A Spirited Perfect Ten

Magenta Panther

Well-Known Member
I dumped cable a long time ago, and I don't miss it a bit. I stream everything. It's cheaper and I can pick and choose which shows I want to support, as opposed to cable, where I have to pay for stuff I would never watch in a million trillion years.
 

Cesar R M

Well-Known Member
Look at what's happening to Viacom. Many networks aimed at the teen to early 20's market. These kids get their entertainment from a phone or tablet and the ratings reflect that. The dam has burst and I don't think MTV, among others, will survive.
considering MTV switched to an annoying "majority of content must be realities and shows" than music....
No surprise..

good, MTV was relevant in the 80's and 90's, you know, when they played Music Videos...

agree
 

truecoat

Well-Known Member
More deep thoughts (but not from Jack Handey):

Just a personal theory of mine, but the Mouse may make more $$$ from cable subscribers who don't watch their content then they do from their parks or their movies - perhaps any other division outside their cable properties.

Never mind who doesn't watch ESPN now. How many that *do* will pay a premium to keep the channel? This also means smaller ratings - perhaps larger ratings for cheaper sports channels like FoxSports1 - and less advertising revenue...

If ESPN becomes an expensive 'a la carte' channel - people who need a 'Bayless' fix, instead of paying $5-10 (or more) a month to be screamed at by him, can just turn over to PBS (for free if you have rabbit ears) and watch his mild mannered brother make great Mexican food...

Why would someone need a 'Bayless fix'? The few times I have seen him, he was terrible like when he was destroyed by Richard Sherman.

 

Rodan75

Well-Known Member
meanwhile, at ESPN, via USA Today:

"The money issues at ESPN are undeniable. Sources say ESPN President John Skipper was recently told by Disney to slash about $100 million from the 2016 budget, and an estimated $250 million from the 2017 budget.

Money was the driving force behind the pulling of ESPN radio show Mike & Mike from its highly-publicized move to New York City. And, the studio ESPN would have used for that show is the one that currently hosts the Olbermann show."

This is totally a good thing...ESPN has been allowed to function without the same controls that the other business units have. Disney is being smart in getting ESPNs spending in control now before cord cutting starts to really eat into their business model.
 

Funmeister

Well-Known Member
This is totally a good thing...ESPN has been allowed to function without the same controls that the other business units have. Disney is being smart in getting ESPNs spending in control now before cord cutting starts to really eat into their business model.

I think in the past ESPN was such a cash cow they could almost print their own money. My have times changed. Now if only Blue Bell would come back.
 

Rodan75

Well-Known Member
I think in the past ESPN was such a cash cow they could almost print their own money. My have times changed. Now if only Blue Bell would come back.

They probably should have applied the screws a couple of years ago, but at least they are doing it now before there is a major crisis. The analysts are going to applaud these reductions and cost control measures and push the stock to $120, just because they applied some common sense.
 

mahnamahna101

Well-Known Member
*UPDATE*

Over the last week or so I have been compiling information from a group of sources I trust, some of which that I have directly communicated with. By combining all these peoples information in the most rational way possible, this is the best outline I can provide as to what is happening as of right now in regards to the studios.

Phase 1: Pixar place expansion part 1

this will begin construction relatively soon and will exist in behind toy story midway mania where the old studio bungalows and the costume centre from the backlot tour presently sit. those will both be torn down and in their place will be a kids friendly area with a sort of best of disney cloned pixar attractions combined with a new play area that will replace honey I shrunk the kids. the general consensus is that three attractions will be a part of this area, with the most votes going to slinky dog spin, francis's ladybug boogie, and flicks flyers, however its not entirely out of the question to also include one of the new minor attractions they are planning for Shanghai. the play area itself will attempt to consist of a wide range of pixar films as a sort of pixar-esque toon town with various interactive elements small children could participate with. Phase 1 also includes the third track addition for midway mania, and the removal of pirates of the caribbean, and the main backlot tour complex to allow easy access and flow to the area from both sides of the midway mania complex.

Phase 2: Cars miniland

The part two for pixar place, a toned down version of cars land is coming in the place of lights motors action and the rest of the backlot tour. the studios catering company will be repurposed and expanded south to become Flo's cafe, maters junkyard jamboree will sit essentially on the load unload site of the backlot tour and the special effects area, and a toned down clone of radiator springs racers will sit right on top of the old lights motors action amphitheater. as an offshoot of this work semi included in the phase, pizza planet will be going away in favour of a muppet-centric restaurant and mama melrose too will receive a similar treatment in some manner. this will essentially turn the streets of America into muppet studios and while no update to muppets 3-d is included in this phase, more will be discussed about it later on.

Phase 3: Star wars part 1

due to the delay with Avatar and the way that they want to space out openings in the parks, star wars is now pushed back another year or so on its start date with phase two of pixar jumping over it. as previously mentioned star wars is taking over the former sounds dangerous and american idol areas as part of that star wars alley way which is to be constructed. the other side of the street will be constructed over half of what is now echo lake with either most or all of it being filled in over this construction phase. there will be the permanent home of the jedi training academy an unknown attraction at this point entering the american idol building, and various shops and meet and greet areas lining the walk way with interactive elements where you 'use the force' throughout. at the end of the street, backlot express will become the mos eisely cantina

Phase 4: Star wars part 2

this is where things get a bit more complicated. the multipurpose space was originally thought of as convention space for the sale of star wars merch during starwars weekends, however recent changes to the design make this building appear to be of a significantly more advanced and larger scope then once thought. the 'flex space' appears to be capable enough to handle cheerleading competitions to seminars to company presentations to stage shows and cartoons during the busiest times of the year and beyond. If it becomes the case that events believes it can handle all of its capacity that immediately puts the indy show into jeopardy as it will save the company a substantial amount of money from expanding beyond the current park borders and moving backstage essential buildings around. therefore if they decide that this is the case, expect the original plan of going back through the star tours backlot pathway, to instead expand to the north east and take over the indiana jones area. this would now be the site of the new e-ticket major ride which will anchor the land, and mean the end of indy in the florida parks. as for the previously rumoured x wing spinner, that would also be a part of this phase however its debatable if they will actually follow through with that plan at this point due to the significantly larger focus on the pixar expansion over recent months. the response to that and phase 1 of starwars will probably dictate if this will actually be added to the parks or not.

Beyond Phase 4: various

after/ during these projects, there are four things that are without question going to happen. first regarding the one that could possibly be during, disney wants to utilize the beauty and the beast theatre as a showcase for their broadway theatre wing, so as early as phase 3 is being worked on, we could very well see beauty and the beast evicted in favour of a shorter version of their Aladdin Broadway show, with new shows coming in every few years as shows finish up national tours and begin making more prolonged runs in regional theatres. besides this, there are several projects lined up that will definitely happen but after the first 4 phases. first and foremost, the great movie ride is getting a redesign with some of the movies swapped out i favour of more prominent titles, the animatronics spruced up, and trackless technology replacing the old ride vehicles. next theres a new film that will be made for muppet vision 3-d as well as depending on the success of the show that ABC just greenlighted a muppet attraction to compliment the muppet studios land (although the latter is more of a long shot). Finally fantasmic is going to bite the bullet and be replaced with an all new nighttime spectacular of some kind.

as for timelines on these projects, you can probably be safe to expect phase 1 of toystory for sometime later next year. phase 2 will coincide with avatar's opening ideally, roughly 2018 pre christmas, phase 3 will start when construction is midway on phase 2, with an opening date ideally around late summer 2019, and hopefully if everything goes right phase 4 will be open in time for the 50th anniversary in 2021.

its an exciting time for walt disney world and the new disney's hollywood adventure!

This plan seems extremely realistic. I saw it on MiceChat from a poster named 'goofy donald'.

Everything except the second Muppets attraction (which he admits is a long-shot) seems to fit what we've heard. Although Pixar's additions leave much to be desired.

The GMR getting completely overhauled sounds nice, though. But a lower-capacity seems imminent :( I'd rather it stay the people-eater it is, and get updated sets/AAs
 

PhotoDave219

Well-Known Member
*UPDATE*

Over the last week or so I have been compiling information from a group of sources I trust, some of which that I have directly communicated with. By combining all these peoples information in the most rational way possible, this is the best outline I can provide as to what is happening as of right now in regards to the studios.

Phase 1: Pixar place expansion part 1

this will begin construction relatively soon and will exist in behind toy story midway mania where the old studio bungalows and the costume centre from the backlot tour presently sit. those will both be torn down and in their place will be a kids friendly area with a sort of best of disney cloned pixar attractions combined with a new play area that will replace honey I shrunk the kids. the general consensus is that three attractions will be a part of this area, with the most votes going to slinky dog spin, francis's ladybug boogie, and flicks flyers, however its not entirely out of the question to also include one of the new minor attractions they are planning for Shanghai. the play area itself will attempt to consist of a wide range of pixar films as a sort of pixar-esque toon town with various interactive elements small children could participate with. Phase 1 also includes the third track addition for midway mania, and the removal of pirates of the caribbean, and the main backlot tour complex to allow easy access and flow to the area from both sides of the midway mania complex.

Phase 2: Cars miniland

The part two for pixar place, a toned down version of cars land is coming in the place of lights motors action and the rest of the backlot tour. the studios catering company will be repurposed and expanded south to become Flo's cafe, maters junkyard jamboree will sit essentially on the load unload site of the backlot tour and the special effects area, and a toned down clone of radiator springs racers will sit right on top of the old lights motors action amphitheater. as an offshoot of this work semi included in the phase, pizza planet will be going away in favour of a muppet-centric restaurant and mama melrose too will receive a similar treatment in some manner. this will essentially turn the streets of America into muppet studios and while no update to muppets 3-d is included in this phase, more will be discussed about it later on.

Phase 3: Star wars part 1

due to the delay with Avatar and the way that they want to space out openings in the parks, star wars is now pushed back another year or so on its start date with phase two of pixar jumping over it. as previously mentioned star wars is taking over the former sounds dangerous and american idol areas as part of that star wars alley way which is to be constructed. the other side of the street will be constructed over half of what is now echo lake with either most or all of it being filled in over this construction phase. there will be the permanent home of the jedi training academy an unknown attraction at this point entering the american idol building, and various shops and meet and greet areas lining the walk way with interactive elements where you 'use the force' throughout. at the end of the street, backlot express will become the mos eisely cantina

Phase 4: Star wars part 2

this is where things get a bit more complicated. the multipurpose space was originally thought of as convention space for the sale of star wars merch during starwars weekends, however recent changes to the design make this building appear to be of a significantly more advanced and larger scope then once thought. the 'flex space' appears to be capable enough to handle cheerleading competitions to seminars to company presentations to stage shows and cartoons during the busiest times of the year and beyond. If it becomes the case that events believes it can handle all of its capacity that immediately puts the indy show into jeopardy as it will save the company a substantial amount of money from expanding beyond the current park borders and moving backstage essential buildings around. therefore if they decide that this is the case, expect the original plan of going back through the star tours backlot pathway, to instead expand to the north east and take over the indiana jones area. this would now be the site of the new e-ticket major ride which will anchor the land, and mean the end of indy in the florida parks. as for the previously rumoured x wing spinner, that would also be a part of this phase however its debatable if they will actually follow through with that plan at this point due to the significantly larger focus on the pixar expansion over recent months. the response to that and phase 1 of starwars will probably dictate if this will actually be added to the parks or not.

Beyond Phase 4: various

after/ during these projects, there are four things that are without question going to happen. first regarding the one that could possibly be during, disney wants to utilize the beauty and the beast theatre as a showcase for their broadway theatre wing, so as early as phase 3 is being worked on, we could very well see beauty and the beast evicted in favour of a shorter version of their Aladdin Broadway show, with new shows coming in every few years as shows finish up national tours and begin making more prolonged runs in regional theatres. besides this, there are several projects lined up that will definitely happen but after the first 4 phases. first and foremost, the great movie ride is getting a redesign with some of the movies swapped out i favour of more prominent titles, the animatronics spruced up, and trackless technology replacing the old ride vehicles. next theres a new film that will be made for muppet vision 3-d as well as depending on the success of the show that ABC just greenlighted a muppet attraction to compliment the muppet studios land (although the latter is more of a long shot). Finally fantasmic is going to bite the bullet and be replaced with an all new nighttime spectacular of some kind.

as for timelines on these projects, you can probably be safe to expect phase 1 of toystory for sometime later next year. phase 2 will coincide with avatar's opening ideally, roughly 2018 pre christmas, phase 3 will start when construction is midway on phase 2, with an opening date ideally around late summer 2019, and hopefully if everything goes right phase 4 will be open in time for the 50th anniversary in 2021.

its an exciting time for walt disney world and the new disney's hollywood adventure!

This plan seems extremely realistic. I saw it on MiceChat from a poster named 'goofy donald'.

Everything except the second Muppets attraction (which he admits is a long-shot) seems to fit what we've heard. Although Pixar's additions leave much to be desired.

The GMR getting completely overhauled sounds nice, though. But a lower-capacity seems imminent :( I'd rather it stay the people-eater it is, and get updated sets/AAs


Well can you please take your Armchair Imagineering to the proper forum… You do it in every thread…
 

mahnamahna101

Well-Known Member
Well can you please take your Armchair Imagineering to the proper forum… You do it in every thread…
I'm not Armchair Imagineering. It's from an 'insider' over at MiceChat.

I'm just bringing up something from MiceChat, who says he knows the plan for DHS, and posting it here. I wanted to see if there was validity.

I'm more on-topic than any of you since I'm actually discussing the parks. You're all discussing ESPN and other loosely-connected-to-Disney stuff. This is a WDW forum, after all.
 

BrianLo

Well-Known Member
Who says @WDW1974 makes up all his information?

Bob Iger - New Shanghai Info in "a week or so".

New SDL Fantasyland concept art. Not totally sure where this originates, the treasure trail leads back to "This is Mr B" a Chinese Disney website.

11052517_502911103190817_5399025750460975238_n.jpg
 

Quinnmac000

Well-Known Member
So predictions coming in that the Minions are going to be the highest opening animated movie of all time based on the record breaking Thursday night. With that however, it does not have the critical acclaim of Inside Out which leads itself to a question for Disney. Would you rather have award winning films or the top animated film at the box office? And is Illuminations going to be Pixar's new competition

http://deadline.com/2015/07/minions-nab-6-2m-in-thursday-previews-box-office-1201472687/
 

PhotoDave219

Well-Known Member
I'm not Armchair Imagineering. It's from an 'insider' over at MiceChat.

I'm just bringing up something from MiceChat, who says he knows the plan for DHS, and posting it here. I wanted to see if there was validity.

I'm more on-topic than any of you since I'm actually discussing the parks. You're all discussing ESPN and other loosely-connected-to-Disney stuff. This is a WDW forum, after all.

Then my apologies… It gets very confusing considering it's difficult to tell what you're speculating, what you're dreaming, and what could be reliable information…
 

mahnamahna101

Well-Known Member
Then my apologies… It gets very confusing considering it's difficult to tell what you're speculating, what you're dreaming, and what could be reliable information…
I understand. I do tend to speculate/dream too much haha. He only mentions Cars Land lite, Star Wars Land, a possible Muppets mini-land, and a Toontown-esque playland by TSMM. Plus some love for GMR/B&TB

I only brought it up because I was curious if there's any real truth. I know you and the other insiders have said you haven't heard specifics, so I'm hesitant to buy what this guy is saying.

Most of it makes sense, but I don't know if he's plausible or not. Would it mesh with the info you all have heard?
 

PhotoDave219

Well-Known Member
I understand. I do tend to speculate/dream too much haha. He only mentions Cars Land lite, Star Wars Land, a possible Muppets mini-land, and a Toontown-esque playland by TSMM. Plus some love for GMR/B&TB

I only brought it up because I was curious if there's any real truth. I know you and the other insiders have said you haven't heard specifics, so I'm hesitant to buy what this guy is saying.

Most of it makes sense, but I don't know if he's plausible or not. Would it mesh with the info you all have heard?

I haven't heard any of that but right now all of my sources are laying low until D 23…

Anyone with any "knowledge" of the details… They would be scrutinized very quickly and their source would be traced back fast.

So I'm going to just take it with a grain of salt and see how it plays…
 

Jws008

New Member
Long term, streaming directly from the pro leagues is also a threat to ESPN.

I think it's not an accident that the new MLB commissioner has been working to get blackouts removed from the current MLB.tv offerings. It is a necessity if your plan is to cut the middlemen (the cable networks and providers) and start selling your content directly to consumers.

In the coming "content is king" world of television (which is halfway here already), why will the leagues need ESPN?
 

SYRIK2000

Well-Known Member
I haven't heard any of that but right now all of my sources are laying low until D 23…

Anyone with any "knowledge" of the details… They would be scrutinized very quickly and their source would be traced back fast.

So I'm going to just take it with a grain of salt and see how it plays…

This doesn't sound more ambitious to me. I bet this was first plan.
 

LuvtheGoof

DVC Guru
Premium Member
I haven't heard any of that but right now all of my sources are laying low until D 23…

Anyone with any "knowledge" of the details… They would be scrutinized very quickly and their source would be traced back fast.

So I'm going to just take it with a grain of salt and see how it plays…
And that doesn't sound like $3B+ that may be earmarked for DHS. If what he says will cost that, then there are more serious problems.
 

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