Well I have to admit I havent posted anything in the last few days because I have been sad about Disneys bad earnings announcement on Tuesday. With that being said, Disney definitely tried to cheer me up today with each segment giving me a reason to be excited. Even if its a tough economy, it is still a great time to be a Disney fan. I might not like everything Disney is putting out there, but at least they are still trying.
Lets start off at Parks and Resorts. Disneyland premiered the new enhanced its a small world today. I dont hate it, but I dont like it. Let me start by saying I do not believe Disneyland should be a museum. I like change, but it doesnt mean I like all change. After watching the video, to be fair I have not yet experienced the reopened attraction, I just dont see the point. The classic universal nature of its a small world doesnt need to have a hide and go seek element. It doesnt need familiar tunes to be intertwined with the classic Sherman Brothers song. The whole project just doesnt seem necessary. I dont think the attraction is any more relevant today than it was before it closed. Part of the beauty of the original attraction was that its message and themes are always relevant.
My thoughts about this are very similar to my thoughts about the American Idol Experience. Its not that I hate the experiences created, its just that there are better places to spend the money. There are attractions that need plussing and iasw was not one of them. But while I wish they would spend their money elsewhere, I am also just glad that they are still spending money.
Quick Takes:
Media Networks: The latest Disney Channel Original Series premieres on Sunday at 8 with back to back episodes. I saw the first episode of Sonny with a Chance on iTunes and I was less than impressed. First of all, I loved Demi Lavatos performance. I really do think she has talent. Unfortunately comedic talent is best used with funny material, which was lacking. The show is set at a sketch comedy show, even though the title suggests Demi is a weather girl, but all the sketches they showed were awful. Youre talking SNL during the Dick Ebersol years. The cast was great, the writing was not.
Studio Entertainment: It looks like Disney is in talks to partnering with Dreamworks. First thing is first, this has nothing to do with Dreamworks animation which was spun-off as an IPO. But partnering with Spielberg does offer Disney a unique opportunity. Not only do they get to use their distribution structure with minimal financial exposure, the genius Iger might use the negotiations as an opportunity. Spielberg and Disney co-own Roger Rabbit, and the difficulty of the partnership has caused the rabbit to have minimal exposure recently. Perhaps Disney could get the full rights as part of the agreement. We all know, Disney knows how to acquire rabbits from Universal.
Disney Interactive Media: In the earnings call, Bob discussed investing in Disney.com for its CRM capabilities. I need to be vague on this, but put two and two together and you will solve a mystery.
Consumer Products: It looks like teen properties are doing better than most when it comes to retail sales. Maybe thats part of the reason Disney is the only large entertainment company to make money last quarter. Take that News Corp.
Who is Celebrating: One of my best friends, Doobie is celebrating his birthday. Congrats big guy.
Video of the Day: The first music video from Corbin Bleus new album, Speed of Light, is on You Tube. The song Celebrate You is kinda familiar. c drops March 10.
News from Around the Web:
ABC News: James Whitmore passed away at the age of 87. While he played Captain Ewell on The Tenderfoot which was a miniseries on the Disney anthology television program, you probably know him as the spokesman for Miracle-Gro.
NY Times: Fords Theater, the site of the Lincoln assassination, is reopening after 18 months of work. I can think of another Lincoln exhibit that should reopen. CoughDisneylandcough.
USA Today: Miley Cyrus won two Kids Choice Awards. I love it when the Nickelodeon awards show honors Disney Channel stars. It is one of the best feelings in the world.
LA Times: The LA Times has more details and background on the Disney-Dreamworks deal. I want that rabbit.
Orlando Sentinel: A new exhibit, Jim Hensons Fantastic World opened at the Orange County Regional History Center, just a few miles north of Walt Disney World. Walt Disney World also recently announced a Muppet presentation for Annual Passholders. I wonder if all this Muppet visability is building up to something.
Variety: The 3-D Jonas Brothers film is heading to IMAX. This poses a huge dilemma for me. Do I see it at Downtown Disney or do I go up to Pointe Orlando and see it in IMAX. This decision would be easy if they would just build an IMAX theater at Downtown Disney. I wonder if Virgin has any long term plans?