Is Disney Headed in the Wrong Direction?
March 24, 2010 at 6:26 pm Matt 9 comments
Be sure to read to the end of this post.
Otherwise I look like a jerk who hates Disney.
If Walt were here today, what would he be thinking of Disney World right now?
Walt, you must be a little disappointed.
Disappointed by the fact that no one could plan ahead, and now the Expedition Everest Yeti stands lifeless and defeats the purpose of the attraction. Disappointed by the fact that carelessness at 2AM on July 5th cost one man his life. Disappointed that Disney World has become satisfied with the status quo – something that should never happen.
See that picture? That didn’t need to happen. That shouldn’t have happened. But it did. Why?
I don’t really know – but chances are it has to do with carelessness. This is about the fourth accident in Disney Transportation over the past few months. I’m not going to pretend I know anything about running a company as large and well-known as Disney – but I do know that Walt wouldn’t let this slide. It’s time to take things more seriously, Disney.
Disney is supposed to be a place free from the troubles of the ‘real world’. Free from distractions, free from reality. Yet when something like this happens, or even something as horrific as the monorail incident, it reminds us all that Disney still IS the real world. We’ve just been fooling ourselves.
For every incident, accident, injury, & even death that occurs in their gates that could’ve been prevented, chances are there is one big fan or future guest that looses the magic. All because of carelessness.
DEAR DISNEY – I’m not bashing you. I’m still the biggest fan out their of Walt Disney World. I love your work. You’re all brilliant – really. I just think it’s time to put quality back over quantity. Saftey over efficiency. And magic over money.
So to answer the original question – I don’t think Disney is headed in the wrong direction. I just think they have made a couple of wrong turns, but that is easily fixed. If they catch themselves now, they can get going in the good direction, the direction that was originally intended. The end.
This post is part of the Disney Blog Carnival (round one) on Dismarks.
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Entry filed under: Articles. Tags: accident, Animal Kingdom, attraction, bus accident, carelessness, Disney, Disney World, disney's hollywood studios, Epcot, hollywood studios, magic, magic kingdom, ride, theme park, themepark, vacation, walt disney, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Walt Disney World, Walt Disney World Resort, WDW.
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1.
bridgetzoe | March 24, 2010 at 8:37 pm
If I remember correctly from reading an earlier news report…the Disney bus rear-ended a bus for another hotel. The strange thing about it was that the other bus was parked in the right lane, and the driver was standing outside the vehicle. The situation is just odd.
2.
Matt | March 25, 2010 at 7:20 am
I totally agree – the whole situation is very odd. But once we find out what caused it, etc. it should definitely clear things up. Still, I think it could’ve been prevented. We’ll have to see. =)
Thanks for sharing!
3.
Ernie | March 25, 2010 at 3:57 pm
Here is my feeling on on the Disney “carelessness.” “People” just don’t care anymore. At work, at home, and it life, people just don’t care. Most people today are selfish and care only about doing for themselves. In most work places, works don’t take pride in there work or go the extra mile to do the best job they can. This has rolled over to cast members and the bosses that run Disney. … And you are right, WALT would never have excepted this or would allow it. I love Disney too… but a little Magic has been lost.
4.
Matt | March 25, 2010 at 4:11 pm
As cynical and depressing as your comment sounds, you’re absolutely right Ernie. Unfortunately, it’s rare to find people that actually care – when it should be the opposite.
Yes, every time something stupid like this happens, a little magic gets lost. Hopefully it will come back. And you’re right – this attitude is making it’s way into the managers’ & cast members’ job as well.
Thanks for the comment, Ernie. Hopefully no more careless incidents will happen anymore.
5.
akeorlando | March 26, 2010 at 9:43 am
What’s wrong with the Everest Yeti?
6.
Matt | March 26, 2010 at 9:50 am
It no longer moves. When it originally opened the Yeti was roaring, shaking, trying to claw you, etc. but now they just have strobe lights on him and he sits there like a stuffed animal.
More info: http://wdwcentral.wordpress.com/2009/07/23/the-motionless-yeti-of-expedition-everest/ The first comment is also especially helpful as to why this happened.
7.
Chris | March 27, 2010 at 3:51 pm
I tend to think some of this has to do with people working longer shifts to make up for those who were laid off or positions that weren’t filled. Disney World is still really great and the CMs I’ve interacted with all seem to care (okay, there are exceptions, but I think they’re in the minority). But Disney needs to hire more people. I have a freind who worked 12 days in a row. His job is slightly more “cushy” than driving a bus and if he messes up, someone’s going to get, at worst, a papercut or a messed up reservation, but working that many days straight takes its toll.
I’m wondering what’s going to happen when Legoland and Harry Potter open? How will Disney respond to these guest complaints that seem to be growing more and more common? Because they’re going to get some competition here very soon.
8.
Matt | March 28, 2010 at 12:16 pm
You’re definitely right. Disney is working lots of people too hard – another thing that opens the door wide for careless and costly mistakes.
Honestly, I don’t think Universal will ever be real competition for Disney. But don’t forget that Disney is expanding their Fantasyland, adding a 3D Star Tours, etc. so that might balance things out.
9. Inaugural Disney Blog Carnival | DisMarks - Disney Social News | April 1, 2010 at 1:17 pm
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