News Round Up

[rteetz]

Get ready to get your margarita on at DTD

http://m.wdwmagic.com/attractions/d...date-on-the-new-marketplace-margarita-bar.htm

 

[rteetz]

Permits and walls for tomorrowland arcade but no word what it will be

http://m.wdwmagic.com/attractions/t...-tomorrowland-arcade-at-the-magic-kingdom.htm

 

[rteetz]

Erin Mckennas bakery opens Sunday

https://twitter.com/itserinmckenna/status/568096192044924929

 

[DDLand]

I haven't seen a mention here about this, but found it to be pretty big news. Ignore this if you've already seen it.

Looks like Hong Kong Disneyland Park 2 is moving quickly according to disneyandmore.

"Good news from Hong Kong Disneyland as the Phase 2 presentation to Hong Kong Legislative Council happened this morning, and the discussions between the HK government and Disney for a second park as well as a Disney Town and new hotels have been confirmed. And the council not only approved but apparently asked that this Phase 2 will go faster while hoping the second park will have a unique theme and not be the clone of an already existing Disney park. And guess what, HKDL even mentioned that a THIRD park was envisioned for a distant future, to be built on a land not yet existing as it would be created on what is for now the sea!"
https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=302042929839518&refid=13

Pretty exciting!

 

[twebber55]

I don't think it's overblown at all. If anything, it's underblown (if that's even a word). But I agree with you. They most definitely have learned from Disney and their strategy is fascinating and really well thought out.

Just looking at number of rooms isn't a good comparison without looking at what they're doing along with them.

Sapphire Falls is one thing - Sapphire Falls along with the huge expansion of the convention space co-located with RPH is another.

Same with Cabana Bay. huge addition to as an upscale value or moderate is one thing Cabana Bay with a groundbreaking new waterpark out the back door, is another. where it's being built really starts to pull the whole strategy together.

They're putting together a perfect 4 day vacation, and a perfect convention spot, that fits today's habits, all within walking distance, - without all of that overhead. It really is elegant.

They're playing the more nimble #2 competitor spot perfectly.

Twebber55 is spot on. Those folks who might buy one night on-site at Uni for EP, now a waterpark - (especially if it's groundbreaking like all the HP stuff)...You see what I mean. It's the grabbing days away when Disney's built so much on the 7 day vacation.

This isn't about Uni "winning". A lot of it's about exactly what you said about them learning from Disney.

absolutely correct
its not about beating Disney (although im sure they wouldn't mind that either) its about taking Disney s market share
I may not be correct on this but I believe disneys big money comes from hotels...if people are staying at Cabana Bay for an extra day you could see where this would be a problem for disney

 

[twebber55]

I haven't seen a mention here about this, but found it to be pretty big news. Ignore this if you've already seen it.

Looks like Hong Kong Disneyland Park 2 is moving quickly according to disneyandmore.

"Good news from Hong Kong Disneyland as the Phase 2 presentation to Hong Kong Legislative Council happened this morning, and the discussions between the HK government and Disney for a second park as well as a Disney Town and new hotels have been confirmed. And the council not only approved but apparently asked that this Phase 2 will go faster while hoping the second park will have a unique theme and not be the clone of an already existing Disney park. And guess what, HKDL even mentioned that a THIRD park was envisioned for a distant future, to be built on a land not yet existing as it would be created on what is for now the sea!"
https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=302042929839518&refid=13

Pretty exciting!

im sure a second park is coming im just wondering what will be offered here...Star wars? Pandora?Marvel? something totally different

 

[DDLand]

absolutely correct
its not about beating Disney (although im sure they wouldn't mind that either) its about taking Disney s market share
I may not be correct on this but I believe disneys big money comes from hotels...if people are staying at Cabana Bay for an extra day you could see where this would be a problem for disney

Agreed, Universal can play the game well but they can't beat Disney. At least not yet.

Disney makes lots of money from hotels, but not the big money. Disneyland Resort has many fewer hotel rooms, but still manages to take in substantial earnings. Not as much as Disney World by a long shot, but Disneyland isn't a small fry either.

No discernible Universal effect yet. Disney has never had higher occupancy rates.

 

[DDLand]

im sure a second park is coming im just wondering what will be offered here...Star wars? Pandora?Marvel? something totally different

I know, isn't it exciting! I can't even go and I'm still excited!

Apparently it's rumored to be an IP based theme park. So no Sea, Culture, Future, Hollywood, or Animals are going to be the central focus.

 

[rteetz]

I haven't seen a mention here about this, but found it to be pretty big news. Ignore this if you've already seen it.

Looks like Hong Kong Disneyland Park 2 is moving quickly according to disneyandmore.

"Good news from Hong Kong Disneyland as the Phase 2 presentation to Hong Kong Legislative Council happened this morning, and the discussions between the HK government and Disney for a second park as well as a Disney Town and new hotels have been confirmed. And the council not only approved but apparently asked that this Phase 2 will go faster while hoping the second park will have a unique theme and not be the clone of an already existing Disney park. And guess what, HKDL even mentioned that a THIRD park was envisioned for a distant future, to be built on a land not yet existing as it would be created on what is for now the sea!"
https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=302042929839518&refid=13

Pretty exciting!

Well I did say Hong Kong expansions were in the works. That's a bit more specific I would expect some announcements within the year possibly.

 

[rteetz]

im sure a second park is coming im just wondering what will be offered here...Star wars? Pandora?Marvel? something totally different

I don't see Disney ever doing a park based on one franchise. Every disney park has an overall theme or message. Now they could do a disneysea type park or something completely newer will have to see.

 

[rteetz]

I know, isn't it exciting! I can't even go and I'm still excited!

Apparently it's rumored to be an IP based theme park. So no Sea, Culture, Future, Hollywood, or Animals are going to be the central focus.

They could go the route of something similar to islands of adventure if it's IP based. Each land/island/port whatever they decide to do is a franchise or IP.

 

[rteetz]

More walls coming to Asia in AK

http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/2015/02/animal-kingdom-more-construction-walls_18.html?m=1

 

[DDLand]

Well I did say Hong Kong expansions were in the works. That's a bit more specific I would expect some announcements within the year possibly.

This is moving at breakneck speed! It only came out like yesterday. They've also sighted testing bloons for the sight line.

 

[rteetz]

This is moving at breakneck speed! It only came out like yesterday. They've also sighted testing bloons for the sight line.

Well balloons are always very early. They tested balloons in Disneyland a month ago for the supposed Star Wars in toontown.

 

[DDLand]

Well balloons are always very early. They tested balloons in Disneyland a month ago for the supposed Star Wars in toontown.

Indeed. They're there to test sight lines. They can't complete design and attraction lineup until they're finished with that work. Then it will take some time to flesh the ideas out and get approval. So no doubt it will be a while. Still, in less then a month we went from hearing rumbles to this is serious. Now Hong Kong wants the park before the original 5 year time frame. It's insane!

 

[rteetz]

Indeed. They're there to test sight lines. They can't complete design and attraction lineup until they're finished with that work. Then it will take some time to flesh the ideas out and get approval. So no doubt it will be a while. Still, in less then a month we went from hearing rumbles to this is serious. Now Hong Kong wants the park before the original 5 year time frame. It's insane!

Now that it's a success and a new hotel is under construction they want to expand even more.

 

[DDLand]

Now that it's a success and a new hotel is under construction they want to expand even more.

100%

Though they've claimed several times that they aren't scared of Shanghai, it's got to be factoring into their decision making too. They know that as good as their current attractions and theming are, they aren't going to be Shanghai Disneyland level. Heck as far as we know Shanghai Disneyland could shame any existing Disney Park besides Tokyo Disney Sea and the original. The good news is HKD learned their lesson on budget theme parks, and I don't expect they're going to be tight with the cash. While I certainly prefer original concepts, this could be one of the greatest theme parks ever if Hong Kong really wants to become the undisputed leader in China, and perhaps Asia. They've got fierce competition, and I don't think that they're going to take it lying down. Most telling is how all these parts are coming together. The new hotel, the new park, the upgraded HKD with Iron Man opening soon, and of course Disney Town all coming together to create a really compelling destination. Their Disneyland Park may not be able to beat Shanghai, but two full day theme parks, thousands of hotel rooms, and a brand new shopping district could. Also I love their attitude; if that's not enough we'll just reclaim more ocean and build a third.

SDL will also have a shopping district, and hotels.(one fewer though) With the omission of a second park it's not on the same level.

 

[twebber55]

I don't see Disney ever doing a park based on one franchise. Every disney park has an overall theme or message. Now they could do a disneysea type park or something completely newer will have to see.

nor do I
I was thinking of some of the things we may see...a 1 park IP doesn't exist for a reason

 

[rteetz]

Flame tree BBQ refurb has been extended into April. Originally scheduled to open in March.

http://www.wdwmagic.com/dining/flam...ecue-refurbishment-extended-to-late-april.htm

 

[rteetz]

Micechat WDW update showing the hub, and the new pandora shop.

http://micechat.com/94910-disney-world-new-hub/