Pete's view on ROL delay

[TiggerTrigger]

They did the same thing with the seven dwarfs mine train. Opened it for the media but waited for almost a month for the general public to begin soft openings.

Excellent point. In fact, the earlier parts of the Fantasyland expansion also were in various phases of soft opening through late Sept - mid Nov of 2012. ADRs for BOG weren't even available until the official preview began on Nov 19th, even though they'd been serving food in there for far longer. Of course, the official opening didn't occur until Dec 6th, but media previews began as early as October/late Sept from what I recall. My point is, like @EastYorkDisneyFan with the mine train is that it could be something of this nature. Of course, that still begs the question as to why the April date was ever put out there, but it wouldn't shock me if they use this time for media and big wigs as well as some soft openings showings.

Also, for the ROL pkg, I can't help but be reminded of the wait for BOG info to be released and how things were handled. Disney knows when something is highly anticipated and will be wildly popular...and when it happens in conjunction with something big opening...there's usually info released in advance. i.e. it doesn't just show up one morning. I remember with BOG, people were checking and calling each day, and reservationists were telling people all kinds of things...that all wound up being fiction. The BOG hype was big enough that they limited it to the phones (i.e. afraid the website would crash...probably). I don't know if the ROL pkgs are quite as heavily anticipated, but I suspect we'll hear when they will be open for booking with at least some advance warning. There's just too much buzz over this IMO for it to just magically appear.

 

[Nezumi Fan]

Um, not to be overly critical, Vernie, but you kind of did it wrong.

You're not supposed to be reasonable when calling and expressing your disappointment with Disney. You're supposed to start screaming about Walt turning over in his grave and then threaten to set yourself on fire while standing on the Main Street U.S.A. train platform.

I'm glad you get those FastPasses and desserts and all, but you went about it all wrong.

Llama-sama, kon'nichi wa!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Excellent point. In fact, the earlier parts of the Fantasyland expansion also were in various phases of soft opening through late Sept - mid Nov of 2012. ADRs for BOG weren't even available until the official preview began on Nov 19th, even though they'd been serving food in there for far longer. Of course, the official opening didn't occur until Dec 6th, but media previews began as early as October/late Sept from what I recall. My point is, like @EastYorkDisneyFan with the mine train is that it could be something of this nature. Of course, that still begs the question as to why the April date was ever put out there, but it wouldn't shock me if they use this time for media and big wigs as well as some soft openings showings.

Also, for the ROL pkg, I can't help but be reminded of the wait for BOG info to be released and how things were handled. Disney knows when something is highly anticipated and will be wildly popular...and when it happens in conjunction with something big opening...there's usually info released in advance. i.e. it doesn't just show up one morning. I remember with BOG, people were checking and calling each day, and reservationists were telling people all kinds of things...that all wound up being fiction. The BOG hype was big enough that they limited it to the phones (i.e. afraid the website would crash...probably). I don't know if the ROL pkgs are quite as heavily anticipated, but I suspect we'll hear when they will be open for booking with at least some advance warning. There's just too much buzz over this IMO for it to just magically appear.

it may be just because I am interesting in the RoL dining packages (and we all know it's all about me) but it seems even more anticipated because people seem paranoid about the relative small size of the seating area for the show and are afraid it may be entirely fastpass/dining package, etc. - basically thinking if they can't get a dining package they might not be able to see the show at all

 

[DisneyKingpin]

1. The media event is a single show. It doesn't need everything to run like clockwork to have 3 shows run every night. They could even switch to "B show" mode if needed during the media event without anyone knowing.

Totally inaccurate. Anyone who works in public relations will tell you they put their best foot forward during media events. They'd never go to "B show" mode. Quite the opposite. ... Imagine movie companies showing the critics the rough cuts instead of the finished product. It would be totally illogical and hurt the reviews, which in turn affects the number of customers who go to the movies. ... Or imagine car companies giving Consumer Reports a car without brakes to review. It just wouldn't happen.

 

[Princess Jes]

Totally inaccurate. Anyone who works in public relations will tell you they put their best foot forward during media events. They'd never go to "B show" mode. Quite the opposite. ... Imagine movie companies showing the critics the rough cuts instead of the finished product. It would be totally illogical and hurt the reviews, which in turn affects the number of customers who go to the movies. ... Or imagine car companies giving Consumer Reports a car without brakes to review. It just wouldn't happen.

However, this isn't a movie. I feel like no matter what the critics say, people will swarm in in droves to see this show.

 

[TiggerTrigger]

it may be just because I am interesting in the RoL dining packages (and we all know it's all about me) but it seems even more anticipated because people seem paranoid about the relative small size of the seating area for the show and are afraid it may be entirely fastpass/dining package, etc. - basically thinking if they can't get a dining package they might not be able to see the show at all

I just remember being a part of the madness in this BOG watch thread ( http://disboards.com/threads/the-un...ke-be-our-guest-adrs-thread-8-20-7am.2911422/ ) and I haven't felt the same way with the ROL pkg watch. That's not to say people aren't freakout out over it in the same way, especially since the points you raise are valid concerns. I just don't get the gut feeling that I'm going to have to call Disney 2,000+ times to try and get it. Time will tell though, and I may have to eat those words.

 

[ajbtv2]

Totally inaccurate. Anyone who works in public relations will tell you they put their best foot forward during media events. They'd never go to "B show" mode. Quite the opposite. ... Imagine movie companies showing the critics the rough cuts instead of the finished product. It would be totally illogical and hurt the reviews, which in turn affects the number of customers who go to the movies. ... Or imagine car companies giving Consumer Reports a car without brakes to review. It just wouldn't happen.

I've worked in live theater for years and you would be surprised as to how many times our "media events" were not the run of show at 100%. We do what we can to make sure the event looks like it went off without a hitch and everyone is excited when it's over, that's the purpose of a media event.

 

[Boski]

I just remember being a part of the madness in this BOG watch thread ( http://disboards.com/threads/the-un...ke-be-our-guest-adrs-thread-8-20-7am.2911422/ ) and I haven't felt the same way with the ROL pkg watch. That's not to say people aren't freakout out over it in the same way, especially since the points you raise are valid concerns. I just don't get the gut feeling that I'm going to have to call Disney 2,000+ times to try and get it. Time will tell though, and I may have to eat those words.

That thread went to 144 pages. The ROL thread is at 572!!!!! pages and counting. http://www.disboards.com/threads/ru...g-package-is-showing-up-as-an-option.3486308/

 

[TiggerTrigger]

That thread went to 144 pages. The ROL thread is at 572!!!!! pages and counting. http://www.disboards.com/threads/ru...g-package-is-showing-up-as-an-option.3486308/

I must be looking at a different ROL thread. The watch thread in the dining section for the dining pkg is fairly short.

 

[cxcelica]

I've worked in live theater for years and you would be surprised as to how many times our "media events" were not the run of show at 100%. We do what we can to make sure the event looks like it went off without a hitch and everyone is excited when it's over, that's the purpose of a media event.

I believe this is true. Is it possible that there may be some issues that aren't worked out but they are still going ahead with the media day. I could see that.

But whats interesting here is that it was supposed to be opening on April 22, and Disney has pushed it back and not even given a new date. What I saw was that they would have more information in mid-to-late May. So at a minimum its not opening for probably a month at least. If they are just trying to work out some kinks, those seem like some pretty big kinks. That or maybe there is something more to the story...

 

[Mickeyflower]

Okay so I broke etiquette and didn't read the entire thread so please forgive me if the following has already been stated. I am a former cast member from DLR waaay back in the late 90's. I used to work on Main Street in the merchandise shops and always the closing shifts. One of the perks was getting to watch parade rehearsals, from dry run through to full dress rehearsal. The amount of practice they put in to a non-powered, traditional parade leads me to the opinion that there is absolutely NO WAY they would release information about a parade that they were not 100% positive it was fully ready down to the last detail. If it wasn't, the media event would have surely been canceled. Pete was right that they are doing this to save money, but that they want the press to see it to build up more chatter and talk it up more, and hopefully generate more reservations.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

I must be looking at a different ROL thread. The watch thread in the dining section for the dining pkg is fairly short.

To be fair, that thread has started to go off on tangents and almost become a "community of posters" ... but still

And there are many threads on here about the ROL dining plans (I think is one daily fix or podcast Pete mentioned the top 10 threads by pages views for a given period were all related to the this)

 

[andyman8]

Like some have said, this really isn't Shanghai related and that's growing increasingly clear. Perhaps the recent financial pressure on the parks division has meant not a not as speedy fix to the technical problems, but the media event (which I keep hearing conflicting dates on; does anyone know the actual date of this?) will feature most (but not all of the show). My understanding is that most of the problems surround the remote-controlled floating barges. As of now, they can operate almost all of them manually (think a guy in the control tower using a toggle to maneuver them), but this isn't sustainable for three shows a night, seven days a week. If you don't believe me, look no further than all of the recent tweets and blog posts showing these set pieces out on the water during the day. This never happens with a Disney show. All testing occurs when the park is closed. Imagine them testing the WoC fountains in the middle of the day. Of course, there are a number of other issues as well, and it is possible this show might not make it for a summer opening. I'm hearing June at the earliest, but that's apparently very optimistic. Some sites have even reported the possibility of an interim nighttime show revolving around the new Jungle Book movie to make use of the theater, while the actual RoL show is being reworked. In that case, you're talking about a fall opening.

 

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

Like some have said, this really isn't Shanghai related and that's growing increasingly clear. Perhaps the recent financial pressure on the parks division has meant not a not as speedy fix to the technical problems, but the media event (which I keep hearing conflicting dates on; does anyone know the actual date of this?) will feature most (but not all of the show). My understanding is that most of the problems surround the remote-controlled floating barges. As of now, they can operate almost all of them manually (think a guy in the control tower using a toggle to maneuver them), but this isn't sustainable for three shows a night, seven days a week. If you don't believe me, look no further than all of the recent tweets and blog posts showing these set pieces out on the water during the day. This never happens with a Disney show. All testing occurs when the park is closed. Imagine them testing the WoC fountains in the middle of the day. Of course, there are a number of other issues as well, and it is possible this show might not make it for a summer opening. I'm hearing June at the earliest, but that's apparently very optimistic. Some sites have even reported the possibility of an interim nighttime show revolving around the new Jungle Book movie to make use of the theater, while the actual RoL show is being reworked. In that case, you're talking about a fall opening.

A lot of this reminds me of way back in 1989 when the rogers centre than the SkyDome in Toronto was brand new. The roof would take about 40 minutes to an hour top open or to close manually with guys in booths with joysticks as the computer system open and close it automatically was still being written when it first open. Now it's about 20 minutes to open or close and they can even do it during games if both teams agree to have it open or closed do to weather conditions.

 

[GAN]

I've heard that the delay is possibly due to the fact they have a potential hit movie in The Jungle Book(which, yes includes animals) -check the rotten tomatoes rating. Realizing they have not left any room for this movie in the ROL show, they are now scrambling to get something added in...

 

[SorcererHeidi]

I've heard that the delay is possibly due to the fact they have a potential hit movie in The Jungle Book(which, yes includes animals) -check the rotten tomatoes rating. Realizing they have not left any room for this movie in the ROL show, they are now scrambling to get something added in...

Interesting and makes perfect sense.

 

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

I've heard that the delay is possibly due to the fact they have a potential hit movie in The Jungle Book(which, yes includes animals) -check the rotten tomatoes rating. Realizing they have not left any room for this movie in the ROL show, they are now scrambling to get something added in...

Interesting and makes perfect sense.

Yes and no there have been a lot of reports of it being tested during the day time. They said from the beginning it would have nothing to do with content from movies it was always going to be a new show unique to animal kingdom. I think it's more likely a technical issue with the barges as that's what people have heard when they have asked cms in animal kingdom and the people working on it have said.

 

[SorcererHeidi]

Yes and no there have been a lot of reports of it being tested during the day time. They said from the beginning it would have nothing to do with content from movies it was always going to be a new show unique to animal kingdom. I think it's more likely a technical issue with the barges as that's what people have heard when they have asked cms in animal kingdom and the people working on it have said.

Okay, you could be right, what the heck do I know?

 

[GAN]

Yes and no there have been a lot of reports of it being tested during the day time. They said from the beginning it would have nothing to do with content from movies it was always going to be a new show unique to animal kingdom. I think it's more likely a technical issue with the barges as that's what people have heard when they have asked cms in animal kingdom and the people working on it have said.

It's going to be interesting to find out. I agree with you, but as we all know -Disney doesn't miss too many marketing opportunities.

 

[GAN]

Okay, you could be right, what the heck do I know?

Ha ...right Heidi. None of us know. And that's just where they want us !!