Comcast is going to cream Disney

[MarknStitch]

Andrew pretty much summed up exactly how I feel about all this. Yes in terms of numbers and financials Comcast have stepped up but it really isn't a dent on Disneys stronghold.

However, in terms of creativity, I couldn't agree more that Disney need to up their game. Of course, "for the sake of artistic integrity" as a justification for massive investment is highly unlikely to sway an accountant but that doesn't really change the way I and so many other fans feel. We can all see the flaws and the way in which it is tearing away at everything that was so special at WDW, or any Disney resort for that matter. Unless we start to see attendance numbers falling at WDW I don't think that they are going to take much notice.

If having shops and money spinning is so important to them I would like them to completely rethink their merchandising strategy. More unique product and more diversity across the resort. Please, for the love of humanity, if you insist upon cramming in the money making opportunities at least give me a chance to part with my hard earned cash by giving me something else to buy... not a repeat of the same shop I was in just five minutes ago. Of course this may be something that is dawning upon the big wigs and that is why we are seeing stores like the Marketplace Co-Op. I truly hope that this is a small sign that they are listening and they are starting to make changes... next stop... the attractions that draw the crowds into the parks and those shops...

 

[Andrew015]

Why shouldn't they just be happy with the droves of people coming and parting with their money? Because Walt's words were about innovation, giving people different experiences and thinking outside the box. For a park dedicated to a man who was all about being super innovative and touting that fact in many places in/around the world, its something that you come to expect of the place.

We all want to believe that Walt's vision and beliefs would be the foundation of all strategic decisions made by Disney, but unfortunately, that is simply wishful thinking. We'd be kidding ourselves if we thought that anything other than bottom-line profitability was the key driver to most high-level, strategic decisons made by upper management. Fact.

 

[Andrew015]

If having shops and money spinning is so important to them I would like them to completely rethink their merchandising strategy. More unique product and more diversity across the resort. Please, for the love of humanity, if you insist upon cramming in the money making opportunities at least give me a chance to part with my hard earned cash by giving me something else to buy... not a repeat of the same shop I was in just five minutes ago. Of course this may be something that is dawning upon the big wigs and that is why we are seeing stores like the Marketplace Co-Op. I truly hope that this is a small sign that they are listening and they are starting to make changes... next stop... the attractions that draw the crowds into the parks and those shops...

I have been saying the same thing about the "cookie cutter" gift shops for years, and also hold out hope that the Marketplace Co-Op is a sign of a change in that mentality. Just when I am getting my hopes up, we will probably begin to hear the rumors of Cheescake Factory-like chains coming to Disney Springs. For the love of all things sacred, give me something other than what I can get 5 minutes from home!

 

[MarknStitch]

I have been saying the same thing about the "cookie cutter" gift shops for years, and also hold out hope that the Marketplace Co-Op is a sign of a change in that mentality. Just when I am getting my hopes up, we will probably begin to hear the rumors of Cheescake Factory-like chains coming to Disney Springs. For the love of all things sacred, give me something other than what I can get 5 minutes from home!

So glad I have found someone on my wavelength

 

[yitbos96bb]

Yes Disney is lousy and isn't making Billions in each of its businesses. Theme Parks are toast. Attendance isn't up. It's all over but lifting Universal's gloved hand in the air. Yada, yada, yada.



Oh, and it's going to be worthless, but out of the kindness of my heart I'll buy that Disney stock if you want to sell it.

Yeah that was one of the dumbest articles I have seen in a while... Neither companies primary revenue source is theme parks. Disney is not going to make a ton of cash on marvel films, Star Wars, abc,etc"

Comcast will make a ton too if the TWC merger happens. Both are good buys. It's one thing to debate the theme parks but yo try and tie it to a stock play is just ridiculous.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I have been saying the same thing about the "cookie cutter" gift shops for years, and also hold out hope that the Marketplace Co-Op is a sign of a change in that mentality. Just when I am getting my hopes up, we will probably begin to hear the rumors of Cheescake Factory-like chains coming to Disney Springs. For the love of all things sacred, give me something other than what I can get 5 minutes from home!

You're gonna be disappointed...

Third party leasing is exactly what you'll get at downtown...

It won't be an apple store...it will be a "cool apple store"

And it won't be a Cheesecake Factory...it will be a "magical one"

But it's gonna be those things...it's about fees and percentages without overhead...
That was the demise of pleasure island, the disaster nonplan of Hyperion wharf, and the new overblown disney springs.

It is what it is

 

[Figmentforever24]

You're gonna be disappointed...

Third party leasing is exactly what you'll get at downtown...

It won't be an apple store...it will be a "cool apple store"

And it won't be a Cheesecake Factory...it will be a "magical one"

But it's gonna be those things...it's about fees and percentages without overhead...
That was the demise of pleasure island, the disaster nonplan of Hyperion wharf, and the new overblown disney springs.

It is what it is

Idk im looking forward to all the new dining and shopping I will be able to do. It makes it more easy to stay on property, which is their main goal.

 

[ChrisFL]

Yeah that was one of the dumbest articles I have seen in a while... Neither companies primary revenue source is theme parks. Disney is not going to make a ton of cash on marvel films, Star Wars, abc,etc"

Comcast will make a ton too if the TWC merger happens. Both are good buys. It's one thing to debate the theme parks but yo try and tie it to a stock play is just ridiculous.

I had a thought about this...regarding Comcast, I'm no expert, but I think this major theme park expansion has to do with expanding their portfolio and making sure they're diversified for the future, because what will the TV/cable industry look like in 10 years?

I don't think its growing, which is maybe why there's a lot of mergers going on. A LOT of people are "cutting the cord" and going to other sources for entertainment these days.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I had a thought about this...regarding Comcast, I'm no expert, but I think this major theme park expansion has to do with expanding their portfolio and making sure they're diversified for the future, because what will the TV/cable industry look like in 10 years?

I don't think its growing, which is maybe why there's a lot of mergers going on. A LOT of people are "cutting the cord" and going to other sources for entertainment these days.

That's exactly it...
It's actually amazing that almost no alteration to cable has taken place.

It's now hd, digital, interactive, etc...
But it is basically the same bread and butter product for 35 years...

And one day it will just dry up... Inevitable.

Comcast knows this...which is why I see their future to move towards content acquisition

In 10 years...I would bet they are a much larger/more competitive company as far as diversification and content as compared to TWDC...

Know why? Because cable has been a pound for pound bigger theft for years than even Disney's product...

All things are about money...except money...which is about power

 

[tjkraz]

You're gonna be disappointed...

Third party leasing is exactly what you'll get at downtown...

It won't be an apple store...it will be a "cool apple store"

And it won't be a Cheesecake Factory...it will be a "magical one"

But it's gonna be those things...it's about fees and percentages without overhead...
That was the demise of pleasure island, the disaster nonplan of Hyperion wharf, and the new overblown disney springs.

It is what it is

It's funny you should mention these particular examples: Apple and Cheesecake factory.

On our last WDW visit, my son dropped his iPhone and cracked the screen. Was 2nd or 3rd day of a 9-day trip. Spent 1.5-2 hours driving to Florida's Mall (or some such place) for a replacement. Fortunately we had a car available...many do not.

And Cheesecake Factory is one chain that we are often drawn to when traveling because we enjoy the food, yet there isn't one within 100 miles of our home.

The expansion plan for Disney Springs is so massive that I think there's room for both new Disney concepts and familiar standbys. Many are likely to be locations which are not prevalent on every street corner...like American Girl.

I suspect many of the chains will also stock unique Disney-themed merchandise which is not available elsewhere. The Build-A-Bear store at Disneyland is a good example. Sure there are hundreds of locations across the US but many of their Disney-themed clothing and accessories are only available at that one store.

Disney branded stores are all well and good, but aren't likely to help with an iPhone warranty replacement or a forgotten charger. Or even if they do, it will be in the model of "Team Mickey" which was 80% merchandise from pro sports teams which you could buy cheaper elsewhere or "Once Upon A Toy" which, again, mostly stocks generic toys you can purchase anywhere. The LEGO store is constantly overrun with people of all ages, yet much of their inventory is available at every Target or WalMart.

 

[anthony2k7]

haha this again...

Well for me its all about number of days.

The more and more new and interesting things to do in Orlando can only mean people spending less days/half days at WDW. I dont know how actual attendance numbers are calculated - maybe for all I know there is not actual consistent way across all world wide theme parks? However, what I suspect is happening is that universal is bringing extra people to Orlando who are visiting WDW as well which is boosting WDW numbers. But people will still be trying to fit into a standard 7 or 14 day trip.

So if they are spending less time at WDW, then they are also spending less on food and probably merch as well. I'd be interested in seeing per guest spending by quarter over the last 5 years.

 

[mvk]

haha this again...

Well for me its all about number of days.

The more and more new and interesting things to do in Orlando can only mean people spending less days/half days at WDW. I dont know how actual attendance numbers are calculated - maybe for all I know there is not actual consistent way across all world wide theme parks? However, what I suspect is happening is that universal is bringing extra people to Orlando who are visiting WDW as well which is boosting WDW numbers. But people will still be trying to fit into a standard 7 or 14 day trip.

So if they are spending less time at WDW, then they are also spending less on food and probably merch as well. I'd be interested in seeing per guest spending by quarter over the last 5 years.

Disney has been reporting higher and higher per guest spending every quarter I believe. Along with high attendance gains.

 

[clsteve]

Disney has been reporting higher and higher per guest spending every quarter I believe. Along with high attendance gains.

The per guest spend increases are because of Disney hiking prices across the board. You can listen to Rasulo's explanation of that on the past few earnings calls. Even for Disney there is a point where continually playing the price increase card will bring diminishing returns. Don't know when that is, but there is a limit

Disney's attendance increases match well the visitor increases for the respective markets. However, they've also had a percentage decrease in market share. So, the pie has grown, but they have fewer pieces of that pie....

 

[seascapemvy]

Comcast universal numbers were not that good. If you take the calender into account you have to look at the full six months to see how they are doing. This is due to the holiday dates. The top line number of 9.4% in revenue is really great but you have to remember they had a 40% increase in hotel rooms and while they were not open the entire quarter it did have an effect on revenue. Then look at their cash flow increase of just 2.5% and it is not good at all. Granted part of the reason for such a low number is the training of new workers. But 2.5%? The rest of the year will be much better but Disney will beat them big time in the first 6 months and unless Universal blows Disney out of the water Disney Parks will finish 2014 with a larger percentage increase in. Cash flow and profit increases than Universal. Going forward in 2016 Disney parks will blow all the other theme park companies out of the water with Shanghai Disney opening in later 2015.

 

[Suzie13]

I agree universal has better ideas(ie Harry porter instead of avatar land) but disneys attendances are soaring . Universal did this because they needed to, back In 2009 the park was dire. I went with my family and hated it because it was so out of date. They did the right thing and updated and now Disney will do the same to MGM if they have any common sense. I also think people forget that when both parks build something new each of them benfits from international travellers who aren't going to come to the USA and see Harry potter without taking a peak at Disneys new fantasyland or any of their parks for that matter. Only a moron would sell their Disney stock based on the park alone. Disney has some big movies in its lineups. That's my two cents on it.

 

[Networth]

Oh that article was a great read... for pure laughs. I don't like Iger as a CEO he isn't a "park" guy by any stretch so I will be happy when his golden parachute finally opens. Also comparing Universal to Disney on them parks alone is again another joke. The only people who think they are even are fanboys.

Thank god comcast bought Universal, if not universal would be in its death throws at the moment. Will they ever over take WDW never, the only once who spout such nonsense have no idea about how either companies theme park division works.

 

[Disneychick75]

Oh that article was a great read... for pure laughs. I don't like Iger as a CEO he isn't a "park" guy by any stretch so I will be happy when his golden parachute finally opens. Also comparing Universal to Disney on them parks alone is again another joke. The only people who think they are even are fanboys.

Thank god comcast bought Universal, if not universal would be in its death throws at the moment. Will they ever over take WDW never, the only once who spout such nonsense have no idea about how either companies theme park division works.

Some of us who have actually been to both WDW and UNI don't rank parks by dollars and cents but by the enjoyment factor. UNI wins hands down. It's fun, the resorts are much nicer, FOTL can't be beat, and most of all a UNI trip feels like a vacation and not like work. Not having to plan down to the most ridiculous detail makes a big difference.

 

[seascapemvy]

Oh that article was a great read... for pure laughs. I don't like Iger as a CEO he isn't a "park" guy by any stretch so I will be happy when his golden parachute finally opens. Also comparing Universal to Disney on them parks alone is again another joke. The only people who think they are even are fanboys.

Thank god comcast bought Universal, if not universal would be in its death throws at the moment. Will they ever over take WDW never, the only once who spout such nonsense have no idea about how either companies theme park division works.

It's very interesting reading about the lines at epcot and at the same time reading how universal is removing blackout dates. The restricted Florida passes were supposed to be blacked out until august 15 but now it looks like they can be used for admission on August 1. Does that mean their attendance is down? And the lines at epcot are way up so is Disney attendance up? Did universal over estimate DA? Based on park hours for the rest of the year Disney is expecting big things but universal has not responded with increased hours. Why?

 

[atricks]

It's very interesting reading about the lines at epcot and at the same time reading how universal is removing blackout dates. The restricted Florida passes were supposed to be blacked out until august 15 but now it looks like they can be used for admission on August 1. Does that mean their attendance is down? And the lines at epcot are way up so is Disney attendance up? Did universal over estimate DA? Based on park hours for the rest of the year Disney is expecting big things but universal has not responded with increased hours. Why?

They went with overestimation intentionally.

I'm a local, and from talking to people that work at both places (and I've seen this mentioned elsewhere too, but those in the know say it is pretty accurate):

It seems Universal's attendance has been up significantly since the expansion opened, to the point where they are surpassing park numbers in all but the MK on Disney side. Guest spending is well up, and Universal's hotel occupancy is over 90%. (Higher than Disney's) All the 5 year expansion plans are still on, and actually have been plussed based on Diagon's results.

One thing that really worked out well for Universal was building Transformers and Dispicable Me, which has evened out the crowds a great deal. It wasn't just the Potter area doing well. As well as handling the crowds much better than when the original land opened up.

 

[seascapemvy]

They went with overestimation intentionally.

I'm a local, and from talking to people that work at both places (and I've seen this mentioned elsewhere too, but those in the know say it is pretty accurate):

It seems Universal's attendance has been up significantly since the expansion opened, to the point where they are surpassing park numbers in all but the MK on Disney side. Guest spending is well up, and Universal's hotel occupancy is over 90%. (Higher than Disney's) All the 5 year expansion plans are still on, and actually have been plussed based on Diagon's results.

One thing that really worked out well for Universal was building Transformers and Dispicable Me, which has evened out the crowds a great deal. It wasn't just the Potter area doing well. As well as handling the crowds much better than when the original land opened up.

If attendance is up so much why are they eliminating blackout dates?