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Theme Parks and The Economy

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Fri, 10/24/2008 - 13:56
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Theme Parks and The Economy

Given the economic downturn (ranging from bad to apocalyptic, depending on who you're talking to), is there any chance some of the "major" Disney World alternatives don't make it? They have huge parent companies, so my assumption is they would weather the storm, but they have to be expensive to run when no one is taking a vacation. It seems safe to assume that WDW will be fine, but could we see a park like Aquatica closing or scaling back?

Of course it could also be the opposite that people take as many vacations to get their troubles off their minds. What do you guys think?

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Sun, 10/26/2008 - 16:02
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I suspect they'll persevere. At least in Orlando.

Mon, 10/27/2008 - 15:27
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What about all the other Disney parks worldwide? How are they doing?

Mon, 10/27/2008 - 21:23
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I wouldn't be surprised if we start seeing parks scale back on staffing. Street entertainment could easily be cut.

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Mon, 10/27/2008 - 22:13
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I wonder what kind of savings (if any) they get out of "temporarily closing" rides?

Sat, 11/01/2008 - 21:31
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Zonga wrote:
I wouldn't be surprised if we start seeing parks scale back on staffing. Street entertainment could easily be cut.

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Sat, 11/01/2008 - 21:31
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Zonga wrote:
I wouldn't be surprised if we start seeing parks scale back on staffing. Street entertainment could easily be cut.


I think we're already seeing this in WDW. Streetmosphere seems to have been cut back.

Overall, I doubt people will be taking more vacations. I love going on vacation and even I'm starting to scale back on the trips.

In fact, I wonder if local (vs. destination) attractions will start to see an increase in traffic with people trying to find cheaper vacations closer to home.

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Tue, 11/18/2008 - 16:12
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I know that travel agents are now being told to push cheaper trips, Mexico instead of Europe, in Country instead of Mexico, etc. etc.

Thu, 11/20/2008 - 20:50
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Brad wrote:
I know that travel agents are now being told to push cheaper trips, Mexico instead of Europe, in Country instead of Mexico, etc. etc.


Really? Who's telling them that? I would think they'd get a better commission on more distant destinations. Is that a "keep the money local" strategy?

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Fri, 11/28/2008 - 23:45
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I think the idea is if you try to sell them Europe they're going to say "no" so shoot for something they might actually agree to.

Wed, 12/03/2008 - 03:23
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I see. Not sure I agree, though. If they're visiting with a travel agent, they're probably ready to spend some money on a trip. (Maybe I'm just one of those crazies who would spend money on a vacation before buying bare necessities...)

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Fri, 12/05/2008 - 19:23
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bali wrote:
I see. Not sure I agree, though. If they're visiting with a travel agent, they're probably ready to spend some money on a trip. (Maybe I'm just one of those crazies who would spend money on a vacation before buying bare necessities...)


I know what you mean Bali, we're the same way. Joy and I though, are blessed enough to still have good jobs in this tough economy. In fact we even both got raises over the last two months or so.

That said, we really can't afford it, but we are this close to signing the DVC papers even if it's against our better judgment.

It's just those bare neccesities of life! laugh

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Fri, 12/05/2008 - 19:56
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Imagineer wrote:

In fact we even both got raises over the last two months or so.

That said, we really can't afford it, but we are this close to signing the DVC papers even if it's against our better judgment.

It's just those bare neccesities of life! laugh



Hee hee! Congrats on the raises!! congrats


I know--I'm just not a "logical thinker" when it comes to delayed gratification laugh

You guys deserve a celebration, though, so DVC or no DVC, I hope you treat yourselves to something great in WDW next month!! Any nice dinners planned or fireworks cruises? I seem to recall that you guys have a special place in your hearts for carriage rides... muchlove

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Fri, 12/05/2008 - 20:16
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Well thank you Bali.

We'll be staying at POR, and from what I remember they do offer carriage rides, but I believe it's seasonal and for all I know they've discontinued them altogether. I'll have to look into that.

Our one big "splurge" meal will be Artist Point at the WL. Otherwise, the other major sit downs we're going to do is Biergarten and Raglan Road, and a character breakfast at 1900 Park Faire.

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Fri, 12/05/2008 - 20:55
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I do enjoy Artist Point; Joy will be homesick with the tillamook cheddar!

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