Holy Diagon Alley Batman!

[tfc3rid]

OK, I have read through this thread and it is very interesting to say the least. I'm a 15 year DVC Member, WDW APer on and off for 30 years, DL APer as well. Needless to say, I and my family have spent a fortune with Disney because of the immersive theming and entertainment they provide.

However, Team Disney Orlando has made a conscious decision to scrutinize every project to the point where those Disney 'pluses' are not really part of the show any longer. In addition, with the decline in WDW operations and maintenance due to slashed budget, that shows up as well... For every great refurbishment like Splash Mountain, you have some attractions rotting away or having AAs not working properly.

You see technologically advanced attractions in Disney Parks overseas, like Pooh's Hunny Hunt at Tokyo Disneyland (which is amazing), Mystic Manor in Hong Kong, and Ratatouille in DLP. You have incredible environments like Tokyo DisneySea.

Disney World and Team Disney Orlando is catering to folks who for them, this is a once in a lifetime trip, as opposed to 'regulars', like DVC Memebers, Florida locals, etc. Disneyland is different in that they know their main attendance are California locals. So, new offerings, attractions, etc. are warranted.

$1.5 Billion (or more) for My Magic+ was simply done to increase the amount of available time guests have in the parks for things other than attractions. It was always meant to make it easy to have more time for shopping and dining and spending money without thinking about handing over a card. What it has done is increased wait times at attractions who have no business with long Standby waits.

Universal, with its major construction program in place, is showing that building attractions and immersive areas will increase the customer base and the rest will follow. They are going to easily recoup the Capital expenditures for Diagon Alley quickly... They are in the process of building their new King Kong attraction which will open next year. They have the next Harry Potter expansion, the Ministry of Magic, likely coming in 2 or 3 years... They will likely have a new water park to replace Wet n Wild within the next 5 years. Also, an increase in the number of new hotel rooms. All before Avatar is complete.

Comcast has decided to spend the money to increase its share in theme parks. By hearing all of you saying that you might spend n extra day at UOR and not at Disney is exactly the way they are trying to do it. They aren't trying to peel away the 7 nights at Disney... They start by peeling away 2 days...

I have visited Universal once, in 1992. I hated the park.. Because it 'wasn't Disney'. However, I am going to go this year because things are changing. Disney in Florida is not providing the experiences it used to. The accountants have creative control, as opposed to WDI. Universal Creative is building their blue sky projects. WDI is forced to send them overseas.

My hope is that Disney will wake up and really have this be a huge theme park war. That would be best for theme park fans.

 

[LetsGoToo]

It is painfully obvious that you have never worked on anything mechanical. They probably thought that they had the problem figured out and they would have it up and running at 9:30. I'm also pretty sure that no one was forced by the Universal staff to stand in line. They stood there under their own free will. You weren't standing in line so why do you care?

I agree. Things like this happen in the real world.

Unfortunately mechanical devices aren't infallible. Cars, trains, planes, etc malfunction at times.

 

[Tonyz]

Universal, with its major construction program in place, is showing that building attractions and immersive areas will increase the customer base and the rest will follow. They are going to easily recoup the Capital expenditures for Diagon Alley quickly... They are in the process of building their new King Kong attraction which will open next year. They have the next Harry Potter expansion, the Ministry of Magic, likely coming in 2 or 3 years... They will likely have a new water park to replace Wet n Wild within the next 5 years. Also, an increase in the number of new hotel rooms. All before Avatar is complete.

Ohh... that's like a punch to the gut!

 

[tfc3rid]

I agree. Things like this happen in the real world.

Unfortunately mechanical devices aren't infallible. Cars, trains, planes, etc malfunction at times.

The problem with Gringotts is that UOR had an aggressive construction schedule that it really ended up needing a few month months for test and adjust... As an engineer, this would be incredibly frustrating; however, UOR wanted direct Summer competition with Disney and they now have it... No one is talking about the Mine Train that opening in the Magic Kingdom, are they?

In this case, their aggressive scheduling has hurt them a bit PR-wise. However, the rest of Diagon Alley has drawn incredible reviews.

 

[NYDisGuy]

Agree. But again, Disney opted for a franchise that does not have followers who have been die hards for years. Their choice. Could be a bad move. People carrying light sabres, wearing Spock ears, or donning T-Shirts that say: "Frodo Lives!" would (in my guesstimation) wait a lot longer for attractions based on their passion than people will for Pandora. Time will tell.

They did buy Star Wars and three sources said the DHS land was green lit

http://www.wdwthemeparks.com/rumors/2013/08/20/star-wars-land-coming-to-hollywood-studios

 

[bumbershoot]

I'm guessing most of the people there in line were there for just that ride. They'd be lined up no matter when they were told it would open. I'm sure they'd prefer a shorter wait, but they'll wait no matter what.

Exactly. If I were there for opening, I would be in line for it. And I would be prepared with my (Disney) parasol, water, snacks,etc. I would know that there will be a long wait and that things happen.

I'm not willing to do those things, so I'm not there.

R

We also need to keep in mind that Diagon Alley is geared towards a HARDCORE fanbase which has no issues waiting hours to experience their dreams come to life. If Disney opened a star wars land, I would wait days to experience walking through Tatooine or any other planet.

Yep.

Heck, my brother in law was in line all night when space mountain opened at Disneyland. DH was so jealous of him but bil is 9 years older so could partake in that opportunity while DH had to sleep in the motel room instead. And that's just a ride with no history!

 

[beaprn]

Looks like Gringotts didnt open at 11am. People still waiting with no confirmed word yet.

Here is something that has truly been parrotted OVER and OVER again on this board:

"How much better Universal is."

Looks like the Universal apologists are at a loss for words when all they can do is post pictures.[/QUO


What is your problem? Perhaps you need a Disney intervention because this seems to be a fixation with you to point out USF issues. Everyone with any sense knows there will be problems at first, so you either go with the flow, waste energy getting mad or stay home to start with. It is not like being stuck onside the gates, being denied admission (with MBs that have been rolled out for almost a year) and then being sold water while you wait in a huge line to get it straighten out Guess you missed that one on twitter!

 

[tfc3rid]

They did buy Star Wars and three sources said the DHS land was green lit

http://www.wdwthemeparks.com/rumors/2013/08/20/star-wars-land-coming-to-hollywood-studios

Yeah, design has been green lit, but the budget had been put on hold, maybe that is changing... But the results are needed here.

Obviously, with American Idol closing up shop in January, we see a potential for something coming to DHS. But still, it appears movement is very, very slow.

TDO does not see UOR as a threat but they need to be careful. They are starting to alienate some of the core audience for WDW. They are seemingly trying to skate by on reputation alone, which DOES carry a lot but lately has been, meh... But folks who have never been, won't see it. Someone like me, who has visited annually since 1984 see the major difference.

Comcast has always wanted to take Disney on, ever since their corporate hostile takeover was rejected.

 

[JimmyV]

$1.5 Billion (or more) for My Magic+ was simply done to increase the amount of available time guests have in the parks for things other than attractions. It was always meant to make it easy to have more time for shopping and dining and spending money without thinking about handing over a card. What it has done is increased wait times at attractions who have no business with long Standby waits.

The brainwashing that has gone on with MBs and MDE is astounding. Yes, these initiatives are going to be a success. But people seem to be waiting for some magical transformation of their individual experience way above what they could have gotten with a KTTW card. "Oooh. The MB opens my hotel room door." "Ooooh. My MB tells my server how many DP credits I have left." But as you point out, the real reason behind this is to reconfigure people's days so that they can spend more time shopping or dining. And now, we have self-check-in at resorts. A modest change for guests, but a huge win for Disney as they lay off 40% of their front desk workers. That is the benefit of MBs.

 

[LetsGoToo]

The problem with Gringotts is that UOR had an aggressive construction schedule that it really ended up needing a few month months for test and adjust... As an engineer, this would be incredibly frustrating; however, UOR wanted direct Summer competition with Disney and they now have it... No one is talking about the Mine Train that opening in the Magic Kingdom, are they? In this case, their aggressive scheduling has hurt them a bit PR-wise. However, the rest of Diagon Alley has drawn incredible reviews.

I don't disagree. But fwiw, the three days I had a FP for Mine Train in June, the ride was closed all three times. These things happen.

 

[tfc3rid]

The brainwashing that has gone on with MBs and MDE is astounding. Yes, these initiatives are going to be a success. But people seem to be waiting for some magical transformation of their individual experience way above what they could have gotten with a KTTW card. "Oooh. The MB opens my hotel room door." "Ooooh. My MB tells my server how many DP credits I have left." But as you point out, the real reason behind this is to reconfigure people's days so that they can spend more time shopping or dining. And now, we have self-check-in at resorts. A modest change for guests, but a huge win for Disney as they lay off 40% of their front desk workers. That is the benefit of MBs.

BINGO... However, I do think they have been caught a bit off guard by the number of MDX folks they have had to hire in the parks for the FP+ Kiosks.

However, it is a system that in the end, will streamline their ops in FL, allow them to reduce hours/staff, and still increase revenue.

 

[CampbellScot]

My darling hubs surprised me with two days at Universal after we run the Wine and Dine half at Disney. I am so beyond excited. Major Harry Potter geek here and I'm BESIDE MYSELF with joy!! Can't wait to see Diagon Alley and to ride the Hogwarts Express. That was well played by Universal. Must have a ticket to both parks if you want to see both Harry Potter parks. Nice. We usually only get tickets to Islands of Adventure. Not any more!!!

 

[tfc3rid]

My darling hubs surprised me with two days at Universal after we run the Wine and Dine half at Disney. I am so beyond excited. Major Harry Potter geek here and I'm BESIDE MYSELF with joy!! Can't wait to see Diagon Alley and to ride the Hogwarts Express. That was well played by Universal. Must have a ticket to both parks if you want to see both Harry Potter parks. Nice. We usually only get tickets to Islands of Adventure. Not any more!!!

THIS is exactly what I mean. THIS is what UOR is attempting to do...

 

[heartse]

Universal, with its major construction program in place, is showing that building attractions and immersive areas will increase the customer base and the rest will follow. They are going to easily recoup the Capital expenditures for Diagon Alley quickly... They are in the process of building their new King Kong attraction which will open next year. They have the next Harry Potter expansion, the Ministry of Magic, likely coming in 2 or 3 years... They will likely have a new water park to replace Wet n Wild within the next 5 years. Also, an increase in the number of new hotel rooms. All before Avatar is complete.

Oh man... we have been putting off a trip until everything was built and the frenzy died down a bit... It they are putting in another section, that's going to delay it EVEN MORE!!! Man... I really want to go there!!!

 

[Patience]

Charging for water for people stuck in a line at Guest Services because of magic band malfunctions is wrong on so many levels. Sheesh.

Regarding Universal, I have never been there in my entire life. However, the next time we are in Orlando, I am definitely going and it's because of all of the good things I have been hearing about Harry Potter and the Universal hotels. The Universal hotel rooms look way nicer than anything Disney has to offer. I am going to consider staying at Universal in the fall and just purchase a hard ticket for one or two of the MNSSHP party nights to spend some time at Magic Kingdom (two party tickets are cheaper than a 2 day pass at WDW). Front of the line access at Universal exploring a new park and Harry Potter land, one or two evenings at Magic Kingdom, a really nice hotel room, City Walk for dinners- yep, that's sounding pretty fun to me!

We are huge fans of the Harry Potter books and movies. I agree with those who say that Avatar doesn't have nearly the fan base that HP does.

 

[mom2rtk]

And with the click of the "mouse" it's complete! Now stop quoting him already people so we don't have to see his drivel.!!

Well, that certainly is a weak spot in the system.

Apparently they were also handing out free bottled water to those waiting inline vs. rolling out a cart and offering to sell it after their groundbreaking, innovative, cutting edge technology didn't work...

Hoodligan ‏@michaelsgoods 3h They're handing out complimentary water bottles in line for #gringotts how nice

Can you imagine the uproar it would cause if they created a huge line then tried to sell expensive bottled water to their captives? So glad they get how awful that would be.

I don't disagree. But fwiw, the three days I had a FP for Mine Train in June, the ride was closed all three times. These things happen.

My friend texted me from the MK today. She included a photo of the cars on the mine coaster sitting empty. It was down for a huge chunk of the day. Looks like they're following Universal's example.

 

[Tonyz]

We are huge fans of the Harry Potter books and movies. I agree with those who say that Avatar doesn't have nearly the fan base that HP does.

Agree... but if they do it right it could be absolutely amazing. They basically better make this thing 100% perfect to show that they can still compete. I have all the hope in the world that they'll do it right!


That water thing... It's so bad that I'm embarrassed about it as a Disney lover.

 

[cbsnyber1]

I am going to consider staying at Universal in the fall and just purchase a hard ticket for one or two of the MNSSHP party nights to spend some time at Magic Kingdom (two party tickets are cheaper than a 2 day pass at WDW). Front of the line access at Universal exploring a new park and Harry Potter land, one or two evenings at Magic Kingdom, a really nice hotel room, City Walk for dinners- yep, that's sounding pretty fun to me!

We are huge fans of the Harry Potter books and movies. I agree with those who say that Avatar doesn't have nearly the fan base that HP does.

Our last two trips were exactly this - all Universal except for a few quick runs to MK for MVMCP. We spent six and five days both times and still never ran out of things to do - sleep in, stroll to the parks, ride whatever, return for lunch/swimming, Blue Man Group, City Walk, mini-golf, pool hop, on and on.

Universal has become our Orlando destination, with a side of the Mouse.

 

[tfc3rid]

Agree... but if they do it right it could be absolutely amazing. They basically better make this thing 100% perfect to show that they can still compete. I have all the hope in the world that they'll do it right!


That water thing... It's so bad that I'm embarrassed about it as a Disney lover.

And by doing Avatar right, it means not cutting the budget to eliminate the boat ride... It means doing it right... If it's going to take almost a decade from announcement to completion, it better have spent the $500 Million wisely.

 

[Tonyz]

Ya know what I never thought of that... all this Harry Potter stuff can help empty the parks and make more room for me!

Down with Disney! Up with Diagon!