Originally Posted By bobbelee9 Can't imagine what it would be like to live so close to WDW and pop over anytime you wanted. Heavenly comes to mind. I lived most of my school age years in South Hadley, and us cowardly girls were afraid of the biker types at Riverside, so we went to Mountain Park. Nice guys finish last, so it went under.
Originally Posted By Mr X lol. South Hadley, wow. Small world. (I went to UMass in Amherst) Yes, it was fun living so close to Disney (I still do, Tokyo Disney Resort is less than a 20 minute WALK from my place). Didn't care for the central Florida summer though. Brutal!
Originally Posted By bobbelee9 Walk, did you say walk? I'm jealous. Back in the days of the Disney Magazine, I saw the pix from TDR, looked interesting and like fun. And from what I've heard on these boards, great place to go. Sure miss that mag and the Disney Insider. If anyone from Disney is reading this, please re-read the last sentence.
Originally Posted By disneydad109 I always though about living near WDW but Orlando sure isn't WDW If you know what I mean
Originally Posted By bobbelee9 When I win "the big one" I'm moving into the Poly. 4 rooms at the Volcano end of Tuvalu, first floor,and make them into living quarters. Won $2 in last night's drawing and have to split that with 2 other people. Guess I'm not moving yet.
Originally Posted By irishfan >>Seems like the lenght of stay pass wasn't a great idea for her though...couldn't you guys have played it by ear and just bought her a ticket for the few days she actually went into the parks? Seems like that would likely have been far cheaper (though I can understand having "all access", and thus not having to worry about making those decisions).<< Yeah it probably would have been a better idea, but she prefers not have to worry about "trivial things" (in her words), such as park tickets etc. She did book the trip as a package so I'm guessing the extra ticket didn't cost a whole lot extra.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<I actually think the All Stars and Pop Century are more of a blot on Disney's record as they do not offer the themed luxury experience Disney used to and to be honest, because the cast salaries are similar, in terms of service, there is not a huge service difference between Pop Century and Animal Kingdom Lodge - just the theming and ameneties.>> Absolutely. I stayed at AKL at Christmas and just stayed at Pop Century last week. While I love AKL and view POP as a Disney Motel 6, the service is very similar. In both cases, it was generally good but not exceptional. And they don't vacuum at either place! <<The walmarted has dumbed down the experience, hopefully the 4 Seasons will improve Disney's service - since they are so easily swayed.>> Oh, Dave ... to hear you type those words from across the Pond ... brings tears of joy to my eyes ... some folks here actually get it. You really do!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Indeed, and over here in Europe, they think I am a crabby curmudgeon too. When in reality I am a huge fan and know they can do so much more!
Originally Posted By danyoung Wait a minute - are you hinting that my friend the Spirit is a "crabby curmudgeon"? How dare you? He's a ... well, he's not, umm ... he's certainly a very ... ahh, never mind.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo lol, no - I just find it sad that people are prepared to give Disney a free pass on so much!
Originally Posted By mrichmondj Disney has a free pass now? And to think I've been paying for passes all of these years!
Originally Posted By Mr X I'd sign up, but I'm far too young to qualify as a curmudgeon. I'll have to join the young punks society or something.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 I don't view myself as crabby at all ... I'm a very upbeat (albeit sarcastic, witty and highly knowledgable) spirit. I just want Disney to live up to its reputation, its legacy ... and its press releases. Not very complicated at all.
Originally Posted By danyoung >I think we need a crabby curmudgeons club - or society of whatever.< Founding members would be vbdad, Spirit, & danyoung. We'll let TDLFAN take our coats at the door . . . >I just want Disney to live up to its reputation, its legacy ... and its press releases.< Sadly, we live in a day where perception is just about as good as reality. As long as the perceived value is still there, people will keep visiting the parks. And that's what marketing is all about. It's another department that takes care of the reality. And sadly that department seems to be awfully quiet lately . . .
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 You know how much I hate agreeing with you, Danny ... but you sure are right. It is all perception with Disney now. That's why folks gladly pay hundreds for poorly maintained rooms and get excited by the towel animals so they don't notice the carpet hasn't been cleaned in months (or years). That's why Disney can insult its guests with $23 hamburgers at fine French restaurants. That's why the lands at the MK can all blend into Disney's Generic Character Magic Park. That's why Disney can attempt to 'brand' its US parks. That's why Disney can make millions on Cinderella 3. ... Disney has been coasting in large part for over a decade now ... people (even casual observers) do notice just not enough -- yet.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 ^^^^^^^^^^ With the fact stock prices are still below levels from 8 years ago - there are people who notice... the same group that sent prices thru the roof when the so called 2nd great age of animation was in full bloom - Mermaid --> , and know the coasting since then --
