Disney Online to set sites on Australian Market

[KeithS]

An article in the Sydney Morning Herald today.

http://business.smh.com.au/walt-disney- ... -2svr.html

This is very interesting news - an admission that Disney is not exploiting the Australian market to the fullest of its abilities.

There is a great quote in the article from the Disney rep. stating that 50% of the people in Australia who visit Disney websites are over 17 years old - haven't we been saying something like that? Maybe we will see a more mature shift in Disney's online offerings in Australia. At least give us the chance to join Disney Insider! Or more Disney travel information - maybe an online booking service (including WDW restaurants etc. so we don't have to ring up at 2:00am...) or an online Disney Store??

Come on Disney, it is 2008, we are adults, and we've got cash to spend!

[ajp]

Thanks keith, great pickup. Are you one of the expert SMH folders that are on the trains daily, or just an online "paper" reader?

Online booking would be a major addition I reckon. Being able to access Disneytravel direct and online is something that I would use!

I'm in 2 minds about the online Australian store, only because if they do that, like they did with web access, they may shut us out of the US store. The US prices will continue to be far cheaper than we would pay, purely because they have the weight of numbers in the target markets that we don't have in Australia, and it is possible to amortise the cost of freight effectively in a single purchase to minimise the cost that way. But then again, we'd be able to get free delivery specials like they have in the states, as well as some unique Australianised items, like christmas stuff etc.

I'm just glad to see them finally take us seriously, and not just focus on the US market.

[churros]

Thanks keith, great pickup. Are you one of the expert SMH folders that are on the trains daily, or just an online "paper" reader?

No I suspect he got it from the same place I got it - Google News Alert or something similar!

[KeithS]

No I suspect he got it from the same place I got it - Google News Alert or something similar!

Touche!

(A manual search on Google News. I have the news alerts set up, but they go to my home email, not my work - I'll read them when I get home!)

[calisota]

Are people really willing to pay for online content though, even if it is Disney?

Greg

[ajp]

That is a good question Greg. I haven't yet paid for any online content. I'm not sure I would, but I'd have to reserve that comment until such time as something comes up that may be worth it. However if you believe the phone companies, particularly Telstra, they are making millions extra from people paying for mobile content on the mobile broadband offerings.

[KeithS]

Great question - I don't think I'd pay for online Disney content when there are so many fan sites that I enjoy for free.

It would have to be very good - something like a official Disney fan club for Australian residents that includes exclusive offerings (and not just electronic stuff - I mean physical things like a joining pin, club news magazine etc).

Maybe we should do a forum poll that asks that question - Would you pay?

[calisota]

Funnily enough I wouldn't think it strange to pay for content on my mobile phone (if I was ever to crack and get one) because I'm used to paying for "telephone" services but I baulk at paying for anything online. Maybe I've just been here too long and can remember the days when...

Besides, "official" stuff is rarely as good or interesting as free fan generated stuff.

Greg

[Mel]

I don't think I'd pay for online content either. I miss the old Disney magazine, if they had something like that or the old Magic Kingdom Club where you get something 'real' (as Keith said) I'd be in - but online? I don't think I would.

[KeithS]

maybe an online booking service (including WDW restaurants etc. so we don't have to ring up at 2:00am...)

Hey - maybe Disney people do read our website after all!?! You may remember I floated this idea a few weeks ago in relation to dining? Well, Laughing Place is now reporting that this is indeed under consideration for the http://www.disneyworld.com website. Stay tuned people as we follow up this story

[calisota]

Hey - maybe Disney people do read our website after all!?! You may remember I floated this idea a few weeks ago in relation to dining? Well, Laughing Place is now reporting that this is indeed under consideration for the http://www.disneyworld.com website. Stay tuned people as we follow up this story

...and Keith gets priority seating for the rest of his life at any Disney restaurant for coming up with the idea.

Greg

[Mel]

That will make things so much easier. They probably will still only accept phone calls for things like the castle breakfast (not that I could afford that now anyway!) and stuff though - huh?

[sandie]

Ok so am I the only who really looks forward to making those phone calls? When I hear the accent it means the trip is almost here!!

Sandie

[KeithS]

Ok so am I the only who really looks forward to making those phone calls? When I hear the accent it means the trip is almost here!!

Yep - that bit is pretty cool. I love ringing the hotel to confirm my booking, and Guest Services to book stuff - it makes it feel real when you hear the American accent!

I notice on Jim Hill's site today that Disney have this month registered the following domain names:
http://www.mydisneyreservation.com
http://www.mydisneyreservations.com
The sites aren't active, but the names are now owned by Disney.

So it is looking more official every day

[calisota]

I have to say that my other phobia (apart from roller coasters) is using the phone. I would much rather use the net and take my time to make sure I got everything right. I usually feel guilty taking up someone's time on the phone if I ask too many questions and just accept the first thing to get it over with.

Greg