Tony Baxter hints at the future!

[WDW1974]

Lee brings both good and bad news. Calls it as he sees it and/or knows it to be.

You and your sidekick WdW74............not so much.

First off, I am no one's sidekick (I did turn down Conan's request, though). You, though, sure look like one of those characters you see on Maelstrom.

And while I greatly respect Lee and his views, and we don't see eye to eye on everything, I also call things as I see them. Too many here just aren't interested in listening to anything that goes against their world or World views.

And I do admit when I am wrong about things ... like the fact I enjoyed AIE and KP far more than I expected too and consider both to be quality additions to their respective parks.

But folks like you don't hear the good and don't want to either because you have your minds made up that I am an evil old Spirit looking to destroy Mickey's fairytale kingdom with my vitriol.

Frankly, it's about as tired as many parts of WDW these days.

 

[WDW1974]

I bring plenty of good news (just look at my MK thread). You just want to see whatever is convient for you and you have already been called out on this by a number of users.

You must understand the poster in question flip-flops so much he should go into politics.

For the record, WDW1974 was the first person to break the news confirming that M:S was greenlit, wand removal, a toy story ride was coming to MGM, and ST 2. He has proven to be a very reliable source and MANY people (although not many on this site) listen to and trust his information.

Thanks for the support, but I wasn't (as far as I recall) the first with the TSMM news ... perhaps one of them. But I will take full credit for the others ... I am surprised you recall the MS news since that was a long time ago and I had a different online persona back then ... but I still got lots of disbelief (no hate though ... it was a kinder, gentler online world) because all the fans (no fanbois hadn't been coined back then) seemed to think a very blue sky mountain concept was coming to the MK ... and they kicked and screamed that I had no idea what I was talking about ... and my info on that came from right at the top ... two (now ex) WDW VPs, one of whom ran the park in question. I kinda knew my info was 100% accurate!

Maybe ill start telling you tales of lavish Mystery islands, redone fantasylands, a clutter free Epcot, and a Prince of Persia e-ticket for DHS so that you will like me more.

Tell me lies, tell me sweet little lies ... (no one here will have a clue where that came from unless they're over 25).

But don't tell me ... just make it happen and I'll be a very happy fanboi!

 

[WDW1974]

He's only been here since March of 2008? :shrug:

Your point? ... And I really have only been here somewhat regularly since last October.

Wasn't he banned from that other site?

No. Sorry. Not banned from anywhere ... although I haven't tried to enter TDO in a while:king: (I like that smiley ... I'm like that Burger King dude, only not so scary ... unless you mess with me that is!)

My complaint is that you both critisize people by name who are not public figures. 74 has named some rather behind the scenes people while remaining anonymous. It only seems right that if you are going to name names you should open up about who you are and what you do and subject yourselves to the same scrutiny.

You keep on this very tired line. What are you? A MK parade? ... WDW execs who are in the public eye ... or even WDI project leads have every right to be criticized for their work or creative product so long as they aren't attacked personally (something I never do ... and frankly haven't seen anyone do on any Disney forum) ... If you run the MK or DAK ... of if you were in charge of designing DCA ... or Tiki Room Under New Management then you are open to criticism for that work.

The constant baiting by you to try and pry into my personal life and put it out to the world could be construed as cyberstalking, JT. You have no right to know anything about me beyond what I put out here. My life isn't open to scrutiny by some fanboi on a Disney fan forum who spouts management apologist bull$+i& for TDO in one breath and then says he won't go to WDW again until they offer something fresh and new.

Then there was the gloating you (and many others) engaged in after it was announced WDW would be laying off managers. That in and of itself speaks volumes. And I have a long memory. You can keep changing your screen name but you can't change your character it seems.

JT ... I dunno if this dude is the enigma character you don't care for or not. Frankly, I don't really care. ... But you are such a freaking hypocrite it is beyond belief. I DO recall you defending Disney when it laid of thousands of CMs, and cut work hours for others. I DO recall you attacking folks like myself, who sharply called Disney on what it was doing (destroying many peoples' lives) ... The only one you seemed concerned about was poor MK VP Phil Holmes when some of his OWN TOP PEOPLE started a huge rumor that he was gone to show their disgust with the man. ... One multi-millionaire exec with a very poor rep inside the company got sympathy from you, but so many wonderful CMs ... many with decades over experience ... well, they were needed cuts of fat in hard times.

 

[WDW1974]

Just some info the Creative ownership thing is no more. All Imagineers report directly to Bruce Vaugh now. The Imagineer in charge of the other three parks was Tom "Video Screens Rule" Fitzgerald.

Bruce and Craig are the tag team in ultimate charge.

But individuals are lead creatives for certain parks.

Indeed, Tony Baxter (who had the DL Design Studio in the 90s) is back as top dog there with Bob Weis (lead BAH Hater at WDI) riding herd over DCA.

In FLA, Eric Jacobson is (unless there has been a VERY recent change) in charge of MK, EPCOT and Studios with Joe Rohde in control of DAK (his baby and the only WDW park that has remained true to what it's original focus/identity was).

Tom Fitzgerald is now in charge of creative for DLP/DSP.

Joe Lanzisero is in charge of TDL/TDS and I believe now HKDL as well (basically the entire Asian portfolio depending on what they do in Shanghai)

 

[CaptainMichael]

Tom Fitzgerald is now in charge of creative for DLP/DSP.

Bad news for EuroDisney

 

[WDW1974]

Yep, competition is good and keeps entertainment-based businesses on their toes. I don't understand why some Disney fans want Universal and Busch parks to fail—imagine if Hollywood only had one studio churning out movies. Creativity would plummet.

Disney is like a religion to many folks, especially those weaned not on the decades of magic Disney created in its parks worldwide, but instead on the DISNEY MAGIC that is marketed to death now ... I think it's akin to the pixie dust I like to spread (what? no Tink smiley?!?!)

I want to see amazing product from BEC, Disney and UNI ... that's why I'll be riding Manta in a few weeks ... that's why I'll be catching some waves and rays at Aquatica.

The folks who treat Disney like a religion have some strange connection to it that blinds them to its weaknesses. They'd rather ride Primeval Hurl or Stitch's Great Belch-off or hang in the McPoohPlayground than do anything in a Busch or Universal park ...

If Busch and Uni do nothing to attract more guests and give them compelling reasons to visit their parks, then we all lose because Disney is more than content to sit on its laurels while fanbois get lathered up over painting ... or crop triangles ... or what is being trucked in and out of Space Mountain.

 

[WDW1974]

Bad news for EuroDisney

Not necessarily.

DLP has been doing very well of late, despite the economy.

DSP has steadily gotten better (it is the worst Disney park by far ... although individually it has some really terrific attractions) and will be getting a new Toy Story themed area soon.

DLP will be getting a major attraction in time for its 20th too ... as well as Star Tours 2.0 ... and they are trying to talk the townspeople into relaxing their rules so they can have bigger and better pyro shows as well.

In other words, I don't think Tom can do major damage.

 

[CaptainMichael]

In other words, I don't think Tom can do major damage.

Good, I hope you're right.

 

[RSoxNo1]

Can someone point me to the thread or at least give me a clue as to what EE, Jedi and Lee are referencing in this "change" or "addition"?

 

[TheDisneyMagic]

Bad news for EuroDisney

No way, you should see the attention the Walt Disney Studios has been given over the last few years. DLRP (well now DLP) has been doing great for the last few years, the numbers are starting to look better and better.

But then again, it is not all one man's doings, there are big teams of people that make decisions throughout the company, you can't put everything on one person in WDI as they are many other people working for other parts of the company that make decisions.

 

[marsrunner]

Tell me lies, tell me sweet little lies ... (no one here will have a clue where that came from unless they're over 25).

Fleetwood Mac! :lookaroun My dad listened to them. No, really, I didn't own the album on vinyl. :lol: Okay, so maybe I did.

Nothing else to add, I'm just enjoying watching people take swipes at each other, though its kind of like watching King Arthur dispatch the Black Knight. I'll leave it to you to figure which is which!

 

[joel_maxwell]

I'm sure we're talking about different topics, but it may just be that I am so tired--I can't quite get a solid idea of which project you two are alluding to (you can PM me if you'd like). I'm almost 99.89% sure we are not talking about the same thing...



As far as I've been told, aside from some technical difficulties with the KUKA system over in the Potter Box, everything else is moving along at a strong pace. I've heard nothing else negative yet.

Just so I don't end up sounding negative about this overall, I should put it out there that I have high hopes for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and all of its attractions. I miss the Lost Continent already (and will miss its remains once Potter absorbs them down the line), but I'm all for change. My trust in Universal Creative was strengthened so much after The Simpsons Ride debuted, because for the first time in a while, I felt like the replacement/update of the attraction (one which I was a huge fan of) was handled extremely well--to the point where I almost prefer the new ride to the original. And on top of that, they gracefully threw in several tributes to the former attraction itself, so I have many reasons to be thankful.

Knowing how meticulous Universal Creative had to be over Potter, especially with Rowling hovering over them like she does her bank account, I can't imagine it being anything short of amazing.

Yes, Disney may have lost the ability to premier a KUKA tracked ride, but thats not to say that they've not got enough to counter in the long term.

Unless Universal is prepared to start offering new attractions annually (which I am all for), sooner or later they will revert to their short-spurt additions scheduling, allowing Disney to do what it does best and continue to bolster their already strong catalog of park attractions across the resort. With Rip, Ride, Rockit and Potter taking up such a strong portion of the budget (and previous additions like the Simpsons and Disaster also on the bill), I can't imagine Universal will be able to keep at it. They may come out ahead this year or the next, but Disney will continue to bring new attractions at times when Universal simply can't... I'm optimistic for both parks about the way the upcoming years will play out--and I'm playing for both sides of the field!

Competition from them is the best thing. Obviously. I hope HP is a huge success and I know that everyone in the biz knows whats going on, but it sure would be nice for them to have a few surprises for Disney up there sleeve on soft openings.

Hmmm, what is Rip, Ride and Rocket. Ill google that.

EDIT: oh yes. I see know and recall. As you can tell, i dont keep up with US too much.

 

[wdwmagic]

I want to see amazing product from BEC, Disney and UNI ... that's why I'll be riding Manta in a few weeks ... that's why I'll be catching some waves and rays at Aquatica.

Since when is a bare steel coaster amazing? Yeah it might be a great B&M coaster (arent they all), but it certainly doesnt hit the heights of theming and story that you demand from Disney. (Sticking a big plastic Manta Ray on the top of the vehicle doesnt count). You always like to put Sea World above Disney in your posts, and yet they clearly don't get anywhere close to the standards that you set for Disney.

 

[HMF]

Bruce and Craig are the tag team in ultimate charge.

But individuals are lead creatives for certain parks.

Indeed, Tony Baxter (who had the DL Design Studio in the 90s) is back as top dog there with Bob Weis (lead BAH Hater at WDI) riding herd over DCA.

In FLA, Eric Jacobson is (unless there has been a VERY recent change) in charge of MK, EPCOT and Studios with Joe Rohde in control of DAK (his baby and the only WDW park that has remained true to what it's original focus/identity was).

Tom Fitzgerald is now in charge of creative for DLP/DSP.

Joe Lanzisero is in charge of TDL/TDS and I believe now HKDL as well (basically the entire Asian portfolio depending on what they do in Shanghai)

Eric Jacobson' Tom Fitzgerald and Joe Lanzisero. Reads like a whos who of unpopular Imagineers.

 

[HMF]

In other words, I don't think Tom can do major damage.

Tom can't do major damage? Let's See'
Enchanted Tiki Room :Under Fitzgerald Management
POTC-The Search for Jack Sparrow.
The un-finished descent of Spaceship Earth.
MILF
The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Video Screens being used in place of Animatronics everywhere.
Here is what he would say about the Yeti on Everest. "We wanted to make it seem like a real live Animal because we could not find a video screen big enough for it.":animwink:

 

[Lee]

Since when is a bare steel coaster amazing?

Since Manta.:shrug:
Best coaster in Florida.
Personally...everyone better sit down for this...I would be very ok with Manta being built at AK.:lookaroun
The area SW has built is lovely, well themed, and very much adds to the ride. The queue (both the rider and non-ride portions) is very well done (better than Soarin', TSMM, LMA, all of Dinorama, etc.) with fantastic aquariums, and the ride is just fabulous.

Of course, I am one who finds coasters to be works of art and don't mind seeing them not hidden inside a building.

 

[EPCOT Explorer]

Not necessarily.

DLP has been doing very well of late, despite the economy.

DSP has steadily gotten better (it is the worst Disney park by far ... although individually it has some really terrific attractions) and will be getting a new Toy Story themed area soon.

DLP will be getting a major attraction in time for its 20th too ... as well as Star Tours 2.0 ... and they are trying to talk the townspeople into relaxing their rules so they can have bigger and better pyro shows as well.

In other words, I don't think Tom can do major damage.

Good news for them!....Kinda makes no sense that all of his attractions over here are not to that caliber.

Can someone point me to the thread or at least give me a clue as to what EE, Jedi and Lee are referencing in this "change" or "addition"?

MI/20K in DAK.:shrug::lookaroun:lol:

 

[EPCOT Explorer]

Since Manta.:shrug:
Best coaster in Florida.
Personally...everyone better sit down for this...I would be very ok with Manta being built at AK.:lookaroun
The area SW has built is lovely, well themed, and very much adds to the ride. The queue (both the rider and non-ride portions) is very well done (better than Soarin', TSMM, LMA, all of Dinorama, etc.) with fantastic aquariums, and the ride is just fabulous.

Of course, I am one who finds coasters to be works of art and don't mind seeing them not hidden inside a building.

I kinda agree here. They look interesting, I just wouldn't want to see that from halfway across the park. Maybe put it behind a mountain?:lookaroun

Volcanya?:lookaroun

 

[hpyhnt 1000]

I looked at Manta via YouTube vids/reviews and I gotta say it does look pretty amazing. I don't know if it would have worked for a Disney park. It would certainly bring people in, but we'd probably be arguing about whether it was themed enough. :lol: Still, I say SeaWorld did a great job (the aquarium queue looks nice!) on this coaster.

 

[dxwwf3]

Count me in as someone who has been very impessed with everything I've seen with Manta. Including the theming/queue and ride experience itself. I haven't been to Sea World since I was very little, but another major attraction added to the two coasters they already have might get me to make another visit.