Originally Posted By WDWFigment <<<<I would have rather had a second ride, myself. I don't want to see the 'magic' ... how things are done. When I finally got walked off DL's Mansion about 3-4 years ago, I kept my eyes straight down at all times. Just not interested in taking the magic away ... but I would like to see a MAGIC lose a few posters to the LP (wanna bet how long it takes for this to get to Steve's inbox?) ~Hello, Ghosts!~>>> Wow, the Grinch has a heart! I feel the same way regarding the "magic" (I doubt I could do one of the more "backstage" tours). Still, I don't understand why there's this big pissing match between you and "magic" (since custom is that we can't call it by its name). I plan on posting freely between both sites. If that gets me kicked off either, so be it. As for Sport Goofy's comment, I don't buy it. Articles of that nature often conflate "sales and revenue" for profits. Recent acts of Universal (permits for individual stands, etc.), to me, are indicative of profits being specifically derived from merchandising. A lot of it may be given to JK, but I don't buy that all of it is. If you have an actual source that indicates otherwise, I will admit that I'm incorrect.
Originally Posted By TTA <<As for Sport Goofy's comment, I don't buy it. Articles of that nature often conflate "sales and revenue" for profits. Recent acts of Universal (permits for individual stands, etc.), to me, are indicative of profits being specifically derived from merchandising. A lot of it may be given to JK, but I don't buy that all of it is. If you have an actual source that indicates otherwise, I will admit that I'm incorrect. >> I'm not sure how in depth Blackstone's financials are (if they just lump in the Uni P&R into one, or itemize it), but their upcoming financial statement release may give some more insight into this.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<I reeeeally hope Disney starts to compete...and Universal continues to raise the bar. >> Kind of a sad statement when you think about it. Worse, I'm not sure TDO gets it, despite Potter's early, but thus far incredibly positive effect on attendance and spending, performance. I've heard there's a lot of denial, excuse making and just plain ignoring what's happening down the road going on ... because they truly think coloring with princesses, a nicer Fantasyland dark ride and two Dumbos are the answer. ~What kind of meds are they on?~
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Wow, the Grinch has a heart! >> I've always loved the Grinch. <<I feel the same way regarding the "magic" (I doubt I could do one of the more "backstage" tours).>> I have done backstage tours before, some official and some with CM friends. And I am interested in reading how the magic is made ... but when Mansion stops mid-ride, I don't want my illusions being ruined. It isn't that interesting. I remember walking almost all of the SWA track in Anaheim a few years back with the lights on and it really wasn't pretty. <<Still, I don't understand why there's this big pissing match between you and "magic" (since custom is that we can't call it by its name). I plan on posting freely between both sites. If that gets me kicked off either, so be it. >> There is no urinating contest between myself and any Disney site. I have tried to post there and it just doesn't work for me. It always gets bitter and nasty and there are far too many folks there who worship at the altar of Mickey and don't want to talk about things rationally. I've been labeled a 'basher' or a 'hater' and I don't have the time or desire to keep repeating the same crap. The bottom line is this is the place I feel comfortable because folks don't attack each other, even if they disagree. It's more adult and mature and there's no 'Disney can do no wrong' mindset. <<As for Sport Goofy's comment, I don't buy it. Articles of that nature often conflate "sales and revenue" for profits. Recent acts of Universal (permits for individual stands, etc.), to me, are indicative of profits being specifically derived from merchandising. A lot of it may be given to JK, but I don't buy that all of it is. If you have an actual source that indicates otherwise, I will admit that I'm incorrect. >> I think it's pretty safe to say that everyone from JK to UNI to WB are making loads of cash right now off the WWoHP. Much like say the Star Wars franchise makes money for Disney etc. ~It's Time To Forget The MAGIC!~
Originally Posted By leobloom >> It's more adult and mature and there's no 'Disney can do no wrong' mindset. << I guess I should take my fuzzy Mickey toilet seat cover and get lost.
Originally Posted By TTA <<Worse, I'm not sure TDO gets it, despite Potter's early, but thus far incredibly positive effect on attendance and spending, performance. I've heard there's a lot of denial, excuse making and just plain ignoring what's happening down the road going on >> Sounds like TDO has a drinking/drug problem. Spirit, did you coin "inoverherheadmeg"? If so, these past few months show truth in that statement greatly.
Originally Posted By WDWFigment <<<Much like say the Star Wars franchise makes money for Disney etc.>>>> Perfect example. No way HP isn't making NBC/Blackstone/whomever money. It most definitely is profitable. Highly.
Originally Posted By fkurucz <<I've heard there's a lot of denial, excuse making and just plain ignoring what's happening down the road going on >> Sometimes the trouble comes from the top. A popular "philosophy" in Corporate America these days is that business units have to fund themselves. In other words, they can't count on the regular profits they generate for Corporate to be reinvested in the business unit. Need 500 million to renovate one of the parks? You'll need to provide that yourself (hint: more cost cutting). I am guessing that this is why we are seeing half hearted, inexpensive attempts to draw people in (i.e. color with princesses). Corporate is hogging all the profits and using it to either buy back stocks or to invest in "profit centers" (i.e DVC and hotels). I'm certain that they see the parks as "cost centers" and there's only one thing you do with a cost center: you cut costs.
Originally Posted By Sport Goofy << Sometimes the trouble comes from the top. A popular "philosophy" in Corporate America these days is that business units have to fund themselves. In other words, they can't count on the regular profits they generate for Corporate to be reinvested in the business unit. Need 500 million to renovate one of the parks? You'll need to provide that yourself (hint: more cost cutting). >> That's a pretty accurate statement to reflect Disney parks current situation. The biggest distinction you can make from that statement and previous years is that there is no longer a highly profitable studio to fund investments in parks any more. Studio entertainment has been anemic for years since the decline of the VHS and DVD cash cow that funded everything in the late 80s and 90s. It was the studios that funded all of the Disney park adventures in the 50s, 60s, and 70s, too. They were never a profitable enterprise as a standalone venture.
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>Kind of a sad statement when you think about it. Worse, I'm not sure TDO gets it, despite Potter's early, but thus far incredibly positive effect on attendance and spending, performance. I've heard there's a lot of denial, excuse making and just plain ignoring what's happening down the road going on ... because they truly think coloring with princesses, a nicer Fantasyland dark ride and two Dumbos are the answer.<<< But if they make excuses now, how will they deal with the facts when Q4 earnings come in? That'll hopefully change them up.
