The Spirited 11th Hour ...

[Mike S]

Hey, how about a MAGICal meet at D23 next summer in Anaheim?

Why do you think the event is suddenly in mid-July?

Because it's my birthday? I'm already planning to go for my second trip to DL. One whole week.

 

[wdisney9000]

The more I see from WDW these days (DAK aside), the more depressed and disheartened I become. I don't know what Guests or fans think when they visit The Corpses of EPCOT Center and The Disney-MGM Studios. Truly.

When added to photo essays of what was River Country and vast swaths of trees removed whether so people can now see into Disney Springs from I-4 or so more timeshare can be added to the WL, what does it say?

To anyone who isn't a rabid Disney addict, BRAND advocate or apologist, they might think it looks like the place has been destroyed and that WDW is on the verge of bankruptcy and not more financially successful than at any point in its 44 year history.

How does one visit EPCOT and not wonder why the Seas looks like it hasn't been maintained since last century? How does one not notice how vast swaths of Future World are deader than some seedy strip centers on the wrong side of Sand Lake? How does one not notice how laughably out of date attractions like Ellen's Energy Adventure are? What makes people who aren't from Orlando and/or are Lifestylers/Bloggers/Podcasters etc feel a pull to return?

And the Studios? Really? George Kalogridis and Bob 'Chappie' Chapek don't laugh as people enter a park that now has a smaller footprint than it did 25 years ago when it was a cohesive product and offered more quality by far? Who 'produced' the most recent Star Wars clip show that Disney will proudly tout as a new attraction as Disney starts bulldozing for Toy Story Land, one of the weakest things it could have possibly cloned from its parks in Paris and Hong Kong? And putting BB-8 on the cover of the new maps? Ah, did you really do that just so all the OCD local fanbois could come out and hoard 156 copies that some are now selling on eBay?

This Disney is so far removed from what I grew up -- and, yes, became addicted to -- from the mid-70s to the late 90s. Just laughably lower quality and a lesser value in every conceivable way.

What exactly is the deal with DAK's RoL? Why can you not get anything from Disney beyond an Opening Date of April 22nd? They must have a whorefest scheduled. No one here has access to that internally? No one has dates and times? Disney expects you to know what you want for dinner on July 22nd and what time, but 18 days before a show is supposed to open it simply doesn't exist on any official schedules?! What kind of exceeding Guests expectations is that? Is it as big a secret as where that $800 million went in China ... or why that Austin dude came here to play PR for Disney after getting his 'exclusive' on the development of MM+? The only thing I know is DAK is blocked out for CM walk-ins for the last two weeks of April, yet the park is listed as closing at 6 p.m. every night. Labor schedules have to be made ... no one here works at DAK?

I don't agree with all the bravado and chest pumping I see from the UNI Wand Wavers. But they are doing so much more right with their inept management than Disney is doing with its own. The Kong attraction sounds really, really good ... and I am not a fan of the IP (although I loved the original attraction and would take it over the Mummy today). UNI keeps adding attractions to its parks and Disney keeps removing things and adding $150 EMHs (with most of the park shuttered) and cutting quality on cuts of beef while raising prices and you just get the same tired BS from fans. UNI adds great themed resorts, while Disney removes theming from its resorts and adds its own IP at the moderate levels and converts its deluxes (that it can't sell at $400-1000 a night because there aren't that many rubes with money who haven't visited before and want to) to timeshare.

Telling Disney that you won't visit anymore AFTER the next six trips you already booked and then Star Wars opening and then the 50th and ... oh yeah, what were we talking 'bout? You're going to keep up the very strange, dysfunctional, abusive, unhealthy relationship and then use Walt (who would probably toss around so many bad words that even @The Mom would kick his tush off this site when he sees what his name is used for today) as a reason. Hey, guess what? I'm willing to bet that the Dead Guy might HATE much of what you love about Disney ... from Olaf to Vader, from Hulk to building half complete theme parks all over the globe, from cruise ships to timeshares to tacky motels ... so leave him out of any discussion.

I sorta reached my breaking point with WDW around 2012-13 when I flat out realized that not only was UNI offering a far better product (although way too many screens and attractions that feel the same!), but in many ways so was Busch ... now SW. Visiting smaller operations from Knott's Berry Farm in the USA to Europa Park in Germany to Ocean Park in Hong Kong has only continued to drive home the point that Disney most certainly isn't the best, especially in FL, at much of anything any longer beyond whoring IP and franchises, controlling social media (hey, Cupcake ... how are YOU doin?) And a deal? Well, if you stay off property, if you have cast friends that will walk you in, have dinner with you at the few places the rubes stay away from so you can get 40% off etc. then yeah, WDW is absolutely still worth it. But paying for it at anything close to full price? I just don't fundamentally get what it is that so many people see at a resort that is so damn stale and neglected that adding a billion dollars worth of work to one park would be but a tiny dent in what needs to happen.

I was there in 1976 for America on Parade and the opening of the old swimming hole.

I was there in 1986 when The Living Seas was dedicated.

I was there in 1996 when the BW opened.

Hell, I was even there in 2006 when the Yeti opened minus disco.

What exactly has happened to WDW in the last 10 years? What has been added (don't give me a list, got one in my head)? Where is the substance? Where is the quality? Where is the value? I sure don't see it.

But let's all get excited because a new garage is being built at Disney Springs Mall ... or because Club Villain (foamhead party for the 32-year-olds!) exists ... or because you can now pay $249 for breakfast at Boma ...

Just amazed at the justifications I see ...

I met with a client yesterday and they had their SUV fully loaded with suitcases. I asked, "are you heading out for Spring Break"? She replied, "Ya, We're heading to Orlando with the kids!" Of course, I naturally asked if they were going to WDW. Her response was hilarious, well, it was more of her facial expression that cracked me up. She made a sour face, like she has just swallowed some apple cider vinegar and said *in her sassy black lady voice (yes, she is black), "Naaaaa, we're going to Universal".

We had a fun discussion of Harry Potter and the new offerings, but it was her reaction to my question of, "are you going to Disney" that stuck with me. It seems like over the last few years it has gone from, "we are going to Disney and ALSO taking a few days for Universal", to nowadays, its a 100% Universal trip. And of course, before anybody feels the urge to point out that WDW is still jammed pack with happy guests, I completely realize that and Im not saying they are struggling. Im only saying that I believe there is a new trend of families going to WDW, but not returning as frequently, or for quite awhile and choosing to visit other Orlando parks. People used to visit Uni as a side bar from their Disney trip, but are now opting to make an entire trip out of it. TDO (and/or Burbank) drools over first time guests that dont know the difference between now vs 10-20 years ago and while that very same "new" guest will have a good time, they are not as enchanted as someone visiting the early 90's. They feel the magic of the place, but its not nearly as strong as it was in the past. I think we are seeing the beginning of a new era in Orlando tourism and the more TWDC tightens their grip, the more guests slip trough their fingers.

ETA: For the love of all things under the sun, Im not saying Uni is better than Disney. So before anybody starts banging away furiously on their keyboard to defend their brainwashed cupcake infused opinion, please remember im just stating my opinion of Orlando tourism trends

 

[zakattack99]

Number One Morning Show in Philadelphia was on break last week and the hosts just got back today. Preston (one of the main hosts) took his family to Orlando for vacation. Spent 3 days in Disney and 3 days at Uni... let's just say he gave Uni a 30-45 mins of free Advertisement. He was completely blown away by it, they talk about Disney World a lot on the show and how much they like it but this is the first time he has ever gone to Universal and could not stop raving about it. My take away if the "average guest" meaning not a park enthusiasts like most of us. Is seeing the difference it dose not look good for the Mouse.

 

[alphac2005]

@WDW1974 I couldn't resist posting this since the bogus hours argument has continued as it has for years by some on here. I watched one of @marni1971 's always enjoyable documentaries and this particular one opened up with Jack Wagner on the low powered on-property AM station announcing the theme park hours (at that given date) in the early 90's: MK & Studios, 8 am until Midnight and EPCOT Center from 9 am until 11 pm. Just an FYI to those that continue to claim otherwise.

 

[Fe Maiden]

I may not be Negan, but I think Lucille could come in handy with some fans!

Send them to Pee Pee Pants City please!

 

[Mike S]

Spirited Cinematic Musings:

As great as Deadpool was, and it was (I haven't seen a dude so in love with himself like Ryan Reynolds was since ... when did I last look in the mirror?), I was sorta hoping Batman vs. Supes: Dawn of the DCU of 28 interconnected films might tank so we don't have such a glut of them. Clearly, the time will come. Clearly, it ain't now even if the critics don't like it ... I haven't seen it yet, but will at some point.

Was truly saddened to see Agents of Shield get picked up again. If only because I like to see the Marvel fans of post mid-2009 in pain.

Zootopia keeps humming right along ... another billion dollar franchise (yes, sequel talk is already all over Burbank) to add to the pile.

But Jungle Book ... now that has me excited. Love the story, love the original animated version, this one has Bill Murray and Christopher Walken. How can it be less than great?

Strong word from the left coast is that Star Wars films released around Christmas will be a regular deal. Disney thinks it can own the holidays every year with just one film.

About Zootopia being another billion dollar franchise (Iger's favorite word. Well, that and cut. And buyback. And plain old buy), I can't help but think of this video.


I'm not knocking the movie in any way. I finally saw it yesterday and enjoyed it a lot. I just don't want WDAS to become a sequel factory as I've been enjoying seeing something new each time.

*Looks to Frozen 2*

 

[FigmentJedi]

About Zootopia being another billion dollar franchise (Iger's favorite word. Well, that and cut. And buyback. And plain old buy), I can't help but think of this video.


I'm not knocking the movie in any way. I finally saw it yesterday and enjoyed it a lot. I just don't want WDAS to become a sequel factory as I've been enjoying seeing something new each time.

*Looks to Frozen 2*

Yeah, Zootopia would be better suited for a television series like Big Hero 6.

 

[brb1006]

Yeah, Zootopia would be better suited for a television series like Big Hero 6.

While I'm the minority who actually wished a sequel to the film happened. I'm more curious to see the film become a new show on Disney XD.

 

[hopemax]

Yeah, Zootopia would be better suited for a television series like Big Hero 6.

We saw the movie, yesterday too, and had the same feeling. My husband asked if they were working on a sequel, but we both thought it would make a fun television show, with Nick & Judy solving crimes each week.

 

[WildcatDen]

My Universal AP is $299. The equivalent WDW pass is $691.

And a King's Island Pass is going for $102. So, I can get a year for less than a single day at UNI or Disney. Can anyone say Staycation. . .

Even the Platinum pass is just over $200 and that will get to access to all Cedar Fair properties.

 

[Magenta Panther]

I liked Alice too, Oz was more like "the James Franco show with every girl of the book" and wasnt that fun.

It wasn't as horrible as I feared, but that's not saying much.

 

[Magenta Panther]

We saw the movie, yesterday too, and had the same feeling. My husband asked if they were working on a sequel, but we both thought it would make a fun television show, with Nick & Judy solving crimes each week.

I'd rather have a sequel film. The quality will suffer if the movie is translated into a TV series IMO. I'd rather that not happen.

 

[Magenta Panther]

I did see Oz but I don't really count that as a Disney remake considering the original was MGM. I just assumed it was Disney telling their own Oz story like how Universal is doing with Snow White etc.

Same here. I didn't expect a clone of the MGM film, but I HOPED it would be at least a little...I don't know...enchanting? It wasn't. About the only thing in the movie that was compelling was the China Girl. She was cool, very magical, but the script let her down, like it did everyone else.

 

[Magenta Panther]

Number One Morning Show in Philadelphia was on break last week and the hosts just got back today. Preston (one of the main hosts) took his family to Orlando for vacation. Spent 3 days in Disney and 3 days at Uni... let's just say he gave Uni a 30-45 mins of free Advertisement. He was completely blown away by it, they talk about Disney World a lot on the show and how much they like it but this is the first time he has ever gone to Universal and could not stop raving about it. My take away if the "average guest" meaning not a park enthusiasts like most of us. Is seeing the difference it dose not look good for the Mouse.

I totally identify with Preston - for years I ignored Universal and thought it was second-rate Disney, a glorified Six Flags, etc. Me and my stupid assumptions. I was astonished when I finally set foot in the place. OHMYGOD. I kept saying that over and over as I walked under the "The Adventure Begins" arch, as I experienced Seuss Landing, as I finally entered Hogwarts...jeez. What an eye-opener! It made Walt Disney World look pretty shabby by comparison, made it look like its best days were behind it. Sadly, nothing has happened recently to change my mind, and oh how I wish something would...

 

[michmousefan]

And a King's Island Pass is going for $102. So, I can get a year for less than a single day at UNI or Disney. Can anyone say Staycation. . .

Even the Platinum pass is just over $200 and that will get to access to all Cedar Fair properties.

Yep, plus the Platinum Pass gets you free parking (at 11 different parks!). If you somehow went to all 11 parks that free parking alone would just about pay for the cost of the pass. Crazy.

 

[ford91exploder]

I totally identify with Preston - for years I ignored Universal and thought it was second-rate Disney, a glorified Six Flags, etc. Me and my stupid assumptions. I was astonished when I finally set foot in the place. OHMYGOD. I kept saying that over and over as I walked under the "The Adventure Begins" arch, as I experienced Seuss Landing, as I finally entered Hogwarts...jeez. What an eye-opener! It made Walt Disney World look pretty shabby by comparison, made it look like its best days were behind it. Sadly, nothing has happened recently to change my mind, and oh how I wish something would...

Unfortunately same here I spent 2 days in Diagon Alley alone just soaking in the details and the environment and eating the THEMED FOOD for me theme parks are not about rides so much as being transported to another world and Diagon Alley succeeds in that, The Hogwarts express yes it's screen based but the details of the shabby 1950's era British Rail coaches are beautifully done.

It's pretty obvious where the Imagineering talent Iger has kicked out of WDI have gone and what they can achieve, (oh and at a much smaller pricetag than WDI...)

 

[Mike S]

Yeah, Zootopia would be better suited for a television series like Big Hero 6.

We saw the movie, yesterday too, and had the same feeling. My husband asked if they were working on a sequel, but we both thought it would make a fun television show, with Nick & Judy solving crimes each week.

Like how Disney used to do on Disney Channel in the 90's? No, if they did that there would be no room for the tween crap fest.

 

[ford91exploder]

you lost instantly when you pulled the overused "... is a business" excuse.

View attachment 136626


you forgot to add "grab as much they can, eroding the foundation of the company for short term success then run away with a golden parachute when everything falls apart".
This is pretty prevalent in the Wall Street neoliberal capitalism.

By the way, in another thread I mentioned about how some groups pulled thousand of thousands of documents detailing a huge defrauding, tax evasion and illegal money laundering schemes called "the panama papers" .
Theres even mentions of how certain banks protected famous thiefs that stole huge valued stuff by erasing the tracks of the movements and using paper companies and fiscal paradises.
They even mention people like Messi (from Barcelona), Vladimir Putin (Russia) and a lot of politicians and big names. They even mention terrorist groups and drug lords.
Yet, it is untouched by Fox or CNN other big news who are very keen of this wall street neoliberal capitalism management.... I guess it hit too close to home for a lot of the executives in these companies.

It's simple they are probably named in the Panama Papers, This should be interesting as the independent media picks this up and runs with it.

 

[Andrew C]

By the way, in another thread I mentioned about how some groups pulled thousand of thousands of documents detailing a huge defrauding, tax evasion and illegal money laundering schemes called "the panama papers" .
Theres even mentions of how certain banks protected famous thiefs that stole huge valued stuff by erasing the tracks of the movements and using paper companies and fiscal paradises.
They even mention people like Messi (from Barcelona), Vladimir Putin (Russia) and a lot of politicians and big names. They even mention terrorist groups and drug lords.
Yet, it is untouched by Fox or CNN other big news who are very keen of this wall street neoliberal capitalism management.... I guess it hit too close to home for a lot of the executives in these companies.

Looked at this and Fox has a few articles about it today on their website. Don't know about CNN.com though, and I haven't been watching any news on TV today...

 

[ford91exploder]

Looked at this and Fox has a few articles about it today on their website. Don't know about CNN.com though, and I haven't been watching any news on TV today...

This could be fun if Disney bigwigs are named especially WRT SDL...