Universal and Sea World: Could They Take the Florida Tourism Market?

For those interested in the business side of things, or as I like to call it "playing the home game", here is an interesting article from Chad Emerson at the Blooloop.com blog. He poses that Sea World and Universal could give Disney a run for it’s money in the next few years because they have new offerings for guests and rely less on bus transportation (i.e. have less property to cover). It is a well reasoned and interesting argument and article.

I have to agree that there is a possibility that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Sea World’s new water park Aquatica may shorten some folks stays at Walt Disney World. They are a less expensive alternative to the Disney parks. However, I would be surprised if travelers to Orlando did not go to Disney World at all during their trip. I think that most people agree that over the next year (or until the recession is over), the pool of people actually making the trip to central Florida will shrink due to higher gas prices and fewer flights into the local airport. If the price is right at Sea World and Universal, these parks may have a bit of an edge over Disney. However, Mr. Emerson and I both agree that this is not likely, particularly over the long haul.

For those actually going to Orlando, the reality is that Disney has the better product. Universal is good for a day or maybe two and Sea World is a day but the two parks do not constitute a week’s vacation, even with the addition of Aquatica. It is in my plans to go to Universal just to see the Wizarding World once that opens because I am a Harry Potter fan and love the idea of visiting Hogsmeade and Hogwarts; but I am not operating under any sort of delusion that this will be as magical as it might have been if the Imagineers got a crack at it. I am excited to see what Universal does with this amazing opportunity. This is their chance to do a “Disney Job” on their park and Harry has an edge to it that Disney generally lacks and this is where Universal succeeds, think Halloween Horror Nights.

Furthermore, for those of us reading every scrap of information on the web about Disney (or is that just me?) Disney is rolling out new attractions, just over the next five years not the next two years. If anyone caught Honor Hunter’s article this week on what Disney has in the pipeline, there is a lot of cool stuff in the works. A total refurbishment of Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom including a new Little Mermaid attraction and Epcot is supposed to be getting a new E-Ticket ride. Hollywood Studios is getting the most work with a whole new land “Pixar Place”, Star Tours will be showing version 2.0 and there will be several new smaller attractions in the park. There is also that persistent rumor of a fifth gate: Night Kingdom/Jungle Trek, whatever you want to call it for now, this high end experience is going to be interesting.

Although all of these attractions will not open quite as quickly as we might like, with the exception of American Idol, I haven't seen any definitive time lines for anything. I do think that they will continue to keep the parks fresh and keep casual visitors feeling like they have to go to Disney World for a vacation. For the rest of us, do we really need an excuse?

What do you think?

Diz News - Wednesday 8.27.08

The “Suite Life” on the Wonder

The “Suite Life with Zack and Cody” crew is on deck on The Disney Wonder August 28 - 31, to premiere the series spin-off: “The Suite Life on Deck”. All of the actors that play the main characters will appear, including Cole and Dylan Sprouse and Phil Lewis. On Decks 9 and 10 on Friday, the world premiere will take place with the red carpet, a party and screening of the show.


Extra Magic Hour Wristbands to be Disbanded

Disney will be getting rid of the wrist bands that were used to signify resort guests eligible to attend Extra Magic Hours in the parks. Now guests will just be asked to simply show their “Key to the World” card in order to gain admittance to attractions during evening Extra Magic Hours. This will allow guests who are not staying on property a chance to stay in the parks to enjoy restaurants and shopping.


Ed Catmull Wins Pausch Prize

The first annual Randy Pausch Prize from Carnegie Mellon University's Entertainment Technology Center will be given to Ed Catmull. The award “honors entertainment industry experts who embody his interdisciplinary spirit.” Ed Catmull is the co-founder of Pixar. He also created the “computer graphics laboratory at the New York Institute of Technology and the computer division of Lucasfilm Ltd.”

Closing of 5th Ave. World of Disney and Treehouse Villas Arrive

Disney announced that they will be closing their four floor, flagship World of Disney Store after it’s lease runs out in 2010. For anyone who hasn’t been there, this store is in the heart of shopping area of New York. Surrounded by the flagship stores of every fashion designer you can think of, Apple and FAO Schwartz; it is four floors of Disney goodness, not terribly unlike the World of Disney store in Downtown Disney in Walt Disney World. The thing that makes this store special, beyond the fanciest staircases in New York, is that they have free character meet and greets for people in the store. When I was there a few weeks ago the princesses were out in force and kids were loving it. There was almost no line and patrons were able to really spend time with the characters and get autographs and pictures taken. Disney has said that they will be looking to possibly relocating the store to Times Square or Soho.

Link


DVCNews is reporting that the new Treehouse Villas are due to be delivered this week to the area near the Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa. Certain areas including the main gate at SSRS will be closed to driving traffic so that the prefab units can be delivered. No word yet as to what resort the tree houses will be a part of or if they will be a separate entitiy altogether.

Third Quarter Earnings Up as Expected and Big Changes at the Caribbean Beach and A Different Offering in the Dining Plan

Disney posted their third quarter report today and as predicted they had a 8.5% rise in profit. This increase in profits was largely due to strong performances in their media areas of the company.

Now this is interesting. For those of you playing the home game, the Caribbean Beach Resort at Walt Disney World has been getting a much needed face lift. Which I think is a good thing as there have been several tour guide books that have described it as a Florida retirement community. The pool has been gutted and the rumor is that it will be redone with a Pirates of the Caribbean theme. Most of the rooms at the resort have been done over with a Finding Nemo theme. The Orlando Sentinel reported today that the Trinidad South Village Area will be rethemed to the Pirates of the Caribbean. The plan is for 384 of the rooms in this area to get this theme with beds shaped like boats, dressers that look like chests and Pirate themed curtains. You can see concept at the link below. In addition, on the WDW Radio Show this week, Lou Mongello reported a rumor that some of these Pirates themed rooms will be remade over into family suites, not unlike the ones at the All Star Music resort. Only time will tell if this will happen. The overhaul of the Caribbean Beach resort is expected to be completed some time next year.

Disney also announced a quick service based dining plan with two counter service meals and two snacks per night of your stay along with a refillable drink mug. There was no information about the cost for this plan.

Link to Orlando Sentinel Article

The Wave Gets Lots of Press

The Wave a new restaurant at The Contemporary Resort is Disney World's latest fine dining restaurant. The restaurant is getting a lot of press due to the design, one website stated that it looked like the writer's parent's basement in the 70s. Press is also buzzing about the fact that the wine bottles are not corked but have screw tops. The restaurant is highlighting this choice along with some of the foods that they are serving to highlight some "green" choices. While the main focus seems to be on the wine, I can't wait to hear what people think about the food. If anyone has had the chance to dine here we would love to hear your opinions.

More Miley Troubles and Armored Car Robbery at Grand Floridian

Several foreign news agencies - News Australia and E Canada Now, among others - are reporting that Disney is going to remove Miley Cyrus from the spotlight as a result of here recent controversies. E! online, however, is reporting that Ms. Cyrus will continue to work for
the Mouse at least during her upcoming scheduled, and no doubt contractual, appearances, particularly at the Disney Games this weekend.

An armored car was robbed at the Grand Floridian on Wednesday. One man was arrested and two others were being questioned in what the Orange County Sheriff's office is calling an "inside job". The sheriff's deputies were called to the scene around 3 am after an undisclosed amount of money was stolen from the vehicle while a drop off was taking place.

Ghost Building at Pop Century

This one made me both fascinated and sad. It is video footage of the as yet unbuilt Pop Century Legendary Years Resort. I didn't realize that the buildings were already built. I wonder when they'll finish this one?

Link

Disney Celebrates, Creates Magic for One Family and Makes a Big Announcement

Today marks the 10th Anniversary of the Animal Kingdom Park. There will be several ceremonies and goings on throughout the parks today. WDWcelebrations.com is spearheading the fan turnout with their own magic.

Disney will also crown it's first ever DreamCMO today. As I was writing this, Justin Muchoney, was named the first ever DreamCMO in a ceremony in front of Cinderella Castle. Justin hails from Seven Fields, PA.

Disney Cast Members created some real magic for a Massachusetts family today after they waded and sorted through a mountain of trash to find a wedding and engagement ring accidently thrown away by one visiting family. Dad had accidently thrown away mom's rings not knowing that they were in a cardboard cereal bowl at the Wilderness Lodge. Seven
volunteer employees and executive housekeeper Drew Weaver waded through the garbage and found the ring before the family left Disney Property. This to me the real Disney Magic, the castmembers! Way to go Wilderness Lodge Staff!!

Happy Earth Day!

Disney made a huge announcement this week, they are starting a new movie production banner, Disneynature. Many sites are saying that this is in response to the success of March of the Penguins. Not just for movies this arm of the Disney company will cover publications,
park initiatives and educational outreach. While it is not in the press release I think that this banner will also be used for some of Disney's conservation efforts.

Jury Finds Guilt in Tea Cup Trial and Fort Wilderness Facelift

Victoria Walker was found guilty of battery in the case of the line altercation on the Mad Tea Party. She was found not guilty of assaulting a child and the charge of attacking Amy Krause, was less than the original charge of aggravated battery. She faces up to a year in prison.


Fort Wilderness will be getting a face lift. The camp ground at Walt Disney World has virtually been the same since it opened in 1972. New “premium campsites” will be retro fitted to accommodate RVs that are longer and have slide outs. The pool will also get a water slide,
children’s play area and hot tub. The cabins have also been “freshened” with new linens and some new furniture. All areas are getting additional picnic tables and grills.

Imaginerds Pay Homage to the Treehouses

The Geeks over at Imaginerding have written a most interesting homage to the soon to be demolished tree houses near Downtown Disney. If you have never seen them you should take a look at the photos of these really neat hotel options, if you have seen them then it will be a chance to say goodbye. On a personal note, we saw them at night on the boat from Port Orleans to Downtown Disney this Christmas and the college students that were staying in them had all of them decorated with lights. At night they were just magical. Sadly, we've never had the chance to
stay in them.

Link

Walt comes alive at the Library and Even Disney Cannot Escape Politics

The Kansas City Star is reporting the Bill Worley, a local historian, will be playing Walt Disney. Walt lived and worked in KC from 1919 to 1923 where he worked for the Pesmen-Rubin Commercial Art Studio. He later founded Laugh-O-Gram Films in KC.

Former New York City Mayor and presidential candidate Rudy Guliani made a campaign stop at Walt Disney World. He spoke at the Coronado Springs Resort to a National Troopers Coalition.

Mermaid and DVC at Contemporary

OK, so I jumped the gun a wee bit on the reviews for Little Mermaid, last Thursday. While the opening night reviews were good, the ones the next day namely those for the New York Post, Clive Barnes, and Ben Brantley from the New York Times (who likes nothing) have totally panned the production. Now, I have not seen the show, I live approximately a million miles away from the Great White Way, just kidding. I will refer you to Jim Hill’s article that he wrote about the production which has some spectacular photographs and an interesting take on the show.

The Orlando Sentinel is reporting that there is some evidence that the Contemporary is getting a 15 story DVC property. The resort is supposed to open in 2009. Disney has not confirmed this story but there is wide spread agreement that it won’t be confirmed until the Saratoga Springs and the Animal Kingdom DVCs are closer to being sold out. Permits filed with the Reedy Creek Improvement District are filed under a fictitious name associated with the DVC and an environmental consultant is quoted as saying that the building is a proposed DVC property.

100th Marathon, Mom's Panel, Dining Plan Dilemma and Mania

This weekend 51 year old Debbie Lazaroff of Jackson, Michigan will run her 100th Marathon! She has run all 14 Disney marathons and plans to run a marathon in each state. Go Debbie!!

Yesterday at 2pm the Disney World Mom's Panel launched its site. If you go to you can pose a question to these knowledgeable moms and one dad! Some questions appear, at least they did yesterday, to be being answered live. You can also rate their answers as to their helpfulness to you.

Jimhillmedia.com is reporting that Disney World has had some bumps in implementing the changes to the dining plan. Guests and CMs working in restaurants are reporting concerns particularly in the tip not being included in the package. Guests are being encouraged to report any feedback to Guest Relations.

Finally, the Orlando Sentinel published pictures of the new Toy Story Mania attraction scheduled to premiere this year in the Hollywood Studios.

Adults Only at V&A's, Disney Teams Up with Indian Film Company, National Treasure Book of Secrets #1 and MGM is Now HS

The AP is reporting that Victoria and Albert's, Disney World's highest rated and most expensive restaurant has now banned children under ten years old. With meals starting at $125 per person I can't imagine wanting to take a child to this swanky establishment.

Netcot.com is reporting that Disney will soon announce an agreement with India based film company, Yash Raj Films to create one animated film per year with the characters voiced by Indian movie stars.

National Treasure: Book of Secrets continued to be number one at the box office this weekend earning an additional 20.2 million.

And finally, today marks the official date of the name change of The Disney MGM Studios to Disney's Hollywood Studios! You will find all official stuff has already been changed and new signs are up.

Disney Hotels on "Green List"

Walt Disney World Hotels: Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground have been listed on Florida's Green Lodging program. The Green Lodging program sets a standard for conserving resources, preventing pollution and other environmental guidelines. The changes that these particular hotels made were using low flow toilets, conservative fixtures, energy efficient lighting, paper recycling and using enviromentally safe cleaners.