News Round Up 2016

[Alice Royal]

Doesn't Universal require you to buy a park hopper for Harry Potter?

Only if you plan on taking the train between the two parks. There are HP areas in each and they are included with regular admission.

 

[saskdw]

Someone finding value in something you don't does not mean people are suckers. My son would LOVE to be able to walk onto Star Tours and ride it several times in a row. That may not be worth it to you, but it would be the highlight of my son's trip.

An expensive dinner at Cinderella's Royal Table may not be worth it to me, but I can understand how some families are thrilled with the experience.

Getting those magical moments while kids are young can be so worth it. You only have a few years while they're young before turning into surly teenagers.

It's not hard to see things from someone else's perspective if you try a little.

Our last three trips we were able to walk on Star Tours multiple times.

 

[rteetz]

The only top notch ride that Disney has come close to building and paying for themselves in the last 10+ years is radiator springs racers...

That was a PR problem amidst a customer revolt as well...

Go ahead...check the tape.

You have confidence in a product that hasn't been rolled out much in your lifetime...if your honest.

I think the fact the same exact attractions are being put into Anaheim is good for DHS. I have confidence at they won't cut corners on Star Wars. Toy story yes and they already have there but not Star Wars. That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it.

 

[rteetz]

Don't these two statements contradict either other? If DLR is doing so great, why are crowds so light?

DLR is doing great in the way it's managed not in the way of attendance.

 

[rteetz]

That seems like a big gap between when SWE would open in DLR vs DHS ... 12-8 months would be before the end of 2017 .... so then nearly 3 more years for it to open in DHS?

I am somewhat surprised that execs from Florida don't go to California more. They are very different parks but even if they just notice how the parks in California are better maintained and cleaner and have better food options I think that would be a good start

That's a typo 12-18 months from now star wars would open at DL.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

That's a typo 12-18 months from now star wars would open at DL.

Right, that's what I thought I was referencing. 12 -18 months from now would be the 2nd half of 2017 right? So that is when SWE is expected to open at DLR per this, correct?

And then it notes 2020 for SWE in DHS - so that would be 2-3 years after it opens in DLR right? seems like almost longer than it would be taking them to build it at DLR

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Someone finding value in something you don't does not mean people are suckers. My son would LOVE to be able to walk onto Star Tours and ride it several times in a row. That may not be worth it to you, but it would be the highlight of my son's trip.

An expensive dinner at Cinderella's Royal Table may not be worth it to me, but I can understand how some families are thrilled with the experience.

Getting those magical moments while kids are young can be so worth it. You only have a few years while they're young before turning into surly teenagers.

It's not hard to see things from someone else's perspective if you try a little.

This is a common fallacy around here.

Somethings are apparent without having to be shouted down by everyone's "personal choices"

MGM is half closed...and this is $70 for an hour...2 rides that are 10-25 years old (1 really isn't that in demand)...and 5 fuzzy heads on photopass...

And a Mystery buffet in truly one of the WORST dining spots in any Disney spot.

It's just a straight cash grab...it really, really is.

I don't expect everyone to believe me...really any of the time...but somedays it's a good idea...occasionally.

 

[Budshark]

What is clear is 2 things:

• Disney has lost control of the "message". The parks are not a tightly run, well oiled machine, and the message is getting out into the mainstream. That devalues the brand and the premium.
• There is no cohesive 5+ year global plan. Far too many curveballs, pivots, and differences in the parks behaviors to be able to say there is a plan.

Those failures are systemic. They are top down driven, and then bottom up supported. The problem is now that they are ingrained, it will take fundamental leadership changes and years of behavior changes to root them out. Clearly TWDC is currently being run by markets and returns (no surprise), but more importantly, while Apple (although changing) is confident enough in their strategy to stand up against the market, TWDC is not. They do not believe in a premium brand or service - they believe they need 35% margins to match theme park competitors. And they don't have a way to achieve this delivering the same product they did in the past. And that will drive out the old ways. Get ready for small, less themed off the shelf rides that can be marketed as "new", and an increase in non-capital events and shows to help marketing sell visits. Oh wait...

 

[rteetz]

Right, that's what I thought I was referencing. 12 -18 months from now would be the 2nd half of 2017 right? So that is when SWE is expected to open at DLR per this, correct?

And then it notes 2020 for SWE in DHS - so that would be 2-3 years after it opens in DLR right? seems like almost longer than it would be taking them to build it at DLR

That's possible but I think they are really shooting for early 2018.

DLR is moving very fast with their construction. I don't buy 2020 for DHS I'm confident in 2019.

 

[skier_pete]

A few things - I doubt that SWE in florida is 2 years behind Anaheim. No way that happens. Six months to a year maybe, but 2 years would be a complete embarassment for Florida.

I want to say though also, though Disney is at the forefront of this - I think in General vacation destinations have been jacking prices significantly over the last 10 years - so it wouldn't be surprising to me in general if people are reducing their travel plans finally. Disney's nickel and diming of people with all these add-ons will hurt them as well - they just don't see it. People will get fed up of every little thing costing extra. Even if they are truly extras. The added expense of MNSSHP and the extra magic morning don't bother me. I don't do them, I didn't do them before, my price doesn't rise.

One final thing - part of DLRs strategy for raising the ticket prices so much in the last 5 years was to purposefully reduce crowds. They actually WANTED to drive down AP holders in California. The idea was increase prices by 50% and decrease APs by 25% gives you more money AND lower crowds. However, I don't think that Florida is thinking this way at ALL - they are not raising prices to lower crowds.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Right, that's what I thought I was referencing. 12 -18 months from now would be the 2nd half of 2017 right? So that is when SWE is expected to open at DLR per this, correct?

And then it notes 2020 for SWE in DHS - so that would be 2-3 years after it opens in DLR right? seems like almost longer than it would be taking them to build it at DLR

That's springs...and avatar...stretch it out, beaners...

Now, to be fair, they are doing much more infrastructure work beyond the Star Wars land because studios needs it. That gives them a pass.

But 2 or 3 years are unacceptable...work faster...get a second shift. Not with what Comcast is doing in town...

You want to know what the last strand of straw would be for me? That might be it. I've made regular payments over the years to earn my Star Wars land...period. The bill has been paid.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

A few things - I doubt that SWE in florida is 2 years behind Anaheim. No way that happens. Six months to a year maybe, but 2 years would be a complete embarassment for Florida.

I want to say though also, though Disney is at the forefront of this - I think in General vacation destinations have been jacking prices significantly over the last 10 years - so it wouldn't be surprising to me in general if people are reducing their travel plans finally. Disney's nickel and diming of people with all these add-ons will hurt them as well - they just don't see it. People will get fed up of every little thing costing extra. Even if they are truly extras. The added expense of MNSSHP and the extra magic morning don't bother me. I don't do them, I didn't do them before, my price doesn't rise.

One final thing - part of DLRs strategy for raising the ticket prices so much in the last 5 years was to purposefully reduce crowds. They actually WANTED to drive down AP holders in California. The idea was increase prices by 50% and decrease APs by 25% gives you more money AND lower crowds. However, I don't think that Florida is thinking this way at ALL - they are not raising prices to lower crowds.

You mean charging $70 for an hour in a time of larger crowds when for the first 45 years they just would have lengthened the park hours to gain more money from everyone that day?

Sometimes it ain't broke...new leadership needs to see that.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

A few things - I doubt that SWE in florida is 2 years behind Anaheim. No way that happens. Six months to a year maybe, but 2 years would be a complete embarassment for Florida.

I want to say though also, though Disney is at the forefront of this - I think in General vacation destinations have been jacking prices significantly over the last 10 years - so it wouldn't be surprising to me in general if people are reducing their travel plans finally. Disney's nickel and diming of people with all these add-ons will hurt them as well - they just don't see it. People will get fed up of every little thing costing extra. Even if they are truly extras. The added expense of MNSSHP and the extra magic morning don't bother me. I don't do them, I didn't do them before, my price doesn't rise.

One final thing - part of DLRs strategy for raising the ticket prices so much in the last 5 years was to purposefully reduce crowds. They actually WANTED to drive down AP holders in California. The idea was increase prices by 50% and decrease APs by 25% gives you more money AND lower crowds. However, I don't think that Florida is thinking this way at ALL - they are not raising prices to lower crowds.

I wonder also if the combination of the raised ticket pricing and nothing "huge" new this year - but stuff in the future coming is impacting things too

Like, why pay a good amount more this year, when I likely didn't get a cost of living increase, or not much when there is a new ride or two and AK is open late ... vs next year when Pandora opens or a couple of years when SWE may open or at least Toy Story Land .... most people on this forum are pretty hard core fans but most people don't go every year so they might push off another year especially if they aren't flush with extra spending money

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I wonder also if the combination of the raised ticket pricing and nothing "huge" new this year - but stuff in the future coming is impacting things too

Like, why pay a good amount more this year, when I likely didn't get a cost of living increase, or not much when there is a new ride or two and AK is open late ... vs next year when Pandora opens or a couple of years when SWE may open or at least Toy Story Land .... most people on this forum are pretty hard core fans but most people don't go every year so they might push off another year especially if they aren't flush with extra spending money

If that's the case more of a 20th century mentality is returning...

"You want to get me back there, what's new?"

And that is a positive...no Laurel resting...what have you done for me lately?

Since the prices are gonna skyrocket anyway...keep them honest and let them bleed for it.

 

[Grand Admiral]

Our last three trips we were able to walk on Star Tours multiple times.

Are you suggesting Star Tours is a walk-on anytime, any season?

 

[ColoradoDreamin]

I think we have gone past our quote of talking about ticket prices and such. Maybe time to leave it to another thread...

 

[saskdw]

Are you suggesting Star Tours is a walk-on anytime, any season?

I'm suggesting that it frequently is. The ride moves people through much quicker than almost anything else and isn't number one on the popularity scale. When we go December it is usually walk on or close to it most of the day. Except maybe the peak couple of hours in the afternoon. Even then the wait is usually never more than 30 mins.

It's just not a ride most people would pay a premium for, it's too easily accessible the majority of the time.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Are you suggesting Star Tours is a walk-on anytime, any season?

No...but it had a 10 minute wait for 15 years.

Star Wars is fresher again and the park is largely mothballed so the seams are stressed...

But that doesn't justify the inclusion of star tours...

You know what it is? It's closer to the right spot.

If they had rockinroller coaster, tower of terror, and midway...it would be a much more attractive offering.

But it would cost more to run that way...so no.

Why are you doing bucket duty in this? It doesn't look good...not as good as the magic kingdom one...

You're defending a tough position.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I think we have gone past our quote of talking about ticket prices and such. Maybe time to leave it to another thread...

1. I agree
2. I disagree.

Like it or not...a lot of the real discussion comes on this thread as a backstop. If you say "enough"...it dies.

This was born of the announcement today...is that not news?

I see your point and I thought the same Thing hours ago...but at the same time "not for this thread" roughly translates to "its unpleasant...don't talk about it"...more times than not.

 

[Grand Admiral]

December it is usually walk on or close to it most of the day. Except maybe the peak couple of hours in the afternoon. Even then the wait is usually never more than 30 mins.

It's just not a ride most people would pay a premium for, it's too easily accessible the majority of the time.

You're talking about December. The event in question is in August, which has peak high summer crowds for at least the first half of the month.

The value is in both Star Tours and TSMM being walk on. Not a short wait, not "close to it" but literally walk on.

I think a lot of people on the DIS have been to WDW so many times that they lose sight of how a special event might be worth it to someone who doesn't go very often, or possibly are taking their once in a lifetime trip. It's that perspective thing I mentioned.