tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34647587.post1174577162339994624..comments2023-10-31T05:13:39.415-04:00Comments on 2719 HYPERION: Small World ReflectionsJeffrey Pepperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00990997892044489714noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34647587.post-59132213265540949112009-03-21T12:40:00.000-04:002009-03-21T12:40:00.000-04:00Ooops! I meant to say to "and STOP spending all of...Ooops! I meant to say to "and STOP spending all of our lives being negative, especially in regards to Disney parks and attractions."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34647587.post-63389985070567837152008-12-30T21:18:00.000-05:002008-12-30T21:18:00.000-05:00The shows pedigree is of a serious nature. Disney ...<I>The shows pedigree is of a serious nature. Disney characters trivialize the core message.</I><BR/><BR/>Sorry, Mr. Banks, but that statement is very blatantly false and only further proves that you're just trying to get your way and make your opinions become law.<BR/><BR/>Putting Disney characters into IaSW will not destroy the message at all. Rather, I think that they'll help it since they're things that children the world over know and love. They make great "world peace" ambassadors and most of their stories are already a HUGE part of the cultures, histories and mythologies behind their respective nations anyway.<BR/><BR/>So, this is not a good time to be pessimistic. Things aren't going too well in the real world (the slumping economy, etc.), so let's just look at the bright side of things like this and spend all of our lives being negative, especially in regards to Disney parks and attractions.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34647587.post-32784626183025860002008-12-30T21:01:00.000-05:002008-12-30T21:01:00.000-05:00Correction on that last paragraph:Besides, Jeff Pe...Correction on that last paragraph:<BR/><BR/><BR/>Besides, Jeff Pepper has stated several times before (both here on his blog and at other sources such as the WDW Radio Show) that he enjoys those attraction changes.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34647587.post-69583995421074124422008-12-30T21:00:00.000-05:002008-12-30T21:00:00.000-05:00Adding Jack to Pirates, Three Caballeros to Mexico...<I>Adding Jack to Pirates, Three Caballeros to Mexico, Nemo to Seas, Iago to Tiki, Stitch to Alien Encounter, or characters to Small World is cheap and gives them something they can market like a new attraction.</I><BR/><BR/>Wrong, wrong, WRONG!<BR/><BR/>NONE of that is cheap at all. Those kinds of changes keep those attractions fresh and save them from the wrecking ball (which is exactly what almost happened to the Tiki Room in WDW, for instance, until Iago and Zazu were flown in to save it and bring some new life into it and thus bring the crowds back).<BR/><BR/>Besides, Jeff Pepper has stated several times before (both here on his blog and at other sources such as the WDW Radio Show).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34647587.post-49387861959423253612008-04-22T14:43:00.000-04:002008-04-22T14:43:00.000-04:00>>That's what I've heard too...and I think it's a ...>>That's what I've heard too...and I think it's a good thing, due to the fact that Disney never really got to enjoy a large cult following in China, compared to the fame that it's been enjoying in the United States, Japan and Europe for decades.<<<BR/>How then does the exact opposite hold true at DIsneyland?drewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00314074257220121808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34647587.post-56206183957514876962008-04-21T12:44:00.000-04:002008-04-21T12:44:00.000-04:00Then there was all of the talk about how this attr...<I>Then there was all of the talk about how this attraction will serve as an introduction to Disney characters to the Chinese audience.</I><BR/><BR/>That's what I've heard too...and I think it's a good thing, due to the fact that Disney never really got to enjoy a large cult following in China, compared to the fame that it's been enjoying in the United States, Japan and Europe for decades.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34647587.post-33555283424428401532008-04-21T11:24:00.000-04:002008-04-21T11:24:00.000-04:00The Hong Kong Disneyland website, on the side, sta...The Hong Kong Disneyland website, on the side, states:<BR/><BR/>"Keep your eyes open! The Hong Kong Disneyland version of 'it's a small world' is the first ever to feature Disney friends - the attraction includes 38."<BR/><BR/>It also used to, on the main body, state:<BR/><BR/>"Search for all the 38 Disney Characters that make their first appearance in this attraction, including Peter Pan, Aladdin, Pinocchio, and much more as they come to life as Small World Dolls."<BR/><BR/><BR/>Then there was all of the talk about how this attraction will serve as an introduction to Disney characters to the Chinese audience.drewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00314074257220121808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34647587.post-25778240355433795662008-04-20T23:10:00.000-04:002008-04-20T23:10:00.000-04:00@Drew:A few thoughts based on your comments...1. I...@Drew:<BR/>A few thoughts based on your comments...<BR/><BR/>1. I know that the HKDL version has been discussed...just not here. It was the lack of dicussion in these comments that made me say that.<BR/><BR/>2. The HKDL web site does not blatantly state that the theme and intention are changed. It describes the ride pretty much as it is in the US ("See the world through the eyes of a child as you delight in a colorful, vibrant, and playful view of the world. Set sail in an imaginative journey as you take an enchanted boat ride through the regions of the World featuring colorful dolls...elaborate sets and memorable music"), but it adds that there will be Asia-specific and Disney character additions to it. It does not say anything about the theme or intent changing. Please check your facts on this one.<BR/><BR/>3. I think you are trying to say that Disney will soon be heavily advertising the inclusion of the characters when the ride re-opens. If that is the case, then there may be more distraction than I anticipate as people hunt for the characters...so you may be right on this one. I'll hold judgement until the media campaign actually begins. But this is still comparable to hidden Mickey hunts. The last post on your blog talks about how Soarin' is a success even though it has no characters. But Mickey is in the video at least two times...and I know many people that look for him every time they go see that attraction.Craig Wheelerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18169019043202274495noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34647587.post-17126465450009795252008-04-20T22:22:00.000-04:002008-04-20T22:22:00.000-04:00>>I find it odd that no one has made comments refe...>>I find it odd that no one has made comments referring to the pictures released from Hong Kong IASW. Those should give a good idea of what the characters in the DL version will look like. Find some pictures and see if they change your opinion.<<<BR/>The Hong Kong Disneyland attraction has been discussed. Check out <I>Of Cabbages and Kings</I> at the Save the Small World site. The change in theme and intention is blatantly stated on the Hong Kong Disneyland website. The reasoning for characters at Hong Kong Disneyland, <I>ir</I>relevance, is the exact opposite of the changes are supposedly coming to Disneyland. Then tie all that in with the marketing of the characters in the untapped Chinese market. Disney though has been quick to point out that the changes coming to Disneyland will "not be a clone", as Hong Kong Disneyland demonstrates so much as to why people are against these changes.<BR/><BR/>>>- We in the Disney community are aware of these changes, but the general Disneyland-going public is not. Will the average person know that Disney just put characters in IASW? The argument was made that riders will go through the attraction hunting for characters rather than paying attention to the theme. But how many people will know to look for them? And in that same vein...aren't some people already looking for Hidden Mickey's when they go through? The argument doesn't seem to consider it. If that is the argument, then we should also demand that no more Hidden Mickeys be added to attractions because they draw attention away from the intended theming.<<<BR/>Advertising of the new game that "it's a small world" is set to be.drewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00314074257220121808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34647587.post-84273427564403307022008-04-20T16:27:00.000-04:002008-04-20T16:27:00.000-04:00Well, Rich, stop worrying and start being more res...Well, Rich, stop worrying and start being more respectful of the Imagineers.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34647587.post-56932099429020634372008-04-20T16:21:00.000-04:002008-04-20T16:21:00.000-04:00I trust the Imaginears to do just as well with "it...I trust the Imaginears to do just as well with "it's a small world" at Disneyland as they did with the Tiki room at Magic Kingdom... and that's why I'm worried.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34647587.post-80628463872515859652008-04-18T22:48:00.000-04:002008-04-18T22:48:00.000-04:00Well said Jeff. I know I'm in the minority but I ...Well said Jeff. I know I'm in the minority but I say "let them update it's a small world". I rarely ride it as it is and I would guess that's typical of multiple visitors. I trust Marty Sklar and the rest of the Imagineers.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34647587.post-71216851900537870862008-04-18T13:02:00.000-04:002008-04-18T13:02:00.000-04:00I won't weigh all my thoughts...but just a couple ...I won't weigh all my thoughts...but just a couple that came to mind as I read the existing comments here. Also, as Jeff said of his own comments, please don't construe anything related to my opinion from these comments...these are just general observations.<BR/><BR/>- I find it odd that no one has made comments referring to the pictures released from Hong Kong IASW. Those should give a good idea of what the characters in the DL version will look like. Find some pictures and see if they change your opinion.<BR/><BR/>- We in the Disney community are aware of these changes, but the general Disneyland-going public is not. Will the average person know that Disney just put characters in IASW? The argument was made that riders will go through the attraction hunting for characters rather than paying attention to the theme. But how many people will know to look for them? And in that same vein...aren't some people already looking for Hidden Mickey's when they go through? The argument doesn't seem to consider it. If that is the argument, then we should also demand that no more Hidden Mickeys be added to attractions because they draw attention away from the intended theming.<BR/><BR/>- And a point-of-view from the MBA in me, which I don't recall seeing addressed here...What does the average shareholder think? Disney is a public corporation that needs to make money for the shareholders. I can't foresee any major negative consequences on operations, profits, or general public opinion by the addition of the characters or changes to the rainforest. If they really do sell more plush, then the shareholders should be happy.Craig Wheelerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18169019043202274495noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34647587.post-82156857746104828992008-04-15T19:16:00.000-04:002008-04-15T19:16:00.000-04:00Drew,Get a life.Seriously.Drew,<BR/>Get a life.<BR/>Seriously.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34647587.post-48128119186206191572008-04-15T12:13:00.000-04:002008-04-15T12:13:00.000-04:00Your points are valid and should give pause to mos...Your points are valid and should give pause to most who read it. :) Me for one am interested to see the changes.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34647587.post-53817127523847901112008-04-15T12:06:00.000-04:002008-04-15T12:06:00.000-04:00>>The folks at Laughing Place or Re-Imagineering o...>>The folks at Laughing Place or Re-Imagineering or Jim Hill Media are always welcome to do what Walt and Roy did, or they can just admit they're mere sideline critics, at best...fired cast members at worst.<<<BR/>You may want to go and double check Re-Imagineering. There are people against this proposal who are part of a creative enterprise that Disney wanted so badly they paid billions.<BR/><BR/>>>How anyone could possibly criticize the work being done when nobody has seen it yet, is simply beyond me.<<<BR/>The work need not be seen because the criticism is not about visuals and the aesthetic of the alterations. The criticism goes to implementation of recognizable individual characters who all come complete with their own backgrounds, stories, and contexts. The message presented is not one about what makes Stacey or Bobby or Lilo unique, but about what everybody, regardless of background, has in common. To add individual characters is in direct opposition to the collectivist spirit of the attraction.drewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00314074257220121808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34647587.post-16021643175506543272008-04-14T22:32:00.000-04:002008-04-14T22:32:00.000-04:00Thank you for this eloquent response to some of th...Thank you for this eloquent response to some of the insanity around this debate. I must admit I am surprised by the venom of the attacks on these changes. While I can happily acknowledge IASW's place in history and Disney History, it's still simply an attraction. And it's an attraction that features a breezy and borderline representation of cultures. Certainly fantasy is a part of the existing depictions - children on magic carpets already fly. Why not in an Aladdin costume? Is there really such a difference? I just don't see these die hard Disney fans, most of whom are probably season pass holders, ignoring the park or even the ride for that matter in protest. Letter writing may be their only weapon. Also, if just as much of this emotion, passion and effort went to actually help the children of the world, rather than a ride that represents it, wouldn't that be great? Certainly a better use of time.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34647587.post-16431616809491118742008-04-14T22:16:00.000-04:002008-04-14T22:16:00.000-04:00They say opinions are like anuses; everyone has on...They say opinions are like anuses; everyone has one. And with the advent of the internet and blogging, most folks seem to have confused farting with conversation.<BR/>See, here's my angle. When I stop liking what Disney chooses to do at their parks or in their films or to their merchandise with their own money, then I'll stop spending mine on it. It's really that simple. <BR/>The folks at Laughing Place or Re-Imagineering or Jim Hill Media are always welcome to do what Walt and Roy did, or they can just admit they're mere sideline critics, at best...fired cast members at worst. They could turn off their Disney websites and go do something more productive with their lives than complain...but then they'd have to get real jobs.<BR/>I like Jeff Pepper's column; even when I disagree (rarely) he states his points with style and grace.<BR/>Personally, I'll wait for the refurbished attraction, then I'll make up my mind. And if my sensibilities are somehow offended by an amusement park attraction, I'll sell all my Disney stock (1 share) and commit hari kari. Or just get on with my life. ;-)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34647587.post-62539167110638353762008-04-14T20:28:00.000-04:002008-04-14T20:28:00.000-04:00First intelligent thing I've read on the subject. ...First intelligent thing I've read on the subject. My congratulations.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34647587.post-13338305183599243412008-04-14T10:49:00.000-04:002008-04-14T10:49:00.000-04:00Finally a voice of reason! Thanks Jeff for giving ...Finally a voice of reason! Thanks Jeff for giving voice to my thoughts. It's like you read my mind.!!<BR/><BR/>I for one am willing to give the professionals the benefit of the doubt and I know that in the end they'll make choices that best serve the attraction and it's legacy. How anyone could possibly criticize the work being done when nobody has seen it yet, is simply beyond me.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34647587.post-73777777860689864822008-04-14T09:57:00.000-04:002008-04-14T09:57:00.000-04:00By the way, I can tell it's Monday morning. I rea...By the way, I can tell it's Monday morning. I realize this is a discussion of DL not WDW, so forgive my references above. Thanks.TikiTwinsDadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06726698863767633262noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34647587.post-89555897969384886762008-04-14T09:41:00.000-04:002008-04-14T09:41:00.000-04:00Jeff,I check your blog every weekday morning. As ...Jeff,<BR/><BR/>I check your blog every weekday morning. As others have said, at first I cringed when I saw you were going to comment on the small world "debate." I try to purposefully steer clear of these types of issues, for many reasons. I'm not afraid to admit some of them stem from cowardice on my part. <BR/><BR/>I don't want to be in a queue for POTC and have my jumbled brain thinking "Oh, Mr. X hated when they took those three hairs off that pirate's leg because he thought Walt Disney wanted it that way." I'd rather marvel at the magic and the fact that there are any hairs there at all.<BR/><BR/>With that said, I did eventually read your post because I thought it would be well thought out. I won't say I agree with everything, but I agree with most things. I'm not knowledgeable enough to know (or presume to know) what Mary Blair would think or to judge her relative importance. Suffice it to say, I think she was extremely important and would have had an idea on the topic. However, I don't think you diminished her role whatsoever.<BR/><BR/>I am genuinely impressed that Dave Smith and Marty Sklar felt compelled to reply at all. While many feel that "disney world is never finished" is not an answer, it is both a truism and true. I disagree that the tone was "how dare you question us." If that were the thoughts (and I don't think it is), I think no response would be much more telling.<BR/><BR/>Finally, for my own thoughts on the topic, I have yet to hear someone explain why marketing is an inherently BAD thing? We all recognize that this supposed to be a moneymaking venture. I have no problem with marketing. Walt Disney was a wizard at it. I will reserve judgment to see how the characters fit in, but the fact of the matter is Disney is so large and plays such a role (symbolic and real) in out culture and others, I think including them (if done well and appropriately themed), can only enhance it.<BR/><BR/>Again, Jeff, thanks for the great post.TikiTwinsDadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06726698863767633262noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34647587.post-11503579297467553002008-04-14T08:35:00.000-04:002008-04-14T08:35:00.000-04:00Perhaps this attraction does need a rehab. It's t...Perhaps this attraction does need a rehab. It's theme is peace, love and harmony but from reading these comments, the attraction has failed its mission. Most of the points have validity but the tone of many need to be altered. Let's put it all into some kind of perspective - it's an attraction at one of the happiest places on earth. It's not a country having a civil war - it's an ATTRACTION dedicated to HARMONY. Apparantly many have missed the intended mission of small world. Have a Magical Day!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34647587.post-49078663302775887742008-04-14T00:04:00.001-04:002008-04-14T00:04:00.001-04:00Hey Paul!If the characters are unobtrusive then th...Hey Paul!<BR/><BR/>If the characters are unobtrusive then that becomes problematic as well. It's a Catch-22. If they're up-front and in your face then the deliberately homgenous 'children of the world' become second tier players. If they're hidden, then the ride becomes a hunt for 'hidden Mickeys' and takes focus away from the central theme; a 'children's prayer for peace'.<BR/><BR/>The shows pedigree is of a serious nature. Disney characters trivialize the core message.Mr Bankshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12952506736745891323noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34647587.post-28822614837937903472008-04-14T00:04:00.000-04:002008-04-14T00:04:00.000-04:00Hey Jeff Pepper,Just wanted to say you made a fan ...Hey Jeff Pepper,<BR/><BR/>Just wanted to say you made a fan with this post and that I shout a big harty AMEN in response to this post.Tuckeniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05475424839369067118noreply@blogger.com