Cory Butcher

Could it be the theory of sell at the peak of value? Is NBCUniversal or another buyer willing to pay big bucks based upon the current Potter driven success? Ok, here goes: More than likely, you are correct on selling the park at peak value, even given this economy. There are investors with money and financing, and they are looking for that "sure thing" to offset the recession's lingering effects. Universal could be this sure thing, at least for the short-term. Also, Blackstone obviously is private equity and this is what private equity does. They buy low, cut costs, rejuvenate, and then sell high. That's when it goes right of course. This could also be, as I alluded to, a case of Blackstone NEEDING to unload one of the shining stars of their portfolio to offset losses that occurred recently. We clearly don't know and in all likelihood won't know this to be true or false. We can speculate knowing that some of their properties and investments got hammered. Here is where this gets interesting. NBCUniversal which owns half of Universal Orlando is now owned currently, in part (for now) by Comcast and GE; And the other half of the Universal Orlando Resort itself is owned by Blackstone. Interpreter correct me if I am wrong here. I believe I read somewhere, though I can't confirm it, that Comcast is interested in running the resort from afar. Also, GE is wanting out. Speculators and those familiar with recent proceedings note that GE plans to divest its remaining share in NBCU over the next few years. In essence, currently, GE and Comcast would have to come to some agreement as to whether or not NBCUniversal wants to buy the remaining stake. It remains to be seen if they will as GE wants out (and can use the cash), and Comcast has not really stated if they are interested all that much in running the Resort. This makes for a very volatile situation. This could also be a way for Blackstone to purchase the remaining stake in Universal through the back door at a reasonable price from Comcast/GE, if they say, "We really don't want this property, you take it, and just pay us some share of the profits or royalties or whatever else could be agreed to. My personal thoughts: I have a feeling this will drag on and on well past this year. I have a feeling Comcast will realize they don't really want to manage the day-to-day of the parks, but they also don't want to say "no" to buying the other half of Universal Orlando as it is a consistent revenue stream. I could see a majority ownership transferred to Blackstone at a reasonably attractive price that keeps both companies in the profit loop without landing on the grenade and just taking a big lump sum payment for the resort if Comcast cannot afford the other half of the property (or does not want it). A company like Blackstone knows full well what they are doing. We will see how devious they may be, or not. They may just need to make a buck!

Blackstone has taken a few on the chin over the last couple of years. This is an opportunity for them to make a big buck on a recently rejuvenated property and offset their recent blunders/losses. Really not too surprising given their recent history. I thought this could happen, but did not think it would. On the other hand, with the parks being relatively successful, I wonder what is in it for Blackstone to unload a property with a consistent cash flow. I actually thought they may try to buy the other half if possible, even given their current financials, to help offset the risk of their other investments and various interests. You've heard it from Gator, you've heard it from Interpreter, and you are now hearing it from me. Watch this closely!

Why didn't you read the posts before you? That video has been talked about numerous times already.

I watched that again for like the third time on Netflix two days ago! I actually slightly enjoy the movie. Kind of campy, but I find it entertaining! I can't find that eye pic either! The movie is worth watching just for watching Joel Pantoliano!

Too bad the legacy of the pinto went up in flames!

It was absolutely the best ever. SoB ranks somewhere between the Pinto & lawn darts. Hey! I love lawn darts! Cory, purposely adding to the pointless posts list, with a serious post.

For your clarification on how a "block and tackle" works: http://science.howstuffworks.com/transport/engines-equipment/pulley.htm

And, would you wager to agree that most unit holders will not take a look at that list?

When assembling a crane that size, how is that done? Is the arm assembled on the ground and then the motors and cables and whatnot are strong enough to lift it up? (as that arm is a lot 'heavier' to the motor then when its in a normal operating position) Basically, yes. To all that you said. Have you heard of a block and tackle? The crane can reduce the weight of the arm, and the stress, by transferring the load on wires and the crane itself to a series of pulleys, which can make the tower and jib exert a fraction of the potential force.

So, in essence, the extra property surrounding Kings Island could be pledged separately from the park as an asset in the refinancing of debt; If that extra land is represented as being owned by a separate subsidiary included in the list.. Some of that is interesting, and could be of some concern.

That's a great idea! But what about Dueling Dinos?

That assumes they are building something as complex as a golf course. lol Today's question: Can something big be something small?

Oh really? You know what that "thing" is I assume? And you know for sure that it is impossible to create whatever this is in the 6 weeks left before April 30th? And you know for sure that whatever this thing is it will open on opening day? So many "experts" on this forum, and yet only a few of them really are! I can't wait until all of this wondering is extinct!

Now, where did I put my 1900's 100 mpg carburetor?

I have to recommend Sam's Club for great deals on Cargo Shorts. Every year I buy surplus cargo shorts from Izod, Levi, or Pugg there for like 12.99! At that price, if a zipper breaks after a year, or I blow a seem I can just sew them back up and wear them around the house! I need to get all those rounded up for Disney World in a week come to think of it!

Building on Monroe's last post, that cove will make a great place for the return of the trailer tower!

Isn't that the truth! Some of us know we can't come to this site without wasting hours upon hours, so we stop! I now have a full-time job upon graduation, and I sure hope that gives me more time to visit KIC, and KI, and other parks!

I would like to try and get on it opening day (if open). As of now, this may be my first opening day in the last 5 years that I wont be working a ride, so hopefully I can get to the park for a little opening day fun!

The one minor thing you take for granted in this argument is the lifecycle of the business. Customer service and/or employee satisfaction (especially according to Herb Kelleher) are definitely always first and are the one keystone you can point to for longevity and success. However, being great at customer service itself (a black and white perspective) will not immediately bring many people in the gates on day one. And safety may always be number one, as it should in the amusement industry. Your single situation would be in a time of real attendance crisis, or the very beginnings of a company. People didn't first come to Disneyland because of its customer service track record or safety. They came because of the Intellectual Property they knew and loved and the shiny new rides!

I'm helping out a family on an angel tree this Christmas...

^Big Dipper?

I just saw this and had to post for those who haven't seen it. Think this is possible? Could it be done? I thought it was interesting, and something I've contemplated before but never really considered feasible yet. Your thoughts? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8iFqz1Ogig

One would assume then that an increased dividend would be the goal to be reached after a refinancing, not before, just to be safe. I still think he is putting the cart before the horse so to speak...

And yet Q wants them to pay a dividend BEFORE paying down debt.... Love the capitalist system, and I support nearly anyone trying to make a buck for them and their own, but some people don't seem to get it.

I like the show quite a bit. I love the way that problems are dealt with, and the stories told about hard workers in the organizations covered. I want to make it my goal as a future manager to treat employees like family. You see everywhere that if you take care of employees they take care of their customers.