Spirited News and Observations and Opinions ...

[ULPO46]

With a new Harry potter section coming to universal studios Florida... What does Disney have in store to counter attack the crowds that will go there once more to see the magic of the boy wizard. Ok no doubt about it less than 2 years Disney built and unveiled 75% of fantasyland. But the story of avatar land. When does Disney plan on building this. The avatar movies last time I checked we're a work in progress and budgeting has caused them from getting further produced. But Disney also just spending what in my OPINION and the opinions of many other people on this blog say is a waste of my spent money. I want to see new rides and new lands. That Disney world will have 4 parks for life they have the land we just have to wait. I am not a fan of next gen as from what I've heard only affects hotel guest and not annual pass holders and such. Truth be told going to the Orlando parks makes you feel like there is no world wide recession for a while. I hope that some people will finally wake up for once and not overlook the college students coloring book. We have nice plans we just need the approval that's all.

 

[WDW1974]

Somehow I missed this last night.
Wonderful post.
It's like grabbing a thread and pulling it, following the logical progression of ideas.

It was. ... Of course, I sorta like my post, which really wasn't about going fishing per se, but I feel it went over some folks heads here. No matter how I try and Walmart myself, I'll always be a Neiman Marcus Spirit.

Doesn't matter so much to me if the tech can do exactly what we envision as the worst case scenario, but more so what the underlying goal is.

Yes. And we can all assume that Disney just spent $1.5 billion and counting because they wanted to make sure our trips were more MAGICal and THIS .... THIS was the best way of doing that they could come up with. Yep. Tell yourself that.

The guest-friendly parts of NextGen are purely the by-product. No guest ever asked for NextGen. Guests want newer/ better attractions and better maintenance.
Disney wants more money from guests (understandable for a business) and rather than plus the parks to get it, they want to use mined data to get it. That's my main complaint. Nothing about NextGen appeals to me. Nothing. I want the newer/better/improved attractions, not a pre-booked Fastpass. No thanks.

Newer, better attractions? You do realize that UNI will basically be a completely new park in 2-3 years. No datamining bracelets required.

As for the privacy concerns, we'll have to wait and see how it plays out. Too much is unknown for most people to really take a hardcore stand on either side right now.

I will say this, though...there are enough worrisome aspects to warrant taking a very close and skeptical look at the whole program.

The fact that all talk about those concerns sends folks at Disney under their desks might be a reason to at least ask about it ... sometimes you need to question things (see: real media on Notre Dame football player making up a dead girlfriend story) and DEMAND proof. When I played show and tell as a young Spirit, I didn't take Wendy's word for what she had, I DEMANDED to see it ... all of it. ... People need to demand accountability and explanations of privacy issues with any corporation they deal with ... even if it makes Nick Franklin cry or keeps Zenia Mucha up all night writing copy for Tom Staggs.

Anyone working too hard to defend it at this point...well, there's an old quote about "The lady doth protest too much." And it doesn't have to be a lady.

No, it absolutely doesn't.

 

[WDW1974]

The big problem with the stock industry being the driving factor in a business' operation is that stockholders generally don't care about the long-term health of a company.They only care about short-term profits. The fact that they drive companies into unsustainable business models is not a concern of theirs.

And this is the biggest problem with the bastardized version of capitalism that has been running the USA (and, largely, the world) for the last few decades.

None of it lasts. It isn't built to. There's no design for building a strong company that will be around in 10 years let alone 50 or 100. All that matters is that next quarter sets records (even if it means cutting quality and employees). It is a sick vicious game that we're all part of. The meltdown of 2008 exposed what a fraud it was and is, and should have resulted in fundamental change. But ...

 

[Magenta Panther]

And this is the biggest problem with the bastardized version of capitalism that has been running the USA (and, largely, the world) for the last few decades.

None of it lasts. It isn't built to. There's no design for building a strong company that will be around in 10 years let alone 50 or 100. All that matters is that next quarter sets records (even if it means cutting quality and employees). It is a sick vicious game that we're all part of. The meltdown of 2008 exposed what a fraud it was and is, and should have resulted in fundamental change. But ...

Oh, but we did get change. And hope too. Didn't we...?

 

[HenryMystic]

You do realize that UNI will basically be a completely new park in 2-3 years. No datamining bracelets required.

I do realize this, and it excites me greatly!

I would certainly love to hear more about your recent UOR trip :waves:

 

[WDW1974]

I've read analyst reports about Disney on occasion. Maybe I'm over generalizing, but they mostly view Disney as just a media company, probably because media-savvy analysts are assigned to cover DIS. They don't get the theme parks at all other than noting that P&R is more capital-intensive than the other divisions, making them doubly dubious about the parks.

If many (most?) analysts who cover Disney had their way, then the parks and resorts would either be sold off in full or part with Disney collecting licensing fees. They don't like the inherent risks of the business. Of course, there are some in Disney who feel the same way.

By the way, when did spending capital to make more money become such a horrible thing in our capitalist economic system?

I think sometime when I was in high school ... maybe college. And I'm now ... 29 and holding!

 

[Darth Sidious]

And this is the biggest problem with the bastardized version of capitalism that has been running the USA (and, largely, the world) for the last few decades.

None of it lasts. It isn't built to. There's no design for building a strong company that will be around in 10 years let alone 50 or 100. All that matters is that next quarter sets records (even if it means cutting quality and employees). It is a sick vicious game that we're all part of. The meltdown of 2008 exposed what a fraud it was and is, and should have resulted in fundamental change. But ...

I can't say what I want to here because it has little place on these boards. I agree with you but the situation in the world is aggravatingly arrogant and idiotic.

 

[Darth Sidious]

If many (most?) analysts who cover Disney had their way, then the parks and resorts would either be sold off in full or part with Disney collecting licensing fees. They don't like the inherent risks of the business. Of course, there are some in Disney who feel the same way.

Gotta love how they want the return but none of the risk. Last I knew that existed it was by a company run by one Benard Maidoff... Guess what it was a scam LOL. Risk is the only way to earn profit and truly move forward and that applies to more than just finance.

 

[WDW1974]

Here's the thing...
It isn't what they're spending...it's what they're spending it on that most folks take issue with.
Lots better ways to spend that kind if money right now.

They've already spent more than their 3rd and 4th gates together.

They've already spent more than one of their new cruise ships and half of another.

They've already spent more than Bob Iger will make in his entire tenure (gotta really put it in perspective, right?) at TWDC.

I think the way they're spending on this initiative is beyond irresponsible. It's reckless and stupid and could greatly harm the BRAND and WDW for years to come.

 

[Captain Neo]

How is it that IOA can offer me a filet for $16.99 with sides and add me some tasty soup for $2.99 and then give me a discount (percentage depends on whether it's AP/AAA/TM) on that and still be in business?

Oh yeah, Disney has a different business model that opts to absolutely gouge bumpkin guests into paying absurd prices for food or making them stay at its resorts and pay for the 'value' of its dining plan.

Where are you getting Filets for $16.99 at IOA?

 

[TimeTrip]

Where are you getting Filets for $16.99 at IOA?

http://www.universalorlando.com/Images/mythos_menu_tcm13-28313.pdf

 

[WDW1974]

Thanks @Lee!

I agree that no guest ever asked for this... well maybe the die hard planners would have, but not the average guest and I doubt that anyone was ever asked. Interestingly enough, when I was at MK last fall I was approached to take a survey when walking past City Hall, and I agreed. Not one question came even close to asking if I would be interested in pre-booking a FP or making reservations with my phone, and if I had been asked, my answer would have been a resounding "NO!" This program is definitely not something that they are doing to improve the guest experience, although it is being marketed as such.

I was reading a thread started by @Goofyernmost today (http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/disney-wake-the-hell-up.858480/) and one of the things that he said in his original post comparing his visits to WDW and Universal that struck me was, "Disney, to me, has the feel of a store that is in the process of going out of business." All financial discussion aside, as it is something that I am not well versed in, the direction that Disney has taken lately does seem like the actions of a company that no longer feels that they are able to grow their client base. I could definitely see a company in this position trying to increase revenue by increasing prices as much as the market will handle without adding any value, and by manipulating their guests into using Next Gen so they can cut staffing costs and increase add-on sales. All of this is going on at Disney while Universal is actively investing in new attractions and growing their client base.

I'm sure that this will take a long time to play out and that unfortunately I think we will be stuck with Next Gen in some flavor or another for the long term. After all, once Disney has their cash cow in place, there won't be a reason to remove the program unless there are legal issues or an even better moneymaking scheme comes along.

Now if Universal would just add a campground, it wouldn't be difficult to decide where I would be taking my next vacation...

I have to admit that Goof and I have butted heads over the years on anotherDisneyPlace.com (albeit, good-naturedly), but it was fascinating to read his take on the differences he noticed between Disney and UNI and the comparisons he made, which harken back to some of my original posts in this thread.

UNI/IOA had an alive, dynamic vibrancy going on. It just seemed exciting to be there last month. WDW was enjoyable, but it (even with New Fantasyland and the fun of MVMCP and Tron Track, all of which I enjoyed, I might add) had a feeling of tiredness that you get at a mall that's going bad. Anyone visit a Borders or a Circuit City or a Montgomery Wards in the last few years of their existence? It just seemed like everyone was resigned to a certain fate.

No, I don't think WDW is going out of business. But going through the motions? Just doing the absolute minium to run the parks like they care? Oh yeah. EPCOT barely looked like it was Christmas. Some places were so bare and lacking in decorations. And the MK, again, they are using the same decorations and tree on MSUSA that they were 20 years ago. With all the added revenue they get from having 30 or whatever Christmas Parties, it is astounding that none of that money is used annually to freshen the event. It's the same year after tired year. I think I loved it so much because it had been years since I had gone and the tickets were free.

It's tough to explain, but the difference in feelings I get at WDW now vs. even in the late 90s is palpable. You can almost feel the Wall Street mentality at play when you see attractions falling apart, hula hoops and chalk on MSUSA and no side item with your sandwich.

 

[stlphil]

If many (most?) analysts who cover Disney had their way, then the parks and resorts would either be sold off in full or part with Disney collecting licensing fees. They don't like the inherent risks of the business. Of course, there are some in Disney who feel the same way.

Yeah, that's my take from reading between the lines in the analyst reports, and sometimes overtly in the reports.

Your comment on risks, because it is a true assessment of their attitudes, cracks me up because it shows just how superficial they are. As if the movie business is less risky than theme parks.

 

[WDW1974]

I do realize this, and it excites me greatly!

I would certainly love to hear more about your recent UOR trip :waves:

What would you like to hear? Ask away ...

 

[WDW1974]

Yeah, that's my take from reading between the lines in the analyst reports, and sometimes overtly in the reports.

Your comment on risks, because it is a true assessment of their attitudes, cracks me up because it shows just how superficial they are. As if the movie business is less risky than theme parks.

Absolutely. While Iron Man 3 and Monsters U are money in the bank for the Studios, one has to wonder about Oz: The Great and Powerful and The Lone Ranger. Those four films alone cost billions to make/market. They've got to pull in billions or Disney is in trouble (BTW, I absolutely HATE Disney's current and future plans for the Studios. You simply can't have tentpoles and sequels, all with huge budgets, and nothing in between)

 

[WDW1974]

I'd be remiss not to drop this heading into a holiday weekend (do I work on Friday or not is the question right now?) ... Coming to a MAGICal Kingdom near you is revenue-based access and experiences wrapped in a Tinkerbell bracelet brought to you by the good folks at TWDC.

I really feel bad for Georgie ... well, OK, no, I don't.

 

[Darth Sidious]

I'd be remiss not to drop this heading into a holiday weekend (do I work on Friday or not is the question right now?) ... Coming to a MAGICal Kingdom near you is revenue-based access and experiences wrapped in a Tinkerbell bracelet brought to you by the good folks at TWDC.

I really feel bad for Georgie ... well, OK, no, I don't.

Keep going...

 

[M.rudolf]

I'd be remiss not to drop this heading into a holiday weekend (do I work on Friday or not is the question right now?) ... Coming to a MAGICal Kingdom near you is revenue-based access and experiences wrapped in a Tinkerbell bracelet brought to you by the good folks at TWDC.

I really feel bad for Georgie ... well, OK, no, I don't.

Take Friday off, everyone deserves 3 day. As far as Oz goes execs are upset that the end twist of who the wicked witch is played by was outed by their own marketing team. Also the film tested ok along the lines of Alice. The only problem with that is no Depp to help them this time.

 

[Darth Sidious]

Take Friday off, everyone deserves 3 day. As far as Oz goes execs are upset that the end twist of who the wicked witch is played by was outed by their own marketing team. Also the film tested ok along the lines of Alice. The only problem with that is no Depp to help them this time.

But it has Mila... I'll take it! Lol I kid, but really... They have a pretty good cast. I'm actually interested to see this since my girlfriend dragged me to see Wicked the other day.

 

[M.rudolf]

But it has Mila... I'll take it! Lol I kid, but really... They have a pretty good cast. I'm actually interested to see this since my girlfriend dragged me to see Wicked the other day.

Spoiler.......





And theirs your witch









End spoiler......