We got a ton of great questions for this mailbag. If you want your questions featured in the next mailbag (Q2) tweet at me (@TripleZ_87) or @BoardwalkTimes your question. You can also email us at boardwalktimes@yahoo.com.
Hints toward new attractions and what to expect for the 50th (Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration), perhaps?
I wish I had a better answer for this. I really wish I could say “Disney is going all out for this!” But we know that’s just not the reality right now. Obviously TRON and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will likely open during the celebration but those have already been announced. Most of the planned overlays and updates were cut due to the effects of COVID-19. Maybe we get lucky towards the end of the celebration and we see Disney do some creative stuff.
When does Hulu become part of the Disney+ app (like what they did with Star in other places) and any insights on the potential launch of Disney+ in China?
Two great questions. First off Hulu’s situation is complicated unless NBCUniversal decides they want to be paid by Disney now and terminate their relationship. The other thing is even though Disney is using Star in some territories they would have to really be careful about this approach in the United States. I truly don’t know if the Disney+ of America is ready to have a home screen full of Mickey Mouse cartoons, WandaVision, and then Sons of Anarchy and other adult content. It would be quite jarring even though Star is already doing this. I just don’t know if Disney is willing to sacrifice Hulu just yet although it seems like subscribers want just one OTT app from Disney instead of a streaming bundle.
Secondly, China doesn’t seem like an ideal place to launch a platform. Facebook and Netflix don’t even mess with China. Disney already has enough issues with China (see Mulan). The country is problematic and right now I don’t think Disney has all the right resources to pull off a successful launch in the Middle Kingdom. If something changes I’ll let you know for sure.
Do you think Disney will make any big reveals or surprises as they did on Investor Day for the Q1 call? Like maybe announce that some of the theatrical Marvel movies are going to Disney+?
Well, if they did that would be a jaw-dropping move. I do expect some announcements but I don’t think we will get anywhere near the level of excitement we received on Investor Day. I do hope that Chapek gives an update on the creative pipeline and provides more color regarding Disney’s theatrical strategy. At some point, you have to start helping theaters by releasing content. Hopefully, Raya and the Last Dragon starts a trend of more films heading into theaters.
As for Marvel movies, I think those are safe as theatrical films. They could go to streaming but I think Disney will do theaters. I think on the call we will get more news regarding that.
What sort of changes can you hint towards in terms of new things in Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Any new intellectual property?
Ah, yes Disney’s Animal Kingdom! The last major addition Pandora: World of AVATAR came out in 2017. If the pandemic never happened I’m sure we would have received some cool updates. The hottest rumor is Zootopia coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. But I wouldn’t expect Zootopia in Disney’s Animal Kingdom until the late 2020s in a post-pandemic world. Things can change within WDI’s five-year plan too. I could see Chapek giving Imagineers the idea to change Disney’s Animal Kingdom as they did with EPCOT and ask them to make it “more Disney.” Zootopia and more IP would fit that model.
The other major area that could receive a new infusion of intellectual property would be DinoLand USA but I wouldn’t see any of this happening until Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products division recovers from the massive beating it took during this pandemic.
As of Jan., Ricky Strauss exited as head of the Disney+ Content team & Joe Earley took on that role.
Now Feb. has seen a variety of in-demand library titles (The Muppet Show, Jake Long, R&H Cinderella musical) release. Any speculation on these being connected?
This move isn’t connected to the library titles but wouldn’t it be awesome if that was the case? A move like adding The Muppet Show doesn’t happen that quick so it was definitely being talked about and planned under Strauss. But hopefully, Earley realizes the potential in utilizing in-demand library titles.
Disney seems to be going into the library to get shows like The Muppet Show as a way to continue to engage subscribers. Disney+ also is suffering from a lack of originals outside of the Marvel Studios realm. The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers should help with that but they will definitely need more originals. In a funny way adding in-demand library titles like The Muppet Show and Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella will act as the splashy content premieres for the month.
Disney has to go deeper and deeper into the library now because the originals aren’t coming as quickly (COVID-19 issues). Each month you have to promise new content whether it’s original or old, so I wouldn’t be surprised if this continues.
Bear in the Big Blue House, you’re officially on the clock.
Do you think streaming fatigue will eventually affect Disney+? So many companies are coming out with streaming competitors like Paramout+, Discovery+, etc. will Disney be able to keep their subscriber base?
Yes, it most certainly will. A ton of streaming services popped up in recent months. We are going to witness the ultimate battle of the eyeballs. Although I think Disney+ is in a good position both on the domestic and global fronts. The service will have churn but it won’t struggle as badly as Paramount+, Peacock, Discovery+, and some others.
A lot of these streaming services are trying to capture that Disney+ magic but they don’t have strong enough IP and the UI to back it up. I think so far within the streaming wars we have clear winners in Netflix (unlimited, addicting content plus it was first and it has the best UI) and Disney+ (legendary properties at a tremendous value plus a solid UI). Who will join Netflix and Disney+ as the next winners? Time will only tell but for now, I think Disney+ will be fine even with increased competition. I do think streaming fatigue is going to become real for many streamers but Disney was smart in how they took their time with the service and they are now building a juggernaut. Other streamers are rushing out there and it hasn’t been a good look.
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Follow @BoardwalkTimes on Twitter for our coverage of Disney’s Q1 Earnings Call at 4:30 p.m. EST / 1:30 p.m. PST on Thursday, February 11, 2021.
Zach Perilstein is the Editor-in-Chief of the Boardwalk Times
