The Battle for Orlando

[pheneix]

>>>Once content to subsist on Disney’s table scraps, Universal thinks its expand- ing Orlando compound—centered on two theme parks, Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Hollywood—now represents an alternative to the larger Walt Disney World Resort. Realizing it has the billion-dollar amenities to do better than poach an afternoon from a family’s five-day Disney visit, Universal is striking back where Mickey is most vulnerable: with teens who have outgrown Dumbo the Flying Elephant. Universal has even produced, but hasn’t yet had the chutzpah to broadcast, a TV spot with an ersatz Mickey wandering up to Universal Studios and saying, “I want to see what I’ve been missing.”<<<

http://www.msnbc.com/news/789641.asp

You know Universal has got to be loving that article in Newsweek right now...

 

[CmdrTostada]

I would have no respect for Universal if they made that commercial. I know its business, but theyre pretty much giving a low blow to the company that pretty much made Universal Studios big, Disney itself. Think about it, Where are the two Universal Studios parks? One in Hollywood, which is just a short drive from Disneyland. The other Orlando, which is also just a short drive from WDW. I also bet that if Disney were to build a new park somewhere in Virginia, not happening, Im just stating a point, Universal would set up shop right down the road.

 

[pheneix]

>>>theyre pretty much giving a low blow to the company that pretty much made Universal Studios big<<<

Hey, I thought I was the master of the run-on sentence.

>>>One in Hollywood, which is just a short drive from Disneyland. The other Orlando, which is also just a short drive from WDW.<<<

You have to remember that Universal Studios Hollywood was a tourist destination LONG before Disneyland ever opened (and it is a fairly long drive to Universal City from Disneyland, I've made the drive myself). Their current advertising campaign is about Universal being "the oldest theme park in the world." I'm not entirely sure that would correct, because Knott's Berry Farm was the first true theme park, but Universal was indeed offering studio tours before Disneyland.

I don't think Universal's motives for building a theme park in Orlando are even debatable (although plans for a "real" movie studio in Florida were tossed around right before the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, they just never actually moved forward with them until Orlando had become a certified tourist destination).

And as far as the commerical goes, I think it would be pretty funny, if not then very cynical. Although with Disney's lawyers on the warpath I doubt Universal would dare to air it anytime soon.

 

[Sketch105]

I really don't see why Disney doesn't target that crowd with a park like that. I know that Disney has the potential to draw older mainstream audiences. They have the imagination to make attractions that are great for all audiences (such as ToT and Indiana Jones). I know plenty of older people that went to see Lilo and Stitch, and still like the parks.

The new generation of theme park goers want to bring their little kids to places like IOA, where half the attractions are for people who are '52 inches. If Disney can make and market attractions that not only give a little edge to Disney but make it fun for the whole family, I think they could create a whole new side for themselves.

This is primarily why Disney is seen as kids stuff. They don't want to be seen as anything else. Universal seems to be learning the opposite lessson: they need to improve in catering to little kids too. Notice the dramatic increase in kid's fare recently? From the entire south portion of US becoming a kids zone (Curious George, barney, animal actors stage, E.t. Woody Woodpecker's coaster, Fievel, etc. ) to the recent additions of kids rides at IOA (Storm Acceleration and The Flying Unicorn.)


I dont' see why they don't feel like they need to create a park that is so special, so unique, just to prove a point that "Hey, Disney's not just for kids anymore, bucko!" (and they're certainly not going to do it with rides like "California Screamin" (DCA)

Maybe the Disney name has become too soft. Too associated with kids that it scares away those who don't know what they're missing. Disney attracted audiences back to contemporary movies by having them released under "Touchstone Pictures".

How bout a reimagining the advertising of Disney theme parks..by using the Imagineering name. From DISNEY IMAGINEERING COMES A BRAND NEW THEME PARK.

Its an edgy word. Technological, yet whimsical too.

Maybe its just that its 4 a.m. and I'm babbling. These will probably be horrible ideas by morning. oh well. :hammer:

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

Originally posted by Turbogames
Think about it, Where are the two Universal Studios parks? One in Hollywood, which is just a short drive from Disneyland. The other Orlando, which is also just a short drive from WDW. I also bet that if Disney were to build a new park somewhere in Virginia, not happening, Im just stating a point, Universal would set up shop right down the road.

Compare it to the humble leech - it cannot survive by itself without a supply of blood and therefore needs a host to live on.
Universal is not a big enough attraction to open somewhere new on its own, it needs Disney. IF Disney opened in Virginia (as mentioned) you can bet that Universal would be there. BUT if Universal announced plans to open in Virginia Disney would go elsewhere.
Its called economics.