Illuminations Changing or Leaving??

[Mickey'sApprentice]

I don't like to rumor monger but I just read on another board that Siemens may be changing or getting rid of Illuminations next year. That would be a terrible mistake. Illuminations is part of what makes EPCOT what it is. What have others heard about it? If it is true, what might replace it?
:sad2: :surfweb:

[Horace Horsecollar]

I don't like to rumor monger but I just read on another board that Siemens may be changing or getting rid of Illuminations next year. That would be a terrible mistake. Illuminations is part of what makes EPCOT what it is. What have others heard about it? If it is true, what might replace it?
According to the press release (http://www.sylvania.com/AboutUs/Pressxpress/Pressnews/SiemensandTheDisneyCompanyAlliance.htm):

As part of the deal, Siemens will sponsor several rides and attractions at Walt Disney World Resort including the Epcot icon, “SpaceShip Earth,” the nighttime Epcot fireworks show, “Illuminations: Reflections of Earth,” as well as new attractions that will be incorporated into Innoventions both at Epcot and at Disneyland Resort. The Sylvania lighting division of Siemens will sponsor Disney-MGM Studio’s holiday light show – “Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights,” as well as “Disney’s Electrical Parade” and “Walt Disney’s Parade of Dreams” at Disneyland Resort in California.

Keep in mind that the press release was issued right after Disney and Siemens reached the sponsorship agreement, undoubtedly before any major creative work.

I would not be surprised if the nightly fireworks show at Epcot gets a major makeover, with a new name, new effects, new music, and a renewed "wow" factor — probably as one of the major elements of Epcot's 25th anniversary celebration.

Illuminations has gone through several editions. The current edition is from the Millennium Celebration in 1999 and 2000. It's time for something fresh.

I wouldn't worry about the nightly fireworks show at Epcot going away entirely. The show keeps guests (and their wallets) in World Showcase until closing.

[MJMcBride]

There's no way they would get rid of illumination altogether. Its such a huge part of the "Epcot" experience. I would think they would definately tweak it for the 25th. It seems such an obvious, easy and, most importantly, relatively inexpensive way to celebrate the anniversary.

[All Aboard]

Epcot hasn't really ever been without a nighttime fireworks/laser show. During its first three years, the show changed each year until Laserphonic stuck around for 4 or 5 years. Then GE began sponsorship in 1988, I believe, and Illuminations debuted. That show lasted until the WDW 25th anniversary in 1996, and Illuminations 25 began. Then as the Millennium approached, the show was completely made over as Reflections of Earth. In my opinion, each show has been better than it predecesor - although Illuminations 25 was extremely good. My sentimental favorite, though was the original Illuminations. My first trips as a paying adult were during the earliest years of that show. I have fond memories of leaving the park with Spaceship Earth "revolving" via projected laser continents.

Having Illuminations in the park definitely adds a signature, and from the business side - helps fill the many World Showcase restaurants each night. So, I would be truly surprised if we went without a nighttime fireworks/laser show at Epcot. We've enjoyed this one for nearly 7 years now. It's lasted just about as long as any of them, so I won't be too crushed if a new version was launched, especially if it lives up to the level of quality already established.

[DannyDisneyFreak]

I have fond memories of leaving the park with Spaceship Earth "revolving" via projected laser continents.
I forgot about that, I really liked that too.

About Siemens changing or getting rid of Illumination, I would be suprised if they did not change it for the 25th anniversary, I agree it is "such a huge part of the Epcot experience" not to play it up during the celebration would be a disapointment.
After the 25th though I don't see why they wouldn't change the name at some point but they would never totally "get rid" of the night time laser-light/fireworks show at Epcot.

[Horace Horsecollar]

The name "Illuminations" is undoubtedly closely associated with the former sponsor, General Electric, in many guests' minds.

If there are significant changes to the show, it would make sense to have an entirely new name to promote Siemens or Sylvania (a Siemens brand).

[exDS vet]

The name "Illuminations" is undoubtedly closely associated with the former sponsor, General Electric, in many guests' minds.
brand).

I would imagine Disney came up with the name Illuminations not as a way to associate it with GE. The whole concept of a fireworks show taking place around World Showcase Lagoon, featuring music and themes from the nations of the world is probably where Illuminations came from. The new sponsor might be added to the name, and a new tag line (i.e. "25", "Reflections of Earth") could be added as well.

Have I missed something here? I have noticed several mentions of Epcot's 25th Anniversary Celebration. But I have not heard anything official. Is there any real information or is this just speculation by you guys? A 25th anniversary celebration for Epcot might get me back there in the next couple of years.

[All Aboard]

exDS Vet, I guess it is still a little early. MK's 25th kicked off right at the anniversary. So, it's likely that whatever they do for Epcot (if anything) will begin in Oct, 2007. I imagine we won't hear much until after the current celebration winds down this fall. I do hope that it gets celebrated in some way. Beyond just a new lagoon show, some showcase to Walt's original concept for Epcot would be nice. More than what is in One Man's Dream.

[DannyDisneyFreak]

Does Illumination have a sponsor currently, that is prior to Seimens sponsorship?

exDS_Vet, not to contridict you but I would bet that GE had a large part in naming the nightshow at Epcot.

[Horace Horsecollar]

Have I missed something here? I have noticed several mentions of Epcot's 25th Anniversary Celebration. But I have not heard anything official. Is there any real information or is this just speculation by you guys?
It's speculation or educated guessing.

See the thread EPCOT's 25th? (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1059253) on this board last month.

The timing is right for another 15-20 month "celebration," justified by Epcot's 25th anniversary on October 1, 2007. And it really helps that Siemens will foot the bill for enhancements to two of Epcot's signature features, Spaceship Earth and Illuminations.

There are differences of opinion about how big of a marketing event it will be. My guess is that it will rival "100 Years of Magic," celebrating the 100th anniversary of Walt Disney's birth, which ran from October 1, 2001, through February 28, 2003.

Disney Marketing likes nice milestone numbers like 25, 50, and 100.

[exDS vet]

My guess is that it will rival "100 Years of Magic," celebrating the 100th anniversary of Walt Disney's birth, which ran from October 1, 2001, through February 28, 2003.


I know this is a bit off-topic, but wasn't the official start of the 100 years of dreams celebration delayed due to 9/11. I believe they had a "soft opening" instead. I was at WDW in October of '01 and remember the parades, Sorcerer hat at Disney MGM and "One Man's Dream".

I am having a hard time believing that they will have a big, or long celebration for Epcot 25. Disney's problem if you want to call it one is that Epcot doesn't have the name that Walt Disney World has. Therefore, I can't see a huge marketing campaign to promot the 25th anniversary of the one park. Something on a much smaller scale is much more possible.

Another problem is that they probably won't celebrate another park's anniversary so soon after the 50th. Since the 50th turned into this "global celebration of Disney parks," the company is probably going to take a break from celebrating the parks.

Since the 50th anniversary runs through the end of 2006, I expect that they will do something entirely different for 2007 and hold the next big celebration until Mickey Mouse's 80th birthday in 2008. You can expect something around the "It all started with a mouse" theme for that event, which should be a huge one.

Maybe they'll add giant ears to Spaceship Earth. :thumbsup2

[manning]

Get rid of a fireworks show entirely? If they do that how do you think they are going to sell desert parties at the prime viewing location? Hey have a coffee and desert and see the ducks swim around the lagoon. Only three bucks. :teeth: :teeth:

[DannyDisneyFreak]

Maybe they'll add giant ears to Spaceship Earth.
One big un-hidden Mickey!

I guess only time will tell how big Epcots 25th will be but I would bet they will not let it pass without some sort of celebration or event.

Disney's problem if you want to call it one is that Epcot doesn't have the name that Walt Disney World has.
I would agree and disagree, of all the Disney parks I would say Epcot would come in 3rd after Magic Kindom and Disneyland. A huge Celebration in honor of the park may be what it needs to get the attention it deserves.

[peter11435]

Disney's problem if you want to call it one is that Epcot doesn't have the name that Walt Disney World has.

It is said that around the world Epcot is more well known than Walt Disney World.

[MJMcBride]

said by whom?

[exDS vet]

It is said that around the world Epcot is more well known than Walt Disney World.

I sincerely doubt that people would travel to the U.S. just to visit Epcot. That being said, Disney would never create an advertising campaign to entice international visitors to visit Epcot in Orlando, Florida.

It's like this. Imagine the millions of people who have never heard of "Islands of Adventure." Universal would never promote an anniversary for just that park. The same is true for DAK and MGM. While it's true that the 25th anniversary in 1996 was focused mostly on the MK, it was still WDW that was 25 years old.

A part of the identity issue is that Epcot is part of the destination, but not THE destination. Any large scale marketing campaign would have to include the entire resort with possibly a mention of Epcot's 25th. But I just dont see it happening. One exception could be a more regional focus in Florida and perhaps on the east coast. One that appeals to short-distance travellers.

Without a major new attraction, Disney really has no reason to do anything big or elaborate here.

[rocketriter]

It's all a matter of scale. The Epcot 25th won't be nearly as large a shindig as DL's 50th. Nor, however, will the corporation pass up the chance to use Epcot's 25th to drum up some excitement. There will be a celebration of some sort.

[TriMom]

The name "Illuminations" is undoubtedly closely associated with the former sponsor, General Electric, in many guests' minds.



I have no bais for this other than my own mind so take it for what its worth....

I thought that Illuninations came from the fact that in the orginial Illuminations they Ilumninated the Nations individually with the lasers, spotlights, and lights around the pavillions. Each with their own musical score. I kinda miss that...

[DannyDisneyFreak]

It's all a matter of scale. The Epcot 25th won't be nearly as large a shindig as DL's 50th. Nor, however, will the corporation pass up the chance to use Epcot's 25th to drum up some excitement. There will be a celebration of some sort.
Well said. That is what I was thinking.

[peter11435]

I sincerely doubt that people would travel to the U.S. just to visit Epcot. That being said, Disney would never create an advertising campaign to entice international visitors to visit Epcot in Orlando, Florida.

Well people do travel here just for Epcot. Amd Disney has already had advertising camapigns enticing international visitors to visit Epcot.

[jlcbshaw]

The whole concept of a fireworks show taking place around World Showcase Lagoon, featuring music and themes from the nations of the world is probably where Illuminations came from.


Sounds logical. The first time that I took my family to Epcot (1994) the concept was just this. They started with a show in middle of the lagoon and then started to introduce each country through music and then the country would illuminate with dancing lights and in the end all countries would come together with lights, music and fireworks.

[Planogirl]

Maybe they'll celebrate Epcot's anniversary at Disneyland. Hey, stranger things have been known to happen. ;)

[Horace Horsecollar]

I have no bais for this other than my own mind so take it for what its worth....

I thought that Illuninations came from the fact that in the orginial Illuminations they Ilumninated the Nations individually with the lasers, spotlights, and lights around the pavillions. Each with their own musical score. I kinda miss that...
Yep. I think that's where the name came from... a clever play on "illumination" and "illuminate nations." It doesn't matter if Disney or General Electric coined the name.

Many long-time visitors are likely to always associate Illuminations with General Electric. If I were a marketing VP at Sylvania or Sylvania's parent company, Siemens, spending big bucks on sponsorship, that's something I'd want to avoid.

If there's a new edition of the World Showcase firework show with new music, new effects, and a new sponsor, it's my opinion that there will also be a completely new name, not just a new tagline on Illuminations.

And Disney would benefit by having something new to promote for the 25th anniversary of Epcot.

[Ghost]

I have great memories about the current Illuminations Show... I would miss this one a lot... and I say a lot...

If they would change the music they use now I don't know if this would be the best thing to do. Although I like new things, changing Illuminations would not be one of the thins I would want to see changed...

With this in mind I will make sure to follow up this story and might make sure I would be able to see this show again before it goes. This would mean changing my plans on visiting in October 2007, but make sure to be there before...

[Horace Horsecollar]

I enjoyed the music from the original Illuminations. I especially remember the piece from George Frederick Handel's Water Music. I just did a Google search: handel water.music illuminations epcot

I found this site which provides details about the original Illuminations: http://www.mickey-mouse.com/epcotilluminations.htm

The original show didn't have the the shells shooting from around the lagoon, the video-covered Earth Globe, or torches ringing the lagoon. But the original show was very good. It focused more on the countries around the lagoon.

I think that "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth," which has been running since fall 1999, has run its course.

It's time for Disney to top themselves.

[ThurlFan]

We were at Epcot in October of 2002 and they did pretty close to SQUAT for the park's 20th anniversary. Maybe 25 is a bigger deal, but I don't expect too much. In 2002 the Epcot birthday was overshadowed by the 100 years of Magic. Mostly it just depends on how badly they need a national advertising campaign I suspect...

[MJMcBride]

Many long-time visitors are likely to always associate Illuminations with General Electric.

This is a long time visitor who never really thought about the sponsorship for illuminations. Its not like the sponsorships at the attraction where they beat you over the head with AT&T at Spaceship Earth or Kodak at Imagination or all the others. To me anyway, the sponsors name was not an intergral part of this particular show.

[Horace Horsecollar]

We were at Epcot in October of 2002 and they did pretty close to SQUAT for the park's 20th anniversary. Maybe 25 is a bigger deal, but I don't expect too much. In 2002 the Epcot birthday was overshadowed by the 100 years of Magic. Mostly it just depends on how badly they need a national advertising campaign I suspect...
Exactly.

When it's the 35th anniversary of the Magic Kingdom (and Walt Disney World, for that matter) this year on October 1, I expect "close to SQUAT" too. Oh sure, there will be pins and other collectables. But the Happiest Celebration on Earth will still be underway, so the 35th anniversary won't be treated like a big deal by Marketing.

I expect much more for the 25th anniversary of Epcot (originally EPCOT Center). The timing is right for an event to begin October 1, 2007, and to run through January 31, 2009. (Those dates are only my guesses.)

The big anniversaries — not just for Disney, but in general — tend to be those that have factors of 25, not merely factors of 5.

The huge Epcot theme park tends to operate well below capacity, so an event that draws attention to Epcot would be good business for Disney. Of course, Marketing will spin the story so that all four WDW theme parks are part of the celebration.

Sponsorship money will be flowing into Epcot from Siemens to revitalize Spaceship Earth and the nightly fireworks show. The Living Seas will have a Finding Nemo ride before the 25th anniversary of Epcot. It's about time to update the films in Canada and France. And Disney can install temporary exhibits in World Showplace and run special programming on the America's Gardens stage. Soarin' will still be relatively new, especially for infrequent guests. Add some banners and — voilà — Disney has a big marketing event without have to dig into their pockets very deeply.

[exDS vet]

Well people do travel here just for Epcot. Amd Disney has already had advertising camapigns enticing international visitors to visit Epcot.
I'm sorry, but I must respectfully disagree with you. I don't think people will travel here from Europe or any other country just to visit Epcot! A trip to WDW with Epcot included, yes. But just Epcot, no way. Furthermore, I have never seen an ad of any sort promoting any single park at WDW. Of course I grew up in Northern California, where Disneyland ads were the norm. But as one who has always followed Disney, I haven't seen it.

That being said, I fully understand and would expect any regional advertising for Epcot, DAK, MGM and MK on an individual basis in just Florida and/or targeted to specific markets on the east coast.

On the subject of sponsorship of Illuminations, I agree with Horace Horsecaller that GE sponsoring this show is not the same as a company that sponsors an attraction. GE's and Sylvania's involvement is more like a commercial than anything else. It is not much more than a mention or a promotional "spot" as opposed to what we've seen at The Land, or Spaceship Earth.

[peter11435]

I'm sorry, but I must respectfully disagree with you. I don't think people will travel here from Europe or any other country just to visit Epcot! A trip to WDW with Epcot included, yes. But just Epcot, no way. Furthermore, I have never seen an ad of any sort promoting any single park at WDW. Of course I grew up in Northern California, where Disneyland ads were the norm. But as one who has always followed Disney, I haven't seen it.


You can't disagree with it. It is a fact that Disney has in the past (many times) advertised just Epcot in international markets. You never seen them because like you said you lived in the US. And yes many people (mostly from Japan and South America) did travel here just to go to Epcot.

[mrsR123]

You can't disagree with it. It is a fact that Disney has in the past (many times) advertised just Epcot in international markets. You never seen them because like you said you lived in the US. And yes many people (mostly from Japan and South America) did travel here just to go to Epcot.


Your spouting "facts" without any type of source indication is no better than the disagreement you take issue with in other posters. Do you have access to research data that illuminates the travel intentions of European and/or South American tourists? Can you direct interested readers to these Epcot only ads?

I'm less than fully confident in your assertions.

[peter11435]

I'm less than fully confident in your assertions.


I really don't care wheather you believe me or not. If you don't want to fine.

[MJMcBride]

Furthermore, I have never seen an ad of any sort promoting any single park at WDW.

Actually, I just saw an ad for Expedition Everest which ends by saying its at DAK. So I'm not sure thats entirely correct.

[DebbieB]

When I first went to Epcot in 1994, the show was not the current one, but it was still called Illuminations. "Reflections of Earth" started 10/1/99. I think it's time for a new show. Time for a new MK afternoon parade too, I think that has been running since 2001.

[peter11435]

Actually, I just saw an ad for Expedition Everest which ends by saying its at DAK. So I'm not sure thats entirely correct.
Yep. And there have also been several ads that simply promoted a single park. I can think of two for AK off of the top of my head. The "nahtazu" ad as well as the "new species of theme park" ad.

[DizParks]

Usually all I see are ads for Walt Disney World, I live up by St. Louis. But I remember seeing ads specifically for Mission: Space, saying how it's only at Epcot.

[exDS vet]

Like I said, I wasn't ruling out regional or targeted market advertising for a single park, only large scale, national campaings. An ad for EE mentioning DAK is possible, but it would have to also mention WDW somewhere in the ad. It's marketing 101. Disney is all abut synergy. There is not going to be an ad for any WDW park that doesn't include at least the WDW logo. Advertising is done in many ways. Voice overs, graphics, visuals and photography, etc.

Back to the international tourists, I would be interested in seeing an ad that was produced for Epcot, alone that did not include WDW in any way. As for the Japanese tourists, they love Disneyland and the MK, that's why they got one of their own. Sure Epcot and the others is appealing to them, but if demographic research has been done (and I guarantee it has been), the results would show a preference for MK. Of course I'm sharing an opinion and what I think is the most logical. It's okay to disagree with me as I often do with others.

BTW, I have heard Epcot and other park's commercials on Orlando radio in the past.

[MJMcBride]

Like I said, I wasn't ruling out regional or targeted market advertising for a single park, only large scale, national campaings. An ad for EE mentioning DAK is possible, but it would have to also mention WDW somewhere in the ad. It's marketing 101.

The ad I saw says that EE is at DAK, but at the end, in writing it says Disney's Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World. But the only mention of WDW is in writing as the commercial ends.

[peter11435]

Here is an example on line. This is the Everest commercial that is running around the country.

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/parks/attractionDetail?id=ExpeditionEverestPage

[mrsR123]

Here is an example on line. This is the Everest commercial that is running around the country.

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/parks/attractionDetail?id=ExpeditionEverestPage


Although this is an example of a targeted ad for one ride at one park, it still does nothing to support your claims that 1) WDW markets single parks overseas nor 2)foreign tourists come to WDW solely to visit Epcot.

It hasn't been that long since you've had an English class, has it, that you cannot differeniate a point that supports your argument and one that doesn't, has it?

[peter11435]

It hasn't been that long since you've had an English class, has it, that you cannot differeniate a point that supports your argument and one that doesn't, has it?

I wasn't trying to support my earlier claim. The conversation has moved on and I was simply showing that Disney has marketed specific parks and attractions.

My earlier claim that Disney has marketed Epcot alone in some international ads is true. But unfortunately those ads are not online.

[YoHo]

The idea that Epcot would be promoted over the rest of the world in Foriegn countries makes no sense at all.

"Hello, I'm from France and I want to spend thoughsands of vacation dollars to see a small representation of my country and others near mine."

It just doesn't make sense to advertise Epcot exclusivly.

[peter11435]

The idea that Epcot would be promoted over the rest of the world in Foriegn countries makes no sense at all.

"Hello, I'm from France and I want to spend thoughsands of vacation dollars to see a small representation of my country and others near mine."

It just doesn't make sense to advertise Epcot exclusivly.
There is far more to Epcot than France (or any other specific country).

[YoHo]

There's more to Epcot, there isn't far more.

And people from overseas that come to WDW are generally coming to see the Americana of the parks (unless they're disney obsessed in which case, the advertising isn't needed anyway) Epcot isn't really central to that.

WQhich isn't to say that Foreigners don't or can't like Epcot, just that it doesn't seem like the likelest park to promote overseas.

[peter11435]

There's more to Epcot, there isn't far more.

There are 10 other countries, 7 Future World Attractions, Innoventions, a nightly fireworks show, and dozens of shops, restaurants and shows. So yes there is far more to Epcot than France.

[mrsR123]

Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahh hhhhhhh!

[mrsR123]

Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhh hhhhh!!!

[Another Voice]

The French can't be bothered to take a twenty train ride to see Disneyland Paris, but they can be convinced to fly ten hours in a jet to see "10 restaurants", "a nightly fireworks show" and "dozens of shops"?

Disney must run one hell of a TV ad for Epcot.

[2Xited4Disney]

Is this another AV YOHO vs. Peter thread....


Honestly Peter find the evidence and display it otherwise you aren't going to get ANYWHERE...

[YoHo]

Is this another AV YOHO vs. Peter thread....


Honestly Peter find the evidence and display it otherwise you aren't going to get ANYWHERE...


I hope not. I just said it seemed unlikely. I'm willing to be proven wrong.

[exDS vet]

The EE commercial on line proves my point that an ad for a specific park at WDW will always contain the Disney World logo. \

When DCA opened in 2001, all of the ads mentioned Disney's California Adventure at the Disneyland Resort, usually wiht the new DLR logo. But if there was an ad specifically for Disneyland, it featured the original Disneyland logo. It's about name and brand recognition.

WDW uses it's newer logo as well. The typestyle that resembles Walt's handwriting is commonplace at Disney. It was part of the synergy that Eisner was such a big fan of. Anybody remember the original Disney World logo. To this day, most people who have never been to WDW only picture a Disneyland in Florida.

When Islands of Adventure opened, Universal did some heavy advertising to promote the two parks. I would like to see Disney do an ad campaign that focuses on the entire resort. "4 theme parks, 1 world. Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida."

[freediverdude]

I'm not saying that they do, but it actually might make sense for them to run commercials solely about Epcot overseas (or MGM or Animal Kingdom), especially in places like Japan, China, and France. These places already have a Magic Kingdom-like park, so their reasons for visiting here might be more to see Epcot, MGM, and/or the Animal Kingdom.

[peter11435]

The French can't be bothered to take a twenty train ride to see Disneyland Paris, but they can be convinced to fly ten hours in a jet to see "10 restaurants", "a nightly fireworks show" and "dozens of shops"?

Disney must run one hell of a TV ad for Epcot.

There are almost 200 countries in the world. It was Yoho not me who brought up France. I clearly stated in my previous posts that this was primarily seen with South America and parts of Asia.

Also I love how you left out the 11 countries, 7 themed pavilions, and Innoventions.

[Another Voice]

Disney targets two different markets with their TV ads. The "Come see this ride at this park" is aimed at the frequent visitor. Most of these people have been to WDW several times in the past - and what drives them to return is the promise of "something new to see". These people are already "pre-sold" on the idea of a trip to WDW, they just have to be given a reason this year instead of next.

The major marketing campaigns, like the 100th Birthday of Some Dead Guy and the 50th Anniversary of Our Business Division are aimed at the first time or infrequent visitor. That's why all those campaigns rely heavily on the "remember how much fun you had..." and soft focus shots of grandparents hugging children. The ads are designed to get the people who visit every ten years or so. Getting these people to go to WDW is a lot harder than the frequent guest, which is why both discount plans and super heavy promotions are required. If these folks don't visit during the "normal" times, then they have to be convinced this is a special, once in a lifetime magical time to visit (and it they don't go their grandkids will hate them forever and lock them in a dank nursing home).

Different ads serve different purposes and different markets. No one hasn't been to WDW is going to be impressed by one more rollercoaster, someone with an annual pass doesn't need to told to "remember how you cried at the fireworks last time - share it with the kids".

[DannyDisneyFreak]

then they have to be convinced this is a special, once in a lifetime magical time to visit (and if they don't go their grandkids will hate them forever and lock them in a dank nursing home).
:lmao: :rotfl2: :rotfl:

[raidermatt]

I have no idea if they've run Epcot commercials overseas. Regardless, it doesn't prove whether or not they worked.

On the marketing campaigns, I also expect something to start in Spring '07, or Spring '08 at the latest. They've told us they expect to primarily drive growth through marketing, so it follows that we'll see another celebration within a year or year and a half after the current one ends.

The danger, however, is that the public starts to be less impressed by another "celebration" because they become too common. That would be the only thing that would delay another one.

Regardless, I am positive that the theme of the next celebration will be primarily driven by timing and the broadness of its appeal.

In other words, they will first decide (or have already decided) that they want a celebration to start on a given date. They will then look for the opportunity that has the broadest appeal, not necessarily the greatest significance.

The question is, do they like the way the "50 years" celebration that includes both CA and FLA has worked out both in terms of public response and reduced marketing costs? If so, look for something that allows them to tie them in together again. In that case, an Epcot celebration would seem unlikely.

But if they want to go back to more resort specific marketing campaigns, then Epcot probably fits WDW pretty well from a timing perspective. I think they'd prefer to have something that is less focused on a single park, but Epcot still might end up being their preferred choice.

[MJMcBride]

The EE commercial on line proves my point that an ad for a specific park at WDW will always contain the Disney World logo. \
"

Your initial point was Disney never runs an ad to promote a single park. Not only are they doing that, but they're running an ad promoting a single new ride.

If your point was, they will always throw the words "Walt Disney World" on screen at the end of an ad, well of course thats true. But thats not how I read your initial post on this point.

[DizParks]

Remember when this thread dealt with the actual topic. lol

[exDS vet]

Your initial point was Disney never runs an ad to promote a single park. Not only are they doing that, but they're running an ad promoting a single new ride.

I believe this was my initial point...
Any large scale marketing campaign would have to include the entire resort with possibly a mention of Epcot's 25th. But I just dont see it happening. One exception could be a more regional focus in Florida and perhaps on the east coast. One that appeals to short-distance travellers.

Without a major new attraction, Disney really has no reason to do anything big or elaborate here.
... was that Disney could target specific markets, either locally or on the east coast. Somebody said that they saw an ad for DAK in St. Louis. While this is not on the east coast, it is in a part of the country where WDW ads are featured over Disneyland ads due to geography.

Remember the commercial with the dreaming dog at Disneyland? I believe they did a version for the MK too. Disney often does this in thier advertising. "I'm going to Disneyland" came before "I'm going to Disney World."

The EE ad at DAK was exactly what I described. A park-specific ad focusing on a new attraction, targeted to specific markets. So far, it has not been part of a nation wide campaign, and I wouldn't expect it to be.

[MJMcBride]

Furthermore, I have never seen an ad of any sort promoting any single park at WDW.

I was disagreeing with this point you made way back when. I think the recent ads contradict you here.

[MJMcBride]

Remember when this thread dealt with the actual topic. lol

No. I don't.

[dbm20th]

The EE ad at DAK was exactly what I described. A park-specific ad focusing on a new attraction, targeted to specific markets. So far, it has not been part of a nation wide campaign, and I wouldn't expect it to be.

The EE ad is a national campaign. If you watch the shows on the Discovery networks, you will see them..and those are national ads

[exDS vet]

The EE ad is a national campaign. If you watch the shows on the Discovery networks, you will see them..and those are national ads

Just because an ad appears on a cable network doesn't make it a national ad. About 50% of the commercials on cable are targeted to specific markets. I am not saying that you are wrong. The EE ad very well could be a national one. My point was that the ad would feature WDW in it, as it did. We are all going in circles on a point that I simply tried to issustrate several pages back and have spent several other replies trying to clarify.

Since there is no new information here, I will suspend my comments for now.

[dbm20th]

Just because an ad appears on a cable network doesn't make it a national ad. About 50% of the commercials on cable are targeted to specific markets. I am not saying that you are wrong. The EE ad very well could be a national one. My point was that the ad would feature WDW in it, as it did. We are all going in circles on a point that I simply tried to issustrate several pages back and have spent several other replies trying to clarify.

Since there is no new information here, I will suspend my comments for now.

First of all it IS a national ad campaign that you are seeing on the Discovery shows, obviously you haven't seen them.

It is obvious that Disney has and is using ads for single attractions and single parks. EE is the best example of this.

[yensiD naF]

First of all it IS a national ad campaign that you are seeing on the Discovery shows, obviously you haven't seen them.

It is obvious that Disney has and is using ads for single attractions and single parks. EE is the best example of this.

How do you know that this IS a national ad? Did you pay for the ad? Do you work for Discovery Channel? Do you know the difference between national ads and others?

Seems to me that you are just trying to argue to keep this thread going. Are you even reading the same stuff here? By what I read, the person was only stating an opinion. It appears like you are stating a "fact". So since you obviously know everything, could you please explain it so we can all be "schooled?"
Thank you very much.

[MJMcBride]

Well, if the ad is broadcasted over satellite TV it is not a "local" ad.

[manning]

Just got this from a reliable source. A parade will be added and Illumination will be replaced. It will be a chinese parade with firecrackers. There will be good viewing wherever you stand!! Not bad, a parade is added and the fireworks remain.

[YoHo]

Well, if the ad is broadcasted over satellite TV it is not a "local" ad.

This is not true, Dish Network and DirectTv can target ads.

You're not all on the same bird afterall.

[JamesMorehead]

We've been going to WDW every year for a while... staying at the BoardWalk (DVC members). I can speak on behalf of my entire family that it is long overdue for Illuminations to be redone. Wishes at MK is a fantastic step up in fireworks that really puts Illuminations to shame.

I agree that EPCOT needs a nightly finale - but a refresh is in order.

[Dinosaur33]

We've been going to WDW every year for a while... staying at the BoardWalk (DVC members). I can speak on behalf of my entire family that it is long overdue for Illuminations to be redone. Wishes at MK is a fantastic step up in fireworks that really puts Illuminations to shame.

I agree that EPCOT needs a nightly finale - but a refresh is in order.

I have to disagree, I think that Illuminations is currently not only the best Nightime show at WDW, but the best thing to do at WDW, counting every ride, show, and everything else. I think the current show is great and shouldn't be replaced.

[steve_rob]

We've been going to WDW every year for a while... staying at the BoardWalk (DVC members). I can speak on behalf of my entire family that it is long overdue for Illuminations to be redone. Wishes at MK is a fantastic step up in fireworks that really puts Illuminations to shame.

I agree that EPCOT needs a nightly finale - but a refresh is in order.

Another disagree here. I absolutely LOVE Illuminations. The combination of the music, the fireworks, the effects, everything - I get shivers down my spine even when I watch the video recording I made of it with my digital camera!

Meanwhile, I saw Wishes for the first time on my last holiday and wondered what all the fuss was about. It was a really good fireworks show, but it didn't grab me anywhere near as much as Illuminations does.

They can do whatever they like to the show, just please keep the music! I would like to see a World Showcase parade back though, whether it is Tapestry or a brand new one.

And as a PS - no we don't get single park adverts (especially not Epcot ones) over here in Europe. It's for WDW as a whole or nothing. And if you were in the UK and spoke to "the man in the street" who's never been to Florida, I bet they wouldn't even know there were four seperate Disney parks - most people I speak to over here assume it's just one big park unless they've already been or are about to go.

[Ambifins]

Now that we seem to be back on topic :rolleyes1 ...
I think the rotating globe in Illuminations is a magnificent piece of technology, but a letdown as a piece of art. The fire effects are cool, but trying to see the images on the globe from shore, without binoculars, is too difficult. I think they should have used the oceans as the screen instead of the continents (I think Isaac Asimov said--and I'm really misquoting here--"why do they call it 'earth' when most of the planet is covered in water?").
I miss Walter Cronkite too.
My point (not that I really have one) is I've always enjoyed whatever new show Disney creates. They take risks, artistically and technologically, and I admire that. One of the reasons I go back over and over is because I want to see what's new. I love the old, but I'm happy to see what else they can do.

[jeanylaser]

i heard that illuminations will change name to sky dancer it is true or a rumor.:mickeyjum

[magicmouse2]

I would be interested to see how they could improve this spectacular show. They have just got to keep the globe though. I think they may revamp it as Universal have invested in a new nightly show featuring projected imagery. WDW will have to out do them. ;)