Why so negative?

[bdm@pga]

I usually enjoy reading the posts on INTERCOT, but lately I have noticed so much negativity in the responses. I always thought this was a happy place, where we could share ideas, new information, tips, and experiences. It seems that with every post, someone has to make a comment on Disney going down hill, or the price, or the lack of "magic".

I live about 30 minutes away from the "Sweetest" place on earth (Hershey) and believe me, Disney is a bargain compared to some of the other "theme parks" out there. Yes it is expensive, yes the price goes up, yes they have issues from time to time, but they are a corporation, and that's life. Most importantly...YOU DON'T HAVE TO GO! No one is twisting your arm. Don't take the "fireworks and pastry cruise for $99" but also don't complain that they lost the magic because it is right there, and if you CAN afford the cruise, then I bet it's magical!

No matter what happens, people will go. That's what makes anything a success. I try to go at least once a year, and if I could, I would go twice. And I still find magic in every visit, and I still think it is worth every penny. I find something new, or something I have never seen before EVERY TIME! I can't say that about the sweetest place. I'm traveling to an amusement park near Cleveland this summer and the price for 2 nights and tickets is almost the same for a week at a moderate resort. And don't get me started on the price of food!

It's not just the rides, it's the experience. I always tell people "go to an amusement park and you wait in a long line, in the hot sun. Go to Disney and you become part of the ride." That's what you are paying for: The whole experience!

I know Disney has problems, and yes I even see it from time to time, but I can honestly say that at the end of a Disney Vacation...I got my money's worth! I NEVER say that after a week at the beach. EVER!

I know everyone has an opinion, and every one has a right to express it, but really, why come on a forum for the happiest place on earth only be negative? Maybe Disney isn't for you anymore. Maybe YOU have lost the magic.

Sorry, just my opinion.

[magicofdisney]

I don't go to any theme park except Disney. That's how much I love it. So I can only compare Disney to itself. Therefor, I notice that some things are better and some things are not. There's nothing wrong with pointing out a disappointment from time to time. Unfortunately, because there are so many fans here, the shouts of discontent can seem overwhelming at times to some people.

[PopPhan]

Hey there from about 30 minutes on the other (south) side of Hershey!!! LOL

Unfortunately, most of the posters on here are long time visitors, some from the early days of the parks, and have seen the 'glory days' of Disney parks and are jaded by the cost cutting and changing of things that they have loved for years. Personally, I have been visiting for the past 15 years, so am a relative 'newbie' and I have seen a lot of things change - some for the better, some for the worse.

Just like the news programs, it is easier and gets better ratings when what you say is negative. You can always get someone on board to bash, but to get someone on board to praise is much harder. Notice that when that happens, often the poster gets nailed for their 'rose tinted glasses' outlook and attitude.

Prices of food at Disney: Comparable to ballpark or amusement/theme parks elsewhere.
Costs of lodging: Higher end, but comparable to large visitor areas (New York, Las Vegas, LA, etc.)
Entry ticket prices: Comparable to USO, and other major parks. I would actually say more reasonable than Hershey for what you get.
Cleanliness: On par or better than MOST other parks/resorts.
Staff (CM) friendliness: Even with the decline over the years, it is still MUCH better than other parks and resorts I have visited.

A lot of construction going on, but even Walt stated that the parks were always expected to be in a state of flux. Updates, changes, additions, subtractions were all to be expected.

Losing original Disney characters for Pixar, Marvel, etc. characters is a bit of a downer, but you run with what is popular at the time and what will bring the visitors.

I will grouse about things as much as the next guy, but because visits always make me happy in the end, I will still be a fan and will visit whenever possible. (Next visit is 8 days away!!!!!)

[bdm@pga]

I agree "pop phan" with all of your comparisons. I am probably considered a "newbie" by those standards as well. It's just a little disheartening when you see a post about "new things coming our way" and about 5 replies in you see "just another way to grab your money" or "how many people are they going to try to cram into that party?"....

Don't get me wrong, I too have seen a lot of changes and prices going only one way...and I have had a bad experience or two. But 95% of the time you get a quality experience. You can't say that about anywhere else.

I don't know, I guess I just enjoy INTERCOT as a pick me up and a way to not only get ready for the next trip, but a way to have a little bit of Disney with me everyday. And it's hard to scroll past some of the downers.

[baldburke]

Great post BDM from DMB at about 2 hours east of Hershey and a frequent visitor of that location!

Disney is a business and businesses run far differently than they did 50 years ago. Certainly not theoretically, but the focus of modern business is the shareholder. Private business may not be fully aligned but certainly there is a high focus on investor return vs. doing something for the love of it.

If ol' Walt was still running things who even knows if Disney would still exist, let alone operating multiple parks across several continents and owning the box office dynamo of Lucas, Marvel and Pixar, plus ABC and affiliated networks. Walt nearly ran Disney out of business several times.

I'm sure back in 1971 when WDW opened they had an operating budget, but it wasn't to the level that it is managed today with big data, algorithms and analytics. Surely in those calculations Disney is looking at investor return, but they are also considering user experience to both visitors and investors (sometimes one in the same) happy.

There was a string on here a few weeks back about the volume of traffic on Intercot as compared to other outlets, including social media. We saw it last week with Mark Z on the hill, but social media is our downfall. Trolling is a way of life and unfortunately Intercot users are (or can be) no different. I still come here daily though because there are many nice people. I just avoid the strings that don't interest me; those like conversations on new parking fees. Plus the mods do a nice job of policing, but you need to let folks express opinions.

With that said, I totally agree with you that dollar for dollar, Disney is among the best in entertainment and leisure for perceived value. I don't agree with Disney 100%, mostly around its TV broadcasting subsidiaries, but I still like to think that they have Walt's best interests in good story telling at heart. That's what keeps me going to their movies and parks!

[MNNHFLTX]

Your sentiments are well-taken, bdm. I think it's safe to say that most, if not all, of our members joined Intercot with the same motivation as you--they were avid Disney fans and/or planning trips to Disney World and wanted helpful,l friendly advice. As PopPhan mentioned, over the years it's been a bit difficult for us "old-timers" to reconcile many of the changes to our beloved World, while those who've only started going there in recent years would not see any difference. We do welcome viewpoints on both ends of the spectrum, but would never want every thread to become a "Debbie-Downer". Thank you for bringing it to our attention and I will personally endeavor to bring back more of a positive and helpful tone to our threads. :)

[azcavalier]

This kind of thread happens from time to time. Change is hard. Especially when that change is the loss of a beloved attraction, theme, menu item, etc. Also, when the change costs money (at the consumer level).

We've been regular WDW attendees for about 15 years now. We've been Annual Pass Holders three times in those 15 years. We're DVC members at OKW. We've had vacations at Hilton Head and Aulani. Heck, we're Disney stockholders. It has all been fantastic, and we have a ton of great family memories of Disney vacations. But when I hear things like, "We're going to charge for parking at our resorts now, because that brings us in line with the rest of the industry", well, my eyebrows go up. Because I just don't see any reason for that other than to increase profits. And it seems petty. Especially when they're already making millions is straight up revenue.

We are taking a break from Disney ourselves. But it's not a dissatisfaction thing. It's just that we want to do other things, and the money only goes so far. We have a lot of trips planned over the next 18 months, and none of them include Disney. I think that by the time we make it back, Toy Story Land and Star Wars Land will both be open. The Guardians ride might even be open. Who knows about the Tron Light Cycle coaster. I will miss going every year, but look forward to all the new stuff the next time we do go back.

[cer]

I believe that there is room on Intercot for all opinions - positive and negative. If someone is searching for all positive, all the time it can be found on the Disney Parks Blogs or the Mom's Panel. In fact, I get suspicious when people's comments skew hard to either side. I filter what is being said and take what I need to formulate my own idea.

I personally appreciate everyone's opinion whether I agree with them or not. If someone is passionately critical of the direction Disney is taking, that doesn't bother me at all as long as their criticism is respectful of the other side. If someone loves Disney and believes that the company can do no wrong- super - but they need to be just as respectful in their response.

If everyone had the same opinion, this would be a very boring place indeed.

[Goofy4TheWorld]

... If someone is searching for all positive, all the time it can be found on the Disney Parks Blogs or the Mom's Panel.

Lol!

[Cinderelley]

I really enjoy the negative aspects. It prepares me for things that may not be so magical during my trip. I do much better when I know things are coming that I won't like.
People don't value the same things, so not everyone will look at it in the same light. I know people who LOVE going to the beach. They prefer to hit the beach instead of Disney. Obviously for you, that is not the case. I don't like going to the beach either, but that is what makes them happy.
For some Disney fans, the things they thought brought value to their money have been taken away - old rides, perks at the hotels, customer service in the parks, whatever it may be. It is ok for them to be negative, because Disney needs to see what some of their fan base feels is important. If management doesn't know there is a problem, they can't fix it.
I have always loved the experience also. I don't go to other amusement parks. During my last trip to Disney World, there were so many construction boards up that I didn't feel immersed in anything. Then they sent me through a backstage area that wasn't themed at all. You could see the backs of all the buildings with all the daily operation stuff on both sides of the walk. That really ruined the mood. It really upset me and made me think it was not worth the time, money or effort needed to make a trip there. It has been three years, so I am hoping things are better now. If not, cruising is on par with my expectations of what a vacation should be. In fact, we're having a family reunion Alaskan cruise when my son graduates even if Disney World is everything we dreamed it would be.
I have a friend who thinks Six Flags is the greatest. He prefers it to Disney. Something about it makes him enjoy it more and think his money is better spent there. I don't understand it. it just shows that Disney doesn't cater to everyone's biggest desires, even if it caters to ours.
Sure, maybe some have lost the magic, but maybe the part they thought was magical has been taken away or never even existed to begin with.

[Isabella]

As I read through these posts, all with some valid points, it occurred to me that Disney provides the atmosphere for magic to happen. When it happens, it's because I'm choosing to see the magic there. Maybe I have a Pollyanna attitude, but I love going to Disney. Yes, there are things that I'm not fond of or changes that have been made that aren't my favorite but in the end, there is a magic there that I have not found anywhere else. We started going to Disneyland in 1958 and Disneyworld in 1980, so we have seen A LOT of changes, in my opinion, but the heart of Disney hasn't changed. It's my happy place, a place I can go and not worry about real life for just a short time. A place I can be a princess or a pirate. Travel to the moon or go back in history. Watch fireworks that are second to none every single night and remember the fireworks and innocence of childhood. I've found that the negative comments are really from just a few people for the most part and I just choose to disagree with them. There is nothing they can say that will change the way I feel about Disney. If they find pleasure somewhere else, I'm glad for them. After reading a post that I feel could cause me stress, I can close my eyes and imagine I'm sitting on a bench on Main Street listening to the music and I'm good.

[texas211]

I have a friend who thinks Six Flags is the greatest.

That's a sign of mental illness.



Negativity comes from both comparisons, and expectations that Disney has set through precedence, reputation, propaganda and cost. So expectations are high, and when you fail or falter, it elicits wrath. I don't care about comparing it to Six Flags. Yeah, Six Flags is junk and Disney is way better. Still doesn't mean Disney doesn't have significant issues. I expect the best, when you describe yourself as the best. On top of that, difference of opinions are now deemed to be "negative." Not believing everything is great, and discussing issues isn't being "negative" its authentic.

Besides if we all agreed, and blew sunshine and butterflies, what fun would that be to discuss?

And since clearly everyone is from the Hersey area, can I get a case of fresh hersey almond bars?

[1DisneyNut]

Disney made me this way. lol

I have been going to WDW since I was a little kid. My first trip was summer of 1973. So I have basically been going since the beginning of WDW. I have seen a ton of changes including rides and perks. Some were good changes, some were great and some make me want to put my head through a wall. The past few years it has been more of the latter.

I can give you an example of good vs. bad. In the early years, you had to buy a ticket book and you gave the cast member at the gate to the ride a ticket to enter (this is where the term "E-ticket" was derived that you still to this day see referenced because some rides were considered premium rides and required an "E-ticket".) They finally did away with that system and went to entrance fees deleting need for ticket books. That was a good change, well received and I would doubt you could find many complaints. Now here we find ourselves with the FP+ system where you have to plan almost every detail months in advance. It is cumbersome, introduces stress into your vacation and is just an all around time wasting, aggravating experience. You can find plenty of complaints about this new system but yet Disney ignores it because it helps them increase profit. This is where my negativity comes into play. For decades WDW was all about the guest experience, how they could make it more enjoyable, less stressful and there was an emphasis on trying to achieve perfection (and they were on top of it.) However, now it is all about how they can squeeze every penny they can out of the guests, cut costs and increase profit. They have slipped into the corporate machine world and everyone knows that the corporate machine keeps focusing on profit until finally one day it all comes apart at the seams. That is where a lot of my frustration comes from because I can see the train wreck coming.

I think is good to have discussions of both sides. There are things I have tried or looked for that I had found about here at intercot from people discussing things they liked and I enjoyed them as well. There have been some things people were ranting and raving over that after I experienced it myself I was like mehh, I don't see what the big deal is all about. Of course, there have been things here lately that some people just brushed off as change that others were infuriated about and when I experienced it myself, smoke came out of my ears.

As for Six Flags, there is one thing they do pretty well and that is roller coasters. Outside of that, their parks aren't anything to write home about. My biggest gripe about the one in Atlanta is it isn't expensive enough to keep the low life and thugs out so the crowd there is about as disrespectful as it can be and Six Flags allows them to run amuck cutting in lines and pretty much doing what they please. I haven't been in several years because it was so bad the last time. I really don't see how anybody could possibly think Six Flags is a better experience than WDW in any way other than if all you want to do is ride roller coasters over and over.

[bdm@pga]

NO, I get it....and I understand the process and the reason for the forums. I too want to know if something isn't good, or not worth my time. But What I was trying to highlight was not the constructive criticism, or the comparisons of old to new. It was some of the posts that are just, in my opinion, down right nasty. I guess it is my vision of the house of mouse through rose colored glasses.

Again, I too have some really bad experiences that I can share. I guess I am the type of person that just appreciates what INTERCOT does for us and what a great tool it has become for me. When I see a question about something I have had a bad experience with, I want to voice my option as well, but in a way that could be understood and appreciated, rather than bark "not worth the money!" and leave it at that.

I am a High School teacher, and even if your not, I am sure we have all had those people who when given a new idea or concept are the first ones to just comment negatively..."Doin it this way for 30 years, ain't gonna change now!...Tried that before and it was terrible.."...you all know those types. I would rather hear why it failed, and then decide for myself to try it or not. Anyway, I guess I just was loving in fantasyland...But I appreciate all of your responses and for the taking the time to give your explanations.

[RunDMV]

NO, I get it....and I understand the process and the reason for the forums. I too want to know if something isn't good, or not worth my time. But What I was trying to highlight was not the constructive criticism, or the comparisons of old to new. It was some of the posts that are just, in my opinion, down right nasty. I guess it is my vision of the house of mouse through rose colored glasses.

Again, I too have some really bad experiences that I can share. I guess I am the type of person that just appreciates what INTERCOT does for us and what a great tool it has become for me. When I see a question about something I have had a bad experience with, I want to voice my option as well, but in a way that could be understood and appreciated, rather than bark "not worth the money!" and leave it at that.

I am a High School teacher, and even if your not,.

Sorry, but that made me laugh.

[texas211]

I keep thinking this thread title is "Why so serious" and I hear Heath Ledger's voice.

[Giggy]

I think internet forums are always somewhat negatively skewed to a point. Anything that is done will have some people that like it and some that don't. Regardless of the subject I always think people tend to be more inclined to comment when they are unhappy with something than when they are happy. So if there are 10 people who like something and 10 that dislike it you will generally hear a lot more from the 10 that didn't like it! Hence why I often think the internet as a whole seems a fairly angry place - but in reality maybe it is just human psychology.

I think my views are generally positive. There are announcements I hear that I am sometimes not sure if I like at the time, sometimes I am then wrong, sometimes I was right and they don't particularly suit me. One thing that may help me is that I am not a regular visitor - there has always been at least 3 years between any two visits I have made. Combination of finances, distance and real life commitments have stopped it being more frequent. As a result when I arrive everything feels new again (or at least like meeting an old friend from long ago) which maybe helps keep the magic alive rather than just becoming routine.

[Cinderelley]

I really don't see how anybody could possibly think Six Flags is a better experience than WDW in any way other than if all you want to do is ride roller coasters over and over.

That is probably why my friend loves it then. He and his kids just do the roller coasters over and over.

[Cinderelley]

And since clearly everyone is from the Hersey area, can I get a case of fresh hersey almond bars?

Wait. What? There's chocolate? Why isn't there a whole thread about this?????

[PopPhan]

And since clearly everyone is from the Hersey area, can I get a case of fresh hersey almond bars?

Sure!! Send your name address and a blank check and we can get a case (or two) sent out to you!!!

Might be able to get case lot discounts at Chocolate World!!

And maybe some of the new "Hershey's Gold" bars as well!!! :rotfl:

https://www.hersheysstore.com/HERSHEYS-Milk-Chocolate-w-Almonds-Standard-Bar-36-ct/p/HSY-002412&c=Hersheys@ByBrand@Hersheys

[azcavalier]

"Now here we find ourselves with the FP+ system where you have to plan almost every detail months in advance. It is cumbersome, introduces stress into your vacation and is just an all around time wasting, aggravating experience. You can find plenty of complaints about this new system but yet Disney ignores it because it helps them increase profit."

I still haven't figured out how moving to FP+ helps Disney increase profit. In fact, they spent who knows how many millions on the system. I think that it's poorly thought out, and that they really tried to rev up the PR Spin Machine by telling people "it helps you be more flexible!" when, in fact, it's anything but. There are some benefits to the system, but the most frustrating this is just having to change the way we approach planning. We had a great system, and when they rolled out FP+, we had to completely adapt to something new. I don't mind it so much now, but I don't like the way they set it up.

[baldburke]

Wait. What? There's chocolate? Why isn't there a whole thread about this?????

Right from the Hershey's factory just next door!

[baldburke]

And maybe some of the new "Hershey's Gold" bars as well!!! :rotfl:

The Gold bars are good, but if I'm getting something sweet then I prefer good ol' fashioned chocolate. Have you done the chocolate tasting class?

[PopPhan]

The Gold bars are good, but if I'm getting something sweet then I prefer good ol' fashioned chocolate. Have you done the chocolate tasting class?

Actually, no. I rarely get to Hershey itself, unless it is for a concert at Giant Center (TSO every Fall!!), HersheyPark Stadium, or the Star Pavilion.

[Cinderelley]

Sure!! Send your name address and a blank check and we can get a case (or two) sent out to you!!!

Might be able to get case lot discounts at Chocolate World!!

And maybe some of the new "Hershey's Gold" bars as well!!! :rotfl:

https://www.hersheysstore.com/HERSHEYS-Milk-Chocolate-w-Almonds-Standard-Bar-36-ct/p/HSY-002412&c=Hersheys@ByBrand@Hersheys

I think I just died and went to heaven.

[1DisneyNut]

"Now here we find ourselves with the FP+ system where you have to plan almost every detail months in advance. It is cumbersome, introduces stress into your vacation and is just an all around time wasting, aggravating experience. You can find plenty of complaints about this new system but yet Disney ignores it because it helps them increase profit."

I still haven't figured out how moving to FP+ helps Disney increase profit. In fact, they spent who knows how many millions on the system. I think that it's poorly thought out, and that they really tried to rev up the PR Spin Machine by telling people "it helps you be more flexible!" when, in fact, it's anything but. There are some benefits to the system, but the most frustrating this is just having to change the way we approach planning. We had a great system, and when they rolled out FP+, we had to completely adapt to something new. I don't mind it so much now, but I don't like the way they set it up.

It increases their profit in a few ways. Primarily, it allows them to control labor costs by knowing in advance how busy particular attractions are going to be and scheduling employees hours accordingly. They also were able to reduce costs by removing the paper fastpass machines which required regular maintenance and plus they no longer have to buy the paper. Who knows how many rolls of paper they went through a day in all of those machines. Another thing FP+ does, is it sends people moving about all over the park going between their scheduled times resulting in them passing all of the merchandising along with refreshment and snack vendors. They sell more stuff because you are running about all over the park in an unorderly fashion. FP+ is all about business operational efficiency and consumer spending......not customer enjoyment as they try to spin it. It makes me want to smack a PR person every time I hear the "FP+ allows guest to be more spontaneous." It could not be any farther from creating spontaneity, it is actually completely opposite creating rigidity.

[PopPhan]

Careful, 1DisneyNut, using logic and facts is dangerous!!!! :thedolls:

[MNNHFLTX]

NO, I get it....and I understand the process and the reason for the forums. I too want to know if something isn't good, or not worth my time. But What I was trying to highlight was not the constructive criticism, or the comparisons of old to new. It was some of the posts that are just, in my opinion, down right nasty. I guess it is my vision of the house of mouse through rose colored glasses.

Again, I too have some really bad experiences that I can share. I guess I am the type of person that just appreciates what INTERCOT does for us and what a great tool it has become for me. When I see a question about something I have had a bad experience with, I want to voice my option as well, but in a way that could be understood and appreciated, rather than bark "not worth the money!" and leave it at that.

I am a High School teacher, and even if your not, I am sure we have all had those people who when given a new idea or concept are the first ones to just comment negatively..."Doin it this way for 30 years, ain't gonna change now!...Tried that before and it was terrible.."...you all know those types. I would rather hear why it failed, and then decide for myself to try it or not. Anyway, I guess I just was loving in fantasyland...But I appreciate all of your responses and for the taking the time to give your explanations.

I think the thing that some of us have to remember is that we can do a better job of reading the intent behind original posts. If someone is coming on the boards, excited about an upcoming trip and wanting to share that excitement, then they don't need to inundated with negative replies. Something truly helpful, a heads up--yes. But I'll admit some people seem to relish the nay-saying. I'm reminded of something that happened back when I was pregnant with my son (26 years ago!) I was the acting Nurse Manager on an Oncology Unit and one day I was in the elevator with one of the (older) nursing students taking care of patients on my floor. She asked me if this was going to be my first child and when I enthusiastically said yes, she replied with "Well, I am a mother of four and I don't envy you one little bit! You will get no peace and quiet for the next 20 years!" I was so taken aback I didn't know how to respond. Was it her personal experience? For sure. Was it necessary for her to share it in that moment? Of course not! The only person it served was herself and whatever issues she was having/had with her kids and needed to vent. But as an expectant mom, it certainly cast a bit of a pall on the moment.

Back to INTERCOT. Now for the threads that are started strictly for criticism and/or feedback, I would advise the folks that are offended by that to pass those threads by. No need to drag down your mood that way. Just my opinion. :)

[RunDMV]

"Now here we find ourselves with the FP+ system where you have to plan almost every detail months in advance. It is cumbersome, introduces stress into your vacation and is just an all around time wasting, aggravating experience. You can find plenty of complaints about this new system but yet Disney ignores it because it helps them increase profit."

I still haven't figured out how moving to FP+ helps Disney increase profit. In fact, they spent who knows how many millions on the system. I think that it's poorly thought out, and that they really tried to rev up the PR Spin Machine by telling people "it helps you be more flexible!" when, in fact, it's anything but. There are some benefits to the system, but the most frustrating this is just having to change the way we approach planning. We had a great system, and when they rolled out FP+, we had to completely adapt to something new. I don't mind it so much now, but I don't like the way they set it up.

It allows them the pack more people in the park by artificially spreading people out.

[Little Round Bale]

People love to complain and be negative. Social media made it easy for them to complain. My opinion life is way to short for that ****.

[azcavalier]

It allows them the pack more people in the park by artificially spreading people out.

I don't think that's the case. It does indeed spread people out, but once people are in the park, regardless of where they are, that doesn't increase revenue. The only thing that increases revenue is getting more people into the park in the first place, and FP+ isn't responsible for that. It's strictly for crowd management. For example, if the Magic Kingdom can hold 120K people, it doesn't necessarily matter how they are grouped or spread out. 120K is a 120K, regardless of whether or not they're all trying to ride Peter Pan at the same time or not. The fire code max occupancy for a park is not affected one whit by WDW using FP+. And occupancy is what increases revenue. So, the Fantasyland expansion allowed WDW to increase that max occupancy, which translated to more revenue. THAT I understood. New attractions that people want to experience (like the Frozen ride), drives increases in revenue. But FP+? It just spreads you out when you come, and makes it frustrating to plan.

I wish I could have been a fly on the wall in those development meetings.

[texas211]

I don't think that's the case. It does indeed spread people out, but once people are in the park, regardless of where they are, that doesn't increase revenue. The only thing that increases revenue is getting more people into the park in the first place, and FP+ isn't responsible for that. It's strictly for crowd management. For example, if the Magic Kingdom can hold 120K people, it doesn't necessarily matter how they are grouped or spread out. 120K is a 120K, regardless of whether or not they're all trying to ride Peter Pan at the same time or not. The fire code max occupancy for a park is not affected one whit by WDW using FP+. And occupancy is what increases revenue. So, the Fantasyland expansion allowed WDW to increase that max occupancy, which translated to more revenue. THAT I understood. New attractions that people want to experience (like the Frozen ride), drives increases in revenue. But FP+? It just spreads you out when you come, and makes it frustrating to plan.

I wish I could have been a fly on the wall in those development meetings.

I think its a perspective thing. Firecode is firecode. But if you spread the peas around the plate, they might think there are fewer peas. That could have attraction to park goers, duration of trip or duration of day, traffic management around stores/eateries. Maximize spending.

[Cinderelley]

I think just tweaking the fastpass plus system would make people so much happier. Get rid of the ability to get fastpasses in advance (although I can see Disney using this as a money maker - offering it as a perk for staying on site). Change it to be more like Disneyland. Once you arrive in the park, you can make your fastpasses on the phone. Using my phone was infinitely more convenient than running from kiosk to kiosk.

[RunDMV]

I think just tweaking the fastpass plus system would make people so much happier. Get rid of the ability to get fastpasses in advance (although I can see Disney using this as a money maker - offering it as a perk for staying on site). Change it to be more like Disneyland. Once you arrive in the park, you can make your fastpasses on the phone. Using my phone was infinitely more convenient than running from kiosk to kiosk.
This. The advance scheduling of FP is only for Disney's benefit. Doing this eliminates a lot of people's main legacy FP main complaint- running across the park to get FPs.

[RunDMV]

I don't think that's the case. It does indeed spread people out, but once people are in the park, regardless of where they are, that doesn't increase revenue. The only thing that increases revenue is getting more people into the park in the first place, and FP+ isn't responsible for that. It's strictly for crowd management. For example, if the Magic Kingdom can hold 120K people, it doesn't necessarily matter how they are grouped or spread out. 120K is a 120K, regardless of whether or not they're all trying to ride Peter Pan at the same time or not. The fire code max occupancy for a park is not affected one whit by WDW using FP+. And occupancy is what increases revenue. So, the Fantasyland expansion allowed WDW to increase that max occupancy, which translated to more revenue. THAT I understood. New attractions that people want to experience (like the Frozen ride), drives increases in revenue. But FP+? It just spreads you out when you come, and makes it frustrating to plan.

I wish I could have been a fly on the wall in those development meetings.

You would be assuming that max capacity is reached every day.

[azcavalier]

You would be assuming that max capacity is reached every day.

No, I'm just assuming that way to increase revenue is by bringing more people in to the parks, and the FP+ system doesn't accomplish that. And while I agree that it spreads people around more, I think that the idea that this makes people spend more money in stores along way is not provable, and is not the reason for the system.

If you were in one of their meetings, and someone asked the question, "how can we make people spend more money in the shops?", the answer is not going to be, "Let's revamp the FastPass system and make them plan their rides 60 days in advance! That'll drive up revenue in The Emporium and Sir Mickey's!"

I totally agree that I want to smack the PR people who tried to sell it as allowing for "more spontaneity", when it really does the opposite.

[baldburke]

Sure!! Send your name address and a blank check and we can get a case (or two) sent out to you!!!

Might be able to get case lot discounts at Chocolate World!!

And maybe some of the new "Hershey's Gold" bars as well!!! :rotfl:

https://www.hersheysstore.com/HERSHEYS-Milk-Chocolate-w-Almonds-Standard-Bar-36-ct/p/HSY-002412&c=Hersheys@ByBrand@Hersheys

Did you ever make that chocolate connection?

[BetsyELG]

I may be a minority of one but I actually have come to believe that FP+ reduces the stress. We will be arriving in 12 days and, at the 60 day mark, my FP's were set. I know which parks I'll be in on which days and I don't have to worry about rushing to get the FP's I want once I enter the parks. Yes, at the 60 day mark, I was on my computer at 7 a.m. trying to get all the FP's I wanted and, in the days prior, I had to plan out those FP's and plan out which parks/which days but now? I can check in, catch a bus and know where I'll be at what time. In between FP's, I can eat, ride other rides, etc. But I'm stress free.

[baldburke]

I may be a minority of one but I actually have come to believe that FP+ reduces the stress. We will be arriving in 12 days and, at the 60 day mark, my FP's were set. I know which parks I'll be in on which days and I don't have to worry about rushing to get the FP's I want once I enter the parks. Yes, at the 60 day mark, I was on my computer at 7 a.m. trying to get all the FP's I wanted and, in the days prior, I had to plan out those FP's and plan out which parks/which days but now? I can check in, catch a bus and know where I'll be at what time. In between FP's, I can eat, ride other rides, etc. But I'm stress free.

Welcome to Intercot! We don't mind FP+ but would prefer if we could chose closer. As we get older (the kids too) we find we want some more flexibility in our Disney Days. If it's something new and a definite must do then we will show up. Otherwise we generally don't mind missing our FP+ if we are doing something else in another park or land. Generally we've been pleased with our ability to change, edit and add FP+ while onsite.

:welcome:

[texas211]

"Now here we find ourselves with the FP+ system where you have to plan almost every detail months in advance. .

Have you all of your restroom visits planned? I don't recall if those require a fp or not.


Welcome to Intercot! We don't mind FP+ but would prefer if we could chose closer. As we get older (the kids too) we find we want some more flexibility in our Disney Days. If it's something new and a definite must do then we will show up. Otherwise we generally don't mind missing our FP+ if we are doing something else in another park or land. Generally we've been pleased with our ability to change, edit and add FP+ while onsite.

:welcome:

Amen!

[Cinderelley]

Have you all of your restroom visits planned? I don't recall if those require a fp or not.



Oh, I ran across a bunch of magic kingdom maps and snagged them for you to use.

[texas211]

Oh, I ran across a bunch of magic kingdom maps and snagged them for you to use.

When you got to go, you got to go. I'd rather use hollywood studios maps :)

[PopPhan]

Did you ever make that chocolate connection?

I was able to see them on the site and could order them, if I thought I would be able to give them to Anna & Elsa. Since a number of people told me that the characters could not take food items, I begged off.

Haven't been over to Chocolate World to see if they have them in the store there.

[Cinderelley]

When you got to go, you got to go. I'd rather use hollywood studios maps :)

*looks at her Hollywood studio map* Since when was the Death Star brown?

[texas211]

*looks at her Hollywood studio map* Since when was the Death Star brown?

Still the best and only use for them at this point :)