Does Disney still have the "wow" factor?

[Aurora]

A post on the thread about the "Avatar" announcement said this:

"For whatever reason, Disney just does not have the willingness, or ability to wow us anymore."

My first thought was the new "Magic, Memories and You" show projected on Cinderella Castle just before "Wishes." When I first read about what it would be, I thought, you've got to be kidding me. Then I saw it. Huge WOW.

Then I thought about riding POTC through Davy Jones' face, and popping virtual targets at Toy Story characters, and walking through the standby queue in Expedition Everest, and Soarin'.

Do you agree with the first thought -- that Disney can't wow us anymore? Or can you name other shows or attractions that you recently experienced and found yourself mouthing "wow"?

[texas211]

Sure, I can show you my credit card bill after my vacation

[DizneyRox]

Yeah, I agree... Last trip I got home and looked at our food costs and said, "WOW!" I was in awe!

I was doubly impressed that they seem to still not be able to sell a decent souvenir t-shirt. I couldn't believe it's been about 5 years since I spent any money on trinkets at and of the shops.

[johnO]

I think they can definetly still "wow" us. Frankly, im unimpressed with the Avatar decision. Ive never even seen Avatar so perhaps that has something to do with me being unimpressed. I just feel that there are so many Disney Pictures that could have been used for the basis of a new "themed land" at the parks.

[LVT]

I have been to WDW 6 times. I am still in awe enough times to wish for another trip. One does get used to repeated experiences and lose fear and awe, even dangerous stuff.
I am glad I still enjoy WDW.

[micky95]

i'm still wowed by what disney has done but look at the entertainment business.no new ideas ,everything seems to be a remake.on tv ,charlies angels, hawaii 50. the movie remakes,foot loose,wild west and more.the last movie i say that had me totally wowed was the matrix,the first one.i looked at my wife after the movie and wondered if she was real.lol. so its not just disney everything seems to be in a lull.

[ValenciaCalling]

Sure, I can show you my credit card bill after my vacation

[minnie04]

Sure, I can show you my credit card bill after my vacation

That was Priceless !!!! great answer..

Oh yeah and I think what would really "WOW" me is if they turn the Speed Way into the theme of Cars...Not that they will,but I would love to say WOW!!! if they did.

[Tigerinvestigator]

WDW NEVER FAILS TO WOW ME!!! I don't understand all the people freaking out about Avatar either. Did they see this movie?? EYE-POPPING movie. The possibilities are unreal with what imagineers can and WILL do with this project. I am excited and if no one else is then maybe the crowds will be lower and my family will have the parks all to ourselves!

[Belle1984]

Yea I have to say that I will always be wowwed by Disney parks. Grew up going to WDW and then moved to Los Angeles and now I know I could never be unimpressed because I go to Disneyland Resort almost every other month.
Will always appreciate the level of detail put into everything. This blows every other theme park out of the water for me. And that's while I will always be wowwed. And as for Avatar; I didn't love the movie but the visual beauty of it will make a great attraction. Just my opinion.

[MrPeetrie]

I don't understand all the people freaking out about Avatar either. Did they see this movie?? EYE-POPPING movie. The possibilities are unreal with what imagineers can and WILL do with this project.

I couldn't agree more here. I think the collaboration between Disney and Cameron is going to be amazing.

At first, I wondered why Animal Kingdom? Why not Hollywood Studios? But I remembered Disney intended there to be a Beastly Kingdoms, full of mythical creatures, in AK's original design. This is a nice "plussed" idea of that. So I'm excited, too!!!

Disney still wows me jus by effectively managing a workforce of 35,000 that never fails to impress. Kudos to all cast members, imagineers, and those associated with the theme parks. You are the real stars and the reason Disney shines.

[Main Street Jim]

Disney still wows me jus by effectively managing a workforce of 35,000 that never fails to impress

You missed the number - by about 30,000 Yes, WDW is the largest single-site employer in the world, with 65,000 Cast Members. That includes full- and part-time, seasonal, salaried managers and executives, Imagineering, DCL (which, as I understand, is "attached" to the WDW resort), College Program, and International College Program.

But yeah...it really takes a LOT of effort to keep all 65,000 working together.

[Belster]

No I just cannot agree. Sorry. :0(

[Ms. Mode]

YES! I love WDW and I'm what you call "Disney Poor" to prove it. It is what you make it!

[BeccaO]

They "wowed" me on my very 1st trip and still continue to "wow" me now after many many trips!!! I don't ever anticipate not being "wowed" because that's what Disney is all about and I think that is why I continue to want to go back year after year!!!

[Terra]

YES! I love WDW and I'm what you call "Disney Poor" to prove it. It is what you make it!

All right, what is Disney poor??

For me, living just 45 minutes from the magic and going for 10+ years at least every 1-2 months for a day or so...it totally has the WOW factor still!

Call me dorky, corny, sentimental, crazy...but every time I walk through one of the park entrances something instantly happens to me...the cares of the real world are gone. I'm neck deep in fantasy, imagination, fun and memories. This became even more priceless with the birth of my sons and now watching their faces light up every time we go

[eire]

Disney will never lose its WOW factor. My parents took us to WDW every 3 years when we were growing up. One of the highlights was always the Main Street Electrical Parade. Last summer, I had the chance to watch this parade alongside my parents, my siblings, and our children. When the music started, I got chills and glanced at my dad, who had tears in his eyes. Nope. The WOW factor is still there--- and we will be there in 2012, too!

[TheVBs]

Disney has never failed to WOW us! We go every two years and each trip always seems even more magical than the last. We always go expecting to have a good time and we end up having a GREAT time.

[ransam]

I am WOWed every time i go. I'm 48, don't have much money, but still love the place, and everytime i leave i can't wait to go back....so for me, YES it has that wow factor.

[wdwfansince75]

If you doubt the continuation of the WoW factor, check ribeyespud's threat, "Our 1st Time, and Only Trip to WDW" Every time I read it, I catch another WoW! Still does it for me after all these years...Of course, my glass is always more than half full.