Summer Numbers

[Peter Pirate 2]

There is no doubt WDW is the Big Cheese in Orlando, it's just too bad they don't act like it. Instead they continue to use the Parks as a corporate cash cow while they strip every shred of what made the company great in the first place from existence.

There is no way, absolutely NO WAY Universal should ever be mentioned as competition in the same breath as WDW but due to Disney's lack of foresight and unmitigated greed it could actually become a fact.

All Universal has to do this year, with the two movies coming out, is announce one big attraction to WWHP and the next two years are gold. Then announce expansion plans as Rowling's new series is released and bingo, bango, bongo Universal is in fat, FAT city.

In the mean time Disney announces a new fairy meet and greet.

 

[Timmy Boy]

The Disney Brand Name is so popular. They could build a ferris wheel in the middle of a field. Charge $20 to get in, add some music to the ferris wheel, have Cast Members run it, add a gift shop, add some characters, and it would make money. Crazy right? Well Disney has used this to its advantage. They sit back and say "we don't need to spend lots of money on an expansion. The people will come to us no matter what." This will make the company very rich, but low on guest satisfaction.

 

[anthony2k7]

Surely a simple but important comparison of Potterland vs FLE is how many non-disney fans are talking about both. I can tell you that most people have heard of potterland and a significant amount of those would like to visit it. I suspect the majority of people though havent even heard of FLE.

Potterland was marketted worldwide basically (wrongly) as a new park and it got everyones attention no matter what age they are (because people of all ages read potter books!).

FLE is for young girls (and maybe a few not so young girls). I've no idea how Disney think they can market that as something to compete with Potterland. I cant see it working either way.

Plus, apparently potterland has almost paid for itself already? so there is almost certainly a Phase 2 coming.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Just to point out amidst all the Potter hype that there are a # of us who have no interest whatsoever in any of it.. especially the books

It really isn't true that everyone and their brother is falling all over themselves to buy a new broom, drink several gallons of cream soda, or drop everything and get to the Potterworld area at Universal before they die.

That said-- I agree that a 30+% increase is great--but it does need to be thought of in context with Universal's previous declines in attendance.

And the REAL issue is--will Potter be "for the ages"--or relatively short term until something new and better happens along?

We shall see!!!!

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

Just to point out amidst all the Potter hype that there are a # of us who have no interest whatsoever in any of it.. especially the books

It really isn't true that everyone and their brother is falling all over themselves to buy a new broom, drink several gallons of cream soda, or drop everything and get to the Potterworld area at Universal before they die.

That said-- I agree that a 30+% increase is great--but it does need to be thought of in context with Universal's previous declines in attendance.

And the REAL issue is--will Potter be "for the ages"--or relatively short term until something new and better happens along?

We shall see!!!!

Uncle, my friend, we don't disagree often but this does seem to be an issue with us.

I recognize that not everyone is enamored with Potterland but 'everyone' is NEVER enamored with anything. The fact is the numbers for the books are stupendous world wide and the movies have been off the charts. A 36% increase in attendance (with more for the taking) is unheard of.

Just because, as an individual, we don't like or understand the popularity of something doesn't make it not true. I personally never understood the hype of the LOTR movies, but I could see everyone else was including people who's opinion I respected. That was enough for me. I still didn't like them but I concluded it's just a personal anomaly.

I have daughters 21 and 17 and I can tell you both of them and virtually everyone they know are Potter followers, albeit to different degrees and the fervor with which they follow Potter has convinced me this is not a flash in the pan. This is more likely a modern day Mickey Mouse.

 

[WDW_lover_in_SC]

Maybe its just me and maybe it's wishful thinking but I believe that after the FLE MK will reach capacity quite a few times over the summer months and winter months. Plus a decent spike in the "value time" maybe 50% isn't realistic but I think there will be a significant spike for a year or more.

 

[Oglet]

I have daughters 21 and 17 and I can tell you both of them and virtually everyone they know are Potter followers, albeit to different degrees and the fervor with which they follow Potter has convinced me this is not a flash in the pan. This is more likely a modern day Mickey Mouse.

I'd compare it to possibly Star Wars, Its been a few years since the last Star Wars movie was released but its still hugely popular within the parks and around the world, Harry Potter will probably end up being just like this over time.

Star Wars weekends are insane at DHS and I believe Universal should seriously consider doing something similar over time with Harry Potter to keep it fresh and exciting once all the hype behind the movies and books settle down.

Is it big enough and popular enough to stand up over time, only time will tell

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

I'd compare it to possibly Star Wars, Its been a few years since the last Star Wars movie was released but its still hugely popular within the parks and around the world, Harry Potter will probably end up being just like this over time.

Star Wars weekends are insane at DHS and I believe Universal should seriously consider doing something similar over time with Harry Potter to keep it fresh and exciting once all the hype behind the movies and books settle down.

Is it big enough and popular enough to stand up over time, only time will tell

I agree.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Me too!! Time WILL tell.

Pirate: You will forgive me but once in awhile I like to take a shot at Potter--just to let folks know people like me ARE out there!

And if we ever get back to Universal, I will certainly wander over and see what there is to see at Potterworld. No rides tho---.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

From your lips to Ogre's (I mean Iger's) ears.

Come on, Scup...you know better.

Whatever inklings of creativity that was reserved for Florida has been sucked away.

Didn't we all think that when the pixar people got their hands on the parks that things would get better - because they are "all about quality"?

Jeez...from this seat it seems to have gotten worse. They are using anaheim as their private toybox (i would too buy the way...its right down the street) and wdw has become even more of a neglected cashcow in recent years.

Even DVC is starting to be rotated away form florida....who'd ever thunk that?

I just have no faith that any of my time or dollars spent at WDW is ever going to be rewarded again...i think the course was shifted and the switch was broken.

Thanks Mikey...Heck of a job, Bobby!!!

 

[CapnZach]

There are only so many dollars to be budgeted each year, and right now, DCA needed those funds more than any other US Disney park.

That said, there is NO WAY FLE is the response to Potter. It is a capacity builder at MK, primarily for young girls. People just assume this because they are both fantasy based.

When Disney tries to compete, I don't think it will be with a disneyfied version of Potter, it will be with something unique to steal some thunder. FLE being built is irrelevant to these discussions. It is an upgrade to Toon Town, that is all.

That said, Disney doesn't want Uni taking anyone off property, ever. That is why they built DHS/MGM. They don't want people coming for Uni and then taking a few days for Disney. They want people coming for Disney, being picked up by Disney, staying with Disney, spending every waking second (and dollar) at Disney. That is the core philosophy behind every expansion they made post EPCOT. All efforts to undermine competitors and keep an entire vacation on Disney property. Maybe they've had a change of heart, but I doubt it.

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

There are only so many dollars to be budgeted each year, and right now, DCA needed those funds more than any other US Disney park.

That said, there is NO WAY FLE is the response to Potter. It is a capacity builder at MK, primarily for young girls. People just assume this because they are both fantasy based.

When Disney tries to compete, I don't think it will be with a disneyfied version of Potter, it will be with something unique to steal some thunder. FLE being built is irrelevant to these discussions. It is an upgrade to Toon Town, that is all.

That said, Disney doesn't want Uni taking anyone off property, ever. That is why they built DHS/MGM. They don't want people coming for Uni and then taking a few days for Disney. They want people coming for Disney, being picked up by Disney, staying with Disney, spending every waking second (and dollar) at Disney. That is the core philosophy behind every expansion they made post EPCOT. All efforts to undermine competitors and keep an entire vacation on Disney property. Maybe they've had a change of heart, but I doubt it.

How many dollars is that, though? Take Iger's profit sharing first, then the other MBA's. Stock dividends. You know all that real important stuff that wall st. demands?

I agree that FLE is not a response to potterland but it is what Disney has offered as new at the same time Universal was ponying up the dough for potterland. Who looks smarter?

Disney never wanted anyone going to Uni, that's true. But Disney's greed has put Uni in the drivers seat. How Disney responds will be most interesting.

 

[CapnZach]

How many dollars is that, though? Take Iger's profit sharing first, then the other MBA's. Stock dividends. You know all that real important stuff that wall st. demands?

If they weren't investing in Parks at all I'd see your point, but they are - massively. Right now that cash is being diverted towards the areas of most need, primarily DCA. When that project is over, I think we will see attention back on the east coast.

I agree that FLE is not a response to potterland but it is what Disney has offered as new at the same time Universal was ponying up the dough for potterland. Who looks smarter?

Remember when MGM was rushed to market to beat Universal? Being first isn't always the most important thing, and when we are talking about massive, long term infrastructure projects like this, competition is not just between things coming out at the same time. This isn't like an opening weekend for films. These rides have impact for many years.

Disney never wanted anyone going to Uni, that's true. But Disney's greed has put Uni in the drivers seat. How Disney responds will be most interesting.

Why does it have to be greed? Disney is a corporation, it doesn't have emotions. The people running it try to maximize both short and long term profits as any company. When the opening hype has died down, there will be another next big thing. Disney does not need to compete on a ride by ride basis, but they DO need to step up their game. Investment is needed in DHS and AK. They need to make ALL parks "can't miss", then no one will spare a day for Uni. It will happen, but it will take time. I don't think Disney is going to panic from one successful ride/area. They didn't panic when Spiderman was such a hit, or any of the other hits at Uni, why should this be different?

 

[jassmine12]

They are trying to be user friendly..