Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 So we have reached that big day ... yeah, I am talking about Thursday (or the day we Lost fans spend dicussing the meaning of whatever we saw last night) ... but at WDW, they are in the midst of wrapping up their week long (well, it depends on the media outlet as to how long their 'version' of the magical junket actually has been) whorefest that leads up to tonight's party premiere of the AIE. On that front, I will give Disney kudos for having a parade open to paying guests of all the Idol 'celebs' this afternoon. Too often, Disney forgets the guests who actually ... well, pay to get in their parks vs. the folks they wine and dine and attempt to buy. Interesting aside that Kelly Clarkson, one might argue the only real talent Idol has found in its years of puke-inducing TV karaoke, will be the only one not there. I know she has tried to distance herself from the franchise that 'made her a star' but one must wonder if the fact she is playing at Universal's Mardi Gras next month across town also played a factor. I am sure Leemac will have all the poop ... I mean, scoop on that front. But I'm guessing by now you're asking why the hell am I reading this? ... uhm, no, of course not. You're much too nice to ask that. What you are asking is just what is Disney attempting to sell to the media in hopes of getting great coverage from this event. After all, what does Disney have that is new in 2009? Well, a kind soul dropped me a note earlier as to what kind of things Disney is pushing this week to media outlets... some things: Kim Possible; 2001 parade redressed/MK celeb street party; DVC with tours of all THREE projects currently under construction; New rooms and pool area at CBR (seriously); New dining options like the Wave; and ...? That's about it. Sure there's plenty of food and drink. A nice dinner was thrown at the BW. But as to attractions? The future? WDW's 40th? 2010? Anything? No ... nothing on those fronts as Disney pushes it's Celebration theme. Apparently, comped tix, balloons and karaoke and timeshare somehow equate with substance if you've had a healthy dose of pixie dust. At least that's what Iger, Rasulo and Co hope. I can recall being a guest at a similar Spirited party way back in 1990 ostensibly to open the Disney Dolphin and welcome the Muppets to the Disney fold... in those days Disney loved showering visitors with free food and booze, but they also showed/previewed/announced those pesky little things that people actually travel to WDW for ... you know ... attractions. I guess when it comes to WDW today, karaoke and timeshare are reasons to celebrate. Thoughts ...
Originally Posted By danyoung I'm not at all surprised that Disney is NOT doing anything really major right now. In fact, if I were a stockholder, I'd be pretty pissed that they were spending money on new attractions when we don't have a clear idea when the downturn in the economy is going to end. Sure, their 2009 hotel numbers are slightly up, but they had to give away 3/7 of their inventory to do it. It's not the right time to be announcing big new stuff. Just keep the current stuff up and running (and DON'T cut back too far on maintenance and cleaning!). Oh, and for someone who doesn't watch the show, you're coming down pretty hard on many AI singers that are pretty spectacular. I'm speaking of singers like Melinda Doolittle, current champ David Cook, Broadway star and Academy, Grammy & Tony award winner Jennifer Hudson - the list could go on. Sure, there are some average karaoke singers (anyone remember that cute chick from Hawaii?). But there are quite a few who can really belt it out. You should watch sometime - this year looks to be a talented crop.
Originally Posted By sjhym33 Disney is certainly short sighted. Now would be a great time to announce some new attractions, a new land for the AK, a new country in WS, a ne E-ticket to swallow up the barren wasteland of Pooh's playground. I have always been a fan of Universal Studios. I was concerned when NBC purchased it and the going idea was they would do nothing in the parks and perhaps sell them off. I give them a lot of credit with the upcoming Harry Potter area. I was out there a couple of weeks ago and the new coaster looks great and the Simpsons was a nice redo of BTTF. Disney could learn something from Universal
Originally Posted By vbdad55 David Cook is very talented - I like his stuff--- and although I can't stand country music - I will give Carrie Underwood her due - she is wildly popular and very easy on the eyes ! Jennifer Hudson proving more talented than I thought she was at the time...
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 Ah Danny, nice to see you. I would have dumped my stock in Disney last fall when it was over $35 (oh wait, I did ... mostly). But I, obviously, disagree with you on investment. If WDW had been steadily investing in its parks over the years, then I might agree ... but Disney's 'tude hasn't been to invest. The MK has become a stale, pale shadow of itself. EPCOT (MK as well) has vast dead zones. TPFKaTD-MGMS is just a mess of stuff tossed around with no thought. DAK still feels fresh, but has had major ops issues under its newish VP. As I've said in numerous other threads (MPIerce will give an exact count if needed), Busch and Universal are investing billions in Orlando while Disney is acting more conservatively than Sarah Palin. Labor, construction, materials can all be had on the cheap now ... and if you invest you give people reasons for coming. But what if Disney does nothing more than what is there now? If it's stale in 2009, and has been for years, what's it going to be like in 2011 when they decide to ignore the 40th (or mark it with retro merchandise and LE pins instead of the $300 million Fantasyland project WDI was pushing for)? What about if nothing major is added until 2012 ... or 2015? Or beyond? When you sit on your asses and add very little of substance (beyond DAK) for years when times are good, it really puts you in a tough position now. When even a rightwing redneck wackjob from TEXAS agrees with me largely on this (shout out to MPierce ... get up from your nap, old man!) it tells you how far Disney has fallen. Oh well, like I said I can simply go to other Disney resorts around the world instead or Uni and Busch parks in Florida or just non theme park destinations. But my pull to WDW has really started to pass because of the constant WalMarting. I find that sad because that's MY home resort. That's the place that turned me on to the pixie dust. As to Idol, a friend of mine loves David Cook and is going to see him tomorrow in Tallahassee (supposed to meet him too as well). I wouldn't know him if he were standing in front of me. As to Hudson, I wasn't aware she came from Idol, but she's definitely talented. But I won't be watching ... although I would PAY to see you perform at the AIE!
Originally Posted By vbdad55 As to Idol, a friend of mine loves David Cook and is going to see him tomorrow in Tallahassee (supposed to meet him too as well). I wouldn't know him if he were standing in front of me. he's more rock than pop- so air time is going to be much less
Originally Posted By Sport Goofy << Disney could learn something from Universal >> I think Disney has learned from Universal that every attraction needs to be a movie tie-in.
Originally Posted By dshyates And when they retooled Earthquake they REMOVED a movie tie-in. The other 2 attractions without a franchise tie-in are the Monster Make-Up Show and Animal Actors. And when they built IOA they built an entire land (Lost Continent with 4 attractions) none with movie tie ins. But alas 2 of those will be rethemed to Harry Potter. But Sinbad and Poisidon's Fury will remain.
Originally Posted By Sport Goofy ^^ So, you think a steel coaster that dwarfs everything else in its environment would fit into a Disney park? Maybe that's what EPCOT needs is a rollercoaster over ther rooftops of World Showcase. It's not really that far-fetched in the current environment. Give people what they want . . .
Originally Posted By dshyates "So, you think a steel coaster that dwarfs everything else in its environment would fit into a Disney park?" Whaa???? Where did I say that? All I said is it doesn't have a movie tie in. I didn't even say it was a good addition, but I do think its a good addition for where they put it in Production Central there. And the new Hollywood Bowl looks great. I could have done without it over that little bit of NYC that it goes over, but I love that its running out to the CityWalk Lagoon. But I am a coaster junkie, and I think that US is one of the more static parks, so I think that haveing the motion and the screaming will add a much needed kenetic energy that the old Boneyard lacked.
Originally Posted By MPierce >> When even a rightwing redneck wackjob from TEXAS agrees with me largely on this (shout out to MPierce ... get up from your nap, old man!) it tells you how far Disney has fallen. << Boy are we ever out of sync on this one. I think WDW should continue to sit on their hands while spiking food, and beverage prices sky high. If they really want to stir some excitement why not announce their plands for the Grand Floridian DVC. That AIE is going to pack them in. I've always loved the idea of the guest entertainiong other guest. I really think the restaurants should learn a lesson from this. Why not let the guest wait, and bus their own tables, and cook their own food. Man I would pay even higher food prices for that experience. UNI, what a bunch of fools they are. Who in their right mind is going to spend good money on Harry Potter, when WDW has AIE. Everybody with any common sense knows you rely on your past reputation in the theme park, and entertainment business. People like the tried, and true classics, even if they are a little run down. New, and innovative ideas, that's just an overrated joke as far as I'm concerned.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<I think Disney has learned from Universal that every attraction needs to be a movie tie-in.>. I think that's the first time you've made me laugh ... well with you anyway!
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<So, you think a steel coaster that dwarfs everything else in its environment would fit into a Disney park? Maybe that's what EPCOT needs is a rollercoaster over ther rooftops of World Showcase. It's not really that far-fetched in the current environment. Give people what they want . . .>> You do realize that one of WDI's 'brilliant' ideas was to place a giant steel rolley coaster around The Land pavilion (outside) earlier this decade, right?
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 Mr. Pierce may be off his meds -- and clearly pixie dust doesn't work anymore -- but the dude is on top of his LP game ... no doubt about it!
Originally Posted By Sport Goofy << You do realize that one of WDI's 'brilliant' ideas was to place a giant steel rolley coaster around The Land pavilion (outside) earlier this decade, right? >> Yes, I do realize that. More than likely inspired by the types of attractions being built down the road. Anyone that thinks competition in Orlando has been good at stimulating new attractions in Disney's parks needs to have their head examined.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 ^^I don't blame WDI's lack of creativity or even being able to come up with a decent idea on the competition ... but thanks again for another laugh.
