News Round Up

[clsteve]

Absolutely agree. Six Flags is a series of regional amusement parks compared to Univeral's true destination Resorts. I was just using a player in a similar business to drive home a point about Disney's massive size. You're right about there being a difference in quality, offerings, and true hotel availability. No disputing that.

Keep in mind rteetz, as you well know Universal raised ticket prices last January. http://articles.orlandosentinel.com...rsal-orlando-the-wizarding-world-diagon-alley

Now you and I both know that these ticket prices effect the entire year. Remember that Universal reports growth year over year just like Disney. So a significant portion of those revenues are attributable to ticket price increases that took place early last year. Not trying to negate the attendance growth but it certainly helped Revenues that there was a nice price increase too.

The really interesting thing would've been to see both Resorts without price increases. It's true Disney would've grown more slowly but so would Universal.

That's really not that difficult to contemplate. Each did what, a 5%-20% ticket price increase last year? that high number being the tickets they don't want you to buy - the over-inflated ones so you buy a park to park or hopper, or another day to "save" money (like that $195.99 2 day ticket example in the article when an AP is $214.99)... So, give each a very simplistic 9% YTY ticket uplift for the year..... Then look at the QTQ and YTY for each company's Parks rev....

That's why you've got to be careful bringing up numbers. Like in your example above. Sometimes, it doesn't support the point a person's trying to make. And can actually make it look worse, unless you're careful....

 

[tiriggs1]

Disney has released the dates for Halloween party this year

http://m.wdwmagic.com/events/mickey...scary-halloween-party-dates-now-available.htm

I do not think that is accurate. The September 1st calendar on the walt disney world site shows the Magic Kingdom closing at 7pm. It was earlier reported by a few other sites that Sept. 1, 4, and Labor Day would have parties.

 

[DDLand]

That's really not that difficult to contemplate. Each did what, a 5%-20% ticket price increase last year? that high number being the tickets they don't want you to buy - the over-inflated ones so you buy a park to park or hopper, or another day to "save" money (like that $195.99 2 day ticket example in the article when an AP is $214.99)... So, give each a very simplistic 9% YTY ticket uplift for the year..... Then look at the QTQ and YTY for each company's Parks rev....

That's why you've got to be careful bringing up numbers. Like in your example above. Sometimes, it doesn't support the point a person's trying to make. And can actually make it look worse, unless you're careful....

Wait a second clsteve, you're completely missing my point. As I mentioned before "not trying to negate the attendance growth." I was simply saying to rteetz that both were guilty of the price increases. Walt Disney World and Universal both obviously benefited from price ticks.

Now like Steve said universal did this without the price increases. While we don't know it for sure do you think Disney would have increased as much as they do if they didn't. I would assume attendance would increase still but revenue may not have grown as much as it did. Just my opinion.

Here's rteetz' statement. My point simply @clsteve is they did do it partially with price increases. Yes they may not have been the driving force, but they sure helped.

a significant portion of those revenues are attributable to ticket price increases that took place early last year. not trying to negate the attendance growth but it certainly helped Revenues that there was a nice price increase too.

My exact words on Universal. Nothing too controversial I don't think. You crafted a very different response not related to the one I made.

If I was here trying to argue that somehow the attendance growth at Universal was not happening then you could berate me all day long. I'd be stupid. However if simply pointing out that Universal also generated millions in extra revenues from their price increases is a problem, I just don't know what to say.

Also I'd read my other post above where I talk about Universal being a rapidly growing player. I think that will give you perspective on how I think of Universal v. Disney.

 

[rteetz]

I do not think that is accurate. The September 1st calendar on the walt disney world site shows the Magic Kingdom closing at 7pm. It was earlier reported by a few other sites that Sept. 1, 4, and Labor Day would have parties.

Don't the parties start at seven? You can start entering at 4 I know that but it definitely doesn't start then because they have to get everyone else out.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Hmm, this is an interesting one.

I wouldn't take back anything I said.

The power of the properties I mentioned have increased ease of access to the Resort, enhanced Resort stays, and made it more seamless then ever to create vacations. When you're using My Magic, on Disney Transportation, and staying on the integrated properties it's hard to leave.

Couple those technological and logistical draws with the largest, family friendliest, and one of the best maintained roster of lands, attractions, and rides. I'm sorry, but for a five day pass it's the best money can buy. It's truly the most powerful destination resort in Orlando, and perhaps the world.

That "bad app" is a part of a broader strategy to get people to come, and stay on Walt Disney World property.

I think it's working. Sure sometimes we miss the old system, but My Magic on a whole has added value to our and everyone's vacations.

Though you already know all this stuff Lockedout. You know about the ecosystem Walt Disney World is trying, and effectively creating. You have to realize just how brilliant their plays are.

Mine train coasters, Diagon Alley, and Kong are just small parts of the bigger Resort picture. Disney is playing for the week long guests. Right now they're winning.

My Magic
Fast Pass+
Disney Transportation
Dining Plan
Integrated resort payment for a plethora of shops, and Restaurants
Integrated dining reservations
PhotoPass
MagicMaker
Magical Express
100s of rides, shops, recreational activities, dining, etc.
10s of thousands of hotel rooms
The Disney Cruise Line
Disney Vacation Club

They honestly have the best lineup of offerings. Period.

Now with all that said, when's our next appointment?

You kinda disproved your own point...

They've been "trying for the 7 day market" for 25 years...

Been in a bomb shelter?

They had an average stay of about 6 in the mid 90's and rose to just shy of 7 after animal kingdom...

But then the needle hasn't moved since and they began BLEEDING the profit for about the last 10.

I'm sorry - you cannot possibly give them credit for "outsmarting" us with rampant DVC expansion, scheduled ride times, point of sale rubber bands, and cruiseships...

It's plain as day to almost anyone...truth be told.

They are in a developing standoff with the frequent clientele...one they have won so far...

But "times are good" and they are doing somekind of market research that tells them there is an unlimited supply of disposable first time travelers.

That reminds me of Enron type delusion or AIG underwriters sleeping at their desks...
There's major instability there...notably brazil, anyone on the euro, and the dinosaur known as the American "upper middle class"...

When the gen Ys get further down he road...saddled with massive debt and potential inflation...what room are they booking?
Or are the Xers and Boomers gonna live forever?

No...nada...don't fall into this trap. They are playing a high stakes game for short term profits...
Anyone want to buy a condo for $450,000?

And they just appointed a bland suit that Disney specializes in as "heir apparent" and a plastic slinger as parks head...

How strong is that mouse?
Cause he's not "easing into retirement"...he's being asked to be a big stopgap than he always was.

I know...star wars is a sure thing and nobody will ever get over Elsa...
...well...not exactly.

 

[tiriggs1]

Don't the parties start at seven? You can start entering at 4 I know that but it definitely doesn't start then because they have to get everyone else out.

Yes. They start at 7pm, but you can enter at 4pm.

 

[DDLand]

You kinda disproved your own point...

They've been "trying for the 7 day market" for 25 years...

Been in a bomb shelter?

They had an average stay of about 6 in the mid 90's and rose to just shy of 7 after animal kingdom...

But then the needle hasn't moved since and they began BLEEDING the profit for about the last 10.

I'm sorry - you cannot possibly give them credit for "outsmarting" us with rampant DVC expansion, scheduled ride times, point of sale rubber bands, and cruiseships...

It's plain as day to almost anyone...truth be told.

They are in a developing standoff with the frequent clientele...one they have won so far...

But "times are good" and they are doing somekind of market research that tells them there is an unlimited supply of disposable first time travelers.

That reminds me of Enron type delusion or AIG underwriters sleeping at their desks...
There's major instability there...notably brazil, anyone on the euro, and the dinosaur known as the American "upper middle class"...

When the gen Ys get further down he road...saddled with massive debt and potential inflation...what room are they booking?
Or are the Xers and Boomers gonna live forever?

No...nada...don't fall into this trap. They are playing a high stakes game for short term profits...
Anyone want to buy a condo for $450,000?

And they just appointed a bland suit that Disney specializes in as "heir apparent" and a plastic slinger as parks head...

How strong is that mouse?
Cause he's not "easing into retirement"...he's being asked to be a big stopgap than he always was.

I know...star wars is a sure thing and nobody will ever get over Elsa...
...well...not exactly.

Except these efforts are the way they're building a moat of defense; to pull a term from the Eisner days. These types of initiatives help stop guests from leaving the Resort. It creates a more compelling reason to stay only at the Resort. Also it creates a draw to the Resort.

All the things mentioned above could not be accomplished by adding a new theme park or even new attractions. It's a powerful type of lock in. Coupled with the massive existing selection of attractions and things to do makes the draw enormous.

As for the 7 day vacation? I think Disney should be getting closer then they ever have to that goal. Looking at the uptick of hotel occupancy coupled with the additonal attendance in the last fiscal year/1st quarter, I don't think it's hard to imagine Disney nearly reaching that old goal. Even if they haven't quite reached it, their ecosystem strategy is effective enough to hold and maximize gains.

Take it all in perspective. DVC and those plastic bands are part of a broader story. They're locking individuals on property, and with DVC longterm. Vacationing anywhere else in Orlando as these products are improved becomes hard to contemplate.

Now this is the interesting thing Lockedout. You're talking about how the current situation is unsustainable if the economy drops out. I'd counter that during the recession Disney weathered the storm better then any other of the theme park providers. Not much has changed since 2009, and Disney could role out aggressive pricing again.

Longterm price increases? Disney may have to start pulling back on those increases in costs. You're right that they aren't a sustainable source of growth. However we're seeing the volume increases too. So at least for the time being they're working. You're point is extremely valid here.

 

[rteetz]

Yes. They start at 7pm, but you can enter at 4pm.

So that would mean the 1st is a party night

 

[rteetz]

The hat is gone I repeat the hat is gone!

 

[DDLand]

The hat is gone I repeat the hat is gone!

This is a day that will be long remembered!

 

[rteetz]

This is a day that will be long remembered!

While I lik it better this way it will be weird seeing no hat for the first time.

 

[rteetz]

Duck Tales is coming back and will be on Disney XD in 2017

http://www.wsj.com/articles/BL-SEB-86941

 

[DDLand]

While I lik it better this way it will be weird seeing no hat for the first time.

No doubt about that. Even though it was in a terrible place and had nothing to do with the theme, it was still cool. That's what I've seen all my life. It will be weird... Totally worth it too!

 

[rteetz]

No doubt about that. Even though it was in a terrible place and had nothing to do with the theme, it was still cool. That's what I've seen all my life. It will be weird... Totally worth it too!

I just hope they refurb the front of the theater because it has some discoloration issues.

 

[DDLand]

I just hope they refurb the front of the theater because it has some discoloration issues.

Indeed, plus those lights... Heck I'd take the discoloration over the hat any day.

I feel like when Imagineers create these projects, they have a grand vision for how everything comes together. I never quite got the message here before. It finally makes sense now.

Update: it appears the actual Chinese Theater used copper throughout the building including the roof. I'm not sure how accurate Disney was but it actually looks much more like the real thing now. Of course Disney is going for the theater's prime of life so they may do something about it.


Still there is a resemblance.

 

[rteetz]

More hat photos I mean hatless photos

http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions...ey-hat-icon-demolition-very-near-complete.htm

 

[rteetz]

Indeed, plus those lights... Heck I'd take the discoloration over the hat any day.

I feel like when Imagineers create these projects, they have a grand vision for how everything comes together. I never quite got the message here before. It finally makes sense now.

Update: it appears the actual Chinese Theater used copper throughout the building including the roof. I'm not sure how accurate Disney was but it actually looks much more like the real thing now. Of course Disney is going for the theater's prime of life so they may do something about it.

View attachment 79663
Still there is a resemblance.

Yes this was discussed in the wdwmagic forums. At least the real theater looks all one color so if they could fix that it would be great. They also have filed permits for those spires to come back. So I would assume some refurbing of the theater will come with that.

 

[rteetz]

Frozen fever trailer. The new short coming out before the Cinderella film.

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/exclusive-disneys-frozen-fever-29199457

 

[clsteve]

Indeed, plus those lights... Heck I'd take the discoloration over the hat any day.

I feel like when Imagineers create these projects, they have a grand vision for how everything comes together. I never quite got the message here before. It finally makes sense now.

Update: it appears the actual Chinese Theater used copper throughout the building including the roof. I'm not sure how accurate Disney was but it actually looks much more like the real thing now. Of course Disney is going for the theater's prime of life so they may do something about it.

View attachment 79663
Still there is a resemblance.

It was pretty accurate. I can't remember if Disney used actual copper, but it used to be in that "semi-oxidized" state. At night, all brightly lit up, and the spotlights in the air, it was absolutely beautiful walking towards it up Hollywood Blvd....
Paint it. Paint it soon.....

 

[rteetz]

Stitches great escape will close for two days in March

http://m.wdwmagic.com/attractions/s...closed-for-two-day-refurbishment-in-march.htm