Walt Disney Co is considering a possible buyout of Disneyland Paris,

[jennytablina]

I hope this is true. It can only be good for DLRP in the long term. The last couple of years I've gone to WDW rather than DLRP and I have to say I have found everything to be far superior over there. I know someone above mentioned that you are spoiled if you go to WDW but that shouldn't be the case. It should be the same experience regardless of which Disney park you go to.

Agree that the Disney experience should be of the same quality but NOT the exact same experience, part of what makes DLP special is it's uniqueness, no other Disney park is quite as pretty and well designed all round like DLP is (nor has done quite so well in the entertainment stakes). It has a certain European flair to it, that I fear may be lost if Disney took it over outright.

I went to WDW first and DLP years after when I was older, I still fell in love with the park despite having been to the outright-owned Disney park first. Service was certainly an issue in the early 2000's, in the last 5 years I think DLP has gone quite a way to correct that, still isn't perfect. But as stated many times before, where WDW and DL are seen as dream jobs that make it possible for Disney to pick the most dedicated and passionate CM candidates. DLP does not have that option, as it isn't seen in the same light at all, meaning less dedicated people apply for those roles (because the really keen ones went to WDW/DL anyway)

That and TWDC are struggling enough to juggle WDW and DL right now, I dread what Disney may resort to in order to pay off DLP's debts. Certainly it'll mean the end of the Shareholders Club, meaning no more discounts (unless you get an AP) or Salon Mickey : (. Bet when they talk about maximising debt pay off, it means services/staff being cut down to facilitate funds for attractions.

I mean on one hand, that cash injection will be great, it's what DLP really needs, but I'm not sure I want that at the cost of DLP's individuality. Because you just KNOW it'll come under that "Disney Parks" banner soon as Disney gets hold of it.

 

[ben1993]

Very positive news, hope something comes of it as it's coming from reliable sources I'm fairly confident it true. TWDC may not be perfect at managing and maintaining the parks (like the Oriental Land Company) but they're input and control over the resort would be a massive game changer IMO, I see a DCA style makeover on the cards for WDS...

In regards to DLP losing its unique-ness, I think that's a valid point, I despise the homogenisation of WDW and DLR into "Disney Parks" and I live in hope that brand is a brief fad in the marketing department. What I've always loved about DLP is it's quintessential European flair and french-ness, however the positives outweigh the negatives in my eyes.

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

I very much love DLP and would hate to see it loose any its' beauty and character. One of the things I really enjoyed was seeing so many locals enjoying the Disney magic on Armistice day one year - I felt it was a very French park and really loved that - - so I do hope that will remain.

I have been living here in the WDW area for a few months and have observed some really good things about the Walt Disney Co. and how they operate. Much of the ethos of the company was instilled by Walt himself. The company really seems to keep to that which is a lot of the pixie dust one experiences at WDW in my mind. I don't work for them so I don't know if that is really true but it seems to be so. I hope they will keep to their "roots" and do what they do best and keep to the values Walt believed in - you can really see those values if you visit "One Man's Dream" at Hollywood Studios at WDW.

So the question is - what happens if Walt Disney Co. does come in at DLRP and how will they manage it? There could be a lot of good to come of it - but I think there needs to be a lot of wisdom and respect for different ways of doing things - for cross cultural understanding and keeping to the uniqueness that DLRP has become over the years. Could the Walt Disney Co. do this well? I am not sure but I am hopeful it could be very good.

Hmmm - we shall see. I for one am encouraged by the news.

 

[MinnieVanMom]

In my opinion each Disney park is unique D/L and WDW although both in the USA. DLPR would still be just as unique even with Disney taking over the corporation. It would still have the best castle ever and grotto, but hopefully the benefits of better training of the CM's, cleaner areas of the parks, hotel and W/C and better customer relations.

 

[TeamJones22]

Hello all,

I am an EDL shareholder, so im very happy that, as things stand right now, my shares have gone up by 2 euros per share in the last 24 hours. Im also happy that Walt Disney look like stepping in at Disneyland Paris as this would mean a great deal of investment and changes at the park which i think is still very much needed, especially as the world emerges from recession.

However, in the news piece the following was said:

"Disney currently owns 40% of Euro Disney, and sources close to the Burbank, Calif., entertainment giant told TIME that serious discussions have been taking place internally about buying out the stock it doesn’t currently own. Of the remaining shares, 10% is owned by Saudi Prince al-Waleed bin Talal, and the rest is held by individual and institutional investors."

Therefore, unless im mistaken that means buying everyone who owns shares out, including all of the small Disneyland Paris fans such as me and you. My question to everyone is what do they think would happen to the Shareholders Club as it exists if the sale goes through, do they turn it into some sort of membership club or do they do away with it completely? It is my understanding that the American Disney company do not offer any shareholders club, but i could be wrong.

Do you mind the shareholders club (and your shares) not being around anymore if it means the resort in better shape? Or, would you be unhappy with anyone trying to take your shares and shareholders club away from you?

 

[Ware Bears]

I've merged this into the original thread so as we don't get two running at the same time.

I think it would definitely mean the end of the shareholders club which would be a great pity.

I mean on one hand, that cash injection will be great, it's what DLP really needs, but I'm not sure I want that at the cost of DLP's individuality. Because you just KNOW it'll come under that "Disney Parks" banner soon as Disney gets hold of it.

I agree with Jenny here - I think if this does become reality it will be good for average Joe Public just wanting a theme park holiday but for us true DLP lovers, in the long term it will be a very sad day as I feel we will lose far more than we will gain.

 

[micksn]

I was poised to buy shares this week to make savings on upcoming trip and go to Salon Mickey. I was just trying to decipher Halifax system when this news broke and share price went up!! Do you think I should still go ahead or maybe just buy 5 shares and pay 30 euro fee?

 

[Donzy84]

I was poised to buy shares this week to make savings on upcoming trip and go to Salon Mickey. I was just trying to decipher Halifax system when this news broke and share price went up!! Do you think I should still go ahead or maybe just buy 5 shares and pay 30 euro fee?

When do u go? I'm in same position, but not going until next year so gonna wait and see what it does xxx

 

[jillrobinson]

I had assumed that WDC would buy all shareholders out and that would mean the demise of the shareholders club.
Personally I wouldn't miss Salon Mickey as it's a perk I've only used twice in 6 years although we usually severely hammer the restaurant and store discounts !
From my point of view it's more about the distinction of being a shareholder, it makes feel special that there is a small (extremely small) part of Disneyland Paris that belongs to me I'll miss that feeling more than anything but the park needs investment and if this is the way to get that, so be it.

 

[Jonjo]

From reading the article I assumed the Walt Disney Company wishes to purchase the 50% that Euro Disney SCA own which would give them 89.8% ownership and overall control of EDL. I can't see Prince Alwaleed selling his a 10% stake to the WDC.

I think I will be at next years Shareholder Meeting, it will be a very interesting one if this is what the WDC want to do.

The only problem could be the French Goverment, they don't like French companies being sold to buyers from other Countries especialy American ones and they could block such a deal from happening.

 

[Jonjo]

Alain Littaye has posted an article on the Disney and More blog on what a possible buyout of Disneyland Paris by the Walt Disney Company could mean to the resort. He has published quite a wish list which includes a huge fix it plan for WDS.

You can read the full article here.

 

[torsie24]

Alain Littaye has posted an article on the Disney and More blog on what a possible buyout of Disneyland Paris by the Walt Disney Company could mean to the resort. He has published quite a wish list which includes a huge fix it plan for WDS.

You can read the full article here.

Great article! Thanks for sharing!!

I wish wish wish wish wish WISH that Soarin' comes to WDS!! And TSMM too, that will really make TSPL a great area!

ST2 and a mini Star Wars land out the back of Discoveryland would be a HUGE improvement on the shabby area back there now. Oooh, exciting!

Also, IJA would be waaay better than the crappy coaster they have at the minute, and give people a reason to head back there.

 

[Jonjo]

If WDC can turn around DCA it shows what can be done. My main worry about WDC taking full control of DLP is that the ticket prices will shoot up and so will the hotel room rates and during this European recession that's the worst thing that could happen.

All this speculation has not hurt the share price which was at 6.49 at one point today and was trading up to 7.92 yesturday, somthing that WDC did not want to happen. I expect WDC will wait until the share price gets back to its normal range of around 4.16 - 4.20 before trying to buy them out.

I guess we will all have to wait and see what WDC plans are and if EDL, their creditors, the banks and the French Goverment alow a take over to happen.

 

[kizzabel]

I would mourn the loss of my shares and the extra perks that come with being a shareholder. I love Salon Mickey but as a previous poster said moreso for the feeling of having a little part of DLP which I can stake a (small) claim to. Elitist me? Yup.

It can only mean an overall better future for DLP, expecially the Studios but I'm not going to lie, I shall sulk.

 

[Donzy84]

If we have shares can Disney make us sell them?

 

[last1973]

And what will they offer us, I'd settle for a trip to wdw

 

[kizzabel]

And what will they offer us, I'd settle for a trip to wdw

That would stop me sulking

 

[Cyrano]

If we have shares can Disney make us sell them?

My understanding is that if they get a majority to support the resolution through a vote then yes we would have no choice but to sell.
Given Walt Disney Inc have 40% shareholding they need the support of the Prince, the French Government and institutional investors.
Not sure what percentage we (individuals) make up but I doubt we will be invited to any discussions

 

[wbl2745]

I really hope this happens!!

DLRP is in desperate need of some WDC input!

I agree that while some CMs seem to get it there are some who are rude and grumpy.
Very un-Disney! We came across a few on our trip. To be made to feel like you're bothering a CM does not make you feel good.

Also this will hopefully mean less breakdowns, less shabby looking areas and cleaner toilets!!!

I so agree with you. I was shocked to see how filthy the toilets at DLP were. There were public toilets in London that were cleaner than those at DLP. Also, the grounds keeping was pathetic; weeds that were 5 feet high (2 meters), flowerbeds that obviously hadn't been cared for in ages and buildings that desperately needed painting. Our hotel room was filthy and we had to ask that someone come and clean it when we checked in.

I could really tell that Disney didn't own this property. I wrote to Iger when I got home, but never got a response.

It is a real shame since there is some fantastic themeing and attractions that deserve better.

 

[bonhoga]

Wow, according to my halifax shareholder account my shares are worth £52.74 more than when I bought them tonight ... it will be interesting to see what develops.

K