Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<I am lookin for Jeb. Do any of yall go by that name around these parts?>> No, he's been keeping a low profile since his bro left DC. Can you blame him? <<you boys never mind me cause I must be in the rong parts. Im fixin to cut out of this town right fast anyway>> Oh good ... I was afraid you were a troll sent by WDW's Social Media Department since this thread is the most newsworthy (on soooo many levels) on any Disney forum right now. Say hi to Jeb on your way out and tell him we're much happier with Charlie in Tally!
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Completely possible but I can only go by our track record. TSMM was the fastest major attraction to be greenlighted in recent history - and that still months (and over two years from the "go" to build out). Management loved TSMM and it was pitched very well by Tom and the two creators Kevin Rafferty and Rob Coltrin (the latter is an exceptional blue sky conceptualist). I just don't see Mermaid jumping from Blue Sky to Approved in that time but it will depend on the next executive committee meeting in the summer - if it gets on the agenda then it has every chance. However I'd be disappointed if they only approved Mermaid which was a part of a much bigger project and I'm certainly that the placement of Mermaid solus would result in taking the expansion pad that would have been the entrance to the new FL expansion.>> Well, I've been working some Spirited lines of communication today (in between a fun few hours with the dentist!) and it sounds as if as many folks believe Mermaid is a done deal as those who believe nothing will happen. So, I guess we are at a stalemate. But I am almost of the mind that I'd rather not see Mermaid if it isn't part of the $500 million whole F-Land/TTF project. The MK has in every real sense been ignored completely since T-Land 1994. PhilharMagic, stolen from HKDL, wasn't a major addition no matter how popular. And let's not even talk about swapping AE for SGE or Timekeeper for MILF. And of course those are all swaps anyway ... when's the last time MK got an ADDITION (and some would even argue this since 20,000 Leagues was replaced by nothing)? 1992. Check the date. It's 2009. A whole generation is about to come of age without having seen the world's No. 1 theme park add anything of substance. What an indictment that is of management and the way they view the park. Doubt that'll be in any press release. <<I should add that a lot will depend on the Q3 numbers - they are looking horrific at the moment so unless June becomes a stellar month expect to see revenue down substantially at WDP&R although they could hold on to occupancy rates (which will demonstrate that Revpar is in the toilet).>> It's easy, even in this economy, to put up decent occupancy levels when you give it away ... <<That said every single business unit will be down - especially the Studios where I'm told Dick Cook is fighting for his job. If G-Force isn't a hit I'd expect to see him retire in the fall. >> Considering how many quality people have been shown the door, it wouldn't surprise me. Although I hate to pre-judge anything G-Force just looks like total crap ... but who knows I've heard the 90210 Paris Hilton Dog film wasn't nearly as bad as it appeared it promos. <<I've even heard Ed Catmull being touted as the new studio head for live action and animation. Dick should never have kicked Touchstone into being a second tier wing of the Studios. Disney needed them to help defray the enormous fixed costs of running a studio. And it is right for Disney to be making entertainment for everyone - not just families. I'd expect that course to be reversed if a new studios boss comes in.>> Agreed again (this is scary!) ... Disney can't be all things to all people ... something Eisner learned the hard way ... but Touchstone was very important to Disney. To just focus largely on families is a mistake. A big one.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<That said every single business unit will be down - especially the Studios where I'm told Dick Cook is fighting for his job. If G-Force isn't a hit I'd expect to see him retire in the fall. I've even heard Ed Catmull being touted as the new studio head for live action and animation.>> <<YES!! Best tidbit I've come across in weeks! Thanks, leemac, for making my day.>> Yep ... just to clarify ... while I like Dick and think he's largely done good things, I'd absolutely love to see Ed running the whole ship. If there's one thing that's been proven abundantly clear over the past decade, it's that while Pixar has many of the same issues other creative companies do, they also have shown the knack for not letting any of them prevent them from making amazing films that are hits both creatively and financially EVERY time out of the gate. The more Pixar power at Disney, the better. I'll take Pixar's culture over Disney's recent one anytime ...
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Goodness Lee, did they not have you sign a confidentiality agreement when you went to work for them?>> Please shhhh ... we'd like real solid information from the inside. (Besides, it ain't like Disney didn't screw Lee over on Tales with D23 anyway ...) Is it better to have misinfomation spread anyway? Because that's what's happened in the fan community for far too long ...
Originally Posted By MuscleShoalsMadman ^^^^No, he's been keeping a low profile since his bro left DC. Can you blame him?^^^ hey partner, you must be one of them there comedions. but thats ok cause this here is one tuff cowboy who can restle with the best of em.
Originally Posted By MuscleShoalsMadman ^^^^Oh good ... I was afraid you were a troll sent by WDW's Social Media Department^^^ now i done told you already bout actin all comedeon on me. you best take a nap
Originally Posted By leobloom >>Say hi to Jeb on your way out and tell him we're much happier with Charlie in Tally!>> God, that's the first positive comment I've heard about Charlie Crist in ages. He can't lose his bid for Senate soon enough!
Originally Posted By HMButler1979 And while were talking about bad decicions, can someone explain just who is responsible for the HORRENDOUS for the new Mannheim Steamroller/Nintendo music for the "new" ELP?
Originally Posted By leemac I completely forgot to comment on the purchased FP concept. HKDLR decided against utilizing the Celebrate Today theme for this year (I don't know the reason why) but they did decide to trial the Star Guest Program. Basically it was designed to recognize every guest as a VIP at the resort. Guests could collect stickers and badges (buttons in US-speak) that would identify the Star Guest and cast members were trained to greet and welcome them. In addition there were three chargeable programs: Star Pass - Essentially a Gold FASTPASS which gave special privileges to the main shows and FP attractions. The price was HK$80/120 depending on the day (c.$10/15) per person. Star Finale - A nice reception with hors d'oeuvres and desserts in the Opera House prior to the fireworks and then access to the train station to watch them. It was a fun experience - and awesome place to watch the fireworks even though it rained all day when I was taken through the program when I was out there in April. The cost was HK$198 (c.$25). A nice touch was the Dapper Dans coming to perform for the party. Star Tour - Tailor-made tours of the ark which also included front-of-line entrance to most attractions. Participants also got a Meet 'n' Greet with characters (we had Mickey and Minnie to ourselves in Mickey's House but I know they used other characters too). The tour guide we had was exceptional and she handled the horrific weather (it basically rained all day) and kept changing the schedule to suit. The cost was HK$1200 per tour (up to 4 guests). At $150 it was a little pricey but if the park is busy you get a lot done. I suspect WDW is considering replicating the Star Pass concept although I'm certain with more FP attractions at WDW they would increase the cost. Media/VIP are often given an unlimited FP that allows holders to get FPs immediately at every attraction and that could be the alternative.
Originally Posted By DlandDug >>Tailor-made tours of the ark...<< I thought the ark was on top of a mountain in Turkey... All kidding aside, I really doubt a FP-for-pay system as described would go over well at the DLR in Anaheim. At WDW, I really couldn't say-- the experience there has been so devalued over the years that I half expect them to do almost anything, as long as there's a dollar sign attached. But the very large (and vocal) local base in Anaheim is not nearly as complacent.
Originally Posted By CaptainMichael Unfortunately, guests at WDW will pay for FP because they are easily fooled. If not, the kiddos will while until they get them. Ah, the power of marketing. FP is a lie. Get rid of it please.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Reading eddie's thoughts, I wonder what he would think about the way they have destroyed Main Street in DLP. It is not as bad as WDW, but they are following similar paths.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<God, that's the first positive comment I've heard about Charlie Crist in ages. He can't lose his bid for Senate soon enough!>> Compared to his predecessor the man can do no wrong. But I go this thing about Bushes (ask old man Pierce when he wakes from his nap!)
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<And while were talking about bad decicions, can someone explain just who is responsible for the HORRENDOUS for the new Mannheim Steamroller/Nintendo music for the "new" ELP? >> Haven't heard it, but it is supposed to be the Tokyo DreamLights music. I can't see getting bent out of shape over it ... we're talking about a parade that should have been retired 15 years ago to start with. And it appears that this is what they're going to return to DL next year for its 55th ... and when last I heard (Leemac or anyone else feel free to correct me) they had cancelled any plans for a new parade for the anniversary. Parades are expensive ... what can you do?
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<I completely forgot to comment on the purchased FP concept. HKDLR decided against utilizing the Celebrate Today theme for this year (I don't know the reason why) but they did decide to trial the Star Guest Program. Basically it was designed to recognize every guest as a VIP at the resort. Guests could collect stickers and badges (buttons in US-speak) that would identify the Star Guest and cast members were trained to greet and welcome them. In addition there were three chargeable programs: Star Pass - Essentially a Gold FASTPASS which gave special privileges to the main shows and FP attractions. The price was HK$80/120 depending on the day (c.$10/15) per person. Star Finale - A nice reception with hors d'oeuvres and desserts in the Opera House prior to the fireworks and then access to the train station to watch them. It was a fun experience - and awesome place to watch the fireworks even though it rained all day when I was taken through the program when I was out there in April. The cost was HK$198 (c.$25). A nice touch was the Dapper Dans coming to perform for the party. Star Tour - Tailor-made tours of the ark which also included front-of-line entrance to most attractions. Participants also got a Meet 'n' Greet with characters (we had Mickey and Minnie to ourselves in Mickey's House but I know they used other characters too). The tour guide we had was exceptional and she handled the horrific weather (it basically rained all day) and kept changing the schedule to suit. The cost was HK$1200 per tour (up to 4 guests). At $150 it was a little pricey but if the park is busy you get a lot done.>> Interesting. I never saw a need for any FP at all at HKDL ... I am trying to recall if I even used it at all (perhaps, for Buzz Lightyear once). Even on a moderately busy day, I just didn't see long waits ... the worst was 45 minutes for Pooh, which I opted to skip. On the subject of HKDL, more interested in whether they are actually getting anywhere in expansion plans. A kind spirit forwarded some info from Disney and More site that said basically they were ready to add Frontierland, including a mine train ride (sound familiar?) but that it appeared nothing was gonna happen this summer ... everything I have heard (and this is a bit old now) suggested that expanding Adventureland was the direction expansion was gonna take ... so I'm wondering if this is true and a cheaper option or if it is simply blue sky rumor. <<I suspect WDW is considering replicating the Star Pass concept although I'm certain with more FP attractions at WDW they would increase the cost. Media/VIP are often given an unlimited FP that allows holders to get FPs immediately at every attraction and that could be the alternative.>> Well, I firmly believe if they could charge for the drinking fountains and restrooms in Orlando, they would. There is such a pervasive feeling of being constantly nickel and dimed to death (good thing I have my 1997 refillable mugs! ... where's New Orleans Nikki?)
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<All kidding aside, I really doubt a FP-for-pay system as described would go over well at the DLR in Anaheim. At WDW, I really couldn't say-- the experience there has been so devalued over the years that I half expect them to do almost anything, as long as there's a dollar sign attached. But the very large (and vocal) local base in Anaheim is not nearly as complacent.>> I'm not sure there even is such a thing as a local fan base in Orlando anymore. It's not like the one in Anaheim that's for sure. It's not the family that has roots in say Garden Grove, Corona, La Feliz, Artesia or Huntington Beach that goes back decades and decades. People that have been coming to DL for generations and continue to do so or their children and grandchildren and great grandchildren do. I think many of those 'oldtimers' did exist in Central Florida in the 70s and 80s and maybe into the 90s. But then the sprawl that Disney brought started adversely affecting quality of life and many of them started seeing Disney as a very poor corporate neighbor. Many moved away ... many just stopped visiting regularly. Now, they were replaced. Often by folks who visted a few times and decided to move to Orlando because 'WDW is there' ... but those folks aren't the same as Anaheim's fans ... or the original WDW fanbase ... both groups were conditioned to a higher quality product. But I'm sorry ... I digressed. ... I'll blame it on our 100-degree weather! Why do I feel it's worth braving earthquakes and Sarah Palin to head for Alaska now?
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Reading eddie's thoughts, I wonder what he would think about the way they have destroyed Main Street in DLP. It is not as bad as WDW, but they are following similar paths.>> Yeah. I never saw it at its best, but it still exudes so much more charm and sense of place than Orlando. Orlando's Main Street just reeks 'outlet mall' with facades now. The sad thing is there is so much wasted space as well (but that is common throughout WDW). I remember them getting over 93,000 people at MK on NYE in the early 80s (may have even been 1980). Today, you get half that and the park feels unbearable in places.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 Been going over a lot of my 'Disney clutter' in my free time of late and came upon Steve Birnbaum's 1985 WDW guide. If you don't think that MK (and EC ... and DD) have been significantly dumbed down, I'd invite you to find a copy of the official guide and look for yourself. While there are some specific examples I will try and bring up here over the nexe few weeks (in between work, life and trip planning!) the overall issue that comes to mind immediately is that WDW used to be such a much deeper experience. It wasn't WalMart ... it wasn't McD's ... It was pure Disney, but it most definitely was NOT about the Disney brand. That's how WDW has changed the most (and for the worst IMHO). EVERYTHING now is about branding Disney. That's why you can't have a deluxe resort that doesn't have Obvious Mickeys in the carpeting and everything else. That's why you can't have MK entertainment that doesn't involve foamheads. That's why you can't have a shop that doesn't sell Disney crap. It's all homogenized to a LCD degree. And, yes, that makes it a much lesser product. BTW ... trivia time (and I didn't know the answer to this one myself). In 1985 there was only ONE place to dine with characters in all of WDW. Any guesses?
Originally Posted By bayrr326 Spirit, I remember getting my Official Guide every year and reading it over and over again. Looking for the new info. I remember they would sometimes publish when there when certain attractions would be down for rehab. I used to keep them. I got rid of them years ago, along with my Disney magazines. Wish i still had them now. I am with you in that alot of people have no idea how immersive and alive the Magic Kingdom used to be. I remember playing on TSI and getting Lemonade at Aunt Polly's. Now there are just drink machines and last time we were there they weren't even working. Hell, I don't know why they don't at least have someone working an ODV cart there. You would think mgmt wouldn't miss an opportunity to make money selling alot of drinks, ice cream and popcorn but it is that shortsightedness that plagues WDW mgmt. I saw some Frontierland Woody merchandise in one of the Frontierland shops recently and I was like this is cool and then saw that it was actually DLand merchandise. I rarely buy any merchandise at MK. I would love to buy a BTMR, HM or SM shirt if they had one worth a damn or at all. The only reason Splash has shirts is because they hope that you might buy one cause you get soaked. If it wasn't for the retro Epcot shirts and the marked down stuff at the outlets i wouldn't have bought anything since I moved here 3 1/2 years ago. I have been going since 1985 and the MK has lost its soul.
