Saturday, January 17, 2009

And The Survey Says?

And the Survey says... too many survey takers!

I visited Disneyland this week. After waiting a half an hour for the single tram that was operating, going through the security check point, and then finally getting through the main gate we were greeted by a swarm of survey takers. They started asking us questions about our "experience" before we had both feet in the park. 


Having the survey people literally a foot and a half from the turnstiles, almost asking you questions before your ticket is even handed back to you is tacky. Walt and the gang at WED designed the main gate very consciously, utilizing the two tunnels under the Disneyland Railroad as a method of transporting guests out of the ordinary world. Entering the parks these days is arduous enough and having these survey takers pester you the second you're finally where you want to be is a little less than magical.

If you are going to be so blunt with your survey etiquette, then the survey takers should simply cut to the chase and just ask what they are really asking:

1. How little time did you spend at California Adventure?
2. How little time did you spend at Downtown Disney?
3. Do you think admission is over priced?

If you feel the need to ask these questions, you've probably already answered your own questions.

If the surveys help make the parks better, cool. But why not ask people about their experience after their experience? For example when they are exiting the park! Or better yet don't contaminate the park with them at all. Why not poll people if you must, when they are outside the gates and waiting 45 minutes for the tram to get back to their cars? 

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Welcome back.

And do you feel that 2 months between posts is
a/ too long
b/ too short
c/ just right

or d/ how little time did you spend in DCA.

Seriously though, a thoughtful post not often discussed. Those red shirt survey folks are annoying especially after all the hoops one has to jump through to get to that point.

Polls are for dogs.

Spokker said...

At least they aren't selling anything.

The Photo Pass pushers, before they made changes last year making them less aggressive, were awful. If I recall correctly they would ambush you as you entered the park just like as Six Flags or Knott's.

Now they just sorta stand around waiting for people to ask them to take a picture of them, whether it's with the Disney camera or the guests personal camera.

But I'll tell you what the worst is. Universal f'ing Studios. Before and after you enter the park, as you are leaving, after you already left, they BOMBARD you with credit card applications as if these are the last credit cards on Earth and after your visit there will be no more credit cards offered.

As if a cheap bag will entice me to sign up for crappy credit card. If they didn't have The Mummy ride or Jurassic Park Boat Adventure Featuring Half The Animatronics Broken But It's Still Kinda Cool Because Hey It's Jurassic Freaking Park I would done donuts with my car in the Back to the Future courtyard set.

But yeah those survey takers are annoying too.

Mr. Lincoln said...

@ anonymous

I'm going to have to go with A. too long! There has been a recent arrival of a Mr. Lincoln Jr. to the family. Time is needless to say, not what it used to be.

@ Spokker

Those photo guys were even more annoying. I didn't know they made changes, but I did notice it changed drastically at a certain point. There were times where they literally stood in a line facing the crowd moving up the street and it felt like an American Gladiator challenge to break through them.

I also wish they were is some cool costume instead of the drab purple pants and vest. Especially on Main St. it would would be cool to have them look like old time photographers. I think it could be done to where it would entice people to want their picture taken even more... I'll get to that post someday.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on the recent arrival of young Mr Lincoln jr, obviously family takes precedence over blogging.

Vintage Disneyland Tickets said...

Those survey folks are nuts, they avoid me because they recognize me now, but they really pounce on people even before they can put the ticket in their pocket!

I was at WDW last July and at least the survey lady asked my questions on the way out, that makes a lot more sense!

kasandria said...

Enjoyed reading your blog! I am a fellow Disney fanatic. :)
Kas
http://magicawaitsyou.blogspot.com/