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Thu, 05/28/2009 - 23:47

fjfuchs

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WDW Learner's Permit

bali posted an interesting comment in response to my introductory profile.

"I think it's truly fascinating how many different types of people can enjoy a place like that--it holds interest for just about everyone. Problem is getting people to GO and TRY to see how it can be interesting to them."

That is very interesting. Those same people who ask if I don't get tired of going to WDW are the same ones who have never been there. HOWEVER, I can understand that when us WDW'ers start talking, we rattle off so much stuff that the average person probably thinks, "My God. I could never do all that!" And it is true that over many trips we do more and more things and, in fact, we didn't do them all in one trip. Maybe there should be a "learner's permit" or a "tasting bar" or something similar outlining a program of activities for the first timer. Something that would give them a taste of everything but not overwhealm them. Is this part of the normal trip planning services. If it is, I wouldn't want to take away anyone's thunder but I think it's a GREAT idea. The other thing is that everyone assumes it is so very expensive to go to Disney. Well, in a way it is, but still, the range of experiences you can enjoy is far broader than at many other attractions. Dollywood, for example, is a very nice park - IF you like country music and Dolly Parton. I don't remember what it costs to get in there but is is certainly more than $5. There are also ways to go to Disney dirt cheap - not FANCY, but cheap - by staying in one of the outlying motels that proliferate in the area. On our last trip, I saw rooms for $22/nite. I would recommend these only if "cheap" was your driving goal. OK, enough rambling! Any ideas?

Fri, 05/29/2009 - 02:42

admin

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I LOVE the idea of a WDW "tasting bar!" We had a couple of interesting threads going a while back--one was about "selling" people on Disney, and the other was essentially about how to initiate someone "new" to Disney in a way that wouldn't be overwhelming.

I really like the idea of a WDW "tasting"--you could even create the itineraries to cater to different types of people (with kids, without kids, foodies, thrill ride junkies, entertainment afficionados...)

Fri, 05/29/2009 - 13:15

cdub

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There are definitely different "must do" activities depending on what you are into. Although there are some activities I would probably recommend everyone do, like Haunted Mansion. We should list some archetypes and what activities they should do.

Sat, 05/30/2009 - 13:34

LeCellierBuff1963

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Hi,

I think this is a good idea, but does it work on a large scale? I'm thinking one-on-one: ask of people the question, "When you hear 'Walt Disney World', what pops into your head?" Note the answers and go from there. For example, if the answer is "Mickey Mouse", then suggest "Magic Kingdom" or "Chef Mickey's".

Jim

Sat, 05/30/2009 - 16:24

Brad

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LeCellierBuff1963 wrote:

Hi,

I think this is a good idea, but does it work on a large scale? I'm thinking one-on-one: ask of people the question, "When you hear 'Walt Disney World', what pops into your head?" Note the answers and go from there. For example, if the answer is "Mickey Mouse", then suggest "Magic Kingdom" or "Chef Mickey's".

Jim

That's definitely a good idea Jim, except I wonder how many people's ideas of WDW are misguided. Maybe you should ask them what they think of as a "fun vacation." At the same time I'd like to know what Disney stuff they like. This could almost evolve into a WDW "personality test." I wonder if we could work up a questionnaire. Riffing on what Jim thought of you could ask them their favorite character to find out what they'd enjoy. For example, I love eating and I love Pooh so Crystal Palace is an obvious must for me.

Mon, 06/01/2009 - 15:37

Annie

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Brad wrote:

LeCellierBuff1963 wrote:
Hi,

I think this is a good idea, but does it work on a large scale? I'm thinking one-on-one: ask of people the question, "When you hear 'Walt Disney World', what pops into your head?" Note the answers and go from there. For example, if the answer is "Mickey Mouse", then suggest "Magic Kingdom" or "Chef Mickey's".

Jim

That's definitely a good idea Jim, except I wonder how many people's ideas of WDW are misguided. Maybe you should ask them what they think of as a "fun vacation." At the same time I'd like to know what Disney stuff they like. This could almost evolve into a WDW "personality test." I wonder if we could work up a questionnaire. Riffing on what Jim thought of you could ask them their favorite character to find out what they'd enjoy. For example, I love eating and I love Pooh so Crystal Palace is an obvious must for me.

I think you could base it on all of those questions. Get a read on favorite character, idea of a "fun vacation," "What does Walt Disney World mean to you?," etc. Five info packed answers could give enough info to plan a perfect trip!

Now--is this what travel agents do?

Mon, 06/01/2009 - 17:08

fjfuchs

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OK, here's an "off the wall" idea - - -
What if we go on the premise that the "subject" is not aware that we are choosing a Disney destination and agenda? Disney is so diverse that I'd bet you could put together an agenda based on a person's likes and dislikes without relating it to Disney. IE, no favorite character etc. After all, these people we are trying to entice may, in fact, have no concept or knowledge of Disney at all. That is probably why they aren't attracted to Disney already. I mention this because I can see me being one who, not knowing anything about something, will make the decision that I won't like it - sight unseen. Sort of the way that kids shun certain foods and then, after being coaxed a little (or growing up) find them quite appetizing. FJF

Thu, 06/04/2009 - 14:16

cdub

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fjfuchs wrote:

OK, here's an "off the wall" idea - - -
What if we go on the premise that the "subject" is not aware that we are choosing a Disney destination and agenda? Disney is so diverse that I'd bet you could put together an agenda based on a person's likes and dislikes without relating it to Disney. IE, no favorite character etc. After all, these people we are trying to entice may, in fact, have no concept or knowledge of Disney at all. That is probably why they aren't attracted to Disney already. I mention this because I can see me being one who, not knowing anything about something, will make the decision that I won't like it - sight unseen. Sort of the way that kids shun certain foods and then, after being coaxed a little (or growing up) find them quite appetizing. FJF

I think you could definitely mention the food and a lot of DTD activities to get them interested without mentioning Disney World. It does lack some sorts of activities though. Say you're a ski nut or something. But I bet you could come up with a list of activities that make it sound like a resort town.

Laying on the beach in a hammock.
Eating at the top of a high-rise looking out over a lake.
Watching fireworks from your room.
Riding a hot air balloon.

What else?

Thu, 06/04/2009 - 15:04

MouseTraveler

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Every tour, no matter who it is geared to, needs to start with the 'history of Disney', to get them attuned to how and why all this happened.

Thats why I always recommend the Magic Kingdom first. Let them see the names on Main Street, the Walt-Mickey statue, and target some of the original rides and attractions so that the new visitor gets a feel for what they're seeing.

I've thought for a long time that this kind of tour would be a big success. Imagine bringing a group to WDW for the first time, and their first day there you have a multimedia presentation about what they are about to experience.

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Thu, 06/04/2009 - 15:48

bali

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MouseTraveler wrote:

I've thought for a long time that this kind of tour would be a big success. Imagine bringing a group to WDW for the first time, and their first day there you have a multimedia presentation about what they are about to experience.

It would certainly make the experience richer--and that's what I personally enjoy about my vacations. But we're Disney history fans on this Board--would it work for everyone?

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Thu, 06/04/2009 - 18:20

MouseTraveler

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bali wrote:

MouseTraveler wrote:

I've thought for a long time that this kind of tour would be a big success. Imagine bringing a group to WDW for the first time, and their first day there you have a multimedia presentation about what they are about to experience.

It would certainly make the experience richer--and that's what I personally enjoy about my vacations. But we're Disney history fans on this Board--would it work for everyone?

Nope, the average fan would probably care less.

Which is why they should be locked OUT of the parks, making more room for the REST of us.

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Fri, 06/05/2009 - 14:27

SpaceAce

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fjfuchs wrote:

OK, here's an "off the wall" idea - - -
What if we go on the premise that the "subject" is not aware that we are choosing a Disney destination and agenda? Disney is so diverse that I'd bet you could put together an agenda based on a person's likes and dislikes without relating it to Disney. IE, no favorite character etc. After all, these people we are trying to entice may, in fact, have no concept or knowledge of Disney at all. That is probably why they aren't attracted to Disney already. I mention this because I can see me being one who, not knowing anything about something, will make the decision that I won't like it - sight unseen. Sort of the way that kids shun certain foods and then, after being coaxed a little (or growing up) find them quite appetizing. FJF

The problem here is, everyone KNOWS about Disney and has already developed a stereotype in their head about it. I imagine, even if you promised them that they'd get a vacation encompassing everything they wanted, they still might not be able to get over the fact that they're at Disney and don't think they want to be there.

...wondering if that makes any sense...

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Fri, 06/05/2009 - 18:15

Brad

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cdub wrote:

fjfuchs wrote:
OK, here's an "off the wall" idea - - -
What if we go on the premise that the "subject" is not aware that we are choosing a Disney destination and agenda? Disney is so diverse that I'd bet you could put together an agenda based on a person's likes and dislikes without relating it to Disney. IE, no favorite character etc. After all, these people we are trying to entice may, in fact, have no concept or knowledge of Disney at all. That is probably why they aren't attracted to Disney already. I mention this because I can see me being one who, not knowing anything about something, will make the decision that I won't like it - sight unseen. Sort of the way that kids shun certain foods and then, after being coaxed a little (or growing up) find them quite appetizing. FJF

I think you could definitely mention the food and a lot of DTD activities to get them interested without mentioning Disney World. It does lack some sorts of activities though. Say you're a ski nut or something. But I bet you could come up with a list of activities that make it sound like a resort town.

Laying on the beach in a hammock.
Eating at the top of a high-rise looking out over a lake.
Watching fireworks from your room.
Riding a hot air balloon.

What else?

Relaxing boat ride maybe?
Spa of course
Horseback riding

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