A Spirited Dirty Dozen ...

[brb1006]

Remember when we were all celebrating Eisner being replaced with Iger? That was fun. Then reality set in.

I'm actually starting to miss Eisner now. Even though he had flaws at least he did a few good things for the Disney company.

 

[PhotoDave219]

I'm actually starting to miss Eisner now. Even though he had flaws at least he did a few good things for the Disney company.

No one is denying that he saved the company. After Frank Wells died in 94, it all went downhill. He had a 20 year run and the first ten were fantastic. The second ten? laid the groundwork for the debacle theyre in now.

 

[brb1006]

Thanks for sharing. Too bad Bob didn't post a hissy-fit rebuttal to Wang Jianlin's boast.

I do wonder if there will ever be a failed Disney resort in our lifetime that is closed and sold off. What a story that would make.

That might actually be a first for any Disney Park.

 

[GiveMeTheMusic]

That might actually be a first for any Disney Park.

Well considering it hasn't ever happened (and never will barring some apocalyptic scenario) it would be a first.

 

[Rodan75]

Well considering it hasn't ever happened (and never will barring some apocalyptic scenario) it would be a first.

And something that will likely happen some day to a Castle park. Technically they already closed a park when they closed River Country.

Bernie may make it too expensive to run a park in Anaheim, or the political climate in France may become untenable for a tourist destination, there will be something, some day that causes a big park to close and it won't be the end of Disney or the Parks & Resort division. Unless of course closing the park is because Disney is shutting down...then...then it will be the end. =-)

 

[AEfx]

I'm starting to miss Michael Eisner already.

I know, right??? I mean, we could be watching 101 Dalmations Part 17, and more great ideas like ripping out Horizons and World of Motion, or all the fabulous attractions he added in the last 10 years he was in the office...

 

[Cesar R M]

You do understand they have huge growth rate in percent only right? Otherwise magic kingdom is right on par with universal studios

And? I'm pretty sure that not many expects such jumps in attendance levels.
UNI could be pretty much gaining ground compared to Disney parks in overall, remember they DO count double hard tickets as attendance. When in reality the real disney attendance could be less.

I'm not sure if you've picked the right forum to discuss attendance and financial numbers.....

 

[Soarin' Over Pgh]

Chinese Billionaire Takes On Disney With His Own Theme Parks

DAVID GREENE, HOST:

Next month, Disney will open a $5 billion theme park in Shanghai. But a Chinese billionaire says his parks will leave Disney in the dust. NPR's Anthony Kuhn reports from Beijing.

ANTHONY KUHN, BYLINE: Fourteen years ago, Wang Jianlin and his company Wanda began building huge developments, complete with apartments, shopping malls and cinemas in cities across China. But China's real estate market has been cooling, so Wang is planning to build dozens of theme parks to take on Disney nationwide.

(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)

WANG JIANLIN: (Speaking in Chinese)

KUHN: "We will make Disney unprofitable in China within the next decade or two," Wang predicted in an interview on Chinese state television on Sunday. Wang says he's betting the Chinese cultural themes at his parks will outdraw Mickey Mouse and Snow White, that Shanghai's weather is too rainy in summer and cold in winter for Disney's outdoor attractions and that Disney's building costs will result in tickets that are too pricey for local customers.

(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)

WANG JIANLIN: (Speaking in Chinese)

KUHN: "Disney really shouldn't have come to China," Wang said drawing applause from the studio audience. "Our strategy is based on the saying, one tiger is no match for a pack of wolves." Wang Jianlin is a 61-year-old Communist Party member with a fortune estimated at $31.5 billion. He spent some of those billions to purchase AMC's movie theater chain and Hollywood studio Legendary Entertainment.

His ambitions dovetail with China's policies to build up its media and entertainment companies in order to portray China in a favorable light. He plans to do this with blockbusters such as Great Wall, a 3D action flick starring Matt Damon and Hong Kong actor Any Lau. With a budget of $135 million, it'll be the most expensive movie ever shot entirely in China. Anthony Kuhn, NPR News, Beijing.

OUCH.

That sounds pretty aggressive and I don't doubt it for a second.

I wonder if Bob Iger is going to tweet a response to this one.

Thanks for sharing. Too bad Bob didn't post a hissy-fit rebuttal to Wang Jianlin's boast.

I do wonder if there will ever be a failed Disney resort in our lifetime that is closed and sold off. What a story that would make.

Ha! We shuld all go post it on his Facebook page.

I've often wondered what would happen if a Disney park failed. I mean like solidly fell flat on its face without a leg to , or care to, prop it back up. Any ideas?

The last time any Disney park did anything Mickey-centric was the Mickey Mania Parade back in 94.

Holy carp has it really been that long?! I'm not doubting you, but WOW, I knew it's been a while...but geez.

Now I'm going to go see if I can find my Disneyland photos from 1994

 

[Cesar R M]

Chinese Billionaire Takes On Disney With His Own Theme Parks

DAVID GREENE, HOST:

Next month, Disney will open a $5 billion theme park in Shanghai. But a Chinese billionaire says his parks will leave Disney in the dust. NPR's Anthony Kuhn reports from Beijing.

ANTHONY KUHN, BYLINE: Fourteen years ago, Wang Jianlin and his company Wanda began building huge developments, complete with apartments, shopping malls and cinemas in cities across China. But China's real estate market has been cooling, so Wang is planning to build dozens of theme parks to take on Disney nationwide.

(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)

WANG JIANLIN: (Speaking in Chinese)

KUHN: "We will make Disney unprofitable in China within the next decade or two," Wang predicted in an interview on Chinese state television on Sunday. Wang says he's betting the Chinese cultural themes at his parks will outdraw Mickey Mouse and Snow White, that Shanghai's weather is too rainy in summer and cold in winter for Disney's outdoor attractions and that Disney's building costs will result in tickets that are too pricey for local customers.

(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)

WANG JIANLIN: (Speaking in Chinese)

KUHN: "Disney really shouldn't have come to China," Wang said drawing applause from the studio audience. "Our strategy is based on the saying, one tiger is no match for a pack of wolves." Wang Jianlin is a 61-year-old Communist Party member with a fortune estimated at $31.5 billion. He spent some of those billions to purchase AMC's movie theater chain and Hollywood studio Legendary Entertainment.

His ambitions dovetail with China's policies to build up its media and entertainment companies in order to portray China in a favorable light. He plans to do this with blockbusters such as Great Wall, a 3D action flick starring Matt Damon and Hong Kong actor Any Lau. With a budget of $135 million, it'll be the most expensive movie ever shot entirely in China. Anthony Kuhn, NPR News, Beijing.

wow.. "This means war!!!"

 

[Cesar R M]

DAK has had higher attendance than DHS for a number of years now. It's not a change all of the sudden. And it will likely get worse next year with Pandora opening.

hence my post was a bit sarcastic. Should have used the sarcasm font

 

[Quinnmac000]

@WDW1974 I know you said major announcements coming soon about Universal's developments so can you speak on this news that came out today?

Spoiler

The proposed new eighth district would be "denoted by theme park uses, attraction, entertainment, hotels, leisure and resort uses along with supporting commercial, office and industrial uses," said county documents. In addition, there is what may be a "transportation connection" between the new theme park-zoned areas, which could mean possiblly a rail or road system connecting whatever is planned for the piece of land in the district.

http://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/blog/2016/05/universals-proposed-changes-to-i-drive-add-new.html

 

[EPCOTCenterLover]

Igor wouldn't dare take on the Chinese- govt or mega businessman!

 

[Mike C]

@WDW1974 I know you said major announcements coming soon about Universal's developments so can you speak on this news that came out today?

Spoiler

The proposed new eighth district would be "denoted by theme park uses, attraction, entertainment, hotels, leisure and resort uses along with supporting commercial, office and industrial uses," said county documents. In addition, there is what may be a "transportation connection" between the new theme park-zoned areas, which could mean possiblly a rail or road system connecting whatever is planned for the piece of land in the district.

http://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/blog/2016/05/universals-proposed-changes-to-i-drive-add-new.html

The transportation connection is the south end of the "rail" system.

 

[brb1006]

OUCH.

That sounds pretty aggressive and I don't doubt it for a second.

I wonder if Bob Iger is going to tweet a response to this one.



Ha! We shuld all go post it on his Facebook page.

I've often wondered what would happen if a Disney park failed. I mean like solidly fell flat on its face without a leg to , or care to, prop it back up. Any ideas?




Holy carp has it really been that long?! I'm not doubting you, but WOW, I knew it's been a while...but geez.

Now I'm going to go see if I can find my Disneyland photos from 1994

Here's footage of the parade.

 

[Travel Junkie]

The whole fight comes off as silly. Iger support Hillary who has gone on the record for a living wage ($15 in a state like CA, but likely $12 in more rural, less developed less costly areas). The whole concept of going after allies who are 90% on your side but not 100% is bad strategy. He should focus on Wall Street where money is made without contributing to the overall economy.

The California minimum wage rises to $15 an hour by 2022 anyway so Disneyland will have to pay their employees this wage. There wasn't much of a reason to bring it up. The fight already happened in CA.

 

[asianway]

I understand your commentary better now, my whole commentary was based on the understanding that TWDC provided the information to TEA and that it wasn't derived by TEA.

I think people suggest that Disney provides, or least vets the numbers before publication via the "good ole boys network"

 

[NormC]

I wish I had a Nickel for every troll that comes to this site.

 

[Mike S]

@WDW1974 I know you said major announcements coming soon about Universal's developments so can you speak on this news that came out today?

Spoiler

The proposed new eighth district would be "denoted by theme park uses, attraction, entertainment, hotels, leisure and resort uses along with supporting commercial, office and industrial uses," said county documents. In addition, there is what may be a "transportation connection" between the new theme park-zoned areas, which could mean possiblly a rail or road system connecting whatever is planned for the piece of land in the district.

http://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/blog/2016/05/universals-proposed-changes-to-i-drive-add-new.html

 

[Soarin' Over Pgh]

Here's footage of the parade.

That was a very long eight minutes.

Thanks for posting, though

 

[ford91exploder]

Hmm, Wonder what UNI will build there