Observations on Disney

[ERN]

We spent a few days at Disney last month. The whole time we were there, we seemed to be surrounded by decent folks all there to have a good time. Everyone was generally well mannered, calm, etc. I wondered about this because the rest of our time in Orange/SD/LA county, the rats were never too far away.

Then it came to me: Disney is expensive.

Take from it what you will.

[Mayflower]

I haven't been there since 1988(Orlando)... but it was a pretty good crowd for me also.

What does a 3 day pass cost now anyway?

[ERN]

http://disneyland.disney.go.com/tickets/


$220 for three day.

[ERN]

BTW Walt was a pirate:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reedy_Creek_Improvement_District

"Disney used multiple shell companies (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shell_companies) to buy up land at very low prices from unknowing landowners in the area that eventually become the district."

"Therefore, the Disney Company petitioned the Florida State Legislature for the creation of the Reedy Creek Improvement District, which would have almost total autonomy within its borders."

"The Improvement District has far-reaching powers. Through the District, Disney could construct almost anything within its borders, including a nuclear power plant (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_power_plant) (which it never built, opting instead for a more traditional plant that supplements power from outside of the District). The District, as with any municipal corporation (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Municipal_corporation), can issue tax-free bonds for internal improvements (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internal_improvements)."

"In addition to the power of eminent domain (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eminent_domain) outside the District, the one other power that the District was given (that it would not have had if it were simply the two cities) was an exemption to state zoning and land use laws."

Dang. There is a lot to learn in subterfuge and the use of massive wealth here.

[WinstonSmith]

Walt was definitely a pirate. And they have the customer service down to an exact science. One of the best places to take the family for sure.

[irishmike]

Yeah, I have to agree that Disney service was top notch. Truthfully, when we went there last year I was almost looking for a reason to dislike the experience. Almost a throw back to my days of bucking traditions and hating the mainstream. But man, the place was awesome, my step daughter loved it (of course), and the service was excellent. Expensive? Darn tooting, I wish I would have done a little more research prior to going (package deals will save you big $) But I agree whole heartedly that rats, welfare cases, the entitled, and the obnoxious were not to be found inside the park while the rest of Florida seemed rife with them. I long for the days when my own personal expensive tastes will naturally de-select me and the family from having to deal with the dregs of society very often.

[Vigilant]

Yeah, I have to agree that Disney service was top notch. Truthfully, when we went there last year I was almost looking for a reason to dislike the experience. Almost a throw back to my days of bucking traditions and hating the mainstream. But man, the place was awesome, my step daughter loved it (of course), and the service was excellent. Expensive? Darn tooting, I wish I would have done a little more research prior to going (package deals will save you big $) But I agree whole heartedly that rats, welfare cases, the entitled, and the obnoxious were not to be found inside the park while the rest of Florida seemed rife with them. I long for the days when my own personal expensive tastes will naturally de-select me and the family from having to deal with the dregs of society very often.Irish, last time I was in Orlando's "Happiest Place on Earth", there were plenty of obnoxious folks, but after we realized they were New Yorkers, we understood!:biggrin: The service was still exemplary, my only complaint was that the food was overly expensive, and factory produced!

[Steve Paulson]

Just don't go for Christmas. Did that for 2005...never again. Thank God I had a bitchin' rental car that I didn't have to wait in line to drive! 2nd week of January would have been golden. Lessons learned...... But even still I felt like a kid again. Good times.

[michael]

I really need to make the trip back to Disney, it's been a couple of decades since I have been. It may be time to relive my childhood.

[Gabriel Suarez]

Walt was a pirate and someone I have studied. Success or failure has nothing to do with politics, or even one's faith, so say what you will about Disney but in the end, he would not have cared. Disney has extensive security as well...and yes...the cost keeps the rats out.

[JFSanders]

Back in 1964 we lived across the street from the Director of Reedy Creek ID in Pine Hills. My Dad was a engineer at Martin Marietta and Brian's dad ran the development and construction of Disney World. I met Roy Disney and his brother Walt on testing days as we being teenagers made the perfect test subjects to ride the rides. Walt was definitely the artist and Roy was all business. They had some pretty animated discussions but they were both of the mind that the less govt control over their business the better. I still wish they had built the nuke plant. But the coolest thing is the underground part of the park. This is why you never see the guy wheeling a bunch of garbage around. They pop up from underground empty the can and pop back down. It is amazing to just wander around, but you can't do that today. We just finished the volcano at catastrophe canyon and it definitely will get your attention.

[Vigilant]

Obviously not "overly expensive", or they would not have people coming from all over the world year after year. Expensive? Yes. But millions feel it was worth the expense. I bet you do, too.

Sort of like training in an SI class. Is it more expensive than taking a class with Joe Bob at the local dirt pit? Absolutely! But is it worth it?I misspoke, I mean it was overly expensive for factory food! I have no qualms about expensive eating, I think that Disney's was no where near the quality that the price suggested. I've had fabulous meals in Downtown Disney at Fultons, but the fare offered in the parks that was supposed to be "fine" dining was severely lacking for the price point. My former wife and I purchased a Disney Vacation Club "timeshare" with the "Fine" dining option, and were sorely disappointed. YMMV