News Round Up 2016

[jade1]

Teetz, I really think this floated through pretty much unnoticed. I really recommend everyone watch this. That battle hymn of the republic music with the US pavillion in the distance really makes my day!

Great, wonderful version of Illuminations! Wish I would have been there!

We went and it was awesome, so much clearer from the other side though, seems odd to go to the trouble and film in the smoke.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Yeah, but so sorry to inform you but, I am a "casual people" and I am here (as are many like me)

By the way, What County you in?

1,600 posts on the disboards isn't "casual"

And hazzard county...by the way

 

[rteetz]

News

New photo imaging testing at Animal Kingdom lodge

http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/2016/07/disney-photo-imaging-testing-at-animal.html

 

[Tigger's ally]

1,600 posts on the disboards isn't "casual"

And hazzard county...by the way

You and I have a different idea as to what casual is.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

You and I have a different idea as to what casual is.

I suppose we do...

"Casual" to me is once every five years and a trip to pick up birnbaums at Barnes and noble...

And comments like "we want two days in Disney...one in Epcot...one in in animal kingdom..."

Not trolling boards about whether port Orleans will be included in free dining this year or what the 2018 package pricing will be

 

[Alice Royal]

Think of Disney Springs this way: Those big ol' groups of foreign tourists with the matching shirts LOVE shopping. They'll usually hit the outlets by the busload no matter which park they're visiting. Most of them aren't even price-conscious. They bring extra suitcases to stuff full of crap.

Now, the tour companies don't even have to use buses if all they're doing is staying at Disney. The tour companies save money, the tourists get to have their shopping day(s) on-site with less time spent travelling, major brands now have a great customer base in the area at regular non-outlet prices, and Disney pockets generous amounts for them to be there. It's never been intended for Florida residents or even American tourists.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Think of Disney Springs this way: Those big ol' groups of foreign tourists with the matching shirts LOVE shopping. They'll usually hit the outlets by the busload no matter which park they're visiting. Most of them aren't even price-conscious. They bring extra suitcases to stuff full of crap.

Now, the tour companies don't even have to use buses if all they're doing is staying at Disney. The tour companies save money, the tourists get to have their shopping day(s) on-site with less time spent travelling, major brands now have a great customer base in the area at regular non-outlet prices, and Disney pockets generous amounts for them to be there. It's never been intended for Florida residents or even American tourists.

I think you're over simplifying this one, Al

While it's true that there is an international demand for shopping...particular Latin America, Brexiters, and those from Zikaland...they did not build a billion dollar rehab for that segment...

They need to draw from all bases...and I'm sure they will...but they can't effectively compete with the Vineland outlets on volume...the pricing doesn't work.

What they tried to do was get "destination" stores for Americans...like Lilly Pulitzer and sprinkles...

We'll see...I think they got too crossed up on indecision and could have had PI "evolve" into a more food based area and retained some nightlife...they will regret that.

 

[jlundeen]

The only reason I went to DTD/DS was hit the big Disney Store...and Earl of Sandwich. But since now you can buy the same merchandise in every Disney store in the parks or resorts, I can forego the Sandwich, and skip DS altogether.

I agree with Pete (I think it was Pete) about when Pleasure Island had the clubs (sniff sniff - still miss Adventurer's Club and Comedy Club), but once that part turned into a ghost town, we just never went down there.

Now, I'll skip the trip all together, since if I really want to shop for special and unique stuff, I'll go to the Mall of America, about a half hour's drive from my house, and not use my precious "Disney Time."

 

[Alice Royal]

I think you're over simplifying this one, Al

While it's true that there is an international demand for shopping...particular Latin America, Brexiters, and those from Zikaland...they did not build a billion dollar rehab for that segment...

They need to draw from all bases...and I'm sure they will...but they can't effectively compete with the Vineland outlets on volume...the pricing doesn't work.

What they tried to do was get "destination" stores for Americans...like Lilly Pulitzer and sprinkles...

We'll see...I think they got too crossed up on indecision and could have had PI "evolve" into a more food based area and retained some nightlife...they will regret that.

I agree with this as well. Although Sprinkles is crap. Waited in quite the line on opening weekend for my free cupcake and it tasted completely off. Haven't been back since but I wonder how big the crowds are now that the hype has passed.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

The only reason I went to DTD/DS was hit the big Disney Store...and Earl of Sandwich. But since now you can buy the same merchandise in every Disney store in the parks or resorts, I can forego the Sandwich, and skip DS altogether.

I agree with Pete (I think it was Pete) about when Pleasure Island had the clubs (sniff sniff - still miss Adventurer's Club and Comedy Club), but once that part turned into a ghost town, we just never went down there.

Now, I'll skip the trip all together, since if I really want to shop for special and unique stuff, I'll go to the Mall of America, about a half hour's drive from my house, and not use my precious "Disney Time."

When Disney squeezes the operators of the Wolfgang puck restaurants on their contract...and it's only a matter of time...my patronage of downtown will suffer a mortal blow.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I agree with this as well. Although Sprinkles is crap. Waited in quite the line on opening weekend for my free cupcake and it tasted completely off. Haven't been back since but I wonder how big the crowds are now that the hype has passed.

Sprinkles has always been crap...but there's always a line (NYC...Lexington avenue if I recall)...people fall for junk like that. Until the next thing rolls into town.

I think they made a huge mistake losing out on American girl...that is an "event" type retail spot...

They probably wanted to schlep their own low grade garbage and Florida mall gave the spot away

 

[adam.adbe]

I think they made a huge mistake losing out on American girl...that is an "event" type retail spot...

This. I've met plenty of international travelers for whom a visit to the American Girl store near me is an essential part of the visit. Unfortunately there's really nothing especially interesting at DS.

I like DS in as much as it's an attractive enough area to wander around, though mostly it gives me a reason to take the boat ride from Port Orleans. However, I really can't see for wasting a chunk of a day that's costing me at least $400 wandering around a bunch of stores I can visit easily enough in almost any urban area in the US.

 

[skier_pete]

Thanks for all the positive feedback everyone. I don't think I am universally negative and hope I don't come off that way. I am probably one of the few here that defended the Frozen-ification of Norway and was a big proponent of Pandora from a early stage even not being a fan of the movies, and I do think Disney is currently doing an effective job of adding new things both big and small.

I just like to call out money grabs - of which Disney has many. As Disney fans we should still be discerning Disney fans. Disney takes advantage of the fact that in many ways we are not and certain aspects we have no choice but to accept - gate ticket prices for example. As with the recent DDP discussion - just because it was a good idea 5 years ago doesn't make it still a good idea today.

Edit: I am also not anti-DS (Disney Springs) as a whole - I think they are really improving it from what it's been the last 5 years. Just a large shopping district does very little to draw me in personally, as well as the rather unremarkable themes of the restaurants. I am looking forward to seeing how the Edison/Neverland tunnels work out. Basically if you want to draw my attention - you do it with entertainment, not with shops.

 

[rteetz]

News

Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach refurbishment schedule.

http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions...zzard-beach-winter-refurbishment-schedule.htm

 

[rteetz]

Photo update

Animal Kingdom nighttime photo update

http://micechat.com/130369-animal-kingdom-nighttime-photo-tour/

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I am probably one of the few here that defended the Frozen-ification of Norway

and don't think you've been forgiven for that...

I just like to call out money grabs - of which Disney has many. As Disney fans we should still be discerning Disney fans.

Ahhhh....there's my boy...coming back from 15 down in the third quarter

 

[rteetz]

News

You can now get shaved ice at the Polynesian along with the Dole Whip

http://wdwnt.com/blog/2016/07/photos-shaved-ice-joins-dole-whip-at-disneys-polynesian-resort/

 

[rteetz]

News

Frozen Forever a new castle show to open at Tokyo Disneyland in January 2017. Arendale port in Tokyo DisneySea delayed until 2021 at the earliest.

http://disneyandmore.blogspot.com/2016/07/tokyo-disney-resort-announces-new.html

 

[Tigger's ally]

I suppose we do...

"Casual" to me is once every five years and a trip to pick up birnbaums at Barnes and noble...

And comments like "we want two days in Disney...one in Epcot...one in in animal kingdom..."

Not trolling boards about whether port Orleans will be included in free dining this year or what the 2018 package pricing will be

My "casual" means not having a passport every year, not owning DVC, and just going on a trip every so often (every other year fits) and using that trip to "casually" tour the park, not spend every minute of every trip going 100 mph. I don't own stock. I don't own DVC. I have only bought an annual pass once before (buying one soon because I have never been to wine and dine and we are taking my granddaughter next May). I have one Mickey shirt (it says my favorite Disney Princess is my Granddaughter) and I got it for Christmas. Yes, I love my trips but I say I love them casually because they are slow paced.

To me, your definition of casual above is my definition of a newbie or a rarity. Newbie's usually are not on here. Disney fans like me are on here quite a bit.

 

[Tigger's ally]

Basically if you want to draw my attention - you do it with entertainment, not with shops.

No truer words have ever been spoken (at least by a man)!