The State of INTERCOT?

Part of it may be the nature of the boards. I know I went from checking intercot everyday to checking once a month or so, because I got tired of seeing the same questions (mostly about FP then FP+) posted over and over. About a year or two ago I started visiting everyday again, but don't spend as much time here as I once did. I usually just look to see if any new post interest me. If not I go somewhere else.

Maleficent_vf;2509425 wrote: The easiest example that comes to mind is the conversion of Maelstrom into a Frozen-themed ride. Not everything at WDW, especially outside the Magic Kingdom, needs to promote a Disney movie. The closing of Ellen's Energy Adventure to be replaced by a Guardians of the Galaxy ride is another. While EEA was in desperate need of an update, I'm not excited by the Guardians theme. Is The Company really that afraid of allowing their creative teams to develop something brand new and original for the parks? On the other hand, I am watching with interest to see how the Star Wars-ification of Hollywood Studios comes off. That could be an outstanding addition and one that fits the movie theme of that DHS, though it isn't something that would draw me back to WDW.

Not trying to start an argument, or make light of your point, but what needs to be understood is that, with the number of 'sponsors' they have lost over the past 10 years (or so,) they are trying to turn over attractions and such as quickly as possible (even if it DOES seem to be at a snails pace) and are using IP (intellectual property) to do it. That means that rehabs and replacements are coming from what 'properties' are popular at the time and that they can 'turn over' quickly.

Add to that, kids are more inclined to excitement over newer, flashier attractions, so Marvel, Pixar and newer Disney Animation titles are big 'grabs' for them. EPCOT has lost a lot of its original concept over the years, so to bring in the crowds and keep them returning, new and flashy wins out over real substance. I was a big fan of Maelstrom, myself, but the rehab to Frozen Ever After was a major plus to the attraction. The big loss was the Norwegian 'history' that the original ride had.

It was a major shock to see that they had teamed with Cameron to do the Pandora area, as they have (or had at the time) no real connection. Given the time, and the input from Cameron himself, the area turned out pretty well.

Disney already had a tie in with LucasFilm with the Indiana Jones attractions, and Star Tours, so when they purchased LucasFilm, it was understood that a lot of LucasFilm properties would be melded into the parks. I fully expect 50's Prime Time Cafe to be rehabbed into something from American Graffiti in the near future, but what do I know....

I lurk here almost every day. I don't visit the World nearly as much as most of the members do, so I tend to not reply to a lot of the posts.

I will agree with other posters who have said that a lot of the questions for a while pertained to FP+. This is still the case on other boards I visit. (Well, that and the renovation status of CSR.)

I do wonder if a lot of members are not visiting the World because of all of the construction that is going on now. I think that things will pick up more in 2018/2019 as people are looking for information about the new attractions and restaurants from like-minded fans. (We had originally planned on going back this summer but are seriously considering waiting a few more years for the work in Epcot and DHS to be complete.)

I've done enough corporate research to understand the nature of the business and what is driving the change, but it doesn't change my interest in it. Immersive worlds are a new thing and at this point, not likely to pull me in. Like I said, I'm curious to see how the Star Wars themed-land turns out at DHS, but I'm not in the target market and probably won't be beating a path to Orlando to see it. Same with Pandora. With the Fox purchase on the horizon there will, no doubt, be more to come.

I had noticed the slowing trend as well, but never said anything. I am typically on here during the week and never turn on a computer over the weekend .... other than my phone. I can't really say what it is that makes it seem slower. For me, I answer posts in matters that I have first hand experience or have first hand knowledge of. Intercot still has a wealth of knowledge to give people and not just to the new but to us old, crusty, been to Disney a million times kind of person. I may not learn something new each time I log on, but I do keep learning from here. I do not think the Disney trend is to not visit until the construction is completed because construction at Disney will NEVER be completed and we all know it's always crowded. I can remember WAY back when there were decidedly slower times to go, not now tho. Since the first time I took my kids, to now, there is always something new to see or eat or do. Always. Anywhoo ... Disney and Intercot are to me, like PB&J !! Kepp up the extraordinary work !!!

I think it is a mix of reasons, I think in general message boards have slowed a bit with the rise of other social media which maybe is seen as more accessible (just need a FB or Twitter log in) and a larger base of posters who respond quicker. Then again I don't like the last point about Facebook, if you look at a post with 700+ responses already there feels little point in posting as no one will likely see or reply to your post anyway so it is fairly meaningless. Intercot for me meanwhile has more of a community feel and there names I recognise who have posted over the years.

Poster numbers will also vary depending on time or year, if there is a lot going on in WDW, etc. My own experience is I post a lot less when I am busy in my every day life (when work is very busy or around holidays) and that I post a lot more when I am planning a visit or just back from one. My Mum and sister are both members on here but very rarely post or even visit if we don't have a trip planned so may have even a few years away before posting again.

MizMissy;2509385 wrote: The posting has definitely slowed down. I love Intercot for the trip reports the most. And, I will admit that I was very disappointed when the big intercot meet was going on and someone asked about "live reports" and the poster was directed by admins to facebook or other social media for updates.
I mean, if the admins don't care enough to use this board for sending out information during an intercot gathering, I'm not sure how you expect others to use the board. I also did not find too many follow up posts about the meet.

I felt the same way when I read that. Also, I had asked how intercot got started in one post, and I was referred to the Podcast. I understand that companies want to advertise their newest thing and a lot of intercotees are excited with the podcast, facebook page, twitter stuff, etc. It just really isn't my thing.

Intercot used to feel like a big family, and I'm sure that a lot of people stay connected and talk through social media. There isn't anything wrong with that. It is my choice to stick with just the discussion board. I do miss seeing posts by people who used to post frequently - Big Blue and Hairy, DizneyFreak, etc. Sometimes they could be controversial, but I like seeing both sides. I do much better mentally when I am prepared for the "bad" instead of thinking everything will be sunshine and roses.

I also enjoy when there are multiple answers to questions. If they all say the same, I know that is generally what to expect. If more people say they like it than people say they didn't like it, then I assume it will probably be something we should do. If it is split down the middle, I will weigh how important it is to the group. If there are more negatives than positives, I will probably skip it. So yeah, I appreciate your view point even if 100 other people have answered before you.

I also like hearing the voice of experience/wisdom/knowledge from others on here. For instance, Fangorn recently gave me an idea about how to try to buy APs that I never would have thought of. It was a simple solution, but I never would have come up with it on my own.

missymouseworld;2509366 wrote: Awhile back I remember reading the same type of question, and I believe the Intercot Master stated it is a slow time of the year on here, and then things pickup after the Holidays, etc. I can't remember what section I saw the post, but its there somewhere.....Wait, I remember now, it is under the Information Kiosk, What's the Deal/Threadkiller section.

http://intercot.com/discussion/showthread.php?207354-What-s-the-Deal-Thread-Killer

From the Thread Killer himself I must say that I really like our little Intercot Community much more that what is seen on social media or at least Facebook. I'm member of a DVC group, an Aulani group, Tikiman's Poly group and a WL group. More often than not I end up just scrolling through vs. reading the threads because people are either just silly or rude. I like our little moderated and walled community knowing that the Mods do their best to keep it respectful. Yes we still get questions about the quickest way to get from A to B but that's okay because we were all newbies once. Although I still view Intercot as my best source for Disney info because we have people that are very well connected and they are thoughtful in both their content and presentation. Intercot rocks!

For me, its been just less interest in disney. Still have it obviously, as I come here. Just not as much. The parks, and the direction they are going in, just have less long term interest to me. Plus, with the changes (star wars, etc) I look at fewer trips in the future, as I don't have the interesting in dealing w/ that.

texas211;2510166 wrote: For me, its been just less interest in disney. Still have it obviously, as I come here. Just not as much. The parks, and the direction they are going in, just have less long term interest to me. Plus, with the changes (star wars, etc) I look at fewer trips in the future, as I don't have the interesting in dealing w/ that.

I think this holds true for a lot of people who have come to expect a certain level from Disney, and it just isn't there any more. I love going to Disney with my kids, but I think now it is mostly out of nostalgia. My oldest son is attending Embry-Riddle. When I was contemplating what to do as a celebration when he graduates, I decided on another Alaskan cruise. It seems like a better vacation to me now. He loves Disney (even drove out to California last November to spend a few days at Disneyland with me), but the quality just isn't there any more.

Exactly.

I like Hawaii quite a bit, but have to talk myself into the 10 hr flight from DFW to Hawaii.. Plus they recently made smoking on the beaches illegal, however, they may undo that. I like Vegas as well, but not really a long vacation place to me. Good for 3-4 days, and then I'm ready. Only so much gambling I want to do, though smoking cigars and scotch in Vegas is pretty nice.

So yeah, I think w/ that and the changing of the dynamic in general. Disney is focusing on the less nostalgic, and more of the entertain me now and always crowd. The newer generations. This is a medium that isn't compatible w/ those groups.

Also, the topics. Star Wars or Star Wars

And to Bald, I like controversy, and therefore some of the mod'ing is what I don't like. Over the top to me, but I do agree there are lots of great folks on here, so its worth the nanny state to interact.

I think it's a combination of Disney's primary target demographic staying young, while us old fashioned bulletin board users (not just on Disney sites) keep getting older. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and the other even newer social media platforms that I know nothing about are where the internet traffic is these days. Bulletin board forums are for old fogies, I know, 'cause I'm one of em.
That being said, If there was an Intercot mobile app, I'd bet the posts here would go up. Like I heard on a TV ad this week; a child using a tablet saying to grandma "what's a computer?" Gotta stay young, or get old!

Giggy;2510028 wrote: Intercot for me meanwhile has more of a community feel and there names I recognise who have posted over the years.

Intercot has always been for me sort of like the TV show, "Cheers", a place where everybody knows your name. It's intimate enough to get to know people better than FB, but with enough diverse input to be entertaining and valuable.

Intercot also has the opportunity to actually meet in person and actively sets up meet and greets regularly.

Intercot people are kind, for the most part. Grumpy may be a Disney character but he rarely shows up on this site. AND when he does, people actually acknowledge they were wrong or rude and apologize! On Intercot people are people not numbers or avatars. I have seen others asking how their children were, or checking on people.

Intercot is a place filled with people who adopt the mantra, Any day at Disney is better than not being at Disney! We all know it's not perfect, but it is so much better than the "rat race" of life and for just a moment we are a child again, playing with our friends. Except this time we actually understand how precious being able to do this is!

Well, I certainly didn't intend to get all soppy but I love this 'ol site and am so glad its a safe place to go to sit in a circle and say... "Hi, my name is Patty and I am addicted to Disney" and be completely understood!

Thank you John! Thank you Intercot staff! Thank you!

I just want to say that I've been a member of Intercot since 2006. Typically, I visit and post when we have an upcoming trip and I'm never disappointed with the information. I DO feel like somewhat of a thread killer at times but, apparently, I'm not the only one. I think it's just the nature of things now that social media has taken over our lives (I'll add here that I'm not a Facebook user and never plan to be one. When I say "our lives', I include mostly everyone else, but not me personally). Anyway, I want to thank you all for still being here and I'll add that I've found a new (new to me, but not really new) way to enjoy Intercot. Podcasts! they're so fun!

Next trip is Aulani, btw. November! Yay!