Oh yea - COASTER WARS IN ORLANDO !!!

[BayouMickey]

film not tv
Paulh

Doesn't matter it's media and still viewed by the masses.

 

[Marshypooh]

I'm a bit of a scaredy cat when it comes to super huge, fast coasters, but I think the two new coasters mentioned sound like something alot of people will really like and look forward to. My family are major WDW fans, but we have also visited Busch Gardens and Sea World and enjoyed those two parks very much. Unfortunately, we have never had the opportunity to visit US/IOA yet, but are looking forward to that in the near future. We are all extremely excited about the new Harry Potter land, and that includes my two college-aged daughters.

I don't like to say this because I love WDW soooooo much, but right now I just don't feel overly excited about anything new like I am feeling about Harry Potter. I'm truly disappointed that WDW decided to make the American Idol Experience, rather than a new ride or other Disney related show/attraction. I do like to watch AI on TV, but just not interested in watching that type of show while on vacation. And for me, I would be just as happy with a dark ride as I would be with a larger, thrill-type ride. I remember a couple of years ago being so excited watching EE being built at AK, anticipating what Toy Story Mania would be like, and even thinking that the Nemo attraction at Epcot sounded like a very cute and fun experience for all ages. I love Space Mountain just the way it is, but at the same time I am looking forward to the new experience when the refurb is complete. However, as of right now, that is the only thing at WDW that compares to the excitement I have for Harry Potter. I just wish Disney would make even one major announcement that would bring back those wonderful feelings again, especially for the 40th anniversary.

 

[Padrepride]

Sea World and Universal can go duel with their huge coasters by themselves because over here on the West coast, Six Flags has built God knows how many coasters and yet Disneyland and even DCA draw more crowds than Six Flags Magic Mountain.

Due to this fabulous market, Disney isn't going to empty their pockets on their theme parks. The hottest commodities Disney has to offer right now IMO, are Hannah Montana and the Jonas Brothers and I really don't want to see them invade the Disney parks in any capacity. Right now, Disney just needs to find cost-effective ways to improve their parks, thus keeping us happy.

Priority one should be maintaining everything to a high standard such as paint, lighting, and general maintenance. Cost-effective improvements should be "plussing" some rides such as STAR TOURS which I know everyone has been waiting for for 10+ years. We as Disney fans really can't expect Disney to make any grand improvements or expansions until the economy comes about. Good thing the California Adventure expansion got underway. Universal's taking a gamble on this 'Pottyland' although I think it's fairly safe bet to do well. Does it have lasting power? Only time will tell.

 

[ReelBigFish419]

Seaworld is building something that really isn't anything new while Universal is really going out on a limb with some of their ride's new elements. As for Disney, they may be able to fight back with a coaster but I think the Space refurb will help keep them up for quite a bit against Manta and Universal's coaster.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

We as Disney fans really can't expect Disney to make any grand improvements or expansions until the economy comes about. Good thing the California Adventure expansion got underway. Universal's taking a gamble on this 'Pottyland' although I think it's fairly safe bet to do well. Does it have lasting power? Only time will tell.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, smart companies expand in down markets because it is cheaper. Disney is no where near any sort of financial ruin and investing money in their parks isn't going to impact their war chest.

 

[Mouseaholic!!!]

Seaworld is building something that really isn't anything new while Universal is really going out on a limb with some of their ride's new elements. As for Disney, they may be able to fight back with a coaster but I think the Space refurb will help keep them up for quite a bit against Manta and Universal's coaster.

Space Mountain makes me giggle. The coasters Sea World and Universal are building will make me scream until I burst a blood vessel. <--- of course I gave these crazy rides up years ago but don't tell anybody.

It's like comparing mild salsa with TERMINATOR salsa - NO comparison.


I personall LOVE SM at DL (hopefully they won't cheep-out SM at WDW). I know coaster people who call SM a kiddy ride.

I don't think the SW or US/IO people are shaking in their boots because SM will re-open later this year.

 

[Condorman]

I don't think the SW or US/IO people are shaking in their boots because SM will re-open later this year.

And WDW people are not shaking in their boots about either coaster going into US or SW.

IN 2007...

MK saw 17,060,000 visitors.
USO saw 6,200,000 visitors.
IOA saw 5,430,000 visitors.
SW saw 5,800,000 visitors.

That's just the MK! That doesn't even include Ep, DHS or AK which altogether added another 30,000,000 visitors.

And the winner is?

Ding-ding-ding!

Uh-huh. That's what I thought.

 

[jimmymac]

And WDW people are not shaking in their boots about either coaster going into US or SW.

IN 2007...

MK saw 17,060,000 visitors.
USO saw 6,200,000 visitors.
IOA saw 5,430,000 visitors.
SW saw 5,800,000 visitors.

That's just the MK! That doesn't even include Ep, DHS or AK which altogether added another 30,000,000 visitors.

And the winner is?

Ding-ding-ding!

Uh-huh. That's what I thought.

Yeah, but attendance and per capita spending were down last year at WDW. So fewer people are going and those that are going are spending a lot less money. The new attractions at US will only exacerbate this. I think a lot of people with start doing split stays - 4 days at WDW, 2 days at US, 1 day at Seaworld. You can't beat US front-of-the-line privilege

 

[SassyCat]

What an interesting discussion this has been.

In 2008, I went to US for the first time since 1995. As a 10 year old in 1995, I really enjoyed the park and was excited to go back. This time, I was really disappointed. I felt the park left a lot to be desired. It was dirty, dingy looking, and I encountered a lot of rude employees (I'm not saying this is always the case, but it was my experience). There was just not THAT much to do, and we basically rode everything there was. I have to admit that I am not really into thrill rides (EE is about as wild as I like). I am still mad at DH for making me go on the mummy, btw. The only rides I really enjoyed at US were ET (I know it is cheesy but I have loved it since I was 5) and the Men in Black ride. Anyway, the park felt to me very half-hearted and had none of the magic I like to immerse myself in while in Orlando. I still had fun there, but we decided not to go back on our past trip this year or on our next three trips we have planned for the next year to Disney.

IOA was not nearly as dingy or dirty as US. I did like it better, but it was not a place I have a great desire to return to. On the day we went it was wet and nasty weather and DH had the beginning of a cold so he did not want to ride any water rides which unfortunately there are a lot of at IOA (they all looked fun, btw). I did LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the spider-man ride. Hehe! I would rather go IOA then US, but it is not a place that I am dying to go back to. I would be interested in checking it out again once Harry Potter land opens (I am a fan). But I don't see DH and I going there often at all.

I am a kid at heart (well, I look like one too but that's another story), and I just love everything about being at WDW. I love staying on property, going to the parks, doing special activities, and eating at the restaurants. To me, disney immerses you in a different "world" and it is a true experience. I'm not saying WDW is perfect by ANY means (of course there is going to be some bad food, some rude employees, some trash, etc), but overall I just am so happy when I am there. For DH and I, there is always something we haven't done before - whether it is a certain ride, a restaurant, class, show, etc. That's what I love about it - there is so much to offer. Most people are friendly, I have enjoyed almost all of the food I've eaten, and it is pretty clean. I guess I am just more suited to Disney than I am US. Sorry I have rambled on...

I really don't think US will ever become before WDW. There are not as many rides, shows, or places to eat (in the actual parks, but I am also not a fan of the citywalk at all). There is just not THAT much to do there - not an entire vacation's worth. I think more people might do split stays though. I could maybe see more couples going there, but I think families with children are going to continue to spend a majority of their time at WDW. WDW is a much more family friendly environment, IMO. Disney is just so much bigger. I'm sure Disney's numbers will continue to go down because of all the crap going on now, but I really doubt that US will meet them or rise above them.

 

[Padrepride]

I've said it before and I'll say it again, smart companies expand in down markets because it is cheaper. Disney is no where near any sort of financial ruin and investing money in their parks isn't going to impact their war chest.

What I'm thinking is that Disney is going to pour money into the more dependable movie/tween market more so than the parks.

 

[movie77]

I've said it before and I'll say it again, smart companies expand in down markets because it is cheaper. Disney is no where near any sort of financial ruin and investing money in their parks isn't going to impact their war chest.

I agree totally labor and materials should be a lot cheaper now than they were in 05-07 and cheaper than they probably will be 3-4 years down the road. Now is the time to look at things like additional rides, transportation expansion, how about a new country at EPCOT? Building new DVC sites is not an investment in the parks. There has been an empty building in EPCOT for what 3-4 years now? With the price of admission that's crazy. Maybe if more people like the poster above cut back the "suits" will start to get it. I have a feeling WDW is funding a lot of the poor performing parts of disney.

 

[paulh]

Doesn't matter it's media and still viewed by the masses.

would wait till the film franchises finish before they start on the HP cartoons
Paulh

 

[ChrisFL]

I could maybe see more couples going there, but I think families with children are going to continue to spend a majority of their time at WDW. WDW is a much more family friendly environment, IMO. Disney is just so much bigger. I'm sure Disney's numbers will continue to go down because of all the crap going on now, but I really doubt that US will meet them or rise above them.

Maybe small children will keep going to WDW since that seems to be their target market these days, but older kids will want to go to US

 

[Condorman]

Maybe small children will keep going to WDW since that seems to be their target market these days, but older kids will want to go to US

And that's the difference. Older kids, teens and adults can take themselves to US. Small children cannot take themselves to WDW; they must go with adults, thereby creating greater attendance numbers and generating more revenue. Disney FTW!

 

[jimmymac]

Doesn't matter it's media and still viewed by the masses.

And this generates how much income for the mother ship?

 

[Mouseaholic!!!]

OMG OMG -

I was watching the travel channel last weekend with my DH and out of nowhere - on came......"most outrageous coasters in America".

#1 - Kingda Kah

THIS is the coaster that Universal Studios is supposed to surpass.

ZERO - 128 MPG IN 3.5 SECONDS ----- who said wait until Space Mountain opens. Space mountain is a kiddie ride for these guys.

There was someone who was on his 100th ride - one of those crazy coaster guy - he wears goggles to protect his eyes.


Anyway - these coaster people are going to FLOOD Universal when this coaster opens.....they are NUTS NUTS NUTS


Space Mountain, EE, Splash, RRC, TOT ----- these are kiddie rides to these guys.

Those coasters are NUTS!

Ok....I was impressed - won't ever ride them.....probably would freak out just WATCHING them....but impressed.

There was one where you get it sitting up....they lie back with your feet dangling and you ride in that position.....facing up......facing down...inversions.....corkscrews.....twirlies <--- my word.

Universal Studios will bring their market into a whole new level!!!!

 

[Condorman]

...these coaster people are going to FLOOD Universal when this coaster opens...

Really? All 472 of them? And in one weekend, you say?

My goodness, why did Walt Disney even bother to dream?

Universal Studios will bring their market into a whole new level!!!!

I want you to stand perfectly straight with your arms at your sides. Now, open your left hand so that it is parallel to the floor. Then, lift your right arm over your head and open that hand so it is parallel to the ceiling.

The hand below your waist is where Universal Studios currently is and always will be.

The hand above your head... Well, aw shucks, you get the point, don't ya?

 

[doconeill]

Kingda Ka almost ripped itself apart no long after it opened...

 

[jlewisinsyr]

I want you to stand perfectly straight with your arms at your sides. Now, open your left hand so that it is parallel to the floor. Then, lift your right arm over your head and open that hand so it is parallel to the ceiling.

The hand below your waist is where Universal Studios currently is and always will be.

The hand above your head... Well, aw shucks, you get the point, don't ya?

I'll list two names for you...

Kodak
Chrysler

What do these two companies have in common? They failed to innovate, manage and execute products that exceeded customer expectations when others started to eat away at their businesses.

Disney is an amazing company, and I have full faith they are making some very strategic decisions (I'm not against their recent restructuring), but they also have made some severe follies. One should never assume just because a company is number 1 today, that they will even exist in 10 years. Much can and does change.

 

[doconeill]

I'll list two names for you...

Kodak
Chrysler

What do these two companies have in common? They failed to innovate, manage and execute products that exceeded customer expectations when others started to eat away at their businesses.

I do think these were pretty different situations. Chrysler had a problem making a product IN THEIR FIELD that people wanted.

Kodak still made what a lot of people considered the tops in their field - film, at least for amateur use. They did lose some share when Fuji came in full force, but Fuji still was only a fraction of the market. They tried to make innovations (disc camera, Advantix) but they just didn't win over consumers. But they got caught by a major shift in the whole industry, AWAY from film. How does a film company survive that? They tried to shift with it - but they had a LOT more competition to contend with then, since now all the companies that made use of their products now were their competitors...