Originally Posted By dagobert The German Disney Board "MS Emporium" has posted a round up of the roundtable discussion with ED SCA CEO Philippe Gas held on December 7th. The informations are from French Edith Zemirou who represents the smalles French shareholders. Here's the link but it's in German: <a href="http://www.msemporium.de/board/showthread.php?t=24302" target="_blank">http://www.msemporium.de/board...?t=24302</a> I'm going to translate the most important points: - ED SCA is doing well finacially and the payback of the debts is doing well. - Attendance is also very good, because more Italians are visiting while French and Brits are still strong - A new hotel in the category of the Disneyland Hotel is needed, because that kind of hotel is requested the most with the least rooms available. According to Mr. Gas it should be located at a park entrance, but it's too early for WDSP in its current situation. - A participant suggested a third park based on Marvel and Mr. Gas laughed and said: "I didn't say anything". - The highest priority for ED SCA is currently Villages Nature, supposed to open in 2015. - Starbucks and EoS are doing very well. Starbucks is one of the best doing Starbucks coffee houses worldwide. - To increase popularity of the resort restaurants, DLP asks three decorated chefs to create meals for DLRP. - They are thinking about the future of Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show to increase attendance. - For the 20th birthday DLRP is releasing a new merchandise selection. - Disney is going to sign a new agreement to gain more power for the places in front of the train station to get rid of unwanted people. I assume they mean the vendors there. - Central Plaza Stage gets removed. - For the 20th birthday they are focusing on new shows with new technologies (Dreams). - Videopolis is the most popular restaurant in the resort and so DLRP is hesitant to create a new show, because otherwise they would lose too much space for the restaurant. - Disney is doing a study about Discoveryland, because the attractions are the least frequented ones in the park. - Star Tours 2 is still considered, because Mr. Gas likes the potential of the many destinations of the ride, but currently guests are still very happy with ST. - Currently the highest priority has WDSP. - Ratatouille is currently reviewed by the banks and Mr. Gas hopes that it will be approved early 2012. then it should take two years to build it. - No Fastpass for Crush's Coaster. - Disney is searching for a replacement of Armageddon, because the licence agreement is running out. They don't know yet, but Marvel's Spiderman would be possible, because there is no Universal Park in France. - Pixar and John Lasseter are workig on short films for long queues. - Disney is working on a new Annual Pass system.
Originally Posted By u k fan <<<A new hotel in the category of the Disneyland Hotel is needed, because that kind of hotel is requested the most with the least rooms available. According to Mr. Gas it should be located at a park entrance, but it's too early for WDSP in its current situation.>>> That's interesting that even in tough times it's the deluxe hotels they need more of. I wonder if the DL Hotel could be extended to meet with anything the built at WDSP or even just extend the DL Hotel, but give that wing an early cinema theme? <<<A participant suggested a third park based on Marvel and Mr. Gas laughed and said: "I didn't say anything".>>> We'll see, but I'd prefer a mix of themes with a Marvel "land" like IOA. <<<The highest priority for ED SCA is currently Villages Nature, supposed to open in 2015.>>> While it should be WDSP. <<<They are thinking about the future of Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show to increase attendance.>>> They need to do something with the show if adding Mickey didn't work then I think they should put something new in. The last time we went it was sad to see it half empty. <<<For the 20th birthday DLRP is releasing a new merchandise selection.>>> Could be interesting.... <<<Disney is going to sign a new agreement to gain more power for the places in front of the train station to get rid of unwanted people. I assume they mean the vendors there.>>> Out of just about everything we've learned from this discussion this makes me happiest. It's long overdue. <<<Videopolis is the most popular restaurant in the resort and so DLRP is hesitant to create a new show, because otherwise they would lose too much space for the restaurant.>>> This makes me saddest. And what's worse is that while people continue to go there they have no need to improve the food. I'd love to know how often people return to Videopolis for another delicious meal! <<<Disney is doing a study about Discoveryland, because the attractions are the least frequented ones in the park.>>> I would think this is a combination of several things. 1) nothing new since Buzz 2) whilst not strictly true I think most of the attractions are perceived as thrill attractions 3) DL doesn't flow from the rest of the park in the same way the other lands all run into each other. <<<Star Tours 2 is still considered, because Mr. Gas likes the potential of the many destinations of the ride, but currently guests are still very happy with ST.>>> That doesn't compute with the statement above??? Add ST2 and see Discoveryland get a very nice bump in attendance I'm sure. <<<Currently the highest priority has WDSP.>>> I thought it was Villages Nature? <<<Ratatouille is currently reviewed by the banks and Mr. Gas hopes that it will be approved early 2012. then it should take two years to build it.>>> I have a feeling that Rat may never happen and I won't miss it. While I'd like a dark ride and the Hunny Hunt ride system the park has need of that money elsewhere IMHO. <<<Disney is searching for a replacement of Armageddon, because the licence agreement is running out. They don't know yet, but Marvel's Spiderman would be possible, because there is no Universal Park in France.>>> I'd rather see them save anything Marvel for a new park or land rather then have them dotted about. G-Force anyone? lol! <<<Pixar and John Lasseter are workig on short films for long queues.>>> Sounds fun. Presumably these would be for Disney Parks worldwide? I'd like to see some original characters in these. <<<Disney is working on a new Annual Pass system.>>> Why do I get the feeling an AP is suddenly going to get really expensive? All in all, a very interesting chat. Thanks for translating dagobert!!!
Originally Posted By dagobert >>><<<Currently the highest priority has WDSP.>>> I thought it was Villages Nature?<<< I think it's meant in that way, that WDSP has a higher priority than the Disneyland Park to build new rides.
Originally Posted By dagobert I think DLRP is really thinking about its future and not only how to survive the next year.
Originally Posted By u k fan I think it really has to. Now that the financials are looking better hopefully they can plan better for the future instead of worrying about paying off the debt!!!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Very Interesting Dagobert, thanks for sharing. Here are some of my thoughts (from a grumpy guy who is not thinking clearly thanks to the car crash and should really be doing something more constructive instead ;-) - ED SCA is doing well finacially and the payback of the debts is doing well. Glad to hear it, especially given the good investments in refurbs being made. Now, can they please fix the geysers in Frontierland? - Attendance is also very good, because more Italians are visiting while French and Brits are still strong Glad to hear it, people need an escape, and it is still cheaper for europeans on a budget to go to Paris than the US. - A new hotel in the category of the Disneyland Hotel is needed, because that kind of hotel is requested the most with the least rooms available. According to Mr. Gas it should be located at a park entrance, but it's too early for WDSP in its current situation. Interesting to hear. Maybe if they actually offered 4 star service and amenities at the HNY and HBc, things could change. At present, only the DLH offers service of a US Disney resort, and the prices are stupid. I would rather have a cheap experience at DLP and go to the better hotels of the German parks IMHO. - A participant suggested a third park based on Marvel and Mr. Gas laughed and said: "I didn't say anything". Interesting. I love Marvel, but modern disney worries me......also, it means we are unlikely to get the Epcot/DAK hybrid park that was banded around a while ago. - The highest priority for ED SCA is currently Villages Nature, supposed to open in 2015. I understand that, there is a lot of investment going in and it needs to be mega. I still wonder if they will offer transport to the Village/Davy Crockett when it opens.They were going to if they got the Tennis, but as Roland Garros is not moving to DLP, what now? - Starbucks and EoS are doing very well. Starbucks is one of the best doing Starbucks coffee houses worldwide. this I am very sorry to hear. this could be a green light to turn the Village into a generic shopping area. It is bad enough now. - To increase popularity of the resort restaurants, DLP asks three decorated chefs to create meals for DLRP. What, like they had 20-15 years ago! Awesome. - They are thinking about the future of Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show to increase attendance. It is a shame, but they have raped the place and dumbed it down. It really used to be my very fav thing in DLP, and it still is. but it is not popular (I blame the cheapskates IMHO) Just like the rest of the Disney resorts really. would be interesting what their alternative ideas are. As long as it doesn't just sit empty like the Crescend'O tent. - For the 20th birthday DLRP is releasing a new merchandise selection. Cool, the 15th merch was great, so fingers crossed. It would be good to see DLP exclusive wines again! - Disney is going to sign a new agreement to gain more power for the places in front of the train station to get rid of unwanted people. I assume they mean the vendors there. AWESOME. Hope this is true. It has always been a real embarrassment. I don't like seeing the vendors, but even worse, I don't like the rip off photographers and the drug dealers there. - Central Plaza Stage gets removed. We knew this. Fantastic! Never should have been built in the first place. - For the 20th birthday they are focusing on new shows with new technologies (Dreams). Hope it is good. Looking forward to it. - Videopolis is the most popular restaurant in the resort and so DLRP is hesitant to create a new show, because otherwise they would lose too much space for the restaurant. Grrrrrr. worst quality restaurant in the resort, and it used to host amazing shows - Roc Shoc, Beauty and the Beast, Mulan, and the Lion King were world class. Grrrrrrrrrr. - Disney is doing a study about Discoveryland, because the attractions are the least frequented ones in the park. Maybe if they made SM less painful, and actually opened Autopia and Nautilus with the rest of the park, as well as the train station, they would get better ridership. also, if they opened autopia to capacity rather than 1/4 and 1/2 capacity so the lines were shorter, more would ride. If they also advertised Star Tours and Capt Eo rather than toons. And when the Lion King played, the rides had very long queues of people as they got out of the show or were waiting for their reservation time!!!!! - Star Tours 2 is still considered, because Mr. Gas likes the potential of the many destinations of the ride, but currently guests are still very happy with ST. Interesting, seems to contradict the statement above though. - Currently the highest priority has WDSP. Understandable - Ratatouille is currently reviewed by the banks and Mr. Gas hopes that it will be approved early 2012. then it should take two years to build it. Whatever....welcome a dark ride, welcome the Pooh tech, but this one really has not been my cup of tea from the get go. Indy EMV or Splash Mountain, or another dark ride. But whatever. In the meantime, check out Phantasialand if you like rats in kitchens, fun ride. - No Fastpass for Crush's Coaster. No brainer. Having been there when they tested it, it made WDSP horrid (and I like the park). FP is the devil and should be eradicated from the parks. - Disney is searching for a replacement of Armageddon, because the licence agreement is running out. They don't know yet, but Marvel's Spiderman would be possible, because there is no Universal Park in France. Interesting. I am one of the few who like Armageddon, but I recognise that. would be interesting to see what they do instead. - Pixar and John Lasseter are workig on short films for long queues. God no!!!!!! Just what we need, more toons in the park. Makes me want to vomit. - Disney is working on a new Annual Pass system. Interesting. Since there are now very few perks, either they will go the way Kiz is talking and make it more4 expensive with more perks, or I suspect they will get rid of the EMH and reduce the savings on the Dream. or maybe they will intro a pay monthly by direct debit like the US did? Overall, I am a little excited by the changes, but I have come to the conclusion I am not really a fan anymore. I am simply stuck with a property near a park that I no longer love. My kids still do, so we will go. But to be honest, I think I would rather go back to Europa Park or Efteling if we didn't have the Villa. But I am really looking forward to trying out Puy Du Fou next year as it seems to offer the level of experience I am looking for: <a href="http://www.puydufou.com/" target="_blank">http://www.puydufou.com/</a>
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo dagobert Wed 12/14/2011 3:16a I think DLRP is really thinking about its future and not only how to survive the next year. u k fan Wed 12/14/2011 3:28a I think it really has to. Now that the financials are looking better hopefully they can plan better for the future instead of worrying about paying off the debt!!! Agreed. All the major resorts in Europe are building and adding, they offer better hotel quality too. Disney really need to earn people's money. I really hope they do well next year, otherwise I think I will make it a once in a while destination and save my money to go elsewhere.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Let's see shall we, what is on the slate: Alton towers - Nemisis drop Ride, Ice Age 4D and another new world first coaster. Chessington - a new African themed area is coming Thorpe Park (ok rubbish six flags type park) - Swarm coaster - a 4D coaster Legoland Windsor - new hotel and 3 new attractions planned Blackpool Pleasure Beach - a new Nick 4D theatre, a refresh of 6 attractions and a Wallace and Gromit Dark ride. Efteling - new fountain show and Hartenhof Dark ride, a new themed restaurant Phantasialand - they are clearing the old west area for an undisclosed new attraction Europa Park - a new 4* hotel, a wooden Coaster, and a new dark ride Puy du Fou - a new mega show Parc Asterix - a new B&M suspended coaster Further afield - USO - a Harry Potter Expansion and new Mini Golf Course Sea world Orlando - a new Antartica exhibit USH - Transformers ride and the Harry Potter Expansion. And then other Disney - Carsland, new Fantasyland in WDW, Mystic Point and Grizzly Gulch, Shanghai DL. So, anyone with interest in the theme park industry has much to lure them elsewhere. What does DLP offer: Refurbed park (fantastic, but never should have got in that state in the 1st place) Dreams - the jury is out - I am nervous Character crap A new World of Disney store..... Hmmmmmm.
Originally Posted By dagobert >>>maybe they will intro a pay monthly by direct debit like the US did?<<< I think you are right with that. Mr. Gas mentioned that it would be possible to pay in a monthly rate.
Originally Posted By dagobert >>>Interesting. I am one of the few who like Armageddon, but I recognise that. would be interesting to see what they do instead.<<< I also like Armageddon, but if Disney has to pay for a new licence agreement, I would also chose a newer movie.
Originally Posted By u k fan <<<- Pixar and John Lasseter are workig on short films for long queues. God no!!!!!! Just what we need, more toons in the park. Makes me want to vomit.>>> Dave for me as long as they are appropriate for the attraction and maybe use original characters (or characters from that attraction) I don't see the problem. I imagine they'll be like the Mr Tumble (or whatever his real name is) videos at Legoland which really helped to keep the kids entertained whilst waiting in a very long line. Crush could really benefit from this with some shorts based on the Gulls, Nigel and the the Tank Gang, (i.e. the non-underwater characters to keep on theme). You can't really complain about adding toons to a toon attraction!!!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo that would make life easier for us. Buying 4 APs is not cheap. coming up with 800 euros at one time, I start to really question the value of what we are getting. I may actually only plump for mutli day passes this year and enjoy our villa, go to Parc Asterix, venture to the Louvre or Vaux le Vicompte. We will see (though who am I kidding, I am sure I will get snagged).
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo >>>Dave for me as long as they are appropriate for the attraction and maybe use original characters (or characters from that attraction) I don't see the problem. I imagine they'll be like the Mr Tumble (or whatever his real name is) videos at Legoland which really helped to keep the kids entertained whilst waiting in a very long line. Crush could really benefit from this with some shorts based on the Gulls, Nigel and the the Tank Gang, (i.e. the non-underwater characters to keep on theme). You can't really complain about adding toons to a toon attraction!!!<<< No, for that I am ok, or a cars based video in Autopia's queue, fine. But what is happening these days, I fear a series of Woodie's Roundup Cartoons in the Big Thunder Queue, and given TV didn't come around for another 100 year, that is my fear.
Originally Posted By dagobert >>>No, for that I am ok, or a cars based video in Autopia's queue, fine. But what is happening these days, I fear a series of Woodie's Roundup Cartoons in the Big Thunder Queue, and given TV didn't come around for another 100 year, that is my fear.<<< I fear the same, but I hope it's just for the current Pixar attractions. TVs should not be in queues of Fantasyland, Adventureland and Frontierland. Is it really so hard for children and other guests to wait in line for 45 minutes. I have never waited longer at DLRP.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo I have waited longer (we are stuck with the school holidays), but if they make the queues interesting, build attractions with a good capacity, and the queues continually move, then it is not a problem. I really hate the reliance on screens these days (even Transformers and Toy Story Mania). I have a 3D HD TV at home, a wii and a PS3. I don't spend the time and small fortune to travel to a place to look at screens.....grrrrrrrrr
Originally Posted By u k fan >>>No, for that I am ok, or a cars based video in Autopia's queue, fine. But what is happening these days, I fear a series of Woodie's Roundup Cartoons in the Big Thunder Queue, and given TV didn't come around for another 100 year, that is my fear.<<< I agree it needs to be appropriate to the setting, but I think the only attraction that gets long enough lines to be considered where it wouldn't work is BTM. You could add Peter Pan to that, but the queue is a disaster anyway!!!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo >>>You could add Peter Pan to that, but the queue is a disaster anyway!!!<<< Thanks to Fastpass
Originally Posted By dagobert >>>rom a grumpy guy who is not thinking clearly thanks to the car crash and should really be doing something more constructive instead<<< I know it's off topic, but how are you doing. Hopefully you are recovering soon. I read about your crash on FB and on another board.
Originally Posted By dagobert >>>You could add Peter Pan to that, but the queue is a disaster anyway!!!<<< What's so bad about the Peter Pan queue. We have only done it during EMH and so it was always a shortened walk on line.
