News Round Up 2016

[luisov]

It's clear Disney finally found its ceiling in Anaheim. While still crowded, attendance during the last few Holidays has been way below their expectations. Some adjustments to the system are necessary.

Regarding Holmes' visit to land, I wouldn't be surprised if this is true. As Pete from the Dis has said before, it's really interesting to see how differently both WDW and DLR are operated. It almost feels as if a whole different company was in charge. Don't get me wrong. Both places are very different and require different strategies. However, there are a couple of things that current management at World could learn from TDA. Maybe the executives from both coasts should pay a visit to Tokyo as well.

 

[Goofy2015]

I do find it amazing on how slow the progress happens at WDW compared to DLR. Like I thought it would be an easier transition for DHS to implement SWL then DL. The amount of space is limited at DL and had to reroute the train and rivers of America to make this happen. Yet, they have already flattened all the land and look to start some form of construction. While at DHS, they had to close some of the least important attractions have so much area to play with, yet they have yet to flatten the land.

It will be embarrassing if DHS is two years behind DL on this construction. I can totally see that happening. I can tell you my Disneyland trips will go up way more then WDW trips, if SWL is not operating at WDW for 2 years.

As for Disney Springs, I do find it weird that they are making it an over glorified mall. I can totally see a ton of the stores backing out a few years down the line. I do feel like the restaurants there will be successful but who goes to Disney World to buy a Vineyard Vines shirt or shorts.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

It's clear Disney finally found its ceiling in Anaheim. While still crowded, attendance during the last few Holidays has been way below their expectations. Some adjustments to the system are necessary.

Regarding Holmes' visit to land, I wouldn't be surprised if this is true. As Pete from the Dis has said before, it's really interesting to see how differently both WDW and DLR are operated. It almost feels as if a whole different company was in charge. Don't get me wrong. Both places are very different and require different strategies. However, there are a couple of things that current management at World could learn from TDA. Maybe the executives from both coasts should pay a visit to Tokyo as well.

It seems it plays out this way:

Anaheim asks "how much?" Every other question...

Orlando only asks "how much?"

Tokyo never asks
It...

But that comes from Burbank. Orlando "management" has always been a puppet with strings attached or a hand in their butt since Roy O. Disney walked off the podium and into the sunset in 1971...

The difference always was that card walker, don Tatum, ray Watson and Michael D Eisner always LIKED florida and it's potential.

Sit com guy?...not so much

 

[LSLS]

The only metrics we can easily use: fastpass, hotel availability, and dining reservation availability...indicates it's a very light summer in Orlando.

It only takes 10
Minutes of tinkering to snoop that out.

And before anyone says "I can't get free Dining" or "mnsshp is sold out!!!"...I'm not talking about Hooks and gimmicks.

The health of travel
Is measured in the "normal"
Days

I agree with you. It amazes me how easily I seem to be able to find reservations for things like Cinderella's Royal Table and Akershus for the next month or so when 2 years ago if you didn't get them at your exact 180 day mark for July/August, you were out of luck. FYI, last I checked a couple weeks back, free dining is still available at multiple resorts for September too.

However, I do wonder if it is a slow time for all of Orlando, or just Disney. I don't know nearly enough about Sea World or Universal to say either way, but do they seem to be just as relatively empty compared to say last year?

 

[Maineiak]

Spirited Rumor Update

...This is part of a strategy direct from Chapek as Chapek favors the Anaheim way of doing things and according to someone with direct knowledge ''thinks the WDW operation has gotten sloppy and lazy and their execs need to spend more time in California to learn how the DLR is managed and operated. It's a message that is hard to swallow for many WDW folks, but Chapek is unrelenting and has made it clear he thinks Anaheim is doing it better. Phil Holmes is only the first in a series of WDW execs who will be making a pilgrimage to Anaheim soon.''...

...Parks on the left coast have also been very uncrowded this summer. One must wonder if Disney has finally hit the ceiling on what US consumers can or are willing to pay for a day of MAGIC....

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

 

[Alice Royal]

Well, damn. Spirit at it again with the truth bombs.

My AP renewal window just opened and I'm finding myself weighing my options for the first time since moving here. There's a chance I won't have to pay to get in to Universal or SeaWorld this coming year (if you get my drift, I just got my degree...), so if that happens, I'll probably renew...but if not, I think it's a Premier AP at Uni plus FF+ for HHN. (My apologies to the anti-acronym folks.)

 

[lockedoutlogic]

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

Simple: it's overpriced and the largest local/loyal fanbase have been trained to reject...

The one timers in Orlando don't know any better

 

[luisov]

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

I think he means Anaheim is doing better management wise. Crowds are light because of the new pricing system based on demand. Apparently people are not willing to spend peak season pricing. Not to mention the massive increase to no-blockout annual passes, which are a big chunk of DL's customer base.

However, I do wonder if it is a slow time for all of Orlando, or just Disney. I don't know nearly enough about Sea World or Universal to say either way, but do they seem to be just as relatively empty compared to say last year?

Probably Orlando as a whole. South America is not doing well these days economically speaking. The lack of Brazilian tourism this year impacts Orlando quite badly. Same goes for Great Britain and the uncertainty that Brexit caused.

The recent events are not helping either.

 

[Maineiak]

I think he means Anaheim is doing better management wise. Crowds are light because of the new pricing system based on demand. Apparently people are not willing to spend peak season pricing. Not to mention the massive increase to no-blockout annual passes, which are a big chunk of DL's customer base.

You can't on the one hand say management is doing better at DLR and then say they've priced-out their biggest customer base on the other. Just doesn't make sense.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I agree with you. It amazes me how easily I seem to be able to find reservations for things like Cinderella's Royal Table and Akershus for the next month or so when 2 years ago if you didn't get them at your exact 180 day mark for July/August, you were out of luck. FYI, last I checked a couple weeks back, free dining is still available at multiple resorts for September too.

However, I do wonder if it is a slow time for all of Orlando, or just Disney. I don't know nearly enough about Sea World or Universal to say either way, but do they seem to be just as relatively empty compared to say last year?

It's slow everywhere...the airlines have been griping about depressed fares all
Winter

And just as an experiment...I searched dinner on Sunday, July 24 for 4...

You know where I couldn't get a table between 4:50
And 7:30?

Ohana and TRex...

Full open/available less than 2 weeks out...

2 years ago you where SOL...only Hollywood and vine and marrakesh

Unless people are rejecting sitdowns (in that heat...they're not)...it's just not that busy.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

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

 

[luisov]

You can't on the one hand say management is doing better at DLR and then say they've priced-out their biggest customer base on the other. Just doesn't make sense.

Things like better food, more street entertainment, cleaner bathrooms, friendlier CMs, well kept attractions, working effects, variety of merchandise and food, maintenance, overall experience... That sort of management.

I do agree that their new pricing system is really flawed.

 

[Maineiak]

Things like better food, more street entertainment, cleaner bathrooms, friendlier CMs, well kept attractions, working effects, variety of merchandise and food, maintenance, overall experience... That sort of management.

I do agree that their new pricing system is really flawed.

I'll buy your first point, but can't comment as I've never been to DLR myself. If that's the reference point, then it makes sense. If it's based on the second, not so much...

 

[Grand Admiral]

I have to laugh at these things...what suckers people are. A park that we can barely spend 6 hours in need a "before hours" event? BRILLIANT!

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.

 

[disneymath]

It's slow everywhere...the airlines have been griping about depressed fares all
Winter

And just as an experiment...I searched dinner on Sunday, July 24 for 4...

You know where I couldn't get a table between 4:50
And 7:30?

Ohana and TRex...

Full open/available less than 2 weeks out...

2 years ago you where SOL...only Hollywood and vine and marrakesh

Unless people are rejecting sitdowns (in that heat...they're not)...it's just not that busy.

We are two weeks out from our trip and have been changing plans frequently over the last few days (just today DROPped DDP completely ... were only doing it for half the trip originally). I've been surprised at how easy it has been to secure ADRs for parties of 8 at this late stage.

 

[AnnaKat]

At the risk of being labeled a cynic and LOL follower...

This is worrisome. Imagine the next steps:

$69 for Breakfast and limited rides + $119 for 10a-9pm day ticket + $99 for 9pm - 12am dessert and rides. A single day at the MK would be: $287... or a package deal for $249.

We are walking very close to that ledge folks. Next stop.... DHS $109 for a ticket... But wait... you want Star Wars Land access? That's another $79.

As awful as 3 tix per day @ one Park seems, don't think for one take-advantage-of-guests bean counter minute
THAT Disney would not hesitate to " force " guests to pay more for new attractions.
You mentioned charging an extra(beyond regular day tix) $79 for access to the new Star Wars Land.
I don't know HOW they could actually pull it off, yet those bean counters probably would like to!

My think-like-a-bean counter idea for AK was similar. THIS was prior to ROL not opening.
Everyone was/is excited about ROL. Understandably, guests were bummed when it had to be postponed.

I looked @ it this way:
Disney knows that guests VERY much want to see ROL. They keep checking for the dinner pkg.
SO Disney could have the AK Park tix be good for like only up to 6:30 or 7:00 pm,
close the Park until 7:30 or 8 to get all the day tix guests out,
THEN require a separate night tix, for say $89, for when the Park re-opens.

IF the ONLY way guests are allowed to see ROL is with a separate event ot nighttime ticket,
THEN guests would pay the upcharge.
THEN require ALL dining reservations for the ROL dining pkg. to be ONLY offered during the day AK hours,
forcing guests to ALSO shell out the $105 for the regular AK ticket,
just to be able to reserve a seat for ROL.
SO another $79 for the ROL dining pkg. plus the $105 for the reg. tix, plus the $89 for the nighttime attractions & entertainment,

AND a dining pkg reserved seat for ROL could cost you $273!

 

[saskdw]

But then how would I convey my DD's desire to have the most magical time ever by using the DDP at MVMCP before watching the ELP from our GF CL MK view room?

What?

 

[ColoradoDreamin]

I think he means Anaheim is doing better management wise. Crowds are light because of the new pricing system based on demand. Apparently people are not willing to spend peak season pricing. Not to mention the massive increase to no-blockout annual passes, which are a big chunk of DL's customer base.



Probably Orlando as a whole. South America is not doing well these days economically speaking. The lack of Brazilian tourism this year impacts Orlando quite badly. Same goes for Great Britain and the uncertainty that Brexit caused.

The recent events are not helping either.

Agree with your last two paragraphs a great deal. People here are quick to point at pricing, but it's not just Disney seeing lower attendance numbers. Tourism is not as high right now in a great many places due to a lot of world things going on. Don't forget a large portion of Americans will make the "shorter" trip to Brazil for the Olympics this year as well. I personally think in Olympic years you see a slight change in vacations to begin with, as there are many pockets of people that will travel for the Olympic qualifiers in the different sports rather than their normal trips. Add in that Disney has a lot planned the next few years, as does Universal, and there is a large group of people holding off on their 3 to 5 year trip till after 1,2 or 3 of these new things open up. I have had some real estate friends tell me that you have more consumers buying houses now then selling...and that will have a small impact on vacations as well.

There is so many factors right now, most of which negatively effecting attendance, anybody that points to price is going for a quick explanation for something they want to complain about. In reality, from what I have seen, Disney is not being effected any more than other tourism industries right now.

 

[LSLS]

As awful as 3 tix per day @ one Park seems, don't think for one take-advantage-of-guests bean counter minute
THAT Disney would not hesitate to " force " guests to pay more for new attractions.
You mentioned charging an extra(beyond regular day tix) $79 for access to the new Star Wars Land.
I don't know HOW they could actually pull it off, yet those bean counters probably would like to!

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

 

[saskdw]

I hope not...but yes...

You know how I say we're bad consumers?

$69 for a couple of old rides and a fast food breakfast for an hour is the epitome of that.

It just keeps going and going...

They apparently were defeated on their late night magic kingdom nonsense...so now they're testing the armor somewhere else.

I sincerely hope people understand what they're doing here...it's going to get worse.

Really what this amounts to is a family of 4 paying $240 plus tax to ride Toy Story Mania 2 times. Because that is the big draw here and it's only exclusive for 1 hour which means probably 2 rides maybe 3.

I'll take a pass on this one.