Yesterday at Disney's earnings call, Disney CEO Bob Iger hinted at park expansion, which sound kinda exciting, but at the same time the company announced $700 million in cuts, which instantly dulls the enthusiasm sadly.
During the call, Iger said that “I’m very, very bullish on the theme parks and not just because of the COVID recovery”. Iger said that demand on the theme parks is “extraordinary” right now.
Iger said that they could increase park capacity or even increase prices, but that “we don’t think either would be smart”. Instead, Iger talked about expanding the theme parks, which would expand capacity without reducing the guest experience from overcrowding.
This sounds amazing, the perfect strategy for the company moving forward, especially here in Orlando, where Walt Disney World is in danger of falling behind Universal Orlando, something that was previously unimaginable.
So what at the same time is Disney Chief Financial Officer Christine McCarthy announcing that capital expenditures, which include the costs for building and maintaining physical properties, will be reduced by $700 million across Disney Parks within the United States.
McCarthy did not elaborate on which projects might be affected by the budget cut, but said that the company will spend less than what they had originally forecasted.
So will we see already announced attractions cancelled, or currently under construction attractions seriously delayed?
Yes, its very possible this will happen, especially with Disney's history of doing just this!
While we don't expect delays on the retheming of Splash Mountain, just look at the delays with Tron at Magic Kingdom, or the much hyped Main Street Theater, which actually broke ground before being quietly cancelled.
We could go on... Play pavilion at EPCOT, the Mary Poppins ride also at EPCOT, yeah, you get the picture.
So yes, while it's great news that Bob Iger is hyping up park expansion, talk is cheap, and with Universal breathing down Disney's necks, what with new attractions in its parks, building EPIC Universe here in Orlando, plus the announcement of a new family friendly park in Texas, and a Halloween Horror Nights attraction in Vegas, Disney is in serious danger of falling behind Disney, which even a few ago was unthinkable!
Disney need to start investing seriously in in parks, yes we adore Walt Disney World BUT so much is wrong with the parks, there is a list of attractions needing serious attention, be it refurbishment or replacement.
YES, ultimately Disney desperately need to announce a new park for Orlando, but there is so much needing done before that can happen, from new countries around World Showcase at EPCOT to the talked about new land beyond Big Thunder Mountain at Magic Kingdom.
Not to mention the poor Figment ride at EPCOT, can you please show some love here Disney?
Forget about the endless new line of merchandise, or the latest insta worthy cupcake, just announce expansion already, Disney need to act now, or Universal will 100% come out on top sooner rather than later.
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