2014: What's in store?

[flyerjab]

Something else that has nabbed my attention is people talking about rising costs. This is something that I don't understand. Prices always rise and always will. It shouldn't shock anyone cause pretty soon, either Disney or Uni will break the triple digit mark.

For comparative purposes, I did a look back to 1995 to see some basic economic and cost facts for the good ole USA:

Economy
President: Bill Clinton
Vice President: Al Gore

Population: 262,764,948

Dow-Jones
High: 5,216
Low: 3,832

Federal spending: $1519.13 billion
Federal debt: $4921.0 billion
Inflation: 2.5%
Consumer Price Index: 152.4
Unemployment: 6.1%

Prices
Cost of a new home: $158,700.00
Cost of a new car: $
Median Household Income: $34,076.00
Cost of a first-class stamp: $0.32 (as of 1/1/95)
Cost of a gallon of regular gas: $1.15
Cost of a dozen eggs: $1.16
Cost of a gallon of Milk: $2.96

The one that really sticks out to me is the cost of a gallon of gas. I now pay on average about $3.50 for a gallon. I can't even remember when it was $2.00, let alone $1.15. And the average median household income was around $34,000. I can't believe that WDW hasn't already broken the $100 single day ticket barrier.

 

[Tim Lohr]

Something else that has nabbed my attention is people talking about rising costs. This is something that I don't understand. Prices always rise and always will. It shouldn't shock anyone cause pretty soon, either Disney or Uni will break the triple digit mark.

For comparative purposes, I did a look back to 1995 to see some basic economic and cost facts for the good ole USA:

Economy
President: Bill Clinton
Vice President: Al Gore
Population: 262,764,948
Dow-Jones
High: 5,216
Low: 3,832
Federal spending: $1519.13 billion
Federal debt: $4921.0 billion
Inflation: 2.5%
Consumer Price Index: 152.4
Unemployment: 6.1%

Prices
Cost of a new home: $158,700.00
Cost of a new car: $
Median Household Income: $34,076.00
Cost of a first-class stamp: $0.32 (as of 1/1/95)
Cost of a gallon of regular gas: $1.15
Cost of a dozen eggs: $1.16
Cost of a gallon of Milk: $2.96

The one that really sticks out to me is the cost of a gallon of gas. I now pay on average about $3.50 for a gallon. I can't even remember when it was $2.00, let alone $1.15. And the average median household income was around $34,000. I can't believe that WDW hasn't already broken the $100 single day ticket barrier.

You used to be able to stay at the Polynesian for $30 a night ...back in the good old 1970's

WDW was so much better back in the 71, they only had the one park with like 8 rides, and while Disneyland has a kind of a "Norman Rockwell" quality to it Disney World was "Funky" just look at this contemporary room at the Contemporary Resort back then

...is that " carpeting" how contemporary, or this view of the "Top of the World Night" club

and I don't know what Pinocchio doing back in the 70's...

but look at those colorful outfits

I don't see how anyone could feel it's better now at WDW

 

[CDavid]

You used to be able to stay at the Polynesian for $30 a night ...back in the good old 1970's

WDW was so much better back in the 71, they only had the one park with like 8 rides, and while Disneyland has a kind of a "Norman Rockwell" quality to it Disney World was "Funky" just look at this contemporary room at the Contemporary Resort back then

...is that " carpeting" how contemporary, or this view of the "Top of the World Night" club

and I don't know what Pinocchio doing back in the 70's...

but look at those colorful outfits


I don't see how anyone could feel it's better now at WDW

I know you meant to be sarcastic, but it isn't really fair to knock 1970's era style and decor from a 2014 viewpoint.

Walt Disney World did have a "charm", for lack of a better term, during the 1970's which would be difficult (or impossible) to achieve today. Most of us probably wouldn't want to give up all the resorts and three theme parks, but if i had a TARDIS, one of the stops would be early Walt Disney World.

One thing, however, which absolutely could - and should - be replicated today are the standards to which the company held itself back then. That's what defines the never better WDW we're looking for.

 

[luv]

Other than the Mine Train and parade, I don't know what new things are coming. I'm so eager to see the new parade. Haven't really cared about the MK parade in about a decade. So yay!

Even if the Mine Train is a kiddie coaster, it's still something new! I'm eager to see it and ride it! I'm not expecting it to be a big deal or anything that blows my socks off. But it could be a good new ride. I still think the Mermaid ride is a great little ride.

If you take the colors and styles of the early 70s into account, that room is a very nice blend of style, whimsy and cuteness. Love the art on the wall!

 

[KCheatle]

I legitimately think that there will be some major overhauls at Seaworld in light in the Blackfish film, which may impact the Seas. Not sure if it will happen this year, but I see some changes coming in the near future as a result.

As much as I love aquariums, those dolphins look profoundly depressed every time I see them in there. I wouldn't be surprised if PETA starts talking about the bottle-nosed dolphins next. Not sure how Disney would react if they did, as swimming with dolphins is considered one of the "magical" experiences. But, I see something brewing there...

 

[Wikkler]

Magic Kingdom

• Festival of Fantasy Parade
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Epcot

• New restaurant in Morocco

Animal Kingdom

• Relocated Lion King

Whole Resort

• MyMagic+
• Magic Bands
• FastPass+
• My Disney Experience
• Price increase
• Quality decrease

 

[Tim Lohr]

I know you meant to be sarcastic, but it isn't really fair to knock 1970's era style and decor from a 2014 viewpoint.

Walt Disney World did have a "charm", for lack of a better term, during the 1970's which would be difficult (or impossible) to achieve today. Most of us probably wouldn't want to give up all the resorts and three theme parks, but if i had a TARDIS, one of the stops would be early Walt Disney World.

One thing, however, which absolutely could - and should - be replicated today are the standards to which the company held itself back then. That's what defines the never better WDW we're looking for.

Other than the Mine Train and parade, I don't know what new things are coming. I'm so eager to see the new parade. Haven't really cared about the MK parade in about a decade. So yay!

Even if the Mine Train is a kiddie coaster, it's still something new! I'm eager to see it and ride it! I'm not expecting it to be a big deal or anything that blows my socks off. But it could be a good new ride. I still think the Mermaid ride is a great little ride.
If you take the colors and styles of the early 70s into account, that room is a very nice blend of style, whimsy and cuteness. Love the art on the wall!

I'm not being sarcastic, I think the 70's stuff is awesome, and it's also how I remember the place from my childhood, although I do recognize that world is subject to change with the passing of time which is a concept some people seem to have trouble accepting

 

[Wikkler]

I didnt say I was never going back. just taking a few years off to check out DL and hopefully one of the parks overseas.

I thought Disneyland WAS overseas.

When I was your age North America was two continents lol


I'm not really that old.

 

[wdisney9000]

I thought Disneyland WAS overseas.

When I was your age North America was two continents lol


I'm not really that old.

Was Pangea cool?

 

[asianway]

Nope.. The dapper dans are still doing 8 sets every day and the Main Street vehicles are still out every morning. He's just making stuff up to push his agenda.

The trolley is out every morning and only does a couple laps before each of the 3 trolley shows. It's typically interrupted by the first misici. The motorized vehicles are hit and miss-they might be out or not.

Compare this to DL where all vehicles run until the first parade-multiple trolleys & omnibuses on busy days or WDW in the 80s when they would bring the vehicles out at night AFTER MSEP.

Don't make crap up to suit your agenda

 

[JenniferS]

I legitimately think that there will be some major overhauls at Seaworld in light in the Blackfish film, which may impact the Seas. Not sure if it will happen this year, but I see some changes coming in the near future as a result.

As much as I love aquariums, those dolphins look profoundly depressed every time I see them in there. I wouldn't be surprised if PETA starts talking about the bottle-nosed dolphins next. Not sure how Disney would react if they did, as swimming with dolphins is considered one of the "magical" experiences. But, I see something brewing there...

Not a member of PETA here, and I have already expressed my opinion of SeaWorld/Blackfish, but I agree - it's time to give up the dolphins (and orcas).

We have no right to confine these magnificent creatures to such tiny concrete enclosures for our enjoyment. Dolphins love to swim, jump, and travel 40 - 80 miles in a single day.

In 2012, when we were at the Seas, the two male dolphins on view were so bored they did nothing but hump one another. My 9 year old niece was disappointed when I suggested we move on, as she was sure they were both having babies and she didn't want to miss it. I'm not keen on researching this, but I'll bet this doesn't happen as much in the wild.

FYI - an online petition to free the Disney dolphins already exists.
http://www.change.org/petitions/free-the-disney-dolphins

 

[JEANYLASER]

I did sign the Petition minutes ago I want the Dolphins go!

 

[ScoutN]

I legitimately think that there will be some major overhauls at Seaworld in light in the Blackfish film, which may impact the Seas.

Not as many overhauls as you think. SW parks are turning great numbers out, it is the others that are not. Those are not due to attraction issues and poor entertainment production. Those numbers were already low pre-BF and it appears as if BF may have slightly boosted figures. Waiting for final digits to leak out from certain individuals.

 

[luv]

I'm glad Sea World came up. I checked the board and the Shamu show is going down for refurb, which I'd forgotten. Now I can go see it before the break.

AND It turns out January is "bring a friend for free" month, so I can go with someone who doesn't have a pass! Woot!

If any other passholders didn't know, now they do!

They're doing the "buy a day, get a year" thing again this year. Not sure if that's just Florida residents or not.

 

[RSoxNo1]

I wouldn't be surprised to see a makeover on an existing attraction or a major refurb/upgrade. They've been doing those lately within a calendar year.

 

[Big C 73]

If I were in charge here would be some of the additions over this year:

The Magic Kingdom

Major Additions/Developments:
-Seven Dwarf's Mine Train
-Liberty Square Expansion

Minor Additions/Developments:
-Carousel of Progress Complete Refurbishment
-Removal of Castle Stage Show
-Magic Kingdom Hub Refurbishment (Begins 2014-mid 2015 )(Reconstruct larger planters, plant larger trees, and reconstruct curb)

EPCOT Center

Major Additions/Developments:
-Spice Road Table
-Odyssey Restaurant Reopens
-Wonders of Life Partially Reopens
-New World Showcase Lagoon Daytime Show Debuts
-New World Showcase Parade Debuts

Minor Additions/Developments:
-Wonders of Life Refurbishment Begins (2014-2016)
-Journey Into Imagination Refurbishment Begins (January 2014-March 2015)
-Space Pavilion Construction Begins (April 2014-2018)
-Futureworld Hub Refurbishment Begins (September 2014-July 2015)

Disney MGM Studios/Disney's Hollywood Studios

Major Additions/Developments:
-New Show Debuts in ABC
-New Art of Animation Exhibit Opens

Minor Additions/Developments:
-Muppet Studios Construction Begins (October 2014-2018)
-Sunset Boulevard Expansion Begins (April 2014,June 2015,March2016)
-Lights, Motors, Action Closes For New Arena (December 2014)

Disney's Animal Kingdom

Major Additions/Developments:
-New Festival of the Lion King Theater Opens

Minor Additions/Developments:
-AvatarLand Construction Continues
-Kali River Rapid Complete Refurbishment (September 2014-June 2015)

Walt Disney World Resort

Major Additions/Developments:
-MyMagic+ Debut
-Walt Disney World Jetport Reopens
-Four Seasons Resort & Spa Opens at Golden Oak Community
-Admission Prices Decrease (One Day Adult Admission $72.00)
-Resort Hotel Room Rates Decrease

Minor Additions/Developments:
-Disney Springs Construction Continues
-Golden Oak Community Construction Continues
-Polynesian Village DVC Construction Continues
-Maintenance Funding Increases

I inquire that these additions and developments are impossible (remains feasible), but one can dream can't they?

 

[CDavid]

Not a member of PETA here, and I have already expressed my opinion of SeaWorld/Blackfish, but I agree - it's time to give up the dolphins (and orcas).

We have no right to confine these magnificent creatures to such tiny concrete enclosures for our enjoyment. Dolphins love to swim, jump, and travel 40 - 80 miles in a single day.

While I have the utmost respect for this opinion, I still think there is something to be said for having what are truly magnificent creatures accessible to the public. Beyond the educational aspect, support for protecting species in the wild is probably going to be easier to muster when people have first-hand experience with what they are being asked to protect.

That said, I've no doubt we can do better in our treatment of confined orcas and dolphins, if they are to be kept. When I was a kid, the local zoo had lions in a fully chain-link enclosure, about the size of two houses. Compared to what we see today at Animal Kingdom, we've come a long way, and we can do more without completely giving up on letting the public view these creatures.

 

[PrinceJohn82]

From reading the Disney Parks Blog today it seems like most of the energy for new attractions is going into character M&Gs.

I personally would love to see World Showcase get an infusion of new life. An HD upgrade/new footage for the shows in Canada, France and China would go a long way (and probably wouldn't break the bank). Also, it would be great to see The American Adventure replaced by an E-Ticket that children could enjoy.

 

[Wikkler]

Was Pangea cool?

I was born 2 years after Pangea broke up

 

[peter11435]

The trolley is out every morning and only does a couple laps before each of the 3 trolley shows. It's typically interrupted by the first misici. The motorized vehicles are hit and miss-they might be out or not.

Compare this to DL where all vehicles run until the first parade-multiple trolleys & omnibuses on busy days or WDW in the 80s when they would bring the vehicles out at night AFTER MSEP.

Don't make crap up to suit your agenda

First of all I do not have an agenda. Second, I did not make anything up.

Everything I said is a fact. It was implied that the dapper dans have been let go or reduced. This is simply not true. They still perform 8 times per day seven days per week. It was also implied that the Main Street vehicles no longer operate. Again this is simply not true. The vehicles ARE out every morning.

You can argue that they could or should be out more or that they were in the 80's. That's fine. But to imply that they are no longer out or that there reduction has anything to do with mymagic+ is simply not true. It is making up crap to push your agenda.