If there is already one good thing to say about Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, scheduled to kick off on May 5th, it is that the music merchandise is out of this world awesome. First there is the incredible collection of albums being put out by Randy Thornton, who is interviewed in the 2nd issue of… Read More »Success at Disneyland already
While speculation continues as to the future of the Disney/Pixar relationship, there is no doubting the power the name Pixar has earned in the market. Just look at this webpage that tracks all the merchandise that is available for The Incredibles. Btw, the Pixar website for the last film under Pixar and Disney’s current contract… Read More »The Incredible$?
Disney themeparks around the world are now flooded with signage and merchandise (see the LaughingPlace Store for the best selection) to honor Disneyland’s 50th anniversary. But the one collectible publication everyone will need this year isn’t even produced by the Walt Disney Company. Nope. It’s issue two of the new magazine Tales from the Laughing… Read More »New Laughing Place Magazine
Steve has posted the latest Walt Disney World CM free gift. It’s a poster celebrating the 50 years of themepark dominence by the Walt Disney Company. Topped by the original park, Disneyland and including the four other locations around the world that Disney has expanded this concept. I note a few errors here. First Disneyland’s… Read More »Pic of CM only poster for Disneyland’s 50th Celebration
Despite improved attendance numbers, apples to apples profit numbers reveal that the parks are having their worst years since the 80s. I’m sure the number crunchers up in Burbank have better models than me, but since you asked… the company is now reaping what it has sowed. The 90s were supposed to be the Disney Decade at the Themeparks. Instead we saw cuts in attraction budgets, a reliance on the cheaper (sometimes! remember the expensive mistake that was Light Magic) entertainment, cuts in training, and an across the board slashing of maintenance budgets. Not only has this resulted in death and injury at the theme parks, but it affected Disney brand as the top quality family entertainment vacation destination.
Planning a vacation to Disney World soon and want to know if there will be a strike when you get there? You might want to call Disney and let them know you expect them to settle with the unions and preserve your vacacation.
At lot of the talk around the union is that why would someone working at the park making $7.00 an hour want to strike. Do they expect to earn a living working at Dumbo or the fast food counter. The reality is no. They do not. Most are part time employees, people who are supplimenting their income, or dedicated Disney fans of some sort. These employees probably didn’t even vote in the election, and if they did they were probably among the ‘yes’ votes as their income would be severly impacted by a strike.
My sense is the people who voted no on this contract are the people who have the highest skilled jobs (some require special training or licenses). These positions include Bus Drivers, Characters, Housekeeping. Their pay scales have been structured in such a manner that if you work 4-5 years in a position you’re now earning what could be a decent wage ($13-$15/hr). If you throw in a little overtime and have two wage earners in the household you could even do quite nicely in parts of Orlando/Kissimmee.
Children’s Place does hope to open up a Disney Store Outlet chain which would be a driver for growth while decreasing the need to liquidate inside the main retail stores. Some things that will not change is that the Disney Store will continue to sell adult merchandise as well as theme park tickets. Over on… Read More »Disney Store, further analysis
CBS Marketwatch has an article with some more detail on the licensing of The Disney Store to The Children’s Place chain. This is the first time I’ve heard that analysts blame the profit-loss on inexperience at Disney. I think they’re wrong. Experience can be hired and absorbed. What got Disney Stores in trouble was the… Read More »More on Disney Store Licensing