News Round Up

[rteetz]

Rumor that magic of Disney animation will become a blue sky cellar type building for upcoming construction.

http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions...ed-the-magic-of-disney-animation-building.htm

 

[skier_pete]

Rumor that magic of Disney animation will become a blue sky cellar type building for upcoming construction.

http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions...ed-the-magic-of-disney-animation-building.htm

OK - THIS would bug the hell out of me. Why would they close something that a lot of people really like just to put up a display? If they need the space for something new - fantastic...but if it's just for a preview center? Why wouldn't you just keep the area open with the Animation Academy and put the preview section in the main Meet and Greet area.

This also sounds more like speculation that's turned into rumor. I'll believe this one when I see it.

 

[rteetz]

OK - THIS would bug the hell out of me. Why would they close something that a lot of people really like just to put up a display? If they need the space for something new - fantastic...but if it's just for a preview center? Why wouldn't you just keep the area open with the Animation Academy and put the preview section in the main Meet and Greet area.

This also sounds more like speculation that's turned into rumor. I'll believe this one when I see it.

I agree but thought I'd post it anyways

 

[DDLand]

They just (2009) did an extensive refurb of Space Mountain where it was down for about a 8 months. They're aren't doing anything to it anytime soon. If you want DLR space mountain, you need to go to California.

From what I've seen from several people but most noticeably Martin, is the structure of the thing is starting to deteriorate to the point of them having to add additional breaks in order to reduce strain. Space Mountain is becoming a more and more jerky ride thanks to the issues, it needs to be completely torn down and built back up again if some are to be believed... And I believe them.

 

[Josh Hendy]

OK - THIS would bug the hell out of me. Why would they close something that a lot of people really like just to put up a display?

There seems to be a Disney corporate culture right now in which ideas to "reduce reuse recycle" are considered to be extremely valuable. An extreme allergy to what guests would call the generous provision of novel and unique experiences and a strong preference for minimal makeovers and recycling of materials and ideas. Especially if the hand-me-down items can be disguised as something new and at least promising for the future if not actually delivering.

The whole approach is reminiscent of the sales showroom for a condo development which has models and paintings of the fabulous towers, balconies, swimming pools, fitness facilities, and so on. Not an experience but a glitzy simulation of one.

The side-by-side cloning of existing rides is also reminiscent of a condo development where they build the first tower and sell it out, then build 1,2,3 clones of it side by side.

I'm not saying that Disney will never build new, unique and great rides and attractions again. But it's obvious that they're going to delay and prolong their construction as long as they possibly can, and foist off cloned experiences and simulated progress on their guests in the meantime.

If you'll excuse me for beating a dead horse, Universal doesn't shut down attractions and build "blue sky rooms" to pre-sell new rides and lands that won't exist for 5 years or more. They put up fences and start digging.

 

[bbmassey]

There seems to be a Disney corporate culture right now in which ideas to "reduce reuse recycle" are considered to be extremely valuable. An extreme allergy to what guests would call the generous provision of novel and unique experiences and a strong preference for minimal makeovers and recycling of materials and ideas. Especially if the hand-me-down items can be disguised as something new and at least promising for the future if not actually delivering.

The whole approach is reminiscent of the sales showroom for a condo development which has models and paintings of the fabulous towers, balconies, swimming pools, fitness facilities, and so on. Not an experience but a glitzy simulation.

Great analogy!

 

[skier_pete]

I agree but thought I'd post it anyways

No I understand you are just posting the connection, which it's great that you do.

 

[skier_pete]

I'm not saying that Disney will never build new, unique and great rides and attractions again. But it's obvious that they're going to delay and prolong their construction as long as they possibly can, and foist off cloned experiences and simulated progress on their guests in the meantime.

Seems like you are ignoring the construction going on in DAK, and criticizing an unconfirmed rumor.

Personally, I like the idea of having a preview center. There's a thread I started here in the news and Rumor board asking why don't they have one at Disney somewhere? Seems to me you are more likely to get someone to book a return vacation if they walk through models/artwork of Avatarland coming 2017 versus just seeing a bunch of construction walls.

My criticism is (assuming the rumor to be actually true - which I doubt) of why would you close an existing attraction in a park that is short on them and rapidly becoming shorter, and replace it with a preview center?

 

[DDLand]

OK - THIS would bug the hell out of me. Why would they close something that a lot of people really like just to put up a display? If they need the space for something new - fantastic...but if it's just for a preview center? Why wouldn't you just keep the area open with the Animation Academy and put the preview section in the main Meet and Greet area.

This also sounds more like speculation that's turned into rumor. I'll believe this one when I see it.

Well it could take years before we see a full conclusion to the construction here, so an explanation on why the park is torn up is at the very least due. I think making it clear to the guests on why their experience isn't as great today so tomorrow can be better is responsible. Now with that said, their choice of taking out that attraction was a pretty stupid ops choice. Perhaps they didn't feel it was being as well utilized as it could be, or any other available buildings are destined to be demolished leaving that as the only option.

Oh and we are Disney fans so we love concept art and little models...

 

[DDLand]

Seems like you are ignoring the construction going on in DAK, and criticizing an unconfirmed rumor.

Personally, I like the idea of having a preview center. There's a thread I started here in the news and Rumor board asking why don't they have one at Disney somewhere? Seems to me you are more likely to get someone to book a return vacation if they walk through models/artwork of Avatarland coming 2017 versus just seeing a bunch of construction walls.

My criticism is (assuming the rumor to be actually true - which I doubt) of why would you close an existing attraction in a park that is short on them and rapidly becoming shorter, and replace it with a preview center?

Right on the money.

 

[DDLand]

There seems to be a Disney corporate culture right now in which ideas to "reduce reuse recycle" are considered to be extremely valuable. An extreme allergy to what guests would call the generous provision of novel and unique experiences and a strong preference for minimal makeovers and recycling of materials and ideas. Especially if the hand-me-down items can be disguised as something new and at least promising for the future if not actually delivering.

The whole approach is reminiscent of the sales showroom for a condo development which has models and paintings of the fabulous towers, balconies, swimming pools, fitness facilities, and so on. Not an experience but a glitzy simulation of one.

The side-by-side cloning of existing rides is also reminiscent of a condo development where they build the first tower and sell it out, then build 1,2,3 clones of it side by side.

I'm not saying that Disney will never build new, unique and great rides and attractions again. But it's obvious that they're going to delay and prolong their construction as long as they possibly can, and foist off cloned experiences and simulated progress on their guests in the meantime.

If you'll excuse me for beating a dead horse, Universal doesn't shut down attractions and build "blue sky rooms" to pre-sell new rides and lands that won't exist for 5 years or more. They put up fences and start digging.

If this 2.8 Billion number is to be believed, we'll be seeing the most extensive post opening investment in a park in Disney history. It has the potential to make the DCA projects seem meager. In 5 years the park should be radically changed. Making a model room is appropriate for a business during times of transition so guests understand the upheaval. This model room is as much about selling future vacations as it is about helping guests take in the fact DHS is undergoing a massive evolution that will leave it almost unfamiliar to even those who have been going for years. If a guest asks why there's construction walls everywhere, the cast member can point them in the direction of the model room.

You're saying they're all about reducing even as they're unleashing hundreds of millions. I'll whole heartedly agree Disney has been timid with their investments. That has given them the confidence to go big. Your complaints are like a bull fighter whining that the bull hasn't charged at him recently, right as the bull starts barreling down towards him at 30 MPH. Just hold on, because it's coming.

I'm also wondering about what you meant by the clone thing?

As for our friends at Universal, at 500 million+ being spent each year for multiple years in a row, Disney will exceed anything they've spent over the last few years.

 

[Josh Hendy]

Seems like you are ignoring the construction going on in DAK, and criticizing an unconfirmed rumor.

I wasn't ignoring DAK when I said "delay and prolong their construction as long as they possibly can" ... in fact I was looking right at it.

And yes, I'm criticizing an unconfirmed rumor. Just like you praised an unconfirmed rumor when you said, "Personally, I like the idea".

 

[SalutemyShorts]

If this 2.8 Billion number is to be believed, we'll be seeing the most extensive post opening investment in a park in Disney history. It has the potential to make the DCA projects seem meager. In 5 years the park should be radically changed. Making a model room is appropriate for a business during times of transition so guests understand the upheaval. This model room is as much about selling future vacations as it is about helping guests take in the fact DHS is undergoing a massive evolution that will leave it almost unfamiliar to even those who have been going for years. If a guest asks why there's construction walls everywhere, the cast member can point them in the direction of the model room.

You're saying they're all about reducing even as they're unleashing hundreds of millions. I'll whole heartedly agree Disney has been timid with their investments. That has given them the confidence to go big. Your complaints are like a bull fighter whining that the bull hasn't charged at him recently, right as the bull starts barreling down towards him at 30 MPH. Just hold on, because it's coming.

I'm also wondering about what you meant by the clone thing?

As for our friends at Universal, at 500 million+ being spent each year for multiple years in a row, Disney will exceed anything they've spent over the last few years.

I disagree with people complaining about Disney Park investments, but Disney exceeding anything they've spent over the last few years doesn't really add up. Especially when you throw in a whole new park with Volcano Bay(are there any rumors on the cost of this yet?).

You've got Kong, Volcano Bay, and Nintendo already announced with rumors still swirling for more Wizarding World.

Kong and VB are scheduled to be open within the next two years, an entire new park in two years(yes a water park, but a very ambitious one). Disney is spreading this money over years and years, while Universal is spending the money fast and building fast, and then budgeting for even more.

 

[rteetz]

DHS is removing it's tip board

http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/2015/07/disneys-hollywood-studios-tip-board.html

 

[Josh Hendy]

I'm also wondering about what you meant by the clone thing?

As for our friends at Universal, at 500 million+ being spent each year for multiple years in a row, Disney will exceed anything they've spent over the last few years.

Side-by-side duplicates of Soarin', TSMM and Dumbo instead of building original new rides.

I've seen absolutely nothing concrete, just a lot of rumors. The gist of the rumors is that, yeah, Disney is planning to spend a lot, but also, they're going to prolong the construction by spreading it out over as many quarters as possible. Hence the need for a sales showroom to pre-sell the expansion.

I will be very happy to be surprised to the upside, or the nearside or whatever you want to call it.

 

[luisov]

They just (2009) did an extensive refurb of Space Mountain where it was down for about a 8 months. They're aren't doing anything to it anytime soon. If you want DLR space mountain, you need to go to California.

The type of coaster isn't the problem. The problem is that many reports say Space Mountain is falling apart. As DDLand says, they have to replace the rails.

 

[rteetz]

The type of coaster isn't the problem. The problem is that many reports say Space Mountain is falling apart. As DDLand says, they have to replace the rails.

Space was intended to get a major refurb a while back but that obviously never happened. I remeber someone posting a picture on wdwmagic of the inside of space with spray paint on the structure, that paint was markings for where changes would be made.

 

[DDLand]

I disagree with people complaining about Disney Park investments, but Disney exceeding anything they've spent over the last few years doesn't really add up. Especially when you throw in a whole new park with Volcano Bay(are there any rumors on the cost of this yet?).

You've got Kong, Volcano Bay, and Nintendo already announced with rumors still swirling for more Wizarding World.

Kong and VB are scheduled to be open within the next two years, an entire new park in two years(yes a water park, but a very ambitious one). Disney is spreading this money over years and years, while Universal is spending the money fast and building fast, and then budgeting for even more.

It's true that Universal has been executing extremely well and dumping millions into their projects. The results have been pretty great, and it shows.

However the gap can be closed by WDC's enormous financial might.

Look at this great post from Parentsof4 over at WDWMagic:
http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/...llywood-adventure.901419/page-12#post-6783075

As you can see, if Disney were to ramp up spending by 500 million+ that would make quite the difference. Of course I should note that this would be offset by decreased costs at DAK, Disney Springs, and declining cost related to Disneyland 60th no longer being on the books. The flip side is it doesn't include the 1 billion dollar expansion at Disneyland or the 600 million dollar expansion for Epcot and MK. Disney should be far outspending Universal all too soon.

 

[rteetz]

The parks and resorts panel at D23 this year will be 90 minutes long. The last time they held the panel it was an hour.

 

[luisov]

Space was intended to get a major refurb a while back but that obviously never happened. I remeber someone posting a picture on wdwmagic of the inside of space with spray paint on the structure, that paint was markings for where changes would be made.

I love the idea of a new E-ticket at MK. However, I think the priority should be maintenance at the already existing rides. All the mountains could use some additional work. And let's hope the Pirates refurb solves most of the existing issues.