http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/disn...&dist=msr_2

Shot through the heart! No that's very disappointing. At least they are still going through with the Space Mountain refurb.

Honestly – I don't think it is that bad. Sure it is below expectations but keep in mind they are still turning a profit while others are not. The biggest problem is in the DVD sales which Igar thinks may be a long term problem and that they should not just blame the economy for weaker sales. The other big problem is the Ad sales at ESPN and ABC plus a charge loss from a bankrupt customer. They had some positives such as their parks and even increases in their resort reservations over 2007. They plan to extend their resort promotion till mid August because of it's success.

All in all Disney is a large conglomerate and is able to keep things a float while other division are suffering and they are able to adjust across the board to keep themselves able to turn a profit as a whole..

i saw the drop today and was stunned. but it looks like they rebounded a bit

Motley Fool: Mickey Mouse Is Going To Have A Cow:

http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2009...have-a-cow.aspx

I agree with Mr. Munarriz's assessment, in most ways but one in particular. I never have liked his stance that parks being closed during this winter season will help them stay away from the slumping economy. That time where the parks are not open is a lost revenue opportunity, and a time when the fixed costs, in other industries are being covered.

Now that is not to say that if the parks were open right now they would make any profit. It just so happens that by being primarily a seasonal industry; being closed during the colder months forces the industry in many ways to be a slow growth sector, whether in a recession or not.

I have long wondered why a company like an amusement park operator would not diversify their holdings and operations more to keep some revenue coming in the slow months. By that, I would think if a company could capitalize on marketing some sort of merchandise during the colder months when parks are closed, or have more FEC type attractions, they could offset some of the slow-growth the industry is custom to.

I am not saying it is possible, but it sure would be nice to see some greater synergies in the entertainment industry!

I have long wondered why a company like an amusement park operator would not diversify their holdings and operations more to keep some revenue coming in the slow months. By that, I would think if a company could capitalize on marketing some sort of merchandise during the colder months when parks are closed, or have more FEC type attractions, they could offset some of the slow-growth the industry is custom to.

I am not saying it is possible, but it sure would be nice to see some greater synergies in the entertainment industry!

That sounds vaguely familiar...

I've been saying for years that CF would have been smart to diversify more into lodging (i.e., acquiring Great Wolf) to help round out the other quarters. Of course, the current financial situation doesn't really support that right now.

Interesting note on the Disney numbers...parks & resorts were only down 4%--not really awful considering the overall consumer market right now. The studio side of the business is what really took the big hit--down 24%.