Mammoth Ski Resort Founder Is Selling Stake After 68 Years (http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-mammoth24feb24,1,5687836.story?coll=la-headlines-business&ctrack=1&cset=true) (Disney potential buyer of Mammoth Ski Resort) - Los Angeles Times, 2/24/05

Dave McCoy, owner of the Mammoth Ski Resort for 68 years, is taking offers to purchase the 4,000 acres located in the eastern Sierra, about 300 miles north of Los Angeles.

Residents and local officials were in a tizzy about who the new owners would be and what — if anything — they might do with the resort. Speculation about prospective buyers included McCoy's chief executive, Rusty Gregory; development partner Intrawest Corp.; Walt Disney Co.; and actor Robert Redford.

Hmm... You know what they say about Disney never throwing away an idea... Mineral King (http://www.mickeynews.com/Columns/DisplayColumn.asp_Q_id_E_423), anyone?

how would they be able to set up candy stops and plush sales points every 50 yards on a mountain of snow? This, and the travel services to non-Disney properties, is interesting but untried by they yet - so the jury is still out on how they run things without a specific character or movie tie in. Remember, while Eisner is still there "synergy" is the thing.

Besides - I think Wall Street investors would have a FIELD DAY ripping the WDC for expanding outside of their expertise - in a big way. To me - they still don't run "resorts" very well - in terms of just the resort piece. If it's got a marketing hitch pre-built then that helps them with the initial thrust of getting people in the door.

Which one of his kids likes to ski?

INteresting tidbit: Walt was a big skiing fan and was a major investor in the Sugar Bowl resort. The mountains there are Mt. Lincoln and Mt. Disney. The first chair lift was there. It was the Disney lift.

Hmm... You know what they say about Disney never throwing away an idea... Mineral King (http://www.mickeynews.com/Columns/DisplayColumn.asp_Q_id_E_423), anyone?
The same thought popped into my head as soon as I saw the headline. GMTA

Well, not Mineral King but does anybody remember Disney's Celebrity Sports Center in Denver? Maybe they can combine concepts and put a bowling alley on the slopes?

;)

I'm just sad to see McCoy sell. He's an institution.

Oh I can just imagine them renaming the trails and lifts.

"Snow White" would be an easy one.

As far as plush toys, etc. Mid-trail and mid-mountain shops are fairly routine at larger resorts. Usually its coffee or food or demo shops - but wearable plush wouldnt be too far removed.

As a target, Mammoth is well known by the SoCal crowd and its certainly International resort-worthy. However I dont know if it carries the same International awareness as resorts in Tahoe, Park City, or the Vail / Continental Divide area. But hey, they may be able to market it as such. Too bad there isnt a major airport nearby.

-- Karl

I think the WDC should build a ski resort. But not now and not until Eisner is gone because if it is going to be done they have to be willing to go above and beyond.

how would they be able to set up candy stops and plush sales points every 50 yards on a mountain of snow?
Maybe not, but those roaming photogs...?
How about snowboard gear -character hats (Goofy, Stitch, etc.), branded snowboards and skis, Kim Possible ski outfits, collectable tickets, GCH II... lots of possible synergy.

(I'm still working on the Rufus the naked mole rat tie-in.)

Well, not Mineral King but does anybody remember Disney's Celebrity Sports Center in Denver?
Ah, yes. The training ground for some of the WDW opening crew. But then will they have to get Art Linkletter and those other folks to buy in again?

I think this makes a lot of sense if they tie it into the Disney Vacation Club. Now timeshare members would have a ski/winter fun option without having to go outside of the Disney family. If the west coast cruises are a success, I wouldn't be surprised to see them try cruising to Hawaii and establishing a DVC resort over there someplace, too.

I think the WDC should build a ski resort. But not now and not until Eisner is gone because if it is going to be done they have to be willing to go above and beyond.
I think to the top is far enough.

I think this makes a lot of sense if they tie it into the Disney Vacation Club. Now timeshare members would have a ski/winter fun option without having to go outside of the Disney family. If the west coast cruises are a success, I wouldn't be surprised to see them try cruising to Hawaii and establishing a DVC resort over there someplace, too.
Hmmm.... Interesting. That would seem to fit....

Let's see now, They bought a Hockey team, which was profitably at one time
but now is the least valuable franchise in the league. They bought ABC and
it is third among the big three.....And now they want to buy Mammoth and
turn that into "Mt. Disney". ...

Nothing good can come from this.

Please stick with what you do best.

My understanding (though I don't know the details and could be misremembering) are that there are significant regulatory issues that make it difficult to open DVC resorts in California.

Of course, that doesn't mean they wouldn't want the property in case or try to establish something that will work within California law. (or I could be misremembering)

They bought ABC and it is third among the big three.

Actually, it is solidly in 2nd place this year and is 1st in some of the key demographics. The TV business is very cyclical and each of the big three networks have had their years in each of the three positions.

Because of that, I really found it monumentally silly when some of Disney's critics started citing ABC's overall standing in the ratings as a key issue. It certainly is valid to point to specific errors that they made (such as overexposure for "Who Wants to be a Millionaire"), but pointing out that the network is in 3rd place in any given season is pretty meaningless.

-Jeff

Next year's new offerings: "Desperate Househusbands," and, "Really, Really Lost."

sediment notes: Next year's new offerings: "Desperate Househusbands," and, "Really, Really Lost."

Hey! Don't forget the synergy opportunities with Disney's heartwarming motion picture on snowy mountain cannibalism: Alive (http://www.bestprices.com/cgi-bin/vlink/786936190267IE.html)

Not only would there be numerous entertainment, recreation and attraction possiblities...but think of the Restaurant and Dining options!

"I think I'll have the Rack of Rick, please."

;)