Walt Disney World Resort Non-Park Discussion Thread

^ That's fine, we've seen 2-3 hour lines during the peak season here in Asia and those kind of lines would be considered quiet over here so I think we can manage if we ever visit.

The last time I visited Typhoon Lagoon was in 2008 in July and it was pretty packed during the day but they stayed open late and every slide was a walk on at night. I preferred Typhoon Lagoon to Blizzard Beach just for the wave pool alone. Those waves are super crazy. But it's nice to hear them adding a new slide to the park. It's about time!

So I hear there are some Imagineers who might be looking for work this morning. Anyone want to hire a guy with 10 earrings and a lot of south pacific masks?

^ I mean Guardians of the Tower wasn't that bad of an idea was it?....

^ I mean Guardians of the Tower wasn't that bad of an idea was it?....

When revenue is down because attendance is tanking, how do you keep earnings reports trending up? Gotta do something. That something is cut expenses.

I guess keeping Animal Kingdom open until 11 pm all summer without a new night time spectacular probably didn't help any either....

Brazil's economy is in freefall and Brexit threw the Brits into turmoil too. Add in kids being eaten by alligators and regional mass shootings, and its a bad mix for mass tourism. SEAS just announced today that their Florida parks had lousy attendance for those reasons (though an increase year-over-year once they got the coasters up). I'm told Universal's numbers are just fine, probably because they've been building new stuff right along and it's still attracting new eyeballs and bank accounts.

It will be interesting to see some official numbers for the year for all of the parks, it seems like in the past Disney usually has been more resistant to fluctuations in attendance where there are external economic factors in play but as aggressive as Universal has been with building new attractions lately that may not be the case anymore. Other than the new Frozen ride tho whole "Awaken Summer" campaign has been kinda dull and the attendance resulting from it may have been as well.

It will be interesting to see some official numbers for the year for all of the parks, it seems like in the past Disney usually has been more resistant to fluctuations in attendance where there are external economic factors in play but as aggressive as Universal has been with building new attractions lately that may not be the case anymore. Other than the new Frozen ride tho whole "Awaken Summer" campaign has been kinda dull and the attendance resulting from it may have been as well.

Don't forget new Soarin' and the additional theater for it (and 3rd track for TSM). Half of that are needed capacity improvements but nothing to really advertise. There's also Disney Springs, which while it is great that it has been updated, is still an outdoor dining/shopping mall area with no gate fee and, you know, not a theme park to draw anyone specifically to Orlando.

Yeah exactly, when I was thinking about Awaken Summer before my last post I completely forgot about Soarin. I haven't even been on the new Soarin yet and already forgot that it was technically a "new" attraction. That's kind of my point, that whole Awaken Summer campaign feels like they're saying "Come back and experience more of the same stuff you've already seen and done" instead of "Come check out these all new awesome experiences". I'm sure their attendance won't take that big of a hit because that ship is pretty hard to sink, but if Universal performs a bit better on the average for this summer season and into next year on the back of Volcano Bay and Fast n Furious it wouldn't surprise me.

I think the phrase "a rising tide raises all ships" applies to Orlando. It's been discussed here numerous times...I don't think Universal is having anything but a positive impact on the Orlando area. There is probably only a very small percentage of guests choosing to stay at/spend more time at the UO resort vs. extending their WDW vacation by a few more days to visit Universal.

I suspect all will still be reported as well during the earnings call.

Imagineering layoffs were bound to happen with Shanghai open and other projects finishing as well. Those who didn't make the cut to move on to Star Wars or other projects (who were probably project hires to begin with) are definitely looking for work.

I think the phrase "a rising tide raises all ships" applies to Orlando. It's been discussed here numerous times...I don't think Universal is having anything but a positive impact on the Orlando area. There is probably only a very small percentage of guests choosing to stay at/spend more time at the UO resort vs. extending their WDW vacation by a few more days to visit Universal.

 

I suspect all will still be reported as well during the earnings call.

 

Imagineering layoffs were bound to happen with Shanghai open and other projects finishing as well. Those who didn't make the cut to move on to Star Wars or other projects (who were probably project hires to begin with) are definitely looking for work.

Yeah I agree with that, although with Universal expanding as much as they have been lately with new attractions and resorts and Volcano Bay it will be interesting to see how much of an impact it has on Disney's overall attendance. I suspect it won't be much cause like you said "rising tides raises all ships" but once Volcano Bay opens UO is easily a 3-5 day resort instead of the 1-2 like it is now which creates a completely different competitive dynamic. At that point it might become more of choice between a few days at Universal along with Disney or just 5 days at Universal only.

Either way it's defiantly a good time to be an amusement park fan living in Florida!

I think the phrase "a rising tide raises all ships" applies to Orlando. It's been discussed here numerous times...I don't think Universal is having anything but a positive impact on the Orlando area. There is probably only a very small percentage of guests choosing to stay at/spend more time at the UO resort vs. extending their WDW vacation by a few more days to visit Universal.

 

I suspect all will still be reported as well during the earnings call.

 

Imagineering layoffs were bound to happen with Shanghai open and other projects finishing as well. Those who didn't make the cut to move on to Star Wars or other projects (who were probably project hires to begin with) are definitely looking for work.

I'd agree with you if the lead on Avatar wasn't one of the names I heard and alluded to in my first post.

Was out at Disney Springs today for some Morimoto Street Food & Gelato! I cannot say enough good things about these places. Please be sure to stop by and grab these wonderful "snacks" next time you're taking a stroll around Disney Springs. You will NOT be disappointed!

Back @MorimotoAsia @DisneySprings today! One of our top favorite restaurants in #Orlando!

Gonna try out some @MorimotoAsia "Street Food" today! Highly recommend this when visiting Disney Springs!

It is unfair that there are so many good items @MorimotoAsia Street Food to have to choose from! #FirstWorldProblems

Today's selection @MorimotoAsia? Amazing ribs, curry rice bowl, @crookedcan beer! Delicious!

We found Chef Yuhi from @MorimotoAsia to thank him for his amazing Street Food!

After lunch @MorimotoAsia time for some dessert at Vivoli Il Gelato!

The gelato at Vivoli is made fresh daily! It's legit with Italian owners!

That is the "real deal" Italian gelato! Chocolate & peanut butter! Amazing! Don't leave @DisneySprings without it!

The Sesame Peanut Sauce on those noodles is some of the best tasting anything on earth!!!

The Sesame Peanut Sauce on those noodles is some of the best tasting anything on earth!!!

Sounds bizarre... Just like me! After all, I did kinda get myself into a sticky situation with those god-damn demons and I see unicorns in my sleep...

With so many awesome restaurants, it would be awesome if Disney Springs did their own food festival at some point...

The Sesame Peanut Sauce on those noodles is some of the best tasting anything on earth!!!

WTF!!! Sesame Peanut Sauce on noodles! What happened to plain noodles? Who has taken over Elissa's body (and taste buds)?

The Sesame Peanut Sauce on those noodles is some of the best tasting anything on earth!!!

 

WTF!!! Sesame Peanut Sauce on noodles! What happened to plain noodles? Who has taken over Elissa's body (and taste buds)?

This is a mystery worthy of Sherlock Holmes!

The Sesame Peanut Sauce on those noodles is some of the best tasting anything on earth!!!

Last night we got invited out to STK at Disney Springs to try out some of their new "fall seasonal entrees." I'll be the first one to admit that, aside from sushi, I'm not the biggest "fish person" but I have to say that the dishes we had last night... OMG... the sauces and flavors they have created, maybe I need to re-think that "I'm not a fish person" thing after all!

When we go on our own to STK, I'm a HUGE FAN of their steaks, quite possibly the best I've ever had, and the sides & sauces for those are just fantastic as well. But, this was focusing on some of the new offerings, so let's check those out...

Tonight we are at STK Orlando at Walt DIsney World's Disney Springs to try some of their new fall seasonal menu items! Love this place!

Here is a sampling of what we are trying tonight. This is cool. We've never been featured on a menu before!

Tonight's Food Porn pics start off with the Seared Tuna! So tender and flavorful! Who would love to take a bite of that?

Next up: The Harvest cocktail w/ bourbon apple cider cinnamon pumpkin & Scallops! Soooo good!

If there is one thing that is better than "normal sex" it's a good plate of burrata cheese! And this was OMG fantastic. The creamy smoothness and all it's juicy goodness. Stop me! I'm going to need a cigarette!

The grouper at STK. Holy cow! This is the dish right here that made all "what do you mean I'm not a fish person? I'll take another, please!"

Next up is the grilled lamb! Sweet potato purée & date chutney. Damn good!!!

Who's up for dessert? How does Apple Crumb Cake with caramel sauce & ice cream sound to you?

Cheers to STK Orlando for another wonderful meal! We will be back again soon!

(and yes, I totally licked all the caramel off the rim of that Poisoned Apple drink. Who wouldn't right? Yes, it's a classy place and there I am licking my glass!) lol

Seriously, though, if you are a fan of high-end steak & seafood restaurants like we are, and you love Disney Springs as much as we do, you *HAVE* to check out STK on your next visit! We love it!!!

You had me at Burrata!

I think it's funny that you could almost never find Burrata on a menu outside of NYC three years ago and now it's creeping up everywhere! YUM!

As if I needed any more reasons to go back...

I don't do seafood, but the drinks, lamb, and crumb cake!

I like some good seafood from time to time, and that grouper looks great.

STK has sent us a ntoice about their upcoming Yelloween bash at STK Orlando... Sounds like a good time to be had!

Looking for a fun night out on Halloween? Don't want to deal with crazy Downtown Orlando parking? Head to Disney Springs as STK Orlando will be hosting "Yelloween," its first Halloween bash on October 31. Guests will enjoy at two hour open bar, lite bites, drinks specials, live DJ and more! To purchase tickets visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/yelloween-at-stk-tickets-28270282175.