A Spirited Perfect Ten

[CaptainAmerica]

Yes, when every major attraction (and some minor ones) have waits of multi-hours, then I might start to believe the MK is truly the most-visited park on Earth. I don't now at all.

Attendance is a poor proxy for "number of people in the park at any given time." Unlike standalone parks or parks that are part of a smaller complex, the Magic Kingdom has three built-in theme park release valves plus more on-site lodging than anywhere. It's extremely easy for people to "click in" at MK and then "click out" ten minutes later when they see the bottleneck on Main Street. Not to mention the Disney workforce, which drives up attendance but only in two hour chunks.

 

[WDW1974]

Comparing just those percentages would be a bit misleading, as OLC's business model has been very successful so far. If you look at the flat increases, TDR has been showing stronger growth than USJ (actual number of increased visitors) in every year except this year. WWoHP is obviously a huge deal, but I fully expect TDR to receive a similar or even higher increase in attendance when they open their Frozen-themed port at TDS.

Fiscal Year Attendance Figures for Tokyo Disney Resort

2014: 31,377,000 persons
2013: 31,298,000 persons
2012: 27,503,000 persons
2011: 25,347,000 persons

Fiscal Year Attendance Figures for Universal Studios Japan

2014: 12,700,000 persons
2013: 10,100,000 persons
2012: 9,700,000 persons
2011: 8,500,000 persons

Yes and 2011 also includes a large shutdown necessitated by the Great Quake ...

I posted the link largely to show that both Disney and UNI go with a clear focus on adding things of substance and quality and that the bottom line bears this out for both.

I wasn't suggesting in any way that the OLC has gotten lazy, although I do not like the recent habit of adding cloned attractions (although if a three-hour wait for TSMM will get me on their ToT or JTtCoTE or 20K or Sindbad etc faster, I'm all for it!)

I do think I need to plan a visit in the middle of a typhoon as @WDWFigment did a while back!

 

[WDW1974]

Attendance is a poor proxy for "number of people in the park at any given time." Unlike standalone parks or parks that are part of a smaller complex, the Magic Kingdom has three built-in theme park release valves plus more on-site lodging than anywhere. It's extremely easy for people to "click in" at MK and then "click out" ten minutes later when they see the bottleneck on Main Street. Not to mention the Disney workforce, which drives up attendance but only in two hour chunks.

True all.

But since Disney won't release figures or even how those figures are come to (we all seem to accept the 'first click' explanation because it's plausible and been going on forever) it makes it very hard to put the numbers in any real perspective. At TDL, you tend to get people arriving an hour before opening and staying until closing (of course, there actually is more stuff than can be seen with this model, even if the park isn't packed!)

Just like the comments from a few days ago about the MK having 100,000 people on NYE. Maybe from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. they did. But never at one time or you would have had dead people. MK now feels packed at 50,000. I doubt they let more than 75,000 in at one time ever.

A stampede that results in 11 deaths, including eight children would be very, very bad for Bob's Legacy and, more importantly, the stock price.

 

[Frankie The Beer]

Since ESPN is fair game in this thread, I'm surprised no one's commented on the new ESPN website, which is badly designed IMO. The mobile site really hasn't been good on my phone. Scores are a pain to pull up. Comments don't load automatically. I ditched CNN mobile site after its last update, and I'm tempted to ditch ESPN now.

Just another feather in the Disney technology cap.

From a fantasy perspective, ESPN and ESPN's Tilt are far and away the best of the best websites for such hobbies. I can see most of the time and money for future development for ESPN's web presence just being devoted to Fantasy sports.

 

[WDW1974]

Haha.. Don't think too highly of yourself (as if that's even possible for you.) I'm not attracted to you in any way shape or form. I simply read everything this forum has to offer. I have no problem with you or your content. But when you essentially say that someone who doesn't agree with you or share your viewpoint shouldn't be here or post in your thread.. well.. We already know your feelings towards censorship and controlling the message. But I guess those rules don't apply to the almighty 74.

I think it would be impossible to ever think too highly of the sheer magnificence that is moi, but thanks!

I don't know how anyone can read everything this forum has to offer. That's one of the great things about it. There are hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of active threads in so many subjects. I can't keep up with one thread. You must be here 24/7.

I have never said that people who don't agree with me shouldn't be here. The place would be pretty boring if everyone agreed on everything. But people who pop in either to take a shot at me (I thought that was against forum rules, but I haven't read them since I joined back in '08!) or state the thread isn't worthwhile do NOT add anything and should leave. Is that clear enough?

People writing negative posts about people writing negative posts are some of the dumbest people I know (didn't Babs sing that?)

I hate censorship and propaganda and controlling the message in all forms.

But that doesn't mean it's OK for that other cr ap to go on.

 

[WDW1974]

BTW, see folks are talking about Fantasy sports betting and Disney looking for some hot action, but did anyone ever find out if those Marvel and Lucas slot machines are still being produced and put on casino floors? Or if Disney was using Marvel product in state lottery games as it had been doing?

 

[WDW1974]

Speaking of the church of Bob, a 10 day old member is on the Springs board saying what a great deal $100 boat rides are

Is every Lifestyler getting a free ride followed by a dine around The Boathouse, so they can gorge themselves for free and then tell their flocks that they should come and spend $$$ at said location?

 

[WDW1974]

Greatest Spirited Tweet (that I can't put out):

Sent in by a fanboi friend, apparently Scarlett Litton (I know she has an account here, but forgot her screen name) spent some quality time in the new Hub recently and discovered that it is an amazing place to see something you don't normally see in Disney Parks due to all the turf 'seating'. Namely, certain parts of the female anatomy.

Now, while this would normally interest me considering WDW's typical guests these days, I could theorize that someone might go blind by looking in the right/wrong direction!

 

[WDW1974]

@WDW1974 this question is random but is DCL looking to expand further in the near term? To me it seems like a no brainer to expand the DCL business. It is still of high quality and they could easily grow their market share, especially considering the issues some of the large cruise lines have had in the last few years.

DCL is actively planning for two more ships (size likely between the classic ships and the newest ones). It does seem likely that they'll stretch out delivery a bit as they try new markets, so I could see one coming and the next following two years later and not a year as was the recent case.

I also wouldn't be surprised to see the Dream take a visit to Europe in 2017 with the Magic taking over its short hops to the Bahamas, which it does part of the year again anyway.

 

[WDW1974]

I agree about there being sudden Marvel fans, but you're really reaching to try and make the point. The X-Men and Rami Spider-Man films were all huge releases. The rest was a lot of schlock; the whole reason Marvel got out of licensing their content and got into creating their content. The first film actually made by Marvel was released in May 2008, about 15 months before the acquisition announcement.

Oh, I agree. The point was, and remains, that many fans are simply fans now because it is perceived to be cool. I largely don't like the Marvel product, but when I do, I like it for what it is, not because all the fanbois at school like my Captain America tee.

And while Avengers and Iron Man 3 were released by Disney (after the deal with Paramount), The Mouse had almost nothing to do with them at all. Unlike, the films released the past few years or upcoming.

 

[WDW1974]

Don't forget about Chip and Dale Rescue Rangers!
http://www.cartoonbrew.com/bad-idea...live-action-chip-n-dale-for-disney-95543.html

What if I want to?

 

[WDW1974]

So I was part of the first dapper day that happened in Florida… It was nice to dress up fancy and just walk around. We didn't do any of what you're describing…

Yes, I think that is cool. I wouldn't do it, but I do recall attending my Grad Night at the MK in a tux (also the first time I was ever frisked ... no, not by a fanboi!) and the whole atmosphere was classy.

Obese dude in those beloved jorts and a wife-beater covered in ink and cursing at his kids says something else entirely and that is a bread and butter guest in the 21st century (as stated in many threads here, you'll have folks show up at the California Grill dressed like this and think they should be served).

I'll take the ones playing dress up provided they don't act like they work there (even if off-duty cast) and create disturbances by posing for pics with strangers. Beyond that, it's not harming a single Spirit.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Oh, I agree. The point was, and remains, that many fans are simply fans now because it is perceived to be cool. I largely don't like the Marvel product, but when I do, I like it for what it is, not because all the fanbois at school like my Captain America tee.

And while Avengers and Iron Man 3 were released by Disney (after the deal with Paramount), The Mouse had almost nothing to do with them at all. Unlike, the films released the past few years or upcoming.

Trust me, I'm one of the "stand in line for the premiere at midnight" people and there ain't nothing cool about that bunch of folks.

 

[WDW1974]

@WDW1974 @ParentsOf4 @Lee

Getting back on that slow boat to China...

The Chinese government is shutting down golf courses because the sport is considered too elite and capitalist. Some of the greens fees are as high as $250, but other courses are much less expensive. It doesn't matter. Golf isn't "Chinese"; it's Western, and the government is shutting it down.

This sounds like the ideal political climate for a Disney park built under the Iger Era of Corporate Greed.

http://usat.ly/1FsZVsM

Oh yes. This is all over the Central Government's crackdown on graft (the one line in that Disney CEO Fumbles Entry to China Op-Ed that was censored likely sent shivers down the backs of folks from Iger on down in Burbank).

Right now, the 'tude is very much one of cracking down on the Western culture, cleansing the Internet (Bob and Willow must love that) etc. It isn't a great time to be opening a new resort in Shanghai at all.

BTW, do we still have the AA ending with disgraced American sports celebs like Tiger Woods? Just wondering...

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Obese dude in those beloved jorts and a wife-beater covered in ink and cursing at his kids says something else entirely and that is a bread and butter guest in the 21st century (as stated in many threads here, you'll have folks show up at the California Grill dressed like this and think they should be served).

I think this is a nuance that has been missed in the "guests are slobs" conversation. I don't think anyone is shocked or put off at a guy in an Iron Man t-shirt and some plaid shorts. It's the "MILF" tank tops, "JUICY" yoga pants, and "Female Body Inspector" shirts that drive people crazy. Some of the conversation has made it sound like anyone who dresses beneath a collared shirt and golf shorts is a barbarian.

 

[the.dreamfinder]

Oh, I agree. The point was, and remains, that many fans are simply fans now because it is perceived to be cool. I largely don't like the Marvel product, but when I do, I like it for what it is, not because all the fanbois at school like my Captain America tee.

And while Avengers and Iron Man 3 were released by Disney (after the deal with Paramount), The Mouse had almost nothing to do with them at all. Unlike, the films released the past few years or upcoming.

I'm surprised the introduction to Marvel/Star Wars workshops held at the last D23 expos haven't been brought up here.

http://www./2013/07/full-2013-d23-e...ineering-parks-panels-marvel-meet-and-greets/
5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Crash Course in the Force: Star Wars Saga 101
Discover the rich history of the Star Wars saga and how cinematic storytelling, deep mythology, and enthusiastic fans have transformed it from hit movies to a worldwide phenomenon. With new adventures coming to the big and small screens, immerse yourself in where Star Wars has been and how it changed the world with Lucasfilm’s resident authority, Pablo Hidalgo. Whether you’re taking your first step into this larger world or are a seasoned Jedi Master, there are many secrets of the Force to discover.

 

[the.dreamfinder]

True all.

But since Disney won't release figures or even how those figures are come to (we all seem to accept the 'first click' explanation because it's plausible and been going on forever) it makes it very hard to put the numbers in any real perspective. At TDL, you tend to get people arriving an hour before opening and staying until closing (of course, there actually is more stuff than can be seen with this model, even if the park isn't packed!)

Just like the comments from a few days ago about the MK having 100,000 people on NYE. Maybe from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. they did. But never at one time or you would have had dead people. MK now feels packed at 50,000. I doubt they let more than 75,000 in at one time ever.

A stampede that results in 11 deaths, including eight children would be very, very bad for Bob's Legacy and, more importantly, the stock price.

Or Mickey, in a dark alleyway, giving cash stuffed briefcases to a state owned cement company.

 

[WDW1974]

I'm a Walt guy too. I think much of the debate that takes place here comes down to the fundamental difference between people who are fans of Walt Disney and people who are fans of Disney®. If your view of Disney isn't rooted in Walt then Disney will never be anything more than a brand or business to you.

Great, great, great ... lost in piles of dung ... point.

I am a fan of the man. Actually, I am a fan of the amazing legacy created by thousands and thousands of men and women.

I am not a fan of the BRAND. I don't live a Disney Lifestyle. My days aren't all about what the huge, evil, multi-national media company announced or didn't.

A vast majority of Disney fans today are BRAND fans, and if they believe they are Walt fans, then they don't even realize it when Disney The BRAND goes against beliefs held by Disney The Man.

I couldn't care less if Bob Iger dropped dead tomorrow. I do care about the Legacy he was entrusted with and how he chooses to conduct himself and the Disney Company.

 

[WDW1974]

I live in Florida and should be slapped for asking this (my excuse, I live in NORTH Florida), but how long is the drive from the Vero Beach property to Port Canaveral? We're taking the DVC member cruise in August and will drive down Sunday and spend the night before driving over to the Port. However, I would much rather stay at VBR on my points than chance picking an iffy hotel near the Port.

Thanks. Always enjoy your posts.

About 75-90 minutes depending on traffic conditions. I'd highly advise a stay at Vero the night before cruising.
Angie and I did it in November and it is just a smart relaxing way to ease into a cruise.

 

[Animaniac93-98]

BTW, see folks are talking about Fantasy sports betting and Disney looking for some hot action, but did anyone ever find out if those Marvel and Lucas slot machines are still being produced and put on casino floors? Or if Disney was using Marvel product in state lottery games as it had been doing?

I saw several in Vegas, along with every other movie property you could think of (including Avatar!). My favourite was the Titanic one considering how Jack got aboard the ship and what happened to him in the end.