What's to replace 100 years of Magic??

[Sue F UK]

Hi Everyone,

We are going to be in WDW until the 1st March 2003 and I read somewhere that the 100YOM Celebrations will be continuing until the 27th February.

Does anyone (SimonV ???) know what the replacements are going to be. We have already seen the 100YOM parades and it would be good to know whether to include something new into our plan before we go.

 

[lrodk]

Greetings Sue. Although nothing official has been announced regarding a possible replacement for the current 100 Years Celebration, I have heard of a possible theme that would tie-in with Mickey's 75th Birthday(11/18/03). Since past celebrations have usually launched on or around October 1st, I would imagine this celebration would be patterned along the same dateline. Mickey's 75th B-day(if that's what they end up calling it)would have strong marketing support with the cross-promotion of the highly anticipated E-ticket attraction currently slated to open in Epcot next summer(Mission Space), not to mention Mickey's Philharmagic 4D film in Fantasyland at around the same time. I will pass along any further information as it becomes available on the Rumors/News Board.

FYI, Disney has extended 100 Years of Magic through March of 2003.

Luis

 

[Scottish_Maleficent]

But why does disney always feel the need for a celebration?????And huge sculpture type things to go with it?? (Birthday Cake, 2000 on Epcot and the Big Hat at MGM)


My previous trips have all coincided with celebrations - 25th Anniversary, Millennium Celebrations and 100 years - next July it might just be an 'ordinary' year, ................................................. or maybe it'll be 101 years of magic

 

[lrodk]

But why does disney always feel the need for a celebration?????

Quite simply, it's all about $$. Prior to 100 Years of Magic, each subsequent celebration saw significant increases in attendance over the prior non-celebration year and the celebration year prior to that. When Disney's theme park revenues began to faulter two years ago, after enjoying huge success from their Millenium Celebration, which had done even better than the 25th B-day Celebration, the consensus in Burbank was that these celebrations were an easy way to attract guests to WDW. It was unfortunate however that 100 Years of Magic was launched on the heels of one of the worst recessions on record in the U.S.. And the tragic events of 9/11 basically took out the last quarter of 100 Years, which is why they extended it through 3/03. And it didn't help that Disney had not launched any major attractions in tandem, aside from a few new parades and two minor children's attractions(Alladins Magic Carpets/Dinoland USA) to support the celebration.

At this point most analysts agree that under healthy economic conditions and a normal travel industry, these celebrations do have their merit from a business point of view. For the guest it usually(except for this year)means new and exciting attractions/shows. I think it's a win-win situation for both sides. Mickey's 75th bash should have more in the offering than what we've seen this past year.

 

[Sue F UK]

Thankyou for the info Luis,

Looks like it won't make a difference to my plans for Feb. as we are flying home on the 1st March

 

[SimonV]

Luis is absolutely spot on (as usual!). There are currently no plans to change the four 100YoM parades (which all pretty much stand alone anyway), while One Man's Dream at MGM will also continue. The obvious signs of the celebration (basically the Behind The Magic kiosks) will be taken away at the end of the winter season, but then I'm pretty sure the focus will be on Mission:Space and PhilharMagic for the summer.

 

[WDWfan uk]

..... while you are on the subject Luis ( it's great to see you posting on the UK boards ) and Simon, what about the hat??? Does it go when the kiosks go so we have that wonderful view of the Chinese Theater back? Say yes....... please say yes !!!

 

[SimonV]

As I understand it, the Hat is the new permanent icon of the park, so it's here to stay....................