AGS Associates’ Post

I try to look around and find all opinions on new projects - especially when the views are heavily leaning one way (all positive, or all negative). And sometimes, you come across things like this, which almost feel like bait. (...although I guess I took it...) "The $2.1 Billion Disney Theme Park Gamble" ...maybe its me, but I believe that most of the Fantasy Springs reviews are positive not due to pressure to be positive but because the expansion is actually good. And I feel like this article earned a solid “huh”? From me. Yes, there could be criticism of Fantasy Springs for various reasons, but I am not sure “gamble” is the word they’re looking for here. In a way its the opposite of a gamble, they played it safe introducing Fantasyland into both parks. That could be a valid criticism - maybe the wonky way its being operated could be a valid criticism. But I feel like "In fact it could become one of the most expensive mistakes ever made in a Disney park." is just trolling. And I took the bait, we're talking about it, but what do you think?   https://lnkd.in/e9t8jDjY #letsmakeplans #themedentertainment #themedesign #themeparks #disneyparks

https://lnkd.in/e7vZTRB5 The "theme park wars" continue as always and Central Florida, the industry's largest market, continues to gain media attention, especially among those who speculate on the "rivalry" between the two largest theme park destination resorts in that market- Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort. The attached from The Motley Fool offers that the upcoming Universal Epic Universe theme park's debut in 2025 "could be a blessing in disguise" for Walt Disney World. Considering every major addition in the market has traditionally increased business for all of Florida's major industry players, that's a safe bet:)

Disneyland Forward approved by Anaheim’s City Council in a 7-0 vote. It will now go for a second vote in May, and then will have a 30 period to take effect.   I don’t think there is much surprise here, it’s a win for both Disney and the city. Disney can move forward with massive new expansion with an easier approval process now, and the city gets the tax revenue from construction and operation – or a payout from Disney if they don’t spend the agreed upon amount.   Good news for Disneyland and the industry, now we have to see which projects come first.   https://lnkd.in/ezXaB4dz #letsmakeplans #themeparks #themedentertainment #themedesign #disneyparks

'Why The Walt Disney Company is doubling down on theme parks with a $60-billion plan' "...the Burbank entertainment giant is doubling down once again. Disney plans to invest $60 billion over 10 years into its so-called experiences division, which includes the theme parks, resorts and cruise line, as well as merchandise." "In Anaheim, the city council recently approved an expansion plan at Disneyland Resort, which could lead to at least $1.9 billion of development and involve new attractions alongside hotel, retail and restaurant space." "During the most recent fiscal year, the company's experiences division — which is heavily anchored by the parks — brought in about 70% of Disney's operating income. By contrast, Disney's sports sector, including ESPN, contributed 19% of operating income. The entertainment division, consisting of the company's TV channels, streaming services and movie studios, brought up the rear at 11%." "The Disneyland Resort expansion plan, known as DisneylandForward, will help the 490-acre park stay fresh for visitors. The plan calls for changes to the park's zoning, allowing the company more freedom to mix attractions, theme parks, shopping, dining and parking." Anaheim's City Council approved DisneylandForward in an initial vote on April 17, 2024, with a second vote set for May 7, 2024. #Disney #Disneyland #DisneylandForward #Anaheim #themeparks

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗲𝘁 $𝟭𝟳𝗕 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 The The Walt Disney Company has plans to invest $17 billion in the #Florida market and may construct a fifth theme park in Orlando as it has secured an agreement from the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District regarding 17,000 acres of land owned by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. The development agreement is good for 15 years. The deal includes $8 billion investment in the first 10 years and up to $17 billion within two decades, with the #tourism oversight board agreeing to provide the infrastructure to satisfy the growth. Disney will donate 100 acres of its 24,000-acre property for the #construction of the #infrastructure, in addition to spending $10 million on affordable housing in the region.   The deal includes a “buy local” initiative that would require a minimum 50 percent of construction goods and services related to the project’s design, #development, and construction activities with Florida businesses. The #investment would not stop with a fifth park at its #DisneyWorld location; it would also include the addition of 13,000 additional hotel rooms in Orlando, for a total of 53,000 hotel rooms on its property, an additional 20 percent growth of its retail and restaurant space, and potentially two water parks. Last year, Disney announced plans to spend $60 billion on #entertainment investments over the next decade, which will include investments across its global footprint. The company is currently wrapping up projects including #renovations to Splash Mountain and a new attraction called Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, expected to open at both its Disney World and #Disneyland locations. Image: dorengo5/Shutterstock

Let’s talk here for a moment about the international & domestic parks for The Walt Disney Company: If you haven’t been following along as Tokyo Disney Resort just recently held their media previews & even a soft opening period (temporarily) for what is featured inside of the Fantasy Springs expansion for Tangled/Frozen/Peter at TDS, (estimated to be worth up towards 2-billion yen). As it will be making its official debut on June 6th, 2024 (and you will need a Premier Access or if you bought the Fantasy Springs vacation package in order gain priority access on Day One, that sold out previously in the year). Personally between the international & domestic parks, for what is difference/the same or what the domestic parks don’t over here & thus creates negative tension for the fandom in terms of wanting something over in the States. But clearly goes to show how much of Walt Disney Imagineering divisions are different, between the creative & business side for how much they are willing to invest & their local govt’s etc. What you guys feel about this? Or share it within the comments below: https://lnkd.in/gqwavMsF #tokyodisneyresort #tokyodisneyland #tokyodisneysea #fantasysprings #disneyparks #travelindustry #travelnews #themedentertainment #themeparks #disneyfans #franchises #intellectualproperty #industrynews #creatives #creativedesign #disney

'Why The Walt Disney Company is doubling down on theme parks with a $60-billion plan' "...the Burbank entertainment giant is doubling down once again. Disney plans to invest $60 billion over 10 years into its so-called experiences division, which includes the theme parks, resorts and cruise line, as well as merchandise." "In Anaheim, the city council recently approved an expansion plan at Disneyland Resort, which could lead to at least $1.9 billion of development and involve new attractions alongside hotel, retail and restaurant space." "During the most recent fiscal year, the company's experiences division — which is heavily anchored by the parks — brought in about 70% of Disney's operating income. By contrast, Disney's sports sector, including ESPN, contributed 19% of operating income. The entertainment division, consisting of the company's TV channels, streaming services and movie studios, brought up the rear at 11%." "The Disneyland Resort expansion plan, known as DisneylandForward, will help the 490-acre park stay fresh for visitors. The plan calls for changes to the park's zoning, allowing the company more freedom to mix attractions, theme parks, shopping, dining and parking." Anaheim's City Council approved DisneylandForward in an initial vote on April 17, 2024, with a second vote set for May 7, 2024. #Disney #Disneyland #DisneylandForward #Anaheim #themeparks

If ppl are willing to pay, I'm sure Disney will be happy to take their $$. But I wonder if it's good for Disney's brand in the eyes of those who pay approx $200/day to stand in long lines? Disney's concocted a lot of options for ppl to avoid long waits (Lightning Lane Premier Pass, Lightning Lane Single Pass, Disney Genie, Lightning Lane Multi Pass, etc.). That's good for ppl who can afford to maximize their Disney Experience time (and don't mind having to consult their phones constantly to figure out their "game plan" for the day). Upping the price will also lead to fewer people in the park...also good for reducing wait times. But the middle-class family of 4 is finding it increasingly difficult to step foot in the Happiest Place On Earth. Whether or not that leads to the kind of resentment that bruises Brand Disney remains to be seen. But a word of wisdom to Disney's C-Suite: Listen to your bread-and-butter middle class families as intently as you watch your stock price. https://lnkd.in/gQHwrZeG

On this day in 1955, Walt Disney opened Disneyland in Anaheim, California. What started as a visionary idea and a bold investment in a plot of land outside Los Angeles has grown into one of the most iconic and successful entertainment destinations in the world. The $17 million theme park was built on 160 acres of former orange groves in Anaheim, California, and soon brought in staggering profits. Today, Disneyland hosts more than 18 million visitors a year, who spend close to $3 billion. Walt Disney’s journey from concept to creation of Disneyland is a testament to the power of #vision, #creativity, and #perseverance. In the learning and development industry, these qualities are equally vital. Developing talent within an organization requires #vision to see #potential, #creativity to #design impactful programs, and #perseverance to see them through to #success. Disneyland’s success story reminds us that great achievements often begin with a daring #idea and a #commitment to bringing that #vision to life. As we strive to foster #growth and #innovation in our #teams, let’s be inspired by Disney’s example to think #big, #invest in our #people, and create #environments where #dreams can become reality.

Disney is transforming its parks, and their marketing strategies are as innovative as ever! Check out Forbes' latest on Disney's Expansion Plans: https://ow.ly/lTLG50T9MkW Disney’s approach to reimagining their attractions offers valuable lessons in effective marketing: ✨ Brand Reinvention: Introducing new themes to keep the brand fresh and engaging. 📈 Fan Engagement: Leveraging beloved franchises to draw in diverse audiences. 🎯 Strategic Updates: Replacing older attractions with new, exciting experiences to boost visitor interest. See how Disney’s strategic marketing moves can inspire your own brand’s growth and innovation! #MarketingStrategy #BrandInnovation #DisneyMarketing #ForbesInsights