Ranting and Raving: Thoughts on Limited Time Magic

Disney unveiled the concept of "Limited Time Magic" for the new year, and in theory the concept has sounded like a positive idea to promote special pluses to guests. The idea is to make each week or each vacation a little different than the last one. As it seems, the goal was to promote tourists to travel to Walt  Disney World and Disneyland during times that they would normally not travel. The belief would be that special times of year that were less "busy" would be balanced out by these limited time pluses. What are the thoughts now that it has been rolled out for about four months now? What about the program for the future? Let's look into it shall we.

Here are just some of the Limited Time Magic at Walt Disney World so far:

April 15–21, 2013

         Fairies week at the Magic Kingdom.

April 1–30, 2013

          April's addition to Disney's Year of the Ear is a Strawberry Ear Hat, 

March 25–31, 2013

          Easter Bunny at the United Kingdom Pavilion at Epcot

March 18–24, 2013

          Easter Egg Hunt in Epcot.

March 1–March 9, 2013

          Follow the yellow brick road to WonderGround Gallery at Downtown Disney

March 3–May 12, 2013

          Spring Trolley Show on Main Street, U.S.A. 

Feb. 18–24, 2013

          Presidents Day Celebration at the America Gardens Theatre in Epcot.

Feb. 11–17, 2013

          True Love Week

Feb. 1–9, 2013

          Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe in Tomorrowland for Super Sunday menu items.

Feb. 1–4, 2013

           Super Bowl spirit with a super pre-parade including MVP Joe Flacco. 

Jan. 21–27, 2013

           Long Lost Friends Week. 

Jan. 14–20, 2013

           Snow at Epcot

Jan. 7–13, 2013

          "Year of the Ear," promising new, limited-edition Ear Hats each month. 

Upon looking at the list up to this point it seems like things are certainly lacking. With the exception of the week of long lost friends, where old characters make appearances for the first time in years, and True Love week, it appears as though the magic is not necessarily all that magical. To give Disney credit, it seems like an impossibility to make every week ridiculously special, but as the list suggests it seems as though they are content with having a lackluster experience in certain weeks. It also seems curious that they have wrapped some of the yearly traditions into this, like the Super Bowl MVP parade, which is something that has been done since 1987 with Phil Simms. The problem seems to be simple. The Walt Disney Company seemed to be in a situation, with no real celebration in the parks for 2013. This has led to a combination of things from the past and newer, smaller, programs put together to entice travel. Even though many believe that the every year celebration seems to be unnecessary and overbearing, it has become a staple of the company really since the resorts 25th anniversary. 

Here is the bottom line: It is not a necessary thing for Disney to do, and thus it is not something that should make or break your travel to the resort, but if you get lucky to visit during one of the major week long celebrations consider yourself privileged, as it is not often that the magic will blow you away. 

Disney NextGen: "MyMagic+" and "Magic Band" Rant

As the new developments in the Disney NextGen plan continues to rollout, there seems to be plenty of positives that the new technology boasts and seems to be able to accomplish. There is also concerns, as well as some things that may either anger or discourage guests. Looking at the concept as a whole we may be able to easily spot each of these thoughts.

The NextGen, or FastPass+ program will allow guests to plan their vacation long in advance. In the past we have had the idea of ADR's where guests can reserve dining reservations up to 180 days out. This has been met with mixed reviews initially because of the lack of reservations available for last minute trips and such. This has been remedied with the addition of the credit card charge for missed ADR's that rolled out in the summertime.

The program has also patented the "Magic Band" system that allows guests to wear their tickets on their wrists. These bands will apparently be fully customizable, and carry room keys, ticket info, Dining Plan, Photopass, Fastpass and credit card info. (which used to be linked to your room key) These bands will allow swift movement throughout the resort without the need for carrying tickets on cards.

The "My Magic +" program will allow guests to reserve quick service locations for certain times, which will also be part of the Magic Band system. Kiosks located within shops will allow for quicker access for guests to shop without the lines. All together it appears that this is Disney's NextGen plan.

Now first the thought on the good.The Magic Band system seems to be a good idea. Now it is true that people will worry that the bands could become lost, but considering that people can wear bracelets from Mickey's Very Merry Christmas party for over a month after the event, it is not looking like it will be a major issue. The ease of using these as room keys is invaluable. Remember what it is like picking up gifts sent to your hotel and then carrying them up to the room. Fiddling around to find your room key can be a pain. This may end that situation. It also could allow guests to choose not to carry a wallet or pocketbook into the parks, as it will also be the credit card and dining plan card. This makes the idea safer.

The concern does hinder on the strength and durability of the magic band, as well as the thought of the issues going along with letting guests shop and pay without a cast member present. Will it work like the supermarket self-checkouts? one cast member watching four RFID stations? Anyone ever really pay attention to people using self checkouts? they generally get away with everything. It may not last long, especially if Disney begins to lose money in shops because of a higher percentage of theft. (even though it is Disney World, do not think people do not try and succeed in stealing)

Now comes the rant, the anger, the part that turns the stomachs of many Disney fanboys and enthusiasts. The Fastpass+: what makes Disney believe that people want to (emphasize on want to) plan every nuance of their vacation 5 months before they go. This takes a spontaneity, it eliminates the ability for guests to roam where they want. It is bad enough being basically forced to plan ADR's before a trip and decide which park to go to each day or at least know that there must be travel to a specific park for an ADR, but now to plan what rides to attend on a specific day at a distinct time? That just seems to be overboard. Consider this: the Fastpass for Toy Story Mania is generally gone within the first 2 hours of Hollywood Studios opening. Could we imagine what will happen when a percentage of those Fastpasses are designated for the "+" program? They will disappear by 10am. This will anger many guests and cause issues.

Though the program seems to have its positives and certainly its concerns, many enthusiasts are stuck on the extreme planning stage. For many it seems the NextGen program is taking away the fun and excitement of a Disney World trip, and forcing guests to plan ever step of their trip, which some will welcome but many will look at disdainfully.

Eisner... Savior or Pariah?

In this world we are often presented with people that are polarizing. We look at them as being heroes or villains, good or evil and how their actions affected our lives. One of those debates have raged on over the past ten years over the tenure of Michael Eisner in the Disney Company. While many would be quick to point out his shortcomings, others are just as quick to mention his successes. While not displacing an actual gospel opinion on the man, it is necessary to look at both his positives and his negatives to get a better understanding of what went on throughout his tenure at the House of Mouse.

Disney President Frank Wells and Disney CEO Michael Eisner

To first look at Michael Eisner is to see how it was he came to The Walt Disney Company. Eisner, of Paramount Pictures, along with his friend and colleague Jeffrey Katzenberg arrived in the company in 1984 along with Frank Wells, a man known for his time as President and Vice Chairman of Warner Bros. They were brought in to replace Walt Disney's son-in-law Ron Miller, as it was on Miller and Board President Card Walker's watch that saw both the Disney animation come crashing down, and the near-miss hostile takeover by Saul Steinburg (who wanted to buy Disney and sell it off piece by piece). Those events prompted Roy E. Disney to start his famous "Save Disney" campaign that was preceded by his choice to resign as a member of the Board of Directors. This move ultimately replaced Miller and Walker with Eisner and Wells, who had known Roy since college.

President of Feature Animation Peter Schneider, Animation Head Roy E. Disney, 

and Disney Studio Chairman Jeffrey Katzenberg

During the tenure of Wells and Eisner, fans saw both growth in the parks and in animation. There was the opening of Disney/MGM Studios, and the subsequent expansion of that park in the from of Sunset Boulevard. It saw the reinvigorated energy from feature animation, now headed by Peter Schneider. Roy Disney returned to the company he left in 1984 to run the Animation department under Schneider and Katzenberg. The team of Roy and Jeffrey Katzenberg  though tumultuous at best produced some Disney's greatest hits ever. Animation ran off hits like The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King in succession. This helped not only retail of merchandise and toys, but also kept the parks running at a high level through the early 90's. Eisner helped change the landscape of the company in less than 10 years. His form of reckless abandon, shoot from the hip attitude led the company while Frank Wells helped keep balance and was always the voice of reason. Unfortunately the happy story seems to end here.

Sadly on April 3, 1994 the world lost Frank Wells, as he tragically died in a helicopter crash in Nevada, returning from a ski trip in the Ruby Mountains. Frank was always known for his love for mountain climbing and skiing almost reached his goal of reaching all seven summits (he had to turn back one day short of the summit of Mount Everest). Wells' death left not only a huge void in the Disney family, but an even greater void in their corporate hierarchy. With the loss of Wells, Disney was without their President, and Michael Eisner was without his sounding board, and his voice of reason. Around this time, Jeffrey Katzeneberg believed that he was next in line to be the Disney President. At this point much debate ensues as some believe that Katzenberg pushed Eisner to promote him, while others believe that Eisner never intended to have Katzenberg work alongside him. Whatever the reason, there was a rivalry between the two that was evident before Wells' death. It came to head afterward.

Eisner eventually pushed Katzenberg to resign, and he went on to create Dreamworks SKG with close friends Steven Spielberg and David Geffen. Katzenberg eventually sued Disney and settled out of court for roughly $250 million dollars. At this point much of Eisner's choices began to become questionable. He hired Creative Artists Agency co-founder and close friend Michael Ovitz. This became one of Eisner's most questionable administrative choices.

Disney CEO Michael Eisner and President Michael Ovitz

The Michael Ovitz experiment ended with Disney owing him almost $160 million dollars in salary and stock options. The year of Ovitz as President not only ruined the relationship he had with Eisner, it also ruined his reputation, as many believed him to be "dumb". Ovitz claims that he was left out of a lot of meetings, and was never explained his role or what was expected of him. His dismissal began to show how Michael Eisner was trying to keep complete control.

Disney CEO Michael Eisner and President Bob Iger

Eventually we are lead to Eisner assuming both posts, but after pressure from many, he named Robert Iger President, and after Roy Disney's second "Save Disney" campaign, Eisner resigned a year before his contract ended. With that Bob Iger assumed his position as President and CEO. 

The questions that are always asked: Was Eisner really that bad? Did he do anything good? Why was there so many issues during his career? Why didn't anyone stop him? The answers though not simple spark many debates. My take is that Eisner is everything and more. He was and is an extremely complex person. He was a good corporate leader during part of his tenure, and he was a poor leader at other times. He did his best work in his first 10 years, and it seemed he lost direction and desired more control during his second 10 years. It can be said that Michael Eisner is like a tale of two people. The first was the intelligent business man who helped take a company on the brink and make it not only relevant, but highly successful. The other person was the man who did not have a real vision, or direction. The second person was power hungry, and wanted everyone to do as he wanted. What was the difference? Frank Wells.

Without Frank Wells' ability to mediate situations, it seems that Michael Eisner's personal issues with his colleagues caused many problems. He was unable to control his feelings toward others. So when the question is asked of Michael Eisner is a savior of Disney or a Pariah, I think the question must be asked: When? From 1984-1994 or 1995-2005. The answer may become much simpler. 

Ranting and Raving: "Minusing"

While on my most recent vacation to the most magical place on earth, a new thought entered my head. For all of the "plussing" that the Walt Disney Company does in the parks, there is some minusing as well. "Plussing" was a term that Walt Disney created when referring to adding on to an attraction to make it better. Us in the social media world have begun to use the term "minusing" to describe what it means to change an attraction for worse; not better. I have found through the years that for all the good that has been done, they have done some questionable things. Below are a few I noticed on this past trip

Instance 1:

Splash Mountain: On this past trip I noticed quite a few things different that were there last year when I went around the same time:
     1. There were lap bars-  We posted about this in the past so I was prepared. No problem here
     2. The Roadrunner with no friends was gone. Seems he was not replaced but just removed. This
         bothered me actually. It was pretty funny.
     3. In the "Laughing Place" there was no more shooting streams of water or raising turtles. This was
         quite disappointing.
     4. In the riverboat scene a few roosters and chickens were "dead". They didn't move and actually
         they appeared dead. Traumatizing for children I'm sure.

Instance 2:

TTA Peoplemover: I noticed only that the upkeep for the Progress City model is lacking. There is no movement, and it just seems as though they just dim the lights.

Instance 3:

Innoventions: I know they are in the process of updating this, but the world of walls just didn't do it for me. I was a bit upset by this one.

Instance 4:

Test Track: I know they are refurbishing this in a few months, but the pre-show film was not even on. The room was just an extension of the queue. I found this a bit disturbing actually.

These were just a few of the glaring ones for me, but I know there were others. I do not want to sound as though I am knocking Disney all over the place here, but I think it is a little upsetting when things like this happen. I know not every guest will be happy all of the time, but when negative changes happen I feel as though it needs to be mentioned. Disney does many great things, but like all giant companies, they are not immune to missteps. This I fear is a few missteps in the parks division. Overall it was still a magical experience, but these few things did put a chink in the armor so to speak. Just do not let me get started on Universal. Oh I feel another rant coming on.
   

Ranting and Raving: The Spinning Spinners of Magic Kingdom

Somehow I find myself thinking about the different attractions that are in each Disney World park, and the thing that came to mind today and that really seemed to get at me was the round-a-bout spinning attractions that Magic Kingdom has. It occurred to me that this park wants guests to have jumbled heads by the time they exit the turnstiles at night. Consider this, as a classic spinner attraction Magic Kingdom has three: Dumbo the Flying Elephant, the Astro Orbiter, and the Magic Carpets of Aladdin. In the classic carousel there is Prince Charming's Regal Carrousel (or whatever they decided to change it to now) and  The Mad Tea Party. Also, but not in the category of the others is the famous Carousel of Progress. Wow, and I thought it wasn't that bad. Who forgot to remind Disney that differentiation was a good thing.

Though each spinner attraction has a different theme, they are generally the same attraction. The magic carpets are the same as Dumbo and the Astro Orbter in design. They spin round and round and go up and down. The only difference is that tone is themed after the Buck Rogers space ships and the other two are based off of Disney films. It does not make much of sense to have this many attractions with the same basic concept in one park. Think of the other three parks. Can you name a spinning attraction in them?

Now the rant is not really meant for the original two attractions that were in the park, but saved for the most recent Spinner attraction the Magic Carpets. What exactly was the logic in dropping this attraction in the middle of Adventureland. It seems to me and many of the people that I have talked to that this attraction has not only bottled up that main area of Adventureland, but it has ruined the original story of the land. Now we must deal with trying to prove that the Agrabah Bazaar area fits in with the theme of adventure. Where does it end. I understand that Aladdin was a huge success for the Disney company and thus they were trying to maximize the popularity by placing an attraction themed off of it in the parks somewhere, but this was not the place.

Considering this I think it is safe to say that we will not be seeing any new spinning rides in the Walt Disney World Resort, or at least the resort for that matter. Not unless they want to go the Six Flags route, and we all know that we do not want that.

Another Rant: The Sorcerer's Hat at MGM!

Walking down Hollywood Blvd. in 1993 there was an amazing sight of seeing not only The Great Movie Ride, but a large part of what Disney's MGM Studios really was. The openness of it all was apparent, and it was completely inviting. Walking down today however it seems as though something has changed. Can you guess what it is? I'll give you a hint.

Yes. It is the Sorcerer's Hat. Amazingly one addition could completely change the way a park can look. Ask Disney fans and enthusiasts what they think about the hat and the consensus would probably be borderline hatred. Though it is ugly, and though fans may despise it, rumor has it that there was a reason for it that is more to it than just adding a park icon. It dealt with Disney being taken to court. Apparently the owners of the Graumann's Chinese Theater took the Walt Disney Company to court in the mid to late nineties, based on the usage of their famed building. (in case we aren't all aware, The Great Movie Ride is a replica of the front of the faed theater.) As rumor has it, the original agreement between Disney and the theater owners wnet like this: The building could be reproduced for the park, but so long as Disney did not make money off the building. What does that mean? If you look at Disney t-shirts, and postcards and such from the early nineties, the building was in a way used as the unofficial icon of the park. It was put on t-shirts, mugs, and so on. The owners of the Chinese Theater were furious that Disney decided to use the building to make money in memorabilia and souvenirs that they eventually took them to court. Disney either lost, or settled and it was decided that rather than take the facade down, as long as the view of it was obstructed from the entrance, and Disney no longer used it as a de-facto icon, it could stay. So while you walk down Hollywood Blvd. you may be angry and upset for the hats placement, but it seems that our anger is pointed at Disney, but not for the reasons we all thought it was.

I need to get this out: My Spaceship Earth Rant

Today I feel I need to jump on top of my soapbox, clear my throat and begin a rant that has been stewing within me for probably about three years. Spaceship Earth, the icon of  Epcot (Center), which has seen many changes, refurbishments, and renovations since it first greeted guests in 1982 needs a new storyline once and for all. Though it is three years too late I fear I cannot stay quiet about this anymore. The attraction, once a thrill to visit upon entering the park has become a barren wasteland within its geodesic sphere. I cannot believe that almost four years have past since Siemens completely ruined this attraction. It is not just the terrible script read by dame Judi Dench (who I do not blame or have ill will toward over this disgrace), but rather the "minusung" that took place in the design. It had always been Walt Disney's quest to "plus" his attractions, never letting his parks and resorts become museums, and many guests have embraced that aspect of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, as well as the parks outside of the US. It is here that Disney allowed this attraction, the face of a park, to be steered in the completely wrong direction. But who is to blame. Well lets see.

One could take the easy way out and simply blame Bruce Broughton, the composer, or even Judi Dench for "dumbing down" the entire script. But to understand what happened here is to look deeper. After the AT&T sponsorship ended, Disney found a new sponsor in Siemens. There idea was to completely revamp the attraction, complete with a new score, narration, and new "interactive" elements. To my knowledge Disney was kept pretty much out of the loop, and because they were not paying for the renovation it seemed as though they were ok with this. It seems that the blame falls onto the sponsorship because they seem to be completely to blame for the lack of a finale, which many people thought was a joke, or an unfinished part of the attraction. After four years it is official, Spaceship Earth is completed in its current state. There is absolutely no chance of this changing anytime soon, especially with Siemens having a 12 year sponsorship agreement with Disney that was signed in 2005. By my estimation, we may see changes in 2017.

So past the obvious sadness many had when the Mickey wand overstayed its welcome

we have now been subjected to four years of an attraction that has already overstayed its welcome. Though the attraction has its positive elements, (i.e. the early animatronics in the stone-age scene, the Romans, etc) the attraction to me seems to be a lost cause right now, and as long as the sponsorship holds up we are in for more of the same. So long Walter Cronkite. Good-Bye Jeremy Irons. See you later Larry Dobkin. We shall see you again.