WaltsMartini
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Apr 29, 2012
- Messages
- 269
A recent article in the New York Times http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/21/business/universal-armed-with-cash-from-comcast-takes-aim-at-disney.html got me thinking about Universal.
Frankly, the article kind of ticked me off the title Clash of the Theme Parks mistakenly led me to believe that wed be hearing two sides of the story. (To be fair though, Disney did decline to comment.)
So could Universal ever be a true contender not just nipping at Disneys heels, but actually taking away a significant portion of Disneys market share? Below are some Universal pros and cons and thoughts on Disneys reaction to this situation.
Cons for Universal:
Lack of Space to Expand at least in Orlando. Check out Universal on google maps now check out WDW. Im assuming Universal owns the two long tracts of land south of Islands of Adventure; they also appear to have a parking lot (Im assuming its staff parking) in the northwest corner of the property behind Universal Studios. But thats it. There is most likely room for a third gate and one or two hotels, but then theyve maxed out their space. WDW, on the other hand, has 43 square miles of infinite potential.
Lack of Things to Do if youve been to Universal, how many days did you spend? Two, three? I doubt many people spend more than three. If Universal were to add a third gate, I could see needing up to four days. But as of right now, even three days can be a stretch.
Lack of Immersive Experience Universal has three hotels; WDW has 22. There are far more choices to stay on-site at WDW, and there are also much cheaper hotel options at WDW. In addition, thanks to Magical Express, free dining deals, and special events throughout the year, WDW gives visitors incentive to never leave property.
Lack of Cohesive Branding Universal to me has always felt like a hodge podge. I can ride a Simpsons ride, a Mummy roller coaster, and then head over to WWoHP which are all neat, but what the heck do they have to do with each other? Thanks to Disney acting as not just a cohesive brand with its films, but also theming its lands so well (except for you, DHS), nothing feels random in the parks rather, it feels (again) like an immersive experience.
Pros for Universal:
Ability to Expand into Foreign Markets this is just conjecture on my part, but Im assuming its probably cheaper for Universal to build a theme park than it is for Disney to build a theme park; therefore, Universal has the ability to more cheaply expand into foreign markets, for instance a planned Moscow park.
Pro or Con?
Audience Disney markets itself as a true family destination, especially with their recent memories theme. They also target 5 9 year olds the golden years I think I saw it explained somewhere. As a consequence, most families I know feel almost obligated to plan a trip to Disney World. Universal, on the other hand, seems like the perfect park for teens and for guys. My fiancée, who only goes to Disney when I drag him, put it perfectly I dont care about all the theming I just want a really good thrill ride. He LOVES the Incredible Hulk Coaster, the Spiderman ride, etc and was disappointed by Expedition Everest and Space Mountain. Is this seemingly different demographic draw a pro or con, or just a wash?
What will Disneys reaction be?
Disney has already reacted to WWoHP with its $500 million Fantasyland Expansion, overhaul of CA Adventure and addition of Cars Land, and announcing an Avatar themed land at AK (which I dont think much of, but that's a whole other post).
I read recently that when IoA was opening, a major expansion was planned for each park. After IoA initially flopped, plans were shelved, though we did get Mission Space, which had been part of the plans. Should Universal begin to actually cut into Disneys market share, perhaps it may entice Disney to do something with DHS and perhaps do some updating over at EPCOT (and before you post hate mail to me, please know that I love EPCOT just the way it is but I notice that many families, especially those with young children, tend to think this is the park to skip.)
Another possible reaction is another theme park overseas. The BRIC countries Brazil, Russia, India, and China are the worlds fastest growing economies; there are two theme parks in China but nothing readily accessible to the others. Would Disney consider opening something in Brazil, Russia, or India? Im doubtful, but then again I know next to nothing about the market for theme parks in these countries.
So what are your thoughts?
Frankly, the article kind of ticked me off the title Clash of the Theme Parks mistakenly led me to believe that wed be hearing two sides of the story. (To be fair though, Disney did decline to comment.)
So could Universal ever be a true contender not just nipping at Disneys heels, but actually taking away a significant portion of Disneys market share? Below are some Universal pros and cons and thoughts on Disneys reaction to this situation.
Cons for Universal:
Lack of Space to Expand at least in Orlando. Check out Universal on google maps now check out WDW. Im assuming Universal owns the two long tracts of land south of Islands of Adventure; they also appear to have a parking lot (Im assuming its staff parking) in the northwest corner of the property behind Universal Studios. But thats it. There is most likely room for a third gate and one or two hotels, but then theyve maxed out their space. WDW, on the other hand, has 43 square miles of infinite potential.
Lack of Things to Do if youve been to Universal, how many days did you spend? Two, three? I doubt many people spend more than three. If Universal were to add a third gate, I could see needing up to four days. But as of right now, even three days can be a stretch.
Lack of Immersive Experience Universal has three hotels; WDW has 22. There are far more choices to stay on-site at WDW, and there are also much cheaper hotel options at WDW. In addition, thanks to Magical Express, free dining deals, and special events throughout the year, WDW gives visitors incentive to never leave property.
Lack of Cohesive Branding Universal to me has always felt like a hodge podge. I can ride a Simpsons ride, a Mummy roller coaster, and then head over to WWoHP which are all neat, but what the heck do they have to do with each other? Thanks to Disney acting as not just a cohesive brand with its films, but also theming its lands so well (except for you, DHS), nothing feels random in the parks rather, it feels (again) like an immersive experience.
Pros for Universal:
Ability to Expand into Foreign Markets this is just conjecture on my part, but Im assuming its probably cheaper for Universal to build a theme park than it is for Disney to build a theme park; therefore, Universal has the ability to more cheaply expand into foreign markets, for instance a planned Moscow park.
Pro or Con?
Audience Disney markets itself as a true family destination, especially with their recent memories theme. They also target 5 9 year olds the golden years I think I saw it explained somewhere. As a consequence, most families I know feel almost obligated to plan a trip to Disney World. Universal, on the other hand, seems like the perfect park for teens and for guys. My fiancée, who only goes to Disney when I drag him, put it perfectly I dont care about all the theming I just want a really good thrill ride. He LOVES the Incredible Hulk Coaster, the Spiderman ride, etc and was disappointed by Expedition Everest and Space Mountain. Is this seemingly different demographic draw a pro or con, or just a wash?
What will Disneys reaction be?
Disney has already reacted to WWoHP with its $500 million Fantasyland Expansion, overhaul of CA Adventure and addition of Cars Land, and announcing an Avatar themed land at AK (which I dont think much of, but that's a whole other post).
I read recently that when IoA was opening, a major expansion was planned for each park. After IoA initially flopped, plans were shelved, though we did get Mission Space, which had been part of the plans. Should Universal begin to actually cut into Disneys market share, perhaps it may entice Disney to do something with DHS and perhaps do some updating over at EPCOT (and before you post hate mail to me, please know that I love EPCOT just the way it is but I notice that many families, especially those with young children, tend to think this is the park to skip.)
Another possible reaction is another theme park overseas. The BRIC countries Brazil, Russia, India, and China are the worlds fastest growing economies; there are two theme parks in China but nothing readily accessible to the others. Would Disney consider opening something in Brazil, Russia, or India? Im doubtful, but then again I know next to nothing about the market for theme parks in these countries.
So what are your thoughts?
: Aren't all rides sit and watch?
