2007 Rumor........

[matthope03]

I have seen posted on the internet in multiple places that IOA is going to be announcing something big in early 2007. Seems like everyone has there own guess on what exactly it is going to be, but nothing official is going to be announced until early 2007. However, it is anticipated to be a "e-ticket" type attraction which for IOA means probably another rollercoaster. So here is my question, will Disney make a new attraction announcement before or after this IOA announcement? I personally think that they might wait until IOA makes there announcement and then undercut them with something off the boards at WDI. This would basically take the wind out of the sails for the IOA ride and attention would be back on Disney. What does everybody think about this being a possible push for a new Disney ride announcement in 2007?

 

[wdwmagic]

The great rivalry between Universal and Disney never really got going as it was expected to on the run up to IOA opening. Universal is not challenging Disney in Orlando, and you can pretty much expect that every visitor to Universal will also go to Disney. The opposite however, is not true.

This means that for Disney, any new attraction going into Universal just futher promotes Orlando as a destination, which in turn brings more people to Disney. There really is no need for Disney to try and compete.

Having said all that, it is rare for Disney not to have something big always under construction. I am sure we will get info on the next major project relatively soon.

 

[Mickeyman819]

Adding another attraction to IOA wont really affect Disney at all. The attendance for that park will go up if they market it correctly. I personally think the marketing at universal is horrible and they should do some re-structure or something of there marketing. This attraction will definatley be a thrill attraction, no neccesarily a Rollercoaster, but maybe something similar to our dinosaur.

I dont think that Disney will have to come back and announce something new. They have there own evergy to push on, and they have stuff planned for probaly 4-5 years in advance.

 

[Empress Room]

The great rivalry between Universal and Disney never really got going as it was expected to on the run up to IOA opening. Universal is not challenging Disney in Orlando, and you can pretty much expect that every visitor to Universal will also go to Disney. The opposite however, is not true.

This means that for Disney, any new attraction going into Universal just futher promotes Orlando as a destination, which in turn brings more people to Disney. There really is no need for Disney to try and compete.

Having said all that, it is rare for Disney not to have something big always under construction. I am sure we will get info on the next major project relatively soon.

Well said, Steve. Universal's change in ownership and focus (not to mention limited property) inherently prevented a Disney v. Universal competition before it even got started. As I understand it, the current owner of its theme parks is not necessarily committed to expansion or competition with Disney (didn't they recently pass on an option to purchase additional land that would have given Universal more space for expansion?) and any perceived "competition" by the general public only does bring more guests to the area and, undoubtedly, on to Disney property.

 

[Epcot82Guy]

I agree. I do think Disney has tended to announce things in relation to Universal announcements, but that is far from "necessary." I would guess DIsney's big announcements for 2007 will be something Epcot-related, but they still have decent strength coming from HCOE, so they can delay an announcement until some new marketing breath is needed.

 

[NJDVCMembers]

As investors...

Everyone has the right idea. There is actually a widening gap between Disney's and Universal's Orlando properties. We are stockholders in both GE and Disney and have read a lot of information on the stockholder boards on this subject. GE apparently has very little interest in the Universal parks, at least from our prospective. A number of analysts have stated that they expect GE to either spin-off or sell the parks. While we don't know for sure(we're just shareholders, not boardmembers) we think that GE has dropped the ball. The NBC/Universal division has not lived up to its potential. As Disney stockholders, Disney fans and DVC members we love the outlook. As GE shareholders we're a little let down.

 

[Jose Eber]

From what I hear -- expect a new E ticket at MGM in 2 years. Before then, a new character buffet (for the young male crowd).

J.

 

[New2WDW]

Interesting Thread! Has anyone heard any more rumor about Disney building outside of Orlando? I know I will get shot saying this but I heard again that Disney has purchased over 700 acres here in Georgia. For what I still do not know but a friend at church said friends of theirs were offered quite a sum for some connecting acreage to go with this property. Anyway, I heard rumors that other theme park companies were considering this property (i.e. Universal, Six Flags, etc.) Can anyone elaborate kindly on that?

 

[matthope03]

As far as property in Texas or Georgia if Disney purchases or has purchased the intent of that property is most likely not for theme parks. It could be for a resort with a golf course, a warehouse type deal, basically anything. The company is so large and diverse that the possibilities of the land are endless. I agree with the statement of a new E-ticket in MGM planned for the next 2 years.

 

[Enderikari]

I don't agree with new E-Ticket for MGM in the next two years... But this, unlike my other arguments, is based on my own conjecture... After all, the announcement has been made for a moratorium on any expensive new attractions for the next 4 to 5 years, instead spending the attraction budging on refurbishments, maintenance, and upkeep of existing attractions. I would expect to see more Pirates-style changes in the near future.

 

[marni1971]

There`s been a few rummours for Universal - a Jurrassic Park Jeep expo (coaster/emv....), a new ride(or rides) in place of the soundstage complex... they do need a new something.

Anyone else find it ironic GE now own USF?

 

[Captain Chaos]

Well, not saying where I heard this, but, the currect PopeyeBarge ride is shutting down and will be replaced... So, Maybe this is in relation to the 2007 rumor?

 

[tirian]

If GE wasn't interested in sponsoring anything at Disney anymore, they're definitely not interested in maintaining several theme parks! :lol: No wonder they want to sell the parks!

Rumors concerning IoA have been flying around for a while now; but since I'm at Disney, not Universal, I have no idea what's factual at Uni and what's not. I'm sure that Universal will eventually add something to IoA, but they really need to fix the first park first.

As for our Studios park, word is also flying around in my department that the park will get another attraction in either the ABC Commissary or by combining Sounds Dangerous and the ABC Theater. (Does anybody care about Drew Carey anymore?)

The Studios will get a new attraction someday, but since no timeframe has been set and the park just spent a lot of money on LMAX, don't expect any announcements too soon.

 

[nyfrenchy]

Well, not saying where I heard this, but, the currect PopeyeBarge ride is shutting down and will be replaced... So, Maybe this is in relation to the 2007 rumor?

Now why would they replace such a great ride? Nonsense...

 

[nyfrenchy]

As for the Studios, word is also flying around in my department that the park will get another attraction in either the ABC Commissary or by combining Sounds Dangerous and the ABC Theater. .

My bet is on an adaptation of CINEMAGIQUE.

 

[marni1971]

My bet is on an adaptation of CINEMAGIQUE.

It`d be nice (it`s a superb attraction) but I believe copyright issues prevent it being shown outside of France.

 

[Captain Chaos]

Now why would they replace such a great ride? Nonsense...

Sarcasm????

I am only reporting what I heard... Of course, even with Universal, take it for what it is worth. I personally don't care what Universal does. I hate that park. They can shut it down for all I care.

 

[Mecha Figment]

Just out of curiousity where was this 700 acers in georgia suppose to be exactly. because there was plans to build a new animal park near brunswick but that fell by the way side.

 

[shoppingnut]

As for our Studios park, word is also flying around in my department that the park will get another attraction in either the ABC Commissary or by combining Sounds Dangerous and the ABC Theater. (Does anybody care about Drew Carey anymore?)

The Studios will get a new attraction someday, but since no timeframe has been set and the park just spent a lot of money on LMAX, don't expect any announcements too soon.

Nope, don't care about Drew Carey and most people don't even know who he is anymore. I would love to see a Monster's Inc. ride there instead. And, as far as I am concerned LMAX was a waste of money and land. They should have left the back streets alone so they could still have the osborne lights there. I've seen LMAX once and that's really all I need, it wasn't that interesting, even my 10 yr old nephew said Indy was much better and would rather see that show.

 

[nyfrenchy]

It`d be nice (it`s a superb attraction) but I believe copyright issues prevent it being shown outside of France.

That's why I said "an adaptation of CINEMAGIQUE"