Lee
Adventurer
Don't get me started on PI.:fork:
I'm carrying a small grudge there. Jerks.
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Economy does in Fantasyland
- Thread starter Disney MDACK
- Start date
I'm carrying a small grudge there. Jerks.
I really enjoy reading the boards, because it's amazing how many people take such a keen interest in a company that is slowly losing the faith of the population for being ahead of the competition. Some of the best ideas came from WDI, but when we're dealing with a public company...the ideas usually don't come into fruition because of frugal spending on behalf of the powers that be.
SM needs a refurb, but you can put absolutely every attraction on that list. Has anyone been to the WS recently? The 5 countries that have "attractions" could easily be joined by the other countries if some thought was put into it.
The message I'm trying to get across is simple, the "Team Disney" that was...isn't anymore. Therefore it's pointless to speculate if something will get built because of demand because there is really nothing that I've seen from the current "leadership" that strikes me as people who are just trying to play off of yesterday's successes and not trying to reinvent the wheel...or at least "plus-ing" it.
If I'm wrong, which I'm pretty sure I'm not seeing as though the "economic" problems of the US really shouldn't have anything to do with PAL Mickey being discontinued, Fantasmic slicing down their show schedule, Characters "disappearing" due to budget cuts, and so on.
I'm all for the SM refurb, but just go to DL...you'll see what the SM of WDW will look like! Thanks for listening
SM needs a refurb, but you can put absolutely every attraction on that list. Has anyone been to the WS recently? The 5 countries that have "attractions" could easily be joined by the other countries if some thought was put into it.
The message I'm trying to get across is simple, the "Team Disney" that was...isn't anymore. Therefore it's pointless to speculate if something will get built because of demand because there is really nothing that I've seen from the current "leadership" that strikes me as people who are just trying to play off of yesterday's successes and not trying to reinvent the wheel...or at least "plus-ing" it.
If I'm wrong, which I'm pretty sure I'm not seeing as though the "economic" problems of the US really shouldn't have anything to do with PAL Mickey being discontinued, Fantasmic slicing down their show schedule, Characters "disappearing" due to budget cuts, and so on.
I'm all for the SM refurb, but just go to DL...you'll see what the SM of WDW will look like! Thanks for listening
Lee
Adventurer
DCA's Soarin' Over Cali has 3 theaters...or concourses. The Soarin at Epcot was only built with 2, however since the day it opened, there have been rumours about matching the size with that of it's west coast partner and adding the 3rd concourse right in the back parking lot. There is room, but nothing's been done yet.
Lee
Adventurer
Ummmm....I disagree.
DCA has 2 theatres, just like Epcot.
markjohns1
Member
Assuming the plans for the Snow White family coaster are correct, there is no way it would fit in the current building. Because BatB is a dark ride, it would fit in the Snow White space.
Are you saying Disney is not affected by the "economic" problems of the U.S.? Or are you saying cutting down on characters, Fantasmic shows, and other changes doesn't help Disney financially (by limiting costs)?
Just got back from WDW, in the midst of this "crisis." One day of 7, the MK wasn't crowded [and it was awesome!], but the other days, I saw massive crowds at MK, EPCOT and DHS. The lobby of the Poly was packed, moreso than I've seen it ever, since my first visit in 1972. If there is a downturn, I don't see the effects at WDW yet.
I also think back to the 70's, when the 1973 gas crisis hit, right after WDW opened. What did WDW do? Built Pirates, Space Mountain, TTC, etc.
I think Jim Hill and Kevin Yee get ahold of these contingincy plans, which are really just "what if" scenarios.
Mick
I also think back to the 70's, when the 1973 gas crisis hit, right after WDW opened. What did WDW do? Built Pirates, Space Mountain, TTC, etc.
I think Jim Hill and Kevin Yee get ahold of these contingincy plans, which are really just "what if" scenarios.
Mick
Silvermist
Member
I know nothing and I know no one in the know :veryconfu :lol:
but I have to say from my own perspective, what could be more important at MK now than a total rehab for SM?
Almost 4 yrs ago I made a few observations while at WDW. First, HM desperately needed a rehab as did SM. While I could see areas I thought needed rehabs/upgrades etc., nothing seemed more glaringly apparent than HM and SM. Thankfully they took care of HM and did an outstanding job, but SM still sits untouched.
For the powers that be to scrub this project seems so shortsighted as to be truly a bad business decision. I don't know...I just don't get it. I find myself shaking my head and wondering what is up with the lack of good judgement of the people controlling these projects.
I have to say I couldn't care less about Pal Mickey. I know some people have purchased them and according to what I've read, those already purchased will continue to function, but really how many guests purchase and use them? I would consider it at the very lowest end of any guest experience priority list.
I also have to chime in on the Snow White Mine train proposal. :hurl:
I definitely believe Snow White's SA needs a complete update and would love to see a quality upgrade with beautiful sets and AA's focusing on the beauty and rich story, but you sacrifice a beautiful story which thoroughly enchants young and old alike by paying homage through a runaway mine train ride?
Disney!!!! I want to be amazed. I want to get goosebumps. I want to be completely and thoroughly emmersed in the experience. I want to feel I've literally entered the story. I go to Disney for the absolutely amazing rides and attractions that can't be found anywhere else.
I can get on el cheapo ride at my local six flags for $30. I don't need to travel 1000 miles and spend thousands of dollars to get it.
Thank you for letting me vent. Carry on...
but I have to say from my own perspective, what could be more important at MK now than a total rehab for SM?
Almost 4 yrs ago I made a few observations while at WDW. First, HM desperately needed a rehab as did SM. While I could see areas I thought needed rehabs/upgrades etc., nothing seemed more glaringly apparent than HM and SM. Thankfully they took care of HM and did an outstanding job, but SM still sits untouched.
For the powers that be to scrub this project seems so shortsighted as to be truly a bad business decision. I don't know...I just don't get it. I find myself shaking my head and wondering what is up with the lack of good judgement of the people controlling these projects.
I have to say I couldn't care less about Pal Mickey. I know some people have purchased them and according to what I've read, those already purchased will continue to function, but really how many guests purchase and use them? I would consider it at the very lowest end of any guest experience priority list.
I also have to chime in on the Snow White Mine train proposal. :hurl:
I definitely believe Snow White's SA needs a complete update and would love to see a quality upgrade with beautiful sets and AA's focusing on the beauty and rich story, but you sacrifice a beautiful story which thoroughly enchants young and old alike by paying homage through a runaway mine train ride?
Disney!!!! I want to be amazed. I want to get goosebumps. I want to be completely and thoroughly emmersed in the experience. I want to feel I've literally entered the story. I go to Disney for the absolutely amazing rides and attractions that can't be found anywhere else.
I can get on el cheapo ride at my local six flags for $30. I don't need to travel 1000 miles and spend thousands of dollars to get it.
Thank you for letting me vent. Carry on...
TP2000
Well-Known Member
Not sure if you guys caught it as it's a Disneyland-centric site, but Al Lutz actually touched on this exact topic in his last big Miceage update several days before Jim Hill brought it up. Say what you will about them both, but they obviously have at least a small finger on the pulse of what is going on in Burbank and Glendale (more so with Lutz I feel).
Here's what Al Lutz said about the future of WDW and new attractions for Fantasyland;
"Many observers have naturally been wondering what the financial crisis might mean for these big DCA plans, and for at least the first few phases the answer is "not much". The parks that actually need to be worried are the other company properties in North America and in Paris who have expansion plans not as fully developed as DCA, and whose budgets are not as far along on the approval process as DCA's was from back in '07.
A more compact version of DCA's Little Mermaid ride is being proposed and mocked up for a plot of land in Florida's Magic Kingdom, where their old submarine ride used to be. But the timing and budget for that clone is not yet confirmed, and the ability to secure company funding for that expansion isn't being helped by the financial panic. We'll keep you updated in the months ahead, but the DCA version of Little Mermaid will be the first to start construction later in '09, while the Florida version might be on hold for a bit until Florida attendance projections and finances shake out a bit more for the 2011-13 time frame."
http://miceage.micechat.com/allutz/al100708a.htm
Take that with a chunk of salt if you wish, but there it is, several days before Jim Hill did his take on the Fantasyland plans and the financial crisis. :wave:
Here's what Al Lutz said about the future of WDW and new attractions for Fantasyland;
"Many observers have naturally been wondering what the financial crisis might mean for these big DCA plans, and for at least the first few phases the answer is "not much". The parks that actually need to be worried are the other company properties in North America and in Paris who have expansion plans not as fully developed as DCA, and whose budgets are not as far along on the approval process as DCA's was from back in '07.
A more compact version of DCA's Little Mermaid ride is being proposed and mocked up for a plot of land in Florida's Magic Kingdom, where their old submarine ride used to be. But the timing and budget for that clone is not yet confirmed, and the ability to secure company funding for that expansion isn't being helped by the financial panic. We'll keep you updated in the months ahead, but the DCA version of Little Mermaid will be the first to start construction later in '09, while the Florida version might be on hold for a bit until Florida attendance projections and finances shake out a bit more for the 2011-13 time frame."
http://miceage.micechat.com/allutz/al100708a.htm
Take that with a chunk of salt if you wish, but there it is, several days before Jim Hill did his take on the Fantasyland plans and the financial crisis. :wave:
coasterphil
Well-Known Member
Silvermist
Member
Just curious..
Is a "more compact" version proposed for WDW because of available space or because it will be a watered down version?
If all this truly is because of the current financial concerns, I'd rather they hold where they are and just keep all the parks beautifully maintained and safe and wait until the crisis passes to add any new rides. I would not like to see any more "done on the cheap" rides/rehabs that we're then stuck with for many years to come.
markjohns1
Member
Reading the wording in that quote regarding the "more compact" version, it does not sound like it would be cost-related (and whether or not that means it is space-related, I have no idea). Considering the budget and timeline are not confirmed, "watering down" seems to happen when budgets are set too low or cut down.
I'm not really surprised that companies like Disney are taking steps now to weather the economy. Why wait until you are in trouble to make changes? Make cuts now when you have choices, instead of making cuts later when you are forced to.
Vernonpush
Well-Known Member
But wouldn't the accountineers think that '09 would be a good time to refurb SM? Fewer Guests impacted by a closed "E ticket" attraction? Young families can't afford to come in '09, well, save up faster to see the "New and Improved Fantasyland" in '10!
People often complain that a ride goes down for refub. during their vacation and have been saying that there was no "off season" anymore (thus no time to refurb. during an "off season"), well, wouldn't you think that they could start alot of refurbishments during a year when people aren't going anyway? Build up the hype of "New" and get them wanting to come back as soon as their finances will allow?:shrug:
Lee
Adventurer
It's tricky.
If they start building today, on a ride or whatever, you're looking at at least 18 months to 2 years before it's open. There is really nothing they can do, outside of discounts, that will lure guests in the meantime.
New rides and attractions will help lure guests backafter the economy clears. Part of a big marketing push like "Come ride the new ????? only at WDW".
But...they require a large outlay of cash in the short term, which is where they get stuck.
Master Yoda...Sorry it took me a while to respond. I can't really check this site at work too much. I thought Blue Sky meant that there was nothing in the way...Like there is nothing but "blue skies". I don't know...kinda stupid now that i think about it. I just thought it meant something that was for sure.
All I know is Iger has been CEO for three years and Lasseter has been serving as an imagineer since 2006. Since that time none of Walt Disney Worlds issues have been dealt with except bringing down the wand (whoopee do!). Refurbishments are still poor (except haunted mansion which came out pretty decent), nothing new has started construction at magic kingdom, the new rides are still mediocre cartoon tie-ins (midway mania, laugh floor) and they still prefer to push DVC and marketing schemes/gimmiks rather than new attractions.
I have been following WDW rumors online for almost ten years now and what I know is while Tokyo was getting Disneysea and pooh's hunny hunt we were getting lame poorly designed attractions (stitch, monsters inc.) replacing solid attractions, extremly barebone e-tickets, and rides that rely way too heavily on video screens. The way I see it at this point is if Disney doesn't want to build great new rides then they better be prepared to fall on there face hard. You can't keep charging $80 for a 1-day 1-park ticket while increasing prices across the boards while taking away the things people love about the resort.
WDW has lost its magic and now its lost the money of the general public.