News Round Up

[ICTVgrad07]

The Christmas tree is up at the Magic Kingdom.

http://www.wdwmagic.com/events/holi...agic-kingdom-complete-with-christmas-tree.htm

This makes me happy...leaving for the world in less than 2 weeks and excited to see all the holiday decorations for the 1st time.

 

[DDLand]

So the second question is, if it is not sustainable - then what do they do? Unlike Six Flags, they don't really have the option of selling out to local owners. An operation like Sea World requires massive resources. Lets pretend Sea World wanted to drop the San Antonio location. What company in their right mind would by an ocean based company in the center of Texas without access to the facilities, experts, and such that Sea World has at their San Diego and Orlando facilities. And for the record, even before the Texas location got divided up into 3 parts, it STILL felt like a miniature version of the coastal Sea Worlds. The Texas location is the most extreme example of the three, but I'd argue that you essentially need one on each coast at the very least. I'd argue that Sea World simply can not operate as a single location. So at most, they could drop the Texas location and cut their operations back to two locations. Or, just keep gating off different parts of the Texas location and trying to convince people they are worth paying separate ticket prices for. Either way, it shows the location isn't holding it's own financially, and since there will never be a buyer for it logistically, they either have to close it and walk away from it or keep finding ways to try and upcharge and hope it doesn't slaughter attendance to the point of being unsustainable.

It's funny you should choose Texas. Just yesterday I was reading this article that said apparently their San Antonio operation has been a bright spot in their results. Texans apparently weren't moved in the same way as SoCal residents were with Blackfish. : http://behindthethrills.com/2015/10...-become-crown-jewel-in-seaworld-parks-family/

Of course that could be crap, but in a way it actually makes sense.

 

[soniam]

It's funny you should choose Texas. Just yesterday I was reading this article that said apparently their San Antonio operation has been a bright spot in their results. Texans apparently weren't moved in the same way as SoCal residents were with Blackfish. : http://behindthethrills.com/2015/10...-become-crown-jewel-in-seaworld-parks-family/

Of course that could be crap, but in a way it actually makes sense.

Less "hippies" here. Now before people get mad about the hippie comment, I proudly fall into that category and live in Texas, so I'm not trying to offend anyone. But yes, people in Texas generally are less concerned about animal welfare, in my opinion.

 

[eXo]

It's funny you should choose Texas. Just yesterday I was reading this article that said apparently their San Antonio operation has been a bright spot in their results. Texans apparently weren't moved in the same way as SoCal residents were with Blackfish. : http://behindthethrills.com/2015/10...-become-crown-jewel-in-seaworld-parks-family/

Of course that could be crap, but in a way it actually makes sense.

That actually does make a lot of sense, but splitting the park into yet another paid zone just doesn't bode well. I went right when they split the water park area into "aquatica", and having been before the split I remember thinking how small that srea was and how it made no sense to turn it into it's own paid area. Now to take the dolphins away and put them behind yet another pay gate... that's just crap.

Seaworld San Antonio already has less exhibits than either of it's sister parks. Now it looses the dolphins as well? Or at least, any interactions with them?

The last time we went was because I paid for my wife and I to do the beluga interaction. And while it was interesting, the rest of the park was mediocre. At the risk of repeating myself, the shows were stale and the animals seemed to be taking a backseat to the rides.

Ironically, as that article states, it is the largest park of the three. And yet it has the least to offer :/

 

[Budshark]

I feel like Anheuser Busch is trying to use the same strategy with roller coasters used at Busch gardens. The problem is they have quality and not quantity and that formula isn't going to work if they don't have the number of coasters necessary

Anheuser-Busch has had nothing to do with SeaWorld or Busch Gardens for many years now. They were sold off after the company was bought in 2008.

 

[rteetz]

A stage will be installed in front of the Tree of Life for a private event

http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/2015/11/temporary-stage-to-be-installed-in.html

 

[rteetz]

New Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom card for the Christmas party

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...debuts-at-mickeys-very-merry-christmas-party/

 

[LittleDreamer]

ABC extends the Muppets for a full season
http://bit.ly/1kXar6o

So here is an article saying that Muppets is getting a new Show-runner for the back half of Season 1. There is also some mention of problems behind the scenes and being rushed in production.

http://deadline.com/2015/11/the-mup...ushell-exit-kristin-newman-reboot-1201606360/

 

[rteetz]

The dates for the Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin refurb
The scheduled refurbishment is now Jan 18-Feb 11.

 

[soniam]

The dates for the Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin refurb
The scheduled refurbishment is now Jan 18-Feb 11.

Thank goodness it's not a really long one right now. There are too many things going down for extended periods.

 

[rteetz]

Thank goodness it's not a really long one right now. There are too many things going down for extended periods.

Well that should tell you something. Rides like buzz are way past needed refurbs.

 

[circus4u]

Disney 'holy grail' film 'Sleigh Bells' rediscovered
http://www.cnn.com/2015/11/04/europe/oswald-rabbit-film-rediscovered/index.html

 

[rteetz]

The castle turrets were lit tonight along with the castle

 

[rteetz]

Sum of all thrills in innoventions will be closed for a refurb later this month Nov 30-Dec 4, reopening on the 5th.

 

[rteetz]

Of course the CMAs on ABC open up with a Star Wars skit. Disney constitutes to push this movie like crazy.

 

[luisov]

Yet another Enchanted Window at Main Street USA in Disneyland has been unveiled. This time is Frozen's moment to shine. Previous windows feature Peter Pan, Toy Story, Princess and the Frog and Cinderella.

 

[umichigan10]

Anheuser-Busch has had nothing to do with SeaWorld or Busch Gardens for many years now. They were sold off after the company was bought in 2008.

Fair enough but I apply the same logic to whoever owns them now

 

[rteetz]

Castle lights

http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions...a-castle-dreamlights-at-the-magic-kingdom.htm

 

[rteetz]

Jingle cruise starts today

http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions...ic-kingdoms-jingle-cruise-sets-sail-today.htm

 

[rteetz]

Alternative guest experiences at WL

http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/2015/11/alternative-guest-offerings-at-disneys.html?m=1