Very good point; it's notable that their marketing pushes of late focus so heavily on the "bring the little ones" type of advertising while Universal is cornering the market on the "the kids are older now, they need a more exciting vacation" ads. It's strange to see that evolution in themed entertainment, considering Disney's biggest market in WDW's early days was younger, childless couples. Obviously there's always been a childlike component to the theme park experience, and I'm forever grateful to my family for bringing my brother and I to WDW as frequently as they did back in our childhoods, but it was a WDW that felt like it could be appreciated by all ages, not just us kids at the time, that kept my brother and I coming back for more as we grew older.Seeing the ads constantly as I live in Florida, WDW largely seems to center them around the magical time the kidlets can have. That's all they show. I did see one ad a couple of years ago that actually focused on the entire family, I was shocked. But that's how it should be, advertise for the entire family. I know some on here like to throw out "it's for the kids" but it isn't supposed to be aimed just for them. It's too bad Magic Kingdom has got the reputation that it's "just for kids" which is never what it was intended to be. People seem to despair that their kids can't get on everything. Well, a lot of us had to wait and look forward towards something. It's all about instant gratification now and if that doesn't happen, well, watch out ...
But I guess we're veering off topic.
And it's a shame they never considered the Sindbad (Sinbad?) ride, either version, as it's something I'm very much looking forward to. I hope it's still there in a few years.
Yes, the schedule has shifted.SW is opening in 2019. Essentially every project they do takes 3 years, except for toy story land which was simplified to get it up in 2 years. So if they put the first shovel in the ground for Rat this morning it would open April 9th, 2020.
Interestingly, this is one of the few areas where I think the MM+ project has been a success. I travel to WDW in groups with only adults, and have gotten some very well-targeted marketing materials from them, indicating that they're aware that their audience is more than families with young childrenTake a look at their marketing. You always see children, usually under tween age ... they have turned a resort for all ages into one that caters to mommy bloggers and their young kids. The ideas of people visiting without kids or grands is totally against what the WDW of the 21st century has become. It is dumbed down because everything has to be OK for a seven-year-old princess.
So will SWL in DL open early 2019, or will the gap between them get tighter then 6 months?SWL mid-ish 2019
Mickey early fall 2019
Rat early summer 2020.
At the moment (I shouldn't be anymore specific than that)
It should be early. Haven't we been told that late 2018 is a bonus goal, but it was announced as 2019 just in case of delays?So will SWL in DL open early 2019, or will the gap between them get tighter then 6 months?
Pass. These are the timeframes being aimed for. A lot can happen in two years as you'll appreciate.So will SWL in DL open early 2019, or will the gap between them get tighter then 6 months?
Speaking of honeymoons I wonder why Disney hasn't sold packages that include a night in Cindy's castle. Seems like the kind of move they would do and overcharge through the roof for.Interestingly, this is one of the few areas where I think the MM+ project has been a success. I travel to WDW in groups with only adults, and have gotten some very well-targeted marketing materials from them, indicating that they're aware that their audience is more than families with young children
The 40-page glossy booklet they send after booking a room is filled with guests enjoying WDW's offerings. In the booklets I've recieved there are no children to be found (other than an occasional CGI marketing image, like the family riding a Soarin' vehicle over the Golden Gate Bridge). It's an amazing 180 from their mass produced/publicized marketing materials; my jaw literally dropped the first time I saw it. If you didn't know better, this was an advertisement for a place that catered to adults and only begrudgingly allowed children too
Predictably these images often feature expensive "not included with your ticket price" activities like dining, drinks, and spas, but they also manage to avoid the current marketing clichés like character meet & greets or barely-themed flat rides. Instead, they focus on the relaxing elements, occasional educational opportunities, and themed environments...what a crazy concept!
Granted, you don't get any of that information until after you've already booked your room, so I'm not sure how effective it really is at convincing people to visit in the first place, but someone somewhere in Disney's marketing department is aware that people visit WDW without children. Is WDW still the most-visited honeymoon destination in the US?
I thought the whole point of Rat over BATB was that it would open before 2020/SWL to help "alleviate" the crowds at DHS.It will not.
Makes sense given the potential location. Seems like the kind of thing that could be going on for a while before Disney makes it "official". Makes me wonder, though, if they would announce it at D23 this summer (perhaps too soon) or in 2019 (seems a little late). My guess is probably some time in 2018 at one of their official WDW media events and then more details at 2019 D23.I said they could start on Rat and in-park guests would be non the wiser.
I think 2021 for GOTG but yeah should be another year or probably two of solid nap time before Ellen goesSo if Rat is pushed ahead of GotG and Rat is 2020... then GotG won't be until... 2021? 2022?
I'll be Napping With Ellen for years to come!
I also avoided videos of Battle for the Sunken Treasure. Whoa.You're smart.
We just got back from shanghai and my wife avoided all videos of pirates.
She got off the ride in tears. Literally tears.
I envied her.