IF Disney Does Buy Sea World,Would You Go?

[WEDWDW]

I am a WDW and WDW only type person.:) Even if Disney does buy Sea World,I am not sure I would go.I just don't think it would have the total "Disney Touch" since it was not built by Disney.What do you think?:)

[hogwartsdropout]

I haven't heard this rumour, but no I wouldn't go. I don't really like Sea World and I agree it wouldn't have the Disney touch.

[mccathy]

I love Sea World, so yes I would go. When we go in Oct. we're not going to get to do Sea World, because we're not renting a car - just using Disney transportation (crazy?). So - I would love it if Disney owned Sea World. But, don't you think Disney has enough???

[figaromeetsmarie]

If they updated it with Disney items, I would think about it.

But......Sea World seems like a haul from the Disney Parks though..

[Feralpeg]

Absolutely, however I don't think Disney is interested in Sea World. It has been mentioned on the local Orlando news that Universal my be interested in purchasing Sea World.

[AJKMOM]

If they updated it with Disney items, I would think about it.

But......Sea World seems like a haul from the Disney Parks though..

If in fact Disney bought SeaWorld, it's a great bet they would offer a shuttle service from the resorts to the park.

[jess20k]

I would definitley go. I love Sea World!

[INmomto2]

That's a yes for me. I would love it if they added Sea world to the mix.:banana:

[Buzz Litebeer]

I am a WDW and WDW only type person.:) Even if Disney does buy Sea World,I am not sure I would go.I just don't think it would have the total "Disney Touch" since it was not built by Disney.What do you think?:)
I think that many of the attractions at WDW weren't built by Disney. Many were built by third-party contractors and then heavily themed by Disney (i.e. Expedition Everest and Rock-N-Roller Coaster were both built by Vekoma Rides Manufacturing BV (http://www.vekoma.com/)).

If Disney purchased Sea World they would, in all likelihood, begin a gradual renovation/Disney-ification of the park. However, I really don't think it's going to be an issue; I don't think Disney is interested in purchasing Sea World.

[Abharmagic]

YEP!!! But I'd go even if Disney didn't own it.... I'm not that exclusive when it comes to Disney vs. non-Disney theme parks- there's a whole big world out there.

[WEDWDW]

I think that many of the attractions at WDW weren't built by Disney. Many were built by third-party contractors and then heavily themed by Disney (i.e. Expedition Everest and Rock-N-Roller Coaster were both built by Vekoma Rides Manufacturing BV (http://www.vekoma.com/)).

If Disney purchased Sea World they would, in all likelihood, begin a gradual renovation/Disney-ification of the park. However, I really don't think it's going to be an issue; I don't think Disney is interested in purchasing Sea World.
Do you think the report at wdwinfo.com under Disney News is possibly inaccurate?My thought was that possibly Disney would consider buying Sea World to KEEP Universal from expanding their Orlando footprint.:) I understand that Disney uses Third-party contractors to do actual construction,BUT the attractions were conceived by Disney Imagineers,built on Disney property and themed by Disney from the ground up.That would not be true of the Sea World property.For a WDW "purist" like myself that would be a big difference.:)

[futreWDI]

I think that many of the attractions at WDW weren't built by Disney. Many were built by third-party contractors and then heavily themed by Disney (i.e. Expedition Everest and Rock-N-Roller Coaster were both built by Vekoma Rides Manufacturing BV (http://www.vekoma.com/)).
.

Although they are not essentially "built" by Disney. They are designed b Disney. From the drawing board to the final renderings and models. Then they are given to the third party to be built.

Although there are some exceptions to this rule, where I think Disney failed like Primeval Whirl which is just a basic Mouse Coaster with theming added.

[CDNCA]

I am going to Sea World this trip and Disney does not and will not own it. I am also going to Universal (Staying off-site for 1 week). I then move to POP for free dining and 9 days of Disney. There is no reason we can not enjoy all of the different expeiences.

[WEDWDW]

I am going to Sea World this trip and Disney does not and will not own it. I am also going to Universal (Staying off-site for 1 week). I then move to POP for free dining and 9 days of Disney. There is no reason we can not enjoy all of the different expeiences.
Is the report on THe DIS Homepage under Disney News inaccurate?Thanks!:)

[doubletrouble_vb]

I would go but I'd really rather GE bought Sea World. I would love to be able to park hop between the three (or even 4!)parks on an annual pass. Right now I'm passing on renewing my Universal AP because I know I want to go to Sea World and Aquatica on my 2009 trip to Orlando.

Plus ticket pricing is soooooo much better than Disney. I'm thinking MYW was a ploy to raise the no expiration ticket prices through the roof. In theory the expiration tickets now match Universal or Sea World price wise but in reality I can catch a real deal on those tickets whereas the only deals at WDW are the parties or if you happen to be attending some sort of special event like a convention.

[Disneyfreak508]

I haven't been there since I was in 2nd grade. I remember it was fun, but not as good as disney.

I'm sure I will go again someday.. if they buy it or not.

[brockash]

I'd definetly go if they bought Sea World. I really like Sea World, but we fly in and use Disney transportation, so we never get to go. If they would use Disney transportation to get there and back, we would always plan 1 day for Sea World, on our Disney vacations. I would also MUCH rather Disney buy Sea World as oppose to Universal. I'm just not a Universal fan, don't know why, just can't really get into it.

[fla4fun]

Absolutely, however I don't think Disney is interested in Sea World. It has been mentioned on the local Orlando news that Universal my be interested in purchasing Sea World.

Hmmm . . I hadn't heard that one. I'd heard that there were a couple European amusement companies that might be interested. It would make sense though, since Universal and Sea World already share some multi-day tickets (the Orlando Flex tickets include both Universal parks and Sea World and Aquatica, and Busch Gardens is also included on some of them). It would also be simple to run transportation between the two, at least easier in my opinion than running transport to Disney.

[melancholywings]

I would go, I imagine Disney would do something to help transportation and lodging to the park. We always want to do Sea and Uni in FL, but it's such a hassle that we haven't yet. I would think Seaworld could be a natrual fit for Disney, they could add a few Mickey or Nemo refrences or even 'give' the park to another character - like Donald^^.

[DebbieB]

If it was included in the WDW Annual Pass, yes. If not, no. I wouldn't pay extra for it.

[Cool-Beans]

Yup. I sure would. But I love Sea World and always have. I don't remember a time I didn't like Sea World. My kids saw Shamu before they ate their first strained applesauce. Big Sea World fan.

There are some extremely loyal Disney fans who would go if Disney owned it but won't go if Disney doesn't own it. If Disney sold Epcot or the Animal Kingdom tomorrow, they'd stop going there.

I'm always amazed and impressed by Disney's ability to get such blind loyalty. I don't think there is a bigger Disney fan than I am, but there are MUCH more loyal fans.

[Brian Noble]

Disney doesn't buy other people's parks. They build their own.

The company most often mentioned as being interested in Busch is Blackstone---they own a majority sake in Merlin Ent. Corp (who own several UK parks) and a minority stake in Vivendi (the Universal umbrella). Parques Reunidos may also be a player in the negotiations---they recently bought Kennywood in Western Penna.

I love the sea world parks, and would go either way.

[mgilmer]

Disney doesn't buy other people's parks. They build their own.



Don't be so sure.

http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/investing-and-markets/article.html?in_article_id=449481&in_page_id=3&position=moretopstories

[Brian_WDW74]

Disney doesn't buy other people's parks. They build their own.

Well...yes and no. Disney actually did have discussions to buy the Sea World parks when Harcourt Harcourt Brace Jovanovich was selling them back in 1989. However, Disney dropped out because it didn't want the Ohio and Texas parks, and HBJ was unwilling to split them up. HBJ wound up selling to Anheuser-Busch. Now that the Ohio park is no longer part of the Sea World chain, it's less of a deal breaker.

I'm not saying that Disney is in discussions to buy the parks now. I'm just saying that it's not totally out of the question.

Since this thread isn't really about theme park planning, I've moved it to the Theme Parks Community board. :)

[CarolA]

Is the report on THe DIS Homepage under Disney News inaccurate?Thanks!:)


I wouldn't call it a report.. :rotfl2:

Sources.. NONE!

Facts... practically NONE!

The new "owers" are stirring up "hype" That's all. The TRUTH is that they can't even take serious bids etc until they OWN the things. They can't allow anyone to do the required due dilgence until they OWN it.. it's just "gossip" LOL!

not a clue why anyone would get worked up over that "report" There is no substance! :lmao:

[carmiedog]

I'd go, but not because it was Disney-owned. I've always loved SeaWorld (we live just a couple hours from the one that was in Aurora, OH).

I'll go as far as to say that I'd still go IN SPITE of it being Disney-owned (the blasphemy! :lmao: ) I love Disney World, but I love other places, too. I don't want every place I go to to be Disney-fied.

[The Sweetness]

Id love to see Universal or Disney characters at Sw:lovestruc But then what would happen to the Sesame Street things that SW has recently (?) added? I think I recall seeing a show as well as a breakfast w Elmo?:confused3

[J.C.&ALI'SMOM]

Well, we've been to SW several times and WDW doesn't own it, so I'm sure if they bought it we would still go :confused3

[wdwgirl03]

Yes, I would go. On our May trip we went to Sea World and had a great time.

[Timon-n-Pumbaa Fan]

We went to SeaWorld last year and frankly, with the level of customer service we experienced, I don't care if I ever go back as long as the beer company owns it. I also won't care to go back if the Dubai funded group buys it either.

If Disney buys SeaWorld, then you can talk me into going back, after they hire some properly trained CM's for the entire place.

[5 for WDW]

I'd definetly go if they bought Sea World. I really like Sea World, but we fly in and use Disney transportation, so we never get to go. If they would use Disney transportation to get there and back, we would always plan 1 day for Sea World, on our Disney vacations. I would also MUCH rather Disney buy Sea World as oppose to Universal. I'm just not a Universal fan, don't know why, just can't really get into it.

I just wanted to mention you can take a Lynx shuttle bus from the Ticket and Transportation Center to Sea World for only a couple of dollars a person. I think we paid less then $2 a person each way last trip. I believe they also added a stop at DTD. It is the 50 route/bus. They drop you off and it is a less then 5 minute walk to the main gate. We were a little leary of using a bus other then Disney but, the taxi rates have gone up so much we gave it a try. No problems what so ever. We also fly in and do not rent a car. HTH

We love Sea World. We always spend a day there each trip. I am sure that would continue if Disney owned it.

[WEDWDW]

I wouldn't call it a report.. :rotfl2:

Sources.. NONE!

Facts... practically NONE!

The new "owers" are stirring up "hype" That's all. The TRUTH is that they can't even take serious bids etc until they OWN the things. They can't allow anyone to do the required due dilgence until they OWN it.. it's just "gossip" LOL!

not a clue why anyone would get worked up over that "report" There is no substance! :lmao:
Thanks for the information!:) The UK financial website looks reputable,but it is good to know that Disney will NOT be making a bid-I think FOUR parks is enough for me!LOL:) I can't do everything in the four Parks during a week's vacation as it is.Thanks again for the FACTS!:)

[minijeanie]

I hope Universal does buy Seaworld. I love US and love Seaworld as well. With the Harry Potter world coming on board and US buying seaworld would be a better niche in their pocket. Hopefully giving DIsney a tad bit more competition and a little better pricing for us consumers.

Competition is good

[metalis4ever]

I hope Universal does buy Seaworld. I love US and love Seaworld as well. With the Harry Potter world coming on board and US buying seaworld would be a better niche in their pocket. Hopefully giving DIsney a tad bit more competition and a little better pricing for us consumers.

Competition is good

The competition is already present..the only thing driving up the prices at all the properties Disney, Seaworld and Universal alike is the need and desire for profit (which is perfectly ok we do live in a capitalist society afterall) and the increasing rise in operational costs where both fixed and variable costs are sky rocketing. This cost more often then not passed on to the consumer to again maintain or increase profits.
I persoanlly would love to see either Universal or Disney purchase Seaworld, however given my love for Seaworld it would be more likely that Universal would leave it more as is, whereas Disney would probably make some changes.

[Buzz Litebeer]

If Disney buys SeaWorld, then you can talk me into going back, after they hire some properly trained CM's for the entire place.
Or if they get rid of the disgruntled former Disney CMs that currently work there.

(Not talking about ALL Sea World team members, mind you.)

[Metro West]

I don't have an AP to Sea World now but I will...with Manta coming in the spring! It's a good time to be an Orlando resident! :teeth:

[trekker93]

We stopped going to Universal because of the staff memebrs being rude. Also, for Sea World - it just wasn't that interesting at the time. We prefer WDW and wouldn't waste my time over there even if Disney did buy it! :)

[Doc CW]

No b/c it wasnt built by Disney so It wouldnt feel very Disney to me

[ChrisandDon'sMommy]

I like Sea World, but I'm not sure I'd go only because I don't want a Disney monopoly on amusement/theme parks.