Originally Posted By Christi22222 >>One thing that really bothers me about SOME of the critical posts about WDW is the underlying elitism that shows through. It's too bad us rubes from the heartland can't afford to jet off to Paris, Hong Kong or Tokyo to see what REAL Disney parks are like. I guess it's just a burden we will have to bear. I consider myself fortunate that I can afford annual trips to WDW.<< Wow, RoadTrip, I have never gotten that from the criticisms of WDW. That's not to say you are wrong, because interpretations are subjective of course. But this certainly does explain the intense pushback to the criticism on various threads (not from anyone specific, just in general), which I've previously found inexplicable. For myself personally, I hope that none of my criticism comes off that way, as it is absolutely not my intent. And I for one will be more sensitive to this being an issue to folks.
Originally Posted By NikkiLOVESMickey I've seen the behavior that RoadTrip is talking of on these boards far too often. The outright criticism of people who stay at the value resorts (characterizing them all as rednecks) has almost become a sport among some posters on this boards. Apparently, these same posters believe that their "superior" intelligence gives them the right to look down their noses at those beneath them. It's offensive and it's been noted by others on these boards. If you haven't seen it, you haven't been paying attention or you haven't been around here long enough.
Originally Posted By NikkiLOVESMickey <<Apparently, these same posters believe that their "superior" intelligence gives them the right to look down their noses at those beneath them.>> Let me amend that statement to say those that they BELIEVE to be beneath them.
Originally Posted By sjhym333 "I hear all the complaints about the merchandise becoming generic. I too remember when I first went to the MK and you could find beautiful Western-style leather jackets in Frontierland. I also remember they cost hundreds of dollars. How many guests could really afford to drop that kind of money while on a family vacation?" I dont think the point of that jacket has ever been that Disney expected to sell as many of them as they do t-shirts. The point had to do with themeing. You walked into a store in Frontierland and saw that jacket and it was supposed to transport you to the time when walking into a frontier store you would find a jacket like that. I believe the average guest who wants a WDW t-shirt has many places on property from dozens of stores in each of the parks to the resorts to DTD to buy the t-shirt. And I dont begrudge Disney selling as many of them as they can. What I do find annoying is that shop in Frontierland has very little to do with the themeing of the area and a shop in Tomorrowland has the same stuff in it. I believe that things like merchandise and the dumbing down the menu's is not something that Walt envisioned when he created the parks. Why do I think that? Because the men I worked for at WDW who knew Walt tell me that the Disney experience of today does not resemble the model that Walt created. I have 2 college degrees and I understand the business aspects that defenders keep spouting to justify it all but I firmly believe that you can have a themed shop in Frontierland and still be able to sell as many t-shirts as possible. In fact I cant remember the last time I stepped into a store at the MK because I know what I will find the same stuff in just about every store. If Disney stopped homogenizing the shops they might get me to walk into some of them and possibly get me to spend some money. I also think the homogenization is one of the things that killed The Disney Store. But thats a different topic.
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Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>I've seen the behavior that RoadTrip is talking of on these boards far too often. The outright criticism of people who stay at the value resorts (characterizing them all as rednecks) has almost become a sport among some posters on this boards. Apparently, these same posters believe that their "superior" intelligence gives them the right to look down their noses at those beneath them. It's offensive and it's been noted by others on these boards.<<< All I have seen is joking and banter, honestly. Been here over a year. Probably haven't been paying attention as I refuse to let my emotions or actions be ruffled from a few posters on a website.
Originally Posted By RoadTrip <<Wow, RoadTrip, I have never gotten that from the criticisms of WDW. That's not to say you are wrong, because interpretations are subjective of course. But this certainly does explain the intense pushback to the criticism on various threads (not from anyone specific, just in general), which I've previously found inexplicable. For myself personally, I hope that none of my criticism comes off that way, as it is absolutely not my intent. And I for one will be more sensitive to this being an issue to folks.>> I said SOME posts, not all. But they are certainly there. The remarks about people dragging coolers through a deluxe lobby were not exaggerated, but were just how originally posted. There have also been MANY comments about how the All Stars have attracted low quality visitors to WDW. I also have always eaten at the table service restaurants and still do so without using the Disney Dining Plan. I think it is pretty clear though by the increased business that many people had previously stayed away due to money issues. As for the horror of a hamburger at a French Restaurant, having a burger on the menu at French Restaurants is probably more common than you think... how many have you been to? 'Barbette' in Minneapolis, named the Twin Cities best French Restaurant by Mpls-St. Paul magazine, has this on their lunch menu: Royale with Cheese Grass fed ground beef a la Patrice Fonte, with carmelized onions & Brie It may be a fancy description, but it is still a cheeseburger. Barbette does not carry it on their dinner menu, but then neither does Chefs de France. I can get into the concept of stores as attractions rather than places to actually buy things, but how long does that work? The first couple of times I went to Vegas I visited the Forum Shoppes at Caesar's Palace just to gawk at what was there. After a couple times though I stopped. Why waste my time at a place where I know there are only two or three stores where I could afford to buy something?
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper <<I can get into the concept of stores as attractions rather than places to actually buy things, but how long does that work? The first couple of times I went to Vegas I visited the Forum Shoppes at Caesar's Palace just to gawk at what was there. After a couple times though I stopped. Why waste my time at a place where I know there are only two or three stores where I could afford to buy something?>> Then at least have some boutique items. And for the love of God at least have items that relate to your land. There's absolutely no reason that the shop at the exit of Space Mountain should be filled with Jonas Brothers and Hannah Montanna merch.
Originally Posted By NikkiLOVESMickey That hamburger is unlike any hamburger I've eaten - confit onions, mushroom duxelle and Bearnaise? This is not a "dumbed-down" burger.
Originally Posted By RoadTrip <<Then at least have some boutique items. And for the love of God at least have items that relate to your land.>> I agree and believe it is still the case in many instances. The Adventureland shops certainly contain completely different merchandise than the Fantasyland shops. I also don't mind a certain amount of high-end merchandise. I’ve been to WDW so many times I am way past wanting "souvenirs". My purchases lately have been primarily at the Art of Disney for prints at anywhere from $700 - $1K at a time. So I'm not cheap, and I'm not opposed to high-end merchandise. I just think at times the complaints about merchandise at the parks fails to take into account what many visitors can afford. I was lucky... before I retired my family income put me in about the top 10%. But I also think it is WONDERFUL that the addition of lower priced lodging, dining and merchandise options has increased the number of families who can enjoy a WDW vacation.
Originally Posted By Christi22222 >>There's absolutely no reason that the shop at the exit of Space Mountain should be filled with Jonas Brothers and Hannah Montanna merch.<< Amen to this!! Frankly, I'm not sure there is a good reason for this merchandise anywhere in the parks.
Originally Posted By RoadTrip Why the Jonas Brothers and Hannah Montanna merchandise at the exit to Space Mountain? I don't know... do you think it is maybe because the Arcade is a favorite spot for teens and pre-teens to gather, and that is the type of merchandise they are interested in? Nahhh... I'm dreaming. It is all a plot by the evil Disney Overlords. ;-)
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper <<I just think at times the complaints about merchandise at the parks fails to take into account what many visitors can afford.>> There's a difference between having things that are affordable, and things that are cheap. Unfortunately most of the merch in recent years falls into the second category. T-shirts that fade within months of purchase, poor quality souvenirs, etc. And all are still way more expensive then they deserve to be.
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>^^^^You haven't been here long enough - it's been much worse.<<<< I'm really sorry to hear that, but I just usually don't (and can't) care that much about what people on a website are saying. In the long run, there are many more thi gs to worry about. However, if you were that incensed, I would hope you and the person in question could settle the issue, in private, at least.
Originally Posted By RoadTrip Ahhh... the critics don't like criticism. It's a little different when your own ox is being gored... I said that I engaged in a little overstatement to make my point. I think I clearly made it.
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>Ahhh... the critics don't like criticism. It's a little different when your own ox is being gored... I said that I engaged in a little overstatement to make my point. I think I clearly made it. <<<< No, I just think it's a little low to bring up personal problems in whats a valid and honestly, entertaining thread for discussion.
