Eisner to become Chairman of Parks?!

[Snapper Bean]

Eisner is wealthy beyond our comprehension. He's not going to take an underling job in any organization. The only Eisner returns to the realm of the employed is if he is running something.

 

[Montu]

Ok, let's see..

MGM - not a great park.. terrible layout, not enough rides, average park at best.. Not a terrible park, i like MG, just not on par with Disney...

AK - half a park... budget cut, not complete, projects dropped under Eisner..

DCA has been a disaster....

Just out of curiousity, how many theme parks have you designed and built? Clearly it must be a few, since you obviously know so well what criteria to judge others upon.

EE isn't open yet... Mission: SPACE was done with help from HP and NASA, not strictly Disney.... If Disney was to build MS by itself, no doubt Eisner would have cut budget down to nothing and the attraction would not be as good. (STITCH for example)

The only ones that are decent are Test Track and Splash Mountain...

Eisner is responsible for the budget cuts and therefore Imagineering not making rides up to par with Disney standards. And yes it is EISNER.... So, no, Eisner will not be good as chairman of the parks... Sorry Thrawn your argument is over...

YOUR argument is the one that should have been over. You're just complaining about things and TRYING to find, and if not find then create faults with things to prove that you don't want Eisner around. Don't get me wrong; personally I'd much prefer the company without him. But - some of the best rides Disney has done have been approved by him - The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Forbidden Eye. Splash Mountain was not under Einser -development was underway with Wells, and the subsiqent versions were just adaptations of an exisiting, successful ride system.

I admire them for what they did with Disneyland Paris. The park is edgey and different from the other three Disneyland parks that really gives it a true identity of it's own. Some may say straying from the successful model was a risk - and it was. The only thing I don't approve of is that it has far less attractions in it when compared to the other three. And then there's Tokyo DisneySea- I think the best theme park that's ever been built. It's not that Eisner has proven he's afraid to build. The problem is very clear:

It's that Eisner has proven he's afraid to spend money.

Tokyo DisneySea was almost completely funded by the Oriental Land Company. In the very same year that park opened, 2001, Disney's California Adventure - funded by the Walt Disney Co. - opened at the Disneyland Resort. You compare the two. And then the following year, 2002, Walt Disney Studios opened at Disneyland Resort Paris - a simply embarassing park - also funded primarely by the Walt Disney Co.

Eisner is not holding back amazing parks and amazing attractions.

As long as someone else is willing to pay for them.

 

[stitchcastle]

Well at least Eisner will be focused on just one division. I honestly think there is still some ounce of light in that guy. I think he was just seriously traumatized by what happened to Disneyland Paris and has since gone the easier way to build on the cheap and miniscule and just expand later on (sort of like the original DL).

I agree with Montu, Eisner has big dreams and ambitions when it comes to the parks he's only held back by budgetary concerns and the fear of having a DLP all over again.

I believe we're going to see major expansion and refinement with the parks in the coming years with someone as shrewd and ambitious as Eisner calling the shots at the theme park division and a new leader who obviously seems amazed by the capabilities of Imagineering.

 

[bhg469]

No, he can just screw up the company's biggest money maker, the parks...

does "disney decade" ring a bell? that crossed eisners lips just before one of the best times for the parks. and that was all under mike's control.

 

[Bravesfn1]

Exactly. I am so tired of reading so many negative posts towards the parks. It's just annoying already. It really is. People are so quick to criticize.

And I am so tired of posts that are always overly positive towards the parks. Not every decision that has been made in the parks has been a great decision and people should be free to find things they dislike at the parks and voice their opinions on the board.

 

[Bravesfn1]

Just out of curiousity, how many theme parks have you designed and built? Clearly it must be a few, since you obviously know so well what criteria to judge others upon.

What a ludacris comment. So you can't have a negative opinion about something in the Disney parks unless you built and designed one yourself?

 

[MiRi]

And I am so tired of posts that are always overly positive towards the parks. Not every decision that has been made in the parks has been a great decision and people should be free to find things they dislike at the parks and voice their opinions on the board.

I am not saying that people shouldn't express their views. I agree that not every decision is a good one. Disney is not perfect. But yes, I am tired of seeing posts criticizing little things, say for example, the wand on SSE.

Disney parks are not going to go downhill because of Eisner. Just sit back and relax. Everything will be okay.

 

[dave2822]

Oh how quickly we all forget.

Now, I don't want to debate about whether Eisner deserves all the credit, besides I haven't finished reading Disney War yet (which those who haven't picked up a copy yet, should, it's a great book). But, if we are willing to hold Eisner responsible for his wrongs, then we should be willing to give him credit for everything he did during his tenure:

Walt Disney World Resort Openings (1984-present):

<TABLE cellSpacing=2 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top width=150>1988:</TD><TD vAlign=top>Disney's Grand Floridian Beach Resort; Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width=150>1990:</TD><TD vAlign=top>Disney's Yacht Club Resort; Disney's Beach Club Resort; Walt Disney World Swan; Walt Disney World Dolphin</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width=150>1991:</TD><TD vAlign=top>Disney's Port Orleans Resort</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width=150>1992:</TD><TD vAlign=top>Disney's Dixie Landings Resort; Disney's Old Key West Resort (DVC); Bonnet Creek Golf Club</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width=150>1994:</TD><TD vAlign=top>Disney's All-Star Sports Resort; Disney's Wilderness Lodge</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width=150>1995:</TD><TD vAlign=top>Disney's All-Star Music Resort</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width=150>1996:</TD><TD vAlign=top>Disney Institute; Disney's BoardWalk</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width=150>1997:</TD><TD vAlign=top>Disney's Coronado Springs Resort</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width=150>1999:</TD><TD vAlign=top>Disney's All-Star Movies Resort</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width=150>2000:</TD><TD vAlign=top>The Villas at Wilderness Lodge (DVC)</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width=150>2001:</TD><TD vAlign=top>Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width=150>2002:</TD><TD vAlign=top>Disney's Pop Century Resort; Disney's Beach Club Villas (DVC)






</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Walt Disney World Attraction openings (1984-present)

<TABLE cellSpacing=2 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top width=150>1984:</TD><TD vAlign=top>Morocco showcase (EC); "American Journeys" film (MK)</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width=150>1986:</TD><TD vAlign=top>The Living Seas (EC); Captain EO (EC)</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width=150>1988:</TD><TD vAlign=top>Mickey's Starland (MK); Norway showcase (EC); Disney-MGM Studios Production facilities</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width=150>1989:</TD><TD vAlign=top>Dreamflight (MK); Wonders of Life (EC); original Disney-MGM Studios attractions: Great Movie Ride; Backstage Studio shuttle tour; Magic of Disney Animation tour; "Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular"; Behind the Scenes Special Effects walking tour; Superstar Television; Monster Sound Show</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width=150>1990:</TD><TD vAlign=top>Star Tours; "Here Come the Muppets" show; "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" Movie Set Adventure</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width=150>1991:</TD><TD vAlign=top>Jim Henson's Muppet*Vision 3D (ST)</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width=150>1992:</TD><TD vAlign=top>Splash Mountain (MK); Voyage of the Little Mermaid (ST)</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width=150>1993:</TD><TD vAlign=top>ATAS Hall of Fame plaza (ST)</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width=150>1994:</TD><TD vAlign=top>Innoventions (EC); The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (ST); Legend of The Lion King (MK); "Honey, I Shrunk the Audience" (EC); The Timekeeper (MK); Theater of the Stars (ST); Planet Hollywood restaurant (PI)</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width=150>1995:</TD><TD vAlign=top>New Tomorrowland (MK) including The ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width=150>1996:</TD><TD vAlign=top>Mickey's Toontown Fair (MK); Universe of Energy (EC)</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width=150>1998:</TD><TD vAlign=top>Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin (MK); "The Enchanted Tiki Room - Under New Management" (MK); original Animal Kingdom attractions: The Boneyard; Countdown to Extinction; Cretaceous Trail; Kilimanjaro Safaris; Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail; Wildlife Express; Conservation Station; "It's Tough to be a Bug"</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width=150>1999:</TD><TD vAlign=top>Test Track (EC); Disney's Winter Summerland miniature golf course; Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith (ST); The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (MK); Millennium Village, Leave a Legacy, Imagination! presented by Kodak (EC); "Sounds Dangerous Starring Drew Carey" (ST); "Bear in the Big Blue House" (ST)</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width=150>2000:</TD><TD vAlign=top>DisneyQuest's interactive Pirates of the Caribbean adventure (DD)</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width=150>2001:</TD><TD vAlign=top>The Magic Carpets of Aladdin (MK); "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire-Play It!" (ST); "Walt Disney: One Man's Dream" (ST); Chester and Hester's Dino-Rama! TriceraTop Spin (AK)</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top width=150>2002:</TD><TD vAlign=top>Chester and Hester's Dino-Rama! Primeval Whirl (AK)</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

you may add Soarin', EE, or LMA to the list if you wish

Point is, most of WDW Expansion has come in the last 20years, and even the most hardened Eisner foe has to give the man some due.

 

[Bravesfn1]

I am not saying that people shouldn't express their views. I agree that not every decision is a good one. Disney is not perfect. But yes, I am tired of seeing posts criticizing little things, say for example, the wand on SSE.

Disney parks are not going to go downhill because of Eisner. Just sit back and relax. Everything will be okay.

I never said that the parks are going downhill because of Eisner, because I don't believe that they are. I just think his ego has grown tiresome and WDC would be better off with no further involvement by him at any level of management. By the way, I don't have a problem with the wand on SSE either, but if some one wants to crticize it and other little things they should be able to do that. If you don't like it just ignore them.

 

[MiRi]

I never said that the parks are going downhill because of Eisner, because I don't believe that they are.

That was a general comment, not directed at you.

I just think his ego has grown tiresome and WDC would be better off with no further involvement by him at any level of management.

I am not a member of the Michael Eisner fan club either. But I do think we should at least give him a chance and see what happens. Remember, he won't be the "big guy" anymore.

By the way, I don't have a problem with the wand on SSE either, but if some one wants to crticize it and other little things they should be able to do that. If you don't like it just ignore them.

The wand comment was an example. Everyone is different, therefore you can't please everyone. But when you are trying to read a thread about say, (and this is an example) Soarin', and someone has to throw in a Stitch or wand comment. That can get a little tiresome. But that's just me.

 

[Captain Chaos]

The last few posts I have read I came to this conclusion:

EVERYONE HERE IS AN EXPERT. YOU ALL KNOW IT.. I really thought the people on this board were truly awesome.. WOW, your true colors are really coming out. God forbid someone disagree with any of you.. You are like a pack of vultures...

Thrawn said Eisner in charge of the parks would be a good thing. I asked how? he stated how, and I said how he wouldn't be. And everything I stated is true... MGM is an average park, not totally up to Disney standards. And YES it was created under EISNER. You can argue if it wasn't for Eisner MGM wouldn't be there. Well, I can argue that under EISNER, the park is not superb. My opinion, you don't like it, you know what you can do.

I take nothing away from Splash Mountain, that is my favorite ride. EE isn't open yet. And should be awesome. But let's not forget the disasters under Eisner: purchasing ABC Family for a ton more than it was worth, building and desiging rides and attractions on the cheap.. I know Eisner does not personally design them, but he helps with the budget. And what is he notorious for?? BUDGET CUTS!!!!!!

And you want to talk about the Disney Decade? How long is a decade? 10 years? how long was Eisner CEO? 20 years?? That still leaves 10 years of what??? The animation department faltered. The parks cheapened... Yes, Eisner is very good for the parks department.

 

[Captain Chaos]

One more thing.. No, I never did design a park. And to even ask if I ever did was really really stupid. If there is nothing wrong with MGM's design, then how come everyone complains about how crowded it is on one end of the park? It is a nightmare. But, it the race to open a studio park first, MGM was done horribly. Who was CEO by the way???

In a rush to open Animal kingdom, how many projects were scrapped? How many imagineers were layed off and went to work for Universal Studios? and by the way, where did the idea of Universal Studio's Dueling Dragon's roller coaster come from?? The layed off Imagineers... And hmmm, who was CEO at the time????

 

[MiRi]

Can't we just agree to disagree?

 

[Bravesfn1]

I am not a member of the Michael Eisner fan club either. But I do think we should at least give him a chance and see what happens. Remember, he won't be the "big guy" anymore.

I understand what you are saying, and I disagree. If I was the involved in the WDC I wouldn't want that jerk around my company anymore. No doubt he has done a lot of good things and some bad things as CEO of WDC, but his act has grown old.

 

[Hakunamatata]

Eisners past park focused efforts were for the most part good. Of recent his endeavors into non "family friendly" venues (the miriad of movie studios not directly linked to Disney, but owned by Disney that put out the non G rated movies) I am affraid, would spill over into the parks. I dont agree that every decision in the parks of recent is his fault. He cant make the final decisioin on where every snack cart and pin kiosk is put, but some of the attractions are questionable, the innability to find sponsers for certain attractions that have caused them to sit idle, and the movement away from classic attractions in exchange for meet and greets I think can be directly related to his management capabilities. Overall, no I dont think its a good idea for Eisner to be directly involved in the parks. Its time for a fresh management that is thoughtfull of classic Disney.

 

[bhg469]

someone needs to call the waaaambulance

 

[Bravesfn1]

Can't we just agree to disagree?

I agree

 

[MiRi]

Um, another thing.... is this even official?

 

[ToTBellHop]

You know, if you honestly think everything built under Eisner is garbage, fine. I will be very content to not see you in the absurdly long lines at MGM, AK, most of what is Epcot today (and, indeed, everything that generates lines longer than 20 minutes). If you are willing to be content with...perhaps the 60% of the Magic Kingdom that has not changed under Eisner, and the thrilling attractions of World Showcase (excepting Maelstrom, of course), since EVERYTHING in Future World has been redone or built under Eisner, more power to you. Stay out of Downtown Disney, since most of it has changed, too. And no Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon for you. For a resort, you have your pick of the Contemporary, until its major refurbishment starts soon, no longer the Polynesian since it has been almost entirely redone over the last several years, you can stay at Fort Wilderness, though not in the cabins, Shades of Green has been renovated, so none of that for you. So, basically, a year from now, you can pitch a tent at Fort Wilderness or thank Eisner for allowing for everything else to be completed. To say all of Eisner's decisions were perfect is absurd. To expect ANY leader to be perfect is equally ridiculous. Look at how many rides Walt made that were garbage and closed quickly. I am not a huge Eisner fan, myself, but I am thankful that he allowed Disney World to become what it is today.

 

[Captain Chaos]

I don't believe I said anything about things being done under Eisner as garbage. I do believe I said they aren't Disney standard. With the exception of a few. I enjoy MGM, but, IMHO, in his rush to beat Universal, MGM was done half-cracked... And Animal Kingdom, in a rush to get it done, was also done half-cracked... But, AK's layout is a lot better than MGM's. AK is just suffereing from budget cuts (Eisner has a say in these by the way).

A simple little question of how can Eisner be good as chairman of the parks has turned into a BASH THE ANTI-EISNER crowd.