DH got a call from WDW regarding PI! About This Page:

[rescuesk]

My DH spoke to an executive from WDW today. He had sent an email to voice his displeasure over the recent announcement of the PI/AC closing, and last night, there was a message on the machine from WDW. Today, he called her back.

Basically, she told him that while WDW values his opinion greatly, the refurbishment is a done deal and there is no room for change. She told him that they are going ahead with their plans to refurbish the area, because they felt that the whole venue was a little "dated" and was not attracting the crowds that it should. She said that park attendance is up, but PI attendance is down. She told him that this desicion is based on surveys that were sent out to guests at the resorts and in the parks. DH asked why he had never received one of these surveys, and she told him they are purely random. She said that they had received quite a bit of negative feedback in regards to the PI area, and they felt the time had come to change it. DH informed her that there was even more negative feedback in regards to their decision, and that there was a petition on it's way with well over 5000 signatures on it. She seemed surprised by this, but indicated that it would not change their minds. :

What DH and I both voiced concern over was how the information is gleaned from
the survey. If it is a "yes" and "no" format, is there a place for opinion or clarification? For example, the question "Would you like to see different venues at Pleasure Island?" could be answered "yes" by the guests who like the area but would like to see more diverse clubs or venues, and also "yes" by guests who would like to see it revamped in a totally different way. It is all up to interpretation.
She stressed over and over again that WDW does not make these decisions lightly, and that they make all their decisions based on guests input. But she stood firm in her insistence that this plan is going ahead, despite opinions to the contrary.

DH was happy to have been answered with a personal call, but very sad with the outcome of the call. If they value their guests opinion so highly, then I would have to say to keep the emails, calls and letters coming and let your opinion be heard!

[Starla4436]

I am really glad that they took the time to call...but sad that the AC seems to be un-saveable!

[CRCrazy]

Sue, thanks for sharing your information with us.

While I agree that this does not look good for saving the PI format - I did notice that the Adventurer's Club was not mentioned specifically. Maybe they will notice that is where the biggest protest is, and will revive the Adventurer's Club format in a new location - perhaps the Boardwalk. After all - I don't see or hear much talk about Atlantic Dance Club or Jellyrolls anymore, although that may be a revived area once PI closes down.

Hmmmm???

[djcrysi]

I hope to make it to AC for the final showing while at Disney. It is sad to know that it won't be there anymore.

[lukeandbrookesmom]

Thanks for the info Sue. I also say keep the emails, letters and phone calls going!

[Happymommy]

I've never gone to AC or Comedy, but I am sending an email about my displeasure since so many on here are so unhappy about it. Why can't they at least keep those two open??

[Minnie Lor]

Maybe they'll put the AC someplace else! ?

[mestitch]

Thanks for sharing that Sue. I was reading over some of my Unofficial Guide 2008 the other day and noticed something I hadn't before. This edition came out last year yet at the beginning of the PI chapter it said that PI probably wouldn't exist in it's current state much longer... guess they had an inkling of what was to come when they published that book. I'm still sad about the AC.

[disney777]

Another person hoping that AC will come back at a future date.

[BlueCinderellaEyes]

Wow I go away for a few days and lok what i come upon! Can you point me in the right direction of how this was all herd! Thanks

[chezp]

That is a very sad outcome and very disappointing.

[lisamarie]

I've done several surveys for WDW; from my trip this year, I got offered to do one for my resort (Pop Century) and the Pirate and Princess Party. I did them both at one sitting and they took almost 1.5 hours to complete. The questions have the basic: on a scale of 1-5, how would you rate something. And then, the next screen is; why did you give the rating, and gives you a box to type your response. So, I'm guessing the surveys they did on PI were pretty in depth. So, hopefuuly the info they obtained will help make WDW and PI all the better, even if it seems crazy right now.

[emtpej]

Glad to hear that at least a few of us have had a chance to provide input...

Survey design can influence the results, but Disney has been doing them for a long time, even Uncle Walt placed some value on them. Sometimes, a really LOOONG survey can cause people to 'pencil-whip' them and really skew things up.

From finding different things out from PP, allearsnet, etc., etc., and comparing that to what is on the WDW section of Disney's site, it's no wonder they don't really know what their real fans want / don't want. They should listen to what the Mom's Club says, they are the handpicked biggest, long-term fans, and not caught up in fads.

[lauren-roxy]

Thanks for that info Sue!

[Suzie]

PI has been dead most of the times I have seen it this year (Jan and July). I too would like to see them keep the CC and AC but I am not surprised that the others are closing. I think it is time for an update there.
I took one of those on-line surveys in Jan. when we got home from our trip and I said as much in my responses on it.
Suzie