WDW Social 'Media' and Conspiracy

Originally Posted By leobloom

Used to love Splash when I was younger, but now I hate getting drenched with chemical water on theme park rides.

But if I had to, I'd prefer to get drenched on Splash.

 

Originally Posted By DlandDug

>>LOVE Splash Mountain. Easily in my top 10 favorite rides.<<

That's why I asked...!

 

Originally Posted By Bob Paris 1

"Aladdin's Flying Carpets was the last. It opened in 2002"

Incorrect.

I was last at WDW in October 2001 and we rode it then.

So that means it has been even LONGER!

 

Originally Posted By DlandDug

The Magic Carpets of Aladdin opened in the Magic Kingdom on May 24, 2001.

 

Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer

>>>I don't like Splash at all. I've been on the attraction in Florida and although most of it is FANTASTIC, being EXTREMELY claustrophobic, the queue makes me crazy. It just isn't worth it!<<<<


The queue is highly detailed, themed, and lays out the story perfectly.


If that bothers you, it's easily skippable, with FP.

 

Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer

>>>That's why I asked...!<<<

Did ya really doubt me!? lol

 

Originally Posted By leobloom

>> The queue is highly detailed, themed, and lays out the story perfectly. <<

You mean through the one little niche where a shadowy Brer Frog talks about the characters? Or the three paintings of the main characters?

What else makes this a queue that lays out the story perfectly?

 

Originally Posted By leobloom

Just wanted to add that Splash's queue was much better when you entered the line next to the big drop. It had a nice way of building up drama as you got in line. I suppose they relocated the entrance to the queue with the advent of FP?

 

Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer

>>>You mean through the one little niche where a shadowy Brer Frog talks about the characters? Or the three paintings of the main characters?

What else makes this a queue that lays out the story perfectly?<<<<



No, the speakers in the barnyard, the props in the barn, the portraits in the tunnel... it all leads up.

 

Originally Posted By Christi22222

>>Used to love Splash when I was younger, but now I hate getting drenched with chemical water on theme park rides.

But if I had to, I'd prefer to get drenched on Splash.<<

Couldn't agree more, leo! I love the ride, but really, could we stick with a splash and nix the drenching? It's gotten so bad the last couple of times I've been on.

 

Originally Posted By Spirit of 74

<<And for those who are wondering what it might look like if Disney decided to "engage" in a social media setting, we have an example right here on the site:
<a href="http://mb.laughingplace.com/Ms...-P-1.asp" target="_blank">http://mb.laughingplace.com/Ms...-P-1.asp</a>

It's a short thread, and Disney joins in at post #7. What do you think?>>

What do I think? ... Ah ... that's a thread I looked at like back in March ... and haven't been back until just now.

Are you suggesting the WaltDisneyPictures poster actually works for TWDC?

I have my doubts. BIG ones.

But the individual isn't engaging in Social Media at all. They are posting links ... and then asking what people here thought about Cars2 (I don't have an opinion as I haven't seen it yet) when it looks like there are 6-7 threads about the film down on the Animation board.

Again, if you want to engage your fans and get REAL feedback (good, bad and ugly ... which should be what social media is all about and NOT an extension of pure PR) then you have to be real.

Like say ... ask Gary Buchanan what he thinks about members of MMC that have gone on to stardom over the last decade after he's enjoyed a Disney media party too much. Can't keep the mouth shut. ;-)

That's real. What you see on the blog is bloated BS.

 

Originally Posted By Spirit of 74

<<Doug, if a robot could type, it would sound like "WaltDisneyPictures."

Who/what is behind that name?

Really, the messages from that name sound creepy, they sound so programmed.>>

Have you talked with a Disney Guest Relations CM (let's leave the publicity hacks out for now) with a legit complaint/concern in the past decade?

They act like they aren't human. I've never seen people fake concern with so little conviction.

You almost want to stab them to see if you'll get green Vulcan blood! ;-)

 

Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer

>>>Couldn't agree more, leo! I love the ride, but really, could we stick with a splash and nix the drenching? It's gotten so bad the last couple of times I've been on.<<<

They don't drench you any more. The cannons were re-aligned.

 

Originally Posted By Bolna

<<And for those who are wondering what it might look like if Disney decided to "engage" in a social media setting, we have an example right here on the site:
<a href="http://mb.laughingplace.com/Ms...-P-1.asp" target="_blank">http://mb.laughingplace.com/Ms...-P-1.asp</a>

It's a short thread, and Disney joins in at post #7. What do you think?>>

I have noticed this poster WaltDisneyPictures, I think he was brought up briefly some time long ago in this thread already...

I have no idea whether this poster is really from the company.

But if he is, he isn't doing a good job. The thread is a pretty good example how he isn't taken seriously - even you made fun of his question and others reacted pretty negatively.

And his attempt to start a discussion about Cars 2 didn't go anywhere and the same happened in other threads as well. Why is that? I would say because you don't start a discussion with just a simple question, there needs to be some kind of spark which makes people want to respond. Sometimes that can be the topic on its own (like a current event or stating that Disney Parks are up for sale), but often it is a strong opinion which makes people want to agree or disagree.

RoadTrip's comment a few pages back about trying to make Spirited threads go 1,000 posts actually is a good illustration for this. Spirit is doing exactly what WaltDisneyPicture isn't doing: he engages people in the discussion. That's one reason why some of his threads are alive for such a long time (a more complex subject matter would be another reason). And the same is true for other threads, it doesn't necessarily have to be the original poster, but as long as there is someone who cares about the topic, the discussion is much more likely to continue.

And the reason for that is very simple: a discussion is a form of interactive communication. Just posting links and questions on a discussion board is not interactive.

 

Originally Posted By Bolna

<< Isn't it their goal to get guests to come to the parks?>>

<<Not really. I would guess that 98% of all those people who find themselves on that official blog are fans who will be coming regardless. Their goal is largely to spread a PR message cloaked in pixie dust to the flock without ever being real or genuine.>>

One fact which to me is proof that the Disney Parks Blog is not intended for those who plan a trip to WDW:

There is no direct link from the official WDW website - while there are links to DCL and even Golden Oaks.

 

Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer

>>>There is no direct link from the official WDW website - while there are links to DCL and even Golden Oaks<<<<


So I guess this is their meager attempt to actually talk to guests that WILL return.

And it's (as we said) disingenuous, fake, plastic networking. It's not answering questions, true discussion... it's just letting those who are fans gush about everything, and that's it.

It's like a one sided party, not even trying to get people to come back, as THESE people already want to.

Good observation, Bolna.

 

Originally Posted By Bolna

<<So I guess this is their meager attempt to actually talk to guests that WILL return.

And it's (as we said) disingenuous, fake, plastic networking. It's not answering questions, true discussion... it's just letting those who are fans gush about everything, and that's it.

It's like a one sided party, not even trying to get people to come back, as THESE people already want to.

Good observation, Bolna.>>

Thanks, EE. However, that's exactly what the Spirit has been saying from the very beginning of this thread:

Disney's social media strategy is only about talking to the audience they already own, it does not bring any new guests to the parks.

 

Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer

>>>Disney's social media strategy is only about talking to the audience they already own, it does not bring any new guests to the parks.<<<


And even then, it's pretty half assed!

 

Originally Posted By Spirit of 74

<<I have noticed this poster WaltDisneyPictures, I think he was brought up briefly some time long ago in this thread already...>>

Who can remember that far back?

A LP regular who has been away for a while asked me about this thread in a phone call last week and I said, 'at this point, just read the last 20-30 pages and try and follow from there!'

<<I have no idea whether this poster is really from the company.>>

I don't either, but Doug seems to suggest it. Do you know, Doug?

<But if he is, he isn't doing a good job. The thread is a pretty good example how he isn't taken seriously - even you made fun of his question and others reacted pretty negatively.

And his attempt to start a discussion about Cars 2 didn't go anywhere and the same happened in other threads as well. Why is that? I would say because you don't start a discussion with just a simple question, there needs to be some kind of spark which makes people want to respond. Sometimes that can be the topic on its own (like a current event or stating that Disney Parks are up for sale), but often it is a strong opinion which makes people want to agree or disagree.>>

Exactly.It IS One Little Spark of inspiration ... It's why threads about favorite EPCOT resorts or best restaurants to take toddlers for their first character breakfasts tend to die quickly.

You need meaty subjects generally to get people talking. And keep them.

Cars 2 apparently is doing great for Disney, despite the negative reviews ... but I don't feel like commenting until I see it. And all the links to positive reviews and such isn't likely going to get my attention.

I do wonder if WDP is indeed a Disney CM and whether this is some beta-test of how they'd be perceived if they had a presence on fan sites.

<<RoadTrip's comment a few pages back about trying to make Spirited threads go 1,000 posts actually is a good illustration for this. Spirit is doing exactly what WaltDisneyPicture isn't doing: he engages people in the discussion. That's one reason why some of his threads are alive for such a long time (a more complex subject matter would be another reason). And the same is true for other threads, it doesn't necessarily have to be the original poster, but as long as there is someone who cares about the topic, the discussion is much more likely to continue.>>

I think this is a fascinating topic, obviously, and as someone who has been involved in media and entertainment, I am fascinated by Disney's strategy and what an abject failure I believe it has been.

I do worry that some folks who can't skim threads daily or weekly would be overwhelmed and steer clear of this topic, but I hope not.

And it would be nice to have more bloggers/podcasters join in with their take, but it does seem to go on, so obviously people have things to say ... and I'm pretty sure plenty of others are reading along.

Do I get a free MAGICal WDW vacation if a thread goes 1,000 posts? ;-)

<<And the reason for that is very simple: a discussion is a form of interactive communication. Just posting links and questions on a discussion board is not interactive.>>

I've always enjoyed the news here on LP. And the fact they are usually on top of happenings in the company, beyond simply the parks. I'd like to have more pics by Lindsay and less construction walls, but that's a personal taste issue. ... But the real reason I've posted here for many years (and lurked before that) is because it really has the most open, frank and intelligent Disney discourse on the web.

I've said it before, but what other site could you see having a thread like this on? That really is a credit to Doobie and Co. (and I have only one Golden Doobie, but I treat it like an Emmy!)

 

Originally Posted By Spirit of 74

<<One fact which to me is proof that the Disney Parks Blog is not intended for those who plan a trip to WDW:

There is no direct link from the official WDW website - while there are links to DCL and even Golden Oaks.>>

I'll bet there's no link to the Four Seasons WDW, either ... ;-)