A Spirited Valentine ...

[jakeman]

The point is the drag these things on too long. Tram tour closed when, 2015? When did they break ground on SWL? Given the infrastructure work at DL, WDW should be open first not trailing behind. Whether spirit is right about 18 months or not it's still way behind. And shouldn't the Star Wars hotel be going up right now to capitalize on the hype?

That's your point and it's a valid one that I agree with.

@ford91exploder point is that there have been a series of delays (not extended constructions times) in announced opening dates that should cast doubt on the opening of SW:GE when stated.

That's two different issues. One is real. The other like most of his "issues", not so much.

 

[Mike S]

Does this mean I saw him at his very last public appearance? That's pretty bittersweet.

 

[brb1006]

Does this mean I saw him at his very last public appearance? That's pretty bittersweet.

He's footage of him at D23 this year.

 

[MisterPenguin]

I expect Spirit knows more about the construction schedule than any of us. And his delays have usually been right

Spirit knows absolutely nothing about SW construction delays. My source? Spirit himself. He very purposefully said his prediction of SWL in DHS being behind by years (i.e. 18-14 months) was based solely on what he considers his lack of confidence in TDO to get anything done in a timely manner. There is no insider knowledge here. So, no, he does not know more about the DHS SWL schedule than any of us.

Actually, Spirit is claiming that DHS's SWL will indeed get built, albeit, delayed. So, why were you doubting it would be built at all if you trust Spirit so much?

 

[WDW1974]

Very, very profoundly sad to hear about the passing of true Disney Legend, Marty Sklar at 83.

While many simply knew him from his books or interviews and some from his appearances at fan events, the man was fascinating one on one (and the tales he told were often different from what went out at WDC sanctioned events). I didn't agree with some of his opinions later in his years (like Walt would have loved DCA 1.0 and things of that ilk), but losing him will leave a huge void that can never be replaced.

He was a treasure trove of knowledge about his old boss and about how Disney did things from the 1950s right up to today. I know I will miss him terribly. And I think those who heard him speak at D23 a few weeks ago should consider themselves very, very lucky.

My heart goes out to Leah, his niece and the entire family.

 

[WDW1974]

I feel the need to also correct the spread of misinformation (the whole purpose of the Disney fan community, right?) regarding what I have said about Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge (we can leave the naming change for another time).

To be clear, I have stated from the start that Anaheim would open before Orlando because that was the fact. It still is today. This isn't me saying it because TDO can't do anything on time, even though we all know they can't (please, don't ask for examples). This is from knowledge from people associated with the projects.

Anaheim was originally projected, even internally, to open 12-18 months before Orlando. That changed a while back to getting them both open within the same calendar year, with one opening about 6-9 months ahead of the other.

That is still the plan and I have no doubt it will happen. I can also quite unequivocally state that based on current circumstances, the entire SW land for FL will not be ready to open in calendar year 2019. Most, but not all ... and, yes, that could change. But regardless of whether everything is ready or not (see: SDL) it will open sometime in late 2019 in the swamps.

 

[Kman101]

The point is the drag these things on too long. Tram tour closed when, 2015? When did they break ground on SWL? Given the infrastructure work at DL, WDW should be open first not trailing behind. Whether spirit is right about 18 months or not it's still way behind. And shouldn't the Star Wars hotel be going up right now to capitalize on the hype?

We all realize they could, and should, move faster. Trailing behind is not setting an opening date and becoming delayed which is what Ford keeps going on and on about.

 

[Kman101]

I feel the need to also correct the spread of misinformation (the whole purpose of the Disney fan community, right?) regarding what I have said about Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge (we can leave the naming change for another time).

To be clear, I have stated from the start that Anaheim would open before Orlando because that was the fact. It still is today. This isn't me saying it because TDO can't do anything on time, even though we all know they can't (please, don't ask for examples). This is from knowledge from people associated with the projects.

Anaheim was originally projected, even internally, to open 12-18 months before Orlando. That changed a while back to getting them both open within the same calendar year, with one opening about 6-9 months ahead of the other.

That is still the plan and I have no doubt it will happen. I can also quite unequivocally state that based on current circumstances, the entire SW land for FL will not be ready to open in calendar year 2019. Most, but not all ... and, yes, that could change. But regardless of whether everything is ready or not (see: SDL) it will open sometime in late 2019 in the swamps.

How could not everything be ready? LOL. That's just incompetence. Steel is going up for both attractions. They're 6 months behind construction wise. It just seems silly they won't be ready for everything. Is this like when Pandora was supposed to open in phases yet it opened all at the same time, boat ride included?

 

[WDW1974]

Welcome back.

I have a Disney lifestyler question for you.

How long in advance does Disney lets lifestylers such as Ricky Brigante know that a brand new hotel opens?

I am asking this question because of the Star Wars Hotel that was announced at D23 and I'm sure Disney wants the lifestylers to experience the unique experience of the hotel as soon as the hotel is ready to open.

Not sure. It depends on the project. But it all gets coordinated through Celebration Place so Disney can get its requisite free PR from its BRAND advocates and social media influencers (because folks like Ricky and ConfinedToAnInsititution Corless and Conman Hill and etc etc).

And, as you'll recall, they don't even have a firm time table for developing the SW360 project. My guess and this is all it is right now is that you may well see the EPCOT resort developed either before it or at the same time. In other words, it won't happen next year.

 

[WDW1974]

It won best theme park or best new theme park, I can't recall.

Also the Krakatoa waterslide won best "roller coaster".

That shows that all of this talk about popularity and research is largely BS.

The idea of true scientific research is one thing. PR driven skewed data is another.

I was reminded of that when Chappie went in front of the D23 crowd and blatantly lied that Tron is the most popular attraction at SDL. Now, while I am sure he can create a certain study to show this, it isn't reality. In reality it is likely the third most popular attraction, although I could see it being as low as four (or even five) too. A simple look at capacity and wait times should clue people in, even if they haven't been there.

But I don't for a second believe that nonsense about the wonders of Volcano Bay. Tom Shroder and his minions are just working OT to cover for the disaster that was the park's debut.

 

[WDW1974]

I actually think it's pretty cool that we'll have Tron next to Space Mountain. One less reason for me to buy a ticket to China.

Oh come now. I had plenty of fun at the expo. It went so much better than some of the horror stories I've read on this site actually. I even got to meet Mark Hamill!!!

One should want to visit China because it is a fascinating place with an amazing history, art, culture and cuisine AND you can visit a new Disney park. I think people who plan international trips simply to visit Disney theme parks are lacking, but that's my elitism showing.

I spent six hours at the last Expo (in 2015) and that was plenty. Crazy people. Totally inept crowd management. And shilling of the BRAND. I'd much rather visit the WDFM. ...You met Mark? That's nice. I bet he said more to you than he did in the last SW film!

 

[Kman101]

That shows that all of this talk about popularity and research is largely BS.

The idea of true scientific research is one thing. PR driven skewed data is another.

I was reminded of that when Chappie went in front of the D23 crowd and blatantly lied that Tron is the most popular attraction at SDL. Now, while I am sure he can create a certain study to show this, it isn't reality. In reality it is likely the third most popular attraction, although I could see it being as low as four (or even five) too. A simple look at capacity and wait times should clue people in, even if they haven't been there.

But I don't for a second believe that nonsense about the wonders of Volcano Bay. Tom Shroder and his minions are just working OT to cover for the disaster that was the park's debut.

But don't you know that the Uni stans think it's just fine because it hit's capacity every day

And meanwhile, they're STILL working on the park and reviews haven't been very pretty. It's a nice park. It's a shame they rushed the opening.

 

[ford91exploder]

The point is the drag these things on too long. Tram tour closed when, 2015? When did they break ground on SWL? Given the infrastructure work at DL, WDW should be open first not trailing behind. Whether spirit is right about 18 months or not it's still way behind. And shouldn't the Star Wars hotel be going up right now to capitalize on the hype?

It should be but it's not... I've always wondered why instead of using the hyperdrive mode to build StarWars stuff they use the anchor and mooring lines instead.

 

[Mike S]

One should want to visit China because it is a fascinating place with an amazing history, art, culture and cuisine AND you can visit a new Disney park. I think people who plan international trips simply to visit Disney theme parks are lacking, but that's my elitism showing.

Well I wouldn't exactly go alone and for most people I know Disney would be the #1 reason to go. Now it's no rush.

I spent six hours at the last Expo (in 2015) and that was plenty. Crazy people. Totally inept crowd management. And shilling of the BRAND. I'd much rather visit the WDFM.

Different strokes I guess. I loved being surrounded by the fans. Some of the cosplay was fantastic like the family dressed as the Robinsons (including the T-Rex) and one girl dressed as Big Thunder Mountain with a working train going around. I guess I just love nerd culture.

...You met Mark? That's nice. I bet he said more to you than he did in the last SW film!

I guess so lol.

 

[Princess Leia]

one girl dressed as Big Thunder Mountain with a working train going around. I guess I just love nerd culture.

... did you happen to get a picture of her? Because that sounds amazing

 

[Mike S]

... did you happen to get a picture of her? Because that sounds amazing

I'm still amazed at how this was done.

 

[Princess Leia]

View attachment 219143

I'm still amazed at how this was done.

 

[PizzaPlanet]

Anaheim was originally projected, even internally, to open 12-18 months before Orlando. That changed a while back to getting them both open within the same calendar year, with one opening about 6-9 months ahead of the other.

So your explanation is that plans changed? I'm not sure if there is anything to indicate that based on the construction schedules, but regardless, I still don't get why you're saying "I told you so" about Anaheim opening before Orlando. Like I said, most of expected this long before you mentioned anything about the topic.

 

[Kman101]

Disney under Iger has never opened anything on schedule in Orlando, SWL will be no different I've always said it would open the question of course is when ain't gonna happen in 2019 so when from 2020-2023 will it open...

The StarWars hotel will probably open on schedule though.

Please. Stop.

 

[Cesar R M]

Volcano Bay has been hitting capacity often and some days according to speculation outdrawn attendance at both disney water parks combined (not proven but again speculated). So I doubt Comcast is crying. Lines still are long and expansion fast tracked.

The park is new, obviously its going to be hitting attendance limits. Once the buzz ends and the hearsay of bad show and bad service spreads.. fewer people will go.