Disney does it so well. Whatever the company touches at the extensive park complex, is well done. Customer service is flawless. At the park, when we were totally lost, we asked a cleaning person for directions. She stopped what she was doing and helped us find our way. Every employee is learned, willing, helpful--that's customer service at its supreme. I was particularly aware because of the work I've been doing (online with Argosy University) in studying/teaching human resources, training, etc.
On another note: Epcot was only lightly crowded on this non-holiday, weekday in October. The hot humid weather dictated much of what we did, at least the pace at which we explored the park, but we got it all in by arriving at 9 AM and staying until the 9 PM fireworks. We visited every country's exhibits, sampled most of the entertainment, participated in the English skit of Romeo and Edna (I was chosen to be Edna, and played against a much younger Romeo--I was a cougar for 15 min). Everything was wholesome, no foul language, no offcolor jokes, just laughing and high silliness. At the American exhibit hall, upstairs in the Chase Card lounge, we met a couple who have been to Disneyworld 108 times--even without any kids for many of those visits. They come because it is totally free of stress here (He works for Homeland Security in DC), and I get that. Even the more adult Epcot park doesn't touch on any politics, no world hunger signs, just a time out from everything else. The American acapela group sang patriotic songs, even a religious prayer, and everyone was respectful and listened. I am once again struck by the recklessness of pushing more liberal norms on the whole country without preparation, without respect for those for whom God is part of the fiber of their being. As a young child who had to sit in the school auditorium during weekly prayers I am wondering how we can truly respect all without going to nothing, which actually respects no one. I think had we been told, in elementary school, that everyone is invited to give whatever thanks, to whomever, while the majority recited their prayers--I don't know, got to work on this.
Great place to people watch, older couples like us, kids kept out of school for family vacation, some teenagers (a group, we think, from Brazil). Everyone, it seems loves Disney. This month is the Wine and Food Festival so there was wine and beer for sale at every exhibit--that surprised us. We were told, however, that there's no alcohol at Disney World, just at the more adult oriented Epcot. Also lots of small plates from different countries, which was a nice way to "eat across the world".
I'm struck by the brilliant marketing, the films, with the related characters, the world wide business. We met, at a Disney story in Downtown Disney, a young couple whose 6 year old daughter was waiting in line at Bippity Boppity to have her hair, make up, and costume done so she could look like a Disney princess--and the parents, a very hip couple from Australia, knew it was going to cost plenty--the line was long and the "salon" chairs were busy.
At Epcot center, and at Downtown Disney where we went today, most of the exhibits, the stores, restaurants, are paid by other companies. The fireworks last night were sponsored by Siemens! Companies pay for the privilege of being associated with Disney. Lego land, everything for sale, loose blocks to purchase at the pound, and every kit you can imagine.
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| A gigantic serpent in the lake at Downtown Disney--all made of Legos |
This was a good, short visit in Orlando. Orlando is Disney and Universal and resort tourist businesses. It will be a long time before we come again, but we were glad we made the stop.
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