What Has Bob Iger Done That You Really Like?

[roj2323]

Parks - Definitely Disney Springs.
It looks amazing and even with the construction hassles I find myself visiting more often now than before the construction.

Other - The acquisition of Marvel and Lucas films LTD.
We are just barely starting to scratch the surface of what these two properties can do for the company both in and out of the theaters. I'm really looking forward to in park exploitation (new lands, shows and rides) and New movies that will captivate new audiences as well as rekindle the love for the franchises in old fans.

 

[LuvtheGoof]

That's it. I could take everything else and toss it. WDW has been severely neglected the past decade and it disgusts me seeing as how it's the biggest moneymaking resort in the company. I'm sorry but I never asked for any of the Nextgen crap. Spending a billion plus on it was ridiculous. I would much rather have gotten a new E ticket for Epcot, one for Animal Kingdom, and a handful of new rides for DHS instead. Heck, they couldve done all that for about $800 million, even with WDI's bloated budgets!

The problem is that you and no one else here have any idea what Disney is (note I said IS, not MAY) be planning for future enhancements to NextGen. You might be amazed at what will happen over the next few years, and the initial outlay was to lay down the groundwork for the future. While I certainly agree that more attractions should have been built, maybe instead of blaming NextGen, you should blame the stupid stock buyback program. The spent a lot more money on that than NextGen.

 

[Chef Mickey]

The problem is that you and no one else here have any idea what Disney is (note I said IS, not MAY) be planning for future enhancements to NextGen. You might be amazed at what will happen over the next few years, and the initial outlay was to lay down the groundwork for the future. While I certainly agree that more attractions should have been built, maybe instead of blaming NextGen, you should blame the stupid stock buyback program. The spent a lot more money on that than NextGen.

I think you still have to separate money used stock buyback programs and dividends with projects designed to bolster the company's core product.

The "wasted" money on buyback programs has long been an argument people have made that these programs actually don't increase shareholder value. I don't know if it has worked for Disney, although they are near an an all time high. I think these are two separate issues.

The company's buyback program is probably the biggest "project" in terms of money spent Disney has implemented to date. However, it's kind of apples and oranges. Buybacks are kind of a necessary evil and are too complicated to compare with regular budgets for improvement projects. I think Disney could have done both, rather easily.

For the purposes of this thread, I was interested to see what people saw in Iger's contribution to WDW parks. After reading the responses, it's interesting hardly anyone has been able to come up with much as it relates to the parks. Disney Springs was mentioned, FLE, and a few others...but there is hardly enough to choose from for people to really disucss. That kind of proves my hypothesis that people still enjoy the attractions and the parks pre Iger. You kind of have to - practically everything that's in the parks today was there before he got here.

 

[Chef Mickey]

The problem is that you and no one else here have any idea what Disney is (note I said IS, not MAY) be planning for future enhancements to NextGen. You might be amazed at what will happen over the next few years, and the initial outlay was to lay down the groundwork for the future. While I certainly agree that more attractions should have been built, maybe instead of blaming NextGen, you should blame the stupid stock buyback program. The spent a lot more money on that than NextGen.

Furthermore, even if NextGen is a success long term, there needs to be actual substance added to keep the parks fresh and exciting. All the analytics and systems in the world won't help if your parks die due to lack of meaningful expansion, maintenance, and upgrades.

For me, I feel we got this great NextGen system instead of a new expansion project, several E-Tickets or a new park or land. I know it's not that simple, but there seems to have been a decision.

 

[LuvtheGoof]

Furthermore, even if NextGen is a success long term, there needs to be actual substance added to keep the parks fresh and exciting. All the analytics and systems in the world won't help if your parks die due to lack of meaningful expansion, maintenance, and upgrades.

For me, I feel we got this great NextGen system instead of a new expansion project, several E-Tickets or a new park or land. I know it's not that simple, but there seems to have been a decision.

And just maybe those NextGen projects were required for future attractions that even the insiders don't know about yet. It's possible that Star Wars Land might depend a lot on that infrastructure that they now have in place. The insiders may know a lot, but they don't know everything. Just sayin'.

 

[lunchbox1175]

Furthermore, even if NextGen is a success long term, there needs to be actual substance added to keep the parks fresh and exciting. All the analytics and systems in the world won't help if your parks die due to lack of meaningful expansion, maintenance, and upgrades.

For me, I feel we got this great NextGen system instead of a new expansion project, several E-Tickets or a new park or land. I know it's not that simple, but there seems to have been a decision.

I feel like you just don't like they way that things have been prioritized. Clearly, Iger has "overseen" many projects, like the refurbishment of Downtown Disney to Disney Springs, the NextGen, Avatarland, the coming addition of Star Wars to the parks, FLE, expansion of TSMM and Soarin to name just a few, but those seem to be less important to you than the current state of Epcot (which i agree needs some serious love). You can't be working on everything at once, as well as maintain rides, people will stop coming to the parks if things are always shut down. Many people on here make me think that everyone would rather WDW shut down for a year, fixed everything, added a whole bunch of new stuff, then reopened and didn't change anything for 10 years until the new fads came along.

 

[space42]

And just maybe those NextGen projects were required for future attractions that even the insiders don't know about yet. It's possible that Star Wars Land might depend a lot on that infrastructure that they now have in place. The insiders may know a lot, but they don't know everything. Just sayin'.

Meanwhile - Backlot tour at MGM closed in September left to rot. Wonders of Life at EPCOT Center sits and rots. Universe of Energy is outdated and stale. Imagination is outdated, stale and the entire upstairs sits and rots. River Country sits and rots. There are closed eateries at the Magic Kingdom while the ones that are open are bursting at the seams. But we have nextgen? Yeah - not impressed - no matter what the cost. I want new attractions worthy of the constantly rising admission price.

I really don't care about what $ is being spent where or what plans they may be thinking about building next decade. All we have right now are rumors that they may build a Star Wars land and possibly a Pixar something opening in 2020. Oh yeah they are building two rides at Animal Kingdom. I just know as someone who has been visiting since 1971 - WDW has never felt more stale. All this at the same time as they enjoy record attendance and record profits.

 

[Chef Mickey]

I feel like you just don't like they way that things have been prioritized. Clearly, Iger has "overseen" many projects, like the refurbishment of Downtown Disney to Disney Springs, the NextGen, Avatarland, the coming addition of Star Wars to the parks, FLE, expansion of TSMM and Soarin to name just a few, but those seem to be less important to you than the current state of Epcot (which i agree needs some serious love). You can't be working on everything at once, as well as maintain rides, people will stop coming to the parks if things are always shut down. Many people on here make me think that everyone would rather WDW shut down for a year, fixed everything, added a whole bunch of new stuff, then reopened and didn't change anything for 10 years until the new fads came along.

I give him credit for new projects, but can't judge the current state of the parks and say it's OK because Avatarland and Star Wars are coming in the future. They should have been here sooner and/or other things should have been developed in the meantime.

FLE and TSMM are "solid" additions to parks that desperately needed them but are just too small to really move the needle. It's not just EPCOT which has been fully ignored, which it has and probably needs the most. AK has essentially remained status quo since the day it opened, DHS has gotten one meaninful update in TSMM, and MK's FLE was somewhat disappointing. The extra space helps and the 7DMT is OK, but MK needs A LOT more work to deal with the growing crowds. I'm also fine with the other parks bolstering their offerings to ease the crowds at MK, but it's no secret even MK is in need of serious expansion. FLE should be just the start.

Yes, we can't work on everything at once, but a ridiculous amount of time has gone by with nearly no love to 3/4 parks, not to mention a culture of "good enough" and poor maintenance.

I'm just not sure how anyone can argue Iger has done a good job managing the WDW parks. Once could argue that in the short term, he hasn't needed to do much. They are on auto pilot because attendance is growing, profits are up, and they've done a solid job managing the business. My chief complaint is the product is worse, the parks are too crowded, and the lack of investment now will hurt the future experience at the parks and potentially the bottom line for Disney.

 

[LuvtheGoof]

Meanwhile - Backlot tour at MGM closed in September left to rot. Wonders of Life at EPCOT Center sits and rots. Universe of Energy is outdated and stale. Imagination is outdated, stale and the entire upstairs sits and rots. River Country sits and rots. There are closed eateries at the Magic Kingdom while the ones that are open are bursting at the seams. But we have nextgen? Yeah - not impressed - no matter what the cost. I want new attractions worthy of the constantly rising admission price.

I really don't care about what $ is being spent where or what plans they may be thinking about building next decade. All we have right now are rumors that they may build a Star Wars land and possibly a Pixar something opening in 2020. Oh yeah they are building two rides at Animal Kingdom. I just know as someone who has been visiting since 1971 - WDW has never felt more stale. All this at the same time as they enjoy record attendance and record profits.

Backlot Tour was a shell of it's former self years ago, so closing it is really for the best.

Wonders of Life sits there used for special events because people stopped going to the rides.

We like UofE. Please detail how YOU would update it and make it "not stale".

Imagination does need a complete overhaul. Totally agree.

River Country?? Really?? It's been closed forever due to 2 brand new water parks being built.

I have never had a problem getting a seat at any MK QSR when we decided to eat. The others are only open seasonally for one simple reason. People weren't eating there.

I haven't been going quite as long as you. I started in 1978. But the fact that I have been going for over 35 years says something. My wife and I are DVC members who go there multiple times every year, and it does not feel stale to us at all. We are actually doing many new things this next trip that we have never done before. Everyone is different, and maybe since you think it is so bad, you should stay away for the next 6 - 8 years until you feel that there is enough "new" stuff for you to go back.

 

[cheezbat]

Backlot Tour was a shell of it's former self years ago, so closing it is really for the best.

Wonders of Life sits there used for special events because people stopped going to the rides.

We like UofE. Please detail how YOU would update it and make it "not stale".

Imagination does need a complete overhaul. Totally agree.

River Country?? Really?? It's been closed forever due to 2 brand new water parks being built.

I have never had a problem getting a seat at any MK QSR when we decided to eat. The others are only open seasonally for one simple reason. People weren't eating there.

I haven't been going quite as long as you. I started in 1978. But the fact that I have been going for over 35 years says something. My wife and I are DVC members who go there multiple times every year, and it does not feel stale to us at all. We are actually doing many new things this next trip that we have never done before. Everyone is different, and maybe since you think it is so bad, you should stay away for the next 6 - 8 years until you feel that there is enough "new" stuff for you to go back.

Glad you like it...but you sound like one of those hardcore 'Disney can do no wrong' people.

Seriously...while Backlot Tour was a shell, it was SOMETHING. They closed a handful of things and didnt replace them with anything else. The parks are busier than they've ever been. How is closing more and more okay? Epcot is a mess. while im still upset about Spaceship Earths decent, i still love the ride. Universe of Energy needs an update badly. Soarin's film needs to be replaced. Wonders of Life was never meant to be a festival meeting center...its supposed to house attractions! Use Odyssey or the Millenium Village building for events. Imagination is a travesty. Oh, and River Country did not close because of the other two water parks. If that was the case, then why did WDW keep it open for SIX YEARS after Blizzard Beach opened? It closed in September 2001, when WDW took a big hit thanks to 9/11.

All of these issues and so little has been added since 2006. While there have been some good, it's been outweighed by the bad.

I seriously hope Avatarland and Star Wars and whatever else is redone at DHS actually helps the parks and adds some quality attractions.(and quantity!) now if only there was more in the pipeline for Epcot to fix its glaring issues.

 

[LuvtheGoof]

Glad you like it...but you sound like one of those hardcore 'Disney can do no wrong' people.

Seriously...while Backlot Tour was a shell, it was SOMETHING. They closed a handful of things and didnt replace them with anything else. The parks are busier than they've ever been. How is closing more and more okay? Epcot is a mess. while im still upset about Spaceship Earths decent, i still love the ride. Universe of Energy needs an update badly. Soarin's film needs to be replaced. Wonders of Life was never meant to be a festival meeting center...its supposed to house attractions! Use Odyssey or the Millenium Village building for events. Imagination is a travesty. Oh, and River Country did not close because of the other two water parks. If that was the case, then why did WDW keep it open for SIX YEARS after Blizzard Beach opened? It closed in September 2001, when WDW took a big hit thanks to 9/11.

All of these issues and so little has been added since 2006. While there have been some good, it's been outweighed by the bad.

I seriously hope Avatarland and Star Wars and whatever else is redone at DHS actually helps the parks and adds some quality attractions.(and quantity!) now if only there was more in the pipeline for Epcot to fix its glaring issues.

No, I am not one of the Disney can do no wrong crowd. I just don't look at it as being as bad as some here do.

Sorry, but I disagree on several points. Backlot Tour being just something really isn't good enough. I would rather it be closed than what it had become.

What's would you do differently for the SE descent? Be specific. Same goes for UofE. What needs to be updated and why?

We go on Soarin' multiple times every trip. What's wrong with the film? Last few times we have been there, the film has looked great. We saw zero dirt specks cropping up.

According to some, Wonders of Life gets more traffic now than when it was a ride in the later years. I think part of the problem is the out-of-the-way location. Since it isn't in your face, people don't even look to go there. Should it be more? Sure. I agree that Odyssey and/or the Millennium Village would be a better place for the event areas.

For River Country was probably closed due to the attendance hit after 9/11. That spelled it's death. There simply weren't the people going there to support 3 water parks.

Does Disney need to do more? Yes. I have said it here in many places. But I have to wonder why people like you even go there anymore? If it is so bad, well, take your money elsewhere. Like I told space, stay away for 6-8 years until they have added a few more new things. For us, it still has value for our money, so we keep going multiple times every year.

 

[The Tuna]

The backlot tour was terrible by the time they closed it. people complained constantly about it. When they close it, it all of a sudden became what it was in 1989 and not what it was in 2014. it was one of those rides people complained about declining and not being what it was. No one misses the backlot tour of 2014 and it is better of dead than on life support. As soon as they replace a failing ride people complain, when they build a new ride they complain, when they place frozen into the parks for the millions of fans worldwide people complain. They forget that a 7 or 8 year old little girl doesn't care if there are cardboard cutouts in an attraction as long as they get to see their favorite princess.

I still don't get the idea that WDW has fallen into the toilet. I have been going since the mid 80's and I have been going to Universal since 1990. I have never had a bad trip even as recently as 14 months ago. I was nervous about NextGen and FP+ until I went and used it. When people use a non working magic band at a gate that can be fixed with an ipad in mere minutes, that is you looking for any excuse to come back here and complain. That doesn't make someone a Disney can do no wrong person, it makes them a person who went on vacation to enjoy time with their family and didn't let lipstick on a glass ruin the thousands of dollars they spent and the memories they made.

People derided Universal for years as being poor and not doing enough but I loved the parks because I was there to go on rides, eat some food, and have fun. IF you go looking for a broken light bulb or peeling paint you can find it anywhere and if that ruins your vacation I feel bad for you because it feels like that is what you were going there looking for.

I don't know why people don't vote more with their wallets. If I went and had a couple of bad trips I would be gone. I don't shop at sores that don't work to fix an issue or a complaint. I don't eat at restaurants I feel have lost quality either. So why do people continue to go to a place they can't stand? Is it only to come back to the forums and complain? We all know that Star Wars Land isn't there so do you go expecting that it will pop up one day and all will be well again? Why not wait the 5 years and try it again then? Is Disney perfect? Nope. is Universal? Nope. Youc an find flaws anywhere if you really want to.

 

[LuvtheGoof]

Now there you go using logic here. Wouldn't be surprised if Steve's server blew up over that.

 

[THEMEPARKPIONEER]

Disney Parks and Resorts turns a healthy and hefty profit. There is enough money to keep the resorts in great shape.

Iger's 35% raise in bonuses and stock this year would go a long way to making that monorail safe.

I just read about that bonus, I bet employes are financially struggling as well so he can get that raise and bonus.

 

[cheezbat]

No, I am not one of the Disney can do no wrong crowd. I just don't look at it as being as bad as some here do.

Sorry, but I disagree on several points. Backlot Tour being just something really isn't good enough. I would rather it be closed than what it had become.

What's would you do differently for the SE descent? Be specific. Same goes for UofE. What needs to be updated and why?

We go on Soarin' multiple times every trip. What's wrong with the film? Last few times we have been there, the film has looked great. We saw zero dirt specks cropping up.

According to some, Wonders of Life gets more traffic now than when it was a ride in the later years. I think part of the problem is the out-of-the-way location. Since it isn't in your face, people don't even look to go there. Should it be more? Sure. I agree that Odyssey and/or the Millennium Village would be a better place for the event areas.

For River Country was probably closed due to the attendance hit after 9/11. That spelled it's death. There simply weren't the people going there to support 3 water parks.

Does Disney need to do more? Yes. I have said it here in many places. But I have to wonder why people like you even go there anymore? If it is so bad, well, take your money elsewhere. Like I told space, stay away for 6-8 years until they have added a few more new things. For us, it still has value for our money, so we keep going multiple times every year.

I for one still like Disney. I'm not happy with WDWs current condition though. Do I still go? Yeah, normally once a year, but I happen to live in Orlando and have friends that get me in FREE, and if not I definitely wouldn't be paying the outrageous prices for what the World currently has to offer.

I agree 9/11 was the killer for River Country.

What would I do differently with Spaceship Earths decent? I would place different futuristic scenes alongside the vehicle path that could light up and interact with the decisions you make on your vehicle screen. Always thought that would be way cooler than just sitting in the dark looking at a screen.

As for Universe of Energy...eliminate the whole Ellen/Bill Nye/Jeopardy thing and just give us a straightforward adventure into Energy! Some mini movie intro makes sense in the first room, keep the Dino scenes(but upgrade the animatronics), then move forward with more physical set pieces showing the history/evolution of humankinds energy usage. Personally I think keeping celebrities out of rides helps make them more timeless. Also, I'd change the pacing of this ride from 40 minutes to about 10-15. Capacity would become far greater.

Wonders of Life became a lost Pavillion...but with better signage and new fun rides and attractions (maybe even featuring characters...I know) in its place, it could easily be found and become popular again. Heck, I'd probably put another restaurant in there too just to help balance out dining options in Future World.

As for Soarin, my last handful of rides on that thing were full of debris. My friends and I joked about it every time.

Ahh Backlot Tour. Used to be one of my faves. Became a shell of its former self. I'm still aggravated that WDW just closed it and hasn't done jack squat with it since. Get moving on the DHS overhaul already! The park is a mess!

There you have it. My thoughts on what should be done.

 

[SyracuseDisneyFan]

New Fantasyland
FastPass+
Magic Bands
Disney Springs

 

[Otterhead]

The backlot tour was terrible by the time they closed it. people complained constantly about it.

Very very true. It was dated, and a sad shell of what it used to be. It was very bizarre going on a 'backlot tour' and being told "over there are some soundstages we don't use... here are some prop departments we don't use... there's the old animation building we don't use... and there's the fake Golden Girls house!". It was time to move on from the whole "studio" concept, and they are, in a big way.

when they place frozen into the parks for the millions of fans worldwide people complain.

I've said it before, but honestly, I'm surprised we haven't seen MORE Frozen stuff. Remember when Lion King was huge? It got, what, three sequels, two TV shows, its own parade in every park, a Broadway musical, multiple theme park attractions, two spin-off albums, and it could be argued, its own theme park (Animal Kingdom). And Frozen has far surpassed Lion King in popularity, which is still sort of bizarre to me.

I still don't get the idea that WDW has fallen into the toilet.

I reject that idea completely. It's people being curmudgeons. You could go to WDW in any era and proclaim "this isn't the park it used to be!" about something if you try hard enough. Every park is getting big upgrades right now, and Disney's in the same sort of terrific financial position they were during the height of the Eisner era. I think we have fantastic things coming & I'm looking forward to it.

 

[Chef Mickey]

I for one still like Disney. I'm not happy with WDWs current condition though. Do I still go? Yeah, normally once a year, but I happen to live in Orlando and have friends that get me in FREE, and if not I definitely wouldn't be paying the outrageous prices for what the World currently has to offer.

I agree 9/11 was the killer for River Country.

What would I do differently with Spaceship Earths decent? I would place different futuristic scenes alongside the vehicle path that could light up and interact with the decisions you make on your vehicle screen. Always thought that would be way cooler than just sitting in the dark looking at a screen.

As for Universe of Energy...eliminate the whole Ellen/Bill Nye/Jeopardy thing and just give us a straightforward adventure into Energy! Some mini movie intro makes sense in the first room, keep the Dino scenes(but upgrade the animatronics), then move forward with more physical set pieces showing the history/evolution of humankinds energy usage. Personally I think keeping celebrities out of rides helps make them more timeless. Also, I'd change the pacing of this ride from 40 minutes to about 10-15. Capacity would become far greater.

Wonders of Life became a lost Pavillion...but with better signage and new fun rides and attractions (maybe even featuring characters...I know) in its place, it could easily be found and become popular again. Heck, I'd probably put another restaurant in there too just to help balance out dining options in Future World.

As for Soarin, my last handful of rides on that thing were full of debris. My friends and I joked about it every time.

Ahh Backlot Tour. Used to be one of my faves. Became a shell of its former self. I'm still aggravated that WDW just closed it and hasn't done jack squat with it since. Get moving on the DHS overhaul already! The park is a mess!

There you have it. My thoughts on what should be done.

You pretty much nailed it. Taking out the celebrity component in "serious" rides has always been my preference as well. Universe of Energy has great space and stature. I love the existing dinosaur theme and ambiance. There could be some upgrades, but I think even changing the movie, removing Bill and Ellen, and a few other minor updates would get this back on track.

The SSE descent is not well done. I don't know how much space you have, but I agree with putting some scenes that reinforce that the decisions we make will impact the future.

To me, anything with an LCD screen is lazy. You can film or computer CGI anything and slap it on a screen, but it takes talent to develop a story with real animatronics and theming.

 

[Otterhead]

changing the movie, removing Bill and Ellen

It's funny that while celebrity things typically age poorly, both Bill & Ellen were surprisingly inspired choices. Ellen's much more relevant and popular than she was when the ride opened, and Bill Nye has gone from just a wacky TV personality to being a champion of science education and frequent CNN correspondent. Everything else in the movie -- including Alex Trebek -- is dated, but Ellen certainly isn't.

 

[Chef Mickey]

Very very true. It was dated, and a sad shell of what it used to be. It was very bizarre going on a 'backlot tour' and being told "over there are some soundstages we don't use... here are some prop departments we don't use... there's the old animation building we don't use... and there's the fake Golden Girls house!". It was time to move on from the whole "studio" concept, and they are, in a big way.


I've said it before, but honestly, I'm surprised we haven't seen MORE Frozen stuff. Remember when Lion King was huge? It got, what, three sequels, two TV shows, its own parade in every park, a Broadway musical, multiple theme park attractions, two spin-off albums, and it could be argued, its own theme park (Animal Kingdom). And Frozen has far surpassed Lion King in popularity, which is still sort of bizarre to me.


I reject that idea completely. It's people being curmudgeons. You could go to WDW in any era and proclaim "this isn't the park it used to be!" about something if you try hard enough. Every park is getting big upgrades right now, and Disney's in the same sort of terrific financial position they were during the height of the Eisner era. I think we have fantastic things coming & I'm looking forward to it.

Agree 100% with your last statement especially.

There is a silver lining in everything. The financial position of Disney has never been strong, not even debatable. The improvements made in all areas of the business, even if not for WDW, will actually prove to be a positive thing for WDW in the future. They have higher cash flow and other projects have been completed for the focus to shift to WDW parks and resorts. I think we are starting to see some of that with the improvements slated for HS and AK. I hope EPCOT is next and in a big way.

I've said before, cash can fix so many things in business, and Disney is financially well positioned to fix the issues with WDW. I just wish it happened a little sooner.