Al's Column: What about WDW?

[Doopey1]

I read today's column and I am legitimately excited for all the DL fans out there. Any time Disney decides to pour money into the parks and make them better, I'm happy about that. But as has been covered in the past, I'm a WDW person. I've always lived out east, and WDW has always been my Disney experience (I did visit DL once many moons ago).

So, does anyone know if there is any indication that WDW might get even a fraction of the TLC that is being shown to Anaheim? Let's face it, WDW draws more visitors, and for all intents and purposes it really is the "flagship" resort. And as we catalog ad nauseum on these boards, the place needs some work. Reportedly, Lasseter doesn't give a flip about WDW.

Is there a long-term plan for WDW? Are we just out of luck? Is there any relief in sight? Can anyone shed any light on what's happeining behind closed doors?

[Speedway]

Re: Al's Column: What about WDW?

Everyone knows WDW is the flagship resort, but Disneyland has had a lot more attention lately because of it standards being re-gained after He Who Shall Not Be Named basically urinated all over them in the 90s, the 50th, and the re-newed interest of WDI in the resort. With the standards dropping at WDW for the past few years (although we are seeing many signs of a magic renewal of sorts at WDW lately), it could be that the spotlight goes back to WDW pretty soon.

Al in particular reports mostly on Disneyland, because simply, that is his speciality. His contacts are in Team Disney Anaheim, not Team Disney Orlando.

[Doopey1]

Re: Al's Column: What about WDW?

I can appreciate that DL was overdue for it, and obviously DCA needs all sorts of help, but it just seems like now everything is all DLR and nothing WDW. Even The Seas with Nemo, which I'm excited about because it is something new and fresh for Epcot, seems like an afterthought when compared to DL's Nemo sub voyage, much like WDW's POTC refurb was an afterthought to DL's refurb.

[JiminyCricketFan]

Re: Al's Column: What about WDW?

I was wondering what WDW was getting too. MK really needs some TLC to just KEEP UP with things, let alone add major new attractions.

I think it has to come down to Disney management. Orlando has management committees who know how to STOP any ideas for improvement for the parks. NO GOOD IDEAS seem to come from them, but they know how to shoot down any ideas that come around.

I call for new management at Orlando. Jay Rassulo is destroying Disney magic not making it. Planning needs to start right now for Epcot's 25th anniversary, but nothing seems to be rolled out. MK needs at least one E ticket added to it. All the activity that Disneyland is getting should be for EVERY WDW park. But as it is, Disneyland is getting much more, not because of the 50th. (That celebration is over!) But because of BAD decisions of Disney upper management.

[OogieBoogie]

Re: Al's Column: What about WDW?

I'm sure Kevin will write something soon about it.

[Ghostbuster626]

Re: Al's Column: What about WDW?

yea but Kevin never talks about what new attractions are planed for the parks! I want to know what changes are in store for the resort!

[Speedway]

Re: Al's Column: What about WDW?

I call for new management at Orlando. Jay Rassulo is destroying Disney magic not making it. Planning needs to start right now for Epcot's 25th anniversary, but nothing seems to be rolled out. MK needs at least one E ticket added to it. All the activity that Disneyland is getting should be for EVERY WDW park. But as it is, Disneyland is getting much more, not because of the 50th. (That celebration is over!) But because of BAD decisions of Disney upper management.

WDW did just get new management, only very recently. I'd give them six months or so to see a difference before you ask for even newer management.

I've already seen pleasant results which may or may not be attributed to Meg Crofton and Erin Wallace. Custodial at the Magic Kingdom is on the up, and the new castle show looks like a return to classic Disney entertainment.

[kcnole]

Re: Al's Column: What about WDW?

Al did report a while back that many managers from WDW recently visited DL and saw how much better things like the Haunted Mansion, Pirates, and the Jungle Cruise were there and have decided to bring us up to par over the next few years. There's been a ton of rumors of refurbs a plenty for us over the next few years. We'll just have to wait and see if they come true.

[Malin]

Re: Al's Column: What about WDW?

To be fair to WDW Im sure plenty of new attractions are in the works for Orlando.Just because we havn't heard anything doesn't mean a thing,in fact its usually when things are quiet that something is happening.The only attraction that has recieved a greenlight in Anaheim is the Midway Madness attraction that is also being built out East so its not like we're being hard done by,also Animal Kingdom only this year opened Expedition Everest so its not like we've not had anything new in the last few years.

[Malin]

Re: Al's Column: What about WDW?

Just like to add that while the line up of new attractions in recent years have been impressive there is other areas where the money should go.

[Doopey1]

Re: Al's Column: What about WDW?

Speedway, That's a good point and I know not to expect anything overnight. It may take time to let the new management find their feet. And I also applaud the "little things" like keeping MK clean (which isn't really a little thing at all). I also recognize that we have rec'd a few new attractions at WDW like EE and Nemo and the Nemo show at DAK. But there's not a cohesive plan driving it.

What I'd really like to see is some declared long-term commitment to quality and vision -- "we will continue to build quality attractions at DAK and 'finish' that park, we will refurbish/upgrade/improve aging attractions like HM, Space Mountain, Jungle Cruise and Star Tours, will will replace/reopoen WoL in a way that affirms Epcot's vision of blending education and entertainment. We will develop new, innovative attractions based on popular properties like Cars, Narnia, and Incredibles. We won't do all of these things in one year. But we are committed to doing them over the next several years so that WDW remains the premier family resort in the world."

That's what I want.

[Doopey1]

Re: Al's Column: What about WDW?

Al did report a while back that many managers from WDW recently visited DL and saw how much better things like the Haunted Mansion, Pirates, and the Jungle Cruise were there and have decided to bring us up to par over the next few years. There's been a ton of rumors of refurbs a plenty for us over the next few years. We'll just have to wait and see if they come true.

Now that you mention it, I do remember that report. I hope it's true because that would be great news.

[Stimpy215]

Re: Al's Column: What about WDW?

I still wanna go to DLR some day to see the difference ...i only know WDW ..love it to death but i wanna see the big difference on how the same rides like JC and HM are run

[Witches of Morva]

Re: Al's Column: What about WDW?

ORDDU: As far as my sisters and I are concerned, Disneyland is the REAL 'Flagship' of Disney Theme parks--mostly because Walt Disney, himself, was the one to create it. So, saying that everyone knows that Walt Disney World is the Flagship is only a matter of opinion.

ORWEN: We fly back and forth to both parks but Disneyland is the most charming of the two--for us. We enjoy Walt Disney World for what it is, of course. But nothing will ever top Disneyland for us.

ORGOCH: Got frogs?

[DoppelV]

Re: Al's Column: What about WDW?

ORDDU: As far as my sisters and I are concerned, Disneyland is the REAL 'Flagship' of Disney Theme parks--mostly because Walt Disney, himself, was the one to create it. So, saying that everyone knows that Walt Disney World is the Flagship is only a matter of opinion.

ORWEN: We fly back and forth to both parks but Disneyland is the most charming of the two--for us. We enjoy Walt Disney World for what it is, of course. But nothing will ever top Disneyland for us.

ORGOCH: Got frogs?

Hmmm, I don't know, I don't think it is just a matter of opinion. The US Navy would not name the oldest ship in the fleet as flagship, they would choose the one best suited to fight and the most prestigious. Disneyland is the nostalgic favorite, but in terms of numbers of visitors and expansion/development potential, WDW surpasses all of the other Disney properties. They have the land and the consumer base to continue to be Disney's most profitable property for a great long while.

Also, I think that if Walt had lived to see WDW, he would agree that it is the flagship property of the chain, Walt loved Disneyland, but it's clear to see that he had a lot of regrets about that particular property, for that reason above any other, he could have used WDW as his new playground, and created a whole new experience that unfortunately hasn't yet come to pass.

[WDW1974]

Re: Al's Column: What about WDW?

Well, as stated before Al's base of knowledge/expertise is DL. And he does a better job of 'covering' the resort than 'real' reporters with the LA Times and OC Register. His sources are a whole lot better too. And he doesn't have to worry about keeping the folks in TDA or Burbank happy because most of them wish he'd get eaten by a flock of wild buzzards.

I've heard Al is planning a visit to WDW, so maybe he can see both the really good (DAK ... and some of the recent Epcot upgrades) to the very bad ... the MK and the empty Disney-MGM Studios with the BAH in it.

But there are some positive changes on the horizon already ... and a decent amount of new things have been opened lately. Both Space and Jungle Cruise will be getting redos and a new E-Ticket is on the way for the MK (first since 1991 or did Splash open in '92? can't recall right now). The hotels are all being upgraded ... the Contemporary rooms really look amazing and high end. Poly and WL were also recently done (Swan and Dolphin too , although they aren't Disney owned). Boardwalk and All Star Sports and Music are next on the redo list.

Epcot will be getting even more attention as we inch closer to its 25th (see my other thread for details).

SO I am feeling some optimism about things ... the biggest problem is having someone heading the parks division in Jay Rasulo, who has no concept of the business he is running beyond spreadsheets and PowerPoint demos ... but I'm also sure he's losing his power ... and he may soon find himself either in another position with Disney or unemployed.

[lazyboy97O]

Re: Al's Column: What about WDW?

I wanted to chime in on the whole flagship thing. The way I've always seen it is that Walt Disney World is the flagship resort, but Disneyland is the flagship park.

[Speedway]

Re: Al's Column: What about WDW?

I wanted to chime in on the whole flagship thing. The way I've always seen it is that Walt Disney World is the flagship resort, but Disneyland is the flagship park.

Yeah, I agree.

ORDDU: As far as my sisters and I are concerned, Disneyland is the REAL 'Flagship' of Disney Theme parks--mostly because Walt Disney, himself, was the one to create it. So, saying that everyone knows that Walt Disney World is the Flagship is only a matter of opinion.

ORWEN: We fly back and forth to both parks but Disneyland is the most charming of the two--for us. We enjoy Walt Disney World for what it is, of course. But nothing will ever top Disneyland for us.

ORGOCH: Got frogs?

Well, basically you're just stating you're own opinion. The fact that Walt Disney was to one to create it doesn't mean it is the actual flagship resort recognised by the Disney company. It's the flagship resort recognised by the Witches of Morva.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts recognises Walt Disney World as the flagship resort of all of them. Why? Has the most parks, but more importantly - makes the most money. :P

[Neon Cactus]

Re: Al's Column: What about WDW?

Just a theory on why DL's getting the attention right now. They just finished up the 50th anniversary promotion, which was more successful than even Disney expected. They're getting ready to announce the new Disney Cruise ship on the West Coast, so with all of this going on, Disney wants to establish Disneyland as a resort destination, rather than a 1 or 2 day park that it traditionally has been. And they have two parks and the second park has flopped, so if they are to become a resort destination, they need people to be as excited to see DCA as they are for Disneyland.

Disney World has been far from ignored, however. They got Everest, they're getting the Laugh Floor Comedy Club, they're getting Nemo for the Living Seas, among other things.

[Cmash95]

Re: Al's Column: What about WDW?

walt disney did create disneyworld. he didn't build it, but it was all planned out before he died. well MK was. and the hotels were as well. roy took the plans and made them real. well most of them real. frankly I read al's article and I still see pixar centeral and now they want to turn the island into a pirates playground? this is what happens when marketing is allowed to take over something they don't know. it's bad enough they want to add orlando and keira to the pirates ride but they don't need more pirates. I am sure they can find another " frontier" theme that would fit better than pirates. also 650 million dollars over 5 years to fix a park? I hate to think how much it's gonna cost to visit those parks in 5 years. If they aren't careful their supposed flagship park will cost more than 100 just to walk through the gate. and that would severly limit attendance.