Recently, a great discussion was started by a Facebook update from Gary Chambers (Mouse Lounge podcast) in regards to Disney failing to fix some key show elements at two different parks. One was "Murphy" who is the AA dragon in Fantasmic that was put into place amid a great marketing campaign during the Summer of 2009. One year later, the dragon has consistently been absent from the show. The other, and IMHO Disney's greatest offense, is the large Yeti AA figure inside the Expedition Everest attraction at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
As the thread progressed, excuses in defense of Disney arose due to "engineering complications" and the great "challenges" it must be for the company to keep certain show elements or attractions running the way they were intended to.
Friend and fellow podcaster, Joel, had this to say, "Bottom line, if people are still willing to go to the parks and spend money, then Disney figures they can get away with not fixing things. When you go to Tokyo and see how those parks are run, it would amaze you. We let them get away with not upholding the highest standards."
More viewpoints were put out there by a fellow fan that made the excuse for Disney that "pushing the limits often results in failure." After this, I had to get on my soapbox and here it is.
Joel hit the nail on the head. Period. I'm not a total picky DF over every tiny detail but I do have stuck in my head a standard Disney should be held to as they were many years ago here in the States. I grew up with that standard after many family trips to the parks. It's sad that I cannot come to expect the same as an adult. Instead, I'm left wondering and anticipating what new effect / feature won't be working before I arrive at the domestic parks. That's just a sad fact.
This is the number one reason why my Disney dollar is best spent at the Tokyo Disney Resort. The standard is held and respected to the utmost level there and park tickets are, I believe, even cheaper which makes my head spin. Tokyo doesn't do anything second rate. For instance, they don't ever cut shows at slower times of the year to save money. They consistently, if not fanatically, update their entertainment options within the parks so nothing gets stale. Hell, they have new floats, music, and features for EVERY SINGLE holiday parade. Their special event / holiday parades have something new and different each and every year. Last and most importantly, maintenance is spot on with *every attraction at each park* getting one small refurb / downtime window EVERY YEAR to make sure things are in the working order originally intended by WDI's design. WDI has tried for years to completely re-design / re-theme DisneySEA's Journey Into the Center of the Earth attraction as the complicated ride vehicles and most impressive AA in Disney's collection (makes disco yeti look like a teddy bear) requires 25% of the entire park's budget each year to maintain. However, with the volcano being the park "weeny," they've painted themselves into a corner and have completely given up on trying to change things to bring the maintenance budget down. So, they continue on operating the attraction under that kind of ridiculous requirement to provide "the standard" and consistent experience each time you get on the thing. It truly is a pleasure to visit the Tokyo resort and never ever have to worry about missing a viewing of Dreamlights because of the time of year you are able to make it out or worry about not seeing your favorite effect on an attraction. I really hate taking newbies to the parks here in the states because I catch myself getting stuck trying to explain what the Yeti used to do or how Brer Rabbit is supposed to actually pop up and bound alongside your log as you make your way through the attraction.
This is the number one reason why my Disney dollar is best spent at the Tokyo Disney Resort. The standard is held and respected to the utmost level there and park tickets are, I believe, even cheaper which makes my head spin. Tokyo doesn't do anything second rate. For instance, they don't ever cut shows at slower times of the year to save money. They consistently, if not fanatically, update their entertainment options within the parks so nothing gets stale. Hell, they have new floats, music, and features for EVERY SINGLE holiday parade. Their special event / holiday parades have something new and different each and every year. Last and most importantly, maintenance is spot on with *every attraction at each park* getting one small refurb / downtime window EVERY YEAR to make sure things are in the working order originally intended by WDI's design. WDI has tried for years to completely re-design / re-theme DisneySEA's Journey Into the Center of the Earth attraction as the complicated ride vehicles and most impressive AA in Disney's collection (makes disco yeti look like a teddy bear) requires 25% of the entire park's budget each year to maintain. However, with the volcano being the park "weeny," they've painted themselves into a corner and have completely given up on trying to change things to bring the maintenance budget down. So, they continue on operating the attraction under that kind of ridiculous requirement to provide "the standard" and consistent experience each time you get on the thing. It truly is a pleasure to visit the Tokyo resort and never ever have to worry about missing a viewing of Dreamlights because of the time of year you are able to make it out or worry about not seeing your favorite effect on an attraction. I really hate taking newbies to the parks here in the states because I catch myself getting stuck trying to explain what the Yeti used to do or how Brer Rabbit is supposed to actually pop up and bound alongside your log as you make your way through the attraction.
In regards to possible engineering challenges faced by Disney, one of the main jobs of the people engineering the effects seen in certain attractions is to take into account repetitive stress. Secondly, the bean counters, working with the designers, are responsible for budgeting a maintenance schedule into each of these attractions to make sure they get the attention needed for consistent operation. Pushing the limit is no excuse and they haven't quite pushed the limit here in the states at all in my opinion after taking a stroll around DisneySEA to see exactly how WDI can push the limit when allowed to stretch their arms. If they aren't going to provide for proper upkeep with a new effect or feature within an attraction, they shouldn't put the damn thing on stage at all. If airline companies strapped to the gills with operating expenses, can keep some of the most complicated pieces of engineering known to man flying through the air without killing people through proper maintenance and design, the engineers at Disney can keep a few hydraulic puppets working consistently. They simply refuse to spend the money and they simply refuse to give the attraction some proper downtime in order to get things right. Again, by seeing it first hand all done right out at the Tokyo Resort, there is no excuse in my book for these show elements to be down. Not a one.
Next, it was argued that the bean counters were not necessarily running the show and proof of this was the billions of dollars being spent on re-furbishing and making Disney's California Adventure "right." My response and opinion on the matter was as follows:
My Patience came to an end with Disco Yeti 2 years ago. Again, there is no excuse AT ALL for the one element the storyline within the Everest attraction hinges on to be out of order for this long. I've heard from a reliable WDI contact exactly why they haven't repaired it. It has to do with them not wanting to shut the attraction down and that's all. That's just ridiculous. I know it's one of the only E-tickets at DAK and it would be a disappointment to guests that want to experience the attraction for the first time. However, it's more of a disappointment seeing a multi-million dollar effect receiving a $50 dollar treatment in the form of a strobe light. Hell, it even looked as if his eyes that used to glow red are now out. DISNEY FAIL!
Last, DCA's refurb doesn't release my opinion on bean counters consistently jacking with WDI. It only solidifies it. If they wouldn't have slashed the budget in the first place when designing the park, the idiots wouldn't have had to spend twice what they should have on the park and cause so much construction interruption for guests. Again, while I'm pleased that DCA is getting the attention it needs, it only points out something very wrong with Disney corporate policy and the relations between departments. Their fiscal policy needs to further agree with their creative policy in my opinion. Tony Baxter agrees after his statement at D23 in relation to proper budgeting for design. It was along the lines of, "do you want to be the one standing at the exit of the attraction and explain to so and so kid why the thing sucked?" I believe it received a standing O from what I've heard.
It's just funny how WDI manages to work harmoniously with both Park Ops and OLC's accountants in order to get it done right the first time and keep things on track. I can't wait to see what WDI comes up with for the 3rd gate in Tokyo. It will be a good benchmark of where WDI is at if OLC continues to do what they have been doing. Last, keep in mind that in 2009 OLC's profits dropped 78%!!!! http://www.variety.com/art
Florida is even worse. "Future World" needs a swift kick in the ass like DCA as it's a deplorable testament to what it once was and an embarrassment to the company. I wouldn't want my "Imagination" pavilion completely lacking one of the very things my company was founded upon. Imagination itself.
Sorry, I don't easily swallow technical excuses to mediocrity and a lack of attention to detail when someone is asking me to fork over ~$120 for a day in the park and hundreds more for an annual pass. If OLC can keep things up to snuff losing their ass one year, our domestic arms can surely figure out how to do it with a healthy profit.
Last, DCA's refurb doesn't release my opinion on bean counters consistently jacking with WDI. It only solidifies it. If they wouldn't have slashed the budget in the first place when designing the park, the idiots wouldn't have had to spend twice what they should have on the park and cause so much construction interruption for guests. Again, while I'm pleased that DCA is getting the attention it needs, it only points out something very wrong with Disney corporate policy and the relations between departments. Their fiscal policy needs to further agree with their creative policy in my opinion. Tony Baxter agrees after his statement at D23 in relation to proper budgeting for design. It was along the lines of, "do you want to be the one standing at the exit of the attraction and explain to so and so kid why the thing sucked?" I believe it received a standing O from what I've heard.
It's just funny how WDI manages to work harmoniously with both Park Ops and OLC's accountants in order to get it done right the first time and keep things on track. I can't wait to see what WDI comes up with for the 3rd gate in Tokyo. It will be a good benchmark of where WDI is at if OLC continues to do what they have been doing. Last, keep in mind that in 2009 OLC's profits dropped 78%!!!! http://www.variety.com/art
Florida is even worse. "Future World" needs a swift kick in the ass like DCA as it's a deplorable testament to what it once was and an embarrassment to the company. I wouldn't want my "Imagination" pavilion completely lacking one of the very things my company was founded upon. Imagination itself.
Sorry, I don't easily swallow technical excuses to mediocrity and a lack of attention to detail when someone is asking me to fork over ~$120 for a day in the park and hundreds more for an annual pass. If OLC can keep things up to snuff losing their ass one year, our domestic arms can surely figure out how to do it with a healthy profit.
It'll be interesting to see how long World of Color at DCA is maintained properly. It's only been open three months and there are already a number of show features that aren't operating.
ReplyDeleteI've got Tokyo Disney on my list of things to do. I hope I get there within the next few years.
Wow! WOC is already missing elements? Why am I not surprised? During the shows at The Tokyo parks, they actually make an announcement stating that some show elements were absent die to weather, unforeseen circumstances, or tech difficulties. They know how important every detail is to their guests and hold that good ole' Disney Standard in high regard. I'm glad you've got Tokyo on your to do list. You won't be sorry. Not one bit.
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