$1.28 BILLION for Tokyo Disney

[Sarangel]

Oriental Land Co., operator of two Disney theme parks near Tokyo, plans to invest a total of 140 billion yen ($1.28 billion) as the company aims to attract more visitors to its theme parks.

Oriental Land will spend 90 billion yen by 2008 to improve and add attractions at its Disney theme park complex. The company may also invest 50 billion yen over three years to build hotels and theaters within the resort facility.

"We plan to make Tokyo Disney Resort more attractive,'' said Kazuo Kato, Oriental Land senior managing director. "To increase the capacity of Tokyo Disney theme parks is our most important business strategy.''

Oriental Land may sell bonds to pay for part of the expansion, Kato said.

The company expects sales for the fiscal year ending March 2007 to increase 7 percent to 360 billion yen from 336.5 billion yen last fiscal year. The company also forecasts operating profit will reach 45 billion yen in the third year.

Oriental Land, based in Chiba near Tokyo, pays royalties to Burbank, California-based Walt Disney Co.

The company said 25.5 million people visited the Disneyland and DisneySea theme parks last year and the number may rise in the year that ends March 31, 2005.

 

[WDWHound]

Yes! Thats how you run a theme park. If you build it they will come. Lets hope the Disney Suits are paying attention, but I doubt they are).

 

[Peter Pirate]

That may be how to run a theme park, but I sure wouldn't be a regular guest. My understanding is that the crowds at the Japanese Parks are already mind boggling and that the Japenese DO NOt have a problem waiting in long lines for attractions, food, transportation and maybe only riding a scant few in a days visit. Would Americans ever stand for this??? While I love the spending for show idea I think comparing the Japanese Parks to those int the US is simply apples and oranges...

 

[King Triton]

News Flash!!!!

Michael Eisner just announced he's investing $2,000 to upgrade California Adventure. He says that 2 grand will go a long, long way!

Oh darn, why does Tokyo have all the cool stuff???

 

[erikthewise]

I wish Oriental Land Co would invest in the US! Let them build Disney Sea at WDW, and collect 100% of the profit it makes...

 

[idofabric]

When we lived in Japan we went to TDL 5 times. The first time we waited over 4 hours to get in 'cause we were there 2 hours after it opened. This was a loooooooong time ago-1980.
However, when we did get in there were no lines! At that time the park only let in so many thousand people a day, and in the afternoon they let in several thou. more.

On the other trips we got there when it opened and never had a line problem- execpt for Dumbo, Peter Pan and other kids rides. We are talking hours.
Walked on the Pirates, H.house, and the roller coasters.

My DD was 5-7 and went dressed as Snow White to the park,made the outfit and painted the 7 Dwarfs on it . The real SW and Dwarfs followed her for a few hours and took her to the head of the line! Then she poised for photos with them and the Japaness visitors- so much she wanted to leave the park!

It reminded me of the photos you see of DL when it opened- women in heels and skirts. DH goes over 2-3 x's a year. I am waiting to go.... Japaness friends say it is bussier then 15 y ago , but not bad. But then some of them live in Tokyo...... Way to many people!

 

[Mooobooks]

Unlike the parks here, in Japan they don't let a guest enter until the exact opening time of the park. People line up neatly in front of each turnstile.
It's pretty eash to have a great day: arrive between 30 minutes to one hour before park opening time and get in line. When the gates open, head straight to Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters or Pooh's Hunny Hunt and get in line for the ride. Do not get a FastPass for Buzz and then go on to Pooh, because by the time you get there the line will already be an hour long.
Otherwise, use your Fastpasses wisely, go on rides that have no line while you're waiting for your FastPass time, and leave mid day to take a nap, then come back later.
Also, the Japanese are drawn to parades like a magnet. You will have a much easier time walking on rides during parades (much moreso than in the US parks).

 

[larry_poppins]

I visited Tokyo and Tokyo Disney Resort last April. The weather was perfect. I found the crowds to be moderate at both parks.
What surprised me was how affordable it all was. Tokyo Disney is no more expensive than Walt Disney World and many of the meals were less expensive and better than their Florida counterparts. Both parks were spotless. All attractions and shows were open everyday I was there. In short I had a marvelous time. I will be back! Visiting Japan is easier and less expensive than all the urban myths you here!

Everyone should experience Tokyo DisneySea at least once in their lives!

Larry Poppins

 

[Michael623]

Has anyone been to DL Paris and Tokyo? Of the non-US parks I've only been to Paris and I was looking for a bit of a compare and contrast.

 

[King Triton]

Why can't Disney find a way to get investors to build a park like DisneySea in the U.S.?? Come on...Disney is an American Icon and the highest quality parks are being built in Japan.

When you compare California Adventure with DisneySea, it makes all Disney fans here feel ripped off.

 

[OnWithTheShow]

This isnt that out of scaled compared to WDW's spending. It is on 1.28 billion OVER 4 YEARS. Which if you add Mission Space, Soarin, Motors, Everest, Stitch, and Philarmagic, you would probably get a similiar number.

 

[larry_poppins]

Comparing Tokyo Disney and DLParis are like comparing Oranges and Apples.

Paris: Paris was built along the style of WDW. A destination resort. It has 6 themed resort hotels at different amenity levels. It has a large campgrounds. IT has the most beautiful magic kingdom park in the world. All thre rides were re-interpreted with '90s technology. It truly is worth a day in itself.

The Walt Disney Studios Paris Theme Park is an utter disaster. It is utilitarian, boring, and ugly. A visit is worth 2 or three hours at best before you leave running and screaming back to Disneyland Paris.

It is attached to Paris by local rails. It is attached to London by speed trains.

Tokyo: Tokyo Disney Resort is the premiere Disney experience on the planet! Nothing compares to it.

Tokyo Disneyland: When it was built in 1983 it combined the best elements of Anaheim and Orlando. It was if the Japanese had actuall brought a notepad to Imagineering saying we want this castle and that version of Pirates, etcc..

As knew additions have been added to TDL they have been superior to their counterparts in America. Splash Mountain has a better queue and an intensely themed restaurant nearby. Winnie the Pooh's Hunny Hunt is in a class by itself. It and Universal's Adventures of Spiderman are the best attractions on the planet (imho)!!!!

Some attractions can be found nowhere else: The Mickey Mouse Review (it used to be at WDW it is now in Tokyo) and the Cinderella Castle Mystery Tour. Main Street is covered by a glass awning. The upkeep and Maintenance is astounding. Everything looks fresh, clean, as if it were painted or drycleaned last night! The parades are half an hour long with lots of characters and dancing extras and ornate costuming.

Tokyo DisneySea is an elaborate intensely themed park full of romance and adventure. There is nothing like it anywhere and I would compare it to EPCOT during its first decade of operation.
The themed areas all have attractions, shows, restaurants, and each theme often has backstories. MY PERSONAL FEELING IS NO DISNEY FAN SHOULD LEAVE THIS EARTH WITHOUT VISITING DISNEYSEA.

Each park stays open to around 9 p.m. or 10 p.m. and all shows, attractions, restaurants, shops, and outdoor entertainment happen everyday of the week.

There are 2 themed Disney hotels. 5 official hotels and many hotels nearby in Tokyo. The two parks are connected to Tokyo by subway.

If you couple this with Japanese hospitality you have an unbeatable combination.

My trip disproved the following myths:

Tokyo and Tokyo Disney is expensive
It is not! It is no more expensive than WDW or NYC. IT is far less expensive then London.

I can't be in a plane that long.
Yes you can. It is over before you know it. A couple of movies and meals and there you are!

It is hard to maneuver in Tokyo.
No it is not. There is English signs in the subway. There are people in the hotels and the parks who speak English.
The Japanese are truly happy to have tourists in their country.

That's all for now.

Any more questions you can email me at
ljnash57@yahoo.com

Larry Poppins

 

[DVC-Landbaron]

OK!!! Enough of this nonsense!! Once again my lurk mode has been disturbed by STUPIDITY!!! And I am forced to respond!

Peter, old friend!!! Did you want to hook me or AV? I’m betting AV, and I waited an appropriate amount of time, but… Oh heck!!! It looks like I have to do it!!!

Quite simply…

That may be how to run a theme park, but I sure wouldn't be a regular guest.

You went on to say it was because of long lines and huge crowds that are guaranteed to follow the expeditures. And my God man!!! I’m with you!! I hate those lines!! Waiting and waiting…

So, I’ll tell you what. I propose that the two of us meet again to discuss all the reasons why we hate a place that is sooooooooooooo popular that wait times could actually increase!!! And we should meet in a GLORIOUS park, that doesn’t have the problems of POPULARITY!! Now, if there were only such a place… hmmmmmmm… where could a place like that be found!?!?

HEY!! I KNOW!!!!! How about if we meet at DCA!!! No lines, no waits, no crowds!! A PERFECT PARK! Right?



NEXT:

Mr. Show!!! I am surprised at you.

Do you really think those attractions costs 300 million apiece!?!!?!!? And that’s over a 6 year period!!!!

And let’s not forget that WDW has TWICE the parks and many, many extras (i.e. Typhoon, Blizzard, etc.). And let’s face it, those extras alone could use some of that funding, not to mention the parks which absolutely DEMAND it!!!

Come on, Mr. Show….

It isn’t even close!!!!!!!

 

[OnWithTheShow]

Baron,

In terms of actual dollars, WDW spends far more on improvements than Oriental Land Company...

HOWEVER,

WDW is several times larger AND Oriental Land Company certainly knows how to spend the money better.

I was simply trying to give a dollar per dollar comparison of spending.

(Yet another case of my apologisms, perhaps I should take up politics, or corporate management.)

 

[peter11435]

Originally posted by DVC-Landbaron
OK!!! Enough of this nonsense!! Once again my lurk mode has been disturbed by STUPIDITY!!! And I am forced to respond!

Peter, old friend!!! Did you want to hook me or AV? I’m betting AV, and I waited an appropriate amount of time, but… Oh heck!!! It looks like I have to do it!!!

Quite simply…

You went on to say it was because of long lines and huge crowds that are guaranteed to follow the expeditures. And my God man!!! I’m with you!! I hate those lines!! Waiting and waiting…

So, I’ll tell you what. I propose that the two of us meet again to discuss all the reasons why we hate a place that is sooooooooooooo popular that wait times could actually increase!!! And we should meet in a GLORIOUS park, that doesn’t have the problems of POPULARITY!! Now, if there were only such a place… hmmmmmmm… where could a place like that be found!?!?

HEY!! I KNOW!!!!! How about if we meet at DCA!!! No lines, no waits, no crowds!! A PERFECT PARK! Right?



NEXT:

Mr. Show!!! I am surprised at you.

Do you really think those attractions costs 300 million apiece!?!!?!!? And that’s over a 6 year period!!!!

And let’s not forget that WDW has TWICE the parks and many, many extras (i.e. Typhoon, Blizzard, etc.). And let’s face it, those extras alone could use some of that funding, not to mention the parks which absolutely DEMAND it!!!

Come on, Mr. Show….

It isn’t even close!!!!!!!

It isn't even close because your only looking at new attractions. Trust me when I tell you OLC will not be spending that entire sum of money over the next four years on new attractions. As the article states the money will be used on hotels, theaters, and other attractions. If you the total amount disney will spend on all of these things in this same time period it would be much higher. One nice hotel could easily eat up half of that money.

 

[Peter Pirate]

DVC Landbaron meet the other Peter...!!!

 

[DVC-Landbaron]

Good lord!!!

It was bad enough when you had a dual personality!! But THREE!!! GOOD GRIEF!! How about if we just call you Sybil!!!

 

[bretsyboo]

It isn't even close because your only looking at new attractions. Trust me when I tell you OLC will not be spending that entire sum of money over the next four years on new attractions. As the article states the money will be used on hotels, theaters, and other attractions. If you the total amount disney will spend on all of these things in this same time period it would be much higher. One nice hotel could easily eat up half of that money.

If you do the math the article states 823 million on improved and new attractions.

Mission Space, E:E, Stitch, Philharmagic, wishes, Moteurs, and Soarin' as well as all of the minor attractions conceived and built between 2000-2006 doesn't approach 823 million...in 6 years...with 2 additional parks...

It should be double.

This is without the fact that Tokyo has just opened Buzz, already budgeted tower for 120 million, braviseamo a high tech show that has also just started, ragin spirits, a coaster that has been under construction all year and will open next. It appeasr Tokyo runs away with the title of who wants to be the happiest place on earth.

But here is the main point:
Both resoprts have expanded. Tokyo has expanded by building new rides and hotels. WDW has basically only expanded with new hotels. More people doing the same amount of things.

Look at the article for the big difference:

"We plan to make Tokyo Disney Resort more attractive,'' said Kazuo Kato, Oriental Land senior managing director. "To increase the capacity of Tokyo Disney theme parks is our most important business strategy.''

Tokyo is EXPANDING their parks. They aren't building mission space to replace horizens, philharmagic to replace legend of the lion king, Soarin' replacing food rocks, moteurs to wipe out the backlot tour, or stitch to become alien encounter with synergy.

Walt Disney World has expanded by building a 2 minute coaster to go into a half day park 5 years too late.

Pace setters? Hardly. No one expects to keep up with Tokyo Disney, our stateside memories of the past hardly have the type of leadership has taught us to be excited when a ride goes seasonal instead of closing for good. The most exciting things to come out of Disney in the states are the rumors of grandeur that never come to be.

Tokyo has looked at the past, and looked at the legacy, and taken the lessons taught and repeatedly built the best, the best, the best, and instead of adding some 50 dollar hotel with fiberglass icons to try and improve capacity they have outspent Disney anywhere else to actually expand their parks to give guests a greater bang for their buck while attracting new guests.

No, I hardly expect we americans to do anything like that, but a 30 thousand acre resort with 4 parks? Well gee, I'd expect them to at least keep pace when they should be doing more. But they are not and for good reason: their guests are making excuses for them.

WDW will spend more? Their budget says their park investment in florida will be 100 million this year, the same as the last year. The magic kingdom is opening stitch, a very cheap replacement. Epcot will give us Soarin' a clone ride that is a stretch to fit the theme (gee I guess you do fly over land!). MGM which is giving us a, you guessed it, clone of a stunt show, and DAK giving us our only expansion, a single rollercoaster in a park that needs dramatic expansion. If you think DAK will suddenly become a popular park because of a 2 minute coaster I present exhibit a: Mission Space, Epcots version of one huge ride will bring in the cash, a plan that has worked so well that W.O.L. has gone seasonal.

As far as one nice hotel easily costing 600 million dollars, in ever so expensive San Diego Hilton is building an exclusive convention center hotel.

32 stories high, 1.65 million square foot structure, with a 6 story 2000 car parking structure on 12.8 acres of land 4.3 of which are being converted into a public park. For 285 million. Or less than half of what a nice hotel would easily cost.

There isn't any other way to look at this article then to say bravo to Japan and at a minimum wonder why we can't have the same over here, and at a maximum demand it. Making excuses, or trying to make it look like what Japan is doing isn't all that good means you are settling for second and third rate products at first rate prices.

 

[wtg2000]

My understanding is that the crowds at the Japanese Parks are already mind boggling and that the Japenese DO NOt have a problem waiting in long lines for attractions, food, transportation and maybe only riding a scant few in a days visit.

You're understanding is totally wrong. Where did you get this information? Not from anyone who has been there. I visited TDL first in August 1998 during school holidays. It was a very busy day but the park handled the crowds well, and the lines were moderate. I rode everything, and had lovely meals without lining up or waiting.

Then I visited again in October 2001 soon after the opening of TDS. Again, big crowds but the lines were fine and I never had to line up to eat (because they have dozens of wonderful places to eat). Fast pass was in place of course. Sure, there were healthy lines in the middle of the day but nothing more than what I've experience at WDW or DL. My longest queue was 45 minutes for the new (and awesome) Pooh's Honey Hunt.

It amazes me all the misconceptions I read about Tokyo Disneyland. You'd think it was on another planet or something. I can't believe the - 'Japanese people don't mind waiting', or Disney's own 'people in Hong Kong just want to look at nice scenery and take pictures'. It's like when people came back from the Orient in Marco Polo's time with stories of people with two heads. Not much has changed!

 

[crusader]

There isn't any other way to look at this article then to say bravo to Japan and at a minimum wonder why we can't have the same over here, and at a maximum demand it.

we can. All we need to do is float bonds, hide debt and relax regs.

Sorry Bret. I honestly thought your post was excellent, but we have to look at this beyond comparing parks.