Jim Hill strikes again PART II-Night Kingdom?

[ChrisFL]

Of course all Disney has to do is convince about 3-5% of guests that this is a good idea and to buy into it, and it will be successful for them

 

[wannab@dis]

I personally would NEVER pay that kind of coin for the experience being described

I'm not sure if I'll be able to afford it anytime soon, but IF this project is completed and I like the entertainment offered, I may give it a try.

In the end, Disney will have to decide just how discriminatory they want their park guests to feel.

WHAT?? :veryconfu How is this park idea "discriminatory" at all? Is your local BMW dealership discriminatory? Eh, given current events, it's not really surprising, but very sad, that socialism is getting a foot hold in our country.

They best be careful, because there is a tipping point where people will just decide to vacation elsewhere.

It's been that way for 50 years...

 

[ClemsonTigger]

Of course all Disney has to do is convince about 3-5% of guests that this is a good idea and to buy into it, and it will be successful for them

I don't think Disney has to convince anyone! They need little or no advertizing for current tour offerings that are usually sold out. I honestly believe this will be easy money....and I would also be willing to bet that they will reach capacity in the second year rather than the projected third.

 

[TubaGeek]

I'm at least keeping in mind the many changes that I anticipate happening to the project before 2011, but my initial reaction is much like most of yours. Waste o' cash. Disney rakes in the cash, obviously, but this sounds far too much like it may go the way of DL's CA, and suck money from other parks instead of supplimenting the cashflow. Of course, I guess we've got to trust those in charge.

They've never led us wrong in the past... right?:brick:

 

[Married@WDW]

I think I'm finding many of these responses on this thread totally crazy!

Think about it this way:

1. How many on these boards have spent almost $100 each for an hour or two on a Segway? How about $100 or more on a two- or three-hour tour? Or on a private safari? Or to go scuba diving or do the dolphin encounter in the Living Seas? A 40-minute beluga experience at our local aquarium runs a minimum of $120, which does not include admission!

2. Next, have you seen a broadway show? A concert? The opera? A sporting event? How much did you spend on those tickets for two or three hours of enjoyment?

3. Now, how many of you have been to Victoria & Albert's for dinner -- and how many go more than once, or even once on every trip? Chef's table perhaps? Or, how about the Hoop De Doo or the Luau? Or maybe even just one of the fancier restaurants at a deluxe resort?

4. Then, factor in how many of you actually spend $74 per day to go into the parks (I believe that's the going rate for a one-day pass, but I'm not taking the time to double-check)? None of you do. You all use a park-hopper or an AP and frequently get those at a slightly discount price through DVC, AAA, a ticket broker, etc.

CONCLUSION: Disney is rolling together the first three things I listed into one magical evening, instead of three separate events. AND, I'd guess that the price for this kind of evening will be discounted for AP holders, DVC members, Disney Visa holders, package guests, etc. just like they discount regular park admission and many of those special events now.

Some of my most magical Disney memories revolve around these kinds of events -- the Segway tour of Fort Wilderness, feeding Sting Rays on Castaway Cay, Disney's Broadway shows, a few magnificent meals at Victoria & Albert's. I think if it's done right, this idea will bring me some of my most magical memories yet!!!

That said, I do not consider myself wealthy at all. We are careful spenders who bought into DVC at just the right time and maximize our use by going on the off-season. We search out cheap airfare and eat inexpensively at most meals so we can take advantage of one or two really special things each trip. Granted, we don't have children, but I don't think it's outlandish that we might spend $500 for this kind of evening for a special celebration once every few years. It won't be for everyone, but it will be for me!

 

[lilclerk]

This is not something I would ever do, whether I could afford it or not, but I do know that LOTS of other people would. It doesn't seem far-fetched at all, though I do wish that they put that money into the existing parks.

 

[jt04]

I think I'm finding many of these responses on this thread totally crazy!

Think about it this way:

1. How many on these boards have spent almost $100 each for an hour or two on a Segway? How about $100 or more on a two- or three-hour tour? Or on a private safari? Or to go scuba diving or do the dolphin encounter in the Living Seas? A 40-minute beluga experience at our local aquarium runs a minimum of $120, which does not include admission!

2. Next, have you seen a broadway show? A concert? The opera? A sporting event? How much did you spend on those tickets for two or three hours of enjoyment?

3. Now, how many of you have been to Victoria & Albert's for dinner -- and how many go more than once, or even once on every trip? Chef's table perhaps? Or, how about the Hoop De Doo or the Luau? Or maybe even just one of the fancier restaurants at a deluxe resort?

4. Then, factor in how many of you actually spend $74 per day to go into the parks (I believe that's the going rate for a one-day pass, but I'm not taking the time to double-check)? None of you do. You all use a park-hopper or an AP and frequently get those at a slightly discount price through DVC, AAA, a ticket broker, etc.

CONCLUSION: Disney is rolling together the first three things I listed into one magical evening, instead of three separate events. AND, I'd guess that the price for this kind of evening will be discounted for AP holders, DVC members, Disney Visa holders, package guests, etc. just like they discount regular park admission and many of those special events now.

Some of my most magical Disney memories revolve around these kinds of events -- the Segway tour of Fort Wilderness, feeding Sting Rays on Castaway Cay, Disney's Broadway shows, a few magnificent meals at Victoria & Albert's. I think if it's done right, this idea will bring me some of my most magical memories yet!!!

That said, I do not consider myself wealthy at all. We are careful spenders who bought into DVC at just the right time and maximize our use by going on the off-season. We search out cheap airfare and eat inexpensively at most meals so we can take advantage of one or two really special things each trip. Granted, we don't have children, but I don't think it's outlandish that we might spend $500 for this kind of evening for a special celebration once every few years. It won't be for everyone, but it will be for me!

Personally I think you are right. My beef is if they build all this stuff at Animal Kingdom the day guests will walk past it but can't use it. Seems like very bad public relations. Very bad. There is plenty of undeveloped land behind AKL (see google earth) for such a "boutique park" and only paying guests would see Night Kingdom. Although it would be easy to build a road that would be unnoticed by AK day guests but would allow for night safaris on the savannah after AK is closed. Sea World's Discovery Cove is seperate from the main park and therefore day customers do not complain about not having access. They understand it is a seperate admission.

 

[ClemsonTigger]

I think I'm finding many of these responses on this thread totally crazy!

Think about it this way:

1. How many on these boards have spent almost $100 each for an hour or two on a Segway? How about $100 or more on a two- or three-hour tour? Or on a private safari? Or to go scuba diving or do the dolphin encounter in the Living Seas? A 40-minute beluga experience at our local aquarium runs a minimum of $120, which does not include admission!

2. Next, have you seen a broadway show? A concert? The opera? A sporting event? How much did you spend on those tickets for two or three hours of enjoyment?

3. Now, how many of you have been to Victoria & Albert's for dinner -- and how many go more than once, or even once on every trip? Chef's table perhaps? Or, how about the Hoop De Doo or the Luau? Or maybe even just one of the fancier restaurants at a deluxe resort?

4. Then, factor in how many of you actually spend $74 per day to go into the parks (I believe that's the going rate for a one-day pass, but I'm not taking the time to double-check)? None of you do. You all use a park-hopper or an AP and frequently get those at a slightly discount price through DVC, AAA, a ticket broker, etc.

CONCLUSION: Disney is rolling together the first three things I listed into one magical evening, instead of three separate events. AND, I'd guess that the price for this kind of evening will be discounted for AP holders, DVC members, Disney Visa holders, package guests, etc. just like they discount regular park admission and many of those special events now.

Some of my most magical Disney memories revolve around these kinds of events -- the Segway tour of Fort Wilderness, feeding Sting Rays on Castaway Cay, Disney's Broadway shows, a few magnificent meals at Victoria & Albert's. I think if it's done right, this idea will bring me some of my most magical memories yet!!!

That said, I do not consider myself wealthy at all. We are careful spenders who bought into DVC at just the right time and maximize our use by going on the off-season. We search out cheap airfare and eat inexpensively at most meals so we can take advantage of one or two really special things each trip. Granted, we don't have children, but I don't think it's outlandish that we might spend $500 for this kind of evening for a special celebration once every few years. It won't be for everyone, but it will be for me!

That says it all
Plain and Simple,
Amen!

 

[Main Street USA]

So, I promised I would be writing again tonight if he actually followed up on his story.


And, to my surprise, he did! And, oh boy, does he have a little juicy new rumor for us to chew on.

Click here to read the entertaining story

Now, since i don't want to respond to my own post, i will just post my reactions here. I absolutely hate the idea. If it was some extension of a theme park, or a new theme park just for adults, or a part of western way, I would totally get it.

But, its not. And, the details sound incredibly boring and expensive, but worst of all, discriminating. Isn't it bad enough that ticket prices are at an all time high? and that price already limits what type of person can go to disney world? isn't it bad enough that we have to live in a society where the only way a person can escape reality and get some magic, is if they have the privilege to attend?


but, i...i love disney world. It helps me escape reality, it gives me amazing memorable experiences, its a beautiful sense of community, my whole family can find something to enjoy, it creates a whole new level of story telling that no other medium can really capture, and it brightens the heart. But, this "Night Kingdom" idea is taking everything too far. It defeats the purpose of everything that is "Disney" and uses its brand to take advantage of the rich and discriminate against the poor.

I'm not here to say what Walt Disney would have approved of, but, i know that i can't afford this. I know that my parents and i spent hard earned money to buy annual passes so that we can enjoy all disney world has to offer. we know we are privileged, and we share that privilege with all disney world lovers. For some reason, even though Disney World is expensive, somehow, people find ways to show up if they really want to. But, 300 dollars to touch a hippo? 300 dollars to rock-climb when i can rock climb at ________'s sporting goods?

I hope Disney realizes that this is a mistake. This is a wasted 520 million dollars. That 520 could be going into a revised Pleasure Island. It could go into new E-ticket experiences. It could go into expanding Disney's Hollywood Studios, or plussing signature attractions. It could go into some risk taking for once! and not the next 3d lets just use screen technology cuz we can fish talk with nemo.

Disney, get your priorities straight!!!!

Well, first, you seem to be upset with Disney when this is Jim Hill writing his typical pie in the sky crap. Let's be angry at the right people. Jim Hill constantly writes about things that never come true, and this will be no diffferent. This is a ridiculous concept at best, and it isn't happening.

 

[Main Street USA]

Even Mr. Merf, who also seems to have some inside information, has not destroyed this thread.

While I generally don't care who people think has inside info, I can say for certain that "Merf" has no information that can't be had by all of us. He simply lives near the parks, and spends hours on the internet every day looking for public (pay attention there, PUBLIC) documents that show some info about what WDI may have in store. These documents and this information are available to all of us. Period.

 

[jt04]

Well, first, you seem to be upset with Disney when this is Jim Hill writing his typical pie in the sky crap. Let's be angry at the right people. Jim Hill constantly writes about things that never come true, and this will be no diffferent. This is a ridiculous concept at best, and it isn't happening.

Many people have made the point that none of the insiders have said it isn't happening which makes me think now that it might be. I must say that a night time safari village version of Discovery Cove with a dinner show, guest participation attractions and a night safari, with Lions and Hyeanas (behind moats of course) is compelling.

I remember when Busch Gardens had caves you could explore that were filled with nocturnal animals and it was very popular. BG also just added some attractions that are very similar to what JH described and I am sure Disney is researching their popularity. Sooooo, I'm not ready to write this off yet as just JH musings.

Corrus? Lee? :lookaroun

 

[tikiman]

Well it is true, it is a new park and people will go. I believe it will eve be age limited so for those that have the money and want a “not so crowded” park experience they will do this. I did not read the whole article but I have known about this for a while. I believe people will do it just as people pay $600 or more a night on rooms at WDW.

The details I know about would interest me in doing it and it really will be nothing like what any other park is doing now.

 

[WDWFREAK53]

it really will be nothing like what any other park is doing now.

And that's why people will pay.

I'd give it a shot once...I wouldn't re-visit unless it truly blew me away...and I still wouldn't pay that much to go every visit to WDW.

 

[tikiman]

And that's why people will pay.

I'd give it a shot once...I wouldn't re-visit unless it truly blew me away...and I still wouldn't pay that much to go every visit to WDW.

Yeah I agree. Unless it blows me away it would be something I might do once every couple of visits at the most. Sort of like going to Cirque Du Soleil or the Luau or an Illuminations cruise. It is one of those thigns you might splurge on during one trip but skip the next couple. Think about it, people pay $275 to go on a boat for Illuminations and it is for a lot less time than in a park. At least in the park the food will be included and it will last longer.

From what I have seen so far (outside of Jim Hill's stuff) I think the new park will look awesome.

 

[WDWFREAK53]

Yeah I agree. Unless it blows me away it would be something I might do once every couple of visits at the most. Sort of like going to Cirque Du Soleil or the Luau or an Illuminations cruise. It is one of those thigns you might splurge on during one trip but skip the next couple. Think about it, people pay $275 to go on a boat for Illuminations and it is for a lot less time than in a park. At least in the park the food will be included and it will last longer.

From what I have seen so far (outside of Jim Hill's stuff) I think the new park will look awesome.

Could you describe it vaguely? (Not necessarily the "attractions" but moreso the layout/theming. (ie more lush scenery than buildings, etc.)

 

[tikiman]

Could you describe it vaguely? (Not necessarily the "attractions" but moreso the layout/theming. (ie more lush scenery than buildings, etc.)

I will send you a PM

 

[wannab@dis]

Yeah I agree. Unless it blows me away it would be something I might do once every couple of visits at the most. Sort of like going to Cirque Du Soleil or the Luau or an Illuminations cruise. It is one of those thigns you might splurge on during one trip but skip the next couple. Think about it, people pay $275 to go on a boat for Illuminations and it is for a lot less time than in a park. At least in the park the food will be included and it will last longer.

From what I have seen so far (outside of Jim Hill's stuff) I think the new park will look awesome.

You're exactly right. The consumers have already "voted with their pocketbooks" that they enjoy the higher priced extras that are offered throughout Disney World. Everything from expensive chef table meals to La Nouba to fireworks cruises to tours. Seeing this possible new "park" as outside the norm doesn't seem valid.

I put "park" in quotes above since I bet this will be named so that it's not seen as part of the current 4 parks. They have invested a lot of marketing into the "park hoppers" and "Disney Parks" informing the public of the different theme parks. Instead, it may use a new marketing slant or be tied to Adventures by Disney.

 

[tikiman]

You're exactly right. The consumers have already "voted with their pocketbooks" that they enjoy the higher priced extras that are offered throughout Disney World. Everything from expensive chef table meals to La Nouba to fireworks cruises to tours. Seeing this possible new "park" as outside the norm doesn't seem valid.

I put "park" in quotes above since I bet this will be named so that it's not seen as part of the current 4 parks. They have invested a lot of marketing into the "park hoppers" and "Disney Parks" informing the public of the different theme parks. Instead, it may use a new marketing slant or be tied to Adventures by Disney.

Yeah I don't see your park hopper getting you into this one.

 

[PeeplMoovr]

I say this without any judgment, good or bad (if this works for Disney as a business, then it is a good idea), but:

It becomes more apparent to me with each decision that lately WDW is being almost exclusively marketed to the tween-set (HSM and Hannah Montana, and a new "middle-school" version of SSE in my opinion) and the parents of those tweens willing to spend $2000.00 on Hannah Montana concert tickets and extras. WDW is paralleling the change that occurred to the Disney Channel more each day, it seems. Either that or I'm just getting old (a real possibility).

Again, I'm not judging. It's probably not a bad marketing decision by Disney. I just won't be forking out money in addition to my PAP to see this new park. I'm sure it'll do just fine, though.

I'll get by with videos on mousebits once the park opens. :ROFLOL:

 

[WDWFREAK53]

I'll get by with videos on mousebits once the park opens. :ROFLOL:

See, from what I'm gathering...you could do that with the current attractions and theme parks...but watching a video of somebody hand feeding a hippo isn't all that exciting. Actually being the one feeding the hippo, on the other hand, is very exciting!

Take Steve Irwin for instance...sure, his show was exciting to watch. Now, imagine the excitement if you were WITH Steve Irwin during the filming!