tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post8391162831233721090..comments2024-02-08T07:33:49.907-08:00Comments on Re-Imagineering: The World of Animation SpeaksMr Bankshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12952506736745891323noreply@blogger.comBlogger126125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-44395171495445537762010-01-26T12:25:49.334-08:002010-01-26T12:25:49.334-08:00(Except for the Tiki-room and Stitch. Nobody likes...<i>(Except for the Tiki-room and Stitch. Nobody likes those.)</i><br /><br />That's not true, Tuckeninie. There are a lot of us out there who do like the Tiki Room Under New Management and Stitch's Great Escape.<br /><br />Don't overgeneralize!<br /><br /><i>How can adding a Princess or a creepy character such as Stitch, ADD to his timeless classic?</i><br /><br />Well, Slickkat, the characters themselves are timeless too, you know. Just as timeless as the attractions.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-39406079327569685012009-02-27T13:30:00.000-08:002009-02-27T13:30:00.000-08:00I think that "It's a small world" is great how it ...I think that "It's a small world" is great how it is! Not changed into some new cartoon! If you want to do this big upgrade make a different one! I know when I was little, my favorite ride at disneyland was "It's a Small World" My dad liked it when he was little too. Thats like taking the mona lisa and painting some fake nails and shiney earrings on top of the painting to make it "better" But really would it be better? No! Of course not! "It's a Small World" Is a classic! You don't just going changeing Classics! So I think just leave it ALONE!!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-89128728106481433272008-05-26T11:51:00.000-07:002008-05-26T11:51:00.000-07:00Hopefully, we're not about to have this poor idea ...Hopefully, we're not about to have this poor idea at Disneyland Paris !<BR/>Sometimes it's a good thing not having money !Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-53061501670111868922008-05-25T12:58:00.000-07:002008-05-25T12:58:00.000-07:00Although this attraction is not my favorite on my ...Although this attraction is not my favorite on my list... because of the song that gets stuck in your head over & over & over ;)<BR/><BR/>But I truly appreciate all it stands for and the ORIGNAL art and content.<BR/><BR/>I am a huge Disney fan, but to ruin this CLASSIC attraction with 'updated' images to include other Disney characters is wrong.<BR/><BR/>One thing that stands out in my mind about this ride is the fact that when 5 year old (my now 23 year old) son got his first pack of multicultural crayons from Crayola, he said to me, "Mom these crayons are like all the kids in It's a Small World!"<BR/><BR/>How can adding a Princess or a creepy character such as Stitch, ADD to his timeless classic?slick Kathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02905788752451484238noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-64452180069302234322008-04-23T09:16:00.000-07:002008-04-23T09:16:00.000-07:00Tuckenie said:>>>Hey Digital Jedi,Honestly, I apol...<B>Tuckenie said:</B><BR/>>>><I>Hey Digital Jedi,<BR/><BR/>Honestly, I apologize if I hurt your feelings or drew's but I have to stand by my original post. The discourse was getting too negative and I was ticked off that someone would rip a post from someone announcing they were starting to agree with him. I also feel that I received positive feedback from several other comments and that the discourse has been much better since I posted that comment. Even Mr Banks has asked for better discourse on here, although he did it in a better written post then mine.</I><<< <BR/><BR/>Well, that's just the thing. You weren't ripped, you were quoted. A few points were made to you, and nothing more. You attributed hostility to the post, but go back and read it in a different tone, and you might see things differently. Frustration was there, perhaps, but not directed at you.<BR/><BR/>>>><I>I understand that for you, this has been a "last straw" and you're sick of Disney changing rides in what you feel is an unacceptable way. Please understand that many of us on here are more on a case-by-case basis and that not all of the rides and changes you dislike so much are hated by all. (Except for the Tiki-room and Stitch. Nobody likes those.) In my case, I care about Small World. I'm commenting on Small World alone and want this movement to succeed in preserving the artistic work of those who have come before us on that ride. This isn't something that's been boiling over for me and I've never been called names by imagineers. The first I heard of some of those I heard from you.</I> <<<<BR/><BR/>But you see, this <I>is</I> about many, if not all, of the recent changes. This particular change didn’t just appear out of “blue sky”, as it were. There’s a mentality at Disney that led up to this, and that’s what truly needs to be addressed. It may be that this is the first time you took notice, because this is a particular attraction that matters to you. But the mentality has been there all along: the disdain management has for anyone who quotes or expresses admiration for Walt Disney, the in-house references to them as “foamers”, the obsession with driving Disney as a corporate monolith when that’s not what made Disney a success or made the name for it that it has. I consider Test Track a fantastic ride. I disagree, however, with the mentality that put it there.<BR/><BR/>>>><I>"It’s not even about winning."<BR/><BR/>Wonderful. Then what is it about? What's even the point of all this if not success? Not exactly the message I would seek to convey...</I><<<<BR/><BR/>Because “winning” implies we’re trying to beat them at something, or that we’re just trying to get our way. A sure fire way to be ignored, is to give the impression that this is all about victory. That’s not what this is about. This is about pointing Disney’s foibles out to them, and others. This is about holding their current philosophies up to the light, and showing them that this is not how to keep the Disney brand and legacy successful, however well it may work out for them in the short term. This is about making the mentality change. Strong, though not foul, language is needed to do so. And if I’m ignored because I’m passionate, then I also need to point out how foolish it is from a business standpoint to ignore principles that made me, and thousands of others, passionate in the first place. As I’ve said on this blog many times, we need to attack the disease, not the symptoms of it.Digital Jedihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02374739586203788564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-34887434896641593312008-04-22T22:10:00.000-07:002008-04-22T22:10:00.000-07:00Hey Digital Jedi,Honestly, I apologize if I hurt y...Hey Digital Jedi,<BR/><BR/>Honestly, I apologize if I hurt your feelings or drew's but I have to stand by my original post. The discourse was getting too negative and I was ticked off that someone would rip a post from someone announcing they were starting to agree with him. I also feel that I received positive feedback from several other comments and that the discourse has been much better since I posted that comment. Even Mr Banks has asked for better discourse on here, although he did it in a better written post then mine.<BR/><BR/>I understand that for you, this has been a "last straw" and you're sick of Disney changing rides in what you feel is an unacceptable way. Please understand that many of us on here are more on a case-by-case basis and that not all of the rides and changes you dislike so much are hated by all. (Except for the Tiki-room and Stitch. Nobody likes those.) In my case, I care about Small World. I'm commenting on Small World alone and want this movement to succeed in preserving the artistic work of those who have come before us on that ride. This isn't something that's been boiling over for me and I've never been called names by imagineers. The first I heard of some of those I heard from you. <BR/><BR/>"It’s not even about winning."<BR/><BR/>Wonderful. Then what is it about? What's even the point of all this if not success? Not exactly the message I would seek to convey...Tuckeniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05475424839369067118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-56135235620067862612008-04-22T12:32:00.000-07:002008-04-22T12:32:00.000-07:00Tuckenie, I got as far as your second or third pos...Tuckenie, I got as far as your second or third post, and I'm afraid I have to address you on this. First, I re-read drew's comments to your previous post, and I'm still scratching my head as to your response. I didn't read a single thing that sounded like an attack. Quoting your comments doesn't equate to an attack, and neither does disagreeing with them.<BR/><BR/>Secondly, I’m somewhat appalled by the insinuation that the commentators on this blog are so doltish, that the sum total of our responses are akin to cave paintings in a dirty hole. Not everyone has the writing expertise of John Frost. That doesn’t make their feelings on the matter any less valid or, more importantly, any less effective. We do not deserve your reprimands on this.<BR/><BR/>I’ll admit, that there have been a few insults and names thrown around. But for every “idiotic” and “stupid” I’ve heard, there’s been at least five reasonable, well thought out arguments, from varying degrees of literary standards. Even a simple, “it’s just wrong” garners that praise. Drew said nothing that could be construed as an attack, and I think you we’re rather quick to go on the defensive.<BR/><BR/>As far as Disney Imagineers and suits go, specifically the ones who refer to us privately with self designed epithets like “foamers”, “Walties”, and even the disdainfully implied “purist”, will receive only strong words from me. Their lack of respect and understanding for this thing called Disney, and their even deeper lack of respect for the people who cherish Walt’s legacy, and yet, still frequent their gates, is too deeply profound for me to be stroking their egos. No results will come of that. That doesn’t mean I will call them idiotic, but I reserve the right to strongly state how foolhardy a decision is. <BR/><BR/>And we’ve repeatedly done so. We already have explained WHY this idea is bad thematically and reasonably. We already have explained WHY the rainforest shouldn’t be tampered with. We’ve already shared our memories of the attraction and what our favorite parts are, as other have said, <I>ad nauseum</I>. I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with doing so again. But you suggesting that we haven’t done so, and to the contrary are just a bunch of whinny babies, is unjustified and harsh. Not to mention, a little judgmental for someone who’s trying to see things our way. <BR/><BR/>It’s great if you understand where we’re coming from. If you even come to feel as deeply about it as we do, then that’s spectacular. But I, for one, did not appreciate the implication that strong sentiment, and strong words equate to undisciplined attacks and emotion. “YOU WILL NOT WIN WITH YOUR CURRENT APPROACH” (all caps, which, I might add, is the internet equivalent of yelling), is only true if we were looking for compromise here. We’re not. Not really. It’s not even about winning. This is one bad decision out of a hundred or more. It’s the proverbial straw at this point. Maybe in the beginning we could have afforded to be gentler, but we’re way past that now. Now we’re feeling the pressure. With every bad decision that Disney execs make, that pressure builds up. And at some point, the pressure’s got to give. If we don’t say “stop now!” when the pressures on, and we’re ignored, then we’d only have ourselves to blame.Digital Jedihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02374739586203788564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-56945529373647279032008-04-22T11:41:00.000-07:002008-04-22T11:41:00.000-07:00>>Disney attractions have a long history of inside...>>Disney attractions have a long history of inside jokes and "hidden mickeys" if you will. It's part of the charm of such classics. I don't agree with the character additions for thematic and aesthetic reasons but a few subtle characters turn into more of a sad annoyance then seeing Stitch surfing across the water. That's just disgusting.<<<BR/>The big difference I see is that Hidden Mickey's are unofficial and kept "secret". The parks may carry Barrett's book, but he is the sole keeper of that list. The costs associated with these characters is quite a bit more than smaller gags and that cost is going to have be justified by the sharp pencil boys.<BR/><BR/>>>I know that my 6 year old daughter gains new respect for the countries at Epcot when she can see various fantasy characters that are specific to that country. It provides a starting point for discussing that country when she sees Alice in England or Mulan in China. The same thing will work for its a small world.<<<BR/>The idea of "it's a small world" is not the same as the one for World Showcase. At the World Showcase guests are supposed to become involved in the individual attributes of each country. "it's a small world" is not about what makes each country unique, but instead what makes them all the same. It is individualism versus collectivism.drewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00314074257220121808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-36105090615787412642008-04-22T08:24:00.000-07:002008-04-22T08:24:00.000-07:00The reason for a representation of people from man...<B>The reason for a representation of people from many countries as nameless innocent dolls is important as an argument for ideal world harmony.</B><BR/><BR/>Isn't showing fantasy characters from all over the world promoting world unity? Showing that all children in the world believe in fantasy and sharing that love with other children is a great way to bring the world together. Finding common interests between different people makes relating with each other much easier.<BR/>.<BR/><BR/>I know that my 6 year old daughter gains new respect for the countries at Epcot when she can see various fantasy characters that are specific to that country. It provides a starting point for discussing that country when she sees Alice in England or Mulan in China. The same thing will work for its a small world.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-58305291304662376982008-04-21T20:37:00.000-07:002008-04-21T20:37:00.000-07:00"One can imagine check-lists handed out as you boa..."One can imagine check-lists handed out as you board the boats, with ©DISNEY CHARACTER names and little checkmark boxes to fill in as you see the stars. The ride becomes not only a search, but a fun family competition."<BR/><BR/>Careful. If it's true that Disney reads these boards (and I have no doubt they do at some level) then you're going to feel really sad/angry if they wind up getting the idea from you.<BR/><BR/>As to the "Where's Waldo" effect my girlfriend brought up a good point, which was that this is hardly the first time subtle references have been snuck into the ride. At WDW there's a puppet with a sign making reference to the fact he can't stand the song.<BR/><BR/>Disney attractions have a long history of inside jokes and "hidden mickeys" if you will. It's part of the charm of such classics. I don't agree with the character additions for thematic and aesthetic reasons but a few subtle characters turn into more of a sad annoyance then seeing Stitch surfing across the water. That's just disgusting.<BR/><BR/>Searching the ride for hidden details may detract from the theme but I also find that it helps me enjoy rides I already know by heart. An example would be on the Haunted Mansion, one of my favorites and one I always enjoy discovering a new detail while riding.<BR/><BR/>On the other hand, simply adding a few subtle characters who are hard to find seems rather pointless...Tuckeniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05475424839369067118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-17110261969988937672008-04-21T19:30:00.000-07:002008-04-21T19:30:00.000-07:00I'm what most would consider part of the general p...I'm what most would consider part of the general public. I'm not a Disney fanatic, I don't read up on all the Disney news and post on the fan forums. I do however love visiting Disney parks to have fun with my family, not to criticize. Especially about something so miniscule as adding a few Disney characters to Its A Small World. I live with a Disney fan in my household and watch the fan community closely thanks to him, and some of the things I see just amaze me sometimes! I know that adding characters to It's A Small World will definitely not stop me from visiting Disneyland, probably the same case with most other regular guests.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-7245078341589739812008-04-21T18:43:00.000-07:002008-04-21T18:43:00.000-07:00Wise heads usually "roll" or resign.Wise heads usually "roll" or resign.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-35395066996241547622008-04-21T02:16:00.000-07:002008-04-21T02:16:00.000-07:00Hmmmmm.Drew & I came up with the "Waldo" game refe...Hmmmmm.<BR/><BR/>Drew & I came up with the "Waldo" game reference independently and simultaneoursly: his comment was not yet monitored and posted when I wrote.<BR/><BR/>This, to me, argues that we are on the right track here.<BR/><BR/>One can imagine check-lists handed out as you board the boats, with ©DISNEY CHARACTER names and little checkmark boxes to fill in as you see the stars. The ride becomes not only a search, but a fun family competition.<BR/><BR/>Fine idea for a "FIND THE HIDDEN MICKEYS AND HIS FRIENDS" ride, but diametrically contradictory to the original intent and design of IASM, as well as rude to all the namesless nationals who are literally <I>overlooked</I>, and pressed into service as celebrity camouflage to enhance the game.<BR/><BR/>May wiser heads at Imagineers prevail.theatremanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04803823338652745012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-43030046478622466342008-04-20T19:24:00.000-07:002008-04-20T19:24:00.000-07:00Gil (Been on HKDL ISAW) seems to miss or misunders...Gil (Been on HKDL ISAW) seems to miss or misunderstand the basic point of the argument here.<BR/><BR/>We can all agree on the elimination of rust, dust, dirt, cobwebs and peeling paint, as well as the addition of new and improved lighting and effects.<BR/><BR/>At issus is <B>changing the theme and focus</B> of the ride from a representation of a world of equals at peace, to a "Look past the nameless dolls and pick out your favoritie Disney Character" atraction.<BR/><BR/>Gil, himself, notes that:<BR/><BR/>"it was fun to re-ride to see how many more characters we would discover along the way."<BR/><BR/>The reason for a representation of people from many countries as nameless innocent dolls is important as an argument for ideal world harmony.<BR/><BR/>If the ride becomes a quest to see Disney creations, it changes from a small world of equality to a <I>Celebrity World</I> with a bunch of background bystanders.<BR/><BR/>Some HDL photos already show spotlights on the Disney characters. One can almost envision red velvet ropes holding back the nonentities.<BR/><BR/>A real improvement might involve scores of the ethnic dolls moving out of their native dances and nation-groups to co-mingle in some kind of warm-hearted and dynamic interaction.<BR/><BR/>Imagine a finale in which dolls of every nationality are joined in lines and dances, and a parade of nations. This is what the original ride was about. Not about "Where in the world is Waldo, or Can you find Donald Duck?"<BR/><BR/>Developing ways to <I>enhance</I> the theme rather than back away from it is challenging. But hasn't Disney always met worthy challenges with great Imagineering?<BR/><BR/>I think if Gil really undersood fully what is at stake - having himself seen ALL the small worlds -he might be in the vanguard of those arguing to respect and intensify the orignal theme, rather than reducing it to a (c)Disney parade populated with costumed extras.theatremanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04803823338652745012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-16597846359293209592008-04-20T19:16:00.000-07:002008-04-20T19:16:00.000-07:00>> Disney characters were definitely present but s...>> Disney characters were definitely present but some weren't even noticeable and it was fun to re-ride to see how many more characters we would discover along the way.<<<BR/>Thank you for proving the point. The attraction has changed to a game of "Where's Waldo?" by your own admission. How new the attraction looked has absolutely no bearing on the fact that you were still playing a game the attraction was not designed to play.drewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00314074257220121808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-23511214875746331972008-04-20T17:50:00.000-07:002008-04-20T17:50:00.000-07:00gil wrote,"When I rode on DL's it was so disappoin...gil wrote,<BR/>"When I rode on DL's it was so disappointing, being the original it looked very worn out, scenes looked like they needed a paint job. You could really tell it was in desperate need of a refurbishment, I even saw cobwebs and dust, the queue was all rusty and dirty, it was horrible."<BR/><BR/>Adding characters does not fix these problems. Fixing these problems fixes these problems. That's what a good, healthy maintenance refurbishment is for.<BR/><BR/>"Disney characters were definitely present but some weren't even noticeable and it was fun to re-ride to see how many more characters we would discover along the way."<BR/><BR/>This saddens me. The characters are not noticeable, yet they are still the star of the attraction.1983horizons1https://www.blogger.com/profile/11011014203964407464noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-44108065002287604352008-04-20T15:37:00.000-07:002008-04-20T15:37:00.000-07:00> The thing that gets me, is that all the MBAs and...<I> > The thing that gets me, is that all the MBAs and all the non-creative people in the creative divisions of the company are having a good laugh at this. We are giving them a good excuse to not promote Disney Geeks into positions of power. <</I><BR/><BR/>Not meaning to nitpick here, but in point of historical fact, in-house "Disney Geeks" were being laughed at by WDC management and were off the promote-to-management list as early as 1986.<BR/><BR/>Your call for civility is well taken. But it would be a mistake to believe that anything we say or do not say, in house or in public, is going to sway two decades of Disney management's entrenched elitism and cynicism regarding its own heritage.mr wigginshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05690712121710850903noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-31930961657913785082008-04-20T12:31:00.000-07:002008-04-20T12:31:00.000-07:00I recently went on the HKDL version of the ride, a...I recently went on the HKDL version of the ride, and if the new Disneyland version is going to be any similar, wow… these additions are not going to be bad or ruin the ride at all, it will definitely be an enhancement! The ride looked brighter and better than ever, lighting was great, there were bigger and better scenes. Disney characters were definitely present but some weren't even noticeable and it was fun to re-ride to see how many more characters we would discover along the way.<BR/><BR/> I have been on all the versions of “Small World,” and I can say that HKDL's version is by far the best. When I rode on DL's it was so disappointing, being the original it looked very worn out, scenes looked like they needed a paint job. You could really tell it was in desperate need of a refurbishment, I even saw cobwebs and dust, the queue was all rusty and dirty, it was horrible. You would think that the original would be the best but even the version at MK (which is considered to have worse versions of rides at DL) was better. I'm sure Disney purists would LOVE for ISAW to stay it's same old deteriorating self, but thank god that management does not pay attention to the crazy fans and it isn't.<BR/><BR/>I think you all are being ridiculous; this is a much needed enhancement and refurbishment to the classic, not the end of the world/hell on earth like all of you are making it seem. I can’t believe that you all think a few minor characters added is a big deal, this ride is in dire need of a refurbishment and any addition should be welcome, especially if they are adding the same great lighting effects and characters from HK. <BR/><BR/>I think you all need to stop this complaining because it really isn't a big deal. Go complain about something else, like the decrease in quality at WDW and how they seem to be trying to drain every penny out of our wallets while on vacation with all these ridiculous costs and fees - not this. <BR/><BR/> I can't wait till the Disneyland version opens, when everyone will realize how stupid everyone was being complaining about the proposed additions, shut up, and realize that the ride looks better than ever. Everyone is going to like it just like what happened with Pirate's of the Caribbean, and the fanatics are simply going to have to accept that one again.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-55674113701108261782008-04-19T21:20:00.000-07:002008-04-19T21:20:00.000-07:00"Remember, these people (Sklar, Smith, Baxter, Irv..."Remember, these people (Sklar, Smith, Baxter, Irvine) are coming forward because they believe what they are doing is right and they care about the diehard fans and they just want to smooth everything over. "<BR/><BR/>While I agree that Baxter and Irvine care about the diehard fans, I don't really think that Sklar or Smith really do. And I believe that only Sklar and Smith would think that what’s being done is right.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-80798998175071091582008-04-19T12:17:00.000-07:002008-04-19T12:17:00.000-07:00What I find most upsetting about all this is that ...What I find most upsetting about all this is that fact that what we have here is a war among Disney geeks. <BR/><BR/>Nine times out of ten, Tony Baxter and Kim Irvine would be on the same side as most of the people complaining about these changes. These people did not create DCA or Disney Studios Paris or Tiki Room Under New Management or Journey into YOUR Imagination. In fact, they fought against some of the biggest mistakes WDI has made in the past 10 years. They keep commenting on the visual look of the thing because they are visual artists and they think visually. They love Small World, they love Disney, because it enchanted them VISUALLY when they were kids. <BR/><BR/>Some of us took the MEANING of Small World to heart more than they did, and we are reacting differently. But remember, we all love Small World and we all love Disney. We just disagree on this issue. <BR/><BR/>And although I would not call them “Disney Geeks,” Dave Smith and Marty Sklar do care more about Disney heritage than everyone working in the three Team Disney buildings put together. <BR/><BR/>The thing that gets me, is that all the MBAs and all the non-creative people in the creative divisions of the company are having a good laugh at this. We are giving them a good excuse to not promote Disney Geeks into positions of power.<BR/><BR/>Remember, these people (Sklar, Smith, Baxter, Irvine) are coming forward because they believe what they are doing is right and they care about the diehard fans and they just want to smooth everything over. <BR/><BR/>It’s the people you aren’t hearing from that don’t care about you or what you think (but they want your money).<BR/><BR/>Be nice. This is a civil war, so try to act more civil.Tongaroahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01456743904698992536noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-48553248548578157082008-04-19T09:37:00.000-07:002008-04-19T09:37:00.000-07:00The Hong Kong soft opening is online! "Enjoy."http...The Hong Kong soft opening is online! "Enjoy."<BR/><BR/>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jpmxJF0GrQAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-76893073169502641742008-04-18T23:38:00.000-07:002008-04-18T23:38:00.000-07:00>>"Maybe there needs to be a collective breath tak...>>"Maybe there needs to be a collective breath taken or a stiff drink. Pick one and move on."<<<BR/><BR/><BR/>Given what they are doing to her ride, a "Bloody Mary" may be appropriate :-)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-84023473033321360652008-04-17T20:10:00.000-07:002008-04-17T20:10:00.000-07:00The Disney parks have been a major world cultural ...The Disney parks have been a major <B>world cultural influence</B> for more than half a century.<BR/><BR/>This is an achievement of which all Americans can be justifiably proud. Arts and entertainment are no less important that medicine, politics, law and military might.<BR/><BR/>It is therefore hard to "move on" and ignore or worse accept without comment or complaint an ill-advised dumbing-down of one more classic Disney accomplishment, when there still may be a chance to head it off.<BR/><BR/>To make the case pleasantly? Yes.... but passionately as well.<BR/><BR/>Artists, and those who appreciate art - and an excellently conceived and operated theme park is a work of art - may remember John Kennedy's remark carved in the marble of the Center in Washington which honors him:<BR/><BR/>"I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered not for victories or defeats in battles or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit.<BR/><BR/>Disney <B>at its best</B> respects and nourishes the human spirit. That deserves passionate encouragement and support. That's what this is all about.theatremanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04803823338652745012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-13714883848479714742008-04-17T08:32:00.000-07:002008-04-17T08:32:00.000-07:00It's ironic that an innocent ride designed to prom...It's ironic that an innocent ride designed to promote happiness and harmony has become the subject of so much angst, divisiveness, and anxiety among it's strongest supporters. Maybe there needs to be a collective breath taken or a stiff drink. Pick one and move on.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22576594.post-57568435551799620862008-04-17T01:48:00.000-07:002008-04-17T01:48:00.000-07:00"whiny "why won't they do things the way I want th..."whiny "why won't they do things the way I want them to?!" blarny I keep reading on here."<BR/><BR/>I don't see whiny arguments on here. I mostly see sound well-reasoned objections to this change, which is more than I can say for Disney, Marty Sklar, and Dave Smith, neither of which can explain to us why this is a good change beyond, "Well Walt changed things..."Spokkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03244298044953214810noreply@blogger.com