Time for Disney to do somethimg huge and wow us all!

[jade1]

Exactly that is the reason why universal keeps building to try and get to Disney numbers. Of course I would love for Disney to build more and fix things that are there but looking at these numbers they don't really need to. People keep saying Disney needs to up its game because of universal, that is not true universal needs to continue to up its game to get at Disney. If Disney were to see a loss then we would likely see some changes.

We all should hope there is a loss IMO-can only lead to improvements.

Although now that we have an attendance doubler built into the US/IOA system with the HP Train runs-we should be on the way.

 

[rteetz]

We all should hope there is a loss IMO-can only lead to improvements. Although now that we have an attendance doubler built into the US/IOA system with the HP Train runs-we should be on the way.

I don't know about attendance doubler but it will definitely increase attendance. I will be interested to see next years numbers.

 

[jade1]

I don't know about attendance doubler but it will definitely increase attendance. I will be interested to see next years numbers.

But you will admit every one way run is 2 park entries guaranteed correct?

And one round trip is 3-attendance tripler.

 

[rteetz]

But you will admit every one way run is 2 park entries guaranteed correct? And one round trip is 3-attendance tripler.

Even with this expansion I don't see them passing any WDW parks. Yes there will be a huge spike but not into 10 million.

I also don't think every time you go back and forth on the train it counts as another entry in attendance numbers. I would think once you in one park and go to the other than come back you are counted for one in each park not two. I'm not exactly sure but I don't see numbers doubling or tripling. They would give universal huge attendance numbers.

 

[jade1]

Even with this expansion I don't see them passing any WDW parks. Yes there will be a huge spike but not into 10 million.

I also don't think every time you go back and forth on the train it counts as another entry in attendance numbers. I would think once you in one park and go to the other than come back you are counted for one in each park not two. I'm not exactly sure but I don't see numbers doubling or tripling. They would give universal huge attendance numbers.

I don't think it will either legitimately anyway-I'm just saying if somebody wants to ride the HP Train-US and IOA will get a gate entry, and a round trip will get 3 gate entries. If anyone wants to experience both HP lands-they get 2 entries as well. Which is perfectly fine, just that it means folks visiting both parks each day has to rise dramatically IMO.

The train just makes it even more likely folks will visit both parks each day-if not many times a day.

We did a one park pass for HP at IOA last year. We would most likely do a one park pass for US next year to see the new HP. But now we want to do the train as well-so we have to/choose to visit both parks that day. Double attendance on our family because of that attraction. And may as well do a round trip so now its 3 park visits for us that day at minimum.

Brilliant UNI.

 

[rteetz]

I don't think it will either legitimately anyway-I'm just saying if somebody wants to ride the HP Train-US and IOA will get a gate entry, and a round trip will get 3 gate entries. If anyone wants to experience both HP lands-they get 2 entries as well. Which is perfectly fine, just that it means folks visiting both parks each day has to rise dramatically IMO. The train just makes it even more likely folks will visit both parks each day-if not many times a day. We did a one park pass for HP at IOA last year. We would most likely do a one park pass for US next year to see the new HP. But now we want to do the train as well-so we have to/choose to visit both parks that day. Double attendance on our family because of that attraction. And may as well do a round trip so now its 3 park visits for us that day at minimum. Brilliant UNI.

I myself have never been to universal but they are starting to intrigue me. My family has always only gone to Disney and always only stayed on Disney property. If I were to go to universal I would get a park hopper anyways and I'm not a HP fan. I would want experience what Disney's competition offers.

 

[skier_pete]

Exactly that is the reason why universal keeps building to try and get to Disney numbers. Of course I would love for Disney to build more and fix things that are there but looking at these numbers they don't really need to. People keep saying Disney needs to up its game because of universal, that is not true universal needs to continue to up its game to get at Disney. If Disney were to see a loss then we would likely see some changes.

Exactly. Universal has two great weaknesses that would need to be addressed to overcome Disney.

(1) Disney was able to develop as an all-inclusive week-long destination resort. Universal is still at best a 3 day destination. Sure they have their own hotels and citywalk, but there is not really enough to make it a week-long destination.

(2)Universal's continued focus on thrills limits it to a about 70 % of the touring population. It's a lousy park for young (let's say <6 year olds) and the older (specifically grandparents taking their grand-kids but even many people in their 50s and older) and anyone in general that doesn't like thrill rides.

Take my family for example. DW doesn't do thrill rides. My DD11 has been asking to go to Universal for Despicable Me, but she still won't ride ToT. RnRC or EE and doesn't like Splash or Space Mountain much. I've told her that I won't spend the money to go to Universal until she starts liking the thrill rides. I could see us doing Universal and not riding 8 attractions the whole time we're there. The reason we haven't been isn't that we are so pro-Disney, it's just that Universal doesn't work for us. (And believe me, I LOVE some of the stuff there and really would like to go.)

Anyways, back on topic, until Universal decides its going to overcome those two particular items, they are always going to play second fiddle to Disney.

 

[Surfinpiratee]

Epcot still gets over 11 million people they need to work on DHS which is hanging in the low to mid 9s. Star Wars needs to be done. But with that said I still don't see Star Wars announced for around two years and building in three to four with completion in six maybe seven years from now so 2020-2021ish maybe.

I agree that Hollywood Studios could use something, only reason I plan on going back to DHS is because I love Star Tours and TSMM

However, it's never really on my mind that 'Disney needs to go something big!' or whatever...I'm excited..SUPER excited every time they announce something new.. but it's not really something I think about beforehand.

I think it's because when I think of Disney, I think of all of the classics (pirates, small world, the mountains) so to me, I don't feel like it needs more?

That being said, I've only been to DL once when I was 9. And I just went to WDW this past January. So it's not like I've been going every year looking for something new. But now that I'm an adult I'll probably end up going annually or even every 2 years or so. So maybe then I'll be itching for something new?

 

[SparkleMommy]

I think a few people on this thread sound jaded. The kind of boredom that comes from overexposure, which they did to themselves.

I have never been to WDW, so I am sure that it will 'wow' my daughter and I quite a bit! I wish I hadn't started reading this thread, it's a bit of a bummer. I don't want to dampen my own excitement.

Peace out.

 

[skier_pete]

I think a few people on this thread sound jaded. The kind of boredom that comes from overexposure, which they did to themselves.

I have never been to WDW, so I am sure that it will 'wow' my daughter and I quite a bit! I wish I hadn't started reading this thread, it's a bit of a bummer. I don't want to dampen my own excitement.

Peace out.

You hit the nail on the head, SparkleMommy. It's easy for those of us that go often to get a "been there, done that" feeling. Once you've ridden the same rides and seen the same shows many, many times, people can start to feel that it is not so spectacular. That's why they want more new things to give them the WOW again.

Don't let this dampen your excitement! As long as you are prepared (with knowledge of how Disney "works") and don't rush around trying to see EVERYTHING, you should have an amazing time and will be "wowed" over and over the whole time you are there.

And so you know, the folks here are awesome about answering questions on the "Theme Parks and Strategies" board.

 

[jade1]

Maybe WDW could counter to get the attendance up at EPCOT and DHS, and sell more hoppers-build a roller coaster or themed train from DHS to EPCOT. This will guarantee 2 gate entries every one way run-and 3 entries every round trip. A one mile coaster cost around $8 million to $20 million-no extra theming.

Rebuild the Wonders of Life Pavillion into a Star Wars 7 environment next to "Mission Space".

With a hopper you can enter an area and hop on the Star Wars coaster or Millenium Falcon attraction-maybe its a train where the windows change from video screens of certain Star Wars scenes then back to windows when going through actual scenes built along the way.

If it's a coaster it would go through tunnels with video of scenes and if climbs are needed along the way it could go through a mountain or through the inside of the Death Star or whatever.

There are over 10 roller coasters over a mile long (app distance needed) and some are 1 and 1/2 miles-so need 2 tracks one each way unless built to return on the same track which would need to be a train, the HP train is app 1/2 mile. So it could be either train tracks or coaster tracks.

At DHS you get off in another Star Wars area and enter DHS.

A few possible scenes:

Stars Wars 7 could create a "climb" 1/2 way:

Some others either screens or actual:

 

[rteetz]

Maybe WDW could counter to get the attendance up at EPCOT and DHS, and sell more hoppers-build a roller coaster or themed train from DHS to EPCOT. This will guarantee 2 gate entries every one way run-and 3 entries every round trip. A one mile coaster cost around $8 million to $20 million-no extra theming. Rebuild the Wonders of Life Pavillion into a Star Wars 7 environment next to "Mission Space". With a hopper you can enter an area and hop on the Star Wars coaster or Millenium Falcon attraction-maybe its a train where the windows change from video screens of certain Star Wars scenes then back to windows when going through actual scenes built along the way. If it's a coaster it would go through tunnels with video of scenes and if climbs are needed along the way it could go through a mountain or through the inside of the Death Star or whatever. There are over 10 roller coasters over a mile long (app distance needed) and some are 1 and 1/2 miles-so need 2 tracks one each way unless built to return on the same track which would need to be a train, the HP train is app 1/2 mile. So it could be either train tracks or coaster tracks. At DHS you get off in another Star Wars area and enter DHS. A few possible scenes: Stars Wars 7 could create a "climb" 1/2 way: Some others either screens or actual:

I don't like the idea of Star Wars at Epcot. DHS sure of course but I don't think Star Wars works with the flow there. Each park has their own theme. Disney won't do the two park tie in thing because each park is so different. Universals parks aren't. They just kind of throw in things wherever no overall theme. That's one of the things I love about Disney.

 

[JoeA]

I think a few people on this thread sound jaded. The kind of boredom that comes from overexposure, which they did to themselves.

I have never been to WDW, so I am sure that it will 'wow' my daughter and I quite a bit! I wish I hadn't started reading this thread, it's a bit of a bummer. I don't want to dampen my own excitement.

Peace out.

Please don't think of it as a bummer or let it dampen your excitement...after all, think of how great it is if we go once or twice a year for YEARS on end!

 

[Oodalally13]

I love both Disney and Universal, but for very different reasons. If you want thrill rides, you go to Universal. If you want more kiddie type rides and experiences, you go to Disney.

HOWEVER....here are my thoughts.....Universal is making new rides that offer new riding experiences and builds on what they did with previous ones. Yes Spider-Man and Transformers are the same basic scheme of a vehicle simulator moving through animatronics and screens, but you can see and feel the differences made in Transformers that step up the game. They LEARNED from Spidey and improved. They did the same thing with HP Forbidden Journey. Same general idea but they kicked it up a WHOLE different level.

Now let's look at disney....granted I havent been on SDMT yet, but we can compare it to Thunder Mountain. Same general idea, just added rocking cars and a ride through scene. I dont mind that there still is a step up there, albeit a tiny one. What gets me is the Nemo vs. Little Mermaid vs. Pooh ride. We are going to put you in a cute vehicle and you are just going to drive through the movie/experience and see the robots do their thing. I am betting I could even correlate this to include Great Movie, Pirates, HM, etc. We see it A LOT at Disney. Same general idea, very few big changes. Granted we hear with Little Mermaid how they have a new material for Ursula's "skin" to make it more realistic. That's great, but that doesnt really concern me as a rider. I dont understand why they arent incorporating more 4-D type stuff into those rides. Im not saying those rides arent fun, i DO enjoy them. I just see where they could punch it up a little without going the "lets make everything a thrill ride" route.

 

[skylizard]

You hit the nail on the head, SparkleMommy. It's easy for those of us that go often to get a "been there, done that" feeling. Once you've ridden the same rides and seen the same shows many, many times, people can start to feel that it is not so spectacular. That's why they want more new things to give them the WOW again.

I agree to a certain extent. Some rides are classics and can stand the test of time. Splash Mountain and BTMR are two that come to mind. They are just fun rides and I can never get sick of them. Others haven't held their appeal since their technology has become so outdated and this is where Disney has dropped the ball. EPCOT (experimental prototype city of tomorrow) is perfect example. Sure, when it was first built, the technology in the rides was pretty impressive, but now? Not so much. They don't need to build all new rides in Epcot, but at least bring the technology up to speed. That is where Disney is lacking the wow factor, and Universal isn't.

 

[rteetz]

I love both Disney and Universal, but for very different reasons. If you want thrill rides, you go to Universal. If you want more kiddie type rides and experiences, you go to Disney. HOWEVER....here are my thoughts.....Universal is making new rides that offer new riding experiences and builds on what they did with previous ones. Yes Spider-Man and Transformers are the same basic scheme of a vehicle simulator moving through animatronics and screens, but you can see and feel the differences made in Transformers that step up the game. They LEARNED from Spidey and improved. They did the same thing with HP Forbidden Journey. Same general idea but they kicked it up a WHOLE different level. Now let's look at disney....granted I havent been on SDMT yet, but we can compare it to Thunder Mountain. Same general idea, just added rocking cars and a ride through scene. I dont mind that there still is a step up there, albeit a tiny one. What gets me is the Nemo vs. Little Mermaid vs. Pooh ride. We are going to put you in a cute vehicle and you are just going to drive through the movie/experience and see the robots do their thing. I am betting I could even correlate this to include Great Movie, Pirates, HM, etc. We see it A LOT at Disney. Same general idea, very few big changes. Granted we hear with Little Mermaid how they have a new material for Ursula's "skin" to make it more realistic. That's great, but that doesnt really concern me as a rider. I dont understand why they arent incorporating more 4-D type stuff into those rides. Im not saying those rides arent fun, i DO enjoy them. I just see where they could punch it up a little without going the "lets make everything a thrill ride" route.

The dark rides you are discussing are some of the things Disney fans cherish. Disney doesn't like to do 3D rides they have toy story mania and the 3D movies but Disney isn't a simulator place they tell stories which is what they are doing in those dark rides. Walt who started this all loved those rides. WDW is a pure family atmosphere. Universal not as much.

 

[disneymac000]

The dark rides you are discussing are some of the things Disney fans cherish. Disney doesn't like to do 3D rides they have toy story mania and the 3D movies but Disney isn't a simulator place they tell stories which is what they are doing in those dark rides. Walt who started this all loved those rides. WDW is a pure family atmosphere. Universal not as much.

You just said you never even been to Universal so how would you know about the atmosphere unless you go. Its like me saying Disney is for little kids and never having gone to experience myself and form my own educated opinions on it. Universal is more family oriented than you think. Do they have thrill rides? Yes but thats not the only thing there. Are a lot of motion simulators? Universal Studios, the answer is yes, Island of Adventures, the answer is no. Is there stuff for a 4 year old to do, Yes. i mean if you want to bash on Universal or attempt to make points to attack at least have experienced both resorts first.

 

[DPCummerbund]

 

[rteetz]

You just said you never even been to Universal so how would you know about the atmosphere unless you go. Its like me saying Disney is for little kids and never having gone to experience myself and form my own educated opinions on it. Universal is more family oriented than you think. Do they have thrill rides? Yes but thats not the only thing there. Are a lot of motion simulators? Universal Studios, the answer is yes, Island of Adventures, the answer is no. Is there stuff for a 4 year old to do, Yes. i mean if you want to bash on Universal or attempt to make points to attack at least have experienced both resorts first.

I'm not trying to bash universal. I just have never been. From everything I know and have heard most people say disney is more whole family oriented than universal. Universal has more for the teen and young adult. Disney has more for the young kid. I know they both have things for those crowds but each have more of one thing vs the other.

 

[vandy]

Yep!