Local news is reporting a fire at the Magic Kingdom in the complex that houses the Tiki Room. The fire was in the attic of the building and was extinguished by sprinkler system. Nearby attractions in restaurants have been evacuated, No injuries have been reported.… Read More »Fire Reported at Magic Kingdom Tiki Room
Apparently the New York Times quoted my article published November 28th, 2010 where I was reacting to the news that while Universal Orlando was having a banner year, Walt Disney World actually decreased in attendance. Here’s the full context:
The first was an Orlando Sentinel story on the flat attendance at Walt Disney World. I have to think that given the poor state of the economy, Disney would have been happy to have not lost any ground. But the reality is Disney did lose ground to Universal Orlando (despite their attempts at hiding the figures). Harry Potter is drawing guests away from the mouse house and Disney still has no answer lined up. That’s very troubling.
I then went on to talk about how Osceola County can capitalize on increase in attention that’s coming Central Florida’s way with LEGOLAND Florida and the Orlando Thrill park.
Like Disney states in the NY Times article, I believe that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a net gain for Orlando tourism business. Unlike Disney World officials, I do believe that there is a high risk of guests shifting their attendance to Universal away from Disney resulting in a net-loss for Disney. Universal is already siphoning off the teens and twenty somethings and LEGOLAND Florida threatens to do the same for the 6 to 10 year old set.
Look at all the Hogwarts scarfs and t-shirts you see next time you’re at WDW. Those guests all visited Universal before coming to Disney. The money they spent there on broomsticks and Butterbeer will not be spent on mouse ears and popcorn. That doesn’t include the guests who are spending a day or two at Disney and then visiting Universal. I can’t understand why Disney doesn’t appear to be worried.
Read More »Does Disney World have an answer for Universal Orlando?
A Federal Judge says that a woman who claims a Disney World cast member dressed as Donald Duck groped her can proceed with her lawsuit. I’m not a lawyer, but I fail to see how this case can be tried in Pennsylvania since the alleged… Read More »Lawsuit against Disney for Donald Groping Case Allowed to Continue
When I lived in Southern California during the 90s there were a few weeks where you knew it was going to be crazy busy. As a regular you just altered your plans, perhaps taking in a few more shows than usual or eating at off… Read More »Expect Crowds at Disneyland and Disney World
The 33 heroes who survived survived 69 days trapped in a mine in Chile will be coming to Walt Disney World for a free vacation with their families. The trip will occur at the end of January and includes complimentary rooms, admission, and spending money.… Read More »Chilean miners get trip to Walt Disney World
Has anyone ever told you you look a lot like (insert Disney character here)? Do you enjoy entertaining others and have a lively and sweet-hearted nature? Now might be your chance to work at the most magical place on Earth. Walt Disney World is holding… Read More »Disney Auditioning Princesses, Princes, and Fairies
The Disney Parks blog recently announced that February 11, 2011 will be the last day to visit Mickey’s Toontown Fair. That’s nice information to have for those planning vacations. Unfortunately, you really have to plan more than 6 months out these days just to get… Read More »Fantasyland Expansion impact on Magic Kingdom will be huge
Even though I was giving myself a little holiday from the blog this weekend, two stories caught my eye. The first was an Orlando Sentinel story on the flat attendance at Walt Disney World. I have to think that given the poor state of the… Read More »Disney World Flat, Kissimmee Depressed and Depressing