News Round Up

[rteetz]

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/china-approves-325-billion-universal-740266

 

[rteetz]

That's nowhere near what Disney is spending in china... But...little brother is starting challenge big brother for the ball, aren't they? Brian Roberts does not fear Disney... He didnt fear Eisner (who was way scarier) to the point where he (I will always guess in cahoots with roy Disney) launched a hostile takeover attempt that essentially got mike kicked out the door. He had a Mickey Mouse dartboard in his office... But at the end of The day...this is good for the DISNEY FANS. Because they aren't with us in Burbank...not to where they should be.

Oh I agree china is the only place where they are seriously investing in parks and resorts. Hong Kong is rumored to get an expansion very soon, and Shanghai will open sometime in the next two years(big delays and being over budget are supposedly making this project go into 2016). I think a year ago they announced a worlds largest disney store in china as well.

 

[clsteve]

Not yet, but I'll bet it is coming. It will remind you of your FP, and it will suggest changes or additions. And as you walk by the gift shop, it will say; "The Guardians of the Galaxy playset you were looking at on the Disney Store Online is available and onsale at this gift shop."

Or: Bookings are down on something: "Congratulations, we have a discount on a ___ special for you. Click if interested."

There are 2 slots open in a tour and 7 different people walking by were looking at the tour at the website. Offer them a discount to join the group.

There are so many possibilities when the computer knows where you are, who you are, your history of activities, interests, and shopping, and what you have inquired about online.

Think of the amazing options.

So I guess that's the difference in viewpoints on the NextGen 2 bil investment enhancing the guest experience.

Where I don't see jamming another 3-5000 guests into MK on their busiest days, or being tracked 24/7, so they can send me a faux discount on merch to spend more cash, or letting me know that the line's short at Pecos Bill, or a 2nd tier ride has availablity, as enhancing my experience.

Some do.

And that's completely fair.

I most definitely don't want to turn this into a NextGen discussion, but I've always been curious as to why some think it's good money spent - from a guest perspective - not a from a TWDC one.

 

[clsteve]

Oh I agree china is the only place where they are seriously investing in parks and resorts. Hong Kong is rumored to get an expansion very soon, and Shanghai will open sometime in the next two years(big delays and being over budget are supposedly making this project go into 2016). I think a year ago they announced a worlds largest disney store in china as well.

If I remember correctly, the Shanghai park will have 380 million Chinese within a 4 hour drive of the Park - basically the whole population of the US.

Obvious no-brainer to hit that market

But Comcast is really highlighting that the investment overseas in no way has to be to the detriment of stateside investment. They're not mutually exclusive.

Gotta love a global theme park "Cold War-esque" arms race....

 

[faneuil]

I most definitely don't want to turn this into a NextGen discussion, but I've always been curious as to why some think it's good money spent - from a guest perspective - not a from a TWDC one.

Thanks to you two, I now imagine us walking around WDW in a very Minority Report mall atmosphere!

 

[rteetz]

Mickeys not so scary Halloween party is now sold out for tonight the 13th and Thursday the 16th.

 

[ned911]

Oh how I would love that job. As a data scientist who leads cross-channel marketing using a real time decision engine leading that effort for WDW would be a dream job.

Tried to take my wife for her birthday 11/30-12/3 but at $450+ for a deluxe it's just not going to happen. They have priced the deluxe rooms so high that they aren't worth booking without the 30% discount.

Not yet, but I'll bet it is coming. It will remind you of your FP, and it will suggest changes or additions. And as you walk by the gift shop, it will say; "The Guardians of the Galaxy playset you were looking at on the Disney Store Online is available and onsale at this gift shop."

Or: Bookings are down on something: "Congratulations, we have a discount on a ___ special for you. Click if interested."

There are 2 slots open in a tour and 7 different people walking by were looking at the tour at the website. Offer them a discount to join the group.

There are so many possibilities when the computer knows where you are, who you are, your history of activities, interests, and shopping, and what you have inquired about online.

Think of the amazing options.

 

[OnSpaceshipEarth]

I don't see jamming another 3-5000 guests into MK on their busiest days, or being tracked 24/7, so they can send me a faux discount on merch to spend more cash, or letting me know that the line's short at Pecos Bill, or a 2nd tier ride has availablity, as enhancing my experience.

Love it!

 

[skier_pete]

They have priced the deluxe rooms so high that they aren't worth booking with the 30% discount.

Fixed

 

[Yellowstonetim]

I won't get into a long next-gen discussion, but basically next-gen provides benefits for Disney, and benefits for me.

For Disney:

Information. In the business of making people happy and getting them to part with their money, information is key. They will be able to know a great deal about me. This will be gold.

Control: Information can help them control crowds and patterns of movement. This is very important to deal with the ever increasing crowds. Getting people from here to there, into stores, etc., will get us happier and spending more. They will have more control real time, and more control long term as they get good data on behaviors by demographics of all sorts.

For me:

I get an experience customized for me and catered to me better than before. Interaction with rides will be cool. If Disney knows who I am, where I am, and what I like, they can "help" me achieve what I want. And in return I will be happier and spend more. As I mentioned above, if they send me a message that the tour I was interested in is available for a discount. I am happy! If they have a sale on a product I was interested in and tell me. I am happy. If they point out that the line is short at a ride I like or a FP has come available at a better time. I am happy. If they know about my behavior patterns while at Disney and help customize my experience. All the better.

This will come with time. Also the unbelievably detailed demographic data coupled with tracked behavior and spending patterns will help Disney better design parks, rides, walkways, and will help them know where to put CM's and when. The possibilities are almost endless.

Information is power for Disney. And information will benefit me, too.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Woop! woop! Propaganda alert!


(Ok...I'm sorta joking )

 

[wallrock]

I get an experience customized for me and catered to me better than before. Interaction with rides will be cool. If Disney knows who I am, where I am, and what I like, they can "help" me achieve what I want. And in return I will be happier and spend more. As I mentioned above, if they send me a message that the tour I was interested in is available for a discount. I am happy! If they have a sale on a product I was interested in and tell me. I am happy. If they point out that the line is short at a ride I like or a FP has come available at a better time. I am happy. If they know about my behavior patterns while at Disney and help customize my experience. All the better.

This isn't directed at you personally, but I don't know whether to be frightened or turned off by the scenario you've detailed. Again not you, just the scenario, because what you've stated may very well come to fruition.

The last thing I want is to walk around on my vacation with an electronic gadget leading me around like an automaton, and when things don't go well (meaning unforeseen events such as attraction shutdowns, weather or other X factor), maybe to places that I'm not interested in. Now it's no longer a vacation of my desires, but what Disney sees as the most optimum solution given the circumstances. There's very little room for deviation or, perish the thought, you may change your mind...

I do want to use my brain occasionally when I'm out of the office and engaged in personal pursuits.

I guess some folks long for the notion of a Buy'n'Large cruise. Me, I want to get out of the hovercraft and look at the stars occasionally. And I want to go home with some money still in my pocket because, you know, there are real life things that need that too.

 

[OnSpaceshipEarth]

This isn't directed at you personally, but I don't know whether to be frightened or turned off by the scenario you've detailed. Again not you, just the scenario, because what you've stated may very well come to fruition.

The last thing I want is to walk around on my vacation with an electronic gadget leading me around like an automaton, and when things don't go well (meaning unforeseen events such as attraction shutdowns, weather or other X factor), maybe to places that I'm not interested in. Now it's no longer a vacation of my desires, but what Disney sees as the most optimum solution given the circumstances. There's very little room for deviation or, perish the thought, you may change your mind...

I do want to use my brain occasionally when I'm out of the office and engaged in personal pursuits.

I guess some folks long for the notion of a Buy'n'Large cruise. Me, I want to get out of the hovercraft and look at the stars occasionally. And I want to go home with some money still in my pocket because, you know, there are real life things that need that too.

Still...you have to admit that it will be pretty cool how it will let you know that the line is short at Pecos Bills or there is a limited-time discount at a nearby gift shop.

 

[beer dave]

I won't get into a long next-gen discussion, but basically next-gen provides benefits for Disney, and benefits for me.

For Disney:

Information. In the business of making people happy and getting them to part with their money, information is key. They will be able to know a great deal about me. This will be gold.

Control: Information can help them control crowds and patterns of movement. This is very important to deal with the ever increasing crowds. Getting people from here to there, into stores, etc., will get us happier and spending more. They will have more control real time, and more control long term as they get good data on behaviors by demographics of all sorts.

For me:

I get an experience customized for me and catered to me better than before. Interaction with rides will be cool. If Disney knows who I am, where I am, and what I like, they can "help" me achieve what I want. And in return I will be happier and spend more. As I mentioned above, if they send me a message that the tour I was interested in is available for a discount. I am happy! If they have a sale on a product I was interested in and tell me. I am happy. If they point out that the line is short at a ride I like or a FP has come available at a better time. I am happy. If they know about my behavior patterns while at Disney and help customize my experience. All the better.

This will come with time. Also the unbelievably detailed demographic data coupled with tracked behavior and spending patterns will help Disney better design parks, rides, walkways, and will help them know where to put CM's and when. The possibilities are almost endless.

Information is power for Disney. And information will benefit me, too.

Like I have said before-- I want to be at Epcot and have Mickey Mouse come running through World Showcase calling my name and handing me a beer and a turkey leg. Pure Magic.

 

[wallrock]

Still...you have to admit that it will be pretty cool how it will let you know that the line is short at Pecos Bills or there is a limited-time discount at a nearby gift shop.

I certainly don't doubt that folks won't be able to pull a benefit or two from this that otherwise wouldn't be available or visible, but there has to be some freedom to deviate and allow for flexibility. A world of changes can happen from the time you make your reservations (probably six or more months out) and the time you arrive. Those with kids know that a child's desires can change on a whim. Something that was a 'must do' six months ago becomes 'so yesterday' when the time comes to actually experience it.

 

[KYMickey]

I certainly don't doubt that folks won't be able to pull a benefit or two from this that otherwise wouldn't be available or visible, but there has to be some freedom to deviate and allow for flexibility.

Between FP and ADRs flexibility in a trip to Disney has been long gone!! Just like the great food that used to be available at various restaurants around the property.

You now have to almost plan every minute of every day or else you won't get to ride a ride or eat at a restaurant you want to eat at. A Disney vacation is no longer relaxing in any sense of the word for adults, many times it's worse than trying to keep track of your daily schedule at work.

 

[Yellowstonetim]

This isn't directed at you personally, but I don't know whether to be frightened or turned off by the scenario you've detailed. Again not you, just the scenario, because what you've stated may very well come to fruition.

The last thing I want is to walk around on my vacation with an electronic gadget leading me around like an automaton, and when things don't go well (meaning unforeseen events such as attraction shutdowns, weather or other X factor), maybe to places that I'm not interested in. Now it's no longer a vacation of my desires, but what Disney sees as the most optimum solution given the circumstances. There's very little room for deviation or, perish the thought, you may change your mind...

I do want to use my brain occasionally when I'm out of the office and engaged in personal pursuits.

I guess some folks long for the notion of a Buy'n'Large cruise. Me, I want to get out of the hovercraft and look at the stars occasionally. And I want to go home with some money still in my pocket because, you know, there are real life things that need that too.

Most of what you say has nothing to do with this technology. It has to do with your choices and desires and how you use the technology. I love being out in the middle of Yellowstone completely cut off from tech looking at the stars. I also like to use my Note 3 to maximize my vacation at Disney.

Disney won't make you do anything. They will give you choices. Like FP gave you choices, Like FP+ gives you choices. If you don't want them, turn the phone off and ignore them. But, if you want to maximize your vacation in various ways, this will give you options.

It isn't the bogey man. It is just the power of information.

 

[luisov]

Between FP and ADRs flexibility in a trip to Disney has been long gone!! Just like the great food that used to be available at various restaurants around the property.

You now have to almost plan every minute of every day or else you won't get to ride a ride or eat at a restaurant you want to eat at. A Disney vacation is no longer relaxing in any sense of the word for adults, many times it's worse than trying to keep track of your daily schedule at work.

While I agree that spontaneity has been missing from WDW in recent years, we have to accept that Disney has to deal with the increasing number of guests in their parks in one way or another. In the past, spontaneity meant that some families got to enjoy 10 experiences during their day whereas others only got to enjoy 5, even if they both paid the same price. FP+ has now changed that.

As self-interested individuals this system may sound as the worst thing ever, but to be honest, I think that FP+ seems to be fairer in response to the increasing number of guests. We are being forced to become planners, that's true, but when you have a theme park, in which every single operation is important, filled to capacity, spontaneity is out of the question.

 

[rteetz]

Downtown Disneys conversion to Disney Springs is rapidly picking up pace in many areas. It is also apparent that a large amount of brickwork will be everywhere in Disney Springs.

http://savepleasureisland.blogspot.com/2014/10/pi-update-up-up-and-away-in-beautiful.html

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Most of what you say has nothing to do with this technology. It has to do with your choices and desires and how you use the technology. I love being out in the middle of Yellowstone completely cut off from tech looking at the stars. I also like to use my Note 3 to maximize my vacation at Disney.

Disney won't make you do anything. They will give you choices. Like FP gave you choices, Like FP+ gives you choices. If you don't want them, turn the phone off and ignore them. But, if you want to maximize your vacation in various ways, this will give you options.

It isn't the bogey man. It is just the power of information.

I think that if you think all that hardware is to help you "maximize your vacation"... You're a touch misguided...

Now there are some MARGINAL advantages to the system... I actually like it for what it's worth...but this is In noway a "guest" system.

This is about tracking, predictability, and leading people in a certain direction.

That is to Maximize sales and limit overhead. Their theory is that if everyone is "streamlined" and happy... Then they spend more.

But recreation is the antithesis of "streamlined"...the longer the day - the better to I would guess the vast majority.

Do I want to be able to knock off the "must dos" before noon (or in the case of studios and animal kingdom... The whole park)?
Sure.

But then I want the freedom to do other things that aren't necessarily giftshopping for the next 10-12 hours.

And that is not going to be feasible with a fully prebooked schedule of EVERYTHING for everyone.

The rubber will meet the road if this goes the way I fear...an Orwellian "profit direction system"

I honestly think it was a somewhat solid theory that went either off the rails or is way too soon.

This was designed by the equivalent of the "angry lone nut". They needed to saturate the offerings first...because they - again - have been complacent for a long time.

But now it gets interesting...as the cheap suit board was only ok with the outlays (my guess) if it shows tangible, bottomline profits. I wouldn't bet on that being the case.