A Spirited Perfect Ten

[WDW1974]

In more news, it's officially January 7 in the Eastern Time Zone, which means the hat is officially closed forever.

So there's that.

Yep. Today was a great day for fans of the Disney-MGM Studios ... or what's left of it ... and just plain old good design and theming.

 

[WDW1974]

I wish they would have waited a day. My birthday is the 8th and that would have been the best present I could get...

Happy Birthday!!!

 

[WDW1974]

I know I'm not the one who linked you to my thread, but really, you're not thirsty? What a shame!

You love those drinky threads, doncha Kitty?

And I am parched now, but heading to bed and when you get to be my age ... well, let's just say the days when I could 'hold it' for 14-15 hours without a problem are long gone and 7-9 can be an issue.

(How long before the Twits are talking about my urination habits?)

 

[WDW1974]

I definitely agree with the 'more likely to get a WDW crowd' sentiment. My theory is that the lower cost of the short hops that go only to the Bahamas attracts the demographic that 'don't know how to behave' as you have delicately put it. True, that likely includes many first time cruisers who see it as a lower cost way to try a cruise if they are not sure if they will like it. But I think the issue goes beyond just the first-timers.

The only way I ever cruise the Dream is with a CM friend and then I'd worry about the guest makeup.

 

[WDW1974]

Are you telling me that Disney is indecisive? I don't buy it. Are you telling me that when the initial reports from you that Star Wars content was going to go overseas first wasn't you just making stuff up? I don't buy it.

I'll take that as sarcasm, although my original report was that SW content was going into DLP first and that was a plan. The Asian parks were never looked at for SW stuff originally. OLC flat out doesn't want it and the leadership in China isn't hot on it either ( no coincidence that the ST expansion pad in HKDL is being developed right now as the Iron Man Experience).

BTW, Marvel and Avatar are both in the long-term plans (hopes? dreams?) for DSP.

People need to realize how fluid 5 and 10 year plans are. Very rarely do they every play out as originally intended. Now, on to the actual stateside content here:

I'll take this to mean that the Toy Story Playland stuff will be announced before the D23 Expo?

The problem develops when you put info out for a ravenous fan community that desperately wants great park content to be built and not wind up in coffee table books. One area I am pulling way back in from here on out is with putting out info that I am told. It practically has to be an absolute or something general or I won't do it.

To answer your question, I'll simply say ''I think so.'' But I wouldn't bet a bloggers life on it (OK, maybe a couple that I really don't like!)

 

[WDW1974]

In other news, Spirit... I watched Agent Carter and thought it was actually very good. @Lee will hopefully share his opinions because I can't imagine he didn't watch. Full disclosure I am a Marvel fan but the show was well done and two episodes in and it's decidedly better than Shield, which I like, especially this season.

Much like myself, @Lee has had a lot to deal with the last few months. I don't doubt that he watched.

I didn't. I watched stuff that I know is quality ... Parks and Rec and Person of Interest ... stuff that doesn't have to convince me to buy as I am already sold.

The only new TV that has intrigued me is the remake of the 12 Monkeys film that starred Bruce Willis and Brad Pitt.

 

[Scuttle]

Yep. Today was a great day for fans of the Disney-MGM Studios ... or what's left of it ... and just plain old good design and theming.

Sure was, did you imply in your opening post that Kong at UO won't have the giant AA and will be totally screen based? I've heard both sides a ton.

 

[WDW1974]

I think the bigger weakness is that the pool is right there with the major through-way from the forward elevators and Concierge area... making traffic from minors almost unavoidable. I think the sun area on the upper level is adequate if you want to be near the pool/bar... but my by far preferred area is up front near the satellite pool. It's FAR quieter, less trafficked, much more seating, shade AND sun, and there is still the relax pool for those that want it.

I think the whole Satellite Falls pool area is sorta wasted up there, though. It's not a pool. It's not a jacuzzi. And if you want a drink, you need to wait until someone walks by. But you are right on all other points. I think that whole area should have been an adults only pool area ... unfortunately, the private concierge area (and who buys concierge on a cruise?!! I just don't get that at all!) takes up a large chunk of real estate.

Oh, and I did see more kids wandering thru the adult area or attempting to use the facilities than I ever saw on the Magic and Wonder, but it still was infrequent and CMs were on them (or their parents) almost immediately.

 

[WDW1974]

Oh, please don't encourage him. His minor celebrity status already makes dining with him inconvenient, what with the constant line of fanbois wanting an autograph. When he is "dressed" it's a veritable Meet and Grope.

What do they say about the tiara being heavy?

 

[wdwgreek]

A very good point (especially with The Lion King back in South Florida for the rest of January!) ... and I've seen the show 4-5 times at least now, although I have gotten seats that weren't full price on some of them (last show was when it had a base at Mandalay Bay in Vegas in 2011 and I paid full price for that).

But I'd argue that even the most successful Broadway show that tours the USA doesn't (sadly) attract the majority of fans of Disney or a film etc.

Totally random point: Wall Street must feel awful that both oil is crashing and the dollar is strong ... they say both are bad for Americans. And you know that you can always trust Wall Street to have YOUR interests at heart, right?

You peaked my interest on something new, I would also agree that Disney Broadway properties are not the most profitable touring productions. But I don't know which show is the highest earning touring production, phantom maybe, but i'm going to check my numbers. Thank you for responding to me, I appreciate it and thanks for the great reporting!

 

[Sped2424]

Did I mention that you can steal Coke once again at the WL?

If not, then Merry Christmas to all you thirsty folks out there!

you can also do it at the bog...

 

[tigger1968]

Happy Birthday!!!

Thank you Sir!

Not a bad day. I get to share it with Graham Chapman, Robby Krieger, Stephen Hawking, and of course, Elvis.

 

[BrerJon]

I don't think the Frozen bubble has even begun to burst just yet, I'd imagine Frozen-related merchandise remains one of, if not the, biggest money spinner at the resort. If the craze is beginning to subside it will get a boost with the upcoming short that's scheduled for release some time this spring. Then we'll get the ride and the seemingly inevitable sequel...

Frozen's biggest problem is the real hardcore target audience who buy all the merch and pay the big bucks are the five to seven year olds who are also the quickest to move on from a big craze. Their younger siblings will probably pick it up and keep the momentum, but after that it's yesterday's news for a generation. I think there'll be a lot of interest in 2015, but by the time the ride opens it won't be that much more popular than High School Musical is today.

 

[bhg469]

Well then. Carpe Diem.

Don't you mean Carpe PM?!

The good old days!!

 

[bhg469]

Sure was, did you imply in your opening post that Kong at UO won't have the giant AA and will be totally screen based? I've heard both sides a ton.

The building is huge. I would imagine that there has to be an AA.. I would hope so anyway.

 

[golden james]

Frozen's biggest problem is the real hardcore target audience who buy all the merch and pay the big bucks are the five to seven year olds who are also the quickest to move on from a big craze. Their younger siblings will probably pick it up and keep the momentum, but after that it's yesterday's news for a generation. I think there'll be a lot of interest in 2015, but by the time the ride opens it won't be that much more popular than High School Musical is today.

With the launch of frozen 2 the movie frozen will be big!!! believe me. Anyway Frozen will always be bigger and much much more popular than High School Musical ever was

 

[mm52200]

Frozen's biggest problem is the real hardcore target audience who buy all the merch and pay the big bucks are the five to seven year olds who are also the quickest to move on from a big craze. Their younger siblings will probably pick it up and keep the momentum, but after that it's yesterday's news for a generation. I think there'll be a lot of interest in 2015, but by the time the ride opens it won't be that much more popular than High School Musical is today.

Are you really trying to compare the highest grossing animated film to a Disney Channel Original Movie? If you took your logic and applied it to pretty much every Disney film you'd be proven wrong. Toy Story still did pretty well I guess after the five and seven year olds dropped it. Disney animated films are a special thing in that their audience never seems to fully die. There are so many places for the film to live on, merchandise, the parks, TV, etc and the films are rewatched by children and people all of the time.

 

[bhg469]

Are you really trying to compare the highest grossing animated film to a Disney Channel Original Movie? If you took your logic and applied it to pretty much every Disney film you'd be proven wrong. Toy Story still did pretty well I guess after the five and seven year olds dropped it. Disney animated films are a special thing in that their audience never seems to fully die. There are so many places for the film to live on, merchandise, the parks, TV, etc and the films are rewatched by children and people all of the time.

Easy there buddy. Disney used to market films in a completely different way. Their new strategy is throw it in your face as much as possible and when people tire of it, write it off for good. If you think frozen sequel does half of the money that it's predecessor did, I have a monorail expansion to sell you.

 

[RSoxNo1]

Mystic Manor, and before that Radiator Springs Racers.

I also thought Ratatouille was more fun than most WDW attractions added over the last 10 years.

The OP also posted a nearly glowing review of the Fantasy cruise ship.

As has been said before, WDW-centric fans should spend there time exploring the Disney world beyond WDW, and maybe see the real thing in the process.

I would argue that Cars Land was designed to cater to John Lasseter. It was one of many pitchers for DCA, it was just the one that targeted at John. Having said that, the execution is excellent.

 

[Lee]

Much like myself, @Lee has had a lot to deal with the last few months. I don't doubt that he watched.

I didn't. I watched stuff that I know is quality ... Parks and Rec and Person of Interest ... stuff that doesn't have to convince me to buy as I am already sold.

The only new TV that has intrigued me is the remake of the 12 Monkeys film that starred Bruce Willis and Brad Pitt.

Oh, I watched Agent Carter. Liked it very much.
But of course, I'm big fan of giant, interconnected storylines and pre/postwar time frames.

12 Monkeys...looks interesting, but hopefully not quite as...odd...as the movie was. I recall it being a tad...bewildering.

Biding my time until Blacklist, Walking Dead, The Following, Game of Thrones...