News Round Up

[skier_pete]

Part of Disney's marketing for Animal Kingdom early on. AK is "Natazu", pronounced Not a Zoo.

Disney lost and continues to lose that PR angle...
It's a zoo...own it.

Ok it may be a zoo but I see it as much more than that. It definitely isn't the typical zoo either.

Maharajah Jungle trek will be closed for rehab from January 4-21

Oh no!!! The zoos gonna be closed!!!

Yes - the early history of Animal Kingdom was Disney trying to convince people that the park was more than a zoo. It didn't help that early on they only had 2 rides besides the safari (Kali and Dinosaur). While @lockedoutlogic often derides AK for being poorly built, I think the problem is they really built a park for the theme park fan, but didn't build a park that the masses would necessarily get behind. I think the average Disney visitor would tell you they don't like AK very much, while the typically Disney Fanatic would rank it much higher. A good example that I always use is the imagineers designed a park that favored the benefits of exploring, while the average theme park goer wants to be told where to go. How much credit is the average person going to give them for putting plants in Dinoland that were all around 65 million years ago. Answer:ZERO, but i think is fantastic.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Oh no!!! The zoos gonna be closed!!!

Yes - the early history of Animal Kingdom was Disney trying to convince people that the park was more than a zoo. It didn't help that early on they only had 2 rides besides the safari (Kali and Dinosaur). While @lockedoutlogic often derides AK for being poorly built, I think the problem is they really built a park for the theme park fan, but didn't build a park that the masses would necessarily get behind. I think the average Disney visitor would tell you they don't like AK very much, while the typically Disney Fanatic would rank it much higher. A good example that I always use is the imagineers designed a park that favored the benefits of exploring, while the average theme park goer wants to be told where to go. How much credit is the average person going to give them for putting plants in Dinoland that were all around 65 million years ago. Answer:ZERO, but i think is fantastic.

I mostly agree with you.

But to Clarify my position: I do and always have "derided" it because they shorted it. Not because of "beastly kingdom" - because they simply didn't have enough attractions and food/services to support 10-15 million visitors.

And then...they sat on it.

That's really two parks in Orlando they did that with...the curse of Epcot.

I don't expect wall to wall fun...and i don't even expect a quick completion schedule - phase it out over 5-10 years if you must. 17 years of animal
Kingdom...26 of studios...little net gain.

don't short it...especially when you have to fight the stigma of a zoo

 

[dlavender]

In my teens, we went to BGT at least twice a month. When I first heard about DAK, I was pretty excited, no more three hour round trips.

My first visit, I wondered how I stumbled into Cypress Gardens.......

Three years ago, I thought, what is this Dino Spinner?

This year, I thought, that place is still open?

One of the worst theme parks....I just can't see spending more than four enjoyable hours there. When one of the top attractions is a playground, you have problems, especially with a $105 cover.

Avatar is a good start.

 

[rteetz]

Holiday line up for MK

http://www.wdwmagic.com/events/holi...ingdom-holiday-week-entertainment-line-up.htm

 

[rteetz]

New guide maps for Disney springs and AK

http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/2015/12/new-guidemaps-for-animal-kingdom-and.html?m=1

 

[rteetz]

Star Wars cupcakes at DHS

http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/2015/12/star-wars-cupcakes-now-available-at.html?m=1

 

[Whatsthegoodword]

One of the worst theme parks....I just can't see spending more than four enjoyable hours there. When one of the top attractions is a playground, you have problems, especially with a $105 cover.

I agree with some of this - though I think you're a little over the top - but just be aware that there is a crowd out there that disagrees heartily. My extended family just got back from vacationing down there. We did five days at WDW and one at USO. Four of the crowd couldn't get enough of AK. It's easily their favorite park, and they returned there on the day when the rest of us returned to MK. I don't get it, but the place has a strong draw to some folks.

 

[rteetz]

I agree with some of this - though I think you're a little over the top - but just be aware that there is a crowd out there that disagrees heartily. My extended family just got back from vacationing down there. We did five days at WDW and one at USO. Four of the crowd couldn't get enough of AK. It's easily their favorite park, and they returned there on the day when the rest of us returned to MK. I don't get it, but the place has a strong draw to some folks.

I love AK. Yes it's lacking in attractions but the amount of detail and things that were put into that park is truly amazing to me. I have never skipped a Disney park. This January will be my first time doing DHS as more of a half day rather than a full day.

 

[rteetz]

In my teens, we went to BGT at least twice a month. When I first heard about DAK, I was pretty excited, no more three hour round trips.

My first visit, I wondered how I stumbled into Cypress Gardens.......

Three years ago, I thought, what is this Dino Spinner?

This year, I thought, that place is still open?

One of the worst theme parks....I just can't see spending more than four enjoyable hours there. When one of the top attractions is a playground, you have problems, especially with a $105 cover.

Avatar is a good start.

Honestly, you are entitled to your opinion but you're the first person I've heard call it the worst theme park. If these are your thoughts on AK what are your thoughts on the current state of DHS?

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I very much like animal kingdom...I don't want that to be lost in my criticisms.

But it is a flawed and not well executed story from concept through its first 15 years.

And no...I'm not talking about the yeti (though that doesn't help)

The legend goes that Eisner pushed hard for the animal concept...and he wasn't in the majority. Many had apprehensions because of zoo stigmas (the ideas of zoos are always popular - but the reality is that they are
Not well
Patronized or attended...it takes a certain type)...but he railroaded it through. That was possibly fallout from the Virginia affair.

Now, the budget went way out of control - goofy Joe had a lot to do with that - and that didn't help. Later Eisner started slashing, pushed the opening up to compete with universal that was in NO position to compete at the time, and then tied the purse off.

The problems were there from the start...and they still haven't fixed that. The arrow has been pointed up recently though.

But...the standard red herring excuse is the "detail". It's very detailed...they blew the budget...but you have to be a Disney nut to use that as a defense of the park. It has always been the go to excuse.

In a way...it reminds me of star wars fans who defend the prequels. They just can't jump the mental hurdle to admit what is seen.

The previous poster is right...it still is a half Dayer for many non Disneyphiles...though hopefully that is changing.

Avatar and a night show isn't gonna get it there though...part way...but then also need to at least redo dinoland or fill out the gap in between asia and Dino.

And fix the yeti...really have to if you have "Disney" above the gate.

 

[jlundeen]

WIsh I could be there for this! I loved this group!

http://www.wdwinfo.com/holidays/chr...Disney+Updates+-+wdwinfo.com)#comedywarehouse

The Comedy Warehouse Holiday Special

December 19, 2015 - January 1, 2016

This improvisational comedy show will return to the Premier Theater for 6 shows a day for the holidays. Alumni from The Comedy Warehouse will be among the performers in the show, which will use suggestions from the audience to remake holiday classics. Performances are included in daily park admission. The 20-minute shows will take place at 12:45, 1:45, 2:45, 5:00, 6:00 and 7:00pm. On New Year's Eve, they will be at 2:00, 3:00, 4:00, 5:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:00, 10:00 and 11:00pm.

 

[ColoradoDreamin]

Besides MK, my family (and extended family) always remarks AK as their favorite. In fact, most people I talk to say the same thing. We always spend more than one day at that park when we visit. Was just there last week, and AK was just as crowded at MK on the days we went. HS was a lot less crowded then I expected, and Epcot only saw crowds at night.

It is definitely my favorite park. It certainly doesn't fit some people, but it seems a lot of people love it (and I am around more non-die hards, and that always seems to be their opinion).

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Besides MK, my family (and extended family) always remarks AK as their favorite. In fact, most people I talk to say the same thing. We always spend more than one day at that park when we visit. Was just there last week, and AK was just as crowded at MK on the days we went. HS was a lot less crowded then I expected, and Epcot only saw crowds at night.

It is definitely my favorite park. It certainly doesn't fit some people, but it seems a lot of people love it (and I am around more non-die hards, and that always seems to be their opinion).

The problem with your theory is that raw attendance figures don't play that out. It is basically neck and neck
With a Mothballed MGM and a neglected, depressing Epcot

 

[jlundeen]

Besides MK, my family (and extended family) always remarks AK as their favorite. In fact, most people I talk to say the same thing. We always spend more than one day at that park when we visit. Was just there last week, and AK was just as crowded at MK on the days we went. HS was a lot less crowded then I expected, and Epcot only saw crowds at night.

It is definitely my favorite park. It certainly doesn't fit some people, but it seems a lot of people love it (and I am around more non-die hards, and that always seems to be their opinion).

I personally would not skip AK either...I love all the plants, seeing the animals - especially when we've been there many times, it's fun to see how the ones we first saw as babies are now having babies of their own. AK has a much bigger role than that of "theme park" in that the animal conservation role is so important. I always take the train to the "conservation station" even though we don't spend a lot of time there. We've done the Africian Trek a could of times, and feel that it is worth every penny. There's always something interesting to do at AK...maybe not a lot of thrill rides, but to me, that's not why I go there (I do love Everest though!)

 

[ColoradoDreamin]

as previously said, no official attendance numbers are ever reports. I am just going with facts I have. Everybody I talk to love it, and last week (and my last visit in May) the park was always more crowded than either of the other parks. Obviiously nothing anybody says in support of Animal Kingdom will you believe, so it is pointless having any sort of conversation with you about it. But even on this board you seem greatly outnumbered by how many love the park.

But seriously, wish you would give it a rest sometimes.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

as previously said, no official attendance numbers are ever reports. I am just going with facts I have. Everybody I talk to love it, and last week (and my last visit in May) the park was always more crowded than either of the other parks. Obviiously nothing anybody says in support of Animal Kingdom will you believe, so it is pointless having any sort of conversation with you about it. But even on this board you seem greatly outnumbered by how many love the park.

But seriously, wish you would give it a rest sometimes.

Having worked and lived it...and then been a loyal Disney traveler ever since the early days of animal kingdom...I'm making legitimate points.

I WISH...seriously...that you can read it, dismiss it or disagree if you like...and leave it at that. And forgoe the implied stance that I'm causing you mental anguish.

The reality is that animal kingdom went into attendance decline after its rollout honeymoon period.

Everest...even if a decent ride system...was overpriced and doesn't function as the story dictated...and that was the last significant improvement and it was 10+ years ago.

I'm responsible for none of these facts...because they are facts and not my opinion.

I know they're building and I'm optimistic about what they're doing...but if I as a consumer give the "all is forgotten" thumbs up for the first 17 years of a park...guess what I will likely get for the next 15?

As far as the attendance numbers. While it's true that Disney doesn't officially cooperate...my assumption is that the reporting always has some type of access to internal info. Maybe it costs them a free lunch and a 12
Pack.
I'm fairly certain - opinion - that they would address the attendance figures if they were UNDER reported...because that would be to their PR disadvantage.

Which means I have a little faith that the numbers are somewhat legit - at least according to ratios.

And I'll correct myself - ive been a SUPER loyal traveler. I have the receipts if you want to see them.

 

[rteetz]

Star Wars Fans are already lining up

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/09/m...-awakens-fans-are-already-lining-up.html?_r=0

 

[theww228]

Truth be told, I like both AK and BGT a lot. The only major shortcoming of BGT is that it I wish it was closer to Orlando, and the only major shortcoming of AK is that it needs at least 3 more high quality rides (on top of Avatar Land) before I can take it seriously as a complete park.

If you think that AK needs "at least 3 more high quality rides (on top of Avatar Land)" before you can take it seriously as a complete park, then what do you take EP at in its current state? What about DHS? So MK is the only complete park?

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Star Wars Fans are already lining up

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/09/m...-awakens-fans-are-already-lining-up.html?_r=0

I saw that...

Apparently they want to "experience" the wait...they obviously have had tickets since 10/19.

And this is exhibit A as to why Star Wars fans are like no others

 

[lockedoutlogic]

If you think that AK needs "at least 3 more high quality rides (on top of Avatar Land)" before you can take it seriously as a complete park, then what do you take EP at in its current state? What about DHS? So MK is the only complete park?

I would say that magic kingdom and Epcot are the only complete parks as they currently stand.

One is very popular and the other has suffered due to management mishandling the vision of the park and possibly abandoning it moving forward.

There's potential for all four...but Disney has to be willing to do what's necessary...

Like when they dredged and drained swamps over 22 square miles in 1965 when there was no immediate guaranteed profit.

Bet big, win big