tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244647450237014911.post7935035805648231191..comments2024-01-06T19:03:20.285-08:00Comments on Blue Sky Disney: Blue Sky Buzz(Mini Update): Name Calling...Honor Hunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05346050126873050983noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244647450237014911.post-17622631995821338822009-01-08T17:34:00.000-08:002009-01-08T17:34:00.000-08:00Oh, forgot to mention...It's probably for the bett...Oh, forgot to mention...<BR/><BR/>It's probably for the better that the "Urban Entertainment Center" idea for Japan idea was scrapped, as the idea sounds an awful lot like DisneyQuest, which flopped majorly.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244647450237014911.post-74286689701905542652009-01-08T17:32:00.000-08:002009-01-08T17:32:00.000-08:00Nice post Honor!"It appears the current line of th...Nice post Honor!<BR/><BR/>"It appears the current line of thinking is to have the park themed to all the wonders that come out of California and to reflect it in the show details and rides. ... This isn't going to be a park celebrating California, it's going to be a park celebrating "Disney's" California."<BR/><BR/>Does this mean the focus is no longer on Walt Disney the man?<BR/><BR/>"The Imagineers have cut some of these thematic elements so as to have this money available for, say The Little Mermaid ride."<BR/><BR/>I just hope that proposed Partners-style statue is safe; I loved that idea.<BR/><BR/>And on "Carsland"... I'm sure they'll change the name, Honor! They've already changed "Walt Disney Plaza" to Buena Vista Street, and that one's coming out way before Carsland does, whereas "Carsland" sounds like a working title sort of name. I agree with Anon, Route 66 would be better.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244647450237014911.post-27119909387656345232008-12-29T16:10:00.000-08:002008-12-29T16:10:00.000-08:00I agree with Chaddy completely.DCA, Studios Paris ...I agree with Chaddy completely.<BR/>DCA, Studios Paris and HKDL are a mess right now. Their attendance numbers are the lowest in the Disney stable. That is why they are spending HUGE ammounts of money and ALMOST all of their focus on them right now. You don't need to spend a billion dollars on the parks that are some of the most popular in the world (MK, DL, TDL, DLP). <BR/>With unlimited money they would spend equal ammounts on all the parks, but they don't have unlimited money. <BR/>The Walt Disney Co is a publicly traded NYSE company that has to answer to it's stockholders and account for the money that they spend. Bob Iger and his board have to show a return on investment or they will be out of a job. That will be easy with the parks that are doing poorly, but VERY difficult to show with parks that have had VERY high, but mostly flat attendance. If they spent a billion dollars on DL or MK, I doubt that their attendance numbers would move that significantly. I think that was borne out with the BIG redo of Fantasyland years ago.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244647450237014911.post-18995583396973587932008-12-29T15:55:00.000-08:002008-12-29T15:55:00.000-08:00The problem that the Disneyland resort as a whole ...The problem that the Disneyland resort as a whole has with theatre attractions is that there are too many repeat visitors and they only see theatre attractions once or twice. <BR/>I enjoy the Muppets 3D show ALOT, but I don't see the need to go on it more than once a year (and I go to DL or DCA at least once a month). There is VERY little repeatablity in ANY movie attraction whether it is the Muppets, Bugs Life, Mickey, Lincoln, or anything else for that matter. These attractions work better in WDW since there are very few repeat visitors. <BR/>Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders 600,000+<BR/>WDW Annual Passholders <10,000Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244647450237014911.post-37134291499171640802008-12-29T10:32:00.000-08:002008-12-29T10:32:00.000-08:00Spookler are you ever happy about anything in lif...Spookler are you ever happy about anything in life?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244647450237014911.post-87130802448177645462008-12-29T09:28:00.000-08:002008-12-29T09:28:00.000-08:00To the Muppet-hater above:SHUT THE HECK UP AND REA...To the Muppet-hater above:<BR/><BR/>SHUT THE HECK UP AND REALIZE THAT YOU ARE COMPLETELY WRONG!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244647450237014911.post-34048344741099003562008-12-27T18:39:00.000-08:002008-12-27T18:39:00.000-08:00Actually, the muppet special failed to make the to...Actually, the muppet special failed to make the top 20 Nielsen ratings chart:<BR/><BR/>1. "NCIS," CBS, 19.94 million viewers.<BR/>2. "The Mentalist," CBS, 19.31 million viewers.<BR/>3. "Sunday Night Football: Carolina Panthers at New York Giants," NBC, 18.86 million viewers.<BR/>4. "Two and a Half Men," CBS, 17.92 million viewers.<BR/>5. "Criminal Minds," CBS, 15.16 million viewers.<BR/>6. "CSI: Miami," CBS, 14.56 million viewers.<BR/>7. "Without a Trace," CBS, 14.48 million viewers.<BR/>8. "CSI: NY," CBS, 13.38 million viewers.<BR/>9. "60 Minutes," CBS, 13.13 million viewers.<BR/>10. "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," CBS, 12.68 million viewers.<BR/>11. "Sunday Night NFL Pre-Kick," NBC, 12.47 million viewers.<BR/>12. "Worst Week," CBS, 12.04 million viewers.<BR/>13. "Cold Case," CBS, 12 million viewers.<BR/>14. "Biggest Loser 6," NBC, 11.83 million viewers.<BR/>15. "How I Met Your Mother," CBS, 11.37 million viewers.<BR/>16. "The Big Bang Theory," CBS, 11.22 million viewers.<BR/>17. "Ghost Whisperer," CBS, 10.18 million viewers.<BR/>18. "Eleventh Hour," CBS, 10.07 million viewers.<BR/>19. "Million Dollar Password," CBS, 9.58 million viewers.<BR/>20. "Football Night in America Part 3," NBC, 9.4 million viewers.<BR/><BR/>Somehow, I don't find that impressive.<BR/><BR/>As for Youtube, a guy can pee on his cat and get 3 million hits. I don't really think getting looked at on Youtube translates into real popularity.<BR/><BR/>It might also be useful to remember that the Narnia movies made money, but apparently not enough money, so Disney dumped them. I think the Mouse is going to be very wary of investing dollars into something that has only nostalgia going for it, and judging by the Xmas special's lackluster ratings, not very much of that.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244647450237014911.post-86200562301735994132008-12-27T12:27:00.000-08:002008-12-27T12:27:00.000-08:00I beg to differ, the Muppets are on their way back...I beg to differ, the Muppets are on their way back. The make your own muppet at FAO Schwartz is one of the hottest selling toys this year. People are waiting an hour to pay $130.00 for one of these. The Muppet Christmas special on NBC was one of the highest rated shows in its time slot in months. Also, the Muppet skits on YouTube are supposed to be very popular. We should see a major Muppet resurgence within the next few years. This will bring Disney big bucks.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244647450237014911.post-6981465588451644242008-12-27T10:17:00.000-08:002008-12-27T10:17:00.000-08:00Utter nonsense:***I can't see DCA eliminating Mupp...Utter nonsense:<BR/><BR/>***I can't see DCA eliminating Muppet-Vision 3D from their park anytime in the future, especially with the current ultra-heavy marketing and publicity pushes that Disney has been giving to the Muppets lately. And to get rid of something relating to them while in the middle of giving them a HUGE increase in exposure would probably be a bone-headed move.<BR/><BR/>And with that current streak leading to a highly-likely resurgence in popularity for the Muppets, it just might renew interest in their 3D attraction and lead to it recieving increased attendace.***<BR/><BR/>So in other words, Disney should hang onto an attraction that gets damn little attendance because most parkgoers couldn't care less about it, and furthermore should pump more money into a group of faded characters (that Disney didn't even create) that still haven't earned Disney a dime in HOPES they'll turn a profit someday. Instead of spending that money on the parks or in creating a new franchise for itself with original characters. That just makes tons of sense. Sorry for the sarcasm, but get real! The Muppets purchase was by far the most bone-headed thing Eisner ever did, and that's saying something. The Muppets are dead! For proof, did anyone see that lame-butt Xmas special the other day? Weak as hell, with zip charm or humor or anything else the Muppets were known for (20 years ago). And the most profitable character was barely in it! If Disney has dumped Narnia, which DID earn it some cash, then it should certainly mothball those old TV puppets no kid gives a darn about. I still think Disney ought to put Mickey's Philharmagic in the old Muppets theater. The cost would be worth it - that attraction is fabulous (I've seen in many times at WDW, it's a phenomenal crowd pleaser, and is loaded with that grand old Disney magic - and that's what the parks should be about: Disney magic, not the faded memories of a non-Disney TV show from long long ago).<BR/><BR/>Do the right thing, Disney. Dump the damn Muppets and put the money in something more pleasing, more profitable, and more Disney!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244647450237014911.post-85202452257693549952008-12-27T05:44:00.000-08:002008-12-27T05:44:00.000-08:00I don't believe anyone in imaginearing or Disney m...I don't believe anyone in imaginearing or Disney management thinks that Disneyland, or any of the parks for that matter, are "tapped out." Like I said in my first comment above, it looks like management is keen on spending money on where it's needed MOST. And not just money, but alot of money to boot. Why? Because its needed? <BR/><BR/>Why not on Disneyland or WDW? Who says they aren't gonna be investing in those parks? Rumors from Honor and such blessed souls as he say that the situation for all other parks regarding expansion is being "evaluated." So if you take his word for it, evaluated does not mean rejected. If you view the situation from a business perspective, the question comes down to this: <BR/><BR/>"How much do you actually spend on developing parks that are already doing fairly well during a global recession when you are already spending over 2 billion on new construction costs elsewhere?"<BR/><BR/>The answer to that question, according to Honor and others, is being worked out. Do not mistake that to mean, "we don't need to invest in our other parks. We just need to focus only on HK and DCA. That's where the real money is." What exec in their right mind would try to push that agenda in the high-level meetings nowadays under the current management?<BR/><BR/>Like I said before, the situation is precarious, but I believe the current management has a firm grip on the gravity of the current situation. Just because we haven't heard any rumors yet regarding new projects being approved for the other parks doesn't mean that nothing is coming. Based on the 2011/12 timeline, its still too early to reach that conclusion.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244647450237014911.post-30037839752157933982008-12-26T20:50:00.000-08:002008-12-26T20:50:00.000-08:00I hate the name "Carsland" too. Disney should chan...I hate the name "Carsland" too. Disney should change the name of the land to "Route 66" and change the name of the ride to "Carsland" instead of "Radiator Springs Racers"<BR/><BR/>This way, "Route 66" fits into the California theme better. And calling the ride Carsland instantly ID's it as a "Cars" themed attraction.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244647450237014911.post-64292115753958009762008-12-26T14:28:00.000-08:002008-12-26T14:28:00.000-08:00It is simply restoring what was lost. That is the ...It is simply restoring what was lost. That is the precarious situation that Disneyland management is in, and unfortunately I think they are going about it the wrong way.<BR/><BR/>The Sleeping Beauty Castle walkthrough restoration is the right way to go about these things. But it was also relatively cheap to do. <BR/><BR/>A 21st century Submarine Voyage with better technology would have been really something. But I think that the drive to sell plush and create new synergies came before the art.<BR/><BR/>All I want to see is a long-term plan. I want to see Disneyland's Blue Sky Cellar. I'm not impervious to change. I couldn't care less if they bulldozed Small World or Haunted Mansion tomorrow. They are already fully ingrained in my memories. <BR/><BR/>What I want to see a return to Disneyland's place as a world-class theme park. I want to see dual investment in both DCA and Disneyland and I reject the notion that Disneyland is all tapped out.Spokkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03244298044953214810noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244647450237014911.post-68036885603892025772008-12-26T14:03:00.000-08:002008-12-26T14:03:00.000-08:00No Spokker, the reason it came back was because Ba...No Spokker, the reason it came back was because Baxter has been trying to find a way to bring it back. The Nemo angle was the one which seemed to work. While it's not my kind of ride(I would have preferred something more adventure-like along the lines of Atlantis), it's still an impressive attraction.<BR/><BR/>I also would agree with the commentor above, that it is the newest E-Ticket. You can't gloss over an attraction that cost over a $120 million plus as not a new attraction. No matter if you like or dislike the fact it's based on a Pixar film...<BR/><BR/>More stuff is coming. We should here some news about the 55th next year. And remember, next year is only days/weeks away...Honor Hunterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05346050126873050983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244647450237014911.post-58316853751902882992008-12-26T12:58:00.000-08:002008-12-26T12:58:00.000-08:00"The last E-Ticket was Nemo last year."You seem to..."The last E-Ticket was Nemo last year."<BR/><BR/>You seem to forget when the Subs closed for no reason other than Disney's cheapness in 1998. Then the only reason it came back was because they could attach Pixar to it.Spokkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03244298044953214810noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244647450237014911.post-80872632958160420772008-12-26T11:44:00.000-08:002008-12-26T11:44:00.000-08:00Sorry, double post. I forgot to type in my name. ...Sorry, double post. I forgot to type in my name. But, yeah that's my comment above.<BR/><BR/>^^^^<BR/><BR/>Banned for complaining? What is this a dictatorial Disney fan blog? <BR/><BR/>"Disclaimer: Only those that agree shall have their opinions posted. Those that don't agree have invalid opinions and must not be allowed to express themselves here." <BR/><BR/>We all have an opinion my friend. And we all are allowed to express it. That's what's so wonderful about democracy. Doesn't mean you have to agree. In fact, it's great if you don't. Argue your point. State your case. But don't tell anyone to shut-up. That's not how it should be.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244647450237014911.post-52106511756859631842008-12-26T11:39:00.000-08:002008-12-26T11:39:00.000-08:00^^^Banned for complaining? What is this a dictato...^^^<BR/><BR/>Banned for complaining? What is this a dictatorial Disney fan blog? <BR/><BR/>"Disclaimer: Only those that agree shall have their opinions posted. Those that don't agree have invalid opinions and must not be allowed to express themselves here." <BR/><BR/>We all have an opinion my friend. And we all are allowed to express it. That's what's so wonderful about democracy. Doesn't mean you have to agree. In fact, it's great if you don't. Argue your point. State your case. But don't tell anyone to shut-up. That's not how it should be.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244647450237014911.post-28178515304770873692008-12-26T10:30:00.000-08:002008-12-26T10:30:00.000-08:00And another thing...I can't see DCA eliminating Mu...And another thing...<BR/><BR/>I can't see DCA eliminating Muppet-Vision 3D from their park anytime in the future, especially with the current ultra-heavy marketing and publicity pushes that Disney has been giving to the Muppets lately. And to get rid of something relating to them while in the middle of giving them a HUGE increase in exposure would probably be a bone-headed move.<BR/><BR/>And with that current streak leading to a highly-likely resurgence in popularity for the Muppets, it just might renew interest in their 3D attraction and lead to it recieving increased attendace.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244647450237014911.post-26224377281536885192008-12-26T10:24:00.000-08:002008-12-26T10:24:00.000-08:00I totally agree with the first Anonymous' post. Th...I totally agree with the first Anonymous' post. Those complainers should be banned from the Disney fan community forever.<BR/><BR/>Even though Honor Hunter does tend to be a bit of a complainer himself and needs to quit his constant whining about such things as Jay Rasulo, Carsland's name, WDW's current Tiki Room show, etc. and start appreciating them more for what they are, at least sites like this have better heads on their shoulders than MiceAge, Laughingplace.com, WDWMagic, Epcot Central, Re-Imagineering, etc. ever will in a million years.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244647450237014911.post-77673056947773474492008-12-26T10:22:00.000-08:002008-12-26T10:22:00.000-08:00"It's already happening in my opinion."I'll agree ..."It's already happening in my opinion."<BR/><BR/>I'll agree that WDW always seems to be the last to get new attractions, but I think its jumping the gun to say that it and Disneyland are getting left behind NOW because with the exception of part of the pier in DCA, not even that park's or HKDL's expansion is fully off the ground....yet. As we have heard time and again, mainly from Honor, the plan for all the parks to have their most fruitful season seem to point to the 2011/12 time frame. So there is still time for plans to expand WDW and Disneyland to be approved.<BR/><BR/>Wishful thinking you say? Not if you consider the fact that management has ALREADY approved over 2 billion dollars worth of expansion projects to be ready by that time frame in HK, Cali, and Hawaii. 2 BILLION... In a global recession no less. Why spend so much money? Because they know that they need to. AND that the resession will probably be over by then. Are they under the mistaken impression that they don't need to invest so heavily in WDW and Disneyland by that time? We'll have to wait and see. But I think it comes down to more of determining which plans go forward and which don't. With DCA and Hong Kong it was easier. Which plans go forward? All of em, because those places need it. It's not so cut and dry with the other parks. Do they need expansion? Sure, but how much do you actually spend on developing parks that are already doing fairly well during a global recession when you are already spending over 2 billion on new construction costs elsewhere? Good question. They are probably still sorting out the answer. And we will find out their solution soon enough. But, it still is not too late to make plans to open new attractions in any of the parks by the 2011/2012 timeframe.<BR/><BR/>And we need to remember, these are just rumors anyway.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244647450237014911.post-27063335054583489592008-12-26T01:29:00.000-08:002008-12-26T01:29:00.000-08:00Rumors? You mean like when he mentioned that ther...Rumors? You mean like when he mentioned that there would be a Mickey Mouse on the Sun Wheel? Or when he announced that the new water show was going to be called Disney's World of Color when Al Lutz and others were still calling it Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color? That kind of rumor? I tend to find Honor's Blue Sky Buzz reports far more accurate than most other sites. Keep up the work and don't mind the cranky naggers that troll these sites just to complain all the time HH!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244647450237014911.post-80429756999079091612008-12-26T00:44:00.000-08:002008-12-26T00:44:00.000-08:00The last E-Ticket was Nemo last year. Quite wanti...The last E-Ticket was Nemo last year. Quite wanting everything now, Now, NOW! Spokker, Disneyland's very lucky to have Tony Baxter in charge. From what I hear, you'll be getting a lot of tlc by the time the 55th rolls around. Can you wait that long without whining, Spokker?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244647450237014911.post-69655231062841774032008-12-25T15:29:00.000-08:002008-12-25T15:29:00.000-08:00"Hopefully the other parks don't get left behind o..."Hopefully the other parks don't get left behind on the development side of things during the process of fixing up the struggling parks."<BR/><BR/>It's already happening in my opinion. WDW is in the worst shape. I have no clue they are thinking running that circus down in Florida.<BR/><BR/>DCA is the only American park with a long-term plan. Where is Disneyland's long-term plan? The last E-Ticket was Indiana Jones in 1995. Where are the plans for Tomorrowland? Where are the plans for the lifeless areas of the park that badly need refurbishment? <BR/><BR/>Instead of investment they are talking about entertainment cuts at Disneyland. Expect to see a lot of cast members laid off, and not just seasonal types. Entertainment is the first to take a hit, but I wonder how far the recession virus will spread.<BR/><BR/>To make up for the cuts they are practically giving the park away in 2009 with this free birthday admission nonsense. Please, they are cutting off their nose to spite the face.<BR/><BR/>Disneyland is the last Disney park that needs cuts right now.Spokkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03244298044953214810noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244647450237014911.post-81937778682081849442008-12-25T13:45:00.000-08:002008-12-25T13:45:00.000-08:00Thank you for sharing Honor. It's interesting for...Thank you for sharing Honor. It's interesting for us Disney park fans to watch this truly unique time in the parks' history shape and unfold, isn't it?<BR/><BR/>Right now, it seems that top management is seriously intent on repairing the damage done to it's struggling parks that debuted under Eisner's last half decade, before moving forward with blessing it's better performing parks with new goodies. Did you catch those news stories coming out of the Chinese papers reporting the 650 mil (USD) the Disney company is spending on expanding HKDL by 2011 without a cent of that money being invested from it's partner, the Hong Kong government? <BR/><BR/>So with DCA's confirmed budeget of 700 mil (according to Honor) and HKDL's 650 mil, even during a recession Disney is investing nearly 1.5 billion on improving just TWO of it's eleven parks (9 if you don't count Tokyo). That's impressive. Hopefully the other parks don't get left behind on the development side of things during the process of fixing up the struggling parks. But if the new management is the type of team who is willing to spend that kind of money on embellishing just two parks, I am fairly confident they have a solid idea of the need to give their imaginears some serious cash to bring the people into the parks.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244647450237014911.post-8861510783482190822008-12-25T13:33:00.000-08:002008-12-25T13:33:00.000-08:00Honor Hunter is a nice guy and his blog is fun to ...Honor Hunter is a nice guy and his blog is fun to read, but remember these are just rumors.Spokkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03244298044953214810noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244647450237014911.post-79741502778951689022008-12-25T13:21:00.000-08:002008-12-25T13:21:00.000-08:00I am really sad to hear the walkway around the fun...I am really sad to hear the walkway around the fun wheel wont be built. How much could that really cost to build? I would take that over an update to the muppet building for sure.<BR/>~Disney VaultAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com