Is Disney World becoming a shell of its former self?

[RedSox68]

Wow...I didn't realize from the other posts prior just how close that parcel was...

That isn't even an infrastructure problem -all they need is a short flyover to be constructed over I-4 to allow a "property wide" transportation system...

That's amazing. And they'd control the main corridor through Florida on both sides...simple exposure would siphon off enough to make the mouse jittery.

Can't wait no to see how they try to fight this in Tallahassee...

And Disney is still playing into their hands...

They mothballed MGM for now over a year already without an actionable plan to cover. They're going to put much too much strain on AK And Disney springs Over the next year and they have no clue if any of what they're gonna build will work! And strain Epcot even more...

After our December 2014 visit to Hollywood Studios, and the condition of some of the park and the Great Movie Ride (horrible disrepair and in major need of overhall and additions), we left feeling like they had truly trashed that park. And now they have removed the Osbourne lights for a park that will take years to finish. Awful strategy. Now they have two major parks -- HS and AK -- in disarray while they build major attractions. I think they have overextended and should offer park discounts instead of raising their prices during this dishevelment!

 

[RedSox68]

Well I think this is still the big unanswered question. What can Universal bring to a 3rd (never mind 4th) park that is different to what's already on offer. They need another Harry Potter level IP and I don't think the "Jimmy Fallon" ride is it.

When we were there in December 2014, cast members told us that they were taking out the Fear Factor and extending HP to include the Ministry of Magic and more.

 

[DDLand]

After our December 2014 visit to Hollywood Studios, and the condition of some of the park and the Great Movie Ride (horrible disrepair and in major need of overhall and additions), we left feeling like they had truly trashed that park. And now they have removed the Osbourne lights for a park that will take years to finish. Awful strategy. Now they have two major parks -- HS and AK -- in disarray while they build major attractions. I think they have overextended and should offer park discounts instead of raising their prices during this dishevelment!

The light is at the end of the tunnel for DAK. Everything is going to change come April 22nd.

 

[DDLand]

With all the expansions Universal is doing to their parks right now, Disney has done barely anything to the parks. Disney's construction projects take longer than most government projects! And that's saying something, not only does it take Disney a decade to build a land, they are also not building enough new, interesting, well thought attractions. Adding another screen to soarin' isn't a new attraction, it's for capacity and should of been there in the first place! I know Disney is about to announce a rebranding mega project of DHS, but Universal is going to react to that in a very big way, that's a given, if Disney does not have this done by 2019, they're attendance will be going over to Universal, there will be a tipping point when people ask themselves, "why should I spend a lot more money at Disney, when I can save money and going to a park that is actually investing enough into it!" Mr. Iger, ten years ago when admission was half the cost you were putting more rides into the parks, and know that admission is $100 you're putting less attractions in the parks, that makes zero sense, all I'm saying is that Disney better get there act back together, and don't have construction at snail pace, that's not good.

As of March 3 2016, Disney World is still not "screwed."

 

[lockedoutlogic]

The light is at the end of the tunnel for DAK. Everything is going to change come April 22nd.

Ummm...I know you're doing bucket duty here...but I think it's premature to announce victory on April 22...

December 2017 has to come before we'll know if it "worked"

 

[DDLand]

Ummm...I know you're doing bucket duty here...but I think it's premature to announce victory on April 22...

December 2017 has to come before we'll know if it "worked"

I don't disagree with you. However, the Poster's complaint stemmed from the park being in "disarray." By April 22 all construction should be constrained to capping off Avatarland. Additionally the value complaints will begin to dissipate as two new offerings come online. Closed or construction effected offerings at DAK will be almost nonexistent shortly. Avatar is pretty far off so it doesn't effect things all that much.

You're right about more probably being needed.

 

[davish562]

If you read my first post, it seems like I'm more right given the circumstances surrounding Disney World. Many people are asking themselves is it worth it to go to Disney World anymore.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

If you read my first post, it seems like I'm more right given the circumstances surrounding Disney World. Many people are asking themselves is it worth it to go to Disney World anymore.

Recently..."betting the under" is a somewhat safe strategy when WDW is concerned...

...wasn't always that way...

 

[davish562]

In a sense I think you're right but at the same time Disney is Disney. People from around the world will always go.

I do think Disney will have DHS completed by 2021 in time for their 50th anniversary but I agree that if it takes that long, Universal will capitalize. I think some HS attractions need to start opening by Spring 2018.

What's happening with South America right now? Attendance is finally dropping!

 

[rteetz]

What's happening with South America right now? Attendance is finally dropping!

Brazil's economy isn't very good. Attendance dropping isn't always a good thing.

 

[rteetz]

If you read my first post, it seems like I'm more right given the circumstances surrounding Disney World. Many people are asking themselves is it worth it to go to Disney World anymore.

Many people have been asking themselves that for a year or two now. I still don't think WALT Disney World (sorry pet peeve of mine) is screwed though. Screwed isn't the right word.

 

[davish562]

Many people have been asking themselves that for a year or two now. I still don't think WALT Disney World (sorry pet peeve of mine) is screwed though. Screwed isn't the right word.

I agree with you rteetz, I'm going to change the title of thread. Thanks again!

 

[davish562]

I

Brazil's economy isn't very good. Attendance dropping isn't always a good thing.[/QUOTE
Is new title better?

 

[davish562]

Many people have been asking themselves that for a year or two now. I still don't think WALT Disney World (sorry pet peeve of mine) is screwed though. Screwed isn't the right word.

Is new title better?

 

[rteetz]

Is new title better?

I guess. To answer the new title I would say yes to a degree. I think also depends on what your perspective is in terms of when your first visit was and how often you visit. I've only been visiting since 1999 so my perspective will be different than someone who's been visiting since 1971. Parks like DHS and Epcot are shells of their former selves. MK will always be the crown jewel and really doesn't have anything majorly wrong with it right now. AK is still growing and will hopefully continue to do so.

 

[Disneychick75]

If you read my first post, it seems like I'm more right given the circumstances surrounding Disney World. Many people are asking themselves is it worth it to go to Disney World anymore.

This is the first year since 1998 that we're not going to WDW. We sold our 2 DCV contracts last Dec. We do have a tentative trip planned for early Dec. 2017. We won't stay onsite and will book a VIP tour with the money we save which means less days at Disney.

 

[davish562]

This is the first year since 1998 that we're not going to WDW. We sold our 2 DCV contracts last Dec. We do have a tentative trip planned for early Dec. 2017. We won't stay onsite and will book a VIP tour with the money we save which means less days at Disney.

I love Disney, I'm sad that many people like you are delaying trips because it is not as "magical" as it once was.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Brazil's economy isn't very good. Attendance dropping isn't always a good thing.

That was ALWAYS gonna happen. If you know the Brazilian economy there was never a doubt they'd run themselves into the ground.

I think the larger problem is that they have increased their prices to a level where Americans are now having pause.

People love Disney...no doubt...but a 100% markup (which is really what this regime has done) in 10 years is starting to seep into the psyche.

With actual competition from universal, real hikes in fuel and airline prices...people have begun to say "for what?"

At least subconsciously.

 

[::danielle::]

That was ALWAYS gonna happen. If you know the Brazilian economy there was never a doubt they'd run themselves into the ground.

I think the larger problem is that they have increased their prices to a level where Americans are now having pause.

People love Disney...no doubt...but a 100% markup (which is really what this regime has done) in 10 years is starting to seep into the psyche.

With actual competition from universal, real hikes in fuel and airline prices...people have begun to say "for what?"

At least subconsciously.

I think TPTB are expecting there to be a surge in attendance once they finish all the planned construction (Pandora, Star Wars, Pixar/Toy Story); particularly around the 50th anniversary. Star Wars land alone will attract a new segment of the market that was never much interested in WDW before. It seems like they decided what they want their prices to be in 2021 and are spreading the increases out over the next 5 years. It's easier to stair-step prices to let people acclimate than it is to make a major jump at once.

In the short term, they lose some loyal customers who have been squeezed out. Once everything is open, those customers will come running back with a "shut up and take my money" mentality.

From a business perspective, it makes sense. From a regular customer perspective, it sucks.


It will be interesting to see how the current events in Great Britain will impact tourism from across the pond. Venezuela is suffering due to low oil prices. However, I'm not sure that either of these will have a significant enough affect on attendance for it to matter.

 

[Kiwini]

Yeah, I think I'll just go and enjoy it again.