The Future of Disney Studios

[Another Voice]

But what is this alleged "fib" you keep referring to.

Specifically that corporate tale that Disney had the plans for the park and was going ahead with the project - but that Universal stepped in and "stole" Disney's ideas.

Your right about the rest of it. After Universal announced their funding a whole bunch of stuff got thrown together into a blender. It's the kind of fib you have to tell when your girlfriend reminds you of some obscure anniversary and you have to pretend you have the whole eveing planned out (and then have to figure out a way to make the cell phone call to Le Expensive Cafe without being caught). Disney did try to have Orlando block Universal, part fo the justification was Disney's own "long held plans". There was huge financial incentive for Disney to "expand" the truth a bit.

Plus the whole story about the movie pavilion. It's just another tale used to boost Eisner's self image. His lowly designers can to him with this puny "movie pavilion" - but SuperMike was able to see it's grand potential and championed the company onto ever increasing heights! Gee, this man even took personal credit for designing the parking garages at Disneyland. Eisner was a man who read his own press and he took every opportunity to push himself as a Big Swinging Media Mogul. The fib about the Disney/MGM Studios is just another bit of the myth.

And don't fret, Universal got Disney back.

 

[MJMcBride]

But maybe just maybe Disney was telling the truth as unlikely as that seems. How do you "know" they were fibbing?

 

[jenr812]

Interesting thread. I read most of it but skimmed through some of it, so forgive me if I am repeating something... I just watched a show that discussed this issue several weeks ago. I am pretty sure it was on the travel channel or something. It said that they had not only announced plans for MGM prior to Universal, but that they had already started construction.

 

[jenr812]

double post

 

[flatline]

Interesting thread. I read most of it but skimmed through some of it, so forgive me if I am repeating something... I just watched a show that discussed this issue several weeks ago. I am pretty sure it was on the travel channel or something. It said that they had not only announced plans for MGM prior to Universal, but that they had already started construction.

the idea for a theme park based on the movies was pitched to Paramount Studios when Eisner was on the board. he liked the idea, but the board passed, and Universal Hollywood was born.

when it came to WDW, Eisner wanted to prove he was right all along. when Universal announced their intentions on an Orlando park, he scrambled to build MGM and open it ahead of Universal. the mess that is MGM Studios is part of his legacy.

 

[kimbamickey]

Didn't Disney use some of those studios to film Disney Channel shows like MMC? Are those studios being used for anything now?