Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>From a marketing point of view this was genius. They managed to reach NEW guests.<<< Something that Disney has no idea how to do, to be honest.
Originally Posted By DlandDug Again, I think the HP event at WWoHP was terribly cool, and a smart move by Uni. No argument there. I will argue with the notion that Disney has no idea how to do this, and never will. As far as reaching new consumers, there were 1200 people who won free early entry into Disneyland, each of whom brought a friend. How many had never been to Disneyland before? I don't know. Any more than we can know how many folks partying down at WWoHP at 3:30 in the morning had never been to IOA before. Yes, the management of Disneyland and the management of Disney World handle things... differently. Sorry that every single thing in the Florida parks is just that horrible.
Originally Posted By Kennesaw Tom <<Yes, the management of Disneyland and the management of Disney World handle things... differently. Sorry that every single thing in the Florida parks is just that horrible.>> No need to appologize! And I'm not one of the "doom and gloom" crowd. My point is that The Disney Company treats DLR, WDW and their fans very differently. We appreciate your enthusiasm Doug. It's just that we on the east coast have learned to lower our expectations of quality and content when it comes to the WDW's parks. I know this is all pretty shocking on this site, when you go to the DLR discussion boards it's more upbeat and optimistic.... then you come over here to the WDW boards and it's like attending a wake. DLR seems to be going in the right direction add more. Meanwhile, when it comes to the parks at WDW the modus operandi seems to always be shutdown more. And I would never say WDW is horrible. I still firmly believe there is simply more to do at WDW than all the other Disney parks in the world combined. Most WDW fans chief complaint is the Disney Company's decades long goal of turning WDW into the timeshare capital of the world. And since Orlando Florida is the timeshare capital of the world... I will rest my case!
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Again, I think the HP event at WWoHP was terribly cool, and a smart move by Uni. No argument there.>> Absolutely. I'd also add the word 'classy' as well. <<I will argue with the notion that Disney has no idea how to do this, and never will.>> Knowing and doing are two different things, Doug ***btw, time out to give you kudos for a post I read over the weekend on one of the DLR boards talking about Disney becoming 'self referential' versus what it once was as I think that is what I (and many others) are getting at with the over the top BRANDING and synergy and now using Social Media and technology as methods of spreading this even wider.*** <<As far as reaching new consumers, there were 1200 people who won free early entry into Disneyland, each of whom brought a friend. How many had never been to Disneyland before? I don't know. Any more than we can know how many folks partying down at WWoHP at 3:30 in the morning had never been to IOA before.>> I can't say what happened at DL, but I can say at WDW that a large percentage of people at the event were bloggers and online 'personalities' who never seem to miss out on anything Disney does. That event, BTW, was how my whole Social Media thread began. I'm willing to bet there wasn't anyone at the Florida ST event that had never been to the parks or, to go one further, that wasn't a WDW regular. They are the ones who are religiously reading The Disney Parks Blog and they are the ones Tweeting each other up ... <<Yes, the management of Disneyland and the management of Disney World handle things... differently. Sorry that every single thing in the Florida parks is just that horrible.>> They do handle things differently. ... and I don't know anyone here who says everything about the Florida parks is horrible. That's VBDAD-esque hyperbole.
Originally Posted By Kennesaw Tom We WDW fans are not evil people, we truely do want to "feel" excitement and enthusiasm towards WDW.... it's just getting a little jejune hooping and hollaring over another new DVC complex that most WDW visiters will never step foot in. So please be patient with us, console us and offer us comforting words like, "well, you know there are always a few new rides/ attractions just up the road".
Originally Posted By vbdad55 Since when did bashing DVC at each and every turn in threads become 'pro Disney' ? really KT, you know better than that.. the mental health thread works both ways. There are also those with a deep seeded hatred right now who are also depressed to the point where they can see no good , and feeding just the fires of negativism accomplishes nothing. It's why many people are abandoning a great site. Disney has some issues ( a few serious ones) , but not every damn thing sucks and blows and is stupid-- hard to tell that here any more. It has become about as fair and balanced as Fox News. If there are specifics about DVC that you can tie directly to something bad with the parks - please do -- but this other nonsense is just that - crap. I keep reading how those here want to be taken seriously by those at DIsney reading these boards.. blind hatred and hyperbole will certainly do that..right.Usually works well..internally or externally- oh yeah. I believe most ( not all) 'dark siders' here do have ( or in some cases had, but not any more) a love of Disney...but anger has caused them to drive the bus off the cliff lately. please think before you climb on the next bus that comes around-- then if you think it's the right thing to do, by all means - go ahead..
Originally Posted By Manfried You know, when you go to something too often, it is no longer exciting. Take a break from Disney for a few months, heck maybe a year. Then come back. I'm only going to Disneyland next month when in CA. It will be my only trip this year. I'm staying away from WDW now that I've been on Star Tours a few times. Too much is too much. Next up for me will be a one month trip to the Northwest.
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>As far as reaching new consumers, there were 1200 people who won free early entry into Disneyland, each of whom brought a friend. How many had never been to Disneyland before? I don't know. Any more than we can know how many folks partying down at WWoHP at 3:30 in the morning had never been to IOA before.<<< When was this? DL, I mean.
Originally Posted By Kennesaw Tom vbdad55, you know darn well I fully support the concept and ownership of DVCs. I have been one of their firm, yes "FIRM" supports the entire time. BUT, let the truth be known and I stand by my words the majority of guests on WDW property "will never set foot on a dvc property while vacationing at WDW". And yes you can't ignore the elephant in the room.... there has been construction going on for decades, I will repeat that dacades, all over the property, just not in the parks because by far the majority of that developement has all been around DVCs. I'm actually surprised your not exuberant about it, Disney Management certainly is! For all the DVCs that have been built they still don't make up for what is closed in the parks and what remains undeveloped. I mean come on... Beastly Kingdom remains unbuilt but the Disney Company wants to tear down a perfectly useful ( and paid for ) Poly and rebuild it to include DVCs. Where are your priorities man? So excuse us for being cheerful about some new rides and attractions actually going in up the road. And for the record I haven't been to Potterland... but a whole lot of people have.
Originally Posted By sjhym333 Its all a matter of perspective isnt it. I remember after DCA opened. I went out to Anaheim on business and took my son. We met some friend from the area out there. They said to me...dont expect too much from DCA it isnt that good. We spent 3 days between the two parks and loved Disneyland and loved DCA. We thought both parks were wonderful. My friends were surprised. They had been to DCA alot since it had opened and were not impressed. We didnt see all the flaws they did.
Originally Posted By DlandDug >>I can't say what happened at DL, but I can say at WDW that a large percentage of people at the event were bloggers and online 'personalities'...<< >>When was this? DL, I mean.<< I was not describing he ST premiere event at DL, i was the "Early Departure" event on May 20. That morning ST2 was officially opened at WDW. The DLR event was strictly lucky winners of an online lottery and their guests. Disneyland invited a very small number of media outlets for coverage. It was very low key. The ST2 premiere at the DLR was held June 2-3, as part of the larger "Soundsational Summer" media event. This was attended by all the Usual Suspects.
Originally Posted By DlandDug I certainly do understand the pain that WDW loyalists feel, as well as the vindication of those who champion Uni. I just don't see why it is apparently impossible to say "Uni did something really cool" without: "Think Queen Meg and Lord Staggs will do this when Favreaus MK movie comes out? (crickets)...." " ...I don't think anyone believes Disney would ever do something like that." Or "Universal Orlando is a VERY classy organization run by a lot of former Disney folks who were once part of somthing special down the street in Lake Buena Vista." (That was just on the first page, and this is one of TWO topics that's basically on the same thesis.)
Originally Posted By Kennesaw Tom Thanks for the sympathys I will take it anywhere I can get it! As for Disney I see them being much more kind to their west coast fans than to their east coast fans. To we even get a "grad night" at the MK?
Originally Posted By sjhym333 The reason for the difference between the resorts is simple. Disneyland has a much larger loyal local base compared to WDW which are mostly tourists. Two different audiences, two different business models. The other problem is that I think WDW mgmt is convinced that adding a new E-ticket attraction will not substantially bring more guests to the WDW resort. My original hope was that Harry Potter would show Disney that if you build it they will come but in reality I think Disney feels it has gained guests from Harry Potter without spending the money to build it. What I find interesting is that I travel several times a year and I usually strike up a conversation with people on my way back to Orlando and this has been the first year that I have had people say they are going to just Universal and not to Disney at all. Several told me there was nothing new to do and one father told me his kids were too old for Disney. The opening of WWOHP was a wonderful surprise for those seeing the movie and was a great promo for the park. I have seen a couple of news reports on it. For me Universal has always been a wonderful theme park. I remember on these boards saying so years ago and people thinking I was crazy. Universal has stepped up its game and thats great. My hope is that it pushes all the other theme parks to do the same.
Originally Posted By ChiMike >> I just don't see why it is apparently impossible to say "Uni did something really cool" without: Or "Universal Orlando is a VERY classy organization run by a lot of former Disney folks who were once part of somthing special down the street in Lake Buena Vista." << Hey Now... I understand your point Doug, but what is wrong with me pointing out that, yes, WDW USE to do things like this, as DL currently does, and that the folks partially responsible for those past efforts are now the very same people at Universal. Was the tone snarky? Sure. But still a unique point to this thread, not just an ad hominem attack.
Originally Posted By ChiMike >>Thanks for the sympathys I will take it anywhere I can get it!<< Tom, for what it is worth, I think your recent points on the various threads have been right on, very well thought out, and to the point.
Originally Posted By ChiMike >>The reason for the difference between the resorts is simple. Disneyland has a much larger loyal local base compared to WDW which are mostly tourists. Two different audiences, two different business models.<< ..That loyal local fan base has a hard time understanding the nature of the loyal local fan base for WDW. I get it though. There are things that occur in Florida that don't even raise ruckus online, where if it was occurring at DL, it would be plastered all over the internet. So, most times, when something angers WDW fans online, you would think the DLanders would get it. What is unique lately is that the DL fan base has never had a local park do something superior to DL. Al tried it years ago by trying to push how awesome Universal Hollywood was, but it never was really effective. So, I think we are seeing a new dynamic where DL fans are having a hard time understanding how a local park can outdo a Disney park. >> The other problem is that I think WDW mgmt is convinced that adding a new E-ticket attraction will not substantially bring more guests to the WDW resort.<< I think you're right, especially in consideration of the discounting they have to do now to keep the status quo. >>What I find interesting is that I travel several times a year and I usually strike up a conversation with people on my way back to Orlando and this has been the first year that I have had people say they are going to just Universal and not to Disney at all. Several told me there was nothing new to do and one father told me his kids were too old for Disney.<< I also travel between the midwest and Florida quite a bit. Let me tell you, those conversations have been occurring prior to Potter. Since at least 2007. >>For me Universal has always been a wonderful theme park. I remember on these boards saying so years ago and people thinking I was crazy. Universal has stepped up its game and thats great. My hope is that it pushes all the other theme parks to do the same.<< I'm right there with you. I do believe a rising tide lifts all boats. I said it on another thread and I'll say it again. Since the IOA expansion I have been touting the benefits of the Universal resort, it seems that everyone who has genuinely tried it as a resort guest has done a 180 on their opinion of it, and their opinion of must-be-branded-Disney. The ranks have swelled.
Originally Posted By mrkthompsn Dumbledore didn't open his flippy coasters or Forbidden Journey ride when Gryffindor won the House Cup either.
Originally Posted By mrkthompsn I gotta say: If there's another Suess storied movie, I'd love a late night invitation into Suess Landing. (And, I'd buy all kinds of store junk). I spent hours there a couple weeks ago snooping around the entire lay of the land. I kept thinking to myself, "this is what Fantasyland SHOULD be". What an excellent experience all around.
