News Round Up

[luisov]

This is amazing. It almost looks like it it's a video screen. They are real props right?

Yeah, they are all real props. Windows for Princess and the Frog, Peter Pan and Cinderella have already been unveiled, and they are all equally beautiful.

 

[rteetz]

Here is what the new annual passes will look like

http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/2015/10/new-walt-disney-world-annual-passes.html?m=1

 

[skier_pete]

I really don't think basic supply and demand economic principles work at Disney Parks, because the emotional connection people have there is too strong. They'll pay an arm and a leg to keep the magic in their lives, so increasing prices will only work to a certain degree. I think what they really need is to expand their parks so there's more room for all the disnerds who come to the parks each year and, unfortunately, seasonal pricing would probably also help.

But - here's the thing. That's great in theory - but in Disneyland there really isn't the room to expand. People are bitc*ing about what they are doing to put in Star Wars land, but that's the only thing they can do in California. They can't really just expand into backstage areas - those places are essential to park operations as on-stage areas. There's just nowhere to go.

But - you are right to a degree - people will find the money. However, raising prices WILL force people some people to drop it. They also would love to see more people take the off-peak passes spreading out the crowds. (The irony is I hear that now Saturdays are the least crowded day of the week in the off-season.)

 

[DDLand]

http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201510/4768/

Robert Niles talking about the recent changes. I like his take. They're not really trying to destroy the AP program, but they're redesigning its focus. Instead of being one of the cores of the business, they're using to fill less crowded times of the year and evening out things. By raising the prices of the most expensive times of year, they're applying pressure on guests to downgrade.

I do think Disneyland is trying to distance itself from the attachment of the APs to an extent. Being connected to a group of guests that can tell you what to do, make demands, and expect the very best can be burdensome.

 

[rteetz]

But - here's the thing. That's great in theory - but in Disneyland there really isn't the room to expand. People are bitc*ing about what they are doing to put in Star Wars land, but that's the only thing they can do in California. They can't really just expand into backstage areas - those places are essential to park operations as on-stage areas. There's just nowhere to go.

But - you are right to a degree - people will find the money. However, raising prices WILL force people some people to drop it. They also would love to see more people take the off-peak passes spreading out the crowds. (The irony is I hear that now Saturdays are the least crowded day of the week in the off-season.)

DCA has a couple expansion pads and the fact that TDA somehow just keeps ignoring the parking issue is absurd. They have the room to either build another lot or a parking garage.

 

[rteetz]

Newest MDE update adds more Photopass features

http://www.wdwmagic.com/other/mymag...p-update-provides-more-photopass-features.htm

 

[rteetz]

Latest look at the Springs of Disney Springs

http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions...ings-under-construction-at-disney-springs.htm

 

[luisov]

DCA has a couple expansion pads and the fact that TDA somehow just keeps ignoring the parking issue is absurd. They have the room to either build another lot or a parking garage.

I guess parking wasn't really a huge problem until relatively recently. DCA wasn't exactly a popular park when it first opened, so they had to focus their efforts on improving the park and creating more demand for it. When Carsland first opened, the parking problem really aggravated because they now had two really popular theme parks in the middle of an urban area.

 

[rteetz]

River of light update

http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/2015/10/animal-kingdom-update-rivers-of-light.html?m=1

 

[rteetz]

More reports of the extensive refurb coming to Soarin

http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/2015/10/rumor-soarin-closing-for-lengthy.html?m=1

 

[circus4u]

Here is what the new annual passes will look like

http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/2015/10/new-walt-disney-world-annual-passes.html?m=1

Looks like anyone, not just Florida residents, can use the monthly payment plan now.
http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/2015/10/new-walt-disney-world-annual-pass.html

 

[Reddog1134]

Looks like anyone, not just Florida residents, can use the monthly payment plan now.
http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/2015/10/new-walt-disney-world-annual-pass.html

Where are you seeing that info?

Every thing I've seen still says FL residents only.

 

[Reddog1134]

More reports of the extensive refurb coming to Soarin

http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/2015/10/rumor-soarin-closing-for-lengthy.html?m=1

Up until now I've been lucky with the Refurb schedule not interfering with my February trip.

I'm actually more concerned about the availability of Test Track FP than I am about Soarin closing. It would make more sense to wait until the Frozen attraction is open before shutting down Soarin. That way guests would still have 2 "worthwhile" attractions to choose from in Tier 1.

 

[Goofy2015]

It may be just me. But I am not a fan of the new design of Mickey. I feel like it is a step back. Like the new shorts of Mickey Mouse and everything are just weird to me. I don't know, it is just my opinion. This is in regards to the new look of the Annual Passholders.

 

[Reddog1134]

It may be just me. But I am not a fan of the new design of Mickey. I feel like it is a step back. Like the new shorts of Mickey Mouse and everything are just weird to me. I don't know, it is just my opinion. This is in regards to the new look of the Annual Passholders.

I like the retro look better. Once they gave Mickey and Minnie "flesh-tone" skin it started dipping into the uncanny valley in my opinion.

I also like cartoon look but only in the context of the cartoon. I wouldn't want to see it as the "new official design".

 

[rteetz]

Disney and Pixar have released the dates for their upcoming five films rounding out with incredibles in 2019.

https://twitter.com/disneypixar/status/652157762525261824

 

[rteetz]

Good year for Disney at the box office topping 4 billion

http://www.cnbc.com/2015/10/08/disney-tops-4b-at-box-office-driven-by-superhero-flicks.html

 

[skier_pete]

More reports of the extensive refurb coming to Soarin

http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/2015/10/rumor-soarin-closing-for-lengthy.html?m=1

Geez - imagine the lines at Test Track while this is down. Epcot is so low on top tier attractions....

 

[luisov]

It may be just me. But I am not a fan of the new design of Mickey. I feel like it is a step back. Like the new shorts of Mickey Mouse and everything are just weird to me. I don't know, it is just my opinion. This is in regards to the new look of the Annual Passholders.

I actually really like the new shorts they've been releasing. The humor is not 100% children friendly, but for the first time in like decades, a Mickey Mouse short is actually funny. The humor and tone of the new generation of cartoons has just shifted. You just have to watch everything Cartoon Network has been airing in order to see some truly weird stuff.

 

[circus4u]

Missing Orlando cobra found.
http://www.cnn.com/2015/10/08/us/florida-king-cobra-found-feat/index.html