Originally Posted By HokieSkipper So, yesterday Disney released it's third quarter earnings, and things were sky high. Bob Iger talked about how DLR and DCA are doing gangbusters, TDR has recovered and then some from last year's disasters, Hong Kong marked it's first quarter of profits, and the cruise line is over the moon. But he didn't say a word about WDW. And why is that? Well, it's probably because WDW is severly (for it, anyway) under performing. Domestic park attendance is up 1% for the quarter containing the busiest months of the year. But with DCA's exploding attendance, that number should be higher. Why isn't it? Probably because WDW's numbers have decreased. And then room occupancy has decreased 1.5%, while Iger said DLR and cruise occupancy numbers are "significantly higher" than WDW's. So attendance and occupancy are down from normal Disney levels. Now, before you all spout off at me for being negative, know that I view this as a GOOD and hopeful event. For the past week or so I heard rumblings that things were "changing". I viewed it as wishful thinking. Not after these numbers. After this I believe we're going to see a very fun 4-5 years in WDW, to go along with the very fun 4-5 years we're getting from Universal. Talk of a DHS expansion is gaining steam, and management seems to be really pushing for it. EPCOT is also being looked at for help, and a few MK classics could get substantial (and good) changes. Just wanted to share with everyone.
Originally Posted By dennis-in-ct I wonder how Paris did with it's numbers. I always hear how attendance is up but the money is still not there. What's up with that
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper Paris had a 4% rise in revenue, I believe. Good...but still needs to be better.
Originally Posted By Goofyernmost WDW's revenue was probably brought down by those damn refillable cups! ;-)
Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt I believe that those numbers are for April, May, and June. DCA "reopened" on June 15, so I don't really think that the Great Cars Land Attendance Explosion can be factored into that 1% increase.
Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt "After this I believe we're going to see a very fun 4-5 years in WDW, to go along with the very fun 4-5 years we're getting from Universal." I think you're probably right about this. There are plenty of indications that Disney has its Imagineering hat on straight (at last!) and is finally starting to deliver again. I'm hopeful.
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper <<I believe that those numbers are for April, May, and June. DCA "reopened" on June 15, so I don't really think that the Great Cars Land Attendance Explosion can be factored into that 1% increase.>> Iger talked heavily about DCA's numbers regarding this quarter. That's what I'm going off of.
Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt I'm sure DCA did relatively well during the quarter, however the huge increases that are a result of Cars Land (some reports say that the park is actually drawing more guests than Disneyland on some days) can't possibly be in the report for the third quarter earnings. Unless DCA is dragging down DL and WDW performs poorly this summer, the US attendance ought to be pretty strong for the fourth quarter.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 it was the first thing I thought of when I went thru the press release also Hokie. they gambled $1B on DCA and have come up 7-7-7. Now's the time to sink some of the park profit into WDW....it has been waiting patiently. I'm hoping they see the investment- return picture the same way. and please don't pour it into Avatar
Originally Posted By sjhym333 I would scatter a couple of major attractions in EPCOT, AK and MK but would love to see them dump some major money in the Studios.
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper As much as I hate to say it, Avatar is going to happen one way or the other. I think we could see a major addition added to the Studios before it, though. Studios is the most susceptible to losing people to Universal/SeaWorld. Then I think EPCOT would get its turn along with Avatar.
Originally Posted By RoadTrip I sincerely hope that the next release of Avatar totally bombs (sorry Mr. Cameron) and Disney quietly forgets about an Avatar addition to the AK. AK NEEDS another land. Avatar is not it!!
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper ^^^I agree with you, but I think it's getting to the point where it's too far along to die. Still, I have hope that the DHS additions will be something everyone can get excited about, and that something will also happen at EPCOT.
Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt DHS could seriously use a DCA style makeover. I sincerely hope it happens.
Originally Posted By magic0214 With the new news that Kathy Magnum has transferred over to WDW...I am sticking by my prediction that Backlot Tour and LMA will leave and Monsters Inc land will take its place. Happy she is coming though, love her creations and excited to see what she brings! Also, I am actually looking forward to Avatar. Yes, I would rather have Beastly Kingdom, Australia, or anything else for that matter...but the world is so expansive and beautiful, and after the greatness of Carsland and that intricate environment, I am optimistic on Pandora
Originally Posted By mrkthompsn Please don't say Beastly Kingdom. There's solid reason it was never built: it would suck.
Originally Posted By magic0214 I totally realize BK will never come, but I would have rather had a mystical animal theme instead of a mystical animal from one movie theme.
