2009 Predictions?

[HSM fans]

I don't want a new fireworks show. I love that one.

[Uncle Bob]

I'm not sure why you think that. It is normal for DL to get new parades and fireworks every 5 years. It is normal to go a couple years between new attractions (Nemo is only 6 months old). The last new attraction before that was... what? Pooh like 5 years ago? Buzz 4 years ago? If memory serves.

Am I missing any?

Nemo's over a year and a half and yes it's normal to get new entertainment, but not this much. It just seems to me that they are able to drive a lot of locals to the park at a much lower cost per guest by changing up entertainment offerings and doing small projects, which was my point. E-tickets drive the vacation market much more as many families decide to make a big trip out to DLR or WDW on the basis of wanting to see the new big E-ticket.

[DisneyGurl87]

I don't want a new fireworks show. I love that one.

Ditto! They can keep it forever as far as I'm concerned. It's such an amazing wrap-up to the day. And more importantly it's prefect for all the Disney freaks.

Carsland is opening in 2010 also isn't it? And Little Mermaid?

[ismael flores]

no Mermaid and Buena vista street open in 2011
CarsLand in 2012

[PirateGuy 815]

no Mermaid and Buena vista street open in 2011
CarsLand in 2012

Sounds like it's running for president.

I doubt they'll get rid of Remeber. It's a hit! Plus, the first Fireworks show Fantasy in the Sky lasted for 42 years.

[1FoolishMortal]

Believe was also a hit and they axed it after only 4 years. We're lucky they're still keeping Remember around despite cuts being made all over the place. Then again, I shouldn't speak too soon....

[WrongWay]

2009: continued economic downward spiral with house prices down 20+%, unemployment hitting double didgets, continued debt collapse, and more deflationary preasure on the economy.

Disneyland will have to cut hours and staff significantly, and push large discounts and promotions. Carsland construction does not start as scheduled.

State of CA is narrowly able to push bankruptcy into 2010 with HUGE handouts from Obama.

[HSM fans]

^Way to be positive.

[WrongWay]

^Way to be positive.

I'm positive the economy is fudged.

[Spokker]

How hard will the recession really hit Disney? Lutz had some positive news in his October update.

While the alarming news coming from the media about the economy in the past few weeks has some industries reeling with suddenly reduced demand, the business at Disneyland has been surprisingly stable and healthy as the busy summer season turns to fall and towards the holidays.

I don't see any doomsday scenarios coming true quite yet.

Despite a broad ticket price increase in late summer just before the worst of the financial panic hit the markets, attendance at Disneyland and DCA has held up to the long term projections laid out for September and early October. While overall occupancy at Anaheim hotels has eased a bit from its packed to the rafters rates of 2006-07, the Disney owned hotels in particular are still holding their own with healthy occupancy rates above 90% this fall, with advance Christmas reservations even stronger.

Attendance at Disneyland and California Adventure (DCA) has remained healthy, although the planned decrease in attendance post-50th has knocked 5K or 10K off of busy weekends as compared to 2006. Aside from actual ticket sales however, the most important thing is in-park spending at stores and restaurants, and that has remained very healthy. So while there are slightly fewer visitors in Anaheim now, they are so far all still spending at healthy levels.

In a good economy you would see drops from 2005-2006 levels of attendance. Things are looking good so far. Are the cuts truly justified?