Originally Posted By dshyates A lot of people talk like it is a personal thing between some of the guys at Comcast and Disney. I believe that Universal recognizes that through Disney's own arrogance, their core audience is not happy with the lack of substantial additions and mindboogling price increases. They are looking for new compelling attractions, and since Disney has shown their hand as nothing but strip mining their guests wallets with nothing to show for it but a plastic bracelet and access to exactly what they had access before MM+. A lot of people are asking WTF?
Originally Posted By oc_dean Hans, I 'get' your every argument ... including us fans with the colorful set of words regarding the "Uni vs. WDW" and all ... but let me say this though - We all want to see WDW improve. Over the years, it seems the powers-that-be don't give a flying (you know what)! They don't care. Makes absolutely no difference what the fans or general tourists say. But what we do know what they do respond to - Competition. All businesses hate it. But us fans always thought - "How could they ever be competition for Disney. They are MILES ahead of everyone else." You've been saying it. I've been thinking it all along myself, and hordes of others. So, why is it though .... Disney MGM Studios popped up out of the Florida everglades slightly ahead of Universal's arrival to the east coast? What about the timing of DAK and Islands of Adventure? We think Disney doesn't have competition, but the heads in Burbank seem to worry about it. So, if 'competition' is the only thing that will make the powers-that-be 'react' .... then that puts a more legitimate light .. on all these discussions about "WDW vs. Uni". Our question for years has been - What's it going to take to see our favorite theme park destination in Florida to improve? We really want to see it. It's been too long! The answer - Universal turning up the heat. Kevin Yee did a very interesting column at Micecage a few years ago. Discussed in detail how Eisner was never "Revolutionary" ... he was "Reactionary". Eisner didn't want to react to fans directly. But he sure did REACT to new theme parks being built around his! Fascinating read, no doubt.
Originally Posted By Mickeymouseclub Orlando sentinel just posted a business article tonight...Universal to add thousands of hotel rooms . Let the battle begin!
Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt "...their core audience is not happy with the lack of substantial additions and mindboogling price increases." The price increase are definitely mindboogling. "Let the battle begin!" <a target="blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://s3-ec.buzzfed.com/static/enhanced/webdr06/2013/8/2/9/anigif_enhanced-buzz-29091-1375450298-5.gif">http://s3-ec.buzzfed.com/stati...98-5.gif</a>
Originally Posted By mrkthompsn ""The cherry picked which neighboring attractions to combat (mini-golf and dinner shows got the Disney approach, while they skipped go-karts and the like)"" They skipped go-karts and went straight to a ~full scale raceway~... and DisneyQuest. OK Everybody, get back on subject: Dwarf mine train. How fun! My kiddos will love it.
Originally Posted By Indigo I'm looking forward to solid coaster that's right-sized fun for those who have outgrown Barnstormer, but are still working up to Space Mountain. There's room there for a coaster. As for WDW vs. Uni. I keep an eye on one leading indicator that tells me which park is pulling ahead at the moment - and I believe Disney really cares about, or should - how many tourists visit Uni before they visit Disney. It's pretty simple to observe. Sit somewhere on main street/discovery island/fountain plaza/by the BAH and count how many guests are wearing recently produced merchandise from Uni when visiting Disney. Every hat, t-shirt, or harry potter robe is money directly out of Disney's pocket. I don't think Disney really cares that much if you spend a day at SeaWorld or Universal at the end of your trip. By then you've already spent the vast majority of your vacation budget with them. Plus having Orlando internationally known as a family vacation destination benefits Disney (those marketing dollars go a lot farther when its true). This leading indicator was most obvious right after Harry Potter opened. Main Street looked like Hogsmeade on during a Hogwart's field trip. The density of Harry Potter merchandise has diminished, but as of late, the park has been full of Minion merchandise. If Universal was paying attention, they'd figure out more ways to spread the Despicable Me love around. Perhaps a stage show or 4D motion simulator. Disney needs to put some of that next-gen facial recognition technology to work identifying Universal Merchandise in the parks. The goal is to offer something something new and exciting enough that makes guests want to stay with Disney first. Because, based on Uni's plans for the next few years, it's going to be Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings as far as the eye can see for the foreseeable future.
Originally Posted By phruby >>If Universal was paying attention, they'd figure out more ways to spread the Despicable Me love around. Perhaps a stage show or 4D motion simulator. The minor stuff is there BECAUSE of the new 4D motion simulator ride based on Despicable Me.
