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NYT: "Universal....Takes Aim at Disney"
- Thread starter mgf
- Start date
WDW1974
Well-Known Member
I don't compare WDW to McD's ... more like Walmart. I can actually enjoy McD's ... especially if it is outside the USA where the focus on quality is much higher. Just had some good McD's in Portugal and Germany!
But ... what you are saying is largely what I see as WDW's biggest problem. It just isn't special anymore. People go there because that's where you take your family on a theme park vacation. That's what Disney marketing has drilled into the consciousness of the average American.
But I think it is a much bigger issue with parents than kids. I have heard many people say they had no desire to go visit UNI/IOA, ''but my kids had to see Harry Potter.'' Disney isn't going to have kids saying ''I want to go to WDW, so we can visit Disney's Animal Kingdom and see Pandora.''
The Pixie Dust addiction is much stronger with parents. I can tell just by my interactions with folks here. I can get young folks to change their way of looking at things, much easier than a 30, 40, 50 or 60-something year old who view Mickey as a religion and can't look at Disney through clear eyes or a clear head!
Hey. Guess what? ... Sometimes, I do too ... it's a guilty pleasure, I admit.
But they are 100% fat free!
By the way, I'm not a bad parent. We rarely go out for fast food and our chidlren are all competative swimmers who burn thousands of extra calories a day. So please, don't flame me on that one!
Fast food isn't the root of all evil with obesity and unhealthy living. It can actually be part of a healthy diet. provided it is consumed with moderation and not dined on as a daily staple ... unfortunately, it also is poverty food (you aren't going to feed a family of four for $8 at the grocery store, but you can at Taco Bell), but that is another subject.
WDW1974
Well-Known Member
THR story has some outright inaccuracies in it (UNI doesn't have a park in Tokyo for example), so everything should be taken with a grain (or bottle) of salt.
It states a higher number for the Fantasyland project than the actual cost and doesn't source the idea that the Avatarland ride (the only one IF it is built) will be the priciest ride ever. RSRs currently holds that dubious 'honor' and I don't think your imaginary pal The Sheriff wants to spend that again.
WDW1974
Well-Known Member
Because there are NO upgrades coming/planned for either/both attractions.
There also is nothing of substance greelit for any of the other parks. NOTHING.
The only thing that may happen (until Iger leaves the company, at least) is Avatar at DAK.
Nothing else percolating except in fanboi fantasy.
WDW1974
Well-Known Member
What drivel, so typical ... and I just don't want to waste time with you, but I guess school is out for ya (11th straight year in 12th grade, that's an impressive feat!
)I love how you state BS that is in your mind as fact. Who's delaying a WDW trip because they're waiting for Dueling Dumbos? Or Mermaid even?
UNI sees a 30% uptick in people through the gates and WDW is basically flat and you think that is somehow a good thing?
And the people visiting DCA this year will be coming to WDW next?!? based on what? Did a blue alien tell you this? If so, they'll likely leave awfully disappointed that they spent so much for an inferior product -- unless they're also visiting UNI/IOA/SW/AQ etc.
The stockholders, except fans with one share (or small investments), don't want any money spent. They are looking at the bottom line only and hate large capital expenditures.
ANd ... why ... why?
I guess every circus needs a head clown. And he can reside at Storybook Circus. Just don't compare that work with what you see at DCA or IOA for you'll be awfully disappointed.
WDW1974
Well-Known Member
I love being a malcontent (first I'll have to look up what it means!)
BTW, are you the world-famous Frank Lapidus that was supposed to fly Oceanic 815 on 9/22/04?
WDW1974
Well-Known Member
Please, folks (at least those who can think rationally and aren't addicted to P-Dust), RE-READ what Lee posted. It correctly states the situation in both Anaheim and Orlando. Accurate and concise and he didn't even take a shot at mindless fanbois (like some evil, vile Disney bashing Spirits would). Just read it ... and trust it.
That is all.
WDW1974
Well-Known Member
I can.
I can think of multiple things. ... And a fireworks show isn't one of them, but I almost consider that a given. This isn't WDW where Wishes will still be playing in 2034.
WDW1974
Well-Known Member
UNI was never, to my knowledge, planning on announcing anything to coincide with the DCA 2.0 launch.
Californian Elitist
Well-Known Member
Sorry but I reallly had to laugh at this last part of your comment. I think it's absolutely ridiculous TDO hasn't come up with a new firework show for the MK yet.
Ok, so a new firework show, I doubt a new parade since we just got one, maybe some new attractions, maybe some refurbishments and a new show. There, that's all I can think of.
WDW1974
Well-Known Member
Are you related to the other Raven who posts here? BTW, what happened to said poster as he seems to have disappeared into an abyss? ... And anyone know what happened to Tirian? Always enjoyed bantering with him here.
I think I'll go out on a limb and say that by the time DL turns 60, you'll see a new parade or two, new pyro, at least one new show at the Fantasyland Theater AND something BIGGER and more significant.
Californian Elitist
Well-Known Member
Are you related to the other Raven who posts here? BTW, what happened to said poster as he seems to have disappeared into an abyss? ... And anyone know what happened to Tirian? Always enjoyed bantering with him here.
I think I'll go out on a limb and say that by the time DL turns 60, you'll see a new parade or two, new pyro, at least one new show at the Fantasyland Theater AND something BIGGER and more significant.
Nope. I actually saw another Raven here today. Raven is my middle name, I ususally go by this on blogs and message boards.
I'm definitely expecting something for the Fantasyland Theater. I'm anxious to see how Fantasy Faire is going to turn out. It looks like a codensed Fantasyland and I don't know how everything is going to fit in that small space, where Carnation stood. Hhmm... I wonder if my CM friends know anything? Probably not but I'll ask anyway.
I really wish they'd do something with the Peoplemover/Rocket Rods track and the Aladdin's Oasis shack. I'm sick of seeing both of those two.
bubbles1812
Well-Known Member
Sigh. And that is such a depressing list to read. I know many here are DVC but I could care less about it, being a non DVC member with no intention of joining in the near future. DTD does need a makeover so at least that's something but there are honestly far bigger problems than it.
And Avatar...well, if it sees the light of day, I hope they do it right but as Lee has stated elsewhere, it's already been scaled back quite a bit. I almost wish Cameron would throw a fit and threaten to pull out if Disney isn't willing to pay to do the thing right...just to force them to do it right. I'm they wouldn't want to deal with that PR nightmare. Though I'd certainly enjoy reading the Deadline Hollywood articles about it.. He just doesn't strike me as the kind of person who bends very much and maybe that is a good thing in this case. It's not like Fox exactly has ever reigned him in...I think Avatar's budget was around $240 million...though all his movies have paidd out too so it's not like they needed to. I can't even imagine the battles J.K. Rowling/Warners would have had with Disney management had they tried to reign in HP.
God, I so hope Potter 2.0 (can't wait to see not only the attractions but also the numbers for how it helps Uni financially/attendance wise) finally spurs them to fast track something great of their own. It's so sad I have to feel even pessimistic about the chances of that happening. It's amazing how TDO are freaking so much about Potter and yet they really aren't doing much...you'd think they'd be begging Iger/Board to get something going...but that would mean taking a risk...and they aren't about taking risks at the moment.
the.dreamfinder
Well-Known Member
Bummer, I was hoping for a Disney Universal knife fight.
flavious27
Well-Known Member
They are moving everything to NE philly because they have more room up there?
Please.... WDIs overinflated charges are a joke. IF Avland was costing half a billion - IF - you can be assured they are charging way too much. Potter phase one was less than half that. In total. FJ came in for less than half of that figure too. Value engineering without cutting corners. Glendale hasn't been able to do that yet. Flower St should make black projects for the government. You know... $50 for a pen, $100 for a ruler...
Probably not just yet. They are being fast tracked but not that fast.
I think the other 'thing' Lee mentioned will miss the 60th. But it'll be worth it.
bubbles1812
Well-Known Member
Why aren't they capable of doing that? I just don't get it. I know it's true what you just typed. They always seem to have such inflated prices for projects. What would cost Universal or a lot of other theme parks a lot less to do, Disney always seems to find a way to make it more expensive than necessary. It can't be from materials...steel is steel, wood is wood. They are going to have the same price regardless of who is buying. Do the imagineers themselves just demand pay that way more they they are worth (at this point in time)?
jt04
Well-Known Member
There are no upgrades happening with Safaris? Really?
And you are contradicting others here about FotLK. It is highly doubtful it will be 'written in' to the new Avatar land. LOL
But at least you admit BVS and Carsland are up to the quality of the OLC. You have taken the first step in the JT04 12 step program for the hopelessly cynical.
Step 2 is repeating the line, "I am WDW74 and I am a cynic" at least once a day.