If it happens!!!

[manning]

The rumor at the rumor board is that Disney may buy universal. If (a big IF) this happens I,m glad we bought. According to Orlando Sentinal hotel room prices could soar due to lack of competition.

If that happens, the break even time could be sooner than later.

Will it happen? maybe yes, maybe no. Given odds I'd say no.

 

[ncligs]

Here is the article from the Orlando paper today (8-9) ..

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/busi...080902aug09.story?coll=orl-business-headlines

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Hmmm...Portofino Bay Hotel in the Disney Collection. I am not a huge Universal fan, but it might get interesting.

 

[DVCDAVE]

In more ways than one, I am against this happening.

First, as a shareholder of Disney. That is a lot of debt. Given that Disney's debt was downgraded 10 months ago, and faces another downgrade soon, the purcase would be a belly blow to Disney's finances.

Second, I am a capitalist through and through, I strongly believe in competition as it is the healthiest thing for the consumer's wallet. The purchase of Universal would be a major blow to compitition for Orlando's tourist market as Disney would be a price dictator. In fact, in the long run it would probably mean less choices for us, not more.

The only good news that I see in this possible purcahse, is Disney would at least own a dumping ground for Chester and Hester's DINO-RAMA !!

 

[we3luvdisney]

I found this article yesterday. It is totally different from what was posted today?

http://biz.yahoo.com/rb/020808/media_disney_2.html

 

[Mai Ku Tiki]

Hey, DVCDAVE!!! L-O-V-E that Chester & Hester comment!

We couldn't agree more...after 30 yrs of WDW visits, that stands out as our biggest ever 'WHAT THE HECK WERE THEY THINKIN?' No wonder our stocks are taking such a hit!!!

Sorry for those who enjoy Dino-Rama... for us it is too much like what is worst about the Jersey shore!!! For that, we could just stay home !

As far as fearing a monopoly in Orlando, though, back in the good ole' GLORY DAYS (Sorry...we are having a bit of Bruuuuce-mania here this week ) when there was nuthin' there but WDW and the few orange groves they hadn't yet snatched up....prices stayed low...they HAD to attract people and fill those rooms. There will always be the many other off-site properties to compete with.

I think I'd LOVE growing our KINGDOM!

 

[DVCDAVE]

LOL, I liked that Dino-rama comment too. One good that could come out of this for shareholders, and this is probably why Disney is talking to Universal, they will finally get the 11 to 21 crowd they always wanted and strived for. Talk to any Disney official, and they'll tell you they got the kids 0 to 11, and then they lose them, only to get them back when they get married, and have kids of their own.

Universal fills the teen gap, and does it well. That is why Disney wants Universal.

As far as Dino-Rama, and Pop Century, bulldoze them, or give them to Universal.......