Spirited News, Observations & Thoughts Tres

[alissafalco]

Probably attendance at the parks are much worse than anybody thought. Not surprising you can't not add anything new and exciting + raise ticket prices to $100 in the middle of a recession and expect to rake in the dough like the good ol'days of the fraudulent 00s. Disney is used to getting away with inferior products because of their good name and nostalgia but it looks like the gravy train is coming to a stop big time.

And don't forget the ridiculous hotel and food prices they are charging.

 

[Magenta Panther]

Wrong. Eisner diluted the the Disney Brand for over a decade before Iger took the reigns and what is this nonsense that Iger didn't take risks? At Lasseter's request he gave the OK to revive 2D handdrawn animation at Disney, gave John and the imagineers free reign when it came to money for Cars Land, and has given full creative freedom to the film studio directors something that all the film fans want and it has blown up in his face spectacularly several times now (Sorceror's Apprentice, Prince of Persia, Lone Ranger, and John Carter).

You want to blame people for the decline of Disney? Here are some names: Michael Eisner, Paul Pressler, Cynthia Harris, Tom Fitzgerald, Jay Rasolu, Meg Crofton, Phil Holmes, Al Weiss, etc.

Well, but I've read on these boards that Lasseter had to fight Iger to get Cars Land the way he wanted it, and as for the 2D revival, it pretty much died after "Princess and the Frog" (Iger blamed the medium instead of the film's lousy story). I agree that Eisner was no Walt either, though; his ego pushed Jeffery Katzenberg out, thus creating a powerful rival (Dreamworks) and weakened the animation division, helping to end Disney's Silver Age of Animation. I didn't like Eisner, but I detest Iger. I was happy when Eisner was pushed out. I want the same fate for Iger. After yet another massive film flop ("Lone Ranger"), I wonder just how secure his position really is...

 

[MOXOMUMD]

I can't believe anyone on here is actually getting bent out of shape for the red neck sport of choice...

Just for the record, 25 of the 37 Sprint car races are run north of the Mason-Dixon line. Of the top 25 drivers, only 3 are from the south. California is bringing the most competitors into the sport. The "redneck" has been disappearing from the sport for years.

 

[PhotoDave219]

Ugggggggggggg Is it August yet?.......I cant wait for @WDW1974 to get back. Things are quickly devolving in this thread. So @PhotoDave219 what's going on in the parks? Attendance? Brazilians?

Im on hiatus from the parks since July 4th except for a brief trip to MK with a nice lady and a quick meetup with a couple people. Nine days in the parks earlier this month was worth it then but I need a break. Plus Ive been working.

Some very chaotic and random thoughts:

Brazilian season is in full swing. Attendance was normal for kids not being in school. Not phased closings but completely living off tour groups.

IOA was fantasyland busy last Sunday. Really f'n busy for them.... but how many people can really fit in there? Certainly not 80-90k like MK. Also someone tell Betelgeuse that Chewbacca is the mayor of this party. Im pretty sure one of those cheerleaders was tucking it back.

Harry Potter was toned down. I didnt notice, still have headaches 10 days later.

We've had one day in the past 23 days WITHOUT rain.

Lakes.... there are new lakes forming. Like the one in front of Fort Wilderness.

The new articulated bus looks weird. Even weirder without a Disney Logo on it.

I'm being told to plug Teak Neighborhood Grill in Metrowest.

Why are theme parks only self-reporting incidents? Why dont ECV hit-and-runs count? And why doesnt FHP investigate them? Theyre motorized vehicles. Universal doesnt put up with that foolishness.

I'm going to plug The Simpsons Tapped Out for iOS and Android. Myself and Jason keep playing.

The wifi / cellular data networks are still overloaded. Makes you wonder why they made everything based on devices that use those. MM+ testing is in full swing with more and more CMs doing testing.

Benjamin Jealous is a damn good speaker. The convention center doesnt have free wifi. Parking is damn expensive.

No, nobody calls it simply "Reflections." Not even the pyro crew.

MK is still a pain in the to get to. Even worse if youre leaving and going to Swan & Dolphin by Bus.

Mizner's Lounge is the place to be.

SeaDogs Trivia is 530 on Tuesdays and Yes, we're smarter than you.

Demolition on PI has begun.

Player One has good craft beer and lots of video games. New Belgium beer (Fat Tire) will be distributed in Florida starting next week.

Hoagiefest is still happening at Wawa.

IDK crap about seaworld, other people have that covered.

The Starbucks at Universal took me 15 minutes to order and 20 to get my drink. At Disney, it took me 3. Clearly we're doing something right.

Nothing new on Star Wars/Cars Land/Avatar/Monorails/Cinnamon Rolls.

 

[PhotoDave219]

Comical that he said that when NASCAR tickets are extremely high priced. Does not sound too redneck to me. Actually, as a buyer of the high dollar tickets and someone who treks all over the east coast for several races the redneck level is down significantly. Cannot tell that to bigotry, however.

NASCAR on Fox sure seems to have put a pretty big hurting on ABC's NBA Playoffs as well as posted increases overall in major markets.

http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/20...port-in-season-for-13th-straight-year/186283/

Of interest, There's a $400 Million renovation coming to Daytona International Speedway.

 

[ScoutN]

Of interest, There's a $400 Million renovation coming to Daytona International Speedway.

Oh yes, I heard of this back in December. It will be massive and the upgrades inbound are phenomenal. Anyone who has been in those grandstands in recent years knows that they are in pretty bad shape and much of the original wood is still in the stands. It really hit me like a ton of bricks at the January PreSeason Thunder test session when I was there as well as the truck race at DIS in February. Merch sales in the sport are up and more sponsorship is becoming available. Exposure for sponsors is a mega deal. For a team to run a fully sponsored car in NSCS it is around $6,000,000 a piece when all sponsor funding and building is said and done with crews. Does not sound too redneck to me, unless we are talking about Willie Robertson.

Also note that the decline in seating is rather temporary. Focus is on the front stretch and filling those seats while ultimately canning the back stretch grandstands. The Superstretch seating will more than likely be added five years after completion of this. The Gen6 car has brought a ton of excitement back to the sport. Tracks usually seen as a single file fest have been the best this year. They have tweaking to do with the Super Speedway setups. The new cars punch a smaller hole in the air an have a very soft rear spring. It makes it difficult for the other cars to suck up in the draft big time. A pocket of air is created that ends up shoving the front car forward so bump drafting does not really happen. Only true way to combat that at this point is for the front car in a draft to drag the brake a hair to allow a connection made between the two cars and pull forward.

Something is right with these cars when California had one of the best races so far this season. That track and the like of it are typically snooze fests. Not this year.

 

[PhotoDave219]

Oh yes, I heard of this back in December. It will be massive and the upgrades inbound are phenomenal. Anyone who has been in those grandstands in recent years knows that they are in pretty bad shape and much of the original wood is still in the stands. It really hit me like a ton of bricks at the January PreSeason Thunder test session when I was there as well as the truck race at DIS in February. Merch sales in the sport are up and more sponsorship is becoming available. Exposure for sponsors is a mega deal. For a team to run a fully sponsored car in NSCS it is around $6,000,000 a piece when all sponsor funding and building is said and done with crews. Does not sound too redneck to me, unless we are talking about Willie Robertson.

Also note that the decline in seating is rather temporary. Focus is on the front stretch and filling those seats while ultimately canning the back stretch grandstands. The Superstretch seating will more than likely be added five years after completion of this. The Gen6 car has brought a ton of excitement back to the sport. Tracks usually seen as a single file fest have been the best this year. They have tweaking to do with the Super Speedway setups. The new cars punch a smaller hole in the air an have a very soft rear spring. It makes it difficult for the other cars to suck up in the draft big time. A pocket of air is created that ends up shoving the front car forward so bump drafting does not really happen. Only true way to combat that at this point is for the front car in a draft to drag the brake a hair to allow a connection made between the two cars and pull forward.

Something is right with these cars when California had one of the best races so far this season. That track and the like of it are typically snooze fests. Not this year.

Im aware. Joie took us on a tour himself....

 

[ScoutN]

Im aware. Joie took us on a tour himself....

Was not so much for you but others who are reading. Drivers and teams I have connections with are thrilled with the DIS project. All seem to agree on the drafting situation. If you ever get a chance to go to Richmond then take it! You should have no issue securing a press pass, I am sure you know it makes it that much better.

 

[WDW1974]

Spirited Late Night Musings:

I can't help but feel that tomorrow may prove a transformative day.

My peeps from the better coast tell me that Disney is looking to make a splash with its park news relating to Star Wars on both coasts and that it will happen sooner rather than later. I don't know why but I keep thinking the two-year anniversary of the stalled Avatar project would be the perfect time.

Speaking of time, if current trends continue, don't be surprised at vastly cut park hours at WDW once the new fiscal year begins October 1st.

OK, I missed it, what happened at Comic Con? Is Marvel really making a film about the Apologizer (some mid level exec who loses his job, his mind and his left testicle and decides to fight crime and help folks apologize when they hurt others)? I knew that 8000 character Marvel library was worth more than simply a few dozen characters people were familiar with.

Anything going on in the Twitverse?

Part of why I am not spending much time here right now is because I am looking at real estate. REALLY! Some advice, please. Do you think 7,000 square feet is too small for a Faux Top One Percent Spirit who likes his space?

Reports from EPCOT say that there is a plague of work lights being left on to shine brightly in many attractions from SSE to Nemo to Living With the Land. Anyone know why beyond they just don't care?

I am thinking that it may well be getting close to the time to put this baby out to pasture, but can we get 400 pages and 500K views first? I am just trying to prove a few points about social media and who really has power and can exploit it. Thanks.

I admit it. I am in the mood to head to Hawaii again. Just been too long. Anyone got timeshares they want to donate?

Thanks to Oprah (or God as I like to call her) for putting All My Children and One Life to Live on OWN after ABC cut them.

When is Disney going to put Rick Sylvain out to pasture? He must be 70 years old.

Anyone have thoughts on the new Mickey and pals shorts? I do.

No, I haven't seen DM2 yet. But I will my minions, I will.

Is it wrong that I want to be at WDW just to visit the food court and steal soda in my 1990s 'lifetime refills mug' before the place goes all RFID?

Again, bois and girls, MM+ will not be going live to most guests at anytime in 2013.

Congrats to a friend here who will soon take his first cruise instead of visiting WDW. We all have to make choices sometimes and I love watching friends make smart ones.

Anyone know the name of one member of the EPCOT exec team beyond Erin 'Legs' Youngs? I didn't think so.

So, MK hit 54K Sunday ... Interesting.

There REALLY is a project for Imagination. I just wish my peeps could spread a bit more info my way to quiet the skeptics.

Next year, WDW will have one parade among four theme parks ...but it will be a new one.

I want occupancy numbers for the summer (days, weeks, months etc) for WDW resorts and am actively soliciting them. I can promise 100% confidentiality and ...look, we all know I'm going to get what I want, so you might as well help the cause. Don't make me beg ...

I love it when blogging whores go to locations or try products that they'd never pay for and then rave about them.

Anyone want to bet that Disney's big fall releases make hundreds of millions of dollars but still are not profitable?

Remember when there was a vibe of excitement, of energy, of electricity in WDW's parks? Yeah, me too.

You do know that much of what is going into TDL's Jungle Cruise refurb was planned and created for MK, right?

Yes, it's true: both Alan Horn and Tom Staggs are not happy and looking to leave Disney.

When a restaurant fails to win you over with a free meal, then it probably isn't worth your business.

So many tales to tell, so little time ...

 

[WDW1974]

I don't buy that. If that were the case, the Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris wouldn't still suck, and wouldn't currently be continuing the piecemeal approach. Very similar situation there, and a different choice has been made (so far).

We consider it a no-brainer decision because we want to see spending on the parks. I have no doubt that a less aggressive "solution" was on the table for California. Iger chose the extreme makeover. As history has proven, it was the right decision. The big budget expansion was by no means a surefire thing, and had it been less successful, I'm sure there are plenty of investors who would be saying "Iger made a poor choice by going all in on DCA."

There are plenty of ways to knock the Iger regime's decisions with theme parks, but the decision on DCA shouldn't be called a no-brainer simply because we now know the decision was the right one.

Just a quickee comment here, Tom.

It was a no-brainer with regard to DCA. DSP is a different animal, but I'll also say you haven't spent enough time there to treat it fairly. You also go to parks to shoot them, and DSP is uglier than many fanbois who don't enjoy The Big Bang Theory. Attractions wise, it easily has more and better content than the Studios mess in the FL swamps.

DCA 2.0 was a surefire success because they went back to quality to make it work. Quality always wins out. That's why folks in O-Town are flocking to UNI and why the Mouse remains treading quicksand.

One other thing, if the BoD had to wait six months longer to approve funding DCA's Extreme Makeover Theme Park Edition, then you'd still be entering thru the postcard and under the tiny Golden Gate while 'I Love LA' and 'Do you Know the Way to San Jose?' blared. Six months and it wouldn't have happened and I know this from the highest levels of TWDC. ...

 

[WDW1974]

Phase 2.0 was pretty widely discussed on the Disneyland-centric sites; I'm familiar with it. Just because there was a more aggressive solution doesn't mean what we got wasn't aggressive. Besides, Phase II almost never happens in any Disney project. DCA 2.0 might be the one expansion to buck that trend, as it looks like we're about to get a Phase 2...

If Disney had no other choice with DCA, I'd like to see WDSP explained. Disneyland Resort needed to have draw as a destination resort and its second gate wasn't pulling its weight. Disneyland Resort Paris has even more rooms to fill, and its second gate is an absolute mess that does a worse job pulling its weight. Yet somehow, there is a choice in Paris?

There's a choice in Paris, just as there was a choice in Anaheim. If Iger takes the blame for the failures, he should take credit for the successes, too. DCA 2.0 was a success, and he deserves credit. Not it being dismissed as a no brainer.

It's easy to say X or Y is an easy decision when you're sitting in the peanut gallery judging decisions through the narrow lens of a fan...

There is no choice in Paris due to fundamental flaws in the structure of Euro Disney SCA that makes the debt situation a horrible albatross that TWDC does not seem inclined to remove. DSP will always be a piecemeal park. DCA lucked out. Simple as that. TWDC couldn't have a second gate that couldn't't stand on its own across from Walt's park. No matter what.

Euro Disney actually can have a mess of a second gate, just like WDW can have a mess of a third. But I really must be going to bed. Big doings tomorrow.

 

[WDW1974]

Oh, look for the California Grill to reopen on Sept. 5th if all goes according to plan.

 

[Captain Neo]

Well, but I've read on these boards that Lasseter had to fight Iger to get Cars Land the way he wanted it, and as for the 2D revival, it pretty much died after "Princess and the Frog" (Iger blamed the medium instead of the film's lousy story). I agree that Eisner was no Walt either, though; his ego pushed Jeffery Katzenberg out, thus creating a powerful rival (Dreamworks) and weakened the animation division, helping to end Disney's Silver Age of Animation. I didn't like Eisner, but I detest Iger. I was happy when Eisner was pushed out. I want the same fate for Iger. After yet another massive film flop ("Lone Ranger"), I wonder just how secure his position really is...

Lasseter did not fight with iger about cars land he fought with the accounts (and presumably jay rasolu and his boys). I don't care what the message boards say because this is something he himself said right in front of me.

Also you claim that after princess and the frog iger gave up on 2D animation yet they made Winnie the Pooh 2 years later from a different director and writing team and it still didn't perform.

 

[Captain Neo]

Spirited Late Night Musings:

I can't help but feel that tomorrow may prove a transformative day.

My peeps from the better coast tell me that Disney is looking to make a splash with its park news relating to Star Wars on both coasts and that it will happen sooner rather than later. I don't know why but I keep thinking the two-year anniversary of the stalled Avatar project would be the perfect time.

Speaking of time, if current trends continue don't be surprised at vastly cut park hours at WDW once the new fiscal year begins October 1st.

OK, I missed it, what happened at Comic Con? Is Marvel really making a film about the Apologizer (some mid level exec who loses his job, his mind and his left testicle and decides to fight crime and help folks apologize when they hurt others)? I knew that 8000 character Marvel library was worth more than simply a few dozen characters people were familiar with.

Anything going on in the Twitverse?

Part of why I am not spending much time here right now is because I am looking at real estate. REALLY! Some advice, please. Do you think 7,000 square feet is too small for a Faux Top One Percent Spirit who likes his space?

Reports from EPCOT say that there is a plague of work lights being left on to shine brightly in many attractions from SSE to Nemo to Living With the Land. Anyone know why beyond they just don't care?

I am thinking that it may well be getting close to the time to put this baby out to pasture, but can we get 400 pages and 500K views first. I am just trying to prove a few points about social media and who really has power and can exploit it. Thanks.

I admit it. I am in the mood to head to Hawaii again. Just been too long. Anyone got timeshares they want go donate?

Thanks to Oprah (or God as I like to call her) for putting All My Children and One Life to Live on OWN after ABC cut them.

When is Disney going to put Rick Sylvain out to pasture? He must be 70 years old.

Anyone have thoughts on the new Mickey and pals shorts? I do.

No, I haven't seen DM2 yet. But I will my minions, I will.

Is it wrong that I want to be at WDW just to visit the food court and steal soda in my 1990s 'lifetime refills mug' before the place goes all RFID?

Again, bois and girls, MM+ will not be going live to most guests at anytime in 2013.

Contrats to a friend here who will soon take his first cruise instead if visiting WDW. We all have to make choices sometimes and I love watching friends make smart ones.

Anyone know the name of one member of the EPCOT exec team beyond Erin 'Legs' Youngs? I didn't think so.

So, MK hit 54K Sunday ... Interesting.

There REALLY is a project for Imagination. I just wish my peeps could spread a but more info my way to quiet the skeptics.

Next year, WDW will have one parade among four theme parks ...but it will be a new one.

I want occupancy numbers for the summer (days, weeks, months etc) and am actively soliciting them. I can promise 100% confidentiality and ...look, we all know I'm going to get what I want, so you might as well help the cause. Don't make me beg ...

I love it when blogging whores go to locations or try products that they'd never pay for and then rave about them.

Anyone want to bet that Disney's big fall releases make hundreds of millions of dollars but still are not profitable?

Remember when there was a vibe of excitement, of energy, of electricity in WDW's parks? Yeah, me too.

You do know that much of what is going into TDL's JUngle Cruise refurb was planned and created for MK, right?

Yes, it's true: both Alan Horn and Tom Staggs are not happy and looking to leave Disney.

When a restaurant fails to win you over with a free meal, then it probably isn't worth your business.

So many tales to tell, so little time ...

What do you mean by "tomorrow may prove a transformative day?"

 

[Disneyhead'71]

Just for the record, 25 of the 37 Sprint car races are run north of the Mason-Dixon line. Of the top 25 drivers, only 3 are from the south. California is bringing the most competitors into the sport. The "redneck" has been disappearing from the sport for years.

The last races I went to had an impressive number of Rednecks. Talladega, Charlotte, Bristol, Martinsville, and Daytona.

 

[Disneyhead'71]

Im on hiatus from the parks since July 4th except for a brief trip to MK with a nice lady and a quick meetup with a couple people. Nine days in the parks earlier this month was worth it then but I need a break. Plus Ive been working.

Some very chaotic and random thoughts:

Brazilian season is in full swing. Attendance was normal for kids not being in school. Not phased closings but completely living off tour groups.

IOA was fantasyland busy last Sunday. Really f'n busy for them.... but how many people can really fit in there? Certainly not 80-90k like MK. Also someone tell Betelgeuse that Chewbacca is the mayor of this party. Im pretty sure one of those cheerleaders was tucking it back.

Harry Potter was toned down. I didnt notice, still have headaches 10 days later.

We've had one day in the past 23 days WITHOUT rain.

Lakes.... there are new lakes forming. Like the one in front of Fort Wilderness.

The new articulated bus looks weird. Even weirder without a Disney Logo on it.

I'm being told to plug Teak Neighborhood Grill in Metrowest.

Why are theme parks only self-reporting incidents? Why dont ECV hit-and-runs count? And why doesnt FHP investigate them? Theyre motorized vehicles. Universal doesnt put up with that foolishness.

I'm going to plug The Simpsons Tapped Out for iOS and Android. Myself and Jason keep playing.

The wifi / cellular data networks are still overloaded. Makes you wonder why they made everything based on devices that use those. MM+ testing is in full swing with more and more CMs doing testing.

Benjamin Jealous is a damn good speaker. The convention center doesnt have free wifi. Parking is damn expensive.

No, nobody calls it simply "Reflections." Not even the pyro crew.

MK is still a pain in the to get to. Even worse if youre leaving and going to Swan & Dolphin by Bus.

Mizner's Lounge is the place to be.

SeaDogs Trivia is 530 on Tuesdays and Yes, we're smarter than you.

Demolition on PI has begun.

Player One has good craft beer and lots of video games. New Belgium beer (Fat Tire) will be distributed in Florida starting next week.

Hoagiefest is still happening at Wawa.

IDK crap about seaworld, other people have that covered.

The Starbucks at Universal took me 15 minutes to order and 20 to get my drink. At Disney, it took me 3. Clearly we're doing something right.

Nothing new on Star Wars/Cars Land/Avatar/Monorails/Cinnamon Rolls.

I live within walking distance of Teak. We eat there regularly. It's got a great menu for a neighborhood Tavern.

 

[Wikkler]

The only thing everyone I know right now can agree on is that a whole bunch of attractions/venues are going to be closing for good in Orlando starting Jan 2.

I would also add that the attitude and actions of the management of both WDW and Sea World reflect those of companies that are frightened of current business performance and upcoming bookings to an extent not seen since 9/11. It is not an attitude reflected by Universal Orlando. I find some of the rumors I am hearing about SEAS and WDPR very troubling and actually actively hope that what I am hearing is not true. Time will sort out the noise from fact soon enough, I think.

Unfortunately I think Antarctica used up their budget. For the next decade.

 

[Wikkler]

Yeah...you are right...a snail competing in a car race is much crazier than an alien visiting Hawaii who loves Elvis tunes. Go see Turbo...you might be surprised.

It's also crazier than a bearded guy in a suit and a purple dragon spreading the message of imagination.

:lookaroun:

 

[Wikkler]

Just for the record, 25 of the 37 Sprint car races are run north of the Mason-Dixon line. Of the top 25 drivers, only 3 are from the south. California is bringing the most competitors into the sport. The "redneck" has been disappearing from the sport for years.

He means the audience.... :lookaroun:

 

[manutdfan1]

Wait, Spirit said last night that we may get some big news about Star Wars today and no one is talking about it?