News Round Up 2017

[soniam]

Well, that's sort of like people saying "I have a Six Flags near me, why would I go to Disney World." So unless you live next to Schlitterbahn that argument shouldn't apply. Disney water parks are to normal water parks as Disney theme parks are to normal amusement parks - as in 10 times better. I would sell that you should try a Disney water park at least once. We don't go to them a lot because my wife and daughter aren't in to water slides, but they are great. Even the wave pool at TL is like nothing you've ever experienced.

I am very curious to see how they will work APs. We bought APs at Universal for our trip next week - the Seasonal Pass. The big question is will existing AP holders be allowed to use Volcano Bay. The answer is as of two days ago Guest services didn't know the answer. Probably the only way I will go to Volcano Bay.

I want to say - it's all well and good that they are producing a 3-day ticket that includes the water park, but if they don't have a REASONABLE 1-day ticket, they are going to find they are leaving out a good portion of their market.

That's funny. We always use Schlitterbahn as an excuse to not go to the Disney water parks. We are about an hour away from it, but we never go. We will be going to Volcano Bay. I like that it's going to be really convenient to the Universal hotels, compared to the WDW water parks, and it will be open at night to help beat the heat and sun. I typically don't like water parks much though. I burn easily and wear glasses. I can't stand when my glasses get wet. Plus, I am not a big fan of chlorine.

I too am wondering about the AP. Over on the Universal forum, there's been discussion/rumors that the preferred and premier APs would include VB. One person was recently told by guest services that when they renew their AP in March, it would be good for VB. I figured they would make us pay a surcharge. My preferred renewal is up next month, and the rate didn't look high enough to include VB.

We already had a trip planned to Universal over Memorial Day weekend, and then they announced VB opening. Well, we'll have to go. I can buy a 4 day 3 park-to-park pass for DS. Adding VB is about $50 extra compared to the 2 park-to-park, so it's not a bad deal. However, if my AP doesn't include VB, if they don't have an upgrade option before opening weekend, and I can't buy a 2 day VB ticket, I am going to have to pay about $250 for a 3 day 3 park non-hopper ticket, even though I have an AP So, I am seriously hoping that something happens before then.

 

[rteetz]

There's a Lion King remake too? Wow.

That was announced late last year. Jon Favreau who did the Jungle Book is doing it.

 

[PolyRob]

There's a Lion King remake too? Wow.

PLENTY of live-action coming...22 according to this:
http://www.businessinsider.com/disn...in-march-2017-starring-emma-watson-as-belle-1

 

[Mattimation]

I find it hilarious how so many people and news outlets are referring to this new Lion King as being "Live Action," when there probably won't be a single "live" thing appearing in it. It's going to be like the animals and scenery in Jungle Book, which technically qualified for the "Best Animated Picture" category in the Oscars & Golden Globes, Disney just chose not to enter it.

 

[jlundeen]

Us, too. Oh well.

I don't know how I could NOT have known about this....are there other "alternate" entrances to parks I don't know about????

 

[jaxonp]

I don't know how I could NOT have known about this....are there other "alternate" entrances to parks I don't know about????

It's just a alternative security checkpoint from the side.. you still enter the park through the main magic band reader turnstiles..

 

[HerHeartBeats]

rteetz - thanks for posting the Rivers of Light composition video. Really speaks to the depth that Disney goes to to create unique experiences. Can't wait to see it.

 

[cmash95]

one of the most recent rumors I have heard is that they are upgrading coronado springs because they are taking down the convention center at the contemporary. apparently they feel that they need more parking and taking out the convention center would allow for it

 

[Irish_Mike]

one of the most recent rumors I have heard is that they are upgrading coronado springs because they are taking down the convention center at the contemporary. apparently they feel that they need more parking and taking out the convention center would allow for it

They are planning to close the convention center at the Contemporary - hence the upgrades at Y&BC and Coronado. Though I'm not sure if it's closing for more parking or new DVC (Or both).

 

[rteetz]

one of the most recent rumors I have heard is that they are upgrading coronado springs because they are taking down the convention center at the contemporary. apparently they feel that they need more parking and taking out the convention center would allow for it

That's part of it yes. It's not parking that they will use the convention space for though. More DVC...

 

[MissGina5]

What do you think the chances are of getting a non IP based attraction in any of the parks soon?

 

[rteetz]

What do you think the chances are of getting a non IP based attraction in any of the parks soon?

For the US parks, probably slim. Maybe overseas in a Shanghai, Tokyo or Paris.

 

[MissGina5]

For the US parks, probably slim. Maybe overseas in a Shanghai, Tokyo or Paris.

Interesting, I had read that someone wanted SGE to become an original ride and was curious how likely any original ride was. Thanks!

 

[Phicinfan]

Interesting, I had read that someone wanted SGE to become an original ride and was curious how likely any original ride was. Thanks!

Slim to none if you believe all the main insiders. WDW is very IP focused right now.

 

[umichigan10]

That's part of it yes. It's not parking that they will use the convention space for though. More DVC...

I'm wondering if they'd build another tower like bay lake or a lower more spread out building (if that's even possible). Hard for me to see them pissing off the big spenders in the tower by blocking it with a massive DVC addition

 

[umichigan10]

Also my family has DVC but this is starting to get kinda ridiculous. As @lockedoutlogic has said they need a new CEO....

 

[lockedoutlogic]

What do you think the chances are of getting a non IP based attraction in any of the parks soon?

Zero times 10

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I'm wondering if they'd build another tower like bay lake or a lower more spread out building (if that's even possible). Hard for me to see them pissing off the big spenders in the tower by blocking it with a massive DVC addition

The tower wouldn't necessarily block the old contemporary...

Plus...if anything is also clear - beyond the mass production of timeshares - is that those "big spenders" in the tower aren't there like they want us to believe...and they don't want to pay more for it.

 

[umichigan10]

The tower wouldn't necessarily block the old contemporary...

Plus...if anything is also clear - beyond the mass production of timeshares - is that those "big spenders" in the tower aren't there like they want us to believe...and they don't want to pay more for it.

I'm picturing a carbon copy of BLT in my head which I feel would absolutely block it.

I didn't mind bay lake and whatnot but they keep it up and that lakes gonna look like it's crowded with south beach condo rises. Not that they care but....

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I'm picturing a carbon copy of BLT in my head which I feel would absolutely block it.

I didn't mind bay lake and whatnot but they keep it up and that lakes gonna look like it's crowded with south beach condo rises. Not that they care but....

Bay lake isn't that impressive...if we're honest...why would they need to replicate it exaclty?