Different management of theme park business has different approach to tough times

[PKS44]

"For the rest of the fiscal year, the harsh operating environment is projected to continue with no improvement expected in the employment situation or income conditions. However, we will continue working to improve results in ways such as taking active measures to attract guests to the theme parks and other Tokyo Disney Resort facilities."

This is from the 2/10/04 financial statement of the Oriental Land Company (OLC)-the Japanese owner and manager of the Tokyo Disney Resort. What a different approach to tough economic times they express. No mention of cutting costs or waiting for pent up demand.

Their stated strategy shows a circular chart that I have been unable to copy into here but basically :
Investment-->increase appeal---> higher attendance-->increased cash in--->back to investment-->increased appeal-->higher attendance-->cash in-->etc...

"Oriental Land invests on an ongoing basis to strengthen the appeal and the capacity of Tokyo Disney Resort, with the goal of boosting the number of visitors and encouraging a higher rate of repeat visits. These investments are used to develop new attractions and entertainment options at the resort’s two theme parks, as well as enhance its various facilities.
Tokyo Disney Resort boasts a highly attractive investment cycle. Investment strengthens appeal and capacity. This boosts the number of visitors, which, in turn, increases cash coming in and facilitates further investment. As a consequence, the Company has succeeded in building a strong, stable business structure unmatched by any of its competitors."


meanwhile the stock for OLC is up (as is Disney here) they have increased their dividend--they also give free park tickets for every 100 shares owned twice a year...they seem to have it figured out....
Oh why cant we have somebody like these guys take over the theme parks operation for Disney????

Paul

OLC website

 

[wtg2000]

Thanks for the link.

This was interesting: Once inside Tokyo Disney Resort, guests\as we call our visitors\step into a world of dreams and magic. To ensure outstanding service quality and the ultimate experience for every guest, Oriental Land devotes considerable efforts to training cast members.

I can attest to the excellent service. I wonder how much training CMs get. I was reading a column at Jim Hill which said that WDW's Traditions training had been cut from several days to several hours. It would be interesting to see the difference in the programs.

I'm glad the Disney Sea investment is paying off for them. It's an amazing park. When the economy over there gets back to full strength it will really pay off.

One funny bit in the FAQ (which overall is very interesting): construction of a hotel specializing in overnight accommodations.

Um, what else would a hotel specialize in?

 

[OnWithTheShow]

When I took traditions, it was a one day event. 4 hrs in the classroom plus 4 hr tour of the MK. The part that has been cut is the 4 hr tour of mk. Since not all cast members taking traditions are going to be working in the MK it doesnt make sense for them to participate in this tour. Cast members still have and orientation day at their work location that includes a tour of their property and additional Disney traditions training appropriate to their location (MK, DAK, Studios, Epcot, Resorts, DTD, Sports and Rec.). You also have training classes for your particular role (merchandise, showkeeping, operations, food handling, etc) plus general classes like safety, biohazard, etc. You then have any number of days of on the job training.

For example my first training consisted of

Traditions - 8 hr day (4 hr class, plus 4 hr tour of MK)

Merchantainment - 8 hr day (4hr visual display, 4hr cash handling)

On With The Show - 6 hr day (2 hr classroom orientation to studios, 4 hr tour of the studios)

On the Job Training (Stage One Company Store) - 8 hr day

On the Job Training (Christmas shop) - 8hr day

On the Job training (Carts) - 8hr day

Training review - 2 hr session


My second training consisted of

Sports and Recreation - 8hr day (overview of sports and rec, plus bloodborne pathogens/biohazard class)

Waterparks - 6hr day (2hr class, 4 hr tour of the water parks)

ATS class - 8 hr day (class on the automated ticketing system

On the Job training (greeter) - 8 hr day followed by a review

On the Job Training (tickets) - Several weeks after greeter training 8 hr day followed by review

On the Job Training (guest services) - Several weeks after ticketing training, two 8hr days plus review (and always work with an experienced person for another month)

 

[Cris]

And the one role with probably the most training is the front desk.

8 hours Tradition class.

56 hours of computer and guest service training.

72 hours of on the job training.