What is the real problem here........?

[VeganPrincess]

There has been a lot of criticism about the Year of a Million Dreams. Here's my take on the celebration. I like the slogan "Where Dreams Come True." Disney has always been about fulfilling dreams. I must admit, I even like the design that is on all of the lamp posts. I especially like tv ads and music. The real problem I have is when the narrator on the ads says

"DISNEY PARKS"

How can you compare Tokyo Disney Sea to DCA?!

When was the last time you heard this conversation?

- So, where are you going on vacation?
- I'm going to a Disney Park.
- Oh, wow, I've always wanted to go to one.

What do you think? Do you hate the whole celebration, or just certain parts of it? Or, are you influenced by internet chatter - since there is so much negativity towards the celebration, do you share that negativity?

[pineapplewhipaddict]

Re: What is the real problem here........?

The "Disney Parks" thing really is one of the worst aspects about the campaign, IMO...but I'm also quite disappointed in what management feels will fulfill my dreams. There's so much room for creativity with prizes, really making dreams come true, especially for it's heavy So-Cal repeat attendees. What would make my dream come true? Give me a walk-through of Pirates of the Caribbean after hours...let me take a picture with Jack in the barrel! etc.

What about that Honda giveaway they had a while back? Where's our free cars?!

There's so much room to throw in such fun ideas, and as of now the prizes seem to be lackluster for the most part.

The whole thing really deserved better planning and more time for preparation.

The "Where dreams come true" thing seems okay to me, though I think they should have given that to WDW alone-Disneyland has it's title already so seeing a different one is a bit odd.

[minnietoo]

Re: What is the real problem here........?

I think it is fun! - I think the title "where dreams come true" is very appropriate as just going to DL can be a a dream come true for someone - meeting a princess or another favorite character is a dream come true for someone - eating at the BB is a dream come true for someone - it builds on the idea that DL is a magical place to come to and spend some time being happy.

As far as the Disney Parks term - it really doesn't bother me - some advertisements have to be "global" to save some money so I can win a big prize - if it comes down to Park specific ads versus money for prizes - I say spend more on prizes and less on ads.

I love the "moments" and the "dreams" (prizes) - it makes it fun to go and watch for some unexpected excitement happen to someone - and hope that maybe it will be me.

We go often - this has put a new spin on our visits - it gives us something new to watch for and (hopefully) participate in.

:thumbup:

It actually saddens me and is somewhat incomprehensible to me that there is so much negative about this campaign on the board when it has only barely started. I truely don't get that - and I guess I am sad for those that can only see life through dirty glasses.

[sorceress1986]

Re: What is the real problem here........?

The "Disney Parks" thing really is one of the worst aspects about the campaign, IMO...but I'm also quite disappointed in what management feels will fulfill my dreams. There's so much room for creativity with prizes, really making dreams come true, especially for it's heavy So-Cal repeat attendees. What would make my dream come true? Give me a walk-through of Pirates of the Caribbean after hours...let me take a picture with Jack in the barrel! etc.

What about that Honda giveaway they had a while back? Where's our free cars?!

There's so much room to throw in such fun ideas, and as of now the prizes seem to be lackluster for the most part.

The whole thing really deserved better planning and more time for preparation.

The "Where dreams come true" thing seems okay to me, though I think they should have given that to WDW alone-Disneyland has it's title already so seeing a different one is a bit odd.

You know, I agree with that. I mean, you could really do some fun stuff without shelling out too much money that would make people, especially the repeat customers, totally happy.

I thought about allowing winners to see the fireworks from one of the actual launch spots. I mean, talk about an awesome view. Or allow a family to get a tour of Disneyland after it's closed to see all the interestnig stuff that goes on. Go see Walt's apartment, the priority seating to Fantasmic! or any other show.

I don't see why these ideas are so hard to come up with, really.

I think their ideas of what is a dream come true really muc come from somewhere else other than a creative faet. They really should even consider talking to WDI about ideas for this-that's their job...IDEAS!

[desertdweller]

Re: What is the real problem here........?

One of the cheesiest of the "Dreams" campaign for me is being picked for the buffeteria table service.

What if my group was grabbing a quick spaghetti or salad and a drink and didn't want this special attention, along with the stares from other diners.

And then you are required to pay for everything your party has ordered and I'm sure most people feel obligated to leave a generous tip to the servers for this "special" treatment.

This would be more like a nightmare for me!

[thmar]

Re: What is the real problem here........?

"Where Dreams Come True"...I think it's great!!!!...I would love to be chosen for any one of surprises! Unfortunately for me...due to current finances, I'm not currently able to go to any of the Disney Parks...but at least I can enter through the mail. I realize the chances of my winning anything especially through a mail-in entry are very, very small...but hey, at least I can dream...after all disney is "where dreams come true"...........

[Malcon10t]

Re: What is the real problem here........?

Go see Walt's apartment,

They are giving 60 of these (a winner and 5 guests) away, plus dinner.

the priority seating to Fantasmic!

They are giving dinner for 5 on the Gallery Balcony with Fantasmic! after.

Supposedly, they are working on a Fantasmic! seating area (without desserts) also.

[lazyboy97O]

Re: What is the real problem here........?

I hate the whole campaign. I see absolutely no need for this homogenization of the parks under one collective brand, slogan, and celebration. The parks should be individual entities, not some mass that you simply pick the nearest one. At the worst I think it is a means of trying to save face for an eventual employment issue.

[aerinpegadrak]

Re: What is the real problem here........?

I think that trying to homogenize the Disney theme parks is going to hurt, and badly. If they're telling me that all Disney parks are the same, what's the point in me spending the money to see Disney World? Why would I go to Tokyo, where I'd really have to shell out the bucks (since I can't really use any CM discounts there)? It might seem like the easiest and best thing to do now, but methinks the suits will sore repenteth in the fiscal years to come.

As for the Dreams stuff, it's won me over. I had my misgivings, but it's being handled pretty well.

[Malcon10t]

Re: What is the real problem here........?

One of the cheesiest of the "Dreams" campaign for me is being picked for the buffeteria table service.

What if my group was grabbing a quick spaghetti or salad and a drink and didn't want this special attention, along with the stares from other diners.

Then smile politely and say you are justwanting a quick and quiet meal and to please pick another group. They will.

And then you are required to pay for everything your party has ordered and I'm sure most people feel obligated to leave a generous tip to the servers for this "special" treatment.

This would be more like a nightmare for me!

You walk into the restaurant planning on paying for a meal. You are given the option of not having to stand in line and being served instead of having to run back for drinks and such. You are informed the service is comped, but you still pay. Its your option to accept. You dont have to accept.

The "servers" are not in the group that is allowed to accept tips. It would be donated to the local childrens hospital.

[DLDan]

Re: What is the real problem here........?

I love the idea! It is really smart for a company to create a advertising campaign that helps them and gives something extra to the customer! I also love the Disney Parks idea because it unifies the parks and makes it known to people that there are more than one park in the world. It is really smart because some people have no idea that there are parks in different countries... it subliminally encourages people to think about traveling to other parks .... haha Maybe I am looking into the Disney Parks thing too much! I am taking an advanced Advertising class and I brought this up and my teacher knew exactly what I was talking about and said that there was a lot of buzz about.

For the people who say that a small prize isnt making your dreams come true.... I dont know what they are expecting The smaller the prizes the more there are which means a better chance of you getting one

Those are just my feelings on the topic

[sorceress1986]

Re: What is the real problem here........?

They are giving 60 of these (a winner and 5 guests) away, plus dinner.
They are giving dinner for 5 on the Gallery Balcony with Fantasmic! after.

Supposedly, they are working on a Fantasmic! seating area (without desserts) also.

I certainly hope so. I haven't actually seen the whole list of stuff, so I figured everything on the list was kinda pathetic...Thanks for the clarification.

[lazyboy97O]

Re: What is the real problem here........?

I love the idea! It is really smart for a company to create a advertising campaign that helps them and gives something extra to the customer! I also love the Disney Parks idea because it unifies the parks and makes it known to people that there are more than one park in the world. It is really smart because some people have no idea that there are parks in different countries... it subliminally encourages people to think about traveling to other parks .... haha Maybe I am looking into the Disney Parks thing too much! I am taking an advanced Advertising class and I brought this up and my teacher knew exactly what I was talking about and said that there was a lot of buzz about.

[Malcon10t]

Re: What is the real problem here........?

I certainly hope so. I haven't actually seen the whole list of stuff, so I figured everything on the list was kinda pathetic...Thanks for the clarification.

I've seen the list of prizes that have to be randomized. Those are the 2 I would like to win. Now, the night at the Mickey Penthouse to be given out each day starting in Jan, I don't know if I would accept. I might and let the kids stay there and have a night of quiet in my hotel!!

Just to clarify, with regards to the Walts Apartment, they will select 60 winners over the next 15 mos, and each one will be for the winner and 5 friends, so a total of 300 will get to participate in seeing Walts apartment.

[DsnyFvr]

Re: What is the real problem here........?

The whole campaign seems weak and not really well thought out. The only thing I like about it is the slogan "where dreams come true". That is the essence of Disneyland. The whole idea of treating all the parks the same seems like a carry over from the 50th celebration. It was Disneyland's birthday but it was treated a birthday for all the parks.
The prizes are very weak. You would think that the dream of winning table service at a buffeteria restaurant would include Disney paying for the tab..but I guess not.
Hopefully they will put more time and preparation into the next campaign.

[Malcon10t]

Re: What is the real problem here........?

The prizes are very weak. You would think that the dream of winning table service at a buffeteria restaurant would include Disney paying for the tab..but I guess not.
Hopefully they will put more time and preparation into the next campaign.

I like the 2 week vacations visiting all the parks. Thats not weak, at least not to me. Or the trip to Italy. Or the membership into the Vacation Club. Or the trips to France. Or the trips to Costa Rica. Or all the various cruises. Or all the trips to WDW and Disneyland. Or the shopping sprees at the World of Disney. Or the press events for the opening of Nemo. And the list goes on. So, maybe to some, the sit down service may not be "as good" as the big prizes, but it is still good to some people who like the magical moments. IF you dont like it, and get selected, please pass it to someone who will appreciate it.

And you know what I reaally appreciate with all these prizes? Disney is also including, for the prizes valued over $600, cash to help cover the taxes involved. As an example, the vacation club membership is valued at $84000. Disney is also including cash of $25000 to hep defray the cost of the income taxes.