Whats Wrong with Disney?

[kpal2490]

I'm pretty sure that's a bit of a stretch, although I would probably agree that the Universal parks tend to have more of an 'off-season' (which I would argue WDW had too until relatively recently). If you look at unofficial (but the best we have) attendance statistics, Universal’s parks have lower attendance than DHS and AK, but it’s not an enormous difference.



I think that has been true in the past, but I think Comcast is trying to change that.



Welcome to the boards

Ah, I'm sorry, I realize that saying empty is a total exaggeration, it was 2am when I posted that . What I meant was at Universal, during the summer, I'm able to ride their more popular rides 5 or 6 times in a row without having to wait, where at WDW, it's rare that I'm able to do that without having at least a 20 minute wait each time.

And thank you!

 

[Burnedout]

I remember when Japanese cars were trying hard to get decent sales in the US. I'm personally glad that both American and Japanese (and Korean and German and so on) offer models now. I prefer more choice and competition. The same could be said of themeparks.

The voice of reason

 

[sonofanarchy]

Ah, I'm sorry, I realize that saying empty is a total exaggeration, it was 2am when I posted that . What I meant was at Universal, during the summer, I'm able to ride their more popular rides 5 or 6 times in a row without having to wait, where at WDW, it's rare that I'm able to do that without having at least a 20 minute wait each time.

And thank you!

I think that can be true with Express, but without I can't imagine.

 

[mom2rtk]

You guys have forgotten one of the biggest investments Disney has made in Orlando in a long time........ magic bands. That's ALMOST as good as Diagon Alley, right?

 

[JimmyV]

I think that the strength and longevity of the Avatar franchise is only a part of the issue. Also under scrutiny is the fact that the most recent new attractions that W.E.D. has given us are a 1970s style ride-through (Little Mermaid) and a Barnstormer level coaster while Universal's creative team is pumping out highly themed areas and jaw-dropping rides. There does seem to be a bit of "Hey! We're Disney! We don't have to be innovative to stay on top" hubris being exhibited. I don't mind the Avatar tie-in at all. But they had better up the attraction game with more than just 3D screens. Building another Little Mermaid ride-through or Star Tours motion simulator isn't going to cut it.

 

[North of Mouse]

What's wrong with Disney, you ask????????????

Nothing, as far as most of the world is concerned!!!! Have you been there lately and navigated the crowds???

There's no other place like it!!

Individual opinions don't matter at all - they look at the masses - ticket sales, DVC's, etc.

They are definitely alive and well!!!

How many people have you heard say - "I'm not going back" and really 'mean' it?? Usually within a year - two, three years - they're back in force. Just can't forsake the Mouse, no matter what!!

 

[Kpskyman]

It is all in your personal taste. I have 4 and 7 year DDs. They know nothing of HP. They do however know all the princesses and fairies and tons of other Disney characters. They don't ride thrill rides, they don't know half the stuff in Universal except Suess and Nickelodian. So to see smiles and wonder on my kids faces, we go to WDW. In a few years, we may add Universal, but they just do not have enough for the younger audience.

 

[Delirium]

I've heard reports of giant mice at Disney.

 

[mom2rtk]

It is all in your personal taste. I have 4 and 7 year DDs. They know nothing of HP. They do however know all the princesses and fairies and tons of other Disney characters. They don't ride thrill rides, they don't know half the stuff in Universal except Suess and Nickelodian. So to see smiles and wonder on my kids faces, we go to WDW. In a few years, we may add Universal, but they just do not have enough for the younger audience.

Give it a couple years. You'll hear more about HP.

 

[clsteve]

I think that the strength and longevity of the Avatar franchise is only a part of the issue. Also under scrutiny is the fact that the most recent new attractions that W.E.D. has given us are a 1970s style ride-through (Little Mermaid) and a Barnstormer level coaster while Universal's creative team is pumping out highly themed areas and jaw-dropping rides. There does seem to be a bit of "Hey! We're Disney! We don't have to be innovative to stay on top" hubris being exhibited. I don't mind the Avatar tie-in at all. But they had better up the attraction game with more than just 3D screens. Building another Little Mermaid ride-through or Star Tours motion simulator isn't going to cut it.

The ball is definitely in Disney's court now. Every single media outlet, blogger, and social media vehicle is going to compare AvatarLand to Daigon Alley - there's no getting around it. And it's going to be there through every stage of the process. They should be adding things to it instead of dropping things.

One of the happiest people over how amazing DA seems has to be James Cameron. It's going to be really hard for the Disney exec's to lowball Avatar now. JK Rowling's firm grip on DA's direction worked out quite well. I'm sure Jimmy C will point that out to them many times over Avatar's development. It's going to be very interesting to watch......

 

[sheetz]

I remember when Japanese cars were trying hard to get decent sales in the US.

I think this analogy is pretty appropriate. Japanese auto makers were able to build higher quality cars for a lower price than US auto makers, and this competitive advantage enabled them to eventually surpass their American counterparts.

Similarly, the whole Diagon Alley expansion cost a reported $256 million to build compared to NFL's $425 million. When you look at the two it sure seems Comcast got a lot more bang for their buck. If they can maintain this cost advantage over Disney then over time it will gradually chip away at the Mouse, just as the Japanese auto makers were able to do against the US auto makers.

 

[mom2rtk]

The ball is definitely in Disney's court now. Every single media outlet, blogger, and social media vehicle is going to compare AvatarLand to Daigon Alley - there's no getting around it. And it's going to be there through every stage of the process. They should be adding things to it instead of dropping things.

One of the happiest people over how amazing DA seems has to be James Cameron. It's going to be really hard for the Disney exec's to lowball Avatar now. JK Rowling's firm grip on DA's direction worked out quite well. I'm sure Jimmy C will point that out to them many times over Avatar's development. It's going to be very interesting to watch......

Nah. Avatarland is going to take so long US will have something new to compare it to by then.

 

[cruisingtwins]

I've heard reports of giant mice at Disney.

I saw a real mouse at the boardwalk.

 

[DisneyFamily123]

6 Trips to WDW since 2008, never been to Universal. I question myself about it every time I plan a trip -- why not go to Universal? I mean even just for a day to check it out? But neither DW or I or DS8 like the major thrill rides. Other than the thrill rides, Universal seems not much different than any other park. Rock n Roller Coaster is the limit for DS an I, and Big Thunder Mtn RR for DW. I know there is more at Universal to do than thrill rides. I tried to see if DS was interested in Harry Potter but the movies don't interest him. But WDW just feels comfortable.... we know what to do and where to go and there's a lot of variety. DS and I can do the more thrilling WDW rides and DW can relax and do something else. We sometimes like having a slow day just to wander around Animal Kingdom and enjoy the musicians and watch the animals. Well.... maybe one of these days we will go to Universal... maybe next trip.

There's nothing wrong with Disney. You are focussed only on Disney World and aren't considering the fact that Disney has a lot more parks than Universal, they can't only focus on new rides in Disney World. Universal is useless for my family at this time because there is very few rides my kids can actually ride, where as at Disney they can ride almost every ride, minus the big coasters. I look forward to taking my kids to Universal when they are old enough, but that doesn't mean there is anything wrong with Universal just because they are to young to go right now. I don't understand why it has to be something wrong with Disney.

 

[luvsJack]

I have been a die hard Disney fan for years. Never going to the "other side" for fear that it wouldn't be "as magical".

The next trip that I plan for our family will be to Universal. Seeing Diagon Alley and the rest of HP, is the reason.

Harry Potter has been the biggest thing to books and movies in forever. Its not new but still wildly popular, unlike Avatar. Kids grew up reading these books and seeing these movies, being at midnight releases, dressing up and immersing themselves in HP world. And now they can do it for real at Universal. Many of those "kids" are now grown up and spending their own vacation dollars. Those dollars will go to Universal. Then you have the kids who are just now growing into the ages to appreciate HP, and they are going to beg mom and dad for a trip to Universal.

Then add to all of that the fact that I can plan a trip to Universal for much cheaper than I can to Disney; well, Universal wins out. I don't do 10 day trips but I can understand where that may be too many days for Universal. Most people don't do 10 day trips, the majority of people vacation for 5-7 days. With tickets that include Sea World, Aquatica, Busch Gardens, etc.---a person could definitely do a week without ever stepping foot in WDW.


I do think something is wrong with the thinking for WDW. They seem to be set in the "but we are for families" thinking. And sure they are. But little children don't stay little forever and in years past those older kids would still want to go to Disney. That tide could change.

 

[wunkmom]

Nah. Avatarland is going to take so long US will have something new to compare it to by then.

This!!

 

[Tramp68]

6 Trips to WDW since 2008, never been to Universal. I question myself about it every time I plan a trip -- why not go to Universal? I mean even just for a day to check it out? But neither DW or I or DS8 like the major thrill rides. Other than the thrill rides, Universal seems not much different than any other park. Rock n Roller Coaster is the limit for DS an I, and Big Thunder Mtn RR for DW. I know there is more at Universal to do than thrill rides. I tried to see if DS was interested in Harry Potter but the movies don't interest him. But WDW just feels comfortable.... we know what to do and where to go and there's a lot of variety. DS and I can do the more thrilling WDW rides and DW can relax and do something else. We sometimes like having a slow day just to wander around Animal Kingdom and enjoy the musicians and watch the animals. Well.... maybe one of these days we will go to Universal... maybe next trip.

There are only 2 rides at Universal that are above Rock n Roller Coaster, 3 if you count Revenge of the Mummy.

It is only brand name blind faith that is keeping Universal from bursting at the seems. Relying on that did not turn out too well for IBM and the PC market...

 

[Suvadoo]

Why does Disney take so long to complete their attractions? Avatarland was announced at least 2 years ago and it won't be completed until 2016?
Compare this with Universal, who from announcement to completion of Diagon Alley took 2 1/2 years. Fantasyland took 5 years. How long is Downtown Disney Reno going to take?

This year instead of spending 5 days at WDW, we're spending 3 days. Then we're going to Universal for 2 days. It may not seem like much, but Disney has lost theme park attendance, a room occupancy, and dining revenue from our family. I wonder how many other families are adopting this strategy?

Several of the posts have mentioned that Disney is still number 1 in attendance , but according to what I've read Universal Orlando is a much smaller park. Also, I read where Universal's attendance was up 7% in 2013 compared to a 2% gain by WDW in the same time frame.

Don't get me wrong, I love Disney World and Land, but I really dislike the way the theme parks are being managed.

I'm really hoping MagicBands are never introduced to Disneyland. I think this has been an abysmal failure. I don't want to spend my vacation time consulting my device and searching for a charging station. Tech is frustrating enough in my everyday life. I know I don't have to use MB, but if I don't use it I'm stuck in standby lines.

Just another long winded rant!

 

[Cais]

Because universal waits until they're ~5 months before opening to announce (even though everyone knows about it long beforehand - I knew about the new wands two years ago and they announced them last week - they're really horrible at keeping secrets over there) whereas Disney announces them in the concept stage. They take about the same time to build and develop, Disney just announces them earlier in the design process.

Universal likes to copy and paste rides from other parks too. That's why transformers took so little time. It's easier to build a copy than something new.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[North of Mouse]

I do think something is wrong with the thinking for WDW. They seem to be set in the "but we are for families" thinking. And sure they are. But little children don't stay little forever and in years past those older kids would still want to go to Disney. That tide could change.

Well, maybe some of your thinking is correct, but don't forget, those 'older' kids will have families with little children that will bring them back to Disney!

I, and my children, are far from little 'kids', but grandchildren will keep you going to Disney. Also, we are also still 'little kids' when we see the Mouse!

There will 'always' be new families going, as maybe a few others leave, that 'may', or 'may not' be back.

There is 'no' shortage of families with children - reference the huge crowds!!!