text:
by Brian Bennett
by Brian Bennett
I've intentionally stayed
away from the cutbacks issue in the last several "Notes
From the World" pieces. I still have a huge backlog
of reader email about the topic, though, so in this special
edition of "Notes From the World" I'm going to
share some more of the feedback that I've received from the
piece that was recently published on the cutbacks
at WDW. If you want to read more background
you can also read through the 10/25/01
From the World and 11/15/01
TO the World columns.
Take note, this is NOT
the most pleasant Notes From the World piece that I've ever
done. There is a lot of strong criticism of Walt Disney
World here, so if you're planning a trip of your own and want
to be completely aware of what value you may -- or may not
-- get from WDW, read on... but if you're just trying to enjoy
some Disney Magic, I'd suggest you read my old "My
Favorite Things at Walt Disney World" piece instead.
Regarding the current WDW (and Disney
as a whole) management: The night I received that letter under
the door regarding park hours, I went back to MK and was asking
cast members what they thought of the operating hour cutbacks.
None had been informed of the changes, even though they were
taking effect immediately. At guest services, the CM reported
they had argued against discontinuing magic mornings, but
were informed their opinion was not wanted. I cannot think
of a better object lesson in poor management.
These problems speak to an even greater
problem in the company. Disney Company used to hand out cards
to CM's saying "Employees are our greatest asset",
I suggest if so then "Disney management is our greatest
liability". I was once a large shareholder (but wisely
the vast bulk of my stock at $40/share), but I sold my interest
for these reasons:
As my father once taught me (he was
VP of a petrochemical firm) "Price, quality, delivery,
pick any two. And remember if you provide quality, and deliver
it properly, timely, then price will be a minor consideration".
E.g. the best deal is the one where everybody wins.
It's a shame that we can only pick two. ;) Thanks for the
additional thoughts!
I will concede that Disney is dealing
with a lot of unknowns. I will say, that even with the reduced
hours, the parks are less crowded then usual by a good bit
on the weekdays. I can't say that I blame them. Other then
the value resorts, the ones they make their profits on are
really suffering. I really think that if you have a trip planned,
come and take it. Don't cancel. See how things go. Register
your complaints if you aren't getting what you want. At this
point, not coming will only lead to more of what is going
on. The problem is that too many people have canceled because
they are afraid to travel. This is a short term situation,
hopefully. While I do not agree with everything they are doing,
I think they are trying to avoid mass layoffs. For that, I
commend them. I have a lot of friends who will not make the
next cut if there are layoffs. Less hours is not great but
better then no hours. I would ask that folks who were planning
to come and canceled, reconsider. It may not be perfect; but
I think you still find you can do just about everything you
wanted. Not coming now will only lead to more closures.
I can't disagree that some of the cuts are simply necessary
cost savings measures. As much as some MousePlanet readers
will be astounded to hear me say this, I personally don't
have a problem with the Early Entry cutback as it was always
designed to be a perk for on-site guests for when the parks
were busy. The parks aren't busy now, so the need for the
extra time isn't really critical.
The problem is one of expectations. Some people expect Early
Entry as something they get in partial compensation for paying
the higher prices of staying on-site. Those folks will have
to decide if the lesser value -- to them -- means staying
off-site now.
One last comment on registering a complaint... don't let
any cast member talk you into making a verbal complaint only!
Make them get out their form and submit a written one! It's
the only way to make sure that the message moves up the chain
of command.
In college, I majored in Public Relations
in the early 1990's. The most important company for us to
study at the time was Walt Disney because it was considered
the "master of public relations." It's funny, because
I don't see it cited anymore in public relations courses and
How is it that the public relations
mastery, from the company who championed the concept, could
disappear in just over a decade? How does continually eliminating
the customer experience equate to long term satisfaction and
increased business?
Of course there is likely an upside
to all this - the ride lines should be short!
You're completely on target, I think. Some of the cuts are
completely valid with the lower park crowds. I don't have
a personal problem with that... but some folks that consider
Early Entry and E-Ride Nights to be deciding factors as they
determine where they'll stay during their vacation will have
to rethink their conclusion.
How arrogant and puerile of this person
and, by extension, Disney to blame its problems on the media.
And how typical. Disney's media relations are atrocious. The
company refuses to cooperate with the media and they, in turn,
do the best job possible in covering the company with little
information. The result is that Disney continually blames
the media -- rather than its own wrong-headed decisions --
for its negative image with the public and its cast. Then
to claim that only Disney can offer its cast members the "truth"!
Disney has a long history of hiding
the REAL "truth" from its own employees until it
is too late. Back in 1995-6, Michael Eisner continually maintained
that the relationship with Michael Ovitz was good. Then he
got fired. In 1999, Michael Eisner maintained that Joe Roth's
position with the company was secure. Then he quit. During
the abysmal run of "Light Magic," Disney publicly
said the parade was well-received by park guests. Then it
was dismantled. For years, Disney has said "20,000 Leagues
Under the Sea" in Florida was only "temporarily"
closed. The attraction has never reopened. And just lately,
Disney insisted that attendance at California Adventure was
not a problem -- now it is too late, and the park(s) have
suffered mightily. Why should anyone believe anything Disney
Now, in his letter, Lee says employees
who were "severed" from the company had "the
opportunity to make choices that were best for them and to
receive a generous separation package." How on Earth
is an individual's decision to resign from a job he or she
loves a choice that is "best for them"? "A
generous separation package"? Have you talked to anyone
who received it? Hardly generous. What Disney did was shift
the burden of responsibility from the company to the individual
employee when reducing staff. It was a horrible decision that
created misery for employees for WEEKS. Sears and Kodak announced
yesterday they're laying off staff; guess how they're doing
it? They're laying people off. They're taking responsibility.
The actions may seem morally wrong to many of us, but at least
those companies aren't trying to hide what they're doing.
Then Lee goes on to say that Disney
has made "prudent decisions" when it comes to operations.
What Disney is actually doing is nothing less than exploiting
the horrible tragedies of Sept. 11 to justify cutting costs.
Meanwhile ... it is spending FIVE BILLION DOLLARS and digging
itself deeper into debt to acquire Fox Family Channel. Is
it just me, or are Disney's priorities horribly out of whack
Lee says the articles didn't mention
that there are four new parades, a new "attraction,"
a new show and a new "icon" (an ugly and out-of-place
one, though it may be) at the parks. Excuse me? The Orlando
Sentinel has covered these "developments" quite
thoroughly. Their reporting has been balanced and fair. But
Lee and Disney are screaming because THEY'VE BEEN CALLED ON
THEIR DECISIONS. They're bad decisions. Those "attractions"
he mentioned are cheap, cut-rate attempts to drive attendance
... and are MORE than offset by the closure of the Carousel
of Progress, the reductions at The Living Seas and the horrible
state of maintenance that The Magic Kingdom is in.
Walt Disney World has absolutely rejected
any responsibility to its guests. It has bent over backward
to protect its most senior employees from any real harm (Senior
Vice-Presidents and higher have been picking out new company
cars lately) while sacrificing its front-line employees and
its guest service.
Walk around Walt Disney World and take
note of how many shops and restaurants are closed, how many
attractions are "temporarily" shut down, and how
miserable the parks look -- perhaps not in appearance, but
certainly in mood. Disney may, in fact, look a bit more like
Universal lately -- because the Grinch has invaded.
Does it strike no one as highly ironic,
by the way, that Disney World has undertaken dramatic (perhaps
OVER reactive) cuts across the board just as it's supposed
to be celebrating Walt Disney's 100th birthday? It ain't funny.
It's pitiful. And it's even worse to find that executives
are trying to defend these decisions as being in everyone's
best interest. They're horrible, horrible decisions that are
going to cost the Theme Parks & Resorts group DEARLY for
a very long time.
One last observation: You responded
to a reader that it was too bad he had canceled plans to visit
the parks. I offer to you that perhaps MORE people should
be doing that. If AP holders and Disney lovers would vote
with their pocketbooks, not just their words, Disney might
realize that this time they have cut too deep.
Sorry to be verbose. Had to get it
off my chest!
Well, that all depends on how you define
better. I live in Michigan and rather then spend my money
in California or Florida I can drive to any of Michigan's
bordering states and visit some wonderful theme / amusement
parks. This keeps the money I spend closer to home, which
in many ways makes me feel better about spending it. For some
reason helping Mr. Eisner and the Disney Company make even
more money just doesn't make me feel good.
Some of these parks may not have the
polish of Disneyland or The Magic Kingdom, but I have always
been treated well and have never had a bad experience.
In my opinion Disney's management has
lost sight of what Disney means and what it does well and
it's showing in their domestic product. It's sad that I would
have to go to France or Japan to experience the best of what
Disney has to offer.
Now for my perspective. I was a CM
for over 10 yrs, was in management and worked for Imagineering
for a short while. I still have many friends at WDW mgmt and
this is what they are saying. Things are very bad at WDW.
Epcot's attendance is down over 25% from the already low estimates,
the AK is hurting and besides weekends the Studios and the
MK are slow. They have closed down entire wings and floors
at the hotels. And they are saying that upper mgmt has made
the decision to keep people employed at he risk of angering
guests. This is coming from people who have always been honest
about Disney's shortcomings and failures. One friend told
me that he is proud of the way mgmt has stepped in to save
jobs despite the number of guest complaints.
I understand peoples frustration about
hours and shows. But lets look at some history. For many years
it was not unusual for shows to have one cast and 2 dark days.
It was only during the high attendance years of the mid-90's
that shows went to 7 days a week. People are not missing out
on any show if they plan right. They can see everything they
want entertainment wise if they take the time to look at the
schedules and plan accordingly.
Secondly, with the attendance the way
it is you can do everything you want to do in the park with
the hours available. I was at Epcot on Monday. Everything
was a walk on with the exception of Test Track which was 45mins
and no Fastpass, which is down while the queue is being redone.
Disney's philosophy has always been that park hours are based
on estimated attendance. A person should be able to enjoy
x amount of attractions in y number of hours with z number
of people in the park. So if z goes up then you need to increase
hours so that those people can enjoy the same x number of
attractions. If z (guests) goes down then you could conceivably
do x number of attractions in less time.
Lastly, while peoples first reaction
may be to cancel their trips I would say several things. I
have stayed at most of the hotels on property and never took
advantage of the early morning entry. The hotels offer so
much more than just that convenience and it would be a shame
not to enjoy them for everything they offer. At Port Orleans,
for instance, you can fish, or rent a bike. The hotels themselves
are like attractions. Secondly, by canceling your trip you
are putting more Cast Members jobs in jeopardy and risk the
fact that Disney may need to continue to adjust hours and
attractions. It becomes a vicious cycle. Less people/more
cuts. Things are bad at WDW. True!!! But not as bad as people
think it is. The parks are open, attendance makes the parks
easier to enjoy, there is still entertainment everywhere,
One's Man Dream is excellent and it is a great time to enjoy
the hotels and parks with fewer people. Please get the word
out that its a great time to come.
Boy I sound like I still work there!
I don't, but I think its the time to support Disney.
Thanks for a great job.
Thanks for the great note. As far as "supporting Disney,"
I figure that they're not a charitable organization. If they
want my business then they have to give me what I want at
the price I'm willing to pay. They're starting to put less
and less distance between those two parameters (price and
quality) and are really turning people off.
I can't disagree on the cost cutting... just that they could
really do a better job of public relations on this one. Also,
they need to consider cuts that do not affect the guest experience
as much. Shorter park hours, to me, are not a problem... but
if the park is open, the ENTIRE park should be open (in my
I also agree that Disney is not a charitable
organization and doesn't need charity. I guess my point was
Disney isn't doing too much more than it has done in the past.
Attractions have in the past opened later or closed earlier
than the rest of the park. Do you remember that just 4 years
ago Sorcery in the Sky required that the entire back half
of the Studios to close 2 hours before the performance? Also,
when Epcot opened (a long time ago) the hours of Future World
and World Showcase were to be approximately what they are
now. Future World would open first and then World Showcase
around lunch and then Future World was to close early.
Do I agree with Disney's decisions
of late? Not really. I would love to have everything opened
all the time. I would love to see everything running everyday.
But I also think that we also need to realize that Sept 11
has hit tourism in Orlando hard. Universal has laid off 100
full time workers, Sea World is cutting entertainment and
closing some shows on some days like Disney. Things are bad
here and while it affects the guests experiences on some levels,
it is also hitting the people in Orlando's tourism industry
even more hard. Lost jobs, reduced hours, prospect of losing
more jobs. A person can come to Orlando and conceivably do
everything they planned to do. It may require some more work
on their part to plan but they can do it. But some of the
workers in our area may not recover from the financial losses
that they are dealing with now.
I guess my final point is the easy
thing to do is to say bad Disney for cutting back on guest
services. The harder thing is to say Disney is working hard
to keep its Cast Members employed but you can still come and
enjoy the parks and take advantage of the great weather and
reduced crowds.
Anyway, thanks for the response. Sorry
to get so long winded. Just feeling a little passionate about
this because it affects so many friends and family.
Thanks for your note back. I wish that the cutbacks didn't
affect so many people -- just like you do. I also wish that
there was no need for cutbacks in the first place!
Frankly, I think that the temporary closing of Port Orleans
Resort French Quarter -- although obviously a drastic action
-- is the perfect kind of response for WDW. It means that
costs are cut (unfortunately, that means jobs are cut back
and employees are hurt) but the quality of the experience
of the guest is not adversely affected. Ultimately, that will
mean that -- with continuing good word-of-mouth -- more guest
will return and things can get back to normal as quickly as
The way things are going now, I fear that negative word-of-mouth
will greatly slow the return of guests to WDW and that will
mean that a return to normal is a much longer time off than
it could be otherwise.
Two things prompted me to write. First,
I was surprised --even shocked-- that you weren't aware how
poor working conditions can be at Disney parks. It's becoming
common knowledge even among "outsiders" that for
Cast Members, Disney parks are far from the "happiest
place on Earth." With pay scales typically equivalent
to those of fast food outlets; demanding, high-pressure work
requirements; politically oppressive management; and never-ending,
nerve-grinding nonsense such as "Cast Deployment",
it's no wonder that despite their love of Disney and belief
in Disney ideals (which is indeed the only reason many endure
such conditions), it's not possible for some Cast Members
to put on the "Disney face" at all times. Turnover
at Walt Disney World is disastrously high for a very good
reason. As more and more seasoned Cast Members find that they
can no longer do their best and present "Disney magic"
under such oppressive conditions, they are replaced by others
for whom--during their typically short term of employment--Disney
is "just a job." Add to this unpleasant mix, reduced
guest-service training and reduced hours for Cast Members,
and I think it's miraculous that the level of service remains
even as high as it is.
The second item to which I must respond
is the Orlando Sentinel-bashing response from Executive VP
"Lee." I think it is commendable that you presented
both sides of the story, but the fact is that the truth almost
always lies in the middle. This is no exception, and despite
Lee's emphatic assertion that his view is the "TRUTH"
(his emphasis), it is not the whole truth. First, if the Orlando
Sentinel were as willfully and maliciously reporting half-truths
("written in a way to be negative without the facts and
without reporting the real story") as was asserted in
this letter, we'd see a much stronger and more decisive action
than writing a letter to MousePlanet. I think we're all well
aware of how aggressively litigious the Walt Disney Company
can be. The Sentinel may not go out of its way to report that
a "cheap fix" such as the "Character Caravan"
has been employed to placate those who are missing the more
valuable perk of "Surprise Mornings", but that hardly
makes them purveyors of spiteful negativity.
Also on the topic of "Surprise
Mornings," or "Early Entry" as I more often
see it called [Editor's Note: "Surprise Mornings"
is the term used at the Disneyland Resort. "Early
Entry" is the term used at Walt Disney World. In
both cases, the terms refer to the early entry of a park in
the morning to allow guests an extra amount of time in that
park before crowd levels build to a crescendo in the early
afternoon.], the Company's "research"
that shows that the Character Caravan "is more important
to the majority of our Resort Guests than Surprise Mornings"
does not begin to reflect what I have been reading and hearing
from a large number of guests. Most are outraged that the
"Early Entry" perk--one of the few remaining perks
for staying at a pricey Disney resort--has been eliminated.
This is typical of Disney--which often reports that their
"research" backs whatever it is that they want to
do. If the Company truly wanted to feel the pulse of Guests'
concerns, I think they would do far better to read what is
being posted on message boards and forums across the Internet,
than using highly targeted and often skewed surveys and other
questionable "research."
I think it's also important to note
that in the pre-Eisner era, every day at the parks was a virtual
"Character Caravan." I very fondly remember the
days when large numbers of characters freely roamed or were
stationed about the park. Waiting in a long line for to gain
an audience with one of a handful of characters at a "greeting
location" cannot begin to capture the same feeling of
surprise and joyous wonder as happening upon a character in
his or her "home" in the Magic Kingdom (just like
in the misleading commercials!). Of course, such ready access
to characters would diminish the demand for the lucrative
"character greeting meals"--but if the Company were
even half as concerned about the Guest experience as this
VP claims, that would not be an issue.
Regarding the Company's "voluntary"
cuts in hours--I suspect and indeed have read elsewhere that
this likely will become INvoluntary if their quotas are not
met. Some individuals might indeed favor reduced hours for
various lifestyle considerations, but I find it highly unlikely
that thousands would be in such a position. If they were,
they almost certainly would not have taken a full-time position
to begin with.
I'm also disappointed to see that the
Company is still beating the same drum about the earlier layoffs,
that they were "voluntary" and they benefited the
Cast Members by giving them the "opportunity to make
choices that were best for them and to receive a generous
separation package." The TRUTH (my emphasis) is that
if the quotas for "voluntary" attrition were not
met, involuntary layoffs would occur and in some cases did
occur. That is hardly a "voluntary" system, when
affected workers must struggle with the reality that they
may be left with nothing as opposed to the (ahem) "generous"
separation package. I spoke with several affected Cast Members,
and the general feeling that they reported was they felt they
were "under the gun." To describe these cuts as
in any way voluntary or beneficial is yet another slap in
the face to these individuals.
If the Company were truly concerned
about "saving jobs," why not start at the top with
their cuts? I haven't seen Eisner take a cut in his pay. In
fact, he has repeatedly restructured his deal with the company
such that his obscenely huge bonuses are virtually guaranteed.
Lastly, if the Company were truly concerned
about a balance between fiscal responsibility and guest satisfaction,
they would be more attuned to Guests' concerns, and to the
reality that guest satisfaction directly relates to bottom-line
If the Company put even a fraction
of the effort that into making sensible decisions and producing
a top-notch product, as they do into putting a "spin"
on their poor decisions and declining quality, they wouldn't
have a need to so relentlessly "spin" the "TRUTH".
P.S. I hope that, despite the considerable
length of this email, you are able to include it in upcoming
column. I think it's only fair to your readers to see that
Disney's "truth" is hardly the whole truth. As long
as the company has unfettered access to such vehicles for
their propaganda, they will continue to emphasize "spin"
over substance.
I hope that strength of my statements
did not in any way come across as directed at you. As I noted,
I think it was the honorable and appropriate thing to do,
to print the "other side" of the story. It simply
galled me, though, to think that the "whole story"
might not be told. I don't claim to be the sole holder of
the "truth", but I do know enough to see the all-important
middle ground.
What's especially interesting to me,
is that this same style--in particular the emphasis on the
all-caps "TRUTH" -- is something that I have seen
appear on another forum. A columnist who claims to work for
Disney in a sufficiently high-ranking position as to know
many of the internals of the company and its decisions, frequently
trumpets the word "TRUTH" (again, her/their emphasis)
as though their (or Disney's) "TRUTH" is the one
and only. In actuality, though there is some truth in their
arguments, it's more about "spin" than anything
else. As I have sufficient reason to believe that the authors
of these pieces are different individuals (I'm reasonably
adept at discerning writing styles, and they are somewhat
different), I have to wonder if Disney is not indoctrinating
or even employing these individuals to take the Disney "spin"
to what they allegedly see as the "battle lines"
on the Internet. Al Lutz has frequently made references to
Disney officials seeing the Internet as the "enemy,"
(my word, not his) and I have it on very good authority from
a well-informed source that Disney employs individuals to
monitor and even participate in Internet discussions for the
purpose of "managing" them to their favor.
I think what is even more sad than
the relentless cost-cutting and indifference to guest satisfaction
under the Eisner regime, is that anyone who would not accept
the status quo is considered by Disney management to be their
enemy. We are the consumers, the individuals who drive and
indeed should define the response of the Disney company. Instead,
we are apparently perceived as in impedance to the whims of
the Disney management.
This is truly a pathetic and maddening
state of affairs for a company that was founded on and grown
into an empire on much, much greater ideals and vision.
Thanks again for writing, and have
a great day!
You're right... I have been flooded with email on this issue.
Al Lutz has told me many times in the past that he's so buried
with email that he can't personally respond to each note.
I'm quickly beginning to understand that situation. :)
Also, you mentioned, "I hope that strength of my statements
did not in any way come across as directed at you." You
needn't worry about that. I got some email that attacked me
personally -- for deciding to not visit WDW again in the next
year or so. I even printed one of those notes. I'm not interested
in organizing any boycott of the Walt Disney Company... I
just want people to be aware of the quality they'll be receiving
for the money they'll be spending on any future trips.
Maybe Disney's consumers need to take
their complaints to the media. If we really wanted to put
pressure on Disney now, newspapers would be a great place
to get the word out to the general public, heck, Disney fans
already know what's going on because we come to websites like
MousePlanet. Eisner can't ignore us if we get the message
out to a broader audience.
I think you're right about the media needing to really go
after this one. Certainly the travel media (and I include
MousePlanet in that category) has an obligation to let it's
readers know about issues that will affect the quality of
their vacation -- that's why I'm hitting this cutback issue
so hard.
Of course, the Orlando Sentinel has been clear on what's
going on, and all it got them was some internal criticism
from Lee Cockerell, the Executive Vice President of Walt Disney
World Operations. I wish someone at WDW and the Walt Disney
Company would realize that they are really hurting themselves
with cutting back on services.
I know of many, many tried and true WDW veterans that have
canceled trips and are making other plans -- NOT because of
the slowing economy, NOT because of the threats from Afghanistan,
NOT because of fear of flying or travel... but simply because
of the erosion of value in a Walt Disney World vacation.
I'm glad to hear that there are some positives in there,
Apparently, across the board, the Walt
Disney Company is slowly but surely becoming the Mike Eisner
Company. Before You get the wrong Idea, Michael Eisner did
some very good things for Disney when he was first hired,
in my opinion. However, after the death of Frank Wells, the
company has slowly sunk to the level of entertainment I expect
from any "B-Movie" company, and not the power-house
that it once was. The change is even apparent in their animated
features. I can name two that were even watch able in the
past ten years.
But the Issue at the parks is, in my
opinion the worse, especially while holding the banner of
"100 Years of Magic." What a fantastic Idea that
was, and what a joyous celebration it could have been. I guess
that brings me to my point (I know, you were wondering if
I'd ever get there.) As funny as it sounds, It's not too late.
Disney does still listen to their letters, and phone calls,
and even e-mails. We must bombard them with disapproval, and,
as you mention, approval of the things they are doing right.
We must let them know exactly why this is wrong, namely because
it is completely against Walt's view of spending everything
he could to make a better film (or park, or channel, or anything.)
They went into debt $3 million on Snow White. They grossed
$8 million. Tell me this system doesn't work. Tell them.
Everyone who goes there, every one
who is dissatisfied, every one period, TELL THEM WHAT IS WRONG.
Disney is not now, and never has been in the business of ignoring
their fans (Thank God.) And when enough letters come in, we
will see a change. We will see the good old days again.
Thanks for the note. I completely agree 100%.
As far as COP closing, I frankly don't mind that they did
it. I know that a lot of purists out there would disagree...
but I don't mind that stuff gets closed. I just wish something
new would take it's place. That way the whole resort would
stay fresh and interesting from year to year. To have the
COP building sitting idle, like the 20,000 Leagues lagoon
has for so many years, just takes away from the excitement
of going to the park.
I hope, as you mentioned, that the company responds to the
complaints of the guests.
Keep up the good work.
I can't tell you how pissed off I am
at Disney right now. Even though we are Florida residents
and have been going to Disney, staying on property, for the
past 10 years. We very well may cancel our reservations at
the Fort Wilderness Cabins and go to Busch Gardens instead
with the kids this year and perhaps for now on. Disney just
comes off as cheap and greedy.
Thanks again for your continued coverage...just
another example for you on how Disney is treating it's customers...
or should I say perhaps it's now "lost" customers.
I'm sorry you missed the gift certificate promotion. I didn't
realize that Disney was being so fickle even about in-store
promotions. :(
Maybe, just maybe... Disney will get the message eventually.
I just wonder how bad things have to get before they realize
that their own policies are much to blame for their weak performance
at the resort.
From: WDW Guest Communications
Sent: Monday, October 29, 2001 10:20 AM
Subject: Greetings from the Walt Disney World Resort
Dear Kristin,
Thank you for your
e-mail to the Walt Disney World� Resort. We appreciate
the time you took to contact us. I wanted to let you know
that I received your message, and am reviewing it. When
we receive comments, such as yours, they are shared with
various members of our organization. The input we receive
from our guests lets us know what we are doing right and
what we can do better. We appreciate your observations and
assure you they will be taken seriously.
If you would like
to discuss your message, I invite you to call me at (407)
Joseph Paris
Executive Offices
Walt Disney World� Resort
From: WDW Guest Communications
Sent: Monday, October 29, 2001 10:20 AM
Subject: Greetings from the Walt Disney World Resort
Dear Kristin,
Thank you for your
e-mail to the Walt Disney World� Resort. We appreciate
the time you took to contact us. I wanted to let you know
that I received your message, and am reviewing it. When
we receive comments, such as yours, they are shared with
various members of our organization. The input we receive
from our guests lets us know what we are doing right and
what we can do better. We appreciate your observations and
assure you they will be taken seriously.
If you would like
to discuss your message, I invite you to call me at (407)
Joseph Paris
Executive Offices
Walt Disney World� Resort
I was blown away to say the least!
A complete form letter sent to me lacking any personal thought
or acknowledgement of the questions I had asked in my letter!
And this was from Disney?! The end all and be all in guest
service?! What really cracked me up is that they essentially
wanted me to pay to ask my questions again by calling them
long distance. I am still debating whether to call or not.
I got all my answers from MousePlanet.
One more note, we had a pretty fun
time calling our travel agent when we learned that our hotel
(Port Orleans French Quarter) was closed. We had booked our
hotel room through Voyager (1-800-W-DISNEY) and when we saw
that the hotel was closed we called right away and asked what
was happening. They had no idea! No one in the entire agency
had heard the news as Disney had neglected to inform them!
They didn't even know that early entry had been canceled a
few weeks before hand! We told them about this wonderfully
informative site where we got our information, our agent called
Disney, and sure enough, the hotel was closed. She was pretty
disgusted with them. She said it was one thing to "be
saving the company" (this is the Disney line), but the
manner in which they were doing it was completely irresponsible
and rude.
We called them back later when we decided
what to do and she thanked us for letting them know what was
going on because they had to start re-booking families that
very day. It got even better when my parents called Disney
(whom they had booked their room with directly) and tried
to get a room in the Port Orleans Resort Riverside where we
were now staying. The lady at Disney said she couldn't do
it. She said that the Riverside was full and they would have
to stay somewhere else. My father then called Voyager, booked
the room at Riverside, and called Disney back and canceled
the previous room. Disgusting.
And how did Disney try and patch things
up? They offered us a great deal on any moderate hotel room,
a rate so low... I found a better one on-line. Unfortunately,
we will still be spending money at WDW this season, just probably
not in the future.
Thanks again for the great web site!
Keep letting them know, the mouse has no clothes! ;)
We go to WDW every year, but after
staying onsite last year we decided we weren't going to do
WDW at all this year for several reasons. One, we have grown
exasperated with the snail-like pace of growth at the parks.
With four parks (actually 3 1/2 which makes it worse) they
should be adding REAL attractions to at least one park every
year. Big hats and cheesy museum exhibits DON'T COUNT! Two,
the bus system was so incompetently planned, that we felt
it almost voided the benefits of staying onsite.
So this year we decided to grab a Flex
Pass and do a whole bunch of Universal (our two favorite parks).
Though we were bringing a friend who hadn't seen Fantasmic!,
so we decided to add a day at the Studios, since it is our
favorite Disney park. Plus, Millionaire was actually NEW to
us! Imagine that!
Well, we got there an hour after opening
and the place was a madhouse. Considering we never waited
in line for anything, this clearly was due more to the poor
floor plan of the park than to numbers. Still, we have gone
in May and September and the park was never even HALF this
full. Still, without ever waiting in a line, and with an hour
lunch, we were only able to do the following:
which makes the list of things we didn't
get to see very long:
In our previous visits we were able
to do EVERYTHING in the park (even without Early Entry) except
Playhouse Disney. The pathetic part is, we weren't even planning
on doing half the stuff we didn't do, but had we wanted to,
we would have really been screwed. How ridiculous is it that
with only 2 hours wasted (plus the totally wasted hour of
sitting in the Fantasmic stadium) we only saw half the park?
It was obvious to us that Disney is
only focusing on those people who buy the park hoppers. Apparently
those of us who desire only a one-day visit are people they
can afford to do without. Considering how Disney/MGM is a
park with so many shows, you'd think they'd take that into
consideration when they come up with a schedule. But half
of our day was spent walking from one show to another and
then waiting for those shows to start. I plan on adding up
how much time it would take to do every attraction in the
park and I am fairly certain that number will be pretty close
the number of minutes the park was actually open that day.
I will let you know.
In comparison, our days at Universal
Studios went smoothly. Getting to and from shows there is
never a problem, even though the park is larger than Disney/MGM.
Plus, they actually listed show times for smaller shows (like
T-2 and Gory/Gruesome) which they have never done before.
This made it extremely easy to plan the day since there was
only one occasion where we would exit something and say "Oh
well, we missed THAT show!"
So what am I going to do about it?
Before my irritation cools, I will be writing a letter to
Guest Communications. The pen is mightier than the sword!
But the wallet is even mightier than the pen, and I plan on
keeping mine closed when it comes to the Disney parks for
AT LEAST five years. Then I will reevaluate, depending on
whether they have actually built anything new in that time.
Well, actually it will have to be SEVERAL any things. Recent
history tells me not to be too optimistic.
I wish yours was the only such email I've gotten on this
matter. It seems like 75% of the guests that I'm hearing from
are disappointed and 25% are just accepting whatever they
get from WDW because they enjoy the resort so much. :(
Attention: Walt Disney
World Guest Communications
I have reservations
to stay on site at WDW during the first week of December,
with my husband, two children and my mother-in-law and father-in-law.
This will be our fourth trip to WDW. The main -- if not
ONLY -- reason we pay the money to stay on site is because
we want the privilege of early entry into the parks. In
early October, when I made my reservations, I checked the
WDW web site for park hours, and for the benefits guests
receive while staying on-site. I made my plans relying on
this official information.
Now apparently all
of this information has changed, with no notice to me. I
am seriously considering finding an off-site hotel or condo
for the 6 of us, if not canceling the trip totally. I am
extremely disappointed and angered by this. I know, I know,
the Character Caravan will be visiting the hotels. Well,
that's nice and everything, but it is absolutely not a substitute
for early entry into the parks.
And what's this about
shorter park hours? December is two weeks away, and you
still don't have the park hours for December posted on the
web site? What's up with that? In early October I printed
out all of the (already shortened for off-season) park hours
for December and planned our itinerary accordingly. Now
I have no idea when (or if) there will be parades, fireworks,
Fantasmic, or any other performance. Will the parks be open
at all? We are already nervous about boarding an airplane
again post-September 11, and about going through the hassles
of extra security. Now I also have to worry that we will
spend thousands of dollars on this vacation to find out
that the parks are only open 4 hours a day and all the parades
and fireworks and shows (and most of the attractions) are
closed due to "budget constraints."
All the members of
our family have been loyal Disney fans for many years, but
we are very disappointed by Disney's decisions to discontinue
early entry for WDW resort guests, to shorten park hours
and to cancel or close many attractions and performances.
Please respond to
this email. I am hoping you can give me a reason to want
to come to Walt Disney World again.
Attention: Walt Disney
World Guest Communications
I have reservations
to stay on site at WDW during the first week of December,
with my husband, two children and my mother-in-law and father-in-law.
This will be our fourth trip to WDW. The main -- if not
ONLY -- reason we pay the money to stay on site is because
we want the privilege of early entry into the parks. In
early October, when I made my reservations, I checked the
WDW web site for park hours, and for the benefits guests
receive while staying on-site. I made my plans relying on
this official information.
Now apparently all
of this information has changed, with no notice to me. I
am seriously considering finding an off-site hotel or condo
for the 6 of us, if not canceling the trip totally. I am
extremely disappointed and angered by this. I know, I know,
the Character Caravan will be visiting the hotels. Well,
that's nice and everything, but it is absolutely not a substitute
for early entry into the parks.
And what's this about
shorter park hours? December is two weeks away, and you
still don't have the park hours for December posted on the
web site? What's up with that? In early October I printed
out all of the (already shortened for off-season) park hours
for December and planned our itinerary accordingly. Now
I have no idea when (or if) there will be parades, fireworks,
Fantasmic, or any other performance. Will the parks be open
at all? We are already nervous about boarding an airplane
again post-September 11, and about going through the hassles
of extra security. Now I also have to worry that we will
spend thousands of dollars on this vacation to find out
that the parks are only open 4 hours a day and all the parades
and fireworks and shows (and most of the attractions) are
closed due to "budget constraints."
All the members of
our family have been loyal Disney fans for many years, but
we are very disappointed by Disney's decisions to discontinue
early entry for WDW resort guests, to shorten park hours
and to cancel or close many attractions and performances.
Please respond to
this email. I am hoping you can give me a reason to want
to come to Walt Disney World again.
I just wish it wasn't necessary for us to be writing such
notes to WDW.
I sat down and emailed WDW to explain
the situation, letting them know that I am a regular at WDW
and this trip was being planned for a lot of people. I also
queried them about the loss of Early Entry and E-Ride as well
as the lessening in the quality of service.
I waited almost 3 weeks wondering why
they had not mailed back, and was about to write again when
out of the blue, I received a call from a very nice lady named
Kelly at the main WDW office. Apparently, she is one of the
head people dealing in guest relations for the whole property
and due to an increase in letters coming their way she decided
to call rather than mail.
I explained my issues and she informed
me that they are receiving a large amount of mail from regulars
who are angry about the loss of E-Ride and Early Entry. She
could offer no answers, other than to say, I should keep having
friends write letters to state our position. It appears it
is all about the money. The reason given for the end of Early
Entry is due to decreased attendance and the fact that according
to their studies most people do not take advantage of it and
still show up right around park opening.
I politely disagreed with the latter
reason, explaining that to most regulars that is the best
time to go, especially in off season, because you can knock
out so much quickly and relax the rest of the day. She informed
me that E-Ride was restarting and that she had two new dates
as of last Friday. She apologized for the apparent downturn
in service and said that they are working hard to remedy this
She said that since we and some others
come so often, it would be easy for us to see the erosion
of service and quality. She wanted me to make sure to call
her directly to make the reservations when ready and wanted
to know if we had ever used the packages and how we feel they
work. Apparently WDW may be thinking of eliminating some of
the package options because we talked at length about what
things are and are not beneficial, and what things seem to
give us the most use. She also asked at length about the different
resorts we had stayed at and what were our likes and dislikes.
I spent almost 30 minutes on the phone chatting with her about
WDW in general. She was very nice and very knowledgeable.
She made very few excuses and was more than willing to talk
with me about my concerns. If everyone at the WDW offices
and in management are as concerned as this lady, then things
should begin to get better soon. I only fear that not everyone
there feels an obligation to potential, return, or new guests
as she does. Only time will tell. So back to planning I go.
Just an FYI. Have a great day.
I then chose to point out that when
a Disney guest is told about numbers they tend to get ticked
off. I hammered home the point that Disney has previously
advertised the early morning entry in to the parks as a perk
to get us to stay at the resorts. Without the perk, as far
as I was concerned the resorts are not a value at all. As
he stammered around trying to find any words that wouldn't
make me any madder, I pointed out that the core Disney audience
is responsible for web pages and lots and lots of recommendations
to others about Disney Vacations.
I hinted around that what I was interested
in was more park time, that Disney had essentially stolen
9 hours of park time from my trip. Almost a full day. As a
paid in full reserved resort guest, I expected a certain amount
of respectful treatment. And to add insult to injury, I had
not received any letter from Disney telling me that they were
taking my favorite perk away from me. Previously I always
received letters in advance telling me of any changes. This
allowed me to change my reservations if the changes
were not to my liking. I pointed out that if I had arrived
to find out that the early entry was canceled, I'd have demanded
a refund and gone elsewhere to enjoy Universal Studios. The
young man conceded I had made good points and hoped I might
change my mind. At no point was I offered ANYTHING to assuage
my irritation. No free tickets, meals, upgrades, nothing.
And as I was not home when he originally called, I called
him back and the entire call was paid for by ME.
I plan on writing again to complain
about this phone call. I plan to write again if I don't not
receive a letter explaining the elimination of my favorite
perk. I plan to write again to complain after I get back from
my trip. And unless they do SOMETHING to make up for this
appalling lack of concern for WDW resort guests, I won't be
staying on property again and will definitely recommend to
EVERYONE that they stay off property. I've arranged dozens
of WDW vacations. Those dozens recommended the same things
I did. I'm not alone. So WDW better wake up and give some
more intelligent thought before hacking away at so many things
at once. Hopefully all the letters and calls they are getting
will do some good.
I just wanted to comment that I must
concur with you that what you are encountering is "Disney
Lite". I just got back from WDW on Nov. 18 and we got
so much less for our money that we did 3 years ago. The thing
that I noticed the most was the fact that we were not tired
after our day and since there was nothing to do at night we
got a lot of sleep. I felt that we missed so much just because
the parks were not open for very long. The parks were not
crowded in fact they were very uncrowded. But we did not get
very much done and in fact missed a lot of attractions just
because we ran out of time. If you want to have a relaxing
vacation, I would recommend that you go to WDW now, if you
want to see the parks and get your moneys worth, wait.
I know that you commented on the closing
of shows on certain days. To be honest the parks aren't even
open long enough to see many of the shows on one day. And
don't even think of going back to your hotel at any point
in your day. By the time you go to your hotel and get back
the park will be closed. One day my contact split in two on
Splash Mountain and I had to go to First Aid to have the half
that was still in my eye flushed out. I spent a couple of
hours with one contact in and one contact out because if I
had gone back to the hotel and changed my contacts it would
have not been worth it to get back to the park because it
would be closing.
I just wanted to commend you of all
of your great work and to agree with what you have been saying.
I will not be back to WDW during November again unless things
change. I may go back sometime during the summer when I can
experience the parks at somewhat the way I remember them being.
Anyway, just thought you were the person
to alert about this sort of thing�
I was told a Hugh drop in earnings
from the sponsor as well as a possible merger between the
sponsor and another computer company insists that the whole
project go back for re-branding and discussions as to weather
the new board of the new merged companies feel that it's an
effective use of funds at a time where such a dramatic drop
in stocks. This is according to my friend who works for one
of the companies in questions directors whom I called immediately
after my call to CRO.. They will probably do it, they will
change the budget and use a new brand name though.
Last minute schedule changes will still
be best obtained from the park information boards (for as
long as they're still being staffed.) The WDW telephone operators
and Guest Services Desks are not close enough to the parks
to hear of last minute changes.
I for one am very glad for the no Early
Entry days. This lets us sleep in and enjoy our vacation more.
This is a trying time for some families, such as mine, my
husband is in the military and is not able to join us do to
current situations. I am just glad that Disney World is going
to be a good distraction for my kids during a hard time. Let's
me happy for what we have and make the most of it rather than
constantly being critical of a company that is doing what
it can to keep afloat.
The note you read that mentioned that the Disney site did
not yet have December hours was written in early November
when they did not yet have that information on line.
On Early Entry, I wouldn't be surprised for park hours (if
not exactly a specific "Early Entry" program to
be reinstated during the busiest of days during the Holidays.
If demand warrants, I'm sure they'll do so.
As far as "being critical of a company that is doing
what it can to keep afloat," let me just point out that
the cutbacks -- instituted by the Walt Disney Company over
the last several years -- are what has gotten the company
into this mess in the first place. Had the company put the
customer first, and not tried to nickel and dime and pinch
every penny, then they would have a better product today (on
both the film and theme park side) and they would be making
money hand over fist. Instead, they struggle because they've
repeatedly cut quality and the value to the customer.
The economic slowdown is certainly hurting the company...
as a travel-oriented business (on the park side, anyway),
it's not a surprise that they have a fixed cost problem. However,
park traffic has been decreasing all year long and again,
that goes back to the reduced quality and value that they've
been selling.
I'm sorry if my opinions irritate you, but you can feel free
to ignore me.
In any case, I certainly hope that you and your family have
a great trip... and I trust your husband, and all of our other
military heroes, will have a safe holiday season also -- even
with all that is going on in the world.
Disney has the right to run their company
as they see fit. If people do not like how it is done they
do not have to go to their theme parks or buy their merchandise.
I just think if you are going to be
a vacation planning site for people like my family that are
looking forward to our trip, we do not want to hear how horrible
Disney is. They are there to provide a service to us for a
price. I hope this has taught them and us a lesson on how
to handle different circumstances. Thank you for listening
and responding.
It is never my intent to simply tell you "how horrible
Disney is." Rather, I want to make you aware of what
you're going to get for the money you're going to spend.
If you went on your trip expecting nothing but great value
and an absolutely perfect experience, but then *did* experience
some disappointment, then I wouldn't be doing
my job. You stated, "They are there to provide a service
to us for a price." I agree. Now, having read some of
MousePlanet's pages you have a better understanding of what
you'll get for that premium price you'll pay. If you're satisfied
with that value, then I'm sure you'll have a great trip and
thoroughly enjoy yourself because you're prepared... and you
know exactly what to expect. So, whether you agree with my
commentary on the cutbacks, I have done my job.
Now, if only I could get paid for doing my job...
As far as this teaching anyone a lesson, I don't quite understand
what you mean. The Walt Disney Company certainly hasn't learned
a thing from the cutbacks yet. Hopefully they will soon...
I'm sure that the cutbacks will help the company in the short
term. It's the long term that I'm concerned about. I'd rather
they IMPROVE quality because that will make people want to
come back... not cut back for short term savings.
In any case, I'm very, very glad that you had a great trip!
I've heard several good reports of late, so maybe things aren't
as bad now as they were during my most recent visit.
Well, I hope you enjoyed the reader feedback
for the WDW Trip Planning Guide! Feed free to send more questions
or comments to email@example.com!
Click here to see
some awesome WDW pieces that have run on MousePlanet recently!
here to check out the rest of Brian's Archive, including all of the previously
published "Notes From the World" pieces!
always gotten email about the WDW Trip Planning Guide, but since we added
the feedback
form to the site several months ago, the number of questions has increased
dramatically! I do my best to answer each and every question personally,
but I've noticed that a lot of the questions are asked again and again.
The question that one person asks might very well be the question that
someone else is wondering about. Thus this page!
So...I'll post
reader email and feedback every once in a while, because the question
someone else asks might be the same one you're thinking about yourself!
Go to: Top | Section Contents | MousePlanet Main Page
Copyright � MousePlanet® Inc. | Legal Information & Privacy Policy | About/Contact MousePlanet | Link to us
MousePlanet® is not associated in any official way with the Walt Disney Company, its subsidiaries, or its affiliates. The official Disney site is available at www.disney.com. This MousePlanet Web site provides independent news articles, commentary, editorials, reviews, and guides primarily about the theme park resorts of the Walt Disney Co. All information on this site is subject to change. Please call destinations in advance to confirm the most up-to-date information.


text:
Luanda-Concerts, theatre, dance and a workshop, as well as handing over merit and honours diplomas in recognition to the commitment of cultural agents in unveiling and preserving national artistic features comprise the programme dedicated to the celebrations of January 08, date meant to commemorate the Angolan culture.
According to the programme disclosed to ANGOP this Thursday, the National Culture Day celebrations, to be presided over by minister Rosa Cruz e Silva, in the costal Kwanza Sul province, shall commence on Saturday with a guided tour to historic and cultural sites (Kikombo Fort, Sumbe Fortress and the Sagrada Família Church).
For the following days, the organisation has planned the holding of a workshop on cultural policy, culture economy and cultural management, a workshop on files management, enhancement, theatre and dance, management of the built and classified heritage, on orthographic harmonisation of Bantu languages and techniques of gathering oral tradition.
The event also includes a round table on material and immaterial cultural heritage, as well as the handing over of the "Kwanza Sul Art and Culture" Award.
January 08, was approved as the National Culture Day, through the decree nº21 and published in the State Gazette nº 87, 1st series, of November 1986, in honour to the speech on the National Culture delivered by the late first President of the Republic of Angola, António Agostinho Neto.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Globe of the Great Southwest groundbreaking
On this day in 1958, groundbreaking ceremonies on the campus of Odessa College were held for the Globe of the Great Southwest. This theater is a permanent replica of the original Globe Theater built in 1598 on the Thames River in London, England, for William Shakespeare's acting company. The idea of the reconstruction of a Shakespearean theater in Odessa originated in 1948 in Marjorie Morris's senior English class at Odessa High School. Building the replica was adopted as a project of the Odessa High School Shakespeare Club; donations were solicited, and a local architect, J. Ellsworth Powell, drew the blueprints without remuneration and pledged supervision of the construction. Morris began to teach at Odessa College in 1951. That year the Odessa College regents donated land on the campus on which to build the theater, a nonprofit organization was chartered, and fund-raising began. The Globe was constructed as money could be raised, largely through Morris's personal efforts. The main structure was completed in 1961. The octagonal theater seats 410. Because of its shape and building materials, primarily wood and plaster, it has excellent acoustics. Adjacent to the theater is a replica of Shakespeare's wife's home, which houses a Shakespearean library, archives, a small performance area, and a meeting place.


text:
Press Release
|View printer-friendly version
|<< Back
|Celebrate National Doughnut Day! Stop In For A Free Sweet Treat
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130528/CL12550 )
National Doughnut Day was established in 1938 by The
Offer valid for one FREE doughnut of any variety at participating Krispy Kreme US and Canadian locations on
Follow the National Doughnut Day fun at NationalDoughnutDay2013.com, and @KrispyKreme #NationalDoughnutDay2013.
Stay connected with
Lafeea Watson, Phone: 336-726-8878, firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
Xbox One controller designed by gamers, for gamers
Kinect. Controller. Smartglass. They'll all work together to make the new Xbox One experience.
With the controller, there are over 40 design innovations. Some new features are:
- Integrated Battery Compartment
- Impulse Triggers
- Wi-Fi Direct Radio Stack
- Precision Directional Pad
It's hard to top what's already the best video game controller. But the Xbox One controller looks mighty sexy, sleek and hi-tech.
We'll update as we learn more about the controller.
You can follow Senior Editor Lance Liebl on Twitter @Lance_GZ. He likes talking sports, video games, movies, and the stupidity of celebrities. Email at firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
Author of PIGEON IN A CROSSWALK: TALES OF ANXIETY AND ACCIDENTAL GLAMOUR out now from Simon & Schuster/ Producer for CNN's Anderson Cooper 360
Join Chet Curtis's family & friends as we honor his amazing life at 11am. His funeral will be livestreamed on WCVB.com @WCVB
RT @WCVB: Hundreds remember Chet Curtis at wake on.wcvb.com/Mhk9iV
RT @wcvbkelleyt: Hundreds of people come to North End wake for newsman Chet Curtis including Secretary of State John Kerry. #WCVB
RT @andersoncooper: Legendary news anchor Chet Curtis has died. A sad loss bo.st/1eVcXR6
RT @Andy: Used to love watching Natalie Jacobson & Chet Curtis on WCVB when I was at BU. They were a dynamic duo!! RIP Chet Curtis. #Legend…
RT @jimbraude: here's former SJC Chief Justice Marshall with me @necn 2nite remembering #chetcurtis bit.ly/1eln5Bl
wonderful woman, made history. Chet loved her.MT @NECN 6pm #Broadside Fmr MAChiefJustice Marshall joins @jimbraude to reflect on Chet Curtis
a Boston icon, an example for a nation. My wonderful pal Chet Curtis remembered in today's NYTimes #RememberingChet pic.twitter.com/O2zz8js0jN
RT @KeithOlbermann: From last night: My farewell to the late Chet Curtis, with whom I was fortunate enough to work in 1984: http://t.co/O0I…
Another memorable interview we did. Chet & Sen Kennedy, in a Fenway Park skybox. 3 Boston icons. #RememberingChet pic.twitter.com/l8GRvX3fwT


text:
Not just for afternoon tea, these sandwiches also accompany cocktails well.
YIELD: Makes 24 tea sandwiches
In a small bowl stir together the mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of the parsley, the tarragon, the lemon juice, the Tabasco, and salt and pepper to taste. Spread one side of the bread slices with the mayonnaise, arrange the onion slices evenly on half the bread slices, and top them with the remaining bread slices. Press the sandwiches together gently, trim the crusts, and cut the sandwiches into quarters. Put the remaining 1/4 cup parsley in a shallow bowl and dip the edges of the sandwich quarters in the parsley.


text:
Runners Keep Moving "On The Run!"September 21st, 2011 at 12:08 pm by jonleiding under Health, Personalities, Sports, Uncategorized
The Latest Running News, Notes, and Info around the "757″ from Sportswrap Running Reporter, Jon "Flex" Leiding
Soggy Spashy Fun
Wet conditions this past weekend couldn't dampen the competitive spirits of Hampton Roads Runners. The Sandman Triathlon at the Oceanfront was a huge success. Lauren Frisk was the Women's Overall Winner in 1:03:27, while Eddie Hill captured the Men's Title 58:14. On the Peninsula Saturday, the Fit to Worship 5K went off without a hitch as Ian McGee, 22, broke the tape in 19:09. Showing the "Love" for the Ladies, Victoria Ferreira was swift with a 22:48. Moving to the Queens Lake course for the Hare and the Tortoise 8K, Williamsburg's Jennifer Quarles was the Women's Champ in a blistering 31:28, while Daniel Shaye was the Overall Winner in 28:48. "F.O.B.s", Friends of the Blog, Rick Platt and Greg Dawson posted a Top Ten Finish. Congratulations, Guys!
More Please!
The CNU Oyster Point 5K showed speed between the raindrops, as 22 year old, Matthew Winkler raced away with victory over the 3.1 mile course in 17:09. Meantime, the Ladies' Winner was Brooke Rowe with in a blazing 19:42.
Over at Virginia Wesleyan, the Project Athena Races came back in town. Raising funds for Cancer Survivors and getting dirty on a Cross Country/Road Run Mix was a lot of fun as I "got wet" for the cause as well. The Top Female for the 10K event was Grace Rich in 47:20, while August Sander, 20 year old member of Hampton Roads Running, was the Overall Champ in 40:36. So many of our "F.O.B.s" were there and was good to get reacquainted.
Away We Go!
Off Road seems to be the specialty of the week as the Marymont Cross Country Series this Friday & Saturday in Richmond, Saturday, the Chesapeake HS Invitational Cross Country Meet, followed up by Sunday's Cody's Crew 5K up in Manassas. Downtown fun means the Run/ Walk for the Law 5K at Town Point Park Sunday. The Peninsula is hopping with the Williamsburg Landing 5K Saturday, along with the St. Andrew's Episcopal School 5K in Newport News. Sunday offers up a "Marrow-Thon" 5K at William and Mary, part of the 21st annual Alan Buzkin Memorial Bone Marrow Drive. Let's also mention the Mulberry Island Half Marathon and 5K near Ft. Eustis Saturday, and you have yourself a VERY busy weekend of Running in Hampton Roads.
As always, you can find out more about these races at kalerunning.com, tidewaterstriders.com, colonialroadrunners.org, and peninsulatrackclub.com.
Feedback Time
As always, I can't express how thankful we are you check out the Blog and share with your friends. I especially like your story ideas. Friend of the Blog, Sherry Celesia passed on info that Hampton Roads' Pat Bowler took part in the Hallucination 100 Mile Ultra Race in Michigan two weeks ago. Bowler completed the "Woodstock Run" in 26:50:54, finishing 14th. That's running for longer than a day! I heard conditions were wet for most of the run. I'll try to see if I can get him to talk with us soon. Congratulations, Patrick!
With about six weeks until the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C, many of you are ramping up your mileage and wanted to remind those of you "going long" to be sure to refuel properly. Our "Friends of the Blog" recommend that for runs lasting longer than one hour, refuel every 25-30 minutes. Each person is different, so listen to your body signals so you can "go the distance". Hope your training is going well!
You'll always find my weekly blogpost here on WAVY.com. If you have an idea for a story or interesting race in the future, please let me know. You can hit me up at firstname.lastname@example.com or leave a response at the end of this post.
Great Runs are coming soon. Maybe I'll see you …"On The Run!"
On The Run from Sportswrap Running Reporter, Jon "Flex" Leiding


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Grivel - X Blade
Quick OverviewTechnical climbing tool
- Description
The X Blade is a new concept in ice tool design. A one piece axe where the hardened steal blade material is also used as the shaft material to create a one piece tol balanced for technical ice climbing. Multi-grip shaft design allows for fluid hand movement even on the steepest routes. Performance is not compromised by elegantly simple design.
- Specifications
Manufacturer Grivel Weight 24.5 oz. Size One Size Mfg Sku/Part Number 756240
- Product Reviews
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Category: Air & Climate ×
Subcategory: Air Quality Regulations ×
Industry: Glassware ×
Location: Asia & Middle East ×
Location: Oman ×
ifu Hamburg GmbH
based in Hamburg, GERMANY
We provide software and services for integrated implementation according to our clients` technical, environmental and economic needs. Our strength is the integration of knowledge from various players and disciplines operating in an information system. The combination of process, product, company and industry perspective allows the analysis of entire systems while ...
Enviance, Inc.
based in Carlsbad, CALIFORNIA (USA)
Enviance is the leading provider of Environmental ERP software. Our solutions have been developed, tested and proven by serving the world's leading corporations and government organizations. As the world business community faces increasing sustainability challenges, Enviance Environmental ERP enables organizations to measure, manage, report environmental performance and ...
MEGTEC Systems
based in De Pere, WISCONSIN (USA)
MEGTEC Systems provides environmental compliance solutions that make economic sense. MEGTEC offers a portfolio of proven, high-efficiency technologies including wet electrostatic precipitators, scrubbers and liquid atomization systems for particulate and acid gas control, DeNOx and evaporative gas cooling, regenerative thermal oxidizers (RTOs) for VOC abatement and odor ...
Environmental Source Samplers, Inc.
based in Wilmington, NORTH CAROLINA (USA)
Environmental Source Samplers, Inc. (ESS) has a long and proven track record. We have been providing air quality related services since 1979. Headquartered in Wilmington, North Carolina, ESS has provided stack testing services in most of the fifty states and internationally. ESS serves clients in many industries including: Aluminum, Asphalt, Automobile, Carbon, ...
Chemisch Thermische Prozesstechnik GmbH / CTP Air Pollution Control
based in Graz, AUSTRIA
CTP (Chemisch Thermische Prozesstechnik GmbH) is one of the world`s leading companies in air pollution control for industrial applications. CTP was founded in 1985 and since then, its engineers, chemists and researchers have been developing individual technologies to serve customers worldwide, covering all industrial sectors. At CTP, we adhere to high quality standards ...
Anguil Environmental Systems, Inc.
based in Milwaukee, WISCONSIN (USA)
Anguil Environmental Systems is a global provider of industrial air pollution control, emission abatement and energy recovery systems. We design, manufacturer, service and install thermal and catalytic oxidation technologies as well as heat recovery systems for a variety of applications and industries.
Ecotech Pty Ltd
based in Knoxfield, AUSTRALIA
Ecotech is an Australian owned company with more than 35 years experience in servicing, maintaining, designing, manufacturing, installing and commissioning ambient air and emission monitoring systems around the world. Ecotech is ISO17025 accredited for the operation and maintenance of ambient air and continuous emission monitoring systems and was first accredited in 1999. ...
Analytik Jena AG
based in Jena, GERMANY
Analytik Jena is a provider of instruments and products in the areas of analytical measuring technology, life science, and optoelectronics. Its portfolio includes the most modern analytical technology, complete systems for bioanalytical applications in the life science area, and high-end optical consumer products. Comprehensive laboratory software management and ...
Land Instruments International
based in Dronfield, UNITED KINGDOM
LAND are international designers and manufactures of a wide range of flue gas combustion efficiency and environmental emissions monitoring instrumentation. The product range includes both fixed and portable analysers for CO, O2, NO, NO2, NOx, H2S, SO2, CO2, CxHy, opacity, dust and particulate emissions, acid dewpoint temperature, PF coal combustion. LAND specializes in ...
Enerac Inc.
based in Holbrook, NEW YORK (USA)
Enerac is the leading manufacturer of portable emission analyzers and portable combustion analyzers in the world. The company introduced the model 842 in 1979. This was the first automated combustion efficiency analyzer ever built. Enerac combustion analyzers are Made in the USA. Our units can give you O2,CO,NO,No2,So2,H2S,HC,Co2,Draft,Temp & Efficiency. Enerac 500 & 700 ...
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Acer Aspire S5-391-53314G12akk
SpecificationsNotebook: Acer Aspire S5-391-53314G12akk (Aspire S5 Series)
Processor: Intel Core i5 3317U
Graphics Adapter: Intel HD Graphics 4000
Display: 13.3 inch, 16:9, 1366x768 pixels, glossy: yes
Weight: 1.2kg
Price: 1200 euro
Average of 1 scores (from 3 reviews)
Reviews for the Acer Aspire S5-391-53314G12akk
Source: Notebookjournal DE→EN
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 09/11/2012
Rating: performance: 90% features: 30% display: 30% mobility: 40% workmanship: 70% ergonomy: 50%
Source: Prohardver.hu HU→EN
Positive: Curentlyhinnest and lightest; good performance. Negative: Glossy screen with low resolution (1366x768); hot under high load.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 09/18/2012
Source: Dinside NO→EN
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 08/27/2012
Rating: Total score: 67%
Intel HD Graphics 4000: Processor graphics card in the high end Ivy Bridge models. Offers a different clock speed in the different CPU models (ULV to desktop quad core) and therefore a different performance.
Modern games should be playable with these graphics cards at low settings and resolutions. Casual gamers may be happy with these cards.
» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Graphics Cards and the corresponding Benchmark List.
3317U: Ivy-Bridge-based ULV-CPU in Q2 2012. Offers a core clock of 1.7 - 2.6 GHz and an HD 4000 GPU (350 - 1050 MHz). The TDP is rated at 17 W.» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Processsors.
13.3": This is a common display format for subnotebooks. Netbooks, UMPC and some subnotebooks have tinier displays. Nevertheless, the majority of standard laptops has a higher format. The advantage of a small display is, that the subnotebook can be small dimensioned and can be carried easily. Further the small display needs few energy, which improves the battery runtime and in consequence the mobility. The disadvantage is that the reading of texts is a bit exhausting for the eyes, especially with high resolutions.» To find out how fine a display is, see our DPI List.
1.2 kg: This subnotebook is one of the most lightweight of all notebooks and can be carried very easily. There exist hardly any models in this extreme class of weight. 7-9 inch displays are normal for this class of weight.
Acer: Acer Incorporated is a Taiwanese multinational electronics manufacturer. Its product lineup includes desktops and laptops, as well as personal digital assistants (PDAs), servers and storage, displays, peripherals, and e-business services for business, government, education, and home users. Acer is the third largest computer manufacturer in the world (by sales) after HP and Dell Inc (2007). The company owns the largest franchised computer retail chain in Taipei, Taiwan. Originally named Multitech, it was founded in 1976. Gateway and Packard Bell are economically connected with Acer. Market share regarding sales of personal computers in 2007 (market research IDC): HP 18.9 %, Dell 16.4 %, Acer 9.9 %, Lenovo 7.5 %, Apple 5.7 %
67%: This rating is bad. Most notebooks are better rated. This is not a recommendation for purchase.
» Further information can be found in our Notebook Purchase Guide.


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Empanadas de Calabasa
August 21st 2013By Avi Levy
Enjoy these Turkish Borekas/Empanada with pumpkin filling. They make a perfect appetizer and a Rosh Hashanah Siman. "May it be your will, L-rd our G-d, and G-d of our Fathers, to tear up our evil decree and let out see our merits before you." The Hebrew word for a gourd or squash is Kere similar to the word for tear – kria. The dough or masa as it's called, is different in Turkish borekas than the flaky fillo dough found in most borekas. The Turkish dough is more like an empanada, it's really wonderful and is something I grew up with. My Turkish grandfather would make all sorts of borekas in his home in Philadelphia and then send down 'care packages' to us in Florida. Anyway, you can make your own dough or just buy some premade sambusak dough, usually found in the freezer case of your local kosher store. It's close but not the real deal. Here's the recipe for the masa (boreka dough).


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Job Details
Cleveland Clinic
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See job description
See job description
Reference Title
HR Use Only: Director Retail Food Services - Cleveland Clinic
Hospital: Cleveland Clinic Main Campus & Family Health Centers
Facility: CLEVELAND CLINIC FOUNDATION (MAIN CAMPUS)
Department: Patient Food Service
Job Code: T99072
Pay Grade: 17
Schedule: Full Time
Shift: Days
Hours: 8am-5pm
Job Details:
JOB SUMMARY: Responsible for the establishment and implementation of short and long-term departmental goals and objectives. Ensures that the Food Services Operator's Retail Services programs, policies and procedures are aligned with the Cleveland Clinic departmental goals, objectives and budget.
Job Responsibilities: Acts as the first line Client Liaison for all Retail Services in the Cleveland Clinic facilities, enterprise wide. Assists the department with its strategic plan for enterprise wide oversight of retail facilities to include cafeterias/kiosks, catering, doctors' lounges, vending services, office coffee and retail stores. Monitors and evaluates programmatic and operational effectiveness using quantifiable and qualitative metrics.
Supports and ensures compliance with the Cleveland Clinic Food and Nutrition Services Charter in offering and delivery of food products to employees and visitors. Defines and implements programs for the department including customer service centric training for front line employees and adherence to mystery shop guidelines. Ensures quality and effectiveness of the programs through statistical research and reporting. Supports food services management in attainment of 90th percentile outcome.
Ensures the implementation of standardized recipes across the enterprise. •Works collaboratively with organizational leaders throughout the enterprise. Provides strategic leadership to mid-level managers, project support personnel as well as Hospitality support personnel through delegation and coaching. Assists in the preparation and maintenance of department budgets and regularly analyzes progress toward budgeted costs. Ensures customer service standards are routinely reviewed with front line employees and included in performance management measures. Oversees special events that involve the service of food/beverages. Ensures compliance with federal, state and local accrediting agency standards and regulations.
Other duties as assigned.
Education: Bachelor's Degree required; Master's Degree preferred
Licensure/Certification/Registration: Valid driver's license (VDL)
Complexity of Work: Required to work independently under pressure and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Irregular working hours.
Personal Protective Equipment: Follows standard precautions using personal protective equipment as required.
Required Experience: A minimum of seven years of directly relevant experience, including five years of demonstrated management or project management experience in the retail sector.
Category: Managerial/Professional/Physician
To apply for this job, visit http://www.clevelandclinic-jobs.com/job/CLEVELAND-Director-Retail-Food-Services-Cleveland-Clinic-Job-OH-44101/2506130/?feedId=833&utm_source=MaximusJobs&utm_campaign=ClevelandClinic
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Alumni & Friends
UNC DentistrE News
October 5, 2012
Dear Friend of the UNC School of Dentistry,
As usual, it's busy, busy here at the school! Despite a few crisp, beautiful fall days encouraging a temptation to be outside, our hallways stay filled with our students, faculty and staff. It's October, and we all know that the holidays - and final exams - will be upon us soon.
Being busy certainly isn't slowing down anyone's work outside of classes and clinics, though! Our SNDA chapter is hosting their Fall Impressions Program on Saturday and the keynote speaker is Rear Admiral Denise Canton, who currently serves as the assistant surgeon general. If you know someone who is considering a career in dentistry, encourage them to come to the event for mock boards, a Q&A with current students, and more!
Our school recently launched a new clinic rotation for our fourth-year D.D.S. students that's been getting some attention. The new rotation provides students the opportunity to treat and triage pregnant women in an attempt to address and, hopefully, dispel the myth that dental care can and should be avoided during pregnancy. Two of our D.D.S. '14 students, Amanda Kilburn Kearns and Jeffery Jackson, have worked closely with the general dentistry clinic and the principal investigators for the Prenatal Oral Health Program (pOHP) grant to get the clinic off the ground. Kerns and Jackson were awarded a Schweitzer Fellowship for their work on the project, and were also recently featured on the Schweitzer blog.
We're also very pleased to say that we hired a few new faculty members recently. Dr. Kimon Divaris, who earned his certificates in pediatric dentistry and global health as well as his Ph.D. in epidemiology from UNC, joined the Department of Pediatric Dentistry. The Department of Periodontology added two clinical associate professors: Dr. Thiago Morelli, a University of San Paulo D.D.S. graduate, and Dr. Jonathan Reside, a D.D.S. and M.S. graduate of our school. Dr. Lisa Stoner, a 1997 D.D.S. graduate, joined the Department of Prosthodontics as a clinical assistant professor. The Department of Dental Ecology also added a new clinical associate professor, recent M.S.D.H. graduate Ms. Cynthia Lambert, to their roster.
Please accept a sincere THANK YOU to those of you who were able to join us for the annual UNCDAA Alumni Barbecue and Tailgate last weekend! We had a wonderful crowd and, despite the terrible weather, we were all dry inside our lovely Atrium enjoying Allen & Son barbecue, fried chicken, and all the sides! We also unveiled the bust of our first dean, Dr. John C. Brauer, which was a special event for all in attendance. To see the photos from that event, please visit our Facebook photo album (and be sure to like the UNCDAA and UNC School of Dentistry Facebook pages); be sure to tag yourself and your friends in the pictures!
If you're making the trip to San Francisco for the ADA Meeting in two weeks, you'll want to make time to come by the UNC Alumni Reception on Friday, October 19. The reception, held from 6 - 7:30 p.m., will be in Yerba 2 and 3 at the Marriott Marquis San Francisco. It's going to be a great time to visit with fellow Tar Heels, so don't miss it!
As always, we want to express our gratitude for all you do to support our school. To make your annual gift, set-up a recurring gift, or make a one-time donation to the Dental Foundation of North Carolina, click here to give online, or contact our office (email@example.com, 919.537.3257) to discuss your giving options.
We hope to see you soon!
Best regards,
Tiffany N. Brannan
Director of Communications, UNC School of Dentistry


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The online Master of Education program at Post University provides educators with a curriculum tailored to the critical thinking, analytic, and forecasting skills needed to be change-agents and leaders in their education organizations. The program is grounded in the identification, evaluation and implementation of research-based education practices while keeping sight on the future of education through the use of trending and forecasting strategies. Technology is integrated throughout the program, enabling educators to create their own Personal Learning Environments (PLEs) to individualize education applications through a creative web presence.
During the program's four core courses, students will develop a vision for the future of education through an analysis of the issues and changes in both education and technology; apply principles of cognitive science; use metrics to measure student, programmatic, and institutional achievement; and identify and use relevant technology in the service of better learning. Following the core, students will select a four-course concentration sequence. All students will complete the program with a study of research methods, and the design and implementation of an application-based capstone project.
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