Spirited News, Observations & Thoughts Tres

[Cosmic Commando]

I think I have to disagree with you @TP2000 over the completeness of Hollywood Land. It still seems that it, I'm referring to Hollywood Blvd, doesn't know what time period it's in. Is it the 1930s like BVS, the hip & edgy late 90s/early '00s, or today. That in and of itself hurts the that part of the park because it's not fully confident in its identity. It's a shame too because Bob Weis and Co. had come up with ways to continue the 1930s theme to help make a larger cohesive LA of the 30s. For example, the Hyperion theater was going to lose its "Blue Sky" facade for a more period design. I believe there were also plans to redo the animation building to look like the Walt Disney Studio on Hyperion Avenue where they made the "Silly Symphonies" and Snow White. Sadly they have the solution, but we only get to see it in the coffee table book.

Also going off of @JLW11Hi 's post, why not turn that backlot space into D and E Ticket row?

When was the last time you were at DCA? A lot of the miscellaneous tackiness has been removed: see this thread. The only major thing breaking theme outside of the Backlot (I think) is the Animation Bldg. While I think it's silly as all heck that a building is pretending to be the sky at the Hyperion Theater, the part that is still a building is a good looking building, IMO.

 

[Darth Sidious]

Agreed!

They just spent all that money specifically trying to rework the theme of the park, going so far as to completely rework the front entrance (something they've never done before), and tie it into a loose theme of vintage California. They just re-opened this a YEAR ago, and they already want to throw it off track and make Monster-land? I don't get this at all.

If anything, this is the one rare opportunity they have to go and do something completely new and not related to an existing film franchise. They just opened an entire land to Cars, one of their biggest money making properties, isn't that enough for the moment? Is this not the time to fix the Hollywood area into something consistent and unique and up-to-par with the rest of the park? A studio tour dark ride, a gangster themed thrill ride, a 30's vintage Mickey Mouse dark ride (they are really pushing that brand lately)... I mean, do they absolutely have to do Monstropolis?

We are enthused to be able to leverage the Monsters Inc brand across our parks and Monstropolis in DIsney Calaforrnia Adventure is one great way for us to do so. We believe strongly in the synergies between our parks and intellectual properties. #somethingigerwouldsay

 

[marni1971]

Actually I think that the only design flaw in WDSP that's beyond salvageable it's the position of the Tower of Terror. I really don't get how they decided it was a good idea for the future developement of the park to put it in the center of the park U_U...

It is badly placed, but did what was intended in 2008. They'll just need a bigger weenie when the proper sunset is finally built.

 

[George]

DVC is a ticking time bomb waiting to blow up in WDW's face.

Great post. I kind of think it is the process of blowing up, as you so eloquently put it. Now, they have to lure us back in with great promotions that can anger other long time visitors....They'll have to decide if they want to get DVCers back in the parks with cheap tickets or new attractions. They've kind of created a group of "locals" from people who aren't local. Though many disparage DVC and I understand why, it may actually be the key to long term park improvements. I'm cool with playing splishy splashy in my deluxe pool and heading over to Uni or Sea World for a couple high impact theme park days. Disney is going to have to decide how cool they are with that behavior. We'll do a couple trips in late 2013 and 2014 thanks to the $400 premium AP vouchers...without that offer I had no urge to set foot on the Florida property again. It is unbelievable that the ticket is almost half price with the new prices.

 

[stlphil]

DVC is a ticking time bomb waiting to blow up in WDW's face.

From a WDW guest perspective, DVC costs are divided into two parts: purchase price and annual Maintenance Fee (MF). From TWDC's perspective, they make their profits up front as part of the purchase price. MF are supposed to be charged per cost.

The purchase price ROI is huge which is why TWDC continues to build DVC. TWDC wants the money and they want it now. However, compared to regular WDW resorts, MF profits are essentially nil. As DVC grows, this means WDW will continue to devote a larger percentage of its resources to onsite guests who basically do not provide profits through room stays. This means TWDC will have to charge other onsite guests even more for their rooms in order to maintain existing margins.

The myth is that DVC members are big spenders. However, the whole reason guests buy into DVC is to save money. That's DVC's big hook; long-term DVC is a less expensive way to stay at WDW's very expensive (and very profitable) Deluxe Resorts.

DVC units have kitchens. DVC members actually cook meals in their rooms. They're not eating every meal at WDW's outrageously priced restaurants.

DVC members are repeat WDW visitors. After the initial, "wow, isn't WDW great phase", they get bored experiencing the same attractions, just like anyone would. That means they start looking for other things to do in Orlando.

Unless Disney does something to pull DVC members back into the parks, they are going to end up with an expanding class of onsite guest who provides little to no profits on their room stays, who don't eat at WDW's restaurants, and who don't visit the parks.

DVC exemplifies the problem with corporate Disney's thinking: focus on profits for the next 1-to-3 years instead of developing a long-term plan for sustainable growth.

Again, DVC is a ticking time bomb waiting to blow up in WDW's face.

Fantastic analysis of the true impact of DVC. And describes us pretty well, as Disney is getting less of our money over time, which was the point of buying DVC in the first place. The outrageous price increases have only had the effect of forcing us to be more creative with how not to give money to the Mouse, and with DVC this has actually been pretty easy.

The only thing I'd add is that we have also gotten good at efficiently using DVC to not vacation at WDW at all. Vero is a nice change of pace, everyone in our family loves Hilton Head, the Grand Californian is great as is DLR, and Aulani is fantastic.

We do have an upcoming trip to Orlando, mainly due to our specific family situation. But this is our last trip there for the foreseeable future, until TDO gives us a compelling reason to go back. And based on the rumors, it will be at least 2017 before that happens.

 

[George]

Ah, but the Mommy Bloggers spin whatever Disney wants and only when one gets something that another doesn't. They -- Disney believes -- pose less of a danger to the company than fanboi bloggers who tend to be about as stable as 100-year-old dynamite.

But if Disney would like to purchase my services, I'm all eyes and ears.

I'm more loveable than Lou. Ask my fanboi brigade.

I, too, would like to offer my services to Disney. I can write fast, with a maximum of 3 grammatical errors per sentence, and will polish the immaculately designed turds that the company plops on the rubes to a shine that will blind all but the most cynical.

 

[willtravel]

DVC is a ticking time bomb waiting to blow up in WDW's face.

From a WDW guest perspective, DVC costs are divided into two parts: purchase price and annual Maintenance Fee (MF). From TWDC's perspective, they make their profits up front as part of the purchase price. MF are supposed to be charged per cost.

The purchase price ROI is huge which is why TWDC continues to build DVC. TWDC wants the money and they want it now. However, compared to regular WDW resorts, MF profits are essentially nil. As DVC grows, this means WDW will continue to devote a larger percentage of its resources to onsite guests who basically do not provide profits through room stays. This means TWDC will have to charge other onsite guests even more for their rooms in order to maintain existing margins.

The myth is that DVC members are big spenders. However, the whole reason guests buy into DVC is to save money. That's DVC's big hook; long-term DVC is a less expensive way to stay at WDW's very expensive (and very profitable) Deluxe Resorts.

DVC units have kitchens. DVC members actually cook meals in their rooms. They're not eating every meal at WDW's outrageously priced restaurants.

DVC members are repeat WDW visitors. After the initial, "wow, isn't WDW great phase", they get bored experiencing the same attractions, just like anyone would. That means they start looking for other things to do in Orlando.

Unless Disney does something to pull DVC members back into the parks, they are going to end up with an expanding class of onsite guest who provides little to no profits on their room stays, who don't eat at WDW's restaurants, and who don't visit the parks.

DVC exemplifies the problem with corporate Disney's thinking: focus on profits for the next 1-to-3 years instead of developing a long-term plan for sustainable growth.

Again, DVC is a ticking time bomb waiting to blow up in WDW's face.

I wonder how many people who own a DVC useDVC, vs. rent points, vs. exchange with Rci exchange?

 

[RSoxNo1]

And you think turning a corner of it into Monstropolis is going to help that?

Hah, absolutely not. The thing is that area doesn't get criticized as much because it has some good attractions. People are more forgiving about theme issues if they like the rides/shows.

 

[Bolna]

DVC exemplifies the problem with corporate Disney's thinking: focus on profits for the next 1-to-3 years instead of developing a long-term plan for sustainable growth.

Again, DVC is a ticking time bomb waiting to blow up in WDW's face.

I fully agree with your post - and would add another thought: Financially Disney has even become "addicted" to DVC. Because it brings such huge profits they simply just can't stop building them as that would mean a drop in profit. We all can imagine how investors would react to a sudden drop in profits in a buisiness unit - even if it would make sense to take that drop.

 

[John]

Great post. I kind of think it is the process of blowing up, as you so eloquently put it. Now, they have to lure us back in with great promotions that can anger other long time visitors....They'll have to decide if they want to get DVCers back in the parks with cheap tickets or new attractions. They've kind of created a group of "locals" from people who aren't local. Though many disparage DVC and I understand why, it may actually be the key to long term park improvements. I'm cool with playing splishy splashy in my deluxe pool and heading over to Uni or Sea World for a couple high impact theme park days. Disney is going to have to decide how cool they are with that behavior. We'll do a couple trips in late 2013 and 2014 thanks to the $400 premium AP vouchers...without that offer I had no urge to set foot on the Florida property again. It is unbelievable that the ticket is almost half price with the new prices.

So let me get this straight.... say I buy the AP but don't buy into DVC. I choose to stay at a Disney resort or "offsite" resort. I may visit a couple times a year. But because you are DVC you get the "half price" AP.....as a perk? Hmmmm I could see how that might upset some people. But understand the reasons behind it. Unless it was going to be a permanent thing it wouldn't give me reason to buy DVC. Where is the end game in all of this....The Disney resorts are already priced to the point that no one takes the rack rate seriously. Even the discounted rate is over priced. Even the most ardent Disney fan will have a breaking point." Ticking time bomb" is a excellent analogy.

This business model just runs in the face of what Disney has done in the past. I just cant help that it is in some way an exit plan for Bobby I. Run it up then cash in....and let someone else clean up the mess. No we are not privy to what their plans are. Don't look for the next CEO to be much different then what we have now....that guy or gal has "fall guy" written all over him or her. I am sure Tim_4 or jt04 will be happy to come in a help clear things up strange similarity between these two screen names....huh?.....just saying.

 

[Goofyernmost]

I bet that issue could have been resolved. If they could get rights to use Grauman's I bet Hollywoodland wouldn't have been that big of a problem.

Sure then they could just build a big ugly hat in front of the sign. Problem solved!

 

[zulemara]

Nope. It's always a good thing when execs are out and George is a smart guy with a good eye, so he does notice when things are amiss ...now fixing them is another story.

The simplest action can give SO much hope. I understand Disney has a bunch of red tape and it's a mess in many ways, but to see an exec of his level out in the parks is the type of initiative TDO has lacked for so long. Thanks for the report.

 

[EPCOTCenterLover]

What did I like about DCA 1.0? Soaring and the surrounding area, the Winery, Grizzly River Run, Animation, Eureka. The rest? Awful, ugly. and cheap. We walked out and back into DL after lodging a complaint. DCA 2.0 looks like EPCOT Center on opening day in comparison!

 

[Blueliner]

Great post. I kind of think it is the process of blowing up, as you so eloquently put it. Now, they have to lure us back in with great promotions that can anger other long time visitors....They'll have to decide if they want to get DVCers back in the parks with cheap tickets or new attractions. They've kind of created a group of "locals" from people who aren't local. Though many disparage DVC and I understand why, it may actually be the key to long term park improvements. I'm cool with playing splishy splashy in my deluxe pool and heading over to Uni or Sea World for a couple high impact theme park days. Disney is going to have to decide how cool they are with that behavior. We'll do a couple trips in late 2013 and 2014 thanks to the $400 premium AP vouchers...without that offer I had no urge to set foot on the Florida property again. It is unbelievable that the ticket is almost half price with the new prices.

I wholeheartedly agree with what you, stlphil and Parents of 4 said. We bought into DVC on the resale market at the Boardwalk and have absolutely no regrets. With the WDW parks starting to stagnate a bit, we have freed ourselves up to enjoy the resorts themselves, as well as the water parks and non-WDW locations. We also have been to the Grand Californian this year and hope to head to Aulani in a couple of years. Due to the WDW park stagnation, we are spending less time (and money) in the WDW parks, and it sounds like that is the case with other DVC members. I think the company needs to be looking very closely at DVC members and analyzing DVC member behavior much like DCA analyzes "local" guest behavior. There are just too many of us to ignore!

 

[Blueliner]

Great post. I kind of think it is the process of blowing up, as you so eloquently put it. Now, they have to lure us back in with great promotions that can anger other long time visitors....They'll have to decide if they want to get DVCers back in the parks with cheap tickets or new attractions. They've kind of created a group of "locals" from people who aren't local. Though many disparage DVC and I understand why, it may actually be the key to long term park improvements. I'm cool with playing splishy splashy in my deluxe pool and heading over to Uni or Sea World for a couple high impact theme park days. Disney is going to have to decide how cool they are with that behavior. We'll do a couple trips in late 2013 and 2014 thanks to the $400 premium AP vouchers...without that offer I had no urge to set foot on the Florida property again. It is unbelievable that the ticket is almost half price with the new prices.

We bit on those $399 premium APs as well. Those were just too hard to pass up!

 

[baymenxpac]

@ParentsOf4 with one of my favorite posts of all time re: DVC.

as someone who has been a part of a DVC investment for 20 years, i can tell you it was a fantastic deal back when my family bought in. every time i hear about someone who bought BLT or aulani or GF points, i just shake my head.

don't want to derail the thread with more DVC talk, but Po4 said it all and said it perfectly!

 

[ThemeParks4Life]

I don't like waffles ... And while I don't mind tangents, that was sorta out of the blue. FWIW, when I new at UNI I do full serve because you can walk in, the food is good to very good and the prices are fair and not much higher than quick serve.

Yeah, great point. For the same price I can get a great meal at Hard Rock.

 

[flynnibus]

DVC isn't a time bomb... more like a bad marriage. One that after several years of hot lovin' the short term profits... Disney will learn its stuck with all these tens of thousands of wives it can't get out of its house. Wives that cheat on him (goto Uni), don't do the daily chores (don't spend money on Dis property) but yet due to the kids (the DVC deeds), Disney is stuck dealing with the bad wives until the kids grow up and move out.

What Disney will miss is the short term profit taking that DVC building brings... it won't really be a burden on Disney except for the problem that it basically will have so much property and resources tied up into supporting those DVC properties.

DVC is more like a boat anchor... or the bad wife. Not something that is volatile and likely to blow your hands off (time bomb).

My Humble Opinion.. YMMV

 

[Jeffxz]

To provide some contrast to the Acountineer article from a few days back on how things are approached today, I wanted to share this article that describes the philosophies of the management team that built WDW.

http://passport2dreams.blogspot.com/2012/09/how-it-was-done-part-one.html

 

[luv]

DVC is a ticking time bomb waiting to blow up in WDW's face.

From a WDW guest perspective, DVC costs are divided into two parts: purchase price and annual Maintenance Fee (MF). From TWDC's perspective, they make their profits up front as part of the purchase price. MF are supposed to be charged per cost.

The purchase price ROI is huge which is why TWDC continues to build DVC. TWDC wants the money and they want it now. However, compared to regular WDW resorts, MF profits are essentially nil. As DVC grows, this means WDW will continue to devote a larger percentage of its resources to onsite guests who basically do not provide profits through room stays. This means TWDC will have to charge other onsite guests even more for their rooms in order to maintain existing margins.

The myth is that DVC members are big spenders. However, the whole reason guests buy into DVC is to save money. That's DVC's big hook; long-term DVC is a less expensive way to stay at WDW's very expensive (and very profitable) Deluxe Resorts.

DVC units have kitchens. DVC members actually cook meals in their rooms. They're not eating every meal at WDW's outrageously priced restaurants.

DVC members are repeat WDW visitors. After the initial, "wow, isn't WDW great" phase, they get bored experiencing the same attractions, just like anyone would. That means they start looking for other things to do in Orlando.

Unless Disney does something to pull DVC members back into the parks, they are going to end up with an expanding class of onsite guest who provides little to no profits on their room stays, who don't eat at WDW's restaurants, and who don't visit the parks.

DVC exemplifies the problem with corporate Disney's thinking: focus on profits for the next 1-to-3 years instead of developing a long-term plan for sustainable growth. Sacrifice long-term profits for short-term profits.

Again, DVC is a ticking time bomb waiting to blow up in WDW's face.

Great post!

They're also cluttering up the lovely view around Bay Lake, which will make it less desirable for people who aren't DVC members and for re-sale, which is always a timeshare problem.

When I went to monorail resorts, the thee big draws were the EWP, the monorail and the view. I am a little sorry that they are ruining the view.