despite being a 'kids show'. The basic format of each episode is the same, and there are a lot of running gags/repeated lines, so I'd definitely recommend watching several episodes before you make a rash decision on it. I don't have any kids, and it's one of my favorite shows. >>I guess their desperation now turns to wooing the japanese as I was horrified to discover this past week a new DVC stand in the middle of TDL's World Bazaar...<< From my understanding, the Japanese market has always been a consideration for Aulani. They knew that there was a strong base over there, and Hawaii is a popular destination, so it seemed like a great fit. Part of the early trouble that the sales group had was related to issues with the international contracts, but I believe that's all been resolved. >>I believe that Disney has so out priced them selfs .<< I agree. Disney used to provide a good product at a pretty good price. In the last 5 years especially, the quality has remained constant (with the baseline being 5 years ago, not long before that) or dropped, while the prices have grown wildly out of control. They now price themselves as a premium product, but simply can't deliver on it. And given that they're not a company to back down from their pricing, it will likely be years and years before inflation catches up with what can be considered a 'reasonable' cost.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN I still don't care for Disney Channel crap nor do I believe it merits being represented in the parks. They are there to sell a tv show with mediocre animation, as opposed to representing a legacy well earned from Disney's past. As I said..i hate this synergy and it's done only to earn the mighty dollar.
Originally Posted By FerretAfros While the animation isn't on par with what would come out of the film studios (honestly, name one TV show that is), the main draw of the show is the writing, which I think is better than most shows on the networks. Don't knock it 'til you try it.
Originally Posted By Blufusion12 Ferret Afros. I discovered P&F The 1st yr. they were on. I had broken my leg and had 4 months on the couch. It is one of the few animation show ever that I actually want to watch over and over again. I put them on par to Animaniacs as far a writing. My favorite episode is Meep. " Who's want's to ride my Alien ride?" Ferb is so cool in those shades.
Originally Posted By Kennesaw Tom I can understand Disney doing product placement with some of the kids shows in the parks. But, what I object too is the overkill of P&F merchandise in resort gift shops. While I was visiting the Wilderness Lodge back in November, I was trying to find some good Wilderness Lodge merchandise to give as gifts for Christmas. A good quarter of the Merchantile was dedicated to various P&F merchandise. The Merchantile only had perhaps three mens tee shirts themed toward the actually Wilderness Lodge, with only one being an XL. I asked the cast members and they said there were no men's XL, and they didn't know when more would be available. I ultimately ended up buying six Wilderness Lodge pins despite what I really wanted to purchase was Wilderness Lodge tee shirts. I understand Disney wants to push P&F stuff, but sell that in the parks or in DTD. Please give us some resort centric tee shirts in the actual resort gift shops. I would expect to find Wilderness Lodge tee shits in the Merchantile at the Wilderness Lodge gift shop. If I wanted a P&F tee shirt, I can easily find them at any shop in the parks as well as DTD, or probably even Walmart back at home. After that disappointing experience I am totally over P&F. Regardless of the actual quality of the program. Just like all the Princess stuff, regardless of the quality of Disney's Princess centric movies and shows. I am so done with the overkill of all the Princess stuff, I don't care to watch a Disney Princess movie again in my lifetime.
Originally Posted By Blufusion12 Kennesaw Tom. I went to Hawaii and shopped at Aulani and all they had was Aulani merchandize and maybe 2 pins of Mickeys. I didn't look for another gift shop cause just trying to find my way from the gift shop by pool to the main building was nightmare and the cast members I asked for directions I felt like I was bugging them. And the merchandize I bought was already being discounted.
Originally Posted By Blufusion12 And the Princess stuff. Is a big money maker for Moms who have a credit card trying to live their childhood thru their children. Saddest thing was when I was shopping at Aulani. I saw this little girl all made up as a princess and it probably cost mom and dad a lot of money dto do that to her. Shed looked miserable sitting out by the pool and having to wear that getup. She wanted to play in the pool and I heard her mom tell her No. It cost to much for her to just throw it all away. It was Sad to see.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN KennesawTom.. you hit it right on. That's the same gripe I have about the overall quality on WDW, and I know even DLR is guilty of this, but at least that is a superior resort overall. Ferret.. I saw the show once and didn't care for it so I tried it and I am knocking it. Regardless of the quality of the scripts, this show has no reason to be represented in the parks. Besides, you said it yourself.. it's an adult show of sorts, and the WDW experience has become "kiddie", so why is that show merchandise at the Emporium? And Blue.. yes, I wonder exactly how many of these kids actually want to play princess dress up while walking a whole day around a Disney park. Obviously the Aulani is no exception. I truly find these BBB experiences sickening. And it's even more ludicrous for parents to spend so much money on some stupid hair do with sparkles on it and other colorful crap hanging off the little girls' heads. They look ridiculous.
Originally Posted By tonyanton I agree...my husband and I always comment that the little girls look nothing like the princesses when they come out of the "boutique!"
Originally Posted By TDLFAN Those so-called make overs at the BBBs are HORRID. And overpriced. Any parent willing to pur their child through princess get-up torture should just do it at home. get a costume at the Disney Store and do the kid's hair and makeup at home.. Still, I would never do that to my child mind you.
Originally Posted By RoadTrip Men's clothing seems to be disappearing from the hotel gift shops. I used to buy nice polos or even dress-style shirts with a discreet hotel logo or something related on the shirt. The past few years it seems all I can find are wildly patterned T's or bulky sweatshirts which I rarely wear. I'm not about to put spend for something I would never wear outside of the parks... who needs to junk-up their closet with stuff that never gets worn??
Originally Posted By sjhym333 I used to love browsing the shops at WDW but not so much anymore. I used to love that Main Street was not dedicated to only Disney stuff. And I miss shops like the Magic Shop and of course the Main Street Cinema. There was a time a while back that Disney went thru a period of carrying a lot of attraction specific merchandise. I have a couple of cool t-shirts including a Jungle Cruise one. But since the advent of creating merchandise that can be used on both coasts, a lot of the uniqueness of Disney merchandise is gone. And since our kids are all grown we have no interest in the Princess stuff or P&F which is everywhere right now. Kind of a shame. I would buy something if there was something interesting for me to purchase.
Originally Posted By Kennesaw Tom And why would I want to spend $42 for a shirt I can buy at my local Walmart back home for less? I ended up buying pins. Which were the same pins sold everywhere else on property. This past trip I ended up buying non Disney tee shirts off property.
