Any rumor as to what the new Busch coaster will be?

Mr. Bish and I both agree that when there's a coaster war, everyone comes out a winner.

As long as TOGO's not participating, that is.

I'll believe the Space Mountain redo when I see it. That rumor's older than dirt.

Is Disney spooked about Harry Potter?  Really?  I reckon they're looking forward to all the extra business!

Quite right, lostincrowds.  Can you imagine bringing the kids to see Harry Potter and telling them "Oh, no, we're not going over to Disney World"?

IOA = Place not destination

Everyone loves Spidey.  The park has long been a must visit among afficionados and locals.  I expect HP will be more of the same.  It will attract a day or two from visitors, BUT when it comes to where to spend a week, the resort aspect of a FOUR park that (true or not) is the gold standard for themed entertainment will still be the "vacation" destination (which is where I suspect the money is).  Sea World and Universal can't win that war

Look ... no one expects IOA to become a big resort destination like WDW. That's not what scares Disney.

What scares Disney is the idea that people might shorten their WDW vacations by a day or two to go spend time at Harry Potterland (or whatever the stupid thing is called).

Disney has spent years trying to manufacture ways to encourage people to stay on property not only longer, but also exclusively. They go out of their way (including the introduction of Magical Express) to try and keep people on property during their entire stay. Why do you think they fought so hard against that light rail line with the stop near Sea World and Universal??

Personally, I couldn't give a rat's behind about Harry Potter ... I wouldn't walk around the corner to visit Hogwart's or whatever ... but make no mistake about it, there are HUGE numbers of people who will. It's not that HP is going to steal vacationers from Disney World, it's that it will steal PORTIONS of their Disney World vacations and THAT'S what Disney doesn't want.

They're scared and they should be.

In response to LtPowers...

I am an insane Disney fan, let me prefice my comment by stating that.  You I assume grew up with Disney (as did I).  I first visited Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure in 2004.

My Family had been down to Florida a few times (we were from Idaho so it was quite the trek), and every time we came it was exclusivley to Disney World.

I have a much younger sister (she is 15), and I like to ask her questions so I can know what non central Florida teens think of the theme park world.  Funny thing about this young lady is that She LOVES Universal. She LOVES Islands of Adventure.  If the family vacation was up to her (and her cousins) they would spend their whole vacation at the Universal Orlando Resort.  They have a much closer tie to a lot of the fanchises that Universal owns (i.e. Shrek, Jimmy Noutron, Sponge Bob, Madagascar, and others) than to the Disney Franchises (with much dismay to my Mom).

I feel the scales tiping.  Now Universal and SeaWorld will NEVER occupy the land mass that Disney does.  But Universal and SeaWorld CAN create experiences and connections with their audiences that create repeat visits.

Just my opinion. cheers!

It's all about marketing and perception. If Uni and/or Busch do their marketing right, they can convince the masses that they have the BIGGER, BETTER, NEWER, ______ (fill in your own) attractions, and for the most part they will bite, to some degree.

The masses, will then flock to see this new thing that's been created, so they can marvel at it and then go home and tell their friends they got to see it. It's a vicious cycle that repeats itself in the amusement industry every few years.

Should Disney be scared? Maybe just a tad. I doubt seriously they will lose a huge market share to either of these. But, they will see some short-term drops, unless they too have something, BIGGER, BETTER and NEWER.

In the end, we all win, because all of the Orlando parks add a new major attraction. The question now becomes, what (if anything) will Disney do?

Mmmmmmm ... I think you may be underestimating the impact it could have on Disney.

First off, Disney has nothing new to draw people down. They've been pulling people in on the back of YoaMD and Everest for like two years now and that draw is going to lose steam with people.

Secondly, if the economy stays slow as it is now, people are going to cut back on vacations to places they've already been and things they've already seen.

And lastly, even a moderate dip in attendance can hurt Disney financially big time. If people cut their trip by a day or two (or opt to just visit IOA entirely) that's a huge ding in their wallets.

Again I'll say what I've been saying ... all Disney's cost cutting and lack of investing in new attractions is going to hurt them at some point. This might be that point.

Surely marketing-wise it makes more sense for Disney to build a new thrill ride rather than re-vamp Space Mountain - the message that Space Mountain has been re-worked is not as clear to get across as "NEW! THRILL RIDE!!!"

Jim apparently has not heard about Universal Orlando's coaster that will be going in 2009. That is another worst kept secret. Busch Gardens Tampa was supposed to put in a coaster too in 2009 but that has been pushed back. As far as SeaWorld's coaster it is supposed to be a B & M flying coaster(i.e Tatsu at Six Flags Magic Mountain, Air at Alton Towers) themed to Rays. The coaster train would look like a ray and is possibly gonna have some interaction with water where you will come pretty close face first to the water as the wing tips glide thru the water. Now this is just rumor and things can change during the design phase. My only complaint is that they are tearing up the front of the park. It really is gonna change the entrance. But the park really needs another major ride since it will probably be awhile before they get any new shows.

Disney needs to be worried about Harry Potter. I know people who are already planning on coming here in 2010 just for Harry Potter. There are some people, not alot who come here and they only go to Universal, SeaWorld and Busch Gardens. I have never understood some of these people who come here all the time but only go to Disney. I know how lucky I am to live near some of the best theme parks in the world and I don't know why more people don't leave Disney and hit SeaWorld and Universal.

As far as Space Mountain, it is ridiculous that WDW mgmt has allowed that ride to fall into the condition it is now. The ride is a joke compared to the one in Disneyland. I really hope they finally close it down and give it a full blown rehab not some half assed one.

Also, I think when Toy Story Mania opens Disney needs to announce their plans for what they are going to do at DHS. They are going to have all that media coverage there and it would be a good way to announce the alleged projects they have for the revamp of the studios.

I completely agree with you photoginit, on just about everything.  To add, though, I was just doing some browsing on the Universal website last night and I was pretty surprised with the ticket prices.  Did you guys know that for $85 a person, you can get a 7-day hopper at both Universal parks, free access to Citywalk for 7 nights, plus, if you're staying at a Universal hotel - which won't cost you any more or less than a Disney hotel - you'll get unlimited, immediate Fastpass at every major attraction?  So, if you're a parent and your kid likes Harry Potter (which, judging by book sales and movie ticket sales, who doesn't?), are you trying to tell me you won't book the Universal trip?  Smart families are going to start staying at Universal to avoid the two-hour-long lines for the Harry Potter ride and then just skate by on a day trip to the Magic Kingdom.  Maybe a second day for the kids who want to do Hollywood Studios for Rock n Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror, but I'm sure that for most kids, that would be sufficient.

Frankly, Disney can't afford this, and I've been saying for a while now that I don't understand why we haven't heard more from the Mouse Hut.  A revamp of old attractions will help, but I don't think that's enough.  The fifth park Jim talked about a couple weeks ago might help, but my concern is that a park that expensive only applies to a small niche - people with A LOT of expendable income - and unfortunately, I don't think especially in today's economy that you find enough people like that for DNK to be a huge success.  I like it as an AK after-hours event once or twice a week, but not a daily thing billed as Disney's 5th park.  Universal is really raising the bar in Orlando with Harry Potter, and Sea World appears to be right on their tail with the rumored Sting Ray-themed flying coaster.  So is Disney's only response a Space Mountain revamp, a Ratatouille-themed kiddie coaster and a high-roller's nightly park?  As a life-long Disney fan, I certainly hope it isn't.  They risk getting left in the dust.

I think photoginit and Tucci314 have it pretty much right on the money.

Honestly, Disney has been trotting out some REALLY weak new attractions lately. For every Everest and Soarin', there's been a Stitch, a Journey Into Your Imagination, a lousy Spaceship Earth revamp, a Monster's Laugh Floor, and oh yeah an E-ticket torn out in favor of a stinkin' playground.

And that doesn't even take into account the closed and not replaced attractions like Wonders of Life or the new "attractions" they have touted recently that turn out to be nothing but a new parade or an HSM stage show.

Truth is, WDW management is clueless and their Imagineering leadership team is clueless (and I heard that from a 20 year WDI vet). They've really been coasting hard the last few years and quite honestly, if they don't step up their game, they're gonna have issues.

I know the suits and bean counters don't believe it, but people really can sniff out when you're screwing them. And in WDW, the constant "less for more" mentality is building up. A few years ago, you could go to the average Disney Dweeb discussion forum and see maybe one or two cranks moaning about cobwebs and burned out bulbs.

Now the chorus is growing, and it's not just nit-picky maintenance items. It's rotten customer service, lousy maintenance, lack of interest in WDW's new attractions, and a general sick-and-tired attitude towards the constant hand-in-the-pocket vibe they're getting these days.

You can definitely get away with this for awhile ... even a long while if you have the name "Disney" printed on the door. But eventually people wise up and if someone up the road from Disney is doing it better and cheaper it's only a matter of time before the defections begin.

Just look at that price difference!! You can get a week's worth of admission (plus the other perks that Tucci mentioned) for 85 bucks at Universal!! The same length of admission at WDW is going to cost you about triple that amount.

Nothing Universal ever does can hurt Disney long term, as long as they keep their current mindset. Universal is great at big ideas, but they are absolutely awful at maintaining their product. Disney takes tons of heat (and many times rightfully so) at the condition they let some of their rides fall into. But even at its worst, the condition that some WDW attractions fall to is nothing like the sorry state that most of Islands of Adventure is. Have you walked through Suessland recently? Its depressing. The bright, vibrant colors have turned into a dull, semi colorful kiddieland. And Dudley Do Right is not working more often than it is. If Universal management had even half of the desire as Disney to keep things in check their theme park would be amazing. Sure HP might look out of this world when it first opens, but what happens in five years when the fallen snow is a brown mess and Hogwarts looks like an old shack?

Has anyone considered the possibility that Disney simply doesn't care about its competition?

I mean ... why bother when clearly EVRYTHING you put in these parks looks, sounds and feels like nothing more than blatent attempts to manipulate you into going home and purchasing DVDs, toothbrushes, PJs, colored poptarts. Etc.

Bottom line ... Disney is more focused on taking your money thru the internet, itunes, and at the DVD rack at Wal-Mart. And why not? .... people pay for it.... thus ... the reason they can't afford a trip to Florida to begin with. Once they break further into the internet and telecommunications market ... they will not only own the content .. but also the delivery method.

The main target audience for Disney is still the kids ages 5 to 12 of the "I want it now" generation and their parents who more and more these days just want to find anyway to keep them happy. They are not a demanding bunch. They are just as happy in a playroom with their favorite toys while watching CARS on DVD as they are standing in line for PeterPan's Flight ... if not more.

And this is the crowd that Disney has "determined" thru extensive research needs a Nintendo DS to keep them busy while on vacation and prefers their DVDs in a single disk set because two requires getting up from the couch.

Disney increasingly wants to give us an all or nothing option ... give us ALL your money and ALL your time ... and we will give you ALL our products.

They want to to believe Disney is a "way of life" rather than simply good entertainment. I mean ... why worry about what new rides are 1500 miles away when you can have your entire home themed Disney style. Even the Disney brand PAINT on the walls? THIS is what Uninversal, Sea World and Six Flags do not have.

Face it ... the only real reason to remain in the theme park business is simply to "want to" for the sake of it ... because there are better ways to make the money from the masses.

IMO, all of the state side theme park companies should be ashamed of themselves. Just take a few minutes to look at the level of detail put in at Disneysea in Tokyo. Or check out Siam Park compared to the new Aquatica. We are being left behind, because American companies will not get off the dough to produce quality, innovative attractions that will draw people for years and years. They want to build it cheap and increase hourly capacity, that is the bottom line. We'll have to wait and see what happens with Harry Potter @ Universal. Like "jables" said, it will probably look awesome for a few years and then diteriate like all of the other attractions there.

Rluke, I'm not so sure I can agree with such a cynical post.  Yes, I'll agree, Disney is well-diversified, and between High School Musical and Hannah Montana, the theme parks don't necessarily need to be the big bread winners right now.  But the truth is, the theme parks are such an exciting venture from a business standpoint.  In the industry, you profit on the hotels, the theme park admission, the food, and, as Jim Hill made a big point of a few weeks ago, the merchandise.  Add it all up and you've got tons of avenues, each of which is turning a profit, not to mention the fact that the profit margin you're making on theme park admission or a hotel room is significantly higher than on a DVD purchase.  So, between the areas for profit and the actual profit margin, the potential within the theme parks is huge.  That alone is a strong enough reason to be in the theme park industry, but it doesn't end there.

I know that kids are in love with the Disney Channel, and are dying to do whatever it takes to see a High School Musical ice tour or a Hannah Montana concert.  Now this could be a misguided statement, because I don't have the market research, but I honestly have to believe that if you asked kids what they think of when you say Disney, and one of the first things they'll say is Disney World.  It's called brand management, and honestly, nothing improves the brand image better than a well-run theme park.  Which transitions us right back to the essence of this discussion, which is whether or not Disney is effectively managing their theme parks.  

But in response to your post, Rluke, especially as a 20 year old with a pipeline dream of one day running a theme park, I refuse to agree that the only real reason to be in the theme park business is just for the sake of being in it.

What about the Simpsons Ride?  Isn't that supposed to be a thrill ride as well? A thrill ride with characters that appeal to adults of all ages? Listen, I love Disney, but I'm 27.  I grew up with the Simpsons.  I am not a roller coaster guy, but I'd bite the bullet once to see what Universal has in store for Homer.

Universal has a few projects queued up.  The Simpsons Ride, which from my understanding is simply a Simpsons-themed motion simulator that takes riders on a wild tour through "Krustyland" is set to open in the next few weeks.  The Harry Potter section will be opening in late 2009/early 2010.  There's also a rumored roller coaster that Lance over at Screamscape has been talking about a lot that will run right across the front of the Studios, obviously garnering lots of attention from the general public.  That's rumored to be opening around the same time as the Harry Potter section.  That's three pretty major attractions in the next two or so years.

Yes ... It is cynical ... and unfortunate ... becasue I am from southern california... I had been to Disneyland anually since basicaly birth. Sometimes more than once anually ... and twice in my lifetime have decided to do the annual pass. Im 36 now. I make arround 40K a year ... live in Las Vegas ... which is only 250 miles from the place.... and I have not managed to be able to take my Family of four to Disneyland in almost 3 years. Why? ...

There are a lot of reasons ... all of them have to do with money. But we also have every Disney DVD released. Including all of the platinum editions and pixar films. At $16 - $22 a piece... the cost of three of these will get one ticket into the park. Yet .. we have the movie insteads ... some them still in their plastic wrappers.

Now ... the median income in america is roughly $35K a year ... with only the top 15% of the nation (or something like that) making more than 20. WIth most people not living "locally" to either Disney resort ... I have to believe that "most" people in america are not going anually... or once in a while, or EVER. To the majority of American families ... a trip to Disneyworld may be a once in a lifetime or once in a childhood event.

So ... while theme parks represent an "exiting" business venture ... it's not the most profitable.

From the top level ... when you can take the same amount of money it takes to develope, build and maintain something like "Everest" and instead write a check to Johnny Depp, let him do what he does for a couple of hours ... and make a billion dollars in less than a year ... all without having the risk of anyone complaining of back problems, headaches, or other unexplained injuries ... what product are you going to focus on?

Interesting that you mention Johnny Depp, he owes a lot to the parks.   In my opinion the Pirates of the Caribbean films will come and go (attention is already waning, look at the attendance of the P+P party) BUT people will be lining up to ride Pirates of the Caribbean for the next 25 years.

If Disney were so obsessed with making cash in the short term they would've kept open their 'straight to DVD' sequel department.  

The new roller coaster at Universal Studios (not IOA) is more than rumored at this point--permits have been filed.  Yesterday, Screamscape mentioned a possible retooling of CityWalk as well, which sounds like a smart move to keep that venue fresh.  If only PI had done the same 10 years in.

Probably worth mentioning that in addition to Aquatica and the manta ray coaster, Sea World is also partnering with two new Mariott hotels to be built on I-Drive just south of Aquatica--apprently they will basically be de facto "on-site" hotels.  So even if the new water park is more of a double than a home run, SW seem serious on becoming more of a "destination."

I don't know what ticks me off more, the fact this article does nothing but spoil the magic of Space Mountain and report everything Screamscape has been telling us for months or everybody using this to pile on the Mouse like a free-for-all.  Look I'm obviously biased but I've also grown up in central Florida and gone to all of these parks countless times and I'm here to say the mouse is more worried about Sea-World and even that's only slightly.  

Universal having Harry Potter is a big deal?  After seeing what they could do with Jurassic Park I'm not exactly worried.  Shoot they made a ride out of the Mummy that was about as long as the Barnstormer and about as thrilling.  Not to mention the huge punch to the spine the HULK is and the fact they are replacing an already popular ride with another one (Simpsons).  And how does the Jaws ride still exist?  I remember seeing someone spit gum on the shark one time it's so lame.

The only ride that impresses me at Universal is Spider-Man and I partially believe that's because not everything they made could suck so badly.  What does Harry Potterland have coming anyway?  Two refurbished rides that are just rethemed but are still the same rides and a future flying car that's at best 50-50 of being cool.  I'll believe it when I see it from the creators of "Poseidon's Temple" BLECK!

P.S. Monster's Inc. Laugh Floor and Spaceship Earth are great, stop the hate Pickstar!  And what E-Ticket are you talking about?

If you think Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor and Spaceship Earth are "great", then we have absolutely no basis for conversation. I'm speaking English and you're speaking Swahili.

You're right ... you're terribly biased.

And I would think the E-Ticket would be obvious to such a Disney fan ... how many other rides besides 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea have been replaced by a playground??

Oh and for the record, I'm not bashing Disney. I'm bashing Disney WORLD.

I actually think a sizeable portion of the company is back on the right track. But for whatever reason WDI and management at WDW are still throwbacks to the "Bad Old Days" of Paul Pressler and his extraordinary bean counting abilities.

Pickstar I actually admire your passion for seeing Disney improve so I'm going to try to translate from swahili to english for your comprehension:

One of the things I've had to learn while working for Disney is that my opinion is not always the only one out there.  For example; I actively HATE the Dinosaur ride at DAK.  I find it lame, sluggish, too scary, too dark, clunky, and boring.  However on several occasions I've been shocked to find people who not only enjoy this ride but also consider it among their favorites.  It's even more surprising when it's kids but it has happened.  What I've learned from this is that just because I hate it doesn't mean it's a bad ride.  Now frankly the opposite is what I see in your writing all the time.  You come off appearing to believe that your opinion is the only correct one and anybody who says otherwise is wrong.  There are times when I agree with you; (WDW merchandise and the Hall of Presidents come to mind) and times when you say stuff that just doesn't click with myself and lot's of other people.  Perhaps you think of it as people speaking swahili but the fact remains your opinion isn't shared by everyone (except on merchandise) but yet you write like it is.  

I mean you can say you don't like the Laugh Floor all you want (you were "that guy" weren't you?  It's ok to admit it) but that's not going to change the opinion of all the thousands of people who go through it everyday and enjoy it.

Does this make me a hypocrite when it comes to Universal?  Probably.  I just can't help but be saddened by the deep disappoint I've felt with those parks ever since they opened.  I grew up on movies like Jurassic Park, E.T., Jaws, Ghostbusters, the Mummy, Back to the Future and Marvel comics.  The fact I've only really enjoyed one ride they've ever created makes me really worried for Harry Potterland because I don't like being disappointed in attractions I've dreamed about...  

And of course I'm biased.  I write all the time about working for the company!  Not really a shock there.  Want me to talk trash then let's discuss the punch to the face that's the Stitch Escape or how the Dino area of DAK should just be wiped from the planet.

Or better yet since you love WDW management let's talk about how I spent one day explaining to twenty people why we don't carry any Incredibles merchandise or discuss why they have CMs walking the hard floor at WOD handing out baskets because they think it might raise the "Items Per Transaction" average a few decimal points.  I have no problem with you bad mouthing WDW management, just remember to get in line behind the cast members. ;)

Oh and I thought you were talking about 20,000 Leagues but I wasn't sure because I never really considered it an E-Ticket.  :Shrug: I miss it too but my sister rather appreciated the playground when she had her kids down in January since it was closer to food.

Tuckenie, I'm sorry you think we're just out bashing Disney, but honestly, we have to face the facts.  One fact is that Disney is not spending on Disney World like they should be.  The WDW parks have been amongst the top five attended theme parks for years, so based primarily on that reputation, the higher-ups are neglecting the Orlando parks.  They give Disneyland the full Space Mountain revamp but have been so reluctant to do the same at WDW.  They're pumping 1.3 BILLION into DCA and cutting corners at WDW to save costs.  As long as Disney keeps neglecting the WDW complex, the Universals and the Sea Worlds are going to keep catching up, little by little.

I'm a huge Disney fan, and unless something drastic changes, they'll always be the #1 place in my heart.  But that doesn't mean I'm going to blindly support them.  I say what I do because I'm worried for them, and because I know that the Monsters, Inc. attraction and the Spaceship Earth revamp are not going to attract the GP the same way Harry Potter and water slides through dolphin pools will.

Hey, as long as Florida's SM is getting its own Michael Giachinno soundtrack, I'm stoked! Having finally gotten to experience the California rehab this past summer, I'm considering bringing my ipod with me to Florida in May and pushing play on that track while I ride.

Tucci314 I don't think you're out to just bash Disney.  I just think that people should give credit when things are done well so as to demonstrate how bad things are when done poorly.  I totally agree the WDW managment has a lot to be ashamed of, including the torching of my beloved Journey Into Imagination and the downright blasphemy going on in the Tiki Room.  And believe me nobody knows about the cost cutting better than cast members.  There are stories I'm not allowed to share but I could shock you with details you wouldn't believe for the #1 tourist attraction on Earth.  And yes I want that Space Mountain revamp badly.

If you look back at my original post I said the one Disney is scared of is Sea World and that's because they're starting to get it.  That it's not just about the big E-Tickets but it's also about having the smaller entertainment attractions and shows to back it up.  This is something Universal has never understood or done well.  While I think Harry Potter will indeed attract more people to Universal I can't help but think it's only a matter of time before it'll be just as effective as the area was before the refurbishment.

Now Disney is starting to pour money in and often not getting credit for it but they have four parks and can't just close everything down for construction at one time.  The money just doesn't exist yet and the economy is looking to be close to collapsing.

And yes I can't wait for the SM rehab.  It helps to have your current E-Tickets be up to date and awesome too...

Hey, Tuck ... let me just say that your response to my somewhat admittedly snippy post was pretty awesome. You rarely see that kind of calm, rational response to comments that you rolled out there. You somewhat humbled me and, frankly, made me feel like a bit of a troll. Not that you're off-base ... maybe I needed that.

I can sort of see how you'd think I'm speaking like my opinion is the only one that matters. What I'm really more going by is the overall conglomeration of feedback that I get from spending the majority of my day reading about, talking about, and thinking about Disney World. I have a lot of friends in WDI, so I hear a lot of insider rumblings ... not necessarily "rumors" or "insider information" ... just rumblings. Also, I won't say which one, but I mod at one of the big Disney discussion boards out there, so I sort of feel like I have my finger on the pulse of the guests, as well.

But one thing I will agree with, and something that people tell me a lot, is that the opinion of the online Disney fans is not necessarily that of the average guest. So I'm probably skewed in how I view things ... perhaps as biased as you are, but just in a different way.

Spaceship Earth has been roundly panned over it's refurb. I'd say 80% of the feedback I've seen, even from sources within the company, has been negative. Or at least it's of the "LOVE the first half, HATE the second half!" variety. Apparently, the guys who run WDI for WDW are stuck in this whole "interactive" concept, but they just don't get how to execute on it. I mean really ... I don't consider that SE ending to be interactive. It's just boring.

But anyway, great response and you're right ... I do tend to speak like my opinion is the be all/end all and, of course, it isn't. Sorry for coming off like a jerk (I'm really not). You did pick up on one thing, though. I'm VERY passionate about Disney (and my "home" park in particular). I've read just about everything ever printed on Walt Disney (and Disney in general) and I do feel like I have a pretty good idea what the core principles of the company are supposed to be. I DON'T feel like WDW management is getting it at all and I sincerely wish some of the higher ups (i.e. Lasseter, Iger, etc.) would get them in line.

Oh, and by the way ... for the most part, I do respect the front-line CM's. I think there are far too many these days who don't "get it" at all, but that's not their fault. They've never been trained properly or, in many cases, they never should have been hired in the first place. You're OBVIOUSLY not either one of those cases, though, and you CLEARLY care a great deal about your job. I know it must be horribly frustrating for you to have to deal with that every day and half the reason I complain about WDW management so much is so people like you can be freed up to do your jobs properly and not have to spend all day apologizing for their boneheaded decisions.

The issue, IMHO, is about perception vs. reality. If Disney feels it simply MUST be "ALL theme park things to ALL audiences" then it has to compete in coasters, kiddie rides, food, hotels, animatronics, landscaping, you-name-it. If they really followed that POV throughout their dealings, Animal Kingdom would have been a better-than-Seaworld fish park instead of a dry-land animal park, and they'd have advertised it as "more splash than the other guys!" and spiralled in as they'd have deserved.

Having said that, and, clearly, thinking that is NOT the way to go, we DO see Disney saying, with that hip-hop-yuppie advertorial in another article on this site, they are trying to appeal to ALL demographics and ALL audiences--from families to young hipsters to...oh, wait: Did Anyone else who got this year's free Disney vacation planning DVD notice the utter ABSENCE of older guests in the pitches therein, unlike past versions? Oh well....

But the subject of coasters is a touchy one because, other than merry-go-rounds and cotton candy, the roller-coaster is probably the most iconic ride/attraction variety of all amusement parks, let alone "theme" parks of the more modern era. Let's remember that we've all heard stories (true, btw--I've seen 'em) of models of mountain-style coasters behind several of the EPCOT World Showcase pavilions out at WDI--A Mt. Fuji behind Japan, an "Alp" in Germany or a proposed Swiss paviliion, a "Rocky Mountain" at Canada, a Mont Blanc in France--all of which probably morphed into Everest of course.  What with LIM Coasters popping up at parks all over, themed music for special coaster versions (recent re-do's of California Screamin' to offer multiple soundtracks at DCA) and the spread (which took a LONG time, didn't it?) of indoor coasters in the wake of Space Mountain, there's a lot of competition in the coaster arena--so maybe Disney does indeed have to compete.

My point is that maybe, just maybe, Disney sees (and should see) coasters as an element--important but not all-important--in the LARGER menu of attractions they offer. A part of the experience that certain ages and guest profiles look for, but as long as there are SOME that are first-class, not a thing they have to be the famous-for-coasters-place about. IF SO, that's wise. If they got in a "coaster race" with everyone else, the net-net result would be to make the WDW experience more LIKE the other experiences instead of what it is--unique. That doesn't mean that older rides like Space Mountain can't have a good rehab-re-do once every 20-30 years or so, and it doesn't mean they shouldn't do new coaster-type attractions when they fit--as Everest and its lines give proof of.

I'm just saying....a "Coaster War" is what the other guys do to give them a SINGLE focus to stand out in and get famous for. What DIsney does, when it does what's right and part of its "magic" soul, is a more "holistic" overall experience with MANY "points of light"....some of which are great coasters and most of which are just plain great family fun.

There's a story with video today about the new Universal coaster planned for opening January 2009. Here's the link to the local Orlando TV station's page with the story and their video for those interested:

http://www.local6.com/news/15645988/detail.html