Universal Orlando feeling the pressure to compete with YOAMD??

[gusdog]

Ok...

I ran accross this while looking up some information for the closing of the Back to the Future the ride...


I just gotta wonder is this a silly attempt by Universal to compete with YOAMD? <--- old line

Re edit to say ---> Looks like Universal is getting into the giveaway game!

Here is the blurb:

THE UNIVERSAL $50,000 SWEEPSTAKES!

Visit the Universal $50,000 Sweepstakes and enter for your chance at the $50,000 grand prize!

Plus, once you register online, you’ll also have a chance to instantly win one of over 1,000 Universal DVDs and a trip to Universal Orlando® Resort or Universal Studios HollywoodSM.

Enter the sweepstakes now, then send this page to a friend so they can enter too!


I mean it is not a night in the castle or anything remotely cool like that but...


I just had to share because it for some odd reason seemd funny to me!:shrug: <--- Old line


Re edit to say... I just wanted to share to start some discussion!

 

[slappy magoo]

You say "feel pressure to compete" like it's a new thing. Of course there's some pressure. They're competing businesses & WDW sets the standard. But you can just as easily argue that YOAMD, MYW, Dining Your Way, Magic Express, 4 parks each with a different theme & different attractions, over a dozen resorts, Pleasure Island, DTD, 2 water parks, a multiplex, DVC time-share & mini golf courses is proof that Disney is feeling pressure to compete with all of Orlando. Anything you can do or get off-site, Disney tries to develop on-site so you don't leave and put one thin dime in anyone else's pockets. Nothing necessarily wrong with developing competition, but when Disney competes, forum members thin it's the most awesome thing since Mickey waffles or Dole Whips, but when someone else tries to compete, it's "funny." It's almost an embodiment of "might makes right." Because Disney is the leader, peopl act as if what they do to thwart competition is "good" inherently. And anyone who tries to compete (especially Universal, the closest competition in terms of scale) is just so silly! Why bother? Just roll over! Give up! Sell your land to Disney and get out of town! Kinda anti-Ameircan of a sentiment, if you ask me. Be grateful someone IS trying to compete, to keep WDW from slacking off if for no other reason.

 

[mousermerf]

To be perfectly honest - aside from the DVC, the 50k is a far more interesting prize then anything I can win the in Year of a Million Dreams.

 

[cmatt]

50 grand > sleeping for a night in a mock castle in a theme park - FACT

not silly,funny or otherwise - this would buy you a nice holiday to dubai

 

[gusdog]

actually, I guess silly was a bad use of grammer I came across this early in the morning and I guess I wasn't thinking clearly enough when I wrote the thread. I certainly didn't mean to get anyone upset just stir up some discussion which I guess I did kinda achieve. Now that I have slept a little bit I have seen the *caugh* error of my ways don't flame me for sleep deprivation I'll admit now looking back over it Silly and Funny were poor choices of words!

 

[perculata]

You say "feel pressure to compete" like it's a new thing. Of course there's some pressure. They're competing businesses & WDW sets the standard. But you can just as easily argue that YOAMD, MYW, Dining Your Way, Magic Express, 4 parks each with a different theme & different attractions, over a dozen resorts, Pleasure Island, DTD, 2 water parks, a multiplex, DVC time-share & mini golf courses is proof that Disney is feeling pressure to compete with all of Orlando. Anything you can do or get off-site, Disney tries to develop on-site so you don't leave and put one thin dime in anyone else's pockets. Nothing necessarily wrong with developing competition, but when Disney competes, forum members thin it's the most awesome thing since Mickey waffles or Dole Whips, but when someone else tries to compete, it's "funny." It's almost an embodiment of "might makes right." Because Disney is the leader, peopl act as if what they do to thwart competition is "good" inherently. And anyone who tries to compete (especially Universal, the closest competition in terms of scale) is just so silly! Why bother? Just roll over! Give up! Sell your land to Disney and get out of town! Kinda anti-Ameircan of a sentiment, if you ask me. Be grateful someone IS trying to compete, to keep WDW from slacking off if for no other reason.

Yea that's true, but when Disney does something to react to their competition it's to remain on top. When the competition does something to react to Disney, it's so they aren't left further behind. So while Disney may feel some pressure, there is definitely more pressure felt by Universal. If disney isn't number one, that's fine, they'll still exist. But if Universal falls further and further behind, then they'll cease to exist, hence they have more pressure placed upon them.

 

[Legacy]

But if Universal falls further and further behind, then they'll cease to exist, hence they have more pressure placed upon them.

I dunno... Six Flags has been around for a while and has been content to sit pretty far behind.

 

[dandaman]

Six Flags has sold/closed a few parks in as many years... but still, good point. :lol:

 

[kengels]

Maybe they should take the $50,000.00 and reinvest it in the park. Maybe buy some paint for Jaws or something???

 

[slappy magoo]

Yea that's true, but when Disney does something to react to their competition it's to remain on top. When the competition does something to react to Disney, it's so they aren't left further behind. So while Disney may feel some pressure, there is definitely more pressure felt by Universal. If disney isn't number one, that's fine, they'll still exist. But if Universal falls further and further behind, then they'll cease to exist, hence they have more pressure placed upon them.

No offense, but could you honestly imagine a time when Disney would happily be the number TWO vacation destination? :lol: And honestly, what difference does it make? Despite their alpha-dog, we're-better-than-that-fairy-dust-crap marketing UO uses to cater to thrill-seekers, I'm sure UO knows they're a distant second plane to WDW, at best. Furthermore, they know that for the time being, the real competition ISN'T WDW, despite what their ads say. It's EVERYTHING ELSE IN ORLANDO a visiting family can do if they opt to spend a day or three outside of the WDW compound. But "we're better than everything else BUT Disney World" isn't exactly an advertising 'grabber,' you know what I mean? Their aggressive marketing, comparing themselves as comparable (or better) than WDW, may turn some diehard Disney fans off, but it also piques curiosity in others. Meanwhile, it would take a LOT for Disney to stop being number 1. They could stop expanding, exploring other revenue (like the Four Seasons or Western complex deals), just invest in upkeep of what they have, or keep their "improvements" money relegated to more attractions in the parks they have, and still be the number one destination for quite a while, for a number of reasons. WDW is, in fact, competing with itself just as much as the other guys. Perhaps more so. Kinda common for publicly traded companies. It's not enough to be the best, you have to keep being better than you were. Find NEW ways to make money (which means finding new ways to prevent other people from making that money you're now pursuing). Just because they're number one doesn't mean there isn't INTENSE pressure to be even MORE number one-ier than they are now.

 

[JROK]

Maybe they should take the $50,000.00 and reinvest it in the park. Maybe buy some paint for Jaws or something???

But Jaws was just repainted and revamped over the Winter... so... nice try at a stab...

 

[perculata]

No offense, but could you honestly imagine a time when Disney would happily be the number TWO vacation destination? :lol: And honestly, what difference does it make? Despite their alpha-dog, we're-better-than-that-fairy-dust-crap marketing UO uses to cater to thrill-seekers, I'm sure UO knows they're a distant second plane to WDW, at best. Furthermore, they know that for the time being, the real competition ISN'T WDW, despite what their ads say. It's EVERYTHING ELSE IN ORLANDO a visiting family can do if they opt to spend a day or three outside of the WDW compound. But "we're better than everything else BUT Disney World" isn't exactly an advertising 'grabber,' you know what I mean? Their aggressive marketing, comparing themselves as comparable (or better) than WDW, may turn some diehard Disney fans off, but it also piques curiosity in others. Meanwhile, it would take a LOT for Disney to stop being number 1. They could stop expanding, exploring other revenue (like the Four Seasons or Western complex deals), just invest in upkeep of what they have, or keep their "improvements" money relegated to more attractions in the parks they have, and still be the number one destination for quite a while, for a number of reasons. WDW is, in fact, competing with itself just as much as the other guys. Perhaps more so. Kinda common for publicly traded companies. It's not enough to be the best, you have to keep being better than you were. Find NEW ways to make money (which means finding new ways to prevent other people from making that money you're now pursuing). Just because they're number one doesn't mean there isn't INTENSE pressure to be even MORE number one-ier than they are now.

Actually yes I could imagine a time when Disney would happily be the number two destination. Considering Dubai Land is opening soon, and is poised to conquer Disney world's status.

What your saying may make some sense to you. The problem is that Disney is the one who essentially is controlling the tourism market in Orlando. They are able to pretty much do what they want and others must follow in order to remain competitive.

Disney no longer feels much pressure from the outside. They seem to have all bases covered and are in firm control. The only pressure they feel is to continue to remain profitable. That amount of pressure is the average pressure that any company in America faces. Equating that kind of pressure to the pressure Universal feels is foolish.

Universal right now is in a huge slump. They continue to lose guests to Disney and are now trying to react to that. I just fail to see how a company that is experiencing some of it's best economic success in a long time feels anywhere close to the same amount of pressure that Universal is feeling.

Considering Universal isn't even a close second in terms of dominance, I think Disney is quite happy with the position they have in the market. Are they complacent? I'd say no. they're going to continue to innovate and make smart business decisions. But that doesn't equate to desperation or pressure. They'd feel pressure if they weren't satisfied with their market position, but Disney has no reason not to be satisfied. However, I assure you, Universal isn't happy with they place they're at right now.

 

[Legacy]

Actually yes I could imagine a time when Disney would happily be the number two destination. Considering Dubai Land is opening soon, and is poised to conquer Disney world's status.

What your saying may make some sense to you. The problem is that Disney is the one who essentially is controlling the tourism market in Orlando. They are able to pretty much do what they want and others must follow in order to remain competitive.

Disney no longer feels much pressure from the outside. They seem to have all bases covered and are in firm control. The only pressure they feel is to continue to remain profitable. That amount of pressure is the average pressure that any company in America faces. Equating that kind of pressure to the pressure Universal feels is foolish.

Universal right now is in a huge slump. They continue to lose guests to Disney and are now trying to react to that. I just fail to see how a company that is experiencing some of it's best economic success in a long time feels anywhere close to the same amount of pressure that Universal is feeling.

Considering Universal isn't even a close second in terms of dominance, I think Disney is quite happy with the position they have in the market. Are they complacent? I'd say no. they're going to continue to innovate and make smart business decisions. But that doesn't equate to desperation or pressure. They'd feel pressure if they weren't satisfied with their market position, but Disney has no reason not to be satisfied. However, I assure you, Universal isn't happy with they place they're at right now.

It's going to take a long while for Dubai Land to beat Disney World... and frankly, Disney World will still be the most popular destination in the Western Hemisphere, and Disney will still be the most name worldwide. Dubai Land isn't Disney competitor, Las Vegas is. And though Disney fanboys would never admit it, Universal is putting plenty of pressure on Disney. If Disney starts a new "teen" oriented Halloween Event... why would they? To compete with Universal. Why was MGM rushed to completion? To compete with Universal. Why are more thrill-oriented attractions being built? To compete with Universal. Shoot, even the new crown jewel attraction, Toy Story Mania, and being developed to what? Compete with Spiderman at Universal.

Universal isn't a distant second. Numerically, maybe, but Universal Orlando is the only company in the nation that is making an effort to stay on Disney's heels.

And Disney had better look out if the Harry Potter rumor is true.

 

[perculata]

It's going to take a long while for Dubai Land to beat Disney World... and frankly, Disney World will still be the most popular destination in the Western Hemisphere, and Disney will still be the most name worldwide. Dubai Land isn't Disney competitor, Las Vegas is. And though Disney fanboys would never admit it, Universal is putting plenty of pressure on Disney. If Disney starts a new "teen" oriented Halloween Event... why would they? To compete with Universal. Why was MGM rushed to completion? To compete with Universal. Why are more thrill-oriented attractions being built? To compete with Universal. Shoot, even the new crown jewel attraction, Toy Story Mania, and being developed to what? Compete with Spiderman at Universal.

Universal isn't a distant second. Numerically, maybe, but Universal Orlando is the only company in the nation that is making an effort to stay on Disney's heels.

And Disney had better look out if the Harry Potter rumor is true.

If Disney is so worried about Universal, then why'd did it take them 8 years to respond to Spiderman. Why have they lagged behind in refurbing their rides. Disney isn't feeling any pressure from Universal right now. Disney's attendance continues to climb while Universal's falls. Disney is simply trying to give it's guests no reason to leave the resort. Feeling pressure from Universal implies that Universal is challenging them in some way, giving them a reason to worry about their own profits and attendance. Last time I checked Universal was doing neither.

 

[slappy magoo]

Actually yes I could imagine a time when Disney would happily be the number two destination. Considering Dubai Land is opening soon, and is poised to conquer Disney world's status.

What your saying may make some sense to you. The problem is that Disney is the one who essentially is controlling the tourism market in Orlando. They are able to pretty much do what they want and others must follow in order to remain competitive.

Disney no longer feels much pressure from the outside. They seem to have all bases covered and are in firm control. The only pressure they feel is to continue to remain profitable. That amount of pressure is the average pressure that any company in America faces. Equating that kind of pressure to the pressure Universal feels is foolish.

Universal right now is in a huge slump. They continue to lose guests to Disney and are now trying to react to that. I just fail to see how a company that is experiencing some of it's best economic success in a long time feels anywhere close to the same amount of pressure that Universal is feeling.

Considering Universal isn't even a close second in terms of dominance, I think Disney is quite happy with the position they have in the market. Are they complacent? I'd say no. they're going to continue to innovate and make smart business decisions. But that doesn't equate to desperation or pressure. They'd feel pressure if they weren't satisfied with their market position, but Disney has no reason not to be satisfied. However, I assure you, Universal isn't happy with they place they're at right now.

Well, thanks for allowing that my logic makes sense TO ME. It seems to make sense TO YOU as well. I write that Universal is fighting to stay firmly in second place (while using advertising that insinuates they're gunning for number one), and you write that Disney is in control of the tourism market in Orlando. Tomato, meet to-mah-to. :ROFLOL:

This argument is going to get circuitous really fast, and no one's gonna cede ground. Suffice to say, I think that Disney, despite their dominance, feels pressure from the competition to keep stepping up their game. They never would've offered free transporation to and from the airport were it not for the fact that they wanted to keep people from leaving the grounds. They never would've built Typhoon Lagoon OR Blizzard Beach if so many people hadn't been leaving to go to Wet N' Wild. They never wou'dve offered the Dining Plan were it not for the fact that people were going to the Crossroads and elsewhere for less-expensive meals. They never would've opened up PI were it not for all the money being spent at CHurch Street. And the new Western complex is an attempt to keep people from outlet mall-hopping. They don't develop these new ventures out of the goodness of their hearts. They want as many of your vacation dollars as possible, and that means making sure the competition gets as few of your vacation dollars as possible. If they could figure out a way to get you to just send them a check, THAT would be ideal, but they haven't figured that one out yet. If they didn't feel the pressure from these outside sources, they wouldn't develop new ventures that directly compete with these ventures.

I'll concede (as I have all along) they're in a position of strength, but they have, in the past, had to play catch-up or race to stave off compeition (like speed-building The Studios to open before Uni, without having a lot developed to put IN the park, which has been a hindrance). Now, they're in a position where they can try to anticipate trends and build something to satisfy that trend before competition springs up. But that could backfire, as evidenced by the lackluster performance of Disneyquest. Don't fool yourself into thinking that trying to figure out what the public will want next, before someone else builds it, isn't stressful. And don't think, for an instant, Disney isn't constantly looking at what's going on outside the gates and figuring out how to rip it off.

 

[perculata]

Well, thanks for allowing that my logic makes sense TO ME. It seems to make sense TO YOU as well. I write that Universal is fighting to stay firmly in second place (while using advertising that insinuates they're gunning for number one), and you write that Disney is in control of the tourism market in Orlando. Tomato, meet to-mah-to. :ROFLOL:

This argument is going to get circuitous really fast, and no one's gonna cede ground. Suffice to say, I think that Disney, despite their dominance, feels pressure from the competition to keep stepping up their game. They never would've offered free transporation to and from the airport were it not for the fact that they wanted to keep people from leaving the grounds. They never would've built Typhoon Lagoon OR Blizzard Beach if so many people hadn't been leaving to go to Wet N' Wild. They never wou'dve offered the Dining Plan were it not for the fact that people were going to the Crossroads and elsewhere for less-expensive meals. They never would've opened up PI were it not for all the money being spent at CHurch Street. And the new Western complex is an attempt to keep people from outlet mall-hopping. They don't develop these new ventures out of the goodness of their hearts. They want as many of your vacation dollars as possible, and that means making sure the competition gets as few of your vacation dollars as possible. If they could figure out a way to get you to just send them a check, THAT would be ideal, but they haven't figured that one out yet. If they didn't feel the pressure from these outside sources, they wouldn't develop new ventures that directly compete with these ventures.

I'll concede (as I have all along) they're in a position of strength, but they have, in the past, had to play catch-up or race to stave off compeition (like speed-building The Studios to open before Uni, without having a lot developed to put IN the park, which has been a hindrance). Now, they're in a position where they can try to anticipate trends and build something to satisfy that trend before competition springs up. But that could backfire, as evidenced by the lackluster performance of Disneyquest. Don't fool yourself into thinking that trying to figure out what the public will want next, before someone else builds it, isn't stressful. And don't think, for an instant, Disney isn't constantly looking at what's going on outside the gates and figuring out how to rip it off.

You almost made my points for me in that argument. As you showed, Disney at one point did feel some sort of pressure from it's competition. They rushed things to completion and played catch up with other people's attractions.

But now they are able to take things at their own pace and build things when they want, how they want. There may be stress involved in that process, but they don't face the pressure they once did.

They no longer feel obligated to beat Universal to the punch or copy what they're doing as soon as possible. Disney can now do what is truly in their best interest without having to push certain agendas in order to deal with their competition. The fact that they are able to build things at their own pace and address their own needs without having to rush to beat the competition alieviates most of the pressure they felt years ago.

 

[jesserin]

Ok...

I ran accross this while looking up some information for the closing of the Back to the Future the ride...


I just gotta wonder is this a silly attempt by Universal to compete with YOAMD? <--- old line

Re edit to say ---> Looks like Universal is getting into the giveaway game!

Here is the blurb:

Plus, once you register online, you’ll also have a chance to instantly win one of over 1,000 Universal DVDs and a trip to Universal Orlando® Resort or Universal Studios HollywoodSM.
I mean it is not a night in the castle or anything remotely cool like that but...


I just had to share because it for some odd reason seemd funny to me!:shrug: <--- Old line


Re edit to say... I just wanted to share to start some discussion!

:ROFLOL: :ROFLOL: :ROFLOL: :ROFLOL: :ROFLOL: I love that you edited... and kept your previous post. For some reason this really made me laugh. :lol:

Ok Carry on.

 

[slappy magoo]

You almost made my points for me in that argument. As you showed, Disney at one point did feel some sort of pressure from it's competition. They rushed things to completion and played catch up with other people's attractions.

But now they are able to take things at their own pace and build things when they want, how they want. There may be stress involved in that process, but they don't face the pressure they once did.

They no longer feel obligated to beat Universal to the punch or copy what they're doing as soon as possible. Disney can now do what is truly in their best interest without having to push certain agendas in order to deal with their competition. The fact that they are able to build things at their own pace and address their own needs without having to rush to beat the competition alieviates most of the pressure they felt years ago.

OR is it that, for the past few years, the competition hasn't done anything particularly competitive?

And thanks for, in a backwards way, agreeing with me that, at least in the past, Disney has felt the heat from its competitors, and made decisions based on that feeling of direct competition. And that's not to say that WDW will never feel that heat again, even if they're currently not feeling it. That's why I made my point about internal pressure. Now that they're so far ahead of any current vacation resort, there is a pressure to make sure they always stay that much farther ahead of the curve. To lose any ground is akin to failure. They may be able to build at their own pace now, but if Uni or any other resort started to get more aggressive, who knows how they'll react? Because really, when you think about it, most of Disney's innovations of late hasn't been making people WANT to only stay on-site, they're just making it more convenient to do so. For now, feel free to scoff or disagree. But as it's been pointed out, there are rumors of big and interesting things on Uni's landscape. If the rumors of a Harry Potter attraction (or a whole section of one of the parks) and a Simpsons attraction are true, I'd bet a shiny nickel Disney will step up and try to counteract with something of the same size and scope. Until then, catch you on the flip-flop.

 

[kengels]

But Jaws was just repainted and revamped over the Winter... so... nice try at a stab...

I wasn't making a "stab" at anything. I was thinking what exactly could they fix with only $50,000.00?? The first thing was repaint Jaws. I'll be honest, Universal sucks! But it still wasn't a "stab".

 

[DisneyDellsDude]

...but then when I win, the money will just go right into Disney's pocket.:shrug: