Disney Parks laying off 28,000 cast members

[skeeter31]

Where did I say I preferred Universal to Disney, Thrill rides are not my thing. Periodic 'upset and spin/stall recovery training' in the Cessna provides far more than enough excitement for me.

As to their new park no it's not on indefinite hold as earthwork etc continues but of course they can't plan an opening date until Covid is eliminated as a threat and of course they are not moving on the property across I-4 but they really had done nothing but survey's there when Covid hit. So the park will open in phases, nothing wrong with that strategy it's a better one than STOP EVERYTHING until the earnings sheet is buffed up. because they will have things to open while Disney who went FULL STOP on everything so their financials would look better is pushiing dirt for 2-3 years.

That property across I4 is Epic Universe. The park is going to be across I4 from where UO is. They will not open the new park in phases, it will open all at once as it is a new theme park and it won’t open with just 1 land. But by shutting down all construction and even stating on their last earnings call that the park is shelved indefinitely, it won’t be opening for most likely 5-7 years from now (instead of 2023 when it would have opened without COVID).

 

[RivShore]

Disney parks has had a desperate 'going out of business' vibe for a long time, This time they might actually succeed.

We really shouldn't feed the troll but when they talk such crap, it's hard not too.

Pre-Covid (since you said "a long time") Disney has put more dollars into park expansion than anyone the last few years. Does that sound like they are going out of business? Guest counts and spending have been up year after year. In fact, they keep increasing ticket prices, in part, to drive down attendance and increase guest satisfaction and yet the people keep coming. Does that sound like they are going out of business?

With the money Disney has put into park improvements the last few years, they literly could have bought Six Flags Corp 12 times over!!

Here's some facts from a few years ago, not that I expect you to read and comprehend them:

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive...a/disney-invests-billions-in-theme-parks.html
Some exerts:

Each of Disney’s six theme park resorts around the world is undergoing major expansion, along with Disney Cruise Line. Michael Nathanson, a longtime media analyst, estimates that Disney will spend $24 billion on new attractions, hotels and ships over the next five years. That’s more than Disney paid for Pixar, Marvel and Lucasfilm combined.

Disney faces an enviable challenge: Even with steady price increases for peak periods — single-day peak tickets at Disneyland in California now run $135 — visitor interest often exceeds capacity at some properties. “You can only let so many people in a park before you start to impede on satisfaction level,” Mr. Chapek said.

 

[New Mouse]

I actually disagree on the merch. Clothing maybe yes, that can be hit or miss in quality but I think merch has improved the last few years. Maybe 4-5 years ago everything was very basic and every store had the same exact stuff. These last few years more and more different items and variety in stores has been happening.

Variety yes...i noticed resort specific and location specific made a come back... quality, not so much.

 

[New Mouse]

Then go make the argument where Disney will find it, because it's not clearly not here.

Youd be surprised.

 

[RivShore]

Oh really?
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.wesh.com/amp/article/universals-epic-universe-on-hold/33474939Disney also hasn’t gone “full stop” on everything. The Epcot construction is still happening, they still working on Tron, GOTG and Ratatouille in WDW, and they’re also still working on Avengers campus in Disneyland.

So what has Disney completely cancelled since Covid? Per some above, everything is at a full stop. I can only think of Reflections being actually permanently cancelled.

 

[rteetz]

So what has Disney completely cancelled since Covid? Per some above, everything is at a full stop. I can only think of Reflections being actually permanently cancelled.

Epcot plans have been scaled back. No Poppins, SSE refurb on indefinite hold, spine project going through changes. Reflections is cancelled, 50th plans scaled back.

 

[mshanson3121]

The indefinitely closed ride spaces, poor maintenance, rides that break frequently, understaffed locations, worn/broken furniture and fixtures in the resorts. How does that not feel like 'going out of business' except for the exponentially increasing prices as you point out.

So....why are you here if you hate Disney so badly and feel their doom is so imminent?

 

[RivShore]

Epcot plans have been scaled back. No Poppins, SSE refurb on indefinite hold, spine project going through changes. Reflections is cancelled, 50th plans scaled back.

So the only full stops are Poppins, SSE refurb and Reflections. All the dozen or so other improvements and additions are still on, some with changes brought on by Covid. But someone keeps saying it's all at a full stop??

Oh, and I just stumbled across this - there is still and awful lot going on...

https://www.clickorlando.com/news/l...still-coming-despite-pandemic-executive-says/

 

[Eric Smith]

So the only full stops are Poppins, SSE refurb and Reflections. All the dozen or so other improvements and additions are still on, some with changes brought on by Covid. But someone keeps saying it's all at a full stop??

Oh, and I just stumbled across this - there is still and awful lot going on...

https://www.clickorlando.com/news/l...still-coming-despite-pandemic-executive-says/

I don’t know that I would call the SSE refurb a full stop. They’re going to have to do that at some point. I think Mary Poppins and Reflections are totally dead.

 

[Kimpossible1]

So what has Disney completely cancelled since Covid?

My job!!

 

[jkh36619]

Thats exactly my point and Im glad youve all come around through your defense. Six flags and disney both currently offer mainly rides. Most of the experience that disney sells is out the window for at least the next year. When it comes down to it, both places generally offer a different type of rides, but six flags does offer significantly more. The better bang for your buck right now is six flags, the only difference being Disney has 4 parks for an extended vacation.

By all means, enjoy your week long Six Flags vacation.

 

[New Mouse]

By all means, enjoy your week long Six Flags vacation.

Enjoy your 1/2 day with the 6 rides at Animal Kingdom.

 

[rteetz]

Enjoy your 1/2 day with the 6 rides at Animal Kingdom.

I’ll take this battle all day everyday. Animal Kingdom is a full day park now and it has been. Animal Kingdom arguably has more right now than the other parks.

 

[New Mouse]

I’ll take this battle all day everyday. Animal Kingdom is a full day park now and it has been. Animal Kingdom arguably has more right now than the other parks.

Sure, if youre using a walker and the hours are shortened to 10am to 5pm.

If Animal Kingdom is currently an all day park, Busch Tampa is a 2 1/2 day park.

 

[rteetz]

Sure, if youre using a walker and the hours are shortened to 10am to 5pm.

If Animal Kingdom is currently an all day park, Busch Tampa is a 2 1/2 day park.

I’m a marathon runner so I’m certainly not using a walker.

 

[disneygirlsng]

Sure, if youre using a walker and the hours are shortened to 10am to 5pm.

If Animal Kingdom is currently an all day park, Busch Tampa is a 2 1/2 day park.

If you are only spending a 1/2 day in Animal Kingdom then you are not doing everything. I could easily spend an entire day there and not get on one ride. There are far more than just rides there, but if you're going to try and make a point at least do it accurately, there are more than 6 rides there. Trying to compare any Disney park to SF is just laughable.

 

[SmartyBacon]

If you are only spending a 1/2 day in Animal Kingdom then you are not doing everything. I could easily spend an entire day there and not get on one ride. There are far more than just rides there, but if you're going to try and make a point at least do it accurately, there are more than 6 rides there. Trying to compare any Disney park to SF is just laughable.

Heck, I've spent an entire day at AK and not left Nomad! I get the argument about the rides but AK has so much to offer beyond that.

 

[AvidDisReader]

I’m a marathon runner so I’m certainly not using a walker.

Ryan - I am so slow on the uptake, but love the new Avatar, did not really care much for the last one.

 

[firefly_ris]

I'm no kool aid drinker, but it's not Six Flags by ten miles, and we were Six Flags APs last year when it was actually open. But I also don't think comparing them makes sense to begin with. They're different types of animals.

 

[New Mouse]

If you are only spending a 1/2 day in Animal Kingdom then you are not doing everything. I could easily spend an entire day there and not get on one ride. There are far more than just rides there, but if you're going to try and make a point at least do it accurately, there are more than 6 rides there. Trying to compare any Disney park to SF is just laughable.

Sorry 7 with the kiddie ride in Dinoland. 6 when Kali goes down for the season.