Thoughts since I last posted:
Been catching up with email (got 5000k unread emails down to 330), and reading Seeking Alpha articles.
The Street in the past did not want spending in the parks. Now they do. (Deteriorating Fundamentals in the Media Division will do that). That makes a big difference.
Speaking of Deteriorating Fundamentals, one article I read mentioned ESPN isn't the only problem. It's the Disney Channel as well. The kiddies aren't watching as much, which means they aren't getting the BRAND indoctrination they used to - which can spill over into P&R and Films.
Is it a lock that everything in D23 will get delivered? The lack of Hyperion Wharf as designed AND ANNOUNCED says no. But it won't shock me if they do what they say they do this time.
The parks need content AND capacity. I would describe Content as not merely something to do, it's something to drive attendance (especially if major attractions finally get the extended downtime they need). The new theatre in the MK is no question in the column of 'content'. Something that sounds like an expensive build on backstage land that is going to keep guests possibly up to an hour away from opportunities to buy plush isn't getting built (IMO) to fill out a day. It's meant to drive visits. I'd say they view 'capacity' as stores & restaurants. IMO again, a reason TGMR is going away for a 6 minute MM ride is for guests to spend more time in the desired 'capacity' - buying food, drink, and plush.
Mickey Mouse did not have a definitive fixed personality throughout his history. The original B&W Mickey was different then the Living Color (and toned down to please parents) Mickey. But if you watch the Mickey Mouse cartoons on the Walt Disney Treasures sets, all of them (with the exception of Runaway Brain) feel like there's a connection. They collectively represent Classic Mickey.
The new Mickey cartoons are decent for what they are - but doesn't feel like it's the Character That It Was All Started By. It feels like new IP. Even less of a reason to put a ride based on that version such a prominent place in the parks. Off to the side (like say, where Animation is) would be much more appropriate.
Speaking of New Mickey - replacing Clubhouse with Roadster Racers for the little kiddies sounds like a blatant toy push that would make the producers/director of Batman & Robin blush.
Back to D23. I don't expect the China film to be an upgrade. My guess is that they'll cut the length and have a good portion of what's left filled by someone mugging for the camera (like what happened to Canada). The Minnie Van sounds OK for those who might like to use it, assuming that they have sufficient vehicles for demand. (The best fastpass in the swamps continues to be having access to your own vehicle). The gondolas should help get some traffic off the roads, but I don't see them (IMO) justifying what it costs to stay at Caribbean or AOA even at current prices.
Not mentioned at D23 (I think) but I'm curious about who is going to bankroll the Brazil pavilion - considering that 3 major companies down there (Petrobras, Vale, Brasil Foods) have, shall we say, some issues. Maybe Embraer? (If you've flown Jet Blue you've almost certainly flown on one).
