Does the general public know what a golden fastpass is? The general public seems to be confused about fastpass in general.   Private princess time and private character time is suppossedly already available in several places.    Magic morning early admission already gets you in with light crowds - "exclusive time in the lands" doesn't add any big hook.

"Whatever your dream is, it MAY come true" - (some restrictions apply, not valid in all states, weekend use prohibited) - which most journalists (at least sober ones) know translates into for most people, their dream will not come true, since they didn't win the sweepstakes.

For Florida, how about promoting Expedition Everest, the new Pirates in the Caribbean, and the Epcot Sea pavillion with Nemo references to be determined later. For Anaheim, how about promoting the new guests in the mansion, and again the new pirates. Those are the tangible things that will get me to go back, not a 2% possibility of winning an oddball prize.

But the goal is to get you to book through WD Travel, soooooo give them a unique Ipod only available through Disney Travel (I'm sure Jobs can figure out something good), or a talking Lightning McQueen car that works like Pal Mickey, or a limited edition Pirates playset. Even free breakfast at select restaurants would work. Anything besides - if you book through us, you'll have an entry into a contest. It may get 10 year old Sally's attention, but it doesn't get Dad to fork over his credit card.

My question: Is this going to take away any chance at having an Epcot25 celebration late next year?

I'm glad they are at least making this more like a Magical Gatherings celebration. Besides a whole bunch of banners on lamp posts, this probably won't have a big effect on the parks themselves.

I hope they aren't going to rebrand themselves Disney parks for two reasons: The Cruise Line is not a park, and secondly that logo and website is definite proof that Computers should not be given to idiots (The word 'Parks' should be in Times Roman, like the rest of Disney's logo's).

Before I make a comment, can I please beg you ... Jim ... Stop with the question and answer crap in your articles!!! It drives me nuts! I mean every once in awhile okay, but you use it three times in one paragraph in this article! It's so hack-ish I don't even know where to begin ... give it a rest, willya!

Anyway ... this sounds cool on the surface, but it's probably going to impact such an insigificant number of guests that it's really just a cheap hook that won't have a dramatic impact on attendance.

I mean really ... obviously the max number of people they'd like spend the night in Cindy's Castle is what? 2? 3? (there isn't that much useable space in there). So your odds of winning that are like 1 in 30,000?

Yeah ... that's a big draw ...

I'm underwhelmed.  
I would prefer that they give EPCOT, I mean, Epcot its day in the sun.  If Iger et al are going to just let Epcot's 25th just drift under the radar then that is a real shame.  I'd rather see effort put into making Epcot extra special during its 25th.  
A sweepstakes for Dreams Come True is not a draw for me.  Sweepstakes are not tangible benefits.  

Heck, I remember when WDW didn't need any special celebration to bring crowds.  They came anyway because it was WDW.  I would bet that if WDW went quiet for a while on special celebrations, people would still come to the parks in respectable numbers.

First, let me congratulate Jim.  As far as I can tell (and I asked around quite a bit), Jim had this information before anyone.  It goes to show that you can still get a lot of mileage out of a case of Chivas and a roll of twneties.

Second, Curmudgeon et al are correct in that your odds of winning anything remotely cool are tens of thousands to one against.  Disney's going to get a lot of press for something that doesn't cost them very much money.  I would have preferred to see some sort of loyalty program attached to this effort, for frequent visitors to the parks.  

I'm not sure why people think this, in any way, would impact Epcot's 25th anniversary celebration? In fact, I think it's pretty clearly a bridge to that celebration, which will begin on October 1st, 2007.

The "Year of a Million Dreams" will last one year ... 10-1-2006 to 10-1-2007. EPCOT (as it was called then) opened on 10-1-1982. 25 years after 1982 is 2007, ergo, it is fairly obvious that Epcot's (as it's called now) 25th birthday will be the celebration that follows this one.

.....do I have to be the first one to say this??

BUILD NEW RIDES AND THE PEOPLE WILL COME!!

I hate all this crap about promoting nothing.  Build something new and the crowds will show up to ride it.

....and I'm not talking about tearing something down to put up something new...

Agreed, Jester. They've seen the consistent spikes in attendance they've gotten from adding new attractions. If they think this will work in its place, they're nuts.

Virtually all the reactions I've seen across the Disney fan sites has been negative. People see right through it for what it is ... a cheap marketing ploy that will impact maybe 5% of the people who visit the parks.

Weak ... very weak ...

The logo is
V
I
L
E.

From JesterColorado: "BUILD NEW RIDES AND THE PEOPLE WILL COME!!"

Which follows on WDWacky's comment about Epcot's 25th. I think the vast majority agrees that Epcot needs a complete rethinking. They need a unifying vision over there. What better time to implement a renewal? I'd illustrate with examples, but the topic has already been rehashed over and over.

I will say that the first article to bring me to Jim's site was one over a proposed Epcot rebuild that sounded extreme and wonderful. I can't remember everything, but Land and Sea were to be merged by an Air pavillion between them, and I remember a lot of trees. Maybe its time has come.

JesterColorado, you hit the nail on the head! Especially about not tearing down old rides to build new ones, too. Expedition Everest and the new Nemo ride have me excited about going back to WDW this year. A sweepstakes? They have those all the time on the Disney website. We always enter but never win. Why should I get excited about that?
Here's another suggestion: Lower the prices. Make it so that people don't have to save up for a lifetime and they come more often.

Call me naive, but I'm excited.

I love sitting in the character connection and watching children meet Mickey. I dont have children of my own yet, And i think it is just pure magic when little kids run up to him and hug him for the first time in their lives.

And I agree that Epcot needs new themeing, new rides, etc. But... give Disney some time eh? Just because Jim Hill didnt report new rides, shows etc. for Epcot in 07, doesnt mean they are not under works. There have been rumors for some time about replacing Illuminations. And who knows what else they'll unveil for 2007. Disney seems to be big on 'yearly celebrations' (castle cake anyone? ugh) so they'll do something crazy for Epcot's 25th. Dont worry. (anyone remeber the whole Rememebr the Magic campaign? Highly succesful for MK's 25th)

Most of you people are so quick to jump on Disney for everything. If you could do it better, open your own Joe Blow Land and I'll come critique you. I agree that Disney has stuff to work on. But give them time. There are some things I cant stand at the parks. But I still go almost every weekend. And I still get teary eyed when I see the castle as I come around the corner on Main Street.

Dont let your inner pessimist forget that Disney parks are not famous for thrill rides, or exhilleration. (and if thats what your looking for go to Universal, and make sure to take note of the MOLD growing on their dinosaurs in Jurassic Park, while somehow the elephants in Jungle Cruise, dont have mold growing on them..) Disney parks are famous for Magic. For making (a childs) dreams come true.

This celebration is about kids. Not some 45 year old Ariel-holic being able to win a night in Cinderella's castle alone. Now i'd like to win that just as much as the next DIsney Dweeb. But I would MUCH MUCH MUCH rather hear about a little girl, wearing a cinderella gown, that got to spend the night in Cinderella's castle. That will affect her the rest of her life. I know the magic my parents created for me at Disney when i was little, has kept me going back every year. Even though now i'm an adult.

So CHILL OUT. Disney has until the end of the world to fix everything. And maybe they wont. But if they did... we'd all have nothing to complain about. ;-)

I almost hate to say this, but...

perhaps the fact that some people have to "save up for a lifetime" is what makes the trips to Disney special for them? perhaps the trip gets built up into such an event that they are more willing to save up for a "lifetime" once again? Perhaps this is another way the Disney parks differentiate themselves from the Six Flags of the world?

LenTesta wrote:
“First, let me congratulate Jim.  As far as I can tell (and I asked around quite a bit), Jim had this information before anyone.”

Actually, speculation on this info. has been circulating on wdwmagic.com since at least June 5th.

Nevertheless, if there is no announcement tonight about Epcot’s 25th, I will be deeply troubled.  If there were to be an opportunity for Epcot to reclaim its identity and mandate, this milestone anniversary is it.  If Disney fails to address Epcot’s woes during this time, I’m afraid we may not see it for several years.

“First, let me congratulate Jim.  As far as I can tell (and I asked around quite a bit), Jim had this information before anyone.”

Yep. Jim was waaay behind the curve on this one. I first read about it here:

http://asapblogs.typepad.com/theslug/2006/06/whats_mickey_mo.html

I think it's a great idea, but it's not very powerful. But I'll reserve final judgement until I understand the entire scope of the project. Officially. I mean, how can you celebrate 25 years of something when you've already celebrated 50 and 100?

Earlier WDW anniversaries which involved each day someone entering the parks and winning a car, with every fifth person winning some kind of prize were fun.  But prizes that are only possible when booking a vacation through the company, seem crass.  Its not enough any more to go to the parks to be a valued guest.  The really valued guests are those who pay top dollar for the vacation experience designed to make sure that you don’t leave property for a day or even a meal.  I agree that it would be nice to see a little girl in her Cinderella dress getting to spend the night in the castle.  What will not be so nice are the thousands of little girls who will beg their parents to book a vacation for the chance to win that night but the parents can not afford to do so.  In many states contests which require a purchase are illegal.  Hopefully this one will have the loophole to let all the little girls enter the contest and dream, especially those whose parents can not afford a WDW trip.

PingBack from http://blog.mousekingdom.com/2006/06/07/the-year-of-a-million-dreams/

Everyone besides me who suspects that greenyskp is askmike's brother, raise your hand?

Bad, bad Disney fans!! How dare you expect value and quality for your money!! Disney is great! Disney does everything right! You should just sit idly by and accept what they give you and be thankful they even exist because there are little kids who go there and see Mickey and it's wonderful and Michael Eisner is GOD!!

Spare me the lecture, please. It's my money ... when you pay for my Disney trips then you can decide what I can and can't complain about. Until then ... not so much ...

-proud owner of my own Joe Blow Land, currently celebrating it's 14th anniversary - check our website for merchandise.


"I agree that Disney has stuff to work on. But give them time. "
From what I understand from the TV commercials, they've had 50 years to figure this stuff out.        Can you really imagine Walt saying, "hmmm, I wonder what will bring people to the park? Should I build exciting rides and show them on TV, and make sure I've hired outstanding cast members to work at the park so people will have a great time when they visit?   Naaahhh, I think I'll just run a sweepstakes."

Hi guys,

Just to clarify my comment: Jim had this info well in advance of what was posted on WDWMagic.com or Typepad.   I didn't say he posted it on the web.  

Len

PingBack from http://www.disneyworldticketscheap.com/?p=67

A prayer for healing and peace is in order, everyone, and I think the photos you have posted up here say it all, Jim– such serenity.

I'm a woman. I have one younger brother who 13. And is not askmike.

And i spend money on Disney too. I have the same expectations you do. But Walt is dead. You cant sit around hypothesizing about WWWD? because none of us know. He was a business man and a show man. You dont know what this advertising campaign is going to be. Part of it is a sweepstakes. Part of it might be more. We'll find out after tonight.

All I'm saying is... Disney is what you make it. If you're the parent screaming at his kids 'I SPENT ALL THIS MONEY TO TAKE YOU TO DISNEY..." Then thats you. And if its only about the money you spend. Thats you.

I dont think about the money I spend to go to Disney as often as I do. I'm sure its more than 25% of my salary. Considering I go every weekend.

And i'm not rich. I just live. and enjoy what I get to experience. Seeing the glass half full. Not half empty. If I got upset and posted on a message board everytime an effect wasnt working while riding Splash Mountain... well...

And i notice when the effects arent working (brer rabbit hopping for one...) But I dont think. Well... this ruined my day. I think about how hard it must be to operate every single effect on every single ride 365 days a year. How its amazing that out of so many employees, so many of them are nice and helpful, in comparison to the other theme parks. Yes its DISNEY. And "walt wouldnt have it any other way" But thats just not realilistic.

PingBack from http://nh.belamesa.com/bellboy/blog/?p=166

What I don't get is why the Magic Kingdom is being totally ignored!!!  This year marks the 35th anniversary of Walt Disney World (Oct. 1, 1971) and yet there hasn't been one ounce of hoopla mentioning this fact.  Is Disney going to overlook this significant milestone again? (Remember when the 30th anniversary came and went without so much as a whimper?)  Granted, the 35th is getting overshadowed by the "Happiest Celebration On Earth" (and the 30th was ignored because of the "100 Years Of Magic" celebration), but to not even mention that this is happening is just wrong!  Doesn't Disney have any pride in what has been accomplished here?  Or have they lost all of their confidence after the 25th anniversary Cinderella Castle fiasco? (Pepto-Bismol anyone?)

greenyskip:  Its nice that you get to go to WDW every weekend.  And I'm sure you do spend money while there.   Don't we all.

But consider your average family of four, traveling from out of state to visit WDW for a week:  the travel expenses, the hotel expenses, the food expenses (that's food for a WEEK, not a day trip) -- multiplied by FOUR.  

Its not "all about the money" we families spend, but realistically its a big consideration for most.  

And, not to be too harsh, but until you're a parent traveling with kids and budgeting a dream vacation for your entire family, you've no real idea what of our expectations are.  Try shuttling two little kids through each obligatory post-ride gift shop exit and then dragging them halfway across the park to find the fruit cart when sugary treats are everywhere they look.   The term "realistic expectations" takes on a whole new meaning.

Hmmm. I'm gonna reserve judgement, I guess, but this still seems like it will sound better than it will actually be. For every 1 "dream" fufilled, I'm sure there will be 20 that don't become reality. Here's more on the presentation itself from that blog that posted the invite:

http://asapblogs.typepad.com/theslug/2006/06/sweet_dreams_ar.html

I know big companies throw big parties for the media all the time. They gotta get the word out. It's just always tough to read about, knowing that's how they spend your churro money.  

The business model used to be that your dreams came true and magic happened at a Disney park every visit - you didn't have to win a sweepstakes. The imagineers designed great experiences and the cast members worked hard to make it happen.  Today we fire the imagineers as fast as possible, cause anybody can do their jobs. The cast members don't need or deserve a decent salary - after all, it's fun to serve demanding customers all day - and management wonders why they don't stay longer or follow the rules.  

Even the message to the hundreds of photographers Disney has on staff - sorry, none of you is good enough - gotta pay for Annie Leibovitz.

It's really not a secret - keep your employees happy, and they will knock themselves out for you. As word spreads what a cool place it is to work, you have your choice of the best talent. If employees are knocking themselves out, customer service improves. Disney's physical theme park plus excellent customer service becomes unbeatable, and the word of mouth unstoppable. Business improves far more than could be hoped for from a glossy sweepstakes. But what's easier - nurturing your employees or holding a cocktail party?  It's much more acceptable to Wall Street to say - "look I hired a well known publicity firm and their campaign didn't work," than to say, "I don't really know how to improve the situation."

"The business model used to be that your dreams came true and magic happened at a Disney park every visit - you didn't have to win a sweepstakes."

Right on target, curmudgeon!

"The business model used to be that your dreams came true and magic happened at a Disney park every visit - you didn't have to win a sweepstakes."

This business model changed in the mid-90's when the continuous stream of celebrations began - I don't see it stopping anytime soon. This year they just added a contest angle to it. The public is now used to visiting Disney during a celebration - how do you stop that suddenly?

"Virtually all the reactions I've seen across the Disney fan sites has been negative. People see right through it for what it is ... a cheap marketing ploy that will impact maybe 5% of the people who visit the parks."

Disney fan sites and their members make up a very small proportion of the total number of people that visit WDW each year - the majority of Disney visitors have never visited a fan site or even picked up a guidebook.

"I would have preferred to see some sort of loyalty program attached to this effort, for frequent visitors to the parks."

I am sure that Disney has run the numbers, and the number of frequent visitors is insignificant compared to all of the new people that visit each year - I know that Jim has done a few articles on AP holders.

greenskyp, I for one appreciate your desire to keep things positive. I find some of the continual ranting a little tiresome, too (although there's truth to it).

That said, in this in instance, we're discussing this particular promotion which is geared to meet a specific objective and whether it will be effective in doing so. Honestly, it probably won't. They're not going to draw many people in by insisting their customers book a complete vacation package through Disney (first barrier) for a small chance (second barrier) of winning something neat.

True that Walt was dead, but the theory under discussion is that the business model of continual redevelopment and improvement of the parks worked well enough for him to be considered today. I vote in favor of the theory.

I choose to believe that this promotion is a promotion for Disney Travel, not Disney Parks, and that for the sake of the parks themselves, additional rides will continue to be developed, that detailed theming will not be optional, and that the vision for the park experience becomes as epic as it once was. With the new management, I think there's good reason to believe it could go that way, very much in contrast to previous management.

By the way, curmudgeon's point that taking better of cast members will be integral to effecting such a vision is too important a point to go unrepeated.

I agree. I know tons of Disney employees. Its tough to keep them.

I guess i just dont see things the way other people do.

I didnt immediatly think - 'HA. 1 in a million people will win. I'll never win'

I literally thought - "i hope the people who win, share their experiences on the web, and take pictures. because I would love to see the little girl who wins a night in the castle. I cant wait to hear about the family that gets to grand marshall the parades"

I really dont care if I win. I just want to be there and see someone win.

I guess i agree that I dont think this marketing ploy will necessarily bring people in by the droves. But then I HATE sales and marketing. There is a point in which you CAN sell things to people. But if a family wants to take their emotionally repressed teens to Universal, because theyre now too old for disney, but to young to understand disney like we do. You're not gonna convince them to come to Disney with a happiest celebration on earth gimmick, or a disney dreams gimmick or any gimmick. Their kids want coasters.

I am excited about this campaign, because its guest oriented. They cant give EVERYONE a night in cinderella's castle. Thats unrealilistic. But a select few will win that. It feels (to me) that disney is finally paying attention to the 'unspoken wants' of the guests. Sure everyone would like a 'magic fastpass' that gets you on every ride. Lots of people would love a lifetime pass. Many people have thought about hiding somewhere in the park and spending the night. To catch a glimpse of the night work that goes on, or to be in the park with no one there. These are things anyone who goes to WDW on any kind of regular basis dreams about. But never voices. Or not in a demanding kind of way anyway. So Disney figured us out. And is trying to cash in on it. I hope that when i board pirates a band of pirates overtakes my boat and rides it with us (something i read that *could* happen, on another site) But if nothing happens... well.. I'll keep going back and creating my own magic.

And trust me. My disney trips are AMAZING. And i have the pics to prove it.

http://s65.photobucket.com/albums/h218/stepheniebday/

Dont mean to show off. I just want you to see how i experience Disney. Here's some more.

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v125/greenyskp/Disney/

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendID=2518531&MyToken=c95e41cd-8507-4d10-8473-8e1309119b9aML

Every time we've been to Disney, we've had wonderful vacations.  But that doesn't mean there's not room for improvement (especially at certain WDW hotels).  And a single cast member can create or destroy a lot of goodwill in a very short amount of time.

Everything about a Disney vacation should be guest oriented ... period.  That is the overwhelming expectation for Disney whether the guest is a first timer or an AP.  And Disney is well aware of those expectations.

Unspoken wants are exciting to think about -- but as the chances of winning a night in the castle are slim to none, I'm more concerned with the wants that have already been vocalized but not yet acted upon or are still in need of improvement.  

Most people don't book a vacation based on sweepstakes or celebration gimmicks.  They book the best deal or package offered in the time frame they have available for traveling.  And if you're use to a travel agent, then that's what you'll use.  If you usually book directly through Disney, then no sweepstakes will change that either.  The only ones that a sweepstakes realistically may lure in are first timers -- and according to the article, that's not the target group here.  How could it be?  No one in their right mind (or above the age of 10)  is going to decide that "This is the year we go to Disney!  I've got a shot at riding with pirates!"

1) This will have no effect on Epcot's 25th (the celebration ends 9/30/07)

2) People (ie, everyone but greenyskp)...... stop complaining!!!!!

3) If you are saying that there are no new rides, I recommend getting a pair of glasses or learning how to read. Disneyland will feature the introduction of the Finding Nemo Subs (Summer 07) & Rockin' Space Mountain (Spring 2007). WDW will feature The Seas with Nemo & Friends (Late 2006), Finding Nemo the Musical (Late 2006) and The Laugh Floor Comedy Club (Early 2007). So my recommendation is read the info first or shut the heck up.

4) We are in June. This is the 1st press release made. The celebration does not start for another 4 months. And besides the attractions I previously mentioned,   there is likely to be further announcements in the coming months of the more minor things (refurbs, parade changes, etc). Then of course there is the rumored midway mania.

5) Going to WDW is a dream in itself. EVERYONE there is having their dreams filled. These other dreams (night in the castle, etc) are extras. I cannot believe what some of you are saying. Disney is PLUSSING. They are not removing anything, but they ARE adding. I never thought I'd see the day when people complain about good things. If you honestly think that people will go to WDW and not have their dreams fufilled just because someone else got to stay overnight at the castle, that is just entirely dumb. Do people hate the lottery just because they never win? NO. Millions join the lottery every day even though they have virtually no chance of winning. Take a look at the big picture people.

6) WDW's birthday will be honored...........on WDW's birthday. It isn't going to be a whole yearlong celebration. Why would they talk about the birthday a full 4 months before it happens?

greenyskp: You are now officially my favorite JHM-er. :)

hahaha Thanks askmike1! ive always liked what you have to say! But more importantly, are you single?

haha kidding.. :)

Luv.....Exciting and new,,,,come aboard,,,,,we're expecting you
Luuuv,, Life's sweetest reward,,,,let it flow,,,,it floats back to you

                      EVERYBODY !

The Love Boat    da da da    soon will be making another run da da da da
The Love Boat da da da da promises something for everyone.
Set a course for adventure,,,,, your mind on a new ro - o - mance
da da da da    da da da da   da da da da    da da da da
It's Luv    welcome aboard it's Luuuuuuv

campdisney:

its sad to me that you said 'there is room for improvement' on your vacations. It sounds like you'll never be satisfied until every CM acknowledges that you spent your hard earned dollar to come all the way to Orlando. JUST to go to disney.

I dont know guys. Its just about common sense to me. Its Disney. But its orlando. have you lived there? I have. Do you think that Sally the lawyer with tons of common sense and street smarts is going to go work at Disney in attractions for 7 bucks an hour? The people who work at Disney and dont make a difference are always gonna be there.

Just like at McDonalds, or Wal-mart or Target or whatever.

"BUT its DISNEY stephenie. They should have higher standards"

Welcome to planet earth. Its just not that way anymore. Its not my fault. or your fault. or disney's fault.

its just the way it is. Disney is still the ultimate theme park experience. I just dont understand the mindset of critiqing everything that comes out of orlando regarding Disney. Enjoy it for what it is and what it does to you.

Everything at Disney IS guest oriented. They dont have parades and firework shows and and unlimited supply of Turkey legs for Mickey and the CM's.

As for the wants that have been vocalized and nothing has been done. What specifically are you talking about?

"They're not going to draw many people in by insisting their customers book a complete vacation package through Disney (first barrier) for a small chance (second barrier) of winning something neat. "

I guess most people don't realize that almost every onsite vacation package that is booked goes thru the Walt Disney Travel Company now, no matter if you book direct or with a travel agent - your travel agent just books the trip for you thru WDTC.

I don't remember seeing a requirement for this contest that the guest needs to be staying onsite....

"Win the Keys to the Magic Kingdom"

https://secure.disney.go.com/registration/sites/sweepstakesRules?name=SweepstakesRulesPage&site=DisneyParks&appRedirect=https%3A%2F%2Fsecure.disney.go.com%2Fregistration%2Fsites%2Fsweepstakes%3Fname%3DSweepstakesConfirmationPage%26site%3DDisneyParks

No Purchase is necessary in order to win.

Will this get people over the age of 10 to book travel to Disney? IMHO, yes, just like the HCOE did, and the 100 Year celebration before that.

-Joe

greenyskp:  My issues have mainly been with WDW hotels.  I didn't bring them up because its off topic -- but if you want an example . . .  Pop Century has preferred rooms where the front side of the building is smoke free and the back side is not.  This is absolutely inane.  We could smell smoke constantly in our room at nightime.  And it wasn't a faint wiff.  If was as if someone had lit up in our bathroom  It threw my son into a minor asthma attack and gave my husband a full blown migraine.  So much for specifying a "non-smoking" room.  Between that and the food poisoning three of us got from hotdogs in the food court,  I'll don't think I'll ever stay at a value resort again.  

"It sounds like you'll never be satisfied until every CM acknowledges that you spent your hard earned dollar to come all the way to Orlando. JUST to go to disney."

That's quite a leap.  I don't expect acknowledgement nor do I expect "Sally the lawyer" to hand me my food or clean my room -- but I do expect someone who is polite and thorough.  I expect that anywhere I spend money.  It's called Customer Service.  We've had some absolutely fantastic cM experiences that have been the highlight of our vacations  -  and they far outweighed any crabby CM encounters.  My point was that the CMs are those right out there, on the front lines interacting with guests -- and that contact goes along way toward making guests happy.  And that's Disney's goal.  If this new program helps CMs to make that happen in new ways for a few of their guests, than bravo, go for it!  But that alone is not going to make me decide to spend my vacation dollars at Disney this year.  A discounted room rate will.

Of course Disney is guest oriented.  That was exactly my point.  WDW isn't McDonalds or Wall-Mart.  They should have higher standards because they are held to higher standards.  They always have been and always will be.   Don't buy into the mind set that "its no one's fault, its just the way the world is now".   Expect mediocrity and that's exactly when you'll get.  WDW knows it has CM issues and I'm hoping Iger will steer that toward a more positive place in the near future.  Curmudgeon hit it right on the nose:  keep your employees happy and they will knock themselves out for you.

As for wants that have been vocalized:  how about something new and cutting edge at Innovations, a new pavillion in the World Showcase or even just a new 360 movie at Canada's pavillion?  I'm glad MGM got a new stunt show but it needs more help.  Why ship off a great show like Tarzan Rocks yet leave the Indian Jones Stunt Spectacular in place?  Most kids don't even know who Indiana Jones is.  I'm thrilled there will be new attractions to see on our next trip. I can't wait to go on Soarin' and Everest and see Nemo's full integration into the Living Seas.  They're all great moves in the right direction.  That movement needs to continue.  

askmike1:  Please don't critique those of us that can't manage to excited about this promotion by saying we fail to see the big picture. Of course we see the big picture. We're Disney enthusiasts after all -- but we're also pragmatists (its part of our charm).  I'll be the first one to jump up and down if my family wins a night in the castle, but until then, I'll keep my feet firmly planted on Main Street, thanks.  

Thank you campdisney for explaining yourself. I definitly see where you're coming from. And agree with you on many issues. My family (though my parents are smokers...) had a wonderful experience at Pop Century this past Christmas, and i'm sorry you didnt have a nice time. I love that resort. It doesnt feel as Valuey as the all stars to me.

Though in that same breath... I stay where it is cheap. because even when we go for a week for christmas or my birthday, we just arent at the hotel much, so the amenities dont matter. Is there a bed? A pillow? Is it safe and dry? Is it clean? Those are my 'amenities'. Although I like staying on property because the bus system is a plus, I've stayed all over Kissimmee and gotten suites and much bigger rooms for less than it would have been to stay at a value resort (for exmable, at Regal Palm, we had 11 people in a 4 bedroom villa for $100 dollars a night.  Compared to 11 people divided up between 3 rooms at the all star at $135 a night.) I have the money to stay at a Deluxe. but i'd rather go pin-crazy and spend that extra $200+ dollars a day on food and souvineers. Thats just me, to each their own.

Anyway, I have my complaints about Disney as well. But I dont like to voice them. I think its silly. My complaints are 'single people complaints'. I am single. I dont have children. I come from a family of none-riders. I am not disney's target audience. My main compaint isnt disney's fault. Its parents who have children who think they have priority over me. Ive gotten so many dirty looks from parents if I dont let their children cut in front of me in line. Especially when waiting for characters. I had a lady call me a B*tch and tell me I was going to hell because we were sitting in the front row center for Voyage of the little mermaid (my favorite show) and she asked if her and her family could sit in our seats. because her daughter had never seen it before. I said no. that there were plenty of seats and we were already seated, and she said "but you're an adult. These are children." Umm... I still want a good seat. And i told her that its actually a better show from Middle, center. And she scoffed and call me the name and walked away. Not to mention parents with strollers and of course those people who are walking walking walking and then just stop right in front of you. So you have to slam on your "brakes" so you dont run into them. But those are common complaints.

I just take things in stride at Disney. Once we checked in an all star for my birthday, and in my 'Its my birthday shirt' NO one said happy birthday to me. And on top of that there was an issue with our reservation and our room ended up not being ready till 10pm. Nothing special happend for my birthday, at the hotel that year, whatever though didnt relaly expect it. But the following year we were upgraded to a suite, and there was a signed picture and balloons and confetti from Mickey. Sometimes you get good CM's. Sometimes.. with the BILLIONS of people coming through that resort every day, your family slips through the loop.

I never noticed the gum or trash that is "constantly" on Splash until someone pointed it out. Im just always too mystified by the animatronics, music, ambience.. etc.

Ive never had a bad trip or a bad experience before. Or maybe I have. Its just never a bad time if its at disney. because whatever just happened... I can turn around and see Cinderella castle and my heart soars and my eyes tear up. How the heck can you have a bad experience when your just miles away from that castle and the magic that goes on. Or your just hours away from seeing Wishes or Fantasmic.

bottom-line i guess is that i understand where you're coming from. But I dont view things the same way. Disney could never add a new thing and I would continue to enjoy whats there and create my own magic. I always get exactly what I want out of disney. I find a way.

greenyskp said, "This celebration is about kids. Not some 45 year old Ariel-holic being able to win a night in Cinderella's castle alone."

And then follows that up by telling us that she doesn't like kids getting in her way and she's more than happy to gyp some poor child who's never seen the show before out of a good seat at Little Mermaid, despite having probably seen the show 100 times herself and also being an ADULT who can see from just about anywhere.

And I'm taking abuse over not getting "the magic" from you???? If anyone on this board doesn't get what the magic is about, my money's on you!

hahaha

First of all. I like children. I said I didnt like the parents who are pushing the strollers. Theyre rude.

Anyone who has been on Voyage knows that sitting in the first row gives you a most limited view. You dont get to experience much of the effects in the grotto around you and you can clearly see the puppetry.

As for the rude woman... we were seated and waiting for the movie to start when she walked in front of me, and demanded we give her family the seat. I dont think ANYONE would just get up and give it to her.

Way to make an assumption on the internet about someone you dont know based on one comment. because if you DID know me you'd know that I routinely give away my fast passes and constantly tell families with children about waking up tinkerbelle, or times to get on rides, or meet characters with no lines.

Riiiiight. I dont get "the magic" Thats why I cant make it out of there without crying. Thats why I head up a non-for-profit organization that lets low-income familes go to disney, on a trip planned by me, with money from donations.

You dont even have a point or an opinion on this. You just made a post to blast me. Way to be an adult.

greenyskp said:

"  ... she asked if her and her family could sit in our seats. because her daughter had never seen it before. I said no. that there were plenty of seats and we were already seated, and she said "but you're an adult. These are children." Umm... I still want a good seat."

Then she said:

"Anyone who has been on Voyage knows that sitting in the first row gives you a most limited view. You dont get to experience much of the effects in the grotto around you and you can clearly see the puppetry."

So which is it??? You want a good seat or it's not a good seat?? You claim I'M not an adult?? Who's the one taking up spaces in character lines so you can meet Mickey Mouse??

Please ... get a life ...

Some feedback: I think maybe when we have the time, it would be good to get an WYSIWYG editor in here for those of us who are HTML wannabees like myself. I am unable to read the posts after they got all stretched out like this. :) Oh- and the popups don't bug me so much, but I prefer the ads that just come in between the click and the content. (I don't know what they're called, but they're not half as anoying if they don't last too long).

You're obviously on here to push my buttons. I dont care what you think about me meeting Mickey.

I have a very fufulling life. You, on the other hand seem to need to go online and critisize people you dont know on a Disney website. Talk about getting a life...