A Spirited Perfect Ten

[WDW1974]

A movie studio release slate is generally more than 2-3 films a year. That is few and far between.

Not when you see how few films Disney releases now under its own banner. But you can make this look anyway that you want. I could go back to the late 80s and early 90s when between FA and Touchstone, Disney was raking in the money solely on its own product, much of it original.

I wasn't changing the finish line, but more clearly illustrating why Disney needed purchases like Lucasfilm and Marvel - because there are only so many animated classics they can bastardize for live action, and only so many theme park attractions they can base pictures on.

That's simplifying things, though. You're having two options: 1.) Disney puts out a few films based on its animated classics and park attractions; and 2.) Lucas and Marvel solve the problem.

You do realize that there is another option (likely multiple), right? Like cultivating an atmosphere where filmmakers want to be and try telling original stories. It doesn't have to be simply the either/or/both that you provided above. Iger has decided that is what Disney will be. But it absolutely doesn't have to!

I'm not arguing that POTC doesn't do very well, but as far as franchises go - it's largely all they've got, and it's getting long in the tooth. It also is pretty much centered around Johnny Depp - a very precarious thing for a franchise to be so largely dependent on one star.

Well, Depp is quite a talented guy. He made Jack Sparrow into an iconic role that people will be watching decades from now. I also think that having a long break between a lousy fourth outing and the fifth might cleanse the palates of moviegoers a bit.

And only one franchise? ARe you forgetting Disney is actually (insanely) doing a third Tron film (because two lousy films 30-plus years apart wasn't enough!)

Well, I thought the same about Iron Man...and Guardians...etc. We have no idea, though - fatigue definitely hasn't set in, yet. But it's entirely possible.

When Marvel starts doing 2-3 films a year, every year (not including Sony's Spidey films and FOX's X-Men and anything DC has coming), I'm willing to bet that comic hero fatigue will most definitely set in.

The bottom line really is - if Disney were solely relying on it's "in house" output, it would be far, far less financially well-off than it is with Lucasfilm and Marvel. They likely will end the decade as the #1 movie studio on the backs of those purchases, making them brilliantly smart choices to add to the portfolio, and makes them a perfect match for Disney and their merchandising prowess. I just can't see how this can be interpreted as harming "the BRAND" - as it's certainly strengthening and expanding the audience for all things Disney past "Princesses and Pirates".

I can't argue the financial merits right now. I can argue the further dilution of the Disney BRAND by adding so much non-Disney product, but I'm sorta tired of the whole thing. How many hours before breathless reports come in on Age of Ultron?

 

[WDW1974]

People say this all the time--just like I used to say it about single-day tickets. Thing is, actually talking to people in ticketing, the vast majority sold ARE single-day tickets.

Unless you or someone you know has first-hand experience behind a WDW front desk, I don't know that I believe this.

You shouldn't. I've seen exact figures over the years at various resorts during various seasons. Disney can and does command rack rate largely.

If everyone was getting 40% off at Disney's deluxe resorts, then they wouldn't be in such a hurry to DVC them up.

 

[bhg469]

Spirited Thursday Musings:

So, am I correct in believing that Nik Wallenda had a disappointing turnout for his walk on the O-Town Eye? I was told there was some chatter on this morning's Today Show. More bloggers likely getting ready for their free food at The Boathouse today and couldn't be bothered.

I absolutely love James Spader and the Blacklist.

OK, lunch today was Rocco's Tacos. The Lifestylers in O-Town may love the stuff, especially when it's free. But I found the portions (at the Fort Lauderdale location) to be small and pricey. And the first question out of the server's mouth shouldn't be ''are you guys having the ($12) guac?'' It's definitely a decent, but not special, place that you go to be seen and tell people you've dined there (some great yelp reviews basically saying the same thing in many more words.) The only way I'd tell O-Town visitors to go there ... well, I wouldn't. Because the amazing Antojitos at City Walk is much better and they don't charge you for chips and salsa (very tacky at a Tex-Mex place). It isn't a don't miss by any stretch in O-Town. In Fort Lauderdale or Boca, it might be worth a visit as we don't have great Mexican food by any stretch. It makes me long for childhood and Chi-Chi's.

Stopped by the Hard Rock Casino in the beautiful 'other Hollywood' while waiting to pick up the parents at the ER (everyone is OK, just a scary situation that required a three-hour visit!) and interesting to see the Seminoles trying to upscale it more akin to Vegas resorts. Love the vibe of the new bar in the lobby and the new Japanese place (Kuro) looks wonderful and overlooks the pool.

Most interesting thing I found at the HR? Oh, that Disney is still lying about its gambling business. Recently installed (I asked) Iron Man slots. Look, the company bought Marvel in 2009. It's 2015. Slot contracts only run for so long. And when new machines are being put out ... well, like I said, Disney lies.

Got confirmation from a second sources that there absolutely will NOT be a Be Our Guest restaurant added to TDL. The big new full serve locale is replacing the Tomorrowland Terrace, which features the worst food at TDL and still didn't stop @wdwfigent from dining there. And I'm trying to get more details on the Small World new facility.

I also was told that Disney purchasing the Carousel Inn in Anaheim 'may' not be the first facility they have bought on Harbor Blvd. and will likely not be the last (no, this land isn't for a third theme park).

On that subject, I'd expect to see a second gate in HK and a third in Tokyo before anything happens, if it happens, in Anaheim.

So, between my overpriced ($10.50 for two small tacos, a scoop of rice and some greens) lunch, my quickee casino visit and a stop at the hospital, what did I miss at the whorefest in O-Town? Who's off the list? Who's on it? How many people who live in Clermont, Davenport, Four Corners are being given free hotel rooms? Is the note I got about them going with a Frozen theme for summer AGAIN true? What did I miss? How many pounds of beef did Mongello eat at the Boathouse while swearing he's never gotten a free thing from Disney in his life?

BTW, anyone who wants to be a Lifestyler and included as BRAND advocate contact Jennifer.J.Fickley@Disney.com. I can also provide you with work contact numbers for her if you too want to sell yourself for a little free Disney crap (not passing judgment ... I steal Coke all the time, remember?)

Has anything NEW been announced for the summer? Even a Disney Vacation Club kiosk? How about special cupcakes (the dessert choice of 8-year-olds everywhere!)? Any new upcharge events added? Or just apps that allow you to pre-order food?

I know so many of you don't give a d@mn about China. I'm sure China feels the same way about you. But I found this week's 1A story in the New York Times on Dalian Wanda head Wang Jianlin to be fascinating. To be fair, other than one old quote, it doesn't have much (on the surface) to do with The Walt Disney Company.

But it read to me like a coordinated hit piece. Not on Disney's behalf, but much more likely the US Chamber of Commerce's behalf or simply 'global business interests.' It tried to bring Wang into the whole giant corruption situation as he is the wealthiest man in the country ($35 billion). The NYT take, which they never backed up with actual evidence, was that with the anti-graft campaign being a huge deal that China's wealthiest man and the politicians he was/is involved with just have to be dirty. With no evidence beyond connections.

That was never stated, but that was the implied conclusion. The Times could never get away with writing something like that about a Bill Gates or a Steve Jobs or even a Bob Iger. All implication.

Now, I'm sure, at the very least, that some of it's true. But that doesn't change the fact the story is very weak and should never have been placed. BTW, the author had to leave Bloomberg because they wouldn't run the story.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/29/w...tion-of-business-and-power-in-china.html?_r=0

Nik walenda pulled a similar gig for one of my clients. Promised his act would draw 200k crowds easily. The attendance was lower than the previous day that he wasn't there. Guy is a snake oil salesman and tries to convince people he has power to draw mega crowds when in fact he can't unless it's on tv and there is nothing else on.

 

[WDW1974]

I think the complex as a whole, and its neighbors, have the potential to do some real damage around town. $50 for a ticket to all four attractions (almost half off that with AAA), and free parking. Going to hit Sea World hard. I think Uni and even AK might feel a bite as well (I single out SW and AK just because of SeaLife--I think one animal-centric attraction in a week is enough for most dads).

Meanwhile, at night, I-Drive is turning into the second coming of Church St. Station, arguably even PI. It's going to demolish CityWalk, and steal away a lot of the customers Disney Springs seems designed for.

I can see that happening and I think that's great for O-Town. People shouldn't have to go to Disney or UNI for some night fun or simply a good meal (that wasn't booked months ago). I see so many new places opening. Between the Brick House Tap and Tavern, Tommy Bahama and Friendly's, I had two great meals and one great ice cream dessert (better than ANY on WDW property!) right there in a half mile stretch. There are so many options. And, again, no matter how great The Boathouse may be, not everyone wants to start with a $39 a la carte steak. I'm going to wait until someone takes me or they offer some CM discount.

North of Sand Lake is still in a lot of trouble. But this should only help businesses like Howl at the Moon and Senor Frogs and some of the other chain restaurants. As for Pointe, Marinos might still be empty (I can check tonight), but in the last 3 years, probably 10 places have opened--all of them higher end. Go there on a weekend or with a big convention in town, it's packed. Still transitioning from a shopping mall to a restaurant/nightlife complex, but well on its way.

BTW, Houlihans as a chain was horribly run, at least in central Florida. Their 192 outlet is a case study in "***." And Applebees is probably a little too pedestrian for the crowd coming to I-Drive these days. Not as many family tourists, at least at night.

Oh, I absolutely agree. ... I haven't been to a Houlihans in over two decades. The only local one closed about that time and I recall one meal at the defunct I-Drive locale in the 90s. ... As to Applebee's, I'm still a bit surprised (I also noticed that Sizzler had closed on that strip) because while many American may want to stay away from anywhere chains, more budget conscious UKers that vacation in droves over there likely don't turn up their nosees at one. I actually dined at once in O-Town (Hunter's Creek) last summer because it was after midnight and we didn't want Denny's. It was perfectly OK ... for what it was.

BTW, many of those I-Drive locations (be it Olive Garden, Panda Express, Perkins etc) are among the highest grossing locations in the nation for those chains.

 

[Mike S]

Got confirmation from a second sources that there absolutely will NOT be a Be Our Guest restaurant added to TDL. The big new full serve locale is replacing the Tomorrowland Terrace, which features the worst food at TDL and still didn't stop @wdwfigent from dining there. And I'm trying to get more details on the Small World new facility.

So, does that mean an actual B&tB ride?!?!


God d@mnit Disney..........

 

[VJ]

Is..is that what's gonna happen to me now that I spoiled something? I'm not sure I wanna get blown into a bazillion tiny pieces...that'd be kinda messy...

 

[flynnibus]

I also was told that Disney purchasing the Carousel Inn in Anaheim 'may' not be the first facility they have bought on Harbor Blvd. and will likely not be the last (no, this land isn't for a third theme park).

There is a recent thread on micechat elaborating on the Mouse's role as a landlord. They supposedly own a lot of property in the resort district that is currently leased out to other businesses (including hotels)... and not just property we're waiting for the new parking lots to pop up on.

http://micechat.com/forums/disneyla...ey-actually-own-around-disneyland-resort.html

It gets a little more interesting at the end.. where some legit lawyers like Steamboatpete chime in with their hands on experience in the matter.

 

[marni1971]

BTW, headed to DLP anytime soon?

Summer 2017. Holding off until the much needed rebuild is done. Though I know the resorts project won't be done until 2021. Imagine that. An eleven year resort rebuilding project. On top of a four year park rebuild.

 

[the.dreamfinder]

I can't argue the financial merits right now. I can argue the further dilution of the Disney BRAND by adding so much non-Disney product, but I'm sorta tired of the whole thing. How many hours before breathless reports come in on Age of Ultron?

Age of Ultron is excellent by the way. I'll write up some detailed thoughts in the morning, but there's a lot Disney could learn from Earth's Mightiest Heroes. Naturally, they'll take all the wrong lessons from it.

I don't know if you guys have seen this article on Warners' DC disfunction in the Hollywood Reporter, but it's worth a read.
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/superman-batman-dcs-real-battle-792190

 

[Tony Perkis]

Age of Ultron is excellent by the way. I'll write up some detailed thoughts in the morning, but there's a lot Disney could learn from Earth's Mightiest Heroes. Naturally, they'll take all the wrong lessons from it.

I don't know if you guys have seen this article on Warners' DC disfunction in the Hollywood Reporter, but it's worth a read.
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/superman-batman-dcs-real-battle-792190

I didn't think too highly of Avengers 2. It was entertaining, but there is fat too much bloat and waste held together very loosely by storylines that tend to be half-baked. Like the first film, and very much Guardians of the Galaxy, the best moments are the smaller character moments. The spectacle and awe doesn't have nearly the same effect this time around.

 

[Cesar R M]

if photodave sees this...man i wouldnt want to be in your shoes

what are you talking about?

 

[Cesar R M]

I didn't think too highly of Avengers 2. It was entertaining, but there is fat too much bloat and waste held together very loosely by storylines that tend to be half-baked. Like the first film, and very much Guardians of the Galaxy, the best moments are the smaller character moments. The spectacle and awe doesn't have nearly the same effect this time around.

so, they have started to imitate the michael bay style rather than build the characters like in GOTG?

 

[Padraig]

so, they have started to imitate the michael bay style rather than build the characters like in GOTG?

I've yet to see it, but everyone I know were really disappointed with it. Whedon's complaints of feeling tired and the "difficulty of bringing it home" should've sounded more alarms. I was really surprised to hear of Marvel fatigue before the release as well. Really didn't expect to see that kick in till around Infinity War. Is the bubble starting to deflate? I'm sure it will do monster numbers, but will it live up to the lofty financial expectations? And how would that impact on the rumoured Disney/Universal talks?

 

[Tony Perkis]

so, they have started to imitate the michael bay style rather than build the characters like in GOTG?

I won't go that far. His action is an assault on the senses. Avengers 2 has bigger and louder action than any of its predecessors, but it still operates on the idea that you care about the characters during these battles, but you can credit the standalone films for the emotional connections to them, not with how they're presented in Age of Ultron.

This film simply felt a lot less like a Joss Whedon film and more like a film manufactured by Marvel brass to introduce more characters. Is it shocking that the single best scene in the film is the one where the core characters are simply talking and joking as if they've been a team since the first film?

 

[Tony Perkis]

I've yet to see it, but everyone I know were really disappointed with it. Whedon's complaints of feeling tired and the "difficulty of bringing it home" should've sounded more alarms. I was really surprised to hear of Marvel fatigue before the release as well. Really didn't expect to see that kick in till around Infinity War. Is the bubble starting to deflate? I'm sure it will do monster numbers, but will it live up to the lofty financial expectations? And how would that impact on the rumoured Disney/Universal talks?

There were a number of new characters introduced in this film, and it still didn't include any of the crew from Guardians of the Galaxy. Add into play Ant-Man, Captain Marvel, Black Panther, The Inhumans......how do the final two parter Avengers films not become an absolute behemoth with mammoth bloat?

 

[Disneyhead'71]

Spirited Thursday Musings:

So, am I correct in believing that Nik Wallenda had a disappointing turnout for his walk on the O-Town Eye? I was told there was some chatter on this morning's Today Show. More bloggers likely getting ready for their free food at The Boathouse today and couldn't be bothered.

I absolutely love James Spader and the Blacklist.

OK, lunch today was Rocco's Tacos. The Lifestylers in O-Town may love the stuff, especially when it's free. But I found the portions (at the Fort Lauderdale location) to be small and pricey. And the first question out of the server's mouth shouldn't be ''are you guys having the ($12) guac?'' It's definitely a decent, but not special, place that you go to be seen and tell people you've dined there (some great yelp reviews basically saying the same thing in many more words.) The only way I'd tell O-Town visitors to go there ... well, I wouldn't. Because the amazing Antojitos at City Walk is much better and they don't charge you for chips and salsa (very tacky at a Tex-Mex place). It isn't a don't miss by any stretch in O-Town. In Fort Lauderdale or Boca, it might be worth a visit as we don't have great Mexican food by any stretch. It makes me long for childhood and Chi-Chi's.

Stopped by the Hard Rock Casino in the beautiful 'other Hollywood' while waiting to pick up the parents at the ER (everyone is OK, just a scary situation that required a three-hour visit!) and interesting to see the Seminoles trying to upscale it more akin to Vegas resorts. Love the vibe of the new bar in the lobby and the new Japanese place (Kuro) looks wonderful and overlooks the pool.

Most interesting thing I found at the HR? Oh, that Disney is still lying about its gambling business. Recently installed (I asked) Iron Man slots. Look, the company bought Marvel in 2009. It's 2015. Slot contracts only run for so long. And when new machines are being put out ... well, like I said, Disney lies.

Got confirmation from a second sources that there absolutely will NOT be a Be Our Guest restaurant added to TDL. The big new full serve locale is replacing the Tomorrowland Terrace, which features the worst food at TDL and still didn't stop @wdwfigent from dining there. And I'm trying to get more details on the Small World new facility.

I also was told that Disney purchasing the Carousel Inn in Anaheim 'may' not be the first facility they have bought on Harbor Blvd. and will likely not be the last (no, this land isn't for a third theme park).

On that subject, I'd expect to see a second gate in HK and a third in Tokyo before anything happens, if it happens, in Anaheim.

So, between my overpriced ($10.50 for two small tacos, a scoop of rice and some greens) lunch, my quickee casino visit and a stop at the hospital, what did I miss at the whorefest in O-Town? Who's off the list? Who's on it? How many people who live in Clermont, Davenport, Four Corners are being given free hotel rooms? Is the note I got about them going with a Frozen theme for summer AGAIN true? What did I miss? How many pounds of beef did Mongello eat at the Boathouse while swearing he's never gotten a free thing from Disney in his life?

BTW, anyone who wants to be a Lifestyler and included as BRAND advocate contact Jennifer.J.Fickley@Disney.com. I can also provide you with work contact numbers for her if you too want to sell yourself for a little free Disney crap (not passing judgment ... I steal Coke all the time, remember?)

Has anything NEW been announced for the summer? Even a Disney Vacation Club kiosk? How about special cupcakes (the dessert choice of 8-year-olds everywhere!)? Any new upcharge events added? Or just apps that allow you to pre-order food?

I know so many of you don't give a d@mn about China. I'm sure China feels the same way about you. But I found this week's 1A story in the New York Times on Dalian Wanda head Wang Jianlin to be fascinating. To be fair, other than one old quote, it doesn't have much (on the surface) to do with The Walt Disney Company.

But it read to me like a coordinated hit piece. Not on Disney's behalf, but much more likely the US Chamber of Commerce's behalf or simply 'global business interests.' It tried to bring Wang into the whole giant corruption situation as he is the wealthiest man in the country ($35 billion). The NYT take, which they never backed up with actual evidence, was that with the anti-graft campaign being a huge deal that China's wealthiest man and the politicians he was/is involved with just have to be dirty. With no evidence beyond connections.

That was never stated, but that was the implied conclusion. The Times could never get away with writing something like that about a Bill Gates or a Steve Jobs or even a Bob Iger. All implication.

Now, I'm sure, at the very least, that some of it's true. But that doesn't change the fact the story is very weak and should never have been placed. BTW, the author had to leave Bloomberg because they wouldn't run the story.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/29/w...tion-of-business-and-power-in-china.html?_r=0

Rule #1: If lifestylers are wetting themselves over something, you can guarantee it is overpriced and overrated. I have been to the Rocco's here twice. I won't be returning unless friends or visiting family are set on it. My go to Mexican restaurant, just north of Universal on Kirkman (Kirkman and Conroy), is Agave Azul. It is a nice and inexpensive contemporary in style, traditional in taste Mexican Restaurant. Great Guac, 8 bucks.

I have to be at the Contemporary at 9:30 to interview some imagineers. I'll tell them you said hi!

 

[Disneyhead'71]

Oh, I know.

WDW is going to be all about planning and tech and upcharging and stratifying Guests (Folks were so busy with their mock indignation over the way they perceived me to be treating the Fast Company writer that no one barely blinked when I said Disney is thinking seriously about giving its resort Guests a fourth FP in advance, supposedly some resort folks who don't get Park Ops wanted TWO additional MK FP's for resort Guests).

They've ruined WDW over the last 10-15 years greatly. I can still enjoy it in piecemeal right now, but I worry that the day is coming when I won't find anything worthy ... and the rubes will be saying 'Great, stay away! That will make lines shorter for the rest of us! Go to UNI where you love to be -- it sucks, ya know?!?!'

I have figured out that I actually don't enjoy the product Disney is serving up in the swamp these days. DLR? Yes. UOR? Yes. WDW? Not so much. I have yet to try the DCL, but I'm pretty sure I would like it. I have been saying for about a decade that any second, attendance is going to nosedive. I still believe that it will eventually implode. Even with the hordes of lifestyles screaming that we are idiots, and the place has never been better.

 

[Nubs70]

Disney doesn't want Guests to ever go off-property. They look at it like Pandora's box (no blue alien-sex-kittens here or cheap jewelry either). Once that person realizes that there are other options, many better for visiting, for dining, for drinking, for shopping, most won't run crying back to the perceived safety of 'the Disney bubble.'

This is the exact discussion my wife started last night. It was a conversion only exceeded by Saul's on his way to Damascus.

 

[ULPO46]

There were a number of new characters introduced in this film, and it still didn't include any of the crew from Guardians of the Galaxy. Add into play Ant-Man, Captain Marvel, Black Panther, The Inhumans......how do the final two parter Avengers films not become an absolute behemoth with mammoth bloat?

I agree I fear that Star Wars VII will have been made the same way. I just feel these movies are becoming like the Theme Parks division of the Walt Disney Company. Put a whole bunch of charecters in a movie, save money, hope to make a billion dollars around the world, keep doing it over and over again for the profits. I mean I sort of liked the First Avengers but i just felt it had a boring plot and was to action packed.

 

[Katie G]

Oh, I know.

WDW is going to be all about planning and tech and upcharging and stratifying Guests (Folks were so busy with their mock indignation over the way they perceived me to be treating the Fast Company writer that no one barely blinked when I said Disney is thinking seriously about giving its resort Guests a fourth FP in advance, supposedly some resort folks who don't get Park Ops wanted TWO additional MK FP's for resort Guests).

Just curious on the indignation with giving resort guests more. Uni gives their resort guests an Express Pass which gives the guest a FP to nearly every attraction and costs everyone else a bunch of money, but Disney shouldn't give 1 extra FP reservation to resort guests because its unfair to day guests or offsite guests?