News Round Up 2016

[Budshark]

More on Jungle Book opening...

$103.6M Domestic
$290.9M Global take
$50.3M China opening means it trailed Star Wars TFA by only $2M opening weekend.

Rumors on Animal Kingdom changes, ROL changes, and additional Jungle Book in the park coming in 3, 2 ... (Wait, what? They already have started? Dang... things have gotten too predictable!)

 

[rteetz]

News

Hong Kong cuts staff

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/artic...and-cuts-staff-after-first-loss-in-four-years

 

[jade1]

More on Jungle Book opening...

$103.6M Domestic
$290.9M Global take
$50.3M China opening means it trailed Star Wars TFA by only $2M opening weekend.

Rumors on Animal Kingdom changes, ROL changes, and additional Jungle Book in the park coming in 3, 2 ... (Wait, what? They already have started? Dang... things have gotten too predictable!)

Wow. Here we go again. More draw for WDW.

I think AK has the JB sand castle now as well as EPCOT? Never did see it.

Either way, this success probably will lead to some implementation into AK, and should actually since Avatar is a bit more adult, this will draw kids.

 

[rteetz]

News

Disney CMs raise $3.6 million for Florida United Way

http://www.laughingplace.com/w/news...s-raide-3-6-million-heart-florida-united-way/

 

[Budshark]

News

Hong Kong cuts staff

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/artic...and-cuts-staff-after-first-loss-in-four-years

Hong Kong is a serious risk the next couple of years. Shanghai will be larger, better, and more easily accessed for mainland China. Plus it's China's and not a relic of Imperial rule.

The Chinese government would not be disappointed to see it tank and eventually close. In fact that mission will likely drive some Shanghai decisions.

 

[rteetz]

Hong Kong is a serious risk the next couple of years. Shanghai will be larger, better, and more easily accessed for mainland China. Plus it's China's and not a relic of Imperial rule.

The Chinese government would not be disappointed to see it tank and eventually close. In fact that mission will likely drive some Shanghai decisions.

I don't think Hong Kong closes but it's definitely going to be interesting to watch how it's affected. HKDL was set to announce a second park. Now not so much. They are construction the iron man attraction and a third hotel though.

 

[Maineiak]

News

Today begins the three day WDW media event Walt Disney World Awakens. This is supposed to preview what is coming this summer.

Where are they posting info/updates? Anywhere in particular to watch?

 

[Budshark]

It is interesting. Right now, anything mainland can do to take anything from HK they do. Driving tourism away from HK and to mainland is a top priority.

Closing is the extreme... driving it to the brink so the partnership (of which China is not a part of) is re-evaluated and turned over to China much like Shanghai... well thats a different story.

Its an interesting 7-10 year storyline to watch.

 

[rteetz]

Where are they posting info/updates? Anywhere in particular to watch?

I know the hashtag on Twitter it #AwakenSummer

 

[Maineiak]

I know the hashtag on Twitter it #AwakenSummer

I don't do Twitter....

Edit: Now get off my lawn!!!

 

[rteetz]

News

StoryMaker appears to have made its way to Haunted Mansion

https://twitter.com/danielstaten/status/722082158190309377

 

[rteetz]

I don't do Twitter....

Edit: Now get off my lawn!!!

I believe the Fox News station in Orlando is doing updates on their website.

Edit: it's my news 13 that's doing updates

http://www.mynews13.com/content/new...ey_awaken_summer_preview_updates_twitter.html

 

[mikepizzo]

News

New Disney shirts coming to Disney store online.

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/b...-to-disney-parks-online-store-in-spring-2016/

I'm really liking the Mickey Mouse Raglan shirt...but god...close to 30 bucks for a shirt is just crazy talk.

 

[Mitzicat]

News

StoryMaker appears to have made its way to Haunted Mansion

https://twitter.com/danielstaten/status/722082158190309377[/QUOTE

This is very interesting.

 

[rteetz]

I'm really liking the Mickey Mouse Raglan shirt...but god...close to 30 bucks for a shirt is just crazy talk.

$30 for a Disney shirt is not bad actually at least these days it isn't.

 

[rteetz]

Rumor

WDWNT is reporting Rivers of Light may not make a summer debut even.

http://wdwnt.com/blog/2016/04/breaking-rivers-of-light-likely-to-not-make-summer-2016-debut/

From what I've heard they want this up by July at the latest.

 

[rteetz]

News

Disneyland merchandise events in May

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2016/04/may-2016-disneyland-resort-merchandise-eventsnapshot/

 

[mikepizzo]

Rumor

WDWNT is reporting Rivers of Light may not make a summer debut even.

http://wdwnt.com/blog/2016/04/breaking-rivers-of-light-likely-to-not-make-summer-2016-debut/

From what I've heard they want this up by July at the latest.

And here I was thinking I'd be safe with my late June trip. Oh well, we shall see.

 

[jlundeen]

Rumor

WDWNT is reporting Rivers of Light may not make a summer debut even.

http://wdwnt.com/blog/2016/04/breaking-rivers-of-light-likely-to-not-make-summer-2016-debut/

From what I've heard they want this up by July at the latest.

I originally was hoping for opening in time for our trip next week...then they postponed and said July 4...now I'm wondering if it will be open by my November trip!! LOL

 

[TexasKiwiPrincess]

News

Bloomberg article on the cuts. Interesting read.

....and they quote Jim Hill.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/artic...cost-cutters-gaining-clout-in-post-staggs-era

There it is, in black and white, the new business model has taken inspiration from Prince John and the Sheriff of Nottingham: "Double the taxes! TRIPLE the TAXES!! Squueeeze every last DROP out of those insolent, musical peasants!" Thanks, Bob.

From the article: "Contrast that approach with (Bob) Chapek, a 20-year Disney veteran who replaced Staggs as leader of the parks division in February of last year and has ushered in a series of pricing changes at Disney’s U.S. theme parks. Going to Disneyland during the busiest times of the year now costs as much as 20 percent more."