Star Wars Land Announcement This Month?

[216bruce]

Appreciate you! I know I'm biased and unreasonable on this subject, but it's truly in my blood. First visit was 6 months old and I've gone back once or more times every year since. My view is slanted and it's because I have some of the fondest memories of my life there. It's like a parent/child relationship. You love them no matter what, but you are not blind to their faults.

Well said and I'm sure many folks share the same sentiment. When this is all distilled down to it's essence it's about entertainment and personal preference for that. I guess I'd be classified by some as a 'foamer'- someone who thinks TDO can do no wrong, but that's not the case. I see some bad that's happened there since I started going regularly in '94, but the place is still far and away, when you look at EVERYTHING, the best presentation of themed entertainment anywhere (with the possible exception of Disneyland) on Earth.
I really can't think of anything much that's gotten better/cheaper/more consumer friendly in mass culture during the same time frame. Certainly not pro sports (my employer), probably not going to the movies even. The reasons for that go way beyond the scope of a Disney fan forum.

 

[Lord_Vader]

Universal wishes it had the Disney reach. They are trying to catch up. Unfortunately for us, Disney is in a tough spot. They have record crowds, profit, and foot traffic but they are getting long in the tooth in some areas. They need to update, expand, and prepare for the future. I have been super critical of Disney in this respect. Universal is admittedly newer and more nimble, but they'll always lose the content battle. They'll always lose the Princess battle. They'll lose the nostalgia and family battle. There are incredible parks all over the world with incredible rides, but they aren't Disney.

I think you hit the nail on the head, WDW is in a unique position where growth is slow because the parks are mature. If they add an expensive land or E-Ticket every year the added attendance will overwhelm capacity at MK. They are taking steps (a little late IMO) to help alleviate much of the overcrowding at MK but will need to be complete before they can effectively handle additional guests.

 

[draybook]

TDO does NOT have unlimited room to grow. And I've been around Disney since I was a baby too, I don't see what that has to do with Universal sucking or not.

 

[PrincessNelly_NJ]

I'm on record saying Disney needs to step up their game, but just had issue with people throwing out attendance % increases like that's proof positive Universal is destroying Disney. Disney is growing too. They grew more on absolute number of guests Y/Y than Universal.

Disney has almost unlimited room to grow and will do so, but it will take time. They are just stuck in neutral right now because they have the wrong CEO for parks.

I didn't say it's better because it's bigger. Being bigger makes it harder to post double digit attendance gains year after year and harder to move the ship.

I wasn't throwing up attendance % as proof that Universal is "destroying" Disney.
I said that because you made the comment that you weren't the only one uninterested in going to Universal.
More and more people are adding days on to their vacations for go to Universal than ever before.
Does Disney really even need to keep growing when they can barely maintain? They have to half day parks... Epcot could almost be considered a half day park for anyone who doesn't care for World Showcase. We see countless thread on these forums about lack of upkeep and maintenance in the parks. There's already two threads on broken show scenes in the 7DMT... just a few weeks after it opened.
I don't see Disney making too many moves to expand after spending mass amounts of money on mymagic+.

 

[PrincessNelly_NJ]

I think you hit the nail on the head, WDW is in a unique position where growth is slow because the parks are mature. If they add an expensive land or E-Ticket every year the added attendance will overwhelm capacity at MK. They are taking steps (a little late IMO) to help alleviate much of the overcrowding at MK but will need to be complete before they can effectively handle additional guests.

You only singled out MK... what about HS or AK?

 

[Lord_Vader]

You only singled out MK... what about HS or AK?

I wouldn't consider AK, HS or EC overcrowded at all. They need a lot of work, new/updated attractions would be a great start but would draw more guests into WDW which will increase attendance at MK too.

MK has been crazy for my last two visits, especially Christmas week but even overcrowded last summer. MK is the bottleneck, the park EVERYONE goes to whether they go to AK, HS or EC they all go to MK too which makes the park nearly impossible to navigate and creates long lines in the park with the most attractions. Strategically I believe they are focusing on MK infrastructure while plotting a course for the other three parks, starting with AK/Pandora expansion. Without additional capacity in MK guests will leave mad and word of mouth gets around fast, especially in the mommy-blogger set.

HS/EC really need some new life brought into the parks, I will not argue against it because I believe the parks are "old" at this point and need some new attractions, a lot of them due to long-term neglect.

 

[Chef Mickey]

TDO does NOT have unlimited room to grow. And I've been around Disney since I was a baby too, I don't see what that has to do with Universal sucking or not.

Nothing is unlimited, but there is quite a bit more space to grow. They cetainly have room to expand their existing parks and even build a 5th park. They can get creative too and tear down a hotel or other asset to build something else. Land for expansion isn't the issue in Orlando was my point.

Obviously, Disney hasn't impacted you the same way it impacted me. For me, being around Disney several times per year and relating to their characters and content has everything to do with Universal's content sucking. I didn't say their parks weren't themed well, dirty, poorly run, or anything of that sort. I simply stated Universal does nothing for me because their content sucks and has zero nostalgia factor. Disney has all of the nostalgia factor and I freely admit I'm biased due to my experience.

Brands are built on nostalgia, perception, and what people get used to. Is Coke that much better than Pepsi? I Don't know, but I sure as hell think it is because it's all I'll drink. I'm extremely brand loyal in other areas too. I am very loyal to BMW, Coke, Brooks Brothers, and Gucci. That doesn't mean there aren't other great cars, drinks, classic clothiers, or luxury brands. It means I prefer one over the other for all the reasons I mentioned.

Could I do both Universal and Disney? Sure, I have. But to be honest, I'd rather ride the Haunted Mansion 10 times than ride it 5 times and spend a day at Universal.

 

[Chef Mickey]

I wasn't throwing up attendance % as proof that Universal is "destroying" Disney.
More and more people are adding days on to their vacations for go to Universal than ever before.

What numbers support that other than good growth percentage at Universal? I understand the attendance is growing, but again, MK added 1M guests Y/Y and has a much bigger customer base making it harder to grow as quickly.

I am with you on some of your points, but give 7DMT a break. It just opened and has some hiccups that will get ironed out.

The parks are what you make of them. If you just want to ride, ride, ride, I suppose you could do any park, including Universal in a half day. Half the fun is enjoying the time there, exploring and noticing the detail Disney offers.

Threads complaining about upkeep are just concentrated on a discussion forum. I have been critical of these areas too, but I don't think it's a widespread epidemic.

Have you looked at Disney's financials? Spending money on MyMagic+ will not prohibit them from building out the parks. The current leadership at Disney is not park friendly, particularly in Orlando. Things will move much more quickly when they realize they have dropped behind. Do I like that? No. I even predicted they'll wake up and realize they have a lot of work to do because they aren't investing enough in the future and are standing on the shoulders of geniuses from the past. However, when the decision is made to move, Disney has incredible financial resources to make it happen. Quickly if needed. I am confident in that. I actually hope that day is sooner rather than later. Unfortunately, the numbers don't show we need it, even though I believe we do.

 

[PrincessNelly_NJ]

Nothing is unlimited, but there is quite a bit more space to grow. They cetainly have room to expand their existing parks and even build a 5th park. They can get creative too and tear down a hotel or other asset to build something else. Land for expansion isn't the issue in Orlando was my point.

Obviously, Disney hasn't impacted you the same way it impacted me. For me, being around Disney several times per year and relating to their characters and content has everything to do with Universal's content sucking. I didn't say their parks weren't themed well, dirty, poorly run, or anything of that sort. I simply stated Universal does nothing for me because their content sucks and has zero nostalgia factor. Disney has all of the nostalgia factor and I freely admit I'm biased due to my experience.

Brands are built on nostalgia, perception, and what people get used to. Is Coke that much better than Pepsi? I Don't know, but I sure as hell think it is because it's all I'll drink. I'm extremely brand loyal in other areas too. I am very loyal to BMW, Coke, Brooks Brothers, and Gucci. That doesn't mean there aren't other great cars, drinks, classic clothiers, or luxury brands. It means I prefer one over the other for all the reasons I mentioned.

Could I do both Universal and Disney? Sure, I have. But to be honest, I'd rather ride the Haunted Mansion 10 times than ride it 5 times and spend a day at Universal.

Woah...you want nostalgia? ET! E freakin T!
I consider many things at Universal nostalgic... Harry potter is something I grew up on! I remember reading those books during recess in elementary school!
Just because it doesn't resonate with you doesn't mean something sucks. How can you say their content sucks but get excited over Marvel in Disney parks (fyi... the have marvel in Universal)

 

[Mike S]

Woah...you want nostalgia? ET! E freakin T!
I consider many things at Universal nostalgic... Harry potter is something I grew up on! I remember reading those books during recess in elementary school!
Just because it doesn't resonate with you doesn't mean something sucks. How can you say their content sucks but get excited over Marvel in Disney parks (fyi... the have marvel in Universal)

Jurassic Park for me. Loved that movie since I was a kid.

 

[PrincessNelly_NJ]

What numbers support that other than good growth percentage at Universal? I understand the attendance is growing, but again, MK added 1M guests Y/Y and has a much bigger customer base making it harder to grow as quickly.

I am with you on some of your points, but give 7DMT a break. It just opened and has some hiccups that will get ironed out.

The parks are what you make of them. If you just want to ride, ride, ride, I suppose you could do any park, including Universal in a half day. Half the fun is enjoying the time there, exploring and noticing the detail Disney offers.

Threads complaining about upkeep are just concentrated on a discussion forum. I have been critical of these areas too, but I don't think it's a widespread epidemic.

Have you looked at Disney's financials? Spending money on MyMagic+ will not prohibit them from building out the parks. The current leadership at Disney is not park friendly, particularly in Orlando. Things will move much more quickly when they realize they have dropped behind. Do I like that? No. I even predicted they'll wake up and realize they have a lot of work to do because they aren't investing enough in the future and are standing on the shoulders of geniuses from the past. However, when the decision is made to move, Disney has incredible financial resources to make it happen. Quickly if needed. I am confident in that. I actually hope that day is sooner rather than later. Unfortunately, the numbers don't show we need it, even though I believe we do.

Welp, it doesn't matter what anyone says... you have on blinders. You will make excuses for their failures but then say you are critical of them in the same statement.

 

[righttrack]

The return on investment in the parks and resorts is minuscule compared to the results they would get through their film and television divisions, dollar-for-dollar investment. Management has to "love" the parks and do it because that is what makes Disney special. Think of the emotional connection you have, the connection to your family, past, present and future when you walk down Main St USA and see the castle. Management has to value that feeling, that connection we all have to their brand. You can't compare the Universal experience to that.

Star Wars is a property of tremendous value and Disney is learning but what I hope they don't do is spend foolishly through various productions that dilute that brand. Capitalize on the Original Trilogy and Episode VII mostly. Counter Harry Potter with that by making a special "land" and give it about as much rides, attractions and attention as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is getting. This will connect, young, old and in-between better.

As you look back on your life, I think most people perhaps, most "average" people, they went to the parks when they were young. As they get into their 20s and early 30s, they step away, and then they bring their young families back as they have children. Perhaps Star Wars land will keep people in their 20s and 30s more engaged.

 

[PrincessNelly_NJ]

The return on investment in the parks and resorts is minuscule compared to the results they would get through their film and television divisions, dollar-for-dollar investment. Management has to "love" the parks and do it because that is what makes Disney special. Think of the emotional connection you have, the connection to your family, past, present and future when you walk down Main St USA and see the castle. Management has to value that feeling, that connection we all have to their brand. You can't compare the Universal experience to that.

Star Wars is a property of tremendous value and Disney is learning but what I hope they don't do is spend foolishly through various productions that dilute that brand. Capitalize on the Original Trilogy and Episode VII mostly. Counter Harry Potter with that by making a special "land" and give it about as much rides, attractions and attention as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is getting. This will connect, young, old and in-between better.

As you look back on your life, I think most people perhaps, most "average" people, they went to the parks when they were young. As they get into their 20s and early 30s, they step away, and then they bring their young families back as they have children. Perhaps Star Wars land will keep people in their 20s and 30s more engaged.

So people don't have emotional attachments/memories to/of Universal?

 

[Gomer]

So people don't have emotional attachments/memories to/of Universal?

Fewer people will have an emotional connection to Universal as historically fewer people have gone to Universal to build the attachment. In conjunction with the fact that their IP’s and theming are generally newer and/or more specific it will lead to less penetration into the mass of theme park goers. It takes time to build that sort of loyalty and nostalgia and Disney had a significant head start. If Universal keeps up at their current pace for another 20 years or so, then there maybe more of an equal playing field in that regard.

But as of now, I don’t think it is unfair to say that Disney has the lead in the nostalgia market. I’m not sure Universal would really mind that distinction either, as they seem happy to position themselves as the cutting edge and newer IP alternative to WDW.

 

[draybook]

Obviously, Disney hasn't impacted you the same way it impacted me.

Go read my trip report from last September. Now realize that after that fiasco we are sticking with our bounce back offer for this September. On top of that we are upgrading to APs. On top of that we are adding a few days onto the end of the vacation in which we will be off-site but still going to the parks. Then you can toss in the 3 (THREE) Halloween parties that we will be attending this year. We also already ordered our Memory Maker to boot. So to say that I haven't been impacted by Disney is not true. And that's saying a lot because I am the one that swore off Disney at the end of our last trip and I'm the one that got the family hooked in the first place.

I too would take Disney over Universal any given day of the week but to not give Universal the credit they are due is beyond foolish. It's almost comparable to saying that the Earth is flat in this day and age.

By the way, people like you are what is holding back TDO from making WDW the king of the hill that it once was. Your precious "nostalgia" is their main reason for not putting money into the parks. They figure that if "nostalgic" people keep coming then what's the point? I'll admit that I'm in that camp as well, but at least I realize that this isn't a one-horse race any more. Universal is quickly pulling up for the lead.

 

[PrincessNelly_NJ]

Fewer people will have an emotional connection to Universal as historically fewer people have gone to Universal to build the attachment. In conjunction with the fact that their IP’s and theming are generally newer and/or more specific it will lead to less penetration into the mass of theme park goers. It takes time to build that sort of loyalty and nostalgia and Disney had a significant head start. If Universal keeps up at their current pace for another 20 years or so, then there maybe more of an equal playing field in that regard.

But as of now, I don’t think it is unfair to say that Disney has the lead in the nostalgia market. I’m not sure Universal would really mind that distinction either, as they seem happy to position themselves as the cutting edge and newer IP alternative to WDW.

Fewer people have that emotional attachment to Universal, probably more because Universal isn't a place you take small children like Disney. But there's plenty of brands and rides based on movies that bring back memories. But I agree, I don't think they care about having the nostalgia.
But according to some people on here, if it doesn't have nostalgia then it sucks!

 

[DaveN1996]

As much as a Star Wars fan as I am, my main reason for wanting a larger section dedicated to the franchise is because I want Hollywood Studios to be a whole day park again, which, be it via Star Wars, Pixar, whatever, just get it done....

 

[Disneyfamily4]

A horrible comparison? When I've already gotten likes for it, and someone else posted the same thing I did at the same time? Hmm...

And I disagree that people would not spend 100 per ticket just for SWW if there was a SWL. Many are going to the parks that week anyway, so they decide to plan their HS day around SWW. In fact, I question the idea that many going to SWW pay $100 per ticket as it is, since they very well could be going to other parks during their stay as well.

As others have pointed out, there would be meet and greets in SWL, but nothing like what they have at SWW where you can meet the actual actors from the films.

I personally wouldn't pat myself on the back by saying my comment got likes, unless it was something like 100 likes. You got 3 likes. probably 30,000 people read it. wow.

 

[cw1982]

I personally wouldn't pat myself on the back by saying my comment got likes, unless it was something like 100 likes. You got 3 likes. probably 30,000 people read it. wow.

Um... where's this pat on the back you're talking about?!? All I said was that clearly not everyone thinks my comparison is a "horrible" one. Why are you being so hateful towards me anyway? First you downright insult me by calling my comparison "horrible" just because you don't like what I had to say, and now this? How about stopping the personal attacks so that we can focus on the topic, please? Thanks.

 

[Gomer]

Fewer people have that emotional attachment to Universal, probably more because Universal isn't a place you take small children like Disney. But there's plenty of brands and rides based on movies that bring back memories. But I agree, I don't think they care about having the nostalgia.
But according to some people on here, if it doesn't have nostalgia then it sucks!

Yeah, I’m not saying I agree with the assessment that it Universal Sucks because it is not nostalgic for me. But for many people that nostalgia is a driving force in their decisions as to which park to go to. I don’t think that it is any better or worse of a reason than any other. And as great as the Potter stuff may be, its not nostalgic for most people over 30. I love Harry Potter. But the books came out when I was in my twenties, so the emotional connection isn’t there like it would be for things I’ve been watching/reading since I was a kid…..to bring it back on topic…like Star Wars.

So, no matter how much I like Harry Potter and no matter how great the rides they build are, a mediocre Star Wars land is more likely to get my money than a fantastic harry potter land. Because of nostalgia and emotional connection. That’s something that Comcast can’t throw money at. Only long and sustained growth and continued excellence over decades will get them that. I hope they can do it, because I want that competition to be there. But from that aspect, they are working with that disadvantage for the majority of the population.