Eddie Sotto's take on the current state of the parks

[lazyboy97o]

That Peoplemover sign is brand new. This is the first sign to identify it as the Peoplemover since 1994.

I wonder if part of the change in name was a result of Disney selling off the technology to Bombardier. The Disney technology was named the WEDway PeopleMover, but over the years "people mover" has become genericized and Disney may now feel free to use the name once again without fear of the name's owners seeking royalties.

 

[Eddie Sotto]

I wonder if part of the change in name was a result of Disney selling off the technology to Bombardier. The Disney technology was named the WEDway PeopleMover, but over the years "people mover" has become genericized and Disney may now feel free to use the name once again without fear of the name's owners seeking royalties.

I see. That's nice bringing back the original name. We're so easily appeased on this thread!

 

[Eddie Sotto]

DCA crowds and F'land Expansion at WDW

Al Lutz has posted an interesting article on what he thinks is going on at DCA and DL this summer (the WOC crowds discussion we have been having), and even an update on the rumors of the WDW F'land expansion. Surprising but good news as to incremental attendance. Always worth a read. Let me know your thoughts.

http://miceage.micechat.com/allutz/al080310a.htm

 

[juan]

Al Lutz has posted an interesting article on what he thinks is going on at DCA and DL this summer (the WOC crowds discussion we have been having), and even an update on the rumors of the WDW F'land expansion. Surprising but good news as to incremental attendance. Always worth a read. Let me know your thoughts.

http://miceage.micechat.com/allutz/al080310a.htm

Progress is progress no matter how big or little. I'm glad to see things changing at the parks as it seems that more and more people (internally) care. I see the new corporate mindset as a very positive change for the company.

In regards to that new mindet, I went to the WoC showcase for the cast and just the amount of detail and effort for such a minor event was incredible. Everyone seemed to care what was happening at the resort and wanted to be a part of it. I often see tons of apathetic fellow CMs at WDW and it would be great to see a bigger emphasis put on getting the cast involved and caring like they were at WoC showcase.

 

[The Empress Lilly]

Good story. And hearing all this imagineer Star Tours reminiscing is friggin sad, man.

There is always something sad about seeing a beloved attraction go.
I had never really thought about what it must be like for the makers. A theme park ride is like a live show. Once it is not there anymore, it is gone forever, unlike a movie or a book or a song. A ride video never does an attraction justice.
Must be a bit sad to see it go as an imagineer.


As for ST itself: the ride has always felt almost as a 'demo' to me. To show off the technology. The story lacks a certain emotional involvement for the audience, relies to much on exploring the tech insyead of the story.

With the ride's so very versatile technology, and with such a rich franchise, ST has always felt like it could be even more. I'm very excited about ST II, sooo looking forward to it!

 

[Omnimover]

As for ST itself: the ride has always felt almost as a 'demo' to me. To show off the technology. The story lacks a certain emotional involvement for the audience, relies to much on exploring the tech insyead of the story.

Sadly, we may not improve much in this regard. If recent additions to the Star Wars universe of media out of Lucasfilm tell us anything, it's that sacrificing emotional involvement in the name of fancy tech is pretty much the order of the day. I'd love to be proven wrong by Star Tours 2.0, though.

 

[Eddie Sotto]

Sadly, we may not improve much in this regard. If recent additions to the Star Wars universe of media out of Lucasfilm tell us anything, it's that sacrificing emotional involvement in the name of fancy tech is pretty much the order of the day. I'd love to be proven wrong by Star Tours 2.0, though.

We can only hope, but I'm sure 2.0 will not underdeliver.

 

[TP2000]

Al Lutz has posted an interesting article on what he thinks is going on at DCA and DL this summer (the WOC crowds discussion we have been having), and even an update on the rumors of the WDW F'land expansion. Surprising but good news as to incremental attendance. Always worth a read. Let me know your thoughts.

http://miceage.micechat.com/allutz/al080310a.htm

I found that Al Lutz update to be fascinating. I always enjoy it when he gets into the operational nitty gritty and why things are happening, and this one was a doozy.

The Anaheim attendance numbers he posted were amazing, and they really prove his story. Clearly something has changed dramatically at the Disneyland Resort, and you can just feel it when you visit this summer. I have never seen DCA be so energized and full of activity after sundown. Even when the Electrical Parade was there, you could just tell everyone was just there for 45 minutes to see the parade and then jet back to Disneyland in a hurry. Now, in the Esplanade at night, the crowds are happily going back and forth evenly, and there's not this mad rush to pack back into Disneyland. Everyone seems to be in such a good mood too, it's noticeable and palpable.

The entire property seems much better utilized. It's like all of those incremental additions and improvements to DCA from 2004 to 2008 all finally added up and tipped the thing over with World of Color. I won't go so far as to say DCA is firing on all 8 cylinders now. But it's fair to say Disneyland is firing on all 8 cylinders as it always has, and DCA is now no longer a Geo Metro firing on 4 cylinders, but a nice Acura firing on 6 cylinders.

As Lutz said, this only bodes well for 2011 when lots of major and brand new attractions and parades and such debut and open. And then in 2012 when Cars Land opens?!? Wow, I can't even imagine how succesful the whole property will be if DCA is already this hopping in 2010 all of a sudden.

It is truly amazing how the entire vibe at DCA has changed this summer. It happened so fast, and changed so quickly. You can really feel it, and the Al Lutz info in his update today explains why.

 

[MiklCraw4d]

Al Lutz has posted an interesting article on what he thinks is going on at DCA and DL this summer (the WOC crowds discussion we have been having), and even an update on the rumors of the WDW F'land expansion. Surprising but good news as to incremental attendance. Always worth a read. Let me know your thoughts.

http://miceage.micechat.com/allutz/al080310a.htm

That was an interesting article - it's amazing the change that these relatively minor additions have made to DCA. Once it gets a true Disney large-capacity dark ride with Mermaid, things will really kick into gear. I just hope they keep it up and don't stop in 2012. I worry for the park's future expansion possibilities, because it's so hemmed in. I think it was a mistake to build the Grand Californian there, but there's nothing to be done about that now.

The best news of all is that the new management at the corporate level has had this as their first big parks experience and it has illustrated without a doubt the benefits of capital investment in the parks. Hopefully that lesson will sink in.

Al's comments about Florida mirror the things that I've been hearing, but I think his attitude towards WDW has affected his spin on things. My take on the FLE cancellations, from everything I've heard, is actually positive. I do think the 1-2 punch of Staggs's arrival, coupled with the WDW execs all visiting the premiere of WWoHOP and coming away shellshocked, is going to lead to better things. Bigger budgets, not less. And the possibility of actual new rides.

 

[DisneyJunkie]

First of all, what a great interview.



EPCOT...stale? You have to be kidding me. EPCOT has gotten more changes and refurbs than any of the other 3 in the past 10 years. Are they all hits? No, but to say EPCOT is stale is completely false.

I have to agree about Epcot becoming a bit stale. "Honey I Shrunk the Audience" was already lame and stale, and now they go and put in the much worse "Captain EO" again? Talk about taking a few steps backward. JIIY has almost been a lost cause and would probably remain one unless they somehow set it back to the original show. Each progressive 'update' has been a little worse than the one before. Every time I go into that pavilion, there's practically nobody in there.....particularly for the ride.

Mission: Space is terrific.....as is Soarin' and Test Track. The Seas with Nemo is alright....nothing really to write home about, but it's better than it was.

But my question is.....with the much better animatronic dinosaur technology at work in attractions like "Dinosaur" at AK, why not do a real update on the dinos in Universe of Energy? Never mind the fact that I detest Ellen Degeneres, but I think that show could stand another fresh update as well.

I would think the addition of one or two more countries to World Showcase would be a welcome site.....such as one of the great pyramids to signify Egypt, or some kind of mine car ride through the peaks of the Swiss Alps?

How about trashing the WoL pavilion and put one in with attractions based on the weather or time travel or something that could be an aspiration for the future? (I'm aware of the old rumor mill talk about Time Racers.)

 

[Eddie Sotto]

Now, in the Esplanade at night, the crowds are happily going back and forth evenly, and there's not this mad rush to pack back into Disneyland. Everyone seems to be in such a good mood too, it's noticeable and palpable.

Given the success of the Glow party, maybe it's the booze!

 

[Eddie Sotto]

I worry for the park's future expansion possibilities, because it's so hemmed in.

True, and if you look at the urban density of attractions at Disneyland, the land is so much more efficiently used than DCA (excepting the Rivers of America). It looked like DCA was trying to fill space and so there are lots of weak links in that chain. I imagine that the weaker Paradise Pier iron rides may give way someday to creatively richer projects. Carsland is kind of massive use of area for a single attraction. It may be DCA's spacial Jungle Cruise. Disneyland was good in it's day at layering different types attractions that fed off of each other too. The Streetcar is a good example of how they are beginning to do that.

 

[Eddie Sotto]

How about trashing the WoL pavilion and put one in with attractions based on the weather or time travel or something that could be an aspiration for the future? (I'm aware of the old rumor mill talk about Time Racers.)

I still think "Progress City" in some grand execution is a great idea and make EPCOT a must see or must stay overnight. They did the AK lodge, why not stay overnight in the future?

 

[TP2000]

Given the success of the Glow party, maybe it's the booze!

You may be right!

Glow Fest is a big hit, and I was happy to hear about Disneyland's entertainment group reworking it into a TRON theme for this fall. The Glowjitos are way too syrupy sweet, but I'm a sucker for those LED ice cubes they put in them, so I have one anyway during each visit.

Whatever it is that is causing it, the overall vibe and feel of the Disneyland Resort this summer is noticeably upbeat and happy. Disneyland is always at its summer best after sundown, but that after-dark feel has spread heavily into DCA for the first time this summer.

They are clearly doing something very right in Team Disney Anaheim now.

 

[DisneyParksFan1]

I found that Al Lutz update to be fascinating. I always enjoy it when he gets into the operational nitty gritty and why things are happening, and this one was a doozy.

The Anaheim attendance numbers he posted were amazing, and they really prove his story. Clearly something has changed dramatically at the Disneyland Resort, and you can just feel it when you visit this summer. I have never seen DCA be so energized and full of activity after sundown. Even when the Electrical Parade was there, you could just tell everyone was just there for 45 minutes to see the parade and then jet back to Disneyland in a hurry. Now, in the Esplanade at night, the crowds are happily going back and forth evenly, and there's not this mad rush to pack back into Disneyland. Everyone seems to be in such a good mood too, it's noticeable and palpable.

The entire property seems much better utilized. It's like all of those incremental additions and improvements to DCA from 2004 to 2008 all finally added up and tipped the thing over with World of Color. I won't go so far as to say DCA is firing on all 8 cylinders now. But it's fair to say Disneyland is firing on all 8 cylinders as it always has, and DCA is now no longer a Geo Metro firing on 4 cylinders, but a nice Acura firing on 6 cylinders.

As Lutz said, this only bodes well for 2011 when lots of major and brand new attractions and parades and such debut and open. And then in 2012 when Cars Land opens?!? Wow, I can't even imagine how succesful the whole property will be if DCA is already this hopping in 2010 all of a sudden.

It is truly amazing how the entire vibe at DCA has changed this summer. It happened so fast, and changed so quickly. You can really feel it, and the Al Lutz info in his update today explains why.

Hopefully they fix up WDW a little soon.

 

[mickey2008.1]

WDW is the number one park in the world on all levels, attendance, restaurants, lodging, transportation( its free!). But isit here and look at other tdo parks and see them getting all the attention and money. 1.2 billion for DCA, but a mere $400 mllion for wdw, which nothing is even set in stone except for LM and a restaurant. All other tdo parks seem to have a game plan, but wdw is left to the left overs and has beens. It doesnt make any sense. Eddie, do you have any thoughts as to why TDO has a half attitude towards WDW? Why is this not TDO's premier park and main priority? i know DLcame first, but it all comes down to numbers(visitors and money).

 

[lazyboy97o]

WDW is the number one park in the world on all levels, attendance, restaurants, lodging, transportation( its free!). But isit here and look at other tdo parks and see them getting all the attention and money. 1.2 billion for DCA, but a mere $400 mllion for wdw, which nothing is even set in stone except for LM and a restaurant. All other tdo parks seem to have a game plan, but wdw is left to the left overs and has beens. It doesnt make any sense. Eddie, do you have any thoughts as to why TDO has a half attitude towards WDW? Why is this not TDO's premier park and main priority? i know DLcame first, but it all comes down to numbers(visitors and money).

I think you have your acronyms confused. TDO (Team Disney Orlando) only oversees the parks of Walt Disney World and do not oversee the Disneyland Resort, which is managed by Team Disney Anaheim (TDA). And are you referring to the Magic Kingdom as WDW?

 

[Eddie Sotto]

WDW is the number one park in the world on all levels, attendance, restaurants, lodging, transportation( its free!). But isit here and look at other tdo parks and see them getting all the attention and money. 1.2 billion for DCA, but a mere $400 mllion for wdw, which nothing is even set in stone except for LM and a restaurant. All other tdo parks seem to have a game plan, but wdw is left to the left overs and has beens. It doesnt make any sense. Eddie, do you have any thoughts as to why TDO has a half attitude towards WDW? Why is this not TDO's premier park and main priority? i know DLcame first, but it all comes down to numbers(visitors and money).

I think the issue is that the park that is bleeding the worst gets the Ambulance. DCA has been draining the profits of DL for years and preventing the resort from reaching it's true potential. DCA is critical to the success of DL. The fact that WDW IS number one is why they are focusing more on other less than stellar properties. You have to plug the leaks before you can polish the brass of the ship. Not that WDW does not need TLC, but the other parks are locally driven so they need refreshment more often. DCA had fundamental issues that could not be solved with a parade, so they had to go in and give it an enema. Look at HKDL and other under performing properties and that's where you'll see lots of cash heading. WDW MK has different needs so they address them differently. BTW there is only so much money to invest in stuff like that each year so they prioritize it toward what will make it back. That's my take.

 

[HMF]

I think the issue is that the park that is bleeding the worst gets the Ambulance. DCA has been draining the profits of DL for years and preventing the resort from reaching it's true potential. DCA is critical to the success of DL. The fact that WDW IS number one is why they are focusing more on other less than stellar properties. You have to plug the leaks before you can polish the brass of the ship. Not that WDW does not need TLC, but the other parks are locally driven so they need refreshment more often. DCA had fundamental issues that could not be solved with a parade, so they had to go in and give it an enema. Look at HKDL and other under performing properties and that's where you'll see lots of cash heading. WDW MK has different needs so they address them differently. BTW there is only so much money to invest in stuff like that each year so they prioritize it toward what will make it back. That's my take.

Oh for the day's Walt would spend ridiculous amounts of money on Sleeping Beauty without caring about getting it back.

 

[Eddie Sotto]

Oh for the day's Walt would spend ridiculous amounts of money on Sleeping Beauty without caring about getting it back.

I think he did care a lot about getting it back, it's just that he believed that pouring in all that money was the best way to insure he'd get it.