News Round Up 2017

[jlundeen]

I guess I would agree that people weren't spending for extras as much, if the resorts weren't so full...the discounts offered this year for fall and late fall are tiny, and have practically zero availability. If people are not spending on things, I would think that would be reflected in resort occupancy, especially at the Deluxe level.

 

[atricks]

Strong rumor circulating that suggests Universal will announce the immediste closure of Fear Factor Live for the Ministry of Magic to open along with the Dragon Challenge replacement in islands.


Announcement could be very soon.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

It possible but I feel their focus will be on Minnie Vans for now.

Just feels like biggest plus of the express transport was skipping security at the second park - which the MinnieVans don't address. Be great if they could figure out something - almost like give you the equivalent of a TSA pre-check or something

 

[TheMaxRebo]

I guess I would agree that people weren't spending for extras as much, if the resorts weren't so full...the discounts offered this year for fall and late fall are tiny, and have practically zero availability. If people are not spending on things, I would think that would be reflected in resort occupancy, especially at the Deluxe level.

I think some of it isn't the extras themselves but the cost of those extras - like the parties have really gotten expensive - at some point people say it just isn't worth it. And with the express transport, after paying for the hoppers themselves for a family of 4 to pay an additional $120 when they aren't sure if/when they will use it is a bit to ask

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Strong rumor circulating that suggests Universal will announce the immediste closure of Fear Factor Live for the Ministry of Magic to open along with the Dragon Challenge replacement in islands.


Announcement could be very soon.

Interesting - I always was picturing the MoM being the center point to a third HP land in the new third gate (non-water park)

Hmmm, do we know the theme of the replacement for Dragon Challenge? Wonder if it could be like the floo system since that was a big way people traveled to the MoM

 

[LSLS]

I guess I would agree that people weren't spending for extras as much, if the resorts weren't so full...the discounts offered this year for fall and late fall are tiny, and have practically zero availability. If people are not spending on things, I would think that would be reflected in resort occupancy, especially at the Deluxe level.

This is where honestly I'm completely confused. If I remember, the summer had discounts we have never really seen before on hotels which is when people started really questioning occupancy, but now the fall appears all booked up (though what is available seems to always be higher end hotels if that means anything). I just can't figure out what the deal is with all of this.

Though that said, it kind of goes towards my point. I'm using disposable as a way of saying that people don't have the extra cash for the little extras like these things because the prices on rooms/tickets have gone up enough. Basically where people would love to use these things and would have in the past, that money now goes towards just getting onto property. Like I said, I still lean towards the vans not selling well at all and this being a way to try and sell them as I assumed the express sold decently as it seemed like a nice deal for anyone staying on longer vacations.

 

[jknezek]

I don't see why they can't run the Minnie Vans backstage at some point in the future. Then you don't need to keep unfilled buses on schedule. You also don't need the CMs waiting back there. You can use the Minnie Driver since you know your guests should be waiting just on the other side of "backstage" for an on-demand service. The driver hops out and escorts them to the vehicle.

I expect we will see this, with an upcharge for each "backstage" pick up or delivery. It gives them more flexibility, more ability to upcharge, and less expenses in having unneeded vehicles and CMs standing around. Probably be a while since the Minnie Van rollout seems very deliberate.

But if they couldn't fill the buses, but still see a desire for this premium service, this is absolutely the way to go once the infrastructure (enough Minnie Vans) are in service.

 

[circus4u]

Photos of GrandAve area progress
http://blogmickey.com/2017/08/photos-grand-avenue-road-trees-progress-august-2017/

Food and Wine Guide Map
http://blogmickey.com/2017/08/2017-epcot-food-wine-festival-guidemap/

 

[jade1]

I don't see why they can't run the Minnie Vans backstage at some point in the future. Then you don't need to keep unfilled buses on schedule. You also don't need the CMs waiting back there. You can use the Minnie Driver since you know your guests should be waiting just on the other side of "backstage" for an on-demand service. The driver hops out and escorts them to the vehicle.

I expect we will see this, with an upcharge for each "backstage" pick up or delivery. It gives them more flexibility, more ability to upcharge, and less expenses in having unneeded vehicles and CMs standing around. Probably be a while since the Minnie Van rollout seems very deliberate.

But if they couldn't fill the buses, but still see a desire for this premium service, this is absolutely the way to go once the infrastructure (enough Minnie Vans) are in service.

Exactly, I thought it was point to point.

 

[Roxyfire]

I don't see why they can't run the Minnie Vans backstage at some point in the future. Then you don't need to keep unfilled buses on schedule. You also don't need the CMs waiting back there. You can use the Minnie Driver since you know your guests should be waiting just on the other side of "backstage" for an on-demand service. The driver hops out and escorts them to the vehicle.

I expect we will see this, with an upcharge for each "backstage" pick up or delivery. It gives them more flexibility, more ability to upcharge, and less expenses in having unneeded vehicles and CMs standing around. Probably be a while since the Minnie Van rollout seems very deliberate.

But if they couldn't fill the buses, but still see a desire for this premium service, this is absolutely the way to go once the infrastructure (enough Minnie Vans) are in service.

Now that I can see as a future expansion of the service. As it stands now I don't think minnie vans are the reason for express to go away. It's not in wide release yet so even if people wanted to take it, I think they still need to be at one of the participating resorts or DVCs. But in the future, I could see it. But $20 one way is too expensive for me to use but great for larger families with little kids.

 

[jlundeen]

Now that I can see as a future expansion of the service. As it stands now I don't think minnie vans are the reason for express to go away. It's not in wide release yet so even if people wanted to take it, I think they still need to be at one of the participating resorts or DVCs. But in the future, I could see it. But $20 one way is too expensive for me to use but great for larger families with little kids.

Well, thinking about the next step of this - maybe there would be a flat upcharge for folks to spend $XX for their entire vacation for using the Minnie Vans to go between parks, or from point to point....depending of family/group size, it could be a real time saver, and in the long run, maybe a good add-on expense. I would look at it for the right price.

 

[Roxyfire]

Well, thinking about the next step of this - maybe there would be a flat upcharge for folks to spend $XX for their entire vacation for using the Minnie Vans to go between parks, or from point to point....depending of family/group size, it could be a real time saver, and in the long run, maybe a good add-on expense. I would look at it for the right price.

Also an excellent point. If they did basically the express service but on-demand, that would be great. My biggest want is skipping security on the park hop. Plus being able to go to an EMH park or straight back to the resort would be a big plus. That would definitely make me take a closer look.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Strong rumor circulating that suggests Universal will announce the immediste closure of Fear Factor Live for the Ministry of Magic to open along with the Dragon Challenge replacement in islands.


Announcement could be very soon.

I'm honestly surprised Fear Factor Live is still around. But then again I didn't think they would revive the show with Ludacris either.

 

[DISnewjersey]

Strong rumor circulating that suggests Universal will announce the immediste closure of Fear Factor Live for the Ministry of Magic to open along with the Dragon Challenge replacement in islands.


Announcement could be very soon.

Damn. Universal really is going all-in with one IP if they move forward with this expansion. I know they have Nintendo in the pipeline but Harry Potter would still be a considerable portion of their parks.

I'm not sure if that's good or bad for the long term.

 

[marcyleecorgan]

I was planning to get it on my next trip. Never got a chance to use it.

Me too! Now I have to find a new strategy... *sigh* We are NOT driving on vacation! It's one of my DH's Top 5 "must-have" things.

 

[saskdw]

Any update on the birth of the baby tigers?

 

[AMusicLifeForMe]

The Lion King has finally been released on Digital HD today!

 

[rteetz]

News

New Haunted Mansion merchandise

http://wdwnt.com/blog/2017/08/photos-awesome-new-haunted-mansion-items-released-walt-disney-world/

 

[MissGina5]

Damn. Universal really is going all-in with one IP if they move forward with this expansion. I know they have Nintendo in the pipeline but Harry Potter would still be a considerable portion of their parks.

I'm not sure if that's good or bad for the long term.

It's good for Potter fans like me but I wouldnt mind seeing things like Seuss get more added to it

 

[MissGina5]

News

New Haunted Mansion merchandise

http://wdwnt.com/blog/2017/08/photos-awesome-new-haunted-mansion-items-released-walt-disney-world/

NEED the Leota shirt!