New Fantasyland aerial view (Sunday July 18 2010)

[lebeau]

PS- Tirian confirmed the princess m&g's are not in flux but are happening. So can we please let that bit of falsehood go.

"In flux" can mean a lot of things.

It sounds like Staggs is looking at this from the perspective of the money man he is. My guess is "in flux" means they are considering budget cuts. It sounds like everything that was announced for Phase 1 will be built. But I'm guessing they are trying to save money wherever possible.

 

[Lee]

That's because the M&Gs are moving forward as planned. Only Phase 2 is undecided; Phase 1 is proceeding as announced.

PS- Tirian confirmed the princess m&g's are not in flux but are happening. So can we please let that bit of falsehood go.

For those keeping score at home...From July 17:

The meet and greets aren't going anywhere.
The western portion of the expansion will happen as advertised.

Glad to see someone else confirming that.

If I may try to clear up some confusion....
The only thing "cancelled" at this point is Phase 2, Pixie Hollow. The m&g were never cut, nor ever in any real danger. The way I hear it, after looking over the whole project, Staggs in effect asked TDO and WDI to explain their justification for building each area of FLE. He wasn't looking to cut the m/g, but wanted to be sure that the company was getting the most bang for their buck, so everything was on the table. Simply put, he had some concerns and wanted to know what his options were.

His concerns were/are valid. Lack of capacity at the m/g, lack of more rides, and no real replacement for the MK's second most profitable retail location, County Bounty.

As I understand it, those concerns have been addressed. The western portion of FLE will continue as planned, while changes from the original plan will be seen to the east. What those changes will entail....no idea, but I'm trying my best to find out.

 

[jt04]

For those keeping score at home...From July 17:

Glad to see someone else confirming that.

If I may try to clear up some confusion....
The only thing "cancelled" at this point is Phase 2, Pixie Hollow. The m&g were never cut, nor ever in any real danger. The way I hear it, after looking over the whole project, Staggs in effect asked TDO and WDI to explain their justification for building each area of FLE. He wasn't looking to cut the m/g, but wanted to be sure that the company was getting the most bang for their buck, so everything was on the table. Simply put, he had some concerns and wanted to know what his options were.

His concerns were/are valid. Lack of capacity at the m/g, lack of more rides, and no real replacement for the MK's second most profitable retail location, County Bounty.

As I understand it, those concerns have been addressed. The western portion of FLE will continue as planned, while changes from the original plan will be seen to the east. What those changes will entail....no idea, but I'm trying my best to find out.

No, it was JHM who cast doubt on the princess m&g's and it was gaining traction here. Glad that more than one insider here agrees they are happening. I still think they will find a way to do PH even if it is on the scale of the DL version. Unless they have had some problems at DL. Fantasyland Forest is just a perfect match for the PH concept and I'm sure it moves merchandise.

I've grown to like the idea of a Matterhorm being added to the FLE even if it isn't the classic ride. Perhaps just an indoor space such as ITTBAB. The cleared land opposite the FL train station is interesting. If the large scale PH is canceled perhaps they will rethink parade routes also. Perhaps we will know at the next D23 event.

 

[headhoncho34]

For those keeping score at home...From July 17:

Glad to see someone else confirming that.

If I may try to clear up some confusion....
The only thing "cancelled" at this point is Phase 2, Pixie Hollow. The m&g were never cut, nor ever in any real danger. The way I hear it, after looking over the whole project, Staggs in effect asked TDO and WDI to explain their justification for building each area of FLE. He wasn't looking to cut the m/g, but wanted to be sure that the company was getting the most bang for their buck, so everything was on the table. Simply put, he had some concerns and wanted to know what his options were.

His concerns were/are valid. Lack of capacity at the m/g, lack of more rides, and no real replacement for the MK's second most profitable retail location, County Bounty.

As I understand it, those concerns have been addressed. The western portion of FLE will continue as planned, while changes from the original plan will be seen to the east. What those changes will entail....no idea, but I'm trying my best to find out.

I always thought all that money spent on some Meet and Greets was ridiculous. Good to see there addressing those problems and will include more attractions in the expansion.

 

[jt04]

I always thought all that money spent on some Meet and Greets was ridiculous. Good to see there addressing those problems and will include more attractions in the expansion.

LM, Belle, Aurora and Cindy are all happening according to Tirian. You know, the most elaborate ones. Nobody seems to know what else might or might not be happening except the large scale PH seems to be cut. I'm betting they won't put Tink outside the HoP but rather there will be a m&g somewhere in FL. Just a guess though.

 

[Lee]

I still think they will find a way to do PH even if it is on the scale of the DL version.

There is no doubt about that. Tink will maintain a m/g location somewhere in the MK. The only question is it's size and location.

 

[jt04]

There is no doubt about that. Tink will maintain a m/g location somewhere in the MK. The only question is it's size and location.

No matter where it goes or the scale of it I shall call it PH. :drevil::lol:

 

[Biff215]

My big question is, will Toon Town be saved? It sounds like this is at least being considered.

I can't see why it couldn't be. It's not perfect and needs some updating, but why clear that area if there aren't plans to use it otherwise? Tying Dumbo into MTTF will no doubt be easier than having it sit next to PH.

The upgrades to the front of the park continue, however, which makes you think Mickey and friends will no doubt be moving soon. :veryconfu

 

[RSoxNo1]

If I may try to clear up some confusion....
The only thing "cancelled" at this point is Phase 2, Pixie Hollow. The m&g were never cut, nor ever in any real danger. The way I hear it, after looking over the whole project, Staggs in effect asked TDO and WDI to explain their justification for building each area of FLE. He wasn't looking to cut the m/g, but wanted to be sure that the company was getting the most bang for their buck, so everything was on the table. Simply put, he had some concerns and wanted to know what his options were.

His concerns were/are valid. Lack of capacity at the m/g, lack of more rides, and no real replacement for the MK's second most profitable retail location, County Bounty.

As I understand it, those concerns have been addressed. The western portion of FLE will continue as planned, while changes from the original plan will be seen to the east. What those changes will entail....no idea, but I'm trying my best to find out.

The "bang for their buck" argument is the CFO in Staggs. By all accounts it seems that Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty's attractions will happen, but at the very least they were questioned by Staggs.

There is a bit of politicking going on regarding this expansion, as Staggs is seemingly expressing some of the concerns that us as fans have also expressed (the girl slant, only 1 new ride, etc). However, his placement as head of parks and resorts is presumably only a temporary one and he inherited this project when he came in. If he's going to be the future CEO of the company, it's probably not in his best interest to step on too many toes and change too many plans at this point.

 

[headhoncho34]

There is no doubt about that. Tink will maintain a m/g location somewhere in the MK. The only question is it's size and location.

What will happen with the east side of the expansion?

 

[DisneyParksFan1]

For those keeping score at home...From July 17:

Glad to see someone else confirming that.

If I may try to clear up some confusion....
The only thing "cancelled" at this point is Phase 2, Pixie Hollow. The m&g were never cut, nor ever in any real danger. The way I hear it, after looking over the whole project, Staggs in effect asked TDO and WDI to explain their justification for building each area of FLE. He wasn't looking to cut the m/g, but wanted to be sure that the company was getting the most bang for their buck, so everything was on the table. Simply put, he had some concerns and wanted to know what his options were.

His concerns were/are valid. Lack of capacity at the m/g, lack of more rides, and no real replacement for the MK's second most profitable retail location, County Bounty.

As I understand it, those concerns have been addressed. The western portion of FLE will continue as planned, while changes from the original plan will be seen to the east. What those changes will entail....no idea, but I'm trying my best to find out.

So there will be more than one ride?

 

[lebeau]

There is a bit of politicking going on regarding this expansion, as Staggs is seemingly expressing some of the concerns that us as fans have also expressed (the girl slant, only 1 new ride, etc). However, his placement as head of parks and resorts is presumably only a temporary one and he inherited this project when he came in. If he's going to be the future CEO of the company, it's probably not in his best interest to step on too many toes and change too many plans at this point.

Speaking of politicking, this could also be a savvy move on his part. If FLE opens and disappoints, he can point back and say, "It wasn't my idea. I was against it." If he tweaks it and it works, he can say "I saved it."

Win-win. Well played, Mr. Staggs.

 

[Lee]

What will happen with the east side of the expansion?

So there will be more than one ride?

My crystal ball says...:shrug:

 

[IWant2GoNow]

Speaking of politicking, this could also be a savvy move on his part. If FLE opens and disappoints, he can point back and say, "It wasn't my idea. I was against it." If he tweaks it and it works, he can say "I saved it."

Win-win. Well played, Mr. Staggs.

But if he tweaks it and it's craptastic...

D'OH!

:lol:

 

[lebeau]

But if he tweaks it and it's craptastic...

D'OH!

:lol:

Then he says, "Look I did the best I could with this horrible idea..."

Not ideal. But he's still covered.

 

[IWant2GoNow]

Then he says, "Look I did the best I could with this horrible idea..."

Not ideal. But he's still covered.

Good point. Unfortunately we both know there would be a group of people on here screaming that PH would have been way better than whatever he changed it to. But I guess that would probably happen whether his changes were great or terrible.

 

[lebeau]

Good point. Unfortunately we both know there would be a group of people on here screaming that PH would have been way better than whatever he changed it to. But I guess that would probably happen whether his changes were great or terrible.

True.

And either way Disney is unlikely to care about bellyaching on the forums. As far as they are concerned, we're going to do it no matter what. And they aren't exactly wrong.

 

[IWant2GoNow]

True.

And either way Disney is unlikely to care about bellyaching on the forums. As far as they are concerned, we're going to do it no matter what. And they aren't exactly wrong.

Totally agreed. If they tried to cater to each and every fan forum as to what should or shouldn't be replaced or added and torn down, it would be ridiculous and of course every good business knows not to base decisions on that kind of stuff.

 

[jt04]

True.

And either way Disney is unlikely to care about bellyaching on the forums. As far as they are concerned, we're going to do it no matter what. And they aren't exactly wrong.

Totally agreed. If they tried to cater to each and every fan forum as to what should or shouldn't be replaced or added and torn down, it would be ridiculous and of course every good business knows not to base decisions on that kind of stuff.

I think they do take into account fans opinions if they are reasoned and not immature whining or the untinking anti-corporate rants of the heavily indocdrinated.

 

[lebeau]

I think they do take into account fans opinions if they are reasoned and not immature whining or the untinking anti-corporate rants of the heavily indocdrinated.

We know they monitor the forums. So, they aren't ignoring us. But I doubt we carry much weight.