Interesting thread, seems that pessism is alive and kicking. Sure it's sad that it will be offered only a couple evenings of the week, but let's experience a little reality here. Even as beloved as Disney is, they do have to make sure they can pay the bills. Why do people assume it's some evil plot to increase profits or some Pixar vision to take over the World? :shrug:
I'm sure there were many reasons the decision was made. I know rising fuel costs is the scapegoat for a lot of things, but here it may be true, since most pyrotechnics are produced in China and are shipped via freighter boats. In addition, there was also a shortage of fireworks this year because of a large fire at one of the fireworks warehouses there. In addition if I felt I needed to reduce costs somewhere, I would evaluate the attendance levels at the three parks showing fireworks and it seems to me that perhaps that Studios would be the least attended, making it the obvious choice. I mean let's look at it - how would you rank the three shows? Would Fantasmic be your favorite over Wishes or Illuminations?
Heading to the World during the off-season has disadvantages as well as advantages. Yes you have the advantage of smaller crowds, but it's a flip side thing. Smaller crowds means there is not a need to staff at maximum level either, so you have reduced hours and reduced entertainment. Thought Disney has been marketing savvy here with the "parties" to address that issue.
And remember, Disney is a publically held company - reporting to shareholders and a board of directors that are concerned about the return of their investment. As much magic that they want to produce, that fact is foremost in their minds.
Of course, that's my two cents worth, so don't flame me too badly.